cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current concepts in level selection for fusion in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patient

Over the past several decades, level selection for fusion in the patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has evolved alongside technique. Now, with the near ubiquitous use of pedicle screw fixation, selection criteria have changed to minimize the number of levels fused, especially distally in the lumbar spine. With each additional motion segment preserved, it has been suggested that postoperative function can be improved and the risk of degenerative disease down the line may be decreased. Currently, the Lenke classification for AIS is the most widely used system to describe AIS pathology. Understanding where the structural and nonstructural curves are may help determine the extent of fusion required distally. Proximally, shoulder balance is still considered a key consideration for upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) selection. In terms of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV), we focus on two key concepts to prevent serious complications such as distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) or adding-on phenomenon: the last touched vertebra (LTV) and the stable sagittal vertebra. In the AP radiograph, identifying the LTV as the LIV may allow the surgeon to save a fusion level without increasing risk of DJK or adding-on. However, one must also consider the sagittal plane; the authors identify the stable sagittal vertebra on the lateral radiograph to help determine the optimal LIV; of these two criteria, the more distal level will be selected to decrease the chance of adverse outcomes.
Evaluation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors versus Thiazolidinediones or Insulin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled with Metformin and a Sulfonylurea in a Real-World Setting

BACKGROUND Guidelines do not make clear recommendations for third add-on agents to metformin plus a sulfonylurea. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) to thiazolidinedione (TZD) or insulin as a third add-on agent to metformin plus a sulfonylurea in an integrated health care setting. METHODS This retrospective database cohort study included adults with type 2 diabetes not at goal hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) who initiated DPP4i, TZD, or insulin as a third add-on agent to metformin plus a sulfonylurea from January 2006 to June 2016. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients who achieved goal HbA1C after starting the third add-on agent and change in HbA1C. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with baseline HbA1C greater than 9%. RESULTS In this study, 2080 patients started on a DPP4i were matched to 8320 patients started on TZD and to 8320 patients taking insulin. A significantly higher percentage of patients taking TZD reached goal HbA1C (31.0% versus 23.6%; p < 0.05) and had a significantly larger HbA1C reduction (-0.94% ± 1.34% versus -0.79% ± 1.23%; p < 0.01) compared to patients taking a DPP4i. No difference in the percentage of patients meeting goal HbA1C nor in change in HbA1C was demonstrated between insulin versus DPP4i regimens. For patients with baseline HbA1C greater than 9%, insulin or TZD resulted in a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving goal HbA1C compared to DPP4i (17.3% and 19.0% versus 12.4%, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION TZD was more effective than DPP4i but DPP4i was as effective as insulin as a third add-on agent in the overall study population. Insulin was more effective than DPP4i only in the subgroup analysis of patients with baseline HbA1C greater than 9%.
The Effect of Water Purification and Improvements in Water Supplies on the Typhoid Fever Death Rate in New York State

Before discussing the reduction of typhoid fever, due to improvements in water supplies, the speaker will review briefly the part played by the New York State Department of Health, more particularl...
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Ventilator Management and Rescue Therapies

This review describes the management of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, including in those with coronavirus disease 2019. Low tidal volume ventilation with a moderate to high positive end-expiratory pressure remains the foundation of an evidence-based approach. We consider strategies for setting positive end-expiratory pressure levels, the use of recruitment maneuvers, and the potential role of driving pressure. Rescue therapies including prone positioning and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are also discussed.
Are novel agents ready to assume the mantle in the frontline treatment of mantle cell lymphoma

Although chemotherapy has been a mainstay of the frontline treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) for many years, novel agents-including Bruton kinase inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and BCL2 inhibitors-have shown promise in patients with relapsed and refractory disease, and they are also being studied in the frontline setting. This review summarizes the current clinical data for using these novel agents in untreated MCL, both in combination with chemotherapy and singly, and discusses some of the trials currently under way to assess their future potential.
Planning for College and Careers: How Families and Schools Shape the Alignment of Postsecondary Expectations:

Students with aligned educational and occupational expectations have improved college and labor market outcomes. Despite extensive knowledge about the ways social background and school context cont...
DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGIES FOR ENDEMIC CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19): RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS, REPEAT TESTING, AND PREVALENCE BOUNDARIES.

