cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computed tomographic measurement of macroporosity in chisel-disk and no-tillage seedbeds

Methods for evaluating soil conditions as influenced by tillage are often limited to analysis of bulk samples. The application of medical computed tomography (CT) to the characterization of tillage effects on soil provides an alternative tool for measurement since it is at a more detailed scale. The objective of this study was to compare soils under conventional and notillage (NT) systems using X-ray CT. Chisel-disk-disk (CDD) conventional tillage and NT systems were compared for a Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs) soil. Five replicate soil cores (75 mm long by 75 mm diameter) were collected from each treatment. Two CT systems were used in this study: a medical CT scanner (MCT, 1 mm thick scans) and an ultra-high resolution CT scanner (UHCT, 0.1 mm thick scans). Significantly higher soil density was found for the NT treatment using the MCT scanner ðP ¼ 0:05Þ. Data from the UHCT scanner were used to compare the effects of scan thickness and to evaluate macropore characteristics. Macropore area was significantly higher ðP < 0:001Þ for CDD as compared to the NT treatment: 11 versus 5%. The number of macropores in the CDD treatment were twice those in NT; their perimeter was 62% longer; and their circularity was 94% of that for pores from the NT tillage treatment. The macropore boxcounting fractal dimension (D) was significantly greater ðP < 0:001Þ for CDD ðD ¼ 1:44Þ as compared to the NT treatment ðD ¼ 1:26Þ, reflecting the greater space-filling behavior of the CDD treatment. This study shows that the UHCT scanner can characterize differences in soil macroporosity more precisely than standard MCT scanners. The use of ultra-high resolution tomography can aid in the discrimination of differences between seedbeds created by different tillage systems. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Use of New Communications Technologies to Evaluate and Intervene in Substance Use Disorders

The widespread availability of high-speed, mobile cellular telephones and other advances in communication technology have the potential to change the way in which interventions for substance use disorders (SUD) are delivered and how progress is monitored. This article reviews recent research on the use of new technology to monitor progress and deliver interventions for SUD. Several studies of telephone-based interventions have shown positive effects, but sometimes only in certain subgroups. However, other studies have produced negative results. Studies have supported the use of interactive voice response (IVR) and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to conduct assessments, but there are few data on whether IVR- or PDA-based interventions improve outcomes. Text messaging has received comparatively little research, but appears promising as a means to conduct assessments and deliver automated interventions. Finally, smartphone technology provides the widest range of features and interventions and the greatest flexibility, but few intervention studies using smartphones have been conducted.
Family environment as a predictor of alcoholism treatment outcome

The current study investigated the role of family resources in successful outcome of alcoholism treatment. Fixty-six patients were administered the Family Environment Scale. The scores of completers and non-completers were compared. The current findings suggest that marital status alone is not predictive of outcome and that self-reports of the family environment should not be accepted without qualification. The need for further research which looks at the role of needs and accommodation within the relationship is discussed.
The Impact of Professionalism on Transfer of Care to the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Patient care transfer from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the emergency department (ED) providers is a transition point where there are high rates of information degradation and variability in perceptions of handoff quality. Objective To evaluate EMS and ED provider perceptions of information transfer compared to an external observer's objective assessment. Methods This evaluation is a review of a quality-improvement database at an academic trauma center. EMS to ED patient transfers were attended by trained external observers who recorded communicated data and evaluated provider professionalism. After handoff, EMS and ED staff rated their own perceptions of the transfer. Results Trained observers evaluated 1091 patient transfers. The perceived transfer quality was similar between EMS and ED staff, while trained observer ratings were different from EMS (odds ratio [OR] = 13.1; p p p p = 0.03). Conclusions This project is the largest evaluation of perceptions of ED transfers of care. During these transfers, significant key clinical information was not passed from EMS to ED staff. This did not have an association with EMS and ED staff transfer perception. Professionalism did affect attitudes concerning quality transfers of care. Future studies should focus on methods to improve information transfer while maximizing the subjective qualities of professional EMS–ED interactions.
Coupling between elements of electrically small compound antennas

Electrically small compound antennas consisting of thin-wire line (TM) and loop (TE) dipoles are analyzed numerically and experimentally to quantitatively describe the actual current distributions along the elements and the effects of mutual coupling between the TM and TE sources. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 22: 16–21, 1999.
The 2013 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' diabetes mellitus management recommendations: improvements needed.

