cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoparathyroidism: A Possible Cause of Osteomalacia

A 17 year old man with longstanding hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia presented withincapacitating bone pain and progressive weakness and bowing of the legs. The serum abnormalities were due to idiopathic hypoparathyroidism as evidenced by a decreased serum concentration of parathyroid hormone and an appropriate rise in urinary cyclic AMP and phosphate excretion, andserum calcium concentration, in response to exogenously administered parathyroid extract. The serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol was appropriately decreased. The bone findings were due toosteomalacia as documented by physical findings, bone roentgenograms, and bone biopsy. Normal renal tubular function, blood pH, and serum concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase excluded the common causes of osteomalacia. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that lack of parathyroid hormone causes both hypocalcemia and a decreased serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol which, in...
Impulse response of a band-limited lossy ionospheric channel

Based on dispersion relation of a collisional isotropic uniform plasma, the transfer function of a lossy ionospheric channel was derived. For narrow-band signals, the transfer function can be greatly simplified, and a band-limited impulse response was obtained. It was found that when the collision frequency is only a small fraction of \omega_{0} , the center frequency of the band, an appreciable amount of energy loss is observed. By convolution the impulse response can be used to obtain the output waveform of any other input signal transmitted through the lossy medium.
Feasibility of Implant Driven Micturition in Paraplegic Dogs

Objective— This study evaluates the feasibility of using existing technology for implant driven micturition in paralyzed dogs (part I) and also examines a less invasive technique for implant driven micturition (part II). Study Design— Part I. Sacral nerve root dimensions and bladder and urethral pressure responses to intradural and extradural sacral nerve root stimulation were measured to determine the optimal location and size for sacral nerve root electrodes. Part II. Sacral nerve roots were stimulated via wire electrodes introduced into the S2 foramina. Animals or Sample Population— Ten dogs (five dogs in part I and five dogs in part II). Methods— Part I. Microtip pressure transducers were used to monitor bladder and urethral pressure responses to sacral nerve root stimulation with tripolar hook electrodes. After euthanasia, sacral nerve root, and spinal canal dimensions were measured. Part II. Bipolar electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve roots was performed by introducing wire electrodes into the S2 foramina. Bladder and urethral pressures were recorded as in part I. Results— Part I. Stimulation of S1 produced an increase in urethral, but not bladder, pressure. Stimulation of S2 or S3 produced increases in bladder pressure and decreases in urethral pressure. Intradural and extradural nerve roots were not significantly different with respect to nerve dimensions or effects on nerve stimulation. Part II. High bladder pressures were achieved, but effective voiding could not be produced, primarily because of urethral resistance. Conclusions— Part I. Extradural implantation was determined to be the most appropriate site based on ease of dissection, nerve root dimensions, and decreased risk of iatrogenic trauma. Enough space is available to implant two to four tripolar spiral nerve cuffs. Part II. Transforaminal sacral nerve root stimulation did not effectively empty the bladder. Clinical Relevance— Clinical trials in paraplegic dogs are necessary to evaluate the number of sacral nerve cuff electrodes necessary to produce effective bladder emptying.
“It Takes Two to Tango”: understanding how centrosome duplication is regulated throughout the cell cycle

The essence of successful mitosis is the generation of two genetically identical daughter cells. This requires the assembly of a strictly bipolar mitotic apparatus that will ensure that all daughter chromosomes are segregated to opposite sides of the cell before the completion of mitosis. The agent of the higher animal cell for the establishment of this essential “twoness” is the pair of centrosomes that organize the spindle poles during mitosis (Mazia 1987). Before the cell enters mitosis, the single interphase centrosome duplicates or reproduces exactly once, and the daughter centrosomes form the two poles of the spindle after breakdown of the nuclear envelope. Failure of the cell to precisely control this duplication of the centrosome can have disastrous consequences. If the centrosome fails to duplicate before the onset of mitosis, most somatic cells eventually return to interphase without dividing, which causes polyploidy. If the centrosome duplicates more than once in a cell cycle, then a multipolar spindle may be assembled and the chromosomes may be unequally distributed to the daughter cells, leading to genetic imbalances that produce cells with aggressive growth characteristics (for reviews, see Orr-Weaver and Weinberg 1998; Brinkley 2001). In fact, the cells of many lethal human tumors are genetically unstable and have abnormally high numbers of centrosomes (Lingle et al. 1998; Pihan et al. 1998; Carroll et al. 1999). Extra centrosomes are a problem because the condition is not remediated; cells do not have a checkpoint that aborts mitosis in response to extra spindle poles (Sluder et al. 1997). In this review, we focus on the mechanisms that control centrosome duplication and coordinate it with nuclear events during the cell cycle.
“CORPORATE SECURITY BEGINS IN THE COMMUNITY”: Mining, the Corporate Social Responsibility Industry, and Environmental Advocacy in Indonesia

In 2002, male village leaders and youth living near a transnational mining corporation's operation in rural Indonesia attacked a group of visiting environmental activists. I analyze the moral commitments of the corporate managers who provoked the attack and the village elites who organized and executed it, turning to the context of the burgeoning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) industry to grasp the broader dimensions of the beliefs and practices through which managers and elites legitimized their actions. This essay shows that the CSR industry is coevolving alongside environmental advocacy campaigns and grassroots corporate security models.
Effectiveness of flushing on reducing lead and copper levels in school drinking water.

