cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of administrative and clinical data to predict major change in medical treatment in US Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry.

Objectives To examine factors associated with major therapeutic changes (MTC) among US Veterans with moderate/severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28). Methods We used data from patients enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry from 1/1/2006 through 12/31/2014. The index date was a clinic visit with DAS28 >3.2 (moderate/severe disease) following an 18-month pre-index period that included ≥2 DAS28 measurements ≥60 days apart. The patients were followed for MTC from 7 days pre-index through 90 days post-index. Poisson multivariable regression models were used to identify associations with MTC. Chart review of a subset of randomly selected patients explored factors that impacted therapeutic decisions. Results Among 941 patients, 396 (42.1%) had MTC. Of these, 369 (39.2%) patients had worsening DAS28 at index, 118 (12.5%) had DAS28 improvements, and 454 (48.2%) patients had no change in DAS28 versus pre-index DAS28. Of the patients with worsening DAS28, no change in DAS28, and improved DAS28, respectively, 50.5%, 62.6%, and 70.3% had no MTC. Regression analyses showed index DAS28, oral steroid or non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (nbDMARD) use in the previous year were associated with an increased likelihood of MTC; use of nbDMARDs in the previous 90 days was associated with a decreased likelihood of MTC. The most common reason for not modifying therapy despite DAS28 >3.2 was a judgement of mild disease. Conclusions Clinicians frequently do not institute major therapeutic changes despite DAS28 indicating moderate/severe disease activity; multiple factors are involved in real-world treatment decisions.
Formation of the End-on Bound Lanthanide Dinitrogen Complexes [(R2N)3Ln-N═N-Ln(NR2)3]2- from Divalent [(R2N)3Ln]1- Salts (R = SiMe3).

Lanthanide-based dinitrogen reduction chemistry has been expanded by the discovery of the first end-on Ln2(μ-η1:η1-N2) complexes, whose synthesis and reactivity help explain the reduction of N2 by ...
Daily life aboard a U-boat

Throughout the war submarine crews typically enjoyed far better morale than the crews of larger warships. They were usually commanded by a lieutenant with one or, at the most, two other junior officers to assist him. The social distinctions that prevailed especially aboard battleships and cruisers, where officers ate in their own mess stocked with far superior food and drink, and even junior officers had their own private quarters, could not be replicated aboard such small vessels, where the physical dimensions and the nature of the service required that all aboard share most of the same conditions and hardships. Because individual submarines operated in isolation, their commanders enjoyed great latitude in the extent to which they enforced procedures and regulations. Out of concern for morale or in recognition of the importance of maintaining a strong camaraderie, few officers maintained rigid discipline. The smallest German submarines deployed on sorties during the war, the twelve boats numbered through U16, dated from 1910–11. Each had a surfaced displacement of approximately 500 tons and measured just under 190 feet long by 20 feet deep, with a beam of 12 feet (58 × 6.1 × 3.7 m). They were manned by a lieutenant, an ensign, and a crew of twenty-seven. They were capable of 13–15 knots surfaced (less than half the speed of a surface warship of the same displacement) and just 5–10 knots submerged.
Change in predicted 10-year and lifetime cardiovascular disease risk after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Long-term changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk after bariatric surgery are not well characterized. Objective To report sex-specific changes in CVD risk after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Setting Observational cohort study at ten hospitals throughout the United States. Methods Between 2006 and 2009, 1770 adults enrolled in a prospective cohort study underwent RYGB at 1 of 10 U.S. hospitals. Research assessments were conducted presurgery and annually postsurgery over 7 years. Sex specific–predicted 10-year and lifetime CVD risk were calculated using the Framingham10-year and lifetime risk scores, Framingham–body mass index, and atherosclerotic CVD scoring algorithms among participants with no history of CVD. Of 1566 eligible participants, 1234 (75.9%) with CVD risk determination pre- and postsurgery were included (1013 females, 221 males). Results Based on the Framingham10-year and lifetime risk scores, the percentage of females with predicted high (>20%) 10-year CVD risk declined from presurgery (6.5% [95% confidence interval: 6.7–7.5]) to 1 year postsurgery (1.0% [95% confidence interval: .8–1.2]; P Conclusion Among both females and males, predicted 10-year and lifetime CVD risk was substantially lower 7 years post RYGB than presurgery, suggesting RYGB surgery can lead to sustained improvements in short- and long-term CVD risk.
We Need Truth in Spending

Congress requires lenders to reveal in writing to borrowers how much they will have to pay in the future, but hides from constituents how much we will have to pay in tax increases or spending cuts to keep our government solvent.
Налогообложение Контролируемых Иностранных Компаний По Законодательству Германии И России

The author deals with the topic of tax avoidance by shifting profits to controlling companies in offshore jurisdictions. The goals of Russian and other foreign companies and their controlling shareholders can be very different: protection of property, concealment of ownership structures, tax avoidance, etc. In addition to the economic relevance of the shift in profits, the author deals with the legal regulations and their meaningfulness. Relevant OECD recommendations and the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive are dealt with, including compliance with these recommendations/harmonization rules in Germany and Russia and the need for changes of legislation in both countries.
Examination of Energy Balance, Eating Disorder Risk, and Pathogenic Behaviors among Athletic Trainers.