Context - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid antigen tests generate intrinsically fast, inherently spatial, and immediately actionable results. They quickly confirm COVID-19, but weakly rule out infection. Test performance depends on prevalence and testing protocol. Both affect predictive values. Objectives - To use original mathematics and visual logistics for interpreting COVID-19 rapid antigen test performance patterns, gauge the influence of prevalence, and evaluate repeated testing. Design - Mathematica and open access software helped graph relationships, perform recursive computations, and compare performance patterns. PubMed retrieved articles addressing endemic COVID-19. Results - Tiered sensitivity/specificity comprise: T1) 90%/95%; T2) 95%/97.5%; and T3) 100%/≥99%, respectively. Performance of self- and home antigen tests with Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization peaks in low prevalence. Fall-off in performance appears with increasing prevalence because suboptimal sensitivity creates false negatives. The rate of false omissions limits clinical use because of prevalence boundaries based on tolerance for risk. Mathematical analysis supports testing twice to improve predictive values and extend prevalence boundaries nearly to levels of herd immunity. Conclusions - COVID-19 is quickly becoming endemic. Suboptimal sensitivity of rapid antigen tests limits performance in high prevalence. Risk of contagion in packed spaces (e.g., airplanes) might be avoided with dual testing 36 hours apart, allowing time for viral load to increase. Awareness of community prevalence and proof of improved performance with repeated testing will help manage COVID-19 risk, while meeting rapid decision-making needs for highly contagious and new variants (e.g., Delta). New COVID-19 variants call for high quality, low cost, readily accessible, fast, user friendly, and ubiquitous point-of-care testing.
Post-translational modifications of the insulin receptor

The full program for expression of insulin’s action is contained in a locus on the cell surface, the insulin receptor (1,2). During the last decade, a general scheme of the receptor’s structure has been developed (3–8). Recently, our concept of the receptor’s structure has been refined by data obtained from cloning the receptor and other techniques (9–14). The picture that has emerged is that the predominant form of the receptor on the cell surface is that of a disulfide-linked heterotetrameric glycoprotein consisting of two distinct subunits, alpha and beta. Studies employing photoaffinity labeling techniques, as well as studies in which insulin is bound to and then affinity crosslinked to the receptor have shown that the alpha subunit contains the ligand binding region and hence must have a significant extracellular domain. In support of this, analysis of the sequence derived from the recent cloning of the receptor predicts that the alpha subunit lacks a significant hydrophobic region, suggesting that the alpha subunit is entirely extracellular. The beta subunit has a short extracellular domain, a hydrophobic membrane spanning region and an intracytoplasmic domain (13,14). As detailed below, this intracytoplasmic domain contains a tyrosine specific protein kinase activity (15–18). Upon binding of insulin to its receptor this kinase is somehow activated. Data are accumulating to suggest that activation of this kinase initiates a cascade of events leading to insulin’s bioeffects. Thus the alpha and beta subunits of the insulin receptor subserve distinct but interdependent functions in the pathway leading from insulin binding to insulin action.
Lights, Camera, Action! Developing a Methodology to Document Mainstream Films’ Portrayal of Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry

This study explores the development of a methodology to analyze how nature of science (NOS), scientific inquiry (SI), and the characteristics of scientists (COS) are portrayed in mainstream films. We demonstrate this methodology using the films, Contact and Twister , as they are commonly used in earth/space science classrooms. We investigate the following research question: how do mainstream films present NOS, SI, and COS? Using a qualitative approach to examine the number of times in which NOS, SI, and COS were observed in the film, we developed a tool that assists the viewers in depicting these incidences visually. Not only can this instrument be used to determine when NOS, SI, and COS are portrayed in popular films, it can also be used to create a visual “fingerprint” depicting the number of incidents in which each construct is displayed. We suggest that these fingerprints can be used to help teachers understand how NOS, SI, and COS are addressed in selected mainstream films normally used in secondary science classrooms.
Re-Examining the Darwinian Basis for Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic

Many philosophers have become familiar with Leopold’s land ethic through the writings of J. Baird Callicott, who claims that Leopold bases his land ethic on a ‘protosociobiological’ argument that Darwin gives in the Descent of Man. On this view, which has become the canonical interpretation, Leopold’s land ethic is based on extending our moral sentiments to ecosystems. I argue that the evidence weighs in favor of an alternative interpretation of Leopold; his reference to Darwin does not refer to the Descent, but rather to the Origin of Species, where Darwin discusses the interdependencies between organisms in the struggle for existence.
Initial Predominance of the Oxidative Activity of Type I 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Primary Rat Leydig Cells and Transfected Cell Lines

