cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxic effects of ornithine and its related compounds on the retina.

Recent studies revealed that intravitreous injection of L-ornithine causes severe damage in the pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells of experimental animals and that the clinical and histological appearances of the damage are similar to those of gyrate atrophy, a hereditary blinding disease caused by hyper-ornithinemia due to the deficiency of ornithine-δ-aminotransferasel. In order to see cytologic toxicity, several agents which are structurally and metabolically related to ornithine were injected into the vitreous employing the technique that has been described earlier.
The Residual Effect of Shock Upon Bar Pressing for Water

Four groups of rats were trained to press a lever for water. Three of these were next subjected for 10 days to five minutes of intermittent shock of 250, 500, and 750 µamp respectively prior to each daily operant session. Shock was then withdrawn and testing continued for five additional days. During the phase of pre-test shock the several shocked groups showed a reduction in total responses related to the strength of the shock with complete suppression in the 750 µamp group. This suppression effect continued into the post-shock phase. However, while the 250 and 500 µamp groups showed no sign of recovery, the 750 µamp group returned to 84 per cent of its pre-shock stabilization level. This difference in recovery is suggestive of a qualitative contrast effect.
Prediction of two-phase mass split in mini tubes

Abstract Two-phase flow in single mini tubes and parallel mini channels find a lot of practical applications. Although it is possible to measure pressure drop and void fraction, using methods like visualization, quantifying the mass split of the two phases is a hard task. This is especially the case when dealing with parallel channels where there is a need to correct the maldistribution between the channels, which is a common issue. In the present study, a semi-analytical model based on the separated flow model is proposed to estimate the mass split between air and water, one of the most commonly handled situations, for slug flow regime in horizontal mini channels, with diameters ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 mm, where the competing magnitudes of inertia and surface forces makes the flow distribution complicated.
Knowledge about smoking, reasons for smoking, and reasons for wishing to quit in inner-city African Americans.

OBJECTIVE To determine knowledge about smoking, reasons for smoking, and reasons for wishing to quit and the association of these variables with abstinence at ten weeks and six months. DESIGN Descriptive study and longitudinal intervention. SETTING Inner-city public hospital clinics. PARTICIPANTS 410 African-American cigarette smokers interested in quitting were surveyed at baseline and subsequently enrolled into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of the transdermal nicotine patch. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive information about smoking knowledge, reasons for smoking, and reasons for wishing to quit, and association of these variables with abstinence at 10 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS Among the 410 patients randomized, mean age was 48 years, 61% were female, 41% had less than a high school education, 51% had an annual household income less than $8,000, and the average number of cigarettes smoked a day was twenty. The average number of questions answered correctly was nine out of eleven (84%). The most cited reason for smoking was relaxation/tension reduction and the least cited were stimulation and handling of the cigarette. Ninety-nine percent of patients stated they wished to quit for health reasons. Knowledge, reasons for smoking, and reasons for wishing to quit were not significantly associated with 10-week or 6-month abstinence. CONCLUSIONS In this group of inner-city African-American smokers, knowledge about cigarette smoking was high. Reasons for smoking were related to relaxation, craving, and pleasure, and reasons for wishing to quit were largely health-related. Knowledge, reasons for smoking, and reasons for wishing to quit were not associated with 10 week or 6 month abstinence. Since knowledge about smoking is already high, future efforts should be directed at promoting cessation through proven behavioral and pharmacological approaches, rather than didactic patient education.
Evaluating the accuracy of the umbrella sampling plots with different dissociation paths, conformational changes, and structure preparation

The kinetics of ligand dissociation has been found to be crucial for a good drug candidate. Therefore, examining the underlying free energy profile of the dissociation that governs the kinetics becomes important. Umbrella sampling (US), a widely used free energy calculation method, has long been used to explore the dissociation process of ligand-receptor systems. The potential of mean force (PMF) computed from US seems to always produce binding affinity and energy barriers that more or less agree with experiments. However, such PMFs are influenced by many practical aspects, like the method used to generate the initial dissociation pathway, collective variables (CVs) that used to describe the reaction coordinate (RC), and how intensive the sampling is in the conformational space restrained by the CVs. These critical factors were rarely studied. Here we applied US to study the dissociation processes of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and p38-alpha complex systems. For beta-CD, we used three different beta-CD conformations to generate the dissociation path manually. For p38-alpha, we generated the dissociation pathway using accelerated molecular dynamics (AMD) followed by conformational relaxing with short conventional molecular dynamics (MD), steered molecular dynamics (SMD) and manual pulling. We found that even for small beta-CD complexes, different beta-CD conformations will alter the height of the PMF and different dissociation directions result in appearance/disappearance of local minima. SMD poorly samples the residue sidechain movement, leading to overestimated height of PMF. On the other hand, the AMD pathway relaxed by short conventional MD sampled more accurate structures, resulting in reasonable PMF.
Prognosis, Survival, and Surveillance

