cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Brain SPECT and the NIH Stroke Scale

To the Editor: The excellent article by Grotta and Alexandrov1 not only provides objective evidence in a small number of patients that intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) improves cerebral perfusion but also provides important data about the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) rating system. If the NIHSS score data from their article are plotted against the corresponding single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-graded scale score, a relationship becomes apparent, as shown in the Figure⇓. If one omits the …
Traditional Knowledge: Are We Closer to the Answers? The Potential Role of Geographical Indications

The debate concerning the protection of, and access to, “traditional knowledge” has been going on for some time. Academics, governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of indigenous communities have made arguments on many different levels. The most interesting debates are normative in nature: What should international law do about traditional knowledge? Is protection desirable? To what end? Equally interesting is the somewhat more technical debate about how we can proceed to implement some of the (tentative) normative conclusions. The normative debate is situated at the confluence of intellectual property law, cultural studies, ethnology and anthropology. In this short paper, I take a brief tour of this policy garden and suggest that, for at least some forms of traditional knowledge, the protection of geographical indications may offer a partial solution, and that implementing this protection would not be inordinately difficult using the existing Lisbon Agreement.
Dexamethason in plaats van betamethason bij dreigende vroeggeboorte wegens productiestop: even effectief en veilig?

Sinds de levering van betamethason (Celestone Chronodose) wereldwijd gestopt is, is de vraag of het noodgedwongen toedienen van dexamethason ter bevordering van de betere neonatale uitkomsten bij dreigende vroeggeboorte voor- of nadelen heeft in vergelijking met betamethason. De richtlijn van de Nederlandse Vereniging voor Obstetrie en Gynaecologie adviseert betamethason als eerste keuze voor de foetale longrijping bij dreigende vroeggeboorte. Verschillende onderzoeken beschrijven geen verschil in effecten van dexamethason en betamethason op de uitkomsten van ernstige neonatale morbiditeit (waaronder respiratory distress syndrome). Er zijn aanwijzingen dat betamethason de neonatale mortaliteit en het risico op periventriculaire leukomalacie sterker reduceert dan dexamethason. Dexamethason is goedkoper, gemakkelijker verkrijgbaar en werkt sneller, maar er zijn aanwijzingen voor neurotoxiciteit op de lange termijn. Het is voor de klinische praktijk niet wenselijk dat dexamethason noodgedwongen als alternatief voor betamethason gebruikt wordt en de levering van betamethason dient zo spoedig mogelijk hersteld te worden.
The basic helix-loop-helix-zipper transcription factor USF1 regulates expression of the surfactant protein-A gene

Expression of the rabbit pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) gene is lung-specific, occurs primarily in type II cells, and is developmentally regulated. We previously identified two E-box-like enhancers, termed the distal binding element (DBE) and proximal binding element (PBE), in the 5′-flanking region of the rabbit SP-A gene. In the present study, the PBE was used to screen a rabbit fetal lung cDNA expression library; a cDNA insert was isolated which is highly similar in sequence to human upstream stimulatory factor 1 (hUSF1). By use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, two isoforms of rabbit USF1 (rUSF1) mRNAs were identified in fetal rabbit lung and other tissues. The levels of rUSF1 mRNAs reach a peak in fetal rabbit lung at 23 days gestation, in concert with the time of initiation of SP-A gene transcription. Binding complexes of nuclear proteins obtained from fetal rabbit lung tissue and isolated type II cells with the DBE and PBE were supershifted by the addition of anti-rUSF1 IgG. Binding activity was enriched in type II cells compared with lung fibroblasts. Overexpression of rUSF1s in A549 adenocarcinoma cells positively regulated SP-A promoter activity of cotransfected reporter gene constructs. It is suggested that rUSF1s, which bind to two E-box elements in the SP-A gene 5′-flanking region, may serve a key role in the regulation of SP-A gene expression in pulmonary type II cells.
The Impact of Deliquescence and pH on Cr Speciation in Ambient PM Samples

The 2 chromium oxidation states found in ambient atmospheric particulate matter (PM) are trivalent [Cr(III)] and hexavalent [Cr(VI)] chromium. Cr(III) is a trace element essential for the proper function of living organisms. However, Cr(VI) is toxic and exposure to Cr(VI) may lead to cancer, nasal damage, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonitis, inflammation, dermatitis, and skin allergies. Therefore, it is important to accurately discriminate between these 2 species in atmospheric PM samples. This work focuses on the effect of deliquescence and pH on chromium speciation in filter samples of airborne PM collected in the northeastern USA. The deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) and liquid water mass content determined for the ambient particle samples are in good agreement with previously reported values for ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate suggesting that these 2 salts control the hygroscopic properties of the ambient particles in the northeastern USA. The loss of Cr(VI) increases significantly up to 85% at...
Proportion offered in the Dictator and Ultimatum Games decreases with amount and social distance.