Glucocorticoids suppress testosterone production in Leydig cells. The level of glucocorticoid action is set within the Leydig cell by the number of glucocorticoid receptors and by the activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD). This enzyme acts either as an oxidase inactivating glucocorticoid or as a reductase amplifying its action. It is currently unknown whether extracellular conditions might cause 11betaHSD oxidative and reductive activities in Leydig cells to change inversely or independently. The aim of the present study was to determine whether extracellular conditions set in vitro by various culture time and media components, such as glucose and pyruvate, affect the relative rates of 11betaHSD oxidation and reduction. Primary rat Leydig cells and cell lines (COS1 and CHOP cells) transfected with 11betaHSD-I complementary DNA (cDNA), were incubated with 25 nmol/L (physiologic range) or 500 nmol/L (stress range) concentrations of radiolabeled substrates, corticosterone or 11-hydrocorticosterone, for 0 to 24 hours. Oxidative activity predominated over reductive activity under initial conditions when product formation increased linearly with time. For example, in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/F12 medium (containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose), the peak ratio of oxidation to reduction (with 1 denoting equivalence of oxidative and reductive activities) was 5.5 in rat Leydig cells, 19.7 in COS1 cells, and 20.8 in CHOP cells. Glucose stimulated reductive activity but did not change the predominant direction of 11betaHSD catalysis at earlier times. In COS1 cells transfected with 11betaHSD-I cDNA, oxidative activity rapidly increased during the first 2 hours of the incubation, then gradually decreased while reductive activity increased steadily. The relative ratio of oxidation to reduction rapidly declined to less than 0.5 at 6 hours, and thus the favored direction of catalysis changed from oxidation to reduction. However, in transfected CHOP cells, 11betaHSD oxidative activity rapidly increased during the first 2 hours and continued to increase for 24 hours. The ratio of oxidative to reductive activity rapidly declined but kept above 1 in CHOP cells for 24 hours, and the favored direction of catalysis remained predominantly oxidative. These results revealed that 11betaHSD-I is a predominant oxidase initially in Leydig cells and 2 cell lines, and that the oxidative activity is gradually lost over time. The data suggest that type I 11betaHSD is a predominant oxidase in Leydig cells in vivo.
Effects of Salts and Organic Solvents on the Activity of Citrate Synthase

Abstract The enzymatic activity of citrate synthase from pig heart can be inhibited by various ions. The order of inhibitory effect of monovalent cations is Li+ g K+ g Na+ g Cs+ and that of anions is SCN- g Cl- g tartrate. Divalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ are much more effective than monovalent cations, but thiocyanate is as effective as divalent cations. ATP is also a potent inhibitor, but dATP has no effect. The inhibition by mono- and divalent cations and ATP can be overcome by an increase in the concentration of one of the substrates, acetyl coenzyme A, but not the other, oxalacetate.
The Chemical Composition of Cool Stars: II — The Hydrogen Deficient Stars

The chemical composition of the R Coronae Borealis and cool hydrogen deficient carbon stars is reviewed. Similarities and differences between these stars and the hot He stars are noted. Proposed origins for the hydrogen deficient stars are sketched. Recent claims that normal (spectral type N) cool carbon stars are hydrogen deficient are shown to be unfounded. Attention is drawn to the curious case of pop. II variables (RV Tauri, W Virginis, and RR Lyrae stars) whose atmospheres show striking deficiencies of heavy elements and may be hydrogen deficient.
Interventional Radiology Symposium for Medical Students: Raising Awareness, Understanding, and Interest

CLINICAL PRACTICE CONCERN: BACKGROUND Interventional radiology (IR) is a dynamic medical specialty that utilizes nearly all forms of radiological imaging to diagnose and treat a myriad of disease processes with minimally invasive procedures. IR has been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology since 1994. Over the years, the specialty has undergone a rapid evolution, with less stress on image interpretation skills, and an increasing emphasis on the larger role that the interventional radiologist should have in longitudinal patient care. This progression culminated in ABMS approval of IR as a primary medical specialty, in 2012. In late 2014, the ACGME approved the residency training program requirements for an IR residency. Although some medical schools offer a dedicated IR clerkship, as few as 5.5% of medical students participate in the elective rotation [1]. Over the past decade, interest has been growing in the specialty of IR, with a resultant significant increase in the number of individuals applying for training [2]. However, the levels of exposure of medical students to IR and understanding of the specialty remain low [3]. Additionally, other medical
Social Strata Differences in Mothers' Conceptions of Children in Postsocialist Hungary: An Explanation of Fertility Decisions

The purpose of this study was to determine if the low fertility rate in postsocialist Hungary is related to how mothers from different social strata conceptualize children and childbearing. It was hypothesized that stratum-specific differences would be found in the way mothers see the role of children in the context of their lives and that these differences would be related to the number of children they produce. The study is based on in-depth interviews with mothers of children between the ages of three and five who attended preschool in Budapest. The preschools were variously located and were selected as representative of different social strata in the city. Important social strata variation was found. Mothers from the four strata differed not only in how they talked about their children but also in the number of children they had and desired. The significance of these findings for cross-cultural research and for elucidating fertility rate statistics is discussed. (authors)
Risk Factors That May Predispose Premature Infants to Increased Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The objective of this study was to determine if there are any common “risk factors” that could assist clinicians in identifying premature infants who are at greater risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This was a retrospective study of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Peoria. In total, 384 charts were reviewed. Seventy-eight infants diagnosed with NEC were compared to 246 infants who did not have NEC. Maternal risk factors, infant demo-graphics, incidence of sepsis, H2 blockers prescribed, temperature, anemia, and day-of-life gut priming and enteral feedings were compared between the two groups for significant differences. Univariate tests and logistic regression demonstrated that mothers of infants who developed NEC had a higher incidence of premature rupture of membranes. Significantly more males developed NEC than females. African American infants had a higher incidence of developing NEC than white infants. Infants who developed NE...
N-type and P/Q-type calcium channels regulate differentially the release of noradrenaline, ATP and β-NAD in blood vessels

