cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective Hamiltonian for protected edge states in graphene

Edge states in topological insulators (TIs) disperse symmetrically about one of the time-reversal invariant momenta $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ in the Brillouin zone (BZ) with protected degeneracies at $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$. Commonly TIs are distinguished from trivial insulators by the values of one or multiple topological invariants that require an analysis of the bulk band structure across the BZ. We propose an effective two-band Hamiltonian for the electronic states in graphene based on a Taylor expansion of the tight-binding Hamiltonian about the time-reversal invariant $M$ point at the edge of the BZ. This Hamiltonian provides a faithful description of the protected edge states for both zigzag and armchair ribbons, though the concept of a BZ is not part of such an effective model. We show that the edge states are determined by a band inversion in both reciprocal and real space, which allows one to select $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ for the edge states without affecting the bulk spectrum.
Bounds for cell entries in contingency tables induced by fixed marginal totals with applications to disclosure limitation

We describe new results for upper and lower bounds on the entries in multi-way tables of counts based on a set of released and possibly overlapping marginal tables which have practical importance for assessing disclosure risk. In particular, we present a generalized version of the shuttle algorithm proposed by Buzzigoli and Giusti that is proven to compute sharp integer bounds for an arbitrary set of fixed marginals. The method forms part of a project developing a Web-based query system for statistical databases. Its goal is to allow the use of disclosure limitation methods in response to a series of queries in which the public knowledge of releases is cumulative.
iVAR: Interactive visual analytics of radiomics features from large-scale medical images

Medical imaging enables researchers and practitioner to uncover the characteristics of diseases (e.g., human cancer) in great detail. However, the sheer size of resulting imaging data and the high dimension of derived features become a major challenge in data analysis, diagnosis, and knowledge discovery. We present a novel visual analytics system, named iVAR, targeted at observing the comprehensive quantification of tumor phenotypes by effectively exploring a large number of quantitative image features. Our system is comprised of multiple linked views combining visualization of three-dimensional volumes and tumors reconstructed by computed tomography (CT) images, and a radiomic analysis of high-dimensional features quantifying tumor image intensity, shape and texture, and three non-image clinical features. Thus, it offers insights into the overall distribution of quantitative imaging features and also enables detailed analysis of the relationship between features. We demonstrate our system through use case scenarios on a real-world large-scale CT dataset with lung cancer.
Induction of the Insect Vitellogenin In Vivo and In Vitro

It has been documented for several species of insects belonging to different orders that the predominant yolk protein precursor, or vitellogenin, is synthesized by an extraovarian tissue, namely the fat body, of the female. The fat body produces this female specific protein and exports it into the hemolymph, from which it is taken up by the growing oocytes via pinocytosis. Vitellogenins from the fat body are immunologically identical to those of the fully grown eggs (see Engelmann and Ladduwahetty, 1974). The juvenile hormones (JH) are found to direct vitellogenin synthesis in all species studied in detail with the exception of the Saturniid moths (Telfer, 1965) and presumably Aedes aegypti (Hagedorn, 1974). In Leucophaea, the three known naturally occurring JHs can direct the de novo synthesis of vitellogenin in vivo (Engelmann, 1971). Analysis of the dose-response relationship showed that JH III, presumably the species’ own JH, was least effective. In this species, as well as in others, JH appears to be an essential rate-limiting component for vitellogenin synthesis.
Design and Application of a High Temperature Infrared Cell for the Study of Polymeric Materials

The recent interest in high-temperature polymeric materials indicates that it would be desirable to study these materials by infrared spectroscopy at temperatures well above the 300°C upper limit of most presently-available infrared cells. A new cell has been designed and constructed which has been found useful up to 600°C, covers the infrared region from 3000 to 250 cm-1, and permits a choice of atmospheres in the cell of either air, inert gas such as nitrogen or argon, or vacuum. An additional feature is that the cell windows are easily removed for cleaning and polishing. The results obtained with this cell from room temperature to 600°C on high-temperature polymers such as poly-2,2’-(m-phenylene)-5,5’- bibenzimidazole as well as several other polymeric systems will be discussed. Recording the spectra while maintaining the desired temperature in the cell has a number of advantages over the method of external heating and cooling and then recording the spectrum.
Curated Stories: The Uses and Misuses of Storytelling. By Sujatha Fernandes

What is the relationship between oral history and storytelling? How can oral history be used to further social justice? These are two of the most urgent and difficult questions facing oral history ...
Age-related differences in water and sodium handling after commercial hydration beverage ingestion

Commercially available amino acid (AA)-containing beverages may provide an alternative to traditional carbohydrate (CHO)-containing beverages, particularly for older adults with attenuated water, e...
Inhibition of EZH2 prevents fibrosis and restores normal angiogenesis in scleroderma