CONTEXT Research exists on energy balance (EB) and eating disorder (ED) risk in physically active populations and occupations by settings, but EB and ED in athletic trainers (ATs) has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE To assess ATs' energy needs, including macronutrient profile, and to examine ED risk and pathogenic behavior between sex (males, females), job status (part-time=PT-AT; full-time=FT-AT) and setting (college/university, high school, non-traditional). DESIGN Cross-sectional and descriptive. SETTING Free-living in job settings. PARTICIPANT ATs (n=46; males PT-AT n=12, males FT-AT n=11; females PT-AT n=11, female FT-AT n=12) in Southeastern United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anthropometric measurements (age, height, weight, body composition), resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy intake (EI), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), exercise energy expenditure (EEE), EB, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats), Eating Disorder Inventory-3, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Symptom Checklist. RESULTS Majority (84.8%, n=39) had ED risk, with 26.1% (n=12) engaging in at least 1 pathogenic behavior, 50% (n=23) in 2 pathogenic behaviors, and 10.8% (n=5) in more than 2 pathogenic behaviors. 82.6% of ATs (n=38) presented in negative EB (EI<TDEE). Significant differences were found for sex and job status for RMR (F(1,45)=16.48, P=.001), EI (F(1,45)=12.01, P=.001), TDEE (F(1,45)=40.36, P<.001) and EEE (F(1,38)=5.353, P=.026). No significant differences were found in EB, sex and job status (F(1.45)=1.751, P=.193); Chi-squared analysis revealed no significant differences between ATs' sex and EB [χ2(1,46)=0.0, P=1.00] and job status and EB χ2(1,46) = 2.42, P= 0.120]. No significant difference found between Daily Reference Intakes recommendations for all macronutrients and sex or job status. CONCLUSIONS Athletic trainers experience negative EB, similar to other high-demand occupational professions. Regardless of sex or job status, ATs have a high ED risk and participate in unhealthy pathogenic behaviors. The physical and mental concerns associated with these findings indicates a need for interventions targeted toward ATs' health behaviors.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expressing epithelial cells promotes senescence associated secretory phenotype in endothelial cells and increased inflammatory response

Increased mortality in COVID-19 often associates with thrombotic and microvascular complications. We have recently shown that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein promotes inflammatory cytokine IL-6/IL-6R induced trans-signaling responses which modulate MCP-1 expression in human endothelial cells. MCP-1 is secreted as a major component of the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Virus infected or Spike transfected human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549) exhibited an increase in senescence related marker proteins. TMNK; as a representative human endothelial cell line, when exposed to cell culture supernatant derived from A549 cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Spike CM) exhibited a senescence phenotype with enhanced p16, p21, and SA-{beta}-galactosidase expression. Inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling by Tocilizumab, prior to exposure of supernatant to endothelial cells, inhibited p16 and p21 induction. Likewise, inhibition of receptor signaling by Zanabrutinib or Brd4 function by AZD5153 also led to limited induction of p16 expression. Senescence lead to an enhanced level of adhesion molecule, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human endothelial cells, and TPH1 attachment by in vitro assay. Inhibition of senescence or SASP function prevented ICAM/VCAM expression and leukocyte attachment. We also observed an increase in oxidative stress in A549 spike transfected and endothelial cells exposed to Spike CM. ROS generation in TMNK was reduced after treatment with the IL-6 specific inhibitor Tociliximab, and with the specific inhibitors Zanabrutinib and AZD5153. Taken together, we identified that the exposure of human endothelial cells to cell culture supernatant derived from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expression displayed cellular senescence markers leading to enhanced leukocyte adhesion with coronary blockade potential.
The Multiplicative Patient and the Clinical Workflow: Clinician Perspectives on Social Interfaces for Self-Tracking and Managing Bipolar Disorder

Personal health informatics are increasingly used in the long-term management of bipolar disorder and other serious mental illnesses. These systems help individuals and members of their support networks track and stabilize important social rhythms. In this study, we presented mental health professionals with nine design concepts for personal informatics systems to support interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. These designs, derived from prior empirical findings about patients’ data practices, utilize social interfaces to support the social ecologies critical to relational recovery in bipolar disorder. Designs included features for sharing data in dynamic social support systems, custom variables, commenting, co-tracking, and data-driven action plans. Qualitative analysis of clinicians’ feedback yielded design recommendations for mental health informatics, such as supporting all cognitive states of the multiplicative patient and the interactions between these states and patient–clinician interfaces. Diversity in clinical practice also necessitates application flexibility and careful integration with existing workflows.
Muscle mitochondrial catalase expression prevents neuromuscular junction disruption, atrophy, and weakness in a mouse model of accelerated sarcopenia

