cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous and Endogenous Distracters on Immediate and Long-Term Recall in Toddlers.

We explored the role that exogenous and endogenous competitors for attention play in infants' abilities to encode and retain information over a 6-month period. Sixty-six children visited the laboratory at 15 months, and 32 returned for a second visit at 21 months. Children observed models of conventional- relation and enabling-relation action sequences. Half the children were distracted by a "Mister Monkey" mechanical toy during the conventional-relation sequence, while the other half was distracted during the enabling-relation sequence. The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire indexed endogenous factors at both ages. Immediate postmodel production of target actions indexed encoding efficiency, and 6-month production of target actions indexed long-term recall. The exogenous distracter impacted encoding efficiency (i.e., immediate recall), but not long-term recall. Endogenous factors (i.e., temperament) were primarily associated with long-term recall. Of special interest was our finding that endogenous factors, especially surgency, moderated the effect of the exogenous distracter. It appears that when learning conventional-relation sequences in the presence of exogenous distracters, surgency mobilizes attentional resources toward the learning objective; however, when learning enabling-relation sequences under the same conditions, surgency either boosts the saliency of the distracters or boosts children's susceptibility to them.
Extension of the Najd Shear System from Saudi Arabia to the central eastern desert of Egypt based on integrated field and LANDSAT observations

The Najd Shear System in Saudi Arabia extends over 1200 km in a NW-SE direction and has a width of approximately 300 km. A digital color mosaic, compiled from seven Landsat thematic mapper scenes, was used to delineate characteristic structural features of the Najd System in the Midyan region of Saudi Arabia and to search for similar features in the Egyptian Eastern Desert. The digital mosaic was generated using ratios of Landsat thematic mapper bands (bands 5/4 × 3/4, 5/1, 5/7) that are sensitive to the rock content of Fe-bearing aluminosilicates, spectrally opaque phases, and hydroxyl-bearing or carbonate minerals, respectively. The mosaic covers approximately 130,000 km² of late Proterozoic exposures of the Arabian-Nubian Shield and has the Eastern Desert and the Midyan region placed in their approximate pre-Red Sea locations. The Ajjaj Shear Zone (AJZ) marks the termination of the Najd System against the eastern margin of the Red Sea in the Midyan region. The AJZ aligns with the central Eastern Desert, based on analysis of pre-Red Sea locations. Analyses of Landsat data and field observations show that the Ajjaj Shear Zone and the central Eastern Desert exhibit the following features in common: (1) outcrops that are generally elongate in a NW-SE direction as a result of folding, with fine-scale lithologic heterogeneity at the outcrop scale related to deformation associated with faulting; (2) NW trending left-lateral faults and ductile shear zones; (3) subhorizontal, NW trending mineral lineations, and variably dipping NW trending foliations, with local changes in attitude around large competent (e.g., granitic) bodies; and (4) lithologic contacts that are generally tectonic in nature and related to faulting. These features are less common to the north and south of both the Ajjaj Shear Zone and the central Eastern Desert. Results are consistent with the Najd Shear System extending into the Eastern Desert and dominating the structural patterns within the central part of the Eastern Desert.
Estimation of the transverse stimulated Raman scattering gain coefficient in KDP and DKDP at 2ω, 3ω, and 4ω

The stimulated Raman scattering gain coefficient in KDP/DKDP crystals for any orientation with respect to the crystal axis, propagation and polarization of the pump beam can be estimated using a) the spontaneous Raman scattering cross section of the material, b) the spectral profile of the Raman line and, c) the Raman scattering tensor. Of particular interest in ICF class laser systems are the parasitic Transverse Stimulated Raman Scattering effects. In this work we provide experimental results that help advance our ability to estimate these effects at operational conditions for second, third and fourth harmonic generation.
Effect of Sympathetic Nerve Stimulation on Hypocapnic Airway Constriction

SummaryTwo series of experiments were conducted to determine the effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation on hypocapnic airway constriction in the isolated left lower lobe (LLL) of the dog anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. In the first series, hypocapnic airway constriction was produced by lobar artery occlusion. The bronchodilator effect of sympathetic stimulation on hypocapnic airway constriction was compared to the bronchodilator effect of sympathetic stimulation on the constrictor effects of vagal nerve stimulation. In the second series, the LLL was isolated and pump perfused. Hypocapnic airway constriction was produced by reducing the inspired CO2 from 5 to 0% in O2. The increase in lobar artery pressure caused by sympathetic stimulation was used as an index of the effectiveness of sympathetic stimulation to the LLL. In neither series did sympathetic stimulation have a significant effect on hypocapnic airway constriction.
Implicit Trustworthiness Decisions: Automatic Coding of Face Properties in the Human Amygdala

Deciding whether an unfamiliar person is trustworthy is one of the most important decisions in social environments. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to show that the amygdala is involved in implicit evaluations of trustworthiness of faces, consistent with prior findings. The amygdala response increased as perceived trustworthiness decreased in a task that did not demand person evaluation. More importantly, we tested whether this response is due to an individual's idiosyncratic perception or to face properties that are perceived as untrustworthy across individuals. The amygdala response was better predicted by consensus ratings of trustworthiness than by an individual's own judgments. Individual judgments accounted for little residual variance in the amygdala after controlling for the shared variance with consensus ratings. These findings suggest that the amygdala automatically categorizes faces according to face properties commonly perceived to signal untrustworthiness.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as a pelvic mass.

