cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Automated Segmentation Algorithms for Optic Nerve Head Structures in Optical Coherence Tomography Images.

Purpose To compare the identification of optic nerve head (ONH) structures in optical coherence tomography images by observers and automated algorithms. Methods ONH images in 24 radial scan sets by optical coherence tomography were obtained in 51 eyes of 29 glaucoma patients and suspects. Masked intraobserver and interobserver comparisons were made of marked endpoints of Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) and the anterior lamina cribrosa (LC). BMO and LC positional markings were compared between observer and automated algorithm. Repeated analysis on 20 eyes by the algorithm was compared. Regional ONH data were derived from the algorithms. Results Intraobserver difference in BMO width was not significantly different from zero (P ≥ 0.32) and the difference in LC position was less than 1% different (P = 0.04). Interobserver were slightly larger than intraobserver differences, but interobserver BMO width difference was 0.36% (P = 0.63). Mean interobserver difference in LC position was 14.74 μm (P = 0.004), 3% of the typical anterior lamina depth (ALD). Between observer and algorithm, BMO width differed by 1.85% (P = 0.23) and mean LC position was not significantly different (3.77 μm, P = 0.77). Repeat algorithmic analysis had a mean difference in BMO area of 0.38% (P = 0.47) and mean ALD difference of 0.54 ± 0.72%. Regional ALD had greater variability in the horizontal ONH regions. Some individual outlier images were not validly marked by either observers or algorithm. Conclusions Automated identification of ONH structures is comparable to observer markings for BMO and anterior LC position, making BMO a practical reference plane for algorithmic analysis.
Relative Clinical and Cost Burden of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Hospitalizations in Older Adults in the United States—A Cross-Sectional Analysis

The relative burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in older adults (≥65 years old) compared to other serious diseases is important to prioritize preventive treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the 2014 National Readmission Database to evaluate the length of stay, inpatient mortality, 30-day readmissions, and costs of CAP compared to diabetes mellitus (DM), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. 275,790 hospitalizations were analyzed and represented a national estimate of 616,300 hospitalizations, including 269,961 for CAP, 71,284 for DM, 126,946 for MI, and 148,109 for stroke. The mean length of stay in CAP was 5.2 days, which was higher than DM (4.6) and MI (4.3) but similar to stroke (5.6). The inpatient mortality risk was lower for DM (RR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.29–0.46) but higher for MI (RR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.50–1.85) and stroke (RR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.51–1.83). The median costs for CAP ($7282) were higher compared to DM ($6217) but lower compared to MI ($14,802) and stroke ($8772). The 30-day readmission rate was 17% in CAP, which was higher compared to MI (15%) and stroke (11.5%) and lower compared to DM (20.3%). In patients with CAP, disease burden is on par with other serious diseases. CAP should be prioritized for prevention in older adults with strategies such as vaccination and smoking cessation.
AMC075: A randomized phase II trial of vorinostat with R-EPOCH in aggressive HIV-related NHL.

7573Background: HIV+ individuals are at increased risk for developing aggressive NHL that are often EBV+ or HHV-8+. We recently reported a phase I study using the HDAC inhibitor vorinostat (V) with...
141 Positive effects of supplementation in bovine culture medium with 3 cytokines

Recently, our laboratory has identified that supplementation of 3 cytokines, 40 ng mL−1 FGF2, 20 ng mL−1 LIF, and 20 ng mL−1 IGF1 (termed FLI), to porcine oocyte maturation medium leads to an increase in maturation percentage and embryo development to blastocyst. Similarly, addition of FLI to porcine embryo culture at Day 2 after fertilization increased the number of embryos that became blastocyst. The objective of this study was to determine whether the effect of FLI on embryonic development was maintained in the bovine. Two variations of the bovine culture medium, basic SOF and SOF-BE2 (containing 0.4 mM trisodium citrate and 2.56 mM myo-inositol), were supplemented with FLI at the beginning of culture, and development to the blastocyst stage on Day 8 was determined. Embryos were produced from abattoir-derived oocytes from Bos taurus breeds and fertilized with sperm from a single Holstein bull proven of high fertility under in vitro conditions. All statistical analyses were completed by logistic regression using the Genmod procedure of SAS v. 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). In the first experiment, zygotes (oocytes exposed to sperm) were placed in culture in basic SOF with or without supplementation with FLI. After 4 replicates containing 90 control embryos and 93 FLI-treated embryos we found an increase (P < 0.05) in blastocyst percentages of 21.1 ± 0.2% for the control compared with 40.9 ± 0.2% for the FLI-treated embryos. In a second experiment, zygotes were cultured in SOF-BE2 with or without supplementation with FLI. A total of 679 zygotes (332 control and 347 FLI-treated zygotes) across 4 replicates were evaluated. Percentage of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage increased (P < 0.05) from 33.2 ± 0.07% in the control group to 42.6 ± 0.07% in the FLI-supplemented group. Next, blastocysts derived from the second experiment were vitrified for subsequent transfer to synchronized Angus recipient heifers. Re-expansion 16 h after thawing was recorded before transfer. For the control group, 10 out of 24 embryos (41.7%), and 28 out of 41 embryos (68.3%) of the FLI-treated embryos, re-expanded. Three re-expanded blastocysts were then nonsurgically transferred to the uterine horn of each synchronized heifer (N = 3 control embryo containing heifers, 9 FLI embryo containing heifers). The number of viable fetuses (presence of a heartbeat) per heifer will be determined via ultrasound around Day 35. Although more vitrification and transfer experiments are being completed, preliminary data suggest that supplementation of FLI during culture might improve of the embryos to freezing. Furthermore, supplementation of FLI improves development to the blastocyst stage in bovine embryos under different conditions. This work was supported in part by funds from the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2013-68004-20365 from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture and National Institutes of Health Grant R01 HD072898, Food for the 21st Century, and the Clifton Murphy Scholarship Fund.
Dialysis of the Scrapie Agent

