cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baseline neuropsychological profiles in prion disease predict survival time

Author(s): Sundaram, Saranya E; Staffaroni, Adam M; Walker, Nicole C; Casaletto, Kaitlin B; Casey, Megan; Golubjatnikov, Aili; Metcalf, Stacy; O'Leary, Kelly; Wong, Katherine; Benisano, Kendra; Forner, Sven; Gonzalez Catalan, Marta; Allen, Isabel E; Rosen, Howard J; Kramer, Joel H; Geschwind, Michael D | Abstract: ObjectiveFew studies have captured the neuropsychological profile of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) with neuropsychological testing, and little is known about cognitive predictors of survival. We characterized baseline neuropsychological performance in sCJD and investigated associations with survival.MethodssCJD participants who completed the MMSE (n = 118), 61 sCJD of whom also completed a neuropsychological battery at baseline, and 135 age-matched healthy controls, were included. Composite scores of global cognition, memory, executive functions, visuospatial, and language were derived. Cox proportional hazard models estimated survival time, controlling for age and education. Additional models adjusted for Barthel Index and PRNP codon 129 polymorphism.ResultssCJD participants performed significantly worse than controls on all cognitive tasks and composites with most showing very large effect sizes. The three tests showing the largest group differences were delayed verbal recall (Hedges'g = 4.08, P l 0.0001), Stroop Inhibition (Hedges'g = 3.14, P l 0.0001), and Modified Trails (Hedges'g = 2.94, P l 0.0001). Memory (95%) and executive functioning (87%) composites were most commonly impaired. Poorer global (HR = 0.65, P l 0.0001), visuospatial (HR = 0.82, P l 0.0001), and memory (HR = 0.82, P = 0.01) composites predicted shorter survival. Visuospatial cognition remained a significant predictor even after adjusting for all other cognitive composites; each standard deviation decrease in visuospatial cognition was associated with an 18% higher chance of death (HR = 0.82, P l 0.003). Global (HR = 0.68, P = 0.03) and visuospatial (HR = 0.82, P = 0.001) composites remained significant predictors after controlling for Barthel Index and codon 129.InterpretationsCJD participants exhibit a broad range of cognitive impairments, with memory and executive functioning deficits in the vast majority. Neuropsychological assessment, particularly of visuospatial abilities, informs prognostication in sCJD.
Fire behavior in multiple burning shrubs separated horizontally and vertically

Abstract Fire interactions between multiple 1 m tall, 0.7 m diameter chamise shrubs was studied utilizing the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Dynamics Simulator (WFDS, Mell et al., 2009). Two shrub arrangements were investigated. First, nine shrubs were placed in a 3 × 3 horizontal region. The shrub separation distance and wind speed were varied. Two competing interaction mechanisms were identified: heat feedback enhancement, primarily due to thermal radiative heating, and air entrainment restriction. Shrub burning characteristics were examined and a global average burning rate was analyzed. For the no wind condition, the peak mass loss rate of the center shrub is 23% higher than the others, indicating that heat feedback enhancement is dominant. Air entrainment causes the surrounding shrubs to burn less intensely. At an imposed wind speed, air entrainment effects are dominant. Shrubs that are best shielded from the wind burn most intensely. Second, the vertical separation between two shrubs was varied under different wind conditions. With no ambient wind, nearly no interaction between the two shrubs was observed. At a wind speed of 1 m/s, significant interaction between shrubs occurred due to flame-tilting. The downwind shrubs burned the most vigorously for vertical separation distances between 0.2 and 0.8 m.
Efficacy of telmisartan for the treatment of persistent renal proteinuria in dogs: A double-masked, randomized clinical trial

