cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hearing Loss in Infants with Craniofacial Anomalies

Results of auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluation of 145 infants, ages 6 months and younger with craniofacial anomalies (CFA), were examined to determined predicted degree and nature of hearing loss. Approximately 50% of infants demonstrated at least mild bilateral hearing loss. Presence and degree of hearing loss varied by CFA. All infants with bilateral aural atresia exhibited at least a moderate bilateral hearing loss; less than 20% of infants with isolated external ear anomalies (ear tags, isolated microtia) exhibited any degree of hearing loss. In 92% of infants with hearing loss, results of ABR were consistent with primarily conductive dysfunction. Implications for early identification and audiologic management of infants with CFA and hearing loss are discussed.
The spectrum of HgCl2 in the vacuum ultraviolet

Abstract A previous analysis of the 1700-A band system of HgCl 2 has been modified as a result of some calculations of Franck-Condon factors. In the present analysis, there is no evidence that ν 2 ″ = 70 cm −1 . A Franck-Condon calculation that employs estimated intensities gives an increase of 0.042 A in bond length associated with the electronic transition. General formulas for calculating overlap integrals are included.
Prediction of pH-dependent chromatographic behavior in ion-exchange systems.

In this study, predictive quantitative structure−property relationship (QSPR) models that employed a support vector machine regression algorithm and a set of novel pH-dependent descriptors were employed for the prediction of protein chromatographic behavior at any pH. The calculated pH-dependent descriptors were based on protein crystal structures and sequence information and represent charge and electrostatic potential properties on the protein surfaces. With this set of pH-dependent descriptors, proteins at different pH were treated as distinct molecules, thus enabling the generation of integrated QSPR models, which allow the prediction of chromatographic behavior of test set proteins across a wide range of mobile-phase pH conditions. The predictions from these integrated QSPR models in general showed good agreement with the experimental results. For proof of concept, the steric mass action adsorption isotherm parameters of a binary test set of proteins (lysozyme and aprotinin) at a pH not employed in t...
The consequences of variation in initial settlement vs. post-settlement mortality in rocky intertidal communities

Abstract Initial settlement of planktonic propagules may affect the structure of intertidal communities in some circumstances but not in others. Of the very few studies of initial settlement, most have been done on intertidal barnacles. Population density of barnacle settlers was sometimes limited by either planktonic larval supply or adverse water column factors, and at other times by space limitation on the shore. Mortality in the first weeks after settlement was independent of settler density for two species in four localities. Therefore the density of young recruits at the end of a few weeks of settlement on shore was a positive function of settler density in these studies. Mortality between juvenile and adult stages was independent of initial density when recruitment was light, but was density-dependent when recruitment was heavy. As a consequence, adult density was positively correlated with recruit density when recruitment was light, but uncorrelated when recruitment was heavy. The causes of variation in distribution of initial settlers have never been adequately studied, and most evidence is anecdotal. The vertical intertidal limit of juveniles was correlated with the distribution of planktonic larvae in two species and determined by post-settlement mortality in another species. The vertical limit of adults was determined by recruitment in some situations and by post-recruitment mortality in others. Horizontal variation was linked to planktonic supply in one location. In several species, recruitment at several sites could be consistently ranked over several years. Such site consistency argues that either settlement or early post-settlement mortality is determined by specific local physical conditions at a site, such as coastal morphology, internal waves, shore waves, currents, or by consistent abundances of natural enemies. Existing general models of community structure probably apply mainly to sites with high rates of settlement or recruitment, not to those where these rates are low.
Sex Differences in the Jokes College Students Tell

Jokes were solicited from 214 college women and 136 college men. These jokes were then sorted into four major categories: sexual jokes, aggressive jokes, blended sexual and aggressive jokes, and nontendentious jokes. Men and women did not generally differ in telling sexual and aggressive jokes. Women were more likely to tell nontendentious jokes and to tell no joke at all than were men. Men were more likely to tell sexual and aggressive blends. The possible implications concerning the attitudes of college students are discussed.
Quasi-Linear Wavelet Estimation

Abstract The main paradigm of the modern wavelet theory of spatial adaptation formulated by Donoho and Johnstone is that there is a divergence between the linear minimax adaptation theory and the heuristic guiding algorithm development that leads to the necessity of using strongly nonlinear adaptive thresholded methods. On the other hand, it is well known that linear adaptive estimates are the best whenever an estimated function is smooth. Is it possible to suggest a quasi-linear wavelet estimate, by adding to a linear adaptive estimate a minimal number of nonlinear terms on finest scales, that offers advantages of linear adaptive estimates and at the same time matches asymptotic properties of strongly nonlinear procedures like the benchmark SureShrink? The answer is “yes,” and we discuss quasi-linear estimation both theoretically and via a Monte Carlo study. In particular, I show that, asymptotically, a quasi-linear procedure not only matches properties of SureShrink over the Besov scale, but also allows...
Hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms: A combined endovascular and open approach

