cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1154 MENKES KINKY HAIR SYNDROME: SERIAL CT SCAN FINDINGS IN THREE CASES WITH PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION IN ONE CASE

The clinical courses and C-T scans of 3 patients with Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome (MKHS) are described. Once the diagnosis was considered and confirmatory evidence of disturbed copper metabolism was collected the overall clinical neurological courses were similar. However, striking variation was noted in the patterns of head growth, varying from early and consistent microcephaly to accelerated head growth and increased intra-cranial pressure. Similar variation in the C-T scan data was noted, from diffuse cerebral atrophy to cystic encephalomalacia to findings which suggested large bilateral subdural hematomas. An angiogram and autopsy in one case document respectively striking blood vessel abnormalities and old infarcts and ischemic lesions. These case findings illustrate the need to consider MKHS in young infants with retarded growth, delayed development and seizures in whom other clinical and radiographic evidence strongly suggests abuse and neglect.
From energy to information and back

This is a report of work in progress relating complex systems, energy flows, and interpretive cycles.
''Soft-pion'' production in the reaction NN. -->. NN. pi

We examine the reaction NN..-->..NN..pi.. for ''soft-pion'' kinematics (p/sub ..pi../=0 in the center of mass). An earlier calculation based on the Adler-Dothan theorem severely underestimated the p/sub ..pi../=0 cross section for pp..-->..np..pi../sup +/ at 740 MeV. We attempt to understand this discrepancy in the context of a relativistic, unitary, three-body isobar model. The postemission ..delta..-pole contributions are shown to be very important, even for these ''soft-pion'' kinematics. Relatively high partial waves in the NN..-->..N..delta.. isobar amplitude are significant. However, after summing all the postemission and preemission diagrams, the discrepancy with experiment is only partially removed.
Concentration of azithromycin in human prostatic tissue

Prostatic tissue was obtained from 36 patients at two study locations and assayed for azithromycin by HPLC or bioassay. The mean concentration of azithromycin in human prostatic tissue (2.54 µg/ml) 14 h after 500 mg oral dosing (two 250 mg doses 12 h apart) was much greater than plasma concentrations (≤ 0.1 µg/ml). Azithromycin was slowly eliminated from prostatic tissue (half-life 60 h) and a mean concentration of 0.62 µg/ml remained 137 h after dosing.
Anatomic model of hippocampal encoding of spatial information

Place cells were recorded simultaneously from identified locations along the longitudinal axis of the CA3 and CA1 subregions of hippocampus with a sixteen site electrode array while rats performed a simple pellet chasing task (Deadwyler et al., J Neurosci 1996;16:354-372; Hampson et al., Hippocampus 1996;6:281-293). Cells in CA3 or CA1, separated by 100-300 microm (two electrode locations), exhibited high cross-correlations with respect to place field firing in a given location in the chamber. This pattern of co-activity changed abruptly to low cross-correlations when the longitudinal distance between recording sites increased to 400-1,000 microm. Surprisingly, cells located 1,200-1,400 microm apart again exhibited similar place fields, suggesting a repeating pattern of place field representation within hippocampus. These features were used to construct a model of hippocampal place cell activation using known anatomic connections and projections between CA3 as well as CA1 pyramidal cells. The model provides a topographic representation in hippocampus of the animals' movements around the chamber as different place cells become activated. The model utilizes key landmarks (i.e., corners and walls) to define the animals' movement trajectories through successive place fields and to construct corresponding patterns of place cell firing in hippocampus. This is accomplished via a topological transformation of the chamber's key landmarks projected onto the anatomy of the CA3 and CA1 subregions. The primary feature of the model is that it can, within limited capacity, accurately encode where the animal has been, rather than where it is going. The model, therefore, appears to be more appropriate for memory required to return to particular locations than for initial guidance into those locations.
Principle of reverse-time migration

At the Migration Research Workshop of the 52nd SEG Meeting in Dallas (1982), an elegant method of wave-equation migration, known as reverse-time migration, was presented by Whitmore. Shortly thereafter McMechan (1982, 1983) and Baysal (1982) described virtually identical approaches to migration. This, along with further development by Baysal et al (1983a,b) and Whitmore (1983), has sparked much interest and discussion. In May 1983, Loewenthal and Mufti also published a migration algorithm, quite different from the above, that they call "reversed time migration" and developed as early as 1977. In this short note I present a general principle underlying reverse-time migration and discuss the various reverse-time migration procedures in light of it.
A Lock on Formins

Formin proteins control the dynamics of unbranched actin filaments and are regulated by intramolecular interactions. In this issue of Structure, Nezami et al. (2006) reveal the structure of a central component of the interaction that locks Diaphanous-related formins in the inactive state.
The Biphasic Regulation of Prolactin Secretion by Dopamine Agonist-Antagonists*