For more than 20 years, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has been an authoritative source of advocacy and expertise in endocrinology. In line with its mission, the AACE recently introduced an update to their 2009 diabetes mellitus (DM) management algorithm,1 issuing an algorithm (April 2013),2 followed by a consensus statement (July2013).3 Management recommendations can be useful if they are based on evidence, developed through a readily understood process, and respectful of patients’ life circumstances and goals. A process that is easily understood is essential for physicians; other health care providers, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists; and patients to adequately judge the validity of management recommendations. Inclusion of patients’ values and preferences is important if the recommendations are to inform patient-centered care. In our view, the AACE’s DM algorithm and consensus statement do not meet these expectations and should not be used to guide clinical care in their current form. Algorithms and clinical guidelines should offer an assessment of the likely benefits and harms of treatments, and evaluate the quality of all of the relevant literature. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has therefore proposed 8 standards for developing clinical practice guidelines to ensure “scientifically valid, transparent, and reproducible results.”4(p4) Although the AACE’s algorithm and consensus statement were not explicitly labeled as “guidelines,” they were “developed to provide clinicians with a practical guide”3(p3) to the management of type 2 DM, making them subject to the same general principles. The algorithm and consensus statement fall short on several of the 8 IOM standards. We are particularly concerned about the following.
Some Appraised Instruments of Values for Counselors

The article by Kavanagh reviews several instruments that have been available for some time but perhaps neglected by counselors. Analyzing strengths and weaknesses of these items, he concludes that their judicious use can help toward the upgrading of counseling effectiveness. Clark Power's addendum introduces what could be called the forefront of values assessment. He looks at the varied values needs of the counselor and researcher and offers information about material that is still being researched or has recently become available.
Experimental Study on the Effective Separation of Chromium-Iron Ions in Multi-Component Solution System by Ihleite Method

As one of the raw material resources in China, chromium salt production has been paid to close attention. Alkali process of chromium salt produces serious environmental pollution, while acid production of chromium salt has separation problems of chromium-iron ions. The separation process of chromium-iron ions in acidic solution by the combination technology of hydrothermal method and ihleite method is studied in this paper. which finds that: with the increase of reaction temperature or with the extension of reaction time, precipitation rate of iron increases, while loss rate of chromium decreases.
Effects of selective myocardial stimulation or depression induced by intracoronary administration of drugs or by obstruction of major vessels. Studies with the dog ultralow-frequency ballistocardiogram

Abstract By means of the ultralow-frequency technique, excellent ballistocardiograms were secured in experiments with anesthetized dogs. These records, together with those for femoral blood pressure, were employed to detect changes in cardiac function under various experimental conditions. To secure cardiac stimulation in as pure a form as possible, drugs which stimulate cardiac action, in doses too small to give generalized effects but large enough to produce localized responses, were injected into both branches of the left coronary artery. To secure peripheral constriction in as pure a form as possible, drugs without direct cardiac action were injected intravenously. From the changes in contour of the ballistocardiogram and of the blood pressure curves, the direction of the changes in cardiac force, work, and output was assessed. Cardiac stimulation usually increases all of these aspects of cardiac performance; depression usually decreases all of them. Some aspects were often affected more than others. By means of balloons mounted on the tips of catheters, the effects of obstruction of the aorta, of the inferior vena cava, and of the pulmonary artery were observed. The latter gave a surprising result—a large increase in the size of the ballistocardiogram, apparently a result of tricuspid regurgitation. By means of changes in peripheral resistance marked changes in the J wave of the ballistocardiogram were produced. It seems evident that the amplitude of this wave can be altered by noncardiac as well as by cardiac factors. The causes of other abnormalities of ballistic form produced experimentally in the dogs are discussed.
Adipocyte hypoxia promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene expression and estrogen receptor-negative phenotype in breast cancer cells

The development of breast cancer is linked to the loss of estrogen receptor (ER) during the course of tumor progression, resulting in loss of responsiveness to hormonal treatment. The mechanisms underlying dynamic ERα gene expression change in breast cancer remain unclear. A range of physiological and biological changes, including increased adipose tissue hypoxia, accompanies obesity. Hypoxia in adipocytes can establish a pro-malignancy environment in breast tissues. Epidemiological studies have linked obesity with basal-like breast cancer risk and poor disease outcome, suggesting that obesity may affect the tumor phenotype by skewing the microenvironment toward support of more aggressive tumor phenotypes. In the present study, human SGBS adipocytes were co-cultured with ER-positive MCF7 cells for 24 h. After co-culture, HIF1α, TGF-β, and lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX1) mRNA levels in the SGBS cells were increased. Expression levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors FOXC2 and TWIST1 were increased in the co-cultured MCF7 cells. In addition, the E-cadherin mRNA level was decreased, while the N-cadherin mRNA level was increased in the co-cultured MCF7 cells. ERα mRNA levels were significantly repressed in the co-cultured MCF7 cells. ERα gene expression in the MCF7 cells was decreased due to increased HIF1α in the SGBS cells. These results suggest that adipocytes can modify breast cancer cell ER gene expression through hypoxia and also can promote EMT processes in breast cancer cells, supporting an important role of obesity in aggressive breast cancer development.
Experimental study of one- and two-photon Rabi oscillations.

