cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thrombotic disorders in children

Abstract Arterial and venous thromboembolic disease, while less common in children than in adults, nevertheless can cause significant morbidity and mortality. In this chapter we will provide an overview of thrombotic disorders in children, with emphasis on common and unique manifestations in pediatrics, summarize diagnosis and treatment, and discuss laboratory diagnosis of thrombophilia.
Step up to the Brain Injury Guidelines league: Adoption of Brain Injury Guidelines at a Level III trauma center, A pilot study:

IntroductionThe Brain Injury Guidelines (BIG) direct surgeons to implement risk-stratified treatment plans for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). BIG categorize patients into one of three ...
Shared Water Facilities and Risk of COVID-19 in Resource-Poor Settings: A Transmission Modelling Study

Background: Shared water facilities are widespread in resource-poor settings within low- and middle-income countries. Since gathering water is essential, shared water sites may act as an important COVID-19 transmission pathway, despite stay-at-home recommendations. This analysis explores conditions under which shared water facility utilization may influence COVID-19 transmission. Methods: We developed two SEIR transmission models to explore COVID-19 dynamics. The first describes an urban setting, where multiple water sites are shared within a community, and the second describes a rural setting, where a single water site is shared among communities. We explored COVID-19 mitigation strategies including social distancing and adding additional water sites. Findings: Increased water site availability and social distancing independently attenuate attack rate and peak outbreak size through density reduction. In combination, these conditions result in interactive risk reductions. When water sharing intensity is high, risks are high regardless of the degree of social distancing. Even moderate reductions in water sharing, can enhance the effectiveness of social distancing. In rural contexts, we observe similar but weaker effects. Interpretation: Enforced social distancing and density reduction at shared water sites can be an effective and relatively inexpensive mitigation effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Building additional water sites is more expensive but can increase the effectiveness of social distancing efforts at the water sites. As respiratory pathogen outbreaks — and potentially novel pandemics — will continue, infrastructure planning should consider the health benefits associated with respiratory transmission reduction when prioritizing investments. Funding: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Declaration of Interest: The authors do not report any conflicts of interest.
Revolving sequences and Terdragon

In 1970, Davis and Knuth introduced the concept of revolving sequences to represent Gaussian integers. Much later, Kawamura and Allen recently generalized this idea to a wider class of revolving sequences that parametrize certain self-similar fractals including the Levy Dragon and Tiling Dragon, which are the unique compact solution of certain families of Iterated Function Systems. In this paper, we build on the work of Kawamura and Allen to include a wider collection of Iterated Function Systems and introduce a new type of revolving sequence which parametrizes a different family of self-similar fractals including the Terdragon.
The Coming Causation Revolution in Employment Discrimination Litigation

For more than a decade, employment discrimination causation law has been a confusing, often overly restrictive quagmire that has contributed substantially to the paltry success rate of plaintiffs in employment discrimination cases. Most of these cases are dismissed pre-trial, all too often based on a failure of causation. A key reason traces back to loose and misleading language — centered on a single word — in a 2009 Supreme Court opinion involving the but-for causation standard that applies in most discrimination cases. The Court said that the discriminatory motive must be “the” but-for cause of the employer’s action when it should have said “a” but-for cause. This language incorrectly implies that the discriminatory motive must be the sole cause — “the” cause — of the employer’s action, and though that standard is demonstrably wrong, many courts nevertheless have required a sole-cause showing. In 2020, the Supreme Court held in Bostock that gay and transgender workers are protected from employment discrimination. But it did more than that. The Court discussed but-for causation in broad terms, making it clear that but-for cause does not require proof of sole causation. That discussion will likely change how causation impacts not only gay and transgender workers but in employment discrimination litigation generally. This article explains why. It studies the root of the causation problem and shows its real-world consequences with extensive case law analysis. Then, it analyzes how Bostock’s broad causation language, properly interpreted, should apply to most employment discrimination claims and details why Bostock should remedy each of the identified causation issues. Based on its study of the post-Bostock litigation outcomes and the promise of Bostock’s broad application, the article predicts a revolution in employment discrimination litigation.
Atom Probe Tomography of Nanowires

Abstract Atom probe tomography (APT) is a destructive material characterization technique that can analyze the composition of small volumes (~ 100 × 100 × 100 nm 3 ) of a sample with subnanometer resolution and part per million sensitivity. APT is therefore well suited to investigate semiconductor nanostructures in order to relate growth conditions to nanoscale structure and nanostructure to physical properties. Furthermore, the geometry of semiconductor nanowires facilitates their analysis by APT. This chapter is intended for scientists and engineers who are interested in using APT to characterize semiconductor nanowires or for those who wish to assess research findings derived from APT more critically and with a greater understanding of the method. We first introduce the principles of APT to provide the basic background needed to understand the capabilities and limitations of the method, and then briefly review experimental considerations including sample preparation, operation conditions, and reconstruction guidelines. We then present examples of the atom probe analysis of semiconductor nanowires focused on important analytical challenges including dopants and impurities, alloy fluctuations and clusters, and heterointerfaces. Concurrently, we explain key challenges to sample preparation and analysis and suggest approaches to overcome or circumvent these challenges.
High frequency vibration and high gravity force shock testing for potential Mars Sample Return