The in vitro secretion of PRL by the pituitary gland is inhibited by low concentrations of dopamine. Dopamine receptor-blocking agents, haloperidol and pimozide, in concentrations between 10–100 nM, neutralize virtually completely the dopamine-mediated inhibition of PRL secretion. At these concentrations, the dopamine antagonists alone are without effect on PRL secretion. Higher concentrations of these agents, however, have a powerful action to inhibit PRL secretion. Perphenazine was without direct effect on the in vitro secretion of PRL. These observations may be of general importance to the study of dopamine action in other organ systems.
High-rate transmission scheme for pulse-based ultra-wideband systems over dense multipath indoor channels

A new high-rate transmission scheme is proposed for pulse-based ultra-wideband (UWB) systems over dense multipath channels. In contrast to the existing UWB schemes that transmit one short-duration pulse each pulse-repetition interval, the proposed scheme transmits a series of N (N/spl ges/1) consecutive pulses (a burst) each burst-repetition interval. The author then develops a successive, a zero-forcing (ZF), and a high-performance ZF-based successive receiver for effective detection in the presence of intersymbol interference within a burst. To lower complexity, an efficient algorithm for the ZF-based successive receiver is also derived. The error performance of these receivers, assuming the availability of perfect channel estimates over lognormal fading channels, is studied. Comparison is made between the proposed scheme and the conventional pulse amplitude-modulation scheme, when the transmission rate, the total transmitted power, and the channel delay spread are kept the same. Impacts of imperfect channel estimation are also studied by simulation. The proposed scheme could achieve a much higher throughput than the conventional scheme in dense multipath channels.
Analysis of occlusion before and after occlusal adjustment.

Abstract This study investigated the movement between the initial occlusal contact when the mandible was in centric relation and the intercuspal position on the sagittal plane before and upon completion of occlusal adjustment in ten patients. Digital data were compiled to ascertain the stability of the adjusted dentition two months after the final adjustments were complete. Important findings included the following: 1. Mandibular jaw motion from occlusal contact in centric relation to the intercuspal position was greater in the vertical plane than in the horizontal plane when measured in front of the anterior teeth. The ratio was 2.3 to 1 (vertical to horizontal). 2. Mandibular motion from retruded contact to the intercuspal position when analyzed at the point of first interceptive contact occurred at a ratio of 1.4 to 1 (vertical to horizontal). 3. The mean digital relapse of the adjusted occlusion was 0.29 mm. in the vertical component and 0.22 mm. in the horizontal component. 4. The mean relapse of the adjusted occlusion was 28.9 per cent in the vertical component and 30.1 per cent in the horizontal component. However, both represent relatively small digital values. 5. Clinically, the percentage relapse is not indicative of the therapeutic value of the occlusal adjustment.
Bone Loss Induced by Dietary Magnesium Reduction to 10% of the Nutrient Requirement in Rats Is Associated with Increased Release of Substance P and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α

Dietary Mg intake has been linked to osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that severe Mg deficiency [0.04% of nutrient requirement (NR)] results in osteoporosis in rodent models. We assessed the effects of more moderate dietary Mg restriction (10% of NR) on bone and mineral metabolism over a 6-mo experimental period in rats. At 2, 4 and 6 mo, serum Mg, Ca, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and urine pyridinoline were measured. Femurs and tibiae were collected for measurement of mineral content, microcomputerized tomography, histomorphometry, and immunocytochemical localization. By 2 mo, profound Mg deficiency had developed as assessed by marked hypomagnesemia and up to a 51% reduction in bone Mg content. These features continued through 6 mo of study. Serum Ca was slightly but significantly higher in Mg-deficient rats than in controls at all time points. At 2 mo, serum PTH was elevated in Mg-deficient rats but was significantly decreased at 6 mo in contrast to control rats in which PTH rose. Serum 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D was significantly lower than in controls at 4 and 6 mo. A significant fall in both serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin suggested decreased osteoblast activity. Histomorphometry demonstrated decreased bone volume and trabecular thickness. This was confirmed by microcomputerized tomography analysis, which also showed that trabecular volume, thickness and number were significantly lower in Mg-deficient rats. Increased bone resorption was suggested by an increase in osteoclast number over time compared with controls as well as surface of bone covered by osteoclasts and eroded surface, but there was no difference in osteoblast numbers. The increased bone resorption may be due to an increase in TNF-alpha because immunocytochemical localization of TNF-alpha in osteoclasts was 199% greater than in controls at 2 mo, 75% at 4 mo and 194% at 6 mo. The difference in TNF-alpha may be due to substance P, which was 250% greater than in controls in mononuclear cells at 2 mo and 266% at 4 mo. These data demonstrated that a Mg intake of 10% of NR in rats causes bone loss that may be secondary to the increased release of substance P and TNF-alpha.
Schistosomiasis presenting with testicular enlargement in elderly male.