Thoracic endografting is emerging as an alternative option in the surgical management of patients who have thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) or aortic dissection. Due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with open TAAA repair, vascular surgeons are searching for innovative methods to repair such aneurysms. A combined endovascular and open approach, otherwise known as the hybrid repair, involves aortic "debranching" (renal and mesenteric revascularization) to create a landing zone for the endograft. Although operative mortality with hybrid is equivalent to mortality found with open repair, reported paralysis rates are reduced. Limited data regarding hybrid graft patency and durability are available. Vascular nurses play a vital role in patient education pre and postoperatively; therefore, they should know the risks and benefits associated with both open and hybrid TAAA repair as well as the risk associated with TAAA rupture. Nurses caring for patients after hybrid repair should possess astute assessment skills in monitoring for postoperative complications. Close observation for stroke, paralysis, renal insufficiency/failure, bowel ischemia/dysfunction, lower extremity ischemia and basic hemodynamics is essential for favorable outcomes. Vascular nurses should provide surgery-specific instruction regarding lengths of stay, expected outcomes, activity restrictions, CT-scan follow-up and possible complications after surgery, including warning signs. In the evolving field of endovascular surgery, vascular nurses must remain current on new innovative techniques being used, such as thoracic endografting.
A Molecular Voltmeter Based on Fluorescence Dynamics

In this issue, Hou et al. (1) introduce an elegant method for measuring the absolute voltage across a cell membrane with an accuracy of 10 mV. Their study presents an incisive approach to voltage imaging in which the voltage value is encoded in the temporal dynamics of fluorescence rather than in the raw fluorescence intensity. Together with an engineered microbial rhodopsin with properties amenable to the approach, the method provides a genetically encoded optical read-out independent of the reporter’s expression level and insensitive to variations in common experimental parameters. Their work presents a conceptually new avenue toward developing probes for membrane voltage useful for myriad systems from bacteria to mammalian tissue.
Attention and prism adaptation.

Abstract For both lateral displacement and rotation of the visual field, visual adaptation was reduced when subjects were required to perform a secondary cognitive task simultaneously with the primary exposure task of walking about hallways. Interference appeared to be independent of walking rate and occurred when the cognitive task was either mental imagery or mental arithmetic. A tentative model is presented which assumes that the direction of guidance between sensorimotor systems (e.g., eye-head and hand-head) is set by limited capacity higher level processes (attention) that differentiate the set of sensorimotor subsystems into guiding and guided subsets in accordance with a task's particular demand structure. Perceptual discordance and consequential adaptive recalibration of afferent functions are localized in the nonguiding system(s). If limited central-processing capacity is required to perform a secondary cognitive task simultaneously with the exposure task, directional linkage between discordant systems is degraded and adaptive recalibration reduced.
A coupled discrete element and finite element model for multiscale simulation of geological carbon sequestration

We present a numerical study using a discrete element method (DEM) coupled with a finite element method (FEM) at the boundary to simulate the fluid flow, geomechanical deformation, and dynamic fracturing together to enhance the sustainability analysis for geological sequestration of CO2. The fluid flow, geomechanical deformation, and fracturing due to the injection of fluid are all modeled by the bonded DEM (bonded-DEM), where fluid flow is modeled by solving the Darcy flow directly on the Lagrangian particles. Because of the high computational expense, the bonded-DEM is only used in the domain where fracturing is highly possible, namely the area near to the injection well and around the pre-existing fault. For the area far away from the high risky domain, the deformation and pressure solutions are obtained by a standard finite element method (FEM). The stress, deformation, and pressure obtained from FEM are fed back into the bonded-DEM simulations as boundary conditions that were applied to the DEM boundary particles. The proposed model has the potential to be used to evaluate the safety and sustainability of a sequestration site. By predicting the critical time when the fault is reactivated and the time when CO2 breaks through the caprock through the reactivated fault. The model also shows that the ground surface displacement can be used as an effective monitoring indicator for fracturing, fault reactivation, and CO2 breakthrough in aquifer and caprock, implying a very useful monitoring method for the safety of any sequestration site.
Epoxyisoprostane and Epoxycyclopentenone Phospholipids Regulate Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 and Interleukin-8 Synthesis FORMATION OF THESE OXIDIZED PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN RESPONSE TO INTERLEUKIN-1β

