cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation between nocturnal melatonin profile and hormonal markers of puberty in humans.

We examined the relation between nocturnal melatonin and hormonal markers of puberty in 57 normal children and adolescents and 39 subjects with disorders of pubertal onset. Melatonin was measured in hourly blood samples drawn overnight by constant withdrawal. Basal 08.00 h plasma testosterone, estradiol and LH, and the peak LH response to LHRH administration were determined. There were no significant correlations between testosterone, estradiol, basal LH and peak LH and melatonin peak (r = -0.18, -0.22, -0.02, -0.12, respectively) or melatonin peak time (r = 0.12, -0.01, -0.02, 0.07 respectively). The results were not affected significantly by sex, diagnosis or age. A comparison of subjects grouped by peak LH 30 U/l (most likely pubertal; n = 34) showed no significant differences in melatonin peak (160.5 ± 59.3 vs. 146.6 ± 50.9 pg/ml;t= 1.09; p > 0.05) or melatonin peak time (1.8 ± 1.7 vs. 2.5 ± 1.7 h; t = -1.79; p > 0.05). Although a pineal-puberty relation cannot be excluded, the results do not support the hypothesis that melatonin restrains the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during childhood.
Computer simulations of multiple-quantum NMR experiments. II. Selective excitation

Abstract The multiple-quantum (MQ evolution of anisotropic spin systems with four to eight coupled protons is analyzed using a computer for the basic three-pulse sequence. MQ intensities are first investigated as a function of preparation time. The concept of time-independent intensities is then introduced, and an algorithm for efficient computation of these quantities is described. A correlation between the distribution of dipolar coupling values and the intensity of high-quantum lines is discussed; in many cases, these intensities are predicted to be considerably larger than a simple statistical argument would suggest. The effect of varying the preparation and detection times independently is analyzed as a random walk problem.
Testimony on Health Information Confidentiality

The following testimony was delivered to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee on June 14, 1996.
Hypokalemic, Hypophosphatemic Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder frequently associated with severe hypokalemia. We describe a patient with hypophosphatemia occurring in the setting of hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, an association reported only once previously. A review of the literature indicates that this combined biochemical derangement may not be uncommon and that thyrotoxic periodic paralysis should be recognized as a potential cause of hypophosphatemia. The correction of both hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia may lead to a more rapid resolution of the associated acute neurologic syndrome.
Resistivity Imaging by Time Domain Electromagnetic Migration (TDEMM)

One of the most challenging problems of electrical geophysical methods is the interpretation of time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) sounding data in the areas with the horizontally inhomogeneous geo...
Revisiting Mary Ainsworth’s conceptualization and assessments of maternal sensitivity-insensitivity

This paper describes the evolution of Ainsworth’s construct of maternal sensitivity-insensitivity to infant signals from its beginnings in her research in Uganda to its explicit emergence in the fi...
Discussion of proposed mechanisms of thermal conductivity enhancement in nanofluids

Abstract Based upon Green–Kubo linear response theory, we use the exact expression for the heat flux vector of the base fluid plus nanoparticle system to estimate the contribution of nanoparticle Brownian motion to thermal conductivity. We find that its contribution is too small to account for abnormally high reported values. The possibility of convection caused by Brownian particles is also found to be unlikely. We have estimated the mean free path and the transition speed of phonons in nanofluid through density functional theory. We found a layer structure can form around the nanoparticles and the structure does not further induce fluid–fluid phase transition in the bulk fluid. By analyzing the compressibility of the fluid, we have also investigated the sound speed in the nanofluid. For the models of an asymmetric hard sphere mixture representing the single spherical nanoparticles and a mixture of rods and hard spheres representing aggregates, both suspended in the fluid, we found that for the very low volume fraction cases, the compressibility changes little. This shows that the speed of phonon transition does not change due to the addition of nanoparticles of either type. Our results indicate that, besides the enhancement due to the high thermal conductivity of nanoparticles themselves, fluid molecules make no evident contribution to the enhancement of thermal conductivity attributable to the presence of the nanoparticles at volume fractions less than 5%.
Transduction of Redox Signaling by Electrophile-Protein Reactions

Chemically reactive by-products of cellular redox reactions are frequently thought to induce deleterious actions. However, not all redox-mediated modifications are harmful; some have important physiological consequences. Some posttranslational protein modifications that are induced by electrophilic products of redox reactions may modulate physiological signaling pathways that have evolved to act as sensors of oxidative conditions. Additional insight into specific biological targets of electrophiles and the regulation of their reactions can reveal new therapeutic strategies for treating pain, acute and chronic inflammatory injury, and metabolic diseases. This Review with 4 figures, 2 tables, and 148 references describes biologically important electrophiles, methods for detecting proteins modified by these electrophilic compounds and the cellular consequences of this type of posttranslational modification.
Alterations in single muscle fiber calcium sensitivity with resistance training in older women

