cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vestibular inputs to the lateral tegmental field of the cat: potential role in autonomic control.

Abstract The lateral tegmental field (LTF), which is comprised of the lateral reticular formation near the obex, is an important integrative area involved in cardiovascular control and the production of emesis. Using neuroanatomical and electrophysiological techniques, we tested the hypothesis that LTF neurons receive vestibular inputs; the neurons studied include those projecting into the subretrofacial rostral ventrolateral medulla (sRVLM), which contains cells that make direct connections with sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Injections of the anterograde tracer PHA-L into the medial and inferior vestibular nuclei produced labeled terminals in the LTF. Electrical stimulation of the vestibular nerve affected the firing rate of LTF neurons, including approximately one-third of those antidromically activated from the sRVLM. The response latencies ranged from 1.5 to 20 ms, suggesting that the neurons received both direct and polysynaptic vestibular inputs from the vestibular nuclei. The LTF may be involved in the production of vestibulosympathetic reflexes and vestibular-elicited vomiting.
Incidence of seizures in patients with multiple sclerosis: A population-based study

Objective To determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with occurrence of seizure activity. Patients and Methods The medical records of all incidence patients with MS in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1935 to 1991 were reviewed. The incidence of seizures was calculated by using 3 methods: including only seizures that occurred after definite diagnosis of MS, including all seizures occurring after onset of the first symptoms of MS, and including any seizures regardless of the time of onset relative to MS. These incidences were age-adjusted to the 1970 US population and then compared with the age- adjusted incidence rate of seizures in the general population of Olmsted County. Results The age-adjusted incidence of seizures among MS patients was not significantly higher than the age-adjusted incidence of seizures in the general population of Olmsted County. The age-adjusted incidence of first unprovoked seizures in Rochester, Minn, was 61 per 100,000 person-years. In patients with the definite diagnosis of MS, the age-adjusted incidence was calculated at 61 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 7-114). In the group with seizures after onset of symptoms, the age-adjusted incidence rate was 80 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 24-135). In the group with seizures at any time in their life, the ageadjusted incidence rate was 82 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 41-158). Conclusion The present study does not suggest that occurrence of seizures is more common in MS patients than in the general population.
Role of a single surface vacancy on the tensile stress–strain relations of single crystal Ni nanowire

Abstract Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method, we have studied the stress–strain response of the single-crystalline Nickel nanowire containing a single surface defect. To gain quantitative understanding on the deformation process, we have systematically studied the effect of nanowire cross-section, nanowire length, temperature, randomness in defect location and location of defect from nanowire edge on the tensile mechanical properties of defective Ni nanowires and contrasted with the perfect systems. In each case study, we investigated the comparative deformation processes and the associated stress–strain laws to reveal the role of single defect on the mechanical behavior of Ni nanowires. Our study reveals that even a single defect can cause significant degradation in the failure strength and toughness of nanowires as long as the cross section of nanowires are in the nanometer range. Our study also reveals that the effect of point defect becomes less critical when nanowires become thicker.
HEMOLYTIC TRANSFUSION REACTION (HTR) ASSOCIATED WITH INTRAVENOUS IMMUNE GLOBULIN (IV Ig)

High dose IV Ig has been tried in immune cytopenia(s) with few complications. We report a severe HTR due to IV Ig. A 10 yr-old B Rho(D) pos. boy who received a bone marrow transplant (BMT) from his O Rho(D) neg. sister was given IV Ig (C51911, GAMIMUNE, 5%, Cutter Lab.) for platelet alloimmunization. On day 9 post-BMT he developed a chill and hypotension after 120 ml of IV Ig and hemoglobinuria later. On day 10 he had a severe shaking chill after 100 ml of IV Ig and symptoms recurred after 2 ml of infusion. On days 10 to 12 he had hyperbilirubinemia (4.5 mg/dl), hemoglobinemia (98 mg/dl), hemoglobinuria (75 mg/dl) and no haptoglobin. Hb remained between 6-7 g/dl with 8 units of RBC. On day 13 urine became clear and Hb rose without transfusions (Tx). No Tx were given 48 hrs. pre-IV Ig. After BMT he was given O neg. deglycerolized-RBC and group B plasma and platelets. Pre-IV Ig he was B pos. and had a negative direct antiglobulin test (AGT) and antibody screen. Post-IV Ig direct and indirect AGT were positive (days 10-13); anti-B (1:4) was detected in his sera from day 12. Sera and eluate demonstrated antiglobulin reactivity with group B RBC. The IV Ig he received had 1:64 for anti-B and Anti-A. On day 16, patient was typed as O neg. without reticulocytosis, indicating massive intravascular hemolysis of autologous RBC, not a response to BMT. Since blood group antibodies are present in human immune serum globulin preparations, compatibility test should be done when using IV Ig to prevent HTR.
Formation of N-(carboxymethyl)fumonisin B1, following the reaction of fumonisin B1 with reducing sugars

The fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by fungi that contaminate primarily corn and are toxic through interruption of intracellular sphingolipid synthesis. Several reports have indicated that fumonisin B1 concentrations decreased when heated in aqueous solutions of reducing sugars. The incubation of fumonisin B1 with d-glucose resulted in the formation of N-(carboxymethyl)fumonisin B1, which was characterized by NMR and electrospray mass spectroscopy. We determined the methylene carbon of the carboxymethyl group is derived from C1 on glucose, while the carbonyl carbon is derived from the C2 of glucose, using 13C glucose. Apparently N-(carboxymethyl)fumonisin B1 arises from Schiff's base formation, Amadori rearrangement to a β-ketoamine, and oxidation with molecular oxygen. N-(Carboxymethyl)fumonisin B1 formation is favored by alkaline conditions (pH >7), requires molecular oxygen, and is catalyzed by several reducing sugars. N-(carboxymethyl)fumonisin B1 was detected in raw corn samples that contained fum...
Postabsorptive hyperinsulinemia in rats with subdiaphragmatic vagotomy

Abstract The effects of bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and of lateral hypothalamic lesions on the acute plasma glucose and insulin responses to liquid and solid meals were studied in female rats. Following recovery of an initial postoperative weight loss, vagotomized rats exhibited an exaggeration of plasma glucose and insulin responses compared to sham-vagotomized animals 17 min after the initiation of a liquid meal (6 ml sweetened milk in 7 min). Vagotomy did not alter basal glucose and insulin levels. The exaggerated postabsorptive response to oral liquid glucose in vagotomized rats was not observed after the consumption of an isocaloric solid meal (1.86 g sucrose pellets in 7 min). Rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions had significantly lower basal glucose and insulin levels, but both the preabsorptive and postabsorptive responses to oral glucose were unaffected by the lesion. The results in vagotomized animals were attributed to enhanced gastric emptying of liquid loads leading to a more rapid absorption of glucose from the intestine, which in turn resulted in an increased insulin response. In humans this is followed by rapid-onset hypoglycemia, and it is hypothesized that the abnormal postabsorptive glucose and insulin responses account in part for the pattern of small, frequent meals observed with vagotomized animals on liquid diets.
Simulation output analysis for local area computer networks

This paper develops discrete event simulation methods for local area computer networks. We restrict attention to local network simulations with an underlying stochastic process that can be represented as a generalized semi-Markov process. Using a “geometric trials” criterion for recurrence, we establish a regenerative process structure for passage times in this setting. This leads to an estimation procedure for delay characteristics of ring and bus networks.
Adsorption of Arsenic on Layered Double Hydroxides: Effect of the Particle Size

This paper describes a study of arsenic(V) adsorption on appropriately conditioned calcined layered double hydroxide (LDH) adsorbents. Conditioning the adsorbent significantly reduced the dissolution previously observed with uncalcined and calcined LDH. The adsorption rates and isotherms have been investigated in batch experiments. As(V) adsorption is shown to follow a Sips-type adsorption isotherm. The As(V) adsorption rate on conditioned LDH increases with decreasing adsorbent particle size; the adsorption capacity of As(V) on conditioned LDH, on the other hand, is independent of the particle size. When a homogeneous surface diffusion model was used to fit the experimental kinetic data, the estimated diffusivity values were shown to depend on the particle size. On the other hand, when a bidisperse pore model, which considers the adsorbent particles to be agglomerates of microparticles with a porous region present between them, is applied to the same data, it predicts an intracrystalline diffusivity, whi...
Towards a time-triggered schedule calculation tool to support model-based embedded software design

Time-triggered architectures (TTA) provide replica determinism in safety-critical distributed embedded software designs. TTA has become a crucial part of many high-confidence embedded paradigms, as it decouples functional concerns from platform timing concerns in system designs. Complex embedded software development workflows for safety-critical applications are increasingly managed by model-based design tools, in order to support automated verification and reconcile conflicts between functional and non-functional concerns in designs. We present a prototype scheduling tool (ESched) which calculates cyclic schedules for time-triggered networks. ESched supports the model-based workflow of the ESMoL modeling language and tool suite. Using ESMoL, designers can rapidly iterate through simulating a control design, capturing platform effects in models, generating a schedule (if feasible), and re-simulating the control design subject to the platform model and the computed schedule. ESched specifications include a number of useful platform parameters, and it supports troubleshooting of infeasible schedules by allowing the user to specify partial platform models to solve.
Applications of Small-Angle Scattering in Ceramic Research

Many of the microstructural features of critical importance in technological materials occur over the size range of a few nanometres to a few hundred nanometres. The ability of small-angle scattering techniques to provide microstructural information in this critical size range has led to the extensive and highly successful utilization of small-angle scattering in the fields of polymer science and metallurgy. Recently, perhaps driven by the renewed interest in ceramics as technological materials, the applications of small-angle scattering to studies of fine ceramics have begun to increase. Selected examples from past investigations, which include fundamental studies of damage accumulation, phase transformation and fabrication techniques, will serve to illustrate the applicability of small-angle scattering in ceramics research and identify likely areas of future advancement.
Dynamic and selective control of the number of particles in kinetic plasma simulations