Abstract Monocyte recruitment to the vessel wall, mediated by monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), plays an important role in atherogenesis. We have shown previously that minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein, oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (Ox-PAPC), activates endothelial cells to produce MCP-1 and IL-8. By using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methods coupled with bioassay, we report a family of epoxyisoprostane (PEIPC) and epoxycyclopentenone (PECPC) phospholipids that are the components of Ox-PAPC responsible for the majority of this activity. Ox-PAPC contains five chromatographically distinguishable active PEIPC components (m/z 825.5) and four PECPC components (m/z810.5). All nine components induced endothelial cell synthesis of IL-8 and MCP-1 in a dose-dependent fashion between 0.1 and 5 μm concentrations. The five PEIPC components had identical functional groups and all underwent dehydration to producem/z 810.5. We present evidence that these phospholipids are regioisomers with epoxide groups at the 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, or 14,15-positions of the sn-2 fatty acid and their epoxide groups is important for biological activity. We have shown previously that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α is involved in MCP-1 synthesis in response to Ox-PAPC. We now show that PEIPC and PECPC isomers are potent activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. PEIPC and PECPC isomers are strongly recognized by specific circulating murine natural autoantibodies (EO6) and accumulate in cells treated with IL-1β. These studies demonstrate that PEIPC and PECPC isomers are potent activators of endothelial cells increasing synthesis of IL-8 and MCP-1. Their accumulation in cells exposed to cytokines and in atherosclerotic lesions suggests that these lipids may play a role in a number of chronic disease processes.
Hyperglycemic exacerbation of neuronal damage following forebrain ischemia: Microglial, astrocytic and endothelial alterations

We undertook a detailed characterization of the cellular responses to acute global cerebral ischemia complicated by hyperglycemia. Anesthetized, physiologically monitored male Wistar rats received 12.5 min of global forebrain ischemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusions plus hemorrhagic hypotension to 45 mm Hg. Cranial temperature was maintained at normothermic levels. Hyperglycemic animals received dextrose (2.5 ml of a 25% solution, intraperitoneally) prior to ischemia; this doubled the mean plasma glucose concentration to 296 mg/100 ml. At 3 days (n = 10) or 24 h (n = 4) after ischemia, brains were perfusion-fixed and paraffin-embedded for light microscopic histopathology and for the histochemical visualization of activated microglia and the immunocytochemical visualization of glial fibrillary acid protein. Normal-neuron counts in the vulnerable hippocampal CA1 sector of hyperglycemic-ischemic (HI) rats were reduced to one-third the number observed in normoglycemic-ischemic (NI) animals. Ischemic cell counts in the striatum were increased fivefold or more in HI compared to NI rats, and normal small-neuron counts were reduced by two-thirds. The neocortex and striatum of NI rats showed only mild damage, while the majority of HI rats had extensive lesions, and several showed large cortical, striatal or thalamic infarcts. In addition, widespread cortical ischemic neuronal changes were evident in HI animals. No endothelial alterations were present in NI rats. By contrast, HI rats showed prominent peri- and intravascular polymorphonuclear and monocytic accumulation evident at 24 h; frequent white cell thrombi in pial arterioles on day 3; and thickening of vascular endothelium, with foci of parenchymal rarefaction or microinfarction adjacent to occluded vessels. Prominent microglial activation, often along the course of penetrating blood vessels, was common in the striatum and neocortex of HI animals but was much less extensive in the NI group. Activated microglia in HI rats were typically hypertrophic and amoeboid. These results suggest that the detrimental influence of hyperglycemia in ischemia is initially mediated by an action on vascular endothelium, which in turn leads to widespread foci of infarction and neuronal loss.
Improved performance of an automated guided vehicle by using a smart diagnostics tool

The test bed for the Measurement Science Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) includes a robot arm on a rail, conveyers, mannequins and a custom designed automated guided vehicle (AGV). The NIST AGV includes an onboard personal computer and control software, safety sensors, and an absolute positioning sensor system among other useful and research tools, sensors and equipment. A NIST-developed, smart diagnostic tool was used to design, adjust, and monitor vehicle parameters and control algorithms to enable robust autonomous vehicle control. The NIST Diagnostics Tool and its application to the NIST AGV are presented in this paper.
Resistive loss at 10 GHz in c-axis-aligned in-situ-grown YBa2Cu3O7 films.

The resistive losses near 10 GHz are measured at 4.2 K for ten c-axis-oriented ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ thin films deposited in situ on MgO substrates. The losses range from 16\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\Omega}, the lowest value reported to date for a thin film of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ to 740\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}150 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\Omega}, a difference of more than a factor of 40. Among the same films, the dc resistivity at 100 K ranges from 50 to 155 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\Omega} cm, about a factor of 3. We show that the losses in the higher-loss samples can be accounted for by the presence of small fractions of c-axis-aligned grains highly misaligned in the plane of those films. Volume fractions of highly misaligned c-axis-oriented grains as low as 4% lead to losses above 500 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\Omega}, more than 25 times higher than the loss in the lowest-loss film reported here. Among the lower-loss films having less than 0.15 vol % highly misaligned grains, a substantial portion of the losses are due to additional mechanisms. Among these films, the losses are found to be lower in the films with lower normal-state resistivities and higher transition temperatures (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$). For all samples, the losses increase with increasing deviations from structural or electrical behavior expected for ideal single crystals. The loss in even the lowest-loss film is orders of magnitude above that expected for an ideal isotropic BCS superconductor having the same ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$. The observed loss level is consistent with the presence of a large density of uncondensed carriers.
Lubricants for Rigid Magnetic Media Based upon Cyclotriphosphazenes: Interactions with Lewis Acid Sites

