cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiotoxicity associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy.

Abstract Introduction The expanding use of immunotherapy and the growing population of patients with cancer has led to an increase in the reporting of immune related adverse events (irAEs). The emergency clinician should be aware of these emerging toxicities, some of which can be fatal. In this review we discuss the cardiotoxic side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy. Discussion Recognizing the possible presentations of cardiotoxic irAEs is of utmost important as the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity associated with ICI and CAR T-cell can be difficult to make in the emergency department. The emergency clinician will have to presume the diagnosis and treat it without final confirmation in most cases. For this reason, if the diagnosis is suspected, early involvement of the cardiologist and oncologist is important to help guide management. Most irAEs will be treated with glucocorticoids, but in the case of CAR T-cell cardiotoxicity, Tocilizumab should be used as first line. Conclusion Although cardiotoxicity is rare, it is often life-threatening. Treatment should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected, and early involvement of the cardiologist and oncologist is imperative for optimal treatment.
Self-supervised Transformer for Multivariate Clinical Time-Series with Missing Values.

Multivariate time-series (MVTS) data are frequently observed in critical care settings and are typically characterized by excessive missingness and irregular time intervals. Existing approaches for learning representations in this domain handle such issues by either aggregation or imputation of values, which in-turn suppresses the fine-grained information and adds undesirable noise/overhead into the machine learning model. To tackle this challenge, we propose STraTS (Self-supervised Transformer for TimeSeries) model which bypasses these pitfalls by treating time-series as a set of observation triplets instead of using the traditional dense matrix representation. It employs a novel Continuous Value Embedding (CVE) technique to encode continuous time and variable values without the need for discretization. It is composed of a Transformer component with Multi-head attention layers which enables it to learn contextual triplet embeddings while avoiding problems of recurrence and vanishing gradients that occur in recurrent architectures. Many healthcare datasets also suffer from the limited availability of labeled data. Our model utilizes self-supervision by leveraging unlabeled data to learn better representations by performing time-series forecasting as a self-supervision task. Experiments on real-world multivariate clinical time-series benchmark datasets show that STraTS shows better prediction performance than state-of-the-art methods for mortality prediction, especially when labeled data is limited. Finally, we also present an interpretable version of STraTS which can identify important measurements in the time-series data.
Perspectives of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: review of community-based discussion boards.

Given the overall increase in the number of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, there has been a growing interest in identifying and implementing effective care for this patient population. To date, there are remaining gaps in research, partly due to challenges in reaching AYA survivors. Our study aimed to assess AYA cancer survivors’ concerns using postings from the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network, an online, publicly available forum. Using qualitative methods, posts from AYA survivors and/or their family/friends in the “Young Cancer Survivors” discussion board from January 2010 to October 2020 were systematically assessed using a previously published cancer survivorship care framework. We identified 158 individuals (145 AYA and 13 family or friends), aged 15 to 39 years old, who contributed to 181 posts with concerns regarding cancer survivorship. A majority of posts pertained to surveillance and management of psychosocial effects. Less than half related to concerns about the surveillance and management of physical effects and a few regarding surveillance for recurrence and new cancers. Psychological challenges, including coping and depression, as well as interpersonal topics, including community support and non-family relationships, were the most prevalent psychosocial concerns. Some issues across multiple domains were mentioned. Concerns pertaining to contextual healthcare delivery domains, such as communication, care coordination, and care experience, were less common. Our study found that AYA cancer survivors and their family/friends expressed concerns in several survivorship care domains. Physical and psychosocial issues were most prevalent. Interventions tailored towards identifying and addressing the continued unmet needs of AYA cancer survivors are needed. Use of social media may provide opportunities to access this patient population for both clinical and research interventions.
Hispanic parental perceptions about telemedicine: Potential targets for interventions to improve access to care.

INTRODUCTION: One benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the growth and expansion of telemedicine capabilities with the potential to improve access to healthcare in the face of social isolation mandates. However, adoption of telemedicine has been suboptimal in the Hispanic community and data has been sparse regarding Hispanic experiences with and opinions regarding telemedicine. METHODS: To gather feedback regarding telemedicine and to identify potential barriers to telemedicine use in the Hispanic community, we performed semi-structured interviews about telemedicine experiences among both Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents who had performed both in-person and at least one telemedicine visit for their child at our institution. Mixed methods were utilized to analyze interview responses. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Overall, Hispanic parents overwhelmingly preferred in-person to telemedicine encounters as compared with non-Hispanic parents. Targets were identified to improve the use of telemedicine and to potentially improve access to healthcare in the Hispanic community.
Chartists, Fundamentalists, and the Demand for Dollars