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are c-kit-positive tumors that may arise anywhere in the tubular gastrointestinal tract. Around 5% of the cases arise elsewhere in the abdominal cavity. Tumors originating in the omentum and mesentery have been reported. Case A 31-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain, a palpable pelvic mass, and elevated CA-125. Imaging showed innumerable pelvic and abdominal masses. Histopathology showed a GIST that was positive for c-kit and vimentin and negative for desmin and smooth muscle actin. The patient was started on imatinib mesylate. Six months after diagnosis the tumor has remained stable. Conclusions GI stromal tumors (GIST) may initially present as pelvic mass with elevated CA-125. Imatinib mesylate is the current mainstay therapy for GISTs after surgery.
FOLLOW-UP PULMONARY FUNCTION IN INFANTS AFTER INHALED NITRIC OXIDE TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. 2294

Although inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is used in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), little is known of its potential long term toxic effects. By decreasing intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary shunt iNO may decrease lung injury due to barotrauma and oxygen toxicity. Despite these benefits, there may be a potential risk of additional lung injury with NO therapy secondary to NO and the formation of NO related by-products(NO2, ONOO-). In this study we sought to determine if there were any differences in lung function of infants with PPHN treated with iNO compared to healthy control infants. Five infants (ages 6 to 9 mos) with a history of PPHN treated with iNO were compared with five normal control infants (5.5 to 6 mos of age). None of the infants were on home oxygen. Pulmonary function tests were performed using the Sensormedics 2600 Infant PFT system. Oxygen saturations were not different between study groups. Thus, NO treated infants at follow-up have normal lung mechanics, but mild elevation of FRC in comparison with normal controls. We conclude that these infants have normal lung mechanics but may have a tendency for gas trapping.Table
The discourse of distress: a narrative analysis of emergency calls to 911

OPERATOR: Go ahead DISPATCHER: Lexington Fire Emergency CALLER: [Barely audible, gasping for breath] 12 Ridge Road Lexington. Help me. I've been stabbed. DISPATCHER: Ma'am. Ma'am. CALLER: [Gasps of breath]. OPERATOR: Did you get the address? DISPATCHER: I did not. OPERATOR: The woman was stabbed. Wait a minute. [Clicking of computer keys can be heard]. DISPATCHER: Ma'am. Ma'am. [No answer. Hangs up].
Getting Globalized: Urban Policy and Industrial Displacement in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

We hypothesize that as the "global city" label becomes ever more central to a city's identity, local urban government policy increasingly supports those economic sectors that city leaders see as being congruent with the global and increasingly undermines sectors that serve primarily local markets. Through an in-depth study of small-scale manufacturers in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, in New York City, we examine the extent to which and the ways in which local policy undermines otherwise healthy locally oriented businesses. We find that the City's assumption that urban manufacturing is a dying breed becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, largely via the City's own treatment of its manufacturing businesses. Through a lack of enforcement of zoning codes, zoning variances and rezoning initiatives, and more quotidian policies of harassment over noise and other quality of life complaints, the City is making it more difficult to do business for small-scale manufacturers. These policies then create a co...
Derivation of the membrane comprising the male pronuclear envelope in inseminated sea urchin eggs

Abstract Investigations were conducted in an effort to determine the origin of the membrane comprising the male pronuclear envelope of inseminated sea urchin eggs. The events of fertilization in zygotes treated with 200 μg/ml of puromycin are not impaired even though incorporation of [3H]leucine is inhibited up to 80% when compared to control specimens. Developing male pronuclei in zygotes treated with puromycin form nuclear envelopes structurally similar to and within the same period as controls. In puromycin-treated and untreated zygotes morphologically recognizable portions of the sperm nuclear envelope are incorporated into the structure of the male pronuclear envelope. Pronuclear development was also examined in inseminated ova where most of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was confined to a specific area of the zygote. Eggs were centrifuged in order to stratify their organelles into specific layers (stratified eggs); with further centrifugation stratified eggs are bisected to form nucleate (rich in ER) and nonnucleate halves (containing little ER). Observations of inseminated stratified eggs and nucleate and nonnucleate halves demonstrate an inverse relation between the amount of ER present in the vicinity of a reorganizing sperm nucleus and the time it takes to form the male pronuclear envelope. Computation of the maximum quantity of membrane in the male pronucleus that may be derived from the sperm nuclear envelope is approximately 15%. These investigations suggest that a major portion of the male pronuclear envelope is derived from endoplasmic reticulum within the egg and only a small portion (up to 15%) originates from the sperm nuclear envelope.
Patterns of colonization and succession of benthic assemblages in two artificial substrates

