cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wet & Dry Lab Activities to Introduce Students to CRISPR-Based Gene Editing

CRISPR (also known as CRISPR-Cas9) is a powerful biotechnology tool that gives scientists unprecedented access to the genetic makeup of all living organisms, including humans. It originally evolved as an adaptive immune system in bacteria to defend against viruses. When artificially harnessed in the laboratory it allows scientists to accurately and precisely edit genes almost as if using a word processor. In mice, CRISPR has already been used to treat diabetes, muscular dystrophy, cancer, and blindness. CRISPR has made cultured human cells immune to HIV, and a variety of CRISPR experiments involving human embryos are well under way. But CRISPR is not limited to biomedical applications. It is also revolutionizing the food industry and many areas of biological research. It is imperative that science educators help prepare students for this compelling new era of biology. This article presents wet and dry lab simulations to help introduce high school and undergraduate students to CRISPR-based gene editing technology.
Economics and climate justice activism: assessing the financial impact of the fossil fuel divestment movement

Since 2011, climate activists have advanced divestment campaigns against private fossil fuel corporations that aim to inflict damage on fossil fuel corporations through two channels: stigmatizing t...
A New Look at the Role of Mesoamygdaloid Dopamine Neurons in Aversive Conditioning.

Identifying and responding to threats is crucial for survival. Accordingly, the nervous systems of organisms as simple as sea slugs have evolved to support the formation of associations between noxious events (unconditioned stimuli [US]) and cues that predict them (conditioned stimuli [CS]): a
Valuing Late-Stage Companies and Leveraged Buyouts

This note replaces "Valuation of Late-Stage Companies and Buyouts" (UVA-F-1639).This note focuses on the valuation of late-stage companies with a particular emphasis on leveraged buyouts (LBOs). In contrast to venture capital, where firms are typically at an early stage of development, late-stage investments involve more-established businesses that have an ability to take on higher levels of debt to augment investor returns. The note provides a description of LBOs, an overview of the commonly used sources of financing and the metrics used to assess LBO capital structures, a discussion of the value drivers of buyouts, and a step-by-step example of an LBO analysis. This note takes the perspective of private equity (PE) investors and assumes some basic familiarity with the structure of PE investing. Their approach is compared to other discounted cash flow valuation methods based on the weighted-average cost of capital or adjusted present value. Excerpt UVA-F-1846 Aug. 23, 2018 Valuing Late-Stage Companies and Leveraged Buyouts This note focuses on the valuation of late-stage companies with a particular emphasis on leveraged buyouts (LBOs). Late-stage investments can arise in situations involving growth equity, turnarounds, mezzanine investments, and distressed debt. In contrast to venture capital, where firms are typically at an early stage of development, late-stage investments involve more-established businesses that have an ability to take on higher levels of leverage to augment investor returns. This note takes the perspective of a private equity (PE) investor and assumes some basic familiarity with the structure of PE investing. It provides a basic overview of the primary sources of financing, the metrics used to gauge LBO capital structures, and a step-by-step example of an LBO analysis. What is an LBO? An LBO is the purchase of a firm by an outside individual, another firm, or the incumbent management using large amounts of debt to finance the purchase. The target firm for an LBO can be a freestanding private or public company or a division of a company. Most often, LBOs are undertaken by PE firms that specialize in these transactions (e.g., Blackstone, Carlyle Group, and KKR). PE firms that specialize in LBOs are often referred to as sponsors, because they in effect sponsor or propose the deal. Unlike strategic buyers, who often have assets or expertise to combine with the target firm, sponsors are typically financial buyers whose expertise lies in arranging the financing and incentives for management to perform in a highly leveraged transaction (HLT). That said, sponsors must also have a keen eye to identify opportunities for business development and operating improvements. . . .
An Experimental Analogue Evaluation of Asian and Asian Americans’ Immediate Reactions to Therapist Microaggressions:

Microaggressions are subtle, everyday exchanges that convey discriminatory messages. In psychotherapy, client reports of microaggressions are negatively associated with important therapeutic proces...
Hydrodynamic resistance parameters of regenerator filler materials at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract Prototypical cryocooler regenerators were assembled with several common regenerator filler materials and were tested under periodic helium flow at room and cryogenic temperatures. The mass flow and pressure drop data were analysed to determine the friction factor, Darcy Permeability and Forchheimer coefficients. The results are compared to previous investigations, and the relevance of room-temperature models and correlations to cryogenic temperatures is assessed. It is shown that within the range of parameters tested, room-temperature hydrodynamic parameters such as friction factor can be used at cryogenic temperatures. Empirical correlations with improved accuracy are developed for the friction factor for each of the tested filler materials.
Central Limit Theorems