The careening path of the dollar in recent years has shattered more than historical records and the financial health of some speculators. It has also helped to shatter faith in economists' models of the determination of exchange rates. We have understood for some time that under conditions of high international capital mobility, currency values will move sharply and unexpectedly in response to new information. Even so, actual movements of exchange rates have been puzzling in two major respects. First, the proportion of exchange rate changes that we are able to predict seems to be, not just low, but zero. According to rational expectations theory we should be able to use our models to predict that proportion of exchange rate changes that is correctly predicted by exchange market participants. Yet neither models based on economic fundamentals, nor simple time series models, nor the forecasts of market participants as reflected in the forward discount or in survey data, seem able to predict better than the lagged spot rate. Second the proportion of exchange rate movements that can be explained even after the fact, using contemporaneous macroeconomic variables, is disturbingly low.
Locoregional Chemoradiotherapy of Cancer Using Hydrogel

In this chapter, we will demonstrate that in situ hydrogel can be used for local-regional delivery of chemotherapy and radiotherapy while reducing associated toxicities found with traditional delivery methods. In an attempt to incorporate well-known slow-release methodologies for drug delivery with radiotherapy, we highlight our own developed hydrogel that plays two roles in cancer treatment: (1) slow release of chemotherapeutic agents and (2) trapping of therapeutic radionuclides. The findings demonstrate the potential uses of image-guided therapy in cancer treatment. Keywords: hydrogel; locoregional chemoradiotherapy; cancer treatment; slow-release assays; molecular imaging
Observers and Dynamic Feedback

Section 1.6 in Chapter 1 discussed the advantages of using integration in order to average out noise when obtaining state estimates. This leads us to the topic of dynamic observers. In this chapter, we deal with observers and with the design of controllers for linear systems using only output measurements.
Catalytic activity and expression of two flavin-containing monooxygenases from Drosophila melanogaster.

Two flavin-containing monooxygenase genes occur in the Drosophila genome (named DmFMO-1 and DmFMO-2). Differences exist between these two FMOs in: (1) genomic DNA architecture and predicted post-translational modifications; (2) recombinant protein solubility, activity, and absorbance spectra; and (3) subcellular distribution and developmental transcription/ translation profiles in wildtype flies. Characteristic FAD absorbance spectra and strong catalytic competence in methimazole sulfoxidation were observed for recombinant DmFMO-2. Alternatively, weak sulfoxidation was observed for DmFMO-1, which correlated with reduced solubility in the recombinant system. Western blot analyses using specific antisera raised to each FMO showed the two FMOs to be immunologically distinct. In addition, Western blot analyses revealed FMO protein expression in both the microsomal and cytosolic sub-cellular fractions. Interestingly, a larger form of DmFMO-1 occurs in the cytosol that is most strongly expressed in the adult head. These findings suggest divergent physiological roles for DmFMO-1 and DmFMO-2. More specifically, it appears that DmFMO-1 has a distinct developmental role, while DmFMO-2 may have a general housekeeping function. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 57:28–39, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone by hormone dependent and hormone independent human breast carcinoma.

Abstract The metabolism of 7α- 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone was studied in six human breast carcinomas in vitro . All mammary tumors transformed DHA to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol and 5α-androstane-3, 17-dione. Of the tumors investigated, three estrogen receptor-negative tumors converted DHA to estradiol and only one estrogen receptor-positive tumor produced estradiol from DHA. Observations on the relationship of androgen metabolism and hormone dependency are discussed.
Drift–diffusion approach to spin-polarized transport

Abstract We develop a drift–diffusion equation that describes electron spin polarization density in two-dimensional electron systems. In our approach, superpositions of spin-up and spin-down states are taken into account, this distinguishes our model from the traditional two-component drift–diffusion approximation. The Dresselhaus and Rashba spin–orbit coupling mechanisms are taken into consideration, as well as an applied electric field. The derived equation is applied to the modelling of relaxation of homogeneous spin polarization. Our results are consistent with previous studies.
Application of natural partial digests to pulsed-field gel analysis of the amplified MDR locus

Abstract The analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of partial digestion products visualized by probes for the human multidrug resistance ( MDR ) locus has been used to further establish the restriction map of this region. Results place the MDR1 and MDR2 genes on a single Sfi I fragment, with partial digestion products establishing the distance between these genes to be 230–250 kb. The feasibility and potential advantages of using “natural” partials to generate detailed restriction maps within an amplified DNA domain are discussed.
Reproducibility of data from a hand-held digital pulp tester used on teeth and oral soft tissue.

