cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gigaxonin-controlled degradation of MAP1B light chain is critical to neuronal survival

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare and debilitating inherited condition that generally appears in early childhood. It is caused by mutations in the GAN gene that encodes gigaxonin, a member of the BTB/kelch superfamily of cytoskeletal proteins. Gigaxonin has now been identified as a ubiquitin-scaffolding protein that is essential for neuronal function and survival through its control of the degradation of the light chain of microtubule-associated protein 1B. This is of particular interest since alterations in the cytoskeletal network are also a feature of more common diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, so knowledge of the function of gigaxonin may provide insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders in general. Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a devastating sensory and motor neuropathy caused by mutations in the GAN gene, which encodes the ubiquitously expressed protein gigaxonin1,2,3,4,5. Cytopathological features of GAN include axonal degeneration, with accumulation and aggregation of cytoskeletal components6,7. Little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this recessive disorder. Here we show that gigaxonin controls protein degradation, and is essential for neuronal function and survival. We present evidence that gigaxonin binds to the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 through its amino-terminal BTB domain, while the carboxy-terminal kelch repeat domain interacts directly with the light chain (LC) of microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B)8. Overexpression of gigaxonin leads to enhanced degradation of MAP1B-LC, which can be antagonized by proteasome inhibitors. Ablation of gigaxonin causes a substantial accumulation of MAP1B-LC in GAN-null neurons. Moreover, we show that overexpression of MAP1B in wild-type cortical neurons leads to cell death characteristic of GAN-null neurons, whereas reducing MAP1B levels significantly improves the survival rate of null neurons. Our results identify gigaxonin as a ubiquitin scaffolding protein that controls MAP1B-LC degradation, and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying human neurodegenerative disorders.
Regulation of apical surface fluid and protein secretion in human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3.

We evaluated the relationship between apical surface fluid (ASF) and protein secretion in Calu-3 cells grown at an air–liquid interface. Calu-3 monolayers responded to forskolin, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) channel agonist, by secreting a significant amount of ASF. Such a response from Calu-3 monolayers was not observed with CFTR channel blockers glybenclamide and DPC. Other ion channel mediators, PGF-2α, PMA, DNDS, and DIDS, had no effect on Calu-3 ASF secretion. Forskolin decreased Calu-3 protein secretion and glybenclamide increased protein secretion. Similarly, forskolin decreased Calu-3 lysozyme secretion, whereas glybenclamide and DPC increased lysozyme secretion. We observed significant changes in Calu-3 fluid and protein secretions with ion channel mediators known to alter CFTR activity. Our results demonstrate a functional link between fluid and protein secretions in Calu-3 apical surface and suggested a possible involvement of CFTR in these processes.
Student Death Protocols: A Practitioner's Perspective.

When a student dies, administrators are confronted with a number of tasks and issues. This chapter provides practical guidance for responding to student death.
Dimethylamine borane neurotoxicity.

In a recent article, Tsan et al. (2005) reported the first study of the clinical toxicity of dimethylamine borane (DMAB) poisoning, particularly the neurologic manifestations in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. They decribed a prominent cerebellar dysfunction including impairments in performing tandem gait, finger-to-nose, and heel-to-knee tests and slurred speech in one patient who had the most severe neurologic symptoms 3 days after DMAB intoxication. We had the opportunity to evaluate the same patient 1 month after DMAB intoxication (Kuo et al., in press). Neurologic examinations revealed no cerebellar signs. Although Tsan et al. (2005) reported that brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed a symmetric increase in signal intensity at the bilateral cerebellar periventricular areas on 9 February 2004, the follow-up brain MRI study in our hospital 6 weeks after intoxication showed a nearly normal result. However, Tsan et al. (2005) interpreted that the rapid recovery of brain MRI changes may be due to a transient demyelination, axonal degeneration, or neuronal damages. This phenomenon is best interpreted as a transient brain edema. In addition to the transient edema, the other possibility is that the high signal intensity in cerebellar dentate nuclei is caused by an artifact. Therefore, a series section of the brain MRI images is required. Six weeks after DMAB exposure, we found that the patient was still confused about time (Kuo et al., in press). Fourteen weeks after exposure, a neuropsychological study revealed that he had a cognitive impairment in learning ability of verbal and nonverbal learning memory; attention functions including focus, tracking, and divided attention; working memory; and semantic category retrieval. The data suggested that a prolonged toxic effect of the DMAB on the central nervous system still persisted in the attention, personality, and memory function. The patient developed a progressive distal numbness and limb weakness 5 days after DMAB intoxication, and neurologic examinations showed generalized hyporeflexia; decreased sensation in pin-prick, temperature, touch, vibration, and position sensations; and weakness in the distal limbs, particularly in both feet (Kuo et al., in press). The data were further supported by sural nerve biopsy and cutaneous nerve biopsy studies (Kuo et al. in press). Our serial nerve conduction studies also confirmed axonal polyneuropathy, particularly in the motor nerves. However, Tsan et al. (2005) stated that the polyneuropathy with axonal polyneuropathy was verified by serial electroencephalogram and nerve conduction velocity studies. Our time course of DMAB-induced polyneuropathy indicated an acute axonal polyneuropathy (Kuo et al., in press). However, Tsan et al. (2005) misdiagnosed the patient as having a delayed polyneuropathy, which may be wrong, because the time course was different from the so-called “delayed polyneuropathy” induced by organophosphate intoxication (Senanyake and Karalliedde 1987).
EFFECT OF EXPERIMENTAL CYANOSIS ON PLATELET SURVIVAL

