cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIABETES AND PREDIABETES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN MORBIDLY OBESE CHILDREN COMPARED WITH OBESE CHILDREN.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of comorbidities in obese and morbidly obese children with a comparison between the 2 sets of children. Methods: This was a retrospective electronic chart review of obese and morbidly obese children and adolescents as defined by body mass index. We evaluated medical history of comorbid conditions, medication use, and cardiovascular risk markers, including blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Results: There were 1,111 subjects (African American = 635; non-Hispanic white = 364; Hispanic = 36; others = 86), of which 274 were obese and 837 were morbidly obese children with a mean age of 12.7 ± 3.37 years. Morbidly obese children had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (19.5% of obese versus 27.3% of morbidly obese; P<.0001) and type 2 diabetes (39.8% of obese versus 52.4% of morbidly obese; P<.0001). Use of medications for treatment of asthma was significantly higher in the morbidly obese gr...
Risk factors associated with anal sphincter tear: a comparison of primiparous patients, vaginal births after cesarean deliveries, and patients with previous vaginal delivery.

Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to identify obstetric risk factors for anal sphincter tear in primiparous patients, patients with a previous cesarean delivery (VBAC), and patients with a previous vaginal delivery (PVD). Study Design: An obstetrics automated record system was accessed to retrospectively review records of all singleton vaginal deliveries at greater than 36 weeks' gestation (excluding breech and stillbirth) from 1995 through 2000 (n = 10,928). A number of potential risk factors for anal sphincter tear (third- and fourth-degree episiotomy extensions and lacerations) were tested with use of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The risk of anal sphincter tear was significantly increased with primiparity (relative risk [RR] 4.08) and VBAC (RR 5.46) compared with PVD, birth weight greater than 4000 g (RR 2.41), forceps delivery (RR 6.00), vacuum delivery (RR 2.18), shoulder dystocia (RR 3.28), and episiotomy (RR 2.59). Conclusion: Efforts to prevent anal sphincter tear might include reconsideration of modifiable risk factors such as episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, and VBAC. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1194-8.)
On the Optimum Synthesis of Six-Bar Linkages Using Differential Evolution and the Geometric Centroid of Precision Positions Technique

This paper presents the development of a methodology for the synthesis of six-bar dwell mechanisms combining Differential Evolution, an evolutionary optimization scheme, and the Geometric Centroid of Precision Positions technique for defining the initial bounds of the design variables. Two penalty functions are employed one for constraint violation and one for relative accuracy. The results of the initial application of this methodology were also used as “good initial guesses” for improving the desired accuracy level. The developed methodology is applied to the synthesis of six-bar linkages for dwell and dual-dwell mechanisms with prescribed timing and transmission angle constraints. The six-bar mechanism is synthesized using two different approaches: four-bar and extension to six-bar, direct six-bar. Results demonstrating the successful application of the developed methodology and the three approaches are presented.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
COMPARISON OF TOUCHING BEHAVIORS OF WINNERS AND LOSERS IN RACQUETBALL AND TENNIS

Similarities and differences in subjects' touching behaviors in two racquet sports, tennis (n = 50) and racquetbali (n = 200), were examined to learn whether postcontest interacrive rirual is observed for racquetball as for tennis (handshake?). Analysis confirmed the tennis handshake and significantly more physical contact between tennis than between racquetbali players. No significant differences were noted in postcontest verbal contacts or in differential touching by winners and losers.
PPPS-2013: Partial discharge monitoring in dielectric elastomer actuators

Summary form only given. Dielectric elastomer actuators represent an interesting use of dielectric materials for two reasons. First, being a soft material that is designed to exert mechanical strains, the aging and dielectric breakdown mechanisms are often the result of mechanical phenomena less common in other high voltage insulating systems that use rigid dielectrics selected solely for their electrical properties. Secondly, these systems are rather unique in that real-time insulation health monitoring can provide meaningful insights to extend the working life of the system. Like most high voltage systems, dielectric breakdown results in the irreversible and catastrophic failure of the system. However, since the system can be used at lower operating voltages, albeit at a lower effectiveness, if the operating voltage can be lowered as the dielectric shows signs of aging, the useful life of the system can be extended. Partial discharge testing has been used to assess the health of the polymer films used in these systems, and the procedures for real-time monitoring of partial discharges are explored in this paper.
Using Mortality Data to Refine Our Understanding of Homicide Patterns in Select Postcommunist Countries

This article uses mortality data from the World Health Organization to provide a descriptive overview of the patterns and trends of homicides in a select group of East-Central European countries. It compares homicide rates across 10 countries during a period of profound social changes. The data show that homicide rates in East-Central Europe during the communist period were higher than in Western Europe and were increasing even before the fall of communism in 1989. Postcommunist homicide trends increased in all the countries, but there was considerable variation in the magnitude, timing, and duration of the rising trends across countries. The demographic characteristics of homicide victims show that middle-aged men are generally the most vulnerable group to experience homicide in East-Central Europe. Discussion about the sociohistorical context of these countries and the nature of the postcommunist transformations is provided to interpret the descriptive findings and offer suggestions for further empirica...
Thermal Characteristics of Conventional and Flat Miniature Axially Grooved Heat Pipes