Lubricants such as polyperfluorinated ethers are used topically on rigid magnetic media, or computer disks, to provide a low friction interface. These materials are subject to degradation particularly in the presence of Lewis acids; however, the degradation may in part be mitigated by the addition of additives such as bis(4-fluorophenoxy)tetrakis(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene, [(NP)3(OC6H4CF3)4(OC6H4F)2], or X-1P. This report explores how X-1P may preferentially interact with Lewis acid sites to impart protection to the host lubricant. Therefore, ab initio theoretical studies on the Lewis acid−base interactions between cyclotriphosphazene derivatives and AlF3 are performed. The theoretical results indicate that the strongest binding between X-1P and AlF3 is achieved when the endocyclic nitrogen atom bonds to the aluminum, providing a binding energy of the order of −55 kcal/mol. The magnitude of the binding energy indicates significant bonding as opposed to a dipole−dipole attraction. The ...
Intraoral submucosal pseudosarcomatous fibromatosis.

Abstract Presented is a case of intraoral pseudosarcomatous fibromatosis. The clinical, gross, and microscopic aspects are illustrated, and comparison is made to previously documented lesions in the oral cavity. Histologic evaluation of fibroproliferative lesions and their subsequent behavior and possible etiology are discussed.
Comparison of precision and effect of pH and calcium on the AVL and NOVA magnesium ion-selective electrodes.

We compared the precision of the AVL 988–4 and NOVA CRT instruments for determining ionized magnesium (iMg) and assessed the effect of pH and ionized calcium (iCa) concentration on the results. Within-run and day-to-day precision for the iMg electrodes were determined using three levels of control material supplied by each manufacturer. The effect of pH on iMg results was assessed by analyzing anaerobic serum samples from patients, reanalyzing those same samples after pH was increased by in vitro loss of CO2 and comparing the results. To assess the effect of iCa concentration on the iMg results, we added CaCl2 to aqueous standards from both manufacturers and to a normal serum pool. The results show comparable coefficients of variation for the two iMg electrodes both within-run (0.68–2.05 for NOVA; 0.77–2.60 for AVL) and day-to-day (2.90–6.48 for NOVA; 1.71–4.93 for AVL). The AVL results were not affected by the increase in serum pH and agreed with the NOVA results that were adjusted to a pH of 7.4 (paired...
De novo methylation of the MyoD1 CpG island during the establishment of immortal cell lines.

Abstract CpG dinucleotides are unevenly distributed in the vertebrate genome. Bulk DNA is depleted of CpGs and most of the cytosines in the dinucleotide in this fraction are methylated. On the other hand, CpG islands, which are often associated with genes, are unmethylated at testable sites in all normal tissues with the exception of genes on the inactive X chromosome. We used Hpa II/Msp I analysis and ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction to examine the methylation of the MyoD1 CpG island in adult mouse tissues, early cultures of mouse embryo cells, and immortal fibroblastic cell lines. The island was almost devoid of methylation at CCGG sites in adult mouse tissues and in low-passage mouse embryo fibroblasts. In marked contrast, the island was methylated in 10T 1/2 cells and in six other immortal cell lines showing that methylation of this CpG island had occurred during escape from senescence. The island became even more methylated in chemically transformed derivatives of 10T 1/2 cells. Thus, CpG islands not methylated in normal tissues may become modified to an abnormally high degree during immortalization and transformation.
Rigorous treatment of electrostatics for spatially varying dielectrics based on energy minimization.

An energy minimization formulation of electrostatics that allows computation of the electrostatic energy and forces to any desired accuracy in a system with arbitrary dielectric properties is presented. An integral equation for the scalar charge density is derived from an energy functional of the polarization vector field. This energy functional represents the true energy of the system even in nonequilibrium states. Arbitrary accuracy is achieved by solving the integral equation for the charge density via a series expansion in terms of the equation’s kernel, which depends only on the geometry of the dielectrics. The streamlined formalism operates with volume charge distributions only, not resorting to introducing surface charges by hand. Therefore, it can be applied to any spatial variation of the dielectric susceptibility, which is of particular importance in applications to biomolecular systems. The simplicity of application of the formalism to real problems is shown with analytical and numerical examples.
a Dynamic System Model for Simulating Sediment Discharge