In order to determine the effect of cyanosis on platelet survival, experimental cyanosis was produced in dogs by anastomosing the left atrial appendage to the main pulmonary artery. The six cyanotic animals used in this study had arterial O2 saturations of 71%-85% and elevated hematocrits. By one month following surgery, the 51chromium-labeled autologous platelet half-life (PHL) decreased 15%-60% from preoperative values: two cyanotic dogs had progressive reduction of PHL at two and three months. Mo reduction in PHL occured in three sham operated control animals. Survival of platelets exchanged between cyanotic and control animals was determined. Platelets from cyanotic dogs studied in control animals had a 69%-87% shorter survival than the autologous PHL of the control animals, indicating an abnormality intrinsic to the platelet produced in the cyanotic dog. Normal platelets from control animals transfused into cyanotic dogs had the identical reduced survival of autologous platelets in that cyanotic animal, suggesting that some determinant of transfused platelet survival is extrinsic to the platelet. Three months after shunt closure in two dogs, the reduced PHL has persisted.
Foreign Languages and the Ph.D. Degree

The need for a knowledge of foreign languages by the leaders in scientific research is discussed. It is argued that if one language is started in school and a second one in college, fluency in both may be achieved before entering graduate school. This avoids the waste of valuable time by Ph.D. candidates who are far beyond the age when languages are easily learned. Engineering colleges are urged to adjust their requirements and curricula to implement this proposal.
A Simple QI Project to Improve Practice Quality in Neuroradiological CT Angiography

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was continuous quality improvement (CQI) of head and neck CT angiography (CTA) in the neuroradiology practice of a tertiary care medical center. Materials and Methods We conducted baseline quality audits of 50 consecutive head or neck CTAs, including referrals for a variety of indications from emergency department, ambulatory, and inpatient settings. Neuroradiologists as a group used Likert-type questionnaire items to assess scan quality. Based on identified opportunities for CQI, the group evaluated alternative scanning methods, proposed action items, and implemented changes in scanning methods. After implementing the changes, the group performed follow-up quality audits of 61 consecutive CTAs. Quality of scans was compared for baseline and postimplementation patients using chi-square or McNemar tests. Results Several key opportunities for CQI were identified, namely related to coverage levels and timing. These opportunities were translated into protocol changes, standardization of methods, and in-service sessions to implement specific process changes. Using a Likert-type scale with 1 anchored at "excellent" and 5 at "poor," the overall quality of CTAs improved from 2.46 at baseline to 1.64 after implementation of QI measures ( P Conclusion Using basic CQI techniques of assessment, analysis, change implementation, and reassessment, the quality of CTA scans in a busy neuroradiology clinical practice can be improved. These techniques are amenable to repeated use, so that CQI can be a routine practice to help optimize the quality of care in radiology.
Development of platelet contractile force as a research and clinical measure of platelet function

This article reviews work performed at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University during the development of a whole-blood assay of platelet function. The new assay is capable of assessing platelet function during clotting and thus allows measurement of the contribution of platelets to thrombin generation. Because platelets are monitored in the presence of thrombin, the test gages platelets under conditions of maximal activation. Three parameters are simultaneously assessed on one 700-μL sample of citrated whole blood. Platelet contractile force (PCF), the force produced by platelets during clot retraction, is directly measured as a function of time. This parameter is sensitive to platelet number, platelet metabolic status, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa status, and the presence of antithrombin activities. Clot elastic modulus (CEM), also measured as a function of time, is sensitive to fibrinogen concentration, platelet concentration, the rate of thrombin generation, the flexibility of red cells, and the production of force by platelets. The third parameter, the thrombin generation time (TGT) is determined from the PCF kinetics curve. Because PCF is absolutely thrombin dependent (no thrombin—no force), the initial upswing in PCF occurs at the moment of thrombin production. TGT is sensitive to clotting factor deficiencies, clotting factor inhibitors, and the presence of antithrombins, all of which prolong the TGT and are known to be hemophilic states. Treatment of hemophilic states with hemostatic agents shortens, the TGT toward normal. TGT has been demonstrated to be shorter and PCF to be increased in coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and several other thrombophilic states. Treatment of thrombophilic states with a variety of heparin and nonheparin anticoagulants prolongs the TGT toward normal. The combination of PCF, CEM, and TGT measured on the same sample may allow rapid assessment of global hemostasis and the response to a variety of procoagulant and anticoagulant medications.
Goal Setting by Groups Performing an Additive Task: A Comparison With Individual Goal Setting1