The scrapie agent was detected by goat inoculation in 1 of 3 dialysates obtained by dialysiug cerebrospinal fluid against distilled water. The agent was also detected in all of 3 dialysates obtained by dialysing the supernatant fluids of 10 per cent suspensions of 3 different scrapie goat brains against 0.9 per cent saline. In these dialyses, the physical integrity of each membrane was checked with radio-iodinated human serum albumen actitig as a marker. In all experiments, scrapie occurred in goats inoculated with material withheld by the dialysing membrane. A reduction in the number of cases of scrapie, and a lengthening of the incubation period, indicated that there was a smaller amount of the scrapie agent outside than inside the dialysis sacs. The scrapie agent was present inside a dialysis sac after 14 days’ continuous dialysis against 0.9 per cent saline. It is concluded that in these experiments the scrapie agent was partially dialysable through a membrane of average pore diameter (A.P.D.) 2.4 mμ.
Acute Effect of Mini-Trampoline Jumping on Vertical Jump and Balance Performance

Jumping and balance are necessary skills for most athletes, and mini-trampoline training has been shown to improve them. Little is known about the acute effect of mini-trampoline jumping on jump performance and dynamic balance. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 maximal jumps on a mini-trampoline on countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) variables and on balance parameters. Methods: Twenty one recreationally trained individuals participated in three testing sessions and were either allocated to a control group (N=10) or a trampoline group (N=11). All the participants performed a dynamic warm up prior to their assessments. Baseline CMVJ and balance assessments were measured. For the jump performance tests, the control group rested for 30s, and the trampoline group performed 6 maximal CMVJs on a mini-trampoline. Immediately following the trampoline jumps or the rest period, participants performed three jump trials. The jumping protocol was repeated every minute up to 5 minutes and balance was reassessed immediately after only. Results: There was no significant interaction of time by group and no group effects in all the jumping parameters, however, there was a significant increase in jump height (p 0.05) on the balance variables. Conclusion: These results do not support our hypothesis and show that trampoline jumping does not improve jump and balance performance acutely.
Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy in North America: are the outcomes acceptable?

Abstract Background Hepatopancreatoduodenectomies (HPD) are historically associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, no data with hepatopancreatobiliary-specific complications have been available for HPD in North America. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to compare the outcomes of HPD to those of major hepatectomy (MH) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in North America. Methods The 2014-16 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for MH, PD, and HPD. Partial hepatectomies, wedge liver biopsies, distal pancreatectomies, pancreatic enucleations and total pancreatectomies were excluded. Propensity score matching was utilized to match 23 HPDs to 92 MHs and 138 PDs by 28 demographic, comorbidity, laboratory, operative and pathologic variables. Outcomes were compared among these three groups. Results The overall morbidity and mortality for HPD were 87% and 26%, respectively, and were significantly higher (p Conclusion The morbidity and mortality after HPD are significantly higher than after MH or PD alone and may explain why HPD is performed so infrequently in North America. Centralization of HPD to a very few centers may be a strategy to improve outcomes.
Simultaneous Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Spirulina sp. Leb 18 Cultivation