We report an experimental study of one- and two-photon Rabi oscillations and other coherent effects in microwave transitions between Rydberg states of calcium. Selective field ionization allows us to observe the time evolution of both the initial and final states with high discrimination. The experiments include measurements of the dependence of the one- and two-photon oscillation frequencies on microwave power and detuning from resonance. We have used the off-resonant behavior of the two-photon oscillation frequency to measure the ac Stark shift. In a magnetic field we have also observed the free evolution of the magnetic sublevels and the effect of Zeeman splitting on the one-photon Rabi oscillations. The theory for these experiments is presented; our results are in excellent agreement.
Infrared transmission spectra from 2.5 to 25 μm of various meteorite classes

Abstract Infrared transmission spectra from 53 meteorites in the spectral range from 2.5 to 25 μm were measured to permit comparisons with data of astronomical objects that are potential meteorite sources. Data were taken for 14 carbonaceous chondrites, 5 LL ordinary chondrites, 6 L ordinary chondrites, 10 H ordinary chondrites, 1 enstatite chondrite, 4 aubrites, 3 eucrites, 4 howardites, 1 diogenite, 1 mesosiderite, 2 nakhlites, 1 shergottite, and the anomalous achondrite Angra dos Reis. The CO and CV carbonaceous chondrites have spectra similar to each other, with 10-μm features characteristic of olivine. The CM carbonaceous chondrites have distinctive 10-μm features that are attributed to layer lattice silicates. Members of both the CI and CR classes have spectra distinct from those of other carbonaceous chondrites. The LL, L, and H ordinary chondrites have spectra that match those of olivine and pyroxene mixtures. The enstatite chondrites and enstatite achondrites (aubrites) all exhibit spectra diagnostic of the pyroxene enstatite. The angrite, howardites, aucrites, nakhlites, shergottite, and diogenite all have similar spectra also dominated by pyroxene. The single mesosiderite examined had a spectrum distinct from all the other meteorites.
The fallacy of applying the Poiseuille equation to segmental arterial stenosis

Abstract 1. 1. In order to study the dynamics of flow through stenoses, we have performed a series of experiments in an arbitrary model in which blood and other fluids were passed through stenoses of previously known dimensions in a tubular system, and pressures, flow, and viscosity were recorded. 2. 2. Our data are summarized by the equation: F = b ΔP 10 a where F = flow, ΔP = the differential pressure, and a and b are exponents related to the radius of the stenosis and fluid viscosity, respectively. 3. 3. Our results reveal the following departures from the Poiseuille equation for flow through stenoses: (a) Flow is not proportional to the fourth power of the radius of the stenotic lumen, but varies with its absolute radius in relation to the differential pressure (and, therefore, is also dependent on peripheral resistance). (b) Flow is not linearly related to differential pressure because energy is progressively dissipated in turbulence as differential pressure rises. (c) Flow is not linearly related to viscosity, for, although an increased viscosity increases drag, it also tends to diminish turbulence. We conclude that the Poiseuille equation does not apply to flow through stenoses.
Oral Steroid Therapy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with and without Nasal Polyposis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. CRS can be divided into two subtypes: CRS without polyps (CRSsNP) and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Corticosteroids are frequently employed to treat CRS due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment of CRS with oral steroids must be carefully balanced against potential adverse effects. This article reviews the current literature on management of CRS with systemic corticosteroids. We discuss the available evidence in CRSsNP, CRSwNP, and allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Studies are evaluated for level of evidence and graded to provide evidence-based recommendations. Our review finds a lack of high-quality evidence supporting oral corticosteroid therapy in CRSsNP. In comparison, randomized controlled trails support the use of oral corticosteroids for CRSwNP. Similarly, systemic steroids for AFS treatment are supported by quality studies demonstrating efficacy. Utilization of steroids is also recommended in the perioperative setting for CRSwNP.
Neuron Staining by Basic Dyes Versus Basic Metal-Dye Complexes; Differences Shown by Histochemical Blocking Reactions

Various blocking procedures were applied to sections of paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed cat spinal cord. Treated sections and untreated controls were stained with cresyl violet acetate or gallocyanine-chrome alum. Although both dyes have been said to stain by simple salt formation it was found that staining was affected differently for each dye by the blocking procedures, and also that staining of neuron nuclei differed in the controls. In these, the cresyl violet acetate stained only the nucleoli within the nucleoplasm whereas gallocyanine-chrome alum stained much more material of unknown composition and function. It is proposed that if cresyl violet acetate and other basic dyes stain by salt linkage, and can be specific for nucleic acid and other highly acid materials, then gallocyanine and other basic metal dye complexes can not be specific for nucleic acid and do not stain by a simple salt linkage.
Capture of Viral Particles in Soft X-Ray–Enhanced Corona Systems: Charge Distribution and Transport Characteristics

