cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can heparin cause adult respiratory distress syndrome by a similar mechanism as heparin-associated thrombocytopenia?

A 62-year-old woman who underwent an aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis developed postoperative thrombocytopenia and adult respiratory distress syndrome, simultaneously. Both complications resolved promptly after discontinuing heparin therapy. The presence of a heparin-related antiplatelet antibody was detected by in vitro testing. The time course of clinical events suggests the possibility of a heparin-induced, im- mune-mediated injury to both the pulmonary vascular endothelium and the platelet membrane as an underlying pathophysiologic mechanism.
High-voltage paper electrophoresis of organic compounds in acetonitrile

Abstract By the addition of a strong acid to a suitable background electrolyte in acetonitrile, organic bases were separated from acids and neutrals in high-voltage paper electrophoresis. By substituting a strong base for the acid one can likewise separate organic acids from bases and neutrals. On cation-exchange paper, and at moderate concentration of acidified background electrolyte, it was possible not only to separate the bases from the acids and neutrals, but also to separate the bases from one another. Finally, by judicious choice of the location of the position of origin, one could optimize the separation of some acids and bases from one another.
Detection of Target Site Resistance to Pyrethroids and Organophosphates in the Horn Fly Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans L., is an obligate blood-feeding fly and the primary insect pest parasitizing cattle in the United States. Pesticide resistance has become a substantial problem for cattle producers, and although several mechanisms of resistance are possible, target site resistance is the most important mechanism preventing control of this fly in the United States and possibly other countries. We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the known target site, pyrethroid resistance-associated mutation in the horn fly and a recently reported G262A mutation in the horn fly acetylcholinesterase, the target site for organophosphates. As expected, the pyrethroid resistance target site mutation was found in fly populations from Texas, Louisiana, Washington, Georgia, Mexico, and Brazil. This mutation was found to have a gender bias as it was more prevalent in females than males. The G262A acetylcholinesterase mutation was found in Texas, Louisiana, Washington, Georgia, and Mexico, but not Brazil. There was no gender bias in the occurrence of this mutation, and there was no correlation between the occurrence of the kdr and the G262A mutations. Unlike the case with the pyrethroid target site mutation, the presence of G262A did not appear to exclusively provide the level of resistance required to account for bioassay results. It is likely an additional mutation(s) occurs in the target site and/or a metabolic resistance mechanism exists in organophosphate-resistant horn fly populations.
Energy expenditure, energy balance, and composition of weight gain in low birth weight infants fed diets of different protein and energy content

The effect of energy and protein intakes on energy expenditure, energy balance, and amount and relative rate of both protein and fat deposition in new tissue was investigated in 19 low birth weight infants whose mean protein and energy intakes, respectively, were 2.24 g/kg/d and 113 kcal/kg/d (formula A, n=8), 3.6 g/kg/d and 115 kcal/kg/d (formula B, n=5), and 3.5 g/kg/d and 149 kcal/kg/d (formula C, n=6). The higher energy intake (formula C) but not the higher protein intake (formula B) resuited in greater energy expenditure. Both the higher protein (formula B vs formula A) and higher energy intakes (formula C vs formula B) resulted in greater weight gain secondary, in group B, to a greater absolute rate of protein deposition and, in group C, to a greater absolute rate of fat deposition. The relative composition of the new tissue deposited refiected the proportional intakes of protein and energy. The numerical value of the protein/fat ratio (g/g) of the new tissue deposited by infants fed formulas A and C, the protein contents of which were low relative to energy contents, were similar and significnatly lower than the numerical value of the protein/fat ratio of the new tissue deposited by infants fed formula B, which had a higher protein content relative to energy content. These findings suggest that the composition of weight gain is related to both the absolute amounts and the proportions of dietary protein and energy; thus, both must be considered in formulation of nutritional regimens for LBW infants.
Joining glass fiber layers using a functionalized carbon nanofiber entangled network

As-received glass fiber layers are joined using a carboxylic acid-functionalized carbon nanofiber (OCNF) entangled network utilizing a solution filtering process. Optical and SEM images of the OCNF/glass fiber assembly reveal fiber-bridging effect and show that the OCNF entangled network continuously covers the glass fiber layers. In the absence of polymer matrix, test result shows that a significant amount of peeling force is required to separate the OCNF/glass fiber assembly. Furthermore, fracture analysis indicates evidence of OCNF pull-out and alignment perpendicular to the glass fiber layer along the crack.
Immunological treatment of multiple sclerosis

