cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ictal SPECT in the definition of the seizure onset zone

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). SPECT is most appropriate for ictal imaging in patients with localization-related epilepsy being considered for epilepsy surgery to identify the seizure-onset zone. Ictal SPECT studies are superior to interictal images in localization-related epilepsy. SPECT studies have an important clinical application in the potential identification of the epileptic brain tissue when the presurgical evaluation is indeterminate as to the localization of the ictal-onset zone. This includes patients with nonsubstrate-directed partial epilepsy, widespread unilateral structural abnormalities, and multilobar lesions. Identification of a localized subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to magnetic resonance imaging (SISCOM) focus may be a reliable indicator of the seizure-onset zone. SISCOM may reveal a localized region of cerebral hyperperfusion or hypoperfusion in up to 80% of patients with intractable partial epilepsy. The SISCOM findings are also predictive of operative outcome. Ultimately, a decision regarding surgical treatment must be based on the convergence of the neurodiagnostic evaluation. Electrophysiological studies invariably need to be performed to localize the ictal-onset zone in these patients. Resection of the SISCOM focus is necessary to significantly reduce the seizure tendency in patients with a localized SISCOM abnormality that is concordant with the epileptic brain tissue.
A generic approach to the design of M-channel uniform-band perfect-reconstruction linear-phase FIR filter banks

A generic approach is presented for the design of uniform-band M-channel (M/spl ges/2) perfect-reconstruction FIR filter banks employing linear-phase analysis and synthesis filters. The technique designs on the impulse responses of the analysis filters directly. The design problem is formulated as a quadratic programming problem. The perfect reconstruction feature of the filter bank can either be implicitly enforced through a set of mathematical relationships among the analysis filters' coefficients, or through a set of constraints in the optimization program. The former approach results in a filter bank whose PR (perfect reconstruction) feature's dependency on hardware and software is eliminated or, at least minimized. The criterion for optimality is "least-squares".
Breaking into the Academy: The 2002-2004 Michigan Journal of Race and Law Guide for Aspiring Law Professors

This Guide contains advice for aspiring law professors. Edited by Gabriel Chin & Denise Morgan, it contains essays by Denise Morgan, Michele Goodwin, Gabriel J. Chin, Cynthia L. Fountaine, Rebecca E. Zietlow, Tanya Kateri Hernandez, Danielle M. Conway and Robert Odawi Porter.
Construction of a modified penicillin-binding protein 2a from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

Abstract The mecA-27r gene, which encodes PBP2a-27r, was modified by site-specific mutagenesis, resulting in replacement of the N-terminal membrane anchor with a short chelating peptide (CP-PBP2a-27r). CP-PBP2a-27r retained the same binding affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics as the wild-type enzyme. Approximately 95% pure CP-PBP2a-27r was recovered in a single step by use of chelating-peptide-immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography.
Food Selection of Coexisting Western Gray Squirrels and Eastern Fox Squirrels in a Native California Botanic Garden in Claremont, California

Southern California is home to one native and one introduced species of tree squirrel. The native Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus; here on gray squirrel), is a highly arboreal tree squirrel that can be found inhabiting mixed oak and pine forest habitats and tree dominated parks and gardens in suburban areas within California (King 2004; Muchlinski et al. 2009). Gray squirrels feed primarily on fungi, pine nuts, acorns, and bay fruit. They have also been documented to feed on Eucalyptus seeds, samaras, and berries (Morus and Phoradendron spp.) along with bird eggs and nestlings (Carraway and Verts 1994). Fungi are one of the gray squirrel’s most highly utilized food items. By consuming fungi, gray squirrels assist in providing a healthy soil environment for the development and growth of oak-woodland communities (Maser et al. 1981). The introduced Eastern Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger; here on fox squirrel) is an invasive generalist species (Tatina 2007) typically found in upland areas, open forests, or areas neighboring open spaces such as agricultural lands and pastures (Sexton 1990). The presence of the fox squirrel in California has been a concern of the general public, land managers, and researchers. The Los Angeles County Agricultural Commission considers the fox squirrel a pest species and potentially aggressive. In their native range, the fox squirrel has been important ecologically in the succession of grasslands to forests by caching their food within open grasslands (Stapanian and Smith 1986). Seeds cached and fed on by the fox squirrel come from persimmon, blue gum Eucalyptus, cottonwood, pines, and many others (Koprowski 1994). Fox squirrels incorporate animal foods in their diet such as insects, butterflies, ants, birds, and bird eggs (Koprowski 1994). It is reported that the fox squirrel takes advantage of fruits found within backyards such as avocados, oranges, and strawberries, an activity often disliked by human occupants (Becker and Kimball 1947; Salmon et al. 2005). Very little is known regarding food preferences of the two species within Southern California and detailed information is limited. This study sought to gain information on what foods each species selects, and which food items overlap and differ between gray and fox squirrels. Knowledge of food preferences among species promotes making management decisions that sustain their populations. For example, improving habitat by adding particular plants or trees preferred by the gray squirrel can aid in the recovery of its population (Linders and Stinson 2006). Information on food selection may also reveal a high degree of overlap such that competition is possible in years of food shortage. Competition could lead to extirpation of the gray squirrel where food selection is limited. Muchlinski et al. (2009) established that fox squirrels replace gray squirrels at locations
Atypical Reactions of Escherichia coli on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar

Evidence is presented that atypical reactions of Escherichia coli on eosin methylene blue agar are due to variations in pH in localized areas of the medium.
Determination of drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures

A total of 3,303 strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were tested for sensitivity to streptomycin (SM), isoniazid (INH), and p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) by the Steenken modified minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. A simultaneous double blind comparison was carried out on 277 selected strains by the Steenken MIC test and the Canetti proportion method. Agreement between the results for the two tests was 82% for SM, 95% for INH, and 89% for PAS. A small number of strains appeared to be sensitive when tested by one method but resistant by the other. MIC determinations were carried out on 83 strains by using Steenken-Smith, Lowenstein-Jensen, and Middlebrook 7H10 media containing a more extended range of concentrations of the test drugs. The MIC values for both SM and dihydrostreptomycin increased on Steenken-Smith medium compared with the other two. INH did not show any medium effect, whereas PAS showed increased MIC values in 7H10 agar. The significance of the comparisons of the MIC values on the various media is discussed in terms of possible changes in the drug sensitivity testing methods used at present in this laboratory.
An Extensive Deep Reef Terrace on the Tortugas Bank, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

While most of the mapped area (137.5 km 2 ) of the Tortugas Bank consists of low-relief hard-bottom (105.5 km 2 or 77%) and scattered, rocky outcrops (16.6 km 2 or 12%), a sizeable portion of the western rim or platform edge (24 o 42.30’ N, 83 o 02.64’ W) is a well-developed reef terrace community (top panel). The topography of the substratum is very complex, owing to the numerous undercuts and caverns, as well as mushroom-shaped and plating corals up to 2 m in height. Coral cover is high (26.3 to 28.3% among three sites visited) relative to offshore reefs in the Florida Keys and is dominated by Montastraea faveolata, M. franksi, M. cavernosa, and Siderastrea siderea. The terrace community is a deeper version (22-27 m) of the reef terraces near Loggerhead Key 15 km to the southeast in Dry Tortugas National Park (Davis 1982). Anecdotal observations suggested that the western edge of the Tortugas Bank, locally named Sherwood Forest because of the predominance of mushroom-shaped corals (bottom panel), was spatially extensive. Using a combination of side-scan sonar, diver surveys, and bathymetry data, we estimate that the reef terrace is approximately 15 km 2 or about 10% of the mapped area of the Tortugas Bank. The “discovery” of this area by our science team was clearly preceded by the knowledgeable and active fishers of the region. Despite the remoteness of the Dry Tortugas relative to the Florida Keys, and the well developed reef structure, preliminary data indicate evidence of overfishing by a general absence of large species and individuals among exploited species, especially grouper (Serranidae) and snapper (Lutjanidae). Also, surprisingly few shark and barracuda were observed, and there was evidence of shrimp trawl damage to hard-bottom habitat. Because remoteness does not guarantee protection, the implementation of marine reserves in this region holds promise for restoration of fish stocks and protection of one of the largest areas of well-developed and previously undescribed coral reefs in Florida.
Contrast radiography of the upper gastrointestinal tract in the dog. A comparison of micropulverized barium sulfate and U.S.P. barium sulfate suspensions in clinically normal dogs.

Abstract— Sixty upper gastrointestinal radiographic examinations were done on five littennate mongrel dogs to compare a commercial micropulverized barium sulfate suspension and a hand-mixed U.S.P. barium sulfate suspension. Two different fasting times and three different dosage rates were used. Small bowel transit times were influenced significantly (p>0. 05) by the type of contrast agent employed, but not by the volume of medium or by the duration of fasting. Mucosal pattern, loop visibility, and continuity of contrast material were superior when the commercial preparation was used. Recommended dosages were 8–12 cc/kg for small and medium-sized dogs and 5–7 cc/kg for large dogs, using the commercial agent, or an equivalent concentration of U.S.P. barium sulfate suspension. Resume—Soixante examens radiographiques du tractus gastro-intestinal superieur ont ete effectues sur 5 portees de chiens metis dans le but de comparer une suspension commerciale de sulfate de barium a l'etat micropulverist et une suspension de sulfate de barium U.S.P. (pharmcacopee des Etats Unis) melangee a la main. On a utilise deux temps de jeune differents et illisible gammes de dosage. Les temps de transit courts etaient influences de facon significative (p.o, 5) par le type d'agent contrastant utilise mais non par le volume de milieu ou par la duree de jeune. L'image de la mu-queuse, la visibilite des anses intestinales, la continuite du moyen de contraste etaient meilleures apres utilisation de la preparation commerciale. Les doses recommandees sont 8–12 cc/kg par les animaux de petite et moyenne taille et de 5–7 cc/kg pour les gros chiens, aussi bien avec la preparation commerciale qu'avec une concentration equivalente de suspension de sulfate de bariun U.S.P. Zusammenfassung— Sechzig Rontgenuntersuchungen des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts wurden an funf Bastardhunden des gleichen Wurfs durchgefuhrt, um eine mikropulverisierte Barium-sulfatsuspension des Handels mit einer handpraparierten USP-Bariumsulfatsuspension zu vergleichen Zwei verschiedene Fastenzeiten und drei verschiedene Dosierungen wurden angewendet. Die Durchgangszeiten durch den Dunndarm wirden wesentlich (p<0,05) vom Typ des verwendten Kontrastmittels, aber nicht vom Volumen des Mediums oder der Dauer des Fastens beeinflusst. Das Schleimhautrelief, die Erkennbarkeit der Darmschlingen und die Kontinuierlichkeit des Kontrastmittels waren bei Venvendung des Handelspraparats hervorragend. Die empfohlenen Dosen sind 8–12 ml/kg fur kleine und mittelgrosse Hunde und 5–7 ml/kg fur grosse Hunde bei Venvendung des Handelspraparats oder einer aquivalenten Konzentration der USP-Bariumsulfatsuspension.
Feasibility of an automated technique for detection of large misregistrations