The current concept for a potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign includes a series of missions that could drill, package, and return Mars rock cores to Earth through four sequential flight missions. A combination of structural stability, migration, force, hardware testing and analysis were employed to determine elements within the potential MSR campaign that could alter the mechanical integrity of Mars rock cores during transport to Earth. Therefore, Mars simulant rock cores, such as Bishop Tuff and China Ranch Massive Gypsum, were drilled to create samples for survivability tests to simulate the high frequency vibrations of a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) and high gravity force shock of the Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV) that would be expected during MSR. Prototype hardware was designed and fabricated to accommodate the cores desired for vibration and shock testing. Proto-flight (PF) and flight acceptance (FA) vibration levels were established for both solid and liquid MAV fuel types. Drilling methods were investigated to produce both pristine and fractured cores. Elements such as core orientation, amount of ullage (headspace), and clamshell position were tested to better understand the causes and amount of fracturing throughout these flight-like environments.
Suboptimal vitamin D screening in older patients with compromised skeletal health.

Rationale, aims and objectives Increasing number of primary care visits for osteoporosis by older patients combined with new vitamin D screening recommendations necessitate primary care providers (PCPs) to identify and screen at-risk patients. We described prevalence and determinants of vitamin D screening among older patients treated for osteopoenia, osteoporosis and related fractures in academic outpatient primary care clinics (family medicine and geriatric medicine) in Houston, TX. Methods Electronic chart review collected data on patients ≥50 years old from January 2008 to December 2010. Orders for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D indicated vitamin D screening. Differences in patient characteristics were described between the groups with and without vitamin D screening. Age, body mass index, racial/ethnic background, bone-promoting medication (BPM) use and clinic types (family medicine versus geriatric medicine) were determinants for vitamin D screening in the regression analysis. Results Patients were mostly women (95%), Caucasian (65%) and had a mean age of 69 ± 12 years. Twenty-two per cent of the family medicine clinic patients (total n = 78) and 51% of the geriatric medicine clinics patients (total n = 70) were screened. Older age (odds ratio, 0.94 confidence interval = 0.90–0.99) and BPM use (2.58, 1.03 to 6.45) were significant positive determinants for vitamin D screening. Conclusions In primary care clinics, vitamin D screening remains low among patients diagnosed with osteopoenia, osteoporosis and fractures. In light of new guidelines, suboptimal screening in the vulnerable older patients is disturbing. We recommend increased PCPs’ awareness about vitamin D screening guidelines for improving skeletal health in older patients.
Incidence of Myocardial Infarction or Stroke or Death at 47-Month Follow-Up in Patients With Diabetes and a Predicted Exercise Capacity ≤85% vs >85% During an Exercise Treadmill Sestamibi Stress Test

A treadmill exercise sestamibi stress test (TESST) was performed in 609 consecutive diabetic persons with a mean age of 70 years and no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who were referred for a TESST because of chest pain or dyspnea. Of 609 patients, 301 (49%) had a predicted exercise capacity 85% (group B). Group A patients had a higher prevalence of myocardial ischemia (43% vs 30%, P=.0005), 2- or 3-vessel obstructive CAD (38% vs 18%, P=.001), myocardial infarction (17% vs 9%, P=.004), death (10% vs 4%, P=.008), and myocardial infarction or stroke or death at 47-month follow-up (21% vs 12%, P=.001). Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that the only significant independent predictor for the time to development of myocardial infarction or stroke or death was a predicted exercise capacity >85% (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.78; P=.002). Diabetic persons with a predicted exercise capacity >85% had a 48% lower chance of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death than those with a predicted exercise capacity <or=85%.
The medial temporal lobes are critical for reward-based decision making under conditions that promote episodic future thinking.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of medial temporal lobe (MTL) damage on human decision making in the context of reward-based intertemporal choice. During intertemporal choice, humans typically devalue (or discount) a future reward to account for its delayed arrival (e.g., preferring $30 now over $42 in 2 months), but this effect is attenuated when participants engage in episodic future thinking, i.e., project themselves into the future to imagine a specific event. We hypothesized that this attenuation would be selectively impaired in amnesic patients, who have deficits in episodic future think- ing. Replicating previous work, in a standard intertemporal choice task, amnesic patients showed temporal discounting indices similar to healthy controls. Consistent with our hypothesis, while healthy controls demon- strated attenuated temporal discounting in a condition that required participants first to engage in episodic future thinking (e.g., to imagine spending $42 at a theatre in 2 months), amnesic patients failed to dem- onstrate this effect. Moreover, as expected, amnesic patients' narratives were less episodically rich than those of controls. These findings extend the range of tasks that are shown to be MTL dependent to include not only memory-based decision-making tasks but also future-oriented ones.
A 233MHz, 80-87% efficient, integrated, 4-phase DC-DC converter in 90nm CMOS