Immunosuppressive treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on the autoimmune hypothesis for which the main evidence is the close histological similarity between the human disease and chronic relapsing EAE. Although controlled trials indicate that ACTH is effective in accelerating recovery from relapses, long term ACTH or oral steroids are ineffective. Two controlled trials have suggested a beneficial effect of azathioprine, but neither was conducted “blind” and neither was sufficiently convincing to cause the widespread adoption of azathioprine by neurologists. One controlled trial, also not blind, reported a beneficial effect of an intensive course of cyclophosphamide, but this hazardous treatment will not be widely adopted unless other trials confirm this result. The converse hypothesis that MS is due to a deficient immune response to a virus has led to trials of immunostimulation. Interferon and levamisole have proven ineffective so far, but transfer factor slowed disease progression in one well conducted trial.
Triterpenoid saponins from Eryngium yuccifolium ‘Kershaw Blue’

Abstract Phytochemical investigation on the root of Eryngium yuccifolium ‘Kershaw Blue’ resulted in the isolation and identification of two new polyhydroxyoleanene saponins, named eryngioside M and eryngioside N, together with 15 known triterpenoid saponins eryngiosides A-L, 21 β -angeloyloxy-3 β -[ β - d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[ β - d -xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]- β - d -glucuronopyranosyloxyolean-12-ene-15 α ,16 α ,22 α ,28-tetrol, saniculasaponin III, and saniculasaponin II. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic and chemical analyses. Eryngioside M and saniculasaponin II showed week cytotoxicity against human non-small cell lung tumor cells (A549) with GI 50 values of 37.5 ± 1.59 μM and 35.5 ± 1.11 μM, respectively.
Euler characteristics of 3-manifold groups and discrete subgroups of SL(2, C)

In this paper, it is shown that every finitely generated 3-manifold fundamental group G has a rational Euler characteristic χ(G). Lower and upper bounds for χ(G) are given in terms of the rank and deficiency of G. It is shown that every finitely generated 3-manifold group G, with χ(G)<0, is SQ-universal, that is, every countable group can be embedded as a subgroup of a quotient of G. It is also shown that every finitely generated discrete subgroup Γ of SL(2, C) has an Euler characteristics, and χ(Γ)⪰0 if and only if either SL(2, C)/Γ has finite invariant volume or Γ is abelian by finite.
Atrazine Stimulates Hemoglobin Accumulation in Daphnia magna: Is it Hormonal or Hypoxic?

Hemoglobin accumulation in daphnids is an important adaptive response that is regulated by at least two distinct molecular pathways: an endocrine pathway stimulated by terpenoid hormones and an oxygen-sensing pathway involving the hypoxiainducible factor. We found that the herbicide atrazine elevated hemoglobin levels in Daphnia magna and hypothesized that atrazine induced hemoglobin in daphnids through the hormonal regulatory pathway. This hypothesis was tested by modeling the combined effects of atrazine and the terpenoid hormone mimic pyriproxyfen on hemoglobin mRNA levels assuming the same mechanism of action (concentration addition model) and alternatively, assuming different mechanisms of action (response addition model). Model predictions were then compared to experimental assessments of the combined action of these two chemicals on hemoglobin mRNA levels. Changes in hemoglobin expression were evaluated using real-time RT PCR with primers specific to each of three D magna hemoglobin genes (dhb1, dhb2, and dhb3). Both atrazine and pyriproxyfen significantly elevated levels of the hb2 gene product, while having little effect on hb1 and hb3 gene products. Induction of dhb2 by combinations of atrazine and pyriproxyfen did not conform to the concentration addition predictions. Rather, dhb2 induction by these binary combinations was highly consistent with response addition model predictions. These results indicate that atrazine does not induce hemoglobin through the terpenoid hormone‐signaling pathway. Results from this study demonstrate that mixtures modeling can be used to assess a chemical’s mechanism of action and that atrazine likely stimulates hemoglobin accumulation through the oxygen-sensing pathway.
Adeno-associated virus type 5 reduces learning deficits and restores glutamate receptor subunit levels in MPS VII mice CNS.

A major challenge in treating lysosomal storage diseases with enzyme therapy is correcting symptoms in the central nervous system (CNS). This study used a murine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) to test whether pathological and functional CNS defects could be corrected by expressing β-glucuronidase via bilateral intrastriatal injection of adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5βgluc) vectors. After injecting AAV5βgluc, different brain regions expressed active β-glucuronidase, which corrected lysosomal storage defects. Compared to age-matched littermates, adult MPS VII mice were impaired in spatial learning and memory, as measured by the repeated acquisition and performance chamber (RAPC) assay. AAV5βgluc-treated MPS VII mice improved significantly in the RAPC assay, relative to saline-injected littermates. Moreover, our studies reveal that cognitive changes in MPS VII mice correlate with decreased N-methyl-d-aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor expression. Importantly, AAV5βgluc delivery restored glutamate receptor levels. Together, these data demonstrate that AAV5 vectors deliver a therapeutically effective β-glucuronidase gene to the CNS and further suggest a possible mechanism underlying spatial learning defects in MPS VII mice.
Galactofuranose metabolism: a potential target for antimicrobial chemotherapy

Galactofuranose-containing glycoconjugates are present in numerous microbes, many of which are pathogenic for humans. Metabolic aspects of the monosaccharide have proven difficult to elucidate, because galactofuranose metabolites and glycoconjugates are relatively unstable during analyses. Recent advances in biochemical and genetic approaches, however, have facilitated a better understanding of galactofuranose metabolism. This review summarizes our current information on its metabolism and a few selected glycoconjugates containing this furanose.
The Waterpipe: A New Global Threat to CV Health?

