cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating surrogate endpoints.

The validation of surrogate endpoints has been studied by Prentice, who presented a definition as well as a set of criteria that are equivalent if the surrogate and true endpoints are binary. Freedman et al. supplemented these criteria with the so-called proportion explained. Buyse and Molenberghs proposed to replace the proportion explained by two quantities: (1) the relative effect, linking the effect of treatment on both endpoints, and (2) the adjusted association, an individual-level measure of agreement between both endpoints. In a multiunit setting, these quantities can be generalized to a trial-level measure of surrogacy and an individual-level measure of surrogacy. In this paper, we argue that such a multiunit approach should be adopted because it overcomes difficulties that necessarily surround validation efforts based on a single trial. These difficulties are highlighted.
Optimal Lighting Arrangements for Nighttime Highway Construction Projects

This paper presents a decision support system for optimizing temporary lighting arrangements in nighttime highway construction projects. The system is developed as a multiobjective genetic algorithm that is capable of: (1) maximizing average illuminance on construction sites; (2) maximizing lighting uniformity in the work zone; (3) minimizing glare to workers and road users; and (4) minimizing lighting costs. The system is designed to support decision makers in their search for practical lighting arrangements that provide various tradeoffs among these four conflicting objectives. Five decision variables are optimized in the present system, namely: number of lighting equipment, equipment positioning, mounting height, aiming angle, and rotation angle. The system is also designed to consider and satisfy all practical constraints that can be encountered in this lighting design problem. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the system and demonstrate its capabilities in generating near optimal and practical lighting arrangements for nighttime highway construction projects.
Potential effects of vegetation on the urban thermal environment

Abstract A state-of-the-art mesoscale atmospheric model equipped with a sophisticated land-surface scheme was used to study the potential impact of vegetation on the urban thermal environment and the wind generated by urban-rural contrasts. This numerical experiment indicated that complex non-linear land-atmosphere interactions, involving mesoscale and turbulent (microscale) processes, are generated when patches of vegetation are grown (or cut) in urban areas. Various simulations, supported by observational evidences collected during METROMEX, demonstrated that vegetation can substantially affect the wind, temperature, moisture, and precipitation regime of urban areas. Thus, vegetation is believed to have very important practical applications in urban planning, e.g. heating and cooling requirements of buildings, diispersion and concentration of pollutants, and urban weather. If planned carefully, vegetation could be used to mitigate some of the anthropogenic effects generated by the development of urban areas.
On the Status of Hall Suppression

Abstract A technology assessment of the future potential of hall suppression and all its possible ramifications in the United States in future years has included an attempt to define the current status of hail suppression. Hall suppression is at a stage in which the socioeconomic impacts of its use and the means to optimize its future utilization can be adequately treated. The estimation of a wide range of future suppression capabilities was based on the current status, which was defined after inspecting three sources of information: 1) results from preliminary evaluations of six recent projects, 2) findings on four published assessments of weather modification, and 3) results from two opinion surveys. This investigation indicates. 1) scientific beliefs about existing capabilities are widely different, with the majority of experts believing there is no capability; 2) the published reviews are optimistic but largely nondefinitive; and 3) the results of five of six recent suppression projects show suppressi...
The kinetics of xylan pyrolysis

Abstract The study concerned itself with the investigation of the kinetics of xylan in an inert atmosphere. It was found that there were two basic mechanisms for degradation in the temperature range studied, nucleation and diffusion. The range of temperatures studied was 200–290°C. By comparison to several theoretical models the correct theoretical interpretation was based on the best statistical fit of the data. In this way, it was discovered that a first order nucleation mechanism prevailed over the temperature range 200–290°C. A least squares program was developed from an IBM Statistical Package in which each model was subject to the same analysis. A Carter—Valensi model was obeyed from 240 to 255°C. This model is a diffusion type model. In this case, the product layer develops at the surface of the particle. Finally, an Avrami—Erofeyev equation was found as the best fit for the temperature range 270–290°C. It is surmised that polymer degradation in the solid state follows heterogeneous mechanisms rather than, as previously thought, by nth order homogeneous mechanisms.
Phospholipid—Calcium Phosphate Complex: Enhanced Calcium Migration in the Presence of Phosphate

In the presence of acidic phospholipids, inorganic phosphate greatly enhances the net migration of calcium ions from the aqueous phase to the organic phase, an effect that does not occur at less than the physiological pH. The calcium complex in the organic phase is shown by electron microscopy to consist of spherules, composed of stoichiometric amount of calcium, inorganic phosphate, and phospholipid. The demonstration of complex formation between calcium phosphate and acidic phospholipids adds Support to the concept that phospholipids are involved in biological mineralization.
Modern developments in behavioral science in Poland

