cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Clinical Screening and Staging for COVID-19 Severe Outcome - A Hospitalization Study in New York City

Background: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related severe outcome (in-hospital death) among the hospitalized patients in New York State (NYS) and proposed a method that could be used to inform future work to develop clinical algorithms and predict resource needs for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: We analyzed covid-19 related hospitalization in NYS from April 1st to November 17th, 2020, using Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) discharge dataset. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk factors for COVID-19 related in-hospital death using demographic variables, symptom, rapid clinical examination, and medical history of chronic co-morbid conditions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated, and cut-off points for predictors were selected to stage the risk of COVID-19 related fatal outcome. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed age was the greatest risk factor for COVID-19 related fatal outcome among the hospitalized patients, which by itself achieved the diagnostic accuracy of 0.78 represented by the area under the ROC curve. By adding other demographic variables, dyspnea or hypoxemia and multiple chronic co-morbid conditions, the diagnostic accuracy was improved to 0.85. We selected cut-off points for predictors and provided a general recommendation to categorize the levels of risk for COVID-19 related fatal outcome. Conclusions: We assessed risk factors associated with in-hospital COVID-19 mortality and identified cut-off points that might be used to categorize the level of risk. Further studies are warranted to evaluate laboratory tests and develop laboratory biomarkers to improve the diagnostic accuracy for early intervention.
A novel probabilistic regression model for electrical peak demand estimate of commercial and manufacturing buildings

Abstract Due to the high cost of electricity in commercial and industrial sectors, demand forecast models have gained increasing attention. However, there are two unresolved issues: (1) Models are not adaptable when exposed to previously unknown data (2) The value of regression methods vs. state-of-the-art machine learning models has not been made apparent before. This study’s goal is to develop probabilistic demand estimation models. We propose a probabilistic Bayesian regression framework that can not only estimate future demands with high accuracy but also be updated once new information is available. By applying the proposed algorithm to two real-world case studies (commercial and manufacturing), we show a 40.3% and 30.8% improvement in terms of mean absolute error for the two cases. Moreover, the proposed technique outperforms powerful machine learning approaches, including support vector machine by 10.39%, random forest by 6.17%, and multilayer perceptron by 9.14% in terms of mean absolute percentage error.
Toxicologic Studies on Proteolytic Enzymes in Animals and Man

Occupational health problems were created in the detergent industry upon the addition of proteolytic enzymes to detergent formulations, Acute respiratory disturbances developed in an unusual number of detergent manufacturing employees exposed to the enzyme concentrates that initially were supplied to the detergent manufacturers in dust-producing powdered form (1–8). Skin rashes also appeared on the hands and fingertips of workers in contact with the enzyme material (4,9). Such dermatological lesions were classified as a primary irritant dermatitis (9). The proteolytic enzymes added to household detergent products are produced by fermentation of selected strains of Bacillus subtilis. These enzymes, termed subtilisins, are prepared commercially for the detergent industry as concentrates having approximately 5 to 15% enzyme content (10).
Effects of tumor tissue collagen content on the flow rate during intratumoral infusion

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 1259 Intratumoral infusion offers a possibility of localized drug and gene delivery to solid tumors. It can increase the amount of therapeutic agents in tumors via enhanced convective transport while reducing systemic toxicity. However, the practicality of intratumoral infusion depends largely upon the transport parameters dictated by interstitial structures, cell density, and molecular properties of drugs. Therefore, it becomes important to overcome the resistance to convective transport of drugs and genes in the interstitial space, which consists of interstitial fluid and extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated the effects of collagen content in the ECM on the flow rate during intratumoral infusion. Three tumor models were used in the study: a mouse melanoma (B16.F10), a mouse mammary carcinoma (4T1), and a human glioma (U87). The collagen concentrations in these tumors were 2.9 ± 1.2, 18.1 ± 3.5, and 12.2 ± 0.9 μg/mg wet wt, respectively. In the experiment, we infused Evans blue-labeled albumin solution into these tumors at the pressure of 36.8, 51.5, or 69.2 mmHg and measured the flow rate at each infusion pressure. We observed that the amount of collagen in a tumor significantly altered the relationship between flow rate and pressure. The flow rate was a bell-shaped function of the pressure in 4T1 tumors, which contained the most collagen of the three. In B16.F10 and U87 tumors, the flow rate increased exponentially with increasing the pressure. To understand mechanisms of this phenomenon, we developed a mathematical model based on the poroelastic theory. The model predicted that the flow behavior during the infusion was due to an anisotropic tissue deformation that increased the hydraulic conductivity in the radial direction and yet reduced the same quantity in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions. These results may be useful for optimization of infusion parameters for drug and gene delivery.
Threonine deaminase of Clostridium tetanomorphum. I. Purification and properties.