Scleroderma (SSc) is a complex disease that involves activation of the immune system, vascular complications, and tissue fibrosis. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) mediates trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3), which acts as a repressive epigenetic mark. Both EZH2 and H3K27me3 were elevated in SSc dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells compared with healthy controls. EZH2 inhibitor DZNep halted fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. In SSc fibroblasts, DZNep dose-dependently reduced the expression of profibrotic genes and inhibited migratory activity of SSc fibroblasts. We show that epigenetic dysregulation and overexpression of LRRC16A explains EZH2-mediated fibroblast migration in SSc. In endothelial cells, inhibition of EZH2 restored normal angiogenesis in SSc via activating the Notch pathway, specifically by up-regulating the Notch ligand DLL4. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of EZH2 in SSc fibroblasts and endothelial cells is profibrotic and antiangiogenic. Targeting EZH2 or EZH2-regulated genes might be of therapeutic potential in SSc.
Voluntary wheel running effects on intra-accumbens opioid high-fat feeding and locomotor behavior in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rat strains.

The present study examined the influence of physical activity vs. sedentary home cage conditions on baseline and opioid-driven high-fat feeding behaviors in two common strains of laboratory rats. Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats were singly housed with either access to a voluntary running wheel (RUN) or locked-wheel (SED) for 5 weeks, before being stereotaxically implanted with bilateral cannulae targeting the nucleus accumbens. Following recovery, with RUN or SED conditions continuing the duration of the experiment, all rats were given 2 h daily access to a high-fat diet for 6 consecutive days to establish a stable baseline intake. Over the next 2 weeks, all subjects were administered the μ-opioid agonist D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Glyol5-enkephalin (DAMGO) (multiple dose range) or saline into the nucleus accumbens, immediately followed by 2 h access to a high-fat diet. Drug treatments were separated by at least 1 day and treatment order was counterbalanced. Baseline consumption of the high-fat diet during the 1-week baseline acclimation period did not differ between RUN and SED groups in either rat strain. Higher doses of DAMGO produced increased fat consumption in both strains of rats, yet no differences were observed between RUN vs. SED treated groups. However, SED treatment produced a greater locomotor response following intra-accumbens DAMGO administration, compared to the RUN condition, during the 2 h feeding session. The data suggest that the animals housed in sedentary versus voluntary wheel running conditions may differ in behavioral tolerance to the locomotor but not the orexigenic activating properties of intra-accumbens DAMGO treatment.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine update

ACIP no longer recommends routine use of PCV13 in immunocompetent adults ≥ 65 years. Three simple statements summarize guidance on intervals to follow when administering both PCV13 and PPSV23.
Beyond Rank-1: Discovering Rich Community Structure in Multi-Aspect Graphs

How are communities in real multi-aspect or multi-view graphs structured? How we can effectively and concisely summarize and explore those communities in a high-dimensional, multi-aspect graph without losing important information? State-of-the-art studies focused on patterns in single graphs, identifying structures in a single snapshot of a large network or in time evolving graphs and stitch them over time. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no method that discovers and summarizes community structure from a multi-aspect graph, by jointly leveraging information from all aspects. State-of-the-art in multi-aspect/tensor community extraction is limited to discovering clique structure in the extracted communities, or even worse, imposing clique structure where it does not exist. In this paper we bridge that gap by empowering tensor-based methods to extract rich community structure from multi-aspect graphs. In particular, we introduce cLL1, a novel constrained Block Term Tensor Decomposition, that is generally capable of extracting higher than rank-1 but still interpretable structure from a multi-aspect dataset. Subsequently, we propose RichCom, a community structure extraction and summarization algorithm that leverages cLL1to identify rich community structure (e.g., cliques, stars, chains, etc) while leveraging higher-order correlations between the different aspects of the graph. Our contributions are four-fold: (a) Novel algorithm: we develop cLL1, an efficient framework to extract rich and interpretable structure from general multi-aspect data; (b) Graph summarization and exploration: we provide RichCom, a summarization and encoding scheme to discover and explore structures of communities identified by cLL1; (c) Multi-aspect graph generator: we provide a simple and effective synthetic multi-aspect graph generator, and (d) Real-world utility: we present empirical results on small and large real datasets that demonstrate performance on par or superior to existing state-of-the-art.
Disruptive information exchange requirements in construction projects: perception and response patterns

The current proliferation of custom information exchange initiatives in projects disrupts information exchange routines of design and construction firms. This paper investigates how firms perceive,...
Increased Rate of Successful First Passage Recanalization During Mechanical Thrombectomy for M2 Occlusion