Abstract Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare, typically slow-growing tumors; although individual patients can experience a considerably varied disease course. Understanding key prognostic factors can be a critical element in counseling as well as determining recommended treatment and surveillance strategies. While many retrospective series report numerous tumor and patient variables being associated with disease outcome, status of surgical resection and grade of tumor has consistently been shown to be integral prognostic factors in chordoma and chondrosarcoma, respectively. Age, tumor location, surgical margins, and molecular findings are also important potential indicators of outcome, all of which may influence patient survival and optimal surveillance strategies in both tumor types.
Staff and Administrators’ Perceptions of Music Therapy with Acute Care Mental Health Inpatients: A Qualitative Investigation

The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand staff members’ and administrators’ perceptions of group-based music therapy in an acute care mental health setting. The researcher conducted s...
Path-dependent Routines in the Evaluation of Novelty: The Effects of Innovators’ New Knowledge Use on Brokerage Firms’ Coverage:

This paper examines how path dependencies in evaluation routines affect a brokerage firm’s decision to provide coverage to a company that builds on new knowledge. Companies depend on brokerage firm...
The velocity of sound behind strong shocks in SiO 2 .

The velocity of sound behind strong shock waves in SiO2 has been measured. Strong shocks were generated in quartz by the impact of metal plates. Since SiO2 is transparent, the location of the shock in it can be determined by measuring when it passes semi-transparent layers embedded in it. The shocked quartz is observed through an electro-optical system. That data, and the measured impact conditions enable us to determine the velocity of sound behind the shock. It is observed that the sound velocity decreases at about 4.4 km/s.
An economic analysis of residential photovoltaic systems with lithium ion battery storage in the United States

Abstract Residential photovoltaic systems can reduce reliance on grid electricity, which may be desirable for numerous reasons. However, the economic viability of such systems is dependent on effective use of excess electricity generation, most often through net or bi-directional metering. With recent cost reductions in residential-scale lithium ion battery storage systems, these may be a practical alternative. In this work, we model the lifetime performance and economics of residential photovoltaics with lithium ion batteries across all 50 states in the U.S. We investigate in detail how photovoltaic size and battery capacity affect performance and cost metrics in California, Georgia, and Massachusetts. We find that with appropriate sizing, photovoltaic-battery systems can be more affordable than photovoltaics alone. We demonstrate that these systems may be competitive with grid prices when the federal investment tax credit and favorable financing terms are used, and we calculate the sell-back price required for bi-directional metering to reach cost parity with photovoltaic-battery systems in every state.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOL POLLUTANTS BY HIGH RESOLUTION X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has a number of attributes that make it especially attractive for the analysis of airborne particulate matter. These include direct analysis of filter deposits without further sample preparation, non-destructiveness, and fairly uniform detectability for all elements from atomic number 9 upward. Atmospheric aerosol samples and samples from power plants, incinerators and other emission sources, typically contain several dozen elements at widely different concentrations, thus presenting many possible interelement line interference problems for some of the x-ray fluorescence analyzers in current use. X-ray crystal (wavelength dispersion) spectrometers with their high resolution capabilities have been rediscovered as ideal instruments for this application. In addition to yielding elemental analyses with minimal data manipulation, they have the potential for identification and concentration measurement of elemental valence states in aerosol samples. A simultaneous multiwavelength spectrometer, containing an array of 16 fixed monochromators and a seguential channel, has been specially equipped and adapted for rapid and routine analysis of large numbers of air pollution samples. The performance of this instrument and results obtained with source and ambient aerosols are discussed.
Feline immunodeficiency virus as a model for study of lentivirus infection of the central nervous system

A hallmark clinical feature of human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the neuropsychiatric and cognitive deficits attending progression of the illness (Janssen et al. 1991; Navia et al. 1986a). This severe neurologic disorder has been referred to as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome dementia complex (ADC) (Navia et al. 1986a; Price and Perry 1994). A recent task force report constituted by the executive board of the American Academy of Neurology proposed a more definitive nomenclature and research definitions for the neurologic manifestations of HIV-1 infection (Janssen et al. 1991). The participants suggested separating the complex syndrome into two categories: (1) a more severe form, HIV-1-associated dementia complex or HIV-1-associated myelopathy; and (2) a less severe form, HIV-1-associated neurocognitive/motor disorder (HMCD). Both classes, previously termed the AIDS dementia complex (ADC), are forms of a subcortical dementia comprised of a complex collection of neuropsychological and cognitive signs symptomatic of HIV-1 infection of the CNS.
Semi-Markov Process Based Reliability and Availability Prediction for Volunteer Cloud Systems

Alternative cloud systems that depend on spare resources of volunteer computers are emerging, complementing the conventional data center based clouds. These alternative cloud systems have one characteristic in common – they do not rely on dedicated data centers to provide the cloud services. Delivering reliable cloud services over volatile donated computing resources of volunteer hosts is one of the main challenges in such opportunistic cloud systems that run over scavenged resources. This paper discusses the design of a multi-state semi-Markov process based availability and reliability prediction model for nodes in volunteer cloud computing systems. It also presents the implementation and integration of the model in a real volunteer cloud system, cuCloud. Moreover, the evaluation and empirical results obtained from the experimentation performed on real cuCloud system is discussed.
Disengagement and intrapelvic migration of a dynamic helical hip screw.