Abstract An eighty-eight-year-old Puerto Rican presented with painless enlargement of one testicle which proved histologically to he due to Schistosoma mansoni. Intratesticular ovum deposits were not associated with inflammation. granidomas, or infarction, but marked sclerosing periorchitis was present. The case illustrates a cent rare form of presentation of chistosomiasis which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral testicular enlargement in patients from an endemic area, despite the fact that orchiectomy will usually be necessary to establish a definitive histopathologic diagnosis.
Managing the neurotoxicity of paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere) with neurotrophic factors.

AbstractPaclitaxel and the related compound docetaxel are diterpine alkaloids (taxoids) that have demonstrated significant efficacy against a variety of different tumors, including carcinomas of the ovary, breast, head and neck, and lung (1–5). Paclitaxel was originally isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, during a screening program looking for natural antitumor agents sponsored by the National Cancer Institute in 1971 (6). Before 1993, paclitaxel was referred to as taxol. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (Princeton, NJ) registered the name Taxol®, and the generic name paclitaxel was approved. Paclitaxel binds to tubulin and promotes microtubule polymerization (7,8). In tissue culture, paclitaxel causes abnormal bundles of microtubules to form throughout the cytoplasm, disrupting normal cell functions such as proliferation (8). Docetaxel has a similar mechanism of action in that it also binds to the β-subunit of tubulin, inducing polymerization, but may be more potent than pac...
Characteristics of pitch angle distributions of hundreds of keV electrons in the slot region and inner radiation belt

The pitch angle distribution (PAD) of energetic electrons in the slot region and inner radiation belt received little attention in the past decades due to the lack of quality measurements. Using the state-of-the-art pitch angle-resolved data from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer instrument onboard the Van Allen Probes, a detailed analysis of hundreds of keV electron PADs below L = 4 is performed, in which the PADs are categorized into three types: normal (flux peaking at 90°), cap (exceedingly peaking narrowly around 90°), and 90° minimum (lower flux at 90°) PADs. By examining the characteristics of the PADs of ∼460 keV electrons for over a year, we find that the 90° minimum PADs are generally present in the inner belt (L<2), while normal PADs dominate at L∼3.5–4. In the region between, 90° minimum PADs dominate during injection times and normal PADs dominate during quiet times. Cap PADs appear mostly at the decay phase of storms in the slot region and are likely caused by the pitch angle scattering of hiss waves. Fitting the normal PADs into sinnα form, the parameter n is much higher below L = 3 than that in the outer belt and relatively constant in the inner belt but changes significantly in the slot region (2 < L < 3) during injection times. As for the 90° minimum PADs, by performing a detailed case study, we find in the slot region this type of PAD is likely caused by chorus wave heating, but this mechanism can hardly explain the formation of 90° minimum PADs at the center of inner belt.
Diversity in frequency response properties of saccular afferents of the toadfish, Opsanus tau

The frequency response of primary saccular afferents of toadfish (Opsanus tau) was studied in the time and frequency domains using the reverse correlation (revcor) method. Stimuli were noise bands with flat acceleration spectra delivered as whole-body motion. The recorded acceleration waveform was averaged over epochs preceding and following each spike. This average, termed the revcor, is an estimate of the response of an equivalent linear filter intervening between body motion and spike initiation. The spectrum of the revcor estimates the shape of the equivalent linear filter. Revcor responses were brief, damped oscillations indicative of relatively broadly tuned filters. Filter shapes were generally band-pass and differed in bandwidth, band edge slope, and characteristic frequency (74 Hz to 140 Hz). Filter shapes tend to be independent of stimulus level. Afferents can be placed into two groups with respect to characteristic frequency (74-88 Hz and 140 Hz). Some high-frequency afferents share a secondary peak at the characteristic frequency of low-frequency afferents, suggesting that an afferent may receive differently tuned peripheral inputs. For some afferents having similar filter shapes, revcor responses often differ only in polarity, probably reflecting inputs from hair cells oriented in opposite directions. The origin of frequency selectivity and its diversity among saccular afferents may arise from a combination of hair cell resonance and micromechanical processes. The resulting frequency analysis is the simplest yet observed among vertebrate animals. During courtship, male toadfish produce the 'boatwhistle' call, a periodic vocalization having several harmonics of a 130 Hz fundamental frequency. The saccule encodes the waveform of acoustic particle acceleration between < 50 and about 250 Hz. Thus, the fundamental frequency component of the boatwhistle is well encoded, but the successive higher harmonics are filtered out. The boatwhistle is thus encoded as a time-domain representation of its fundamental frequency or pulse repetition rate.
On the Complexity of Zero Finding for Univariate Functions