Abstract Controlled studies of the reproducibility of data from electronic pulp testing instruments are limited and contain few statistical analyses. The reproducibility of these readings is important if the instrument is to be used for determining differences in sensitivity. Twenty human subjects (16 male) were used in this study. One incisor, one premolar, one molar tooth with small or no restorations, and two gingival soft tissue positions from each upper and lower arch of each subject were stimulated with the Analytic Technology vitality scanner. This procedure was repeated twice with a 5-minute rest between each trial, for a total of three trials. Each subject was then seen again after a period of at least 3 days, at which time the trials were repeated. The collected data were grouped by trial, tooth position, and day. Paired t test analysis of both the absolute difference between any two trials on the same day and the average of the absolute differences between corresponding trials on days 1 and 2 showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Accommodation to the stimulus was evaluated by examining differences in the mean values between the three same-day trials. The Analytic Technology vitality scanner was found to be reproducible both for consecutive same-day trials and for corresponding trials on different days. No same-day trends in meter readings were noted.
A dual-use visible light approach to integrated communication and localization of underwater robots with application to non-destructive nuclear reactor inspection

Visible light communication systems have gained prominence as a method for wireless underwater communications. This is because these systems are capable of long distance communications in water with high bandwidths. A requirement of visible light systems, however, is consistent line of sight to maintain a communication link. This arises from the directional nature of visible light emitters and detectors. One solution to this problem is to implement feedback control in order to “point” visible light emitters and detectors at one another. This in turn requires precise estimation of the relative locations of these two components as a feedback signal. In this work, a system is presented that uses the modulated light signal both as a medium with which to carry data and as a reference upon which to base the localization of a mobile robot. This is therefore a dual-use system, for both communication and localization. First, this paper presents the architecture of a dual-use visible light communication and localization system. The localization is carried out using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm. Then, a planar version of this dual-use system is tested, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the dual-use approach.
Triple Correlation Of Laser Speckle

In this paper we report on research concerning triple correlation of laser speckle patterns produced by illuminating a distant rough object with coherent light. Triple correlation of these speckle patterns is known to contain Fourier phase information. In our work the Fourier phase of an object is extracted by treating the phase triplet in the factorized form of the triple correlation as a binary quantity. The Fourier phase along with the Fourier magnitude, obtained by second order correlation, yields an image via inverse transformation.
Reflection properties of the Salisbury screen

The reflection properties of multiple electric/magnetic Salisbury screens have been studied. Analytical formulae are developed for the maximally flat design of two- and three-screen planar stackups that have taken into account appropriate values for the spacer materials used to separate the screens. The effect of curvature has also been assessed. It is shown that relatively large reductions in specular reflection are possible over sizeable bandwidths using relatively few Salisbury screens. Furthermore, these reductions are not completely destroyed if the incident wave is not normal to the surface, if the surface is curved or if there are errors in fabrication of the screen. >
Alternative rates of structural change in Norwegian dairy farming: impacts on costs of production and rural employment

Abstract The economies of size in Norwegian dairy farming are far from exploited. There is increasing pressure on cost savings through faster farm restructuring. Such a structural transition could have severe effects on other concerns (rural employment and social well being, landscape preservation, biodiversity, heritage values, etc.) valued by the society. A simulation model is developed to study effects of alternative rates of structural change on the social costs of milk production, farm employment and farm subsidies. The model is based on economic conditions at the farm level for various size groups and regions. Changes in the model's farm structure depend on the exit rate of existing farms in various size groups and the size of newly established farms. When new farms are substituted for existing farms, a rapid change in farm structure and a new herd size of 60 cows (the largest evaluated) results in the lowest costs. Approximately 60% of the cost savings achieved by larger farms can be attributed to lower labour input, resulting in considerable losses of employment. Job losses will have the greatest negative family and community impacts in areas located far from urban centres, because a large share of the milk is produced is such areas, farms are smaller and there are fewer non-farm employment opportunities. Government support is necessary to preserve small farms’ provision of multiple benefits. The balance between cost-saving pressures and the rationales for retaining small farms under increasingly liberalized market regimes is bound to be a complex issue.
BIVALENT CATIONS IN HOMOZYGOUS THALASSEMIA.

The duration of survival of pediatric patients with thalassemia major has been extendedby means of transfusion therapy. Late complications are now known to include skeletal fractures and myocardopathy with disturbances in cardiac conduction. Studies of calcium and magnesium have revealed decreased urinary excretion of these minerals from an early age and decreased serum concentrations of one or both cations in patients more than 15 years of age. Increased incorporation of magnesium into erythrocytes, although documented, probably does not account for the findings in serum and urine. Comparative studies in patients with sickle cell anemia revealed normal serum values but variable reductions in urinary excretion of the same cations, suggesting that these aberrations may relate to the presence of hemolytic anemia rather than to thalassemia per se.
First Record of the Cyst Nematode Heterodera filipjevi on Wheat in Oregon.