Using HPLC techniques we evaluated the electrical field stimulation-evoked overflow of noradrenaline (NA), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), and beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (beta-NAD) in the presence of low nanomolar concentrations of omega-conotoxin GVIA or omega-agatoxin IVA in the canine mesenteric arteries and veins. omega-conotoxin GVIA abolished the evoked overflow of NA and beta-NAD in artery and vein, whereas the evoked overflow of ATP remained unchanged in the presence of omega-conotoxin GVIA. omega-agatoxin IVA significantly reduced the evoked overflow of ATP and beta-NAD. The overflow of NA remained largely unaffected by omega-agatoxin IVA, except at 16Hz in the vein where the overflow of NA was reduced by about 50%. Artery and vein exhibited similar expression levels of the alpha(1B) (CaV2.2, N-type) subunit, whereas the vein showed greater levels of the alpha(1A) (CaV2.1, P/Q-type) subunit than artery. Therefore, there are at least two release sites for NA, beta-NAD and ATP in the canine mesenteric artery and vein: an N-type-associated site releasing primarily NA, beta-NAD and some ATP, and a P/Q-type-associated site releasing ATP, beta-NAD and some NA. The N-type-mediated mechanisms are equally expressed in artery and vein, whereas the P/Q-type-mediated mechanisms are more pronounced in the vein and may ensure additional neurotransmitter release at higher levels of neural activity. In artery, beta-NAD caused a dual effect consisting of vasodilatation or vasoconstriction depending on concentrations, whereas vein responded with vasodilatation only. In contrast, ATP caused vasoconstriction in both vessels. beta-NAD and ATP may mediate disparate functions in the canine mesenteric resistive and capacitative circulations.
Deuteron and proton NMR in plasma-deposited amorphous silicon

Abstract Nuclear resonance line shapes and spin relaxation rates have been measured for deuterons and protons in five a-Si samples plasma-deposited from SiH4/D2 and SiD4/Ar gas mixtures. Some samples show spin-lattice relaxation rates which increase exponentially with temperature above 50 K to sharp maxima near 400 K. In all five samples one component of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation proceeds via dilute molecular D2 and H2 relaxation centers. The corresponding temperature variations of molecular electronic relaxation rates are given by CE★T★2 where C varies systematically with sample preparation conditions.
A New Proof for the Description of Holomorphic Flows on Multiply Connected Domains

We provide a new proof for the description of holomorphic and biholomorphic flows on multiply connected domains in the complex plane. In contrast to the original proof of Heins (1941) we do this by the means of operator theory and by utilizing the techniques of universal coverings of the underlying domains of holomorphic flows and their liftings on the corresponding universal coverings.
Superspin relaxation in Fe3O4/hexane magnetic fluids: A dynamic susceptibility study

Abstract We have used frequency-resolved (100 Hz f 3 O 4 /hexane magnetic fluids at temperatures between 200 and 300 K. Our data collected on both powder and magnetic fluid samples allow the separation of the contributions from the Neel and Brown relaxation mechanisms that act concomitantly within the above-mentioned temperature range. At all temperatures we find that the Brown relaxation times ( τ B ) are shorter than their Neel counterparts ( τ N ), evidence that the Brown mechanism yields the major contribution towards the system’s overall superspin dynamics. τ B exhibits a steep two-order-of-magnitude decrease upon heating, from τ B = 1 × 10 −3 s at T = 237 K to τ B = 1.5 × 10 −5 s at T = 270 K, a behavior mostly driven by the heating-induced reduction of the liquid carrier’s viscosity.
Composite pseudo-Goldstone bosons

Certain subtle low energy phenomena accompanying composite pseudo-Goldstone bosons (PGB) are discussed in the framework of the class of QCD-type models which possess dynamically and intrinsically broken global symmetries. Dynamical/intrinsic (strong) CP breaking induced by fermion masses and embedding of the “weak” interaction gauge group G W into the global symmetry group G are examined with particular emphasis on the role of order variables in their description. The CP nonconserving effects are identified uniquely in terms of fermion masses and the U (1) phase θ of the fermion mass matrix. The phase structure of QCD [θ ≈ 0 (mod π)] is analyzed in terms of fermion masses. It is shown that the observed PGB spectrum favors QCD [θ ≈ 0 (mod 2π)] over QCD [θ ≈ π (mod 2π)]. The embedding G W = SU (2) ⊗ U (1) ⊂ G = SU (4) ⊗ SU (4) ( SU (8)) is discussed in some length. In particular the PGB mass spectrum is calculated in the leading order of α W given by the terms of order of α W or α 2 W ln α W . It is found that the models G = SU (8) do not accommodate standard electroweak interactions. The contribution of electroweak as well as “superheavy” vector bosons to the mass of the lightest charged PGB is estimated.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Clinical Comparison of Cold Blood Potassium Cardioplegia, Warm Cardioplegic Induction, and Secondary Cardioplegia