This article compares goal levels and task performance of groups and individuals that are assigned or self-set goals. Groups performed an additive task that allowed for direct comparison with individuals' i]ndependent performance of the task. Consistent with predictions, groups and individuals selected goals that were less difficult than assigned goals which required only a modest increase in performance. Group members and individuals who were assigned goals attained higher levels of performance than self-set or no goal condition subjects. The prediction that group members and individuals who self-set their goals would have more positive affective reactions to the goal-setting situation than participants in assigned condition was supported. The results of this study are consistent with the existing literature on groups and individuals regarding effects of goals, performance, and affective reactions. Analyses also indicate that the group goal decision process involves a compensatory strategy in which an average of group member preferences for the goal was used to reach a group goal decision. Discussion focuses on the similarities and differences between the findings of self-set and assigned goal-setting situations for groups and individuals, with particular reference to goal choice strategies, goal expectancies, and efficacy.
Evaluation of the flat-plate solar collector system for electric power generation

This evaluation of the flat-plate collector system was designed to determine the number of flat-plate collectors required to generate a given amount of electricity with optimum efficiency. Variable parameters are the temperature of the heat-transport fluid, both to and from the collector field. In the analysis, the efficiency of the flat-plate collectors was coupled to the efficiency of the thermal cycle to calculate optimal overall system efficiencies. Overall system efficiencies for the system are on the order of 3.5 per cent or less. Over two million 4 ft-by-4 ft collectors would be required to produce 100,000 kW(e). Based on the results, it can be shown that the limiting factor in the use of the flat-plate collector system for electric power generation is the efficiency of the collectors. An increase in the overall system efficiency can occur only if the collector efficiency can be increased at higher surface temperatures.
A Swarm Intelligence Based Coordination Algorithm for Distributed Multi-Agent Systems

This paper presents a synergy of ant colony optimization (ACO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) into a novel hybrid coordination algorithm for distributed multi-agent systems. The intended multi-agent systems are composed of relatively simple, expendable agents with highly decentralized, self-organized behaviors; which as a whole achieve global optimization over a set task. Basically, two coordination processes among the agents will be established. One is a stigmergy-based algorithm using the distributed virtual pheromones to guide the agents' movement, the other one is interaction-based algorithm, where a global maximum of the attribute values can be obtained through the interaction between the agents. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid swarm intelligence based architecture is feasible, efficient, and robust to coordinate a simulated distributed multi-agent system
Quantifying hydrologic impacts following dam construction along the Tana River, Kenya

Daily pre-dam and post-dam discharge data for Kenya's largest river, the Tana, were analysed using flood frequency analysis and computation of various indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA). Results from these analyses indicated statistically significant (p<00·01) augmentation of minimum river flows and reduction in peak flows. We also estimated the frequency of flooding of 71 vegetation sample plots located on various parts of the river floodplain by running a hydrologic water profile simulation program (HEC-RAS). Results from these analyses indicated that plots at elevations greater than 1·80 m above the dry season river level experienced statistically significant (p<0·01) reduction in days flooded from the pre- to the post-dam period. This documented magnitude of change in the hydrologic regime will have a negative impact on the unique riverine forest occurring along the Tana River.
Thermally induced phase separation in supported bilayers of glycosphingolipid and phospholipid mixtures