Abstract Samples from drinking water fountains in 50 schools in New Jersey were collected at specific times during a typical school day and analyzed for lead, copper, pH, alkalinity, and hardness. First-draw lead and copper levels (medians 0.010 mg/l and 0.26 mg/l, respectively) decreased significantly after 10 min of flushing in the morning (medians 0.005 mg/l lead and 0.068 mg/l copper), but levels increased significantly by lunchtime (medians 0.007 mg/l lead and 0.12 mg/l copper) after normal use of fountains in the morning by students. Corrosive water, as defined by the aggressive index, contained significantly higher levels of lead and copper (medians 0.012 mg/l and 0.605 mg/l, respectively) than noncorrosive water (medians 0.005 mg/l and 0.03 mg/l, respectively).
Micro(exon)-management

We live in an era of unfolding genome complexity. In a single cell, the tightly coiled DNA contains not only coding sequences (exons), but also long noncoding sequences or very short sequences that encode a few amino acids (microexons). Irimia et al . have now developed an algorithm that allowed them to detect hundreds of novel microexons, some of which may encode just a single amino acid. These microexons showed a marked degree of conservation among vertebrates. Moreover, a large fraction of these conserved small DNA elements were specifically and dynamically regulated during the late stages of neuron maturation, indicating their potential functional importance during brain development. The authors showed that inclusion of these microexons in the final RNA product contributed to the function of numerous neuronal proteins. Microexons have the ability to change the surface structure of proteins in ways that longer exons cannot. Using luminescence-based mammalian interactome mapping in human cell lines, the authors showed that the insertion of selected neuronal microexons enhanced interactions between proteins, whereas the deletion of microexons caused the loss of these protein-protein interactions. Subsequent screening of several known splicing regulators identified nSR100 as a potent regulator of neuronal microexon inclusion. Moreover, the authors found that many of the identified neuronal microexons were frequently misregulated in the brains of humans suffering from autism spectrum disorders, who also displayed reduced expression of nSR100. These data suggest that erroneous exclusion of microexons through mis-splicing may contribute to neurodevelopmental diseases including autism. The discovery of microexons will open up a new line of research into the causes of autism and other neurological disorders. The work is likely to lead to the discovery of more microexons with myriad roles in different cellular processes. A potential macro-benefit of these microexons may be to boost our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying a variety of neurological diseases. M. Irimia et al ., A highly conserved program of neuronal microexons is misregulated in autistic brains. Cell 159 , 1511–1523 (2014). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25525873
H I Lyman-alpha in the sun - The effects of partial redistribution in the line wings

A form for the Lyman-alpha redistribution function that is modified to include the effects of collisional coupling between different energy states is presented. It is noted that this extends the work of Yelnik et al. (1981) and Roussel-Dupre(1982). By separating the source function into its primary components at all heights, the formation of Lyman-alpha radiation is investigated in detail. Frequencies in the line wing can be mapped back in such a way that the heights of formation for a change in lambda of plus or minus 0.5-6 A span the entire solar chromosphere. The usefulness of the Lyman-alpha wing as an atmospheric probe, however, is limited by long thermalization lengths, which result from almost coherent scattering outside of the Doppler core. When the line profiles calculated from the chromospheric models of Vernazza et al. (1981) are compared with the quiet-sun observations of Roussel-Dupre, agreement is found in integrated core intensities and in the line wing shape and normalized center-to-limb behavior. The calculated wing intensities, however, are a factor of four too small.
Current Management of Enterocutaneous Fistula

Enterocutaneous fistulas, defined as abnormal communications between bowel and skin, are among the most challenging conditions managed by the general surgeon. In an era when the mortality from pancreaticoduodenectomy is less than 3%, the mortality of enterocutaneous fistulas remains 10 to 30% due to the often-present complications of sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte abnormalities. Taking advantage of recent advances in techniques of pre- and post-surgical management and support, employing a multidisciplinary team approach, and executing a well-delineated management plan provide the patient and surgeon with the best possibility of success in treating this potentially devastating condition.
The Southern Cameroons and minority rights in Cameroon