Abstract Benthic communities colonizing two different typologies of artificial structures, Tecnoreef® pyramids (PY), and plinth modules (PL), differing for material and shape, were investigated for three years after their deployment on a soft bottom offshore Pedaso (Western Adriatic Sea). The aims were to describe the colonization patterns of benthic assemblages on the two artificial modules, to highlight possible differences between them and to detect the effectiveness of the artificial reef on the ecosystem functioning. The composition of the benthic communities settled on the two types of artificial substrates was different especially just after the reef deployment. Abundance and species richness were higher on PL in the first two years, while an explosion of individuals characterized PY in the third year. This suggested a delay of about one year in the colonization processes on PY likely due to the material and shape. The community settled of the artificial structures was dominated by hard-substrate species which are commonly absent in the natural environment. The occurrence of these organisms enriched the local soft-bottom communities and contributed to habitat diversification. This, together with the importance of these species in the diet of a few reef-dwelling fish, confirms the trophic role and the ecological importance of artificial reefs in areas characterized by soft seabed.
Argon continuum radiation

Abstract The continuum radiation of argon has been measured for a wavelength from 2500 to 10 000 A, a pressure of 5 atm, and a temperature of 12 300°K. These results have been compared with theory.
Spectral Analysis Of Microscopic Phase Objects For Matched Filter Optimization

Fourier transforms of diatom specimens are studied for the purpose of making improved spatial filters for use in a real-time coherent optical recognition system. The system consists of directing a laser beam into an interference contrast microscope to produce a real, magnified coherent image of the specimen to be recognized. This technique provides a method of adjusting low frequency attenuation for image enhancement over a continuous range. Examples of results are shown.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Redescription of the Holotype of Sinea sericea, Supplemented With Description of Additional Males and First Description of Females

ABSTRACT I here redescribe, and expand the original description of, the holotype of Sinea sericea Hussey; correct misinformation based on the holotype; supplement the original description with additional males; and add the first description of adult females.
HBV core promoter mutations promote cellular proliferation through E2F1-mediated upregulation of S-phase kinase associated protein 2 transcription

Background & Aims Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter (CP) mutations have been associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical studies. We previously reported that a combination of CP mutations seen in HCC patients, expressed in HBx gene, increased SKP2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2) expression, thereby promoting cellular proliferation. Here, we investigate the possible mechanisms by which CP mutations upregulate SKP2. Methods We used immunoblotting and ATPlite assay to validate the effect of CP mutations in full-length HBV genome on cell cycle regulator levels and cell proliferation. Activation of SKP2 mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and HCC cell lines. Effect of CP mutations on SKP2 promoter activity was determined by luciferase assay. Target regulation of E2F1 on SKP2 was analyzed by siRNAs. Results CP mutations in full-length HBV genome upregulated SKP2 expression, thereby downregulating cell cycle inhibitors and accelerating cellular proliferation. CP mutations enhanced SKP2 promoter activity but had no effect on SKP2 protein stability. Mapping of the SKP2 promoter identified a region necessary for activation by CP mutations that contains an E2F1 response element. Knocking down E2F1 reduced the effects of CP mutations on SKP2 and cellular proliferation. The effect of CP mutations on E2F1 might be mediated through hyperphosphorylation of RB. Conclusions HBV CP mutations enhance SKP2 transcription by activating the E2F1 transcription factor and in turn downregulate cell cycle inhibitors, thus providing a potential mechanism for an association between CP mutations and HCC.
A dam-breach erosion model: I. Formulation

This paper, Part I in a series of two, develops a mathematical model for earthern dam breach erosion. This model constitutes an extension of the Breach Erosion of Earthfill Dams (BEED) model developed by Singh and Scarlatos (1987). Two aspects are emphasized: the evolution of the dam breach, and the subsequent flood and sediment routing. Simulation of dam breach evolution is based on hydrologic, geometric and geotechnic considerations. Einstein-Brown and Bagnold equations are utilized to compute the rate of erosion in the breached section. A water routing scheme, based on a modified version of the Muskingum method to simulate flow exchange between channel and floodplains, is used to route the resulting breach hydrograph. A sediment routing scheme based on the Muskingum method, modified to simulate deposition in floodplains, and deposition and scouring in the channel, is utilized to route the breach sediment graph. In Part II, the model is tested against historical dam failures, and an analysis is made to determine its sensitivity to various parameters.
An HIV risk-reduction intervention in an adolescent correctional facility: Lessons learned

