cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo human cervical spinal cord deformation and displacement in flexion.

Study Design. In vivo, quasi-static distortion of the human cervical spinal cord was measured in five volunteers during flexion of the neck using a motion-tracking magnetic resonance imaging technique. Objectives. To measure cord distortion and movement in living subjects. Summary of Background Data. In situ spinal cord measurements in human and rhesus monkey cadavers taken at full flexion demonstrate that the entire cervical cord elongates approximately 10% of its length at a neutral position, but no data are available at other angles of flexion, or in living subjects. Methods. The spatial modulation of magnetization pulse sequence created a series of parallel lines in the image that deform with the tissue. A custom-designed device was built to guide the flexion of the neck and enhance motion reproducibility. Midsagittal plane images were acquired before and after flexion. The tagged line pattern in each pair of magnetic resonance images was compared to compute distortion and movement of the cervical spinal cord at varying degrees of flexion. Results. Between a neutral posture and full flexion, the entire cord (C2-C7) elongated linearly with head flexion, increasing 10% and 6% of its initial length along the posterior and anterior surfaces, respectively. Average displacement was on the order of 1-3 mm, and varied with region. Specifically, the upper cord showed caudad movement in the spinal canal, and the lower cord moved cephalad, again with larger movements on the posterior surface. Conclusions. The cervical cord elongates and displaces significantly during head flexion in human volunteers, offering valuable information regarding the normal milieu of the cord.
Rapid Gastric Emptying of Fatty Meals in Pancreatic Insufficiency

To ascertain whether maldigestion leads to aberrations in gastric emptying of liquid fatty meals, gastric emptying was studied in 7 patients with pancreatic insufficiency and in 10 normal volunteers. Gastric emptying of meals was determined by serial dilutions of phenol red given by gastric tube. One hour after ingestion, 36.8 ± 5.1% (mean ± se ) of fatty meals remained in the stomach of normal subjects, whereas only 3.9 ± 1.1% remained in the stomach of patients (P
Mannitol and other diuretics in severe neurotrauma.

Mannitol has replaced other diuretics as the agent of first choice for control of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) after brain injury. Mannitol should be given as a bolus intravenous infusion, over 10 to 30 mins, in doses ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 g/kg body weight. It may be given when high ICP is suspected, prior to computed tomography scanning, e.g., in patients who develop a fixed, dilated pupil or neurologic deterioration. This agent may also be used pre- or intraoperatively in patients with intracranial hematomas, and when high ICP is demonstrated in the ICU. It is more effective and safer when administered in bolus doses than as a continuous infusion. Mannitol may be safely used during the early resuscitation phase in hypovolemic patients with concomitant head injury, provided that plasma expanders and/or crystalloid solutions are given to correct the hypovolemia simultaneously. A Foley catheter should always be inserted when mannitol is used. Serum osmolality should be measured frequently after mannitol and maintained < 320 mOsm to avoid renal failure. Its beneficial effects and the rationale for its use are also reviewed.
Distributed Bayesian Detection: Other Network Topologies

Bayesian hypothesis testing for the parallel fusion network was discussed extensively in Chapter 3. This chapter considers the problem of Bayesian hypothesis testing for several other network topologies. In Section 4.2, we consider the serial or tandem network, a widely studied network topology. System design methodology is developed and its performance is compared with that of the parallel network. Interesting issues, such as sequencing and placement of detectors, are also discussed. A brief discussion on tree networks is presented in Section 4.3. In Section 4.4, distributed detection networks with feedback are treated. In this class of networks, information flows both downstream as well as upstream, i.e., toward the fusion center and away from it. Feedback is shown to improve system performance. An important issue for this configuration is its data transmission requirement. Two protocols are presented that reduce this requirement. Finally, a unified methodology is presented to represent any decentralized detection network structure. Decision rules are also obtained. This methodology is applicable to detection networks that include memory as well as feedback.
Adult Literacy Benefits? New Opportunities for Research into Sustainable Development.

Understandings of “literacy” broadened after the United Nations Development Decade of the 1960s. The corresponding research into the benefits of literacy also widened its focus beyond economic growth. The effects of adult literacy and its correlates appeared diffuse with the rise of New Literacy Studies, and the scholarship on consequences seemed less essential to advocates following the rise of a human rights perspective on education. In 2016 the agenda for literacy research has returned – but at a higher level – to concern over its benefits. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have reintegrated literacy research within an agenda to understand the channels through which literacy skills might effect change. This article briefly reviews progress in adult literacy, touches on existing perspectives on literacy, and then illustrates four recent sources of information useful in the revitalised agenda offered by the SDGs. Data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Values Survey (WVS), and the World Bank’s Skills Toward Employment and Productivity (STEP) study are now available to researchers wishing to link educational change with attitudinal and behavioural change. Another important resource are the emerging data on mobile learning. By integrating literacy into the SDGs, literacy researchers can reveal the channels through which literacy can contribute to social welfare and transformation.
Fireflies’ contrast-enhanced colored lights