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 12-week progressive resistance-training program (PRT) on single muscle fiber calcium sensitivity in six older women (73±2 years). Muscle biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis were obtained pre- and post-PRT. Chemically skinned single muscle fibers (n=274) were dissected and studied. The experimental sequence for each fiber was the determination of peak maximal isometric tension (Po) at pCa 4.5 (pCa=–log[Ca2+]), and then subsequent submaximal activations of the fiber at nine Ca2+ concentrations (pCa 6.8 to 4.7). Myosin heavy chain (MHC) I fiber (slow-twitch) diameter increased 16% (P<0.05) with no change in MHC IIa fibers (fast-twitch) pre- to post-PRT, respectively. Po in MHC I fibers increased 34% (P<0.05) as a result of the training with no change in MHC IIa fibers. The mean MHC I Ca2+ activation threshold (minimal amount of Ca2+ necessary to induce tension) increased from 6.83±0.02 to 6.91±0.01 (P<0.05), as did the mean half-maximal activation (pCa50), 5.51±0.02 to 5.71±0.03 (P<0.05) with PRT. The slope of the Hill plot above (n1) the pCa50 for MHC I did not change significantly with the PRT. However, the slope of the Hill plot below (n2) the pCa50 for MHC I demonstrated an increase (P<0.05) with training. There were no differences with MHC IIa fibers with PRT for any of the variables measured. In conclusion, the results of this investigation indicate that myofibril Ca2+ sensitivity and activation properties are altered in MHC I, but not MHC IIa fibers with PRT in older women. The alterations in the MHC I Ca2+ properties appear to have an effect on the mechanisms involved with skeletal muscle adaptability in older women following PRT.
Effect of frame size, frame type, and clamping pressure on the ballistic performance of soft body armor

Abstract We analyze, with the computer code LS-DYNA, three-dimensional (3D) transient deformations of a 10-layer woven Kevlar armor held in a square steel frame and impacted at normal incidence by a 9 mm FMJ (full metal jacket), 124 grain projectile. The composite armor is discretized into weft and warp yarns to simulate its woven structure. The yarn is modeled as a 3D continuum. We consider failure of the yarn, and friction between adjoining layers and between the armor and the frame bars. For the armor perfectly bonded to the rigid frame bars, the computed residual speed and the residual kinetic energy of the projectile are found to increase with a decrease in the frame size implying thereby that the armor fixed in a smaller frame will have lower V50 than that of the same armor clamped in a larger frame. (The V50 of an armor equals the speed of a standard projectile that upon normal impact has 50% probability of just perforating the armor). For the armor allowed to slide between the frame bars, we have studied the effect of the pressure applied to the bars of the two- and the four-bar frames on the speed and the kinetic energy of the residual projectile. For both the two- and the four-bar frames, the speed of the residual projectile is found to increase with an increase in the applied pressure. Computed results also show that the armor fixed in the two-bar frame exhibits higher impact resistance than that held in the four-bar frame. The V50 is found to be ∼270 m/s when the woven armor is held in a four-bar frame with a clamping pressure of 200 MPa. The V50 decreases with an increase in the pressure applied to either the two-bar or the four-bar frames.
PC display resolution matched to the limits of visual acuity

— This experiment determined the maximum useful resolution for a desktop PC display. We assumed that in the absence of limitations attributable to the display, the eye's spatial resolution determined the minimum-size letters that could be recognized. We then introduced a spatial-resolution limit representing the display and increased the size applied to 16 upper-case letters until observers again had difficulty recognizing the letters. The eye and display affected text recognition equally when the size of the just-recognizable letters had to be 1.5× larger than when the display's effect was absent. An analysis of our results indicated that eye's visual acuity and display resolution are of approximate equivalence when a 186-dpi display is viewed at a distance of 46 cm (18 in). Comparable results were observed for three additional stimulus types: text-like nonsense symbols, gray-scale PC computer icons, and the same computer icons with colored features.
The potassium paradox: Implications for soil fertility, crop production and human health

Intensive fertilizer usage of KCl has been inculcated as a prerequisite for maximizing crop yield and quality, and relies on a soil test for exchangeable K in the plow layer to ensure that soil productivity will not be limited by nutrient depletion. The interpretive value of this soil test was rigorously evaluated by: (1) field sampling to quantify biweekly changes and seasonal trends, (2) characterizing the variability induced by air drying and the dynamic nature of soil K reserves and (3) calculating the K balance in numerous cropping experiments. These evaluations leave no alternative but to question the practical utility of soil K testing because test values cannot account for the highly dynamic interchange between exchangeable and non-exchangeable K, exhibit serious temporal instability with or without air drying and do not differentiate soil K buildup from depletion. The need for routine K fertilization should also be questioned, considering the magnitude and inorganic occurrence of profile reserves, the recycling of K in crop residues and the preferential nature of K uptake. An extensive survey of more than 2100 yield response trials confirmed that KCl fertilization is unlikely to increase crop yield. Contrary to the inculcated perception of KCl as a qualitative commodity, more than 1400 field trials predominately documented a detrimental effect of this fertilizer on the quality of major food, feed and fiber crops, with serious implications for soil productivity and human health.
Beta-endorphin levels in women with elevated prolactin and following bromocryptine therapy