The authors have studied microstructure evolution during thermally induced phase separation in a class of binary supported lipid bilayers using a quantitative application of imaging ellipsometry. The bilayers consist of binary mixtures consisting of a higher melting glycosphingolipid, galactosylceramide (GalCer), which resides primarily in the outer leaflet, and a lower melting, unsaturated phospholipid, 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC). Three different bilayer compositions of GalCer/DLPC mixtures at 35:65, 20:80, and 10:90 molar ratios were cooled at controlled rates from their high-temperature homogeneous phase to temperatures corresponding to their phase coexistence regime and imaged in real time using imaging ellipsometry. During the thermotropic course of GalCer gelation, we find that two distinct types of morphological features modulate. First, the formation and growth of chain and fractal-like defects ascribed to the net change in molecular areas during the phase transition. The formation of these defects is consistent with the expected contraction in the molecular area during the liquid crystalline to gel-phase transition. Second, the nucleation and growth of irregularly shaped gel-phase domains, which exhibit either line-tension dominated compact shape or dendritic domains with extended interfaces. Quantifying domain morphology within the fractal framework reveals a close correspondence, and the quantization of the transition width confirms previous estimates of reduced phase transition cooperativity in supported bilayers. A comparison of domain properties indicates that thermal history, bilayer composition, and cooling rate all influence microstructure details including shapes, sizes, and distributions of domains and defects: At lower cooling rates and lower GalCer fractions compact domains form and at higher GalCer fractions (or at higher cooling rates) dendritic domains are evident. This transition of domain morphology from compact shapes to dendritic shapes at higher cooling rates and higher relative fractions of GalCer suggests kinetic control of shape equilibration in these phospho- and glycolipid mixtures.
Role of Carbonic Anhydrase in Bone: Plasma Acetazolamide Concentrations Associated with Inhibition of Bone Loss

Earlier reports from our laboratory have indicated that the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide blocks the hypercalcemic response to parathyroid hormone. In addition, we have reported that acet
Thermal Conductivity of Electron-Irradiated Silicon

Changes in the low-temperature thermal conductivity of single-crystal Si were investigated upon 2-MeV electron irradiation and annealing. The additive thermal resistivity of high-purity $p$-type Si irradiated below 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to maximum time-integrated fluxes $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ of 8.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ 2-MeV e/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ increases as $\frac{1}{K}\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{{K}_{0}}=3.75\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ ${\ensuremath{\Phi}}^{0.61}$ cm-deg/W at 47\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The ${\ensuremath{\Phi}}^{0.61}$ dependence of the additive thermal resistivity of Si on bombardment is very similar to the ${\ensuremath{\Phi}}^{0.58}$ dependence previously observed for Ge. The magnitude of the increase is, however, much smaller than previously observed for either Ge, InSb, or GaAs. The linear concentration dependence of GaAs has been related to mass-difference strain-field scattering, whereas the nonlinear concentration dependencies of InSb, Ge, and Si suggest phonon-electron scattering. For the high-purity Si, annealing begins near 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and exhibits a single dominant annealing stage near 140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K corresponding to the annealing temperature of vacancies in $p$-type Si. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity indicate that the defects anneal primarily as point defects, although evidence exists for a small amount of precipitation of point defects in the annealing-temperature interval between 80 and 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Sharp minima observed in the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of Si are similar to those previously observed in Ge and attributed to resonant scattering.
Effective electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-polymer composites: a simplified model and its validation

A simplified model is presented to predict the effective electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube(CNT)-polymer composite with different material proportions, which is validated by the experiments of multi-walled CNT/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites. CNTs are well dispersed in a PDMS matrix, and the mixture is then cured and cast into thin films for electrical characterization. The CNTs are assumed to be statistically uniformly distributed in the PDMS matrix with the three-dimensional (3D) waviness. As the proportion of CNTs increases to a certain level, namely the percolation threshold, the discrete CNTs start to connect with each other, forming a 3D network which exhibits a significant increase of effective electrical conductivity. The eight-chain model has been used to predict the effective electrical conductivity of the composite, in which the contact resistance between CNTs has been considered through the Simmons' equation. The eight-chain network features can be significantly changed with the modification to mixing process, CNT length and diameter, and CNT clustering and curling. A Gaussian statistics-based formulation is used to calculate the effective length of a single CNT well dispersed in the matrix. The modeling results of effective electrical conductivity agree with the experiments very well, which are highly dependent on a contact resistance between CNTs and the waviness of the CNTs. The effect of inner-nanotube distance and diameter of CNTs on the effective electrical conductivity of the CNT/PDMS composite is also discussed.
Biotechnology Information Sources

The relatively new and rapidly growing field of biotechnology encompasses several disciplines, including microbiology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. The critical elements in biotechnology, which is not itself a discipline, are a biological organism or system, human intervention in the natural process, and the application of the results to an industrial process. One of the most dramatic and most basic examples of biotechnology is recombinant DNA technology, or genetic engineering, which involves the manipulation of genetic material. The production of genetically engineered organisms on a large scale for use in industrial processes combines the efforts of biologists and engineers. Microorganisms and other biological agents such as enzymes, whole cells, and cell components are used in industrial processes in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries; and in energy production, agriculture, aquaculture, mining, waste disposal, and pollution control.
Reactivation of Fault Movement, Tepetate Fault Zone, South-Central Louisiana: ABSTRACT