Actually, we had a central limit theorem (CLT) in lesson 14: the sequence X1X2X3… consists of IID Bernoulli RVs with parameter 0; the partial sum \({S_{n}} = \sum\nolimits_{{k = 1}}^{n} {{X_{k}}}\) is standardized to $${V_{n}} = ({S_{n}} - n\theta )/\surd (n\theta (1 - \theta );$$ the limiting distribution of Vnis normal.
Improvement of the Protective Properties of Alkyd Coatings by Nanosized Phosphate Pigments

Zinc phosphate nanoparticles with a thickness of ~20 nm are synthesized by an ion-exchange reaction. We study the influence of the nature of reaction media and modifiers of the surface on their shapes and sizes. It is shown that acryl monomers are optimal modifiers of the surface. We investigate the anticorrosion activity of synthesized nanosized zinc phosphate in alkyd coatings on aluminum alloys by the method of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is shown that nanosized zinc phosphate has better inhibiting properties than modified phosphate pigments and can be used in paint primer coatings.
Scapholunate Ligament Tears: Acute Reconstructive Options

Left untreated, scapholunate dissociation can lead to posttraumatic wrist arthritis. Multiple surgical procedures have been designed to reduce the scapholunate interval, restore normal wrist kinematics, and prevent the development of arthritis. Unfortunately, current surgical procedures have not been shown to consistently maintain radiographic alignment at long-term follow-up and result in decreased wrist range of motion and strength compared with the contralateral side. The purpose of this article is to review the current reconstructive options for scapholunate ligament tears without evidence of radiographic arthritis.
Initiation of bacteriophage P22 DNA packaging series. Analysis of a mutant that alters the DNA target specificity of the packaging apparatus.

Abstract Bacteriophage P22 is thought to package its double-stranded DNA chromosome from concatemeric replicating DNA in a “processive” sequential fashion. According to this model, during the initial packaging event in such a series the packaging apparatus recognizes a nucleotide sequence, called pac, on the DNA, and then condenses DNA within the coat protein shell unidirectionally from that point. DNA ends are generated near the pac site before or during the condensation reaction. The opposite end of the mature chromosome is created by a cut made in the DNA after a complete chromosome is condensed within the phage head. Subsequent packaging events on that concatemeric DNA begin at the end generated by the headful cut of the previous event and proceed in the same direction as the previous event. We report here the identification of a consensus nucleotide sequence for the pac site, and present evidence that supports the idea that the gene 3 protein is a central participant in this recognition event. In addition, we tentatively locate the portion of the gene 3 protein that contacts the pac site during the initiation of packaging.
Search Engine Ad Auctions

Auctions for search engine advertising have been one of the most successful examples of economic mechanism design, at least in the private sector. This talk will review some of the history, theory, and practical issues surrounding these auctions.
Abdominovaginal electric potential differences with special reference to the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Abstract 1. 1. The electropotential difference between the skin of the abdomen and the vagina can be measured consistently and accurately with a Sanborn Company Twin-Viso recording millipotentiometer using calomel half-cell liquid saline junction electrodes. 2. 2. Premenopausal women exhibit cyclic changes in vaginal-cervical electropotentials compared to those of the skin of the abdomen. 3. 3. Cyclic vaginal-cervical electropotentials have characteristic patterns, with a midcycle change not found in postmenopausal, irradiated, or surgically eastrated women.
Influenza B virus infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE: Influenza B virus causes epidemic infection in normal children, but only one case of infection in an immunocompromised solid organ transplant (SOT) recipient has been reported. Characterization of the clinical course of influenza B virus infection in pediatric SOT recipients may increase the utilization of preventive and therapeutic interventions by pediatricians caring for these immunocompromised children. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of patients whose respiratory viral cultures yielded influenza B from January 1989 through March 1992. PATIENTS: Twelve pediatric SOT recipients with influenza B virus infection were identified. These included five renal, four hepatic, and three cardiac allograft recipients, ranging from 19 months to 17 years 9 months of age (median 6 years 2 months). The posttransplant interval ranged from 6 weeks to 4 years 6 months (average 26.7 months). No patient had been immunized against influenza. Exposure histories were documented for eight children; five of these occurred in the hospital. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms included fever (12/12), respiratory (11/12), or gastrointestinal complaints (8/12). Five patients had neurologic involvement; one died of uncal herniation. Ten children were hospitalized (median duration, 3 days; range, 2 to 79 days). Two patients (post-transplant interval, 3 to 8 months) required mechanical ventilation, and one of these received aerosolized ribavirin. Three children had concurrent allograft rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza B infection is potentially life-threatening in pediatric SOT recipients. We recommend annual immunization of pediatric SOT recipients, their household contacts, and health care workers. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of influenza vaccination in pediatric SOT recipients.
Isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis of the talonavicular joint without pulmonary involvement—A rare case report