Plant and soil samples from an irrigated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) field near Imbler (Union County), OR were evaluated for root diseases during April 2007. The field exhibited patches with as much as 90% plant mortality. Previous crops were winter wheat (2004), chickpea (Cicer arietinum, 2005), and spring wheat (cv. Jefferson, 2006). Stubble was baled and removed, and the field was cultivated before replanting to winter wheat cv. Chukar in October. Patches of stunted seedlings (three- to five-leaf stage) appeared in March 2007. Stunted seedlings exhibited chlorotic or necrotic lower leaves, healthy younger leaves, few or no tillers, rotting of lower culms and crowns, and light brown roots with little or no branching. Signs and symptoms of fungal pathogens (Pythium spp., Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Rhizoctonia solani AG-8, and Typhula incarnata) were present on affected plants. Most small grain fields in Union County are infested with Heterodera avenae (4) but none of the roots, on either ...
Effects of the pre-column in automated on-column injection capillary gas chromatography

In this work, we investigated the effects of pre-columns and press-fit connectors on automated cold on-column injection capillary gas chromatography. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocking vasodilator used in the treatment of angina, arrhythmias and hypertension, and norverapamil, an active metabolite, were used as model compounds in these investigations. Wide-bore fused-silica tubing deactivated with OV-1701-vinyl was also studied with respect to its suitability as pre-column material. The detector response of verapamil versus an internal standard was consistent at micrograms/ml and ng/ml levels, while that of norverapamil decreased with the amount injected. However, the decrease in response of norverapamil appeared to be unrelated to the presence of a pre-column or press-fit connector in the chromatographic system.
Ultrasonic calling in 2 species of voles, Microtus pinetorum and M. pennsylvanicus, with different social systems

When isolated, pups of muroid rodents emit ultrasonic vocalizations, an indication that they are stressed by being alone and exposed to cooling temperatures. Rate of vocalizations is greatest at the end of their 1st week and beginning of the 2nd week, declines in the 2nd week as eyes open and thermoregulation becomes fully established, and ceases in the 3rd week. Young of 1 vole species, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), vocalize significantly more than those of other species, which has been attributed to the social structure of the species, because they have monogamous mating behavior and high level of biparental care. To determine whether this vocalizing behavior is typical of vole species with monogamous social systems, I examined calling behavior in another monogamous species with biparental care, the pine (or woodland) vole (M. pinetorum), and I compared it to that of a polygynous species that has only maternal care, the meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus). Pups were isolated for 20 min at 228C 6 28C and the number of ultrasonic calls they emitted was monitored. Pine vole pups vocalized at high rates, similar to prairie voles, emitting a mean of 47 calls/min at the ages when calling was greatest (8–16 days). In contrast, meadow vole pups vocalized significantly less, emitting a mean of 9 calls/min at the age of greatest calling (5–9 days). Pine voles continued vocalizing to 23 days, like prairie voles but different from other vole species, including meadow voles, which cease calling earlier. I conclude that young voles of monogamous species, which are highly affiliative and have paternal as well as maternal care, respond to the stress of isolation more strongly than do other vole species and emit more ultrasonic vocalizations than species that are less social and have less parental care.
ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from potato tuber: site-directed mutagenesis of homologous aspartic acid residues in the small and large subunits.

Asp 142 in the homotetrameric ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADP-Glc PPase) enzyme from Escherichia coli was demonstrated to be involved in catalysis of this enzyme [Frueauf, J.B., Ballicora, M.A. and Preiss J. (2001) J. Biol. Chem., 276, 46319-46325]. The residue is highly conserved throughout the family of ADP-Glc PPases, as well as throughout the super-family of sugar-nucleotide pyrophosphorylases. In the heterotetrameric ADP-GIc PPase from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber, the homologous residue is present in both the small (Asp 145 ) and the large (Asp 160 ) subunits. It has been proposed that the small subunit of plant ADP-Glc PPases is catalytic, while the large subunit is modulatory; however, no catalytic residues have been identified. To investigate the function of these conserved Asp residues in the ADP-Glc PPase from potato tuber, we used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce either an Asn or a Glu. Kinetic analysis in the direction of synthesis or pyrophosphorolysis of ADP-Glc showed a significant decrease (more than four orders of magnitude) in the specific activity of the S D145N L wt , S D145N L D160N , and S D145N L D160E mutants, while the effect was smaller (approximately two orders of magnitude) with the S D145E L wt , S D145E L D160N , and S D145E L D160E mutants. By contrast, mutation of the large subunit alone did not affect the specific activity but did alter the apparent affinity for the activator 3-phosphoglycerate, showing two types of apparent roles for this residue in the different subunits. These results show that mutation of Asp 160 of the large subunit does not affect catalysis, thus the large subunit is not catalytic, and that the negative charge of Asp 145 in the small subunit is necessary for enzyme catalysis.
Platelets may serve up biomarkers