We demonstrate an integrated buck DC-DC converter implemented in a 90nm CMOS technology for multi-Vcc microprocessors. High switching frequency (100-317MHz), 4-phase topology, and fast hysteretic control reduce inductor and capacitor sizes by 1000x, thereby enabling off-chip inductors with no magnetic core and an on-chip decoupling capacitor. The converter achieves 80-87.7% efficiency and 10% peak-to-peak output noise.
Effects of cytochalasin D and latrunculin B on mechanical properties of cells

Actin microfilaments transmit traction and contraction forces generated within a cell to the extracellular matrix during embryonic development, wound healing and cell motility, and to maintain tissue structure and tone. Therefore, the state of the actin cytoskeleton strongly influences the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. Cytochalasin D and Latrunculin are commonly used reagents that, by different mechanisms, alter the state of actin polymerization or the organization of actin filaments. We have investigated the effect of a wide range of Cytochalasin D and Latrunculin B concentrations (from 40 pM to 10 microM) on the mechanical properties of the cells within fibroblast populated collagen matrices. Contractile force and dynamic stiffness were measured by uniaxial stress-strain testing. The range of effective concentrations of Cytochalasin D (200 pM-2 microM) was broader than that of Latrunculin B (20 nM-200 nM). Activating the cells by serum did not change the effective range of Cytochalasin D concentrations but shifted that of Latrunculin B upward by tenfold. Simple mathematical binding models based on the presumed mechanisms of action of Cytochalasin D and Latrunculin B simulated the concentration-dependent mechanical changes reasonably well. This study shows a strong dependence of the mechanical properties of cells and tissues on the organization and degree of polymerization of actin filaments.
The onset of electron-induced proton-transfer in hydrated azabenzene cluster anions

The prospect that protons from water may be transferred to N-heterocyclic molecules due to the presence of an excess electron is studied in hydrated azabenzene cluster anions using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and computational chemistry. In the case of s-triazine (C3H3N3), which has a positive adiabatic electron affinity, proton transfer is not energetically favored nor observed experimentally. Heterocyclic rings with only 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms have negative electron affinities, but the addition of solvating water molecules can yield stable negative ions. In the case of the diazines (C4H4N2: pyrazine, pyrimidine, and pyridazine) the addition of one water molecule is enough to stabilize the negative ion, with the majority of the excess electron density in a π* orbital of the heterocycle but not significantly extended over the hydrogen bonded water network. Pyridine (C5H5N), with the most negative electron affinity, requires three water molecules to stabilize its negative ion. Although our computations suggest proton transfer to be energetically viable in all five N-heterocyclic systems studied here when three or more water molecules are present, proton transfer is not observed experimentally in the triazine nor in the diazine series. In pyridine, however, proton transfer competes energetically with hydrogen bonding (solvation), when three water molecules are present, i.e., both motifs are observed. Pyridine clusters containing four or more water molecules almost exclusively exhibit proton transfer along with solvated [C6−xH6−x+1Nx·OH]− ions.
Phosphate based immobilization of uranium in an oxidizing bedrock aquifer

The unmined Coles Hill U deposit of south central Virginia represents a natural setting where U is stabilized by phosphate mineral precipitation in an oxidizing bedrock aquifer. Drill cores from the shallow portion of the deposit preserve a sharp Fe redox front defined by Fe(III) oxide staining. This front is located near a discontinuity in U mineralogy with U(IV) assemblages (e.g. coffinite, uraninite) on the reducing side, and U(VI) assemblages on the oxidizing side. The discontinuity in U mineralogy does not, however, represent a major discontinuity in whole rock U concentrations, with sample groups from both oxidized and reduced sides of the front generally ranging from 500 to 1000 ppm. This observation suggests that the volume of shallow bedrock associated with the deposit has not lost significant amounts of U during the oxidation and incipient chemical weathering. The precipitation of Ba uranyl phosphate (Ba meta-autunite) is responsible for U retention within this zone. Ground waters sampled from the weathered bedrock aquifer associated with the deposit contain less than 15 m gl � 1 dissolved U. This suggests that the low solubility of the Ba meta-autunite limits U concentrations to values lower than the US-EPA maximum contaminant level of 30 m gl � 1 . Ground water speciation and mineral saturation calculations show that, in addition to Eh and pH, the most important factor controlling this U fixation process is the activity ratio of dissolved phosphate to dissolved carbonate. Experimental results suggest that, at the Coles Hill site, the oxidation of U(IV) to U(VI) and subsequent precipitation of uranyl phosphate occurs rapidly (time scale of weeks) relative to ground water transport (e.g. 20 m/a). Furthermore, based on the rate of downward migration of the redox front, it is estimated that the oldest U(VI) phosphate assemblages associated with the Coles Hill U deposit have been stable for up to 150 ka. These observations have important implications for the design and long term performance assessment of phosphate-based stabilization and reactive barrier techniques.
Diminished blood selenium levels in renal failure patients on dialysis: correlations with nutritional status

