cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety Factors and Residual Cancer Risks

There are two basic approaches to risk assessment in the regulatory setting: the NOEL/SF approach and the acceptable risk approach. In determining the conditions of safe uses of chemicals, safety factors are used in every evaluation scheme except that concerning chemical carcinogens. There have been proposals, however, to use safety factors in the evaluation of some chemical carcinogens as well. We have used bioassay data and the residual risk concept to compare the safety factor and acceptable risk procedures in the risk assessment of carcinogens.
Human Hybridomas and Monoclonal Antibodies

In this review I will cover, from a cell biologist’s perspective, the biology of cell fusion and how the information derived from the field may be applicable to the production of human monoclonal antibodies. I will describe the development of the hybridoma technology, the advantages and disadvantages of making and using monoclonal antibodies, the methods and limitations of making human monoclonal antibodies, the freezing and thawing of hybridomas, and end with a discussion of chromosome segregation in cell hybrids.
Squamous metaplasia of the cervix uteri

Recorded data on a series of more than 600 cervices studied over a 4-year period provided the basis for a study on the incidence of squamous metalasia and its etiologic factors. 100 consecutive cases were found to be representative of the sampling as a whole. From these 100 data were recorded on the gross features presence and degree of metaplasia location evidence of inflammation and other disease. 72% exhibited squamous metaplasia in some degree. Race parity and menstrual history had no effect on the incidence. The youngest in the series was 21 and the oldest 51. There was a rising curve of squamous metaplasia from the 3rd through the 5th decades of life which roughly parallels the curve of declining ovarian activity. Chronic inflammation was found to play a more important role in the process than was previously thought. This series of cases exhibited a 2% cancer rate comparable to that found in other studies. Although the etiology and significance of the metaplastic epithelium is unknown there seems to be no direct conversion of metaplastic to neoplastic cells.
Workshop: developing interactive competence: Student centered discussion

This paper describes the redesign and implementation of undergraduate courses in first two years of the Information Science and Technology (IST) degree program. Many course have been transformed from a traditional lecture based model to a dynamic and situated learning environment using an approach called "Student Centered Discussion (SCD) (Wright, 2002). This has involved the development of an inquiry based learning environment for teaching IST courses for many complex problems in which students explore, analyze, and resolve. It has required a major change in pedagogical strategy, the reorganization of course content, and a reworking of the class assignments to integrate SCD into the courses. The object of each course is to provide the students with a challenging, critical thinking, novel, technology-focused, and learner-centered educational experience where they learn by pursuing knowledge, improving basic communication skills and most importantly taking responsibility for their own learning (Brown, Collins and Dugid, 1989).
Integrated methylome and transcriptome analysis reveals novel regulatory elements in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer diagnosed in children under the age of 15. In addition to genetic aberrations, epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation are altered in cancer and impact gene expression. To identify epigenetic alterations in ALL, genome-wide methylation profiles were generated using the methylated CpG island recovery assay followed by next-generation sequencing. More than 25,000 differentially methylated regions (DMR) were observed in ALL patients with ∼90% present within intronic or intergenic regions. To determine the regulatory potential of the DMR, whole-transcriptome analysis was performed and integrated with methylation data. Aberrant promoter methylation was associated with the altered expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, and proliferation. Novel enhancer-like sequences were identified within intronic and intergenic DMR. Aberrant methylation in these regions was associated with the altered expression of neighborin...
Evaluation of Car-to-Car Frontal Offset Impact Finite Element Models Using Full Scale Crash Data

This paper describes the results of a study conducted to evaluate the performance and accuracy of a medium size sedan finite element model (FEM) for off-set car-to-car impacts. This model was originally developed for front impact. The model does not include side structure compliance. Two tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are used for evaluation of the simulations. The overall results indicate that the simulations appear to be consistent with the crash test data. Problems associated with the use of node constraints, lack of side structure model fidelity, and the different integration time marching are identified. Solutions for the problems are proposed. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 875833.
“Better than any monument”: Envisioning Museums of the Spoken Word

Within weeks of Edison’s introduction of the phonograph, late in 1877, commentators began to imagine its capacity to materialize the human voice in the form of physical recordings as a basis for the collection, preservation, and display of intangible heritage, conceived of as “treasures” of oral expression. Between the late 1870s and World War I, a number of visionary proposals for the establishment of museums of language were advanced by scholars in the U.S. and Europe. In this article, I offer a preliminary examination of the history of such proposals and consider the reasons that none of them came to fruition.
An assessment of the empirical magnitude of option values for environment goods

This paper provides an empirical assessment of the magnitude of option values relative to expected surplus using a model presented by Larson and Flacco (1992). Option values and option prices are computed for both simulated data sets and actual estimates of recreation demands. Results indicate that option values engendered by price and income uncertainty are generally quite a small percent of expected surplus.
Reducing surgical site infections following craniotomy: examination of the use of topical vancomycin