Abstract Threonine deaminase (l- threonine hydrolyase (deaminating), EC 4.2.1.16) has been purified approximately 700-fold from extracts of Clostridium tetanomorphum. Both threonine and serine can serve as substrates, but threonine is deaminated 5 to 10 times more rapidly than serine. Pyridoxal phosphate, a reducing agent, and alkaline pH are required for the deamination of either amino acid. A plot of the rate of reaction at increasing substrate concentration gives a sigmoidal curve. Addition of adenosine diphosphate stimulates the reaction markedly at low substrate concentrations and yields a curve approaching a rectangular hyperbola. Kinetic analysis using the empirical Hill equation indicates the existence of cooperative effects between substrate sites in the absence of ADP and little interaction, if any, in the presence of ADP. ADP may be replaced by guanosine and inosine diphosphates and less effectively by uridine and cytosine diphosphates; dATP and thymidine diphosphates have little stimulatory activity. Experiments with 14C-ADP show that the enzyme binds ADP. The enzyme is inhibited by pyridoxal phosphate binding agents, by sulfhydryl reagents, urea, detergents, and substrate analogues. ADP protects the enzyme against low concentrations of sulfhydryl inhibitors and hydrogen bond-breaking agents but not against other inhibitors. ADP (and the other nucleotides mentioned above), phosphate buffer at pH 7.0, divalent cations, and, to a lesser extent, monovalent cations, protect the enzyme against inactivation by heat and against loss of activity on dilution. Dialysis of enzyme preparation at an alkaline pH decreases the ability of the enzyme to bind 14C-ADP and reduces the catalytic response to ADP. Conversely, addition of agents that combine with pyridoxal phosphate inhibits catalysis but does not inhibit the binding of 14C-ADP. These differential effects suggest that the substrate and allosteric effector are bound to separate sites on the enzyme.
Chapter 10 Pruning Some Branches from “Branching Spacetimes”

Discussions of branching time and branching spacetime have become common in the philosophical literature. If properly understood, these conceptions can be harmless. But they are sometimes used in the service of debatable and even downright pernicious doctrines. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the pernicious branching and prune it back.
Devaluaciones y distribución de ingresos en América Latina

Este articulo estudia los efectos de devaluaciones del tipo de cambio y cambios en la demanda interna sobre los salarios reales y la distribucion del ingreso. Se presentan modelos que utilizan, tanto los supuestos clasicos como neo-clasicos sobre la oferta de trabajo, mientras que las devaluaciones son analizadas con y sin restricciones de liquidez. Los resultados empiricos para nueve paises latinoamericanos apoyan fuertemente la conclusion teorica de que las devaluaciones disminuyen los salarios reales y empeoran la distribucion del ingreso.
Mapping high‐latitude ionospheric electrodynamics with SuperDARN and AMPERE

An assimilative procedure for mapping high-latitude ionospheric electrodynamics is developed for use with plasma drift observations from the Super Dural Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) and magnetic perturbation observations from the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE). This procedure incorporates the observations and their errors, as well as two background models and their error covariances (estimated through empirical orthogonal function analysis) to infer complete distributions of electrostatic potential and vector magnetic potential in the high-latitude ionosphere. The assimilative technique also enables objective error analysis of the results. Various methods of specifying height-integrated ionospheric conductivity, which is required by the procedure, are implemented and evaluated quantitatively. The benefits of using both SuperDARN and AMPERE data to solve for both electrostatic and vector magnetic potentials, rather than using the data sets independently or solving for just electrostatic potential, are demonstrated. Specifically, solving for vector magnetic potential improves the specification of field-aligned currents (FACs), and using both data sets together improves the specification of features in regions lacking one type of data (SuperDARN or AMPERE). Additionally, using the data sets together results in a better correspondence between large-scale features in the electrostatic potential distribution and those in the FAC distribution, as compared to using SuperDARN data alone to infer electrostatic potential and AMPERE data alone to infer FACs. Finally, the estimated uncertainty in the results decreases by typically ∼20% when both data sets rather than just one are included.
Lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma brucei: utilization of myristate and myristoyllysophosphatidylcholine for myristoylation of glycosyl phosphatidylinositols

Myristate is the exclusive fatty acid species in the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor of the Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). [3H]Myristate can be incorporated into T. brucei GPIs by two distinct processes known as fatty acid remodelling and myristate exchange. Myristoyllysophosphatidylcholine (M-LPC) can also serve as a myristate donor for VSG in trypanosomes [Bowes, Samad, Jiang, Weaver and Mellors (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 13885-13892]. We have studied in detail the myristoylation of GPIs using a [3H]M-LPC substrate. Labelling of VSG and free GPIs by [3H]M-LPC in cultured trypanosomes occurred at the same rate as with [3H]myristate. Concurrent with GPI labelling, there was rapid hydrolysis of [3H]M-LPC to generate extracellular [3H]myristate. Experiments in a trypanosomal cell-free system indicated that GPI labelling by fatty acid remodelling and myristate exchange was also equally efficient with [3H]M-LPC and [3H]myristate. Furthermore, both ATP and CoA are required for the myristoylation of GPIs by [3H]M-LPC. These experiments suggest that GPI myristoylation from M-LPC involves hydrolysis of M-LPC to free myristate. To address the physiological importance of myristate and M-LPC in VSG myristoylation, we radiolabelled trypanosomes in vivo with both substrates in medium containing serum, and found that [3H]myristate labelled VSG and GPIs more efficiently. Thus, VSG myristoylation by free myristate may be favoured in bloodstream trypanosome infections.
The effects of the atmosphere and oceans on the Earth's wobble and on the seasonal variations in the length of day — II. Results

