cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of winds and their effect on dry deposition at the Connecticut coastline of Long Island Sound

Abstract Atmospheric concentration samples and meteorological data of onshore and offshore wind classes during 1994 were collected and analyzed to study the directional characteristics of winds and dry deposition of SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , SO 2 and HNO 3 at the Connecticut coastline of Long Island Sound. The dry deposition velocities during onshore and offshore winds were approximately equal for all the species. The atmospheric concentrations, however, were higher during onshore than offshore winds throughout the study period for all the measured chemicals. The poor air quality during onshore winds indicated that the industrial complex southwest of the monitoring station was a major source area of the pollutants deposited to the area. Seasonal air quality varied with species, with higher SO 4 2− concentrations and lower SO 2 concentrations in summer for both wind classes. The seasonal variation in total dry deposition depended on the time fractions of wind classes. During the warm season, about two thirds of dry deposition were from onshore winds.
Sequential effects on discrimination reversal

Abstract In Experiment 1 the sequence of trials to the positive (S+) and negative (S−) discriminanda was varied between groups during acquisition and reversal of a successive brightness discrimination. In Experiments 2 and 3, groups received different reward sequences in Phase 1 within S+. In general, groups given transitions from nonrewarded trials to rewarded trials (N-R transitions) in Phase 1 learned both the original discrimination and its reversal more slowly than groups given schedules devoid of N-R transitions. The results were discussed in relation to previously reported effects of partial reinforcement on acquisition and reversal of a discrimination and the role of sequential variables and internal, reward-produced cues in discrimination learning, reversal learning, and nonreversal shifts.
Structure and Lamb shift of 2s1/2-2p3/2 levels in lithiumlike U89+ through neonlike U82+

The first Doppler-shift-free crystal-spectrometer measurement of stationary highly stripped uranium ions from a high-energy electron beam ion trap is presented. Thirteen 2${\mathit{s}}_{1/2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$2${\mathit{p}}_{3/2}$ transitions in eight ionization states bteween Li-like ${\mathrm{U}}^{89+}$ and Ne-like ${\mathrm{U}}^{82+}$ are identified and measured with an accuracy as high as 37 ppm, providing benchmarks for testing relativistic correlation and quantum electrodynamic effects in highly charged multielectron ions. A value of 47.39\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.35 eV is found for the 2${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$ Lamb shift in Li-like ${\mathrm{U}}^{89+}$, in excellent agreement with theory.
Competitive Advantage in the Health and Fitness Industry: Developing Service Bundles

Abstract Supporting services augment the value of a business's core service, provide points of differentiation, and create a competitive advantage over competitors. Fitness clubs offer a number of supporting services, including sport participation opportunities. Fitness tests are a common supporting service. This study examined interest in fitness tests and related supporting services. Moreover, because customised programs are harder to imitate, optimal combinations of desired services were investigated. Further, K-means cluster analysis identified seven meaningfully differentiated customer groups. MANOVA and chi-square analyses indicated that clustered groups differed based on demographic and psychographic variables. The study demonstrates that (1) consumers desire supporting services, (2) distinct bundles of supporting services can be identified, and (3) consumers desiring distinct bundles of services are have distinct demographic and psychographic profiles. Fitness providers can develop distinct, desirable bundles of supporting services and can develop more tailored marketing strategies based on these consumer profiles.
In vitro analysis of humoral immunity in antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulins

Abstract The nature of the humoral immune defects in two unrelated patients with normal serum immunoglobulin and specific antibody deficiency was investigated. Five days after a booster immunization with soluble tetanus toxoid, peripheral blood lymphocyte B cells were assayed for the normal appearance of PWM and T-cell-independent antigen-specific IgG anti-tetanus lymphoblastoid B cells and suppressor T cells for these B cells. Patient 2 was totally unable to generate these B cells while patient 1 generated 10% of the normal tetanus specific B-cell activity. PBL samples were analyzed 21 days after immunization for PWM-dependent B-lymphocyte synthesis of total and anti-tetanus IgG and IgM and total and antigen-specific T-helper and -suppressor lymphocyte activity. Patient 1's B lymphocytes could generate normal amounts of both total and anti-tetanus IgG and IgM. However, his T lymphocytes completely suppressed IgG and anti-tetanus IgG production. Patient 2 also had excess radiation-sensitive T-suppressor cells for total and anti-tetanus IgG and IgM. However, this patient's B cells demonstrated an antigen-specific defect in culture in that they produced total IgG normally but were unable to produce specific anti-tetanus IgG. Thus, even with this small patient sample, the heterogeneity of immune defects established in other humoral deficiency diseases appears to exist in the syndrome of antibody deficiency with normal serum immunoglobulin.
Introduction to Mineral Exploration. Second Edition.Charles Moon, Michael Whateley, and Anthony Evans, Editors. Pp. 498. Blackwell Publishing. 2006. ISBN 1405113170. US$84.95.

