cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining integrity of bladder innervation and smooth muscle function 1 year after lower spinal root transection in canines.

Aims To assess bladder smooth muscle function and innervation after long-term lower spinal root transection in canines. Methods Thirteen female mixed-breed hound dogs underwent bladder decentralization, which included transection of all sacral dorsal and ventral roots caudal to L7 and hypogastric nerves, bilaterally (n = 3); all sacral roots and hypogastric nerves plus transection of L7 dorsal roots, bilaterally (n = 4); or a sham operation (n = 6). At a year after initial surgery, bladder function was assessed in vivo by stimulation of the pelvic plexus. The bladder tissue was harvested for ex vivo smooth muscle contractility studies. Remaining bladder was evaluated for nerve morphology immunohistochemically using neuronal marker PGP9.5, apoptotic activity using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and histopathology using a hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results Sacral root decentralization did not reduce maximum strength of pelvic plexus stimulation-induced bladder contraction, although long-term sacral dorsal and ventral root plus L7 dorsal root transection significantly decreased contraction strength. Electric field stimulation-induced contractions of the detrusor from all decentralized animals were preserved, compared to controls. Viable nerves and intramural ganglia were visualized in the bladder wall, regardless of group. There was no difference in amount of apoptosis in bladder smooth muscle between groups. Conclusion Bladder smooth muscle cells maintain their function after long-term bladder decentralization. While pelvic plexus-induced bladder contractions were less robust at 1 year after lower spinal root transection, the absence of atrophy and preservation of at least some nerve activity may allow for successful surgical reinnervation after long-term injury.
The potential of CAR T therapy for relapsed or refractory pediatric and young adult B-cell ALL

Recent advancements in immunooncology have resulted in the generation of novel therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, which have revolutionized the treatment of pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The journey of tisagenlecleucel (formerly CTL019) from early preclinical success to the US Food and Drug Administration approval is summarized in this review. Strategies that are currently being investigated to improve the efficacy and safety profile of CAR T-cells are also explored, as well as the factors contributing to the present state of patient access to CAR T therapy.
Applied Profiling: Uses, Reliability and Ethics

There are many uses of profiling. Currently, as represented by this book, the science of profiling is in its nascent stages. As it becomes more accurate, more uses for it will emerge. However, there is a dichotomy associated with this progression. While its increasing accuracy is likely to give rise to more applications, its potential to severely infringe on a person’s privacy through them will also rise. In the context of practical applications, two issues therefore become extremely important: whether the information generated through profiling is accurate or not, and whether it is relevant and ethical or not.
Review of Edmund Husserl’s Book: Crisis of European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology

All objective philosophy and positive science are unreal, that is, they all depend on pregivens that are subjective in nature. To question the pregivens is to enter phenomenology, and it is here that psychology transforms itself into Husserl's transcendental phenomenology. All "objective" science requires its purification by a transcendental psychology. Husserl (page 257) writes: "a pure psychology as positive science, a psychology which would investigate universally the human beings living in the world as real facts in the world, similarly to other positive sciences (both sciences of nature and humanistic disciplines), does not exist. There is only a transcendental psychology, which is identical with transcendental philosophy." You can find this book at Amazon: Crisis of European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology .
The Application of Heavy Strength Training in Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

A combination of high levels of physical activity, low sex hormone concentrations and subsequent low bone mineral density is commonplace in athletic populations. Low bone mineral density can lead to an increased risk of stress reactions or fractures, which can significantly reduce sport participation time. The use of heavy strength training has been effective at increasing bone mineral density in older, frail osteoporotic populations, and there is evidence that it would also be effective in athletic populations with low bone density. In addition to potentially reducing the risk of stress reactions and fractures, heavy strength training may be beneficial for endurance performance, including when being used as a replacement for some of the endurance activities. Thus, individuals exhibiting symptoms associated with the Female Athlete Triad, the Exercise Hypogondal Male Condition or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports should consider implementing heavy strength training as part of their exercise regimen.
Otx2 and Oc1 directly regulate the transcriptional program of cone photoreceptor development

The vertebrate retina is a highly organized structure of approximately 110 cell types. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) produce these cell types in a temporal order that is highly conserved. While some RPCs produce many cell types, some terminally dividing RPCs produce restricted types of daughter cells, such as a cone photoreceptor and a horizontal cell (HC). Here, we compared the transcriptomes and chromatin profiles of such a restricted cone/HC RPC with those of other RPCs. We identified many cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) active in cone/HC RPCs and developing cones. We then showed that Otx2 and Oc1 directly regulate the activity of multiple CRMs genome-wide, including near genes important for cone development, such as Rxrg and Neurod1. In addition, we found that Otx2 regulates itself. These results suggest that Otx2 and Oc1 have a broader role than previously appreciated, and deepen our understanding of retinal development, which may benefit therapies for retinal diseases.
An Integrated Hospital Protocol for Persons With Injection-Related Infections May Increase Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Use but Challenges Remain.