Abstract 1. Plasma levels of beta-endorphin were not significantly different in women with normal plasma prolactin or women with hyperprolactinemia. 2. A bromocryptine induced decrease in plasma prolactin was not accompanied by a decrease in beta-endorphin. 3. This study suggests that no direct link exists between plasma prolactin levels and endogenous beta-endorphin.
Cloning and characterization of cDNAs and the gene encoding the mouse platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase Ib α subunit/lissencephaly-1 protein

Abstract Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs) play an important role in the metabolism of PAF, a potent phospholipid mediator affecting various physiological processes. The heterotrimeric form of intracellular PAF-AH consists of two catalytic subunits (PAF-AH Ibβ and PAF-AH Ibγ) and a potential regulatory subunit (PAF-AH Ibα). Hemizygous deletion of the gene encoding the α subunit has been implicated in two related neurological disorders: isolated lissencephaly sequence and Miller–Dieker syndrome. Here we report the isolation and characterization of mousePafaha/Lis1cDNAs and the correspondingPafaha/Lis1gene. We have cloned five cDNAs representing alternatively polyadenylated messages. Northern blot analysis revealed that the variousPafaha/Lis1mRNAs are differentially expressed in mouse tissues. ThePafaha/Lis1gene spans a genomic region of more than 50 kb and consists of 12 exons, the first 2 of which are embedded in CpG islands. We have identified two sites of alternative splicing ofPafaha/Lis1: one affecting the length of the 5′ untranslated region, the other potentially resulting in a truncated form of the encoded protein.
Nurturing resilience in gifted black youth

Many children, including the gifted, are at risk for underachievement, school failure, and otherwise not reaching their potential in school and in life. This is most often true of Black youth who face numerous social and cultural barriers to achievement. On the other hand, some youth do adapt to the many barriers to achievement and to the many stressors in their lives. This article explores the concept of resilience as it relates to gifted children, particularly gifted Black children. Also presented are recommendations for fostering resilience in these students and ensuring their success in school and life.
ATOMIZAT10N MECHANISMS OF THE PRESSURIZED METERED DOSE INHALER

The pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) is currently the most popular inhalation dosage form for delivering drugs to the lungs in the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Factors influencing the production of an effective respirable dose from a pMDI are the formulation and the primary and secondary atomization processes. The concern regarding the atmospheric effects of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants and the advent of alternative, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants has brought the atomization process to prominence. A review of the pMDI atomization processes is presented.
Tailoring nanorod alignment in a polymer matrix by elongational flow under confinement: simulation, experiments, and surface enhanced Raman scattering application.

Mesoscale simulation, electrospinning and Raman scattering experiments have been carried out to demonstrate that examination and control of nanorod configuration in a polymer matrix under elongational flow and confinement can lead to enhanced sensing. First, coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) was employed to probe the diffusivity, orientation, and dispersion of nanorods in a model polymer melt under planar elongational flow. Compared to shear flow, elongational flow gives rise to enhanced dispersion and orientation of nanorods, which are predicted to be improved with increasing the aspect ratio of nanorods and polymer chain length. As comparative experiments, we have electrospun gold (Au) nanorods with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the resulting Au nanorod configuration in PVA nanofibers is in good agreement with the predicted simulation. Furthermore, coaxial electrospinning of Au nanorod/PVA–PVA (shell–core) was applied to selectively place Au nanorods in the cylindrical sheath layer, and the alignment of Au nanorods near the fiber surface was confirmed by TEM analysis and CGMD simulation under uniaxial elongation. Finally, the Au nanorod–PVA fibers were tested for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for sensing applications. The coaxially electrospun fibers have demonstrated much greater signal peak strength when compared with monoaxially electrospun fibers with the same Au nanorod loading. This comprehensive study demonstrates how extensional flow and multi-layered fluids can direct the orientation and dispersion of nanorod in a polymer matrix, leading to enhanced sensing performance.
A multiparameter analysis system for low coincidence rate experiments

Abstract Multiparameter analysis (MPA) is especially attractive in a low coincidence rate experiment. However, conventional MPA methods have been expensive and frequently limited to two parameters. We will discuss a three parameter system used in a two-photon coincidence experiment with high purity germanium detectors which uses an ND 62 multichannel analyzer (MCA) and a PC computer. Standard NIM electronics are used to provide energy signals, make logic decisions for acceptable events and prepare a waveform consisting of three sequentially delayed signals (one time and two energies) that are digitized by the MCA and sent to the PC by serial readout. The PC separates real and accidental events to create two 2-D energy arrays. This is important if the accidental rate is high. Extension of this system to four or more parameters is primarily limited by the dead time associated with sequential analysis of the signals, which may not be a problem in very low rate experiments. Alternative MPA approaches are also discussed.
METHODS OF THE SECOND TYPE: COPING WITH THE WILDERNESS OF CONVENTIONAL POLICY ANALYSIS