Selenium deficiency has been implicated as contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease, skeletal muscle myopathy, anemia, increased cancer risk, and deranged immune function. Since these problems may also be associated with renal failure, and the kidney plays an important role in selenium homeostasis, we measured selenium and compared it with nutritional status in 24 stable hemodialysis patients, 12 chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis patients, and 29 healthy controls. Whole blood and plasma selenium was determined by a spectrofluorometric method. For whole blood the mean (+/- SD) selenium levels were 0.11 +/- 0.02 micrograms/ml in controls vs. 0.071 +/- 0.01 micrograms/ml in hemodialysis cases and 0.052 +/- 0.006 micrograms/ml in peritoneal dialysis (p less than 0.005). Significant decreases were seen also for plasma and red blood cell selenium in all groups respectively. Pre- and postdialysis plasma and whole blood selenium levels showed no significant changes in both dialysis groups. However, predialysis residual peritoneal fluid did contain selenium (0.029 +/- 0.005 micrograms/ml). Some evidence of protein-energy undernutrition was noted in both dialysis groups compared with controls. However, no significant differences in nutritional parameters were noted between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. When all groups were combined, significant correlations were found between whole blood selenium and serum albumin (r = 0.61; p less than 0.001), triceps skin fold in females (r = 0.62; p less than 0.001), and midarm muscle circumference in males (r = 0.71; p less than 0.001). We conclude that low blood selenium is present in renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. This abnormality is even greater in peritoneal dialysis cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Rat brain hexokinase: Further studies on the specificity of the hexose and hexose 6-phosphate binding sites☆

Based on the lack of correlation between the ability of various hexoses to serve as substrate and the ability of the corresponding hexose 6-phosphates to inhibit brain hexokinase (ATP:d-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), R. K. Crane and A. Sols (1954, J. Biol. Chem.210, 597–606) proposed that this enzyme possesses two discrete sites capable of binding hexose moieties, one serving as the substrate binding site and a second, regulatory in function, to which inhibitory 6-phosphates bind. Subsequent work has provided further experimental support for this proposal. The pioneering work by Crane and Sols focused primarily on the specificity of these sites with respect to requirements for orientation of hydroxyl substituents at the various positions of the pyranose ring. The present study explores additional aspects of the specificity of these sites, namely, the effect of substitution of a sulfur atom in place of the oxygen in the pyranose ring on ability to serve as substrate or inhibitor, and the effect of modification in charge of the substituent at the 6-position on inhibitory effectiveness. 5-Thioglucose is a linear competitive (versus glucose) inhibitor of rat brain hexokinase, with a Ki of about 0.2 mm, and is a linear mixed inhibitor (versus ATP), with Ki values in this same range. 5-Thioglucose is not, however, readily phosphorylated by brain hexokinase. Thus, although 5-thioglucose binds with moderate affinity to the glucose binding site, it is not effectively used as a substrate of the enzyme. Inhibition of brain hexokinase by glucose 6-phosphate or its analogs has been found to require a dianionic substituent at the 6-position. The 6-fluorophosphate derivative and glucose 6-sulfate are poor inhibitors of the enzyme, and the Ki for inhibition by 1,5-anhydroglucitol 6-phosphate increases markedly at pH values below the pK of the 6-phosphate group, indicating that the monoanionic form is ineffective as an inhibitor. In contrast to the detrimental effect that substitution of the oxygen atom in the pyranose ring with a sulfur has on ability to serve as substrate, 5-thio analogs are considerably more effective as inhibitors, the Ki for inhibition by 5-thioglucose 6-phosphate being 10-fold lower than that seen with glucose 6-phosphate. This effect of the heteroatom substitution can partially offset the decreased inhibition resulting from monoanionic character at the 6-position, but the 6-fluorophosphate derivative of 5-thioglucose 6-phosphate still inhibits with a Ki about 1000-fold greater than that seen with 5-thioglucose 6-phosphate. The previously observed correlation between the relative ability of various hexose 6-phosphates, or analogs, to inhibit hexokinase and their ability to solubilize the mitochondrial form of the enzyme has been extended with the analogs used in the present study.
Histochemical localization of cytochrome oxidase in the retina and optic tectum of normal goldfish: A combined cytochrome oxidase-horseradish peroxidase study

Cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) was histochemically localized in the normal retina and optic tectum of goldfish in order to examine the laminar and cellular oxidative metabolic organization of these structures. In the optic tectum, C.O. exhibited a distinct laminar, regional, and cellular distribution. The laminae with highest C.O. levels were those that receive optic input, suggesting a dominant role for visual activity in tectal function. This was demonstrated by colocalizing C.O. and HRP-filled optic fibers in the same section. However, the distribution of C.O. within the optic laminae was not uniform. Within the main optic layers, the SFGS, four metabolically distinct sublaminae were distinguished and designated from superficial to deep as sublaminae a, b, c, and d. The most intense reactivity was localized within SFGSa and SFGSd, followed by SFGSb, then SFGSc. In SFGSd, intense reactivity was found to occur specifically within a class of large diameter axons and terminals that were apparently optic since these were also labeled with HRP and cobaltous lysine applied to the optic nerve. Regional C.O. differences across the tectum were also noted. Low levels were found in neurons and optic terminals along the growing immature medial, lateral, and posterior edges of tectum, but were higher at the more mature anterior pole and central regions of tectum. This suggests that the oxidative metabolic activity is initially low in newly formed tectal neurons and optic axons, but gradually increases with neuronal growth and functional axon terminal maturation. Most C.O. staining was localized within neuropil, whereas the perikarya of most tectal neurons were only lightly reactive. Only a few neuron classes, mostly the relatively larger projection neurons, had darkly reactive perikarya. In the retina, intense C.O. reactivity was localized within the inner segments of photoreceptors, the inner and outer plexiform layers, and within certain classes of bipolar and ganglion cells. The large ganglion cells in particular were intensely reactive. Like the large diameter optic terminals in SFGSd, the large ganglion cells were preferentially filled with HRP, suggesting that they may project to tectum and are the source of the darkly reactive large diameter axons and terminals in sublamina SFGSd. We propose a new scheme to describe tectal lamination that integrates laminar differences in C.O. reactivity with classical histological work.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Niche Concept Revisited: Mechanistic Models and Community Context

The niche concept is a central organizing aspect of modern ecology. Although its history has often been reviewed, the structure of the concept and its connection to advances in ecological theory has received less recent attention. I review the niche concept using “mechanistic” models of community theory to identify two distinct components. One describes the environmental requirements of organisms and the other describes the per capita impact of organisms on the environment. I argue that these correspond to significant differences between Grinnell's and Elton's concepts distinct from the previously discussed “habitat” vs. “functional” dichotomy. I illustrate the distinction between the requirement and impact components of the niche using models of resource competition and of keystone predators, and I discuss “Gause's axiom” and conventional “niche theory” in the context of these two distinct niche components. I suggest that the niche concept be elucidated by explicit reference to these two distinct components; the “impact” niche (corresponding to Elton's concept) describing instantaneous per—capita effects of species on the environment, and the “requirement” niche describing the responses of species to the environment (corresponding to Hutchinson's definition). This approach connects conventional niche theory with “mechanistic” individual—based ecological models and can help provide a more modern context for the niche concept.
Chemical modification of the transfer RNA and polyuridylic acid binding sites of Escherichia coli 30 s ribosomal subunits.

Abstract Photo-oxidation of 30 s ribosomal subunits in the presence of the anionic dye Rose Bengal, leads to rapid loss of activity in protein synthesis. This is found to be due to loss of ability to bind transfer RNA and a decreased ability to bind polyuridylic acid. Reconstitution experiments indicate that both the ribosomal protein and the 16 s RNA are functionally modified. The functional alteration in the protein fraction is probably due to the modification of histidine in a single ribosomal protein. Three proteins and about three histidine residues are protected from photo-oxidation by the presence of poly(U) and tRNA. One of these proteins is PI, which has been shown by Van Duin & Kurland (1970) to stimulate poly(U) binding activity in 30 s subunits deficient in this protein. The alteration in the 16 s RNA is partially ‘corrected’ upon binding of 50 s subunits to 30 s subunits containing modified RNA, suggesting an altered conformation.
Changes in Smoking for Adults with and without Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders: Longitudinal Evaluation in the US Population

Background: Little is known about the smoking cessation and smoking relapse behavior of adults with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and drug use disorders (DUDs), Objective: The current study used longitudinal data from a representative sample of the US adult population to examine changes in smoking over 3 years for men and women with and without AUD and DUD diagnoses, Methods: Participants were current or former daily cigarette smokers at Wave 1 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions who completed the Wave 2 assessment 3 years later (n = 11,973; 46% female). Analyses examined the main and gender-specific effects of AUD and DUD diagnoses on smoking cessation and smoking relapse, Results: Wave 1 current daily smokers with a current AUD (OR = .70, 95% CI = .55, .89), past AUD (OR = .73, 95% CI = .60, .89), current DUD (OR = .48, 95% CI = .31, .76), and past DUD (OR = .62, 95% CI = .49, .79) were less likely to have quit smoking at Wave 2 than those with no AUD or DUD diagnosis. ...
Usefulness of total 12-lead QRS voltage in diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy in clinically isolated, pure, chronic, severe mitral regurgitation.