Background Hospital-based strategies that link persons with infectious complications of opioid use disorder (OUD) to medications for OUD (MOUD) are of great interest. The objective of this study is to determine whether a hospital-based protocol would increase the use of MOUD and to identify barriers to MOUD during admission and at the time of discharge. Methods This study included participants with a documented or suspected history of injection drug usage receiving care for an infection at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital from 2015 to 2018. The protocol, the intravenous antibiotic and addiction team (IVAT), included Addiction Medicine and Infectious Diseases consultation and a 9-item risk assessment. We quantified MOUD use before and after IVAT and used logistic regression to determine factors associated with MOUD. We explored barriers to MOUD uptake using chart review. Results A total of 37 and 98 patients met criteria in the pre- and post-IVAT periods, respectively. With IVAT, the percentage with OUD receiving MOUD significantly increased (29% pre-IVAT and 37% post-IVAT; P = .026) and MOUD use was higher in "high risk" participants (62%). Clinical and sociodemographic factors were not associated with MOUD receipt. Conclusions A hospital-based protocol may increase the use of MOUD; however, the uptake of MOUD remains suboptimal (
Dogmatische Grundlagen einer strafrechtlichen Verantwortlichkeit der Entscheidungsträger im Krankenhausmanagement

Auf der Basis der zuvor dargestellten Grundsatze des Organisationsverschuldens in Krankenhausern sollen im folgenden Abschnitt die moglichen strafrechtlichen Auswirkungen von Organisationsfehlern der Entscheidungstrager im Krankenhausmanagement beleuchtet werden.
An Ultra-Wideband Metasurface for Half-Mirror and QWP Operations

A novel ultrathin flexible multifunctional metasurface is presented and analyzed. The design comprises of bat shaped metallic patch which is printed on ultrathin flexible polyimide substrate having thickness of 0.06mm. The designed metasurface is achieving half-mirror operation (1:1 beam splitter) in ultrawideband frequency of 9.70-20.27 GHz. The metasurface also achieving twofold operation (simultaneous quarter wave plate (QWP) and half mirror) at two frequency bands of 9.70-10.91 GHz and 19.31-20.27 GHz. The metasurface provides similar response against oblique incidence up to 30°.
Potential effects of domestication on non-native plant invasion risk

Plant domestication can increase propagule pressure and alter functional traits that may contribute to invasion risk, such as high productivity. Domesticated biotypes (i.e., any cultivar, variety, or other infraspecific taxa that have been domesticated) have a unique evolutionary history that often involves enhanced propagule pressure, selection of traits for human use, and cultural practices to increase establishment success. These elements can alter the invasion process from that of non-domesticated non-native species. Understanding which traits are consistently selected for, how strongly those traits are altered by selection, and in which cases they influence invasion risk would facilitate actions that reduce impacts of domesticated biotypes on natural and agricultural systems. We identified commonalities in trait selection and management intensity among groups of domesticated biotypes selected for particular purposes (e.g., food, ornamental, and biomass production) that indicate predictable invasion risk and management approaches for biotypes from each group. Broadly, food crops that rely on high intensity management tend to have relatively low invasion risk, while biotypes developed for ornamental purposes are subject to more variable management intensity and may have greater risk of establishment and spread in natural areas without cultural practices (e.g., weeding, fertilizer). Biomass-producing biotypes are usually bred for high productivity under low management intensity and have a high-risk of becoming invasive. For groups of domesticated plants bred for different purposes, and across all management levels, efforts to reduce risk of producing invasive biotypes include selection of parent taxa with low invasion risk, development of domesticated biotypes focused on specific low-risk traits and dependence on cultural practices, and selection of durable low-risk traits over consecutive generations.
Mining Fiskeby III and Mandarin (Ottawa) Expression Profiles to Understand Iron Stress Tolerant Responses in Soybean.