A detailed mathematical model of low-temperature axially grooved heat pipes (AGHP) is developed in which the fluid circulation is considered along with the heat and mass transfer processes during evaporation and condensation. The results obtained are compared to existing experimental data. Both capillary and boiling limitations are found to be important for the flat miniature copper-water heat pipe, which is capable of withstanding heat fluxes on the order of 40 W/cm 2 applied to the evaporator wall in the vertical position. The influence of the geometry of the grooved surface on the maximum heat transfer capacity of the miniature AGHP is demonstrated.
Intermittent missing observations in discrete-time hidden Markov models

In medical and public health research, hidden Markov models (HMM) are applied in longitudinal studies to model the progression of disease based on clinical classifications that may not be accurate. While missing data are common in longitudinal studies, their impact on HMM has not been well studied. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate effects on the parameter estimates of HMM by simulating complete data, along with incomplete data with intermittent missing values generated by ignorable and non ignorable missing mechanisms. Three scenarios with different sets of parameters were simulated. For incomplete data due to an ignorable mechanism, the accuracy and precision of parameter estimates are generally similar to those obtained from complete data in all examined parameter sets. Under the non ignorable mechanism, the estimation bias is substantial for most parameters when the latent outcome is equally likely to stay at the current state or to move to other states. The bias is dramatically smaller when s...
The cost of mindfulness: A case study☆

Abstract Mindfulness is a concept that refers to the attentiveness and alertness of people to detail. When applied properly, mindfulness improves the reliability of organizational processes, an important dimension to process quality. However, no study measures the cost of implementing mindfulness, which is necessary for managers when allocating scarce resources among competing improvement initiatives. Using the popular P-A-F framework, this study measures the cost of mindfulness in a healthcare context, and suggests consideration of several activities when implementing it in real-world firms.
A procedure for examining deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in regenerating liver in vitro

Abstract When hepatic slices prepared from rats subjected to a 70% partial hepatectomy 16 hr earlier are incubated in vitro, they will progress through a wave of DNA synthesis in a manner similar to that seen in vivo. However, slices prepared at 14 hr post-hepatectomy will not initiate DNA synthesis when incubated in vitro. These results were not altered by the addition of either 5% or 20% serum (calf serum or fetal calf serum) to the incubation medium. These results are interpreted as indicating that between 14 hr and 16 hr after partial hepatectomy there exists a critical period during which exposure to a systemic factor(s) commits hepatic cells to enter a round of DNA synthesis. The experimental procedures outlined in this report provide a means to study, in vitro, progression through the S-phase in a normal mammalian cell population. In addition, experiments employing slices prepared at 14 hr post-hepatectomy might aid in discerning factors initiating the G 1 to S-phase conversion. The experimental protocol described is applicable to studies aimed at assessing selected aspects of the effects of drugs and putative toxicants on hepatic function.
The Market for information and the Origin of Financial Intermediation

Abstract When information is sold, there is often a reliability problem since anyone can claim to have superior knowledge. Optimal strategies which allow a seller to establish that he is informed are considered in a standard one-period, two-asset model. When risk aversion is unobservable, an information market is viable and both the seller and the buyers are better off participating. However, the seller cannot obtain the full value of his information because of the reliability problem. This provides an opportunity for intermediation since an intermediary may be able to capture some of the remaining value.
Centroid Method of Integration

THE usefulness, for numerical integration in p dimensions, of the following “centroid method” seems to have been generally underestimated. The method is a generalization of the mid-point method for one dimension. The first approximation to the integral is f(x) multiplied by the “volume” of the region of integration, where x is the centroid of the region. This first approximation is itself often more accurate than might be expected. (It is exact if f is linear.) If f has a p-dimensional Taylor expansion about the centroid, valid in the region, then the integral is given exactly by the following equation where n = ν1 + ν2 + … + νp, where the terms for n = 1 vanish, and where m(ν) is the generalized moment of inertia Because any non-pathological domain can be “triangulated” into simplexes, it is convenient to have a formula for the generalized moments of inertia of a simplex the vertices of which are xk = (xk1, …, xkp), (k = 0,1, …, p). It can be shown that m(ν) is equal to the coefficient of … in where V is the “volume” of the simplex, given by a familiar determinant, and where If 1≤n≤3 (but not if n≥4), it can be readily deduced that and if p = 2 and 1≤n≤5 (but not if n≥6), where c2=1/12, c3 = c4=1/30, c5 = 2/105. An example of a fourth moment for arbitrary p is
Criminal Punishment and Psychiatric Fallacies