We study the zero finding problem for univariate functions changing sign at the endpoints of an interval, and we survey some results of different authors. The complexity of zero finding, i.e., the minimal cost to determine a zero with a given accuracy ?, is studied in the worst and in the average case setting. For classes of smooth functions the results in both settings differ significantly. While ln(1/?) is the order of the worst case complexity, the average case complexity is at most of the order ln ln(1/?).
Sertraline for the treatment of depression in parkinson's disease

Although antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat depression in Parkinson's disease (PD), little information is available regarding their safety and efficacy in this condition. Sertraline is a relatively selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with some dopamine reuptake inhibitor activity. It has a favorable tolerability profile, especially in the elderly. We undertook an open-label pilot evaluation of the safety and efficacy of sertraline to treat depression in PD. A total of 15 patients with PD and depression participated in the study. Sertraline was introduced at a daily dose of 25 mg for 1 week and then increased to 50 mg/day. Patients underwent evaluation at baseline and at a final visit approximately 7 weeks later. Sertraline was generally well tolerated, but five patients experienced side effects, and two discontinued medication. Patients taking selegiline experienced more adverse effects. Beck Depression Inventory scores improved significantly (mean +/- SE = 16.0 +/- 2.0 vs 11.7 +/- 1.9, p = 0.03), and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and energy-level scores were unchanged. These results suggest that sertraline may be a useful treatment for depression in PD. As substantial placebo effects can occur in studies of PD and depression, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are warranted.
Neuronal BC1 RNA: microtubule-dependent dendritic delivery.

RNA localization is an important means of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in many eukaryotic cell types. In neurons, select RNAs are delivered to postsynaptic dendritic microdomains, a mechanism that is considered a key underpinning in the administration of long-term synaptic plasticity. BC1 RNA is a small untranslated RNA that interacts with translation initiation factors and functions as a translational repressor by targeting assembly of 48 S initiation complexes. BC1 RNA is specifically and rapidly transported to dendrites where it is found concentrated in postsynaptic microdomains. The cytoskeletal infrastructure underlying dendritic localization of BC1 RNA has not been investigated. We now report that the dendritic delivery of BC1 RNA is dependent on intact microtubules. In two neuronal cell types, hippocampal neurons and sympathetic neurons in primary culture, disruption of microtubules abolished dendritic localization of BC1 RNA. In contrast, disruption of actin filaments had no significant effect on the somatodendritic distribution of BC1 RNA. It is concluded that the long-range dendritic delivery of BC1 RNA is supported by microtubules. At the same time, a role for actin filaments, while unlikely for long-range BC1 delivery, is not ruled out for short-range local translocation and anchoring at dendritic destination sites.
New endeavors, risk taking, and personal growth in the recovery process: findings from the STARS study

Objective: This study examined consumers’ perspectives on the role of personal growth–related risk taking in the recovery process and on clinicians’ roles in patients’ decisions to take on new activities and opportunities. Clinical approaches cited by patients as most helpful in making significant changes were also identified. Methods: A total of 177 members of a nonprofit health plan (93 women and 85 men), ranging in age from 16 to 84 years, participated in a mixed-methods exploratory study of recovery among individuals with serious mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and affective psychosis). Participants completed four in-depth semistructured interviews over 24 months; interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for content by study staff. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results: The most helpful discussions about new endeavors occurred in the context of healthy, collaborative, mutually trusting clinician-patient relationships. Advice was accepted when clinicians listened well, knew patients’ capabilities and interests, and pushed gently at a pace that was comfortable for patients. Knowledge gained by clinicians in the context of good relationships with patients provided a firm grounding for approaching the delicate balance of providing helpful levels of support and encouragement without pushing consumers so hard that it caused difficulties. Conclusions: Enduring, strong, collaborative relationships provide a healthy framework for discussions between patients and clinicians about taking on new activities, roles, or responsibilities and increase the likelihood that new activities and opportunities will be planned and carried out in ways that promote, rather than endanger, recovery. (Psychiatric Services 59:1430–1436, 2008)
Probing the limits to positional information

Summary The reproducibility and precision of biological patterning is limited by the accuracy with which concentration profiles of morphogen molecules can be established and read out by their targets. We consider four measures of precision for the Bicoid morphogen in the Drosophila embryo: the concentration differences that distinguish neighboring cells, the limits set by the random arrival of Bicoid molecules at their targets (which depends on absolute concentration), the noise in readout of Bicoid by the activation of Hunchback, and the reproducibility of Bicoid concentration at corresponding positions in multiple embryos. We show, through a combination of different experiments, that all of these quantities are ∼10%. This agreement among different measures of accuracy indicates that the embryo is not faced with noisy input signals and readout mechanisms; rather, the system exerts precise control over absolute concentrations and responds reliably to small concentration differences, approaching the limits set by basic physical principles.
Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus-associated opportunistic infections in the United States in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