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress and damage are associated with a number of ageing phenotypes, including age-related loss of muscle mass and reduced contractile function (sarcopenia). Our group and others have reported loss of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) integrity and increased denervation as initiating factors in sarcopenia, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, generation of reactive oxygen species and peroxides, and loss of muscle mass and weakness. Previous studies from our laboratory show that denervation-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial peroxide generation is highly correlated to muscle atrophy. Here, we directly test the impact of scavenging muscle mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide on the structure and function of the NMJ and muscle mass and function in a mouse model of denervation-induced muscle atrophy CuZnSOD (Sod1-/- mice, Sod1KO). METHODS Whole-body Sod1KO mice were crossed to mice with increased expression of human catalase (MCAT) targeted specifically to mitochondria in skeletal muscle (mMCAT mice) to determine the impact of reduced hydrogen peroxide levels on key targets of sarcopenia, including mitochondrial function, NMJ structure and function, and indices of muscle mass and function. RESULTS Female adult (~12-month-old) Sod1KO mice show a number of sarcopenia-related phenotypes in skeletal muscle including reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption and elevated reactive oxygen species generation, fragmentation, and loss of innervated NMJs (P < 0.05), a 30% reduction in muscle mass (P < 0.05), a 36% loss of force generation (P < 0.05), and a loss of exercise capacity (305 vs. 709 m in wild-type mice, P < 0.05). Muscle from Sod1KO mice also shows a 35% reduction in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum ATPase activity (P < 0.05), changes in the amount of calcium-regulating proteins, and altered fibre-type composition. In contrast, increased catalase expression in the mMCAT × Sod1KO mice completely prevents the mitochondrial and NMJ-related phenotypes and maintains muscle mass and force generation. The reduction in exercise capacity is also partially inhibited (~35%, P < 0.05), and the loss of fibre cross-sectional area is inhibited by ~50% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Together, these striking findings suggest that scavenging of mitochondrial peroxide generation by mMCAT expression efficiently prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and NMJ disruption associated with denervation-induced atrophy and weakness, supporting mitochondrial H2 O2 as an important effector of NMJ alterations that lead to phenotypes associated with sarcopenia.
Alternating copolymers via Diels-Alder and ene reactions with bis-triazolinediones

4-Phenyl-l,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, 1, is an extremely reactive dienophile1–9 and enophile6,9 that is at least 1000 times more reactive in the Diels-Alder reaction with 2-chlorobutadiene than tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 2000 times more reactive than maleic anhydride. 4-Methyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, 2, is at least 30,000 times more reactive towards cyclohexene than its open chain analog, ethylazodicarboxylate.6 The many reactions of these powerful electron-acceptor molecules are generally quite rapid, being complete within a matter of seconds within the range of 0°C to room temperature.
Alcohol Consumption and Subclinical Findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background and Purpose— Subclinical findings on MRI of the brain are associated with poorer cognitive and neurological function among older adults. We sought to determine how alcohol consumption is related to these findings. Methods— As part of the Cardiovascular Health Study, 3660 adults aged 65 years and older underwent MRI of the brain from 1992 to 1994. We excluded 284 participants with a confirmed history of cerebrovascular disease. We assessed self-reported intake of beer, wine, and liquor at the annual clinic visit closest to the date of the MRI and grouped participants into 6 categories: abstainers, former drinkers, <1 drink weekly, 1 to <7 drinks weekly, 7 to <15 drinks weekly, and ≥15 drinks weekly. Neuroradiologists assessed white matter grade, infarcts, ventricular size, and sulcal size in a standardized and blinded manner. We used multivariate regression to control for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results— We found a U-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and whit...
Speed and power performance comparison of state-of-the-art CMOS and SiGe RF transistors

DC and RF characteristics of Si nFETs and SiGe HBTs are compared in IBM's leading-edge production RFCMOS and BiCMOS technologies at 90 and 130 nm nodes respectively. Underlying performance trade-offs to achieve low power circuit operation are investigated.
Obesity bias in training: attitudes, beliefs, and observations among advanced trainees in professional health disciplines.