OBJECT Although the use of topical vancomycin has been shown to be safe and effective for reducing postoperative infection rates in patients after spine surgery, its use in cranial wounds has not been studied systematically. The authors hypothesized that topical vancomycin, applied in powder form directly to the subgaleal space during closure, would reduce cranial wound infection rates. METHODS A cohort of 150 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy was studied retrospectively. Seventy-five patients received 1 g of vancomycin powder applied in the subgaleal space at the time of closure. This group was compared with 75 matched-control patients who were accrued over the same time interval and did not receive vancomycin. The primary outcome measure was the presence of surgical site infection within 3 months. Secondary outcome measures included tissue pH from a subgaleal drain and vancomycin levels from the subgaleal space and serum. RESULTS Vancomycin was associated with significantly fewer surgical si...
Spatiotemporal sampling of Sq+-induced geomagnetic responses at LEO satellite altitude for a radially conductive Earth

SUMMARY A new simulation tool is introduced for extracting Earth conductivity information from geomagnetic satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) such as CHAMP, Swarm and potential follow-on missions. Theoretical reconstruction of spherical harmonic spectra of global universal time (UT) geomagnetic field maps is analysed. An idealized regular solar daily variation field is assumed, along with its induced counterpart from a radially stratified Earth. Solar-quiet (Sq) spectra can be reliably reconstructed from discrete time-series of measurements sampled daily within a fixed UT window. A single LEO satellite should be in orbit for at least 1 yr under quiet-time conditions to ensure accurate spectral reconstruction of an Sq geomagnetic spectrum. The length of the daily sampling window and random day-to-day variability in the Sq source strength have only minor effects on spectral reconstruction. The shape of the spectra, and spectral ratios, are independent of radial mantle conductivity. Further research employing 3-D forward modelling of induction in a laterally heterogeneous earth, with more realistic and complete external source descriptions, is advocated. The new simulation tool should prove valuable to planners of future multisatellite geomagnetic missions, as well as scientists interested in analysing and interpreting satellite induction signals.
Intrapartum Pain: Pharmacologic Management

Even with the tremendous therapeutic benefit of nonpharmaceutical pain relief measures for laboring women, pharmaceutical therapies often are needed. Nurses and other health care providers need to be familiar with the differing pharmaceutical properties of commonly prescribed pain-relieving drugs. The pharmaceutical properties of sedatives and hypnotics, opioids, and local anesthetic agents used to relieve pain during labor and delivery are reviewed. Individualization of drug therapy and maximal therapeutic effects result when the health care provider is informed about the pharmaceutical properties of analgesic and anesthetic agents so that a wise choice can be made.
Net monetary benefit of cost-effective rollover protective structures (CROPS): an estimate of the potential benefits of the CROPS research project

This study builds on an earlier study to examine the net monetary benefit of installing cost-effective rollover protective structures (CROPS) instead of utilizing existing ROPS retrofits for all estimated non-ROPS tractors in the year 2004. With the conservative estimates used in the analyses, results indicate that compared to the baseline option (no protective structure), the Install-ROPS option results in a loss of $310 million to society, while the Install-CROPS option results in a net monetary benefit of $276 million over a 20-year period. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis indicated that, for the extreme values (estimates) used, the estimated net monetary benefit is most sensitive to the probability of tractor overturn. Break-even analysis indicated that the unit cost of intervention for the Install-CROPS option can increase by about 58% and still be able to pay for itself. Even when the minimal unit cost of intervention for ROPS is used, the payback period is reduced substantially for the Install-CROPS option, by almost half the payback period. Finally, compared to existing ROPS retrofits, the net monetary benefit is $586 million, representing an estimate of the potential benefits of the CROPS research.
The Evolution of America's Scientific Advancements in Dentistry in the Past 150 Years

ABSTRACT Background During the last 150 years, dentistry in the United States faced many challenges as it developed its scientific foundation. In the latter part of the 19th century, clinical practice was driven by empirical evidence, and the first few decades of the 20th century set the stage for America's scientific evolution of dentistry. Conclusions Seminal developments in America's contribution to science in dentistry and oral health included the 1926 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching report and the vision of William J. Gies; the development of scientific dental journals; the role of immigrant dental scientists from Europe and oral biology as a discipline; and the establishment of the National Institute of Dental Research in 1948. Clinical Implications Due in large part to America's contribution to dental science and practice, we are at the brink of a transformation that may expand the role of the dental profession dramatically and improve the oral health of people throughout the world.
Destruction of Cyanide in Water Using N-Chlorinated Secondary Sulfonamide-Substituted Macroporous Poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene)†