The soybean (Glycine max L. merr) genotype Fiskeby III is highly resistant to a multitude of abiotic stresses, including iron deficiency, incurring only mild yield loss during stress conditions. Conversely, Mandarin (Ottawa) is highly susceptible to disease and suffers severe phenotypic damage and yield loss when exposed to abiotic stresses such as iron deficiency, a major challenge to soybean production in the northern Midwestern United States. Using RNA-seq, we characterize the transcriptional response to iron deficiency in both Fiskeby III and Mandarin (Ottawa) to better understand abiotic stress tolerance. Previous work by our group identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 5 associated with Fiskeby III iron efficiency, indicating Fiskeby III utilizes iron deficiency stress mechanisms not previously characterized in soybean. We targeted 10 of the potential candidate genes in the Williams 82 genome sequence associated with the QTL using virus-induced gene silencing. Coupling virus-induced gene silencing with RNA-seq, we identified a single high priority candidate gene with a significant impact on iron deficiency response pathways. Characterization of the Fiskeby III responses to iron stress and the genes underlying the chromosome 5 QTL provides novel targets for improved abiotic stress tolerance in soybean.
The Impact of Pre-Operative Healthcare Utilization on Complications, Readmissions, and Post-Operative Healthcare Utilization Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Identifying risk factors for adverse outcomes and increased costs following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is needed to ensure quality. The interaction between pre-operative healthcare utilization (pre-HU) and outcomes following TJA has not been fully characterized. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective, primary total hip arthroplasty (THA, N = 1785) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA, N = 2159) between 2015 and 2019 at a single institution. Pre-HU and post-operative healthcare utilization (post-HU) included non-elective healthcare utilization in the 90 days prior to and following TJA, respectively (emergency department, urgent care, observation admission, inpatient admission). Multivariate regression models including age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Medicaid status, and body mass index were fit for 30-day readmission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS)-defined complications, length of stay, and post-HU. RESULTS The 30-day readmission rate was 3.2% and 3.4% and the CMS-defined complication rate was 3.8% and 2.9% for THA and TKA, respectively. Multivariate regression showed that for THA, presence of any pre-HU was associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48-5.50, P = .002), CMS complications (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.27-4.59, P = .007), and post-HU (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.54-5.26, P < .001). For TKA, ≥2 pre-HU events were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.17-10.61, P = .026) and post-HU (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.29-5.40, P = .008). There were positive correlations for THA (any pre-HU) and TKA (≥2 pre-HU) with length of stay and number of post-HU events. CONCLUSION Patients who utilize non-elective healthcare in the 90 days prior to TJA are at increased risk of readmission, complications, and unplanned post-HU. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
An Examination of the Uses of Music in Selected Licensed Preschools in the State of Ohio

This study investigated the status of music education at the pre school level as reported by preschool directors and administrators in selected licensed Ohio day care centers. Specifically, a survey ques tionnaire was developed for the purpose of gathering data concern ing the availability, frequency, classification, and purpose of music-related activities in the preschools. The questionnaire con sisted of 19 multiple choice questions and was accompanied by a child day care center profile form. The sample group consisted of 880 Ohio preschools selected randomly from 2,376 part-time and fulltime day care centers. Of those surveyed, 500 responded. The results indicated that music is presented at the preschool level and that children are experiencing music in a variety of ways. Addition ally, it is the classroom teacher who largely is responsible for con ducting the music activities, determining the frequency of music involvement, designing and organizing music activities, and offer ing music instruction in the regular classroom.
Letter to Educators

In this letter it is my intention to primarily speak to my likely audience, that is, those teachers and future teachers studying education in possibly a teacher education or doctoral program. As a student you are in the process of acquiring some form of degree or certification to work in an institution of education. Given the fact that you are about to give yourself over to an institution for the better part of your productive life, it seems reasonable that you might be at least a little bit interested in what exactly it is you are getting yourself into.
Classification of multi-source sensor data with limited labeled data

Classification of multi-source data has recently gained significant attention, as accuracies can often be improved by incorporating complementary information extracted in single and multi-sensor scenarios. Supervised approaches to classification of multi-source remote sensing data are dependent on the availability of representative labeled data, which are often limited relative to the dimensionality of the data for training. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose a new framework in which active learning (AL) and semi-supervised learning (SSL) strategies are combined for multi-source classification of hyperspectral images. First, the spatial-spectral features are represented via the redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT). Then, the spatial context provided by the hierarchical segmentation algorithm (HSEG) in conjunction with an unsupervised pruning strategy is exploited to combine AL and SSL. Finally, SVM classification is performed due to the high dimensionality of the feature space. The proposed framework is validated with two benchmark hyperspectral data sets. Higher classification accuracies are obtained by the proposed framework with respect to other state-of-the-art active learning classification approaches.
Functionalized Parylene Coatings for Microfluidic Applications

The need to increase the throughput of drug-discovery processes while reducing costs continues to drive the development of microfluidic assays. The deposition of thin polymer films that establish chemically defined interfaces offers a unique way to overcome these limitations. We report a stable and functionalized modification of PDMS microfluidic devices by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization with poly[para-xylylene] coatings. These coating further has the advantages of allowing deposition over complex three dimensional geometries and into cavities — as long as the latter allow sufficient diffusion.
A tale of two trading venues: electronically delivered orders vs. floor brokered orders on the American stock exchange

At the American stock exchange (Amex), electronically-routed orders (referred to as system orders) from "upstairs" traders interact on the Amex trading floor with each other and with orders worked by brokers. In addition, we see that brokers receive orders from clients and other traders who have chosen to involve a floor broker as an intermediary in the trading process. The quality of the trading outcomes for system orders, compared to brokered orders, differs considerably, and these results have important implications for market structure design. The paper considers electronic orders vs. floor brokered orders.
Cytogeometrical determination of ciliary pattern formation in the hypotrich ciliate Stylonychia mytilus. II. Stability and field regulation.