: A dynamic sediment discharge model was developed and proposed for the simulation of watershed systems. It war developed from an expansion of splash and flow erosion relationships under steady state conditions. It was described as a general erosion model that can be reduced to forms comparable to many conceptual soil erosion and sediment yield models. The model incorporates eight parameters such as rainfall intensities, runoff rates, and previous sediment discharges. The model was tested with two small watersheds with simulation results which were very satisfactory compared to the data.
Physicochemical effects of a new slow‐release potassium phosphate preparation (UroPhos‐K) in absorptive hypercalciuria

A new slow-release, neutral potassium phosphate salt (UroPhos-K) has been formulated in order to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and avoid sodium-induced calciuria. It was tested in a prospective randomized, double-blind trial in a group of 21 kidney stone patients with absorptive hypercalciuria type I (AH). Twelve patients allocated to the UroPhos-K group received four tablets twice daily with breakfast and an evening snack providing 1240 mg of phosphorus and 63.5 mEq of potassium daily. Nine patients assigned to the placebo group received placebo tablets of the same appearance containing excipient only. Subjects were studied during a 3-day period in the hospital while consuming a constant metabolic diet containing 400 mg Ca, 100 mEq Na, and 800 mg P per day before and after 3 months of treatment. Treatment with UroPhos-K did not cause any significant gastrointestinal side effects; nor did it raise fasting serum K or phosphorus, or reduce hemoglobin or creatinine clearance. It was associated with a rise in urinary K from 46 +/- 7 to 98 +/- 9 mEq per day and phosphorus from 744 +/- 185 to 1535 +/- 112 mg per day (p < 0.001 each). UroPhos-K treatment reduced urinary Ca from 288 +/- 63 to 171 +/- 49 mg/day (p < 0.001), without altering oxalate excretion. It reduced the urinary saturation of calcium oxalate without altering that of brushite. Moreover, by increasing urinary excretion of inhibitors (citrate and pyrophosphate), it reduced the propensity for spontaneous nucleation of brushite (increased formation product of brushite) and inhibited crystal agglomeration of calcium oxalate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reciprocal regulation of autophagy and dNTP pools in human cancer cells

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) plays a critical role in catalyzing the biosynthesis and maintaining the intracellular concentration of 4 deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). Unbalanced or deficient dNTP pools cause serious genotoxic consequences. Autophagy is the process by which cytoplasmic constituents are degraded in lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis and bioenergetics. However, the role of autophagy in regulating dNTP pools is not well understood. Herein, we reported that starvation- or rapamycin-induced autophagy was accompanied by a decrease in RNR activity and dNTP pools in human cancer cells. Furthermore, downregulation of the small subunit of RNR (RRM2) by siRNA or treatment with the RNR inhibitor hydroxyurea substantially induced autophagy. Conversely, cancer cells with abundant endogenous intracellular dNTPs or treated with dNTP precursors were less responsive to autophagy induction by rapamycin, suggesting that autophagy and dNTP pool levels are regulated through a negative feedback loop. Lastly, treatment with si-RRM2 caused an increase in MAP1LC3B, ATG5, BECN1, and ATG12 transcript abundance in xenografted Tu212 tumors in vivo. Together, our results revealed a previously unrecognized reciprocal regulation between dNTP pools and autophagy in cancer cells.
X-ray Scattering of Vinyl Polyolefin Liquids and Random Copolymers : Theory and Experiment

Polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) calculations and wide-angle X-ray experiments were performed on vinyl polyolefin melts of polyethylene (PE), isotactic polypropylene (iPP), and poly(1-butene) (P1B). PRISM calculations were also carried out on poly(1-hexene) (P1H). For PE and iPP melts a single main peak in the scattering pattern was observed near wave vectors k ∼ 1 A−1; for P1B and P1H we observed this main peak to split with the development of a prepeak that moves to lower wave vectors as the side chain size increased. By calculation of the various partial structure factors, we found that the prepeak formation is due to a combination of two effects: (1) an increase in the average distance between the chain backbones due to screening of the side chains and (2) increased intermolecular ordering of the pendant methyl groups as the side chains become longer. The scattering of random copolymers (PEP, PEB, PEH) of PE with iPP, P1B, and P1H, respectively, was also studied with PRISM theory as a ...
Scattering cross sections for composite surfaces with large mean square slopes—full wave analysis

Abstract In this work the full wave approach to rough surface scattering is applied to composite models of rough surfaces with large mean square slopes. It is shown that both specular point scattering as well as Bragg scattering are accounted for in the analysis and the results are compared with earlier solutions based on a combination of physical optics and perturbation theories. Using the full wave approach it is not essential to decompose the rough surface into individual surfaces with different roughness scales unless it is desired to separate the specular point contribution from the Bragg contribution to the scattering cross sections. Shadowing is accounted for in the analysis.
Transient expression of acetylcholinesterase in the posterior ventral cochlear nucleus of rat brain.