Cyanide ion in water is converted to cyanate ion by use of macroporous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) bearing regenerable N-chlorinated N-alkylsulfonamide functional groups. Cyanide is converted first to cyanogen chloride that is then rapidly hydrolyzed to cyanate ion, which is stable at high pH. Cyanate ion can be further oxidized by active chlorine supplied by the resin to nitrogen and carbonates under weakly basic conditions or more rapidly hydrolyzed to ammonium ion and carbon dioxide by passage through a bed of a strong acid cation-exchange resin in the H + form without use of additional active chlorine. Much of the active chlorine that escapes the reactor can be recaptured by unchlorinated polymer for subsequent use.
Molecular characterizations of two mitoviruses co-infecting a hyovirulent isolate of the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The complete nucleotide sequences of two double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segments, isolated from the same hypovirulent strain (KL-1) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, were determined. Sequence analysis showed that dsRNAs 1 to be 2513 nts long and is A-U rich (61.7%). Excluding the poly(A) tail, dsRNAs2 is 2421 nts long and its AU content is 53.1%. The 5' and 3'-terminal sequences of the positive-strand of each dsRNA could be folded into predicted stable stem-loop structures. Mitochondrial codon usage revealed that each dsRNA has a single large open reading frame coding for a protein containing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase conserved motifs. Furthermore, dsRNAs 1 and 2 share sequence similarities with other mitoviruses. These results suggest that dsRNAs 1 and 2 represent two distinct new mitoviruses, designated Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mitovirus 1 (SsMV1/KL-1) and SsMV2/KL-1, respectively. The hypovirulence traits of strain KL-1 and the two mitoviruses could be co-transmitted to a virus-free virulent strain via hyphal anastomosis.
Dependence of cardiac strength-interval curves on pacing rate.

The purpose of the research is to determine how the pacing rate affects the strength-interval curve in cardiac tissue. Computer simulations are used to calculate the cathodal and anodal strength-interval curves. The tissue is represented by the bidomain model with Beeler-Reuter membrane properties. The strength-interval curves shift to shorter intervals as the pacing rate increases. However, the shape of the strength-interval curve, including the separation into ‘make’ and ‘break’ sections and the presence of a ‘dip’, is insensitive to pacing rate.
Attraction, merger, reflection, and annihilation in magnetic droplet soliton scattering

The interaction behaviors of solitons are defining characteristics of these nonlinear, coherent structures. Due to recent experimental observations, thin ferromagnetic films offer a promising medium in which to study the scattering properties of two-dimensional magnetic droplet solitons, particle-like, precessing dipoles. Here, a rich set of two-droplet interaction behaviors are classified through micromagnetic simulations. Repulsive and attractive interaction dynamics are generically determined by the relative phase and speeds of the two droplets and can be classified into four types: (1) merger into a breather bound state, (2) counterpropagation trapped along the axis of symmetry, (3) reflection, and (4) violent droplet annihilation into spin wave radiation and a breather. Utilizing a nonlinear method of images, it is demonstrated that these dynamics describe repulsive/attractive scattering of a single droplet off of a magnetic boundary with pinned/free spin boundary conditions, respectively. These results explain the mechanism by which propagating and stationary droplets can be stabilized in a confined ferromagnet.
Scaling Laws in Supramolecular Polymer Networks

The linear rheological properties of networks formed by adding bis-Pd(II) cross-linkers to poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) solution are examined, and the scaling law relationships between the zero shear viscosity (η(0)) of the networks versus the concentration of PVP solution (C(PVP)), the concentration of cross-linkers (C(X)), and the number density of elastically active chains (v(phantom)) are experimentally determined. The scaling law relationships are compared to the theoretical expectations of the Sticky Rouse and Sticky Reptation models (Macromolecules2001, 34, 1058-1068), and both qualitative and quantitative differences are observed.
Temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction: A clinical study of emotional and occlusal components

Abstract Mandibular pain and dysfunction are thought to arise through muscle hyperactivity and some form of tooth contact. The presence of elevated anxiety and occlusal disharmonies as etiologic factors has not been conclusively investigated. This study is an effort to examine these factors in a sample population selected under definable conditions. The anxiety level in matched symptom and control groups (29 each) was evaluated with the use of a standard psychometric instrument (MMPI). Occlusal features were analyzed in oral examination and by casts mounted to the terminal hinge axis. For the symptom group, the latter analysis was delayed until after bite-plane therapy to gain muscular relaxation. Results of the MMPI revealed both groups to be relatively free of anxiety, although approximately half of the symptom group showed clinical signs of greater anxiety than that found in the matched controls. This half may be a sub-symptom group where anxiety and symptoms are lined. These findings do not justify regarding all patients who display this disorder as homogeneous in psychologic make-up. The present findings lead to the speculation that the entire symptom population consists of a number of subgroups, which would account for the weak relationship between pain dysfunction and anxiety found in the entire symptom population. Occlusal features evaluated in this study were similar between groups. That is, both symptom and control subjects had deflective or interceptive occlusal contacts on terminal hinge closure and similar mandibular shifts from centric relation to centric occlusion.
Survivors of sudden cardiac death with history of depression are not at significantly greater risk of recurrent arrhythmias and death

greater risk of recurrent arrhythmias and death Mohit K. Turagam ⁎, Poonam Velagapudi , Aniko Szabo , Alexis Visotcky , Abraham G. Kocheril c a Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 3116 MFCB, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI-53705, USA b Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI-53226, USA c Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Urbana Champaign, 611 W Park St, Urbana, IL-61822, USA
A 50MHz bandwidth, 10-b ENOB, 8.2mW VCO-based ADC enabled by filtered-dithering based linearization