Objective This study examined weight bias among students training in health disciplines and its associations with their perceptions about treating patients with obesity, causes of obesity, and observations of weight bias by instructors and peers. Methods Students (N = 107) enrolled in a post-graduate health discipline (Physician Associate, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Residency) completed anonymous questionnaires to assess the above variables. Results Students reported that patients with obesity are a common target of negative attitudes and derogatory humor by peers (63%), health-care providers (65%), and instructors (40%). Although 80% of students felt confident to treat obesity, many reported that patients with obesity lack motivation to make changes (33%), lead to feelings of frustration (36%), and are non-compliant with treatment (36%). Students with higher weight bias expressed greater frustration in these areas. The effect of students' weight bias on expectations for treatment compliance of patients with obesity was partially mediated by beliefs that obesity is caused by behavioral factors. Conclusions Weight bias is commonly observed by students in health disciplines, who themselves report frustrations and stereotypes about treating patients with obesity. These findings contribute new knowledge about weight bias among students and provide several targets for medical training and education.
Trophic regions of a hydrothermal plume dispersing away from an ultramafic‐hosted vent‐system: Von Damm vent‐site, Mid‐Cayman Rise

[1] Deep-sea ultramafic-hosted vent systems have the potential to provide large amounts of metabolic energy to both autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms in their dispersing hydrothermal plumes. Such vent-systems release large quantities of hydrogen and methane to the water column, both of which can be exploited by autotrophic microorganisms. Carbon cycling in these hydrothermal plumes may, therefore, have an important influence on open-ocean biogeochemistry. In this study, we investigated an ultramafic-hosted system on the Mid-Cayman Rise, emitting metal-poor and hydrogen sulfide-, methane-, and hydrogen-rich hydrothermal fluids. Total organic carbon concentrations in the plume ranged between 42.1 and 51.1 μM (background = 43.2 ± 0.7 μM (n = 5)) and near-field plume samples with elevated methane concentrations imply the presence of chemoautotrophic primary production and in particular methanotrophy. In parts of the plume characterized by persistent potential temperature anomalies but lacking elevated methane concentrations, we found elevated organic carbon concentrations of up to 51.1 μM, most likely resulting from the presence of heterotrophic communities, their extracellular products and vent larvae. Elevated carbon concentrations up to 47.4 μM were detected even in far-field plume samples. Within the Von Damm hydrothermal plume, we have used our data to hypothesize a microbial food web in which chemoautotrophy supports a heterotrophic community of microorganisms. Such an active microbial food web would provide a source of labile organic carbon to the deep ocean that should be considered in any future studies evaluating sources and sinks of carbon from hydrothermal venting to the deep ocean.
Surveillance Duration Doesn't Affect Privacy Expectations: An Empirical Test of the Mosaic Theory

In the landmark case of United States v. Jones, as many as five Supreme Court justices indicated that tracking the geolocation of a car for a month would be a Fourth Amendment search even though tracking the same car for a day would not be. This duration distinction is based on an influential theory of the Fourth Amendment, dubbed the mosaic theory, which posits that the aggregation of several non-searches of the same person might amount to a search. Jurists have justified the mosaic theory’s duration-sensitivity by grounding it in their sense of “popular attitudes” regarding privacy expectations. Through an empirical examination of survey responses from three large nationally representative samples totaling over 2800 US citizens, we show that Americans’ actual privacy expectations run directly counter to the mosaic theory. Where the mosaic theory says that tracking duration affects citizens’ expectations of privacy, ordinary Americans overwhelmingly say it does not. Our data also reveal that younger Americans and those Americans holding the most firmly anti-authoritarian views have significantly greater expectations of privacy in geolocation information than their fellow citizens. Americans do say that longer duration surveillance is more intrusive than shorter duration surveillance, but the magnitude of this effect remains small.We explore the implications of these findings for the mosaic theory by considering the role of public opinion data in Fourth Amendment doctrine more generally. We ultimately propose a clarified approach to the classic Katz v. United States “reasonable expectations of privacy” framework that formalizes the role of public opinion by reframing the first prong of Katz to ask whether people in general expect privacy in a given context, and the question of what “society is prepared to recognize as reasonable” in Katz as one for which the perceived intrusiveness of a search is germane. To show how survey data could shed light on current Fourth Amendment controversies, we also provide contemporary data about American citizens’ privacy expectations when faced with various scenarios. The paper presents new data on popular expectations of privacy with regard to police use of stingray devices, cell tower geolocation, email content analysis, hotel guest registry searches, and various sorts of surveillance cameras.
Chemisorption bonding and catalysis

The general features of the LCAO--MO, Green's function, and multiple-scattering chi ..cap alpha.. methods and their applications to surfaces and surface-related problems are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the localization of bonding in surface complexes.
Tiled-grating compressor with uncompensated dispersion for near-field-intensity smoothing

A tiled-grating compressor, in which the spatial dispersion is not completely compensated, reduces the near-field-intensity modulation caused by tiling gaps and provides near-field spatial filtering of the input laser beam, thus reducing the laser damage to the final optics.
Effects of molecular structure and interfacial ligation on the precision of Cu-bound α,ω-mercaptoalkanoic acid molecular ruler stacks