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. However, the true safety and efficacy of MT in medium-size vessel occlusions such as the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery have yet to be completely defined. In this study, we analyze the safety and efficacy of MT in M2 occlusions compared with M1 occlusions. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with AIS secondary to M1 and M2 occlusions between 2011 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were 1) AIS secondary to M1 or M2 occlusion, 2) MT performed by stentrieval technique alone, aspiration technique, or combined stentrieval–aspiration techniques. Basic patient characteristics, number of passages, first passage recanalization success (≥TICI [Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia] grade 2b), total recanalization success, hemorrhagic complications (including intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH] and subarachnoid hemorrhage), and clinical outcomes were compared between both groups. Results Two hundred and sixty patients met the inclusion criteria; 171 patients had M1 occlusion versus 89 with M2 occlusion. First passage recanalization success rate was significantly higher in the M2 group (55.1% vs. 39.2%; P = 0.015). Total recanalization success rate was higher in the M2 group but did not reach significance (83% vs. 75%; P = 0.128). Subarachnoid hemorrhage rate was significantly higher in the M2 group (25% vs. 12%; P = 0.010) but there was no difference for ICH complications (14.6% vs. 16.4%; P = 0.711). Conclusions MT for M2 occlusions has similar overall efficacy to that for M1 occlusions, but with higher first-pass successful recanalization rates. MT for M2 occlusions has a higher risk of associated subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Aging-relevant human basal forebrain cholinergic neurons as a cell model for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an adult-onset mental disorder with aging as a major risk factor. Early and progressive degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) contributes substantially to cognitive impairments of AD. An aging-relevant cell model of BFCNs will critically help understand AD and identify potential therapeutics. Recent studies demonstrate that induced neurons directly reprogrammed from adult human skin fibroblasts retain aging-associated features. However, human induced BFCNs (hiBFCNs) have yet to be achieved. We examined a reprogramming procedure for the generation of aging-relevant hiBFCNs through virus-mediated expression of fate-determining transcription factors. Skin fibroblasts were obtained from healthy young persons, healthy adults and sporadic AD patients. Properties of the induced neurons were examined by immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and electrophysiology. We established a protocol for efficient generation of hiBFCNs from adult human skin fibroblasts. They show electrophysiological properties of mature neurons and express BFCN-specific markers, such as CHAT, p75NTR, ISL1, and VACHT. As a proof-of-concept, our preliminary results further reveal that hiBFCNs from sporadic AD patients exhibit time-dependent TAU hyperphosphorylation in the soma and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport activities. Aging-relevant BFCNs can be directly reprogrammed from human skin fibroblasts of healthy adults and sporadic AD patients. They show promises as an aging-relevant cell model for understanding AD pathology and may be employed for therapeutics identification for AD.
Theoretical performance of multiple size-exclusion chromatography columns connected in series.

The fundamental relationships are derived for the retention, peak width, and peak capacity of non-retained polymers eluting from multiple standard size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns connected in series. The standard SEC columns may have different dimensions and are packed with particles having distinct average particle diameters (APDs) and average mesopore sizes (AMSs). The performances (peak capacity, local resolution power, and sensitivity) of three standard SEC columns connected in series (called a tri-SEC column) packed with bridged-ethylene-hybrid (BEH) fully porous particles (FPPs) having three different APDs (1.7, 2.5, and 3.5 μm) and AMSs (200, 450, and 900 A, respectively) are calculated as a function of the applied flow rate and size of polystyrene standards. Irrespective of the APD and AMS, the present investigation assumes isomorphological materials relative to the mesopore space of the three different BEH particles. The advantage of a 15 cm long tri-SEC column over a single reference SEC column (APD=3.5 μm, AMS=900 A), which generates the same back pressure and separation window as those of the tri-SEC column, is expected at flow rates larger than the optimum flow rate generating the maximum peak capacity. The calculations predict a significant relative increase of the peak capacity (from +25% to +85%), resolution of small molecules (from +75% to +225%), and of the detection limit of intermediate size (from +15% to +70%) and largest polymers (from +25 to +110%). This is explained by 1) the exclusion of the largest polymers from the internal volume of the particles having the smallest mesopores (restricted access media) and 2) the minimum dispersion along the columns packed with the smallest particle sizes in the tri-SEC column. The main benefit of multi-SEC columns is to easily adjust the desired pore size distribution by properly selecting the lengths of each individual SEC column. The user can then control the pore size distribution for any specific separation problem. A potential application is theoretically demonstrated for the fast purification of monoclonal antibodies from metabolites, host cell proteins, aggregated forms, and from virus-like particles.
Enhanced Endoscopy with IMAGE1 S CHROMA Improves Detection of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer During Transurethral Resection

Purpose: We assessed the ability of enhanced cystoscopy with CHROMA image enhancement (Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany) to improve cancer detection during transurethral resection of bla...
37161 Triazole-based reversible inhibitors of spermine oxidase and implications for amelioration of neuronal injury