A dithering technique for linearization of VCO-based ADCs is proposed. The proposed technique conditions the signal to the VCO input to appear as white noise thereby eliminating spurious signal content arising out of the VCO non-linearity. The technique, thus obviates the need for power-hungry digital calibration techniques or expensive front-end loop-filters. A prototype implementation (in 65nm CMOS) based on the technique achieves 10-b ENOB in digitizing signals with 50MHz bandwidth consuming 8.2mW at an FoM of 90fJ/conv.step.
Design of fiducials for accurate registration of CT and MR volume images

There is an increasing demand for accurate registration of CT and MR images for diagnosis and for surgical planning. One useful technique registers images using externally attached fiducial markers. Previous studies have shown that point-based registration accuracy depends on fiducial localization accuracy, that is, the accuracy with which the position of a marker centroid can be estimated. This paper investigates the dependence of localization accuracy on marker size. The investigation is based on computer simulations. Three shapes are evaluated-- a sphere, a cylinder, and a cube, each with similar dimensions. The results indicate that (1) the accuracy depends strongly on the ratio of marker size to voxel size and (2) the dependence is almost identical among the three shapes tested. The simulation results are shown to agree with results from clinical images.
Experience with over 3,000 open and laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Multivariate analysis of factors related to leak and resultant mortality

Background: Intestinal leak is a potentially lethal complication of Roux en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). Identification of patients at high risk for leak may reduce complication rates of surgeons early in the procedure learning curve. Methods: A total of 3073 patients who underwent GBP were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the following preoperative factors: hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), sleep apnea (SA), age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), and surgery type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for each procedure type. Results: There were 48 (1.5%) deaths. Independent risk factors for death included leak, weight, procedure type, and HTN. A total of 102 (3.2%) leaks were found. Independent factors for leak included age, male gender, SA, and procedure type. Conclusion: The data suggests that older, heavier male patients with multiple comorbid conditions are at increased risk for leak and mortality. Surgeons early in their learning curve should avoid these high-risk patients to reduce complications.
Classical periodic motion of atomic-electron wave packets.

An experiment is described in which a coherent superposition of the Rydberg states of atomic potassium is excited by a short optical pulse. The coherent superposition forms a wave packet localized in the radial coordinate. The radial motion of the wave packet is periodic with the period of the classical Kepler orbit. The time evolution is probed by a second short pulse. The resulting photoionization signal, as a function of the delay between pulses, shows the classical periodicity.
Evolutionary epistemology as an overlapping, interlevel theory

I examine the branch of evolutionary epistemology which tries to account for the character of cognitive mechanisms in animals and humans by extending the biological theory of evolution to the neurophysiological substrates of cognition. Like Plotkin, I construe this branch as a struggling science, and attempt to characterize the sort of theory one might expect to find this truly interdisciplinary endeavor, an endeavor which encompasses not only evolutionary biology, cognitive psychology, and developmental neuroscience, but also and especially, the computational modeling of “artificial life” programming; I suggest that extending Schaffner's notion of interlevel theories to include both “horizontal” and “vertical” levels of abstraction best fits the theories currently being developed in cognitive science. Finally, I support this claim with examples drawn from computational modeling data using the genetic algorithm.
Pelvic Exenteration for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Colorectal and Bladder Malignancies in the Modern Era

Background Although pelvic exenteration (PE) remains an important treatment for advanced pelvic malignancies, it has historically been associated with high morbidity and mortality with unclear long-term benefits. The objectives of this study were (1) estimate complication and mortality rates, (2) determine predictors of complications, and (3) estimate overall survival after PE for patients with locally advanced colorectal and bladder tumors.
Accommodative tracking: a trial-and-error function.