Abstract An algorithm for the dynamic control of the number of particles in a particle-in-cell (PIC), plasma simulation is presented. The algorithm selectively splits and coalesces particles to control the number of particles in each grid cell. It is designed for multiple-length scale problems where an adaptive grid can be applied and for PIC simulations on parallel computers where a constant number of particles per cell is useful for computational efficiency. The algorithm preserves the charge assignment at grid points while splitting one particle into two, or while coalescing two particles into one. Errors in momentum or energy conservation are controlled by a simple, a priori test. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated in several simulations in one dimension, including a collisionless slow-shock, where an adaptive grid calculation with dynamic number control gives comparable accuracy to a uniformly zoned calculation without dynamic control with just 50% of the effort.
Changing cost management at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory: Morphing pushback into acceptance

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) is dedicated to solving critical challenges set forth by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 2006, JHU/APL had finished launching three robotic missions (one each to Mercury, Pluto, and the Sun). In response to new program management requirements contained in Government Accountability Office (GAO) and NASA directives, JHU/APL implemented an earned value management system (EVMS) and parametric estimating capabilities. This paper does not detail the technical models, tools, and methods of these disciplines, but rather focuses on how they were woven into the organizational fabric and culture to maximize acceptance and minimize pushback. It will explore: • Establishing a vision and working with executive management to obtain buy-in • Developing “boots on the ground” ambassadors to deliver positive messages and quell rumors • Using a graduated implementation approach versus a “shotgun” approach to capture staff feedback and make changes when they make sense • Tempering staff expectations • Establishing accountability and data ownership • Communicating “value needed” versus “value added” • Establishing mentoring relationships • Participating in external communities of practice • Training approaches We hope that this paper will help others navigate the sea of cultural change that often results when implementing new management systems.
Synthetic, structural, and dynamic NMR studies of (bisphosphine)palladium(0) complexes of dibenzylideneacetone

Abstract Two complexes of the type (R2PCH2CH2PR2)Pd(dba) have been prepared by the reaction of Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3 with R2PCH2CH2PR2 (R=iPr (1), 74%; Cy (2), 57%; dba=dibenzylideneacetone). X-ray crystallographic studies of 1 and 2 reveal that the coordinated dba ligand adopts an s-trans, s-trans conformation in which the palladium is coordinated to one CC bond in an η2-fashion. Variable temperature, 1H- and 31P{H}-NMR spectroscopy of 1 show two distinct dynamic processes in solution. In the 1H-NMR spectra, a rapid intramolecular exchange of coordinated and uncoordinated CC bonds is observed with the estimated ΔGex‡ being 14 kcal mol−1. In the 31P{H}-NMR spectra, a facile interconversion of the predominant s-trans, s-trans conformer with the minor s-trans, s-cis, and s-cis, s-cis conformers begins to occur at higher temperatures. Molecular mechanics calculations place the relative energies of the three isomers at 0, 0.9, and 4.7 kcal mol−1, respectively. An intramolecular mechanism for double bond exchange is proposed to occur via a symmetric transition state involving the s-cis, s-cis conformer. Strong coordination of dba to palladium in 1 is proposed to account for slow reactions with PhX where the relative rates of oxidative addition were found to increase in the order of X=Cl≪Br
Optimizing threshold for extreme scale analysis

As the HPC community starts focusing its efforts towards exascale, it becomes clear that we are looking at machines with a billion way concurrency. Although parallel computing has been at the core of the performance gains achieved until now, scaling over 1,000 times the current concurrency can be challenging. As discussed in this paper, even the smallest memory access and synchronization overheads can cause major bottlenecks at this scale. As we develop new software and adapt existing algorithms for exascale, we need to be cognizant of such pitfalls. In this paper, we document our experience with optimizing a fairly common and parallelizable visualization algorithm, threshold of cells based on scalar values, for such highly concurrent architectures. Our experiments help us identify design patterns that can be generalized for other visualization algorithms as well. We discuss our implementation within the Dax toolkit, which is a framework for data analysis and visualization at extreme scale. The Dax toolkit employs the patterns discussed here within the framework’s scaffolding to make it easier for algorithm developers to write algorithms without having to worry about such scaling issues.
Fishbowl to Roundtable Discussions

In “fishbowls” there is an inner ring of discussants surrounded by an outer ring of observers/contributors (c.f. Smart and Featheringham 2006). Fishbowl discussions have been shown to facilitate en...
Knowledge comes from practice: Reflective theory building in practice

This chapter examines reflective theory building in practice as an appropriate role for the practitioner and a significant means of contributing to the knowledge base of adult education and human resource development.
The Nun Study: risk factors for pathology and clinical-pathologic correlations