In the fall of 1961 one of the American scientists who earlier had toured the Soviet Union went to Poland as Visiting Professor at Warsaw University. There he worked with a number of prominent Polish scientists. In this article he describes the intellectual Renaissance in Poland, the mixture of Western and Eastern thought in Polish culture, and the unique position that country holds as a “bridge between the two worlds” of East and West.
Authorship Analysis of Inspire Magazine through Stylometric and Psychological Features

When we read a piece of writing, the meaning we derive from that text often includes information about the authors themselves. Clues to their identity, worldview, and even psychological states are encoded in features such as word choice and sentence structure. This work describes how writing style features can be used to analyze the authorship of extreme jihadist writing. Inspire magazine is an online, English-language magazine published by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Our work has revealed similarities and disparities in the writing styles of Inspire authors using features such as word choice and sentence structure, as well as semantic and psychological features. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) resource is a lexicon that identifies words and phrases associated with a set of cognitive processes and psychological states [1]. LIWC was originally developed to determine the psychological properties of English text but has since been expanded to other languages, including Arabic. Prior to this work, the Arabic-language version of LIWC was limited to a small category of function words and did not have the full analytical power of the English-language version. We show how a method of lexicon expansion, translation, and assessment by a native Arabic speaker was used to produce a more robust Arabic-language version of the resource and is applied to the psychological analysis of Inspire content in both English and Arabic.
Firm-level outsourcing decision making: A balanced scorecard-based analytic network process model

We combine the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) to build a cohesive decision model for determining firm level IT outsourcing strategy. Although prior research has confirmed the existence of interactions among BSC indicators and the potential impact of those interactions on firm level performance, interactions have hitherto not been fully understood and implemented, due to lack of adequate tools. In this paper, we take advantage of the strength of the ANP technique to address the interaction issues between indicators when applying the BSC. The ANP establishes the interactions among the indicators, prioritizes the indicators under the four BSC perspectives, and then identifies the best outsourcing strategy through synthesis. A case company is used to study the feasibility of our approach at firm level outsourcing decision making. Finally, we examine the robustness of the model through sensitivity analysis, and demonstrate the importance of incorporating indicator interactions when operationalizing BSC. Managerial insights and implications derived through model analysis are discussed.
Hexagonal surface gradient coil for localized MRS of the heart.

A surface gradient coil designed to obtain localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the heart in vivo is described. Images and 31P spectra from phantoms and both pig and dog hearts in vivo are shown. The coil was used in conjunction with a rf surface coil to obtain 31P spectra from transmural sections of the left ventricular wall of a dog heart in vivo to demonstrate differences between normal and ischemic tissue. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
A membrane capacitance measurement system for the study of exocytosis in secretory cells

A system for measuring exocytotic secretion in a single cell was developed utilizing an IBM compatible 386 PC. With sinusoidal excitation of the cells, a software based phase detection technique was implemented to monitor exocytosis-induced changes in membrane capacitance. The system is capable of monitoring exocytosis in response to either calcium or depolarizing voltage stimulation. The system has proven to be a useful tool in the study of changes in exocytosis produced by drugs and neurological disorders.
Variation of the Relative Humidity of Air Released from Canisters after Ambient Sampling.

Dalton's law of partial pressures and the hypothesis that water vapor equilibrium in a canister is identical to that established above liquid water are used to predict the variation of the percent relative humidity (%RH) of air released from canisters used in ambient air sampling, typically 6-L canisters pressurized with 18 L of air. When (and if) the water vapor partial pressure in a canister exceeds its saturation vapor pressure, water vapor condensation begins and the condensation rate equals the sampling rate of water vapor into the canister. Under constant temperature conditions, the air subsequently released from the canister is less humid than the original sample, following the relationship %RH = 100% (6 L/Vs) for Vs> Vr, where Vs is the residual air volume (referenced to atmospheric pressure), and Vr is shown to depend on the %RH of the ambient air sample. Vr is the residual air volume at which water is completely removed (except for adsorbed water vapor) from the canister wall. For Vs < Vr, the predicted %RH is constant and equal to its value at Vr. Experimental values agree reasonably well with predictions at both high (90%) and low (34%) RH. However, experimental values are often slightly displaced (usually towards lower values of %RH) for mid-range %RH (61%) and variations in %RH near Vr change from canister to canister.
“Interactive” - a user friendly simulation language

INTERACTIVE is a Pascal based network simulation language that is designed to be used on microcomputers. The language enables simulation models to be represented in a process-oriented structure using eighteen network node symbols. The simulation of a network model is performed in four steps. First, the physical model is described as a network diagram by combining the node symbols. In step 2, the details of the network diagram are entered into the computer using a “Forms Editor.” In step 3, INTERACTIVE automatically creates a network flow model. The final step is the execution of the simulation model. In this step, run-time status messages, summary reports, and graphical plots are presented on the computer display for monitoring the system performance and possible user interaction.
The role of Cu-Sn intermetallics in wettability degradation