Before a retrospective registration algorithm can be used routinely in the clinic, methods must be provided for distinguishing between registration solutions that are clinically satisfactory and those that are not. One approach is to rely on a human observer. Here, we present an algorithmic procedure for assessing quality that discriminates between badly misregistered pairs and those that are clinically useful.
Continuity-Structured Clinical Observations: Assessing the Multiple-Observer Evaluation in a Pediatric Resident Continuity Clinic

OBJECTIVES. The continuity-structured clinical observation tool was developed and used to conduct a multiple-observer evaluation to assess residents in the core competency areas of patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism. The objectives were to assess pediatric resident performance in a continuity clinic by using direct observation and to compare evaluations among preceptors, residents, and parents. METHODS. Pediatric residents in a large continuity clinic participated between August and December 2005. The continuity-structured clinical tool included items in the following domains: opening the interview, history taking, relationship skills, personal manner, negotiation or management, and physical examination. Each resident was directly observed during 1 entire patient encounter. Parents, preceptors, and residents completed evaluations by selecting 1 of 4 possible responses for performance of each item. We dichotomized responses as “yes” versus “no/partial” and analyzed aggregate scores for individual items and domains among the 3 evaluators by McNemar test, percentage agreement, and interoberserver agreement (κ). RESULTS. Fifty-four of 57 eligible residents had all 3 evaluations completed. Parents rated residents the highest and showed least variability (only 2 items for which parents indicated the task was completed in CONCLUSIONS. Compared with parents, residents and preceptors demonstrated greater variability in resident performance evaluations. All of the evaluators scored residents lowest in the domain of negotiation or management during continuity-clinic visits. Residency programs should strongly consider emphasizing skill development in this area.
Diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management of mild traumatic brain injury

Summary Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are interchangeable terms to describe a common disorder with substantial effects on public health. Advances in brain imaging, non-imaging biomarkers, and neuropathology during the past 15 years have required researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to revise their views about mild TBI as a fully reversible insult that can be repeated without consequences. These advances have led to guidelines on management of mild TBI in civilians, military personnel, and athletes, but their widespread dissemination to clinical management in emergency departments and community-based health care is still needed. The absence of unity on the definition of mild TBI, the scarcity of prospective data concerning the long-term effects of repeated mild TBI and subconcussive impacts, and the need to further develop evidence-based interventions to mitigate the long-term sequelae are areas for future research that will improve outcomes, reduce morbidity and costs, and alleviate delayed consequences that have only recently come to light.
SUDDEN DEATH IN A PEDIATRIC CARDIAC POPULATION

Sudden death (SD) occurred in 46 of 280 non-surgical deaths (16.4%) over a 10 year period. 11 pts had myocardial disease (MYO) while 20 had open heart operations (OH) and 15 did not (NOH). SD was common in MYO (30.6%) and OH (43.5%) as compared to NOH (7.6%) patient deaths. The mean ages at SD were 14.6 (MYO), 14.9 (OH) and 7.9 (NOH) yrs. SD was characterized as anticipated (SAD) or unexpected (SUD) depending upon the presence of other contributing factors. Eight of the 11 MYO pts had SUD. Four of these 8 had premature ventricular contractions (PVC) noted prior to death and 2 of these 4 had a terminal dysrhythmias. Eleven of the 15 NOH pts had SUD and none of the 11 had prior DYS. Of the 4 (NOH) pts with SAD 3 had prior DYS; 2 with atrial flutter and 1 with PVC. No terminal dysrhythmias was noted in the NOH group. 14 of 20 OH cases had SUD. 6 of these SUD had prior PVC and 3 of the 6 had terminal DYS. 3 of the other 8 with SUD had documented terminal DYS but did not have PVC prior to death. 7 of the 14 OH pts with SUD had tetralogy of Fallot or postop Rastelli and 4 of these had documented terminal DYS. Two of these 4 and 1 other had PVC prior to death. PVC's were found in 27 of 180 (15%) survivors of OH for tetralogy of Fallot. In conclusion, death is commonly sudden in pts dying in OH and MYO groups. It is unexpected 75% of the time. PVCs prior to death were found in 30% of SUD. The frequency of tetralogy of Fallot is alarming and this group bears further close scrutiny.
Crossover Invariant Subsets of the Search Space for Evolutionary Algorithms