The Nun Study was the first cohort study to enroll and follow a large, well-defined population that included demented and non-demented participants, all of whom agreed to donate their brains for research. The inclusion of systematic neuropathologic analysis in this study has resulted in a greater understanding of the role of Alzheimer and vascular pathology in the expression of memory deficits and dementia and has provided data showing that biomarkers for the pathology may be evident many decades earlier in adult life. Findings related to neuropathology in this study have included the following: (1) Although clinical outcomes were strongly correlated with Alzheimer neuropathology, about one-third of the participants fulfilling criteria for neuropathologic Alzheimer's disease (AD) were not demented at the time of death. (2) Brain infarcts by themselves had little effect on cognitive status, but played an important role in increasing the risk of dementia associated with Alzheimer pathology. (3) Hippocampal volume was strongly correlated with Braak neurofibrillary stage even in participants with normal cognitive function. (4) A linguistic characteristic of essays written in early adult life, idea density, had a strong association with not only clinical outcomes in late life, but the severity of Alzheimer neuropathology as well. (5) The effect of apolipoprotein E-e4 on dementia was mediated through Alzheimer, but not vascular pathology.
The Recent History of the Celestial Way: A Chinese Pietistic Association

"Celestial Way" or Tian Dao is the modern exoteric name of the Chinese religious society formerly known as the "Unity Way" or Yiguan Dao. The sect is one of several pietistic societies that were prominent especially in the early years of the present century. Today it continues to function in Taiwan and Hong Kong and among overseas Chinese, and there is some evidence to suggest that Celestial Way groups exist on the mainland as well. ' In Taiwan the Celestial Way is one of a very large number of small-scale religious societies (Hsiao, 1972). It differs from most others in its size, in the degree to which it is factionalized, and in the fact that it is technically illegal, being prohibited by name in the general legislation against secret societies enacted after World War 11 and again in Taiwan in 1962. Probably in part because of its illegality, the sect enjoys wide notoriety in Taiwan, where it is usually known as the "Duck Egg Religion" because of its eggtolerant vegetarianism. Popular opinion attributes to it everything from sexual orgies to communist subversion, and little is
Laugh through it: Assembling difference in an American stand-up comedy club

Through an examination of a Midwestern professional comedy club, this article theorizes stand-up comedy as part of the broader affective-cultural assemblage that is nightlife entertainment. Using the Deleuzian notion of assemblage, this analysis builds on poststructural accounts of the dynamic and transient properties of culture, and the relationship between space, culture, and affect. As a specific affective-cultural assemblage, stand-up comedy operates as both constrainer and enabler of racial and heteronormative order through the bringing together of a variety of diverse logics and practices. I argue that stand-up comedy should no longer be thought of strictly in discursive or symbolic-interactionist terms that over-determine the roles of particular agents (i.e. comics). Instead, when described as emergent, transient, and fundamentally affective, stand-up comedy and other cultural forms can be seen for their openness and multiplicity, both contributing to racial and heteronormative order as well as upe...
Sex differences in voluntary drinking by Long Evans rats following early stress

Models for early stress and voluntary drinking were used to determine the contribution of early stress to increased intake of alcoholic beverages during puberty and adulthood. Newborn litters of Long Evans rats were: (1) stressed by daily separation from the mother for 15 min/day on days 1 to 7 of life [handled (H)]; or (2) left untouched with the mother on days 1 to 7 of life [nonhandled (NH)]. All animals were weaned on day 22, separated by sex (M and F), and caged individually with an assignment of 10 animals per sex per treatment group (H and NH). From 25 to 85 days of age, all animals were given free access to beer containing 5% ethanol (v/v), water, and regular laboratory food. Beer, food, and water intake was measured daily at the same time each day, and animals were weighed weekly. HM had greater ethanol intake and preference for ethanol during the peripubertal period (days 32 to 45), compared with all other groups. There were no differences in ethanol intake between NHF and NHM. HM had greater ethanol preference than HF on 22 of the 60 drinking days. HF consumed the same amount of water as the males and significantly greater amounts of water than NHF on 28 of the 60 drinking days. HM had greater ethanol preference than NHM on 8 of the 60 drinking days. From day 75 to day 85, HF had greater ethanol intake than HM, and NHF had greater ethanol intake than NHM. There were no differences in body weights of HF and NHF throughout the study. Growth of HM lagged behind NHM into adulthood. Early stress of males was linked to increased ethanol intake during the peripubertal and adult periods and stunted body growth into adulthood. Early stress of females was linked to polydipsia (water) throughout development and continuing into adulthood, and to increased alcohol intake in adulthood.
Aspiration of the dominant follicle in mares and its effect on subsequent follicular development