Summary. The two most prominent features of the Earth's wobble spectrum are the annual wobble and the 14 month Chandler wobble. The annual wobble is generally believed to be driven by seasonal effects in the atmosphere, in the oceans, and in the global distribution of fresh water, although good quantitative agreement has remained somewhat elusive. The primary source of Chandler wobble excitation is uncertain. Here, we examine the effects of the atmosphere and oceans on wobble excitation. Where data are insufficient we rely on dynamical models. We get good agreement with the astronomically observed annual wobble excitation. On the other hand, we find that although the atmosphere and oceans had a noticeable effect on the Chandler wobble excitation during 1900–1973, they were apparently not the primary excitation source. We also consider the role of the atmosphere and oceans in maintaining the semi-annual and annual variations in the length of day. Our estimates disagree with the results of previous studies by about 10–20 per cent.
Park-Williams Number 8 Strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Five clones of the Park-Williams number 8 strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, previously maintained in separate laboratories, were examined for their colonial and biochemical properties, for the restriction and modification system which operates to obscure their lysogeny, and for their capacity to produce large amounts of toxin under ordinary laboratory conditions. The phenotypes of their phage, P, produced in strain 603 and C7 (P.603 and P.C7) differ both as to stability to storage in the cold and to inactivation by antiphage serum. Evidence for a high degree of stability in the integration of P prophage in the PW8 genome is presented.
Involvement of N-6 adenine-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 (N6AMT1) in arsenic biomethylation and its role in arsenic-induced toxicity.

BackgroundIn humans, inorganic arsenic (iAs) is metabolized to methylated arsenical species in a multistep process mainly mediated by arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT). Among t...
Can we be more objective in determining the response to treatment in uveitis patients aside from recording anterior chamber reaction

Several subjective and arbitrary grading methods are used in assessing cell and flare in uveitis. Clinicians are in need of an objective method of determining and monitoring active inflammation. We studied the correlation of changes in macular thickness between the visits and compared the change to visual acuity (VA), cell, flare, or the inflammation index (which we defined as cell+flare). The best correlations were between macular thickness and VA, and between the inflammation index and macular thickness. Macular thickness as seen on OCT, may be more objective and correlate more closely with VA than measurement of flare and/or cell.
EXPOSURE TO ULTRASOUND DECREASES THE RECALCIFICATION TIME OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA

Abstract Human blood was withdrawn, anticoagulated with citrate, and centrifuged, yielding platelet rich plasma (PRP). Recalcification times (i.e. the time taken to form a clot following the addition of sufficient calcium ions) were measured with a semiautomatic device. There were no changes in the recalcification time of PRP sample immediately following exposure to continuous wave 1 MHz ultrasound at intensities in the range 0·065–2W/cm −2 . However, subsequent measurements showed an irreversible time dependent decrease of the recalcification time of an asymptotic value which was invariably less than that of the controls. This behavior can be interpreted as a time dependent alteration to the platelet population.
Field of an Arbitrarily Accelerating Point Mass

A metric of the Kerr-Schild type is derived which contains four arbitrary functions of time. It is a generalization of Vaidya's shining-star metric, and permits arbitrary acceleration of the source.
Black leaders and their concept of freedom in nineteenth century northeast Brazil

This article explores the leadership of two Brazilians of African heritage, Cosme Bento Chagas and Francisco do Nascimento, both men fought against slavery and racism in the northeast of Brazil in the nineteenth century. They were both born and raised in Ceara, which was the first state to end slavery, in 1884. Cosme would become a major leader in the Balaiada movement, which lasted from 1838 to 1841. Cosme and his troops fought against slavery and racism, but their movement was ultimately a failure. Francisco Nascimento would fight against slavery in the early 1880s and ultimately have success. This article details the strategies and limitations of both men while examining important differences in the historical circumstances they faced.
Investigation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 variant in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention.