Abstract Effluents from the textile, photographic, and other industries release considerable amounts of toxic metal ions, such as silver. Conventional physico-chemical treatments do not completely ...
Observational Use of Electrical Impedance Tomography During a Spontaneous Mode of Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is a spontaneous mode that is patient triggered and flow cycled. Spontaneous breaths on PSV are triggered, which alters spontaneous breaths from sinusoidal to decelerating assisted mechanical breaths. Because PSV breaths are assisted, they may be under-compensated or overcompensated for the artificial airway resistance based on the amount of support set at the ventilator. Alternatively, CPAP with the use of automatic tube compensation (ATC) provides dynamic inspiratory flow in proportion to the pressure drop across the artificial airway size (length and diameter). As a result, the sinusoidal flow pattern of spontaneous breathing is preserved with an unassisted breath. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) technology provides non-invasive and radiation-free medical imaging. In addition, EIT provides regional information of changes in ventilation, which could help with gaining information on where a regional distribution of ventilation occurs during spontaneous modes of ventilation such as PSV and CPAP. We chose to use EIT to observe patients in various spontaneous modes. Methods: This observational study, approved by the University of Maryland Institutional Review Board (IRB) enrolled ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation set in either PSV or CPAP. The PulmoVista 500 EIT device by Draeger Medical (Lubeck, Germany) was used to visualize regional distribution of ventilation. Results: Four patients were observed during PSV that were transitioned to CPAP or proportion pressure support (PPS) per physician orders. After transitioning from an assisted mode (PSV) to an unassisted mode (CPAP or PPS), dorsal and mid-dorsal ventilation was seen to have increased in each patient. The gas distribution to the mid-dorsal and dorsal increased by an average of 9. 25% in all four patients. Two of the patients did see an increase in gas distribution by 13% and two by 4% and 7% within min of transitioning to the unassisted mode of ventilation. Conclusions: This small observational study demonstrated the benefit of preferential volume distribution with unassisted breathing. Further research in comparing assisted versus unassisted ventilation is warranted.
Cdc48 Co-Factor Shp1 Regulates Signal-Induced SCFMet30 Disassembly

Organisms can adapt to a broad spectrum of sudden and dramatic changes in their environment. These abrupt changes are often perceived as stress and trigger responses that facilitate survival and eventual adaptation. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is involved in most cellular processes. Unsurprisingly, components of the UPS also play crucial roles during various stress response programs. The budding yeast SCFMet30 complex is an essential Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase that connects metabolic and heavy metal stress to cell cycle regulation. Cadmium exposure results in the active dissociation of the F-box protein Met30 from the core ligase leading to SCFMet30 inactivation. Consequently, SCFMet30 substrate ubiquitylation is blocked and triggers a downstream cascade to activate a specific transcriptional stress response program. Signal-induced dissociation is initiated by autoubiquitylation of Met30 and serves as a recruitment signal for the AAA-ATPase Cdc48/p97, which actively disassembles the complex. Here we show that the UBX cofactor Shp1/p47 is an additional key element for SCFMet30 disassembly during heavy metal stress. Although the cofactor can directly interact with the ATPase, Cdc48 and Shp1 are recruited independently to SCFMet30 during cadmium stress. An intact UBX domain is crucial for effective SCFMet30 disassembly, and a concentration threshold of Shp1 recruited to SCFMet30 needs to be exceeded to initiate Met30 dissociation. The latter is likely related to Shp1-mediated control of Cdc48 ATPase activity. This study identifies Shp1 as the crucial Cdc48 cofactor for signal-induced, selective disassembly of a multi-subunit protein complex to modulate activity.
Feasibility of Repurposing Clioquinol for Cancer Therapy.

Background Cancer is a prevalent disease in the world and is becoming more widespread as time goes on. Advanced and more effective chemotherapeutics need to be developed for the treatment of cancer to keep up with this prevalence. Repurposing drugs is an alternative to discover new chemotherapeutics. Clioquinol is currently being studied for reposition as an anti-cancer drug. Objective This study aimed to summarize the anti-cancer effects of clioquinol and its derivatives through a detailed literature and patent review and to review their potential re-uses in cancer treatment. Methods Research articles were collected through a PubMed database search using the keywords "Clioquinol" and "Cancer." The keywords "Clioquinol Derivatives" and "Clioquinol Analogues" were also used on a PubMed database search to gather research articles on clioquinol derivatives. Patents were gathered through a Google Patents database search using the keywords "Clioquinol" and "Cancer." Results Clioquinol acts as a copper and zinc ionophore, a proteasome inhibitor, an anti-angiogenesis agent, and is an inhibitor of key signal transduction pathways responsible for its growth-inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity in cancer cells preclinically. A clinical trial conducted by Schimmer et al., resulted in poor outcomes that prompted studies on alternative clioquinol-based applications, such as new combinations, new delivery methods, or new clioquinol-derived analogues. In addition, numerous patents claim alternative uses of clioquinol for cancer therapy. Conclusion Clioquinol exhibits anti-cancer activities in many cancer types, preclinically. Low therapeutic efficacy in a clinical trial has prompted new studies that aim to discover more effective clioquinol- based cancer therapies.
Preoperative Anemia Independently Predicts Significantly Increased Odds of Short-Term Complications Following Aseptic Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Preoperative anemia is an important risk factor for developing complications following revision hip (rTHA) and knee (rTKA) arthroplasty. We aim to determine the effect of anemia severity on 30-day postoperative complications following revision hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program Database. All patients who underwent revision joint arthroplasty (rTJA) between 2006 to 2017 were identified and grouped based upon the hematocrit (Hct) level. Anemia was defined as Hct Results A total of 8932 patients undergoing rTHA and 13,313 patients undergoing rTKA were included for analysis. On multivariate adjustment, patients undergoing rTHA with moderate to severe anemia had an increased odds of 5.437 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.604 to 6.421; P Conclusion The increasing severity of anemia was associated with an increasing risk of developing any postoperative complication and death following revision hip and knee arthroplasty. There is a significant trend between diminishing preoperative hematocrit levels and increasing odds of postoperative complication.
Culture Negative Endocarditis Masquerading as Recurrent Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia are common dysrhythmias seen in hospitalized patients. Electrolyte derangements and cardiomyopathy are among the most common causes. Rarely, blood culture negative endocarditis can lead to unexplained recurrentsupraventricular tachycardia. Herein, we present a case of recurrent atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in a patient with no previous history of cardiovascular disease.
Adding essential oils to emergence tents has taxon-specific effects on trapping efficiency of ground-nesting bees