Abstract Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide amongst curable diseases. It is estimated that one-third of the world's population has been diagnosed with tuberculosis infection [1]. The prevalence is on the rise with an estimated 9.4 million new cases per year worldwide [1]. Tuberculosis most commonly presents with pulmonary involvement. However, approximately 23–30% of patients found to be infected with tuberculosis have extrapulmonary symptoms [2]. Of those, only 1–3% have been found to have osseous disease. Skeletal involvement with a primary focus of tuberculosis usually affects major weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee. Tuberculosis infections of the foot and ankle are very rare, accounting for 1% of all tuberculosis infections [2–4]. Difficulties arise in the timing of diagnosis, patient compliance of therapy and awareness of the less obvious presenting symptoms. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis, although rare, can be a problem. Its uncommon site, non-specific presenting symptoms and its ability to mimic numerous disorders make it more difficult to formulate a definitive diagnosis and, in turn, leads to therapeutic delays [5–7]. It is for this reason that we report this case in an effort to promote awareness.
Minimal Functionalities of Course Management Systems: A Faculty Perspective

In this article the authors offer a faculty perspective on desirable features of a Course Management System (CMS). This article is the result of our Web teaching experiences over a period of eight years using three different CMS platforms. The authors anticipate that this article could help guide software developers in developing appropriate CMS tools and would help institutions to gain greater insight into the selection of an appropriate CMS for effective Web-based or web-enhanced education (WBE). We develop a list of necessary functionalities that a CMS must provide for web-based education. The discussion could also assist current and future Web course instructors by increasing their awareness to take advantage of many features that might exist in their CMS.
Structure/permeability relationships of polyimide membranes. Applications to the separation of gas mixtures

Etude de la permeabilite vis-a-vis de CH 4 , N 2 , O 2 , H 2 et CO 2 de 9 membranes polyimide derivees de l'anhydride pyromellioique et du dianhydride d'un diacide propane bis-benzoique. Discussion des facteurs structuraux (mobilite segmentaire, distance interchaine, formation de complexes de transfert de charge) pouvant expliquer les differences de permeabilite
The Effects of Coupon Promotion on Repeat Visits in Restaurants

Abstract Will customers' intention to return to a restaurant increase with coupon promotion? To answer this question, this study examines the hypothetical effects of coupon promotion on return visits to restaurants. Based on a literature review, three hypotheses were developed to test the effect of a coupon, its face value, and a patron's prior dining experience on return intention. The authors found that neither coupon use nor coupon face value contributed to explaining respondents' return intentions. However, repeat customers have a greater likelihood of returning to the restaurant than new customers. The study also showed that the quality of food and service were key indicators of return intention.
On manifestations of the Schur complement

In this paper the author is concerned with some of the ways in which the Schur complement can be used in numerical linear algebra. Variable elimination and block pivoting are first outlined: the quotient property is next used in order to test whether the leading principal minors of a matrix are nonzero or of a particular sign. Another useful application is in computing the inertia of a real symmetric matrix: the inertia is instrumental in checking such matrices for positive (semi-) definiteness. This can be exploited in mathematical programming problems in order to check a non convex quadratic function for quasi-convexity (pseudo-convexity) on the nonnegative orthant.
On the Partial Preliminary Group Classification of the Nonlinear Five-Dimensional D’Alembert Equation

We apply nonconjugate subgroups of the Poіncare group P(1,4) to perform a partial preliminary group classification of the nonlinear five-dimensional d’Alembert equation. We also present a brief survey of the results obtained.
Chondrogenic potential of chick embryonic calvaria: II. Matrix calcium may repress cartilage differentiation

Chick embryos cultured in the absence of their eggshell are rendered severely calcium-deficient, and develop a cartilage-like phenotype in the calvarium, a normally osteogenic tissue. In the preceding paper (Jacenko and Tuan [1995] Dev. Dyn. 202:13–26), experiments using organ cultured calvaria from day-12 normal and shell-less embryos showed that depletion of calcium alone may be responsible in promoting chondrogenic differentiation in calvaria. Here these findings were extended using an in vivo calvarial grafting technique, such that the extent of calvarial matrix calcification was a function of the calcium status of both the graft and the host. In these calvarial grafts, undermineralized regions again were shown to support chondrogenesis. To identify possible mechanisms which promote chondrogenesis in the calvaria, cells were enzymatically dissociated from the calvaria and cultured in media with varied levels of soluble calcium, under conditions which should modulate cell-to-cell interactions, including monolayer, micromass, agarose gels, and suspension cultures. Soluble calcium had no effect on calvarial cell differentiation, whereas conditions which enhanced cell-cell interactions, e.g., suspension culture, elicited cartilage expression. Based on these findings, we propose that the calcified matrix of the calvarium is repressive to chondrogenesis during normal development, but that the lack of mineral in a calcium-deficient calvarium creates a microenvironment permissive for cell-to-cell interactions which lead to chondrogenic differentiation. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Theory-Practice Gap in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