An attempt was made to increase the number of small- and medium-sized follicles present for ultrasound-guided oocyte recovery by aspirating the dominant follicle prior to its inhibition of growth of other follicles. Cyclic mares were randomly assigned to one of four groups on day of ovulation. Each mare was examined daily with ultrasound beginning 8 days after ovulation to determine growth and regression of individual follicles at least 15 mm in diameter. Once a dominant follicle was identified, the dominant follicle in Group 1 mares was aspirated and all other follicles (at least 15 mm) aspirated 3 days later; the dominant follicle in Group 2 mares was identified but not aspirated and all follicles (at least 15 mm) aspirated 3 days later; the dominant follicle in Group 3 mares was aspirated and all other follicles (at least 15 mm) aspirated 6 days later; and the dominant follicle in Group 4 mares was identified but not aspirated and all follicles (at least 15 mm) aspirated 6 days later. A dominant follicle was defined as the largest follicle present for 2 consecutive days beginning 8 days after ovulation. Identification did not occur until the dominant follicle was at least 25 mm in diameter. The dominant follicle was identified 15.1 ± 3.4 days after ovulation. Mean number of small (3–17 mm) and medium (18–27 mm) sized follicles 3 or 6 days after identification/aspiration of the dominant follicle were similar among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). Mares in Group 2 had a greater (P < 0.05) number of large follicles (at least 28 mm) 3 days after identification of the dominant follicle than Group 1 mares (1.3 vs. 0.5, respectively); means for Groups 3 and 4 were similar. Based on linear regression slopes of growth patterns for individual follicles, a higher rate of atresia occurred in subordinate follicles within 6 days following identification, but no aspiration of the dominant follicle (−0.63 mm day−1), than for those follicles present following aspiration of the dominant follicle (−0.10 mm day−1, P < 0.05). A greater percentage of follicles were growing (+ slope) after aspiration of the dominant follicle (47137 or 34.3%) than those follicles present without aspiration of the dominant follicle (15133 or 11.3%, P < 0.05). In summary, aspiration of the dominant follicle did not increase the number of small- or medium-sized follicles 3 or 6 days later. However, a smaller proportion of follicles underwent atresia following aspiration of the dominant follicle compared with those follicles present with the dominant follicle still intact. Minimizing the number of subordinate follicles undergoing atresia may be a benefit for recovering viable oocytes from these follicles.
Strip trees: a hierarchical representation for curves

The use of curves to represent two-dimensional structures is an important part of many scientific investigations. For example, geographers use curves extensively to represent map features such as contour lines, roads, and rivers. Circuit layout designers use curves to specify the wiring between circuits. Because of the very large amount of data involved and the need to perform operations on this data efficiently, the representation of such curves is a crucial issue. A hierarchical representation consisting of binary trees with a special datum at each node is described. This datum is called a strip and the tree that contains such data is called a strip tree. Lower levels in the tree correspond to finer resolution representations of the curve. The strip tree structure is a direct consequence of using a special method for digitizing lines and retaining all intermediate steps. This gives several desirable properties. For curves that are well-behaved, intersection and point-membership (for closed curves) calculations can be solved in 0(log n) where n is the number of points describing the curve. The curves can be efficiently encoded and displayed at various resolutions. The representation is closed under intersection and union and these operations can be carried out at different resolutions. All these properties depend on the hierarchical tree structure which allows primitive operations to be performed at the lowest possible resolution with great computational time savings.Strip trees is a linear interpolation scheme which realizes an important space savings by not representing all the points explicitly. This means that even when the overhead of the tree indexing is added, the storage requirement is comparable to raster representations which do represent most of the points explicitly.
Synthesis of circular RNA in bacteria and yeast using RNA cyclase ribozymes derived from a group I intron of phage T4.

Abstract Studies on the function of circular RNA and RNA topology in vivo have been limited by the difficulty in expressing circular RNA of desired sequence. To overcome this, the group I intron from the phage T4 td gene was split in a peripheral loop (L6a) and rearranged so that the 3' half intron and 3' splice site are upstream and a 5' splice site and 5' half intron are downstream of a single exon. The group I splicing reactions excise the internal exon RNA as a circle (RNA cyclase ribozyme activity). We show that foreign sequences can be placed in the exon and made circular in vitro. Expression of such constructs (RNA cyclase ribozymes) in Escherichia coli and yeast results in the accumulation of circular RNA in these organisms. In yeast, RNA cyclase ribozymes can be expressed from a regulated promoter like an mRNA, containing 5' leader and 3' trailer regions, and a nuclear pre-mRNA intron. RNA cyclase ribozymes have broad application to questions of RNA structure and function including end requirements for RNA transport or function, RNA topology, efficacy of antisense or ribozyme gene control elements, and the biosynthesis of extremely long polypeptides.
An Information-Theoretic Method for Revealing System Structure

A generalized version of Shannon's information theory has proven useful in deducing the structure of general systems having many variables. In a system consisting of a human operator interacting with a physical apparatus, the detection of structure will presumably be useful in understanding and modeling the operator's performance. An overview of an information-theoretic technique for detecting system structure is provided.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D deficiency is associated with fatal stroke among whites but not blacks: The NHANES-III linked mortality files.