The incidence of nearly all AIDS-defining opportunistic infections (OIs) decreased significantly in the United States during 1992-1998; decreases in the most common OIs (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia ?PCP, esophageal candidiasis, and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex ?MAC disease) were more pronounced in 1996-1998, during which time highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was introduced into medical care. Those OIs that continue to occur do so at low CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, and persons whose CD4+ counts have increased in response to HAART are at low risk for OIs, a circumstance that suggests a high degree of immune reconstitution associated with HAART. PCP, the most common serious OI, continues to occur primarily in persons not previously receiving medical care. The most profound effect on survival of patients with AIDS is conferred by HAART, but specific OI prevention measures (prophylaxis against PCP and MAC and vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae) are associated with a survival benefit, even when they coincide with the administration of HAART. Continued monitoring of incidence trends and detection of new syndromes associated with HAART are important priorities in the HAART era.
Solid-state polymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate). I. Experimental study of the reaction kinetics and properties

The solid-state polymerization (SSP) reaction kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate) were investigated in connection with the initial precursor intrinsic viscosity (IV; molecular weight). Evaluations were performed with otherwise equivalent precursors melt-polymerized to IVs of 0.50, 0.56, and 0.64 dL/g. The changes in the molecular weight and other properties were monitored as functions of the reaction times at solid-state temperatures of 160–230°C. Precursors with higher initial molecular weights exhibited higher rates of SSP than those with lower initial values, as discussed in connection with the levels of crystallinity and the carboxyl and hydroxyl end-group composition. Activation energies decreased at temperatures above 200°C, and this indicated a change in the SSP reaction mechanism. At temperatures of 200–230°C, similar activation energies were required for the polymerization of all three precursors. Lower temperature polymerizations, from 160 to 200°C, required higher activation energies for all precursors, with the 0.50-IV material requirement almost twice as high as that calculated for the higher IV precursors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 197–212, 2003
A 10-MHz Green-Mode Automatic Reconfigurable Switching Converter for DVS-Enabled VLSI Systems

A power-efficient, high-frequency, automatic reconfigurable switching converter is presented in this paper for DVS-enabled VLSI systems. Tailored to the system-level power management, the proposed cross-layered green-mode (GM) operation scheme adaptively configures the converter into three operation structures to achieve a seamless step-up/down voltage conversion with minimized power loss. In addition, an adaptive power transistor sizing (APTS) scheme is incorporated to further improve efficiency on the transistor level. To enable high-frequency operation in all power regulation conditions, an i L-assisted single-bound hysteresis controller (SBHC) is also proposed in this work. Meanwhile, in order to suppress output spectrum variations induced by the hysteresis controller, an adaptive frequency compensator (AFC) is employed. The proposed converter was fabricated with IBM 130-nm CMOS process, with a total chip area of 1 mm2. Its output voltage can be seamlessly regulated from 0.9 to 2.2 V, with a maximum load power of 400 mW. The input voltage is designed at 1.5 V, but is variable at any level between 0.9 and 1.8 V. The switching frequency of the converter is regulated at 10 MHz in all three operation modes, with ±3% deviation. Experimental results show a 26.7- μs/V down-tracking and 93.3-μs/V up-tracking speed for dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) reference tracking. Line regulation is maintained below 0.8% throughout the full input voltage range, with a lowest value of 0.17%. The power efficiency stays above 80% over the entire 400-mW power range, with a peak value of 92.1% at 1.2-V output and 250-mW load power.
Associations between blood lead level and substance use and sexually transmitted infection risk among adults in the United States.

The effects of low-level lead exposure on neuropsychological status in the United States (US) general adult population have been reported, and the relationship between neuropsychiatric dysfunction and health risk behaviors including substance use and sexual risk taking is well established. However, the potential influence of lead exposure on risk-taking behavior has received little attention. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010, we estimated multivariable logistic regression models to measure odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the cross-sectional associations between blood lead level and risk behaviors including binge drinking, drug use, and indicator of sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. STI indicators included past 12 month sexual risk behaviors (age mixing with partners who were at least five years younger or older and multiple partnerships), self-reported STI, and biologically-confirmed herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. Dose–response like relationships were observed between blood lead and substance use, age mixing with younger and older partners, self-reported STI, and HSV-2. In addition, participants with lead levels in highest quartile versus those with levels in the lowest quartile had over three times the odds of binge drinking and over twice the odds of injection drug or cocaine use in the past 12 months, while being in one of the top two quartiles was significantly associated with 30–70% increased odds of multiple partnerships, sex with older partners, and self-reported and biologically confirmed STI. Results from this study suggested that lead exposure may contribute to substance use, sexual risk-taking, and STI. However, given limitations inherent in the cross-sectional nature of the study, additional studies that use longitudinal data and measure detailed temporal information are warranted.
Differences in cathepsin B + L and calcium-dependent protease activities among breed type and their relationship to beef tenderness.