Nanolithography processes based on designed, precision thickness multilayer thin films (molecular rulers) have been reported that enable patterning of features on surfaces from a few to the hundred nanometer range. These strategies are unique in their potential ability to enable wafer scale patterning of features of just a few nanometers. If these techniques could be developed to be sufficiently precise and generally applicable, they would fill a long-standing need in nanoscience. In this study a systematic and detailed analysis of the growth mechanisms and molecular layer structures has been carried out for the mercaptoalkanoic acid−copper ion multilayer thin film system currently used as the standard nanolithography resist. Our results show these films form via a redox reaction of thiol groups with surface-ligated Cu(II) ions to form adlayers at only ∼50% coverage with islanding of the alkyl chains, thereby leading to rough topographies and less than theoretical thicknesses based on a 1:1 ideal adlayer....
Neoplastic Masquerade Syndromes

Masquerade syndromes are classically defined as entities which emulate inflammatory conditions but which are in fact due to a neoplastic process. Careful history and examination in concert with appropriate ancillary investigations and histopathologic evaluation of tissue specimens are required in order to make the correct diagnosis. Many conditions may result in an appearance mimicking an inflammatory condition. The authors review neoplastic conditions which may be considered masquerades. The most common of these is primary intraocular lymphoma or primary central nervous system lymphoma, occurring predominately in older individuals. Diagnostic strategies, therapy, and prognosis are reviewed in detail. Other conditions that can be considered masquerade syndromes are reviewed as well, including lymphomatous and nonlymphomatous conditions, such as melanoma, retinoblastoma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, metastatic lesions, and paraneoplastic syndromes, among others.
Integrated fire and ambulance siting: A deterministic model

Abstract The model presented in this paper is developed for an integrated emergency system in which ambulance and fire service deployment are simultaneously considered. The model extends and blends the Maximal Covering Location Problem (MCLP) for ambulance siting and the Facility Location-Equipment Emplacement Technique (FLEET) for fire service placement. The objective of the new formulation is to maximize and trade-off both ambulance and fire coverage subject to constraints on the total number of vehicles and stations of both types that can be sited. We introduce a new concept in integrated coverage that permits free-standing ambulance stations to be sited in addition to fire stations. Typically, ambulances are located at fire stations and, sometimes, hospitals; that is, eligible sites are driven by prior choices that did not include consideration of ambulance service. Our results, based on three sample problems, suggest that, for a given budget level for facility construction, it may be possible for ambulance coverage to be increased with little or no loss in fire coverage. This condition pertains if ambulance stations are freed of the requirement to be sited only at fire stations.
Program costing in a community college

Abstract Traditionally there has been little attempt to relate input costs to outputs obtained in educational systems except on an ad hoc basis. The need for updating the budget control process in all not-for-profit organizations is well recognized. One would like to evaluate programs, identify and analyze alternative strategies for achieving goals and objectives, establish priorities, allocate resources, appraise individual performance, coordinate short and long-range plans and inform the public of the purpose, costs, and results of school programs. By means of program costing an improved budget control process as well as the above list of objectives can be accomplished. For college level education, achievement in basic subjects or curricular programs can be viewed as the outputs of the instructional portion of education. The analysis in this paper is restricted to an organization which is explicitly dedicated to instruction. Revenues flowing into the institution are based on the attraction of students to the courses and programs. Costs are accumulated by responsibility, assigned to courses and accumulated by programs to be compared to revenues. The comparison of costs and revenues by programs can then be evaluated based on the total resources available to the institution. The results are useful in identifying the relative positions of the programs in their use of institutional resources. Efforts can then be expended, for example, to attract a better mix of students, institute new programs that utilize slack, to evaluate courses with low enrollment projections for alteration or elimination, to charge special fees for specialized courses with low enrollments, to recruit faculty who have the flexibility to bridge the heavy and light areas, or to plan for the phasing out of obsolete programs.
Endogenous rhythm, light and salinity effects on postlarval brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives recruitment to estuaries

The interaction between endogenous rhythms, light and salinity changes on postlarval brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives activity levels was examined under laboratory conditions. Understanding how these factors interact will help us better understand estuarine recruitment and retention. Postlarvae have strong circadian and occasional circatidal activity rhythms. The postlarvae respond to salinity increases and light level decreases by increasing swimming activity. The postlarvae decrease swimming activity in response to decreases in salinity and increases in light. These changes in activity occur only during dark/nocturnal conditions. Temporally selective activity in the presence of different environmental signals attests to the plasticity of a postlarva's response to environmental signals and provides a mechanism for estuarine immigration. The presence of a response hierarchy to environmental signals may also help account for the ability of postlarval penaeids to immigrate into estuaries with different hydroperiods and salinity regimes.
Smokeless tobacco, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and antioxidants in human oral keratinocytes.