Wettability of pretinned Cu decreases after long aging times. This work provides insight into the role Cu-Sn intermetallics play in wettability degradation. This study investigates the effects of aging in air and argon at 170°C on Cu coupons which were pretinned with 75Sn-25Pb solder. Coating was applied using an electroplating technique. The coating thickness was controlled between 3 to 30 μm and the specimens were aged for 0, 2, 24 h, and two weeks. Wetting balance tests were used to evaluate the wettability of the test specimens. Microstructural development was evaluated using x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray, and Auger spectroscopy, as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that Cu-Sn intermetallics protected from oxidation do not contribute to a decrease in wettability. Oxidized intermetallics, however, significantly de-crease the wettability of aged pretinned samples. The extent of degradation is determined by the type of oxide formed on the surface of the intermetallic. This study shows that a predominantly Cu oxide forms on Cu3Sn, while a Sn oxide forms on Cu6Sn5. No evidence of internal oxidation was found.
EXPERIMENTAL AIR-BORNE INFECTION WITH POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS

Infection has been obtained in both rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys by inhalation of poliomyelitis virus in the form of droplet nuclei. The olfactory route was excluded in part of the animals successfully infected. The gastrointestinal route is believed to have been excluded in the rhesus monkeys. It seems most probable that the portals of entry were the lower respiratory mucosa in the case of the rhesus monkeys and the oropharyngeal mucosa in the case of the cynomolgus monkeys. Fever and occasional mild symptoms in 8 other rhesus monkeys suggest that an abortive form of poliomyelitis may have resulted from inhalation, but this can not at present be considered as proved. The experiments open up the possibility that human poliomyelitis may, at least sometimes, be an air-borne infection and that the lungs may be a portal of entry. Neither of these aspects of the disease has hitherto, so far as we are aware, been studied experimentally. The presence of virus in the human nasopharynx, which has been repeatedly demonstrated,(7, 8) provides an obvious source of air contamination by patients and carriers; and direct contact has been traced during epidemics in a considerable fraction of cases,(9) amounting to about one third in the report of Top and Vaughan.(10) The relative importance of transmission by air and by ingested material remains to be determined. It would seem probable, however, that both modes of infection must be taken into account.
Strategic groupings of US biotechnology initial public offerings and a measure of their market influence

This study verifies the existence of strategic groups among biotechnology firms that have filed for an initial public offering (IPO). We found three distinct groupings based on the dimensions of competitive scope and growth. Differences also exist between these groupings and an aspect of market influence – the ability to attract strategic partners. We found that biotechnology IPOs that seek greater breadth in competitive scope and growths also have more alliance partners. This paper adds to our knowledge of the bio-pharmaceutical market-sector and the strategic intentions of firms in an emerging, disruptive industry and their ability to attract strategic coalition partners.
Surface Alloying Using High-Power Continuous Lasers

High power continuous lasers can be used to modify the chemical composition of alloy surfaces to depths ranging from 0.01 to 1 mm. Such coatings exhibit potential advantages over more conventional coating techiliques in terms of the integrity of the coating, the character of the interface between the surface alloy and the substrate, and an increased control over the composition of the coating. The processing conditions used in laser surface alloy ing are selected in order to facilitate the mixing of the alloying material with molten substrate material. The manufacture of chromium steel suiface alloys on low carbon steel substrates is described in terms of this mixing and the extension of these results to other systems is discussed. Auger and electron microprobe analyses of chromium steel surface alloys have been performed and indicate that a high degree of compositional uniformity can be obtained with proper control of the processing. The various types of metallurgical and morphological structures are described.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Incidence of fertility counseling of women of child-bearing age before treatment for colorectal cancer

Abstract Background The incidence of colorectal cancer in women of reproductive age is low. Physicians lack awareness of infertility difficulties in these patients. We studied the frequency of women of child-bearing age with colorectal cancer receiving pretreatment fertility counseling. Methods This retrospective review from 1996 to 2004 screened women of reproductive age treated for colorectal cancer for documentation of fertility counseling or referral to fertility specialists before initiating treatment. Results Twenty-one women met the age criteria (range, 18-45 y). Eight patients were excluded for prior sterilization procedures or tumor involvement of reproductive organs. In the 13 remaining women, 2 had pretreatment fertility counseling documentation. These 2 patients had fewer than 2 children and had rectal tumors. Thirty-eight percent had pregnancy or menses difficulty after treatment. Conclusions Few young women with colorectal cancer had pretreatment fertility counseling, whereas several had fertility complications posttreatment. Physicians need to discuss infertility concerns with their female colorectal cancer patients before intervention.
Smallpox in Kenya, 1880–1920