Tobacco smoking continues to be the number one preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to millions of deaths every year and wreaking havoc on the welfare of families and communities worldwide. Most of the brunt of the tobacco epidemic is borne by developing countries, a trend that is likely to accelerate [1]. Several evidence-based interventions and policies have been advanced in the past decades to limit smoking initiation and help dependent smokers quit. Although these have been successful in general, they have primarily focused on cigarette smoking. Yet, for many youths worldwide, tobacco use and addiction is maintained by means other than the cigarette. In particular, over the past decade, waterpipe smoking has dramatically become the most widespread tobacco use method among youth in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and is rapidly spreading globally [2]. The waterpipe, known in many cultures under different shapes and names (e.g., hookah, shisha, narghile), is a centuries-old tobacco-use method that has traditionally been associated with Middle Eastern societies. The emergence of waterpipe smoking as a global threat to public health is evidenced by the sharp increase in the past decade of studies, news, and professional reports devoted to the waterpipe [3–8]. In the waterpipe, charcoalheated air passes through a perforated aluminum foil separating the charcoal from the flavored tobacco (a.k.a. Maassel) to become smoke that cools as it bubbles through the water on its way to the smoker. The passage of smoke through water underlies much of the widespread misperception about waterpipe’s ‘‘reduced’’ harm and addictiveness [9]. Avail-
Pattern-based model transformation

Model Driven Architecture (MDA), which supports the development of software-intensive systems through the transformation of models to executable components and applications, requires a standard way to express transformations. The approach developed by this research focuses on defining pattern-based transformation at the metamodel level. This research has two primary objectives. The first objective is to support systematic application of patterns. The use of patterns as model building blocks (through pattern-based transformations) helps raise the level of abstraction at which systems are developed. The second research objective is to support controlled model evolution by specifying pattern-based transformations at the metamodel level.
A modular methodology to verify communication protocols

State explosion has been a major problem for verifying communication protocols and distributed algorithms. In this paper we analyze the sources that cause the state explosion problem and propose a modular approach to verifying communication protocols based on networks of communicating finite state machines (CFSMs). Our proposed method is innovative and its time and space complexity is independent of the number of processes in a system. The new methodology can significantly reduce the time and space needed to verify a number of interesting logical properties, as evidenced by our implementations.
Combined activities of hedgehog signaling inhibitors regulate pancreas development

Hedgehog signaling is known to regulate tissue morphogenesis and cell differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Loss of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) results in reduction in pancreas size, indicating a requirement for hedgehog signaling during pancreas development. By contrast, ectopic expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh) inhibits pancreatic marker expression and results in transformation of pancreatic mesenchyme into duodenal mesoderm. These observations suggest that hedgehog signaling activity has to be regulated tightly to ensure proper pancreas development. We have analyzed the function of two hedgehog inhibitors, Hhip and patched 1 (Ptch), during pancreas formation. Our results indicated that loss of Hhip results in increased hedgehog signaling within the pancreas anlage. Pancreas morphogenesis, islet formation and endocrine cell proliferation is impaired in Hhip mutant embryos. Additional loss of one Ptch allele in Hhip-/-Ptch+/- embryos further impairs pancreatic growth and endodermal cell differentiation. These results demonstrate combined requirements for Hhip and Ptch during pancreas development and point to a dose-dependent response to hedgehog signaling within pancreatic tissue. Reduction of Fgf10 expression in Hhip homozygous mutants suggests that at least some of the observed phenotypes result from hedgehog-mediated inhibition of Fgf signaling at early stages.
Effect of Zr and C additions on environmental embrittlement of Fe-28Al-5Cr aluminide

The objective of this study is to try to understand the beneficial effect of 0.5Zr + 0.05C on environmental embrittlement in the Fe-28Al-5Cr alloy at room temperature. The microstructure of the alloys with and without 0.5Zr + 0.05C was controlled by heat treatment, and their tensile properties were determined in different test environments. Attempts were made to separate the beneficial effect of alloying elements themselves with their associated change in the microstructures of the aluminide alloys.
Constraints on Jones transmission matrices from time-reversal invariance and discrete spatial symmetries

In this theoretical paper, but written primarily for experimentalists, the author lays out the detailed formalism for detecting broken symmetry states in correlated electron systems.
The accretional heating of the terrestrial planets: a review