Abstract We have investigated the effects of a smokeless tobacco extract (STE) on lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c reduction, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death in normal human oral keratinocyte cells, and assessed the protective abilities of selected antioxidants. The cells, isolated and cultured from human oral tissues, were treated with STE (0–300 μl;g/ml) for 24 h. Superoxide anion production was determined by cytochrome c reductase. Oxidative tissue damage was determined by lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, whereas apoptotic cell death was assessed by flow cytometry. STE-induced fragmentation of genomic DNA was also determined by gel electrophoresis. The comparative protective abilities of vitamin C (75 μM), vitamin E (75 μM), a combination of vitamins C & E (75 μM each), and a novel grape seed proanthocyanidin (IH636) extract (GSPE) (100 μg/ml) against STE induced oxidative stress and tissue damage were also determined. Following treatment of the cells with 300 μg STE/ml 1.5–7.6-fold increases in lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c reduction and DNA fragmentation were observed. The addition of the antioxidants to cells treated with STE provided 10–54% decreases in these parameters. Approximately 9, 29, and 35% increases in apoptotic cell death were observed following treatment with 100, 200, and 300 μg STE/ml, respectively, and 51–85% decreases in apoptotic cell death were observed with the antioxidants. The results demonstrate that STE produces oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis, which can be attenuated by antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, a combination of vitamins C plus E and GSPE. GSPE exhibited better protection against STE than vitamins C and E, singly and in combination.
Dynamical System Guided Mapping of Quantitative Neuronal Models Onto Neuromorphic Hardware

We present an approach to map neuronal models onto neuromorphic hardware using mathematical insights from dynamical system theory. Quantitatively accurate mappings are important for neuromorphic systems to both leverage and extend existing theoretical and numerical cortical modeling results. In the present study, we first calibrate the on-chip bias generators on our custom hardware. Then, taking advantage of the hardware's high-throughput spike communication, we rapidly estimate key mapping parameters with a set of linear relationships for static inputs derived from dynamical system theory. We apply this mapping procedure to three different chips, and show close matching to the neuronal model and between chips-the Jenson-Shannon divergence was reduced to at least one tenth that of the shuffled control. We confirm that our mapping procedure generalizes to dynamic inputs: Silicon neurons match spike timings of a simulated neuron with a standard deviation of 3.4% of the average inter-spike interval.
Achilles tendonitis detected by FDG-PET.

Increased metabolic activity in the region of the Achilles tendon is occasionally noted when the lower extremities are studied with PET scans. Although tendonitis has been a possible explanation for the uptake, corroborative evidence from other imaging modalities is usually absent. We report a case of abnormally increased FDG uptake in the Achilles tendon correlated with a diagnosis of tendonitis and MRI imaging abnormalities.
Estrogen and cerebrovascular regulation in menopause

Estrogen (E2), classically viewed as a reproductive steroid hormone, has non-reproductive functions throughout the body including in the brain and vasculature. Studies report diminished neuroprotection with declining E2 levels, corresponding with higher incidence of cerebrovascular and neurological disease. However, the effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the cerebral vasculature and brain function remain controversial. This review will focus on evidence of 17β-estradiol actions in the cerebral vasculature, with a particular emphasis on the vasoactive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, metabolic and molecular properties. Controversies surrounding MHT in relation to cerebrovascular disease and stroke risk will be discussed, particularly the emerging evidence from clinical trials supporting the critical period hypothesis of estrogen protection.
Dissociations of perception and action do not automatically imply independent visual processing streams

Abstract Since the publication of Milner and Goodale's perception–action model of visual processing, there has been a general tendency to attribute any dissociation in the performance of perceptual and action tasks to a difference in the abilities and limitations of the ventral and dorsal visual streams. However, behavioral dissociations do not necessarily imply different underlying neural systems. In particular, there is a class of illusions, brought about by distortions of the observer's egocentric reference frame, that can cause perception–action dissociations without requiring or implying the existence of separate visual processing streams.
Overcoming the restriction barrier to plasmid transformation of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori strains demonstrate substantial variability in the efficiency of transformation by plasmids from Escherichia coli, and many strains are completely resistant to transformation. Among the barriers to transformation are numerous strain-specific restriction-modification systems in H. pylori. We have developed a method to protect plasmid DNA from restriction by in vitro site-specific methylation using cell-free extracts of H. pylori before transformation. In two cases, plasmid DNA treated with cell-free extracts in vitro acquired the restriction pattern characteristic of genomic DNA from the source strain. Among three strains examined in detail, the transformation frequency by treated plasmid shuttle and suicide vectors was significantly increased compared with mock-treated plasmid DNA. The results indicate that the restriction barrier in H. pylori can be largely overcome by specific DNA methylation in vitro. The approach described should significantly enhance the ability to manipulate gene function in H. pylori and other organisms that have substantial restriction barriers to transformation.
Sound velocity in helium-filled porous Vycor glass

The velocity of longitudinal and transverse sound in helium-filled porous Vycor glass was measured and analyzed with the use of the Biot theory of sound propagation in fluid-filled porous media. From transverse wave velocities, the superfluid fraction was determined and, from longitudinal velocities, the elastic properties of the helium were determined.
Challenges and opportunities in dental teacher education.