Abstract The first regeneration sequence after folding of right fragments of Stylonychia mytilus results in formation of mirror-imaged incomplete doublets illustrating independent determination of polar and lateral axes. Analysis of the second morphogenetic sequence illustrates that the independent determination of polar and lateral axes is stable through a subsequent cellular reorganization and confirms that cytogeometry participates in determination of ciliary pattern. The morphogenetic inversion of cirral row primordia in this type of fragment is reflected in the structure of the individual cirri. These data not only extend and confirm our earlier study on this type of fragment, but also are consistent with the conclusion derived from data on a different type of mirror-imaged doublet, that global patterning and assembly of ciliature are independently determined.
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) implementation models and work flow processes: commonalities and variations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsored a cross-site evaluation of the grantees of their Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) program for alcohol and other drugs funded in 2008. As part of this evaluation, the cross-site evaluation team was tasked with understanding the implementation and service delivery protocols and work flow processes related to SBIRT service delivery. SBIRT programs have been implemented in a variety of different settings and performance sites, and each has adjusted the flow of SBIRT services to meet the needs of the particular setting. This presentation will focus on the variations in SBIRT program activities and work flow by three performance site types: (1) Emergency Departments; (2) Inpatient Hospitals; and (3) Outpatient Clinics. Descriptions of the service providers involved in the various SBIRT service components are presented.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with lenalidomide-responsive multiple myeloma

Dear Editor, We report a case of myeloma-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). An 81-year-old female with multiple myeloma initially diagnosed 4 years prior was treated with 4 cycles of lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone, high-dose melphalan conditioned autologous stem cell transplant, followed by bortezomib maintenance. Subsequent biochemical progression was treated with lenalidomide 25 mg daily (days 1–21 in a 28-day cycle) and dexamethasone 20mg weekly, complicated by venous thromboembolism, treated with enoxaparin for 6 months, then switched to aspirin. Lenalidomide was discontinued. She again experienced biochemical disease progression and was treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LD), with prophylactic enoxaparin. Comorbidities included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis. She in addition took amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, valacyclovir, potassium, and vitamin D/calcium supplements. On cycle 5, day 15, she presented with dizziness, nausea, fatigue, petechiae and hematuria. Examination revealed widespread petechiae, normal neurologic examination, and mild dehydration. Laboratory studies revealed a platelet count of 2×10/μL, hemoglobin 9.1 g/dL, white blood cell count 2.8× 10/μL, reticulocyte 2.8 %, creatinine 1.77 mg/dL, total bilirubin 4.3 mg/dL, indirect bilirubin 3.2 mg/dL, prothrombin time 15.2 s, activated partial thromboplastin time 27.6 s, fibrinogen 422 mg/dL and serum lactate dehydrogenase of 3861 IU/L, haptoglobin <3 mg/dL, and negative DAT and elevated D-dimer 2.55 mcg/mL. The troponin I was elevated at 5.36 ng/mL. Electrocardiogram showed no ischemic changes. Enoxaparin was discontinued, and platelets were transfused without achieving platelet increment. Blood smear revealed schistocytes and thrombocytopenia (Fig. 1). The ADAMTS13 activity was 7 % but ADAMTS13 inhibitor was not detected. The platelet count and serum lactate dehydrogenase over time are depicted in Fig. 2. Intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g was given for 3 days, with plasma exchange (1.5 times plasma volume) performed daily for 4 days. Myeloma restaging investigations were consistent with a partial
The Significance of Mycobacterium abscessus Subspecies abscessus Isolation During Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease Therapy

BACKGROUND Isolation of Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus (MAA) is common during Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease therapy, but there is limited information about the clinical significance of the MAA isolates. METHODS We identified 53 of 180 patients (29%) treated for MAC lung disease who had isolation of MAA during MAC lung disease therapy. Patients were divided into those without (group 1) and those with (group 2) MAA lung disease. RESULTS There were no significant demographic differences between patients with and without MAA isolation or between groups 1 and 2. Group 1 and 2 patients had similar total sputum cultures obtained ( P = .7; 95% CI, −13.4 to 8.6) and length of follow-up ( P = .8; 95% CI, −21.5 to 16.1). Group 2 patients had significantly more total positive cultures for MAA (mean±SD, 15.0 ± 11.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; P P > .0001), and were significantly more likely to meet all three American Thoracic Society diagnostic criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial disease (21 of 21 [100%] vs 0 of 32 [0%]; P P CONCLUSIONS Microbiologic and clinical follow-up after completion of MAC lung disease therapy is required to determine the significance of MAA isolated during MAC lung disease therapy. Single MAA isolates are not likely to be clinically significant.
A comparison of the genetic infrastructure of the Ye'cuana and the Yanomama: a likelihood analysis of genotypic variation among populations.