Abstract Some proximal femur fractures may be treated surgically with the use of fracture fixation hardware such as the sliding hip screw and its variants. These devices allow the femoral head and neck fragment to compress against the trochanteric or shaft fragment as the hip screw telescopes into the barrel of the side plate. We describe an unusual complication in which the hip screw disengaged in the opposite direction, migrated through the hip joint, and came to rest inside the pelvic cavity. The separated components of the device were surgically removed without further complication.
Technical considerations for generating somatosensation via cortical stimulation in a closed-loop sensory/motor brain-computer interface system in humans

Somatosensory feedback is the next step in brain computer interface (BCI). Here, we compare three cortical stimulating array modalities for generating somatosensory percepts in BCI. We compared human subjects with either a 64-channel “mini”-electrocorticography grid (mECoG; 1.2-mm diameter exposed contacts with 3-mm spacing, N = 1) over the hand area of primary somatosensory cortex (S1), or a standard grid (sECoG; 1.5-mm diameter exposed contacts with 1-cm spacing, N = 1), to generate artificial somatosensation through direct electrical cortical stimulation. Finally, we reference data in the literature from a patient implanted with microelectrode arrays (MEA) placed in the S1 hand area. We compare stimulation results to assess coverage and specificity of the artificial percepts in the hand. Using the mECoG array, hand mapping revealed coverage of 41.7% of the hand area versus 100% for the sECoG array, and 18.8% for the MEA. On average, stimulation of a single electrode corresponded to sensation reported in 4.42 boxes (range 1–11 boxes) for the mECoG array, 19.11 boxes (range 4–48 boxes) for the sECoG grid, and 2.3 boxes (range 1–5 boxes) for the MEA. Sensation in any box, on average, corresponded to stimulation from 2.65 electrodes (range 1–5 electrodes) for the mECoG grid, 3.58 electrodes for the sECoG grid (range 2–4 electrodes), and 11.22 electrodes (range 2–17 electrodes) for the MEA. Based on these findings, we conclude that mECoG grids provide an excellent balance between spatial cortical coverage of the hand area of S1 and high-density resolution.
A comparison of benign positional vertigo and stroke patients presenting to the emergency department with vertigo or dizziness.

Abstract Purpose To compare imaging utilization between patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with vertigo and dizziness (VDS) who are diagnosed with stroke and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods All patients presenting to the ED with VDS (January 2014–June 2018) were identified. Those with a discharge diagnosis of stroke and BPPV were analyzed. Results 17,884 patients presented to with VDS. 452 were diagnosed with BPPV and 174 with acute stroke. 55.7% of stroke patients had at least one neurologic symptom beyond VDS, 63.8% had a positive neurologic exam, and 80.5% had either; 90.2% had at least one stroke risk factor (RF). 42.0% of BPPV patients received imaging, of which 24.7% had neurologic symptoms beyond VDS, 16.3% had neurologic exam findings, and 34.2% had either (P Conclusions Imaging utilization in BPPV patients presenting with VDS is high. The profile of patients with BPPV that received imaging was substantially more benign than that of stroke patients (a quarter had no neurologic symptoms, exam findings, or stroke RFs). The HINTS exam was underutilized, and computed tomography was heavily utilized despite well-established limitations in diagnosing posterior circulation strokes. This study highlights the need for increased training in the HINTS exam, narrowing of the scope for computed tomography, and a higher threshold for imaging patients with isolated VDS.
70. CHARACTERISTICS OF US GRADUATING PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS BY GENDER, 2003-2018

Background Approximately three-quarters of pediatric residents are women. Yet, little is known about how women and men compare on family and financial characteristics and satisfaction with training. Objective Compare family characteristics, financial characteristics, and satisfaction of graduating pediatric residents by gender across time. Methods National, random samples of up to 1,000 graduating pediatric residents each year from 2003-2018; 58% completed the surveys (48-64% across years). Cross-sectional responses were pooled; chi-square tests and t-tests were used to examine the association of gender with a) family characteristics, b) financial characteristics, and c) satisfaction with residency training. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the independent effect of gender on married and have children (controlling for survey year and international medical school graduate-IMG), part-time job (controlling for year, IMG, married, and children), and satisfaction with training (controlling for year, IMG, married, children, program size and educational debt). Ordinary least squares regression models estimated the adjusted difference in graduates’ debt and starting salary between men and women. Results Overall, 74% of residents in the sample were women (consistent across survey years, p=.23). Women were less likely than men to be married (69% vs 73%, p Conclusion Starting salaries for residents entering primary care or hospitalist positions do not vary by gender. Men and women do vary on several other dimensions, including that women report more educational debt than men.
Expert opinion on fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection and beyond.