In 1959 and 1960 the University of Illi­ nois College of Dentistry conducted a teacher education program consisting of dental teacher institutes, an institute for practicing dentists, an institute on teach­ ing oral roentgenology, faculty seminars and conferences, informal student semi­ nars, a course for graduate and post­ graduate students, and departmental studies involving research in teaching procedures. T h e program was supported by the Kellogg Foundation and a grant from the National Institu te o f D ental Research. T he objective was to study means by which the knowledge of den­ tistry can be taught most effectively to dental students.
Growth of biaxially textured buffer layers on rolled-Ni substrates by electron beam evaporation

Abstract This paper describes the development of two buffer layer architectures on rolled-Ni substrates using an electron beam evaporation technique. The first buffer layer architecture consists of an epitaxial laminate of CeO 2 /Pd/Ni. The second alternative buffer layer consistes of an epitaxial laminate of YSZ/CeO 2 /Ni. The cube (100) texture in the Ni was produced by cold-rolling followed by recrystallization. The CeO 2 films were grown epitaxially on both Pd-buffered and textured-Ni substrates. The YSZ films were grown epitaxially on CeO 2 -buffered Ni substrates. The crystallographic orientation of the Pd, CeO 2 , and YSZ films were all (100). We also studied the effect of CeO 2 layer thickness and crack formation on textured-Ni substrates. The layer thickness was found to be critical. For some thickness, cracks formed in the CeO 2 layer. The presence of YSZ layers on the CeO 2 layers seem alleviate the cracks that are formed underneath. Our SEM studies showed that both CeO 2 (3–10 nm thick underlayer) and YSZ layers were smooth and continuous.
Effect of vacuum on the performance of the flame ionization detector used for vacuum‐outlet gas chromatography

Vacuum-outlet operation of short fused-silica open tubular columns for gas chromatography provides benefits to analysis speed by increasing the optimum velocity while minimizing the loss in resolution. Vacuum-outlet operation of a column with a gas chromatographic detector necessitates that the detector also be under vacuum. Simple modifications were made to a gas chromatograph–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) for vacuum-inlet and vacuum-outlet operation. The vacuum-inlet system was operated in the splitless mode to allow for efficient sample loading prior to operation at reduced pressures. The goal of FID operation at 100 torr or less was achieved by using oxygen in place of air and optimizing the gas flows under vacuum to maintain a stable flame at pressures as low as 46 torr. An outlet pressure of 85 torr with optimized gas flows allowed for routine operation of the FID without solvent flame-out. It was discovered that the sensitivity is enhanced compared to atmospheric operation over a range of outlet pressures from approximately 200 to 400 torr; however, operation of the FID at the lowest possible pressures decreases the analytical sensitivity due to both the outlet pressure and the absence of helium makeup gas. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 12: 226–235, 2000
Csaba Horváth and preparative liquid chromatography.

Few chromatographers have been interested in furthering preparative liquid chromatography. The pioneers, Tswett, Kuhn and Lederer, A.J.P. Martin, Tiselius, isolated fractions but as an intermediate step in the analysis of their samples. The progress in electronics and sensors, and in their miniaturization has lead to the paradoxical situation that the analysts never see the transient pure fractions that their detector quantitates. Yet, over the last 25 years, preparative liquid chromatography has become an important industrial process for the separation, the extraction, and/or the purification of many pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical intermediates, including pure enantiomers, purified peptides and proteins, compounds that are manufactured at the relatively large industrial scale of a few kilograms to several hundred tons per year. This development that has strongly affected the modem pharmaceutical industry is mainly due to the pioneering work of Csaba Horvath. His work in preparative HPLC was critical at both the practical and the theoretical levels. He was the first scientist in modem times to pay serious attention to the relationships between the curvature of the equilibrium isotherms, the competitive nature of nonlinear isotherms, and the chromatographic band profiles of complex mixtures. The thermodynamics of multi-component phase equilibria and mass transfer kinetics in chromatography attracted his interest and were the focus of ground-breaking contributions. He investigated displacement chromatography, an old method invented by Tiselius that Csaba was first to implement in HPLC. This choice was explained by the essential characteristic of displacement chromatography, in that it delivers fractions that can be far more concentrated than the feed. Remarkably, once the basics of nonlinear chromatography had been mastered in his group, most of the applications that were studied by his coworkers dealt with peptides of various sizes and with proteins. Thus, all the applications of preparative HPLC in the biotechnologies derive directly from Csaba's work. Although displacement did not pan out as a general method, the reasons are related more to practical constraints of the production of pharmaceuticals and to the long period of cheap energy that might be ending now. This report reviews Csaba's work in nonlinear chromatography.
The synaptic bouton acts like a salt shaker