Behavior in both the Dictator Game and the Ultimatum Game is of special interest because proposers often violate the predictions of normative economic theory: On average, offers in both games are higher than what would be considered income-maximizing. In the present study, the initial amount provided to the proposer and the social distance between the proposer and the respondent were both varied across a wide range, and the effects of these manipulations on offers in the Dictator Game and the Ultimatum Game were examined in a broad sample of participants recruited via MTurk. Although the amount offered was consistently higher in the Ultimatum Game, the proportion of the amount offered decreased as the size of the initial amount increased in both games. Moreover, the proportion offered also decreased as a function of the social distance between the proposer and the responder. The present results extend our knowledge of the determinants of proposers’ behavior in two-person economic games and emphasize the importance of social distance and the amount of money at stake as factors that affect people’s economic decisions.
Consistent and accurate schemes for coupled neutronics thermal-hydraulics reactor analysis

Abstract Conventional coupling paradigms currently used to couple different physics components in reactor analysis problems can be inconsistent in their treatment of the nonlinear terms due to the operator-split (OS) strategies employed. This leads to the usage of small time steps to maintain accuracy requirements, thereby increasing the overall computational time. This paper proposes some remedies to OS techniques that can restore consistency in the coupling of the nonlinear terms and explores high-order mono-block nonlinearly consistent techniques with time step control. The performance of the methods was studied for several transient scenarios using a 0D point-kinetics/thermal-hydraulics lumped model and a 1D neutronics/heat conduction/enthalpy balance model. The results prove that consistent approximations can be made to enhance the overall accuracy in conventional codes with simple nonintrusive techniques. Additionally, an analysis of a mono-block coupling strategy (without having recourse to an OS strategy) is carried out to assess automated time stepping control using higher order Implicit Runge–Kutta (IRK) schemes. The conclusions from these results indicate that nonlinearly consistent adaptive time stepping methods can provide better accuracy and reliability in the solution fields than constant time stepping methods, even for transients with rapid and discontinuous variations.
Investment planning for irrigation development projects

Abstract This paper considers the problem of choosing among the technologies available for irrigation by tubewells to obtain an investment plan which maximizes the net agricultural benefits from a proposed project in a developing country. Cost and benefit relationships are derived and incorporated into a mathematical model which is solved using a modification of the dynamic programming procedure for solving the knapsack problem. The optimal schedule is seen to favor small capacity wells, drilled by indigenous methods, with supplementary water distribution systems.
A client-centered nutrition education model: Lessons learned from Texas WIC.

Abstract Objective To examine the implementation of client-centered nutrition education in Texas Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children as it relates to the Participant-Centered Education (PCE) model and identify additional components relevant to practical application. Methods Implementation evaluation at Texas Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children state and local agencies, including online surveys, telephone interviews, field observations/interviews, and meeting notes collected from 2009 to 2011. Data analyzed using deductive and inductive coding to investigate research questions. Results The data aligned with the PCE model domains and suggested elements for practical application. Communication, training, evaluation, and client participation emerged as additional components to support client-centered nutrition education. The new model captures the way the domains influence each other and the importance of 2-way interactions between the client and the other domains. Conclusions and Implications The findings document the model's potential usefulness for programs with similar audiences and goals. This research highlights an expanded PCE model to assist practitioners in implementation of similar client centered programs.
The 2-Adic behavior of the number of partitions into distinct parts

Abstract Let Q(n) denote the number of partitions of an integer n into distinct parts. For positive integers j, the first author and B. Gordon proved that Q(n) is a multiple of 2j for every non-negative integer n outside a set with density zero. Here we show that if i≢0 (mod 2j), then #{0⩽n⩽X : Q(n)≡i (mod 2 j )}⪢ j X /log X. In particular, Q(n) lies in every residue class modulo 2j infinitely often. In addition, we examine the behavior of Q(n) (mod 8) in detail, and we obtain a simple “closed formula” using the arithmetic of the ring Z [ −6 ].
Baseline variation and associations between subject characteristics and five cytokine biomarkers of vaginal safety among healthy non-pregnant women in microbicide trials.

Interleukins (IL)-8, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) have emerged as indicators of vaginal inflammation and HIV-1 transmission risk. We provide values and factors of normal variation of these immune mediators in premenopausal women to allow their wider clinical application as biomarkers of vaginal health. Cross-sectional analyzes (Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon exact tests) of cytokine concentrations in relation to sociodemographic variables and Nugent score were performed on baseline (prior to product) cervicovaginal lavage from two Phase I randomized microbicide trials. All women in the analysis had regular menstrual cycles, 72 h abstinence, normal blood and Pap tests, and absence of genitourinary infections, study-relevant allergies, antibiotics use and history of substance abuse. Cytokine norms were defined as the values among those with Nugent score 7) and borderline (4-6) Nugent scores had elevated IL-1α and/or IL-1β although their IL-1RA-to-IL(α+β) ratio remained within the normal range due to higher IL-1RA. Women with borderline Nugent scores had IL-8 levels above the normal range. IL-8 and the IL-1RA-to-IL-1 ratio can be used as independent biomarkers of vaginal immune balance. More studies must determine the role of sexual activity, contraceptive method, and borderline Nugent scores, which normally are not exclusion criteria for enrollment in microbicide trials but may affect product tolerability and HIV-1 risk due to the aberrant cytokine levels.
Stable resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus in wheat mediated by RNAi