Abstract In the late nineteenth century smallpox epidemics usually occurred during or at the end of famines. Many historians have noted the relationship of smallpox and famines. They believed malnutrition lowered resistance to the disease. and hence brought on the epidemic. Nutrition, however, affects only the mortality rate of smallpox victims, and not the morbidity rate. The heightened morbidity resulted rather from the famine responses of the starving populations. Increased population movements. trade, crowding into areas with food, and the like. were the reasons for the epidemics, not malnutrition. The early colonial period saw African societies undergo social and economic changes similar to the famine responses above. Trade expanded greatly with the introduction of cash crops; labor migration caused larger and more frequent population movements; and urbanization created larger and denser populations. The introduction of vaccination did help mitigate the adverse epidemiological effects of these changes, but the British vaccination campaigns were beset with many problems of their own. The result was that smallpox appeared in frequent local outbreaks with low mortality, and only occasionally in widespread epidemics.
Nematic valley ordering in quantum Hall systems

The interplay between quantum Hall ordering and spontaneously broken ``internal'' symmetries in two-dimensional electron systems with spin or pseudospin degrees of freedom gives rise to a variety of interesting phenomena, including novel phases, phase transitions, and topological excitations. Here we develop a theory of broken-symmetry quantum Hall states, applicable to a class of multivalley systems, where the symmetry at issue is a point-group element that combines a spatial rotation with a permutation of valley indices. The anisotropy of the dispersion relation, generally present in such systems, favors states where all electrons reside in one of the valleys. In a clean system, the valley ``pseudospin'' ordering occurs via a finite-temperature transition accompanied by a nematic pattern of spatial symmetry breaking. In weakly disordered systems, domains of pseudospin polarization are formed, which prevents macroscopic valley and nematic ordering; however, the resulting state still asymptotically exhibits the quantum Hall effect. We discuss the transport properties in the ordered and disordered regimes, and the relation of our results to recent experiments in AlAs.
Whole blood selenium concentrations in endurance horses.

Abstract Exercise causes an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, which can result in oxidant/antioxidant disequilibrium. Deficiency of antioxidants can further alter this balance in favor of pro-oxidation. Selenium (Se) is one of many antioxidant catalysts, as a component of the glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Soils and forages vary widely in Se concentration and a deficient diet can lead to sub-clinical or clinical deficiency in horses. Endurance horses are prone to oxidative stress during long periods of aerobic exercise and their performance could be affected by Se status. This study investigated the blood Se concentration in a group of endurance horses ( n = 56) residing and competing in California, a state containing several regions that tend to produce Se-deficient forages. The rate of Se deficiency in this group of horses was low, with only one horse being slightly below the reference range. Higher blood Se concentrations were not associated with improved performance in terms of ride time. There was no significant difference in Se concentration between horses that completed the ride and those that were disqualified, although blood Se concentrations were significantly higher in horses that received oral Se supplementation. An increase in blood Se concentration was observed following exercise and this warrants further study.
Linkage disequilibrium relationships among four polymorphisms within the human fibrinogen gene cluster.

The extent of linkage equilibrium was estimated among four recently characterized human fibrinogen restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) using a randomly selected group of 110 individuals from California. Two coding region RFLPs, RsaI and MnlI (FGA codon 312 and FGB codon 448, respectively), and two RFLPs located in the 5′ flanking region of the FGB gene, AluI (HindIII) and HaeIII, were analyzed. Maximum likelihood estimates based on genotypic data indicated that the RsaI polymorphism in the FGA gene was at apparent linkage equilibrium with the MnlI, AluI, and HaeIII sites in the FGB gene, but strong linkage disequilibrium was noted for the MnlI-AluI, MnlI-HaeIII, and AluI-HaeIII RFLP pairs within the latter gene. The discrepancy in disequilibrium relationships among these closely linked RFLPs may indicate a region of increased recombination between the FGA and FGB RFLP loci. The FGA RsaI polymorphism, when used in conjunction with any of the FGB sites examined, will provide more detailed linkage or association data than analyses that would utilize only FGB sites. Effective use of polymorphisms within the fibrinogen locus will aid analysis of the relationships between fibrinogen genotype, plasma fibrinogen levels, and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Inhibition of fibrinogen binding to human platelets by the tetrapeptide glycyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-proline