The physiological quantal responses at the neuromuscular junction and the bouton-neuron show two classes based on amplitude such that the larger class is about 10 times that of the smaller class; and, the larger class is composed of the smaller class. The ratio of the two classes changes with synaptogenesis, degeneration, nerve stimulation, and is readily altered with various challenges (ionic, tonicity, pharmacological agents). Statistical analyses demonstrate that each bouton or release site at the neruomuscular junction (NMJ) secretes a standard amount of transmitter (one quantum) with each action potential. The amount of transmitter secreted (quantal size) is frequency dependent. The quantal-vesicular-exocytotic (QVE) hypothesis posits that the packet of secreted transmitter is released from one vesicle by exocytosis. The QVE hypothesis neither explains two quantal classes and subunits nor exocytosis of only one vesicle at each site. The latter observation requires a mechanism to select one vesicle from each array. Our porocytosis hypothesis states that the quantal packet is pulsed from an array of secretory pores. A salt shaker delivers a standard pinch of salt with each shake because salt flows through all openings in the cap. The variation in the pinch of salt or transmitter decreases with an increase in array size. The docked vesicles, paravesicular matrix, and porosomes (pores) of a release site form the secretory unit. In analogy with the sacromere as the functional unit of skeletal muscle, we term the array of docked vesicles and paravesicular grid along with the array of postsynaptic receptors a synaptomere. Pulsed secretion from an array explains the substructure of the postsynaptic response (quantum). The array guarantees a constant amount of secretion with each action potential and permits a given synapse to function in different responses because different frequencies would secrete signature amounts of transmitter. Our porocytosis hypothesis readily explains a change in quantal size during learning and memory with an increase in the number of elements (docked vesicles) composing the array.
Intellectual sequelae of primary non-obstructive hydrocephalus in infancy: analysis of 50 cases

Abstract In 50 cases of primary non-obstructive nonprogressive hydrocephalus in infancy, possibilities of predicting later intelligence were investigated. The mean IQ was 80 ± 24 ; in 50% of the cases IQ was normal, in 22% between 85 and 55 and in 28% below 55. The occipitofrontal circumference and the degree of ventricular enlargement had no correlation with the intellectual outcome in the children. Most prognostic value on the IQ had the age when reaching the developmental milestones, the degree of motor disability and the number of minor malformations. As there was no relation between the degree of hydrocephalus and the intellectual impairment, the conclusion can be made that associated anomalies of the CNS and defects in the cyto-architecture of the neocortex are more important factors in explaining mental retardation in cases of hydrocephalus.
Cranial Computed Tomographic Demonstration of Intracranial Penetration by an Orbital Foreign Body

A 9-year-old boy suffered intracerebral penetration by a stick driven into his right orbit. Diagnosis was obtained by cranial computed tomography (CT), and this test directed appropriate immediate surgical intervention. Combined orbital exploration and craniotomy was followed by a gratifying recovery. The importance of CT in orbital and possible intracranial trauma is stressed.
Degrees of the Elliptic Teichmüller Lift

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to find upper bounds for the degrees, or equivalently, for the order of the poles at O, of the coordinate functions of the elliptic Teichmuller lift of an ordinary elliptic curve over a perfect field of characteristic p. We prove the following bounds:ord0(xn)⩾−(n+2)pn+npn−1, ord0(yn)⩾−(n+3)pn+npn−1. Also, we prove that the bound for xn is not the exact order if, and only if, p divides (n+1), and the bound for yn is not the exact order if, and only if, p divides (n+1)(n+2)/2. Finally, we give an algorithm to compute the reduction modulo p3 of the canonical lift for p≠2,3.
Ground and excited state spectral comparisons of models for sulfite oxidase

Abstract Determining the contributions of thiolate and ene-1,2-dithiolate donors to the underlying electronic structure of the Mo site in sulfite oxidase (SO) has been a goal pursued by inorganic chemists for almost twenty years. The use of the hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate ligand provided the framework for the first low-symmetry oxo-molybdenum(V) models in which the oxo donor was cis to the dithiolene moiety of benzene-1,2-dithiolate. Recent work from the Carrano and Kirk laboratories has produced a second-generation model of the SO active site based upon the (2-dimethylethanethiol)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane heteroscorpionate ligand. Use of this heteroscorpionate framework provides for an oxo-molybdenum(V) complex with both a thiolate and an ene-1,2-dithiolate in the equatorial plane. In addition to providing a good structural model, the heteroscorpionate thiolate offers a constrained O–Mo–S thiolate –C torsion angle of ∼115°, closer to that of the ∼90° O–Mo–S Cys –C torsion angle observed in the chicken liver SO active site than can be obtained with thiophenolate ligands. This constrained torsion angle allows for the examination of how second-coordination sphere effects influence the electronic structure of the Mo site. Here we compare and contrast the molecular and electronic structures of these first- and second-generation models of the SO active site. Additionally, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters for both of these models are compared with those measured for the Mo(V) form of both low pH ( lpH ) and high pH ( hpH ) forms of SO in order to determine what insight these structural models can offer about the electronic structure of the active site of SO.