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is one of the major wheat viruses found in the Great Plains of the USA. Cultural practices are the primary methods of disease management, though not fully effective. Although genetic resistance is available, it is temperature sensitive and is sometimes closely linked with traits having negative agronomic effects. Alternative approaches to viral resistance are clearly needed. RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to play a role in viral defense response and has been successfully used as a biotechnological tool to preprogram viral resistance in transgenic plants. In this work, a portion of the coat protein of WSMV was used as a hairpin construct and was co-transformed with pAHC20-bar to elicit viral resistance. Eleven WSMV RNAi independent transgenic events were obtained. Thirteen T1 lines were resistant as evident by the lack of viral RNA within the tissue. Beginning in the T2 generation, single-plant lineages were selected, selfed, and evaluated for resistance and presence of the transgene until the T5 generation. Families were then evaluated for the presence of the transgene, presence of the selectable marker, and WSMV resistance. Each of the lines in the T5 generation were resistant to the virus. Generational selection has maintained expression of the transgene and resistance to WSMV.
Incoherent scatter observations of thin ionization layers at Sondrestrom

Abstract High resolution incoherent-scatter observations of E-region thin (1–3 km) metallic ion layers are presented. Data were collected during three different periods from August 1990 to August 1991, in three different experimental modes. First, the antenna was directed vertically and the entire duty cycle was devoted to Barker coded multi-pulse [ Zamlutti (1980) J. atmos. terr. Phys.42, 975–982] measurements to determine the densities and temperatures in the E-region with 300 m resolution. The second experiment measured the F-region electric field as well as the high resolution E-region densities. For the third experiment the antenna was scanned magnetic north-south while only the E-region densities were measured. The experiments were carried out on 16 different nights for a period of 4 h each night at a time near magnetic midnight. Thin ionization layers were observed on 12 of the 16 nights. The first experiment demonstrated that the thin layers are composed of a significant fraction of heavy metallic ions; assuming the layers are composed of a mixture of Fe+ and Mg+ a composition estimate of 63% Fe+ was obtained in one example. The second experiment investigated the relationship between the direction of the electric field and the presence of the thin layers. In these observations thin layers were only present when the electric field was pointed in the magnetic north-west or south-west quadrants, most frequently when the field was near magnetic west. Correlation between layer altitude and field direction was also observed, layers occurring at higher altitudes for fields directed in the north-west, and lower altitudes for fields directed to the south-west. The observations are compatible with the electric field mechanism for thin ionization layer formation. The scanning experiment showed that the layers were of a limited latitudinal extent, typically about 100 km up to a maximum of about 200 km.
A New Perspective on Yarn Unevenness: Components and Determinants of General Unevenness

A simple analysis of the local linear density of a yarn yields an equation of its overall variance, which has three components: variance of the number of fibers per cross section, variance of the mean local fiber fineness, and that of the mean parameter of fiber inclination relative to yam axis. Further mathematical analysis of the component variances reveals a set of determining factors: the sequence of the fiber ends along the yam, the distribution of the fiber length, fiber fineness and its irregularity, the irregularity of the fiber configuration relative to the yam axis, and the blend uniformity along the yarn. To help in this analysis, a representation of the yarn, free of any structural hypothesis, is derived from the way the yam emerges from a ring spinning process: a superposition of elementary strips, each resulting from an initial sliver. This represen tation demonstrates that inverse proportionality between the squared CV of the yarn and its mean number of fibers in cross section holds for any...
Gender and Perceived Chances of Arrest

This paper examines gender differences in perceived chances of arrest for six familiar types of lawbreaking. Most crime theories predict that women should give higher arrest estimates than men, and we note five common explanations for this prediction. These include differential stakes in conformity, differential cognitive dissonance between gender role expectations and objective risks, differential perceived visibility, differential conventionality, and differential knowledge of crime and sanction. Survey data from a sample of U.S. adults show that women perceive systematically higher chances of arrest than do men, and that differential visibility and differential stakes in conformity seem to be the most promising accounts for these differences. At the same time, these variables are only modest predictors of overall individual patterns in perceived arrest risks. This suggests that much additional work on the patterns and determinants of risk perception is necessary before an adequate picture of more general variation in risk perceptions can be drawn. During the past decade social scientists have become especially interested in gender differences in the type and frequency of criminal behavior as well as in the differences in the ways males and females are processed by social control agencies (for example; Adler; Adler and Simon; Anderson; Armstrong; Bernstein et al.; Cernovich and Giordano; Chesney-Lind, a,b,c; Hindelang; Jensen and Eve; Klein; Norland and Shover; Simon; Simons et al.; Smart; Smith; Smith and Visher; Steffensmeier, a,b). But one of the most intriguing potential differences between males and females is that of deterrability (Anderson et al.; Burkett and Jensen; Jensen et al.; Sigelman and Sigelman; Silberman; Tittle; Tittle and Rowe). This is especially true because the deterrent argument involves an apparent anomaly concerning sex differences. The deterrence doctrine assumes that there is an inverse relationship between objective sanction risk and criminal activity (see Gibbs; Tittle, for bibliographies of recent research). These two variables are generally thought to be linked by individual perceptions of sanction risk; objective 01981 The University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/81/041182-99$01.80
Sustainable small‐scale agriculture in small caribbean Islands