Abstract Accretional heating in forming planets results from the transfer of kinetic energy of objects striking the proto-planet surface. By accounting for all energy transfer for every cratering event it is theoretically possible to determine the thermal state of newly-formed planets. Various models of the thermodynamics of planetary formation are presented, ranging from the simple to the complex. Few definite conclusions can be drawn from the theoretical models, except that larger terrestrial planets were melted by their formation, cores being formed during formation. Mars may have been extensively heated, core formation in that case being contemporaneous with accretion. Mercury was unlikely to have been subject to much bombardment by planetesimals from other zones, and its core may not have its origin in accretional heat. The Moon may have been completely or only slightly melted, depending on the nature of the late formation of the Earth and Venus.
Influence of synthetic salivary cystatin SN segments on hydroxyapatite mineralization

Three segments of cystatin SN (CsnSN) have been synthesized which contain possible hydroxyapatite (HAP) binding sites. The influence of the fragments on HAP crystal growth has been studied using the constant composition (CC) method in solutions with a relative supersaturation with respect to HAP (σHAP) of 3.6, pH 7.4, and 0.15 mol l−1 ionic strength. The additives studied were CsnSN fragments containing residues 1–20, 21–40, and 82–101. At molar surface concentrations of (2–3) × 10−7 mol m−2, the two N-terminal CsnSN fragments inhibited HAP growth to a similar extent while the C-terminal segment of comparable size was less effective as a crystallization inhibitor. This indicates a more effective HAP surface coverage by CsnSN(1–20) and CsnSN(21–40) and that their charged residues are located in more favourable positions than CsnSN(82–101) for binding to the HAP surfaces. Also, relative inhibitory effects of salivary proteins and their fragments suggest that the degree to which an inhibitor changes the growth rates is also influenced by the nature of the rate-controlling crystal growth mechanism.
Tyr66 acts as a conformational switch in the closed-to-open transition of the SHP-2 N-SH2-domain phosphotyrosine-peptide binding cleft

The N-terminal SH2 domain (N-SH2) of the non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 is involved both in localization of SHP-2 by recognition of phosphotyrosine (pY) peptides and self-inhibition of SHP-2 phosphatase activity through the formation of a protein – protein interface with the phosphatase domain. Mutations that disrupt this interface break the coupling between pY-peptide binding cleft conformation and self-inhibition, thereby increasing both SHP-2 phosphatase activity and pY-peptide binding affinity, and are associated with the congenital condition Noonan syndrome and various pediatric leukemias. To better characterize the molecular process involved in N-SH2 pY-dependent binding, we have applied explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations to study the closed-to-open transition of the N-SH2 pY-peptide binding cleft. The existence of stable conformations in the left-handed helical and the extended regions of Tyr66 φ/ψ space prevent rapid interconversion of the backbone and create a conformational switch such that Tyr66 in a left-handed helical backbone conformation results in an open cleft and in an extended backbone conformation results in a closed cleft. The stable conformations arise from deep, well-localized free-energy minima in the left-handed helical and extended regions of the Tyr66 φ/ψ map. Changing the Tyr66 backbone conformation from extended to left-handed helical induces a closed-to-open transition in the cleft, and the reverse change in backbone conformation induces the reverse, open-to-closed transition. In the open-cleft state, weak solvent-exposed interactions involving the sidechains of Tyr66, Asp40, Lys55, and Gln57 serve to anchor the Tyr66 sidechain to the surface of the protein and away from the binding cleft entrance, thereby facilitating pY-peptide access to the binding cleft. The simulations point to a regulatory role for Tyr66 and surrounding residues in SHP-2 function: mutations at Tyr66, Asp40, Lys55, and/or Gln57 are predicted to break the switching mechanism and negatively impact pY-peptide binding. This in turn would interfere with cellular localization and the coupled SHP-2 phosphatase activity. The structurally well-defined binding cleft conformations resulting from the switch-like transition suggest the possibility of applying structure-based methods to develop inhibitors of N-SH2 pY-peptide binding to serve as research tools for signal transduction and precursors to therapeutics for SHP-2-related diseases.
Cognitive models and information transfer

Abstract Information transfer (or the information ‘system’) can be considered as the dynamic interaction among three components: the user; the knowledge resource; and the intermediary mechanism between the first two components. The knowledge resource contains texts (in the semiotic sense), represented and organized in some way. The user initiates the system because of some problem, goals, intentions, etc., whose management or realization s/he believes might be furthered by information obtained from the knowledge resource. The intermediary mechanism mediates between the user's desires, requirements, knowledge, etc., and the knowledge resource's contents, representation and organization, so that if texts appropriate to the user's situation are in the knowledge resource, they (or aspects of them) are brought to the user's attention. Here we concentrate upon the intermediary function: why it is necessary; why it is problematic; what its important features are; how it might be improved. The overall approach is based on the idea of cognitive models or images that the components of the system have of one another and of themselves. Specifically we will be concerned with the intermediary's role in building up its own model of the user in interaction with the user, in order both to help the user in clarifying the problem and to develop a representation of that problem which it judges likely to obtain useful responses from the knowledge resource. There will be some theoretical discussion, based on the ASK hypothesis and related work, but the primary method will be analysis of real human/human information-related dialogues. The foci of attention will be the functions carried out in such dialogues and how they are carried out, and the central role of interaction between user and intermediary in cognitive model construction which leads to successful system performance.
Reflection Spectrum of Cubic Zinc Sulfide in the Interband Transition Region