The charge distribution of airborne MS2 bacteriophage nanoparticles and the efficiency of electrical-mobility–based capture mechanisms with bipolar charging were studied. MS2 virions form large agglomerated particles in a suspension. The average charge on airborne MS2 virions can be as high as one unit charge (negatively charged). The application of both soft X-ray irradiation and alpha rays from a Po-210 bipolar charger was shown to not only reduce the average charge on MS2 virion particles but also partially fragment the larger MS2 virion agglomerates, thereby increasing the number of ultrafine MS2 virion particles. A cylindrical electrostatic precipitator with a mounted soft X-ray emitter was used to determine the effectiveness of electrical capture methods for virus particles. At low applied voltages, it was found that the capture efficiency of ultrafine virus particles can be increased by applying in situ soft X-ray irradiation with electrostatic precipitation. It has also been shown that in the pres...
Learning Map Interpretation: Skill Acquisition and Underlying Abilities

The effectiveness of the Map Interpretation and Terrain Association Course (MITAC) was evaluated. MITAC instruction significantly improved subjects' ability to perform terrain association, a critical skill in position location. In addition, individual differences in spatial abilities were assessed to identify cognitive components underlying map interpretation. Two components, orientation and mental rotation, were found to be equally important for predicting real world position location, while orientation alone was related to course success. Comparison of experimental and control groups' spatial aptitude scores indicated that the success of MITAC in improving terrain association was not a result of increased spatial aptitude. Instead, the course was effective because it taught a procedural orientation strategy that can be learned by those with low spatial ability. Finally, field and classroom performance were compared to wayfinding in a virtual (video game) environment in which position coordinates were available during play. Game performance was significantly related to both field and classroom performance, and to spatial aptitude.
Toward a learning‐based view of innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify learning‐based management innovation that is essential to the firm's competitive advantage, and to develop a conceptual model of learning‐enabled innovation and research propositions for future research.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines how four business firms develop their enterprise learning‐based innovation as a solution for a business crisis they face. The research methodology employs a fact‐based principle that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected and analyzed at the corporate level of the subject organizations.Findings – The cases in this study exemplify that in business crises a firm can be successful by developing a learning‐based innovation that is different from the classical paradigm of technology‐enabled innovation.Research limitations/implications – The cases in this study are successful stories from the best practice in organizational learning. Even if learning‐enabled innovation successes were r...
Recovery of alertness after CPAP in apnea

Excessive daytime sleepiness is the most common symptom in OSAS. Administering CPAP improves breathing during sleep. We evaluated the time course of the recovery of alertness following CPAP therapy in OSAS patients. Thirty-nine patients with OSAS were treated with CPAP and evaluated after one, 14, or 42 nights of treatment, 13 patients being randomly assigned to each group. All received a diagnostic polysomnogram and MSLT before treatment. The three groups had similar baseline values for nocturnal respiratory disturbance, oxygenation during sleep, fragmentation of sleep, and level of EDS. CPAP treatment was associated with a significant improvement in sleep-related respiration, oxygenation, and sleep fragmentation. The EDS showed significant improvement after one night, and further significant improvement after 14 nights, but no further significant improvement after 42 nights. The differential rate of improvement in nocturnal parameters compared with that of the primary complaint of EDS suggests that OSAS patients experience a chronic functional sleep loss. As with sleep deprivation, recovery of alertness in OSAS requires several nights of normal sleep.
Numerical Prediction of Convectively Driven Mesoscale Pressure Systems. Part I: Convective Parameterization

Abstract A parameterization formulation for incorporating the effects of midlatitude deep convection into mesoscale-numerical models is presented. The formulation is based on the hypothesis that the buoyant energy available to a parcel, in combination with a prescribed period of time for the convection to remove that energy, can be used to regulate the amount of convection in a mesoscale numerical model grid element. Individual clouds are represented as entraining moist updraft and downdraft plumes. The fraction of updraft condensate evaporated in moist downdrafts is determined from an empirical relationship between the vertical shear of the horizontal wind and precipitation efficiency. Vertical transports of horizontal momentum and warming by compensating subsidence are included in the parameterization. Since updraft and downdraft areas are sometimes a substantial fraction of mesoscale model grid-element areas, grid-point temperatures (adjusted for convection) are an area-weighted mean of updraft, downdr...
Law and ethics in population health

This paper proposes an action agenda to assure healthier and safer populations. First, create a strong public health infrastructure with sustainable funding and secure foundations - a well-trained workforce, modern data systems, rapid disease surveillance, and laboratory capacity. Second, use law as a tool for the public's health - tax and spend to create incentives for health, alter the informational and built environments to reduce risk behaviours, lower socio-economic disparities to improve health, regulate for the public's welfare, pursue tort litigation to innovate for safety, and deregulate to reduce harm. Third, create a new public health ethic in society that truly values human health - advocate for a renewed commitment to the ideals of community and partnership, and stress citizens' duties to help and protect their fellow human beings.
On the Solution of Linear Chemical Separation Equations with Weak Diffusion Effects