Nowhere is this general tendency expressed by Brandeis more prominent than in the area of criminal law. In spite of the reasoned warnings of some writers, we are greeted by a continuous stream of books and articles from psychiatrists and psychoanalysts (and their judicial followers) with one common theme: Criminal punishment is an unscientific survival of barbarism and must be replaced by a system of individual and social therapy.1 To believe otherwise is to be unscientific and (if the distinction is recognized) immoral.
Effects of cover crops, compost, and manure amendments on soil microbial community structure in tomato production systems

Abstract Soil microbial community structure and crop yield was investigated in field tomato production systems that compared black polyethylene mulch to hairy vetch mulch and inorganic N to organic N. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) hairy vetch cover cropping increases crop yield and significantly affects soil microbial community structure when compared to the standard plastic mulch and synthetic fertilizer-based system; (2) within plastic mulch systems, organic amendments will increase crop yield and significantly affect soil microbial community structure when compared to synthetic fertilizer; (3) crop yields and microbial community structure will be similar in the hairy vetch cover cropping and the organic amended plasticulture systems. Treatments consisted of ammonium nitrate (control), hairy vetch cover crop, hairy vetch cover crop and poultry manure compost (10 Mg/ha), three levels of poultry manure compost (5, 10, and 20 Mg/ha), and two levels of poultry manure (2.5 and 5 Mg/ha). Black polyethylene mulch was used in all treatments without hairy vetch. Fatty acid analysis was used to characterize the total soil microbial community structure, while two substrate utilization assays were used to investigate the community structure of culturable bacteria and fungi. Crop yield was not significantly increased by hairy vetch cover cropping when compared to black polyethylene mulch, although microbial community structure was significantly affected by cover cropping. Under black polyethylene mulch, crop yields were significantly increased by the highest levels of compost and manure when compared to inorganic fertilizer, but there was no detectable effect on soil microbial community structure. When cover cropping was compared to organic amended plasticulture systems, crop yields were similar one year but dissimilar the next. However, hairy vetch cover cropping and organic amendments under black plastic mulch produced significantly different soil microbial community structure.
Properties of Bose-Einstein condensates in a quasi-one-dimensional box trap

We present numerical studies of Bose-Einstein condensates in an optical box trap. The box trap is modeled by using Gaussian-wall or hard-wall trapping potentials along the boundary of the box to mimic a recent experimental setup. In order to study a quasi-one-dimensional system, the Gaussian walls are separated differently along the axial and radial directions. Furthermore, the two-body interaction is described by a hard-sphere potential, whose radius equals the s-wave scattering length. Using a finite-temperature path integral Monte Carlo method, we have calculated the density profiles of the system as a function of the temperature, the strength of the two-body interaction, and the number of particles. Our numerical results show clearly the Tonks-gas-like behavior in the strong interaction limit. In addition, we have compared our numerical data with the experimental data and theoretical results, and found that our simulation data agree with them quantitatively.
Characteristics of nurse-midwife patients and visits, 1991.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the patient populations served by and visits made to certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in the United States. METHODS: Prospective data on 16,729 visits were collected from 369 CNMs randomly selected from a 1991 population survey. Population estimates were derived from a multistage survey design with probability sampling. RESULTS: We estimated that approximately 5.4 million visits were made to nearly 3000 CNMs nationwide in 1991. Most visits involved maternity care, although fully 20% were for care outside the maternity cycle. Patients considered vulnerable to poor access or outcomes made 7 of every 10 visits. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-midwives substantially contribute to the health care of women nationwide, especially for vulnerable populations.
Trade openness and economic growth: is growth export-led or import-led?

Most previous investigations have only focused on the effect of export expansion on economic growth while ignoring the potential growth-enhancing contribution of imports. This article re-examines the relationship between trade and economic growth in Argentina, Colombia, and Peru with emphasis on both the role of exports and imports. Granger causality tests and impulse response functions were used to examine whether growth in trade stimulate economic growth (or vice versa). The results suggest that the singular focus of past studies on exports as the engine of growth may be misleading. Although there is some empirical evidence supporting export-led growth, the empirical support for import-led growth hypothesis is relatively stronger. In some cases, there is also evidence for reverse causality from gross domestic product growth to exports and imports.
Determinates of Youth and Parent Satisfaction in Usual Care Psychotherapy

Objective Client satisfaction with mental health services is used commonly as an indicator of the quality of care, but there is minimal research on the construct of client satisfaction in youth services, and the extent to which satisfaction is related to improvements in clinical functioning versus other determinants. We examined the relationship between parent and youth satisfaction with youth services, and tested for significant determinants of satisfaction across three major domains: (1) change in youth clinical functioning; (2) youth/family service entry characteristics; (3) treatment/therapist characteristics.
Methyl anthranilate formulations repel gulls and mallards from water