Reflection spectrum of cubic zinc sulfide in the interband transition region 4000-400a - photon- electron interactions
Photoperiodic photoreception in the male lizard anolis carolinensis: the eyes are not involved

Abstract 1. 1. Long daily photoperiods can stimulate testicular development in the lizard Anolis carolinensis. 2. 2. Blocking light penetration to the brains of sighted anoles abolishes the effect of long days. These results show: (a) extraretinal receptors located in the brain mediate the photoperiodic response in Anolis and (b) the eyes are not involved.
Hemolymph lipids and flight activity in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In this study the flight activity of female and male Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) moths was observed and compared to hemolymph lipid concentrations. The major male and female H. zea flight activity occurred between simulated dusk (1700) and dawn (0300). Male flight activity was up to 7 times greater than females through 6 days after eclosion except for the 1st day (0.8 times). Females had a unimodal pattern of flight activity, peaking between dusk and 2 h later. Males had a bimodal pattern; one between dusk and 2 h later, and another 3 h after dusk, continuing for h. Prior to dusk, total neutral hemolymph lipids (neutral) of H. zea day 4 moths was 64 μg/μl for males and 48 μg/μl for females. Typical lipid composition in day 4 males prior to flight was 1,2-diacylglycerides (DG) (50% w/w), triacylglycerides (TG) (35%), cholesterol esters (2%), and less than 1% monoacylglycerides and cholesterol. The remainder consisted of free fatty acids (<0.5 μg/μl), and various uncharacterized phospholipids and lipophilic compounds. Hemolymph DG concentration patterns were similar between day 4 males and females, were highest in both sexes prior to, during, and after flight (approximately 32 μg/μl), and then decreased steadily throughout the flight period to approximately 16 μg/ml as flight ceased. Hemolymph TG were lower than DG, but followed the same pattern except at 2100 and 2300. In day 4 males between 2100 and 2300, TG increased to 33 μg/μl which was when DG was lowest (15 μg/μl) and their flight activity was highest. Hemolymph DG decreased (26 to 20 μg/μl) in day 4 females between 2100 and 2300 as TG remained fairly constant (18 μg/μl).
Autism Spectrum Disorder is associated with ventricular enlargement in a Low Birth Weight Population

Objective To determine the relation of neonatal cranial ultrasound abnormalities to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in low birth weight (LBW) adult survivors, a population at increased ASD risk. Study design This is a secondary analysis of a prospectively-followed regional birth cohort of 1105 LBW infants systematically screened for perinatal brain injury with cranial ultrasound in the first week of life and later assessed for ASD using a two-stage process [screening at age 16 years (n = 623) followed by diagnostic assessment at age 21 years of a systematically selected subgroup of those screened (n = 189)]; 14 cases of ASD were identified. For this analysis, cranial ultrasound abnormalities were defined as ventricular enlargement (indicative of diffuse white matter injury), parenchymal lesions (indicative of focal white matter injury), and isolated germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage. Results Compared with no cranial ultrasound abnormalities, any type of white matter injury (ventricular enlargement and/or parenchymal lesion) tripled the risk for screening positively for ASD [3.0 (2.2, 4.1)]. However, the risk of being diagnosed with ASD depended on type of white matter injury. With ventricular enlargement, the risk of ASD diagnosis was almost seven-fold that of no cranial ultrasound abnormality [6.7 (2.3, 19.7)], and no elevated risk was found for parenchymal lesion without ventricular enlargement [1.8 (0.2, 13.6)]. Isolated germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage did not increase risk for a positive ASD screen or diagnosis. Conclusion In LBW neonates, cranial ultrasound evidence of ventricular enlargement is a strong and significant risk factor for subsequent development of rigorously-diagnosed ASD.
Pregabalin add-on treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study in adults with partial seizures.

