cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of load-bearing exercise on skeletal structure and mechanics differ between outbred populations of mice

Effects of load-bearing exercise on skeletal structure and mechanical properties can vary between inbred strains of mice. Here, we examine whether such variation also exists at the population level. An experiment was performed with two outbred mouse stocks that have been reproductively isolated for >120 generations (Hsd:ICR, Crl:CD1). Growing females from each stock were either treated with a treadmill-running regimen for 1 month or served as controls. Limb forces were recorded with a force plate and cage activity monitored to verify that they were similar between stocks. After the experiment, femoral cortical and trabecular bone structure were quantified with micro-CT in the mid-diaphysis and distal metaphysis, respectively, and diaphyseal structural strength was determined with mechanical testing. Among Hsd:ICR mice, running led to significant improvements in diaphyseal bone quantity, structural geometry, and mechanical properties, as well as enhanced trabecular morphology. In contrast, among Crl:CD1 mice, the same running regimen had little effect on cortical and trabecular structure and significantly reduced diaphyseal resistance to fracture. In neither stock was body mass, muscle mass, or cage activity level different between runners and controls. Given that most environmental variables were controlled in this study, the differential effects of exercise on Hsd:ICR and Crl:CD1 bones were likely due to genetic differences between stocks. These results suggest that the benefits of loading for bone may vary between human populations (e.g., ethnic groups), in which case exercise programs and technologies designed to promote bone health with mechanical signals may be more advantageous to certain populations than others.
Microstructural analysis of impact damage in two glass/epoxy composite laminates

Abstract Low-velocity drop-weight impact tests were performed using spring orientation (nearly unidirectional) and cross-ply glass/epoxy laminates. The resulting damage was observed by using both optical and scanning electron microscopes and the effect of the damage was quantified using post-impact tensile tests. Although the level of energy absorbed during impact was similar in the two types of laminates, the microstructural damage modes were very different. These observations are discussed in terms of potential damage sites and the effects of laminate manufacturing techniques.
Evaluation of cardiac arrests managed by paramedics

The effectiveness of cardiac resuscitations by Cincinnati paramedics was monitored for one year. The outcome of every arrest was assigned to one of four categories: dead on arrival, died in the emergency department, died in the hospital or discharged alive, and each patient was followed until death or discharge from a hospital. Of the 147 people in the study group, 22 left the hospital alive, a long-term success rate of 15%, and another 26 died during hospitalization, 18% of the study population. This data is comparable to success rates reported by other prehospital care systems. Furthermore, this data indicates approximately 15% of people who have cardiac arrests outside of a hospital can survive through prompt intervention by trained personnel.
Editorial Response: The Importance of the Autopsy in Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases

The specialty of infectious diseases has been dramatically and forever changed during the past 20 years by an unexpected series of events involving alterations in the complex interplay between environmental, microbial, and human behavioral, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions. These factors have included evolutionary or genetic changes in existing organisms, translocation of infectious agents into new environments or nonimmune hosts, and changing patterns of human exposure to environmental (e.g., food, water, and air), vector-borne, and zoonotic sources of infection. Contributing factors have included human population overgrowth and mass migration, war, famine, geopolitical conditions, deforestation and development of land and water projects, rapid and increasing international travel, and misuse of antibiotic agents [1-5].
Identification of N-Terminus Peptide of Human Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor as the Site of Nucleotide Interaction

The interaction of nucleotides with recombinant human granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) has been investigated. Utilizing nucleotide photoaffinity probes [gamma 32P]-8N3ATP and [beta 32P]-8N3Ap4A, an analog of alarmone, the specificity of interaction was demonstrated by saturation of photoinsertion by these analogs and protection of photoinsertion by these analogs in the presence of natural nucleotide. The site of photoinsertion was tentatively determined to be Ser9. The photolabeled cytokine has lost most of its biological activity in a cellular proliferation assay, indicating a possible physiological role for this interaction.
Phosphatidic acid activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase by displacing FK506 binding protein 38 (FKBP38) and exerting an allosteric effect

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a critical mediator of mitogenic activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, a master regulator of mammalian cell growth and proliferation. The mechanism by which PA activates mTORC1 signaling has remained unknown. Here, we report that PA selectively stimulates mTORC1 but not mTORC2 kinase activity in cells and in vitro. Furthermore, we show that PA competes with the mTORC1 inhibitor, FK506 binding protein 38 (FKBP38), for mTOR binding at a site encompassing the rapamycin-FKBP12 binding domain. This leads to PA antagonizing FKBP38 inhibition of mTORC1 kinase activity in vitro and rescuing mTORC1 signaling from FKBP38 in cells. Phospholipase D 1, a PA-generating enzyme that is an established upstream regulator of mTORC1, is found to negatively affect mTOR-FKBP38 interaction, confirming the role of endogenous PA in this regulation. Interestingly, removal of FKBP38 alone is insufficient to activate mTORC1 kinase and signaling, which require PA even when the FKBP38 level is drastically reduced by RNAi. In conclusion, we propose a dual mechanism for PA activation of mTORC1: PA displaces FKBP38 from mTOR and allosterically stimulates the catalytic activity of mTORC1.
Partial contact of an elastic coated cylinder pressed by a rigid flat surface