Adolescents are now being described as the generation most at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Incarcerated young women remain a group at even greater risk, with markedly higher HIV seroprevalence rates compared with their male counterparts. In preparing for a longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial, our research team conducted a pilot project with incarcerated adolescent women. The purpose of this report is to offer clinicians and researchers interested in working with this population some insights on how to approach young women in detention and the logistics of carrying out a program in a correctional facility.
Isolation and screening of carboxydotrophs isolated from composts and their potential for butanol synthesis

Carboxydotrophs are known for their ability to convert carbon monoxide (CO) to butanol through fermentation. Such a platform offers a promising alternative approach to biofuel production from synthesis gas feedstocks. In this study, carboxydotrophs were isolated from various manure compost. Out of 500 isolates, only 11 carboxydotrophs (7 mesophiles and 4 thermophiles) were found to utilize CO as the sole source of carbon and energy. To assess the biochemical basis for their ability to produce biofuel (butanol), the level of activities of CO dehydrogenase (CODH), hydrogenase and butanol dehydrogenase (BDH) enzymes for these isolates against the known carboxydotroph, Butyribacterium methylotrophicum was assessed. All isolates showed evidence of enzyme activities (0.16–2.20 μmol min−1), with the majority exhibiting higher activities compared with the known carboxydotroph, B. methylotrophicum (0.33–0.71 μmol min−1). The level of activities for CODH and BDH ranged from 0.163–3.59 μmol min−1 and 0.19–2.2 μmol m...
Human papillomavirus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and host immune response

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are ubiquitous and often cause lesions on the skin that come to the attention of the dermatologist. Skin lesions, or warts, often occur on the hands or soles of the feet and can cause embarrassment or discomfort. Genital HPV infections are transmitted by sexual contact. Infections associated with some HPV types have a high risk of progressing to carcinoma. This review discusses the molecular biology and genetics of human papillomaviruses and provides an overview of the virology, pathology, clinical manifestations, and host immune response to infection.
Genetically encoded voltage sensor goes live

A genetically encoded voltage indicator enables robust optical recording of membrane voltage changes in the fly brain.
Modeling the multiple shape memory effect and temperature memory effect in amorphous polymers

Amorphous polymers achieve a shape memory effect from the tremendous change of chain mobility in the glass transition. The span of the glass transition region has a direct influence on the shape recovery behavior. In this paper, we investigated the shape memory behavior of Nafion, which has an extremely broad glass transition region. We measured the influence of the shape memory programming temperature on the recovery response and multiple shape memory effect. We applied a finite deformation, nonlinear viscoelastic model with a discrete spectrum of relaxation times to describe the shape memory behavior of the material. The parameters of the relaxation spectrum were determined from the master curve of the relaxation modulus. The model was implemented for finite element analysis and applied to design a multiple switchable pattern transformation of a Nafion membrane.
Scalable graph exploration and visualization: Sensemaking challenges and opportunities

Making sense of large graph datasets is a fundamental and challenging process that advances science, education and technology. We survey research on graph exploration and visualization approaches aimed at addressing this challenge. Different from existing surveys, our investigation highlights approaches that have strong potential in handling large graphs, algorithmically, visually, or interactively; we also explicitly connect relevant works from multiple research fields — data mining, machine learning, human-computer ineraction, information visualization, information retrieval, and recommender systems — to underline their parallel and complementary contributions to graph sensemaking. We ground our discussion in sensemaking research; we propose a new graph sensemaking hierarchy that categorizes tools and techniques based on how they operate on the graph data (e.g., local vs global). We summarize and compare their strengths and weaknesses, and highlight open challenges. We conclude with future research directions for graph sensemaking.
The use of valuation and weighting sets in environmental impact assessment

Abstract In environmental impact assessment of policies and product design results need to be presented in a comprehensible way to make alternatives easily comparable. One way of doing this is to aggregate results to a manageable set by using weighting methods. Valuing the environmental impacts can be a challenging task that can also be quite time-consuming. To the aid of practitioners, several weighting sets with readily available weights have been developed over the last decade. The scope and coverage of these sets vary, and it is important to be aware of the implications of using different valuation methods and weighting sets. The aim of this paper is to map valuation and weighting techniques and indicate the methods that are suitable to use, depending on the purpose of the analysis. Furthermore, we give an overview over sets of generic values or weights and their properties, and give an illustration of how different sets may influence the results. It is very useful to use several weighting sets, and discuss the results thoroughly. It is often a very interesting and fruitful exercise to see if and how the results differ, why they differ, and which one seems to be the best alternative to base any recommendation on. The example provided in this article demonstrates that looking at aggregate results is not enough. Since many weighting sets are not sufficiently transparent as to how they are constructed and what their impact categories actually include, a general recommendation is to provide weighting sets with a declaration of content, providing a clear picture of what is included and what is not, and a recommendation of suitable uses of the weighting set.
The familial state: Elite family practices and state-making in the early modern Netherlands