Soil emergence tents (e-tents) are a new tool for studying the nesting biology of ground-nesting bees. E-tents allow us to link nests with specific soil conditions; however, low success probabilities (≤ 20% of e-tents capture at least one bee) and long deployment times (> 72 h) limit their efficiency. We examined if adding scents—spearmint and lemongrass essential oils—increases how quickly e-tents capture bees actively nesting in the soil directly covered by the trap (“capture rate”), letting e-tents be moved more frequently to sample more area. Adding essential oils did not have a significant effect on the overall capture rate. However, in e-tents with spearmint essential oil, bees in the family Halictidae were captured 1.80× faster, and there was a trend for reduced capture rate for the family Andrenidae. The efficacy of adding scents to e-tents appears to be taxon-specific. Researchers interested in halictid nesting biology may increase the efficacy of e-tents with spearmint essential oil, but further work is needed to find a suitable attractant for other groups or whole communities.
Prone transpsoas lumbar corpectomy: simultaneous posterior and lateral lumbar access for difficult clinical scenarios.

Objective Lateral lumbar corpectomy with interbody fusion has been well described via a transpsoas approach in the lateral position, as has lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fixation in the prone position. However, no previous report has described the use of both an open posterior approach and a lateral transpsoas approach simultaneously in the prone position. Here, the authors describe their technique of performing transpsoas lumbar corpectomy in the prone position in order to have simultaneous posterior and lateral access for difficult clinical scenarios, and they report their early clinical experience. Methods The surgical technique for simultaneous posterior and lateral transpsoas access to the lumbar spine was reviewed and described in detail. The cases of 2 patients who underwent simultaneous posterior and lateral access in the prone position for complex lumbar pathology were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentation, preoperative radiographs, postoperative course, and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. Results The first patient presented after previous transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion that was complicated by significant subsidence of the intervertebral cage, vertebral body split fracture, rotational instability, and resulting spinal stenosis. A simultaneous posterior and lateral transpsoas approach in the prone position allowed for removal of the previous cage, lumbar corpectomy, and rigid posterior fixation with direct decompression. The second patient had a significant pathologic burst fracture secondary to a plasmacytoma with retropulsion, resulting in vertebra plana and significant canal stenosis. Simultaneous approaches allowed for complete resection of the plasmacytoma, restoration of lumbar alignment, rigid fixation, and direct posterior decompression. There were no short-term complications, and both patients had resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Conclusions Simultaneous posterior and lateral transpsoas access to the lumbar spine in the prone position is a previously unreported technique that allows a safe surgical approach to difficult clinical scenarios.
Interconnected cathode-electrolyte double-layer enabling continuous Li-ion conduction throughout solid-state Li-S battery

Abstract All-solid-state lithium (Li) batteries with high energy density are a promising solution for the next-generation energy storage systems in large-scale devices. To simultaneously overcome the challenges of poor ionic conduction of solid electrolytes and shuttling of active materials, we introduce a functional electrolyte-cathode bilayer framework with interconnected LLAZO channels from the electrolyte into the cathode for advanced solid-state Li-S batteries. Differing from the traditional solid-state batteries with separated layer compositions, the introduced bilayer framework provides ultrafast and continuous ion/electron conduction. Instead of transferring Li+ across the polymer and garnet phases which involve huge interfacial resistance, Li+ is directly conducted through the LLAZO channels created continuously from the cathode layer to the solid electrolyte layer, significantly shortening the diffusion distance and facilitating the redox reaction of sulfur and sulfides. A stable cycle life is demonstrated in the prototype Li-S solid-state batteries assembled with the introduced LLAZO-LLAZO@CNF interconnected bilayer framework. High capacity is obtained at room temperature, indicating the superior electrochemical properties of the bilayer framework that result from the unique design of the interconnected LLAZO garnet phase.
All-Polymeric Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membrane for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration

The fabrication of chemically stable and high-permeance polymeric membranes, compatible with both polar and nonpolar solvents, for use in solvent filtration is reported. Herein, poly(divinylbenzene...
Experiments with 802.11b in ad hoc configurations

In this article, we propose a tool that enables the deployment of scenarios on real ad hoc networks in order to measure the effects of 802.11b in ad hoc situations. We describe the first results we obtained. From these experiments, we can extract the capacity of the radio medium, the asymmetry of the used cards, the effects of broadcast on unicast flows and the interfering range.
B7-H1 blockade improves efficacy of regulatory T cell depletion as cancer immunotherapy by reducing Treg regeneration, possibly through tumor B7-H1 effects (VAC3P.950)