The normal contact of a frictionless elastic coated cylinder indented by a flat rigid surface is solved using a Michell-Fourier series expansion, which satisfies the mixed boundary value problem resulting from partial contact. The boundary conditions are chosen such that the elastic layer rests on the cylindrical substrate. When the contact region is small compared to the radius of curvature of the coated cylinder, semi-analytical solutions are obtained by exploiting dual series equation techniques. The stresses on the surface are evaluated for plane strain. The results may have application to coated cylindrical structures, bimaterial inclusions, or pin-joint contact.
Cognitive insight in non-psychiatric individuals and individuals with psychosis: An examination using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale

An increasing number of studies have used the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) to understand the reasoning of individuals with psychotic disorders. Less is known, however, about "normal" levels of insight and how non-psychiatric individuals compare to those with psychosis. The present study examined the structure of the BCIS in a non-psychiatric population and made comparisons between the scores of non-psychiatric individuals and those with psychosis. Participants were 418 students at American universities and 93 outpatients at a VA Medical Center with SCID-confirmed diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis supports the 2-factor, 15-item structure previously reported for the BCIS, with one factor called self reflectiveness and the other called self certainty. Reliability analyses suggest strong internal consistency and test-retest results. Further, the BCIS subscales and composite index reliably distinguished between non-psychiatric and patient groups, though receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis did not suggest a particular cutoff score for predicting patient status. These results suggest that the BCIS is a valid measure to use in a non-psychiatric population, and that it reliably distinguishes between non-psychiatric individuals and those with psychotic disorders.
Monotone iterative technique for functional differential equations with retardation and anticipation

Abstract The method of the monotone iterative technique together with coupled lower and upper solutions is employed to prove existence and uniqueness results for functional differential equations involving retardation and anticipation.
Object Tracking With Particle Filtering in Fluorescence Microscopy Images: Application to the Motion of Neurofilaments in Axons

Neurofilaments are long flexible cytoplasmic protein polymers that are transported rapidly but intermittently along the axonal processes of nerve cells. Current methods for studying this movement involve manual tracking of fluorescently tagged neurofilament polymers in videos acquired by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Here, we describe an automated tracking method that uses particle filtering to implement a recursive Bayesian estimation of the filament location in successive frames of video sequences. To increase the efficiency of this approach, we take advantage of the fact that neurofilament movement is confined within the boundaries of the axon. We use piecewise cubic spline interpolation to model the path of the axon and then we use this model to limit both the orientation and location of the neurofilament in the particle tracking algorithm. Based on these two spatial constraints, we develop a prior dynamic state model that generates significantly fewer particles than generic particle filtering, and we select an adequate observation model to produce a robust tracking method. We demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of our method by performing tracking experiments on real time-lapse image sequences of neurofilament movement, and we show that the method performs well compared to manual tracking by an experienced user. This spatially constrained particle filtering approach should also be applicable to the movement of other axonally transported cargoes.
Fat Taxes: Big Money for Small Change

In an attempt to improve the nation's health, many U.S. policy makers have or are considering imposing taxes on the fat in food. Dairy products constitute a large portion of at home fat consumption of particularly harmful types of fat, and nearly all U.S. households consume these products. We estimate a demand system for dairy products, which we use to simulate substitution effects among dairy products and the welfare impacts of fat taxes on various consumer groups. We find that even a 10 percent ad valorem tax on the percentage of fat would reduce fat consumption by less than a percentage point. Given that the demand for most dairy products is inelastic, a fat tax is an effective means to raise revenue. However, these fat taxes are unattractive because they are extremely regressive, and the elderly and poor suffer much greater welfare losses from the taxes than do younger and richer consumers.
Investigation of the Stereochemistry of Cycloheximide and Its Degradation Products

Abstract Cycloheximide tosylate has been shown to undergo elimination of p -toluenesul- fonic acid to give a new anhydrocycloheximide. By a series of reactions this new anhydrocycloheximide has been converted into a dideoxycycloheximide which was shown to be optically inactive. This observation establishes the cis-orienta- tion of the methyl groups in the new dideoxycycloheximide. The series of reactions employed and the stereochemistry of the products obtained are discussed.
Biotechnological modification of carbohydrates for sweet corn and maize improvement