An analysis of myocardial protection was performed in 45 low-risk patients undergoing coronary bypass procedures who were divided into three equal groups with similar preoperative ejection fractions and coronary artery obstructions. Group 1 (N = 15) received cold blood cardioplegia, Group 2 received cold blood cardioplegia and secondary cardioplegia, and Group 3 received cold blood cardioplegia plus warm cardioplegic induction. The aortic cross-clamp time and the number of bypass grafts were similar among the groups. The following variables were measured serially: electrocardiographic changes, serum myocardial-specific isoenzyme of creatine kinase, cardiac output, left ventricular filling pressure, ejection fraction, and left ventricular wall motion. The three methods evaluated were all effective in protecting the myocardium during global myocardial ischemia. Patients who received secondary cardioplegia (Group 2) were more likely to exhibit spontaneous defibrillation (12/15) than those in Group 1 (5/15) or Group 3 (6/15) (p less than 0.05). However, measurements of left ventricular performance and evidence of perioperative myocardial infarction were similar among all three groups. These data suggest that a standard technique of cold potassium cardioplegia alone should be the method of choice in elective, low-risk coronary bypass operations rather than this technique in combination with either of the other two more costly and complex methods evaluated in this study.
Dissecting self-renewal in stem cells with RNA interference

We present an integrated approach to identify genetic mechanisms that control self-renewal in mouse embryonic stem cells. We use short hairpin RNA (shRNA) loss-of-function techniques to downregulate a set of gene products whose expression patterns suggest self-renewal regulatory functions. We focus on transcriptional regulators and identify seven genes for which shRNA-mediated depletion negatively affects self-renewal, including four genes with previously unrecognized roles in self-renewal. Perturbations of these gene products are combined with dynamic, global analyses of gene expression. Our studies suggest specific biological roles for these molecules and reveal the complexity of cell fate regulation in embryonic stem cells.
A rapid filtration method for receptor binding: Characterization with Mu and delta opiate receptors

A commercially available (Skatron) cell harvester was adapted for use in mu (3H-naloxone-labeled) and delta (3H-DADLE-labeled) opiate receptor assays and compared with a widely used conventional manifold for a number of binding characteristics. Whatman GF/B glass fiber filters and the less expensive filters available with the harvester were also compared and produced similar binding characteristics on the harvester and manifold if the harvester filters were used double-ply, and if the rinse time was less than 12.5 sec. Longer rinse times produced lower binding with 2-ply Skatron filters. Kd values, Hill coefficients, and Scatchard plot regression coefficients were very similar for the two filtration devices and filter types. A significantly reduced maximum number of sites (Bmax) was observed after filtration on the harvester, reflecting the smaller filter surface area relative to that of the manifold. The filter surface area on the harvester, nevertheless, is considerably larger than that of other manifolds with microplate spacing. This provides the advantages of rapid filtration with less restriction on tissue concentrations. Specific binding was linear with protein concentration up to at least 800 micrograms protein, which is well within the range of most neurotransmitter and peptide receptor binding studies. At about 1 mg protein the rinse buffer flow was slower due to the high tissue concentration. Although the results of filtration with the harvester and the conventional manifold were similar, the time requirements differed considerably. With the harvester, one experimenter could conduct the filtration process 2-3 times faster than 2 experimenters using the manifold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An efficient technique for obtaining unate implementation of functions through input encoding

Unate circuits have the desirable property that a single stuck-at fault manifests as multiple unidirectional error at the output. If the valid outputs belong to a unidirectional error detecting code, we can add circuitry to determine if the outputs have suffered any error and implement a self-checking system. The key contribution here is that we can start with an arbitrary circuit with arbitrary number of inputs and outputs and convert that to a unate circuit with coded input outputs. Earlier techniques were based on enumeration of truth space and therefore suffered from a combinatorial explosion for large number of inputs. The technique presented here proceeds with local transformations, producing a sub-optimal solution as a consequence, as opposed to no solution. The results are shown to be within acceptable bounds.
THE CALIBRATION OF THE OSTERHOUT RESPIRATORY APPARATUS FOR ABSOLUTE QUANTITIES OF CARBON DIOXIDE.