Abstract Two formulations of methyl anthranilate (MA), one (ReJex-iT™ TP-40 [TP-40]) containing a surfactant, the other (ReJex-iT™ AP-50 [AP-50]) a miscible, free-flowing powder, effectively repelled captive mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from pools of water in pen tests, and/or free-ranging gulls (Larus delawarensis and L. argentatus) from pools of water in field trials for 4–11 days. With one exception, pool entries and bill contacts with water were reduced (p ⩽ 0.02) in pools treated with both formulations compared with untreated pools. Overall gull activity was reduced (p ⩽ 0.01) when all available water was treated with AP-50. Effectiveness of TP-40 ( v v ) was similar to the previously reported effectiveness of powdered formulations where MA concentrations were 1.6–3.0 times ( g g ) greater, a consequence of the surfactant concentrating MA at the surface. These tests indicate that MA-based formulations might have utility at airports and perhaps other locations where it is desirable to reduce bird activity in temporary pools of water.
Optimal design of BTA deep-hole cutting tools with staggered cutters

A concept using an optimization technique to design multi-edge BTA tools with cutters ‘taggered’ on the cutting head is developed. The cutting edges are located on the head so that they cut in a circular pattern over a portion of the hole radius, partly overlapping with each other. In many applications these tools should be superior to the conventional single-edge tools or multi-edge tools with cutters located at 180 degress to each other. When heavy cuts and large hole sizes are attempted with single-edge tools a large resultant force transmitted to the bore wall through the guiding pads causes undue rubbing and wear of the pads. This is followed by heat generation and increased power consumption and deterioration of the cutting edges. The tools with a staggered or zigzag arrangement of the cutters are designed for a predetermined cutting force resultant necessary for the tool guidance, which is controlled by appropriate radial and angular location of the cutters on the cutting head. The cutters of these...
Tectonic Framework of Melanesian Borderland: ABSTRACT

We report on the initial results of a cruise to determine the tectonic framework, origin, and hence, resource potential, of the northern margin of the North Fiji basin. The cruise, coordinated by CCOP/SOPAC and manned by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (ANZUS), was completed by the end of April 1982. The central issue is whether the Melanesian borderland is simply a remnant island arc or whether Samoan or Tuvalu Island chain volcanism was responsible, in part, for the formation of this region. During the 20-day cruise, stretching from Pago Pago, Samoa, to the western end of the Vitiaz trench, dredge stations, piston and free-fall cores, and underway geophysical data were collected. In addition, we performed a reconnaissance of proposed spread ng centers in the North Fiji basin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 960------------
Teaching when time is limited.

Teaching in small increments of time during patient care can provide powerful learning experiences for trainees. This article explores the ways that clinical teachers might do this in a time efficient way
Fe-Cu-Au-bearing scapolite skarn in moat sediments of the Taum Sauk Caldera, southeastern Missouri, USA

Stromatolitic carbonate in moat-fill of a 1.48 Ga caldera was converted to mineralized calc-silicate skarn by interaction with magma-derived brine at Ketcherside Gap in southeastern Missouri. The skarn records early low f O 2 conditions similar to those of reduced W and Au skarns. Initial skarn-forming conditions were: P L ⩽ 221 bar (22.1 MPa), X CO 2 ⩽ 0.10, T = 450–400°C, log f O 2 ≈ −30, and log f S 2 ⩽ −13. Late skarn records combined effects of T ↓, f O 2 ↑, f S 2 ↑, X CO 2 ↓, and appearance of an immiscible CO 2 -rich vapour. The absence of a contact aureole indicates that skarn reactions were driven by advective heat transfer from an infiltrating fluid. Elsewhere in the region, hypersaline, synvolcanic fluids produced oxidized endoskarn in rhyolite. Development of carbonate-hosted, reduced skarn in caldera moat sediments is attributed to: (1) the nature of the host rock and reaction along a lengthy flow path; (2) early, but temporary, dilution of brine influx by CO 2 -producing reactions; and (3) cooling, possibly accompanied by increased brine influx with time.
The GMO-Nanotech (Dis)Analogy?:

The genetically-modified-organism (GMO) experience has been prominent in motivating science, industry, and regulatory communities to address the social and ethical dimensions of nanotechnology. However, there are some significant problems with the GMO-nanotech analogy. First, it overstates the likelihood of a GMO-like backlash against nanotechnology. Second, it invites misconceptions about the reasons for public engagement and social and ethical issues research as well as their appropriate roles in nanotech research, development, application, commercialization, and regulatory processes. After an explication of the standard GMO-Nanotech analogy, these two problems are discussed in turn.
The photochlorination of chloroform in continuous flow systems

Data on the vapor phase photochlorination of chloroform in flow reactors are interpreted on the basis of reaction mechanisms presented in the literature. In order to estimate the rates of light absorption it is also necessary to interpret the rate data obtained for the uranyl sulfateoxalic acid reaction. The chlorination results are represented quite well by a mechanism in which the most important termination step is a termolecular reaction between trichloromethyl radicals and chlorine. Deviations from this model are observed as the flow of reactants becomes turbulent and as the light intensity increases. The observed decrease in reaction rate under such conditions is attributed to the increased significance of a second termination step, the unimolecular deactivation of chlorine radicals at the reactor wall.
Combining ferrocenes and molecular squares: Self-assembly of heterobimetallic macrocyclic squares incorporating mixed transition metal systems and a main group element. Single-crystal X-ray structure of [Pt(dppf)(H2O)2][OTf]2