Immune co-signaling blockade is effective cancer immunotherapy but is not curative alone. Treg depletion has shown potential human anti-cancer efficacy, but is also not curative alone. As B7-H1 immune co-signaling facilitates Treg generation, we hypothesized that adding αB7-H1 to Treg depletion would improve treatment by hindering Treg regeneration. We show here that αB7-H1 plus denileukin diftitox (DD) to deplete Tregs is a synergistic combo that effects complete and durable (>7 mos) tumor regressions in bulky B16 melanoma, whereas neither agent alone does. αB7-H1 efficacy alone or with DD is lost in IFN-γ KO or T cell KO mice, and is mediated in part by tumor-specific CD8+ (but not CD4+) T cells. αB7-H1 is highly effective in B7-H1 KO mice, demonstrating a major role for tumor B7-H1 in treatment efficacy. Reducing tumor B7-H1-mediated Treg generation appears to be a mechanism as predicted. The αB7-H1/DD combo was also effective in ID8 ovarian cancer showing broad application. We engineered B7-H1hi/lo B16 tumors for further immune studies. Surprisingly, B7-H1hi B16 grew faster than B7-H1lo in RAG KO, suggesting B7-H1 as an adaptive immunity-independent tumor growth/survival factor. IFNγ upregulated tumor B7-H1, but αB7-H1 did not prevent IFN-γ-mediated tumor inhibition in vitro. B7-H1hi/lo tumors in B7-H1 KO are being used to define tumor vs host effects of αB7-H1 ± Treg depletion. As αB7-H1 and DD have been tested clinically, this combo is rapidly clinically translated.
Cancer prevention for working class, multi-ethnic populations through health centers: the healthy directions study.

Background: This paper presents the study design and baseline data from Healthy Directions-Health Centers (HCs), a study designed to address social contextual factors in cancer prevention interventions for working class, multi-ethnic populations. This study is part of the Harvard Cancer Prevention Program Project. Methods: Ten community HCs were paired and randomly assigned to intervention or control. Patients who resided in low income, multi-ethnic neighborhoods were identified and approached for participation. This study targeted fruit and vegetable consumption, red meat consumption, multi-vitamin intake, and physical activity. The intervention components consisted of: (1) a brief in-person study endorsement from the participant's clinician at a scheduled routine care visit; (2) an initial in-person counseling session with a health advisor; (3) four follow-up telephone counseling sessions; (4) multiple mailings of tailored materials; and (5) linkages to relevant activities in the local community. Results: Fifteen percent of the sample smoked, 86% reported eating fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, 50% reported eating more than the recommended amounts of red meat, 40% did not meet recommended physical activity levels, and 63% did not take a multi-vitamin on a daily basis. Although overall social support was high, participants reported low levels of social norms for the target prevention behaviors. Other social contextual mediators and modifying factors are reported. Conclusions: By examining the relationships between social contextual factors and health behaviors, it may be possible to enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities in risk behaviors.
Final states with a visible Λ-hyperon in K−d interactions at 3.4 GeV/c

The final states with a Λ-hyperon produced by 3.4 GeV/c K−-mesons on deuterium have been studied. The main feature of the reactions is copious production of the Σ(1385), ρ(765) and ω(783) resonances. The nonvanishing polarizations of the Λ-hyperons in the Λπ− channel disagree with the strong form of exchange degeneracy of the Regge picture. A π−π− enhancement at about 850 MeV has been observed, however it requires further study.
Using new approaches to environmental decision-making: An application of integrated assessment methods to water resource issues in the binational Lower Rio Grande basin

This article examines a unique application of integrated assessment methodologies to analyze water scarcity, development and the environment in the semi-arid Lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo watershed. US and Mexican data are analyzed to produce an integrated baseline report of current socio-economic, ecological, water supply and demand, water quality, and management conditions and trends. The baseline report provides the basis for subsequent analysis of alternative future scenarios for the region. Scenarios are developed by combining demographic projections with alternatives for future water availability, irrigation technologies, and management practices. The integrated assessment methodology is evaluated as a general tool for environmental decision-making. Problems encountered in applying the methodology are discussed, as are possibilities for improvements. The article concludes that, despite inherent difficulties, integrated assessments can provide a powerful framework by which to analyze complex environmental issues involving different disciplines and large amounts of information.
El modernismo desde la periferia

Doy en estas paginas por supuesto: (1) que las representaciones de todo tipo que definen la modernidad empiezan a ser reconocibles en los paises centro del capitalismo occidental desde antes de la primera guerra mundial y de la revolucion bolchevique; (2) que antes del desarrollo de las sociedades socialistas por ahora desaparecidas, varios y muy diversos paises europeos han de considerarse perifericos respecto a ese centro (no solo Rumania, por ejemplo,sino, incluso, Italia, o la Rusia de los zares, o Suecia); (3) que tanto Latinoamerica como Espana, con diferencias matizadas no solo entre las dos sino en el interior de Latinoamerica, han sido por mucho tiempo, y siguen siendo, sociedades y terrenos de lucha cultural perifericos con respecto al centro capitalista hegemonico.
Developmental changes in ryanodine- and IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools in ovine basilar artery