This book has a simple aim, to introduce the reader to the broad spectrum of the exploration world, and it achieves it well. There are many books that cover various aspects of the tremendously broad field of economic geology. Some focus on the ore deposits, some focus on the economic and/or environmental aspects, but this book, as the title implies, focuses on the process of exploration. And in my opinion, it is the best on the market. Not that there won’t be critics. The treatment of ore genesis is shallow, at best, and even in the various subfields of exploration—geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, geostatistics, and mineral economics—specialists in these disciplines will have things …
Further Studies of the Cariostatic Properties of Tin (II) and Oat Hulls in the Rat

Two experimental dental caries studies were conducted in rats to investigate further the cariostatic activity of oat hulls and tin (II). The findings confirm the cariostatic activity of oat hulls regardless of the nutritional content of the diet, indicate that tin (II) may exert cariostatic activity depending on the concentration and nutritional content of the diet, and that the two agents are partially additive at tin (II) concentrations of 15 and 75 ppm but are not synergistic.
Research Vertical Distribution of Chlorophyll Content of Wheat Leaves Using Imaging Hyperspectra

Abstract Chlorophyll content is an important indicator for judging crop photosynthesis ability and monitoring growth status. Hyperspectral imaging is one of the hot spots in quantitative remote sensing research. As an image-spectrum merging technology, it could be used to explore and develop new methods for diagnosing of crop nutrition, diseases and insect pests. In this study, an auto-development pushbroom imaging spectrometer (PIS) was applied to measure the chlorophyll content of wheat leaves. The tested sites of spectrum and the chlorophyll content measured positions were on the same area of single leaf. Partial least square (PLS) regression was used to establish prediction models of chlorophyll content. The model accuracy of single leaf with values from different positions was evaluated; and the model accuracy of leaves from different layers was also studied. The results showed that the model of the leaf with 2, 4, 6 sites was better than that of 1, 3, 5 sites; those models of leaves from vertical le...
Device to analyze leakage current pathways in photovoltaic modules in real-time

Series connection of PV modules results in buildup of high voltage between the frame and cell circuit which leads to leakage current flow through the module packaging materials. Long term application of high voltage bias results in PV module degradation by Potential Induced Degradation (PID). A novel device called custom laminate is developed at Florida Solar Energy Center that can identify dominant leakage current paths in PV module packaging materials. In this paper, insulation resistance tests are carried out on a commercial 60-cell c-Si module and the nature of leakage current as a function of aluminum foil configuration, applied voltage and duration is studied. The insights gained from the analysis of leakage currents under various circumstances are used to obtain more accurate and reliable measurements from the custom laminate.
Children's predictions of consistency in people's actions

Past research suggests that young children are often reluctant to generalize about people's behavior. Three experiments involving 102 4-5-year-olds, 84 7-8-year-olds, and 107 adults explored the conditions under which inductive inferences about people are made. There was an age-based increase in propensity to predict consistency in psychological/intentional causal relations. Children often predicted change; people would behave differently in the future than they did in the past. Younger children limited predictions of consistency to non-psychological contexts. Older children showed some appreciation of stable motivations (e.g. traits, preferences). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that children's theories of mind emphasize situational influences, with personal influences appearing in middle-childhood.
The investigation of schematic content and processing in eating disorders

The core psychopathology of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is hypothesized to be represented in organized cognitive structures that unite views of the self with beliefs about weight. These weight-related self-schemata may exert automatic effects on the processing of information, and may also help to account for the clinical observation that patients frequently regard their symptoms as serving a valued function. Strategies for assessing the presence and operation of self-schemata in the eating disorders are outlined, and the limitations of inventories designed to measure self-statements about food and weight are emphasized. It is suggested that the “cognitive essence” of these disorders may be found in potent and inclusive schemata that reduce ambiguity, facilitate judgments and predictions, and provide a simple set of premises from which specific rules can be deduced. Several constructs are recommended for further study, including a preference for simplicity, a preference for certainty, and a distinctive “New Year's resolution” cognitive style.
Anion-exchange paper chromatography of metal ions

Abstract The migration of 26 ions on anion-exchange paper is studied with five different complexing solvents. The results are reported as a function of the sign of the charge on each ion determined electrochromatographically. Several possible separations are presented, but it is shown that the prediction of separations, knowing only the charge on several substances, is impossible. It is also demonstrated that ion-exchange column experiments and ion-exchange paper experiments do not necessarily yield identical results.
MODELING LIQUID MASS TRANSFER IN HIGEE SEPARATION PROCESS

Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Professor Richard S.H. Mah. Hsien-Hsin Tung is now affiliated with Department of Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology Penetration theory is used to describe the liquid mass transfer in Higee separation process. Within a possible range of effective areas, it is shown that the predicted mass transfer coefficients are in reasonable agreement with the estimated mass transfer coefficients. The estimated coefficients were calculated from the experimental data and the possible effective areas. Hence it is concluded the penetration theory is generally applicable to describe liquid mass transfer in Higee separation process. The comparison also suggests that liquid mixing at the junctions of packing materials may be more complete in Higee process than in traditional process.
The joy of word games: or, putting the text back into context (abstract only)

We have heard much discussion, in recent years, about various contexts for teaching Computer Science. One that does not get a lot of attention, but frankly deserves more, is the notion of using word games -- in which language plays a predominant role -- to teach Computer Science. There is a plethora of clever and simply fun games that can be used to illustrate almost any concept that arises in CS1 and CS2. We would like to start a conversation with other SIGCSE attendees who are interested in these very entertaining, algorithmically stimulating games, and see what techniques they use, and what successes they have had, in incorporating them into the classroom.
Characterizing the Effective Modern Medical School Lecture

Recent guidelines from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) based on adult learning principles recommend promotion of active learning, which has led to the evaluation of audience response systems and optimization of multimedia use to enhance audience engagement. We assessed the use of these and similar new techniques in delivering medical school lectures in conjunction with traditional techniques, to develop updated “best practice” lecture guidelines and identify lecture characteristics that correlate best with student satisfaction. We evaluated 39 recorded lectures given by 13 current or prior course directors of second-year pathophysiology courses at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Based on student ratings, the lectures were divided into those given by “above average” or “below average” lecturers. We scored each lecture on 47 distinct characteristics. Using the student t test to compare the “above average” and “below average” lectures for each characteristic, we found four characteristics that differed significantly between the two groups—oral summarization of key points, presence of summary slide in the presentation, asking questions that require a show of hands from the class, and rank of full professor as compared to associate or assistant. The characteristics that distinguish the “above-average” from “below-average” lecturers share a theme of summarizing information and engaging the audience through questioning involving the entire class. Our study did not identify improved student satisfaction with recently developed techniques such as using electronic clickers or asking students to discuss questions among themselves. Future work includes assessing the effect of subjective qualities of lecturers on ratings and evaluating a broader range of lecturers, including those who are not course directors.
Cryptic branch point activation allows accurate in vitro splicing of human β-globin intron mutants

Summary The excised introns of pre-mRNAs and intron-containing splicing intermediates are in a lariat configuration in which the Fend of the intron is linked by a 2′-5′ phosphodiester bond (RNA branch) to a single adenosine residue near the 3' end of the intron. To determine the role of the specific sequence surrounding the RNA branch, we have mutated the branch point sequence of the human β-globin IVS1. Pre-mRNAs lacking the authentic branch point sequence are accurately spliced in vitro; processing of the mutant pre-mRNAs generates RNA lariats due to the activation of cryptic branch points within IVS1. The cryptic branch points always occur at adenosine residues, but the sequences surrounding the branched nucleotide vary. Regardless of the type of mutation or the sequences remaining within IVS1, the cryptic branch points are 22 to 37 nucleotides upstream of the 3′ splice site. These results suggest that RNA branch point selection is primarily based on a mechanism that measures the distance from the 3′ splice site.
Aspartate/glutamate-enriched blood does not improve myocardial energy metabolism during ischemia-reperfusion: A 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopic study in isolated pig hearts☆☆☆★★★♢

Abstract Objective: Our objective was to test the effects of exogenous l-aspartate and l-glutamate on myocardial energy metabolism during ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Phosphorus 31–magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to observe cellular energetics and intracellular pH in isolated pig hearts perfused with blood (group A, n = 8) or blood enriched with 13 mmol/L each of l-aspartate and l-glutamate (group B, n = 6). The hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of total normothermic ischemia and then reperfused for 40 minutes. Two hearts from each group were inotropically stimulated by titration with calcium after normokalemic reperfusion. Left ventricular function was measured with the use of a compliant balloon and oxygen consumption was calculated. Results: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed no decrease in the rate of energy decline during ischemia for group B versus group A. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of myocardial function, oxygen consumption, or the rate or extent of high-energy phosphate recovery after normokalemic reperfusion or inotropic stimulation. Inotropic stimulation of postischemic hearts, however, led to dramatic improvement in myocardial function in both groups ( p p = 0.01). Conclusions: In a normal, isolated, blood-perfused pig heart subjected to 30 minutes of total normothermic ischemia, (1) enrichment of the perfusate with aspartate/glutamate before and after ischemia affects neither myocardial energy metabolism during ischemia-reperfusion nor postischemic recovery of myocardial function or oxygen consumption and (2) inotropic stimulation can recruit significant postischemic function and sufficient aerobic respiration to support it, irrespective of aspartate/glutamate enrichment. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;113:1068-80)
Tailoring actuation of ionic polymer-metal composites through cation combination

An ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) consisting of a thin perfluorinated ionomer (usually, Nafion® or Flemion®) strip, platinum and/or gold plated on both faces, undergoes large bending motion when a small electric field is applied across its thickness. When the same membrane is suddenly bent, a small electric potential of the order of millivolts is produced across its surfaces. This actuation and sensing response depends on the structure of the ionomer, the morphology of the metal electrodes, the nature of cations, and the level of hydration. IPMCs in alkali-metal cation form under direct current (DC) show a fast motion towards the anode, followed by a slow relaxation. For Nafion-based IPMCs, this slow relaxation is towards the cathode, whereas for Flemion-based IPMCs, the slow relaxation continues the initial fast motion towards the anode. In contrast, the actuation of both Nafion- and Flemion-based IPMCs in tetrabutylammonium (TBA + ) cation form consists of a continuous slow motion towards the anode. We have discovered that when an IPMC is neutralized by combined Na + and TBA + cations to produce a suitable Na-TBA-form membrane, different actuation behavior results. The proportion of the cations can be tailored to obtain a desired actuation response, e.g., to control the duration, speed, and the maximum amplitude of the initial motion towards the anode, or the magnitude and the speed of the subsequent relaxation. A series of cation combination tests on both Nafion- and Flemion-based IPMCs are carried out. Various essential physical properties of the IPMCs in various cation compositions are measured and compared. A summary of these results is presented.
Making Geriatric Assessment Work: Selecting Useful Measures

Often the goal of physical therapy is to reduce morbidity and prevent or delay loss of independence. The purpose of this article is to describe issues to consider when selecting measures of physical function for use with community-dwelling older adults over the age of 65 years. We chose 16 measures of physical function for review because they have been used in studies of community-dwelling older adults and some psychometric properties of reliability and validity have been described in the literature. Three major issues are discussed: (1) appropriateness of the measure for community-dwelling adults, (2) practical aspects of test administration, and (3) psychometric properties. These issues are illustrated using examples from the 16 measures. Two scenarios, applying the measures to the assessment of community-dwelling well older people and to the assessment of community-dwelling frail older people, are used to illustrate how this information can be used.
A comparative study of dexmedetomidine with midazolam and midazolam alone for sedation during elective awake fiberoptic intubation

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine with midazolam (DEX-MDZ) versus midazolam only (MDZ) for sedation during awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI). Design Randomized, double-blinded study. Setting Academic medical center. Subjects 55 ASA physical status I, II, III, and IV patients, aged 18-85 years, scheduled for non-emergency surgery with AFOI. Interventions All patients received intravenous (IV) glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg premedication, oxygen by nasal cannula, and topical local anesthetics to the airway. MDZ subjects received IV midazolam 0.05 mg/kg with additional doses to achieve a Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score of ≥ 2. DEX-MDZ patients received midazolam 0.02 mg/kg followed by dexmedetomidine one μg/kg, then an infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.1 μg/kg/hr and titrated to 0.7 μg/kg/hr to achieve RSS≥2. Measurements Observers' Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) and RSS were evaluated. The anesthesiologist rated AFOI ease of placement. Two observers rated patients' comfort and reaction to placement at three time points: preoxygenation, at introduction of the fiberoptic laryngoscope, and at introduction of the endotracheal tube (ET) before surgery. Following surgery, patients were asked if they recalled the AFOI and also to rate their satisfaction with the intubation. Results DEX-MDZ patients were significantly calmer and more cooperative during AFOI and had fewer adverse reactions to AFOI than did the MDZ patients. They also were more satisfied with the AFOI ( P Conclusions Dexmedetomidine in combination with low doses of midazolam is more effective than midazolam alone for sedation in AFOI.
NOX2-dependent ROS is required for HDAC5 nuclear efflux and contributes to HDAC4 nuclear efflux during intense repetitive activity of fast skeletal muscle fibers.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been linked to oxidation and nuclear efflux of class IIa histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in cardiac muscle. Here we use HDAC-GFP fusion proteins expressed in isolat...
On shape and range recovery from images of underwater environments