Activities of acidic proteases (cathepsin B + L) and neutral, calcium-dependent proteases (CDP) were quantified to determine whether differences in proteolytic activity could explain differences in meat tenderness among breed types. Steers (n = 32) of known percentage Angus (A) and Brahman (B) breeding were used to establish differences in meat tenderness (A; 3/4A-1/4B; 1/2A-1/2B; 1/4A-3/4B). Samples were removed from the longissimus muscle within 1 h postmortem and within 2 h were frozen for subsequent determination of cathepsin B + L, CDP-I, CDP-II and CDP-inhibitor activities. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) was assessed after 1, 5 and 10 d of postmortem aging. Taste panel evaluations, conducted on steaks that were subjected to 5 d of aging, detected no differences. At d 1, WBS did not differ among breed types; however, by d 10 of aging, steaks from Angus steers were more tender (P less than .05) than steaks from 1/2B and 3/4B steers. The Angus and 1/4B steaks had significantly more (P less than .05) cathepsin B + L activity than the 3/4B. The CDP had no relationship with WBS; however, CDP-inhibitor was positively related to d-1 WBS (r = .41, P less than .05). Cathepsin B + L activity was negatively related to WBS at d 10 (r = -.44, P less than .05). These data suggest that differences in meat tenderness among breed types may be explained partially by differences in proteolytic enzyme activity.
The Great Dismal Swamp Earth System Science Academy

The Annual Earth System Science Academy provides teachers the opportunity to develop an appreciation of North Carolina wetlands, the health of local waterways and to gain experience working with NASA and university researchers who investigate these topics. Included in the Earth System Science Academy is a tour of The Great Dismal Swamp boardwalk; hands-on water quality labs; research plenary sessions, and workshops on NASA's Earth System Science Websites. The Academy is a major initiative of the Network Resources and Training Site housed on the campus of Elizabeth City State University. The NRTS, funded by the MU-SPIN Office of Goddard Space Flight Center, serves as an expert site in Earth System Science. A report on the Annual Earth System Science Academy can be found in the Education Catalog for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. The report is a key resource for informing educators about ESE education programs and resources and is distributed nationally and internationally at conferences and meetings. The interactive poster presented during The IGARSS 2000 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium will include color glossy posters depicting recent Earth System Science Academy highlights along with an electronic slide show.
Recasting Neuropsychiatry: Freud's ‘Critical Introduction’ and the Convergence of French and German Brain Science

Freud's ‘Critical Introduction’ has many of the markers of a purely neuroanatomical text. But a comparison with contemporary anatomical writings as well as an analysis of the larger scientific, clinical and institutional context of Freud's work suggests important differences. Freud's manuscript was an ambitious enterprise to reform the brain sciences of the 1880s to open them up to nervous conditions that were only poorly accounted for by the predominant German model of a somatically informed psychiatry. It marks an attempt to bridge the two cultures of French and German-speaking neurology, as well as scientific and clinical medicine. By navigating these different contexts, the text provides a clue to the relationship between Freud's early scientific work and his developing psychoanalysis.
Successful adoptive transfer and in vivo expansion of human haploidentical NK cells in patients with cancer.

We previously demonstrated that autologous natural killer (NK)–cell therapy after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is safe but does not provide an antitumor effect. We hypothesize that this is due to a lack of NK-cell inhibitory receptor mismatching with autologous tumor cells, which may be overcome by allogeneic NK-cell infusions. Here, we test haploidentical, related-donor NK-cell infusions in a nontransplantation setting to determine safety and in vivo NK-cell expansion. Two lower intensity outpatient immune suppressive regimens were tested: (1) lowdose cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone and (2) fludarabine. A higher intensity inpatient regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide and fludarabine (HiCy/Flu) was tested in patients with poorprognosis acute myeloid leukemia (AML). All patients received subcutaneous interleukin 2 (IL-2) after infusions. Patients who received lower intensity regimens showed transient persistence but no in vivo expansion of donor cells. In contrast, infusions after the more intense Hi-Cy/Flu resulted in a marked rise in endogenous IL-15, expansion of donor NK cells, and induction of complete hematologic remission in 5 of 19 poor-prognosis patients with AML. These findings suggest that haploidentical NK cells can persist and expand in vivo and may have a role in the treatment of selected malignancies used alone or as an adjunct to HCT. (Blood. 2005;105:3051-3057)
Hemocompatibility evaluation of small elastomeric hollow fiber membranes as vascular substitutes

One of the main challenges for clinical implementation of small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) is their limited hemocompatibility. Important design specifications for such grafts include features...
Are Antitakeover Charter Amendments Good News Or Bad News For Managers And Shareholders

In recent years many firms adopted antitakeover amendments to their corporate charters. The amendments have come under criticism from those who believe that they are harmful, and little sentiment in favor of the amendments seems to exist. This article discusses issues related to antitakeover amendments, and presents an overview of available empirical evidence about the amendments. The evidence demonstrates that the amendments are not always harmful and indeed suggests that the amendments, at least in some cases, are beneficial.
Treatment of Metastatic Spinal Epidural Disease: Surgery Versus Radiotherapy