Abstract The many mutants of maize affecting starch biosynthesis have been used in the production of specialized corn, including sweet corn. The advent of molecular biology techniques will expand the types of corn used in commerce as the new, in vitro-produced mutations have not been found in nature. Essential to this work is a firm understanding of the path by which sucrose is converted to starch in the maize endosperm. Summarized below is our current understanding of the function of many of the starch synthetic genes based on genetic, molecular, biochemical, and physiological techniques. Emphasized are the unpredicted effects of various sugars and glucose polymers.
Effects of Heat Treatments in HCl on the Fiber Bundle Strength of a Two‐Phase Polycrystalline Oxide Fiber

The effects of heat treatments in air and in an HCl gas atmosphere on the strength of Nextel 720 fibers were investigated. These fibers were polycrystalline oxide fibers containing two phases: mullite and alumina. The fibers were heat treated in air and in HCl at 1200° and 1300°C for 1 h to simulate possible processing conditions for all-oxide ceramic fiber composites. These fibers were tested as bundles containing approximately 400 fibers, as supplied by the manufacturer. Tests with fibers in the as-received condition were also conducted for comparison. The as-received fibers had a bundle strength of approximately 1 GPa. Most of the fiber heat treatments appear to cause modest reductions in the average strength, although there was scatter in the results. Fibers heat treated in HCl at 1300°C did not appear to show a statistically significant reduction in strength, and suggest the suitability of this process for strengthening an all-oxide ceramic fiber composite. Examination of the fracture surfaces indicated that weld lines (at locations where the fibers were touching when the fibers were made) were the source of the critical flaws that caused fiber fracture. The possible effects of the heat treatments on the weld lines and the bundle strengths were discussed.
NDE Performance (POD) Curves for Fatigue Cracks in Piping Based on Industry Performance Demonstration Data

This paper evaluates non-destructive examination (NDE) detection capabilities of fatigue cracks in piping. Industry performance demonstration initiative (PDI) data for fatigue crack detection were used to develop a matrix of statistically based probability of detection (POD) curves that consider various NDE performance factors. Seven primary performance factors were identified - Material, Crack Geometry/Type, NDE Examination Access, NDE Procedure, Examiner Qualification, Pipe Diameter, and Pipe Wall Thickness. A database of 16,181 NDE performance observations, with 18 fields associated with each observation, was created and used to develop statistically based POD curves for 42 stainless steel and 14 carbon steel performance cases. Subsequent comparisons of the POD fits for each of the cases showed that excellent NDE performance for fatigue cracks can be expected for ferritic materials. Very little difference was observed between the POD curves for the 14 carbon steel performance cases considered in this study and NDE performance could therefore be represented by a single POD curve. For stainless steel, very good performance can also be expected for circumferential cracks located on the same side of the weld from which the NDE examination is made. POD depended primarily on component thickness. Three POD curves for stainless steel were prepared. Bestmore » estimate and the associated 95% confidence bounds POD verses through-wall depth logistic regression digital data are provided. Probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) calculations were performed to compare best estimate leak probabilities obtained from both the new performance-based POD curves and previous PFM models. This work was performed under joint funding by EPRI and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology's Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization (NEPO) program. (authors)« less
NF-κB Affects Proliferation and Invasiveness of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating CD44 Expression

NF-κB plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression. CD44, a cell surface glycoprotein, is involved in many cellular processes including cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. However, whether and how the two molecules interact in breast cancer is not clear. In recent years, the up-regulation of CD44 has served as a marker for tumor initiating cells in breast cancer and other cancer types. Despite the important role of CD44 in cellular processes and cancer, the mechanism underlying CD44 up-regulation in cancers remains poorly understood. Previously, we have identified a novel cis-element, CR1, located upstream of the CD44 promoter. We demonstrated that NF-κB and AP-1 are key trans-acting factors that interact with CR1. Here, we further analyzed the role of NF-κB in regulating CD44 expression in triple negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and SUM159. Inhibition of NF-κB by Bay-11-7082 resulted in a reduction in CD44 expression. CD44 repression via NF-κB inhibition consequently decreased proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. These findings provide not only new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying CD44 regulation but also potential therapeutic targets that may help eliminate chemo- and radiation-resistant cancer cells.
Rational Design of Highly Responsive pH Sensors Based on DNA i-Motif

Availability of strategies for molecular biosensing over a finely adjustable dynamic range is essential for understanding and controlling vital biological processes. Herein we report design principles of highly responsive pH sensors based on a DNA i-motif where both response sensitivity and transition midpoint can be tuned with high precision over the physiologically relevant pH interval. The tuning is accomplished via rational manipulations of an i-motif structure as well as incorporation of allosteric control elements. This strategy delivers molecular sensing systems with a transition midpoint tunable with 0.1 pH units precision and with a total response range as narrow as 0.2 pH units which can be adjusted to a variety of outputs (e.g., fluorescent readout). The potential of the presented approach is not limited by pH sensing but may extend toward manipulation of other quadruplex based structures or the development of ultraresponsive elements for artificial molecular machines and signaling systems.
Biochemical indices of metal toxicity, exemplified by studies of nickel toxicity in rats