Fincham [19] and Campbell and Westheimer [12] have reported that the accommodative tracking system utilized a variety of subtle clues for focus errors of less than 1 diopter. Specifically, Fincham emphasized the role of the color fringes due to the eye’s chromatic aberration, and the use of changes in fixation in determining the initial direction of an accommodative effort. Later Campbell and Westheimer confirmed Fincham’s findings with respect to chromatic aberration and reported that the eye’s spherical aberration and astigmatism could also act as stimuli for accommodative tracking in some subjects. Fincham was unable to demonstrate the usefulness of spherical aberration as a clue.
The knowledge hypermap: an alternative to hypertext

Abstract Two types of non-linear, computer-linked text were investigated to determine differences in recall, reference time and accuracy, and satisfaction among students learning statistical material. The two instructional presentation methods studied, hypermaps and hypertext, were implemented on a Macintosh SE-HD20 in HyperCard. Hypermaps were implemented according to the TCU Knowledge Mapping System developed by Dansereau et al . No significant differences were found in recall of material following the hypertext ( n = 15) or hypermap ( n = 18) instruction. Although not significant, an interesting trend in the data indicated that differences in verbal skills, as measured by the Delta Reading Vocabulary Test, had differential effects in the text and map groups. A significant difference was found in overall satisfaction, with the hypermap group expressing more satisfaction than the hypertext group. The hypertext group expressed significantly more frustration and confusion than the hypermap group. Although not significant, there was a trend toward greater efficiency for hypermaps on measures of reference accuracy and time. The findings indicate a need for further study of the utility of hypermaps for presentation of textual material in conjuction with computer-based instruction.
Detection of architectural distortion in mammograms using fractal analysis

Several studies have demonstrated the fractal properties of screening mammograms. The purpose of this study was to investigate fractal texture analysis for the automated detection of architectural distortion (AD) in screening mammograms. The study was based on the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM). Initially, a database of 708 mammographic regions with confirmed pathology was created. They were all 512x512 pixel regions of interest (ROIs). The ROI size was determined empirically. Fifty-two regions were extracted around biopsy-proven architectural distortion. The remaining 656 ROIs depicted normal breast parenchyma. Fractal analysis was performed on each ROI at multiple resolutions (512x512, 256x256, 128x128, and 64x64). The fractal dimension of each ROI was calculated using the circular average power spectrum technique. Overall, the average fractal dimension (FD) estimate of the normal ROIs was statistically significantly higher than the average FD of the ROIs with AD. This result was consistent across all resolutions. However, best detection performance was achieved when the fractal dimension was estimated on ROIs subsampled with a factor of 2 (ROC area index Az=0.89±0.02). Specifically, there was perfect performance in fatty breasts (Az=1.0), Az=0.95±0.02 in fibroglandular breasts, Az=0.84±0.05 in heterogeneous breasts, and Az=0.66±0.10 in dense breasts. Overall, the present study demonstrates that the presence of AD disrupts the normal parenchymal structure, thus resulting in a lower fractal dimension. Consequently, fractal texture analysis could play an important role in the development of computer-assisted detection tools tailored towards architectural distortion.
Cannabinoid CB2 receptors: a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain

Cannabinoids suppress behavioural responses to noxious stimulation and suppress nociceptive transmission through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptor subtypes. CB1 receptors are expressed at high levels in the central nervous system (CNS), whereas CB2 receptors are found predominantly, but not exclusively, outside the CNS. CB2 receptors are also upregulated in the CNS and dorsal root ganglia by pathological pain states. Here, we review behavioural, neurochemical and electrophysiological data, which identify cannabinoid CB2 receptors as a therapeutic target for treating pathological pain states with limited centrally, mediated side effects. The development of CB2-selective agonists (with minimal affinity for CB1) as well as mutant mice lacking CB2 receptors has provided pharmacological and genetic tools required to evaluate the effectiveness of CB2 agonists in suppressing persistent pain states. This review will examine the efficacy of cannabinoid CB2-selective agonists in suppressing acute, inflammatory and neuropathic nociception following systemic and local routes of administration. Data derived from behavioural, neurochemical and neurophysiological approaches are discussed to better understand the relationship between antinociceptive effects induced by CB2-selective agonists in behavioural studies and neural mechanisms of pain suppression. Finally, the therapeutic potential and possible limitations of CB2-based pharmacotherapies for pathological pain states induced by tissue and nerve injury are discussed.
A Personal Manifesto

(1974). A Personal Manifesto. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 28, Pedagogical Catalog 2, pp. 35-35.
Structural and functional changes of normal aging skin