Policy analysts, like allegorical homesteaders, face the seemingly unmanageable task of coping with the wilderness of ill-structured problems, while concurrently attending to well-structured problems, which can be addressed with conventional methods of policy analysis. What has appeared thus far as an unmanageable task may become manageable once analysts acknowledge the principle of methodological congruence: The appropriateness of a particular type of method is a function of its congruence with the type of problem under investigation. To be sure, conventional methods of the first type are appropriate and useful for solving first-order problems, which are relatively well-structured. Contexts of practice, however, are pervaded by second-order problems which, variously described as squishy, messy, or ill-structured, are the class of all first-order problems. Just as methods of the first type are congruent with the simple analytic demands of first-order problems, so are methods of the second type congruent with the complex analytic demands of second-order problems. When policy analysts fail to observe this principle of methodological congruence they are likely to solve the wrong problem. Methods of the second type are not limited to general heuristics, but include specific and readily comprehensible procedures for estimating the boundaries and structure of ill-structured problems. Since these estimation procedures appear to satisfy requirements of inductive estimates in general, policy analysts can assess their own performance in providing approximate answers to the right question, thus coping with the enemies who lurk in the wilderness of conventional policy analysis.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF MOSD DERIVED Ba1 -xSrxTiO3-BASED THIN FILMS FOR PYROELECTRIC SENSOR APPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT BaSrTiO3 (BST) thin films with a nominal composition of Ba0.60Sr0.40TiO3 and BST thin films doped with magnesium, aluminum, lanthanum and tantalum (0–20.0 mol% for Mg and 1.0 mol% for the Al, La and Ta dopants) were synthesized via the metalorganic solution deposition (MOSD) technique in order to investigate their potential for use as the active material in uncooled infrared (IR) detector applications. The films were characterized for structural, microstructural, compositional, surface morphological, dielectric and insulating properties. The Materials Detectivity Figure of Merit (FOM), D*, [D* = pi /(C V (ϵ0ϵrtan δ)1/2] was used to evaluate the film's detectivity response. Our results suggest that undoped Ba60Sr40TiO3, with a value of D* = 0.08 (cm3/J)1/2, appears to out perform Pb based pyroelectric thin films, thus making it a viable candidate for IR pyroelectric detector applications. In addition the preliminary dielectric response studies of the 5 mol% Mg doped BST and 1 mol% La doped BST thi...
Photoinduced C−N Bond Cleavage in 2-Azido-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one Derivatives: Photorelease of Hydrazoic Acid

Photolysis of 3-azido-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one (1a) in toluene yields 1,3-diphenyl-propen-1-one (2), whereas irradiation of 3-azido-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one (1b) results in the formation of mainly 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one. Laser flash photolysis (308 nm) of 1a,b in acetonitrile reveals a transient absorption (λmax = ∼310 nm) due to the formation of radicals 4a and 4b, respectively, which have lifetimes of ∼14 μs at ambient temperature. TD−DFT calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G(d)) reveal that the first and second excited states of the triplet ketone (T1K (n,π*) and T2K (π,π*)) in azide 1a are almost degenerate, at ∼74 and 76 kcal/mol above the ground state (S0), respectively. Similarly, azide 1b has T1K and T2K 75 and 82 kcal/mol above S0, respectively. The calculated transition state for cleaving the C−N bond is located 71 and 74 kcal/mol above S0 in azides 1a and 1b, respectively. The calculated bond dissociation energies for breaking the C−N bond are 55 and 58 kcal/mol for azides 1...
Stigma and the Term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of Surveys on Changing the Name

Considerable discussion has occurred concerning the diagnostic label chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Many patient groups argue that using this term trivializes the seriousness of the syndrome. A federal government organization, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Coordinating Committee, appointed a Name Change Workgroup to attempt to develop different terminology for this disorder. This group distributed a poll to patients and health-care providers to obtain information about its recommendation to use an umbrella term, chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome, and subtypes under it. In addition, the CFIDS Association, a national self-help advocacy organization, distributed a questionnaire to a group of health-care providers concerning these recommendations. The findings of both polls are presented. Overall findings indicated that the majority of patients want the name changed and that the term chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction syndrome was acceptable to the majority of this group.
Dewey Between the Lines: George Kelly and the Pragmatist Tradition

In his own somewhat sly and sardonic way, George Kelly always insisted that personal construct theory could not be assimilated into any other kind of psychology. We believe this was not an example of Kelly being difficult or protecting his turf, but that he resisted such efforts at categorization because he formulated personal construct psychology from an entirely different set of assumptions than those which have traditionally guided the construction of psychological theories. We begin by looking at the unusual life path Kelly took in order to enter the field of psychology and what it reveals about the independent turn of mind he brought to creating his own theory of personality. We then examine what we believe is the single most important influence on Kelly's thinking—the tradition of American pragmatism, in general, and the philosophy and psychology of John Dewey, in particular. We argue that Kelly embraced the pragmatic epistemological assumptions that guided Dewey's work, and that he used these assum...
Cytotoxicity of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sol-gel bioactive glass (3DOM-BG).