A general procedure is described for measuring and testing population differences in gametic frequencies. The total dispersion among populations is subdivided in hierarchical fashion. The multiple-locus treatment is simply the sum of the single-locus analyses, provided gametic equilibrium obtains among the loci. In the event that gametic equilibrium does not obtain, correlations among loci need to be dealt with.—The analysis is then used to examine the genetic infrastructure of two Indian tribes from South America, the Ye'cuana (Makiritare) and the Yanomama. From historical evidence, we may identify several "clusters" of villages within each tribe. The demographic and cultural practices affecting village formation and the maintenance of peer integrity are rather different in these tribes, however, and lead us to postulate rather different patterns of genetic variation among villages. Analyses of five codominant two-allele loci, four dominant two-allele loci and two complex loci (with four codominant haplotypes each) demonstrate that Yanomama clusters are more disparate than Ye'cuana clusters, as would have been predicted on sociocultural grounds.
Twodimensional Electromagnetic Fields

This chapter contains sections titled: Transverse Magnetic Fields Conducting Cylinders, TM Case Various Approximations Transverse Electric Fields Conducting Cylinders, TE Case Alternative Formulation Dielectric Cylinders This chapter contains sections titled: References
Use of Fenretinide to Increase Cytotoxic Dihydroceramides as a Novel Cancer Chemotherapeutic Approach

Sphingolipids have been extensively studied as signal transducers regulating stress response, proliferation, and cell death, yet agents that target sphingolipid signaling have been slow to advance to clinical studies in oncology. The role of sphingolipids as critical components of membrane synthesis, combined with the cytotoxicity achieved by ceramides and dihydroceramides, indicate that targeting sphingolipids has significant potential for novel cancer therapeutics. The discovery that high concentrations of the semi-synthetic retinoid, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (fenretinide, 4-HPR), can stimulate production of cytotoxic dihydroceramides led to preclinical studies focused on the use of high-dose 4-HPR as a dihydroceramide inducer for cancer therapeutics both as a single agent and in various ceramide-modulating drug combinations. Subsequent studies showed that 4-HPR increased dihydroceramides by simultaneously stimulating the de novo dihydroceramide synthesis pathway while inhibiting dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (DES1), preventing forward metabolism of dihydroceramides to ceramides. The high clinical therapeutic index of 4-HPR is due in part to the ability of 4-HPR to stimulate production of dihydroceramides in susceptible cancer cells but not in normal cells. The minimal cytotoxicity of 4-HPR for normal cells combined with improved formulations has enabled 4-HPR plasma concentrations of 10–60 μM to be achieved in clinical trials with minimal systemic toxicity. Durable complete clinical responses to 4-HPR have been observed in recurrent neuroblastoma, recurrent peripheral T cell lymphoma, and recurrent cutaneous T cell lymphoma, with clinical signals of activity also observed in ovarian cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. Future clinical trials will not only employ 4-HPR as a single agent, but will also test 4-HPR in combination with traditional cytotoxic agents, such as vincristine, and with other agents that target sphingolipid metabolism, such as safingol.
Quantification of carbonyls produced by the decomposition of hydroperoxides

Carbonyls produced by the decomposition of cyclohexene hydroperoxide and various hydroperoxides of linoleic and linolenic acids and their methyl esters were determined by gas chromatography of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenylhydrazones. The effect of temperature, iron and copper ions, ethanol and several antioxidants on the rate of decomposition, the nature of the products and their yield was observed. The hydroperoxides of methyl esters decomposed more slowly than those of free fatty acids. Ethanol slowed, and metal ions accelerated the rates of decomposition. Metal ions, especially copper, increased the yield and complexity of the carbonyls formed, but ethanol decreased carbonyl yields. Antioxidants and decomposition temperatures changed the relative yields of carbonyls produced. The 9- and 13-hydroperoxides of linoleic acid gave similar carbonyls, but those of linolenic acid did not. The carbonyl mixtures produced from autoxidized fatty acid methyl esters were more complex than those produced from lipoxygenase-treated fatty acids.
Robust control design and implementation on the Middeck Active Control Experiment

This paper presents a coherent methodology for robust controller synthesis for the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE): a Shuttle program scheduled for flight on STS-67 in February 1995. The experiment has been designed to investigate the extent to which the on-orbit behavior of a precision-controlled spacecraft can be predicted and controlled using analysis and ground testing prior to launch. A goal of the flight experiment is to demonstrate good payload pointing performance using active controllers designed based on the predicted structural dynamics. For systems with complicated control topologies and large model uncertainties, this requires a systematic control design methodology. The results from preliminary ground-based control experiments are used in this paper to present such a design technique and to illustrate how it can be applied to future flight experiments. This control design methodology is then used to develop controllers that obtain a 22 dB improvement in the performance metric on the current MACE hardware.
Root-zone water quality as affected by incorporation of shredded newsprint