In early modern Europe, as every schoolchild learns, states and elite families were often closely interlocked. Yet family history and state theory are generally studied separately today. I try' here to unite them by underlining the central role of family lineages and gender identities in the formation of patrimonial political structures, focussing on the Netherlands, a precocious and influential developer along a number of social and cultural dimensions? My thinking about this problem has been guided by several general questions. When did elite families and lineages anchor political stability, or contribute to political change? How did gender arrangements complement or crosscut these familial patterns? What are the implications for theories of state formation? In the Netherlands, I argue, elite male family heads seized hold of local state offices, constituting themselves as a regent patriciate. 2 Over time, increasing familial exclusiveness and the changing class character of the regents interacted with the axial position of the Dutch in the emergent world economy. The regents' dynastic grip contributed to the rise of the Netherlands as long as a locally-centered patrimonial state was an effective form of rule. But when competitor states took the first steps beyond patrimonialism toward a rational-legal bureaucratic apparatus staffed by means of patronage, the persistence of the Dutch familial state undermined the politico-economic viability of the Netherlands in the world economy. Thus, I argue that elite family patterns and dynamics in the Netherlands were one cause of that country's spectacular rise and decline. In all patrimonial states, state officials had two concerns: securing the state that provided their office, and maintaining the status and wealth of their families and lineages. During some periods, these goals could be jointly achieved - at others, not. In the latter case, efforts by office
Gender disparity in liver transplant waiting‐list mortality: The importance of kidney function

Previous studies of men and women on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list, without taking transplantation rates into account, have suggested a higher risk of mortality for women on the waiting list. The objective of this study was to compare men and women with respect to dying within 3 years of registration on the LT waiting list and to take into account both the immediate mortality risks and the transplantation rates. The analysis was based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) on the waiting list who were registered between February 2002 and August 2009. Competing risk survival analysis was performed to assess the gender disparity in waiting-list mortality; 42,322 patients and 610,762 person-months of waiting-list experience were included in the analysis. The risk of dying within 3 years of listing was 19% and 17% in women and men, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among patients with kidney disease and especially those not on dialysis with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 and <30 mL/minute/1.73 m(2), women had a substantially higher risk of dying on the waiting list within 3 years of registration versus men (26% versus 20%, P = 0.001). This disparity was related to lower transplantation rates in women (transplantation rate ratio = 0.68, P < 0.0001). Controlling for eGFR and other variables related to mortality risk, we found that the overall female-male disparity disappeared. In conclusion, among patients with ESLD and kidney dysfunction who are not on dialysis, there is a substantial gender disparity in LT waiting-list mortality. Our analysis suggests as an explanation the fact that women have lower transplantation rates than men in this group. The lower transplantation rates can be explained in part by the fact that Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores tend to be lower for women versus men because they are based on serum creatinine rather than the glomerular filtration rate.
Cigarette Smoking as a Confounder of the Relationship Between Relative Weight and Long-term Mortality: The Framingham Heart Study

Cigarette smoking is a potential confounder of the relationship between obesity and mortality, and statistical control for this factor requires careful consideration. Framingham Heart Study subjects were weighed, their stature measured, and cigarette smoking histories obtained at the first biennial examination starting in 1949. Of men under desirable weight (Metropolitan relative weight [MRW], ( JAMA 1983;249:2199-2203)
FDG–PET imaging findings of a pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma☆

Abstract Pulmonary sclerosing hemangiomas are generally regarded as benign lung lesions arising from type II pneumocytes and bronchial epithelium. In some cases malignant features may be present. There are several case reports describing the radiographic, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of pulmonary sclerosing hemangiomas. Given the potential for low-grade malignancy 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging may be useful in the diagnostic work up and therapeutic planning in these patients, however the FDG–PET imaging features of pulmonary sclerosing hemangiomas are not well defined. We report a case of histopathologically diagnosed sclerosing hemangioma of the lung which demonstrated intermediate uptake of FDG on the preoperative PET/CT evaluation.
Synthesis of A New Series of Tetrachalcogen Fulvalenes and Their Charge Transfer Cohpiexes

Abstract The synthesis of a new series of fulvalene-type π-donors and their charge-transfer complexes are described together with the crystal structure of the tetratellurafulvalene derivative.
Castanospermine—a plant growth regulator