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This project aims to investigate the impact of spermine oxidase inhibition on amelioration of neuronal injury. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our group has recently described a series of triazole-based reversible inhibitors of spermine oxidase (SMOX) (Holshouser et al. 2019). The purpose of the current project is to optimize our most promising inhibitors by structural modification, and to determine whether they can reduce oxidative damage in models of neuronal injury. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A small number of SMOX inhibitors have been described in the literature, however, currently available inhibitors lack selectivity for the enzyme and are associated with dose-limiting toxicity. For this project we used multiple medicinal chemistry techniques to synthesize novel triazole-based analogs of our most potent inhibitors as potential SMOX inhibitors. In addition, we plan to utilize virtual and physical screening methods to identify new potential scaffolds. Compounds with demonstrated activity against SMOX via enzymatic assay will then be evaluated in a cell-based model of neuronal injury. In a preliminary study, we investigated the ability of hydrogen peroxide to induce SMOX expression in an SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line using western blot. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We found that cellular SMOX protein increases in response to hydrogen peroxide exposure in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that this may be a viable cellular model for testing the efficacy of our experimental compounds. To extend these studies, we have developed a SMOX enzymatic assay that will be used for high-throughput screening of commercial libraries, as well as the South Carolina Compound Collection (SC3), which contains 100,000 proprietary, fully annotated analogs. As hits are identified, they will be synthesized and evaluated for potency and selectivity as SMOX inhibitors. The most potent and selective compounds will then be evaluated in our cellular model of neuronal injury. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Studies have linked the overexpression of SMOX and the production of associated toxic byproducts with increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress and neuronal injury. Our objective is to develop potent and selective inhibitors for this enzyme that can serve as chemical probes for elucidating the role of this enzymatic pathway in neuronal injury.
Risk factors associated with atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability.

Background Traumatic posterolateral rotatory instability after elbow dislocation or fracture dislocation has been well described. However, few reports cover atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability as a cause of lateral-sided elbow pain. We assessed the risk factors and epidemiology of atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability in a case-control study. Methods A retrospective review of all patients treated operatively for atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability during a 6-year period was compared with a group of patients with extensor carpi radialis brevis tendinopathy without instability treated during the same time period. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were used to investigate the following risk factors: gender, age, hand dominance, diabetes, smoking, body mass index, corticosteroid injection history, and duration of symptoms. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and pain scores were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Thirteen patients with atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability were compared with 12 patients with extensor carpi radialis brevis tendinopathy. Multivariate analysis revealed patients with atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability were more likely to have multiple corticosteroid injections (P = .05) and present with a longer duration of symptoms (P = .03). Postoperative pain scores improved in both groups. Conclusions Atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lateral elbow when patients present with a protracted clinical course. Statistically, posterolateral rotatory instability patients more often present with a history of multiple corticosteroid injections.
Medical malpractice in heart transplantation from 1994 to 2019.

BACKGROUND Heart transplantation is a unique clinical intervention because it involves two separate parties, the donor and the recipient. This increases the potential for the legal liability of heart teams involved with heart transplantation, but there is no research that exists to date that analyzes the etiology of medical malpractice litigations relating to heart transplantation. METHODS The Westlaw legal database was queried for all medical malpractice litigations concerning heart transplantation from 1994 to 2019 in the United States. Individual litigations were reviewed for inclusion, resulting in 41 included cases, and then analyzed for legal and clinical data. Statistical analyses were performed with the Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS The mean age of patients involved in these litigations was 38.88 years, with female patients being younger on average. Female patients received a significantly larger average award than male counterparts (p = .03). Alleged failure to diagnose was significantly associated with settlements (p = .047). An alleged failure to obtain informed consent as presented by the plaintiff was significantly associated with defendant verdicts (p = .03). Incidence of stroke and infection were each significantly associated with nondefendant verdicts (p = .02 and p = .02). CONCLUSIONS There should be an emphasis on documenting informed consent from all involved parties in heart transplantation to limit litigations filed against clinicians. As technologies and growing donor pools increase the prevalence of heart transplantation, clinicians would be well-served to be aware of legally tenable practices that will allow them to adopt a higher transplant volume without simultaneously adopting added legal exposure.
The Effects of Soil Solution Electrical Conductivity and Sodium Adsorption Ratio on Soil Liquid Limit and Soil Strength

Irrigation water quality is a global agricultural management issue. High solution sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and low electrical conductivity (EC) of irrigation waters decrease both hydraulic con...
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Hispanic/Latino Population

The Hispanic/Latino population in the United States is a heterogeneous group representing the largest minority racial/ethnic subgroup in the United States. The Hispanic/Latino population in the United States includes individuals from many racial and cultural backgrounds. The largest Hispanic/Latino heritage subgroup in the United States is from Mexico. However, heritage subgroups from the Caribbean region (Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico) and Central and South America represent growing subgroups. Historically, epidemiologic data and research pertaining to cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States have focused mainly on the Mexican heritage subgroup. With the increasing diversity in the Hispanic/Latino population, emerging data are providing valuable information that further enhances our understanding of the differences in cardiovascular risk factors by Hispanic/Latino heritage subgroups. In this chapter, we summarize the recent and currently available information pertaining to cardiovascular risk factors including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in this heterogeneous segment of the US population.
RUNOFF HYDROGRAPHS FOR MATHEMATICAL WATERSHED MODEL