![Graphic][1] If you have ever been outdoors in the suburban or rural USA, you have probably seen fireflies cheerfully lighting the evening. Fireflies, or lightning bugs (which are neither true flies nor bugs), are actually beetles – and though as a 5 year old I thought they glowed for my
A systems approach to forecast agricultural land transformation and soil environmental risk from economic, policy, and cultural scenarios in the north central United States (2012–2062)

ABSTRACTGrassland conversion to row-crop production in the north central United States has been a growing threat to socio-economic and environmental sustainability for producers, conservationists, and policy-makers alike. We used a system dynamics model of the region to forecast agriculturally driven land transformation through mid-twenty-first century. The base-case scenario projection showed that farmland area continued to increase, from under 200,000 km2 to over 230,000 km2. Unmitigated, the soil environmental risk (SER) of such changes reached conservative estimates of Dust Bowl-era externalities. Systems analyses show that reducing livestock production costs, doubling conservation compliance requirements, and livestock–cropping integration had the largest impact on grassland conservation and mitigating SER. The largest SER effects came from eliminating conservation incentives or raising cultivation incentives, despite improvements in reduced tillage and enhanced agronomy. Several system archetypes we...
Using the NCCN survivor assessment questionnaire as a tool to tailor educational needs of cancer survivors.

156Background: Survivor care after cancer treatment includes assessment of fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction, cardiac toxicity, sexual function, and the patient’s habits related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management. Using a tool to evaluate these symptoms and lifestyle habits is needed to determine the educational needs of the cancer survivor for the survivor treatment summary visit. Methods: We have used the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Survivorship Assessment tool for the past 12 months to develop a survivor care plan. It is a pre-visit 25 question survey completed by the patient. The patient responses help focus education based on current symptoms and lifestyle habits. A total of 50 questionnaires were completed over the past year. Results: Of the 50 patients, 46 were women, 45 had breast cancer, 3 colorectal and 2 other. The average age was 56 years old, 70% were Hispanic, 86% received chemotherapy and there were 4 recurrences. The average time from finishing...
High-affinity cooperative Ca2+ binding by MICU1–MICU2 serves as an on–off switch for the uniporter

Abstract The mitochondrial calcium uniporter is a Ca 2+ ‐activated Ca 2+ channel that is essential for dynamic modulation of mitochondrial function in response to cellular Ca 2+ signals. It is regulated by two paralogous EF‐hand proteins—MICU1 and MICU2, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that both MICU1 and MICU2 are stabilized by Ca 2+ . We reconstitute the MICU1–MICU2 heterodimer and demonstrate that it binds Ca 2+ cooperatively with high affinity. We discover that both MICU1 and MICU2 exhibit affinity for the mitochondria‐specific lipid cardiolipin. We determine the minimum Ca 2+ concentration required for disinhibition of the uniporter in permeabilized cells and report a close match with the Ca 2+ ‐binding affinity of MICU1–MICU2. We conclude that cooperative, high‐affinity interaction of the MICU1–MICU2 complex with Ca 2+ serves as an on–off switch, leading to a tightly controlled channel, capable of responding directly to cytosolic Ca 2+ signals.
Technique for assessing PNA measurement repeatability using a NIST standard

A method is demonstrated where by the use of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) reference material 8130 and NIST MultiCal® software allow the performance of modern performance network analyzers (PNA) to be evaluated and compared to a NIST benchmark TRL calibration. The analysis, presented here, is useful in the assessment of calibration repeatability. It also yields information to help improve the comparison of VNA measurement results from across various Intel laboratories.
Improving the microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes by low dose electron beam irradiation

The effect of electron beam irradiation on microbiological quality and safety of fresh-cut tomatoes was studied. Fresh tomatoes were obtained from a local supplier and then cut into cubes that were separated from the stem scars. Both cubes and stem scars were inoculated with a rifampin-resistant strain of either Salmonella Montevideo or Salmonella Agona, separated into treatment groups, and treated by electron beam irradiation at 0.0 (control), 0.7, or 0.95 kGy. The effect of electron beam irradiation on Salmonella, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold counts and pH of tomato cubes and stem scars was determined over a 15-day storage period at 4 degrees C. Results indicated that although irradiation treatment significantly reduced most microbial populations on tomato samples, there were no differences in the reduction of microbial populations between treatments of 0.7 and 0.95 kGy. Irradiation at either dose resulted in a significant reduction in Salmonella when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and molds were more resistant to irradiation than were Salmonella. No differences were detected between the two Salmonella serotypes in response to irradiation treatment. These results indicate that irradiation at doses of at least 0.7 kGy can be used for pathogen reduction in fresh-cut tomatoes. If the use of doses greater than 1 kGy were approved, this technology might be very effective for use in fresh-cut tomatoes to eliminate significant populations of pathogens and to ensure the microbial quality of the product.
RECENT RESEARCH RESULTS ON THE INFOPLEX INTELLIGENT MEMORY SYSTEM (IMS) PROJECT