Abstract We indicate how successive approximations to the solution of equations of the form can be derived. The resulting theory is applied to accurate solutions to equations arising in pore gradient electrophoresis and to ultracentrifugation with pressure effects. The second approximation decreases errors by at least 25% over the first approximation, and leads to substantial improvement in the application to the Lamm equation that describes ultracentrifugation.
Structure and light-regulated expression of the gsa gene encoding the chlorophyll biosynthetic enzyme, glutamate 1-semialdehyde aminotransferase, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The gsa gene, which encodes glutamate 1-semialdehyde (GSA) aminotransferase (GSAT), an enzyme in the chlorophyll and heme biosynthetic pathway, has been cloned from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by complementation of an Escherichia coli hemL mutant. The deduced C. reinhardtii GSAT amino acid sequence has a high degree of similarity to GSAT sequences from barley, tobacco, soybean and various prokaryotic sources. In vitro enzyme activity assays from E. coli transformed with the C. reinhardtii GSAT cDNA showed that higher levels of GSAT activity are associated with the expression of the cDNA insert. Analysis of changes in mRNA levels in light:dark synchronized C. reinhardtii cultures was done by northern blotting. The level of GSAT mRNA nearly doubled during the first 0.5 h in the light and increased over 26-fold after 2 h in the light. This increase is comparable to previously reported increases in GSAT activity in dark-grown cultures transferred to the light, and is the first report of induction by light of a gene encoding an ALA biosynthetic enzyme in plant or algal cells. The accumulation of GSAT mRNA follows the pattern of chlorophyll accumulation and the pattern of chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (cabII-1) mRNA accumulation in these cells, suggesting that the two genes may be regulated by light through a common mechanism. Additional evidence that the GSAT mRNA may be transcriptionally regulated by light is found in the genomic sequence of the gsa gene. Two areas that are similar to sequences involved in the light regulation of genes from other organisms are located upstream of the GSAT-encoding region, and a third was detected internal to the coding region.
Sensing the microenvironment of the central nervous system: immune cells in the central nervous system and their pharmacological manipulation.

Immune responses are highly regulated in all organs and severely restricted in certain tissues within the central nervous system (CNS). This phenomenon, called ‘immune privilege’, has been linked to the existence of multiple anatomical and physiological protective mechanisms. The finely balanced anti-inflammatory microenvironment within the CNS contributes to the immune privilege status of this tissue. The regulation of this compartment changes under pathological conditions when pro-inflammatory mediators might dominate. The past few years brought a wealth of novel information fostering our understanding of how CNS resident cells regulate the functions of immune cells, particularly helper T lymphocytes (Ths) and dendritic cells (DCs). These two cell types play a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of neuroinflammatory diseases. The change from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the inflamed CNS affects Th and DC accumulation and function in the nervous tissue. A new era of DC-targeted therapies has begun, with the possibility of designing novel immunomodulatory therapies to intervene with neuroinflammation in a wide range of neurological diseases.
Citizenship, Civic Memory and Urban Performance: Mission Wall Dances

The meaning of art changes in various contexts. This article examines how an outdoor performance transformed an urban street in the Mission District of San Francisco into a site of citizenship and political communication. This is the story of how choreographer Jo Kreiter and her small group of dancers used the power of memory, the social narratives about her San Franciscan performance site and symbolism to enhance the political message about gentrification embedded in her dance piece Mission Wall Dances. The relevance of public performance, however, does not come exclusively from its location, but rather includes its engagement with civic life. The performance of Mission Wall Dances became a dialogue between the physical site, the specific subject matter and the experiences and memories of the audience members. The associations made between the performance and its neighbourhood location in the minds of the audience members can build a sense of civic identity, at both individual and group levels. The image...
Lactobacillus isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis with ventricular septal defect detected by transesophageal echocardiography