Abstract Electrocardiographic criteria for diagnosing left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are known to be relatively nonspecific and insensitive. Several studies from this laboratory1–7 and elsewhere8–10 have described total 12-lead QRS voltage in various cardiac diseases, and most have found this criterion to be more sensitive than previously described criteria. We examined total 12-lead QRS voltage in 24 necropsied patients with chronic, pure, isolated mitral regurgitation, and compared its sensitivity to the Sokolow-Lyon and Romhilt-Estes criteria for diagnosis of LV hypertrophy.
The Voter Realignment in the Midwest During the 1850s

American voting patterns exhibit long periods of relative stability in the voters’ partisan preferences. This continuity, however, is occasionally interrupted by a sudden shift in party loyalties. This inquiry focuses on the shift of party loyalties in the 1850s which gave rise to the Republican party. During the 1850s, the national party system underwent a massive reorganization. At the beginning of the decade, the
Improving T cell responses to modified peptides in tumor vaccines

Immune recognition and elimination of cancerous cells is the primary goal of cancer immunotherapy. However, obstacles including immune tolerance and tumor-induced immunosuppression often limit beneficial immune responses. Vaccination is one proposed intervention that may help to overcome these issues and is an active area of study in cancer immunotherapy. Immunizing with tumor antigenic peptides is a promising, straight-forward vaccine strategy hypothesized to boost preexisting antitumor immunity. However, tumor antigens are often weak T cell agonists, attributable to several mechanisms, including immune self-tolerance and poor immunogenicity of self-derived tumor peptides. One strategy for overcoming these mechanisms is vaccination with mimotopes, or peptide mimics of tumor antigens, which alter the antigen presentation and/or T cell activation to increase the expansion of tumor-specific T cells. Evaluation of mimotope vaccine strategies has revealed that even subtle alterations in peptide sequence can dramatically alter antigen presentation and T cell receptor recognition. Most of this research has been performed using T cell clones, which may not be accurate representations of the naturally occurring antitumor response. The relationship between clones generated after mimotope vaccination and the polyclonal T cell repertoire is unclear. Our work with mimotopes in a mouse model of colon carcinoma has revealed important insights into these issues. We propose that the identification of mimotopes based on stimulation of the naturally responding T cell repertoire will dramatically improve the efficacy of mimotope vaccination.
Thrombus muraux thoraciques : Une série et une revue de la littérature

Les thrombus muraux thoraciques (TMT) sont rares mais une source importante d'emboles distaux. Les options de traitement sont variees, allant de la chirurgie ouverte, a l'endovasculaire, et au traitement conservateur. Nous rapportons deux cas de TMT, un traite avec succes par stent de l'aorte thoracique pour embolisation viscerale et peripherique, et l'autre traite de maniere conservatrice pour embolisation digitale secondaire a un TMT dans le tronc innomine.
Criterion-Related Validity of Composite Scores Based on the Highest (or Smallest) Observations

Under the assumption of normality, a formula is derived for criterion-related validity of a partial composite score based on the highest (or lowest) of several equivalent observations. This partial composite score has higher validity than each single observation. However, it has less validity than the composite score based on all observations.
Benzene-Induced Inhibition of Erythroid Colony Formation in Vitro

ABSTRACT The erythroid colony forming unit assay technique was used to study the inhibitory effect of benzene on mouse bone marrow cell culture in vitro. The ability of vitamin B 6 to prevent benzene-induced inhibition of erythroid colony formation was also tested. At concentrations equal to or higher than the lowest inhibitory concentration of benzene, pyridoxine HCl significantly prevented benzene-induced inhibition of erythroid colony formation in vitro. However, when benzene concentration was higher, the added pyridoxine HCl was ineffective in preventing benzene-induced inhibition of erythroid colony formation in vitro, even when it was preincubated with the bone marrow cells for 30 minutes prior to adding benzene. On the basis of this finding, it is proposed that benzene-induced inhibition of erythroid colony formation may involve two different mechanisms, one of which involves interaction with vitamin Bo added as pyridoxine HCI.
Health Monitor Analysis System: Successful Instrumented Design and Unexpected Benefits

The U.S. Air Force needs to extend the life of their AN/GPN-22 and AN/TPN-25 precision approach radar (PAR) systems. Obsolescence issues plaguing many PAR transmitter components, along with the need for specialist diagnostic teams, prompted a redesign effort of the transmitter sub-system. The current PAR family design provides limited analog Built-in-Testing and manual test points for diagnostic measurements. Our transmitter redesign effort includes the health monitor analysis system (HMAS), a microprocessor based transmitter management subsystem (TMS) that provides health monitoring. The TMS automates maintenance health diagnostics, prognostics and transmitter alignments. All transmitter system Line Replacement Units (LRU) are fully instrumented: inputs, outputs, and critical internal parameters. The TMS contains a Diagnostic Engine that will fault isolate to an individual LRU. Extensive instrumentation provides high confidence of data measurements. All instrumented parameters are logged to a database for empirical prognostic analysis. In order to reduce the specialist training needed for the diagnostic teams, the TMS contains a user friendly graphical user interface (GUI). A transmitter traveling wave tube (TWT) prognostic engine autonomously performs a Miram Curve [1] analysis to determine optimal tube filament parameters to extend tube life and computes tube life estimates. Except for catastrophic failures, this will allow for tube replacement during scheduled maintenance, minimizing system downtime. A Prognostic Engine by-product is TWT potential life extension due to optimal tube temperature management. Other potential applications for the TMS framework include any instrumented electronic system where health monitoring is desired. The TWT Prognostic Engine is directly transferable to other vacuum-electron device based radar and communication systems.
One-trial in vitro conditioning regulates an association between the β-thymosin repeat protein Csp24 and actin