Abstract Advocating for Anglophone succession in a predominantly Francophone country, the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) purports to address Anglophone marginalisation. The Cameroonian regime, however, views them as terrorists. What is the likelihood of a peaceful secession or resolution of Anglophone grievances? This article examines the role of the SCNC in the struggle for minority rights in Cameroon, in the context of a failed democratic state.
Negative regulation of glial engulfment activity by Draper terminates glial responses to axon injury

The engulfment receptor Draper is known to promote glial clearance of degenerating neurons in Drosophila, and this action of Draper is mediated by Src kinase. This study now shows that one of three Draper isoforms, namely Draper-II, negatively regulates glial clearance and acts in opposition to pro-clearance Draper-I.
Simulation of Coherent Doppler Lidar Performance in the Weak-Signal Regime

Abstract The performance of coherent Doppler lidar in the weak-signal regime is investigated by computer simulations of velocity estimators that accumulate the signal from N pulses of zero-mean complex Gaussian stationary lidar data described by a Gaussian covariance function. The probability density function of the resulting estimates is modeled as a fraction b of uniformly distributed had estimates or random outliers and a localized distribution of good estimates with standard deviation g. Results are presented for various velocity estimators and for typical boundary layer measurements of 2-µm coherent lidars and also for proposed space-based measurements with 2- and 10-µm lidars. For weak signals and insufficient pulse accumulation, the fraction of bad estimates is high and g ≈ WV, the spectral width of the signal in velocity space. For a large number of accumulated pulses N, there are few bad estimates and g ∝ WvN−1/2. The threshold signal energy or average number of coherent photoelectrons per pulse ...
PREDICTing the Era of Personalized Medicine

Delivering the right dose of the right drug to the right individual at the right time is an often stated goal of the pharmacogenomics community. Over the past decade, the role of common genetic variation in a handful of key pharmacogenes has been elucidated. These genetic variants have been
Comparing thaw survival, implantation and live birth rates from cryopreserved zygotes, embryos and blastocysts

Context : Most in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs employ embryo cryopreservation to enhance pregnancies from a single ovarian stimulation. More embryos are created, some of which are not transferred to the uterus immediately, generating a need for improved cryopreservation protocols. One protocol may involve growing embryos to a further stage of development, allowing only embryos with proven developmental capabilities to be cryopreserved. Here we examined thaw survival, implantation and live birth rates of embryos cryopreserved at different stages. Aims : We examined thaw survival, implantation and live birth rates of embryos cryopreserved at the zygote, day 3 (D3) embryos or blastocyst stage. Settings and Design : This is a retrospective study from a single academic IVF program. Patients and Methods :0 A retrospective study of all patients who had frozen embryos transferred to their uteri from year 2002 to 2008 at a single academic IVF program was conducted. Statistical Analysis Used : Analysis of variance followed by Fisher's Exact Test was performed to compare the survival after thaw, implantation and live birth rates between the three groups. Results : One thousand nine hundred and ninety-one zygotes, 2880 D3 embryos and 503 blastocysts were frozen using a slow freeze technique, thawed and transferred. Significantly more D3 embryos and blastocysts survived the thawing process compared to zygotes and significantly higher implantation rate per number of thawed blastocysts was achieved than that for zygotes. Live birth rates were similar between the three groups. Conclusions : Growing embryos to blastocyst stage prior to cryopreservation is associated with fewer frozen embryos but does not appear compromise patients' chance of achieving pregnancy
Asset specificity, firm heterogeneity and capital structure

This paper presents an empirical investigation of the importance of specialized assets and other unique characteristics of a firm in explaining the variance in capital structure across firms. The results show that firm-specific effects contribute most to the variance in leverage, suggesting a strong link between strategy and capital structure.
Toxic effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the development of E. coli biofilm.

The impact of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the different developmental stages of biofilms has been investigated using E. coli K12 as a model organism. Specifically, we investigated (i) the impact of SWNT concentration on cell growth and biofilm formation, (ii) toxic effects of SWNTs on mature biofilms, and (iii) formation of biofilm on SWNT-coated surfaces. The results show that at the initial stage of biofilm formation, SWNTs come into contact with bacterial cells prior to biofilm maturation and inhibit their growth. Furthermore, the results suggest that bacteria in mature biofilms are less sensitive to the presence of SWNTs than cells in other biofilm stages, similar to previous observations of biofilm resistance to antimicrobials. In mature biofilms, the soluble exopolymeric substances (EPS) secreted by the biofilm play an important role in mitigating the toxic effects of SWNTs. Upon exposure to SWNTs, biofilms without soluble EPS in the supernatant had a much more significant loss of biom...
Development of carbon nanotube based spectrum infrared sensors

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has been found to be one of the promising semi-conducting materials for nanoelectronic devices and sensors due to its unique electrical properties. Our group has developed a spectrum sensor using a single CNT and demonstrated its performance. In this paper, a steady and high-yield CNT bandgap engineering will be discussed and it has been used to manufacture an appropriate CNT for spectrum infrared detection. The fabrication and experimental result of the CNT based spectrum sensor will be presented. The results indicated the CNT based spectrum sensors are capable to sense near-infrared (IR) signal and middle-wave IR signal in room temperature environment.
Continuum Force Microscopy Study of the Elastic Modulus, Hardness and Friction of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Surfaces