In the course of a piece of work on the amount of carbon dioxide produced by sea anemones it was found desirable to use the respiratory apparatus devised by Osterhout (1918), and as it was necessary in this work to determine the absolute quantity of carbon dioxide eliminated by these animals, an attempt was made to calibrate this apparatus for such determinations. The method finally adopted seems to be of enough general importance to justify a brief statement of it. The Osterhout apparatus consists of a closed system in which the air is made to circulate by means of a pump. The air passes from a chamber, in which the organism is confined and in which consequently the carbon dioxide is produced, either directly to a glass tube containing an indicator in solution or indirectly to this tube through a U-tube filled with fragments of sodium hydroxide. In the direct course the air containing the carbon dioxide is forced to bubble through the indicator solution, thus causing it to change its tint. In the indirect course the air is relieved of its carbon dioxide by contact with the sodium hydroxide, and, after purification, it is bubbled through the indicator thus washing out the contained carbon dioxide and bringing the indicator back to its original color. From the tube containing the indicator the air returns by a direct course through the pump to the chamber in which the organism is confined. A figure of the apparatus is given by Osterhout (1918). In taking readings with this apparatus the time in seconds required for the indicator to change from one tint to another as compared with standard solutions of known pH value is recorded and the rate
Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Limits on The Photon Mass

We give a review of methods used to set a limit on the mass $\ensuremath{\mu}$ of the photon. Direct tests for frequency dependence of the speed of light are discussed, along with more sensitive techniques which test Coulomb's Law and its analog in magnetostatics. The link between dynamic and static implications of finite $\ensuremath{\mu}$ is deduced from a set of postulates that make Proca's equations the unique generalization of Maxwell's. We note one hallowed postulate, that of energy conservation, which may be tested severely using pulsar signals. We present the merits of the old methods and of possible new experiments, and discuss other physical implications of finite $\ensuremath{\mu}$. A simple theorem is proved: For an experiment confined in dimensions D, effects of finite $\ensuremath{\mu}$ are of order ${(\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{D})}^{2}$---there is no "resonance" as the oscillation frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$ approaches $\ensuremath{\mu}$ ($\ensuremath{\hbar}=c=1$). The best results from past experiments are (a) terrestrial measurements of $c$ at different frequencies $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\le}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}43}\mathrm{g}\ensuremath{\equiv}7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\equiv}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10} \mathrm{eV}$ (b) measurements of radio dispersion in pulsar signals (whistler effect) $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}44}\mathrm{g}\ensuremath{\equiv}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\equiv}6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12} \mathrm{eV}$ (c) laboratory tests of Coulomb's law $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\le}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}47}\mathrm{g}\ensuremath{\equiv}6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\equiv}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}14} \mathrm{eV}$ (d) limits on a constant "external" magnetic field at the earth's surface $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\le}4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}48}\mathrm{g}\ensuremath{\equiv}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\equiv}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}15} \mathrm{eV}.$ Observations of the Galactic magnetic field could improve the limit dramatically.
How the Gender of U.S. Senators Influences People’s Understanding and Engagement in Politics

Electoral accountability depends on citizens making informed choices at the voting booth. We explore whether the gender of U.S. Senators influences what people know about their senators. We also examine whether people's level of information about men and women senators affects their participation in politics. We develop theoretical expectations to explain why a senator's gender may influence citizens' knowledge and behaviors. We rely on the 2006 Congressional Cooperative Election Survey and examine the population of U.S. Senators serving in the 109th Congress. We find that women know far less about their senators than men. Second, the gap in political knowledge closes sharply when women senators represent women citizens. Third, perhaps most importantly, women citizens are more active in politics when represented by women senators. These findings suggest the confluence of more women senators and additional women voters may produce important changes in the policy outcomes of the U.S. Congress
A comparison of cord gingival displacement with the gingitage technique

Fifteen young adult dogs were divided into three groups representing 0, 7- and 21-day healing periods. Randomly selected cuspid teeth were used to compare cord gingival displacement and gingitage techniques for subgingival tooth preparation and impression making. Clinical and histologic measurements were used as a basis for comparison. Results indicate that (1) the experimental teeth were clinically healthy at the beginning of the experiment, (2) clinical health of the gingival tissues was controlled throughout the course of the experiment, and (3) within this experimental setting, there was no significant difference between the cord gingival displacement technique and the gingitage technique.
Master Stephen Langton, Future Archbishop of Canterbury: The Paris Schools and Magna Carta

Master Stephen Langton was without doubt the most prolific of the theologians teaching at Paris around 1200; later as archbishop of Canterbury he was the leading figure in the negotiations between King John and barons leading to Magna Carta. This study seeks to relate these two phases of his life by exploring three elements:(1) From the mass of biblical commentaries and theological questiones, as yet unpublished, Langton formulated political propositions of which the most striking included the necessity of written law to protect the people from the king and, in particular, the people's right to resist a decision that was rendered without a judgment of the king's court (sine sententia).(2) After his return to England in 1213 as archbishop, Langton mediated between the king and barons by resurrecting at St Paul's in London the coronation charter of Henry I that provided a written basis for the present baronial demands. A copy of this charter has surfaced in Paris at the Archives Nationales to which is attached the “Unknown Charter” of King John that responds directly to the issues raised in Henry's charter and specifically promises not to condemn anyone without judgment (absque judicio). This principle of “due process” became one of the celebrated clauses of Magna Carta. Admittedly this account of Langton's role relies on the chronicler Roger of Wendover, generally distrusted by modern historians, but Roger provides a compelling context to Langton's application of his Parisian teaching in England. (3) How the “Unknown Charter” came to Paris is resolved by a close examination of the fonds d'Angleterre in the Archives Nationales. Simon Langton, the archbishop's brother, and Elias de Derehem, both clerics and collaborators of the archbishop and Prince Louis undoubtedly brought it to Paris at the conclusion of the latter's unsuccessful expedition to England in 1217.
Truncated dystrophins can influence neuromuscular synapse structure