To explore the hypothesis that cerebrovascular maturation alters ryanodine- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ pool sizes, we measured total intracellular Ca2+ with 45Ca and the ...
IEC 61850 distributed analog values applications in substation automation systems

IEC 61850 is already an approved international standard for substation communications. It introduces multiple capabilities that allow the development of a new range of substation automation applications. The paper discusses in detail the distributed analog values defined by the standard and presents some examples of how they can be used in advanced applications.
Dependence of stress-strain nonlinearity of connective tissues on the geometry of collagen fibres

Abstract Collagen fibers in connective tissues have a periodic, “crimped” shape. In this work, they are modelled as long, sinusoidal beams. Constitutive equations in uniaxial tension are obtained by geometric considerations for a single collagen fiber as well as for bundles of fibers embedded in a matrix. The effect of fiber orientation is briefly discussed.
Martian winds and dust clouds

Abstract Previous calculations of the surface wind stress required to raise dust on Mars are reconsidered and the threshold friction velocity is found to be about 2.0 m sec−1 with particles of 200–300 μm being the most easily lifted. With this friction velocity, the planetary resistance law yields a corresponding wind at the top of the Ekman layer of 60 m sec−1, and the logarithmic wind law yields a corresponding wind at the top of the Prandtl layer of 38 m sec−1. These speeds are somewhat lower than those used by previous investigators. Various mechanisms for producing such strong winds are examined and it is concluded that the general circulation, thermal effects of topography, mechanical effects of topography and dust devils are all capable of doing so. Dust storms associated with small-scale disturbances are found to be incapable of growth. A scaling analysis of the equations of horizontal motion and of hydrostatic balance shows that a dust cloud at least 10 km thick and several tens of km in radius can, by absorption of sunlight, generate temperature gradients that, in turn, produce winds capable of raising more dust. Thus, a feedback mechanism is suggested in which an initial dust cloud exceeding certain critical dimensions can grown to planetary size. The preference of large dust storms to occur at southern hemisphere summer solstice is attributed to the maximum of insolation at that time. It is suggested that the frequent origin in the Noachis-Hellas region may be due to orographic features of the right scale and to low height in that area.
Pressure tuning spectroscopy of [Pt3(CO)6]2−n (n=3–5)

Abstract The pressure shifts of the first three bands appearing in the visible spectra of [Pt3(CO)6]2−n (n = 3–5) have been measured in solution over the range 0–10 kbar. Previous electronic calculations performed on the dimer in conjunction with these results afford a possible set of assignments for the first three bands appearing in the visible spectrum for the dimer.
Coexistence of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis and histiocytic lymphoma: A case report

A 65-year-old woman had pancytopenia, splenomegaly, and an inaspirable bone marrow. Diagnostic evaluation demonstrated that she had both leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE), or hairy cell leukemia, and an additional lympho-reticular neoplasm, most likely a "histiocytic" lymphoma. The diagnosis of LRE was based on the histopathology of spleen tissue and of a bone marrow biopsy specimen. The diagnosis of diffuse "histiocytic" lymphoma was based on the histopathology of a splenic hilar and a mesenteric lymph node, tumor nodules in the kidney and spleen, and tissue from a mass obstructing a ureter. This is the first well-documented association of a second lympho-reticular neoplasm with LRE. Even relatively gently treatment of the "histiocytic" lymphoma resulted in fatal pancytopenia, illustrating the restricitons on therapy imposed by the marrow impairment due to the LRE.
Subnormal weighted translation semigroups

Abstract A weighted translation semigroup {St} on L2( R +) is defined by (S t f)(x) = (φ(x) φ(x − t) )f(x − t) for x ⩾ t and 0 otherwise, where φ is a continuous nonzero scalar-valued function on R +. It is shown that {St} is subnormal if and only if φ2 is the product of an exponential function and the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of an increasing function of total variation one. A necessary and sufficient condition for similarity of weighted translation semigroups is developed.
Homeless parents' perceptions of parenting stress.

PURPOSE. To describe homeless parents' perceptions of parenting stress as potential indicators of needs for support in parenting roles. SAMPLE. Forty-seven homeless parents (30 mothers, 17 fathers). METHODS. Subjects completed the Parenting Stress Index to measure perceived parenting stress in the areas of child domain, parent domain, and life stress. FINDINGS. Homeless mothers and homeless fathers both identified the child domain as the most frequent source of stress. T tests showed a significant dierence between groups only in the parent domain sub- scale of competence. CONCLUSIONS. Findings from this study indicate the need to include parenting stress questions in an initial nursing or health assessment.
Efficient kernel models for learning and approximate minimization problems