Current methods for evaluating the toxicity of metal compounds in experimental animals include assessments of LD50, body and organ weights, assessments of body-burdens, organ-burdens, and toxicokinetics, histopathological and ultrastructural examinations, hematological, immunological, endocrine, reproductive, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic tests, neurophysiological and behavioral observations, and, of especial relevance to this Conference, various biochemical techniques. The biochemical indices of metal toxicity that are considered in this paper include (a) quantitative measurements of metallothionein (MT), glutathione (GSH), and related thiol-compounds in tissues and body fluids; (b) induction of microsomal heme oxygenase activity in liver, kidney, and other organs; (c) determinations of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta-2 microglobulin, total protein, and amino acid excretions in urine, and (d) HPLC-analysis of metal binding to macromolecualr ligands in cytosol and in detergent-solubilized organelles from target tissues. Reference values for these biochemical indices are compiled, based upon analyses of tissues and body fluids from untreated rats, and illustrative abnormal results are presented, derived from studies of the acute toxicity of nickel compounds in rats. For examples, metallothionein concentrations are increased 2 to 4 fold, and heme oxygenase activity is increased 3 to 10 fold in kidney and liver of rats killed 17 h after sc injection of NiCl2 (0.5 mmol/kg). Urinary excretions of NAG and total proteins are increased 2 to 4 fold at 48 h after ip injection of NiCl2 (0.1 mmol/kg). Under the same conditions, urinary excretions of certain amino acids (Lys, Leu, Ileu, Val) are increased 15 to 23 fold. Gel-filtration chromatography (HPLC on Toyo-Soda SW2000 and SW3000 columns) of renal cytosol and detergent-solubilized renal microsomes of rats killed 1 h after im injection of 63NiCl2 (0.03 mmol/kg) reveal five distinct macromolecular 63Ni-binding components, with molecular weights from 6,000 to 600,000. A rich array of biochemical tests is available to elucidate toxic effects of metals on the kidney, liver, and other organs. Based upon the author's experience with nickel, measurements of metallothionein, heme oxygenase, and metal-binding ligands in tissue homogenates, and assays of N-acetylglucosaminidase, total proteins, and amino acids in body fluids are particularly sensitive, specific, and significant as biochemical indices of metal toxicity.
So Much Aid, So Little Development: Stories from Pakistan

So Much Aid, So Little Development: Stories from Pakistan, Samia Waheed Altaf, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD (2011). xvi + 204 pp. US$25.00 (pbk). ISBN 978 1 4214 0138 6. Pakist...
In defense of P values.

Statistical hypothesis testing has been widely criticized by ecologists in recent years. I review some of the more persistent criticisms of P values and argue that most stem from misunderstandings or incorrect interpretations, rather than from intrinsic shortcomings of the P value. I show that P values are intimately linked to confidence intervals and to differences in Akaike's information criterion (ΔAIC), two metrics that have been advocated as replacements for the P value. The choice of a threshold value of ΔAIC that breaks ties among competing models is as arbitrary as the choice of the probability of a Type I error in hypothesis testing, and several other criticisms of the P value apply equally to ΔAIC. Since P values, confidence intervals, and ΔAIC are based on the same statistical information, all have their places in modern statistical practice. The choice of which to use should be stylistic, dictated by details of the application rather than by dogmatic, a priori considerations.
Generating random deviates from multivariate Pearson distributions

Abstract A general method is presented for generating multivariate Pearson random deviates. Based on joint product moments, the technique employs the nested-conditional factorization approach for multivariate densities. For multivariate Pearson distributions, coefficients of differential equations corresponding to a univariate marginal density, a bivariate density, a trivariate density, and so on, can be determined by solving linear equation systems that are constructed on the basis of joint moments to fourth order. These sets of coefficients are utilized to determine conditional moments and appropriate univariate Pearson distributions from which individual deviates are generated using existing techniques. The method can be used in an approximate sense for distributions not of the Pearson class.
We hold these truths....

It is traditional in an address of this kind in surgical organizations for a great social, national, professional issue to be analyzed, often quite correctly and brilliantly. A clarion call for a plan of action is outlined, actions that are succinctly and brilliantly captured. If you peruse most of the Presidential Addresses of surgical organizations, you will find that as a pattern. I am not certain I can do that very well. I am not sure I know what to tell you about the nation's and the world's problems. I am not sure that if I had an action plan, it would have any credibility or that anybody would follow it, however correct it might be. And so, rather than making pronouncements about the all too real issues that confront us, what I would like to talk about are some matters that underlie all that we do—the constants—those aspects that
Small-angle neutron scattering from Pb and 238U between 0.6 and 2.2 MeV☆