A mathematical model of the channel system of a 21.35-sq mile watershed was developed. The partial-differential equations of momentum and continuity were expressed in finite difference form, and used to route the unsteady flow through the channel system, yielding outflow hydrographs. Rainfall excess in various rates and durations was used as the input to the model. All of the hydrologic time parameters which were evaluated from the model output varied with the supply rate. If the response of the watershed model can be considered representative of a natural watershed, none of the presently defined time parameters should be considered constants for a given watershed. The time to virtual (97% of) equilibrium varied inversely as the 0.23 power of the supply rate. The peak-flow rates showed a nonlinear relationship to runoff amount for a given duration. Peak discharges obtained with the model watershed do not support the unit-hydrograph principle but add to the existing evidence of runoff nonlinearity.
Human mesenchymal stem cell-educated macrophages: a potential therapy for GVHD and radiation injury (TRAN1P.944)

Total body irradiation is typically used to condition patients for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, leading to release of inflammatory cytokines from damaged tissues. After transplant, many patients develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) resulting from donor T cells attacking host tissues leading to further inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive and tissue repair properties, but clinical trials using MSCs to treat GVHD have shown mixed results. Macrophages (MQs) are important regulators of immunity and can promote tissue remodeling. We have previously shown that MSCs can educate MQs toward a unique anti-inflammatory phenotype, however the implications for in vivo models of inflammation have not been studied. Using flow cytometry, we found that in comparison to MQs, mesenchymal stem cell-educated macrophages (MEMs) have increased expression of the inhibitory molecules PD-L1 (p=0.039), PD-L2 (p=0.0002), and markers of alternatively activated macrophages: CD206 (p=0.04) and CD163 (p= 0.0004). MEMs also show increased expression of TGF-β (p<0.0001), Arginase-1 (p<0.0001) and IL-6 (p=0.0006), and decreased expression of IL-12 (p=0.004) and TNF-α (p<0.0001) by RT-PCR. In two xenogeneic mouse models, we show that MEMs significantly enhance survival from lethal GVHD (p=0.028 vs MSC) and from lethal radiation (p=0.0044 vs MSC). MEMs could be a novel cellular therapy for the management of GVHD and protection from radiation-induced injury.
Enzymes of Tryptophan Biosynthesis in Serratia marcescens

In Serratia marcescens, the tryptophan biosynthetic enzymes were formed coordinately. A number of tryptophan auxotrophs showed single biochemical lesions; several mutants showed pleiotropic effects. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation revealed an unique pattern of migration of the tryptophan biosynthetic enzymes. The repression response of the Serratia enzymes to exogenous tryptophan was fivefold more sensitive than that found in Escherichia coli. When this information is contrasted with the available information on the other Enterobacteriaceae, one is compelled to conclude that S. marcescens enjoys a rather marked evolutionary divergence from the other enteric organisms.
Relationship of body weight to acute myocardial infarction; a study of 450 autopsied patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Data pertaining to the relationship between body weight and acute myocardial infarction, based on a study of 450 patients with acute myocardial infarction, have been presented and discussed. Weights of patients who had myocardial infarction and on whom autopsies were performed were compared with the “ideal” weight range in the most recent standard tables of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The average age of such patients whose weights exceeded the “ideal” range is similar to that of those who did not exceed the “ideal.” The suggestion is that weight does not materially affect the prognosis or the time of onset of acute myocardial infarction. Weights of persons who had died of acute myocardial infarction were compared with those of persons of similar age who had died of diseases that seem unlikely to be related to body weight (neurosurgical patients). The indication is that overweight (as determined by comparison with standard tables for “ideal” weight) is exceedingly common in both groups, but it is no more common in one than in the other. Weights of both groups (myocardial infarction and neurosurgical) were compared with the average weights of a cross section of the general population of similar age (the latter obtained from old charts prepared by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company). The average weights of these two autopsy groups were similar to the average weights of the general population of similar age. A comparison of the distribution of the weights in the myocardial infarction group with the distribution of the weights of a sample of 74,000 working men and women (prepared by Master) also fails to show a significant difference. Previous investigators have studied a large number of individuals under 40 years of age in the Armed Forces who had died of coronary arteriosclerosis. They have concluded that obesity was not an important factor in the development of coronary arteriosclerosis in this young group. A reasonable conclusion from our data dealing with older individuals is that overweight was not an important factor in the development of acute myocardial infarction in these older individuals. However, confirmation from other sources is necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Some Metabolic Interrelationships Between Toxic Levels of Cadmium and Nontoxic Levels of Selenium Fed to Rats