Castanospermine, 1,6,7,8-tetrahydroxyoctahydroindolizine, has been shown to be a potent dicot phytotoxin. The effective concentration to inhibit root length elongation of dicot roots by 50% is 300 ppb, while the effective concentration against monocot roots is 200 ppm, i.e., 103 times less effective. In contrast swainsonine, 1,2,8-trihydroxyoctahydroindolizidine, is ineffective as an inhibitor of root length elongation.
CERULOPLASMIN: AN ACUTE PHASE REACTANT THAT SCAVENGES OXYGEN‐DERIVED FREE RADICALS*

Superoxide anion radicals have been implicated recently as mediators of inflammation and tissue injury. Protection from superoxide anion radicals is provided primarily by a copper-containing, intracellular enzyme (superoxide dismutase) (SOD) that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. We have found that the action of cytoplasmic SOD to scavenge superoxide and thereby to inhibit superoxide-mediated reactions can be mimicked by the copper-containing plasma protein and acute-phase reactant, ceruloplasmin. Ceruloplasmin, at concentrations present in normal plasma, inhibited reduction of both cytochrome c and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) mediated by the aerobic action of xanthine oxidase on hypoxanthine (a superoxide-generating system). Ceruloplasmin neither inhibited formation of uric acid by xanthine oxidase nor accelerated autooxidation of cytochrome c. Furthermore, in an experimental system in which contact between ceruloplasmin and indicator was prevented by a relatively impermeable lipid membrane barrier, ceruloplasmin inhibited reduction of NBT trapped within liposomes exposed to xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine. Ceruloplasmin also inhibited reduction of cytochrome c and NBT mediated by the aerobic action of xanthine oxidase on acetaldehyde (another superoxide-generating system) and mimicked the activity of purified human erythrocyte SOD by inhibiting photoreduction of NBT and by accelerating aerobic photooxidation of dianisidine. Ceruloplasmin could be separated from purified human erythrocyte SOD by electrophoresis on alkaline 12% polyacrylamide gels and identified by its superoxide-scavenging activity. These results suggest that ceruloplasmin may function as a circulating scavenger of oxygen-derived free radicals.
Stimulation of yeast hexokinase by catecholamines and related compounds

Abstract Yeast hexokinase has been found to be qualitatively similar to brain hexokinase with respect to stimulation by catechol and catecholamine. As with the brain enzyme, significant stimulation occurs only when Mg 2+ and H + concentrations are suboptimal and the concentration of the phosphate acceptor (glucose or 2-deoxyglucose) exceeds the half saturation level; the catechol group is required and the side-chain substituent alters the activity. Quantitatively, the two enzymes differ; for example, ten times as much Mg 2+ is required to elicit maximal stimulation response with the yeast as with the brain enzyme. There are wide range differences in stimulation factors between different preparations which cannot be explained at present. As with the brain enzyme, catecholic compounds appear to be useful as test probes for enzyme mechanism studies and the stimulation phenomenon may be significant with respect to hexokinase control mechanisms.
Co-ordinated collective motion patterns in a discrete-time setting with experiments

In this study, the authors co-ordinated collective motion patterns for a group of autonomous vehicles with Cartesian co-ordinate coupling in a discrete-time setting and present experimental results to validate the theoretical results. The collective motion patterns include rendezvous, circular patterns and logarithmic spiral patterns. The authors first study the collective motion patterns for a group of autonomous vehicles with single-integrator kinematics in a discrete-time setting when there exists time delay. The conditions on the network topology, the sampling period, the time delay and the Euler angle are presented such that different collective motion patterns can be achieved. The collective motion patterns for a group of autonomous vehicles with double-integrator dynamics in a discrete-time setting in the presence of relative damping are studied. The conditions on the network topology, the sampling period, the damping factor and the Euler angle are presented such that different collective patterns can be achieved. Finally, the theoretical results are experimentally validated on a multi-robot platform.
Postmortem computed tomography of cadavers embalmed for use in teaching gross anatomy.

Objective: To integrate radiology more fully into the first year of medical school, each student was provided with a computed tomographic (CT) scan of his or her gross anatomy cadaver before dissection. We describe the imaging findings of these embalmed cadavers. Methods: Eighteen cadavers, embalmed within 2 days of death and stored an average of 8 months, were scanned with multidetector CT. Results: The CT findings provided opportunities for enhanced learning and guidance for the dissection. Specific findings were categorized as postmortem and embalming changes, pathological changes, and iatrogenic changes. Image quality was degraded by beam hardening artifact caused by the arms being placed alongside the body. Differences in attenuation between many soft-tissue structures were reduced, compared with living subjects. Conclusions: Findings on CT scans of embalmed cadavers show significant differences from CT scans of living patients, due to postmortem state and artifacts of preservation.
Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Coronally Advanced Flap Root Coverage Procedure