Abstract Experiments to examine the effects on root-zone water quality by deep trenching disposal of municipal shredded newsprint in agricultural production soils were conducted in Alabama, USA. Three treatments were examined during the study. In two treatments, a 25:1 carbon/nitrogen (C:N) ratio was examined by mixing poultry liquid ammonium nitrate (NH4N03) with the shredded newsprint. The third treatment examined) cellulose (125:1 C:N) only. The water quality data from two depths (0.6 and 1.2 m) adjacent to the trenches (within 5 cm) and from a no trench area (> 1.5 m from the trenches) suggest that there is no leaching of P and K. Nitrogen, as measured by total Kjeldahl (TKN) and nitrate (N03−), showed mobility next to the trenches. Nitrate movement below the 1.2 m depth occurred using cellulose only. The poultry litter/cellulose mixture showed little N03−-N vertical movement and the NH4N03/cellulose mixture showed some NO3−-N movement next to the trenches.
Detection and minimization of H-phosphonate side reaction during phosphopeptide synthesis by a post-assembly global phosphorylation strategy

In the course of solid-phase synthesis of phosphopeptides by a post-assembly global phosphorylation strategy, the corresponding H-phosphonate peptides form as byproducts. We describe model studies to investigate this side reaction as a function of reaction conditions, and use this information to develop conditions that minimize the problem, i.e., use of dibenzyl N,N-di-isopropyl phosphoramidite for phosphitylation, followed immediately by oxidation with anhydrous tert-butyl hydroperoxide in dry tetrahydrofuran under argon, and final acidolytic cleavage.
Comment on ``Observation of magnetic ordering in superconducting La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 by muon spin rotation''

A Comment on the Letter by A. Weidinger {ital et} {ital al}., Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 102 (1989).
Ueber die „Auflösung“ von kolloidem Silber in Wasserstoffsuperoxyd

Es wird die Erscheinung beschrieben und naher untersucht, das kolloides Silber durch H2O2 „aufgelost“ wird. Unter anderem wird ein prachtig stahlblau gefarbtes Durchgangsstadium derartiger Ag-H2O2-Systeme beschrieben.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee mathematics focus courses: mathematics content for elementary and middle grades teachers

There has been much debate in recent years as to the amount and type of mathematical knowledge that teachers need to acquire. One set of recommendations is provided by the Mathematical Education of Teachers (MET) report, produced jointly by the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America. This paper reports on efforts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to implement the MET report recommendations for pre-service elementary and middle grades teachers, in the contexts of teacher education programmes and the teacher licensing structure of the state of Wisconsin. Data is also presented on the results of teaching the resulting courses to in-service teachers.
A two-dimensional stress transfer model for platelet reinforcement

Abstract Stress transfer in platelet-reinforced composites is analyzed by using a two-dimensional model. The plane of the platelet is bonded to the matrix, and is parallel to the loading direction. The ends of the platelet can be debonded from or bonded to the matrix, and both cases are considered in the present analysis. For the debonded ends, which are stress free, the boundary condition in solving the stress transfer problem is trivial. For the bonded-ends case, a technique of adding imaginary platelets to the composite is developed to analyze stress transfer. The effects of the bonding at the ends, Young's modulus, and the aspect ratio of the platelet on stress transfer are examined.
Rett syndrome: what do we know for sure?

Rett syndrome (RTT) is caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl CpG–binding protein (MeCP2). The loss of MeCP2 function in neurons was thought to cause the disease. A study now challenges this assumption by showing that MeCP2 is expressed in glia and that MeCP2 loss in glia causes abnormalities in neighboring neurons.
Diurnal Variation in the Response of Plasma Prolactin, Cortisol, and Growth Hormoneto Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Normal Men*

Plasma PRL, cortisol, and GH responses to a standard iv dose of regular insulin were studied during the morning and evening in seven normal young men. Hypoglycemia achieved during morning and evening in the same subjects was equal. There was a substantially greater maximal increment in PRL in the evening compared to the morning (P < 0.01). The peak levels of cortisol achieved in the morning and evening were equal, but the evening maximal increase was greater (P < 0.05) because of the significantly lower evening basal cortisol level. Evening increases in GH were greater than in the morning in five subjects and were essentially the same in two subjects; for the group, the evening maximal increment in GH was significantly greater (P < 0.05 after log transformation). Since seroto-nergic mechanisms appear to be involved in the PRL, GH, and cortisol responses to hypoglycemia, we suggest the possibility of a diurnal variation in hypothalamic serotonin activity which may partly mediate these differential diurnal ...
Including Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in Psychology Content Courses:

The increasing diversity of college students has necessitated increased attention to multiculturalism in content courses. Although few people would question the merits of incorporating issues of diversity within content courses, the means of doing so remain open to debate. In this article, I examine not only the reasons for infusing issues of diversity into psychology courses, but also some of the challenges involved. I make recommendations for judiciously addressing diversity in a process-oriented fashion that does not promote ethnocentrism.
Climate-driven flushing of pore water in peatlands