Abstract In this study, 80% SiO2–20% CaO (mole fraction) three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sol–gel bioactive glass (3DOM-BG, average pore size: 345 nm) particles were prepared and characterized. Since the 3DOM-BGs have a novel microstructure and ion-releasing profile, the cytotoxicity of 3DOM-BG particles was tested. The cytotoxicity tests were performed using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells: (1) Wst-1 assay for cell viability after culture in extracts from 3DOM-BG particles; (2) phase contrast microscopy for cell morphology after culture with 3DOM-BG particles; and (3) fluorescence microscopy for imaging cells cultured directly on 3DOM-BG particles. The results showed that 3DOM-BG particles were not cytotoxic, and that cells attached, spread and proliferated on and around 3DOM-BG particles.
Incidence of crooked vertebral columns in Juvenile Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus

Juvenile Atlantic menhaden from 20 estuaries between Florida and Massachusetts were visually examined for crooked vertebral columns. Only 12 abnormal juveniles were collected and all came from two streams in Massachusetts. Radiographs showed kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and fusion of the vertebral columns. These and previous observations suggest that crooked backbones may be endemic only to menhaden spawned in the extreme northern regions of their range. This is the first reported incidence in menhaden of scoliosis and of kyphosis and lordosis of the caudal vertebrae.
Surface reconstruction for 3D remote sensing

This paper examines the performance of the local level set method on the surface reconstruction problem for unorganized point clouds in three dimensions. Many laser-ranging, stereo, and structured light devices produce three dimensional information in the form of unorganized point clouds. The point clouds are sampled from surfaces embedded in R3 from the viewpoint of a camera focal plane or laser receiver. The reconstruction of these objects in the form of a triangulated geometric surface is an important step in computer vision and image processing. The local level set method uses a Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation to describe the motion of an implicit surface in threespace. An initial surface which encloses the data is allowed to move until it becomes a smooth fit of the unorganized point data. A 3D point cloud test suite was assembled from publicly available laser-scanned object databases. The test suite exhibits nonuniform sampling rates and various noise characteristics to challenge the surface reconstruction algorithm. Quantitative metrics are introduced to capture the accuracy and efficiency of surface reconstruction on the degraded data. The results characterize the robustness of the level set method for surface reconstruction as applied to 3D remote sensing.
A distinct difference between slow and fast muscle in acetylcholinesterase recovery after reinnervation in the rat

Abstract The changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in nerve proximal and distal to the crush site as well as in fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow soleus (SOL) muscle were studied during denervation and reinnervation in rat. Within 24 h after nerve crush, conduction in the distal nerve and neuromuscular transmission was lost. In the distal nerve segment, AChE and CAT activity showed no initial increase and was reduced to 25% 14 days after crush. During the reinnervation period, AChE and CAT activity recovered to 50% (AChE) and 80% (CAT) of control values and CAT activity in the EDL and SOL muscles followed closely the changes in distal nerve. In muscle, AChE activity was reduced to 15% by 2 weeks postoperatively. Enzyme activity in EDL recovered to 50% of control activity in 5 weeks after crush. In the SOL, end-plate and non-end-plate regions' AChE activity recovered at a faster rate, resulting in a temporary increase in AChE activity to more than control values during the third and fourth week. By the end of the fifth week, AChE activity had returned to control activity. Turnover values for AChE based on the reinnervation data showed a half-life value for AChE in proximal nerve of 32 days, in distal nerve 42 days, in EDL 23 days, and for SOL 5.1 days. The half-life for AChE in both muscles was significantly shorter than that of the nerve, indicating that the nerve did not supply AChE to the muscles. Half-lives for CAT calculated on the basis of the reinnervation data were 11.6 days for proximal nerve, 18.4 days for distal nerve, and 30 days for SOL and EDL muscles. It is concluded that the ability to synthesize AChE in end-plate and non-end-plate regions of muscle is an endogenously programmed event in the development of both fast and slow muscles. The nerve initiates and maintains the synthesis and can modify the rate of synthesis in individual muscle fibers. The mechanism by which the nerve stimulates and maintains AChE synthesis in muscle may be related to the release of trophic factors muscle activity or to a combination of these and other factors still to be investigated.
A New Look at Making Raised-Relief Maps in the Classroom