Background: The coronally advanced flap (CAF) has been used to treat gingival recession. However, the final outcomes (percentage of root coverage) vary from case to case. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that may affect the results of CAF root coverage procedures.Methods: Twenty-three systemically healthy patients (mean age, 43.8 ± 11.9 years) each with one Miller's Class I buccal recession defect were included. Baseline clinical parameters included recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). CAF root coverage procedures were performed to correct the recession defects. Patients were followed at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-surgery, at which time wound healing index (WHI) and other measurements were recorded.Results: The mean baseline RD was 2.9 ± 0.4 mm; RW, 3.4 ± 0.6 mm; WKT, 2.7 ± 1.3 mm; and GT, 1.1 ± 0.3 mm. At mid-buccal...
Clathrate hydrate formation enhances near-critical and supercritical solvent extraction equilibria

Pre-concentration of dilute aqueous solutions by hydrate formation can improve the effective distribution coefficient and selectivity of solvent extraction. Many solvents can serve simultaneously to promote solution concentration by hydrate formation and also to extract non-polar solutes from the resulting concentrated solution. This concept is illustrated for systems with supercritical ethylene and with near-critical liquid carbon dioxide, and its application to conventional solvents is discussed.
Genetic and pharmacological intervention for treatment/prevention of hearing loss.

Abstract Twenty years ago it was first demonstrated that birds could regenerate their cochlear hair cells following noise damage or aminoglycoside treatment. An understanding of how this structural and functional regeneration occurred might lead to the development of therapies for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss in humans. Recent experiments have demonstrated that noise exposure and aminoglycoside treatment lead to apoptosis of the hair cells. In birds, this programmed cell death induces the adjacent supporting cells to undergo regeneration to replace the lost hair cells. Although hair cells in the mammalian cochlea undergo apoptosis in response to noise damage and ototoxic drug treatment, the supporting cells do not possess the ability to undergo regeneration. However, current experiments on genetic manipulation, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation suggest that regeneration in the mammalian cochlea may eventually be possible and may 1 day provide a therapeutic tool for hearing loss in humans. Learning outcomes : The reader should be able to: (1) Describe the anatomy of the avian and mammalian cochlea, identify the individual cell types in the organ of Corti, and distinguish major features that participate in hearing function, (2) Demonstrate a knowledge of how sound damage and aminoglycoside poisoning induce apoptosis of hair cells in the cochlea, (3) Define how hair cell loss in the avian cochlea leads to regeneration of new hair cells and distinguish this from the mammalian cochlea where there is no regeneration following damage, and (4) Interpret the potential for new approaches, such as genetic manipulation, gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, could provide a therapeutic approach to hair cell loss in the mammalian cochlea.
Multitrajectory simulation performance for varying scenario sizes

Multitrajectory Simulation allows random events in a simulation to generate multiple trajectories, a technique called "splitting", with explicit management of the set of trajectories. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the possible outcome set of the simulation and scenario. This has been applied to a prototype combat simulation, "eaglet" which was designed to have similar, but simpler, representations of the features of the "Eagle" simulation used for Army analyses. The study compared the number of multitrajectory simulation trajectories with numbers of stochastic replications to experimentally determining the rate of convergence to a definitive outcome set. The definitive set was determined using very large numbers of replications to develop a plot of loss exchange ratio versus losses of one side. This was repeated with scenarios of from 40 to 320 units. While the multitrajectory technique gave superior results in general as expected, there were some anomalies, particularly in the smallest scenario, that illustrate limitations of the technique and the assessment method used. 1 BACKGROUND The goal of multitrajectory simulation is to explore the outcome space of a simulation, that is, the set of all possible outcomes, more systematically and less expensively (for a given quality of understanding) than can be achieved with conventional stochastic simulation. This may be considered a variance reduction technique, but the analysis goals may be formulated not only in terms of better estimates of statistical properties of the outcome set, e.g. a mean and variance for Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), but also representative instances of extreme behavior or other "interesting" cases (Al-Hassan, Gilmer, and Sullivan 1997). The heart of the proposed method is to explicitly track each possible trajectory, as illustrated in Figure 1. When an event that would normally be stochastic occurs, instead of one outcome, multiple outcomes are generated, each constituting a trajectory having its own state. Because the trajectory bifurcates, this is also referred to as "splitting", with "cloning" of the state. In concept, such a multiple trajectory simulation is integrated with its support system in such a way that its use provides outcomes with probabilities associated with each, an accounting for the key events or circumstances leading to the differences, and some measure of confidence in these results.
Positive Temporal Sharp Waves in Neonatal EEG