Endocarditis resulting from Lactobacillus species, an anaerobic, nonsporulating, gram-positive bacilli, is rare. Forty-two cases have been reported in the literature.l, 2 Lactobacillus species are generally considered nonpathogenie flora of the mouth, gut, and female genital tract.l They have been mostly reported in patients with prior structural heart disease (83 % ), congenital (bicuspid aortic valve, ventricular septal defect [VSD]) or acquired (prior endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, prosthetic valves).3 The aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves have been infected by Lactobacillus species. From our review of the literature isolated Lactobacillus pulmonary valve endocarditis has not been previously reported. We present such a case in a young woman with subarterial VSD and emphasize the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in establishing the diagnosis. A 21-year-old white woman arrived at the University of Rochester Medical Center with a l-week history of chills, fever, and dry cough. One day before admission, she noted the onset of a pleuritic left-sided chest pain and dyspnea. She denied recent weight loss or genitourinary or gastrointestinal symptoms. Her medical history was significant for congenital supracristal VSD and clinically insignificant pulmonary stenosis diagnosed by cardiac catheterization at the age of 6. Surgical correction was not required. She had no history of diabetes or hypertension. She denied intravenous drug or alcohol abuse. She had no recent dental work or teeth cleaning. She reported a broken molar 1 month before admission. Physical examination on admission was notable for a temperature of 40.2” C, blood pressure of 130/75 mm Hg, heart rate of 150 beats/ mm, and a respiratory rate of 36 breaths/min. Fundoscopic examination revealed no Roth spots or retinal hemorrhages. The oral cavity had teeth with multiple caries. There was no lymphadenopathy. No skin lesions were noted. The jugular venous pressure was estimated at 6 cm water above the right atrium. The lungs had decreased breath sounds and rales over the left lower lobe but were
Experience and future needs in computer-aided control design

Recently, the author and his colleagues developed the Federated Computer-Aided Design System. The objective of this paper is to discuss the experience gained by using this system on a broad range of problems. From this perspective, the needs and future trends in the area are discussed. Of primary interest is the need for a blending of software engineering and controls to provide more effective micro-processor systems.
Nomograms for computing 0.95 confidence limits of pollen data

Abstract Confidence limits should be displayed on pollen diagrams to aid in their interpretation. Mosimann (1965) has provided complex but useful equations to estimate 0.95 confidence limits for counts made both inside and outside the basic pollen sum. Nomograms are offered to simplify the solution of Mosimann's equations. Examples of the use of confidence limits are provided.
Hyaluronan fragments as mediators of inflammation in allergic pulmonary disease

Asthma is frequently caused and/or exacerbated by sensitization to allergens, which are ubiquitous in many indoor and outdoor environments. Severe asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchial constriction in response to an inhaled allergen, leading to a disease course that is often very difficult to treat with standard asthma therapies. As a result of interactions among inflammatory cells, structural cells, and the intercellular matrix of the allergic lung, patients with sensitization to allergens may experience a greater degree of tissue injury followed by airway wall remodeling and progressive, accumulated pulmonary dysfunction as part of the disease sequela. In addition, turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) components is a hallmark of tissue injury and repair. This review focuses on the role of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), a component of the ECM, in pulmonary injury and repair with an emphasis on allergic asthma. Both the synthesis and degradation of the ECM are critical contributors to tissue repair and remodeling. Fragmented HA accumulates during tissue injury and functions in ways distinct from the larger native polymer. There is gathering evidence that HA degradation products are active participants in stimulating the expression of inflammatory genes in a variety of immune cells at the injury site. In this review, we will consider recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms that are associated with HA accumulation and inflammatory cell recruitment in the asthmatic lung.
CATALOG: a system for detection and rendering of internal log defects using computer tomography

This paper describes the design and implementation of a machine vision system CATALOG for detection and classification of some important internal defects in hardwood logs via analysis of computer axial tomography (CT or CAT) images. The defect identification and classification in CATALOG consists of two phases. The first phase comprises of the segmentation of a single CT image slice, which results in the extraction of 2D defect-like regions from the CT image slice. The second phase comprises of the correlation of the 2D defect-like regions across CT image slices in order to establish 3D support. The segmentation algorithm for a single CT image is a complex form of multiple-value thresholding that exploits both, the prior knowledge of the wood structure within the log and the gray-level characteristics of the image. The algorithm for extraction of 2D defect-like regions in a single CT image first locates the pith of the log cross section, groups the pixels in the segmented image on the basis of their connectivity and classifies each 2D region as either a defect-like region or a defect-free region using shape, orientation and morphological features. Each 2D defect-like region is classified as a defect or non-defect via correlation across corresponding 2D defect-like regions in neighboring CT image slices. The 2D defect-like regions with adequate 3D support are labeled as true defects. The current version of CATALOG is capable of 3D reconstruction and rendering of the log and its internal defects from the individual CT image slices. CATALOG is also capable of simulation and rendering of key machining operations such as sawing and veneering on the 3D reconstructions of the logs. The current version of CATALOG is intended as a decision aid for sawyers and machinists in lumber mills and also as an interactive training tool for novice sawyers and machinists.
Cardiac Risk Assessment in Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery

Preoperative cardiac risk assessment for noncardiac thoracic surgery is limited by the lack of data specific to this type of surgery, especially prospective, controlled data. However, the value of clinical predictors in determining accurate postoperative cardiac outcomes is a reliable tool. Thus, the approach is similar to traditional cardiac risk assessment for noncardiac surgery. The essential elements of cardiovascular evaluation as it pertains to noncardiac thoracic surgery are reviewed with a specific focus on coronary artery disease, perioperative arrhythmias, and selected topics relevant to noncardiac thoracic surgery. The core recommendations of the clinical guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association are discussed in the context of noncardiac thoracic surgery.
Investigation of the dithiocarbamate-induced coupling of allylidene and carbonyl ligands on a tungsten center