Abstract Differential cross sections for neutrons scattered from natural Pb and 99.9 % isotopically pure 238U have been measured at 0.5°, 1.0°, and 1.5°. A neutron energy continuum was produced by bombarding a thick natural lithium target with a 4 MeV, nanosecond-pulsed proton beam. Neutron energies were determined by time-of-flight techniques. Flight paths from the neutron source to the scatterer and from the scatterer to the detector were each about 5 m. For the 0.5° measurements an annular detector geometry with an angular resolution of ± 0.1° was developed to maximize detection solid angle. Data were averaged over 100 keV intervals from 0.6 to 2.2 MeV and were corrected for backgrounds, multiple scattering and inelastic scattering. Measured cross sections were compared to optical-model calculations which included electromagnetic interactions of neutrons with the nuclear Coulomb field. Inclusion of an induced neutron electric dipole moment interaction was not warranted by the data. The angular dependence of the cross section was fitted with a function A + B cot 2 case1 2 θ at each energy. Mean values of B for 238U are in agreement with theoretical predictions. Values of B for Pb are apparently 15 % too low.
Phosphorus loss from organic versus inorganic fertilizers used in alleycropping on a Florida Ultisol

Abstract The status of residual phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in agricultural soils is an environmental concern due to the possibility of the nutrients reaching adjacent water bodies through leaching or runoff. This concern is of particular importance in sandy and other coarse-textured, highly permeable soils. A 3-year study examined a pecan ( Carya illinoensis K. Koch)–cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) alleycropping system situated on an Ultisol in northwest Florida, USA, to determine the effects of tree–root competition and fertilizer application (poultry litter versus inorganic) on soil nutrient status with time. Overall, competition for P between tree and crop roots appeared to be minimal in these soils. However, build-up of P occurred in soil over time. After 2 years of fertilizer application in the alleycropping system, the average concentration of Mehlich 1-P in the surface soil (0–5 cm) increased from 74 to 106 mg kg −1 , and water soluble P increased from 5.9 to 7.2 mg kg −1 . In addition, accumulation of P in near-surface soils was slightly higher in manure-treated soils after the first year of treatment. A clay layer in the Ultisol at approximately 25 cm largely prevented further downward movement of P. Overall, in terms of potential environmental risks from P accumulation and loss via runoff or leaching in these soils, the organic fertilizer appears to pose a greater long-term risk than the inorganic fertilizer if application is based on plant N requirement (a common practice) rather than P requirement.
Rereading Effects Depend on Time of Test.

Previous research has shown better text learning after rereading versus 1 reading of a text. However, rereading effects have only been explored using immediate tests, whereas most students face delays between study and test. In 2 experiments, 423 college students read a text once, twice in massed fashion, or twice with 1 week between trials. Students were tested either immediately or 2 days after study. On an immediate test, performance was greater after massed versus single reading, whereas performance for distributed rereading was not significantly greater than after single reading. On a delayed test, performance was greater after distributed versus single reading, whereas performance for massed rereading and single reading no longer differed significantly.
Immunofluorescence localization of the crystallins in amphibian lens development, with special reference to the γ-crystallins

Abstract The ontogeny and localization of the crystallins in the developing lens of R. pipiens has been investigated by means of the immunofluorescence technique. Antibodies to adult R. pipiens total-lens proteins and adult R. pipiens γ-crystallins—whose antigen, tissue, and developmental specificity had been demonstrated—were used in both the direct and indirect (or “sandwich”) immunofluorescence techniques; both methods gave comparable results. These antibody-dye conjugates were applied to sections of embryonic R. pipiens ; a series of lens developmental stages was recognized and defined by us to aid in identification of those stages subjected to immunofluorescence analysis. A positive reaction for the anti-total-lens-protein immunofluorescence reagent was first noted at Lens Developmental Stage VI, in a number of prospective primary lens fiber cells, and a weak, irregular reaction was also noted in the external layer. The intensity of immunofluorescence with this reagent increased in the fiber area and external layer until at Lens Developmental Stage X all cells of the lens were positive; the primary and secondary lens fiber cells and lens epithelium exhibited immunofluorescence in order of decreasing intensity. The first positive reaction with the anti-γ-crystallin immunofluorescence reagent could also be observed at Lens Developmental Stage VI. However, the immunofluorescence was present only in the region of the prospective primary lens fiber cells and was absent in the external layer. The intensity of the immunofluorescence increased in the fiber area until Lens Developmental Stage X, at which time it was greater in the primary fiber cells than that in the secondary fiber cells. No immunofluorescence could be detected in the external layer or in the lens epithelium with this reagent until Stage X. At this time, after the lens is well differentiated and has assumed the basic adult configuration, a weak immunofluorescence reaction was noted in the lens epithelium in a small percentage of cases. At no time, with either immunofluorescence reagent, could an immunofluorescence reaction be observed outside the lens tissue. Such results indicate that the γ-crystallins, previously implicated in bovine and regenerating newt lens fiber differentiation, are also indicative of lens fiber differentiation in the normal, developing lens of the anuran amphibian, R. pipiens . In addition, the relatively late appearance in lens development (i.e., after formation of a lens vesicle) of any immunofluorescence reaction for the crystallins suggest that they are not necessary for lens induction and subsequent lens placode formation.
No evidence for IL1RAPL1 involvement in selected high-risk autism pedigrees from the AGRE data set.