This paper investigates techniques for reducing the computational burden of local learning methods relying on kernel functions in the framework of approximate minimization, i.e., when they are employed to find the minimum of a given cost functional. The considered approach is based on an optimal choice of the kernel width parameters through the minimization of an empirical cost and can provide a solution to important problems, such as function approximation and multistage optimization. However, when the stored data are too many, the kernel model output evaluation can take a long time, making local learning unsuited to contexts where a fast function evaluation is required. At the same time, the training procedure to obtain the kernel widths can become too demanding as well. Here it is shown that a large saving in the computational effort can be achieved by considering subsets of the available data suitably chosen according to different criteria. An analysis of the performance of the new approach is provided. Then, simulation results show in practice the effectiveness of the proposed techniques when applied to learning and approximate minimization problems.
Glutamatergic receptor kinetics are not altered by perinatal exposure to aspartame

Abstract Observation of reduced levels of glutamic acid and aspartic acid in brain of weanling rats exposed perinatally to aspartame prompted a study of the effect of this food additive on glutamatergic receptor kinetics. Aspartame 500 mg/kg/day in drinking water was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats throughout gestation and lactation. Brain was excised from weanlings 20–22 days old, and kinetics of the N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor and total glutamatergic binding in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were found to be unaffected by perinatal exposure to high levels of aspartame. Glutamic acid was decreased in both brain regions studied, and aspartic acid was decreased in hippocampus following perinatal aspartame exposure. These changes were reversible when aspartame administration was terminated. It is concluded that perinatal exposure to high doses of aspartame does not alter glutamatergic neurotransmission in cerebral cortex or hippocampus from weanling rats.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide on Synthesis of Erythromycin

Erythromycin synthesis was markedly impaired in submerged cultures under high carbon dioxide tensions. Growth of Streptomyces erythreus , however, was unaltered by increased carbon dioxide.
RUMINATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE OF POPULATION DYNAMICS MODELS IN FISHERIES

. I trace the development of fisheries models (i.e., fish population dynamics models of species subject to fisheries) to the 21st century. The first real efforts occurred in the period 1900 1920 with the work of Baranov (the “Grandfather” of fisheries population dynamics) and the formation of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The establishment of the science occurred between 1920 1960 with multi-species modeling, age- and size-structure dynamics, and production models. Fundamental work during this time was done by Ricker (the “Father” of fisheries population dynamics), Beverton and Holt (the “Prophets” of fisheries population dynamics), Chapman, Dickie, DeLury, Graham, Gulland, Leslie, Lotka and Volterra, Russell, Schaefer, and Thompson. During this time, most of the workwas deterministic and mathematical. Between 1960 and 1980, statistical methodology evolved greatly but was separate from mathematical advances for the most part. The development of statistical principles for the estimation of animal abundance was further enhanced by Arnason, Buckland, Burnham and Anderson and White, Cormack, Eberhardt, Jolly, Manly, Pollock, Ricker, Robson, and Seber, among others. Fisheries models evolved in a deterministic setting, with advances in age-structured models (Gulland, Pope, Doubleday), surplus production models (Pella, Tomlin-son, Schnute, Fletcher, Hilborn), growth models, bioeconomic models (C. Clark) and management control models (Hilborn, Walters). The period 1980 2000 was the Golden Age. The integration between mathematics and statistics occurred when likelihood and least squares techniques were formally combined with mathematical models of population change. The number of fisheries modelers grew exponentially during this time, resulting in a concomitant increase in publications. A major advance in the 1990s has been the development of Bayesian and time series methods, which have allowed explicit specification of uncertainty. Currently, theory allows realistic modeling of age- and size-structured populations, migratory populations and harvesting strategies. These models routinely incorporate measurement error, process error (stochasticity) and time variation. But data needs often overwhelm the performance of models, and greater demands are being placed on models to answer complex questions. There has been poor communication between fisheries and ecological modelers, between fisheries researchers and statisticians, and among fisheries researchers in different geographic locales. Future models will need to deal better with habitat and spatial concerns, genetics, multispecies interactions, environmental factors, effects of harvesting on the ecosystem, model misspecification and so-cioeconomic concerns. Meta-analysis, retrospective analysis and operating models are some modern approaches for dealing with uncertainty and providing for sustainable fisheries. However, I fear that current attacks on single-species models and management may result in rejection of these advances and an attempt to substitute a less scientific approach.
Functional groups in the social behavior of a cichlid fish, the Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus

Dummy conspecifics were presented to isolated adults of the cichlid fish Astronotus ocellatus to investigate the functional organization of cichlid social behavior. Body size and 15 dummy-elicited activities were recorded during 15 min sessions and analyzed by principal components analysis (PCA) to reveal their temporal organization. Five principal components explained almost 80% of the variation in dummy-elicited behavior, and these five factors define functional groups for Nest-oriented and attack modal action patterns are not mutually inhibitory during this time frame, and biting does not appear to function exclusively during an attack on a conspecific. Comparison with previous studies of New and Old World cichlids suggests evolutionary conservation of the functional organization of social behavior.
Switching window computation for static timing analysis in presence of crosstalk noise