Abstract Reaction of the allylidene tungsten complex [W(CPhCHCHMe)Br 2 (CO) 2 (4-picoline)] ( 1 ) with the dithiocarbamates MS 2 CNR 2 ( a : M=Na, R=Et; b : M=Na, R=Me; c : M=Li, R=Ph) in THF at 50 °C affords the vinylketene tungsten complexes [W(S 2 CNR 2 ) 2 (OCCPhCHCHMe)(CO)] ( 2a–c ). At lower temperatures, four reaction intermediates ( 3–6 ) may be discerned. Spectroscopic studies indicate that these compounds contain η 4 -allyldithiocarbamate ligands which are generated by addition of dithiocarbamate across the metal-carbon double bond of the allylidene-tungsten unit in 1 . The structures of [W(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 (OCCPhCHCHMe)(CO)] ( 2a ) and of one intermediate, [W(η 4 -Et 2 NCS 2 CPhCHCHMe)(S 2 CNEt 2 )(CO) 2 ] ( 5a ) were elucidated by X-ray crystallography.
Exchange Scattering of an Electron by the Hydrogen Atom

The theory of scattering of electrons by hydrogen has been re-examined with the objective of identifying the matrix element for the exchange scattered amplitude from the same integral equation which provides direct scattered amplitudes. The theory of Mott and Massey is verified, but it is demonstrated that their result contains contributions from the incident wave which must be removed before computing exchange amplitudes. The result is a theoretical justification for the Oppenheimer (prior) matrix element.
Serial recall of two-voice lists: Implications for theories of auditory recency and suffix effects

Substantial recency effects are found in immediate serial recall of auditory items. These recency effects are greatly reduced when an irrelevant auditory stimulus (a stimulus suffix) is presented. A number of accounts that have been proposed to explain these phenomena assume that auditory items are susceptible to masking or overwriting in memory. Later items overwrite earlier items, leading to an advantage for the last item, unless it is masked by a suffix. This assumption is called into question by evidence that presenting list items in two voices has no beneficial effect in immediate serial recall. In addition, it is shown that suffix effects on both terminal and preterminal list items are influenced by the physical similarity of the suffix to the terminal item and not by the physical similarity of the suffix to preterminal items.
An evaluation of gradient acrylamide gel electrophoresis and acrylamide gel isoelectric focusing for the primary separation of complex mixtures of proteins: Comparison of one- and two-dimensional analytical procedures

Abstract Pore gradient electrophoresis and two-dimensional acrylamide gel electrophoresis were compared with gel isoelectric focusing and gel isoelectric focusing combined with pore gradient electrophoresis for the separation of complex mixtures of proteins ( viz. serum, cerebrospinal fuid, urine, and bacterial cell extract). Based on simplicity, sensitivity, and reproducibility, the acrylamide gel procedures were found superior to the gel isoelectric focusing techniques. Of all the techniques examined, the most sensitive (total number of proteins detected) and that which produced the most informative protein patterns, was a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic technique. With this procedure, the proteins are first separated in a homogeneous gel, then in a continuous, concave 2–30% gel gradient, at right angles to the first separation. Thus, pore gradient electrophoresis offers to all fields of biology a highly sensitive and versatile tool for the analyses of proteins and peptides.
The transcriptional enhancer element, xB, regulates promoter activity of the human neurotropic virus, JCV, in cells derived from the CNS

Studies on the regulation of the human neurotropic virus (JCV) promoter, have been focused primarily on the 98 bp tandem repeat sequence which confers glial-specificity to viral gene expression. We demonstrate that a distinct regulatory element outside of the 98 bp region, which spans a stretch of 10 nucleotides (nt) (5'-GGGAATTTCC-3') increases transcriptional activity of JCV late (JCVL), and early (JCVE) promoters in glial cells. Sequence analysis of this motif reveals extensive homology to the kappa B sequence of HIV-1 (5'-GGGACTTTCC-3'). A DNA fragment corresponding to the 10 nt sequence of JCV exhibits transcriptional activity when placed upstream of the test promoter in glial cells. The induction mediated by this regulatory motif is moderately enhanced in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in glial cells. Band-shift and UV-crosslinking experiments suggest that glial cells constitutively produce proteins that specifically interact with the JCV kappa B, but not the HIV-1 kappa B motif. Treatment of cells with PMA results in formation of new complexes that are sensitive to the kappa B sequences derived from the JCV and HIV-1 genomes. These results suggest that the kappa B sequence located in the JCV genome may play a role in transcriptional regulation of JCV gene expression by interacting with inducible and uninducible nuclear proteins from glial cells.
Disharmony in Federal Government