Introduction: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure involving transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the intestinal tract of a diseased recipient to restore intestinal microbia...
Multiple Games Analysis: A Petri Dish for Growing Polycentric Orders

Game theory, as originally envisioned, is a tool to theorize about social interaction. As game theory became geared towards prediction and control, branching into mechanism and market design theory, its mathematical sophistication focused on solution spaces and, ultimately, the attainment of steady states or simple patterned behavior. I contend that game theory can also describe complex behavior like spontaneous emergence, the development process of polycentric influence hierarchies, and the emergence and survival of institutional forms. Multiple games analysis expands the solution spaces of classic games like the prisoner’s dilemma and the principal agent game, not by including conditioning stages or evolving the game in a repeating fashion, but through a detailed expansion of the game itself.
The role of stenting in patients with variceal bleeding

Abstract Uncontrolled acute variceal hemorrhage due to failure of standard endoscopic therapy increases the risk of decompensation of liver disease and multiorgan failure leading to death. In this article, we aim to provide a structured and comprehensive review of the management of variceal bleeding by the use of self-expanding metal stent(s) (SEMS). The intricacies of the appropriate patient and stent selection, technicality of stent placement, deployment, and follow-up will be discussed. Furthermore, certain stent models with unique delivery system that eliminates the need of endoscopic or radiographic guidance will be reviewed. While patients with uncontrolled acute variceal hemorrhage are at a very high risk of adverse events, SEMS complications and the steps to prevent them will also discussed. As a vast majority of these cases represent advanced liver disease, liver transplant is ultimately required, thus, making SEMS an effective bridge to definitive therapy.
Path planning of mobile landmarks for localization in wireless sensor networks

Many applications of wireless sensor networks require the sensor nodes to obtain their locations. The main idea in most localization methods has been that some statically deployed nodes (landmarks) with known coordinates (e.g., GPS-equipped nodes) transmit beacons with their coordinates in order to help other nodes to localize themselves. A promising method that significantly reduces the cost is to replace the set of statically deployed GPS-enhanced sensors with one mobile landmark equipped with a GPS unit that moves to cover the entire network. In this case, a fundamental research issue is the planning of the path that the mobile landmark should travel along in order to minimize the localization error as well as the time required to localize the whole network. These two objectives can potentially conflict with each other. In this paper, we first study three different trajectories for the mobile landmark, namely Scan, Double Scan, and Hilbert. We show that any deterministic trajectory that covers the whole area offers significant benefits compared to a random movement of the landmark. When the mobile landmark traverses the network area at a fine resolution, Scan has the lowest localization error among the three trajectories, followed closely by Hilbert. But when the resolution of the trajectory is larger than the communication range, the Hilbert space-filling curve offers significantly better accuracy than the other two trajectories. We further study the tradeoffs between the trajectory resolution and the localization accuracy in the presence of 2-hop localization, in which sensors that have already obtained an estimate of their positions help to localize other sensors. We show that under moderate sensor mobility, 2-hop localization along with a good trajectory reduces the average localization error over time by about 40%.
The efficacy of measuring judicial ideal points: The mis-analogy of IRTs

Abstract IRT models are among the most commonly used latent trait models in all of political science, particularly in the estimation of ideal points of political actors in institutions. While widely used, IRT models are often misapplied, and a key element of their estimation, the item parameters, are almost always ignored and discarded. In this paper, we look into the application of IRT models to the estimation of judicial ideology scores by Martin and Quinn (2002). Building off of a replication and extension of Martin and Quinn (2002), we demonstrate that the often-ignored item parameters are, in fact, inconsistent with the assumptions of IRTs. Then, using a post-estimation fix that is designed to ameliorate the problem, we run the model again, generating new scores. We then compare our new ideal points to the existing ideal points and discuss the implications for both ideal point modeling generally and in judicial politics specifically. We conclude by replicating a prominent study in judicial politics that demonstrates how inconsistencies in the estimation of IRT models can be consequential and bring up concerns with the implications for what this could mean for the usefulness of scores estimated via IRT models.
Jonathan Swift, the Earl of Rosse, Duke of Wharton, and Sir Charles Wogan

Drawing on unpublished documents in the Diocesan Archive in Galway, Ireland, this essay investigates the correspondence of Sir Charles Wogan, with Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in Dublin. They reveal Wogan’s collaboration with Phillip, Duke of Wharton, Grand Master of Ecossais Freemasonry, in Spain in 1729-31. By examining Swift’s Masonic publications and relation with the Earl of Rosse, friend of Wharton and Grand Master of Ireland; and with other Jacobites in Spain; and admirers of Wogan, probable Mason and devotee of Don Quixote, we gain a new perspective on Swift’s Jacobite sympathies and Irish-Spanish Masonic connections.
Cochlear outer hair cell electromotility enhances organ of Corti motion on a cycle-by-cycle basis at high frequencies in vivo.