The Tepetate fault zone consists of a series of faults trending east-west along the northern margin of the South Louisiana salt dome basin. The fault is known to be currently active in the Baton Rouge area, where it has fractured and displaced pavement and foundations. Detailed subsurface mapping of the fault zone in an area of Pointe Coupee Parish to the west reveals that there have been two distinct periods of growth faulting, separated by a long period of inactivity. The first period of fault activity occurred during the time from Wilcox (or earlier) to Frio deposition. There then followed a period of quiescence characterized by deposition of nearly 8,000 ft (2,400 m) of fluvial sands and shales, primarily of Miocene age. In more recent times, probably Pleistocene, the fault has been reactivated, and up to 40 ft (12 m) of additional displacement has occurred in the area studied. Of concern is the fact that a site near this fault has been proposed for the surface and subsurface disposal of hazardous wastes. Recognition of the interruption and reactivation of growth faulting in south Louisiana is of considerable importance with regard to problems of regional structural evolution, fluid migration, and the siting of surface and subsurface waste-disposal facilities. Because of difficulties in subsurface correlation, faults of small displacement in fluvial sequences can easily be overlooked. Further detailed study, however, is warranted. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1431------------
Estimates for powers of sub-Laplacian on the non-isotropic Heisenberg group

Assume that\({\mathcal{L}}_\alpha = - \frac{1}{2}\sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^n {(Z_j \bar Z_j + \bar Z_j Z_j ) + i\alpha T} \)is the sub-Laplacian on the nonisotropic Heisenberg groupHn;Zj,Zjfor j = 1, 2, …,n andTare the basis of the Lie algebra hn.We apply the Laguerre calculus to obtain the explicit kernel for the fundamental solution of the powers of Lαand the heat kernel exp{−sLα}.Estimates for this kernel in various function spaces can be deduced easily.
A Practical Approach to Understanding Acid–Base Abnormalities in Critical Illness:

Acid-base disorders are common in the critically ill. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is frequently used to identify and manage acid-base disturbances. Using a systematic problem-solving approach to acid-base disturbances will facilitate the identification and assess the progression and severity of the metabolic and respiratory abnormality. The intent of this review is to examine acid-base physiology and regulation, provide a method to evaluate a patient's acid-base disorder, and provide therapeutic interventions.
Levodopa pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence: choosing the optimal behavioral therapy platform.

Abstract Background The dopamine precursor levodopa has shown some, albeit relatively weak, promise in treating cocaine dependence. This study sought to identify the most appropriate behavioral therapy platform for levodopa pharmacotherapy by evaluating its effect when administered in combination with behavioral platforms of varying intensities. Method A total of 161 treatment-seeking cocaine dependent subjects received sustained release levodopa/carbidopa (400/100 mg bid, Sinemet) or placebo delivered in combination with Clinical Management (ClinMan); ClinMan + cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); or ClinMan + CBT + voucher-based reinforcement therapy (VBRT) in a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind (for medication condition) trial. Medication compliance was monitored with riboflavin (100 mg/capsule) and the Medication Event Monitoring System. Protocol compliance was addressed in weekly, 10-min nurse-delivered ClinMan sessions. Weekly, 1-h CBT sessions focused on coping skills training. VBRT (with escalating reinforcer value) provided cash-valued vouchers contingent on cocaine-negative urine toxicology results. Urine benzoylecgonine assays collected thrice-weekly were analyzed by intention-to-treat criteria using generalized linear mixed models. Results Levodopa main effects were found on all outcome measures of cocaine use. Contrasts testing the levodopa-placebo difference within each behavioral platform found reliable effects, favoring levodopa, only in the VBRT platform. Levodopa treatment with vouchers produced higher proportions of cocaine-negative urines and longer periods of consecutive abstinence compared to other treatment combinations. Conclusion This is the first study to find a significant treatment effect for levodopa and, in doing so, to demonstrate that the magnitude of this effect is dependent upon conditions of the behavioral therapy platform. The data support use of levodopa with abstinence-based reinforcement therapy as one efficacious combination in cocaine dependence disorder treatment.
The fine structure of the iris of the grass frog, Rana pipiens.

The iris of the grass frog Rana pipiens, can respond to light even when isolated from the remainder of the animal. The iris is a three-layered structure, comprising a stromal layer and two layers of pigment epithelium. The sphincter pupillae, which is composed of pigmented smooth muscle cells, is embedded between the two layers of pigment epithelium. There is no dilator pupillae in this species. We have been unable to find any cells or any organelles in the iris which are anatomically specialized for photoreception in any obvious way.
Determinants of task performance in a visual decision-making process

When engaging in a visual-aided task, decision making becomes a multifaceted process that includes the factors usability, visual design aesthetics, emotion and cognitive load. We develop and test a decision-making model by measuring usability, visual design aesthetics, emotion and cognitive load within a structural equation model (SEM). This research model is the first to combine these constructs to study the relationships between usability, design aesthetics, emotion and cognitive load as they relate to post-task confidence and task performance. Results show that usability, visual design, emotion and cognitive load significantly affect the user’s post-decision confidence and performance. The implications are that well-designed visuals added to a decision-making process model induce positive effects, because cognitive efficiency increases resulting in enhanced task confidence and performance.
Freudian repression revisited: The power and pain of shame