This paper addresses the relationship between schemata and crossover operators. In Appendix A a general mathematical framework is developed which reveals an interesting correspondence between the families of reproduction transformations and the corresponding collections of invariant subsets of the search space. On the basis of this mathematical apparatus it is proved that the family of masked crossovers is, for all practical purposes, the largest family of transformations whose corresponding collection of invariant subsets is the family of Antonisse's schemata. In the process, a number of other interesting facts are shown. It is proved that the full dynastic span of a given subset of the search space under either one of the traditional families of crossover transformations (one-point crossovers or masked crossovers) is obtained after [log2n] iterations where n is the dimension of the search space. The generalized notion of invariance introduced in the current paper unifies Radcliffe's notions of "respect" and "gene transmission". Besides providing basic tools for the theoretical analysis carried out in the current paper, the general facts established in Appendix A provide a way to extend Radcliffe's notion of "genetic representation function" to compare various evolutionary computation techniques via their representation.
Ferrochelatase at the millennium: structures, mechanisms and [2Fe-2S] clusters

Ferrochelatase (E.C. 4.99.1.1, protoheme ferrolyase) catalyzes the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form protoheme (heme). In the past 2 years, the crystal structures of ferrochelatases from the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and human have been determined. These structures along with years of biophysical and kinetic studies have led to a better understanding of the catalytic mechanism of ferrochelatase. At present, the complete DNA sequences of 45 ferrochelatases from procaryotes and eucaryotes are available. These sequences along with direct protein studies reveal that ferrochelatases, while related, vary significantly in amino acid sequence, molecular size, subunit composition, solubility, and the presence or absence of nitric-oxide-sensitive [2Fe-2S] cluster.
One-dimensional Coordination Polymers Containing Penta-Supertetrahedral Sulfide Clusters Linked by Dipyridyl Ligands

Three new one-dimensional coordination polymers [Zn8S(SC6H5)14·C12H10N2](1), [Zn7CoS(SC6H5)14·C13H14N2](2) and [Zn8S(SC6H5)14·C13H14N2](3) have been prepared containing penta-supertetrahedral clusters and linear crosslinking dipyridyl ligands; the two complexes show optical transitions with band gaps of ∼3.44 eV (1) and ∼3.54 eV (2).
The Interaction between Causally-Implicated Driver Mental and Physical Conditions and Driver Errors Causing Traffic Accidents

The relationships between driver behaviors causing and immediately preceding an accident (Direct Causes), and accident causitive impairments in drivers' predisposing mental and physical states (Ind...
A two-step Jacobi-type iterative method

Abstract In multigrid methods, it is preferred to employ smoothing techniques which are convergent. In practice, the standard Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel methods are the choices for “smoothers” However, it is known that if the spectral radius condition is violated, then convergence is not guaranteed for these methods. In this paper we develop a simple two-step Jacobi-type method which has better convergence properties and which can be employed as a convergent “smoother” wherever the standard iterative methods fail. We provide the convergence proofs and demonstrate the applicability of the method on a variety of problems.
Prevention and Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Patients with AIDS

Summary Previously a rare diagnosis, cryptococcal meningitis has emerged as the most common fungal meningitis in the US because of the AIDS epidemic. Due to the profound and prolonged immunosuppression seen in patients with AIDS, the clinical presentation and course of the disease differ from those previously seen in non-HIV-infected patients. Accordingly, previous ‘standard’ treatment strategies have undergone reevaluation in a number of retrospective and prospective clinical studies. In addition, the availability of triazole compounds has changed the management of the disorder. A strategy of aggressive initial treatment with amphotericin B followed by lifelong suppressive therapy with fluconazole has become the accepted approach. Although several clinical studies addressing treatment have been completed. a number of important questions remain about optimal management of this disease.
Effects of hepatitis C-induced liver fibrosis on survival in kidney transplant candidates.

We sought to investigate survival among kidney transplant candidates with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. We studied 108 patients with hepatitis C+ who underwent pre-kidney transplant liver biopsy (1992–2004). Eighteen patients had advanced fibrosis (bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis), and 90 had lesser degrees of fibrosis. Advanced fibrosis patients were younger and had lower prevalence of diabetes. Survival was similar between those with and without advanced fibrosis among all 108 patients (P = 0.92) and among the 58 patients who underwent kidney transplantation (P = 0.83). Fibrosis stage was associated with a 1.1 (0.72, 1.7; P = 0.65) adjusted hazards ratio for mortality among all 108 patients and a 0.64 (0.24, 1.73; P = 0.38) adjusted hazards ratio among the 58 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. These data support the premise that non-liver disease comorbidities are more important outcome determinants in this population. Kidney transplantation alone may be considered in patients with hepatitis C with compensated cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis.
Decision Support Development for Product-Process Coupling in Mass Customized Automotive Assembly