Unmanned underwater vehicles require some sense of perception of the environment so as to carry out their missions with some degree of autonomy. Perception based on visual cues can tremendously enhance the performance of such vehicles. For example, the capability to determine the three-dimensional position or shape of a nearby object from two-dimensional images can be useful for localization, recognition, or obstacle avoidance. In this paper, we consider selected methods for determining the three-dimensional shape of, or range to, objects from two-dimensional images for application in the underwater domain. In contrast to techniques commonly used in land environments based on tracking points, lines, contours, or other isolated scene features, these methods rely on the information in the brightness patterns of the whole image. Selected experimental results are provided to demonstrate the concepts.
A systematic review of diagnostic tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Background A growing number of studies seem to suggest that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common clinical problem. Although various techniques are available to make this diagnosis, tradition has accepted small bowel aspirate ((10 5 cfu/ml) as a gold standard. In this systematic review, the validity of culture and other diagnostic testing for SIBO is evaluated. Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1966 to present using electronic databases (PubMed and OVID). Full paper review of those abstracts that fulfilled preset criteria was carried out to evaluate the validity of various tests in diagnosing SIBO. Finally, all papers were evalu- ated against published standards for studies on diagnostic testing. Results Seventy-one papers met the criteria for detailed review. Studies were very heterogeneous with regards to patient populations, test definitions, sample size, and methods in general. Small bowel colony counts appeared elevated in most gastrointestinal diseases com- pared to controls. The traditional definition of(10 5 cfu/ml was usually indicative of stagnant loop conditions. Although, numerous diagnostic tests were studied, not even culture papers met the quality standards described by Reid et al. Breath testing and other diagnostic testing suffered therefore from the lack of a gold standard against which to validate in addition to the poor quality. Conclusions There is no validated diagnostic test or gold standard for SIBO. In this context, the most practical method to evaluate SIBO in studies at this time would be a test, treat, and outcome technique.
Replacement of Tumor-Involved Mandible by Cryosurgically Devitalized Autograft: Human Experience

• In management of a malignant floorof-mouth tumor invading the mandible, the mandible is the main focus of reconstruction and the most likely site of rehabilitative failure. Creation of a functional and cosmetically appealing replacement is a major therapeutic goal. In canines, neoosteogenesis does occur in mandibular autografts exposed to two consecutive freeze-thaw cycles prior to reimplantation. Also postoperative radiotherapy in canines does not elicit a higher incidence of complications or promote failure of the mandibular autograft to reconstitute itself. This technique was used in a 52-year-old man with a large lesion in the anterior floor of the mouth extending into the inner cortex of the mandible. The theoretical advantages of nonantigenicity and excellence of mandibular configuration are obvious. That there are important pitfalls that may lead to reconstructive failure is equally obvious. ( Arch Otolaryngol 106:252-254, 1980)
Work in progress - Development of an organizational infrastructure to facilitate the creation of courses on technology and engineering for non-engineers

The need for technological literacy is important for both individuals and the nation in general. Creating a population with a more empowered relationship with technology will require a significant and extensive initiative in undergraduate education. Curricula and course materials that are easily adoptable in diverse and varied institutional environments are vital in this effort. The National Academy of Engineering in two reports: Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More about Technology (2002), and Tech Tally: Approaches to Assessing Technological Literacy (2006), outline the characteristics of a technologically literate citizen. The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) has also developed standards for technological literacy. In this work a framework is established for specific course outlines consistent with the content areas established in Tech Tally of: technology and society, design, products and systems, and technology core concepts and the ITEA technology topic areas. To make it possible to accommodate the diverse requirements of curriculum committees on varied campuses, the framework offers flexibility to faculty in planning courses within each proposed model while still accomplishing the goals of the standards. This framework will form the organizational infrastructure for creating a repository of course materials as well as an online community for course developers and instructors.
Scaling litter fall in complex terrain: A study from the western Cascades Range, Oregon

Abstract Non-normally distributed variation in vegetation and topography can make estimates of litter fall based on simple mathematical scaling of randomly placed litter traps inaccurate. It has been shown that litter fall is directly related to aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), which can be calculated from remote metrics (such as LiDAR returns) and/or measured at a high resolution (based on inventory plots). Extrapolating litter fall to a landscape scale with ANPP as a cross-correlate may increase the reliability of estimates. However, the differences in landscape-scale litter flux estimates due to scaling method have not been quantified. We collected litter from 16 plots on a small (96 ha) watershed in the western Cascades Range of Oregon over 2 years. We related litter fall to ANPP (R2 = 0.65), which was calculated from 133 long term re-measurement plots on a forest currently dominated (70–80%) by Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga heterophylla of approximately 50 years of age and used four methods of scaling, (1) multiplying mean measured litter fall per hectare by watershed area, (2) randomly selecting and summing variates from the probability distribution, (3) kriging field-measured litter and (4) supplementing our field measurements of litter with modeled litter based on the ANPP to litter relationship and then kriging. We found that (1) longer term averages of litter are more robust when compared to measurements and modeled estimates, and (2) the appearance of “hot spots” of elevated litter fall corresponding to undersampled areas of the complex terrain disappeared when the field measurements were supplemented with ANPP. In complex terrain, longer-term experiments supplemented with high-resolution productivity data may increase the reliability and interpretability of litter fall estimates.
Adenosine triphosphate deficiency A genre of optic neuropathy