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been modified to a continuum force microscope (CFM) by using a tip of a large radius of curvature (1000 nm), in an attempt to reduce the pressure in the contact region. The elastic modulus, hardness, and friction of the surfaces of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, and atactic polypropylene have been quantitatively measured at low loads (10-8−10-6 N) with the CFM. The effect of pressure applied by the tip has been observed in the measurements, resulting in an increase in the elastic modulus and the shear strength of the polymer surface with increasing pressure. The effect of pressure increases with decreasing density of the polymer. The higher values of elastic modulus and hardness of the polymer surface correlate well with the higher crystallinity of the polymers. Frictional properties of the polymers show characteristics that can be explained by the JKR model; the relative frictional behavior of the polyolefin surfaces how...
A living systems approach to understanding the concept of stress

In this article, the basic concepts used in conceptualizing stress and classifying its related phenomena are defined and a general conceptual framework for understanding the interrelationships among these concepts is proposed. The conceptual scheme described is intended to be applicable across disciplines including the biological and the behavioral and social sciences. This model is based largely on the living systems theory developed by Miller (1978) and the work of Selye (1950). It provides a coherent conceptual framework in which studies in the various disciplines engaged in stress research can be organized and integrated. Its use across disciplines will facilitate the sharing of information and prevent needless duplication of effort by researchers in different fields. It will also facilitate the generation and formulation of empirically testable hypotheses (including specific cross-level hypotheses), the development of more focused research designs and a clearer interpretation of findings. By understanding at which point in the stress pathway a system is when observed, a clearer picture of both the biological mechanisms involved and the psychosocial ramifications of stress may be obtained. As a consequence of this type of information becoming available, more optimal treatments for patients with stress-related disorders can be developed.
Inhibition of siderophore biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis with nucleoside bisubstrate analogues: structure-activity relationships of the nucleobase domain of 5'-O-[N-(salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine.

5′-O-[N-(salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (Sal-AMS) is a prototype for a new class of antitubercular agents that inhibit the aryl acid adenylating enzyme (AAAE) known as MbtA involved in biosynthesis of the mycobactins. Herein, we report the structure-based design, synthesis, biochemical, and biological evaluation of a comprehensive and systematic series of analogues, exploring the structure−activity relationship of the purine nucleobase domain of Sal-AMS. Significantly, 2-phenyl-Sal-AMS derivative 26 exhibited exceptionally potent antitubercular activity with an MIC99 under iron-deficient conditions of 0.049 μM while the N-6-cyclopropyl-Sal-AMS 16 led to improved potency and to a 64-enhancement in activity under iron-deficient conditions relative to iron-replete conditions, a phenotype concordant with the designed mechanism of action. The most potent MbtA inhibitors disclosed here display in vitro antitubercular activity superior to most current first line TB drugs, and these compounds are also expected to be...
Lactation and Salt Loading Similarly Alter Neuropeptide Y, But Differentially Alter Somatostatin, in Separate Sets of Rat Neural Lobe Axons

Abstract SANDS, S. A., D. LE MON AND B. M. CHRONWALL. Lactation and salt loading similarly alter neuropeptide Y, but differentially alter somatostatin, in separate sets of rat neural lobe axons. PEPTIDES 18(7) 1045–1050, 1997.—Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and somatostatin immunoreactivities are present in neural lobe axons of the rat pituitary. Both peptides are upregulated during lactation, because NPY gene expression increases in the hypothalamus and plasma concentrations of somatostatin are elevated. However, the effects of lactation on NPY and somatostatin in the neural lobe are unknown. Although NPY immunoreactivity increases in the neural lobe following salt loading of male rats, the somatostatin response is unknown. To answer these questions, NPY and somatostatin immunoreactivities in the neural lobe were examined during lactation and salt loading using immunohistochemistry and image analysis. On day 2 of lactation, the area covered by immunoreactivity, a combined measurement of axon density and size of axonal swellings, of both NPY and somatostatin increased compared to ovariectomized rats. The increase in NPY was four- to fivefold greater than that of somatostatin. By day 10 of lactation, values returned to those of ovariectomized rats. Following 10 days of salt loading, the area covered by NPY immunoreactivity increased approximately 10-fold over control male rats, whereas somatostatin remained unchanged. NPY and somatostatin were not colocalized in neural lobe axons in either paradigm, demonstrating that two different neuronal populations were involved in both cases. These data indicate that NPY and somatostatin were regulated similarly during lactation, but differentially following salt loading.
Does Email Boost Turnout