This special series is devoted to understanding the theory-practice gap in cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). Although CBT enjoys considerable empirical support, and is widely recognized as an efficacious approach to a diversity of psychiatric disorders and includes many different forms of treatment, it is unclear whether clinicians are familiar with the underlying theories of the treatments they are practicing. Moreover, it is unclear to what degree an understanding of the theory is necessary for effective practice. Gaining clarity on the role of understanding underlying theory and identifying potential disparities between theory and practice may have implications for the way graduate training programs are structured and current professionals approach continuing education. A brief exploration of these implications will be offered by introducing issues related to the scientist-practitioner model and dissemination of efficacious treatments, in addition to an outline of potential advantages and disadvantages of knowing underlying theory. This special series will then feature several major approaches to treatment wherein the role of theory and practice are discussed.
Genetics in Alzheimer's disease: methodological problems, research strategies, and practical applications

Abstract Pedigree analysis in Alzheimer's disease requires well-defined diagnostic criteria and verification of family history. Before generalizations concerning genetic transmission in Alzheimer's disease can be extrapolated from early onset, autosomal dominant cases to all subgroups, clinical, pathological and neurochemical comparisons between groups must be completed. Differences in presentation may reflect genetic heterogeneity or interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic markers may identify subjects at risk for Alzheimer's disease, which would facilitate counseling, therapy, or even prophylaxis.
Turning points and sub- and supercritical bifurcations in a simple BWR model

Abstract Stability and semi-analytical bifurcation analyses of BWRs have been performed using a dynamical system approach. A reduced order model of a BWR that includes simple neutronics as well as thermal hydraulics has been used. Analyses have been carried out using a bifurcation analysis code, BIFDD, that carries out analytic–numeric stability and bifurcation analyses of set of ordinary differential equations and ODEs with delays. A large segment of the parameter space has been investigated using this very efficient tool. Stability boundaries are obtained in several two-dimensional parameter spaces. In addition, the nature of bifurcation along these stability boundaries has also been determined. Results indicate that both subcritical as well as supercritical Poincare–Andronov–Hopf bifurcations are likely to occur in regions of interest in parameter space. In addition to the semi-analytical bifurcation studies, the governing equations have also been integrated numerically. Results confirm the findings of the stability and bifurcation analyses. Numerical integrations, carried out for parameter values away from the stability boundary, further show that the bifurcation curves, in many cases of subcritical bifurcations, have a turning point. The bifurcation curve in these cases extends back into the unstable region. These results show that it is possible to experience large amplitude stable oscillations in the unstable region infinitesimally close to the stability boundary. Moreover, large amplitude stable oscillations are also possible, following large but finite perturbations, in the stable region of the parameter space near the stability boundary. These findings provide alternate explanation for the experimental and operational observations in BWRs that indicate the existence of stable limit cycle oscillations and the possibility of growing amplitude oscillations. Results obtained here using a simple model suggest that further work along these lines, with more detailed models, is needed to identify operating conditions and perturbation amplitudes that might lead to stable limit cycles or growing amplitude oscillations in current and next generation of BWRs.
Probing dissolution surface structure in phosphate glasses using 1H-31P cross-polarization edited radio frequency dipolar recoupling experiments

Abstract The use of 1 H– 31 P cross-polarization (CP)-edited radio frequency dipolar recoupled (RFDR) two-dimensional (2D) NMR exchange experiments for the study of surface dissolution species in solution-aged metaphosphate glass is reported. It is demonstrated that use of CP allows the resonances of phosphate tetrahedral species within the hydrated dissolution surface to be selectively and cleanly edited from the bulk unaged phosphate species. Incorporating the CP-editing into a 2D RFDR exchange experiment also allows the local spatial connectivity between these surface dissolution phosphate species to be directly addressed.
Sodium-sensitive hypertension is not associated with higher sympathetic nervous system activity in older hypertensive humans

The majority of older hypertensive humans are sodium sensitive and they are characterized by increased alpha-adrenergic responsiveness relative to their level of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. To test the hypothesis that heightened SNS activity and/or increased alpha-adrenergic receptor responsiveness during sodium loading may play a role in the sodium-dependent increase in blood pressure in older sodium-sensitive hypertensives, we used compartmental analysis of [3H]norepinephrine (NE) kinetics to determine the release rate of NE into an extravascular compartment (NE2) as an index of systemic SNS activity and determined forearm blood flow responses to graded intrabrachial artery NE and angiotensin II (ANG II) infusions and platelet membrane alpha2-receptor properties in 24 older (age 64 +/- 7 years) hypertensive subjects. Subjects were studied at the end of 1 week of a low (20 mmol/day)- and again at the end of 1 week of a high (200 mmol/day)-sodium diet. Subjects were categorized as sodium sensitive (SS) if they had a > or = 5 mm Hg increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) with dietary sodium loading (n = 16), or sodium-resistant (SR) if their MABP increased by < 5 mm Hg (n = 8). Neither dietary sodium intake nor sodium-sensitivity status significantly affected arterial plasma NE levels, NE2, or other NE kinetic parameters. Forearm blood flow responses to NE or to ANG II, and platelet alpha2-receptor properties were similar between the SS and SR groups. These results suggest that the sodium-dependent increase in MABP that characterizes SS hypertension among older humans is not because of an increase in systemic SNS activity or increased arterial adrenergic receptor responsiveness.
Treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy

Women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL = IgG anticardiolipin and/or lupus anticoagulants) and a history of either prior thrombotic events or pregnancy loss are at high risk during pregnancy for either another fetal death or thrombosis. The treatment of choice is anticoagulation with heparin. Both standard unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are used for prophylactic anticoagulation during pregnancy. The half-lives of either standard heparin, or low-molecular-weight heparin, and the peak values for each after subcutaneous injection, are lower than those in nonpregnant patients. Doses and injection intervals need to be adjusted when treating a pregnant woman. Clotting tests such as the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) vary greatly during pregnancy, and the aPTT is often not even prolonged when antithrombotic levels of heparin are achieved. The aPTT is not a useful test when the patient has a lupus anticoagulant. Levels of plasma heparin are therefore needed to best care for pregnant women who need anticoagulation even for prophylaxis. Low-dose aspirin is often added empirically to heparin for treatment of aPL during pregnancy, but its efficacy has not been evaluated. Intravenous infusions of gamma globulins (IVGG) have been used as additional therapy when prior treatment with heparin during pregnancy failed to save the fetus, when severe and early onset preeclampsia has complicated a prior pregnancy (in such cases efficacy is unproven), or when there is an additional medical complication (such as immune thrombocytopenia) for which IVGG is an appropriate treatment. There are some situations in which treatment with corticosteroids is the best, or the only choice. However, corticosteroids should not be combined with heparin for long-term treatment during pregnancy because the risk for vertebral fracture is so high.
Integrin-dependent neutrophil migration in the injured mouse cornea.

Abstract As an early responder to an inflammatory stimulus, neutrophils (PMNs) must exit the vasculature and migrate through the extravascular tissue to the site of insult, which is often remote from the point of extravasation. Following a central epithelial corneal abrasion, PMNs recruited from the peripheral limbal vasculature migrate into the avascular corneal stroma. In vitro studies suggest PMN locomotion over 2-D surfaces is dependent on integrin binding while migration within 3-D matrices can be integrin-independent. Electron micrographs of injured mouse corneas show migrating PMNs make extensive surface contact not only with collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM), but also keratocytes. Evidence supporting involvement of integrins in corneal inflammation has prompted research and development of integrin blocking agents for use as anti-inflammatory therapies. However, the role of integrin binding (cell–cell; cell–ECM) during stromal migration in the inflamed cornea has previously not been clearly defined. In this study in vivo time lapse imaging sequences provided the means to quantify cell motility while observing PMN interactions with keratocytes and other stromal components in the living eye. The relative contribution of β1, β2 and β3 integrins to PMN locomotion in the inflamed mouse cornea was investigated using blocking antibodies against the respective integrins. Of the 3 integrin families (β1, β2 and β3) investigated for their potential role in PMN migration, only β1 antibody blockade produced a significant, but partial, reduction in PMN motility. The preferential migration of PMNs along the keratocyte network was not affected by integrin blockade. Hence, the dominant mechanism for PMN motility within the corneal stroma appears to be integrin-independent as does the restriction of PMN migration paths to the keratocyte network.
Mantle deformation and tectonics: constraints from seismic anisotropy in the western United States

Abstract We have examined shear-wave splitting in teleseismic shear waves (SKS, SKKS, S) from 15 stations in the western United States, based on analysis of 123 records from 67 events. The varied past and present tectonic styles in this region (subduction, transform faulting, extension, and stable domains) are expected to cause a wide variety of anisotropic behavior and therefore make it an excellent natural laboratory. Fast polarization azimuths (φ) vary from E-W to nearly N-S and time delays (δt) range from being barely detectable (less than 0.6 s) to 1.6 s. Most stations yielded consistent measurements independent of station-event geometry. The exceptions were stations situated very close to the San Andreas Fault, which yielded well-constrained but inconsistent splitting parameters. These have been successfully modeled by two anisotropic layers with different horizontal symmetry axes. The upper layer has a fast direction parallel to the fault and δt of about 1 s. The lower layer, with δt from 0.6 to 0.9 s, is oriented E-W near the San Francisco Bay Area and NE-SW in the Mojave Desert. Other measurements of E-W fast φ are observed as far east as western Nevada, with large delay times of 1.3–1.5 s, but disappear to the north. Stations in the northwestern Basin and Range have values of φ oriented at about + 70° with delay times ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 s. φ varies in other regions of the Basin and Range, from − 70° in eastern Nevada to + 20° in the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range, with δt of 1.0 s. Measurements are geographically coherent, and in many cases changes correspond to geologic or tectonic boundaries. The E-W fast feature extends across several tectonic provinces, but disappears near the southern boundary of the Gorda plate, and may therefore be related to the dynamics of plate interactions. Regional variations in the fast directions of anisotropy within the Basin and Range suggest that the present extension has not been strong enough to align the fast directions over a great depth extent. Fast polarization directions within the transition zone between the Basin and Range and Colorado Plateau are nearly parallel to the geologic and geophysical boundaries between the two regions and to other geophysical boundaries. The size of the delay times suggests that in many of the areas studied, either the mantle is almost twice as anisotropic as we estimate, or the anisotropy, and therefore mantle deformation, extends into the sublithospheric mantle. We used the two-layer method to examine the effect of a postulated lower layer with fast direction parallel to the absolute motion of the North American Plate, and found the best estimate of contribution from a uniform layer is 0.1 s of δt, although a contribution of up to 0.7 s cannot be ruled out. A value as low as 0.1 s suggests either that olivine is not strongly aligned in a horizontal direction in this layer, or that the layer thickness is of the order of 10 km.
The steroidal antiestrogen ICI 182,780 is an inhibitor of cellular aromatase activity