Biomarkers, biological measurements that identify or “mark” the presence of disease, are nothing new to medicine, as exemplified by the routine use of CK-MB and troponin measurements to identify patients who have suffered a heart attack. However, the current “omics” revolution, which allows
Carbonaceous particles in coal combustion stack ash and their interaction with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Carbonaceous particles consisting of uncombusted coal, coal coke, and intermediates are concentrated in the large particle size fractions (>14 μm) of stack ash. Although they do not constitute a major portion of the ash, they appear to contribute significantly to the interaction of fly ash with organic matter. The carbonaceous particle-enriched fractions are more sorptive, have higher levels of organic matter, and exhibit higher specific surface areas than mineral or magnetic particle-enriched subfractions. Extraction recoveries of organics from fly ash appear to be limited mainly by the carbonaceous particles.
Towards Authenticity: A Sartrean Perspective on Business Ethics

Taking a Sartrean existentialist viewpoint towards business ethics, in particular, concerning the question of the nature of businesspersons’ moral character, provides for a dramatically distinct set of reflections from those afforded by the received view on character, namely that of Aristotelian-based virtue ethics. Insofar as Sartre’s philosophy places human freedom at center stage, I argue that the authenticity with which a businessperson approaches moral situations depends on the degree of consciousness he or she has of the various choices at stake. Finally, I consider some practical changes in business ethics education, managerial decision-making, and business organizations that Sartrean reflections might prompt.
Primary hyperparathyroidism: 7,000 years of progress.

Because of widespread screening of the serum calcium concentration, most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism now present with very mild disease instead of the severe bone or kidney manifestations seen in the past. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in their 2002 guidelines recommend surgery for patients with symptoms and for select patients without symptoms. But many now argue that all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism should be referred for surgery to reduce fracture risk and enhance general health.
Forum: energy development and environmental protection

The author strongly believes that economic growth and preservation of our environment can be balanced and can co-exist. The same belief applies to the issue of energy development and our healthy environment and its sustainability. Energy development should not prevail at the expense of environmental protection. Any conflict can be resolved and all associated activities should set the goal of providing benefits to the mankind.
The "ON"-bipolar agonist, L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate, blocks light-evoked cone contraction in xenopus eye cups.

Rhythmic photoreceptor metabolism in relationship to light-dark cycles is now thought be regulated through a retinal feed-back mechanism with dopamine serving as a principal signal initiating light-evoked events. In order to test the hypothesis that depolarizing “ON”-bipolar neurons participate in the retinal signalling pathway, we determined the effects of L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-APB) on light-evoked cone contraction in eye cups fromXenopus laevis. L-APB blocked the response stereospecifically when applied over a broad concentration range. The high specificity of L-APB in retina suggests that sign-inverting bipolar neurons which depolarize in light are in the signalling pathway. One possibility is that this pathway conveys signals that regulate dopamine release.
Applying virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) immerses a user within a simulated three-dimensional environment. Still in its infancy, much remains to be done, but the field shows great promise. Computer processing speed, graphics, networks, and specialized peripherals all play a part in creating believable applications. In a full VR implementation, the user wears specialized goggles that substitute small video displays for the lenses, one for each eye. The displays become the "lenses" onto a simulated world. The head-mounted display containing the goggles detects head movement and updates the user's view accordingly; the user has the impression of looking around, even moving within, the simulated environment. The sensory experience can be further enriched with sound, or a data glove to simulate contact between the user and simulated objects. In a partial VR implementation, a computer's video display becomes a window onto the simulated environment, and no external gear is required. In a networked environment, people can be immersed in the same simulation, each perceiving it from their own point of view. >
Variations at infinity in contact form geometry

Let v be a nonsingular Morse–Smale vector field in the kernel of a contact form α, with Reeb vector field \(\xi\), defined on M3. We establish that the associated variational problem at infinity defined by the action functional on the stratified space \(\bigcup \Gamma_{2k}\) of curves made of \(\xi\)-pieces of orbits alternating with \(\pm v\)-pieces of orbits satisfies the Palais–Smale condition. This result takes a more special form for the standard contact structure of S3.
A method for transmission electron microscopy investigation of the osteoblast/hydroxyapatite interface

Neonatal rat calvaria osteoblasts were cultured on hydroxyapatite (as received or relatively-rough surface and mechanically polished to a 0.3-mm finish) and on glass (reference material) in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 50 μg/mL ascorbic acid, and 10 mM β-glycerophosphate under standard, sterile, cell-culture conditions for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. At the end of the prescribed time periods, the cells were fixed and embedded in resin before removing the material substrates by exposure to acid solutions. Transmission electron microscopic examination of stained, ultrathin sections of the biological structures revealed osteoblast monolayers at 1 day of culture but multilayered cell structures at later time periods (14 and 21 days). The osteoblasts exhibited continuous contact and intimate apposition on polished hydroxyapatite and on glass; in contrast, osteoblasts on as received or rough hydroxyapatite made contact with discrete high points, spanned low regions of the material surface, and did not conform to all substrate contours. An electron dense layer (composed of mucopolysaccharides and proteins) was observed on all substrates tested after 7 days of culture. Collagen fibrils were seen interspersed among the osteoblasts as early as 3 days of culture; at later culture times, (i.e., 21 days) mineralized loci were observed in the extracellular matrix. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electrolytic dechlorination of DDT in a bicontinuous microemulsion