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by muscle degeneration and structural defects in the neuromuscular synapse that are caused by mutations in dystrophin. Whether aberrant neuromuscular synapse structure is an indirect consequence of muscle degeneration or a direct result of loss of dystrophin function is not known. Rational design of truncated dystrophins has enabled the design of expression cassettes highly effective at preventing muscle degeneration in mouse models of DMD using gene therapy. Here we examined the functional capacity of a minidystrophin (minidysGFP) and a microdystrophin (microdystrophin(DeltaR4-R23)) transgene on the maturation and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) in mdx mice. We found that minidysGFP prevents fragmentation and the loss of postsynaptic folds at the NMJ. In contrast, microdystrophin (DeltaR4-R23) was unable to prevent synapse fragmentation in the limb muscles despite preventing muscle degeneration, although fragmentation was observed to temporally correlate with the formation of ringed fibers. Surprisingly, microdystrophin(DeltaR4-R23) increased the length of synaptic folds in the diaphragm muscles of mdx mice independent of muscle degeneration or the formation of ringed fibers. We also demonstrate that the number and depth of synaptic folds influences the density of voltage-gated sodium channels at the neuromuscular synapse in mdx, microdystrophin(DeltaR4-R23)/mdx and mdx:utrophin double knockout mice. Together, these data suggest that maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse is governed through its lateral association with the muscle cytoskeleton, and that dystrophin has a direct role in promoting the maturation of synaptic folds to allow more sodium channels into the junction.
Safety Effects of Horizontal Curve and Grade Combinations on Rural Two-Lane Highways:

The safety effects of horizontal curves and grades on highways have been quantified separately, but it is not currently known whether or how the safety performance of horizontal curves interacts with that of grades. Although the first edition of the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual provides crash modification factors for the safety effects of horizontal curvature and percent grade on rural two-lane highways, the manual does not have a method for accounting for the interactions between these effects. In other words, in the Highway Safety Manual procedures for rural two-lane highways, the safety effect of a horizontal curve is the same whether the curve is located on a level roadway, a straight grade, or a vertical curve. Similarly, the safety effect of a straight grade is the same whether it is located on a tangent roadway or horizontal curve. Researchers have always supposed that there are interactions between the safety effects of horizontal and vertical alignments, but these interactions have not been demon...
The effect of Lantus on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Purpose : With a duration of action of approximately 24 hours and peakless levels, Lantus is a more physiologic basal insulin analogue compared with NPH. The aim of this study was to compare the glycemic control of Lantus plus Humalog with that of premixed insulin in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods : The subjects consisted of 25 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, aged 12-19 years, who changed their insulin regimen from premixed insulin to Lantus plus Humalog. Daily insulin doses, frequency of hypoglycemia, fasting blood glucose, C-peptide concentration and HbA1c before and 6 months after Lantus treatment were compared. 24 hour blood glucose of 11 patients among Lantus treatment group (n=25) and premixed insulin treatment group (n=10) were self-monitored and compared. Results : 6 months after Lantus treatment, the episodes of hypoglycemia were reduced by 50%(15.1 vs. 7.6 events/month), especially nocturnal hypoglycemia by 67%(6.7 vs. 2.5 events/month). HbA1c was reduced from 9.3% to 8.7% after Lantus treatment. Self-monitored blood glucose of Lantus treatment group at postbreakfast 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes were 171.1, 169.5, 171.0 and 154.1 mg/dL respectively and lower than those of premixed insulin treatment group (259.7, 282.7, 280.0 and 250.9 mg/dL respectively). Conclusion : Compared with premixed insulin, Lantus plus Humalog is more effective in glycemic control and reduction in nocturnal hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Disability Symptoms and the Price of Self-Sufficiency:

OBJECTIVE Disability symptoms are tiredness, slowness, and pain doing daily tasks made difficult by health. The authors study factors that increase and decrease disability symptoms, especially effects of equipment and personal assistance. METHOD In National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement Phase 2, people with personal care and household management disabilities were asked about fatigue, taking a long time, and pain when doing tasks on their own and with assistance. The authors study persons ages 55 and older. RESULTS Poor overall health or disability and severe disability in tasks increase disability symptom chances by 11% to 18%. Assistance users are 19% to 20% less likely to have symptoms than nonusers. Personal help, alone, or with equipment, relieves symptoms better than equipment only, by 9% to 13%. DISCUSSION Equipment-only users are self-sufficient, a highly prized situation. Because they actively engage in tasks, symptoms are still likely. This trade-off of psychological gain with comfort loss may be preferable to personal help.
Metabolism of 10-formyldihydrofolate in humans.