Commentary. In order to maintain the integrity of the constituent states in a federal system, they must be able to dispute, sometimes successfully, with the central government. If the states cannot, they may well become no more than local subdivisions in a decentralized but unitary system, like the local subdivisions in France or in the (dubiously federal) Soviet Union. In effectively operating federal systems, one should thus expect a fair amount of intergovernmental bickering, which is here given the name “disharmony.” Conceivably, this disharmony might be moderated in two ways: first, by constitutionally subjecting local governments to the central government (as in France) or, second, by politically reconciling differences through the agency of a political party that simultaneously controls government at both levels (as in the Soviet Union). To moderate by the first method is to abandon federalism explicity, while to moderate by the second is to abandon it implicitly.
RNAi-Mediated CCR5 Knockdown Provides HIV-1 Resistance to Memory T Cells in Humanized BLT Mice

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) modified with a lentiviral vector bearing a potent nontoxic short hairpin RNA (sh1005) directed to the HIV coreceptor CCR5 is capable of continuously producing CCR5 downregulated CD4+ T lymphocytes. Here, we characterized HIV-1 resistance of the sh1005-modified CD4+ T lymphocytes in vivo in humanized bone marrow/liver/thymus (hu BLT) mice. The sh1005-modified CD4+ T lymphocytes were positively selected in CCR5-tropic HIV-1–challenged mice. The sh1005-modified memory CD4+ T lymphocytes (the primary target of CCR5-tropic HIV-1) expressing sh1005 were maintained in lymphoid tissues in CCR5-tropic HIV-1–challenged mice. Frequencies of HIV-1 p24 expressing cells were significantly reduced in the sh1005-modified splenocytes by ex vivo cell stimulation confirming that CCR5 downregulated sh1005 modified cells are protected from viral infection. These results demonstrate that stable CCR5 downregulation through genetic modification of human HSPC by lentivirally delivered sh1005 is highly effective in providing HIV-1 resistance. Our results provide in vivo evidence in a relevant small animal model that sh1005 is a potent early-step anti-HIV reagent that has potential as a novel anti-HIV-1 HSPC gene therapeutic reagent for human applications.
Changing the Image Repair Equation Impact of Race and Gender on Sport-Related Transgressions

Utilizing a 2 (race) × 2 (sex) × 3 (response strategy) factorial experiment, this study interrogates the extent to which an athlete’s race and gender impacts the image repair process, specifically ...
MicroRNA-217 Promotes Ethanol-induced Fat Accumulation in Hepatocytes by Down-regulating SIRT1

Ethanol-mediated inhibition of hepatic sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of this inhibition by identifying a new hepatic target of ethanol action, microRNA-217 (miR-217). The role of miR-217 in the regulation of the effects of ethanol was investigated in cultured mouse AML-12 hepatocytes and in the livers of chronically ethanol-fed mice. In AML-12 hepatocytes and in mouse livers, chronic ethanol exposure drastically and specifically induced miR-217 levels and caused excess fat accumulation. Further studies revealed that overexpression of miR-217 in AML-12 cells promoted ethanol-mediated impairments of SIRT1 and SIRT1-regulated genes encoding lipogenic or fatty acid oxidation enzymes. More importantly, miR-217 impairs functions of lipin-1, a vital lipid regulator, in hepatocytes. Taken together, our novel findings suggest that miR-217 is a specific target of ethanol action in the liver and may present as a potential therapeutic target for treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Towards an intelligent system for cognitive behavioral treatment

The paper describes an innovative intelligence information system of systems that can be used within the context of psychotherapy with individuals with depressive and bipolar disorders. The system achieves the following: (a) reveals psychological/behavioral and physiological patterns of the disorders which will aid with diagnosing and long term prognosis; (b) provides information to therapists which will aid with treatment planning and improve treatment effectiveness and (c) provides both patients and therapists with services to improve their quality of life and enrich their professional experience respectively. The system through a closed-loop approach, further contributes in managing high-risk situations often associated with these disorders and significantly decreasing the potential risk for suicide.
RNA-Binding Proteins Associated Molecular Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration Pathogenesis

Motor neuron diseases are neurodegenerative disorders that trigger motor neurons to degenerate and lead to paralysis. Our understanding on the mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration has been enhanced by recent cellular and molecular researches. In this review, I highlight advances in RNA-binding proteins associated molecular mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration pathogenesis including ribonucleoprotein-associated motor neuron degeneration which is focused on RNA-binding protein aggregation associated aberrant RNA metabolism and stress granules mediated translational repression, neurofilament associated aggregate formation, and prion protein associated accumulation of misfolded proteins. Progress overviewed above will be valuable to the development of more targeted diagnostic tests and therapies.