In this report we partially characterize a pathway projecting to the posterior ventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN) of the rat brain that transiently expresses a high level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The AChE-positive axons form a network that envelops a discrete region of the PVCN that includes the octopus cell region and some cells rostral to it. AChE is first detectable by postnatal day 3 (P3), peaks in expression at about P7–10, and is barely detectable in our preparations by P15. We previously reported that neurons in the octopus cell region express high levels of α7 nAChR mRNA and α-bungarotoxin binding during the same time period. In light microscopic immunocytochemical studies using antibodies to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), we could not identify immunopositive boutons in the developing regions of the PVCN that express high levels of AChE-positive fibers despite distinct punctate labeling in other brain regions. Systematic electron microscopic examination of AChE histochemical staining throughout the PVCN revealed intense labeling of axons, but synaptic sites were devoid of reaction product. The source of the AChE-positive fibers is not known, but the fibers are not auditory nerve axons and probably not collaterals of the olivocochlear bundle.
Dielectric films for Si solar cell applications

Thin films of many dielectric materials have been used in the past for fabrication of solar cells and as a part of their device structure. However, current efforts to reduce solar cell costs in commercial production have led to simplification of cell design and fabrication. Use of self-aligning techniques has obviated the need for photolithography and conventional masking with dielectric films for cell fabrication. Currently, the most favored dielectric material in Si solar cell production is SiN:H, deposited by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. The SiN:H layer and its processing play multiple roles of serving as an antireflection coating, a surface passivating layer, a buffer layer through which metal is fired, and a means of transporting hydrogen into the bulk of the solar cell. In order to optimize the solar cell performance, the SiN:H layer must meet some conflicting demands. The various applications of the SiN:H layer in solar cell fabrication are described here.
Magnolias and microchips: Regional subcultural constructions of femininity

This article describes the results of recent anthropological field research and represents one of the first empirical efforts to delineate regional or subcultural differences in contemporary gender role ideology. The research described here is part of a larger, ongoing project on contemporary American gender roles. The data permit comparison of the gender role ideology of blue‐collar and “pink‐collar” white women in the South with that of comparable women in a demographically similar region of the West. Such comparison enables us to begin to del ineate what is or is not distinctive about women of the South. Using data gathered through participant observation and open‐ended interview schedules, the author shows how the women view their own lives, work, and relationships. This article presents their own emic perspectives, compares the perspectives of women in the two regional subsets—the South and the West—and concludes that differences in regional gender role ideology, while present, are less revolutionary...
Gastrointestinal Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in the Newborn Lamb: Effect of Chronic Anemia and Acute Hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the compensatory change in circulation and oxygenation of the newborn lamb gastrointestinal (GI) tract in response to anemic and hypoxic hypoxemia. Radiolabeled microspheres were used to measure blood flow. We subjected the newborn lamb to a 30-35% reduction in hematocrit 4 d before study and to a 10% oxygen environment for 30 min during the study to induce chronic anemic and acute hypoxic hypoxemia, respectively. The circulatory and oxygenation responses were measured 1 h after a standard milk feeding in all cases. During the experimental periods, no change in total GI blood flow was observed. Because of a failure to augment blood flow during hypoxemia, O2 delivery to the GI tract decreased significantly. Despite this, GI O2 consumption was not compromised because tissue O2 extraction by the GI tract rose significantly. The response of the newborn lamb GI tract to hypoxemia after feeding is augmentation of O2 extraction. The newborn's GI tract did not regulate local GI blood flow.
A new method of magnetograph observation of the photospheric brightness, velocity, and magnetic fields

Abstract : Several improvements have been made to the Mt. Wilson Observatory solar magnetograph, including changes to the guider, the Doppler compensator, and the data handling system. The improved magnetograph has been used for a new type of solar observation consisting of several hundred scans back and forth along a straight line of length 3/4 R sub o perpendicular to central meridian. The data reduction, which is done entirely with a computer, eliminates those effects which have their origin in the earth-sun geometry. The spatial and temporal properties of the 5-minute oscillations are discussed. (Author)
Site-dependence and structure-effect relationships for alkylglycosides as transmucosal absorption promoters for insulin

Abstract Alkylglycoside surfactants have recently been identified as a new type of membrane permeation enhancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of alkylglycosides on buccal, nasal, and rectal absorption, and to examine structure/effect relationships for buccal permeation enhancement. Insulin was used as a model, poorly bioavailable, protein drug, and pharmacologic effect was used as an index of absorption. Octylglucoside and dodecylmaltoside at 5% concentrations had greater enhancing effects on buccal absorption than on nasal or rectal insulin absorption. Dodecylmaltoside increased buccal insulin absorption to some extent at concentrations as low as 1%. There was no consistent relationship between the alkyl chain lengths of the alkylglycosides and their absorption promoting effects, nor between the critical micelle concentrations of the enhancers and their absorption promoting effects. A thioglucosidc and an alkylglucamide increased insulin absorption, but sorbitan monolauratc, an ester, did not.
The composite health care system of tripler army medical center