Abstract Electrolytic reduction in a bicontinuous microemulsion of surfactant, oil, and water removed aliphatic and aromatic chlorines from DDT. Microemulsions of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide/dodecane/water used with graphite felt cathodes provided a less expensive, less toxic approach to DDT electrolysis compared to using conventional organic solvents and metal electrodes. Good rates of aliphatic dechlorination were achieved by applying −1 V vs. Ag/AgBr and using the catalyst Co(bpy) 3 2+ , but the best yield (34% in 3 hr) of the fully dechlorinated hydrocarbon 1,1-diphenylethane was achieved by using −2 V with oxygen in the reaction medium.
The Military, Political Power, and Police Relations in Mexico City:

Mexico City has recently achieved the reputation of being one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The main causes of the rising crime figures and impunity of recent years include deteriorating social and economic conditions, ineffective and corrupt police forces (Victoria Zepeda, 1994: 25), the inability of the attorney general to handle the number of criminal cases (Victoria Zepeda, 1999: 8), and the archaic methods and procedures of the judiciary system. The success of Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, founder of the left-wing Partido Revolucionario Democratico (Revolutionary Democratic party-PRD) and chief of government of the Federal District since December 1997, in reducing crime has been limited, although efforts have included the replacement of several top-level police commanders' and have been combined with federal policies and public safety resources. Some kinds of crime have indeed been reduced-in November 1997,640 cars were stolen daily compared with 174 in December 1998. Other kinds of crime, such as bank robberies, however, have doubled (La Jornada, December 23, 1998; January 4, 1999). Political liberalization and the salience of internal security issues in Mexico have undermined the position of civilians in relation to their military counterparts, producing an intense struggle for power in areas with no military tradition. This process is taking place in connection with the breakdown of the hegemonic party system and the traditional practices of patronage, the emergence of new political forces that participate in decision making, and the inability of civilians to consolidate their hold on political institutions and to solve problems under the new conditions of political competence. In this context, the militarization of Mexico City's police force is evidence of a changing and uneasy relationship between civilians and the military.
On the processing of i-line positive resists with a top anti-reflective coating

Abstract A top anti-reflective coating, AZ Aquatar TARC, has been used with i-line positive photoresists in the imaging of 0.35 μm isolated images over topography. A cap may be formed on top of the resist unless care is taken during the processing steps. The efficacy of the TARC depends on the nature of the underlying topography.
Are health science students' beliefs about infant nutrition evidence-based?

Summary Background Globally, breastfeeding is a fundamental health promotion strategy, improving the health of mothers and infants, well beyond childhood. Healthcare professionals have the responsibility of providing breastfeeding education to families. Worldwide, most healthcare professionals do not receive sufficient evidence-based education to adequately support breastfeeding families. Objectives (1) What experiences have university health science students had with breastfeeding? (2) What are university health science students' beliefs and attitudes toward breast and formula feeding of infants? (3) What are the perceptions of university health science students about how other important people in their lives regard breastfeeding? (4) What are the relationships between students' personal experiences with breastfeeding and their beliefs and attitudes about infant feeding choices? Design A descriptive cross-sectional survey conceptualized using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Setting The health science college within a major metropolitan research university in the United States. Participants Health science undergraduate and graduate students (N = 514), who were over the age of 18 and who were enrolled during the spring of 2011. Methods Validated survey instruments were used to collect the data on the Theory of Planned Behavior variables. The request for participants was done by emailing all health science students. If students chose to participate, they filled out an anonymous on-line survey. Results Most participants were not parents; however, the majority of the 95 (21.05%) students who were parents reported their child was breastfed. Significantly more positive attitudes and beliefs were found in graduate students (n = 101; 20.10%) when compared to undergraduates (n = 403; 89.9%). Conclusions Health science students' beliefs and attitudes toward infant nutrition often were not evidence-based. However, all students were remarkably consistent in their responses concerning formula feeding. Incorporating adequate education about human lactation is an unmet responsibility of university health science programs.
The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in recurrent croup