Abstract Recent studies have found an association between a variant in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) (rs75932628-T) and both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive function in individuals aged 80–100 years. The role of TREM2 in younger, asymptomatic individuals is unknown. We examined this variant in 1148 participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, a longitudinal study of middle-aged adults enriched for a parental history of AD. Thirteen individuals carried the T risk allele. Carriers were more likely to have a parental history of AD (100% of carriers vs. 70% of noncarriers; p = 0.01) and, among the parental history subset, families with a TREM2 carrier had a younger maternal age of AD onset than noncarriers (67.9 vs. 75.6 years; p = 0.03). There was no significant association between TREM2 carrier status and cognitive function or decline. In conclusion, the association between TREM2 and both parental history of AD and younger maternal age of AD onset provide additional support for the role of TREM2 in AD and illustrate the importance of considering family history in AD study design.
A Hierarchical Three-Dimensional Multiscale Electro–Magneto–Thermal Model of Quenching in $\hbox{REBa}_{2}\hbox{Cu}_{3}\hbox{O}_{7 - \delta}$ Coated-Conductor-Based Coils

Quench detection and protection in REBa2Cu3O7-δ (REBCO) coated conductor (CC)-based superconducting magnets is difficult due to slow normal zone propagation velocity and the multilayer composite architecture of the conductor. To design effective quench detection and protection methods, it is essential to know the electrical, thermal, and structural behavior during the quench at multiple length scales ranging from the micrometer scale within the layers of the conductor to the macroscopic behavior of the coil. Here, a hierarchical multiscale approach is used to develop a modular 3-D electro-magneto-thermal coil quench model. The model uses an accurate experimentally validated micrometer-scale REBCO CC model as the basic building block. The CC model is embedded within a homogenized coil framework at one or more locations in the form of multilayer tape modules. This multiscale approach makes possible the studies of quench behavior at the micrometer scale within a tape at any location of interest within a coil without requiring a computationally extensive model of the entire coil. This approach also enables the building of more complicated models by hierarchically integrating smaller modular blocks with the same repeatable modeling techniques. Here, the development of the electro-magneto-thermal coil quench model is first presented, followed by its experimental validation. Simulation results and their implications for coil reliability and quench detection and protection are then discussed.
Time relations in the recall of events of the day

Subjects were asked to recall events that occurred on previous days and to verbalize what they were thinking as they arrived at the answer. It was found that there was a significant tendency for Ss to recall past events by moving from a prior event to the event to be recalled, i.e., recall was from the past to the present. This result was interpreted as indicating the frequent use of forward chaining in the recall of a day’s events.
The structure of a rigorously conserved RNA element within the SARS virus genome.

We have solved the three-dimensional crystal structure of the stem-loop II motif (s2m) RNA element of the SARS virus genome to 2.7-A resolution. SARS and related coronaviruses and astroviruses all possess a motif at the 3′ end of their RNA genomes, called the s2m, whose pathogenic importance is inferred from its rigorous sequence conservation in an otherwise rapidly mutable RNA genome. We find that this extreme conservation is clearly explained by the requirement to form a highly structured RNA whose unique tertiary structure includes a sharp 90° kink of the helix axis and several novel longer-range tertiary interactions. The tertiary base interactions create a tunnel that runs perpendicular to the main helical axis whose interior is negatively charged and binds two magnesium ions. These unusual features likely form interaction surfaces with conserved host cell components or other reactive sites required for virus function. Based on its conservation in viral pathogen genomes and its absence in the human genome, we suggest that these unusual structural features in the s2m RNA element are attractive targets for the design of anti-viral therapeutic agents. Structural genomics has sought to deduce protein function based on three-dimensional homology. Here we have extended this approach to RNA by proposing potential functions for a rigorously conserved set of RNA tertiary structural interactions that occur within the SARS RNA genome itself. Based on tertiary structural comparisons, we propose the s2m RNA binds one or more proteins possessing an oligomer-binding-like fold, and we suggest a possible mechanism for SARS viral RNA hijacking of host protein synthesis, both based upon observed s2m RNA macromolecular mimicry of a relevant ribosomal RNA fold.
Development of a smart grid test bed and applications in PMU and PDC testing

The electric power system is moving towards the smart grid development for improved reliable, secure and economic operation. Many researchers are now concentrating their research that is aimed at upgrading the power system by using state-of-the-art computer based online monitoring and control tools along with advanced communication facilities. Implementation of such a system requires enhanced testing and validation of smart grid technologies as well as development of new approaches to fully utilize the capabilities of these technologies. This paper is a modest attempt to present the summary of the effort to model a smart power grid in real time by developing a “smart grid test bed”. Additionally, some of the applications of the developed test bed have been briefly described, with special emphasis on testing of synchrophasor devices like PMUs and PDCs.
Wide-temperature range kinetics and CN(B-X) violet chemiluminescence of the C2(a3Π) + NO reaction