Solar-induced cutaneous changes are more prevalent and profound in older persons and, thus, are often inappropriately attributed to the aging process, per se. Structural and functional alterations caused by intrinsic aging and independent of environmental insults are now recognized in the skin of elderly individuals. Structurally the aged epidermis likely becomes thinner, the corneocytes become less adherent to one another, and there is flattening of the dermoepidermal interface. The number of melanocytes and Langerhans cells is decreased. The dermis becomes atrophic and it is relatively acellular and avascular. Dermal collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans are altered. The subcutaneous tissue is diminished in some areas, especially the face, shins, hands, and feet, while in others, particularly the abdomen in men and the thighs in women, it is increased. The number of eccrine glands is reduced and both the eccrine and apocrine glands undergo attenuation. Sebaceous glands tend to increase in size but paradoxically their secretory output is lessened, The nail plate is generally thinned, the surface ridged and lusterless, and the lunula decreased in size. There is a progressive reduction in the density of hair follicles per unit area on the face and scalp, independent of male-pattern alopecia. The hair shaft diameter is generally reduced but in some areas, especially the ears, nose, and eyebrows of men and the upper lip and chin in women, it is increased as vellus hairs convert to cosmetically compromising terminal hairs. Functional alterations noted in the skin of elderly persons include a decreased growth rate of the epidermis, hair, and nails, delayed wound healing, reduced dermal clearance of fluids and foreign materials, and compromised vascular responsiveness. Eccrine and apocrine secretions are diminished. The cutaneous immune and inflammatory responses are impaired, particularly cell-mediated immunity. Clinical correlates of these intrinsic aging changes of the skin include alopecia, pallor, xerosis, an increased number of benign and malignant epidermal neoplasms, increased susceptibility to blister formation, predisposition to injury of the dermis and underlying tissues, delayed onset and resolution of blisters and wheals, persistent contact dermatitis, impaired tanning response to ultraviolet light, increased risk for wound infections, prolongation of therapy necessary for onychomycosis, and thermoregulatory disturbances.
Stem cell therapy for heart failure: the science and current progress

Cell therapy, particularly with stem cells, has created great interest as a solution to the fact that there are limited treatments for postischemic heart disease and none that can regenerate damaged heart cells to strengthen cardiac performance. From the first efforts with myoblasts to recent clinical trials with bone marrow-derived stem cells, early reports of cell therapy suggest improvement in cardiac performance as well as other clinical end points. Based on these exciting but tentative results, other stem cell types are being explored for their particular advantages as a source of adult stem cells. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells are multilinear and can be obtained relatively easily in large quantities from patients; cardiac-derived stem cells are highly appropriate for engraftment in their natural niche, the heart. Human umbilical cord blood cells are potentially forever young and allogenic adult mesenchymal stem cells appear not to evoke the graft versus host reaction. Human embryonic stem ce...
Superiority of Prostration as a Protection from Lightning Strike

Problem statement: Because of the significant fatalities due to lightning strikes in open fields, exploration has been made to find the human bodys most comfortable posture having the lowest length, width and height and the least ground touch in any terrain indoor and outdoor for the safest shelter from lightning strikes that neutralize an enormous amount of positive and negative charges. Approach: Risks of direct lightning strike and of side flash and ground current due to a lightning hit at a nearby place have been discussed along with an estimation of interlimb current for standing, sitting, lying flat and prostrated positions using the fundamental laws of electricity in physics. Results: It is found that prostration in which the body is comfortably squeezed within a length of one meter with the forehead-nose tip, the palms, the knees and the toes grounded, making a maximum body height about 35 cm, offers the least chance of a lightning strike, side flash hit and interlimb current flows, concluding the best shelter against lighting hit. Conclusion/Recommendation: Prostration is superior to all other postures of sitting and lying to lower our body weight in order to avoid dangers of lightning. During lightning, outdoor people who are not in closed safe transportations, or not in otherwise better shelters are recommended to use this posture of the body as a safe protection from lightning strikes. Considering the fatalities caused by lightning, families and communities should hold lighting drills before the advent of the lightning season.
Organization of endoreduplicated chromosomes in the endosperm of Zea mays L

The chromosomes of the maize endosperm proceed through an endoreduplication phase in later stages of development. Endoreduplication is a process in which the cell cycle continues DNA synthesis but does not proceed through cytokinesis. When this occurs, the normally triploid endosperm cell can reach ploidy levels greater than 200× in some lines of maize. In this work, we examined the structure of the endoreduplicated chromosomes. Previous cytological work has indicated that, although the DNA content per cell increases, the number of nucleoli and knobs remains the same. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization and slot blot techniques, we show that the highly repetitive heterochromatic areas both on the A and B chromosomes, as well as several actively transcribed genes, are endoreduplicated. This result suggests that the entire genome follows that same trend. Further evidence shows that the various chromatin strands stay associated throughout the length of the chromosomes after they have been replicated, and that the DNA at the centromeric and knob regions is more tightly associated than the other regions of the chromosomes. Interploidy crosses between diploid and tetraploid derivatives of the same inbred exhibit changes in the chromatin organization of centromeres and heterochromatic knobs.
Human Procarboxypeptidase U, or Thrombin-activable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor, Is a Substrate for Transglutaminases EVIDENCE FOR TRANSGLUTAMINASE-CATALYZED CROSS-LINKING TO FIBRIN