Abstract Construction of raised-relief maps by students in middle school to high school is a rewarding “hands-on” experience. A major feature of this project is that materials are readily available, inexpensive and manageable by students themselves. Tracing from topographic maps on to inexpensive, easily-carved materials like cardboard or foam-core board involves the student in map interpretation techniques. Concepts such as interpreting elevations from contour lines, recognizing symbolization on a map, seeing raised-relief as representing “the lay of the land,” understanding map scale, and recognition of color in representation of elevations are part of this experience. Carving and construction of the raised-relief map give the student an appreciation of topographic features in 3-D. The finished model can serve as a display and learning tool for the future.
Constraints on the models of carbohydrate metabolism in the two cell types of Dictyostelium discoideum

The constraints in the parameters in models of the spore and stalk cells in Dictyostelium discoideum have been examined. It was found that the relative sizes of the two cellular glucose pools are not very critical, i.e. they can be varied in the models over a fairly wide range and still allow simulations which are compatible with the data. In contrast, the following model parameters are highly constrained, and must fall within narrow limits: (a) flux through the glycogen cycle; (b) the fraction of glycogen present which actually participates in glycogen turnover; (c) the net rate of glycogen degradation; (d) the concentration of exogenous labelled glucose which actually participates in cellular metabolism; (e) the rates of exchange of this exogenous glucose with the two cellular glucose pools; (f) the concentration of the spore glucose-6-phosphate pool, and (g) the rate of exchange of stalk glucose-1-phosphate and stalk glucose-6-phosphate.
Anti-CCL2 treatment inhibits Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus induces a demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) of the central nervous system (CNS) in susceptible mouse strains with accompanying histopathology characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrates. In susceptible strains of mice such as SJL, virus establishes a persistent infection in macrophages, induces a CNS infiltration by macrophages, T cells, and B cells, which results in chronic-progressive paralysis. In the present report the authors have investigated the functional role of CCL2 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1) in the induction and progression of demyelinating disease. Treatment of infected mice at day 0, 14, or 28 with anti-CCL2 resulted in a significant decrease in the clinical disease progression. Further analysis of anti-CCL2–treated mice revealed decreased CNS inflammation and mononuclear cell infiltration with an accompanying change in inflammatory cytokine responses. There was an overall decrease in the absolute numbers of CNS-infiltrating CD4+ T cells, macrop...
Biosecurity and Risk Management for Dairy Replacements

Biosecurity, biocontainment, and disease risk management on dairy replacement operations are time- and labor-intensive, planned programs. Oftentimes the value of these programs is realized only after disease is introduced to a facility or a disease outbreak occurs. There is no "one-plan-fits-all;" each plan must be tailored to meet the needs of management's goals and expectations and problems specific to a production enterprise or geographic region. A standard framework applicable to biosecurity programs includes: (1) hazard identification, (2) exposure assessment, (3) risk characterization, and (4) risk management. The discussion presented here helps lay the framework for development and implementation of biosecurity and risk-management programs within dairy replacement facilities.
Evolution of the Deep Space Network 34-m diameter antennas

The principal responsibilities of the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) are to support unmanned interplanetary spacecraft missions and to support radio and radar astronomy observations in the exploration of the solar system and the universe. At each of the three complexes there are multiple large parabolic dish antennas equipped with ultra sensitive receiving systems. This report details the evolution of the design of the 34-meter diameter antennas. The design is traced from its initial 26-meter operation at L-band (960 MHz) though the present 34-meter beamwaveguide designs that support S-band (2 GHz), X-band (8 GHz)and Ka-band (32 GHz).
Cotton Wool Spots Associated with Interferon Beta-1 Alpha Therapy

Purpose: To describe a case of cotton wool spots associated with interferon beta-1a treatment. Methods: Observational case report. Results: A 40-year-old man with a history of multiple sclerosis was on interferon beta-1a. He presented with cotton wool spots on fundus exam, which resolved and then recurred all while on therapy. Interferon was discontinued after the second episode and again the cotton wool spots resolved. Upon restarting the interferon, no further cotton wool spots have recurred. Conclusion: To our knowledge this represents only the third case of interferon beta-1a associated cotton wool patches and the first in the English-language ophthalmic literature. Unlike interferon alpha therapy, interferon beta 1-a retinopathy is presumed to be extremely rare and more common etiologies for cotton wool spots should be excluded in these patients. Given this limited number of cases versus the relatively frequent use of interferon beta-1a in the management of multiple sclerosis, no conclusions regardin...
Optimization of Surface Wetting to Cool Broiler Chickens