Shame is a feeling of being flawed and defective as a human being. Repeated shame experiences can be so painful to the individual that it creates a rupture of the self with the self. The true self which has been shamed becomes isolated and hidden, and a false self may emerge. Shame rarely remains a wholly conscious process, with the major defense against this pain being repression. This paper discusses shame, examines its relationship with repression and emotional or psychological disorder, and highlights the implications of repressed shame for counseling practice.
Efficient logic architectures for CMOL nanoelectronic circuits

CMOS molecular (CMOL) circuits promise great opportunities for future hybrid nanoscale IC implementation. Two new CMOL building blocks using transmission gates have been introduced to obtain efficient combinational and sequential logic for CMOL designs. Compared with the existing CMOL circuits, the proposed CMOL designs based on these blocks can achieve more than 30% improvement in speed and up to 80% improvement in density and power consumption while providing similar fault tolerance capabilities. This work significantly advances the applications of CMOL to actual electronic circuits and systems
The wealth of nations revisited: Income and quality of life

Does economic prosperity enhance the quality of human life? Across 101 nations, 32 indices were analyzed that reflect a representative sample of universal human values (e.g., happiness, social order, and social justice). Wealth correlated significantly with 26 of the 32 indices, indicating a higher QOL in wealthier nations. Only suicide and CO2 emissions were worse in wealthier societies. Basic physical needs were met early in economic development, whereas advanced scientific work occurred only when basic physical needs were fulfilled for almost all people in the society. Limitations of the conclusions are discussed.
Negative chromatographic peaks with oxygen doped electron capture detection of polychlorinated biphenyls

Abstract Electron capture detector make-up gas was doped with O 2 during polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) analysis. At 6% O 2 , PCB congeners 1, 3 and 4 produce negative peaks, with magnitude enhancement of 11 to 30-fold. For the other 14 PCB congeners studied, normal (positive) response enhancements of 3 to 30-fold are observed. Electron affinities may explain these results.
Real-time ultrasonic biparietal diameter of second trimester Suffolk and Finn sheep fetuses and prediction of gestational age.

Abstract Six Suffolk fetuses of known gestational age were examined every other day from Day 43 to Day 96 of gestation using transabdominal real-time ultrasound. Biparietal diameter (BPD) was measured on symmetrical fetal head images. The relationship between days gestational age (GA) and mean BPD in millimeters is described by the equation: [GA = 22.5 + 1.81 BPD]. Repeated ultrasound examination of 9 Finn ewes between 35 and 95 d of gestation revealed the relationship: [GA = 21.4 + 1.85 BPD]. Biparietal diameters were determined for 56 Suffolk X Hampshire fetuses which ranged from 41 to 77 d of gestation. The predicted fetal age using the Suffolk equation was within 1 d of the recorded age for 22 56 , ±2 d for 34 56 , and ±3 d for 44 56 fetuses.
The effect of heavy metals on methane production and hydrogen and carbon monoxide levels during batch anaerobic sludge digestion

Abstract Heavy metals can cause upset in the anaerobic digestion of municipal sludges. Using serum bottle assays, the impact of three transition heavy metals—copper, zinc and cadmium on methane production rate and trace hydrogen and carbon monoxide gas levels during the digestion of waste activated sludge was examined. Results indicate that normal substrate flow is interrupted at a point in the degradation sequence prior to the methanogenic steps by the pulse addition of heavy metals. Substrate pulsing experiments were used to help assess which groups of the anaerobic ecosystem were inhibited by heavy metal addition. Results indicate hydrogen monitoring holds promise to be an effective means to examine digester upset brought on as a consequence of heavy metal induced inhibition. Results also demonstrate the need to supplement pure and enrichment culture studies with assays that examine the response of the entire ecosystem of interest. A characteristic CO response was also observed and may be useful in detecting metal induced inhibition.
THE RATE OF TRANSMISSION IN THE NERVE NET OF THE CŒLENTERATES

Nerve net transmission in Metridium at 21 degrees C. varies from 121 to 146 mm. per second.
Lifetime physical activity and pelvic organ prolapse in middle-aged women.