Political campaigns are just now learning how to put the Internet to best use. Low transaction costs and huge economies of scale tempt campaigns to move traditional activities online, but the effectiveness of virtual campaigns is unknown. This paper conducts 13 field experiments on 232,716 subjects to test whether email campaigns are effective for voter registration and mobilization. Both registration and turnout were unaffected, suggesting that email, while inexpensive, is not cost-effective.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Provides Cardioprotection During Ischemia/Reperfusion by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Abstract Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional protein that exhibits an intrinsic thiol protein oxidoreductase activity and proinflammatory activities. In the present study to examine intracellular MIF redox function, exposure of MIF-deficient cardiac fibroblasts to oxidizing conditions resulted in a 2.3-fold increase (p < 0.001) in intracellular ROS that could be significantly reduced by adenoviral-mediated reexpression of recombinant MIF. In an animal model of myocardial injury by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), MIF-deficient hearts exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress than did wild-type hearts, as measured by significantly higher oxidized glutathione levels (decreased GSH/GSSG ratio), increased protein oxidation, reduced aconitase activity, and increased mitochondrial injury (increased cytochrome c release). The increased myocardial oxidative stress after I/R was reflected by larger infarct size (INF) in MIF-deficient hearts versus wild-type (WT) hearts (21 ± 6% vs. 8 ± 3...
THE PROPENSITY OF BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO USE LOW COST AIRLINES

Abstract The liberalisation of air transport regulations in the EU has led to the introduction of a number of new airlines serving short haul point to point routes (e.g. easyJet, Ryanair, Debonair, Virgin Express, Go and others). While some of these routes are clearly leisure oriented (e.g. Palma, Ibiza, Venice and Nice), anecdotal evidence suggests that a significant number of travellers are using these services for business related trips. A number of recent studies suggest that pressure is being brought to bear on business travellers to reduce travel expenditure ( IATA, 1997. International Air Trasport Association, Press release, No. PS/13/9, 27 January 1997 ; Bender, A., Stephenson, F., 1998. Journal of Air Trasport Management 4 (2), 99–109 ; Mason, K.J., 1998. In: Selected Proceedings of the Eighth World Conference on Transport Research (forthcoming) ). This paper details a stated preference (SP) survey of European business travellers to assess the propensity for business travellers to use short haul low cost airlines. The study assess the utility placed by travellers on price, airline reward schemes, flight frequency and in-flight comfort service attributes. Price is shown to be the most important purchase factor followed by in-flight comfort and then flight frequency. The study demonstrates the effect of company size on traveller's selection of these utilities.
The Measurement of Values and Individualism-Collectivism

This study presents alternative measures of S. H. Schwartz's theory of values using pairwise comparisons and goal concepts. Not only did the three measures of values-the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS), the Pairwise Comparison Value Survey (PCVS), and the Personal Striving Value Survey (PSVS) -converge but they were also correlated in similar ways with the Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS). This provides evidence that the newly developed scales can be alternatives to the SVS, which allows future studies of values using multiple measures. Moreover, the findings provide support for Schwartz's conception of values as higher order goals. The present findings have several implications for the study of values and their linkage to the study of individualism-collectivism and the self-concept.
High-resolution observations of radio-source hot spots at 329 MHz

The hot spots of several luminous double radio sources have been observed at 329 MHz with VLBI at fringe spacings ranging from 0.05 to 0.70 arcsec. Two out of two high-redshift (z = about 0.5) sources, but only one of six low-redshift (z = about 0.05) sources, were detected. For the low-redshift source (3C 234) which was detected, either the hot spot is larger at 329 MHz than at 15 GHz, or else the brightness contrast between it and the surrounding lobe is lower at the lower frequency.
Geometrically necessary dislocation density measurements associated with different angles of indentations

Experiments and numerical simulations of various angles of wedge indenters into face-centered cubic single crystal were performed under plane strain conditions. In the experiments, the included ang ...
Long-term survival after surgical revascularization for moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Background We sought to characterize patient survival and degree of late mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing surgical revascularization with moderate ischemic MR. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 251 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery between 1991 and 2001 with 3+ ischemic MR, including 31 patients who had concomitant mitral annuloplasty. Univariate and multivariable testing was employed. Results Actuarial 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 84.0%, 67.5%, and 37.1% in the overall group of 251 patients. Independent predictors of long-term mortality were age 70 years or more (hazard ratio 2.50 [95% confidence interval 1.82 to 3.44]), prior myocardial infarction (3.99 [2.15 to 7.39]), unstable angina (2.27 [1.69 to 3.04]), chronic renal failure (4.87 [3.13 to 7.58]), atrial fibrillation (2.21 [1.65 to 2.96]), left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery graft (0.28 [0.18 to 0.43]), preoperative β-blocker (0.43 [0.28 to 0.67]), ejection fraction (0.71/10% [0.64 to 0.80]), left atrium size (0.88/mm [0.84 to 0.92]), diffuse wall motion abnormalities (2.83 [1.77 to 4.55]), and mitral leaflet restriction (3.85 [2.46 to 5.99]). The model controlled for the performance of annuloplasty, which did not emerge as an independent predictor. Patients undergoing annuloplasty did have less mean late MR than those having CABG alone ( p = 0.005). Overall, 57.8% of patients (63 of 109) with follow-up echocardiograms had improvement in grade of MR compared with baseline. In 54 of 95 patients (56.8%), intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography downgraded the degree of MR compared with the preoperative study. Conclusions Patients with moderate ischemic MR undergoing CABG had relatively poor long-term survival, with significant differences when stratified according to preoperative characteristics. Performance of mitral annuloplasty reduced the degree of regurgitation but was not a predictor of long-term survival. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography frequently downgraded the degree of MR.
Treatment of acromegaly with megavoltage radiation therapy.