The C2(a3Π) + NO(X2Π) → CN (A2Π, B2Σ) + CO (X1Σ) reaction is studied in an HTP (high-temperature photochemistry) reactor. C2 is produced by the 193 nm multiphoton photolysis of C2Cl4. The CN (B−X) (0,0) and (1,1) chemiluminescence is used as the diagnostic. The C2 consumption rate coefficients are measured under pseudo-first-order conditions and are found to be independent of pressure in the 5−200 mbar domain. They yield k(292−968 K) = 4.3 × 10-11 exp(89 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 with a 2σ precision limit of ±5% and a corresponding estimated accuracy limit of ±20%. The slight negative activation energy is indicative of intermediate complex formation. The results are compared to the C2 + NO measurements by Kruse and Roth for the 3150−3950 K temperature range and confirm that a mechanism change occurs between the two respective temperature ranges. In the present work, under otherwise constant conditions the CN(B−X) emission intensity increases with bath gas Ar pressure in the 5 to 100 mbar domain and decrease...
Ex vivo perfusion: a renal preservation model.

Abstract An experimental model has been described for the study of the function of preserved rabbit kidneys on an ex vivo circuit perfused by a host animal. Control kidneys placed on this circuit functioned as well as in situ normal kidneys. Kidneys preserved for 24 hr demonstrated satisfactory function but significantly less than that of control kidneys. The model appears capable of rapidly testing new preservation solutions and techniques and would appear to have advantages over the standard large animal transplant model.
Enhanced thromboxane synthesis during chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure in pregnant rats

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the role of thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ) in a conscious, chronically instrumented rat model of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) produced by chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). Methods Mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and 24-h urinary excretion of TXB 2 (metabolite of TXA 2 ) were determined in normal pregnant rats and RUPP pregnant rats. Results At day 20 of pregnancy, RUPP rats showed a significantly ( P v 100 ± 2 mm Hg) as compared with normal pregnant controls. The elevation in arterial pressure in RUPP group was associated with a marked increase ( P 2 compared with normal pregnant group (3663 ± 488 v 2646 ± 257 pg/24 h). Baseline GFR (1.74 ± 0.13 v 2.40 ± 0.20 mL/min, respectively, P v 6.44 ± 0.58 mL/min, respectively) were decreased in RUPP rats relative to pregnant controls. Infusion of a TX receptor antagonist, SQ 29,548 (2 mg/kg bolus plus 2 mg/kg per h infusion) had no significant effect on increased MAP in RUPP pregnant rats. Similarly, ERPF and GFR did not change during acute blockade of TXA 2 receptors in this group. Conclusion These findings suggest that enhanced production of TXA 2 does not play a major role in mediating the hypertension and renal vasoconstriction produced by chronic RUPP in pregnant rats.
Family planning: the essential link to achieving all eight Millennium Development Goals.

This commentary provides the reasons why family planning is so crucial in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of ending poverty and hunger universal education gender equality child health maternal health combating HIV/AIDS environmental sustainability and global partnerships. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Age and the cell cycle of the mouse esophageal epithelium.

Abstract The mean durations of the cell cycle, S-phase, G 2 , G 2 + 1 2 M and the labeling index of the esophageal epithelium of four age groups of Swiss albino mice were examined following the injection of triated thymidine. The results show that the cell cycle increases in length with age; 64 hr (10 days of age), 95 hr (30–70 days of age), 113 hr (380–399 days of age) and 120 hr (579–638 days of age). In contrast the average duration of the S-phase (ranging from 7·6 to 8·1 hr) and the G 2 -phase (ranging from 1 to 1·75 hr) remain relatively constant. In addition, the percentage of labeled basal cells declines by almost two fold with age. These values are 12·6, 8·3, 7·0 and 6·6 per cent, respectively. The data corroborate those observations reported on renewing epithelia in other strains of mice. The results are briefly discussed with respect to whether rapidly proliferating cells undergo aging per se only respond to overall physiological changes in the aged animal.
Growth of nanofibrous barium carbonate on calcium carbonate seeds

Abstract Fibrous barium carbonate (BaCO 3 /witherite) crystals 50–100 nm in diameter and several microns in length were grown on calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) seeds at temperatures as low as 4 °C. The BaCO 3 fibers were deposited onto calcite rhombs or CaCO 3 films using the polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) process, which was induced with the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid (PAA). The structure and morphology of the resultant fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Fibers were successfully grown on calcite seeds of various morphologies, with a range of barium concentrations, and PAA molecular weight and concentration. Two categories of fibers were grown: straight and twisted. Both types of fibers displayed single-crystalline SAED diffraction patterns, but after examining high-resolution TEM lattice images, it was revealed that the fibers were in fact made up of nanocrystalline domains. We postulate that these nanocrystalline domains are well aligned due to a singular nucleation event (i.e., each fiber propagates from a single nucleation event on the seed crystal) with the nanocrystalline domains resulting from stresses caused by dehydration during crystallization of the highly hydrated precursor phase. These BaCO 3 fibers grown on calcite substrates further illustrate the robustness and non-specificity of the PILP process.
The motile escape response of a sessile prey: A sponge-scallop mutualism