Abstract One-trial conditioning in Hermissenda results in enhanced intrinsic cellular excitability of sensory neurons in the conditioned stimulus pathway, and the phosphorylation of several proteins. Previous results demonstrated that the development of enhanced intrinsic excitability was dependent on the expression of conditioned stimulus pathway phosphoprotein-24 (Csp24), an intracellular protein containing four repeated β-thymosin homology domains. Consistent with this, antisense oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of Csp24 expression prevents the reduction in amplitude of the A-type transient K+ current (IA) and the depolarized shift in the steady-state activation curve normally produced by one-trial in vitro conditioning of isolated photoreceptors. One-trial conditioning also regulates Csp24 phosphorylation. We now show that purified recombinant Csp24 sequesters G-actin in vitro with an approximate Kd value of 2.8 μM. We also observed a significant increase in the coprecipitation of actin with Csp24 after one-trial in vitro conditioning using antibodies directed toward either Csp24 or phospho-Csp24. Preincubation with protein kinase C (PKC) selective inhibitors attenuated the increase in Csp24 phosphorylation and coprecipitated actin observed after one-trial conditioning. Our findings indicate that the PKC signaling pathway contributes to the phosphorylation of Csp24 after one-trial conditioning, and that PKC activity modulates an association between Csp24 and actin. These data suggest Csp24 may influence intrinsic excitability by regulating cytoskeletal dynamics.
Speech production units among bilinguals

This paper discusses processing units in speech production among bilinguals. First, naturally occurring intrasentential code-switching (switching languages within a sentence) was examined to show that bilinguals switch at syntactically definable constituent boundaries. Next, a code-switching elicitation experiment on Japanese/English bilinguals was conducted in which subjects were asked to speak about topics given and asked to switch to another language upon hearing randomly generated tones at 8–12 second intervals. The results suggest that bilinguals switch constituent-by-constituent and that this switching pattern is similar to monolinguals ' processing unit.
A study of respiratory effects from exposure to 2.0 ppm formaldehyde in occupationally exposed workers

It has been suggested that exposure to formaldehyde (FA) induces asthmatic symptomatology. We have previously studied healthy and asthmatic individuals and found that lung function was unaltered by controlled exposures to 2.0 ppm FA with and without mild exercise. Our present study extends these observations to a group of hospital laboratory workers routinely exposed to FA. Fifteen laboratory workers were exposed in double-blind, random sequence to 0 and 2 ppm FA for 40 min in an environmental chamber with temperature and relative humidity held constant at 23 degrees C and 50%, respectively. These exposures were repeated on two more occasions with a 10-min exercise regimen (450 kpm/min) after being in the chamber 5 min. In addition, a symptom diary and measurements of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were recorded for 24 hr after exposure. Lung function remained unaltered for all 4 exposure days; e.g., mean FEV1.0 for the group did not change by more than 3% at any testing time on any exposure day. Also, there were no delayed obstructive changes as measured by PEFR recordings. Symptoms were mild and transient with unusual odor and eye irritation the most frequent complaint. No lower airway symptoms were reported. We conclude that this group of healthy laboratory workers did not experience any acute or delayed lung function changes from exposure to 2.0 ppm FA at rest and with exercise and that irritative symptoms were few.
Vibratory fruit harvesting: A non-linear theory of fruit-stem dynamics

Abstract The non-linear, normal mode free vibrations of the fruit and stem are analysed as a double pendulum with elastic couplings. The in-phase mode is shown to agree closely with the linear analysis; the out-of-phase mode is shown to be strongly amplitude-dependent. Numerical integration of the coupled non-linear equations of motion indicates that the approximate analytical results are valid for angles as large as one rad. Calculations for apples, cherries, grapefuit, peaches, lemons, oranges, olives, coffee, plums and raspberries are presented and some implications for shaker equipment operation are indicated; e.g. it is conjectured that for fruits to be harvested without stems attached, a pulsating frequency will produce more efficient fruit detachment of the desired type than would continuous shaking.
Variance of the Median of Samples from a Cauchy Distribution

Abstract Exact values of the variances of the medians of small samples from a Cauchy distribution are given. They are compared with the values obtained by using the formula for asymptotic variance.
Time–temperature indicators for high temperature applications