Surface wetting to cool broiler chickens (46±3 d, 2.8± 0.1 kg) was investigated under 18 acute thermal conditions formed by three dry-bulb temperatures (tdb, 35, 38, and 41 oC) × two dew-point temperatures (tdp,19.4 and 26.1oC) × three air velocity (V, 0.2, 0.7 and 1.2 m ·s-1). The synergistic effects of tdb and tdp were expressed in terms of vapor pressure deficit of the air (VPDair). Surface temperature of the cooled birds was 1.9-2.5 oC lower than that of their control counterparts. Core body temperature (tb) rise of the cooled birds was 1.2, 1.6, and 1.7 oC lower than that of the control birds at 35, 38, and 41 oC, respectively. Increasing V narrowed the difference in tb between the cooled and the control broilers, 2.0, 1.4, and 1.2 oC for V of 0.2, 0.7, and 1.2 m ·s-1, respectively. Increasing tdp from 19.4 to 26.1 oC produced only 0.2 oC overall difference in tb. Results of this study demonstrate that surface wetting coupled with good air movement, as in the case of tunnel ventilation, is effective in relieving heat stress of the birds even under relatively humid conditions. The cooling water needs, expressed as spray interval at a nominal spray dosage of 22 ml ·bird-1 (SI22, min) and evaporation rate (ER, ml/min ·kg0.67), were optimized by relating the SI22 or ER to the thermal conditions, of the form, SI22 = 70.50 – 27.14 . V – 4.84 .VPDair, and ER = - 0.0471 + 0.1700 . V + 0.0297 .VPDair.
Structural and Individual Determinants of Organization Morale and Satisfaction

This paper examines the causes of morale and satisfaction in organizations. The analysis of covariance is used to provide an empirical criterion for distinguishing collective from individual properties. Questionnaire responses from 2,335 managers in 12 industrial companies provide the data base. Results confirm that organization morale is a collective property, largely a function of group size, while satisfaction is an individual-level trait, affected mainly by perceived role structure. The analysis of covariance proved helpful in properly separating levels of analysis, and avoiding potentially misleading interpretations. One surprising substantive finding is that satisfaction is higher in more highly structured roles, contradicting the findings of previous research.
Evolution and evaluation of software quality models

Complex systems, services and enterprises are very dependent on computer-communication technology and in particular to their supporting and controlling software systems. This paper describes aspects of software system quality from different points of view. It provides a historical overview of the evolution of software quality and the means and methods used to achieve and enhance it. The traditional software quality models trace their origins to the well-established manufacturing industries. Since quality of a product consists of many attributes, we identify the commonly accepted established entities that conform to our vision of good quality. Notions and meanings of quality vary across disciplines and application domains.
Accelerated Dual Descent for Network Flow Optimization

We present a fast distributed solution to the convex network flow optimization problem. Our approach uses a family of dual descent algorithms that approximate the Newton direction to achieve faster convergence rates than existing distributed methods. The approximate Newton directions are obtained through matrix splitting techniques and sparse Taylor approximations of the inverse Hessian. We couple this descent direction with a distributed line search algorithm which requires the same information as our descent direction to compute. We show that, similarly to conventional Newton methods, the proposed algorithm exhibits super-linear convergence within a neighborhood of the optimal value. Numerical experiments corroborate that convergence times are between one to two orders of magnitude faster than existing distributed optimization methods. A connection with recent developments that use consensus to compute approximate Newton directions is also presented.
Highly compact integrated optical set-reset memory pixels for parallel processing arrays

An integrated optoelectronic device with a single-mesa structure, which functions as an optical set-reset memory or an optical inverter, is reported. The device is composed of two heterojunction phototransistors and a light-emitting diode vertically integrated on an InGaAsP/InGaAs/InP wafer grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The set and reset beams are incident on a single optical window on each device and are separated by wavelength. The prototype device has shown a large on/off control ratio (27) with relatively low input optical power levels (tens of microwatts). This device concept is extendable to large integrated arrays which are capable of directly processing spatial light signals. >
College Aspirations and Expectations among Latino Adolescents in the United States

We compare Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican origin adolescents' desire to attend college and their perceived likelihood of attending college with those of non-Latino white and black adolescents. We find that the strength of college aspirations and expectations is high among all the groups, and that Mexican origin and Puerto Rican origin adolescents have weaker, while Cubans have stronger, aspirations and expectations than non-Latino whites. However, our findings demonstrate that the weaker college aspirations and expectations among Mexicans and the weaker expectations among Puerto Rican students are due to differences across groups in socioeconomic status, academic skill, and engagement in high school, while the stronger college aspirations and expectations of Cubans remain, even after adjusting for these measures. Furthermore, we find that parental education, family income, immigrant generation, and speaking English at home are not related to the strength of adolescents' college aspirations and expectations in the same way across Latino groups.
Retention Rate of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopic Placed Fiducial Markers for Lung Radiosurgery