In modern automotive manufacturing the data associated with the products and the assembly processes required to build a car are not intelligently linked. This becomes problematic when trying to efficiently create best practice templates for assembly processes because the procedure for linking these best practice assembly processes with vehicle components becomes a daunting task. This research is aimed at the development of a decision support system and cyber infrastructure for efficiently linking product information and process information. Specifically, tools are developed to link product and process information in the automotive industry. The goal of this research is to develop and encode rules to guide the linking of product and process information. These rules are formed from historical data and provide suggestions to process planners as to which variants of parts can be assigned to the same standardized set of assembly instructions which exist as process sheet templates. The part data used consists of a standard text description of the part, the bounding box coordinates for all possible installation locations of the part, a unique identifier for the part, and a logic string which defines valid vehicle configurations such as platforms, models, and options for which the part is valid. A portion of this data is analyzed and used as the basis for development of the part grouping rules. Each rule will compare two parts with respect to the relevant part data and determine whether the two parts are capable of being assigned to the same process sheet. The development of the rules is discussed along with examples, followed with a discussion regarding the implementation of the rules into a prototype system. The rules are tested against part data not used in the development process, and a discussion of the results is presented. The paper concludes with conclusions drawn from testing of the rules and a discussion of future work.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
SYD-2 Liprin-|[alpha]| organizes presynaptic active zone formation through ELKS

A central event in synapse development is formation of the presynaptic active zone in response to positional cues. Three active zone proteins, RIM, ELKS (also known as ERC or CAST) and Liprin-alpha, bind each other and are implicated in linking active zone formation to synaptic vesicle release. Loss of function in Caenorhabditis elegans syd-2 Liprin-alpha alters the size of presynaptic specializations and disrupts synaptic vesicle accumulation. Here we report that a missense mutation in the coiled-coil domain of SYD-2 causes a gain of function. In HSN synapses, the syd-2(gf) mutation promotes synapse formation in the absence of syd-1, which is essential for HSN synapse formation. syd-2(gf) also partially suppresses the synaptogenesis defects in syg-1 and syg-2 mutants. The activity of syd-2(gf) requires elks-1, an ELKS homolog; but not unc-10, a RIM homolog. The mutant SYD-2 shows increased association with ELKS. These results establish a functional dependency for assembly of the presynaptic active zone in which SYD-2 plays a key role.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Human FasL Promoter-Enhancer Region

The human FasL enhancer region was cloned and functionally characterized in transformed and primary T cells. Within the 2.3 kilobase pairs of the FasL untranslated region, the distal 3' 300-base pair portion contains a single transcription initiation site and confers basal and inducible transcriptional activity. Stimuli that increase [Ca2+]i such as CD3 cross-linking or ionomycin, but not activation of protein kinase C, were found to induce FasL enhancer transcription in a cyclosporin-sensitive manner. Moreover, calcineurin and NFAT, but not AP1, were identified as necessary and sufficient effectors in driving FasL transcription through an NFAT cis-acting motif (GGAAA). Additional modes of T cell activation such as CD4 cross-linking were also found to induce NFAT binding to the FasL enhancer region and to functionally transactivate its transcription. These results indicate that the induction of FasL gene transcription in T cells after CD3 or CD4 activation is selectively mediated by calcineurin and NFAT.
Donaldson Invariants for Non-Simply Connected Manifolds

We study Coulomb branch (“u-plane”) integrals for supersymmetric SU(2),SO(3) Yang–Mills theory on 4-manifolds X of b 1(X)>0, b 2 +(X)= 1. Using wall-crossing arguments we derive expressions for the Donaldson invariants for manifolds with b 1(X)>0, b 2 +(X)>0. Explicit expressions for , where F g is a Riemann surface of genus g are obtained using Kronecker's double series identity. The result might be useful in future studies of quantum cohomology.
L-Proline Destabilization of RNA Duplexes is Temperature Dependent

L-proline is an osmoprotectant and nonessential amino acid that destabilizes nucleic acid secondary and tertiary structures and, at high concentrations, denatures nucleic acids. In this work the interactions between L-proline and the functional groups on the solvent accessible nucleic acid surface area that would be exposed by unfolding (ΔASA) of eleven RNA dodecamer duplexes with guanine-cytosine (GC) content ranging from 17-100% were quantified using thermal and titration denaturation monitored by uv-absorbance. L-proline destabilized GC-rich duplexes to a greater degree during thermal denaturation than low GC-content duplexes due to greater accumulation of L-proline in the vicinity of the RNA ΔASA. This accumulation was temperature dependent; L-proline-RNA interactions quantified using titration denaturation at 25 C were nearly independent of GC-content. Thus, the greater destabilization of RNA GC-rich duplexes observed during thermal denaturation was due to greater L-proline interactions with the RNA ΔASA at the higher transition temperatures of GC-rich duplexes. Our results suggest L-proline interactions are entropically-driven, potentially due to dehydration of L-proline when interacting with the RNA ΔASA. In addition, L-proline destabilized the RNA duplexes to a greater degree than glycine betaine and urea. This suggests glycine betaine, L-proline, and urea have the potential to form a triad of cosolutes to probe changes in solvent accessible surface area during biochemical reactions.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Objectives : To provide an overview of the pathophysiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as it occurs in cancer. Data Sources : Published articles, research reports, and book chapters. Conclusions : The syndrome of DIC is a serious hypercoagulation state that in its acute form may be life-threatening. The hemorrhage and intravascular coagulation that occur with DIC may lead to irreversible morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and emergency treatment are necessary to help minimize morbidity and mortality. Implications for Nursing Practice : Nurses can play an important role in early recognition of DIC to allow for prompt intervention. Nurses caring for patients affected by DIC will be providing complex nursing care, in addition to psychosocial support to patients and families.
Bone Density and Cortical Thickness in Normal, Osteopenic, and Osteoporotic Sacra