Male rats were fed vitamin E-adequate, Torula yeast-based diets for 30 days to assess the influence of dietary selenium (0, 0.1, or 1.0 ppm) on the toxicity of dietary cadmium (0, 30, or 60 ppm). At all selenium levels, increased cadmium intake depressed feed consumption, reduced feed efficiency and lowered body weight gain. In liver, concentrations of cadmium and zinc increased, and iron concentration decreased with increased intake of cadmium. Dietary selenium did not affect concentrations of cadmium, zinc, iron or copper in liver. Blood hemoglobin level declined and relative heart weight (g/100 g body wt) increased with increased intake of cadmium. Increased selenium intake partially alleviated the cadmium-induced depression in blood hemoglobin levels in rats fed diets that contained 30 ppm cadmium, and partially ameliorated the cadmium-induced increase in heart size in rats fed either 30 or 60 ppm cadmium. Hepatic and renal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity increased with increased selenium intake. Increased cadmium intake did not affect renal GSH-Px activity. Hepatic GSH-Px activity in rats fed diets that contained 0.1 ppm selenium decreased with increased cadmium intake; however, hepatic GSH-Px activity was not affected by dietary cadmium in rats fed diets that contained 1.0 ppm selenium. Interactions between nontoxic levels of dietary selenium and relatively high levels of dietary cadmium apparently resulted in an antagonism of selenium metabolism by cadmium in some systems, and partial amelioration of cadmium toxicity by selenium in other systems
Hog Ties: Pigs, Manure, and Mortality in American Culture.

Hog Ties: Pigs, Manure, and Mortality in American Culture. Richard P. Horwitz. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998.306 pp.
Possible mechanism by which somatostatin-induced glucagon suppression improves glucose tolerance during insulinopaenia in man.

The present study examines the question of whether lowering the basal plasma glucagon concentration alters the response of the liver to an intravenous glucose load under conditions where insulin is present at near-basal concentrations. Acute hyperglycaemia of 220–240 mg/dl was induced by peripheral venous glucose infusion in two groups of normal men who had undergone hepatic vein catheterization. Somatostatin (0.9 mg/h) was infused in both groups together with an infusion of insulin (0.15 mU/kg/min) to maintain arterial insulin levels at 7–12 μU/ml. Glucagon (1.5 ng/kg/min) was infused in one group resulting in a rise in plasma glucagon levels from 148±37 to 228±25 pg/ml, thus mimicking basal portal glucagon concentrations, whereas in the second group glucagon was not replaced, resulting in a fall in circulating glucagon levels from 132±21 to 74±15 pg/ml. In the glucagon-deprived group, net splanchnic glucose production (NSGP) fell from 143±31 to −72.5±39 mg/ min (p<0.01), indicating that net splanchnic glucose uptake had occurred. By contrast, NSGP did not change significantly (137±20 vs 151±60 mg/min) in the group in which both insulin and glucagon were replaced during hyperglycaemia. These data thus suggest that during hyperglycaemia, when the insulin concentration is fixed at basal levels, glucagon may play an important role in determining whether or not the liver diminishes its output of glucose and stores glucose in response to a glucose load.
CLINICAL AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEW-ONSET ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE AND SINUS RHYTHM: A SUB-ANALYSIS OF THE WARCEF TRIAL

Heart failure (HF) patients have a high incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Because of the adverse prognostic influence of AF in HF, the identification of patients at high risk of developing AF, while they are still sinus rhythm, may be of great clinical value. The incidence of and
Time-Dependent Crack Growth Thresholds of Ni-Base Superalloys

A micromechanical model has been developed for predicting the time-dependent crack growth threshold and its variability by considering oxide formation or cavity formation ahead of an elastic crack subjected to a sustained load at a stress intensity factor, K, at elevated temperatures in air. It is demonstrated that stress relaxation associated with a volume-expansion process such as the formation of creep cavities or oxides with a positive transformation strain can induce residual stresses at the tip of the elastic crack. The near-tip residual stresses must be overcome by the external load, thereby instigating a growth threshold, K th, for the onset of time-dependent crack growth. This micromechanical framework provides the basis for developing appropriate predictive models for the time-dependent crack growth thresholds associated with several damage processes, including (1) oxidation-assisted intergranular crack growth, (2) K-controlled creep crack growth along an intergranular path, and (3) stress corrosion cracking. The micromechanical threshold models have been utilized to predict the time-dependent crack growth thresholds of a variety of Ni-base superalloys. The material parameters that contribute to the variability of the time-dependent crack growth thresholds have been identified and related to variations of mixed oxides or creep cavities formed near the crack tip. A size scale effect is also predicted for the transformation toughening phenomenon, which is largest at or below K th but diminishes at increasing K levels above the threshold. Finally, the micromechanical models are utilized to identify means for suppressing time-dependent crack growth in Ni-base alloys.
Natural remanent magnetization of carbonaceous chondrites