This paper presents the results on some recent performance models of the Data Storage Hierarchy (DSH) subsystem of the INFOPLEX Intelligent Memory System (IMS). In the INFOPLEX IMS, the theory of hierarchical decomposition is applied to produce a highly parallel and pipelined database computer architecture which can be implemented by means of complexes of multiple-microprocessors. In particular, a data storage hierarchy is used to handle the storage and retrieval of a large volume of data efficiently. The information management functions are decomposed into a functional hierarchy implemented by a hierarchy of microprocessors. Decentralized control mechanisms are used to coordinate the activities of both the storage hierarchy and the functional hierarchy.
Small Innovators: No Risk, No Return

We show that small innovators (i.e., small firms with recent patent grants) earn higher long-term returns. The higher returns are driven by risk, not underreaction to announcements of patent grants. Our results are consistent with small innovators being risky due to their reliance on external parties for commercializing their patents. That is, being small and innovative interacts with financial constraints to explain the higher returns. These interactions are more important in the presence of greater information asymmetry. The higher cost of equity among small innovators has implications for their investment, growth, and capital structure decisions.
Low and seasonally variable salinity in the Pennsylvanian equatorial Appalachian Basin

Abstract Use of the δ 18 O thermometer in deep time investigations is complicated by uncertainty in the oxygen isotopic composition of seawater and an increasing potential for diagenetic alteration with age. These concerns are particularly important when considering that δ 18 O values from Paleozoic marine carbonates tend to be low and increasingly depleted with age. Demonstrating the preservation of original chemistry and thus eliminating diagenesis as a factor is a primary hurdle in reconstructing climatic conditions in deep time. Here, we report stable isotope data from serially sampled, Middle Pennsylvanian mollusks from the tropical Appalachian Basin of Kentucky, USA. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicate an aragonite mineralogy with retention of primary microtextures, elemental chemistry is consistent with the shells of living mollusks, and δ 18 O data reveal regular cyclic variation over ontogeny, together suggesting that original shell carbonate is preserved and records environmental conditions over the life history of the animal. However, values are depleted, centering around − 4.6 ‰ , and intraannual variation is significant, spanning up to 2.2‰, calling for significant summertime runoff of fresh water to the basin in which the shell-producing organisms grew. Our data extend a documented trend toward more depleted carbonate values eastward across the midcontinent sea with increasing distance from Panthalassa, reflecting a salinity gradient driven largely by isotopically depleted and seasonal runoff from the Central Pangaean Mountains. Mollusk data support the primary nature of low δ 18 O values from brachiopod shells in the midcontinent, but they also highlight the problems with calculating paleotemperatures from δ 18 O values of carbonates precipitated in epicontinental seas by assuming a marine seawater composition. While carbonate clumped isotope paleothermometry is a potential solution to this seawater δ 18 O ‘problem’, we demonstrate that such data from these aragonitic samples are related to burial diagenesis and not the Pennsylvanian paleoenvironment. The bias toward samples from such settings in the Paleozoic, because continental margins are more likely to be deformed, suggests that postulated regional and global temperature histories should be treated with caution until epeiric oxygen isotope seawater values can be better constrained.
Why do mutant allele frequencies in oncogenes peak around .40 and rapidly decrease

The mutant allele frequencies in oncogenes peak around .40 and rapidly decrease. In this article, we explain why this is the case. Invoking a key result from mathematical analysis in our model, namely, the inverse function theorem, we estimate the selection coefficients of the mutant alleles as a function of germline allele frequencies. Under complete dominance of oncogenic mutations, this selection function is expected to be linearly correlated with the distribution of the mutant alleles. We demonstrate that this is the case by investigating the allele frequencies of mutations in oncogenes across various cancer types, validating our model for mean effective selection. Consistent with the population genetics model of fitness, the selection function fits a gamma-distribution curve that accurately describes the trend of the mutant allele frequencies. While existing equations for selection explain evolution at low allele frequencies, our equations are general formulas for natural selection under complete dom...
Predictors of Emergency Visits Within 14 Days of Outpatient Endoscopy at A Safety-Net Hospital: A Case-Control Study