Abstract This article examines the postwar decline in agriculture in small tropical islands. From trends in seven Eastern Caribbean countries and detailed case histories of four very small, tourism‐led islands, it presents a structural disequilibrium model that argues that much of the agricultural decline is due to large and persistent sectoral income and wage discrepancies that cause widespread mobility of land and labor from agricultural to tourism and related uses. It concludes with a broad set of policies and practices, consistent with the model, to reverse agricultural declines and preserve environmental stability.
Has the revolution arrived

Looking back over the past decade of human genomics, Francis Collins finds five key lessons for the future of personalized medicine — for technology, policy, partnerships and pharmacogenomics.
Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase is involved in 2-methoxyestradiol-mediated cell death of osteosarcoma cells

We studied the involvement of interferon-regulated, PKR on 2-ME–mediated actions in human osteosarcoma cells. Our results show that PKR is activated by 2-ME treatment and is necessary for 2-ME–mediated induction of osteosarcoma cell death. Introduction: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor and most frequently develops during adolescence. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a metabolite of 17β-estradiol, induces interferon gene expression and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. In this report, we studied the role of interferon-regulated double-stranded (ds)RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) protein on 2-ME–mediated cell death in human osteosarcoma cells. Materials and Methods: Western blot analyses were used to measure PKR protein and phosphorylation levels. Cell survival and apoptosis assays were measured using trypan blue exclusion and Hoechst dye methods, respectively. A transient transfection protocol was used to express the dominant negative PKR mutants. Results and Conclusions: PKR was increased in 2-ME–treated MG63 cells, whereas 17β-estradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol, and 16α-hydroxyestradiol, which do not induce cell death, had no effect on PKR protein levels. Also, 2-ME treatment induced PKR kinase activity as indicated by increased autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of the endogenous substrate, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-2α. dsRNA poly (I).poly (C), an activator of PKR protein, increased cell death when osteosarcoma cells were treated with a submaximal concentration of 2-ME. In contrast, a serine-threonine kinase inhibitor SB203580 and a specific PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine (2-AP) blocked the 2-ME–induced cell death in MG63 cells. A dominant negative PKR mutant protein conferred resistance to 2-ME–induced cell death to MG63 osteosarcoma and 2-ME–mediated PKR regulation did not require interferon gene expression. PKR protein is activated in cell free extracts by 2-ME treatment, resulting in autophosphorylation and in the phosphorylation of the substrate eIF-2α. We conclude from these results that PKR is regulated by 2-ME independently of interferon and is essential for 2-ME–mediated cell death in MG63 osteosarcoma cells.
Instead of revising half the story, why not rewrite the whole thing?

I had great expectations when I received an email announcing an American Journal of Bioethics target article about the assessment of risk in pediatric research that included the post-colon modifier...
Control of food intake by kainate/quisqualate receptors in the median raphe nucleus

In previous studies we have reported that increases in food and water intake can be produced by microinjections of both NMDA selective and broad spectrum excitatory amino acid antagonists into the median raphe nucleus (MR). In the current experiments we examined the influence of kainate/quisqualate receptors in the MR on ingestive behavior. The consumption of food and water by deprived rats could be suppressed by intra-MR microinjections of the excitatory amino acid agonists kainic acid (5-10 ng in 0.5 microliters vehicle) and quisqualic acid (125-500 ng). Conversely, intra-raphe injections of the kainate/quisqualate receptor antagonists pBB-PZDA (1.25-2.5 micrograms) and GAMS (10-20 micrograms) elicited feeding in nondeprived animals. pBB-PZDA was more potent in eliciting ingestive behavior than was the selective NMDA antagonist 2-amino-6-phosphonohexanoic acid, suggesting that the effects of pBB-PZDA were not mediated through the NMDA receptor. The current findings suggest that ingestive behaviors are tonically inhibited by excitatory amino acids acting at kainate/quisqualate receptors in the vicinity of the MR.
Conduction of feedback-mediated signal in a computational model of coupled nephrons