The clinical correlates and EEG characteristics of rolandic positive sharp waves in neonatal EEG have been studied systematically. Morphologically similar positive sharp waves have been reported to occur in the temporal areas (PTS). Their significance is, however, unclear. We reviewed fifty-two EEGs on patients from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Twenty-one of the EEGs which were reviewed had PTS. We correlated the PTS with the results of ultrasound of the head and with clinical evaluations. PTS are more strongly correlated with the occurrence of non-hemorrhagic than of hemorrhagic intracranial pathology.
Systemic oxygenation weakens the hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor 1α-dependent and extracellular adenosine-mediated tumor protection

Intratumoral hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1-α)-dependent CD39/CD73 ectoenzymes may govern the accumulation of tumor-protecting extracellular adenosine and signaling through A2A adenosine receptors (A2AR) in tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, we explored the conceptually novel motivation to use supplemental oxygen as a treatment to inhibit the hypoxia/HIF-1α-CD39/CD73-driven accumulation of extracellular adenosine in the TME in order to weaken the tumor protection. We report that hyperoxic breathing (60 % O2) decreased the TME hypoxia, as well as levels of HIF-1α and downstream target proteins of HIF-1α in the TME according to proteomic studies in mice. Importantly, oxygenation also downregulated the expression of adenosine-generating ectoenzymes and significantly lowered levels of tumor-protecting extracellular adenosine in the TME. Using supplemental oxygen as a tool in studies of the TME, we also identified FHL-1 as a potentially useful marker for the conversion of hypoxic into normoxic TME. Hyperoxic breathing resulted in the upregulation of antigen-presenting MHC class I molecules on tumor cells and in the better recognition and increased susceptibility to killing by tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells. Therapeutic breathing of 60 % oxygen resulted in the significant inhibition of growth of established B16.F10 melanoma tumors and prolonged survival of mice. Taken together, the data presented here provide proof-of principle for the therapeutic potential of systemic oxygenation to convert the hypoxic, adenosine-rich and tumor-protecting TME into a normoxic and extracellular adenosine-poor TME that, in turn, may facilitate tumor regression. We propose to explore the combination of supplemental oxygen with existing immunotherapies of cancer.
Cancer of the vagina

Abstract Vaginal cancer may not be as uncommon or have as poor a prognosis as was formerly believed. In this series of 101 patients, which included 70 with invasive and 31 with in situ lesions, intravaginal radium, either alone or in combination with external irradiation, was the principal form of therapy. Results show that aggressive treatment is worthwhile in early or moderately advanced disease. The preferred treatment is still unclear, however, and can only be determined by combined experience. Observations are also presented on 23 patients with in situ-like changes developing after radio-therapy for cervical carcinoma. Such changes may or may not represent cancer.
Analysis of cave atmospheres by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with flame ionization detection (FID)

Abstract In this paper, we describe a simple method for sampling, pre-concentrating, and separating volatile and semi-volatile components from two different cave atmospheres. Sampling is performed by capturing a volume of cave atmosphere in a Tedlar bag or Suma canister for sample storage and transport back to the laboratory. Loading a portion of the sample on a multi-bed sorption trap allows for sample pre-concentration prior to separation and detection of components on a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph (GC×GC). Comparison of two Texas caves reveals the power of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for volatile separation and detection, and to our knowledge marks the first use of GC×GC for the analysis of cave atmospheres. Analysis of the results revealed 138 and 146 chromatographic signals over an S/N threshold of 500 and direct comparison of the two samples revealed 50 identical chromatographic signals. This study is a first step toward demonstrating the ability of GC×GC to separate the complex volatiles and semi-volatiles in the cave atmosphere as a fingerprinting tool.
Residential segregation and exercise among a national sample of Hispanic adults

We examined the role of residential segregation in exercise among American Hispanics for the first time. Data on the 8785 Hispanic adults in the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were linked to 2000 census data on the segregation of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Multi-level modeling revealed that after adjusting for individual-level variables, the odds of exercise among Hispanics residing in high-segregated MSAs were 18% lower than those residing in low-segregated MSAs. This suggests that segregation contributes to lack of exercise among Hispanics; this effect might be mediated by the relative lack of recreational resources in segregated-Hispanic neighborhoods.
Vocabulary Instruction on Sesame Street: A Content Analysis of the Word on the Street Initiative

Purpose Authors of this content analysis examined how Sesame Street's Word on the Street initiative aligns with research-based practices for selecting and teaching vocabulary to young children and ...
The TIKI/TraB/PrgY Family: A Common Protease Fold for Cell Signaling from Bacteria to Metazoa?

We report that the metazoan Wnt protease and signaling inhibitor TIKI shares sequence homology with bacterial TraB/PrgY proteins, inhibitors of pheromone signaling essential for propagation of antibiotic resistance. Our analysis suggests that these proteins represent an ancient metalloprotease clan regulating cellular communications across biological kingdoms.