Summary: Purpose: To evaluate pregabalin (PGB), 150 mg/day, and PGB, 600 mg/day, as an add-on treatment for patients with refractory partial seizures concurrently treated with one to three anticonvulsants (AEDs). Methods: An international (13 countries), multicenter (45 centers), 12-week, double-blind, randomized study in which patients with partial seizures received placebo (n = 96); PGB, 150 mg/day (n = 99); or PGB, 600 mg/day (n = 92); given 3 times a day (t.i.d.). The primary efficacy criterion was reduction in seizure frequency during treatment as compared with baseline, as measured by RRatio, the symmetrical percentage change in seizure rates determined from daily seizure diaries. The RRatio between the 8-week baseline (pretreatment phase) and the 12-week treatment period were compared between each of the PGB groups and the placebo group by using an analysis of variance analysis of the intent-to-treat population. Results: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, were both significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the RRatio [–11.5 (p = 0.0007) and –31.4 (p ≤ 0.0001), respectively, vs. 0.9]. These RRatio values correspond to seizure-frequency reductions from baseline of –1.8, 20.6, and 47.8% for placebo, 150 mg/day, and 600 mg/day, respectively. PGB efficacy was significantly dose related (p ≤ 0.0001). Secondary efficacy variables corroborated the findings of the primary analysis. Significantly more patients were responders (≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) in the PGB, 600 mg/day (43.5%), group than in the placebo group (6.2%) (p ≤ 0.001). PGB was well tolerated. Dose-related, treatment-emergent adverse events (≥10%), mostly mild or moderate in intensity, were somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, and weight gain. The withdrawal rate due to adverse events was 10% of patients at 150 mg/day and 18.5% of patients at 600 mg/day, compared with 6.2% of patients receiving placebo. Conclusions: PGB, 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day, is highly effective and well-tolerated add-on therapy in patients with partial seizures.
EO-1 Advanced Land Imager in-flight calibration

The EO-1 Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is the first earth- orbiting instrument to be flown under NASA's New Millennium program. The ALI employs novel wide-angle optics and a multispectral and panchromatic spectrometer. EO-1 is a technology verification project designed to demonstrate comparable or improved Landsat spatial and spectral resolution with substantial mass, volume, and cost savings. This paper provides as overview of in-flight calibration and performance assessment of the Advanced Land Imager. Include dare techniques for calibrating and assessing focus and MTF using long, straight man-made objects and monitoring of radiometric linearity and offsets using an internal calibration source, standard Earth references scenes, and solar and lunar observations.
Age differences in perceptual style, selective attention, and perceptual-motor reaction time.

Abstract One hundred seventy-five females ranging in age from 17 to 72 years, who were placed into one of seven age groups, were administered tasks measuring perceptual style, selective attention, simple choice, and complex reaction time. Multivariate and univariate analysis indicated there were significant differences between the age groups for all dependent measures. Trends manifest in the data suggest significant declines on the investigated information-processing ability measures begin in the late-40′s. This finding appears to indicate an over-all general decline on all information-processing variables rather than selective drop-out of abilities. Theoretical and applied implications of the results are discussed.
On the optical constants of metals at wavelengths shorter that their critical wavelengths

The optical properties of Al, In, Mg, and Si have been investigated in the extreme ultraviolet at wavelengths shorter than their critical wavelengths. It was found that Al, Mg, and Si, which have loosely bound valence electrons and tightly bound core electrons can be described, to a good approximation, by the free electron theory. For In, in this spectral range, the dominant term in the complex dielectric constant is the free electron term, however, other absorption mechanisms are not negligible so a simple two-parameter thoery cannot be used.
Cutaneous acid mucopolysaccharides in some dermatoses.

Summary.— Quantitative chemical analysis for hyaluronic acid (HA) and derMatan sulphate (DS) was performed on biopsies from 9 healthy volunteers and from the lesions of 30 patients with skin disease. The following observations were made: (1) Values for both HA and DS in the skin of healthy volunteers were higher than those reported previously for post-mortem material. (2) A striking decrease was found in the HA, together with a less marked reduction in the DS level, in lesions of discoid L.E. and scleroderma. (3) A very low DS level was found in a single case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
OF MICE AND MEN AND TRILLIUM: CASCADING EFFECTS OF FOREST FRAGMENTATION

Cascading ecological effects of anthropogenic habitat fragmentation have been studied primarily in extreme cases (e.g., the isolation of habitat fragments in a novel habitat matrix such as suburban developments, reservoirs, or agricultural fields), with less attention to more subtle and widespread cases, such as habitat fragmentation due to timber harvest. Few studies have used rigorous demographic data to demonstrate the direct and indirect effects of habitat fragmentation. We trapped deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) at five sites over two years in southwest Oregon, USA, and used multi-state capture- recapture models to estimate deer mouse survival and movement in clearcuts, forest-frag- ment edges, forest-fragment interiors, and contiguous forests. We also estimated deer mouse densities in fragmented and unfragmented forests and combined deer mouse demographic studies with trillium (Trillium ovatum) seed predation trials to link deer mouse changes to reduced trillium recruitment previously observed at the same study sites. Mouse survival was highest in clearcuts, intermediate in forest fragments, and lowest in unfragmented (control) forests. Mouse movement among clearcuts, forest edges, and forest interiors was common over short time intervals. Collectively, demographic rates led to mouse densities that were 3-4 times higher at forest-fragment sites than at unfragmented sites. Trillium seeds were ;3 times more likely to be depredated in areas of elevated relative mouse abundance than in areas of lower relative abundance. Forest fragmentation has favored mouse populations, resulting in increased seed predation that may decrease recruitment rates and increase local extinction risks for trillium.
The equation of state for the solar interior

Helioseismology has become a very successful diagnosis of the equation of state. Although the gas in the solar interior is only weakly coupled and weakly degenerate, the great observational accuracy of the helioseismological measurements puts strong constraints on the nonideal part of the equation of state. For solar and stellar modelling, a high-quality equation of state is crucial. But the inverse is also true: the astrophysical data (helioseismic today, asteroseismic tomorrow) can put constraints on the physical formalisms, thus making the Sun and the stars laboratories for plasma physics.
A Conceptual Framework for Clinical Education in Athletic Training.