Abstract We have observed natural remanent magnetizations (NRM), ranging from 10 −3 to 10 −5 Gauss cm 3 /g, at least two orders of magnitude greater than 10 −7 , the noise level of our spinner magnetometer, in the carbonaceous chondrites, Orgueil, Cold Bokkeveld, Nogoya and Mighei. Preliminary alternating field demagnetization of two samples of Orgueil showed a moderate sized stable component of 10 −4 Gauss cm 3 /g. Microscopic study reveals that a grey spinel oxide, Ni-Fe and an Fe sulphide are the principal opaque minerals in both Cold Bokkeveld and Orgueil; the oxide phase predominates in both, while the Ni-Fe is more visible in the former. Coercive force determinations in Orgueil and Cold Bokkeveld indicate single domain particles as the NRM carrier. These meteorites are suitable for the determination of the magnetic field intensity in the primary solar nebula.
A General Measure of Output-Variable Input Demand Elasticities: Comment

The purpose of this comment is to correct a minor error in Field and Allen's expression for the profitmaximizing input demand elasticities which is derived from an underlying translog function. This correction has little effect on the qualitative nature of their theoretical results, but because the translog function is used so frequently in empirical research, it could be important to others attempting to use their results to extend empirical analysis. Field and Allen derive a general expression for the profit-maximizing input demand elasticities (rij) from knowledge of the Allen partial elasticities of substitution (Aij) and the second partial derivatives of C, the cost-minimizing cost function (e.g., C1, Ciq, and Cqq, where i andj refer to input prices and q is output). Their expression reduces to (assuming supply shifts along a horizontal demand curve for the product)
Concluding remarks relative to the thermal history of the Earth

The problem of the cooling of the Earth is one of extraordinary complexity and at times seems impossible of solution. In order to make any progress in this important field, it is necessary to make some sort of a start. It would undoubtedly be useful to begin with any reasonable set of initial conditions and to find what this leads to, with a view to modifying and improving our preliminary concepts. As a step towards unraveling the tangled threads, I would propose to start with three hypotheses: (I) The interior is vastly different in composition from the materials near the surface; (II) the Earth was originally molten and well stirred by convection; and (III) the mantle solidified from the bottom upward.
Effect of Human Exogenous Leukocyte Interferon in Cytomegalovirus Infections

Human leukocyte interferon was injected into nine patients with cytomegalovirus infections; four of these patients were congenitally infected, and five had acquired infections. In three patients viruria was completely inhibited. In five patients viral excretion in the urine was only transiently inhibited. Viremia was not significantly suppressed. The lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin was suppressed in two patients.
Cautious inference of support for thickening liquids for persons with dementia in residential aged care facilities

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Hines, S., McCrow, J., Abbey, J., & Gledhill, S. (2010). Thickened fluids for people with dementia in residential aged care facilities. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 8, 252–255.Source of funding and declaration of interests: No funding or conflicts of interest were reported.
Superconductivity in non-cubic crystal structures

Abstract Superconductivity has been observed in alloy samples of the zirconium-germanium hafnium-germanium, yttrium-germanium and lanthanum-germanium systems. The samples were prepared on heated substrates, under varying conditions by r.f. sputtering technique. The composition span was from 20 to 90 at.% Ge. Superconductivity was found in all four of these systems and was identified with the digermanide phase by X-ray analysis. Four terminal resistive measurements show the following superconducting transitions: 8 K (ZrGe2), ≈ 2.2 K (HfGe2), 3.8 K (YGe2) and 2.65 K (LaGe2). Annealing studies indicate that the superconducting ZrGe2 and HfGe2 phases are metastable, and depend strongly on the conditions of synthesis.
Serious child mistreatment in Massachusetts: The course of 206 children through the courts

Two hundred and six severely abused and/or neglected children brought before the Boston Juvenile Court on care and protection petitions were followed prospectively for 4 years. Two thirds of all parents were found to be poor, 84% had one or more psychiatric disorders, and 81% had been known to the Department of Social Services prior to their court appearance. The average age of children at the start of the court process was 4.2 years, and the average length of temporary foster care was 2.3 years. Judges' decisions to return children to parental custody or to order permanent removal were most strongly predicted by parental compliance with court-order services. Of the 63 cases dismissed from court and thus returned to biological parents, 18 (29%) had substantiated reports of new mistreatment over an approximately 3-year follow-up period. We concluded that children are often poorly served by the current delays in the social service/legal system, and that further clinical research would provide needed empirical data on how best to protect mistreated children.
Digital filter-banks for transform computations and other applications