The role of fibrinogen as a cofactor in platelet aggregation is mediated by its binding to platelet receptors that are induced by stimuli such as ADP. In the present study, we demonstrate that the tetrapeptide glycyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-proline inhibits the interaction of fibrinogen with its platelet receptor. The primary effect of the peptide was on the extent rather than on the rate of fibrinogen binding. Significant inhibition occurred at a 1:1 molar ratio of peptide to fibrinogen and reached maximal levels at 100:1 ratio. The inhibition was dependent upon fibrinogen concentration and occurred in the presence of calcium or magnesium. The peptide inhibited the binding of fibrinogen to platelets with exposed receptors, suggesting that it interfered directly with the ligand-receptor interaction. Fibrinogen binding supported by epinephrine and thrombin as well as ADP was inhibited by the peptide. Fibrinogen-dependent aggregation of washed platelets by ADP was abolished by a 30-fold molar excess of the peptide. The tetrapeptide is an analog of the amino-terminal sequence of the alpha-chain of fibrin and has been shown to inhibit fibrin polymerization [Laudano, A. P. & Doolittle, R. F. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75, 3085-3089]. A peptide corresponding to the natural sequence, glycyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-valyl-L-valine, was also capable of inhibiting fibrinogen binding to the platelet. These results suggest that common structural features within fibrinogen may serve a dual function by permitting the molecule to participate in both platelet aggregation and fibrin formation.
Palaeocene Core from the Norwegian Basin

DURING the second cruise of the Atlantic Seal, the Texas Instruments, Inc., contract oceanographic research vessel, a Palaeocene core was taken from the Norwegian basin at 66° 21′ N. and 00° 18′ E. (Fig. 1). The collection and analysis of the core were part of the US Naval Oceanographic Office, Marine Geophysical Survey Project. The occurrence of this core is important for several reasons: it provides knowledge of the diversity of Palaeocene planktonic organisms in a high latitude; and it establishes the existence of a seaway in this part of the North Atlantic in Palaeocene times.
Telencephalic efferents of the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum (Green)

The efferent projections of the telencephalon in the tiger salamander were examined by the Nauta and Fink-Heimer methods following unilateral hemispherectomies, rostral hemispheric ablations and pallial lesions. The cerebral hemisphere connects with most areas of the contralateral hemisphere via the pallial, anterior and habenular commissures. The descending fibers travel in the medial and lateral forebrain bundles and in the tracts comprising the stria medullaris. Degenerating fibers and terminals were present throughout the diencephalon but were more abundant ipsilaterally. Fibers reach the pretectum and optic tectum via dorsal and ventral pathways. There is a heavy projection to the midbrain tegmentum and a sparse projection to the tectum via the ipsilateral lateral forebrain bundle. This tract continues into the medulla oblongata and the cervical spinal cord. Rostral and dorsal hemispheric ablations revealed that the majority of fibers forming the olfacto-peduncular tract originate in the ventral, rostral one-third of the hemisphere. It was also determined that the majority of the descending efferent fibers located in the lateral forebrain bundle originate from the caudal lateral hemispheric wall, and that these fibers form connections characteristic of mammalian corticofugal and striatofugal systems. The cytoarchitecture and connections of the caudal lateral hemispheric wall suggest that it is homologous to parts of motor isocortex and amygdala of amniotes.
“I can’t get no satisfaction”: Insecure attachment, inhibited sexual communication, and sexual dissatisfaction

An Internet survey was conducted to extend the investigation of attachment style to the domains of sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. We hypothesized that insecure attachment would be associated with sexual dissatisfaction, mediated by inhibited communication of sexual needs. Further, the association of attachment with inhibited communication was expected to be mediated by attachment-related tendencies toward deference to partners’ needs, concern with the relationship implications of sexual choices, general anxiety regarding sex, and feelings for one’s partner. Somewhat different mediational pathways were predicted for each of the 2 dimensions of attachment insecurity: anxiety and avoidance. Respondents (N ¼ 1,989, around half of them involved in a sexual relationship at the time of the study and half not involved but with previous sexual relationship experience) completed measures of attachmentrelated anxiety and avoidance, neuroticism (a possible confound), and sexual communication and satisfaction. Results generally supported the hypotheses and provided additional evidence regarding the associations between attachment style, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction.
Differences in melting behavior between homopolymers and copolymers of DNA: Role of nonbonded forces for GC and the role of the hydration spine and premelting transition for AT