It is unclear if a decrease in cancellous bone density or cortical bone thickness is related to sacral insufficiency fractures. We hypothesized that reduction in overall bone density leads to local reductions in bone density and cortical thickness in cadaveric sacra that match clinically observed fracture patterns in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures. We used quantitative computed tomography to measure cancellous density and cortical thickness in multiple areas of normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic sacra. Cancellous bone density was significantly lower in osteoporotic specimens in the central and anterior regions of the sacral ala compared with other regions of these specimens. Cortical thickness decreased uniformly in all regions of osteopenic and osteoporotic specimens. These results support our hypothesis that areas of the sacrum where sacral insufficiency fractures often occur have significantly larger decreases in cancellous bone density; however, they do not support the hypothesis that these areas have local reduction of cortical bone thickness.
Incremental value of upper endoscopy for triage of patients with acute non-variceal upper-GI hemorrhage

Abstract Background Risk scores for triage of patients with acute upper-GI hemorrhage that incorporate endoscopic variables (e.g., the complete Rockall Score) may have better test characteristics for identification of "low-risk" bleeding episodes than those (e.g., Blatchford Score, clinical Rockall Score) that rely solely on clinical variables. An endoscopy-based risk score was compared with two clinically based risk scores in a large cohort of patients hospitalized for treatment of acute upper-GI hemorrhage to quantify the incremental value of endoscopy in the identification of low-risk bleeding. Methods ICD-9-CMcodes for discharge diagnosis were used to identify a cohort of patients (n=175) hospitalized at a university medical center with acute non-variceal upper-GI hemorrhage. Medical record data were abstracted by two data abstractors blinded to the study intent by using a standardized data collection instrument. Blatchford and Rockall Scores were generated for each case. Low risk was defined as a Blatchford Score of 0, a clinical Rockall Score of 0, or complete Rockall Score of 2 or less. Results The Blatchford Score risk stratified only 14 of 175 (8%) patients with acute, non-variceal upper-GI hemorrhage as "low risk," while the clinical Rockall Score identified 12%. However, the complete Rockall Score identified the greatest number of low-risk cases, 53/175 (30%) ( p Conclusions The complete Rockall Score identified significantly more low-risk patients with acute upper-GI hemorrhage than either the clinical Rockall Score or the Blatchford Score. Identification of additional low-risk patients via this endoscopy-based score could lead to decreases in the use of hospital-based services, iatrogenic complications, and time lost from work or usual activity, while improving quality of care. Use of the clinical and complete Rockall Scores sequentially, with consideration of outpatient care for patients at identified as low risk, is recommended.
MULTIPLE CHANNELS MEDIATE CALCIUM LEAKAGE IN THE A7R5 SMOOTH MUSCLE-DERIVED CELL LINE

Ca2+ entry under resting conditions may be important for contraction of vascular smooth muscle, but little is known about the mechanisms involved. Ca2+ leakage was studied in the A7r5 smooth muscle-derived cell line by patch-clamp techniques. Two channels that could mediate calcium influx at resting membrane potentials were characterized. In 110 mM Ba2+, one channel had a slope conductance of 6.0 +/- 0.6 pS and an extrapolated reversal potential of +41 +/- 13 mV (mean +/- SD, n = 8). The current rectified strongly, with no detectable outward current, even at +90 mV. Channel gating was voltage independent. A second type of channel had a linear current-voltage relationship, a slope conductance of 17.0 +/- 3.2 pS, and a reversal potential of +7 +/- 4 mV (n = 9). The open probability increased e-fold per 44 +/- 10 mV depolarization (n = 5). Both channels were also observed in 110 mM Ca2+. Noise analysis of whole-cell currents indicates that approximately 100 6-pS channels and 30 17-pS channels are open per cell. These 6-pS and 17-pS channels may contribute to resting calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Diphenylhydantoin in the Prevention of Recurring Ventricular Tachycardia

The efficacy of diphenylhydantoin in preventing recurrent ventricular tachycardia was studied in ten patients, nine of whom had documented coronary heart disease. Prolonged continuous ECG monitoring of up to 72 hr was performed in each case. Oral and intravenous loading doses of 1000 to 1500 mg were given on the first day of therapy to insure rapid attainment of therapeutic blood levels. Diphenylhydantoin was uniformly ineffective in preventing recurrence of ventricular tachycardia despite the presence of what is regarded as adequate therapeutic plasma concentrations (greater than 19.0 µg/ml in five patients, 10.8-18.0 µg/ml in the remaining five) shortly after onset of ventricular tachycardia. Nystagmus was noted in eight patients, but plasma diphenylhydantoin levels varied widely (8.6-35.0 µg/ml) when this sign of neurotoxicity was first detected.
Risk of cholestatic liver disease associated with flucloxacillin and flucloxacillin prescribing habits in the UK: cohort study using data from the UK General Practice Research Database.