The association of the sponges Myxilla incrustans (Esper) and Mycale adhaerens (Lambe) with the scallops Chlamys hastata hericia Gould and C. rubida (Hines) is shown to be a mutualism, which protects the sponges from predatory sponge-rasping dorid nudibranchs and the scallops from predatory starfish. The sponge is protected by scallop motility (also shown for the Suberites ficus-hermit crab association). The sponge helps to protect the scallops by altering the surface texture of the shell so increasing the efficacy of the swimming escape response by decreasing the adhesive abilities of asteroid tube-feet. The sponge also provides tactile camouflage against certain predatory starfish. There was no evidence that either component chemically deceived or repelled the predators of the other component. Predation pressure on both components of the association appears to be the major force leading to the mutualism.
Mechanical properties of sol-gel coatings

Abstract The hardness and elastic modulus of alkoxide-derived coatings on sapphire were examined using an ultramicrohardness tester. This tester allowed the properties of the coating to be determined without interference from the substrate. The interiors of the coatings were found to be softer than the surface. After firing, the hardness of the coatings at the surface was equivalent to the hardness of bulk fused silica. The properties of the coatings - and by implication their structure - were also found to be sensitive to thickness. A model of the structure of sol-gel coatings is proposed.
Synthesis of oligo(5-aminopentanoic acid)-nucleobases (APN): potential antisense agents

Oligomers of 5-amino pentanoic acid nucleobases have been prepared for use as antisense agents. The synthesis of the 5′-end starter unit and the 3′-end monomer unit, as well as the coupling procedures used for oligomer formation are described.
The predictive analyzer and a path elimination technique

Some of the characteristic features of a predictive analyzer, a system of syntactic analysis now operational at Harvard on an IBM 7094, are delineated. The advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed in comparison to those of an immediate constituent analyzer, developed at the RAND Corporation with Robinson's English grammar. In addition, a new technique is described for repetitive path elimination for a predictive analyzer, which can now claim efficiency both in processing time and core storage requirement.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing For Future Space Station Data Systems

A future Space Station will require information network architectures and technologies that are evolvable, adaptive, high performing, and self-correcting and repairing. One of the conceptual network configurations involves fiber optic data buses with Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). Discussion of this network concept, components being developed and results on a four-channel WDM star bus will be presented.
Explicit (Global) Parameterizations of All Stabilizing Compensators and Observers for Linear Feedback Systems

Abstract Explicit global parametrizations of all stabilizing feedback laws (guaranteeing the internal stability of the closed-loop system) and observers for a linear system defined over a field are developed. The global stabilizing compensators and observers are obtained as linear systems over rings of multivariable polynomials. Explicit formulas are given for the construction of such compensators and observers. The results are applicable to dynamic output feedback configurations, and observer and state-feedback configurations.
Children's representations of relationships with mothers, teachers, and friends, and associations with social competence

This study describes the use of story stems in order to determine children's representations of relationships with mothers, teachers, and friends, and how these representations are related to mother- and teacher-rated social competence. Thirty preschool-aged children were administered the story stem tasks featuring three different interactional partners, which were then coded for quality of the portrayed relationship. Mothers and teachers were also asked to rate children's social competence. Findings suggest that children generally have similar, but not identical, working models of their relationships with mothers and teachers which are related to internal working models of their relationships with friends. Furthermore, elements of children's narratives about teachers and friends were related to teacher's ratings of children's social competence. Findings from this study demonstrate the dynamic and interactive nature of children's representations of relationships with their mothers, teachers, and friends.
Specific DNA Recognition by F Factor TraY Involves β-Sheet Residues *

The F Factor TraY protein is a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein required for efficient conjugal transfer. Genetic and biochemical studies indicate that TraY has two functional roles in conjugation. TraY binds to the PY promoter to up-regulate transcription of tra genes. TraY also binds to the plasmid origin of transfer (oriT), serving as an accessory protein in the nicking of F Factor in preparation for transfer. TraY is thought to belong to the ribbon-helix-helix family of transcription factors. These proteins contact DNA using residues of an antiparallel β-sheet. We engineered and characterized six TraY mutants each having a single potential β-sheet DNA contact residue replaced with Ala. Most TraY mutants had significantly reduced affinity for the TraY oriT binding site while possessing near wild-type stability and nonspecific DNA recognition. These results indicate that TraY β-sheet residues participate in DNA recognition, and support inclusion of TraY in the ribbon-helix-helix family.
Intestinal resection induces angiogenesis within adapting intestinal villi.