Melting measurements of the mono-base-pair DNA polymers showed that the melting temperature Tm of the B-DNA homopolymer poly (dA ) · poly (dT) is higher than that of the copolymer poly [d(A-T)]. On the other hand, the Tmof the B-DNA homopolymer poly (dG) · poly (dC) is lower than that of the copolymer poly [d (G-C)]. From a structural point of view, the cross-strand base-stacking interaction in a DNA homopolymer is weaker than that in a DNA copolymer with the same base pair. One would then expect that all the DNA homopolymers are less stable than the copolymer with the same base pair. We find that the inversion of the melting order seen in the AT mono-base-pair DNA polymers is caused by the enhanced thermal stability of poly (dA) · poly (dT) from a well-defined spine of hydration attached to its minor groove. In this paper we employ the modified self-consistent phonon theory to calculate base-pair opening probabilities of four B-DNA polymers: poly(dA)-poly(dT), poly(dG) · poly(dC), poly[d(A-T)], and poly[d(G-C)] at temperatures from room temperature through the melting regions. Our calculations show that the spine of hydration can give the inverted melting order of the AT polymers as compared to the GC polymers in fair agreement with experimental measurements. Our calculated hydration spine disruption behavior in poly(dA) · poly(dT) at premelting temperatures is also in agreement with experimentally observed premelting transitions in poly (dA) · poly (dT). The work is in a sense a test of the validity of our models of nonbonded interactions and spine of hydration interactions. We find we have to develop the concept of a strained bond to fit observations in poly (dA) · poly(dT). The strained-bond concept also explains the otherwise anomalous stability of the hydration chain. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CLINICAL AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC STUDIES IN A PATIENT WITH PRIMARY HYPOKALEMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS.

Abstract A patient with severe primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis improved significantly on a regimen low in carbohydrate, restricted in sodium and high in potassium. Moderate weakness persisted in the proximal muscles and was associated with persistent vacuolation of muscle fibers. Enlargement of the motor end-plate zone is described in this case of primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Considerable weakness occurred even when serum potassium values were within the normal range. On an isocaloric nonreducing diet, the patient lost weight when the carbohydrate intake was reduced. Most of the weight loss could be accounted for by a loss of body water that was not associated with a negative sodium balance. Data obtained in the course of an acute attack are compatible with an increase in the total body water content and a shift of fluid from the extracellular into the intracellular compartment. Renal retention of potassium, sodium and chloride preceded changes in the patient's strength and the decrease in serum potassium. Not more than 10 mEq. of potassium could have been lost from the patient's erythrocytes during the attack despite the decreasing serum potassium levels. A fully paralyzed muscle and a muscle only somewhat weak were similar in their electrolyte and water content, except for the higher calcium and magnesium contents of the weaker muscle. Both muscles had chloride space and water levels which were higher than most normal values; sodium, chloride and magnesium levels higher than normal; and a potassium level which was lower than most normal values. The chloride space values were too high to be a measure of the extracellular space and could not be used for calculating intracellular electrolyte concentrations. Small doses of epinephrine, administered intra-arterially, had a direct adverse effect on the muscles of the perfused forearm. These effects were not mediated by systemic hypokalemia or hyperglycemia but may have been related to an acceleration of glycogenolysis and glycolysis in muscles. An increased uptake of sodium by the forearm tissues followed rather than preceded the decrease in action potential and twitch tension. Maximal voluntary exercise followed by rest caused a transient potentiation and then a depression of the action potential and of the twitch tension in the patient and in healthy subjects, but the patient's response was at times quantitatively greater. The deviation from normal tended to be greatest when the patient was weakest. Excessive accumulation of lactic and pyruvic acids in the blood occurred after a standard work load. This may indicate a greater than normal release of these metabolites from muscle or an impaired metabolism by muscle, or both. There appears to be no impairment in glycogenolysis or glycolysis in muscle during exercise. A close relationship was again observed between carbohydrate metabolism and primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The present study points to a possible metabolic lesion, or a contributing mechanism, that can be activated by rapidly induced glycolysis.
Feasibility of applying ultrasound strain imaging to detect renal transplant chronic allograft nephropathy

Feasibility of applying ultrasound strain imaging to detect renal transplant chronic allograft nephropathy. Chronic renal transplant fibrosis, often termed Chronic Allograft Nephropathy, may progress undetected. Since renal fibrosis may be accompanied by a change in measurable elastic tissue properties, ultrasound strain measurements may be useful in its detection. Ultrasound strain imaging was performed for two subjects with renal transplants; one with normal renal function and one with mild renal insufficiency and biopsy demonstrated fibrosis. Subjects underwent ultrasound examination with application of a controlled deformation using phase-sensitive, two-dimensional speckle tracking to evaluate internal tissue motion to measure tissue displacement and strain. Measurements over multiple beams for an equivalent deformational stress showed there was a threefold differences in renal cortical strain between the two subjects. These data suggest that ultrasound elasticity imaging may prove useful in measuring mechanical changes related to fibrosis within the transplant kidney.
Voters on the move: The political effectiveness of migration and its effects on state partisan composition