Finding predisposition genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has proven challenging, and new methods are needed to aid the process. Using pedigree structure as a strategy to identify ASD predisposition genes, we previously performed a genome-wide linkage scan of 86 selected families from the Autism Resource Exchange (AGRE) that appeared to inherit ASD in a dominant manner. We identified a suggestive linkage peak on chromosome Xp22.11-p21.2 that encompasses the IL1RAPL1 gene, a strong candidate gene for ASD. In this follow-up study, we sequenced the coding regions of the IL1RAPL1 gene in 14 male cases representing one case from each pedigree that showed at least nominal linkage evidence on per pedigree basis to the chromosome X region. We observed no deleterious mutations or deletions in the IL1RAPL1 gene in these 14 ASD cases. A SNP was identified in exon 2 in five cases and a variant of unknown significance was identified in intron 6 in a single case. In conclusion, coding changes of the IL1RAPL1 gene do not appear to be associated with ASD in selected AGRE families with linkage evidence to the chromosome Xp22.11-p21.2 region. Autism Res2011,4:293–296. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of nanoparticle aggregate morphology during wet milling

Abstract Recently developed wet mills (bead mills) have been shown capable of dispersing nanoparticle aggregates into primary particles in suspension, even with nanoparticles with primary particle radii as small as 5 nm and at high nanoparticle volume fractions (> 1%). However, to date what has not been examined is the change in aggregate morphology during milling itself, i.e. it is not clear if wet milling simply fragments aggregates into smaller, similarly structured entities, or if milling can simultaneously lead to aggregate restructuring. Here we develop and apply methods to examine the change in morphology in titania and alumina nanoparticle aggregates (primary particle radii of ~ 8.25 nm and 7.20 nm, respectively) during wet milling with a Kotobuki Industries UAM-015 wet mill. Specifically, via nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) with a Nanosight LM-14 and simultaneous viscosity measurements, we characterized the hydrodynamic radius distribution functions and average intrinsic viscosities of both titania and alumina aggregates milled at 1% volume fraction in water. With NTA we found that for both particle types, milling led to a reduction in hydrodynamic radii. Conversely, the average intrinsic viscosity of titania decreased, while it increased for alumina with increasing milling time. By assuming aggregates were quasifractal in morphology (and hence characterized by the number of primary per particles per aggregate, the pre-exponential factor, and the fractal dimension) and by using Monte Carlo based techniques to link quasifractal aggregate descriptors to both the hydrodynamic radius and the intrinsic viscosity for an aggregate, measured hydrodynamic radius distribution functions and average intrinsic viscosities were used to infer titania and alumina aggregate quasifractal descriptors as functions of milling time. Through this analysis we found that both particle types were initially dense aggregates (fractal dimensions > 2.9), and for titania milling did not alter aggregate morphology (i.e. titania aggregates remained dense). However, alumina aggregates were found to decrease in fractal dimension with increasing milling time, reaching a value near 1.6 after 180 minutes of milling. Such chain-like structures give rise to an increase in suspension viscosity despite the fact that alumina aggregate size decreased with milling. Overall, we show that depending on the particle material (and surfactant employed), milling may simultaneously lead to aggregate size reduction and restructuring, and may be a viable approach to the production of controlled morphology aggregates.
Maximum distance and minimum energy to initiate liquefaction in water saturated sands

This paper reviews several published equations specifying the cut-off distance for use in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of liquefaction initiation, and proposes new criteria based on minimum level of input wave energy. Following a comparison of these equations and of their effects on the final result, the paper concludes that graphically formulated definitions of the maximum distance versus earthquake magnitude are too rough for seismic hazard analyses at sites with N (corrected standard penetration test value in blows per foot) less than about 10. It is proposed that maximum distance defined in terms of the minimum input wave energy known to have liquefied a site should be used instead. This distance is defined via an energy factor, equal to the integral, with respect to time, of the ground velocity squared, estimated at the site, and evaluated over the duration of strong shaking. The proposed minimum value is enmin ¼ 10 22:8 m 2 /s. This value may
Where Should They Go? Undocumented Immigrants and Long-Term Care in the United States