Abstract Purpose Adaptive growth of the intestinal mucosa in response to massive gut loss is fundamental for autonomy from parenteral nutrition. Although angiogenesis is essential for cellular proliferation in other tissues, its relevance to intestinal adaptation is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that resection-induced adaptation is associated with new blood vessel growth. Methods Male C57Bl/6 mice underwent either a 50% small bowel resection or a sham (transection and reanastomosis) operation. After 1, 3, or 7 days, capillary density within the intestinal villi was measured using confocal microscopy. A messenger RNA reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array was used to determine angiogenic gene expression during adaptation. Results Mice that underwent small bowel resection had a significantly increased capillary density compared to sham-operated mice at postoperative day 7. This morphological alteration was preceded by significant alterations in 5 candidate genes at postoperative day 3. Conclusion New vessel blood growth is observed in the adapting intestine after massive small bowel loss. This response appears to follow rather than initiate the adaptive alterations in mucosal morphology that are characteristic of adaptation. A better understanding of this progress and the signaling factors involved may improve therapeutic options for children with short gut syndrome.
Chronic intragastric alcohol exposure causes hypoxia and oxidative stress in the rat pancreas.

The effect of chronic enteral ethanol on pancreatic hypoxia was investigated using the hypoxia marker, pimonidazole. Male Wistar rats were fed an ethanol-containing diet for 3 weeks using an enteral model shown to cause pancreatic damage; pimonidazole (120 mg/kg i.v.) was injected 1h before sacrifice. Pimonidazole and 4-hydroxynonenal (an index of lipid peroxidation) adducts were detected immunochemically. Breathing air with low oxygen content (8% O(2)) for 1h increased pimonidazole adduct accumulation approximately 2-fold in pancreata of nai;ve rats, confirming that this technique will detect increases in hypoxia in pancreata. Pancreata of rats fed ethanol began to show signs of damage after 3 weeks. Ethanol feeding also significantly increased pimonidazole adducts in pancreas approximately 2-fold (1 or 3 weeks of ethanol produced similar values). Concomitant with increasing hypoxia in the pancreas, alcohol also caused a significant increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adducts, indicative of increased oxidative stress. These results indicate that chronic ethanol causes hypoxia at the cellular level in the pancreas in vivo; further, the data support the hypothesis that hypoxia is involved in mechanisms of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.
Hypermediating the Game Interface: The Alienation Effect in Violent Videogames and the Problem of Serious Play

This article looks at the practices of customization in violent urban videogames (such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas) that create “hypermediated” interfaces. Drawing from Bolter and Grusin's theory of hypermediation (which stands in contrast to immediate and immersive interfaces), this study looks at gaming practices that resist immediacy and instead focus on the disjunctions and contrasts created by forming avatars that starkly juxtapose their surroundings. Such an approach offers gamers the ability to create a space of cultural critique while simultaneously interrogating the term “serious game” because this category creates false binary oppositions between serious–trivial and serious–play.
Germ-line determination in Caenorhabditis and Ascaris: will a helicase begin to unravel the mystery?

Abstract How cell lineages are established during development in higher eukoryotes is being addressed by geneticists and by developmental and molecular biologists. In Drosophila melanogaster , a gene corresponding to a germ-line-specific RNA helicase, vasa, has been shown to be a component o f the posteriorly localized germ granules o f the developing embryo. A putative RNA helicase, glh-I r which appears germ-line specific in its expression, has recently been reported from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . Porasitologists studying the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum have found it to be a useful complement to Caenorhabditis . Deborah Roussell, Michael Gruidl and Karen Bennett predict that Ascaris will be valuable in determining the role played by germ-line helicases in development.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Delayed Onset of Fever Following Risperidone Administration

Objective:To report and discuss a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with delayed onset of fever in a patient taking risperidone.Case Summary:A 59-year-old white female presented with progressive weakness, confusion, and disorientation 10 days after restarting risperidone 2 mg/day therapy for bipolar disorder. She had taken risperidone for several years prior to this episode and had stopped it for approximately 3 weeks; risperidone was discontinued on admission. The patient's creatine kinase (CK) level was elevated (901 IU/L; reference range 39–162) on admission and increased to 1991 IU/L the following day. She was initially afebrile and had no muscular rigidity. Elevated temperature (38.1°C) did not occur until hospital day 2. The patient was successfully treated with diazepam, bromocriptine, and dantrolene and suffered no long-term sequelae.Discussion:Other clinicians have reported atypical presentations of NMS in patients taking newer neuroleptic agents. Although this patient met diagnostic c...
Characterization of Cr:LiSAF solid state laser properties

The Cr:LiSAF (Cr-doped LiSrAlF6) laser material is currently being studied and employed in many types of laser systems, such as flashlamp-pumped oscillators and amplifiers, femtosecond regenerative amplifiers, diode-pumped minilasers, alexandrite laser- pumped systems, and Ar-ion laser-pumped self-mode-locked oscillators. While researchers certainly require a basic knowledge of the parameters that characterize the Cr:LiSAF material operating under 'normal' conditions (e.g., the emission cross section, storage time, dn/dT, etc.), they now also need to better understand the natural limits encountered by the material in optimized or novel laser systems. In particular, three areas will be addressed including, firstly, the pump-induced Auger upconversion mechanism, which entails the annihilation of pairs of Cr3+-excited states. Secondly, the thermomechanical properties of Cr:LiSAF will be reported and compared to other materials. Lastly, the results of assessing the durability of Cr:LiSAF at various temperatures, and for water/ethylene glycol solutions, will be addressed and compared to values characterizing common crystals and glasses.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gross and microscopic observations on the communicating branch of the facial nerve to the lesser petrosal nerve.