Objective Deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. 25(OH)D deficiency and stroke are more prevalent in blacks. We examined whether low 25(OH)D contributes to the excess risk of fatal stroke in blacks compared with whites. Methods The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a probability sample of U.S. civilians, measured 25(OH)D levels and CVD risk factors from 1988 through 1994. Vital status through December 2006 was obtained by a linkage with the National Death Index. In white and black adults without CVD reported at baseline (n = 7981), Cox regression models were fit to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for fatal stroke by 25(OH)D status and race. Results During a median of 14.1 y, there were 116 and 60 fatal strokes in whites and blacks, respectively. The risk of fatal stroke was greater in blacks compared with whites in models adjusted for socioeconomic status and CVD risk factors (HR 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.53). Mean baseline 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in blacks compared with whites (19.4 versus 30.8 ng/mL, respectively). In multivariable-adjusted models, deficient 25(OH)D levels lower than 15 ng/mL were associated with fatal stroke in whites (HR 2.13, 1.01-4.50) but not blacks (HR 0.93, 0.49-1.80). Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of stroke death in whites but not in blacks. Although blacks had a higher rate of fatal stroke compared with whites, the low 25(OH)D levels in blacks were unrelated to stroke incidence. Therefore 25(OH)D levels did not explain this excess risk.
A periodicity threshold theorem for a volterra integral equation

A nonlinear Volterra integral equation, which arises in biological applications, with kernel of the form a(s)p(t-s) is studied with a(s) a positive periodic function. Conditions are given under which solutions converge to zero and under which solutions are asymptotic to a positive periodic function. With certain nonlinearities these conditions can be stated as a threshold theorem with the mean value of a(s) being the threshold parameter. Using the methods presented here one can compute permissible bounds on the amplitude of a(s).
Parents and patients: Members of an interdisciplinary team on an adolescent inpatient unit

In a six-year study on a locked psychiatric hospital unit for adolescents, first patients and then their families became integrated into the interdisciplinary treatment team. The results were universally beneficial. After initial resistance and some fine tuning of their skills, the staff became strong supporters of the program. Parents, no longer “one down,” developed a close working relationship with the therapists and milieu staff. Treatment planning and implementation was enriched by the interaction and dissension was minimized. Most important of all, the adolescents improved more rapidly and hospital stays were significantly shortened.
Physical properties of volume holographic recording utilizing photo-initiated polymerization for nonvolatile digital data storage

The physical properties of photopolymer grating formation are, for the first time, investigated elaborately with respect to I, and (Lambda) . The dynamics of holographic recording with constant exposure energy (15mJ/cm2), are evaluated for a wide range of different I (mW/cm2 - W/cm2), and for a few typical (Lambda) (0.5 - 3.5 micrometer), in a material utilizing cationing-ring-opening polymerization (Polaroid CROP ULSH-500B). Diffusion was evaluated to limit the photo- initiated recording sensitivity at high I(greater than W/cm2 approximately (Lambda) -2). At the same time, however, the significant post-exposure grating development observed for diffusion limited recordings, was identified to allow eventually for equally high sensitive final gratings (approximately 3 - 5 cm/mJ) without reciprocity, or diffusion limitations. Based on these observations, a new physical model was developed that describes more accurately holographic recording utilizing photo-initiated polymerization, and accounts successfully for the observed physical properties of grating formation.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Morphology transitions during the growth of alkali halides from solution

Four alkali-halide salt compounds were prepared by the evaporation of aqueous solutions on mica substrates. Growth runs were carried out over a wide range of conditions by varying the substrate temperature and the evaporation rate independently. During RbI growth, where the misfit between salt and mica lattices is small, the morphology of the deposited salt crystals tends to be faceted, except under extreme conditions. For salts with a larger misfit relative to the substrate (KI, RbBr, and CsBr), faceted growth is no longer the most common form. Despite the differences among the various compounds, in all cases we find sets of growth conditions which can favor faceted, dendritic, directional-array, and seaweed morphologies. While many previous experiments have focused upon a single morphology transition, these experiments show that at least four distinct morphologies can be produced in a single material system when growth conditions are varied sufficiently.
Impact of Hurricane Ivan on Pharmacies in Baldwin County Alabama

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of Hurricane Ivan, which made landfall east of Mobile, Alabama, on September 16, 2004, on pharmacies in the affected areas. Design Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Setting Baldwin County, Alabama. Interventions Pharmacy community rapid-needs-assessment survey. Participants 41 hospital and community (chain and independent) pharmacies. Main Outcome Measures Posthurricane pharmacy hours of operations, prescription volumes, infrastructure damage, and prehurricane disaster planning. Results During the week of the hurricane, both chain and independent community pharmacies within the evacuation zone worked significantly fewer hours (46% and 49%, respectively) and dispensed significantly fewer prescriptions (37% and 52%) compared with the same week of the prior year. Overall, 40% of pharmacies depleted their supplies of certain medications (e.g., anxiolytics, antihypertensives). A total of 60% of the chain and independent pharmacies outside the evacuation zone closed because of loss of electricity, but pharmacies with a generator were significantly less likely to report having turned away patients. The proportion of pharmacies that had a disaster plan but turned away patients or rationed or ran out of medications was similar to that of pharmacies without a disaster plan. Conclusion Although Hurricane Ivan primarily affected the operation of pharmacies within the evacuation zone, pharmacies in the surrounding area were also affected because of loss of power. Emergency management officials should evaluate the efficacy of specific guidelines outlined in disaster plans and identify ways to deliver essential medications to people in disaster-affected areas.
STUDY OF SMALL SEMICONDUCTOR CLUSTERS USING ANION PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY: GERMANIUM CLUSTERS (Gen, n=2−15)