AIMS: Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are commonly performed outpatient procedures associated with adverse events that may lead to emergency department visits. Establishing risk factor for post-endoscopy emergency department visits may guide quality improvement efforts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Matched case control study of patients over the age of 18 presenting to the emergency department of a safety-net hospital within two weeks of any outpatient endoscopic procedure between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. Controls were matched to cases by age, sex, procedure type, date, and day of week procedure was performed. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed to identify predictors of emergency visits after endoscopy. REULTS: We identified 143 cases from a total of 6,601 outpatient procedures during the study period. 64 (44.8%) of the visits were attributed to the procedure yielding a visit rate of 0.97%. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have MediCal (Medicaid) insurance (75.7% vs 59.2%, p = 0.003), prior ED visits (2.5 vs 0.5, p < 0.001), multiple primary care visits (4.9 vs 3.3, p < 0.001), trainee involvement (62.9% vs 44.4%, p = 0.002), and speak English (67.1% vs 54.9%, p = 0.04). On multivariable analysis of cases with visits attributable to the procedure, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use (OR 2.81, CI 1.07-7.34, p = 0.04), MediCal insurance (OR 2.55, CI 1.02-6.40, p = 0.05), multiple ED visits per year (OR 3.31, CI 2.22-4.94, p < 0.001), number of endoscopic interventions (OR 1.22, CI 1.06-1.40, p = 0.006), and trainee involvement (OR 2.55, CI 1.09-5.97, p = 0.03) were all risk factors for post-procedure visits. CONCLUSION: In a safety-net system, medically complex patients, greater number of endoscopic interventions, and lower socioeconomic status may influence emergency department utilization after endoscopy. This information may inform future quality improvement efforts.
Seeing Visual Gamma Oscillations in a New Light

Gamma oscillations have been argued to support visual perception by synchronizing the processing and transfer of information within and across areas of visual cortex. Here, we highlight recent findings implicating the influence of color on visual gamma oscillations and how these observations may relate to local cortical tuning and organization.
Universal Deadline Extensions Draw Attention to Section 1031 Periods

The IRS published Notice 2020-23 extending section 1031 periods, but that guidance lacks clarity related to several key issues. The IRS has indicated that it will issue additional guidance in the form of FAQs, which should add clarity. Until then, exchangers, qualified intermediaries, and tax advisors must make decisions based upon the existing guidance. We hope the IRS will soon address issues that are central to those decisions. In the meantime, this article does the following: 1. Provides three criteria that apply to the analysis and application of Notice 2020-23 and inform future guidance the IRS may publish for exchanges affected by COVID-19: (i) extend generous relief to exchangers, (ii) be simple to apply and explain, and (iii) vivify real estate markets. 2. Explains the technical aspects of IRS extension guidance, assisting parties making decisions prior to the IRS additional guidance or will make decisions regarding issues that the IRS guidance may not cover. 3. Demonstrates that the 120-day extension in Rev. Proc. 2018-58 should apply to exchanges covered by Notice 2020-23. 4. Warns that qualified intermediaries should err on the side of caution by interpreting Notice 2020-23 as applying the 120-day extension to avoid distributing proceeds prior to the expiration of the (g)(6) restrictions. 5. Suggests that IRS guidance should apply the Notice 2020-23 extensions to all exchanges entered into on or before any date from January 20, 2020, until July 15, 2020. The detailed analysis in the article will serve as a reference for parties dealing with pending or planned exchanges and for parties who must carefully analyze the application of extension guidance in the future.
Lateral Control of an Autonomous and Connected Following Vehicle With Limited Preview Information

Lateral control of an autonomous and connected vehicle (ACV), especially in emergency situations, is important from the safety viewpoint. In these situations, the trajectory to be followed by an ACV must either be planned in real-time (e.g., for a possible evasion maneuver if the obstacle to be avoided is detected) or be communicated from its preceding vehicle. Typically, the trajectory information is available to the following ACV in the form of GPS time samples. From the viewpoint of lateral control, the lateral velocity information is not readily available and the feedback structure must reflect this reality. In this paper, we develop a methodology to synthesize a lateral control algorithm for a following ACV in a two-vehicle platoon in two steps: 1) From the limited preview information of the trajectory to be tracked via samples of GPS way points, we estimate the radius of curvature of the trajectory using “least-square” estimation and 2) develop a fixed-structure feedback control scheme for following the predecessor by synthesizing the set of stabilizing gains corresponding to lateral position error, heading error and heading rate error. Numerical simulation and experimental results corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Geometry near the inner horizon of a rotating, accreting black hole

Here we present a novel classical model to describe the near-inner horizon geometry of a rotating, accreting black hole. The model assumes spacetime is homogeneous and is sourced by radial streams of a collisionless, null fluid, and it predicts that the standard Poisson-Israel mass inflation phenomenon will be interrupted by a Kasner-like collapse toward a spacelike singularity. Thus, the inner horizon and any additional structure beyond it never gets a chance to form. Such a model is shown to be valid near the inner horizon of astrophysically realistic black holes through comparison to the conformally separable Kerr model, which provides a natural connection of the Kerr metric to a self-similar, accreting spacetime. We then analyze the behavior of null geodesics in our model, connecting them to the Kerr metric in order to answer the practical question of what an infalling observer approaching the inner horizon might see. We find that an infalling zero-energy observer near the inner horizon will initially see streams of matter accelerating at high energies along the radial direction. Then, within a short span of proper time, the geometry will enter a collapse phase as most of the background sky becomes squashed along the edge of the black hole's shadow. Classically, the observer's journey will end here at a spacelike singularity, though the final outcome of the collapse will require a future calculation of the quantum back reaction within this framework.
Virus Augmentation of The Antigenicity of Tumor Cell