Aims To provide additional quantification of the risk of flucloxacillin-related liver disease and to describe time trends in flucloxacillin prescribing in the UK. Methods This was a cohort study using data from the UK General Practice Research Database. We identified patients with a first-time prescription for flucloxacillin or, for comparison, oxytetracycline from 1992 to 2002 and cases who developed clinically documented cholestatic liver disease of uncertain origin after first-time use of these drugs. We also determined the annual frequency of first-time use of flucloxacillin from 1991 to 2000. Results We identified 283 097 and 131 189 first-time users of flucloxacillin and oxytetracycline, respectively. The risk of cholestatic liver disease per 100 000 first-time users was 8.5 (95% CI 5.4, 12.6) in the 1–45 days and 1.8 (95% CI 0.6, 4.1) in the 46–90 days after starting flucloxacillin, and 0.8 (95% CI 0.02, 4.3) in the 1–45 days after starting oxytetracycline. The frequency of first-time use of flucloxacillin remained stable between 1991 and 2000. Conclusions Flucloxacillin is now established as an important cause of cholestatic liver disease. Warnings about the risk have not had an impact on prescribing practices in the UK, where it remains the predominantly prescribed antistaphylococcal oral antibiotic. This situation in the UK is in sharp contrast to regulatory actions and changes in prescribing habits in Australia after identification of the risk of cholestasis associated with flucloxacillin, and to the predominant use of the alternative drug dicloxacillin in the USA.
Marked reduction in the number of platelet-tritiated imipramine binding sites in geriatric depression.

• The number (B max ) and affinity (K d ) of platelet—tritiated imipramine binding sites was determined in young and middleaged controls 50 years of age and younger (n = 25), elderly normal controls over 60 years of age (n=18), patients who fulfilled DSM-III criteria for major depression who were under 50 years of age (n=29), patients who fulfilled DSM-III criteria for major depression who were 60 years of age and older (n=19), and patients who fulfilled both DSM-III criteria for primary degenerative dementia and National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke—Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for probable Alzheimer's disease (n =13). Both groups of depressed patients (under 50 and over 60 years of age) exhibited significant reductions (↓42%) in the number of platelet— tritiated imipramine binding sites with no change in affinity, when compared with their age-matched controls. There was little overlap in B max values between the elderly depressed patients and their controls. The patients with probable Alzheimer's disease showed no alteration in platelet—tritiated imipramine binding. There was no statistically significant relationship between postdexamethasone plasma cortisol concentrations and tritiated imipramine binding. These results indicate that platelet—tritiated imipramine binding may have potential utility as a diagnostic adjunct in geriatric depression, and moreover that the reduction in the number of platelet— tritiated imipramine binding sites is not due to hypercortisolemia.
Differential tolerance development to buprenorphine-, diprenorphine-, and heroin-induced disruption of food-maintained responding in macaque monkeys.

Single daily subcutaneous injections of buprenorphine (1.0 mg/kg), diprenorphine (1.0 mg/kg), or heroin (1.0 mg/kg) were given over 25 consecutive days to examine the degree and the rate of tolerance development to drug-induced suppression of food maintained responding. One gram food pellets were available on a second order schedule (FR 4 VR 16: S) during the 1-hr sessions three times a day. All drug and saline control injections were given at 10:00 a.m., 1 hr before a food session. During the first three days of treatment all three drugs produced marked suppression of food-maintained performance. Recovery from buprenorphine- and diprenorphine-induced suppression of food-maintained responding occurred within four and eight days, respectively. By the 25th day of buprenorphine and diprenorphine treatment, operant responding for food increased significantly above control levels (p less than 0.01). In contrast, the significant heroin-induced disruption of food-maintained responding (p less than 0.01) persisted throughout the 25-day treatment period. Saline substitution for all three drugs resulted in a gradual return to control levels of food pellets earned. Linear regression analysis of the linear portion of the time-effect curve revealed significant differences in both the rate and the degree of tolerance development to these three drugs. These differences in tolerance development may reflect pharmacokinetic differences between the relatively short-acting heroin and the longer-acting diprenorphine and buprenorphine.
Regulation of the early expression patterns of the zebrafish Dishevelled‐interacting proteins Dapper1 and Dapper2