Abstract Recent population forecasts issued by the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that by 2030 Sunbelt migration could result in two-thirds of all Americans living in the South and West. What's more, 30% of all Americans could live in California, Texas, and Florida ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 ). Regardless of whether such high levels of continued Sunbelt migration occur or other patterns emerge, population movement will have electoral implications as the composition of migration streams change the balance of party identifiers at both origins and destinations. To illustrate how migration streams can exhibit very different levels of ‘political effectiveness,’ this research substantively addresses three key issues under-examined in the current literature: 1) the ability of migration to both reinforce and dilute party strength, 2) the changes in partisanship at the origin and destination of migration streams effected through processes analogous to ‘packing’ and ‘cracking’ in electoral redistricting literature, and 3) the importance of migration selectivity. This research uses an innovative, albeit far-from-precision method to suggest how recent U.S. migration trends may portend changes in Republican and Democratic partisanship. Using 2000 Presidential election exit polls by state, along with 1995–2000 PUMS migration data, individual party identification is inferred from individual migrant characteristics. This research calls attention to and argues for research to address the highly complex relationships of migration with electoral geographies.
Controlling the Growth Direction of ZnO Nanowires on c -Plane Sapphire

Well oriented vertical ZnO nanowires (NWs) are grown on c -plane sapphire via a vapor- phase transport process using an Au thin film as a catalyst. This new finding is unexpected due to the fact that the lattice mismatch between the zinc oxide and the underlying substrate is 18%. X- ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that single-crystal, wurtzite NWs grow in the [0001] direction normal to the basal sapphire plane, which proves that a -plane sapphire is not essential for growth of vertical ZnO NWs, as has been previously stated.[1] We have found that by controlling the thickness of the Au-film and pre-growth annealing of the Au/sapphire substrate NWs can be grown either tilted or vertical. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on Au films with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 10 nm show that in the absence of film annealing, NWs can be grown 32° tilted from the surface normal, whereas pre-annealed Au films result in growth of NWs in the surface normal direction. We attribute the formation of the normal and tilted growth directions to the surface concentration of O and Al ions on sapphire.
Invadopodia and podosomes in tumor invasion

Cell migration through the extracellular matrix (ECM) is necessary for cancer cells to invade adjacent tissues and metastasize to an organ distant from primary tumors. Highly invasive carcinoma cells form ECM-degrading membrane protrusions called invadopodia. Tumor-associated macrophages have been shown to promote the migratory phenotypes of carcinoma cells, and macrophages are known to form podosomes, similar structures to invadopodia. However, the role of invadopodia and podosomes in vivo remains to be determined. In this paper, we propose a model for possible functions and interactions of invadopodia and podosomes in tumor invasion, based on observations that macrophage podosomes degrade ECM and that podosome formation is regulated by colony-stimulating factor-1 signaling.
Partitioned rational Runge Kutta for parabolic systems

A new family of coupled time integration operators of different orders is developed. It permits different time integration operators to be used simultaneously in various regions of the model. This approach has the advantage of applying a very accurate time integrator, such as Runge Kutta method of order two to four, to the local nonlinear region of interest and a simple time integrator, such as the implicit–explicit or mixed time implicit–explicit method of order one, for the remaining region. The computer implementation aspects, stability analysis as well as the numerical evaluations of these new methods are presented. This is another attractive addition to the repertoire of time integration methods.
Comparison of polytetrafluoroethylene patch aortoplasty and end-to-end anastomosis for coarctation of the aorta.

Abstract Objectives Although aneurysm formation and recoarctation after Dacron patch aortoplasty have been reported on extensively, less is known about these outcomes after polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair, which was compared with resection and end-to-end anastomosis in this study. Methods Two hundred sixty-two children had surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta by means of either resection and end-to-end anastomosis (n = 137; mean age, 1.85 ± 3.1 years) or polytetrafluoroethylene patch aortoplasty (n = 118; mean age, 1.09 ± 1.9 years) during a 28-year period. Coarctation was isolated in 109 (41.6%), associated with ventricular septal defect in 77 (29.4%), and associated with complex intracardiac anomalies in 76 (29.0%) patients. Follow-up ranged from 2 days to 29.3 years (median, 11.9 years). Seven patients were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed for several outcome variables. Results Mortality was 8.2% and was associated with intracardiac pathology in all cases. Recoarctation occurred in 53 patients, 23 after resection and anastomosis and 30 after patch repair, not differing statistically ( P = .4, log-rank test). Aneurysm formation occurred in 8 patients after patch repair that included ridge resection in 7 of the 8 patients. Late hypertension occurred in less patients (n = 3) after resection and anastomosis than after patch repair (n = 8) ( P P P Conclusions Polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair including coarctation ridge resection was found to be a risk factor for aneurysm formation and late hypertension. Arch hypoplasia and young age must be considered to predispose to recoarctation.
Patterning Axon Targeting of Olfactory Receptor Neurons by Coupled Hedgehog Signaling at Two Distinct Steps