Publisher Summary The membranes of tumor cells actively infected with the virus exhibit augmented immunogenicity. Many animal tumor cells possess tumor-associated transplantation antigen (TATA) on their surface membrane; their immunogenicity is lost when the tumor cells are disrupted. This chapter discusses the enhanced immunogenicity of tumor cell extracts. Infection of tumor cells with a lytic virus that induces viral cell-surface antigens augment the TATA activity of the tumor cell homogenate or oncolysate. The mechanism of virus augmentation operates through the host's immune system. Positive results in immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy with virus-augmented TATA in animal model systems lead to the initiation of several attempts at immunotherapy with virus-augmented TATA in human cancer patients. In addition, virus-augmented crude membrane extracts of cultured human tumor cells elicit enhanced delayed hypersensitivity skin tests without any loss of skin test specificity. The augmented immunogenicity of virus-infected tumor cell extracts is evaluated by animal model studies, immunotherapy of human cancer, and immunodiagnosis of human cancer with virus-augmented skin test antigens.
A Review of “I Trapianti e la Sperimentazione Umana” (“Transplantation and Human Experimentation”)

The book by Dr. Ferrando Mantorani, Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Florence, is an extensive treatise on the Italian and foreign laws regulating “Transplantation and Human Experimentation.” In 832 pages, it deals in considerable detail on the juridic aspects related to living and cadaveric transplant donors, particularly on the limitations of the consent, on the safeguards for the life and health of the donor, on the definition of death, and on the experimental aspects of some of the transplants. In addition to the kidney, other transplantable organs and tissues such as bone, bone marrow, skin, blood vessels, and eye are included in the discussion. A 200-page appendix contains the existing laws regulating transplantation in Italy and about 20 other countries.
Secrecy capacity of wireless channels subject to log-normal fading

In this paper, the information-theoretic secrecy for the log-normal fading channel is investigated. In particular, the closed-form expressions of the probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity are derived for two wireless communication systems, with single eavesdropper and double eavesdroppers, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the action of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin on enterococci in vitro..

The bactericidal activity of benzylpenicillin and ampicillin on 21 strains of enterococci was evaluated and compared to the activity of these drugs in combination with streptomycin (20 mug/ml). On a weight basis, ampicillin was about twice as effective as benzylpenicillin. Neither of the drugs was rapidly and completely bactericidal for any of the 21 strains of enterococci when used alone. The addition of streptomycin greatly enhanced the early bactericidal rate achieved with any given amount of either penicillin and permitted the elimination of viable organisms in vitro. These results suggest that, for the time being, combined antibiotic therapy might be desirable in enterococcus endocarditis and that ampicillin, although more effective than benzylpenicillin, should not be relied upon as a single drug in that disease.
Internet Trade & U.S. Trade Policy

Global trade institutions are only beginning now to address the dramatic challenges of Internet trade and electronic commerce. The framing of these policy issues and contending principles by multilateral, bilateral and regional organizations is only now in its infancy. With inconsistent national legislation posing an obvious threat to such commerce, the goal of developing global trade law and global governance for Internet commerce has become more crucial. Suitable laws and structures are needed if the private sector and governments are to ensure market-driven Internet trade as an engine of global commerce.
Characterization of HLA-A3-restricted Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Reactive against the Widely Expressed Tumor Antigen Telomerase

Purpose: We have reported previously that the telomerase catalytic subunit, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), is a widely expressed tumor-associated antigen recognized by CTLs. A nine-amino acid peptide derived from hTERT binds strongly to HLA-A2 antigen and elicits CTL responses against a broad panel of hTERT + tumors (but not hTERT + hematopoietic progenitor cells). The applicability of hTERT as a potential target for anticancer immunotherapy would be widened by the identification of epitopes restricted to other common HLA alleles, such as HLA-A3 antigen. Experimental Design: Using a method of epitope deduction, HLA-A3-restricted peptide epitopes were screened from hTERT and tested for immunogenicity in a human in vitro T-cell system. Results: The hTERT peptide K973 was used to generate specific CD8 + CTLs from HLA-A3 + cancer patients and healthy individuals. These CTLs lysed hTERT + tumors from multiple histologies in an MHC-restricted fashion, suggesting that the epitope is naturally processed and presented by tumors. In contrast, highly enriched HLA-A3 + CD34 + peripheral blood progenitor cells or activated T cells were not lysed. Conclusion: Given the expression of HLA-A2 and HLA-A3 antigen in the general population, these findings extend the potential applicability of hTERT as a therapeutic target to >60% of all cancer patients. The characterization of hTERT as a polyepitope, polyallelic tumor-associated antigen may provide an approach for circumventing therapy-induced resistance potentially mediated by antigenic- and allelic-loss tumor escape mutants.
Overview of Macromolecular Electron Microscopy: An Essential Tool in Protein Structural Analysis