In this paper, I consider the question of where illegal immigrants should go once their lives have been saved in hospitals and they are ready to be transferred to long-term care situations. I highlight three recent cases in which such a decision was made. In one case, the patient was kept at the hospital, in another the patient was repatriated to his home country, and in the third, the patient was discharged to his family. I consider the relevant moral values and argue that for reasons of fairness we must develop a policy that treats similar cases in similar ways. In order to best uphold patient well-being and minimize costs, the plan proposed here calls for illegal immigrants to be covered by insurance for long-term care.
Effectiveness of Quality Improvement in Hospitalization for Bronchiolitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis causes nearly 20% of all acute care hospitalizations for young children in the United States. Unnecessary testing and medication for infants with bronchiolitis contribute to cost without improving outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to systematically review the quality improvement (QI) literature on inpatient bronchiolitis and to propose benchmarks for reducing unnecessary care. METHODS: Assisted by a medical librarian, we searched Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library. Studies describing any active QI intervention versus usual care in hospitalized children RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving >12 000 infants were reviewed. QI interventions resulted in 16 fewer patients exposed to repeated doses of bronchodilators per 100 hospitalized (7 studies) (risk difference: 0.16 [95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.21]) and resulted in 5.3 fewer doses of bronchodilator given per patient (95% confidence interval: 2.1–8.4). Interventions resulted in fewer hospitalized children exposed to steroids (5 per 100), chest radiography (9 per 100), and antibiotics (4 per 100). No significant harms were reported. Benchmarks derived from the reported data are: repeated bronchodilator use, 16%; steroid use, 1%; chest radiography use, 42%; and antibiotic use, 17%. The study’s heterogeneity limited the ability to classify specific characteristics of effective QI interventions. CONCLUSIONS: QI strategies have been demonstrated to achieve lower rates of unnecessary care in children hospitalized with viral bronchiolitis than are the norm.
Relaxation and polarization effects in valence photodetachment of the negative chloride ion

The photodetachment cross section, radiative attachment cross section, branching ratio, and angular-distribution asymmetry parameter have been calculated for ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ in the relativistic random-phase approximation (RRPA) and modifications of the RRPA which allow for the inclusion of relaxation and polarization effects. Photodetachment cross sections are compared with experiment to assess the effectiveness of the various approximations.
A Note on Confidence Intervals for Proportions in Finite Populations

Abstract An exact confidence interval for the number or proportion of successes in a finite population is developed using the standard technique of inverting a family of tests. The resulting procedure is compared with two methods available in the sampling literature and is shown to be equivalent to one of the methods and superior to the other method.
Iterative evaluation of the regularization parameter in regularized image restoration

In this paper a nonlinear regularized iterative image restoration algorithm is proposed, according to which no prior knowledge about the noise variance is assumed. The algorithm results from a set-theoretic regularization approach, where bounds of the stabilizing functional and the noise variance, which determine the regularization parameter, are updated at each iteration step. Sufficient conditions for the convergence of the algorithm, as well as an optimality criterion for the regularization parameter, are derived and experimental results are shown.
Precise frequency transfer through a fiber network by use of 1.5-µm mode-locked sources

We report the precise transfer of radio-frequency signals by use of the pulse repetition frequency of mode-locked laser sources at 1.5 microm transmitting through a fiber network. The passive transfer instability through a 6.9-km fiber is below 3 x 10(-14) at 1 s, which is comparable with the optical carrier-frequency transfer of a narrow-linewidth cw laser. The instability of the measurement system is below 7 x 10(-15) at 1 s. It is noted that the pulsed mode of operation offers almost an order-of-magnitude improvement in stability at 1 s over that with a sinusoidal amplitude modulation on an optical carrier.
The Course Effect Is Small: A Reply to Romney.

In the research originally reported in this journal of Romney (1976), the design under which student instructional ratings data were collected was students nested within teachers, and students and teachers nested within courses. The critical issues in the dispute between Romney's interpretation of his results and my interpretation of these same results continue to be whether the teachers factor should be treated as fixed or random in the analysis of variance model and, what conclusions can be drawn from the results of the study. I shall deal with each of these issues in turn. FIXED VS. RANDOM EFFECTS
Characteristics of adenosine binding sites in atrial sarcolemmal membranes

Abstract The studies reported here involve an exploration of the sites on atrial myocyte membranes with which adenosine interacts to produce its potent physiological effects in atrial muscle. Specific, high affinity binding of the stable adenosine analogs 2-chloro[3H]adenosine (2-ClAdo) and [3H]adenosine 5′-N- ethylcarboxamide (NECA) to atrial sarcolemmal membranes was measured in kinetic and equilibrium studies at 4°C and 35°C. Analysis of the [3H]2-ClAdo binding isotherm indicated the presence of two classes of binding site with equilibrium K assoc values estimated to be 5.7 · 10 7 M−1 and 2.7 · 10 6 M−1. Displacement of bound [3H]2-ClAdo by adenosine 5′-N- cyclopropylcarboxamide (NCPCA) and by several N 6 - substituted adenosine analogs confirmed the presence of two classes of binding site. Analysis of the [3H]NECA binding also revealed the presence of two types of binding site for this ligand. The methylxanthines isobutylmethylxanthine and theophylline displaced bound [3H]2-ClAdo whereas adenosine uptake inhibitors and several other purines showed little activity. These atrial membrane binding sites exhibit many of the characteristics of the physiological adenosine receptors studied in intact atria. Furthermore, the [3H]2-ClAdo binding sites were sensitive to treatment with proteolytic enzymes, suggesting that these sites exist on sarcolemmal membrane proteins.
Procedure for the base composition of RNA especially suited for samples containing relatively large amounts of DNA and protein