Metastatic spinal disease occurs frequently, affecting as many as 40% of cancer patients over time. Approximately 10% of these patients experience malignant epidural spinal cord compression. Metastasis to the spine causes significant morbidity and often leads an inexorable decline into paraplegia and loss of bowel and bladder function. Advances in surgical techniques have allowed a more aggressive approach to treatments for cytoreduction and spinal stabilization. Fractionated radiotherapy has proved effective in treatment of these patients, but inability to design and implement highly conformal plans initially limited the use of radiation delivery until the development of stereotactic and highly conformal radiation delivery techniques. The current data supporting surgery and radiation for treatment of metastatic spinal disease will be reviewed in this chapter.
Validation of TiO2 particle-size distribution measured by scanning mobility particle sizer

A key need identified across nanomanufacturing industry is the capability for real-time characterization of nanoparticles smaller than 50 nanometers on-line of synthesis processes. There is often an inadequate ability to monitor and control production processes for nanoscale materials, resulting in variability in product quality, which hinders progress in research and product development. A project was executed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to demonstrate the capability of on-line real-time characterization of nanoparticle production on a system characteristic of those of great interest to nanomanufacturing industry. Production of titanium nanoparticles in vapor phase was chosen as a generic process for the demonstration. The results reported indicate that the analyzer could be used as a continuous monitor for precision nanoparticle production. The measurement technology is commercially available and provides reasonably stable performance throughout all the experiments designed for the demonstration. Recommendation was made in regarding real-time on-line characterization of engineered nanoparticle manufacturing.
Survival of the western and northern corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in different tillage systems throughout the growing season of corn

The influence of tillage practices on growing-season survival of western and northern corn rootworms, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (WCR) and D. barberi Smith and Lawrence (NCR), respectively, was examined from 1983 to 1985. Absolute estimates of spring egg densities and emerging adult densities were made each year for both species across all tillage systems. Estimates of relative variation (SEM/x) were calculated for WCR and NCR egg and adult densities during each year of the experiment. Tillage practices did not significantly affect WCR or NCR survival throughout the growing season of corn. Survivorship differed significantly between WCR and NCR. Western corn rootworm survival was greater than that of NCR in each tillage practice for the duration of the study. The following quadratic equation was calculated to describe the ratio of WCR/NCR adults (y) likely to emerge based upon the spring WCR/NCR egg ratio (x): (y = 0.905 − 0.028x + 3.246 x2 [ R2 = 0.91; n = 12; P < 0.01)].
Mycobacterial suppression of delayed hypersensitivity in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

SummaryExperimental allergic encephalomyelitis, induced by injection of myelin basic protein in Freund's adjuvant, can be suppressed either by pretreatment with Freund's adjuvant alone (heat-killed mycobacteria in an oil—Aquaphor emulsion) or by addition of extra heat-killed mycobacteria to the encephalitogenic emulsion. Suppression of disease is accompanied by disappearance of skin reactivity to myelin basic protein. No circulating antibody to BP was detected in the sera of the suppressed animals prior to or at any time up to 26 days after challenge. Thus the suppression of delayed hypersensitivity noted in the present experiments cannot be attributed to presence of circulating antibody to myelin basic protein. Simultaneous suppression of skin sensitivity and CNS lesions strengthens the hypothesis that the two phenomena are related manifestations of delayed hypersensitivity.
Nosema Control in Queens in Mailing Cages

SummaryNo spores of Nosema apis were found after 1 week in 5 queens, isolated in mailing cages, that were fed a 50% sugar solution (v/v) containing 100 mg fumagillin per 3.8 litres during the week; in 5 control queens the count was between 10 and 26 × 106 spores per queen.
The renal perfusion/excretion determination renogram: a new method of individual renal function determination in obstructive renal disease.

AbstractThe divided renal function of 10 patients with unilateral renal obstruction was measured with the renal perfusion/excretion determination renogram, a computerized radioisotope function study, and with endogenous creatinine clearances. Functional impairment of the obstructed kidney when estimated by the effective renal plasma flow determination of the renal perfusion/excretion determination renogram correlated closely with that measured by creatinine clearance. The clinical applications of the renal perfusion/excretion determination renogram in unilateral renal obstruction include the preoperative evaluation of individual renal function and serial estimates of individual renal function in chronic obstructive processes.
Transarterial Chemoembolization for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors With Massive Hepatic Tumor Burden: Is the Benefit Worth the Risk?