The nephron in the kidney regulates its fluid flow by several autoregulatory mechanisms. Two primary mechanisms are the myogenic response and the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). The myogenic response is a property of the pre-glomerular vasculature in which a rise in intravascular pressure elicits vasoconstriction that generates a compensatory increase in vascular resistance. TGF is a negative feedback response that balances glomerular filtration with tubular reabsorptive capacity. While each nephron has its own autoregulatory response, the responses of the kidney's many nephrons do not act autonomously but are instead coupled through the pre-glomerular vasculature. To better understand the conduction of these signals along the pre-glomerular arterioles and the impacts of internephron coupling on nephron flow dynamics, we developed a mathematical model of renal haemodynamics of two neighbouring nephrons that are coupled in that their afferent arterioles arise from a common cortical radial artery. Simulations were conducted to estimate internephron coupling strength, determine its dependence on vascular properties and to investigate the effect of coupling on TGF-mediated flow oscillations. Simulation results suggest that reduced gap-junctional conductances may yield stronger internephron TGF coupling and highly irregular TGF-mediated oscillations in nephron dynamics, both of which experimentally have been associated with hypertensive rats.
A culture‐based approach to understanding the adoption and diffusion of new products across countries

Purpose – For international product managers, one critical question is how fast a new product is likely to be adopted and diffused in different nations. One possible way to answer this question is by collecting data on the diffusion in a large number of countries and analyzing them. However, one of the main problems associated with collecting data are the lack of sufficient early‐period sales data to ensure reliable estimations. The estimation process becomes even harder since word‐of‐mouth and imitation play significant roles in the adoption of a new product given that the spread of information in a social system is complex. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship among social interactions, cultural differences, and the adoption of new products, and propose a new technique to work with the complexity arising from social interactions, as well as the few data points.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework is presented and propositions are constructed.Findings – The study sugges...
Interpolation of oscillator-strength sum-rule data using scaled hydrogenic moments: Stopping and straggling mean excitation energies

The derivative of the quantity S(k), where S(k) is the sum of dipole oscillator strengths weighted by the kth power of the excitation energy, provides a convenient technique for calculating stopping and straggling mean excitation energies. This implies knowledge of the S(k) for all k within a certain range that is usually obtained by interpolating the S(k) values available for integer k. A method that relates the components of S(k) for equivalent electrons of a target atom, S/sub j/(k), to that of a hydrogenic ion with nuclear charge number Z/sub j/(k) is constructed. This approach requires certain matrix elements and expectation values involving all occupied target orbitals plus any unoccupied target orbitals that have the same principal quantum number as an occupied orbital and a nonzero dipole matrix element with this occupied orbital. It is shown here that the resulting curve of Z/sub j/(k) versus k can be interpolated with greater accuracy than can S(k) or S/sub j/(k). The relationship between S/sub j/(k) and Z/sub j/(k) constructed here implies an S(k) curve for all k and, consequently, the stopping and straggling mean excitation energies. The average errors for interpolating Z/sub j/(k) as compared to S/sub j/(k) are improved by factorsmore » of 2--4 for a large range of targets. However, there are individual targets for which this error trend is reversed.« less
Promoting Faculty Scholarship Through the University Author Recognition Bibliography at Boise State University

One of the most important contributions by any university is its faculty members’ scholarship. Providing an interface to view the full scope of an institution's academic accomplishments is vital for promoting both the scholarship and the university at large. Because of their unique information skills and services, librarians can facilitate the discovery of this scholarship on behalf of their institutions. This article explores how Albertsons Library at Boise State University utilizes an institutional repository to produce a faculty publication bibliography. Processes for collecting academic scholarship and organizing the citations within a repository structure are also discussed. Library staff found that this approach not only reduced redundancy and increased the usability of researcher publication data, it also increased the profile and value of the institutional repository.
A New System for Preventing Icing of Gas Turbine Inlets

A new system for preventing condensate and precipitate icing of gas turbine inlet systems has been developed. This system uses a combination heat exchanger/moisture separator called an Anti-Ice Moisture Separator (AIMS) to provide icing protection without the need to heat the inlet air to 0 C or above. Turbine exhaust gas heats the AIMS surfaces and thereby prevents ice from forming on them. Turbine inlet air passing over these surfaces is heated by convection. No mixing of exhaust gas with inlet air occurs. Condensate icing is prevented by heating the air enough to prevent it from falling below the dew point temperature anywhere in the inlet system. Precipitate icing is prevented by separating most water droplets from the inlet air and evaporating the rest before they impact and freeze on cold surfaces. The AIMS system has successfully prevented turbine inlet icing in temperatures as low as −22 C (-8 F) during field tests. It is anticipated that AIMS systems will be able to prevent inlet icing at any ambient temperature that may be encountered.Copyright © 1976 by ASME
Sleep in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Sleep disturbances are common in neurodegenerative disease and impair quality of life. People with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) develop daytime hypersomnia and nighttime insomnia. These symptoms likely result from circadian rhythm disruption due to reduced zeitgeber input, suprachiasmatic nucleus dysfunction, and melatonin alterations. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) are often seen. These problems are related to neurodegeneration of brain structures influencing sleep and wake states, circadian rhythm dysfunction, and motor and non-motor symptoms. RBD can precede PD motor symptoms by several years, and it represents a window of opportunity to treat the disease process when a disease-modifying therapy for PD becomes available in the future. Effective treatments for sleep disturbances in AD and PD are limited. Deeper understanding of sleep and circadian dysfunction is necessary to develop treatments that improve quality of life and potentially alter the degenerative course.
Glycated collagen cross-linking alters cardiac mechanics in volume-overload hypertrophy