The preparation of the reactive diaqua complexes of (bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene)palladium(II) and -platinum(II) bis(triflates) and the X-ray crystal structure of [Pt(dppf)(H2O)2][OTf]2 (dppf = 1,1‘-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) are reported. Interaction of these complexes with 2,7-diazapyrene produced novel octanuclear square-shaped metallomacrocycles. Modular self-assembly of [Pd(dppf)(H2O)2][OTf]2 and [Pt(dppf)(H2O)2][OTf]2 with bis[4-(4‘-pyridyl)phenyl]iodonium triflate results in the facile formation of hexanuclear macrocyclic squares with alternating iodonium−late transition metals (Pd(II) or Pt(II)) at the corners and ferrocene complex as the chelating unit.
Claiming the Virgin: The Broken Promise of Liberation Theology in Brazil

Claiming the Virgin: The Broken Promise of Liberation Theology in Brazil. Robin Nagle. New York: Routledge, 1997. xiii. 224 pp., addendums, notes, glossary, bibliography, index.
House Fly and Drosophila Cell Cultures as Hosts for Human Enteroviruses

Schneider's Drosophila melanogaster cell line 2, and primary cell cultures of the house fly, Musca domestica , were infected with Coxsackie virus type B5 and poliovirus type 2, and Coxsackie virus type B5, respectively. During assay periods of 7 to 23 days, no increase in viral titer in any of the cell cultures relative to the cell-free controls was observed. A modification of Eide & Chang's X-2 medium for M. domestica is described.
Life in a small world: Applicability of gratification theory to information‐seeking behavior

This research reports a study in which gratification theory (essentially, that certain populations live in an environment in which the emphasis is on immediate gratifications and satisfaction of needs) was applied to an information-seeking behavior of a lower-class population. The focus of the study was an investigation of the information-seeking behaviors of a lower-working class population. Respondents were janitorial workers at a southern university. Results show that, although members of this lower-working class population expressed a number of areas in which they needed information (e.g., employment, everyday coping advice, etc.), they were not active seekers of information outside of their most familiar social milieu. The findings indicate that a possible explanation for this was the perception that outside sources were not capable of responding to their concern. Thus, there was little motivation in exploring the relevance of these sources. Moreover, items of most interest to them were those things that were accessible, had a firm footing in everyday reality, and responded to some immediate, practical concern. © 1991 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
NMR-Based amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange measurements for complex membrane proteins: development and critical evaluation.

Abstract A method for measuring site-specific amide hydrogen–deuterium exchange rates for membrane proteins in bilayers is reported and evaluated. This method represents an adaptation and extension of the approach of Dempsey and co-workers ( Biophys. J. 70, 1777–1788 (1996)) and is based on reconstituting 15 N-labeled membrane proteins into phospholipid bilayers, followed by lyophilization and rehydration with D 2 O or H 2 O (control). Following incubation for a time t under hydrated conditions, samples are again lyophilized and then solubilized in an organic solvent system, where 1 H– 15 N HSQC spectra are recorded. Comparison of spectra from D 2 O-exposed samples to spectra from control samples yields the extent of the H–D exchange which occurred in the bilayers during time t. Measurements are site specific if specific 15 N labeling is used. The first part of this paper deals with the search for a suitable solvent system in which to solubilize complex membrane proteins in an amide “exchange-trapped” form for NMR quantitation of amide peak intensities. The second portion of the paper documents application of the overall procedure to measuring site-specific amide exchange rates in diacylglycerol kinase, a representative integral membrane protein. Both the potential usefulness and the significant limitations of the new method are documented.
Real-Time Diagnostics, Prognostics and Health Management for Large-Scale Manufacturing Maintenance Systems

Traditional technologies emphasize either experience or model-based approaches to the Diagnostics, Prognostics & Health Management (DPHM) problem. However, most of these methodologies often apply only to the narrow type of machines that they were developed for, and only support strategic level assessments as opposed to real-time tactical decisions. By enabling widespread integration of diagnostics and prognostics into our manufacturing business processes, we have reduced spacio-temporal uncertainties associated with future states and system performance and therefore enabled more informed and effective decisions on manufacturing activities. For large-scale systems, the usual approach is to aggregate multidimensional data into a single-dimensional stream. These methods are generally adequate to extract key performance indicators. However, they only point to observable effects of a failure and not to their root causes. An integrated framework for DPHM requires the availability of bidirectional cause-effect relationships that enable system-wide health management rather than just predicting what its future state would be. This paper summarizes best practices, benchmarks, and lessons learned from the design, development, deployment, and execution of DPHM systems into real-life applications in the automotive industry.Copyright © 2008 by General Motors Corporation
David Hubel: In Memoriam