Objective: To develop a model for clinical education in athletic training education based on integration of various allied health professional clinical education models. Background: Clinical education is a critical component of allied health education programs. It allows for the transfer of knowledge and skills from classroom to practical application. Clinical education needs to be structured. In addition the Clinical Instructor (CI) also needs to facilitate athletic training students' development into effective, evidence-based practitioners. Description: A brief discussion on the need for transfer of knowledge in athletic training education is discussed. A review of the various clinical education models from allied health professional education is presented. Finally, a model for athletic training clinical education is presented with implications for practice. Clinical Advantages: As athletic training education continues to develop, a need to formalize clinical education and develop a clinical education m...
Transcriptional Pathways Direct Cardiac Development and Regeneration

Elegant studies using gene disruption strategies have defined a set of genes that are essential for normal cardiac development. Although these studies have provided a framework for the molecular regulation of cardiac morphogenesis, the genetic program of the cardiac progenitors has been incompletely defined. We used a transgenic strategy to specifically target the cardiac progenitors early during cardiac morphogenesis. With the use of flow cytometry and transcriptome analysis, we comprehensively defined the molecular program of the cardiac progenitors at distinct developmental stages. Definition of the molecular cardiac program early during development may be useful in the identification of cardiac progenitors that are resident in the adult heart. These emerging technologies will be further used to define common and distinct regulatory pathways of cardiac progenitors in the developing and regenerating heart.
Interchain electron donor–acceptor complexes. Determination of equilibrium constant and thermodynamic parameters in the solid state

The interpolymeric electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex of donor poly[(N-ethylcarbazol-3-yl)methyl methacrylate] (PHMCM-2) with acceptor poly-(2-[(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)oxy]ethyl methacrylate) (PDNBM-2) presents a single glass transition temperature and a decomplexation endotherm on differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) thermograms. This system is considered a “polymer blend model” which exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Phase separation of this blend is kinetically controlled and positive deviations of the glass transition temperatures from weight average values suggest that it behaves as a thermally reversible crosslinked network. Calorimetric methods to determine the heats of mixing of small molecule complexes in solution were adapted for this solid state blend to estimate the equilibrium constant (Keq) and other thermodynamic parameters. Applying a computer iterative procedure and assuming 1 : 1 stoichiometry, a least-squares fit was found for several different donor molecular weights with three different high molecular weight acceptors. At moderate molecular weights, Keq rises to represent saturation fractions near unity as found in biological systems. Keq decreases for higher molecular weights, possibly due to trapped chain entanglements. These results are supported by a composition-independent, “horizontal line” phase diagram, thus resembling the completely complexed/denaturation process in DNA.
Internal Oxidation and Mechanical Properties of Pt-IrO2 Thin Films

Pt-IrO 2 films, approximately 200 nm thick, were fabricated by co-sputter deposition of Pt and Ir in an Ar-O 2 mixture followed by annealing at 700°C in O 2 for 4 hours. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements indicate the presence of IrO 2 throughout the thickness of the films. After a thermal cycle in vacuum to 700°C, the room temperature residual stress is significantly lower in the internally oxidized films than in pure Pt films of similar thickness subjected to identical cycling. Initial analysis of the behavior of the films during thermal cycling indicates that the primary cause for the difference in residual stress level is a decrease in the thermoelastic slope associated with the introduction of IrO 2 .
Dynamic Response of Retrofitted Masonry Walls for Blast Loading

A full-scale blast test was conducted on eight masonry walls reinforced with two and four layers of carbon fibers and two types of polymer matrices. The walls were then subjected to a 0.45-kg pentolite booster suspended from the ceiling of a test structure. The pressure-time history caused by the blast and the resulting displacement response were measured during the test. This paper presents a summary of the test program and the corresponding results from a nonlinear single degree of freedom analysis. The results provide a basis for determining effective means of retrofitting existing masonry walls and designing new structures to withstand blast loads. The paper also outlines a fiber-reinforced polymer retrofit design procedure for walls subjected to blast loading.
Aprotinin use during cardiac surgery: recent alterations and effects on blood product utilization.