NORTHERN peatlands can act as either important sources or sinks for atmospheric carbon1,2. It is therefore important to understand how carbon cycling in these regions will respond to a changing climate. Existing carbon balance models for peatlands assume that fluid flow and advective mass transport are negligible at depth3,4, and that the effects of climate change should be essentially limited to the near-surface. Here we report the response of groundwater flow and porewater chemistry in the Glacial Lake Agassiz peat-lands of northern Minnesota to the regional drought cycle. Comparison of field observations and numerical simulations indicates that climate fluctuations of short duration may temporarily reverse the vertical direction of fluid flow through the peat, although this has little effect on water chemistry5. On the other hand, periods of drought persisting for at least 3–5 years produce striking changes in the chemistry of the pore water. These longer-term changes in hydrology influence the flux of nutrients and dissolved organic matter through the deeper peat, and therefore affect directly the rates of fermentation and methanogenesis, and the export of dissolved carbon compounds from the peatland.
Middle and Old Age in Cholesterol-Fed Rats.∗:

SummaryRats have been fed diets containing 1% cholesterol from weaning throughout their life span. Their growth, health and time of survival have not differed significantly from those of control animals on the same basic diet without the cholesterol.
Experiments on incipient channelization of submarine fans

Experiments on the formation of channelized submarine fans by the passage of successive turbidity currents are presented. Channels similar to subaerial rivers are found in many submarine fans. The inception of channels on submarine fans, which are essentially depositional environments, can be explained in terms of the lateral distribution of the rates of deposition and erosion of suspended sediment associated with a passing turbidity current. The experiments reported here supplement the findings of a numerical model developed earlier to study the inception of channel-levee systems on submarine fans. The experimental setup is a simple replication of a surface at the base of a continental slope receiving a turbidity current from a canyon. The turbidity current was generated by releasing a sediment-water mixture of low sediment concentration from an overhead tank into a quiescent water body held in a rectangular tank. The bottom slope of the tank was varied between 3 and 10%. Two sediment sizes, with geometr...
The early repolarization variant—an electrocardiographic enigma with both QRS and J-STT anomalies

A detailed description of the electrocardiogram of the early repolarization variant, including its most common morphological variations is presented. Included is a recently identified anomaly of the QRS complex, which has not previously been reported. Ventricular activation data is presented to explain the unique QRS changes. A comparison with Wolff-Parkinson-White (preexcitation) reveals certain similarities related to a premature completion of depolarization in early repolarization variant.
Delayed skin reactions to inhalant antigens

Abstract A prospective study of the incidence and characteristics of spontaneously occurring delayed skin test reactions has been carried out. A total of 292 subjects were studied, 200 atopic by history; they received 2,700 intradermal skin tests to 12 common inhalant antigens. Thirteen per cent of the total group of skin tests manifested a positive immediate reaction; 6 per cent of the tests exhibited a delayed reaction with induration of 5 mm. or greater at 48 hours. There was a significantly higher incidence of immediate reactions in the atopic group for the majority of antigens studied (p 0.05 for 10 of 12 antigens). Skin biopsies performed 48 hours after the application of the skin tests demonstrated four distinct classes of response: (1) Negative immediate-negative delayed responses were characterized by minor perivascular round cell infiltration which was indistinguishable from that seen in control injection sites. (2) Positive immediate-negative delayed sites demonstrated a similarly mild perivascular reaction, but many eosinophils were seen. (3) Negative immediate-positive delayed responses to inhalant antigens were histologically indistinguishable from tuberculin reactions, with dense perivascular and interstitial round cell infiltrations. (4) Positive immediate-positive delayed responses contained a similarly dense perivascular and interstitial infiltrate, but eosinophils were prominent.
Optical imaging of hemodynamics in the somatosensory cortex

Imaging of brain function using optical techniques can reveal important insight into both normal and diseased brain physiology. In this talk we will present recent results from imaging of cerebral hemodynamics in animal models.
Automated dental identification system (ADIS)

Law enforcement agencies have exploited biometrics for decades as key tools in forensic identification. With the evolution in information technology and the huge volume of cases that need to be investigated by forensic specialists, automation of forensic identification became inevitable. Postmortem (PM) identification requires use of biometric characteristics that resist early decay of body tissues as well as withstand severe conditions usually encountered in mass disasters. Dental features are the best candidates for PM identification.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Vascular Permeability Factor Enhances Vascular Permeability Via Nitric Oxide and Prostacyclin