The technique of anion photoelectron spectroscopy has been used at 266, 355, and 416 nm to study small germanium clusters, , n=2–15. The electron affinities for these cluster anions have been determined from the photoelectron spectra. The spectra for and show well-resolved vibrational structure.
An empirical study of object-oriented system evolution

Abstract Software metrics have been used to measure software artifacts statically—measurements are taken after the artifacts are created. In this study, three metrics—System Design Instability (SDI), Class Implementation Instability (CII), and System Implementation Instability (SII)—are used for the purpose of measuring object-oriented (OO) software evolution. The metrics are used to track the evolution of an OO system in an empirical study. We found that once an OO project starts, the metrics can give good indications of project progress, e.g. how mature the design and implementation is. This information can be used to adjust the project plan in real time. We also performed a study of design instability that examines how the implementation of a class can affect its design. This study determines that some aspects of OO design are independent of implementation, while other aspects are dependent on implementation.
Development and evaluation of multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays for seasonal, pandemic A/H1pdm09 and avian A/H5 influenza viruses detection

Since the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 ((H1N1)pdm09) virus spread all over the world, the (H1N1)pdm09 virus has been circulating with seasonal influenza viruses. We developed rapid and sensitive one-step multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays (rRT-PCR) for simultaneous detection of influenza viruses currently circulating in humans, and the avian A/H5 virus. The detection limit of each assay was 4.8 to 1 copies per reaction and no cross-reactivity with other major respiratory pathogens was found. Analytical positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) sensitivity and specificity were 100%, 94.1%, 93.7% and 100%, respectively. Clinical evaluation revealed that 1,976 (16.5%) of 11,963 throat swabs from patients with respiratory symptoms were confirmed as 1,651 (83.6%) A/H1pdm09, 308 (15.6%) A/H3 and 17 (0.8%) B virus during the 2010-2011 influenza season. Collectively, the multiplex rRT-PCR assays described here provide a practical tool for reliable implementation of influenza surveillance and diagnosis.
Directed Trans-Differentiation of Thymus Cells into Parathyroid-Like Cells Without Genetic Manipulation

Replacement of a diseased organ with an autologously derived tissue is an ideal therapy for some medical problems. However, it is difficult to recreate many adult human tissues in vitro due to the functionally necessary architecture of most organs and the lack of understanding of methods to direct the development of the organ of interest. The parathyroid gland is ideal for in vitro organ development because this gland is relatively simple, is transplantable, and is commonly affected by a surgical complication rather than an autoimmune disease. We have investigated thymus as a source of autologous endoderm and parathyroid-like precursor cells. Human thymus cells were treated with a differentiation protocol we developed with human embryonic stem cells (The Bingham Protocol) that utilizes timed exposures to Activin A and soluble Sonic hedgehog (Shh). We incrementally changed the protocol to optimize the differentiation of the thymus cells into parathyroid-like cells. The final protocol used 50ng/mL Activin A and 100ng/mL Shh over 13 weeks. The differentiated cells expressed the parathyroid markers parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium sensing receptor, chemokine receptor type-4 (CXCR4), and chorian-specific transcription factor (GCM2) as measured by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and PTH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cultured thymus cells without Activin A or Shh exposure did not secrete PTH nor express similar markers. The differentiated cells released PTH, which was suppressed in response to increased calcium concentration. The chemically differentiated cells did not form tumors in immune-compromised mice. Our protocol recreated cells with markers of parathyroid tissue that responded as parathyroid cells to physiologic stimuli. This approach is a further step toward a strategy to restore parathyroid function using autologous cells that were directed to differentiate by nongenetic in vitro manipulation.
Information: The Ultimate Frontier

Although long-term forecasting is best left to science fiction writers, scientists can illumine basic technological trends, as in the 100-year scenario presented here. Computers will continue the "small is beautiful" trend, but they are not likely to follow the semilog trail because extrapolation from the current base would lead to absurdities such as a computer cost of 3/100 of a cent. To achieve inexpensive high speed and Lilliputian size, new techniques are likely to replace silicon technology. The ultimate computer might be biological and patterned on DNA. Future computers will reacquire information when needed rather than store it, and we will see personalized products at mass production prices. Light wave communication will broaden communications exchange, but software that is more friendly to human users will be needed. By taking over knowledge distribution, electronic information systems will let universities concentrate on new knowledge. More importantly, they will expand everyone's right to information and free expression through the existing media system and to protection from misuse of information by others.
Vertical seismic behaviour of suspension bridges