This unit aims to overview the application of NMR spectroscopy to proteins. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive “how to” guide, but rather to give a flavor of both well-established and emerging NMR techniques used in the elucidation of protein structure. It starts with a brief introduction to the basic principles of NMR and the information provided by this technique, and goes on to discuss the instrumentation involved, spectral assignment methods for small and large proteins, and the utility of other spin active nuclei (e.g., 13C and 15N) to aid assignment of the latter.
Enhanced/synthetic vision for transport aircraft

A number of technologies are being evaluated and further developed to provide very capable and flexible aircraft terminal area and ground navigation systems which are largely independent of aircraft facilities. These include satellite based navigation, precision FMS, forward looking sensors, and digital map/terrain databases. This paper addresses the potential for integration of these technologies for near and longer term applications on subsonic and supersonic transport aircraft. Recent McDonnell Douglas Aerospace-Transport Aircraft (MDA-TA) simulator work evaluating the capability of pilots to make Category III landings at Category I facilities using head-up display guidance symbology and emulated millimeter wave imagery will also be noted. >
Molecular Electronics and Hybrid Computers

The sections in this article are 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Molecular Based Devices 2 Bioelectronics 3 Hybrid Computers
Altered interactions among thin filament proteins modulate cardiac function

The transition of cardiac muscle myofilament activity from the diastolic to the systolic state is a complex allosteric/co-operative process, rich in potential control mechanisms. The rate and intensity of the transition is modulated by the mechanical state of the myofilaments, by covalent and non-covalent mechanisms, and by the isoform population of myofilament proteins. Moreover, the process is altered in pathological states and subject to modification by pharmacological agents with potential use as inotropic drugs. We present here a current perception of the process, with focus on molecular interactions of the thin filament components, especially troponin I. Our discussion is couched in terms of what we believe to be pressing questions in the current state of knowledge of this system. These questions are as follows: what is the topology of the thin filament and how do thin filament proteins regulate the activation of cross-bridge cycling? What is the relative role of protein phosphorylation of thin filament proteins in the regulation of the cardiac activity and dynamics? What is the relative role of feedback effects of cross-bridge binding on thin filament activity? Answers to these questions have taken on new significance, with the identification of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a "sarcomeric" disease related to missense mutations in myosin, troponin T. and tropomyosin. As discussed, new and exciting developments in this area are bringing us closer to the answers to these questions.
‘This Making of Truth is Violence Too, Out of Which Facts are Formed’: Colson Whitehead's Secret History of Post-Reconstruction America in John Henry Days

Colson Whiteheads novel John Henry Days is part of a large trend in contemporary (post-Cold War) American literature of exploring overlooked or alternative historical currents as a means of coming ...
Heat transfer from a tube bundle in a bubble column

Heat transfer coefficient for an immersed five tube bundle in a two-phase (air-water) bubble column is measured as a function of air velocity and other relevant parameters. Average and local air holdup are also measured under identical conditions to characterize the system uniquely.
The Impact Of Health Information Technology And e-Health On The Future Demand For Physician Services

Arguably, few factors will change the future face of the American health care workforce as widely and dramatically as health information technology (IT) and electronic health (e-health) applications. We explore how such applications designed for providers and patients will affect the future demand for physicians. We performed what we believe to be the most comprehensive review of the literature to date, including previously published systematic reviews and relevant individual studies. We estimate that if health IT were fully implemented in 30 percent of community-based physicians’ offices, the demand for physicians would be reduced by about 4–9 percent. Delegation of care to nurse practitioners and physician assistants supported by health IT could reduce the future demand for physicians by 4–7 percent. Similarly, IT-supported delegation from specialist physicians to generalists could reduce the demand for specialists by 2–5 percent. The use of health IT could also help address regional shortages of physic...
COMPARABILITY IN GERONTOLOGY CORE COURSES: AN ANALYSIS OF POLICY AND AGING COURSE SYLLABI

The general debate about the comparability of degrees in gerontology is extended by examining syllabi for overview courses in public/social policy and aging from 10 institutions offering master's degrees. Only modest levels of comparability were found in course objectives, topics, and required readings. Although several texts were used in over half the courses, no “core” set of readings could be identified. The analysis raises a fundamental question about the balance of content devoted to understanding the policy‐making process versus content devoted to addressing specific policies and programs related to aging. The results suggest that the issue of comparability of gerontology degrees cannot be settled until further analysis is performed to compare the actual content of core courses in the gerontology curriculum.
Phase I clinical trial of cisplatin given i.v. with 5-fluorouracil and high-dose folinic acid.