Two types of endocrine therapy that have been successfully applied to patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer are the non-steroidal antiestrogen tamoxifen, and inhibitors of aromatase, the enzyme that synthesizes estrogens. The major drawback with tamoxifen is that it acts as a partial estrogen-agonist and this is believed to mediate, at least in part, acquired tumor resistance to the drug as well as endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma in some patients. The newer and more potent antiestrogen ICI 182,780 is a steroidal molecule that is devoid of estrogenic activity. We now report that ICI 182,780 is also an inhibitor of aromatase activity in fibroblasts isolated from the normal human breast as well as other carcinoma cell lines that express aromatase (MCF-7Ca breast cancer and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma). ICI 182,780 (1 microM) did not affect aromatase activity levels in human placental microsomes and only inhibited aromatase activity in each of the cell lines following a prolonged incubation period. In the fibroblasts, inhibition of aromatase activity by ICI 182,780 was shown to be time and dose-dependent. In contrast, tamoxifen and 17beta-estradiol were shown to have no effect on aromatase activity levels. ICI 182,780 inhibited aromatase activity levels with IC50 values of 16.80 nM in MCF-7Ca cells, 125.50 nM in JEG-3 cells and 386.1 nM in breast fibroblasts. These values were compared to those for known aromatase inhibitors, and in each of the cell lines the order of potency was letrozole>4-OHA>anastrozole>ICI 182,780. The inhibition of aromatase activity by ICI 182,780 was sustained even after the antiestrogen was removed from the cells indicating that ICI 182,780 may be remaining bound to the enzyme. Although ICI 182,780 had no effect on the proliferation of the fibroblasts, or JEG-3 cells, it significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7Ca cells. This growth inhibition appeared to be due to the antiestrogenic activity of ICI 182,780 and not to its aromatase inhibiting effects. ICI 182,780 did not inhibit aromatase activity by down-regulating levels of the aromatase transcript. These results show that in addition to being a potent antiestrogen, ICI 182,780 is also an inhibitor of cellular aromatase activity, and suggest that by interfering with the actions of estrogen by two distinct mechanisms, ICI 182,780 may be a suitable drug for treating patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer.
Quantitative complex electrical impedance microscopy by scanning evanescent microwave microscope

Quantitative electrical impedance microscopy has been recently achieved using the scanning evanescent microwave microscope with the help of analytical solution of near-field interactions. The historical perspectives and fundamental physics involved in this field are reviewed. The experimental techniques and theoretical approach are discussed in detail.
Inverse intubation in air medical transport.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the speed and accuracy of the inverse intubation procedure. Technique The operator crouches or kneels over the patient, straddling the torso. The laryngoscope is held in the operator's right hand in an overhand fashion, inserted gently into the patient's mouth, and pulled up and caudad. When the vocal cords are visualized, the endotracheal tube is passed with the left hand. Methods The procedure was taught to flight nurses and respiratory therapists (n = 21) using an intubating mannequin strapped to a stretcher in a BK 117 helicopter to simulate an in-flight intubation. The subjects were timed intubating the mannequin using both inverse and standard intubation techniques. Each technique was performed twice, and the times were averaged. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to determine statistical significance. Results No significant difference occurred between times of the standard (24.0 s) and inverse techniques (21.6 s) (P = .715) or number of attempts for successful endotracheal intubation (1.12 and 1.07, P = .581). Conclusion Inverse intubation is a useful skill for prehospital providers. This skill can be taught in a brief period and used successfully with no compromise in speed or success rate.
Overuse of Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance

BACKGROUND Ongoing efforts to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates have raised concerns that these exams may be overused, thereby subjecting patients to unnecessary risks and wasting healthcare resources.
A new type of EcoRI polymorphism of the human ribosomal DNA repeating unit revealed by analysis of cloned DNA fragments

Abstract Several clones of rDNA have been isolated from an adult human liver DNA Charon 4A library by using cDNA probes synthesized from human 18S and 28S rRNA. The insert of one recombinant Charon 4A clone contained, besides the already known 5.7-kb EcoRI fragment of rDNA, comprising the major portion of the 18S rRNA gene and all the external transcribed spacer (ETS), a previously unidentified EcoRI fragment of rDNA of 8.5 kb in size. DNA transfer hybridization experiments utilizing EcoRI digests of the human DNA used to construct the library and of another human DNA showed the presence of the 8.5-kb EcoRI fragment in a minority of the rDNA repeats on the 5′-end side of the 5.7-kb fragment, thus defining a hitherto unidentified type of EcoRI polymorphism of these repeats.
Grapholita delineana (Walker), a Eurasian hemp moth, discovered in North America.

Grapholita delineana (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae, Olethreutinae) is reported for the first time in North America, where it has gone undetected at least since 1943. The insect is established in seven or more eastern States, and the larvae feed on naturalized hemp, Cannabis sativa L. Adults are superficially similar to G. tristrigana (Clemens), with which they have often been confused. Characters suitable for differentiating the adults are found in their genitalia.
Kawasaki Disease: an Update

Kawasaki disease (KD) was first reported in Japan more than 30 years ago, but the original diagnostic clinical criteria defined by Dr. Kawasaki are still authentic. The cause of KD remains unknown. Several epidemiologic and clinical observations suggest that it is caused by one or multiple infectious agents, each of which can result in the clinical manifestation of the disease. Advances have been made in the management of the disease with the introduction of aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that have had a significant impact on lowering the rate of coronary artery aneurysms and death from the disease. Questions remain regarding the management of those patients whose disease does not respond to IVIG. Some patients with severe KD who are resistant to IVIG may benefit from IV pulse steroids therapy. It remains to be seen whether steroid or other anti-inflammatory agents play a role in the management of patients with KD. Further research studies are needed to identify the possible cause, define the treatment, and predict the long-term outcome of this enigmatic disease.
A novel method to prepare size‐regulated spheroids composed of human dermal fibroblasts

A simple method to prepare size-regulated spheroids has been successfully developed by combining a temperature responsive polymer, poly-N-isopropyl-acrylamide (PNIPAAm), conjugated with collagen and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with photomasks. The coating layer composed of PNIPAAm conjugated with collagen functions as a cell substratum at 37 degrees C, then when lowering the temperature of culture medium the cells attached to it detach as a self-supporting sheet. This is because PNIPAAm dissolves into the culture medium below the lower critical solution temperature LCST; about 30 degrees C, but it is insoluble above the LCST. The detached cell sheet forms a multicellular spheroid. On the other hand, UV effectively immobilized collagen in the coating layer because UV generates crosslinkages in collagen molecules. Crosslinkages were quantitatively introduced by controlling the energy of UV-irradiation thus the ability of human dermal fibroblasts to attach to and detach from the surface was tightly controlled. When the collagen content in the coating layer was 9 microg/cm(2) (collagen ratio, 4.5%), UV-irradiation energy of 2000 J/m(2) was suitable to obtain 100% of the attachability and detachability. However, the cells did not attach to the nonirradiated surface at this collagen content because insufficient collagen was immobilized. Using photomakes to apply UV-irradiation, it was possible to obtain cell-adhesive areas(irradiated areas) and nonadhesive areas (nonirradiated areas) on the same surface. Consequently, spheroids of any size and in any number from one dish were prepared. The viability of cells in spheroids 350 microm in diameter was maintained at a high level for 28 days; however, viability of spheroids 800 microm in diameter rapidly decreased for 2 days. The size was very important to maintain the viability. This novel method is useful to develop size-regulated spheroids for different applications; for example, in toxicology tests.
Broadening of Spin-Phonon Resonance Lines by Exchange and Magnetic Dipole Interactions

The second and fourth moments of the three principal ultrasonic free-spin absorption lines are calculated using a phenomenological form for the spin-phonon interaction. Both exchange and dipole interactions are taken into account, and it is found that exchange causes increased line width in all three cases. For the line at the Larmor frequency, the moments are compared with those for the corresponding photon absorption line, for which exchange narrowing occurs.
Nutritional assessment of pediatric patients admitted to an acute-care pediatric service utilizing anthropometric measurements