Abstract From 1956 to 1972, 22 previously untreated patients with acromegaly received high dose (average equivalent dose 5700 rad in 5.66 weeks) megavohage (4–4.8 MeV) irradiation at Stanford, 3 post-operatively and 19 as the only intended treatment. Two patients required surgical intervention for deteriorating vision 3 months after initial treatment by irradiation alone, but received no additional treatment. Four patients (18.2%) have died 5–11 years after treatment, 2 of suicide and 2 of cerebrovascular accidents. Eight patients (36%) experienced improvement of their soft tissue acromegalic features whereas the remainder, including the 4 who died, had shown no progression of disease with follow-up ranging from 20 months to almost 18 years. Radiation-induced hormone deficiencies were limited to a need for thyroid in one of 11 patients initially euthyroid and a subsequent need for testosterone in 2 of 6 men approximately 4 years after treatment. Considerations in the treatment of patients with acromegaly and plans for a limited controlled study at Stanford are presented.
Methods for conducting snail (Aplexa hypnorum) embryo through adult exposures: Effects of cadmium and reduced pH levels

Two separate embryo through adult exposures were conducted with cadmium and with reduced pH levels to validate various test methodologies and to determine the feasibility of testing and ease of handling the freshwater snail (Aplexa hypnorum) in a test system designed for fish bioassays. Exposure of snails from embryos through adult reproductive maturity to cadmium chloride produced delayed hatch, reductions in percentage hatch and survival, and reduced growth when compared to a control. Based on these effects, the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration in Lake Superior water was between 4.41 and 7.63 μg cadmium/L in one test and between 2.50 and 4.79 μg cadmium/L in another test. Adult snails were exposed to determine a 96-hr LC50 of 93 μg cadmium/L. Exposure of embryonic, larval and adult snails to a pH range of 5.00–5.75 caused delayed hatching, reduced combined hatchability and survival, reduced 26-day growth, and a reduction in the number of egg masses per adult snail. No adverse effects were observed in snails exposed for 26 days to pH values ranging from 6.25 to 6.65. During a short-term static exposure, a pH of 4.3 caused a cloudy appearance in eggs within the egg mass and killed the embryos within two hr of the start of the exposure. A static pH exposure of 4.6 also turned embryos slightly cloudy, although some development did occur in these embryos by the sixth day.
Characterization of pediatric skeletal tumors and tumor-like conditions: specific cross-sectional imaging signs

The radiograph is indispensable for characterizing pediatric skeletal lesions. However, cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI can provide additional information and augment or confirm an impression obtained from the initial radiographic findings. This review will highlight the role of CT and MRI in characterizing pediatric skeletal tumors and tumor-like conditions. Focus will be given to the contributions of each modality to the process of characterizing skeletal lesions, recalling that cross-sectional imaging is more commonly obtained for the purpose of determining extent of disease rather than for characterization.
Islet formation in mice and men: lessons for the generation of functional insulin-producing β-cells from human pluripotent stem cells.

The Islets of Langerhans are crucial ‘micro-organs’ embedded in the glandular exocrine pancreas that regulate nutrient metabolism. They not only synthesize, but also secrete endocrine hormones in a modulated fashion in response to physiologic metabolic demand. These highly sophisticated structures with intricate organization of multiple cell types, namely endocrine, vascular, neuronal and mesenchymal cells, have evolved to perform this task to perfection over time. Not surprisingly, islet architecture and function are dissimilar between humans and typically studied model organisms, such as rodents and zebrafish. Further, recent findings also suggest noteworthy differences in human islet development from that in mouse, including delayed appearance and gradual resolution of key differentiation markers, a single-phase of endocrine differentiation, and prenatal association of developing islets with neurovascular milieu. In light of these findings, it is imperative that a systematic study is undertaken to compare islet development between human and mouse. Illuminating inter-species differences in islet development will likely be critical in furthering our pursuit to generate an unlimited supply of truly functional and fully mature β-cells from human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) sources for therapeutic purposes.
Effects of hydrogen fluoride on susceptibility of soybeans to Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea

Abstract Ten 14-day-old soybean plants, cv. ‘Williams 82’ were exposed continuously to hydrogen fluoride (HF) at 2 μg F m−3 in a controlled-environment chamber. After 1 week, the plants were transplanted into a potting mix infested with Rhizoctonia solani (Rs) or Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea (Pmg), and again exposed to HF for 1 week. Immediately after transplanting, plants inoculated with Pmg and uninoculated plants were flooded for 48 h, whereas plants with Rs and uninoculated checks were not flooded. One week after inoculation, hypocotyl lesions induced by Rs and Pmg were significantly larger on plants exposed to HF. Total root length infected was increased by exposure to HF, but this effect was not significant. Dry weights of individual plant parts were not affected by HF, but shoot:root ratios were higher after exposure to fluoride in experiments with Pmg. Fluoride concentrations in the leaf blades were positively correlated with root lesion length of plants inoculated with Pmg but not in those of plants inoculated with Rs.
Testosterone is essential for α2-adrenoceptor-induced antinociception in the trigeminal region of the male rat

Activation of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor has been shown to produce antinociception. We have previously shown that the antinociceptive effect of clonidine, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, is sex-specific and is abolished by exogenous estrogen in ovariectomized rats or high level of endogenous estrogen in proestrous females. Here, we investigated whether testosterone mediates the antinociceptive effect of clonidine in the trigeminal region of the male rat. Clonidine (7 microg/5 microl) was injected intracisternally through a PE-10 cannula implanted dorsal to the trigeminal region in orchidectomized (GDX) male Sprague-Dawley rats. In separate groups, testosterone propionate (250 microg/100 microl; GDX+T) or beta-estradiol benzoate (100 microg/100 microl; GDX+E) were injected subcutaneously 24 and 48 h respectively prior to the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)--or heat-evoked nociceptive test. NMDA-induced number of scratches or duration of scratching behavior did not change significantly in control groups with or without hormonal replacement. Clonidine significantly reduced both measures only in the GDX+T group but not in GDX or GDX+E group. Clonidine also significantly increased head withdrawal latency (HWL) in the GDX+T group, but not in GDX or GDX+E group. The antinociceptive effect of clonidine was reversed by yohimbine, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, in GDX+T group. We conclude that testosterone is required for the expression of antinociception produced by selective activation of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor in the trigeminal region of the male rat. These findings further our understanding of sex-related differences in the modulation of nociception and may provide insight into development and administration of analgesic agents in young vs. aging men.
Thermal and electronic transport of semiconducting nanoparticle-functionalized carbon nanotubes

Abstract Semiconducting nanoparticle-functionalized carbon nanotubes are very promising for many electronic systems and devices. In this paper, the synthesis of carbon nanotube/semiconducting nanoparticle hybrids was firstly demonstrated by a facile solution method and the effect of nanoparticle functionalization on electronic/thermal transport was investigated. Both experimental tests and theoretical analysis indicated that the thermal conductivity of nanoparticle/carbon nanotube network at room temperature was reduced by ∼37% in comparison with non-functionalized carbon nanotube networks, and this could be ascribed to the nanoparticle decoration-induced phonon scattering. In addition, the thermoelectric power factor was increased by 24-fold while the figure of merit was enhanced by 30-fold. The theoretical analysis suggested these significant improvements should originate from the carrier scattering at the carbon nanotube-nanoparticle interfaces and the decoration-augmented mismatch of the Fermi level and the mean transport energy level.
Blunt abdominal aortic injury

Background Blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) is a rare injury with less than 200 cases in the current reported world literature, mostly in case report format. We sought to describe the experience of a high-volume trauma center and to provide a contemporary review of the literature to better understand the natural history and management of this injury. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients with BAAI between 1996 and 2010. Data collected included demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, type of intervention, subsequent imaging, and follow-up. BAAI was classified by the presence of external aortic contour abnormality noted as an intimal tear, large intimal flap, pseudoaneurysm, or free rupture. Abdominal aorta zones of injury were classified by possible surgical approaches as zone I (diaphragmatic hiatus to superior mesenteric artery [SMA]), zone II (includes SMA and renal arteries), and zone III (from the inferior aspect of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation). Results We identified 28 individuals (68% male) with BAAI (median age, 28.5; range, 6-61 years). The median injury severity score was 45 (range, 16-75), and 39% were hypotensive at presentation. BAAI presented as intimal tear (21%), large intimal flap (39%), pseudoaneurysm (11%), and free rupture (29%). Zone III was the most common location of injury. Management depended on the location and type of injury: nonoperative (32%), open aortic repair (36%), endovascular repair (21%), and multimodality (10%). Overall mortality was 32%. Most deaths occurred during the initial operative exploration. The mortality rate of free aortic rupture was 100%. Intimal tears resolved or remained stable. Median follow-up was 15.5 months (range, 8 days-7.5 years). Vascular complications due to repair included a thrombosed access femoral artery during an endovascular repair and death of a patient who underwent a hybrid repair. Conclusions This is the largest BAAI series described in the English literature at one institution. BAAIs range from intimal tears to free rupture, with outcomes and management correlating with type and location of injury. Nonoperative management with blood pressure control using β-blockers coupled with antiplatelet therapy and close follow-up is successful in individuals with intimal tears with minimal thrombus formation because they remain stable or resolve on follow-up. Free rupture remains a devastating injury, with 100% mortality. For all other categories of aortic injury, successful repair correlates with a favorable prognosis.
LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY. AN IMPROVED TECHNIQUE OF LYMPHATIC CANNULATION.