Abstract The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in recurrent croup was evaluated by a retrospective analysis of patients at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1986 to 1991. Sixty-six patients required hospitalization for recurrent croup during this 6-year period. Of the patients evaluated, 47% with recurrent croup had an additional diagnosis established of gastroesophageal reflux. In patients with three or more hospitalizations for croup, there was a 63% association with gastroesophageal reflux. Compared to all patients with recurrent croup, the patients with gastroesophageal reflux tended to be younger and had a shorter interval between episodes of croup. A prospective series of six cases of recurrent croup was seen in consultation. The diagnostic procedures involving lipid-laden macrophage quantitation, endoscopy, and gastroesophageal reflux scintiscans were utilized to establish the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux with tracheal aspiration. The results of these studies and the followup is discussed.
A fast dynamic mode of the EF-G-bound ribosome

A key intermediate in translocation is an ‘unlocked state’ of the pre-translocation ribosome in which the P-site tRNA adopts the P/E hybrid state, the L1 stalk domain closes and ribosomal subunits adopt a ratcheted configuration. Here, through two- and three-colour smFRET imaging from multiple structural perspectives, EF-G is shown to accelerate structural and kinetic pathways in the ribosome, leading to this transition. The EF-G-bound ribosome remains highly dynamic in nature, wherein, the unlocked state is transiently and reversibly formed. The P/E hybrid state is energetically favoured, but exchange with the classical P/P configuration persists; the L1 stalk adopts a fast dynamic mode characterized by rapid cycles of closure and opening. These data support a model in which P/E hybrid state formation, L1 stalk closure and subunit ratcheting are loosely coupled, independent processes that must converge to achieve the unlocked state. The highly dynamic nature of these motions, and their sensitivity to conformational and compositional changes in the ribosome, suggests that regulating the formation of this intermediate may present an effective avenue for translational control.
DETERIORATION OF CRYSTALLINE STROPHANTHIN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION ITS RELATION TO HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION AND A METHOD FOR ITS PREVENTION.

1. Many of the glass containers commonly used in the laboratory, and most of the glass ampules employed in marketing sterile solutions for hypodermic or intravenous medication, yield sufficient alkali on autoclaving, to change the reaction of distilled water from pH 6.0 to pH 9.0. 2. This increase in alkalinity is sufficient to render biologically inert and partially to decompose aqueous solutions of crystalline strophanthin in the concentration ordinarily employed in the clinic. 3. It is suggested that for clinical use crystalline strophanthin be dissolved in 0.02 M standard phosphate solution at pH 7.0, and marketed in hard glass ampules, thereby insuring stability of reaction with preservation of biologic activity. 4. It should be borne in mind, both by laboratory worker and pharmacist, that the alkali yielded, on heating, by soft glass containers may be responsible for a considerable alteration in the hydrogen ion concentration of their contents.
Linguistic summarization of video for fall detection using voxel person and fuzzy logic

In this paper, we present a method for recognizing human activity from linguistic summarizations of temporal fuzzy inference curves representing the states of a three-dimensional object called voxel person. A hierarchy of fuzzy logic is used, where the output from each level is summarized and fed into the next level. We present a two level model for fall detection. The first level infers the states of the person at each image. The second level operates on linguistic summarizations of voxel person's states and inference regarding activity is performed. The rules used for fall detection were designed under the supervision of nurses to ensure that they reflect the manner in which elders perform these activities. The proposed framework is extremely flexible. Rules can be modified, added, or removed, allowing for per-resident customization based on knowledge about their cognitive and physical ability.
Hyperresponsive airways correlate with lung tissue inflammatory cell changes in ozone-exposed rats.

The role of inflammatory cell infiltration in the development of hyperresponsiveness of the airways to muscarinic challenge remains poorly understood. Unlike previous investigations that only examined conducting airway inflammation, the present study utilized both bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue digestion to determine rat lung inflammatory cell contents following a 4-h exposure to 2 ppm ozone. Immediately following ozone exposure, neutrophil content of the lung tissue was significantly increased and reached a value that was fourfold higher than air-exposed controls by 3 h postexposure. Although lavage-recovered neutrophils were elevated at 24 h, tissue neutrophil numbers had returned to control values. This transient elevation of tissue neutrophils directly correlated with an elevation and subsequent decline of airway hyperresponsiveness, measured as a decrease in the intravenous dose of methacholine provoking a 200% increase in airway resistance (PD 200 R). Animals rendered neutropenic with ...
Biologic Differences Between Vasodilator Prostaglandins and Medullipin I

ABSTRACT Vasodepressor prostaglandins (PGs), PGE 2 , PGI 2 , and medullipin I (Med I) are synthesized in the kidney. These vasodilator substances are thought to be involved in the antihypertensive function of the kidney. At issue is whether there are biologic differences between the vasodilator PGs and Med I. Two separate studies have shown that Med I’s vasodepressor action is inhibited by four procedures: mixing with Tween 20; treatment with n-butyl boronic acid; treatment of the assay animal with SKF 525A, an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450; and removing the liver from the circulation. These same procedures were applied to the vasodilator PGs. All four failed to inhibit the vasodepressor action of the PG’s. It is concluded that Med I nd vasodilator PGs of the kidney are separate and distinct biologic entities.
The regulation of hydrogen and oxygen escape from Mars