David Hubel was a giant in our field, yet he was warm, friendly, and humble in person. He and Torsten Wiesel, following in the footsteps of their mentor Steve Kuffler, discovered fundamental principles of information processing in the brain and fundamental principles of how the brain wires itself up. I think many people in the field see David as a formidable figure, but since I saw him every day in the lab, that is the person I will remember here. After all, it is the guy in the lab who did the work that made him great, and there is surely some connection between the way he daily went about doing science and how successful he was.
Quantitative contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the optic nerve

During the acute stages of optic neuritis damage to the blood-optic nerve barrier can be detected using i.v. paramagnetic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Quantification of the enhancement pattern of the optic nerve, intraorbital fat and muscle was determined in 15 normal subjects using 3 fat-suppression MR imaging methods: T1-weighted spin-echo and spoiled gradient-echo sequences preceded by a fat-frequency selective pulse (FATSAT+SE and FATSAT+SPGR, respectively) and a pulse sequence combining CHOPPER fat suppression with a fat-frequency selective preparation pulse (HYBRID). Pre- and postcontrast-enhanced studies were acquired for FATSAT+SE and FATSAT+SPGR. There was no significant enhancement of the optic nerve by either method (mean increase of 0.96% and 5.3%, respectively), while there was significant enhancement in muscle (mean 118.2% and 108.2%, respectively; p < 0.005) and fat (mean increase of 13% and 37%, respectively; p < 0.05). Postcontrast optic nerve/muscle signal intensity ratios (mean, SD) were 0.51 (0.07), 0.58 (0.05) and 0.75 (0.05) for FATSAT+SE, FATSAT+SPGR and HYBRID, respectively. These results suggest a practical methodology and range of values for normal signal intensity increases and ratios of tissue signal that can be used as objective measures of optic neuritis for natural history studies and treatment trials.
Sericostoma schneideri (Kolenati, 1848): a new caddisfly (Insecta, Trichoptera) species of the Lithuanian fauna

The caddisfly species Sericostoma schneideri is widespread in the southwestern part of Europe. For the first time it was found above latitude 54° North in Lithuania. The larvae were detected in 20 lowland rivers of Lithuania varying in size from medium to large ones. The main morphological features distinguishing between larvae of two different Sericostoma species occurring in Lithuania (Sericostoma schneideri and S. personatum) are presented.
Autophagy-Dependent Production of Secreted Factors Facilitates Oncogenic RAS-Driven Invasion

The tumor promoting functions of autophagy are primarily attributed to its ability to promote cancer cell survival. However, emerging evidence suggests that autophagy plays other roles during tumorigenesis. Here, we uncover that autophagy promotes oncogenic RAS-driven invasion. In epithelial cells transformed with oncogenic RAS, depletion of autophagy-related genes suppresses invasion in three-dimensional culture, decreases cell motility, and reduces pulmonary metastases in vivo. Treatment with conditioned media from autophagy-competent cells rescues the invasive capacity of autophagy-deficient cells, indicating these cells fail to secrete factors required for RAS-driven invasion. Reduced autophagy diminishes the secretion of the pro-migratory cytokine IL6, which is necessary to restore invasion of autophagy-deficient cells. Moreover, autophagy-deficient cells exhibit reduced levels of MMP2 and WNT5A. These results support a previously unrecognized function for autophagy in promoting cancer cell invasion via the coordinate production of multiple secreted factors.
Geoid effects of lateral viscosity variation near the top of the mantle: A 2D model

Abstract Whereas the oceanic lithosphere is underlain by a low-viscosity layer, the asthenosphere, it appears unlikely that this layer is well developed beneath continental cratons. This difference could represent a lateral viscosity variation of two to three orders of magnitude near the top of the mantle. Previous mantle flow/geoid models have typically neglected this variation. To investigate the impact of such a lateral strength variation on mantle flow and the resulting geoid, we solve for density-driven flow in a 2D box of uniform-viscosity fluid. A dichotomous lateral viscosity variation near the top of the mantle is modeled by having a no-slip boundary condition over a section of the top of the box, while allowing the remainder of the top to be free-slip. For varying fractions of no-slip on the upper boundary, and various values of the wavenumber, depth and phase of the driving density anomaly, model geoids are found. In contrast to viscous flow with only a depth-dependent viscosity, mode coupling in the geoid is observed. This occurs principally at a wavelength equal to the lengthscale of the lateral viscosity structure, with amplitudes as large as 20–40% in some cases. Thus, coupling can produce a significant signal in the geoid at a wavelength longer than that of the driving load. This result suggests that the accuracy of models of the geoid that assume a solely radial viscosity structure may be limited to the 60–80% level found in recent studies [1,2]. We speculate that some of the Earth's low-order geoid is due to flow coupling resulting from the degree two to five components of lateral ocean-continent structure.
A Lysosomal Cysteine Proteinase from Dictyostelium discoideum Contains N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate Bound to Serine but Not Mannose-6-phosphate on N-linked Oligosaccharides