Article abstract-Purpose: To offer clinical evidence that deficiency of vitamin B 12 may adversely affect the neuronal function of patients who also have the 14,484 mitochondrial DNA mutation associated with Leber9s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Methods: A case of a 27-year-old man with vitamin B 12 deficiency and the 14,484 mitochondrial DNA mutation is presented and the literature on causes of some metabolic optic neuropathies reviewed. Results: Visual loss and neurologic symptoms of vitamin B 12 deficiency occurred together, at a time when the level of vitamin B 12 was subnormal. Vision and other sensory functions began to improve within 2 months of vitamin therapy, and normal vision eventually was restored. Conclusions: The relatively prompt improvement and the eventual complete recovery of vision following vitamin replacement therapy suggest that the subnormal level of vitamin B 12 precipitated visual loss. Given the clinical similarities of subnormal vitamin B 12 , LHON, and nutritional/tobacco amblyopia, deficiency of adenosine triphosphate might be a unifying etiology for several types of optic neuropathy. This energy hypothesis provides a theoretical basis for the enigmatic phenomena of centrocecal scotomata and recovery of visual function after prolonged blindness. NEUROLOGY 1995;45: 11-16
Climate change and the migration capacity of species

In a recent paper, McLachlan et al. presented evidence that migration rates of two tree species at the end of the last glacial ( c. 10–20 thousand years ago) were much slower than was previously thought. These results provide an important insight for climate-change impacts studies and suggest that the ability of species to track future climate change is limited. However, the detection of late-glacial refugia close to modern range limits also implies that some of our most catastrophic projections might be overstated.
Characterizing the Impact of Substrate Noise on High-Speed Flash ADCs

A 4-bit flash ADC is investigated in presence of substrate noise generated by switching activities in digital blocks. The impact of noise is analyzed in different building blocks of the ADC and is measured experimentally using a high-speed ADC test block fabricated in a 0.18-mum SiGe BiCMOS process. Measurement results show that noise spikes in the substrate cause distortion in the prototype ADC and degrade its SNDR by 2 dB (10%) at noise frequencies above 200 MHz.
Quantitative seafloor characterization using a bathymetric sidescan sonar

Bathymetry and backscatter measurements from a 120-kHz phase-difference sonar are analysed in terms of statistical and spectral characteristics. Data from a multisensor, multiscale survey of the Juan de Fuca Ridge are compared across three distinct geological provinces: sediment pond, ridge flank, and axial valley. The detrended bathymetry follows a Gaussian distribution; the power spectral density can be approximately described by a power law. The composite multiscale power spectrum demonstrates a similar slope spanning a spatial frequency range from about 0.005 to 50 cycles/m, corresponding to a range of geological features from a few hundred meters down to several centimeters. The backscattering strength and grazing-angle dependencies agree with previous empirical studies; data from a sediment-pond region are shown to match theoretical predictions of the composite-roughness model. Histograms of the echo amplitude are characterized by a multimodal Rayleigh probability density function. For all analyses, the data show distinct differences among the three provinces. >
The role of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in the treatment of medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias

After 6 years of widespread clinical use, the role of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) is well defined in some circumstances and less well defined in others. In the next year, the second generation of this device will become available, incorporating antitachycardia pacing algorithms and programmable delivered-energy capabilities into the basic defibrillator system. As a prelude to this development, this article addresses the current status and future role of the AICD in the overall therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia and presentation of sudden death.
N-methyl D,L-aspartate induces the release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the prepubertal and pubertal female rhesus monkey as measured by in vivo push-pull perfusion in the stalk-median eminence.

The role of the excitatory amino acid glutamate, N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist, in stimulating in vivo luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release in the stalk-median eminence of conscious prepubertal and pubertal female rhesus monkeys was evaluated using push-pull perfusion. In Exp 1, the effects of iv bolus injection of N-methyl d,l-aspartate (NMA) on LHRH release were examined. Injection of NMA induced an increase in LHRH release in all maturational stages of monkeys. Although the LHRH response to NMA tended to be larger in the older groups, only the duration of the LHRH response in the midpubertal group was significantly longer than that in the prepubertal group. In Exp 2, the effects of direct infusion of NMA (0.1, 1, and 100 μm) into the stalk-median eminence on LHRH release were similarly examined. NMA infusion stimulated LHRH release in pubertal monkeys, whereas it did not induce any consistent changes in LHRH release in prepubertal monkeys except for the highest dose. Thes...
Switching reliability of tunable ferroelectric resonators and filters