Alteration of hemodynamic loading induces remodeling that includes changes in myocardial properties and extracellular matrix structure. We investigated the hypothesis that cardiac hypertrophy due t...
Diffusion Imaging for Therapy Response Assessment of Brain Tumor

Advanced imaging provides insight into biophysical, physiologic, metabolic, or functional properties of tissues. Since water mobility is sensitive to cellular homeostasis, cellular density and microstructural organization, it is considered a valuable tool in the advanced imaging arsenal. This article briefly summarizes diffusion imaging concepts and highlights clinical applications of diffusion MRI for oncologic imaging. The inverse relationship between water mobility and density of cellular elements has been exploited in attempts to characterize and grade brain tumor based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), as well as distinguish tumor from peritumoral edema. Diffusion tensor imaging and its derivative maps of diffusion anisotropy allow assessment of tumor compression or destruction of adjacent normal tissue anisotropy thus may aid to assess tumor infiltration and aid pre-surgical planning. A variety of preclinical studies on treated tumor models demonstrate ADC is sensitive to therapeutic alteration of tumor by effective cytotoxic agents, and that ADC changes are measurable before the lesion shrinks in size. In corresponding clinical studies, these ADC changes have been detected before completion of fractionated chemo-radiation schedules thus diffusion-based biomarkers of response have the potential to be used to intervene and individualize therapy delivery. Several methods to distill diffusion information into quantitative biomarkers have been proposed and include tumor summary statistics of baseline ADC/FA values and their change with time, as well as production of voxel-by-voxel response maps that reflect the relative volume of responding tumor. The voxel-based methods require coregistration of image volumes but this approach may also have value to guide spatially-directed therapies.
Comparative effectiveness of incident oral antidiabetic drugs on kidney function.

Diabetes is a major cause of chronic kidney disease, and oral antidiabetic drugs are the mainstay of therapy for most patients with Type 2 diabetes. Here we evaluated their role on renal outcomes by using a national Veterans Administration database to assemble a retrospective cohort of 93,577 diabetic patients who filled an incident oral antidiabetic drug prescription for metformin, sulfonylurea, or rosiglitazone, and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60ml/min or better. The primary composite outcome was a persistent decline in eGFR from baseline of 25% or more (eGFR event) or a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The secondary outcome was an eGFR event, ESRD, or death. Sensitivity analyses included using a more stringent definition of the eGFR event requiring an eGFR 2 in addition to the 25% or more decline; controlling for baseline proteinuria thereby restricting data to 15,065 patients; and not requiring persistent treatment with the initial oral antidiabetic drug. Compared to patients using metformin, sulfonylurea users had an increased risk for both the primary and the secondary outcome, each with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.20. Results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings. The risk associated with rosiglitazone was similar to metformin for both outcomes. Thus, compared to metformin, oral antidiabetic drug treatment with sulfonylureas increased the risk of a decline in eGFR, ESRD, or death.
Separation of some perbenzoylated carbohydrates by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A number of hydroxy and polyhydroxy compounds, monosaccharides and disaccharides as their perbenzoylated derivatives were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (Corasil II). The preparation of these derivatives and several parameters affecting their chromatographic resolution are discussed.
The use of densitometry to detect differences in bone mineral density and content of live White Leghorns fed varying levels of dietary calcium

Densitometry was investigated as a noninvasive tool to monitor skeletal integrity in live White Leghorns as an indicator for osteoporosis, a noninfectious disease resulting in mineral loss from the bone. The objectives of the experiment were 1) to assess the ability of densitometry to detect differences in bone integrity in live White Leghorns fed varying concentrations of dietary calcium and 2) to correlate densitometric scans with other bone test methods and production parameters that are sensitive to calcium concentrations in the diet. Hens were fed hypercalcemic (5.4%), control (3.6%), or hypocalcemic (1.8%) diets from 32 to 58 wk of age. A Norland densitometer was used to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the left tibia and humerus in restrained, unanesthetized hens at 36, 46, and 56 wk of age (experiment 1) and at 38, 48, and 58 wk of age (experiment 2). Bones were excised from hens at 38, 48, and 58 wk of age for breaking strength measurements. Results from the densitometric scans showed that BMD and BMC of the humerus and tibia of live hens decreased linearly when hens consumed diets with decreasing concentrations of calcium (experiment 2). Similar trends in BMD and BMC were detected in experiment 1 at 36 wk of age using BW as a covariate. The results from the densitometric scans were comparable to those obtained from other bone tests commonly used. For example, bone breaking force, stress, and modulus of elasticity decreased linearly as hens consumed decreasing concentrations of calcium. Bone breaking force was correlated with BMD (r=0.65, P<0.001). We concluded that densitometry accurately measures differences in BMD and BMC in live birds fed varying concentrations of dietary calcium.
Synchronization of chaotic systems and invariant manifolds