Mammalian hearing depends on an amplification process involving prestin, a voltage-sensitive motor protein that enables cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) to change length and generate force. However, it has been questioned whether this prestin-based somatic electromotility can operate fast enough in vivo to amplify cochlear vibrations at the high frequencies that mammals hear. In this study, we measured sound-evoked vibrations from within the living mouse cochlea and found that the top and bottom of the OHCs move in opposite directions at frequencies exceeding 20 kHz, consistent with fast somatic length changes. These motions are physiologically vulnerable, depend on prestin, and dominate the cochlea’s vibratory response to high-frequency sound. This dominance was observed despite mechanisms that clearly low-pass filter the in vivo electromotile response. Low-pass filtering therefore does not critically limit the OHC’s ability to move the organ of Corti on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Our data argue that electromotility serves as the primary high-frequency amplifying mechanism within the mammalian cochlea.
Proteomic profiling of hyperplasia/atypia and adenoma-induced by NNK in mouse lung identified multiple proteins as potential biomarkers for early detection

Abstract We used a proteomics approach (iTRAQ) to identify differentially expressed lung proteins during early stages of the tobacco carcinogen, NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis (hyperplasia/atypia, 4–10 weeks and adenoma, 25 week) prior to the detection of adenocarcinoma in A/J mice. We identified 790 proteins at week 4 and 710 proteins at weeks 10 and 25 with >95% confidence and a Local False Discovery Rate estimation less than 5%. We have demonstrated that NNK altered multiple protein (e.g., Carbonyl Reductase, Annexin A5/6, Selenbp1, Hmgb1 and Hsp90b1) expressions in early lesions which can be used as potential biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer.
Metalloprotease from Bacillus thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki was shown to produce an extracellular, metal chelator-sensitive protease during the early stages of sporulation. Protease production in nutrient broth was dependent upon supplementation with Mn2+ or Ca2+. The addition of Ca2+ was required for enzyme stabilization. Protease production occurred in nutrient broth supplemented with 7 × 10-3 M Ca2+, 5 × 10-4 M Mn2+, and 10-3 M Mg2+. The protease had optimum activity in the pH range 6.5 to 7.5. It was inhibited by chelating agents but not by a serine protease inhibitor. The culture supernatant and the partially purified protease lacked esterase activity. Partial purification of the enzyme (92.3 ×) by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and starch adsorption yielded an enzyme whose molecular weight was estimated to be 37,500 by acrylamide gel-sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis or 40,800 by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. In the presence of Ca2+, the partially purified enzyme retained 78% of its activity after heating at 70 C for 10 min but only 8% of its activity after heating at 80 C for 10 min.
Subsoils and Foundation Design in Richmond, VA

The engineering properties of the subsoil in Richmond, Va. are analyzed on the basis of laboratory tests of undisturbed samples. It is shown that the strength of the massive clay and sand-clay strata is several times greater than had been assumed because of the small standard penetration resistance and the soft consistency of spoon samples. Only locally, where some recent clay deposits are not preconsolidated by surface drying, it is considered essential that in the design of heavy buildings, problems involving total and differential settlements are taken into consideration. Representative examples of heavy-building foundations are studied and it is emphasized that the driving of long piles through sensitive clay soils may not only be unnecessary but may result in unforseen difficulties.
Comparision of Construction Labor Agreements

Provisions of labor agreements negotiated by Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) chapters in St. Louis, Kansas City, and outstate Missouri, and various local carpenter, laborer, operating engineers, and teamster unions are examined. Differences in provisions covering wages, hours, and working conditions between crafts in a given area are noted as are differences in skill classifications and geographic jurisdiction. Provisions of labor agreements between various locals of the carpenters and several AGC chapters also are examined. Regional differences in provisions relating to wages, hours, and working conditions are examined.
Studies of Optineurin, a Glaucoma Gene: Golgi Fragmentation and Cell Death from Overexpression of Wild-Type and Mutant Optineurin in Two Ocular Cell Types

Optineurin (OPTN) has recently been linked to glaucoma, a major cause of blindness worldwide. Mutations in OPTN such as Glu50→Lys (E50K) have been reported in patients, particularly those with normal pressure glaucoma. Here, we show that the endogenous OPTN was not secreted in two ocular cell types, human trabecular meshwork and retinal pigment epithelial cells. It localized instead in the cytoplasm in a diffuse pattern without a distinct association with the Golgi apparatus. When overexpressed, however, wild-type OPTN-green fluorescent protein (GFP) formed foci especially around the Golgi, colocalizing partially with the common endocytic pathway marker transferrin receptor in both cell types. Fragmentation of the Golgi was also observed. On nocodazole treatment, the OPTN foci were dispersed into the cytoplasm. Overexpression of mutant OPTNE50K-GFP resulted in a greater number (P < 0.0055) and size of the foci, compared with the wild type, and the Golgi alteration was potentiated. Cell loss observed in OPTN-expressing cultures was also more pronounced in OPTNE50K-GFP compared with that of wild-type OPTN-GFP counterparts (P < 0.01). This study highlights a possible role of OPTN in vesicle trafficking and Golgi integrity. It also provides in-sights into the possible mechanisms why E50K would exhibit a propensity toward the development of glaucoma.
Osteology and phylogenetic interrelationships of sturgeons (Acipenseridae)

Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) are an ancient and unique assemblage of fishes historically important to discussions of actinopterygian evolution. Despite their basal position within Actinopterygii, rigorous comparative morphological studies of acipenserids have never been made, and most ideas about acipenserid evolution hinge on an untested impression that shovelnose sturgeons (Scaphirhynchini) are phylogenetically primitive. This impression promoted ideas that: (1) the earliest acipenserids were highly benthic and evolved secondarily into pelagic predators, and (2) paedomorphosis has dominated mechanisms affecting their morphological change. Using cladistic methods, this study examines generic level interrelationships within Acipenseridae. Representatives of the four acipenserid genera Huso, Acipenser, Pseudoscaphirhynchus, and Scaphirhynchus, as well as their acipenseriform outgroups Polyodontidae, †Peipiaosteidae, and †Chondrosteidae, were surveyed for skeletal characters. Sixty-nine characters are identified and described to support the first generic level cladogram of Acipenseridae. Huso is phylogenetically primitive within Acipenseridae and the sister group to a redefined subfamily Acipenserinae. Acipenser is not supported by any characters identified in this study, but the tribe Scaphirhynchini comprising Scaphirhynchus and Pseudoscaphirhynchus is found to be monophyletic. The cladogram contradicts historical ideas about acipenserid evolution because Huso defines an outgroup morphology and life history founded on pelagic habitats and piscivory. In contrast, acipenserines, and more markedly scaphirhynchines, are benthic predators possessing character complexes for benthic feeding, respiration, locomotion, and protection. Also, the pattern of character acquisition within Acipenseridae suggests that peramorphosis played a central role in acipenserid evolution. Peramorphic addition and enlargement of the skeleton and scalation defines most characters at all nodes within Acipenseridae, and repudiates paedomorphosis as a major trend in evolution within the family Acipenseridae.
A NEW APPROACH FOR MEASURING FUNCTIONAL RESIDUAL CAPACITY (FRC) IN THE INTUBATED INFANT

Measurement of FRC in distressed neonates on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with endotracheal (ET) tubes presents special problems. Since neonatal ET tubes are uncuffed they permit leakage of gas around the tube during respiration and, therefore, introduce errors in FRC determination. The present study evaluates a new 60 second closed circuit helium (He) dilution technique for determination of FRC independent of small gas leaks. By analytically relating the fall in He concentration due to mixing with that due to leakage it is possible to predict the final equilibration concentration of He and, therefore, correct for ET tube leaks. The system (120 ml) contains an air pump, He meter, breathing bag in cylinder, a strip chart readout, and solenoid valve. CPAP or ventilator pressure can be applied during testing. Fifty in vitro measurements of FRC ranging from 5-50 cc in both leak and non-leak models were accurate to 7.2 and 5.2% respectively. Seventy-two FRC measurements were performed on 15 neonates (700-4400 g) on CPAP with ET tubes. Leak rates wera significantly higher (P<.001) on 3 cm H2o CPAP compared to 0 cm H2O CPAP resulting in a mean (±SEM) total helium loss in 60 seconds of 16.2 (± 1.1)% and 9.1 (± 0.5)% respectively. The mean measured FRC was 53.5 ml at 3 cm H2O CPAP and 46.3 at 0 cm H2O CPAP. If leak calculations were not considered the error in FRC could have been as high as 76.7 and 42.7%. This method permits accurate calculation of FRC in neonates on CPAP with ET tubes.
Utility Operation of Battery Energy Storage at the Best Facility

Battery Energy Storage Test (BEST) Facility experiences with utility-sited and operated battery energy storage produce information about shipment, installation, safety, operation, maintenance, efficiency, capacity, responsiveness and power quality of the systems tested. This paper presents information in each of these categories derived from baseline testing of 500 kWh developmental zinc chloride and peak-shaving demonstration lead-acid batteries, and from one-year of cycling the BEST Facility's 1.8 MWh lead-acid, facility shakedown battery. Conclusions from testing are guiding the further development of these technologies.
The effect of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) on decidual cell production of prostaglandins (PG) and cyclooxygenase (COX)