Ferroelectric bulk acoustic wave resonators and filters have recently been demonstrated for applications such as switchable and tunable RF circuits. By applying a dc bias, ferroelectric resonators switch on and by adjusting the voltage level, the resonance frequencies can be tuned. Here, the switching reliability of intrinsically switchable barium strontium titanate based resonators and filters are investigated for the first time. Results show the devices can be switched on and off more than one billion cycles using 10 V pulses without any performance degradation.
Community Development Corporations: Critical Factors That Influence Success

With federal devolution and the ascendancy of community-based development strategies to center stage, the role of community development corporations (CDCs) has gained significance. This analysis fo...
Sol–gel entrapped light harvesting antennas: immobilization and stabilization of chlorosomes for energy harvesting

The chlorosome is a highly specialized supramolecular light-harvesting antenna complex found in green photosynthetic bacteria and is composed of self-assembled bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) pigments entrapped in a lipid vesicle. These organelles are of interest for development of synthetic devices for solar harvesting and conversion because the organization and packing of BChls in the chlorosome provides a highly efficient light collection and energy funneling mechanism with properties that are superior to similar artificial systems based on self-assembled BChl pigment analogues. In this study, we investigated sol–gel chemistry as an approach to entrap and stabilize chlorosomes isolated from Chloroflexus aurantiacus. Two distinct synthesis approaches that differed in the H2O/Si ratio in the gels were investigated. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that the chlorosomes were intact when encapsulated in sol–gels and did not suffer any deleterious effects during the entrapment process. In addition, the integrity of the chlorosomes was unaffected by methanol levels that can result during the formation of sol–gels. Using small-angle neutron scattering it was not only possible to characterize the properties of the sol–gel matrix but also the size, shape and aggregation state of the entrapped chlorosomes. The sol–gels formed at a higher H2O/Si ratio (FH gels) resulted in a more branched gel structure with a larger pore size compared to the gels formed at lower H2O/Si ratio (PH gels). The chlorosomes entrapped in FH gels had dimensions of � 16.0 � 51.1 � 180.1 nm which agrees well with the size of chlorosomes previously determined using cryo-transmission electron microscopy, while the chlorosomes in the PH gels appear to be aggregated. The approach described here offers new possibilities for the development of artificial solar-harvesting and energy conversion devices based on naturally occurring photosynthetic systems.
Aromatase and breast cancer

Several aromatase inhibitors and also new antiestrogens are now available for treating breast cancer. We have developed a model to compare the antitumor efficacy of these agents and to explore strategies for their optimal use. Results from the model have been predictive of clinical outcome. In this model, tumors are grown in ovariectomized, immunodeficient mice from MCF-7 human breast cancer cells transfected with the aromatase gene (MCF-7Ca). The possibility that blockade of estrogen action and estrogen synthesis may be synergistic was explored by treating mice with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole and the antiestrogen tamoxifen alone and in combination. The results indicated that letrozole alone was better than all other treatments. In addition, when tamoxifen treatment was no longer effective, tumor growth was significantly reduced in mice switched to letrozole treatment. However, tumors ultimately began to grow during continued treatment. To investigate the mechanisms by which tumors eventually adapt and grow during letrozole treatment, we determined the expression of signaling proteins in tumors during the course of letrozole treatment compared to the tumors of control mice. Tumors initially up-regulated the ER while responding to treatment, but subsequently receptor levels decreased in tumors unresponsive to letrozole. Also, Her-2 and adapter proteins (p-Shc and Grb-2) as well as all of the signaling proteins in the MAPK cascade (p-Raf, p-Mekl/2, and p-MAPK), but not in the Pl3/Akt pathway, were increased in tumors no longer responsive to letrozole. To investigate whether sensitivity to letrozole could be regained, cells were isolated from the letrozole resistant tumors (LTLT) and treated with inhibitors of the MAPKinase pathway (PD98059 and UO126). These compounds reduced MAPK activity and increased ER expression. EGFR/Her-2 inhibitors, gefitinib and AEE78S although not effective in the parental MCF-70a cells, restored the sensitivity of LTLT cells to letrozole. In xenografts, beginning treatment with letrozole and faslodex to down regulate the ER prevented increases in Her-2 and activation of MAPK and was highly effective in inhibiting tumor growth throughout 29 weeks of treatment. These results suggest that blocking both ER- and growth factor-mediated transcription may delay development of resistance and maintain growth inhibition of ER+ breast cancer.
EXACERBATION OF PLASMODIUM YOELII MALARIA IN ECHINOSTOMA CAPRONI INFECTED MICE AND ABATEMENT THROUGH ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT

The effect of chronic intestinal trematode infection on malaria was examined in a murine model of co-infection using Echinostoma caproni and Plasmodium yoelii. BALB/c mice (n = 32) infected with a low dose of E. caproni (∼10 cysts) 25–35 days before malaria infection displayed significantly increased malaria parasitemia (P = 0.01), extended patency of malaria (P = 0.03), and increased fatality (47%; P < 0.001) compared to mice infected only with P. yoelii (17X nonlethal strain) (n = 18). Further analysis revealed that differences in malaria parasitemia between fatal co-infections and infections with P. yoelii only were highly significant (P < 0.0001), whereas nonfatal co-infections were not statistically different. Exacerbation of malaria was demonstrated to be reversible through clearance of E. caproni worms by praziquantel treatment administered 10 days before malaria infection. No deaths were observed during malaria infection in mice cleared of their E. caproni infection (n = 10), and parasitemia was s...
Pharmacological and Protein Profiling Suggests Venetoclax (ABT-199) as Optimal Partner with Ibrutinib in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract (max 250) 243 Purpose Bruton9s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical enzyme in the B-cell receptor pathway and is inhibited by ibrutinib due to covalent binding to the kinase domain. Though ibrutinib results in impressive clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), most patients achieve only partial remission due to residual disease. We performed a pharmacologic profiling of residual circulating CLL cells from patients receiving ibrutinib to identify optimal agents that could induce cell death of these lymphocytes. Experimental design Ex vivo serial samples of CLL cells from patients on ibrutinib were obtained prior and after (weeks 2, 4, and 12) the start of treatment. These cells were incubated with PI3K inhibitors (idelalisib or IPI-145), bendamustine, additional ibrutinib, or BCL-2 antagonists (ABT-737 or ABT-199) and cell death was measured. In vitro investigations complemented ex vivo studies. Immunoblots for BTK signaling pathway and antiapoptotic proteins were performed. Results The BCL-2 antagonists, especially ABT-199, induced high cell death during ex vivo incubations. In concert with the ex vivo data, in vitro combinations also resulted highly cytotoxicity. Serial samples of CLL cells obtained before and 2, 4, 12, or 36 weeks after the start of ibrutinib showed inhibition of BTK activity and sensitivity to ABTs. Among the three BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins that are overexpressed in CLL, levels of MCL-1 and BCL-XL were decreased after ibrutinib while ABT-199 selectively antagonizes BCL-2. Conclusions Our biological and molecular results suggest that ibrutinib and ABT-199 combination should be tested clinically against CLL. -
The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Periodontal Disease

Background: Alcohol consumption, like smoking, may be related to periodontal disease independently of oral hygiene status. This study assessed the relationship between alcohol consumption and severity of periodontal disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1,371 subjects ages 25 to 74 in the Erie County, NY population was performed. Alcohol intake was assessed by means of previously validated selfreported questionnaires. Outcome variables were gingival bleeding, clinical attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, and presence of subgingival microorganisms. Results: Logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, race, education, income, smoking, diabetes mellitus, dental plaque, and presence of any of 8 subgingival microorganisms showed that those consuming ≥5 drinks/week had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.22 to 2.23) of having higher gingival bleeding, and OR of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.80) of having more severe clinical attachment loss compared to those consuming <5 drinks/week. Those consum...
Constituents’ Responses to Congressional Roll‐Call Voting

Do citizens hold their representatives accountable for policy decisions, as commonly assumed in theories of legislative politics? Previous research has failed to yield clear evidence on this question for two reasons: measurement error arising fromnoncomparableindicatorsoflegislators’andconstituents’preferencesandpotentialsimultaneitybetweenconstituents’ beliefs about and approval of their representatives. Two new national surveys address the measurement problem directly by asking respondents how they would vote and how they think their representatives voted on key roll-call votes. Using the actual votes, we can, in turn, construct instrumental variables that correct for simultaneity. We find that the American electorate responds strongly to substantive representation. (1) Nearly all respondents have preferences over important bills before Congress. (2) Most constituents hold beliefs about their legislators’ roll-call votes that reflect both the legislators’ actual behavior and the parties’ policy reputations. (3) Constituents use those beliefs to hold their legislators accountable.
Speaking for the Evidence: Colonoscopy vs Computed Tomographic Colonography

At a recent National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference on “Enhancing the Use and Quality of Colorectal Cancer Screening,” the final discussion period was dominated by an animated debate between optical colonoscopists and computed tomographic (CT) colonographers about the relative merits of their respective screening tests (optical colonoscopy and CT colonography). A similar exchange between gastroenterology and radiology specialty societies occurred in strongly worded letters to the White House after President Obama had CT colonography for colorectal cancer screening during his annual physical examination. Gastroenterologists claimed that optical colonoscopy is the “gold standard” test; radiologists claimed that Medicare unfairly excludes reimbursement for CT colonography as a screening test (1).