We report the results of a phase I study of intravenously administered cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and high-dose folinic acid. This trial was designed to exploit potential biochemical interactions between these three agents. The maximum tolerated doses were cisplatin, 75 mg/m2, day 1; 5-fluorouracil, 375 mg/m2, days 1–5 and leucovorin 500 mg/m2, days 1–5. The dose-limiting toxic effect of this regimen was myelosuppression. Mild non-hematologic toxic effects were also observed and included nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, and diarrhea. Phase II trial of this regimen are underway, however randomized studies will eventually be necessary to establish whether cisplatin contributes clinically significant activity to this regimen.
Regulation of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) in endometrial cells: glucocorticoids and oxidative stress regulate the expression of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in endometrial cells.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the regulation and expression of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in endometrial cells. Design: In vitro study. Setting: Research and teaching institution. Patient(s): None. Intervention(s): In vitro experimental study. Main Outcome Measure(s): The effect of glucocorticoid and oxidative stress on the expression of CSF-1 and c-fms in endometrial cells. Result(s): Cultured nonmalignant EM42 cells not only express CSF-1 and c-fms but are also capable of responding to exogenous CSF-1. We have also seen that glucocorticoids can regulate the expression of CSF-1/ c-fms in endometrial cells. Furthermore, this study shows that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the induction of CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms . Conclusion(s): The results suggest that CSF-1 may promote the growth of nonmalignant endometrial cells in both an autocrine and paracrine manner and that endometrial cells under oxidative stress induce CSF-1 and c-fms .
H2 histamine receptors on the epithelial cells of choroid plexus.

: A major site of cerebrospinal fluid production in vertebrates is the choroid plexus. The epithelial cells of the choroid plexus accumulate intracellular cyclic AMP in response to several effectors, including histamine. Since histamine is known to regulate fluid secretion in the stomach via H2 histamine receptors, we asked whether H2 receptors might also be present on epithelial cells of bovine choroid plexus. Using agonists and antagonists of histamine, we show that an agonist and antagonist pair specific for the H2 subtype were clearly more effective than an H1 agonist and antagonist pair in mimicking or inhibiting histamine stimulation of cellular cyclic AMP. Analysis by Schild plot allowed assignment of an apparent dissociation constant to the H2 antagonist metiamide which was 34-fold lower than that of its H1 counterpart, diphenhydramine. These results indicate that epithelial cells of the choroid plexus possess H2 histamine receptors.
Laser-Saturated Fluorescence Measurements of OH in Atmospheric Pressure CH4/O2/N2 Flames Under Sooting and Non-Sooting Conditions

Abstract OH concentration measurements have been performed in rich, atmospheric pressure CH4/O2/N2 flames using laser-saturated fluorescence. Both sooting and non-sooting conditions have been investigated. OH is thought to be an important species in soot chemistry because of its role in the oxidation of soot and soot precursors. In the sooting flame, the centerline axial OH concentration drops sharply 3-4 mm above the burner surface. Visible soot emission begins only after the OH concentration decreases significantly from its peak value in the flame zone. Rotational Raman scattering was identified as a potentially significant interference in the fluorescence measurements at the low OH concentration levels (down to 5 ppm) typical of the rich flames. Laser-saturated fluorescence and optical absorption measurements of OH concentration were also performed in a lean, atmospheric pressure CH4/O2/N2 flame. A combination fluorescence-absorption calibration in the lean flame was used to determine absolute OH numbe...
Ethanol-sodium chloride-phosphate mobile phase for size-exclusion chromatography of poly(ethylene glycol) modified proteins

The use of an aqueous sodium chloride-phosphate mobile phase for size-exclusion chromatography of poly(ethylene glycol) modified (PEGylated) proteins resulted in premature degradation of silica-based gel filtration columns. This column degradation was manifested as peak tailing and loss of resolution. An aqueous ethanol-sodium chloride-phosphate mobile phase was identified which extended column lifetimes without loss of resolution or change in peak shape. We describe the effects of sodium chloride, phosphate, and ethanol concentrations on column performance. Peak shape and column lifetimes were better when an aqueous ethanol-sodium chloride-phosphate mobile phase was used than with an aqueous salt mobile phase. Also, circular dichroism was utilized to investigate possible solvent effects on the conformation of each protein.
EFFECT OF DEUTERIUM OXIDE ON GROWTH OF HeLa, L AND L-5178Y CELLS