OF PROSTAGLANDINS (PG) AND CYCLOOXYGENASE (COX) ASHLEY ROMAN, JEREMY SCHREHER, ANDREW MACKENZIE, PETER NATHANIELSZ, New York University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, New York OBJECTIVE: n-3 FA supplementation decreases the incidence of preterm birth (PTB), whereas diets high in n-6 FA have been linked with PTB. The precise mechanism by which fatty acids affect gestation remains to be elucidated. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of n-3 FAs (eicosapentaenoic acid/EPA; docosahexaenoic acid/DHA) and n-6 FAs (arachidonic acid/AA) on PG production and COX expression in decidual cell cultures (DC) under basal conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Decidua was obtained from placentas of non-laboring patients at term cesarean delivery (N = 5). DC were isolated, grown to confluence, and passaged once. DC were exposed to defined media with various concentrations and combinations of vehicle, DHA, EPA, and AA for 24 and 48 h. PGE2 and PGF2a were measured by ELISA, COX-1 and -2 mRNA by RTPCR, and COX-1 and -2 protein by western blot. Groups were compared using 1-way ANOVA; signficance at P ! .05. RESULTS: PG results are shown in the figure. DHA and AA increased PGE2 levels at 24 and 48 h in a dose-dependent, time-dependent fashion ; EPA did not affect PGE2 levels (24 h: P = .01; 48 h: P = .04). AA increased PGF2a production at 24 and 48 h; DHA and EPA did not affect PGF2a production (24 h: P= .008; 48 h: P ! .001). DHA and AA increased COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent fashion; EPA had no effect on COX-2 expression (P = .02). None of the fatty acids had an effect on COX-1 expression.
Self-consistent mode-coupling theory of quantum percolation.

We present a novel treatment of the quantum percolation problem that yields a hierarchy of self-consistent equations for the frequency-dependent diffusion coefficient. The first member of this hierarchy is derived and analyzed. This equation predicts that excitations are localized in the presence of any disorder in one and two dimensions, but that a transition from localized to extended excitations takes place for a disordered three-dimensional system. The predicted critical behavior is identical to that obtained by Vollhardt and W\"olfle for a Fermi gas in a random potential. The frequency dependence of the ac conductivity and the critical exponents determined from the self-consistent equation agree with the predictions of the scaling theory of Anderson localization.
Grieving and the Acceptance of the Homosexual Identity

The grieving process is used as a model for explaining the process of resolving internalized negative societal attitudes toward homosexuality. The distressing feelings and personal difficulties involved in accepting or rejecting a homosexual orientation and life-style, as encountered by a woman struggling with identity formation, are presented in the context of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.
Group B Streptococcal Endocarditis Involving the Tricuspid Valve in a 7-Month-Old Infant

To our knowledge, we report the first case of group B streptococcal endocarditis that occurred in an infant after the neonatal period. A large, friable vegetation had destroyed the tricuspid valve and resulted in pulmonary emboli. Surgical resection of the valve was needed to achieve clinical cure of the patient. A review of the English-language literature on older patients with group B streptococcal endocarditis revealed a mortality rate of 60% among patients treated with antimicrobial drugs alone and a mortality rate of 29% among those whose treatment included both surgery and therapy with antimicrobial drugs. Surgical debridement of the valve may be necessary for children with large vegetations, which tend to embolize and thus contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with group B streptococcal endocarditis.
Heat-induced conformational changes in phaseolin and its relation to proteolysis

Heat-induced conformational changes and their relationship to trypsinolysis of phaseolin, the major storage globulin of Phaseolus vulgaris , were studied using far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD), second-derivative UV absorption spectroscopy and intrinsic fluorescence quenching of Trp fluorescence by an ionic (iodide) and neutral (acrylamide) quencher. Thermal denaturation did not cause any significant changes in the secondary structure of phaseolin. However, near-UV CD data indicated a 0.8–3-fold decrease in the intensity of Phe and Tyr peaks. At least 22 out of 31 Tyr residues in the native phaseolin, while 29 in the 30-min heated phaseolin were exposed to aqueous solvent. The fluorescent Trp residues in both the native and heated phaseolins were little accessible to iodide, while upon heating, 70–90% of the fluorescence was quenched by acrylamide. The surface hydrophobicity of the protein increased 7–9-fold upon thermal denaturation. The results presented here suggest that a disruption upon heating of the tertiary and quaternary structures of phaseolin, and not changes in the secondary structure, is crucial for its enhanced susceptibility to trypsin.
Morphological and ultrastructural study of the cell envelope of thermophilic and acidophilic microorganisms as compared to Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The cell envelope of a Sulfolobus-like microorganism has an arrayed hexagonal subunit structure, a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane, and a hollow periplasmic space between the plasma membrane and the outermost arrayed layer. A dense peptidoglycan layer outside the plasma membrane found in the case of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was not seen. The cell envelope of a thermophile isolated from a leaching environment has a well-defined envelope with two well-stained layers distinclty seen. While the peptidoglycan layer is also not seen in this thermophile, a long flagellum similar to that in the case of T. ferrooxidans is present. The presence of pili in the Sulfolobus-like organism and its arrayed subunit cell envelope structure could account for the organism's selective attachment to sulfide phases in the leaching of low-grade ores. The observations of a well-defined cell envelope in the two thermophiles is consistent with the structure-function relationship previously established for T. ferrooxidans.
Study of the X Rays Produced by a Vacuum Spark

X rays emitted by energetic vacuum spark, discussing pinch in plasma of evaporated anode metal
Statues of Senators in the Forum of Trajan and the Roman Forum in Late Antiquity.