Abstract Objective To investigate a single institution's changing use of aprotinin and subsequent effects on intraoperative blood product utilization (red blood cells/fresh frozen plasma) and postoperative clinical bleeding requiring reoperation. Design Retrospective study. Setting Single university institution (University of Chicago). Measurements Data from 499 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) over a two-year period (February 2005 - January 2007) were reviewed. The first 12 months (Feb 2005 - Jan 2006, Group 2005-2006) of data were compared with that from the second 12-month period (Feb 2006 - Jan 2007, Group 2006-2007). Information regarding patient demographics, surgical procedures, aprotinin use (none, half-dose, full-dose), and blood product use during CPB was retrospectively retrieved and analyzed. Main Results When Group 2006-2007 data was compared with that from Group 2005-2006, full-dose aprotinin use had significantly decreased (58% to 17%, P P P = 0.004). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates remained stable (67% - 69%) yet rates of RBC and FFP transfusion during CPB significantly increased (23% to 34%, P = 0.003). There was also a trend toward increased unplanned reoperations for excessive clinical bleeding (0 pts in Group 2005-2006, three pts in Group 2006-2007). Conclusions As the institution's use of high-dose aprotinin has significantly decreased, the number of patients requiring FFP and FFP/RBC combinations during CPB has significantly increased. Furthermore, a trend toward increasing incidence of unplanned reoperations for excessive clinical bleeding was noted.
On Random Binary Trees

A widely used class of binary trees is studied in order to provide information useful in evaluating algorithms based on this storage structure. A closed form counting formula for the number of binary trees with n nodes and height k is developed and restated as a recursion more useful computationally. A generating function for the number of nodes given height is developed and used to find the asymptotic distribution of binary trees. An asymptotic probability distribution for height given the number of nodes is derived based on equally likely binary trees. This is compared with a similar result for general trees. Random binary trees those resulting from a binary tree sorting algorithm applied to random strings of symbols are counted in terms of the mapping of permutations of n symbols to binary trees of height k. An explicit formula for this number is given with an equivalent recursive definition for computational use. A generating function is derived for the number of symbols given height. Lower and upper bounds on random binary tree height are developed and shown to approach one another asymptotically as a function of n, providing a limiting expression for the expected height. The random binary trees are examined further to provide expressions for the expectations of the number of vacancies at each level, the distribution of vacancies over all levels, the comparisons required for insertion of a new random symbol, the fraction of nodes occupied at a particular level, the number of leaves, the number of single vacancies at each level, and the number of twin vacancies at each level. A random process is defined for the number of symbols required to grow a tree exceeding any given height. Finally, an appendix is given with sample tabulations and figures of the distributions.
Some Studies of the Effect of Thyroid Hormone on the Metabolism of the Anterior Pituitary Gland of Rats

Studies on the incorporation of radioactive amino acids into total protein of the anterior pituitary gland (APG) of rats were performed in order to learn more about the effects of thyroid hormones on this gland. APG incubated in Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer (with 250 mg/100 ml glucose, without Ca++) incorporated 14C-leucine into total protein at a linear rate for about 8 hr. Omission of glucose from the incubation medium significantly decreased the rate of incorporation, while the addition of amino acids to Krebs-Ringer buffer which contained glucose had no effect. The APG from thyroidectomized (THX) rats, but not from adrenalectomized or castrated rats, had a higher rate of incorporation of radioactive amino acids than the APG of euthyroid rats. This thyroidectomyinduced incorporation could be reduced to normal within 12 hr after a single injection of either triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) or tetraiodothyroacetic acid. Direct addition of T3 into the incubation medium also suppressed the enhanced 1...
Issues in frequency domain blind source separation - a critical revisit

One of the most important problems in frequency domain blind source separation (FDBSS) is the inconsistency across frequency in the permutation of the source estimates. According to previous studies, this problem can be reduced significantly by constraining the length of the unmixing filters. This improvement has been attributed to the smoothing of the unmixing frequency response. In this paper we study the effect of modifying these length constraints taking into account the circularity of the IDFT, and we show that the smoothing of the unmixing frequency response alone can not account for the improvements in performance.
Eddy-current interaction of a long coil with a slot in a conductive plate

We describe a truncated-domain method for calculating eddy currents in a plate with a long flaw. The plate is modeled as a conductive half-space and the flaw is a long slot with a rectangular cross section. A long two-dimensional (2-D) coil carrying an alternating current is aligned parallel to the slot. The coil impedance variation with frequency is determined for an arbitrary coil location. The electromagnetic field due to a long coil above a conductive half-space can be expressed as integrals of trigonometric functions. For a half-space with a long slot, however, additional boundary conditions must be satisfied at the slot walls. The truncated-domain method makes this possible by recasting the problem in a finite domain; as a result, the Fourier integral is replaced by a series. The domain can be made arbitrarily large, thereby yielding results that are numerically as close to the infinite domain solution as desired. We have used the truncated domain approach to study both eddy-current flaw interactions and edge effects in the limiting case of a very wide and deep slot. We confirmed the theoretical predictions by comparing them with results of a 2-D finite element calculation and of experiments.