Objective To determine, in a case-control study, whether pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is associated with overall lifetime physical activity (combined leisure, outdoor, household, occupational), and lifetime leisure, lifetime strenuous, and teen years strenuous activity. Study Design One hundred ninety-one POP cases (defined as maximal vaginal descent ≥1 cm below the hymen) and 191 age and recruitment-site matched controls (defined as maximal vaginal descent ≤1 cm above the hymen) between 39-65 years with no or mild urinary incontinence, were recruited chiefly from primary care clinics. Participants completed Lifetime Physical Activity and Occupation Questionnaires, recalling activities during 4 age epochs. We performed separate logistic regression models for physical activity measures. Results Compared with controls, POP cases had greater body mass index and parity. Median overall lifetime activity, expressed in metabolic equivalents-hours/week, did not differ significantly between cases and controls. In adjusted analyses, we observed no associations between odds of POP and overall lifetime physical activity, lifetime leisure activity, or lifetime strenuous activity. There was a marginally significant nonlinear relationship between teen strenuous activity and POP with an increase in the log-odds of POP for women reporting ≥21 hours/week of strenuous activity (P = .046). Conclusion Lifetime physical activity does not increase the odds of anatomic POP in middle-aged women not seeking care for POP. Strenuous activity during teenage years may confer higher odds of POP. This relationship and the potential role of physical activity and POP incidence should be evaluated prospectively.
Selection of Work Sampling Observation Times: Part I—Stratified Sampling

Abstract Various methods of selecting observation times in work sampling studies are presented, including simple random, systematic, and stratified sampling, and a new method called restricted random sampling. The attributes of these sampling methods are evaluated, particularly statistical efficiency, and the important advantages of stratification are demonstrated. Finally, the analysis of variance is recommended for statistical analysis of work sampling data to account for the presence of several sources of variation, in addition to sampling error.
Urinary ionized calcium in urolithiasis Effect of cranberry juice

Abstract Urinary ionized calcium was determined by a calcium activity electrode in 32 normal persons and in 54 patients with calcium-containing renal stones and without urinary tract infection. It was found to be 38 per cent higher in patients with calcium-containing renal stone in comparison to normal persons. However, this was not statistically significant. No consistant change in total or ionized calcium excretion was produced in normal volunteers by the administration of as much as 5 pints of cranberry juice. In patients with renal stones, the urinary ionized calcium was reduced during the cranberry juice ingestion by 50 per cent, which was statistically highly significant.
Fever Phobia: A Survey of Caregivers of Children Seen in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Background. Fever continues to be the most common complaint of children seen in a Pediatric Emergency Department (PED). Previous studies have assessed the prevalence of fever phobia in various populations. This study aims to document the incidence of fever phobia in a PED. Methods.Through convenience sampling, caregivers of children seen in a PED were surveyed using a research-assistant-administered questionnaire. The survey contained 28 questions pertaining to caregivers’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fever in children. Results . In all, 230 caregivers were surveyed. The median temperature considered to be a fever was 37.8°C (100.0°F), with a range of 36.1°C (97°F) to 40.6°C (105°F), whereas the median temperature considered to result in harmful consequences was 40.6°C (105°F), with a range of 37.8°C (100°F) to 43.3°C (110°F). The median temperature at which antipyretics would be administered was 37.8°C (100°F), with a range of 36.1°C (97°F) to 39.4°C (103°F). More than one third of car...
A Unique GTP-Dependent Sporulation Sensor Histidine Kinase in Bacillus anthracis

The Bacillus anthracis BA2291 gene codes for a sensor histidine kinase involved in the induction of sporulation. Genes for orthologs of the sensor domain of the BA2291 kinase exist in virulence plasmids in this organism, and these proteins, when expressed, inhibit sporulation by converting BA2291 to an apparent phosphatase of the sporulation phosphorelay. Evidence suggests that the sensor domains inhibit BA2291 by titrating its activating signal ligand. Studies with purified BA2291 revealed that this kinase is uniquely specific for GTP in the forward reaction and GDP in the reverse reaction. The G1 motif of BA2291 is highly modified from ATP-specific histidine kinases, and modeling this motif in the structure of the kinase catalytic domain suggested how guanine binds to the region. A mutation in the putative coiled-coil linker between the sensor domain and the catalytic domains was found to decrease the rate of the forward autophosphorylation reaction and not affect the reverse reaction from phosphorylated Spo0F. The results suggest that the activating ligand for BA2291 is a critical signal for sporulation and in a limited concentration in the cell. Decreasing the response to it either by slowing the forward reaction through mutation or by titration of the ligand by expressing the plasmid-encoded sensor domains switches BA2291 from an inducer to an inhibitor of the phosphorelay and sporulation.
An Analysis of Power System Transient Stability Using Stochastic Energy Functions

SUMMARY This paper develops an approach to analyze the impact of stochasticity on the transient stability of a power system. The stochastic power system stability was analyzed both through the stochastic Lyapunov function and numerically using the Euler–Maruyama method. It was shown that increasing either (or both) the variance and the magnitude of the applied noise can have a destabilizing effect on the power system. This could potentially cause difficulties as more randomness is introduced into the power system through renewable energy sources and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi-domain surety modeling and analysis for high assurance systems