A generalized filtering structure is developed which is based on the N*N basis matrix of an arbitrary transform. The filtering structure finds application as an efficient sliding transformer of data because it has the low complexity of the associated frequency sampling structure, but has much better sensitivity properties. It can also be used as a filterbank in a multirate filtering system. The analysis filters are seen to require very few multipliers (the synthesis filters are finite impulse response with, at most, as many taps as there are channels in the filterbank) and at the same time provide approximately=40 dB attenuation of the nearest sidelobe. >
The critical role of the MAP kinase pathway in meiosis II in Xenopus oocytes is mediated by p90Rsk

Abstract Background: During oocyte maturation in Xenopus , progesterone induces entry into meiosis I, and the M phases of meiosis I and II occur consecutively without an intervening S phase. The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase is activated during meiotic entry, and it has been suggested that the linkage of M phases reflects activation of the MAP kinase pathway and the failure to fully degrade cyclin B during anaphase I. To analyze the function of the MAP kinase pathway in oocyte maturation, we used U0126, a potent inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase, and a constitutively active mutant of the protein kinase p90 Rsk , a MAP kinase target. Results: Even with complete inhibition of the MAP kinase pathway by U0126, up to 90% of oocytes were able to enter meiosis I after progesterone treatment, most likely through activation of the phosphatase Cdc25C by the polo-like kinase Plx1. Subsequently, however, U0126-treated oocytes failed to form metaphase I spindles, failed to reaccumulate cyclin B to a high level and failed to hyperphosphorylate Cdc27, a component of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) that controls cyclin B degradation. Such oocytes entered S phase rather than meiosis II. U0126-treated oocytes expressing a constitutively active form of p90 Rsk were able to reaccumulate cyclin B, hyperphosphorylate Cdc27 and form metaphase spindles in the absence of detectable MAP kinase activity. Conclusions: The MAP kinase pathway is not essential for entry into meiosis I in Xenopus but is required during the onset of meiosis II to suppress entry into S phase, to regulate the APC so as to support cyclin B accumulation, and to support spindle formation. Moreover, one substrate of MAP kinase, p90 Rsk , is sufficient to mediate these effects during oocyte maturation.
Menstrual attitudes among black and white premenarcheal girls.

PROBLEM. To determine if a difference exists between black and white fifth-grade girls' attitudes about menarche and menstruation. METHODS. The Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire-Adolescent Form (Brooks-Gunn & Ruble, 1980) was used to collect data from 55 premenarcheal females, ages 10-12 years. FINDINGS. The findings indicated no difference between black and white girls in Affirmation or Worry. Like older samples, the girls were moderate in affirmation. Unlike older samples, they evidenced less worry. CONCLUSION. Analysis of the instrument used in this study raises questions in general regarding its use as originally developed. In addition, specific questions were raised about its use with different cultural groups.
83. Renal clearance efficiency is associated with proinflammatory biomarkers and age in older human adults

Background: Kidney function is not typically assessed in PNI research even though impaired clearance is associated with poor health and hypertension, and inflammatory conditions affect renal physiology. The goal of this study was to determine if glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was associated with aging, interleukin-6, and cell adhesion markers in older adults. Methods: GFR was estimated from creatinine clearance adjusted for body surface area in 1255 Americans from the MIDUS II project. Results. Older age was associated with reduced GFR, r = −.38, p r = .13, p r = −.09, p r = −.05, p r = −.03, p r = .06, p
Qualitative Research, Power, and the Radical Right

Recent legislative and executive orders that mandate preferred methods for evaluating the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 signal a much larger movement in the social sciences. Attacks stemming from the “culture wars” of the 1990s have spread to forms of research labeled “unscientific,” including postmodern research and qualitative research. Examination of the sources of the attacks reveals a wide network of new and recent foundations with decidedly right-wing political views, the establishment and growing power of the National Association of Scholars, and other well-funded efforts to discredit research that uncovers and exposes deep inequities in social life and schooling on gender, race, social class, religion, and/or sexual orientation. Each of these well-funded sources of attack is discussed and the agenda of each is dissected.
On the possible production and detection of coherent low-energy neutrino beams

Seminal experiments are discussed to prove or disprove the possibility of producing and detecting collimated coherent beams of low-energy neutrinos with the assistance of lasers. Expressions are given for the relative probability that a laser-beam-aligned co- or counter-propagating neutrino-antineutrino pair is emitted instead of a laser photon, during stimulated de-excitations of lasable excited states inside a lasing medium. For a neodymium laser this probability is approximately 10−7. To detect coherent beams of epithermal neutrinos and antineutrinos emitted from a pulsed high-power laser, it is anticipated that resonant non-absorptive stimulated de-excitations of lasing levels by neutrinos can be exploited to register their fly-through in a second near-threshold laser.