The contents of the facial canal (first and second parts of the facial nerve, and geniculate ganglion), the tympanic plexus, the greater and lesser petrosal nerves, and all intervening connections were dissected in 40 cadavers. This entire nerve complex was removed in 30 cases, and in parts in ten cases, dehydrated, and stained with Sudan Black B or Protargol. A constant communication from the second part of the facial nerve, the geniculate ganglion, or the greater petrosal nerve was observed to pass to the lesser petrosal nerve in all dissections. A review of the literature indicates other points relative to the exchange of autonomic fibers between the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves.
A Practical Solution to Optimizing the Reliability of Teaching Observation Measures Under Budget Constraints

Researchers often use generalizability theory to estimate relative error variance and reliability in teaching observation measures. They also use it to plan future studies and design the best possible measurement procedures. However, designing the best possible measurement procedure comes at a cost, and researchers must stay within their budget when designing a study. In this study, we applied the LaGrange multiplier method to obtain facet sample size equations that minimize relative error variance (hence maximize reliability) under budget constraints. We did this for a crossed design and three nested designs that are more typical of data collection in teaching observation studies. Using an example budget and variance components similar to those found in practice, we demonstrate the use of these equations. We also show the way variance components from fully crossed designs can be combined to use our equations for a nested design.
Leaving leadership: solving leadership problems through empowerment

Purpose – Has the objective of examining why the focus given to leadership should be severely curtailed in research and teaching, and replaced by concepts that are better defined, understood and whose positive contributions are clearly and consistently attainable. Education and research should firmly alter its focus to concentrate on empowerment, a concept that has been consistently tied to important organizational outcomes. Greater benefit can be attained by refining and advancing our understanding of empowerment (while instructing students/practitioners with our current knowledge), than by continuing to devote massive resources to the morass that is leadership.Design/methodology approach – These concepts are supported by prior studies and theoretical development rather than empirical evidence.Findings – Finds that we are infinitely better off teaching people what we know about using and encouraging empowerment than what we do not know about leadership, as traditionally defined. Moreover, in the twenty‐f...
Change in the relationship between wind and surface water movement at higher wind speeds

Analysis of continuous current measurements aboard four light vessels in the southern North Sea suggests that while the expression connecting wind and surface water movements is linear up to winds of about Beaufort 3, above this strength it appears to obey a different linear relationship or to become curved.
The effects of hyperglycemia on adrenal cortex function and steroidogenesis in the zebrafish

Since the 1950s, scientists have attempted to characterize the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Similar complications are seen in patients with diabetes and Cushing's syndrome, leading some to suggest that an underlying abnormality in the HPA axis may be responsible among those with DM. By inducing hyperglycemia in a zebrafish animal model, we show a direct correlation between glucose and cortisol levels.
Case Report of Subdural Hematoma in a Patient With Sturge–Weber Syndrome and Literature Review: Questions and Implications for Therapy

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder associated with vascular abnormalities in the skin, eye, and brain leading to both acute and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and, in some affected children, brain injury. Aspirin can reduce stroke-like events and seizure episodes and prevent further brain injuries in these patients. Although a few cases of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome have been reported, prior reports have not discussed this complication with regard to particular therapies. The authors present a toddler with Sturge-Weber syndrome who developed a subdural hematoma in the setting of a mechanical fall with minor head trauma. They discuss the possible role of aspirin in contributing to, or perhaps protecting against, intracranial hemorrhage in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome. Further data are needed to establish the utility of aspirin in Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Cruise ships, oysters, and edible vaccines: Revisiting the non-cultivatable Norwalk-like virus responsible for outbreaks of gastroenteritis

Abstract Approximately 95% of nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks are caused by human caliciviruses. Although the Norwalk virus (NV) (the prototype virus in the Norwalk-like virus genus of the family Caliciviridae ) was first discovered in 1972, little progress was made in understanding this virus until it was cloned in 1990. NV, which occurs year round but is more prevalent in the winter, is disseminated by the fecal-oral route. Several reports have confirmed a significant morbidity burden (loss of time from work and school) associated with human calicivirus illnesses. Diagnostic methods include electron microscopy, antigen and antibody detection ELISAs, and RT-PCR, which currently is the most sensitive method for virus detection. Researchers are working on the development of an oral vaccine; however, no vaccine is currently available because mechanisms of immunity are not well understood.