The theory of normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds (Fenichel theory) can be used to define strict chaotic synchronization in terms of synchronization manifolds, and treat many ideas found in the physics and engineering literature analytically. In the first part of this work we introduce a modification of Fenichel theory which applies to chaotic synchronization and discuss the Lyapunov-exponent-like quantities used to determine the transverse stability of synchronization manifolds. The second part deals with the different methods for detecting synchrony: symmetry considerations, geometric singular perturbation theory and, in the case of uniformly asymptotically stable extensions, graph transforms. We also consider the case for which an extension of a system is only locally uniformly asymptotically stable and show that in such cases n:1 synchrony occurs.
Staminate flowers under controlled conditions by Cymodocea serrulata from Kenya

Staminate flowers of Cymodocea serrulata (R. Br.) Aschers. from Diani Beach, Kenya, that developed in experimental cultures showed primarily temperature controls of floral induction. Although staminate flowers were described for the first time in 1975 for plants in Queensland, Australia, few have been reported subsequently in other parts of the Indo-Pacific.
Creating and Applying Thought Experiments in Public Administration

This article expands the dialogue on the use of thought experiments as a strategy of inquiry in public administration. Literature on scientific and philosophical thought experiments is presented, and a genre of thought experiment, the utopic thought experiment, is created with the discipline of public administration in mind. The purpose of the utopic thought experiment is for a researcher to challenge his or her own assumptions regarding a problem found in public administration. The utopic thought experiment draws on works in the thought experiment, utopian literary, and public administration fields. An example of a utopic thought experiment is provided in which the Federal Reserve is given constitutional status. The steps used to create the thought experiment are provided and a major criticism of the use of thought experiments generally is discussed. The article supports the use of thought experiments as a strategy of inquiry in public administration.
The dependence of winter aurora on interplanetary parameters

[1] The dependence of the northern winter aurora on interplanetary parameters is examined for images obtained from the Polar spacecraft Ultraviolet Imager (UVI) during the month of January 1997. Linear correlation analysis is used to relate auroral brightness to interplanetary parameters as a function of magnetic latitude (MLAT) and magnetic local time (MLT). Spatial maps of maximum magnitude correlation coefficient and optimal lag times are presented. In addition, the Method of Natural Orthogonal Components (MNOC) is applied to UVI images and an orthogonal set of eigenmodes of auroral behavior is produced. The dominant eigenmodes are determined to be (1) the main auroral oval brightness, (2) polar cap contraction/expansion, (3) dawn/dusk aurora, and (4) midnight sector brightening/quenching. The temporal coefficients for the various eigenmodes are correlated separately with solar wind parameters and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) components. The dominant influence of the negative Bz component is confirmed, but the timescale of its influence is found to vary widely. The MNOC procedure allows some of the more subtle relationships between the aurora and the interplanetary parameters to be isolated, particularly those associated with the solar wind density and IMF Bx and By.
A wide temperature range hermetically sealed langmuir-blodgett apparatus

Abstract We have built a Langmuir-Blodgett system situated inside a double-walled enclosure through which water or refrigerant can be circulated. This permits the temperature to be varied over a wide range without temperature gradients or condensation on the sides of the enclosure. Since the enclosure can be hermitically sealed, oxygen-free or other selected environments may be introduced.
Concomitant Enhancement of B-Cell Mitogenesis and Inhibition of Antibody Synthesis by a Phorbol Ester

Abstract12-O-Tetradecaroyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent tumor-promoting agent, was found to enhance proliferation of murine splenic lymphocytes in response to B-cell mitogens, while possessing no mitogenic activity by itself. At the same time, TPA inhibited the B mitogen-induced polyclonal responses as well as antigen-specific antibody responses of cultured murine spleen cells. Our results support the hypothesis that tumor promoters inhibit lymphocyte differentiation.
Studies on the variability of muscle-type lactate dehydrogenase in the frog, Rana pipiens.