Crosstalk effect is crucial for timing analysis in very deep submicron design. In this paper, we present and compare multiple scheduling algorithms to compute switching windows for static timing analysis in presence of crosstalk noise. We also introduce an efficient technique to evaluate the worst case alignment of multiple aggressors.
Reduced expression of the G209A α‐synuclein allele in familial parkinsonism

Missense mutations at the α-synuclein gene have been associated with familial parkinsonism. We report that the phenotype of a kindred (Family H) with autosomal dominant, levodopa-responsive parkinsonism maps to chromosomal region 4q21-23 and that affected members of this kindred harbor a previously reported mutation (G209A) in exon 4 of the α-synuclein gene. We assessed the expression of the G209A allele in lymphoblastoid cell lines established from 12 individuals heterozygous for the G209A allele. The expression of this allele is either absent or significantly reduced in 7 affected heterozygotes and in 3 asymptomatic heterozygotes who are older than the mean age at disease diagnosis for their generation. In contrast, it is expressed in 1 affected and 1 unaffected heterozygote. The unaffected heterozygote is younger than the mean age at disease diagnosis for their generation. The lack of or significantly reduced expression of the G209A allele in affected heterozygotes suggests that the timing of reduced expression may be critical for disease onset. If so, the parkinsonian phenotype may arise from haploinsufficiency at the α-synuclein gene at a time point before symptom onset. In condusion, reduced α-synuclein gene expression may be important in the pathogenesis of parkinsonism.
Characterization of an ERK-binding Domain in Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor and Differential Inhibition of ERK2-mediated Substrate Phosphorylation

Efficient and specific signaling by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is enhanced by docking sites found on many MAPK substrates and regulators. Here we show that the MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2 form a stable complex (Kd approximately 6 microm) with their substrate the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Complex formation requires a domain of MITF of approximately 100 residues that is nearby, but C-terminal to, the MAPK phosphorylation site at Ser73. MITF derivatives lacking this ERK-binding domain do not bind ERK2 and are phosphorylated less efficiently by ERK2. The ERK-binding domain of MITF bears no obvious resemblance to previously characterized MAPK docking motifs; in particular, it does not contain a consensus D-site. Consistent with this, ERK2-MITF binding does not require the integrity of the CD/sevenmaker region of ERK2. Furthermore, D-site peptides, which are able to potently inhibit ERK2-mediated phosphorylation of the Elk-1 transcription factor (IC50= 3 microm), are relatively poor inhibitors of ERK2-mediated phosphorylation of MITF, exhibiting >15-fold selectivity for inhibition of Elk-1 versus MITF. These observations demonstrate substrate-selective kinase inhibition: the possibility that small molecules that target docking interactions may be used to selectively inhibit the phosphorylation of a subset of the substrates of a kinase.
A comparison of palynological extraction techniques using samples from the Silurian Bainbridge formation, Missouri, U.S.A.

Abstract Well-preserved assemblages of organic-walled microphytoplankton (prasinophytes and “acritarchs”), chitinozoans, and spores of land-plant type were recovered from the Upper Silurian (Pridolian) Bainbridge Formation. The Bainbridge samples were used to test the effects of altering oxidation and debris removal techniques during extraction on the resulting numerical composition of assemblages. Oxidation in cold, concentrated HNO 3 for 25 min. or less caused no selective destruction of thin-walled specimens when compared to unoxidized controls. Controlled centrifugation proved both more reliable and more time-consuming than debris removal by passive settling in a Calgon solution or screening through 10 or 20 μm meshes. Calculated diversity values ( H ) are higher in the biased samples screened through a 20 μm mesh than values for replicates prepared by controlled centrifugation. The effect of extraction bias on calculated diversity cannot be predicted without reference to unbiased assemblages. The importance of documenting extraction procedures where relative abundances are considered important is emphasized, as is the importance of running replicate samples.
Plane entry flows and energy estimates for the navier-stokes equations

One of the classic problems of laminar flow theory is the development of velocity profiles in the inlet regions of channels or pipes. Such entry flow problems have been investigated extensively, usually by approximate techniques. In a recent paper [4], Horgan & Wheeler have provided an alternative approach, based on an energy method for the stationary Navier-Stokes equations. In [4], concerned with laminar flow in a cylindrical pipe of arbitrary cross-section, an analogy is drawn between the end effect issue of concern here, called the “end effect”, and the celebrated “Saint-Venant's Principle” of the theory of elasticity.
Analytical measurements of isopycnic density in the preparative ultacentrifuge with application to FeLV and FeLV-RNA

Abstract A procedure for determining the buoyant density of nucleic acids and/or other biological macromolecules using the preparative ultracentrifuge and a recording spectrophotometer via a specially adapted tube holder is described. The procedure gives buoyant density values, precise to ±0.004 gm cm −3 , which is comparable to determinations made in the analytical ultracentrifuge. With this system, the buoyant densities of the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and its ribonucleic acid (FeLV-RNA) were found to be 1.184 ± 0.002 gm cm −3 and 1.641 ± 0.006 gm cm −3 in CsCl and Cs 2 SO 4 , respectively.