Background—Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell mitogen that promotes angiogenesis, was initially identified as a vascular permeability factor (VPF). Abundant evidence suggests that angiogenesis is preceded and/or accompanied by enhanced microvascular permeability. The mechanism by which VEGF/VPF increases vascular permeability (VP), however, has remained enigmatic. Accordingly, we used an in vivo assay of VP (Miles assay) to study the putative mediators of VEGF/VPF-induced permeability. Methods and Results—VEGF/VPF and positive controls (platelet-activating factor [PAF], histamine, and bradykinin) all increased vascular permeability. Prior administration of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein or herbimycin A prevented VEGF/VPF-induced permeability. Placenta growth factor, which binds to Flt-1/VEGF-R1 but not Flk-1/KDR/VEGF-R2 receptor tyrosine kinase, failed to increase permeability. Other growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), acidic FGF, platelet-der...
Continuously Stiffened Composite Web Shear Links: Tests and Numerical Model Validation

AbstractExperiments were carried out on shear links with webs made from two metal sheets vulcanized to an elastomeric core to investigate the concept of utilizing continuous web stiffening as means of enhancing the hysteretic behavior. The links were designed for the same nominal strengths and were subjected to increasing cyclic deformations. Two different link aspect ratios were considered with two different core thicknesses. The composite web increased the maximum strength and postbuckling capacity of deep shear links dominated by elastic buckling, but the links were not able to achieve the link plastic shear capacity. Although the use of the elastomer core increased the out-of-plane stiffness of the web, the failure mode was still characterized by web tearing caused by localized regions of reversing out-of-plane buckling zones. Performance expectations were exceeded by an unstiffened base link that achieved the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) deformation requirement with minimal strengt...
The Exchange Factor and Diacylglycerol Receptor RasGRP3 Interacts with Dynein Light Chain 1 through Its C-terminal Domain

RasGRP3 is an exchange factor for Ras-like small GTPases that is activated in response to the second messenger diacylglycerol. As with other diacylglycerol receptors, RasGRP3 is redistributed upon diacylglycerol or phorbol ester binding. Several factors are important in determining the pattern of translocation, including the potency of the diacylglycerol analog, the affinity of the receptor for phospholipids, and in some cases, protein-protein interactions. However, little is known about the mechanisms that play a role in RasGRP3 redistribution aside from the nature of the ligand. To discover potential protein binding partners for RasGRP3, we screened a human brain cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid approach. We identified dynein light chain 1 as a novel RasGRP3-interacting protein. The interaction was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo and required the C-terminal domain encompassing the last 127 amino acids of RasGRP3. A truncated mutant form of RasGRP3 that lacked this C-terminal domain was unable to interact with dynein light chain 1 and displayed a dramatically altered subcellular localization, with a strong reticular distribution and perinuclear and nuclear localization. These findings suggest that dynein light chain 1 represents a novel anchoring protein for RasGRP3 that may regulate subcellular localization of the exchange factor and, as such, may participate in the signaling mediated by diacylglycerol through RasGRP3.
Belizia brevicauda, a new genus and species of caligid copepod from the western Caribbean Sea.

A new genus and species of parasitic copepod collected from the fishes Calamus pennatula and Clepticus parrae from off Belize, Central America is described. The new genus is characterized by a very reduced sternal furca, a pair of sclerotized knobs between the interpodal plates of the first and second legs, and endopod of third leg with 4 setae.
Characterization of nuclei in in vitro collagen fibril formation.

Heat precipitation fibril formation in collagen solutions depends upon the prior thermal history of the solution. Collagen solutions were heat precipitated to various extents at 30°C, cooled, and then brought to a second precipitation. Kinetic analysis of the secondary precipitation demonstrated that only the nucleation phase of the precipitation was affected, not the fibril growth phase. Thermal history, or memory, is thus related to the formation of low-temperature-stable nuclei. A range of nuclei sizes is evident, supporting the concept of a homogeneous nucleation process. Schiffs base formation and establishment of cross-linkages play no role in the in vitro nucleation: thiosemicarbazide treated collagen behaves identically to untreated collagen in kinetics of assembly to fibrils. Low-temperature-stable nuclei formed at neutral pH are dissociated in the cold in acetic acid at pH 4. Pronase and pepsin susceptible molecular end regions are important in establishing the low-temperature-stable nuclei. Pronase treatment completely abolishes the acquisition of memory of prior thermal history in collagen solutions. We speculate that biological control mechanisms for fibril formation in vivo relate to specific interactions between non-helical, enzyme susceptible regions on collagen molecules.
Estimating KI values for tight binding inhibitors from dose-response plots

Abstract A simple method is described by which the K i value of tight binding inhibitors of enzymes can be calculated directly from the IC 50 value determined from graphical analysis of dose-response curves. Experimental verification of this method is provided by study of 15 inhibitors of the enzyme stromelysis which span a broad range of K i values. A simple method is described by which the K i value of tight binding inhibitors of enzymes can be calculated directly from the IC 50 value determined from graphical analysis of dose-response curves. Experimental verification of this method is provided by study of 15 inhibitors of the enzyme stromelysis which span a broad range of K i values.