The vertical response of suspension bridges to multi-support seismic excitations is investigated. A frequency-domain random-vibration approach is utilized to take into account not only the differences in ground motion inputs, but also the correlation among the various input motions. The earthquake response of the Golden Gate Suspension Bridge, California, is analysed. The ground motion inputs were taken from an array of time histories recovered from the Imperial Valley, California, earthquake (ML = 6.6) of 15 October 1979. Mean square displacement, stress and cable tension responses are obtained. An estimation of the expected peak response is made by comparing existing methods to the results of a time-domain analysis; it was found that a peak factor of 3.5 times the r.m.s. response is a good estimate of the expected peak response for this multiple-input seismic problem.
Localization of translation initiation in the message for E.coli UDP-galactose 4-epimerase: The amino terminal sequence

Abstract The amino acid sequence of E. coli UDP-galactose 4-epimerase has been determined through the amino-terminal 28-amino acid residues using an automated protein sequenator. Alignment of UDP-galactose operon messenger RNA and the amino acid sequence of epimerase demonstrates that the first 26 bases in the mRNA are transcribed but do not take part in translation of epimerase.
The economics of sequential choice applied to quasi-option value.

Abstract This paper develops a general model that can be used to determine the value of sequential forecasts. The model is used (1) to examine the interacting effects of strategies for coping with environmental uncertainty, and (2) to explore the relationship between the theories of sequential choice and quasi-option value. The framework presented bridges these two schools of thought and provides a tool for evaluating one time (e.g., climate change) or repetitive (e.g., pollution) forecasts of environmental damage.
Sudden Cardiac Death without Warning

Sudden death or acute and extensive myocardial infarction are common presenting manifestations of coronary artery disease.1 , 2 In attempting to determine whether screening tests can identify perso...
Synching models with infants: a perceptual-level model of infant audio-visual synchrony detection

Synchrony detection between different sensory channels appears critically important for learning and cognitive development. In this paper we compare infant studies of audio-visual synchrony detection with a model of synchrony detection based on Gaussian mutual information [Hershey, J., & Movellan, J. (2000). Audio-vision: using audio-visual synchrony to locate sounds. In S. A. Solla, T. K. Leen, & K. R. Muller (Eds.), Advances in neural information processing systems (Vol. 12, pp. 813-819). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press], augmented with methods for quantitative synchrony estimation. Five infant-model comparisons are presented, using stimuli covering a broad range of audio-visual integration types. While infants and the model showed discrimination of each type of stimuli, the model was most successful with stimuli comprised of (a) synchronized punctuate motion and speech, (b) visually balanced left and right instances of the same person talking but speech synchronized with only one side, and (c) two speech audio sources and a dynamic-face motion source. More difficult for the model were stimuli conditions with (d) left and right instances of two different people talking but speech synchronized with only one side, and (e) two speech audio sources and more abstract visual dynamics - an oscilloscope instead of a face. As a first approximation, this model of synchrony detection using low-level sensory features (e.g., RMS audio, grayscale pixels) is a candidate for a mechanism used by infants in detecting audio-visual synchrony.
Response to bcg vaccination and survival in advanced Hodgkin's disease

Thirty-two patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease (predominantly Stage IV), who had negative skin test responses to second strength PPD, were vaccinated with BCG during a period of quiescent or mildly active disease. Of 8 whose tuberculin responses were not converted, 7 died of Hodgkin's disease within a year. In contrast, only one of the 24 patients who developed positive tuberculin skin tests died within this time period, and the median survival of the converted group, currently 30 months, is still increasing. This difference is significant (p <.001) and indicates that BCG vaccination can provide valuable prognostic information in advanced Hodgkin's disease. It is suggested that cellular immune mechanisms may constitute the principal determinant of “host resistance” in Hodgkin's disease.
An improved method for [5′‐2H]‐labelling 3′‐O‐acetylthymidine

3′-O-Acetylthymidine (1) was converted to the β-acetoxy aldehyde (3) using a modified Swern oxidation procedure. The crude product was reduced with sodium borodeuteride to give, after chromatography, [5′-2H]-3′-O-acetylthymidine (4) in 68% overall yield from 1. The extent of deuterium incorporation was >95% as judged by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
In vitro protein synthesis by oligodendroglial cells.

Abstract Oligodendroglial cells were isolated from spinal cord and brain stem tissue from 30-day-old rats according to the method of Poduslo and Norton except that acetylated trypsin at a concentration of 0.05% was used instead of unmodified trypsin, and the density gradient was slightly changed. Isolated oligodendroglial cells were found to incorporate [U- 14 C]leucine into TCA-insoluble protein up to 120 min. This incorporation was inhibited by cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Purity of the cell preparation was assessed by phase contrast microscopy and by assay of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase activity.