The metabolism of 10-formyldihydrofolate is reviewed in this article. It had been the dogma that only tetrahydrofolates participate in enzyme-catalyzed one-carbon transfer reactions, until we showed in 1986 that 10-formyldihydrofolate serves as a substrate for aminoimidazolecarboxamide ribotide (AICAR) transformylase. Our data from studies in humans, cultured cells and bacteria as well as in vitro experiments indicate that the oxidation of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to 10-formyldihydrofolate takes place, and 10-formyldihydrofolate is subsequently converted to dihydrofolate by AICAR transformylase. Dihydrofolate is then reduced to tetrahydrofolate and further metabolized by the well-established enzyme reactions. We believe that a new folate metabolic map is needed which incorporates the oxidation of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate and the utilization of 10-formyldihydrofolate by AICAR transformylase.
Democratic Learning and The Sober Second Thought: The Effect of Reading John Stuart Mill's Essay “On Liberty” on Tolerance for Free Speech Among Highly Religious, Politically Conservative Students

A survey (n = 349) of highly religious, politically conservative students (religiosity and political conservatism being among the highest predictors of intolerance) shows a significant statistical effect on increased tolerance (both abstract and specific) for free speech resulting from reading John Stuart Mill's (1859/2002) essay “On Liberty” and taking a course in the history and theory of the First Amendment. Other variables also affect tolerance, including missionary service and print and Internet news use. TV news use does not.
Movement and metabolic fate of [14C]ethephon in flue-cured tobacco

Abstract The absorption, distribution, and metabolic fate of [ 14 C]ethephon in flue-cured tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) was studied using autoradiography, thin-layer chromatography, high-voltage paper electrophoresis, and liquid scintillation spectrometry. Labeled ethephon penetrated mature leaf tissue easily and was translocated primarily in an acropetal direction. No 14 C activity was detected in any other plant part except the treated leaf. The first day after treatment, most of the translocated 14 C was detected in the midrib, and after 2 days radioactivity was noticed in veinal areas distal to the point of application. Four days later, however, 14 C was detected in slight amounts only in the midrib, indicating that [ 14 C]ethephon was rapidly degraded by the leaf tissue. Depending on leaf position on the stalk, as much as 92% of the radioactivity had disappeared from the leaf tissue during the first day after treatment, and as little as 5% of the applied radioactivity was recovered 4 days later. Methanol-extracted plant residues contained insignificant amounts of 14 C. All of the 14 C in methanol extracts was present in the form of a labeled compound with an R f value corresponding to that of ethephon, indicating the absence of any detectable metabolites of the parent compound. Smoke analysis of cigarettes showed that more [ 14 C]ethylene than 14 CO 2 was recovered in the main stream, whereas the trend was reversed in the case of side stream smoke.
Plasma concentration of corticosterone during Rana catesbeiana tadpole metamorphosis.

Abstract Plasma corticosterone concentrations have been studied in Rana catesbeiana tadpoles during metamorphosis. Corticosterone concentrations, determined by radioimmunoassay, in tadpole plasma were low prior to the onset of metamorphic climax (stage XX). The concentration of corticosterone in tadpole plasma from animals stages XXI to XXIV were significantly elevated above the concentration seen in animals of earlier stages. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) was able to stimulate an increase in plasma corticosterone in tadpoles of stages I to X. Triiodothyronine (T 3 ) treatment of tadpoles for 7 days caused a slight but insignificant increase in plasma corticosterone concentration over the concentration observed in control animals. The T 3 -treated animals had, however, a significantly greater elevation of plasma corticosterone in response to ACTH than control animals.
Characterization of Langmuir-Blodgett organoclay films using X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy.

Monolayers of organoclay platelets were formed at the air/water interface using the Langmuir technique and were then investigated either by in situ or lifted onto Si wafers and studied ex situ, using X-ray reflectivity (XR) methods. The XR data showed that the surfactant molecules on the clay platelets formed a dense, self-assembled monolayer where the molecules were tilted at an angle of 35 {+-}6 from the normal to the dry clay surface. The surfactant layers only covered a fraction of the clay platelet surface area, where the fractional surface coverage for the three clays studied (C6A, C15A, and C20A) was found to be 0.90, 0.86, and 0.73, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those estimated from the cation exchange capacity (CEC) values. Rather than being uniformly distributed, the surfactant was clustered in patchy regions, indicating that the surface of the clay platelets had both polar and non-polar segments. This heterogeneity confirmed the hypothesis which was previously invoked to explain the distribution of the clay platelets in melt mixed homopolymer and polymer blend nanocomposites.