Procarboxypeptidase U (EC 3.4.17.20) (pro-CpU), also known as plasma procarboxypeptidase B and thrombin-activable fibrinolysis inhibitor, is a human plasma protein that has been implicated in the regulation of fibrinolysis. In this study, we show that pro-CpU serves as a substrate for transglutaminases. Both factor XIIIa and tissue transglutaminase catalyzed the polymerization of pro-CpU and the cross-linking to fibrin as well as the incorporation of 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl cadaverine (dansylcadaverine), [14C]putrescine, and dansyl-PGGQQIV. These findings show that pro-CpU contains both amine acceptor (Gln) and amine donor (Lys) residues. The amine acceptor residues were identified as Gln2, Gln5, and Gln292, suggesting that both the activation peptide and the mature enzyme participate in the cross-linking reaction. These observations imply that transglutaminases may mediate covalent binding of pro-CpU to other proteins and cell surfaces in vivo. In particular, factor XIIIa may cross-link pro-CpU to fibrin during the latter part of the coagulation cascade, thereby helping protect the newly formed fibrin clot from premature plasmin degradation. Moreover, the cross-linking may facilitate the activation of pro-CpU, stabilize the enzymatic activity, and protect the active enzyme from further degradation.
Implications of application usage characteristics for collective communication offload

The global, synchronous nature of some collective operations implies that they will become the bottleneck when scaling to hundreds of thousands of nodes. One approach improves collective performance using a programmable network interface to directly implement collectives. While these implementations improve micro-benchmark performance, accelerating applications will require deeper understanding of application behaviour. We describe several characteristics of applications that impact collective communication performance. We analyse network resource usage data to guide the design of collective offload engines and their associated programming interfaces. In particular, we provide an analysis of the potential benefit of non-blocking collective communication operations for MPI.
Structural relationships in the solid‐state synthesis of poly(bis‐phenyl glutarate diacetylene)

This study was undertaken to determine the crystal structure of poly(bis-phenyl glutarate diacetylene) (poly(BPG)). It was found that this material crystallizes in a C2/c (centrosymmetric) space group. The x-ray refinement revealed a solid solution of the monomer and polymer. It was determined that the only movement that occurs during polymerization is in the diacetylene rod (a rotation of 33°) and in adjacent phenyl groups (a rotation of 19° and a swing of 6°), while all other atomic positions in the side group remain essentially the same. An infrared investigation and the final refined atomic coordinates with their standard deviations indicates that the BPG crystal was polymerized to an extent of 35%.
Asymmetric quasimedians: Remarks on an anomaly

Let X1 ⩽X2 ⩽ ··· ⩽Xn denote the order statistics of a random sample of size n and M the sample median defined conventionally as the middle Xm for n = 2m + 1 and the average (Xm + Xm+1)/2 for n = 2m. Hodges (1967) observed that for the normal populations the asymptotic efficiency 2/π of the sample median is approached consistently through higher values for the even sample sizes, n = 2m, than for the odd samples sizes, n = 2m + 1. Hodges and Lehmann (1967) explained this even-odd anomaly in terms of the O(n−2)-term in the large sample variance of M, and extended it to quasimedians Mr of arbitrary symmetric populations. We obtain the large sample bias and variance of the asymmetric average Mr,s(h) = hXm+1−r + hXm+1+s, h = 1 − h, consider various tradeoffs, construct modifications Mr(1) and Mr(2), of Mr for asymmetric distributions. Also, the observation due to Hodges and Lehmann (1967), which is often interpreted as an anomaly, is examined in the asymmetric case.
Detection of ocean bathymetry from surface wave measurements

The detection of ocean bathymetry is one of the most important and difficult problems in oceanography. On the theoretical side it is a classical inverse problem which features severe ill-posedness found in similar problems from a wide array of applied sciences. From a practical standpoint, standard procedures based upon “Underwater Acoustics” are quite dangerous and expensive as the desired surface is separated from measuring devices by (at least) the entire ocean layer providing a very hostile and unpredictable sampling environment. In this research we take a rather different approach to this inverse problem as we rely upon nonlinear features of the governing fluid mechanical equations to detect information about the ocean bathymetry. This is also in contrast to similar methods in the literature which rely solely upon the variations in the dispersion relation. Using a formulation of the water wave problem due to Zakharov, and Craig and Sulem, and the analyticity of the “Dirichlet–Neumann operator” we find surprisingly convenient formulas involving the ocean bathymetry. Of course, these formulas are ill-conditioned and nonlinear, however, we have found that application of standard techniques from the theory of inverse problems allow us to predict the shape of bottom topography with excellent precision.
Inhibiting Janus kinases to treat alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an immune-mediated, nonscarring form of hair loss. A new study using human clinical samples and a mouse model demonstrates that CD8αβ⁺NKG2D⁺ T effector memory cells mediate alopecia areata in part through Janus kinase (JAK) signaling and that alopecia areata might be treated with JAK inhibitors.
Paleofluid-flow circulation within a Triassic rift basin: Evidence from oil inclusions and thermal histories