Background Radiosurgery is becoming an increasingly used modality for the medically inoperable early stage lung cancer patient. The optimal fiducial marker with respect to retention rate has yet to be identified. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our experience with electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic fiducial marker placement in preparation for stereotactic radiosurgery. Results Forty-eight patients, treated between 2010 and January 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had a diagnosis of early stage lung cancer. Comparison of initial fiducial placement procedure data with imaging at the time of treatment was accomplished for all patients in this data set. Fiducial retention rates were as follow: VortX coil fiducials were retained in 59 of 61 (96.7%) cases; two-band fiducials were retained in 24 of 33 (72.7%) of instances; and gold seed fiducials were retained in 23 of 33 (69.7%) of cases. Retention was statistically superior when comparing the VortX coil with the two-band fiducial or the gold seed ( p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001). Anatomic location by lobe was analyzed, but no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusions The VortX coil fiducial marker showed a statistically significant increase in retention rate compared with gold seeds or two-band fiducials. This may translate to cost savings through placing fewer markers per patient as retention is high.
Lytic and latent EBV gene expression in transplant recipients with and without post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which has significant morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. To devise prophylactic measures, we need predictors of PTLD and a better understanding of the physiopathogenesis of the disease. Objectives To identify a molecular pattern of EBV gene products in blood that is specific to PTLD and can be used for the diagnosis of this disease. Study design We evaluated the ratio between latent and replicating EBV nucleic acids in individuals with PTLD by comparison with transplant recipients without PTLD and immunocompetent hosts with EBV DNA-emia. Subjects were prospectively identified between July 2009 and October 2010 at the University of Colorado Hospital. EBV DNA, LMP-2A Latency III and BZLF1 Lytic genes mRNA were quantified using real-time PCR. Results We found that PTLD subjects ( N = 7) had significantly higher EBV DNA-emia compared with non-transplant immunocompetent subjects ( N = 69; p N = 105; p p = 0.04). However, PTLD and non-PTLD transplant recipients displayed similar ratios. Conclusions These results suggest that EBV replication makes a larger contribution to the circulating EBV DNA in transplant recipients compared with immunocompetent hosts. Transplant recipients seem to lose control over EBV replication, which may contribute to the development of PTLD.
Proteomic Screening of Glycoproteins in Human Plasma for Frailty Biomarkers

The application of proteomics methodology for analyzing human blood samples is of increasing importance as a noninvasive method for understanding, detecting, and monitoring disease. In particular, glycoproteomic analysis may be useful in the study of age-related diseases and syndromes, such as frailty. This study demonstrates the use of methodology for isolating plasma glycoproteins using lectins, comparing the glycoproteome by frailty status using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identifying glycoproteins using mass spectrometry. In a pilot study, we found seven glycoproteins to differ by at least twofold in prefrail compared with nonfrail older adults, including haptoglobin, transferrin, and fibrinogen, consistent with known inflammatory and hematologic changes associated with frailty. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis found that plasma transferrin concentration was increased in frail and prefrail older adults compared with nonfrail, confirming our proteomic findings. This work provides evidence for using a reproducible methodology for conducting clinical proteomic comparative studies of age-related diseases.
Synthetic Nanoelectronic Probes for Biological Cells and Tissues

Research at the interface between nanoscience and biology could yield breakthroughs in fundamental science and lead to revolutionary technologies. In this review, we focus on the interfaces between nanoelectronics and biology. First, we discuss nanoscale field effect transistors (nanoFETs) as probes to study cellular systems; specifically, we describe the development of nanoFETs that are comparable in size to biological nanostructures involved in communication through synthesized nanowires. Second, we review current progress in multiplexed extracellular sensing using planar nanoFET arrays. Third, we describe the designs and implementation of three distinct nanoFETs used to perform the first intracellular electrical recording from single cells. Fourth, we present recent progress in merging electronic and biological systems at the three-dimensional tissue level by use of macro-porous nanoelectronic scaffolds. Finally, we discuss future developments in this research area, unique challenges and opportunities,...
Transient right ventricular dysfunction caused by retractor during lower hemisternotomy mitral valve repair in a patient with pectus excavatum.

CLINICAL SUMMARY A 45-year-old woman with a history of pectus excavatum was referred to our hospital for severe symptomatic mitral valve insufficiency. She weighed 50 kg and was 155 cm tall. Echocardiography revealed severe symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation caused by prolapse of the anterior leaflet. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved. Mitral valve repair was performed through a lower hemisternotomy, which extended into the second intercostal space on the right. A Koros Baxter retractor (Koros USA, Inc, Moorpark, Calif) was used. Pericardial stay sutures were placed to elevate the right side of the heart for exposure. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established with cannulation of the ascending aorta and the femoral vein. Antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia were used according to our routine. Exposure of the mitral valve was accomplished through the interatrial (Sondergaard) groove. The mitral valvewas repairedwith a 36-mmcomplete annuloplasty ring. Approximately 10 minutes into weaning from CPB, we noted on transesophageal echocardiography that the chest retractor was compressing the RV (Figure 1, A and B). We removed the right-sided pericardial stay sutures to allow the heart to relax into the pericardial well. The patient had moderate to severe RV dysfunction develop during weaning from CPB. Her tricuspid regurgitation went from minimal to moderate. There was no left-sided heart failure. Despite RV dysfunction, she was weaned from CPB without any device but with inotropic support. Aortic crossclamp time was 52 minutes, and total CPB time was 87