Engineering systems are becoming increasingly complex as state of the art technologies are incorporated into designs. Surety modeling and analysis is an emerging science that permits an engineer to qualitatively and quantitatively predict and assess the completeness and predictability of a design. Surety is a term often used in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE) communities, which refers to the integration of safety, security, reliability and performance aspects of design. Current risk assessment technologies for analyzing complex systems fail to adequately describe the problem, thus making assessment fragmented and non-integrated. To address this problem, we have developed a methodology and extensible software toolset to address model integration and complexity for high consequence systems. The MultiGraph Architecture (MGA) facilitates multi-domain, model-integrated modeling and analyses of complex, high-assurance systems. The MGA modeling environment allows the engineer to customize the modeling environment to match a design paradigm representative of the actual design. Previous modeling tools have a predefined model space that forces the modeler to work in less than optimal environments. Current approaches force the problem to be bounded and constrained by requirements of the modeling tool and not the actual design problem. In some small cases, this is only marginally adequate. The MGA facilitates the implementation of a surety methodology, which is used to represent high assurance systems with respect to safety and reliability. Formal mathematical models are used to correctly describe design safety and reliability functionality and behavior. The functional and behavioral representations of the design are then analyzed using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) tools.
Ultrastructural changes in the mouse exocrine pancreas induced by prolonged treatment with actinomycin D.

Mice receiving actinomycin D at the rate of 10 μ g per day, for 3 days, were sacrificed after 48, 72, and 96 hours of treatment. The ultrastructure of the pancreatic acinar cells of these animals differed from that of untreated mice in several respects. The nucleoli showed a great decrease in size, blebbing and a peripheral dense band surrounding a central clear area. Foci of cytoplasmic degeneration and a whorl-like arrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum surrounding central areas containing smooth-surfaced vacuoles were commonly seen. Apart from a possible loss of ribosomes from these vacuoles, the total number and size of them appeared morphologically unaltered. Zymogen granules were significantly reduced only after 96 hours of exposure to actinomycin D. These observations indicate a high stability of the protein-forming apparatus in these cells.
A 22-year experience in global transport extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Background/Purpose Transport extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is currently available at 12 centers. We report a 22-year experience from the only facility providing global transport ECMO. Indications for transport ECMO include lack of ECMO services, inability to transport conventionally, inability to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and need to move a patient on ECMO for specialized services such as organ transplantation. Methods Retrospective database review of children undergoing inhouse and transport ECMO from 1985 to 2007. Results Sixty-eight children underwent transport ECMO. Fifty-six were transported on ECMO into our facility. The remaining 12 were moved between 2 outside locations. Ground vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft were used. Distance transported was 8 to 7500 miles (13-12 070 km), mean 1380 miles (2220 km). There were 116 inhouse ECMO runs. No child died during transport. Survival to discharge after transport ECMO was 65% (44/68) and, for inhouse ECMO, was 70% (81/116). Conclusions Transport ECMO is feasible and effective, with survival rates comparable to inhouse ECMO. We have used transport ECMO to help children at non-ECMO centers with pulmonary failure who have not improved with inhaled nitric oxide and high-frequency ventilation. We have also transported a child after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which may represent an emerging indication for transport ECMO. Transport ECMO often is the only option for children too unstable for conventional transport or those already on ECMO and requiring a specialized service at another facility, such as organ transplantation.
Machine Learning for Modeling Dose-Related Organ-at-Risk Complications after Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To predict organ-at-risk (OAR) complications as a function of dose-volume (DV) constraint settings without explicit plan computation in a multi-plan IMRT framework. Methods and Materials: A large number of plans were generated by varying the DV constraints (input features) on the OARs (multi-plan framework), and the OAR complications in the plans (plan properties) were modeled as a function of the imposed DV constraint settings, which were used as input to machine learning (ML) algorithms. These ML approaches were used to model two OAR complications following head-and-neck and whole pelvis/prostate intensity-modulated radiation therapy, xerostomia and Grade 2 rectal bleeding. Two-fold cross-validation was used for model verification and mean errors were reported. Results: In the head and neck case, the mean absolute prediction error of the saliva flow rate normalized to the pre-treatment saliva flow rate was 0.42% with a 95% confidence interval of [0.41%, 0.43%]. In the whole pelvis/prostate case, an average prediction accuracy of 97.04% with a 95% confidence interval of [96.67%, 97.41%] was achieved for Grade 2 rectal bleeding complications. Conclusion: ML can be used for predicting OAR complications during treatment planning allowing for alternative DV constraint settings to be assessed within the planning framework.