Abstract 1. 1. Muscle-type lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-5) in the frog, Rana pipiens, shows no electrophoretic or immunological variability over the entire range of the species complex. 2. 2. Correlated with this is an absence of kinetic variability as well. 3. 3. An allotype different from the usual wild type in thermolability was discovered to be fixed in one population. 4. 4. This situation differs radically from that in the heart-type LDHs (LDH-1) of these same frogs, which show much electrophoretic and immunological variability and also some kinetic variability.
Foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy, adult type. A clinicopathologic study including electron microscopic observations

Foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy, adult type (FVDAT), is a dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) characterized in part by autosomal dominant inheritance, midlife onset, mild visual loss, and various patterns of foveal yellow deposits located at the level of the pigment epithelium. Detailed pathologic studies of two postmortem eyes from a 61-year-old woman with documented FVDAT disclosed striking abnormalities involving mainly the foveal RPE and overlying photoreceptors. By light microscopy, marked focal atrophy of the pigment epithelial cells in the foveolar area was bordered by hypertrophic RPE. Interposed between the atrophic RPE and Bruch's membrane were scattered eosinophilic, fusiform collagenous plaques. The sensory retina overlying the deranged RPE displayed marked atrophy of the outer nuclear layer with loss of photoreceptor inner and outer segments. Pigment-laden macrophages containing periodic acid-Schiff-positive material had migrated into the atrophic, outer sensory retina. Ultraviolet fluorescent microscopy demonstrated massive accumulation of lipofuscin pigment within the macular RPE as well as within macrophages in the atrophic outer retina. By scanning electron microscopy, a confluent area of flattened, atrophic retinal pigment epithelial cells was rimmed by taller, hypertrophic RPE cells. By transmission electron microscopy, the pigment epithelial cells contained myriad lipofuscin granules. Bruch's membrane and the intercapillary pillars were slightly thickened and the choriocapillaris was patent. The possible interrelationships between FVDAT and the other pattern dystrophies of the RPE are discussed.
Velocity fluctuation interpretation in the near wall region of a dense riser

Tests were conducted in a cold flow circulating fluidized bed to gather computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model validation data. Particle velocity measurements were obtained with an LDV system under various operating conditions at locations near the wall to provide data in terms of a time series of particle velocity values. Time scale criteria were developed to characterize the variance of the velocity fluctuations from LDV measurements as either granular temperature or granular turbulent kinetic energy. By applying these criteria to categorize the variations in the velocities for adjacent particles passing the sample volume, the resulting granular temperatures were found to be much smaller than the granular (particle) turbulent kinetic energy. Average values for the granular temperature in this system ranged between 0.02 to 0.1 m2/s2, while the particle turbulent kinetic energy ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 m2/s2. Both were dependent upon solids fraction; decreasing with increasing solids fraction. The velocity fluctuation data was also analyzed using the autocorrelation technique providing axial solids dispersion coefficients. These values range from 0.005 to 0.8 m2/s and were found to be a function of both the gas velocity and solids fraction. A method was developed to estimate the local solids fraction with the LDVmore » data.« less
Approaches to HIV vaccine design

Contemporary vaccines are relying increasingly on modern biotechnology and a vaccine against the AIDS virus is expected to depend even more on new technological advances. Four basic areas of vaccine development are discussed in this context: (1) selection and preparation of candidate immunogens; (2) presentation of immunogens to the immune system; (3) pre-clinical testing of vaccine candidates; and (4) monitoring of vaccine clinical trials.
A cardiotachometer with linear indication of beat-to-beat frequency.

Circuit design and performance of cardiotachometer with linear indication of beat-to-beat heart rate, noting input clipping and filter circuits
The Role Of The User In The Map Communication Process: Obtaining Information From Displays With Discrete Elements

When searching for an item of information in a crowded visual field, one must first see it extrafoveally (i.e., outside of central vision). The efficiency in acquiring a target item depends on how well it can be discriminated extrafoveally from other objects on the basis of its known characteristics. We define the discriminability of a specified target from a second class of objects by a searcher's ability to selectively fixate objects of the target class. By recording visual fixations during search, we have measured discriminability of objects along several stimulus dimensions (viz., color, size, shape, lightness). Lorsqu'on recherche un element d'information dans un champ visuel tres encombre, on doit d'abord le percevoir a l'exterieur du foyer visuel central. La facilite de discernement d'un element-cible depend de l'aptitude a le distinguer des autres objets a l'exterieur du foyer visuel central a l'aide de ses caracteristiques connues. La discernabilite d'un element-cible parmi d'autres objets d'une ...
Thermal performance characteristics of heat pipes

Abstract Theoretical and experimental studies are conducted to evaluate the overall thermal performance of single-component and gas-loaded heat pipes. In the analysis, the simple conduction model developed recently for the single-component heat pipes has been extended to predict the wall temperature profiles of gas-loaded heat pipes with phase change occurring in the evaporator wick. Experimental evaluation of the thermal performance is made with two working fluids (water and acetone) under two corresponding sink environments (boiling water and boiling alcohol). The heat pipe system is designed with variable-length heat input and output sections under a wide range of heat input conditions. Measured results agree well with theoretical predictions.