Previous studies showed that vegetative Dictyostelium discoideum cells make a lysosomal proteinase, proteinase-1, that contains multiple GlcNAc-alpha-1-P residues in phosphodiester linkage to serine. We extended these studies and, in contrast to earlier reports, found that proteinase-1 contains 7.5 mol of Fuc, 8 mol of Man, 2 mol of Xyl, and 30 mol of GlcNAc per calculated mol of protein but no Man-6-P residues. The protein binds to concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin lectin affinity columns, and PNGase-F digestion released most of the mannose and xylose but little of the GlcNAc. beta-Elimination under reducing conditions released only GlcNAc-alpha-1-P. There was no evidence for the release of disaccharides or of fucitol. A rabbit antiserum and monoclonal antibodies prepared against proteinase-1 recognize GlcNAc-alpha-1-P residues in immunoblots and are specifically competed by UDP-GlcNAc or GlcNAc-alpha-1-P. Use of other monoclonal antibodies showed the presence of mannose-6-sulfate on N-linked sugar chains, and alpha-fucose residues on the protein. Thus, proteinase-1 has at least two types of modifications: Glc NAc-alpha-1-P-Ser, which we call phosphoglycosylation, and N-linked oligosaccharides. This is the first purified lysosomal enzyme in Dictyostelium that does not contain Man-6-P residues. The GlcNAc-alpha-1-P-specific antibodies also recognize a group of developmentally regulated proteins, especially enriched in vegetative cells. Some of them are also lysosomal cysteine proteinases, and all bind to the GlcNAc-alpha-1-P-specific monoclonal antibody but not to the mammalian CI-Man-6-P receptor. Conversely, lysosomal enzymes that have Man-6-P do not bind to the GlcNAc-alpha-1-P-specific antibody. An exception to this is beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, where 15% of the activity binds to this antibody. Thus, there appear to be two sets of lysosomal enzymes with distinct post-translational modifications.
Assessing multi-taxa sensitivity to the human footprint, habitat fragmentation and loss by exploring alternative scenarios of dispersal ability and population size: a simulation approach

Quantifying the effects of landscape change on population connectivity is compounded by uncertainties about population size and distribution and a limited understanding of dispersal ability for most species. In addition, the effects of anthropogenic landscape change and sensitivity to regional climatic conditions interact to strongly affect habitat fragmentation and loss. To further develop conservation theory and to understand the interplay between all of these factors, we simulated habitat fragmentation and loss across the Western United States for several hypothetical species associated with four biome types, and a range of habitat requirements and dispersal abilities. We found dispersal ability and population size of the focal species to be equally sensitive to habitat extent, while dispersal ability is more sensitive to habitat fragmentation. There were also strong critical threshold effects where habitat connectivity decreased disproportionately to decreases in life-history traits making these species near these thresholds more sensitive to changes in habitat loss and fragmentation. Overall, grassland and forest associated species are also most at risk from habitat loss and fragmentation driven by human related land-use. These two largest biome types were most sensitive at large contiguous patch sizes which is often considered most important for metapopulation viability and biodiversity conservation. Hypothetical simulation studies such as this can be of great value to scientists in further conceptualizing and developing conservation theory, and evaluating spatially-explicit scenarios of habitat connectivity. Our results are available for download in a web-based interactive mapping prototype useful for accessing the results of this study.
The Corporate Culture Survival Guide: Sense and Nonsense About Culture Change

The articles reviews the book “The Corporate Culture Survival Guide: Sense and Nonsense About Culture Change,” by Edgar H. Schein.
Cigarette smoking, use of other tobacco products and stomach cancer mortality in US adults: The Cancer Prevention Study II.

Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of stomach cancer in many studies but there are limited data on this relationship in women and on risk associated with use of tobacco products other than cigarettes. We examined stomach cancer death rates in relation to cigarette smoking in women and use of cigarette, cigar, pipe, or smokeless tobacco in men in a nationwide prospective mortality study in the United States (US). Cohort follow-up from 1982-96 identified 996 and 509 stomach cancer deaths among 467,788 men and 588,053 women, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using non-users of tobacco as the referent group. Multivariate-adjusted RRs were the highest for men who currently smoked cigars (RR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.49-3.51) or cigarettes (RR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.75-2.67) and both increased with smoking duration. Women who currently (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.18-1.88) or formerly (RR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08-1.71) smoked cigarettes were at significantly increased risk, as were men who formerly smoked cigarettes (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.28-1.88), or currently (RR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.40-2.35) or formerly (RR: 1.57, 95% CI = 1.22-2.03) used more than one type of tobacco. Men who reported a history of chronic indigestion or gastroduodenal ulcer had substantially higher mortality rates associated with current cigarette (RR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.05-5.80) or cigar (RR = 8.93, 95% CI = 4.02-19.90) smoking, as did men who were current aspirin users. If causal, the estimated proportion of stomach cancer deaths attributable to tobacco use would be 28% in US men and 14% in women. We conclude that prolonged use of tobacco products is associated with increased stomach cancer mortality in men and women. The accumulated evidence from this and other studies support reconsidering stomach cancer as a tobacco-related cancer.
Chromogenic Assay for Phospholipase D from Streptomyces chromofuscus: Application to the Evaluation of Substrate Analogs