Background Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have a propensity to metastasize to the liver, often resulting in massive tumor burden and hepatic dysfunction. While transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is effective in treating patients with NET metastatic to the liver, there are limited data on its utility and benefit in patients with large hepatic involvement. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical benefit and complication rate of TACE in patients with massive hepatic tumor burden.
Seeking Safety Pilot Outcome Study at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

ABSTRACTPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder are two of the most prominent psychiatric disorders among military service members. Seeking Safety (SS) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy model for this comorbidity. This article reports results of a study of SS conducted in a military setting. Our pilot trial addressed outcomes, feasibility, and satisfaction. SS was conducted as is to evaluate its impact without adaptation for military culture. The sample was 24 outpatient service members (from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines) with 33% minority representation. Inclusion criteria were current PTSD and/or SUD. Ten clinicians participated in this study after receiving SS training. Results showed significant improvements on most outcomes, including substance use on the Brief Addiction Monitor; PTSD symptoms on the PTSD Checklist—Military Version (total and criterion D); and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (sexual abuse trauma index and anxiety subscale); functioning on the ...
Dietary restraint and weight loss as risk factors for eating pathology.

Abstract Measures of dietary restraint do not consistently predict caloric restriction, and these scales appear inadequate for differentiating between healthy and risky restraint in individuals. The current study examined the relationship between self-reported dietary restraint, recent weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and eating pathology in a college sample to determine if dietary restraint coupled with caloric restriction would prove to be a more sensitive marker of eating disorder risk than restraint alone. Participants (N = 245) completed a series of measures evaluating dietary restraint, recent weight loss, and eating habits. Results suggested that dietary restraint related most consistently to eating pathology, with more nuanced results for women regarding the relations between dietary restraint, recent weight loss, and BMI. Findings provided further evidence that dietary restraint and weight loss may relate to eating pathology through independent pathways. In addition, recent weight loss may be a relevant risk factor for women at lower current BMI.
Evaluation of long-term surgical site occurrences in ventral hernia repair: implications of preoperative site independent MRSA infection.

Previous work demonstrated that prior MRSA infection [MRSA(+)] is associated with 30-day surgical site infection (SSI) following ventral hernia repair (VHR). We aimed to determine the impact of MRSA(+) on long-term wound outcomes after VHR. A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary center between July 11, 2005, and May 18, 2012, of patients undergoing elective VHR with class I wounds. Patients with documented preoperative MRSA infection at any site (urinary, bloodstream, SSI, etc.) were considered MRSA(+). Primary outcome was 2-year surgical site occurrence (SSO), defined as SSI, cellulitis, necrosis, nonhealing wound, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, or fistula. SSOs were subdivided into those that required procedural intervention (SSOPI) and those that did not. Among 632 patients, 46 % were female with average age 53 ± 13 years. There were 368 SSOs in 193 patients (31 %); an SSOPI occurred in 9.8 % (n = 62). The most common SSOs were cellulitis (91/632), seroma (91/632), and serous drainage (58/632). The rate of 2-year SSO was higher with MRSA(+) compared to those without (46 vs. 29 %, p = 0.023), attributed to increased soft tissue necrosis, purulent drainage, serous drainage, cellulitis, and fistula. In multivariable analysis, MRSA(+) was not associated with 2-year SSO (HR 1.5, 95 % CI 0.91–2.55, p = 0.113); factors associated with SSO included obesity, immunosuppression, mesh repair, and operative times. This study is the first to evaluate long-term SSOs and SSOPIs after VHR, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up. Though not independently associated with SSOs, MRSA(+) may be a marker of hernia complexity.
Extracting minimalistic corridor geometry from low-resolution images

We propose a minimalistic corridor representation consisting of the orientation line (center) and the wall-floor boundaries (lateral limit). The representation is extracted from low-resolution images using a novel combination of information theoretic measures and gradient cues. Our study investigates the impact of image resolution upon the accuracy of extracting such a geometry, showing that accurate centerline and wall-floor boundaries can be estimated even in texture-poor environments with images as small as 16 ×12. In a database of 7 unique corridor sequences for orientation measurements, less than 2% additional error was observed as the resolution of the image decreased by 99%. One of the advantages of working at such resolutions is that the algorithm operates at hundreds of frames per second, or equivalently requires only a small percentage of the CPU.
Visual Field Testing in Pediatric Patients

Diseases that affect vision in pediatric patients may impair central vision (i.e., 20/20 vision) or may affect peripheral or side vision. Although there are established quantitative methods to accurately evaluate central vision throughout childhood, methods of quantifiable peripheral vision or visual field testing are more limited. Some children may be unable to cooperate or understand the methodology of conventional techniques such as automatic static perimetry used in adult patients. Despite this limitation, assessment of visual fields in pediatric patients is clinically relevant in many ophthalmologic and neurologic disease processes that affect children. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature that examines the feasibility for formal visual field analysis in children and to provide a summary of recent efforts to develop visual field analysis tools for infants, toddlers, and children who are otherwise unable to participate using conventional visual field techniques.