New thermochromic materials are reported, which are useful for application as time–temperature indicators (TTIs) in temperature regimes that are complementary to those accessible with existing technologies. The design approach involves incorporating small amounts (0.3–2.9 wt.-%) of the excimer-forming, photoluminescent chromophores 4,4′-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)stilbene or a cyano-substituted oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) derivative into ethylene/norbornene copolymers with glass transition temperatures (Tg) between 131 and 149 °C. These dye/polymer blends were melt-processed and quenched from homogeneous melts to below their Tg to kinetically trap the dyes in dispersed states, which exhibit monomer fluorescence. Upon annealing the materials above Tg, self-assembly of the dye molecules into aggregates that allow for excimer formation occurs, concomitant with permanent and pronounced fluorescence color changes. This approach yielded TTI materials that demonstrate a predictable, Arrhenius-type behavior and which are useful in a temperature regime from ∼130 to 200 °C. The kinetics of the color change were tunable on time scales between seconds and days by changing dye concentration, dye structure, or host polymerTg.
Genome-wide Linkage Screen in Familial Parkinson Disease Identifies Loci on Chromosomes 3 and 18

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease with substantial evidence for genetic risk factors. We conducted a genome-wide linkage screen of 5824 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 278 families of European, non-Hispanic descent to localize regions that harbor susceptibility loci for PD. By using parametric and nonparametric linkage analyses and allowing for genetic heterogeneity among families, we found two loci for PD. Significant evidence for linkage was detected on chromosome 18q11 (maximum lod score [MLOD] = 4.1) and suggestive evidence for linkage was obtained on chromosome 3q25 (MLOD = 2.5). These results were strongest in families not previously screened for linkage, and simulation studies suggest that these findings are likely due to locus heterogeneity rather than random statistical error. The finding of two loci (one highly statistically significant) suggests that additional PD susceptibility genes might be identified through targeted candidate gene studies in these regions.
Concomitant radiation therapy and paclitaxel for unresectable locally advanced breast cancer: results from two consecutive phase I/II trials.

Purpose The management of unresectable locally advanced breast cancer (ULABC) remains a major challenge because of the necessity both to treat local disease and to prevent distant disease. Two consecutive Phase I/II trials of concomitant chemotherapy and radiation (CRT) were performed to attempt to address both local and distant disease control in ULABC. This analysis focuses on rates of locoregional control and radiation-associated acute and late complications. Methods and materials Thirty-three patients with unresectable locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancers (T4N0-3M0-1) or locally recurrent disease were treated with CRT on two consecutive Phase I/II trials. Radiotherapy consisted of 60–70 Gy to the breast or chest wall and 60 Gy to draining lymphatics in a week-on/week-off (WO/WO) schedule. Chemotherapy consisted of either continuous infusion or bolus paclitaxel ± vinorelbine. A subset analysis of 16 patients with nonmetastatic ULABC Stage IIIB–C (T4N0-3M0) was performed. Among this cohort, 13 patients (81%) underwent planned mastectomy after CRT. Results Of the 16 patients with Stage IIIB–C disease, acute toxicity included moist desquamation ( n = 8) and Grade 3–4 neutropenia ( n = 3). Late toxicity included breast reconstruction loss, decreased range of arm motion, lymphedema, and skin toxicity, although none was life-threatening. Of 15 assessable patients, 14 had a clinical response, 7 had a pathologic complete response (pCR) including 6 of 13 patients undergoing mastectomy. With a median follow-up for living patients of 43.8 months, the 4-year actuarial locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were 83%, 33%, and 56% respectively. Conclusions Concurrent WO/WO radiation therapy and paclitaxel ± vinorelbine is effective locoregional therapy for ULABC with an acceptable toxicity profile. Further investigation of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in ULABC is warranted.
Coronary artery disease in diabetic pregnancies

Severe vascular complications of diabetes mellitus include myocardial infarction and when this occurs during pregnancy it is associated with a high risk of maternal mortality. In the absence of myocardial infarction, information is unavailable on pregnancy outcome in diabetic patients with severe coronary artery disease or with prior coronary artery bypass graft. Such a case is presented together with a review of the literature.
A Meta-analysis of Patients Receiving Allogeneic or Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

Abstract The survival outlook in advanced mycosis fungoides (MF) is poor. Autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants (SCT) have been shown, in small case series and case reports, to have the potential for long-term remission or to alter disease course. Allogeneic SCT is thought to have a curative potential secondary to a graft-versus-lymphoma (GVL) effect. A patient-level meta-analysis was performed to compare the outcome of allogeneic versus autologous SCT in patients with MF/Sezary syndrome (SS) using 39 cases from the literature. There were a total of 20 allogeneic and 19 autologous transplant cases. The gender, age, and stage distribution was similar between the transplant groups. The allogeneic group received significantly more systemic therapies prior to transplant (P
Pirenperone effects on temperature preference and body temperature in maturing mice

Abstract Thermoregulatory effects of the selective 5-HT 2 antagonist pirenperone were studied 1 hr after IP injection in mice aged 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days postpartum. Compared with vehicle injected littermates, a dose of 0.16 mg/kg decreased temperature preference (T pref ) on a thermal gradient at all ages. No significant effects were observed on body temperature (T b ) at any of the ages. An increased dose (0.48 mg/kg) caused no greater effect on T pref and no significant effect on T b . These results indicate that T b and T pref are separable on the basis of receptor pharmacology, and are discussed in relation to drug effects on 5-HT 2 receptors.