Abstract A technique for lymphatic cannulation using polyethylene cannulae is described which is inexpensive, dependable, and simple to perform. The advantages to the use of cannulae rather than needles are the absence of leakage of infused materials, a more dependable preparation, and greater ease of cannulation and infusion. These features are desirable in lymphatic cannulation for lymphangiography and direct lymphatic cancer chemotherapy.
Landmark geometry and identity controls spatial navigation in rats

In three experiments, a new reference memory procedure was used to examine how male rats search for consistently located food in a cue-controlled spatial environment. The animals searched the tops of 24 poles for six hidden baits in an enclosed circular arena containing a fixed configuration of six object landmarks. In Experiment 1, acquisition was faster and overall performance better for theconsistent group (10 rats), in which the six baited poles were fixed relative to the landmarks for each session, than for therandom group (4 rats), in which baited poles were randomly configured. Cue-control tests and computer simulations suggested that the consistent group relied on the landmarks to directly go to the baited poles, whereas the random group used them to employ a response strategy for searching the arena. Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that the number, identity, and geometric configuration of the landmarks were important to the consistent group’s search performance. Overall, these results are most consistent with the use of a geometric representation by male rats which includes information about both the identity and the relative geometry of discrete landmarks in the surrounding spatial environment.
COUPLING CONSIDERATIONS IN TWO-ELECTRON SPECTRA

Two-electron spectra with consideration of four pure coupling types in study of energy level structure, relative line strengths and Lande g factors
The Effect of Early Parent-Infant Contact on Newborn Body Temperature

To determine whether infants who are properly dried and wrapped can be held and warned by parents in the delivery room without suffering a significant heat loss, temperatures of 100 infants were monitored with electronic thermometers after delivery; 50 were held by one or both parents and 50 were not held but immediately placed in a heated transporter. A two‐tailed t test showed no significant difference between temperatures of the two groups.
Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies of Southern bean mosaic virus.

Crystals of the cowpea strain of Southern bean mosaic virus were shown to belong to space group R32 whose hexagonal cell dimensions were a = 923(1), c = 299(1) . The orientation and position of the three virus particles in the rhombohedral cell were determined by a consideration of intensity spikes, packing arrangements, and the relative size of different classes of Bragg reflections. The unusually open packing arrangement was subsequently confirmed by electron microscopy observation of thin-sectioned crystals. A maximum particle diameter was found to be 284 . The X-ray diffraction patterns extend to 3 resolution.
Quantitative Assessment of Some Factors Limiting Seed Set in Buckwheat

A healthy buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) plant produces numerous flowers but few seeds. The objective of this study was to investigate mechanisms responsible for the low frequency of seed set. Newly open and receptive flowers were pollinated at weekly intervals from 4 to 12 wk after seeding (WAS) on selected racemes of greenhouse-grown plants. Flower number, seed set, abortion, and anatomical observations of egg sacs and proembryos were analyzed. Although flowers formed continuously for 7 wk, the period of maximum seed set under controlled conditions was brief (1-2 wk). Competition within the same nutritional unit (raceme) did not account for low average seed set per raceme. Neither the number of flowers nor frequency of seed set was decreased when developing seeds were on the same raceme. Abortion (=10%) was not a major factor limiting seed set. Eighty percent of the flowers failed to initiate seeds even under controlled growing conditions when hand pollinated. Approximately 20% of megagametophytes appeared to be defective at anthesis. The proportion of ovules containing a proembryo at 24 h after pollination (HAP) paralleled the proportion initiating seeds, indicating that fertilization is a limiting process. Pollen tube remnants were observed near the micropyle in 65% of the unfertilized ovules at 24 HAP. Lack of fertilization accounts for most of the reduction in seed set, appears to be caused by failure of the pollen tube to grow into the micropyle, and increases with plant age at pollination. Flowers that form late in the plant cycle contribute little to seed set and may be ignored in yield management decisions.