This paper will briefly discuss the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) at Tripler Army Medical Center. It will define the system configuration of CHCS and show how CHCS provides a clinical application information system to support health care delivery to armed service personnel, retirees and beneficiaries, ensure medical readiness of military forces and support quality managed care. The paper will give an analysis of the challenge Tripler faced with the increasing number of calls for prescription refills and explain how the CHCS Executive Committee established a set of contingency policies to support and provide guidance during periods of planned and unplanned downtime. It will also discuss how CHCS was leveraged for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Information Management Initiative. Finally, it describes the automated security features designed to provide access control to the overall system of CHCS.
Difficult denture patients: Observations and hypothesis

The similarities between the HRC and the DDP have been presented. The HRC has been described by many investigators in the psychoanalytic literature. Indications are that both the HRC and the DDP are working through the same mechanism. The similarities are as follows: Both types of patients are driven by a need to seek treatment from someone they will ultimately reject. A self-fulfilling prophecy develops as a cycle leading to failure. Due to lack of trust and a desire to feel important, the patient creates an atmosphere that leads to discord, hostility, anger, and frustration. Resultant discord leads to the establishment of a relationship that demands much time and energy from the helper. The helper is ultimately manipulated into a no-win situation that ends with the helper dismissing the patient, thereby completing the patient's self-fulfilling prophecy. Recurrent stress in the patient's life recycles the drive force and the need for treatment and attention starts all over again. With greater understanding of the DDP's problems, management solutions could be formulated. Management techniques might include an initial interview with trust-building strategies, the reassurance to the patient of the uniqueness of his situation to neutralize the need to create a crisis for his own identity; and challenges to point out the hopelessness of their position to activate the patient's need to prove the helper wrong. Finally, in addition to management of the patient, techniques can be developed to identify the DDP with HRC tendencies. Proper recognition and diagnosis before treatment begins can prevent many problems associated with these patients and prevent stress and discord for both dentist and patients.
Spectroscopic studies of the gradient in the silane coupling agent/matrix interface in fiberglass-reinforced epoxy

Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, and solid-state carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance were used to study the silane coupling agent/epoxy resin interface. Penetration of epoxy into the hydrolyzed silane has been shown. The addition of a solvent can further increase the penetration of epoxy into the hydrolyzed silane by decreasing the viscosity of the epoxy. Bulk models of the gradient in the silane coupling agent/epoxy interface have shown that the concentration of silane and the degree of hydrolysis of the silane can determine the rigidity or mobility of the interphase region. When the silane is hydrolyzed, the possible formation of entanglements may increase the rigidity of the system and decrease the degree of phase separation through the formation of an interpenetrating network.
Substance Abuse and American Indians: Prevalence and Susceptibility

The use of alcohol and other substances by American Indians has received considerable popular attention over the years. Empirical studies of prevalence for all types of substance abuse, however, ha...
Internal device for control of urinary incontinence

NUMBER of congenital maIformations, such as exstrophy of the bladder, sacral agenesis, and myelomeningocele, are associated with urinary incontinence. A mechanical device that would successfully produce urinary control would be highly desirable in these patients, but it would have to satisfy the following conditions: (1) It should be outside the urinary system. Any foreign body within the system fails because of incrustation on its surface and chronic infection. (2) The control mechanism should be activated by pressure applied through the skin to tighten and release the device. (3) Pressure on the skin over the control should fully release urethral compression. This is particularly important in patients with poor bladder detrusor function in whom voiding depends upon a completely unobstructed urethra. (4) The device should be implanted completely under the skin. Successful clinical experience with implantation of foreign material into the human body has been achieved with cardiac pacemakers, shunts to drain the ventricular system, and, more recently, total hip replacement. (5) Pressure on the urethra produced by such a device must not cause stricture or necrosis. Our first problem was whether pressure on the urethra sufficient to produce continence would result in stricture or tissue necrosis. A series of experiments was devised, using an apparatus that accurateIy produced a known amount of pressure on the urethra for 24 hr or longer. We found that in dogs urethral pressures up to 20 cm of water could be tolerated without tissue necrosis. Necrosis occurred when the pressure was increased above 30 cm of water (Table 1). Since the resting pressure within the bladder is less than 15 cm of water, these studies suggested that sufficient occlusion could be applied to the urethra to block the flow of urine without producing tissue necrosis. We then studied the transient increases of intravesical pressure that occur during coughing and laughing. We found that in children with indwelling bladder catheters intravesical pressures did not exceed 50 cm of water. We felt that an augmenting mechanism that would momentarily increase pressure on the urethra during such periods of stress might be necessary. With this information, we were encouraged to begin designing and testing an implantable device to occlude the urethra. Initially, a hydraulic system was favored. However, hydraulic engineers at IIT Research Institute decided that since the system would be constructed of permeable plastics, leakage
Parts of the Whole: Observing the State of the System