The epigraphic evidence from the Forum of Trajan shows that this forum was the most important public venue for the honorific statues of senators in the city of Rome in the fourth and fifth centuries a.d. These dedications celebrated the achievements of individual senators, and thereby helped to promote an image of a coherent senatorial order whose members were defined by their civil offices, literary accomplishment, outstanding personal virtues, and the approbation of their peers and the emperor. In contrast, statuary honours in the Roman Forum continued to be largely restricted to emperors and, in the fifth century, to the powerful generals who increasingly controlled imperial policy. This pattern in the distribution of statues suggests a basic differentiation in the use of the two most important representational spaces of late antique Rome.
A database of fluctuation thermodynamic properties and molecular correlation function integrals for a variety of binary liquids

Abstract Wooley R.J. and O'Connell J.P., 1991. A database of fluctuation thermodynamic properties and molecular correlation function integrals for a variety of binary liquids. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 66: 233-261. Literature data on fluctuation thermodynamic properties have been analyzed to establish a reliable database of fluctuation properties (reduced bulk modulus, and concentration derivatives of the pressure and activity coefficient) and direct and total correlation function integrals for 26 binary non-electrolyte liquid solutions saturated at fixed temperatures. These values may be useful for comparisons with molecular theories, solution model and equation-of-state parameter mixing rules, and for verifying experimental data from light scattering and equilibrium ultracentrifuge sedimentation.
Measurement of Polonium-210 in Human Blood

POLONIUM-210 is a naturally occurring alpha-emitting isotope of the uranium series derived from decay of its long-lived parent, lead-210. Polonium-210 is present in most plants and foodstuffs, as well as in human tissues1–3. Body burdens of this isotope are usually determined by measuring its activity in tissue samples or urine2,4,5. Tissue samples other than teeth are not readily available during life, however, and 24 h urine collections may be difficult to obtain and process, yet are often necessary to quantify urinary excretion. We have found that polonium-210 can be easily detected in 10 ml. human blood samples by a simple radiochemical and counting technique. The measurement of polonium-210 concentration in blood may thus be a practical method of estimating body burdens of this isotope, as well as of its parent lead-2102. As tobacco smoke has been shown to contain trace amounts of polonium-2106, we have related blood concentrations to smoking habits in a group of middle-aged men.
Dynactin function in mitotic spindle positioning.

Dynactin is a multisubunit protein complex necessary for dynein function. Here, we investigated the function of dynactin in budding yeast. Loss of dynactin impaired movement and positioning of the mitotic spindle, similar to loss of dynein. Dynactin subunits required for function included p150Glued, dynamitin, actin-related protein (Arp) 1 and p24. Arp10 and capping protein were dispensable, even in combination. All dynactin subunits tested localized to dynamic plus ends of cytoplasmic microtubules, to stationary foci on the cell cortex and to spindle pole bodies. The number of molecules of dynactin in those locations was small, less than five. In the absence of dynactin, dynein accumulated at plus ends and did not appear at the cell cortex, consistent with a role for dynactin in offloading dynein from the plus end to the cortex. Dynein at the plus end was necessary for dynactin plus-end targeting. p150Glued was the only dynactin subunit sufficient for plus-end targeting. Interactions among the subunits support a molecular model that resembles the current model for brain dynactin in many respects; however, three subunits at the pointed end of brain dynactin appear to be absent from yeast.
Dante in camicia nera: uso e abuso del divino poeta nell'Italia fascista

(1996). Dante in camicia nera: uso e abuso del divino poeta nell'Italia fascista. The Italianist: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 117-142.
Exchange and power in special settings for the aged.

Goffman's model of institutional totality was examined within a social-exchange framework in the boarding and nursing units of two homes for the aged. The power-dependence relationships appeared to be determined by the residents' social resources — all the assets that enabled them to reward a favor, extort a concession, or do without — and by the conditions of patienthood that limited their use. Boarders were equally responsive to peer and staff expectations while patients, lacking a cohesive peer group, were more conforming to the demands of staff members, who controlled most of the system's rewards in the nursing units. Efforts to humanize these late-life settings seem unlikely to succeed unless they take into account staff's ability to structure the conditions of negotiation as a base of its power.
Estimating Incidence Rate on Current Status Data with Application to a Phase IV Cancer Trial

New drug discovery in the pediatrics has dramatically improved survival, but with long- term adverse events. This motivates the examination of adverse outcomes such as long-term toxicity in a phase IV trial. An ideal approach to monitor long-term toxicity is to systematically follow the survivors, which is generally not feasible. Instead, cross-sectional surveys are conducted in Hudson et al. (2007), with one of the objectives to estimate the cumulative incidence rates along with specific interest in fixed-term (5 or 10 year) rates. We present inference procedures based on current status data to our motivating example with very interesting findings.