The effect of D/sub 2/O on growth of three stable mammalian cell lines (HeLa, L, and L-5178Y) was investigated. As D/sub 2/O concentration was increased, all cells showed increased water content and dry weight and a slower growth rate. Cytological investigations showed an increase in number of multinucleated cells and a moderate increase in sudanophilic material. No significant changes in nucleic acid content were demonstrable with the staining technics used. (auth)
Perception of Facial Expressions of Emotion During Binocular Rivalry

Binocular rivalry is the perceptual alternation between two incompatible stimuli presented simultaneously but to each eye separately. The observer's perception switches back and forth between the two stimuli that are competing for perceptual dominance. In two studies, pictures of emotional faces (disgust and happy) were pitted against each other or against pictures of faces with neutral expressions. Study 1 demonstrated that (a) emotional facial expressions predominate over neutral expressions, and (b) positive facial expressions predominate over negative facial expression (i.e., positivity bias). Study 2 examined individual differences in emotional predominance and positivity bias during binocular rivalry. Although the positivity bias was not affected by the levels of depressive symptoms, results demonstrated that emotional predominance diminished as the level of depressive symptoms increased. These results indicate that individuals who report more depressive symptoms compared to their less depressed counterparts tend to assign more meaning to neutral faces.
Time–temperature superposition of the dynamic birefringence of polyethylene

The dynamic strain-optical coefficient of low-density polyethylene is found to decrease with increasing frequency and increase with increasing temperature (at temperatures up to 60°C.). It is found that a series of curves representing the real, K′, and imaginary, K″, parts of the frequency variation of the strain-optical coefficient obtained at various temperatures up to 60°C. may be superposed by translation along the frequency axis. The temperature dependence of the shift factor corresponds to an Arrhenius type equation with an activation energy of the order of 25 kcal./mole. This may be compared with the similar value obtained by Takayanagi for the αc′ mechanical loss and with the dynamic x-ray diffraction values reported by Kawaguchi et al., but is somewhat lower than the value of 34 kcal./mole reported by Onogi et al. from birefringence relaxation studies. Takayanagi has ascribed the αc′ peak to cooperative motion of crystalline and amorphous regions of the sort that might be involved in the suggested sliding of lamellae over each other. At temperatures higher than 80°C., horizontal superposition is not possible.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Mediates Gut Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ileus Only after Severe Insults

Abstract Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS 2) is thought to play a role in gut motility disorders that occur under proinflammatory conditions. Clinically, ileus occurs after sepsis and shock-induced gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The purpose of this study was to determine if NOS 2 mediates impaired intestinal transit in well-established models of both moderate and severe gut ischemia/reperfusion. At laparotomy, Sprague-Dawley rats had duodenal catheters placed. Small intestinal transit was determined by quantitating the percentage tracer (FITC-dextran) in 10 equal segments of intestine 30 min after catheter injection [expressed as the mean geometric center (MGC) of distribution]. Transit was assessed at 6 and 24 h after gut ischemia [45 or 75 min of superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) with sham laparotomy as control]. In a separate set of experiments, N6-(iminoethyl)- l -lysine (L-NIL), a selective NOS 2 antagonist, was administered 1 h prior to laparotomy and transit was determined after 6 h as described above. Ileal NOS 2 expression was assessed by Western immunoblot and quantitative “real-time” RT-PCR. We observed that both 45 and 75 min of SMAO decreased intestinal transit at 6 h of reperfusion compared to sham. Ileal NOS 2 mRNA and protein were increased after 75, but not 45, min of SMAO. In addition, L-NIL improved transit after 75, but not 45, min of SMAO. We conclude that (1) NOS 2 is upregulated in the gut only after more severe ischemic insults, and (2) ileus is mediated, at least in part, by NOS 2 under these conditions.
Automated segmentation of mesothelioma volume on CT scan

In mesothelioma, response is usually assessed by computed tomography (CT). In current clinical practice the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or WHO, i.e., the uni-dimensional or the bi-dimensional measurements, is applied to the assessment of therapy response. However, the shape of the mesothelioma volume is very irregular and its longest dimension is almost never in the axial plane. Furthermore, the sections and the sites where radiologists measure the tumor are rather subjective, resulting in poor reproducibility of tumor size measurements. We are developing an objective three-dimensional (3D) computer algorithm to automatically identify and quantify tumor volumes that are associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma to assess therapy response. The algorithm first extracts the lung pleural surface from the volumetric CT images by interpolating the chest ribs over a number of adjacent slices and then forming a volume that includes the thorax. This volume allows a separation of mesothelioma from the chest wall. Subsequently, the structures inside the extracted pleural lung surface, including the mediastinal area, lung parenchyma, and pleural mesothelioma, can be identified using a multiple thresholding technique and morphological operations. Preliminary results have shown the potential of utilizing this algorithm to automatically detect and quantify tumor volumes on CT scans and thus to assess therapy response for malignant pleural mesothelioma.