This column draws on the approach of statistician J. Edwards Deming to analyze sources and consequences of variation in an education system. Educational systems are not immune from the effects of poor statistical control, which makes it difficult for teachers to teach effectively and for managers such as principals to improve on school performance. It is also argued that the need for statistical control in these areas is in tension, if not outright conflict, with our goals for educating students.
Tool nose radius effects on finish hard turning

Abstract Tool nose radius effects on finish turning of hardened AISI 52100 steels have been investigated. Surface finish, tool wear, cutting forces, and, particularly, white layer (phase transformation structures) were evaluated at different machining conditions. Results show that large tool nose radii only give finer surface finish, but comparable tool wear compared to small nose radius tools. Specific cutting energy slightly increases with tool nose radius. For new tools, white layers only occur at aggressive feeds (=0.3 mm/rev) and small nose radius results in deeper white layers. For worn tools, white layers appear even at mild feeds (0.05 mm/rev), but in contrast, large nose radius leaves deeper white layers. Smaller tool nose radius gives larger uncut chip thickness, and thus, greater shear plane heat source that may induce deeper white layers for new tool conditions. For worn tools, where the wear-land sliding is the major heat source, temperature analysis at machined surfaces reveals that the larger the tool nose radius, the deeper the temperature penetration due to a shorter transition-material zone from the cutting edge to the final machined surface.
Long-Wavelength Germanium Photodetectors by Ion Implantation

Extrinsic far-infrared photoconductivity in thin high-purity germanium wafers implanted with multiple-energy boron ions has been investigated. Initial results from Fourier transform spectrometer(FTS) measurements have demonstrated that photodetectors fabricated from this material have an extended long-wavelength threshold near 192{mu}m. Due to the high-purity substrate, the ability to block the hopping conduction in the implanted IR-active layer yields dark currents of less than 100 electrons/sec at temperatures below 1.3 K under an operating bias of up to 70 mV. Optimum peak responsivity and noise equivalent power (NEP) for these sensitive detectors are 0.9 A/W and 5 {times} 10{sup {minus}16} W/Hz{sup 1/2} at 99 {mu}m, respectively. The dependence of the performance of devices on the residual donor concentration in the implanted layer will be discussed. 12 refs., 4 figs.
Alcohol use disorders contribute to hippocampal and subcortical shape differences in schizophrenia

Abstract Background Alcohol abuse and dependence have been reported to exacerbate the clinical course of schizophrenia. However, the neurobiological basis of this co-morbid interaction is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of co-morbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) with brain structure abnormalities in schizophrenia patients. Methods T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were collected from schizophrenia patients without a history of any substance use disorder (SCZ_0, n = 35), schizophrenia patients with a history of AUD only (SCZ_AUD, n = 16), and a healthy comparison group without a history of any substance use disorder (CON, n = 56). Large-deformation, high-dimensional brain mapping was used to quantify the surface shapes of the hippocampus, thalamus, striatum, and globus pallidus in these subject groups. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences in surface shape measures among the groups. Results SCZ_AUD demonstrated the greatest severity of shape abnormalities in the hippocampus, thalamus, striatum, and globus pallidus as compared to SCZ_0 and CON. SCZ_AUD demonstrated a combination of exaggerated shape differences in regions where SCZ_0 also showed shape differences, and unique shape differences that were not observed in SCZ_0 or CON. Conclusions Shape differences in schizophrenia were compounded by a history of co-morbid AUD. Future research is needed to determine whether these differences are simply additive or whether they are due to an interaction between the underlying neurobiology of schizophrenia and alcoholism. The consequences of such shape differences for the clinical course of schizophrenia are not yet understood.
STAAR: Statistical analysis of aromatic rings

The statistical analysis of aromatic rings program allows for an automated search for anion-π interactions between phenylalanine residues and carboxylic acid moieties of neighboring aspartic acid or glutamic acid residues in protein data bank (PDB) structures. The program is written in C++ and is available both as a standalone code and through a web implementation that allows users to upload and analyze biomolecular structures in PDB format. The program outputs lists of Phe/Glu or Phe/Asp pairs involved in potential anion-π interactions, together with geometrical (distance and angle between the Phe's center of mass and Glu or Asp's center of charge) and energetic (quantum mechanical Kitaura-Morokuma interaction energy between the residues) descriptions of each anion-π interaction. Application of the program on the latest content of the PDB shows that anion-π interactions are present in thousands of protein structures and can possess strong energies, as low as −8.72 kcal/mol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.