A rapid and convenient chromogenic assay for phospholipase D from Streptomyces chromofuscus (PLDSc) has been developed that converts the choline generated from the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipids into a chromogenic dye. By quenching the reaction with EDTA at defined times, an initial rate curve is produced from which a kcat and K(m) can be readily derived. This assay has been applied to the biological evaluation of several substrate analogs, all of which appear to be activators rather than substrates or inhibitors of this enzyme. Performing the assay in 96-well microtiter plates allows for the easy screening of potential effectors of this enzyme.
Prediction of stress appraisals from mastery, extraversion, neuroticism, and general appraisal tendencies

Several personality dimensions (mastery, extraversion, and neuroticism) and a new General Appraisal Measure were used to predict stress appraisals made by college students in specific situations. Using multiple-regression techniques, mastery and general appraisal tendencies predicted appraisals for an intellectual task. Path analysis supported a structural model with general appraisal tendencies as a mediator between mastery and specific appraisal. In the second study mastery, extraversion, neuroticism, and general appraisal tendencies predicted appraisals for an academic stressor. Path analysis again supported the mediational nature of general appraisal tendencies from personality variables to specific appraisal. We discuss a potential causal mechanism between personality dimensions and appraisal patterns.
The Effect of SO2 on the Uptake of Particles by Mouse Bronchial Epithelium

In three experiments, we have explored the uptake and transport of colloidal gold (Au) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) by normal and SO2-injured bronchial epithelium. In the first experiment, mice were exposed to a 2-hr aerosol of Au; in the second experiment, mice were exposed to SO2 (250 ppm) for 3 hr, then to Au; and in the third experiment, mice inhaled SO2 and then were exposed to Fe2O3. In each experiment, animals were killed at 0 hr, 1 day, and 4 days postexposure. From each animal, samples of large airways were examined by electron microscopy, and the cell type and particle location were recorded. Au was not readily taken up by the bronchial epithelium in that only two cells out of 1162 contained particles. No Au was seen in the submucosa. Exposure to SO2 produced a mild, but nonnecrotic response characterized by an increase in mucus, vacuolated cells, detached cilia, and an influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. SO2 did not affect the uptake of Au; 2 out of 1177 epithelial cells contained Au. However, gold did reach the submucosa. Results from the SO2 plus Fe2O3 experiment were compared to a previous study of similar design in which mice were exposed only to Fe2O3. SO2 increased the uptake of iron and affected the distribution of intracellular iron among the different cell types. It is possible that increased iron uptake is due to either injury or to changes in particle solubility produced by the SO2.
Structural studies of Li3N using neutron powder diffraction

Abstract The search for alternative fuel has spurred interest in complexes with high hydrogen absorption–desorption capacities. Among these compounds complex metal hydrides have received much attention. More recently, it was proposed that simple metal nitrides such as lithium nitride (Li 3 N), with its 9 wt% recyclable hydrogen uptake, could be good candidates for reversible hydrogen storage. In this paper, we present the results of detailed structural study of Li 3 N through the temperature range 20–673 K using neutron powder diffraction. Commercially purchased compound showed a co-existence of alpha and beta phases of Li 3 N. We observed a steady decline of the beta phase above 473 K and a very small fraction (∼2.5 wt%) remained untransformed at 673 K. This transformation (beta to alpha) was not reversible on cooling.
Electron microscopy analysis of a disaccharide analog complex reveals receptor interactions of adeno-associated virus

Abstract Mechanistic studies of macromolecular complexes often feature X-ray structures of complexes with bound ligands. The attachment of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is an example that has not proven amenable to crystallography, because the binding of GAG analogs disrupts lattice contacts. The interactions of AAV with GAGs are of interest in mediating the cell specificity of AAV-based gene therapy vectors. Previous electron microscopy led to differing conclusions on the exact binding site and the existence of large ligand-induced conformational changes in the virus. Conformational changes are expected during cell entry, but it has remained unclear whether the electron microscopy provided evidence of their induction by GAG-binding. Taking advantage of automated data collection, careful processing and new methods of structure refinement, the structure of AAV-DJ complexed with sucrose octasulfate is determined by electron microscopy difference map analysis to 4.8 A resolution. At this higher resolution, individual sulfate groups are discernible, providing a stereochemical validation of map interpretation, and highlighting interactions with two surface arginines that have been implicated in genetic studies. Conformational changes induced by the SOS are modest and limited to the loop most directly interacting with the ligand. While the resolution attainable will depend on sample order and other factors, there are an increasing number of macromolecular complexes that can be studied by cryo-electron microscopy at resolutions beyond 5 A, for which the approaches used here could be used to characterize the binding of inhibitors and other small molecule effectors when crystallography is not tractable.