We present evidence for a coupled two-step action of Hedgehog signaling in patterning axon targeting of Drosophila olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). In the first step, differential Hedgehog pathway activity in peripheral sensory organ precursors creates ORN populations with different levels of the Patched receptor. Different Patched levels in ORNs then determine axonal responsiveness to target-derived Hedgehog in the brain: only ORN axons that do not express high levels of Patched are responsive to and require a second step of Hedgehog signaling for target selection. Hedgehog signaling in the imaginal sensory organ precursors thus confers differential ORN responsiveness to Hedgehog-mediated axon targeting in the brain. This mechanism contributes to the spatial coordination of ORN cell bodies in the periphery and their glomerular targets in the brain. Such coupled two-step signaling may be more generally used to coordinate other spatially and temporally segregated developmental events.
Crack considerations in a notched compact tension specimen

Abstract A study of short cracks emanating from a notch within a compact tension specimen (CT) has been carried out for IN 718 material at 1200°F. This paper is the initial phase of this study in which a finite element approach is evaluated. The characteristics of the geometry are considered in conjunction with the loading, in order that a plastic zone could eventually be developed within the notch area. We were primarily interested in initiating a crack at the notch edge through fatigue, and to do this experimentally, it was necessary to determine a loading parameter. This phase of a broader investigation is presented in this paper. A subsequent paper describes the model as fatigue loading considered over several cycles tracing out a crack growth and closure effect. The present paper finds the elastic stress concentration for a blunt notched CT specimen, and develops the elastic stress intensity solution. Loads were determined to characterize an elastic as well as an elastic-viscoplastic field based upon initiation and crack growth threshold data.
Estimation of Wilson parameters by non-linear regression☆

Abstract The Wilson parameters for binary systems are usually estimated by one of the general purpose non-linear estimation computer programs through the minimization of the sum of the squares of the deviations between prediced and observed values. In order to speed up the computation and to fit the program to computers of any size, a computer program solely for the estimation of Wilson parameters of a polar mixture is developed through non-linear regression analysis. A Newton's iteration scheme is utilized for estimating the binary constants from isothermal vapor-liquid equilibrium data. A Newton-Raphson two-dimensional search scheme is used for estimating the Wilson parameters from isobaric experimental data. To promote fast convergence, a pair of approximate values of Wilson parameters are calculated from one point values of experimental data.
Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) for identification of largemouth bass subspecies and their intergrades

Abstract Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was investigated as an alternative to conventional electrophoresis for subspecies identification of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Seventeen primers were analyzed by RAPD for their ability to identify polymorphisms, and the three primers that gave the most polymorphisms were used for the study. Fifteen markers were identified and were shown to indicate fixed differences between the two subspecies. Intergrades of unknown origin were distinguishable from pure Florida and pure northern wild and hatchery stocks, as well as first generation intergrades (F1s). The RAPD analysis was more sensitive than traditional histochemical agarose gel electrophoresis for identification of largemouth bass subspecies.
Optimal heating of a slab with two plane heat sources of timewise varying strength

The optimal heating rate for a plate with temperature dependent thermal conductivity and two internally located continuous plane heat sources of different strength is so determined that at the final specified time tf, the final tempererature distribution Tf in the slab approximated as closely as possible a specified uniform temperature Td with a minimum amount of energy used for the heating. The locations and the timewise variation of the strengths of the plane heat sources satisfying such requirements are determined.
Abnormal multifocal ERG findings in patients with normal-appearing retinal anatomy.

To evaluate eyes with abnormal visual fields and multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs) but normal-appearing frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (fdOCT) scans, the thicknesses of the outer retinal layers were measured. A total of 25 eyes from 17 patients, including 15 eyes previously tested (Dale et al. in Doc Ophthalmol 120(2):175–186, 2009) were examined. All patients were evaluated with standard automated perimetry (SAP) using the 24-2 and/or 10-2 program (Zeiss Meditec), mfERG with 103 hexagons (Veris, EDI), and fdOCT imaging (3DOCT-2000, Topcon) with scans of the macula. All patients had reliable visual fields showing macular defects and good quality mfERG and fdOCT results. The mfERG results were classified as abnormal based on decreased amplitudes and/or increased latencies corresponding to the abnormal visual field. Based on visual inspection, three experienced observers classified the fdOCT scans as normal or inconclusive, as opposed to clearly abnormal. Retinal layers of the fdOCT scans were manually segmented with the aid of a computer program and compared to mean thicknesses from 20 controls. The thicknesses of the outer segment plus retinal pigment epithelium, total receptor, and inner nuclear layers were measured. Quantitative analysis of fdOCT scans demonstrated thinning of the outer retina in some scans that was not readily apparent on visual inspection. One or more of the outer retinal layers was significantly thinner in 15 of the 25 eyes. The absence of significant thinning in the other 10 eyes represents instances in which functional loss measured by visual fields and mfERGs can precede clear structural changes on fdOCT.