The migration of subsurface fluid flow within continental rift basins has been increasingly recognized to significantly affect the thermal history of sediments and petroleum information. To gain insight into these paleofluid flow effects, the thermal history of the Taylorsville basin in Virginia was reconstructed from fluid-inclusion studies, apatite fission-track data, and vitrinite reflectance data. Models of thermal history indicate that the basin was buried to the thermal maximum at 200 Ma; a cooling event followed during which the eastern side of the basin cooled earlier and faster than the western side, suggesting that there was a differential uplift and topographically driven fluid flow. This hypothesis is supported by analyses of secondary oil and aqueous inclusions trapped in calcite and quartz veins during the uplift stage. Gas chromatograms of inclusion oils exhibit variable but extensive depletion of light molecular-weight hydrocarbons. The relative abundance of n-alkanes, petrographic observations, and the geological data indicate that the alteration process on these inclusion oils was probably neither phase separation nor biodegradation, but water washing. Water:oil ratios necessary to produce the observed alteration are much greater than 10,000:1. These exceedingly high ratios are consistent with the migration of inclusion oils along with fluid flow during themore » early stages of basin evolution. The results provide significant evidence about the role of a subsurface flow system in modifying the temperature structure of the basin and the composition of petroleum generated within the basin.« less
Pulsatile flow artifacts in fast magnetization‐prepared sequences

Fast magnetization-prepared magnetic resonance imaging sequences allow clinical acquisitions in about 1 second, with the preparation phase providing the desired contrast. Pulsatile flow artifacts, although reduced by rapid acquisition, can degrade image quality. The authors explore the causes of aortic pulsatile flow artifacts in inversion-recovery-prepared acquisitions of the abdomen, taking into consideration various parameters. The flow signal within an 8-mm-thick section was simulated and subsequently Fourier transformed to determine the location and extent of flow artifacts. Results of simulations were validated with abdominal images of human subjects. Recording all encodings within one cardiac cycle reduced pulsatile flow artifacts in nonsegmented acquisitions with sequential phase-encoding order, regardless of the location of magnetization preparation within the cardiac cycle. In segmented acquisitions, however, the sequential order always increased flow artifacts. To reduce the artifacts in short TI acquisitions, the magnetization should be prepared during diastole. In clinical acquisitions, flow artifacts were further reduced by modifying the phase-encoding scheme.
Substance abuse among psychiatric inpatients

The drug use history was obtained for all patients admitted to the inpatient service of a large municipal hospital during a 1-month period. A total of 104 patients were evaluated. An inverse relationship was found between the frequency of drug use and the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Approximately one third of the patients were found to be polydrug users, that is, individuals who used at least two types of drugs weekly (e.g., alcohol plus cocaine, heroin plus cocaine, etc.) during the 3 months prior to hospitalization. Most of the polydrug users were males. Patients who scored high in drug use tended to be younger, had more seclusions while on the ward, and had less of a history of drug or alcohol treatment. The drug having the highest frequency of daily use was found to be cocaine. It appears that drug use in general and polydrug use in particular is increasing among psychiatric patients.
Acetylation in vitro of para-aminobenzoic acid by unparasitized and Plasmodium berghei parasitized rat reticulocytes.

Abstract The rat reticulocyte is demonstrated to possess a marked ability to acetylate para-aminobenzoic acid as compared with the mature erythrocyte. Parasitization of the reticulocyte by Plasmodium berghei resulted in an almost complete loss of acetylating activity. This observation constitutes a rather unusual example of the malarial parasite inhibiting an enzymatic, drug-metabolizing activity of its host cell.
Subjective Expected Utility, Locus of Control, and Behavior1

Although a fundamental assumption of behavior decision theory is that individuals must generally believe they can control their fate if their behavior is to be influenced by subjective expected utility (SEU), the hypothesis that the positive relationship between SEU and behavior is stronger for those with internal locus of control had not been directly tested. That hypothesis was assessed in two separate longitudinal studies of adolescents. The behavior studied in one sample was the initiation of cigarette smoking, and in the other it was the onset of drinking alcohol. The hypothesis received weak support in both studies.
The Literacy Practices of "Transfronterizos" in a Multilingual World.

Abstract This introduction provides the background for this special issue by first describing the US–Mexico border, a fascinating context in which to research issues related to Spanish–English biliteracy and multilingualism. We present main points in the prevailing discussion within the field of literacy studies about issues of multilingualism and local–global contexts of literacy. Drawing from literature on transnational literacy, we examine arguments about the recontextualization of texts and literacy practices. In this volume, authors demonstrate how texts, linguistic practices, and discourses are part of the fluid traffic across the US–Mexico border. In the course of analyzing transfronterizo literacy practices, the articles take into account local and global contexts of literacy from different perspectives, such as colonia studies, genre studies, disciplinary discourses and identity, notions of time and space, the continua of biliteracy, and the new literacy studies. Because we see ourselves as borde...