Two hundred consecutive pediatric patients were given a nutritional assessment at the time of their admission to the hospital. A weight-for-height below the 5th percentile was an indication of acute depletion and a height-for-age below the 5th percentile a sign of chronic depletion. Measurement of weight-for-height and/or height-for-age was below the 5th percentile in 32% of those assessed. Seventy-five percent of the acutely depleted children and 60% of the acute and chronically depleted children had midarm circumferences below the 5th percentile. Midarm muscle circumference below the 5th percentile was significantly more prevalent in all the depleted children.This paper reports the results of our study of the objective (quantitative) elements of our nutritional assessment. These measurements indicate that a significant number of patients are at nutritional risk at the time they are admitted to the hospital.An adequate nutritional assessment cannot be limited to objective considerations, however. A compl...
Synthetic neuropeptide antagonists stimulate in vitro thyrotropin and growth hormone secretion by hatchling turtle pituitaries

The effects of synthetic antagonists to mammalian vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) on in vitro thyrotropin (TSH) and growth hormone (GH) secretion by pituitaries of hatchling slider turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) were investigated in hopes of understanding the mechanism(s) of action of the native neuropeptides. Pituitary glands were incubated individually in wells, and the culture medium was changed every 2 hr. After determination of basal secretion rates for one 2 hr period, glands were incubated in medium with or without VIP antagonist (100 or 500 nM) for 2 hr followed by two 2 hr periods with antagonist plus 2.5 nM VIP. VIP alone had no effect on TSH or GH secretion at this dose; however, both TSH and GH secretion were significantly elevated by the high dose of the VIP antagonist plus VIP (2.9-fold). In another experiment, glands were exposed to 2.5 μg/ml (500–750 nM) antagonists to VIP, CRH, or GHRH for four 2 hr incubation periods. The GHRH and VIP antagonists stimulated significant increases in TSH secretion above basal release, whereas the CRH antagonist produced a significant stimulation of TSH but not GH release, an observation that is consistent with our earlier report for other CRH-like peptides (Denver and Licht: J. Exp. Zool., 251:306–315, '89a). Maximum stimulation by the antagonists (3.5- to 5-fold) was comparable to maximum stimulation by the native neuropeptides at doses ranging from 25 to 250 nM. These results demonstrate that synthetic peptides that can act as antagonists of neuropeptide actions in mammalian systems have agonistic effects on in vitro TSH and GH secretion by turtle pituitaries. These observations also lend support to the hypothesis that neuropeptide control of the ectotherm pituitary is generally less specific than in mammals.
Is Justification (Somehow) Prior to Excuse? A Reply to Douglas Husak

In his "On the Supposed Priority of Justification to Excuse," Professor Husak investigates and contests the claim that justification is prior to excuse. In what way, if any, is it prior? I'm not sure that I think it is. At least, I doubt that there is a law-like generalization to be made here. But unlike Husak, I have no qualms about endorsing some generalizations that begin 'By and large' and claim some sort of priority of justification to excuse. I'll begin by trying to figure out what sort of priority most, if not all, justifications can plausibly be said to have, and then I'll turn to Husak's reading of what theorists who assert that justification is prior to excuse mean. I'll look first at the non-normative sort of priority, and will consider later what he calls the 'normative priority thesis'. Some of the quotes Husak provides early on in his paper as evidence of explicit endorsement of what he calls "the priority thesis" provide an excellent starting point. According to George Fletcher, "The analysis of justification must precede the
Elliptic equations with BMO coefficients in Lipschitz domains

In this paper, we study inhomogeneous Dirichlet problems for elliptic equations in divergence form. Optimal regularity requirements on the coefficients and domains for the W 1,p (1 < p < ∞) estimates are obtained. The principal coefficients are supposed to be in the John-Nirenberg space with small BMO semi-norms. The domain is supposed to have Lipschitz boundary with small Lipschitz constant. These conditions for the W 1,p theory do not just weaken the requirements on the coefficients; they also lead to a more general geometric condition on the domain.
Geomagnetic and Ionospheric Phenomena associated with Nuclear Explosions

Nuclear explosions at high altitudes were carried out at Johnston Island on August 1 and on August 12, 1958. Geomagnetic and ionospherlc effects associated with these events are described. The data were collected at various stations in the Pacific area and the American continent. (C. H.)
Fractures of the femoral shaft in children. The overgrowth phenomenon.

Femoral overgrowth following femoral shaft fracture in children less than 13 years old has been documented by orthoroentgenogram in 74 patients from the time of healing 3 months following fracture ...
Advances in the analysis of amino acid phenylthiohydantoins by high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract All the organic soluble amino acid phenylthiohydantoins are eluted (but not totally resolved) in under 40 min on either a Zorbax ODS or Permaphase ETH column. The superior resolution of the Zorbax ODS column and the complimentary characteristic of the Permaphase ETH column allow the isocratic analysis of 15 phenylthiohydantoins in less than 20 min when the columns are operated simultaneously. The water soluble PTH-His and -Arg are analyzed separately in under 10 min with the Zorbax ODS column. Five picomoles of a derivative may be detected with a sample to noise ratio of 6, HPLC is the most sensitive, practical method for PTH analysis.