Abstract An inexpensive procedure suitable for determining the base composition of RNA in a sample containing large amounts of DNA and protein is presented. The method involves cold acid precipitation, mild alkaline hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, ion-exchange separation, and spectral analysis. At least 70 μg RNA is required, which for accuracy within 7% should be no less than 4% dry weight in a chromatin sample or 2% dry weight in a ribonucleoprotein sample. Purine-pyrimidine ratios may be obtained on samples with relatively even less RNA. The precision is approximately ±2% for the values of the individual bases, and the over-all RNA recovery is 90%. Despite the multiple steps involved, three samples may be carried through the entire procedure in one day.
A four action problem with ordered categorical data: are two distributions the same, ordered, or otherwise?

Abstract Consider a 2 × J contingency table under the product multinomial model when the J categories are ordered. We compare the two distributions by deciding among the following four choices: (i) distributions are the same; (ii) distribution 1 is stochastically larger than distribution 2; (iii) distribution 2 is stochastically larger than distribution 1; (iv) neither (i), (ii), or (iii). A four action problem is posed and two procedures are considered. One ad hoc and the second procedure is a conditional Bayes procedure, where the conditioning is on the marginal row and column totals. The problem was motivated by a data set comparing survey methods dealing with economic damage to farms by deer.
Portal triad injuries.

Objective : Injuries to the portal triad are a rare and complex challenge in trauma surgery. The purpose of this review is to better characterize the incidence, lethality, and successful management schemes used to treat these injuries. Design : A retrospective review of the experience of eight academic level I trauma centers over a combined 62 years. Results : Ninety-nine patients sustained 118 injuries to the anatomical structures of the porta hepatis : 55 extrahepatic portal vein injuries, 28 extrahepatic arterial injuries, and 35 injuries to the extrahepatic biliary tree. Sixty-nine percent of the injuries were by penetrating mechanism and 31% were by blunt mechanism. All patients had associated injuries with a mean Injury Severity Score of 34 in blunt trauma patients. Overall mortality was 51%, rising to 80% in patients with combination injuries. Sixty-six percent of deaths occurred in the operating room, primarily from exsanguination ; 18% of deaths occurred within 48 hours of injury from refractory shock, coagulopathy, or cardiac arrest ; 16% occurred late. Ten percent of patients undergoing portal vein ligation survived, compared to 58% managed by primary repair. Survival after hepatic artery ligation was 42%, compared to 14% after primary repair. Survival after biliary-enteric anastomosis as treatment of extrahepatic bile duct injury was 89%, compared to 50% after primary repair and 100 % after ligation of lobar bile duct injuries. Missed bile duct injuries had a high (75%) severe complication rate. Conclusions : Injuries to the anatomical structures of the portal triad are rare and often lethal. Intraoperative exsanguination is the primary cause of death, and hemorrhage control should be the first priority. Bile duct injuries should be identified by intraoperative cholangiography and repaired primarily or by enteric anastomosis ; lobar bile ducts can be managed by ligation.
Designing the perfect auction

Distributed algorithmic mechanism design is a field at the intersection of computer science and economics.
Interpatient and intrapatient variability in vinblastine pharmacokinetics

We analyzed interpatient and intrapatient differences in vinblastine pharmacokinetics in 24 patients treated with a bolus dose of vinblastine followed by prolonged (2 to 36 weeks) continuous infusion via an implantable pump. The bolus vinblastine serum clearance was 552 ± 182 ml/min/m2, with a terminal half-life of 29.2 ± 11.2 hours. After steady state was achieved (2 weeks), the infusion clearance was 646 ± 221 ml/min/m2. Interpatient differences in serum albumin levels were correlated with both the bolus clearance (r = 0.49) and the initial (first month) infusion clearance (r = 0.39). The infusion clearance decreased over the duration of the infusion (726 vs. 489 ml/min/m2; P = 0.001; months 1 vs. 4). Analysis of intrapatient changes in vinblastine clearance demonstrated a positive correlation with albumin (P < 0.01) and negative correlation with dose (P < 0.05). These results are consistent with a nonlinear pharmacokinetic model. We conclude that interpatient and intrapatient differences in vinblastine pharmacokinetics can be attributed partially to changes in hepatic function and nonlinear elimination at higher doses. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1987) 41, 61–67; doi:10.1038/clpt.1987.9