It is shown that under present conditions the Jeans escape flux of hydrogen from Mars in the form of H and Hz is constrained to be the same as twice the nonthermal (McElroy, 1972) escape of O atoms. The mediation of the chemical chain that recombines CO2 plays an essential role in regulating the escape of hydrogen to match that of oxygen, confirming a mechanism postulated by McElroy and Donahue (1972). It is also shown that if the oxygen flux changes, a change in the 0, mixing ratio results and the consequence is to induce a large change in the odd hydrogen concentration, and consequently in H2 production and hydrogen escape. The effect is to stabilize the hydrogen escape flux at twice the O flux. It is shown that surface chemistry should not change the operation of this mechanism but has consequences for the eddy coefficient variation at low altitudes. There is a strong correlation between low humidity, large solar zenith angles and large O a abundances. The effect of argon in a mixing ratio as large as 0.3 on these results is also investigated.
Experimental Investigation of Transient Forced Convection of Liquid Methane in a Channel at High Heat Flux Conditions

Transient heat transfer of liquid methane under forced convection in a 1.8 mm × 1.8 mm asymmetrically heated square channel was investigated. This study is aimed at understanding the heat transfer behavior of cryogenic propellant in cooling channels of a regeneratively cooled rocket engine at the start-up condition. To simulate high heat load conditions representative of regeneratively cooled rocket engines, a high heat flux test facility with cryogenic liquid handing capabilities was developed at the Center for Space Exploration Technology Research. The time history of inlet and outlet fluid temperatures and test section channel wall temperatures were measured at high heat flux conditions (from 1.19 to 3.80 MW/m2) and a Reynolds number (Re) range of 1.88 × 105 to 3.45 × 105. The measured wall temperature data point toward possible film boiling within the test section during certain tests, particularly with higher heat fluxes and lower Reynolds number conditions that resulted in higher wall temperatures. ...
Trapping the elusive aza-oxyallylic cation: new opportunities in heterocycloaddition chemistry

Abstract The aza-oxyallylic cation is a reactive intermediate that undergoes a [4+3] cycloaddition with dienes to form seven-membered heterocycles. Although this type of intermediate was proposed over 50 years ago, only recently has experimental evidence been obtained to support its existence. This review highlights the historical studies of aza-oxyallylic cations and their recent development as intermediates for the synthesis of heterocycles and polyheterocyclic scaffolds.
A rapid micromethod for the determination of 17-hydroxy- and 17-ketosteroids

Abstract A rapid micromethod for the determination of 17-hydroxysteroids and 17-ketosteroids has been devised by combining oxidation with chromic acid with a micro 17-ketosteroid assay; the entire procedure is carried out in one test tube. Most 17-hydroxysteroids of both the C19 and C21 series react. Among 21 such compounds tested, all except certain 20-methylsteroids gave comparable chromogenic values. When applied to Chromatographic fractions the reaction can specifically detect 17-hydroxysteroids.
An Organelle Gatekeeper Function for Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-16 (JIP3) at the Axon Initial Segment

Neurons must cope with extreme membrane trafficking demands to produce axons with organelle compositions that differ dramatically from those of the cell soma and dendrites; however, the mechanism by which they accomplish this is not understood. Here we use electron microscopy and quantitative imaging of tagged organelles to show that Caenorhabditis elegans axons lacking UNC-16 (JIP3/Sunday Driver) accumulate Golgi, endosomes, and lysosomes at levels up to 10-fold higher than wild type, while ER membranes are largely unaffected. Time lapse microscopy of tagged lysosomes in living animals and an analysis of lysosome distributions in various regions of unc-16 mutant axons revealed that UNC-16 inhibits organelles from escaping the axon initial segment (AIS) and moving to the distal synaptic part of the axon. Immunostaining of native UNC-16 in C. elegans neurons revealed a localized concentration of UNC-16 at the initial segment, although UNC-16 is also sparsely distributed in distal regions of axons, including the synaptic region. Organelles that escape the AIS in unc-16 mutants show bidirectional active transport within the axon commissure that occasionally deposits them in the synaptic region, where their mobility decreases and they accumulate. These results argue against the long-standing, untested hypothesis that JIP3/Sunday Driver promotes anterograde organelle transport in axons and instead suggest an organelle gatekeeper model in which UNC-16 (JIP3/Sunday Driver) selectively inhibits the escape of Golgi and endosomal organelles from the AIS. This is the first evidence for an organelle gatekeeper function at the AIS, which could provide a regulatory node for controlling axon organelle composition.