The Dapper/Frodo family of proteins are Dishevelled-interacting regulators of Wnt signaling. In this study, I characterize the regulation of the early expression patterns of dpr1 and dpr2. Although both dpr1 and dpr2 are expressed on the prospective dorsal side, I find that their pregastrula expression patterns have differences that have not been reported previously. Early dpr1 expression is much more dynamic than dpr2 expression. I use gain and loss of function experiments to identify dorsal organizer genes that regulate dpr1 and dpr2 expression. The dorsalizing factors β-catenin, Bozozok (Boz), Noggin (Nog), and the mesendoderm-inducing factor Squint (Sqt) are all able to induce ectopic expression of dpr1 and dpr2. In reciprocal loss of function experiments, loss of maternal β-catenin signaling leads to loss of early dorsal dpr1 and dpr2 expression, whereas loss of Boz and/or Nodal signaling does not. Ectopic expression of the ventralizing molecule Bmp2b leads to reduction of dpr1 and dpr2 expression. These results suggest that, in early zebrafish development, dpr1 and dpr2 are targets of β-catenin and/or an unknown downstream effector. Their expression from 30% epiboly through shield is maintained by Nodal signaling and likely refined by the mutually antagonistic effects of Boz and bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Developmental Dynamics 233:194–200, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Report from the IUGG Assembly: IAGA session on planetary dynamo theory

Four invited and seven contributed papers were presented in this full-day session. The proceedings of the session can be conveniently divided into two parts: a first part dealing with the observational constraints and the physical environment in which planetary dynamos operate and a second part addressed to the theory of the dynamo process of the generation of magnetic fields by fluid motions. The geophysical and astronomical evidence for the dynamical properties of the earth's core and for the coupling between core and mantle was reviewed by M. G. Rochester. The observed correlation between changes of the length of the day and the westward drift of the nondipole geomagnetic field indicate the importance of the core-mantle coupling process. But because of the uncertainty of the electrical conductivity in the lowermost mantle, it has not yet been possible to decide whether electromagnetic coupling is sufficiently strong to explain the observations or whether the inertial coupling mechanism, by bumps on the core-mantle boundary, is required, as proposed by Hide. The increasing accuracy of seismic and other geophysical measurements suggests that detailed information about the bumps and about other dynamically important properties of the core will become available in the near future. The discovery of the Slichter mode of the inner core and perhaps even the measurement of subseismic internal modes of the outer core would greatly improve our knowledge of the physical conditions in this part of the earth. The interpretation of the more accurate measurements will required improved earth's models and intimate cooperation between astronomers and geophysicists. Rochester expressed regret that the astronomical community has adopted the old model of Molodenskii instead of the recently improved models by Wahr and others, which are preferred by geophysicists. New results were also presented concerning the possible implications, both for antidynamo theorems and for the Proudman-Taylor theorem, of the finite compressibility of planetary liquid cores.
Electronic characteristics of Ge and InGaAs radiometers

Custom-made Ge and InGaAs photodiodes were tested for high sensitivity dc and ac radiometric applications. Equal size, large-area photodiodes were selected and used as optical sensors in NIST's near-infrared (NIR) standard radiometers. The dc electronic characteristics of the Ge and InGaAs radiometers were measured versus photodiode temperature. At minus 30 degrees Celsius, a limit-sensitivity of 22 fA and a dark-current stability of 0.2 pA/16 hours was achieved with the InGaAs radiometer, which was three times better than the results obtained with the Ge radiometer. The Ge radiometer was used for dc signal measurements only, because at frequencies higher than 0.3 Hz the noise boosting effect decreased the photocurrent sensitivity. The frequency dependent gain characteristics were calculated and compared for the two types of radiometer. The InGaAs radiometer could measure optical radiation with a chopping frequency of 10 Hz without any response or limit-sensitivity degradation.
The determinants of purposeful voluntarism

Abstract Voluntarism is pervasive among humans, but what factors explain this particular nonmarket activity? Does it result from altruistic motives to help those less fortunate? Is it the result of rational or instinctive behavior that enhances individual and group survival? In this paper we draw upon the works of Adam Smith, Gary Becker, Herbert Simon, and evolutionary biologists Matt Ridley and Richard Dawkins to construct a formal model of interdependent utility functions. We test the implications of our model with data on volunteerism for U.S. states. Our findings support theories of volunteerism based on mutual aid among people with a common race and language and a relatively even distribution of income.
National Ignition Facility system alignment.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world’s largest optical instrument, comprising 192 37 cm square beams, each generating up to 9.6 kJ of 351 nm laser light in a 20 ns beam precisely tailored in time and spectrum. The Facility houses a massive (10 m diameter) target chamber within which the beams converge onto an ∼1 cm size target for the purpose of creating the conditions needed for deuterium/tritium nuclear fusion in a laboratory setting. A formidable challenge was building NIF to the precise requirements for beam propagation, commissioning the beam lines, and engineering systems to reliably and safely align 192 beams within the confines of a multihour shot cycle. Designing the facility to minimize drift and vibration, placing the optical components in their design locations, commissioning beam alignment, and performing precise system alignment are the key alignment accomplishments over the decade of work described herein. The design and positioning phases placed more than 3000 large (2.5 m×2 m×1 m) line-replaceable optics assemblies to within ±1 mm of design requirement. The commissioning and alignment phases validated clear apertures (no clipping) for all beam lines, and demonstrated automated laser alignment within 10 min and alignment to target chamber center within 44 min. Pointing validation system shots to flat gold-plated x-ray emitting targets showed NIF met its design requirement of ±50 μm rms beam pointing to target chamber. Finally, this paper describes the major alignment challenges faced by the NIF Project from inception to present, and how these challenges were met and solved by the NIF design and commissioning teams.