Background Information regarding efficacy of the angiotensin II receptor blocker, telmisartan, for treatment of proteinuria in dogs is limited. Objective To evaluate the antiproteinuric efficacy of telmisartan, as compared to enalapril, in dogs with chronic kidney disease and persistent, renal proteinuria. Animals Thirty-nine client-owned dogs with chronic kidney disease and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) > 0.5 (if azotemic) or ≥ 1.0 (if nonazotemic). Methods In this prospective, randomized, double-masked clinical trial, dogs were block randomized, according to presence or absence of azotemia and systemic arterial hypertension, to receive telmisartan (1.0 mg/kg PO q24h), or enalapril (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h), and followed for 120 days. Up-titration of study drug dosage on days 30 and 60, and addition of the other study drug at day 90, were performed if UPC > 0.5 was noted at these visits. Percentage change in UPC relative to baseline was calculated for all time points. Data are presented as median (range). Results Thirty-nine (20 telmisartan-treated, 19 enalapril-treated) dogs were included. At day 30, percentage change in UPC was greater for telmisartan-treated (-65% [-95% to 104%]) vs enalapril-treated (-35% [-74% to 87%]) dogs (P = .002). Among dogs persistently proteinuric at earlier visits, telmisartan remained superior to enalapril at days 60 (P = .02) and 90 (P = .02). No difference in percentage change in UPC between study groups was observed at day 120, when combination therapy was allowed. Combination therapy resulted in relevant azotemia in 4/13 (31%) dogs. Conclusions and clinical importance Telmisartan might be a suitable first-line therapy for dogs with renal proteinuria.
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Considerable confusion surrounds neuroendocrine neoplasms, as terminology and understanding of their biological behavior continues to evolve. In this chapter, a series of questions and answers is presented addressing what features define neuroendocrine neoplasms; definitions of neuroendocrine tumors, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and other rarer neuroendocrine neoplasms; and how to diagnose, grade, and stage neuroendocrine neoplasms. Particular attention is paid to current concepts and updates regarding high-grade neuroendocrine tumors, mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas and mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms, updated tumor staging criteria, and novel insights into the genomic landscape of neuroendocrine neoplasms. Finally, examination of five real-world cases walks the reader through the approach to neuroendocrine neoplasms and explores many of the concepts introduced earlier in the chapter.
Breaking Shortcuts by Masking for Robust Visual Reasoning

Visual reasoning is a challenging but important task that is gaining momentum. Examples include reasoning about what will happen next in film, or interpreting what actions an image advertisement prompts. Both tasks are "puzzles" which invite the viewer to combine knowledge from prior experience, to find the answer. Intuitively, providing external knowledge to a model should be helpful, but it does not necessarily result in improved reasoning ability. An algorithm can learn to find answers to the prediction task yet not perform generalizable reasoning. In other words, models can leverage "shortcuts" between inputs and desired outputs, to bypass the need for reasoning. We develop a technique to effectively incorporate external knowledge, in a way that is both interpretable, and boosts the contribution of external knowledge for multiple complementary metrics. In particular, we mask evidence in the image and in retrieved external knowledge. We show this masking successfully focuses the method’s attention on patterns that generalize. To properly understand how our method utilizes external knowledge, we propose a novel side evaluation task. We find that with our masking technique, the model can learn to select useful knowledge pieces to rely on.1
A note on type II error under random effects misspecification in generalized linear mixed models.

Litiere, Alonso, and Molenberghs (2007, Biometrics, 63, 1038-1044) presented the results of simulation studies that they claimed showed that misspecification of the shape of the random effects distribution can produce marked increases in Type II error (decreases in power) of tests based on fits of generalized linear mixed models. However, the article contains a logical fallacy that invalidates this claim. We present logically correct simulation studies that demonstrate little increase in Type II error, consistent with the earlier work that shows little effect due to misspecification.
How to hold an effective NICU family meeting: capturing parent perspectives to build a more robust framework.

Objective To record the content and parental perceptions of family meetings in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to improve existing frameworks for facilitating these meetings. Study design A prospective, mixed-methods study. NICU family meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by an iteratively derived coding framework until thematic saturation. We used descriptive statistics of parental post-meeting assessments. Results Qualitative analysis of 21 meetings identified both Communication Facilitators and Barriers. Facilitators included use of visual-aids and participation of social workers to clarify information for parents. Barriers included staff rarely eliciting parental comprehension (3 meetings) or concerns (5) before providing new information, resulting in 39% of parents reporting they didn't ask questions they wanted to ask. In 33% of meetings an important participant was absent. Conclusions This novel qualitative and quantitative dataset of NICU family meetings highlights areas for improving communication. Attention to these components may improve parental perceptions of family meetings.
Molecular tracking devices quantify antigen distribution and archiving in the murine lymph node.

The lymphatic system is a network of ducts that transports fluid, proteins, and immune cells from different organs around the body. Lymph nodes provide pit stops at hundreds of points along this network where immune cells reside, and lymph fluid can be filtered and cleaned. When pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, enter the body during an infection, fragments of their proteins can get swept into the lymph nodes. These pathogenic proteins or protein fragments activate resident immune cells and kickstart the immune response. Vaccines are designed to mimic this process by introducing isolated pathogenic proteins in a controlled way to stimulate similar immune reactions in lymph nodes. Once an infection has been cleared by the immune system, or a vaccination has triggered the immune system, most pathogenic proteins get cleared away. However, a small number of pathogenic proteins remain in the lymph nodes to enable immune cells to respond more strongly and quickly the next time they see the same pathogen. Yet it is largely unclear how much protein remains for training and how or where it is all stored. Current techniques are not sensitive or long-lived enough to accurately detect and track these small protein deposits over time. Walsh, Sheridan, Lucas, et al. have addressed this problem by developing biological tags that can be attached to the pathogenic proteins so they can be traced. These tags were designed so the body cannot easily break them down, helping them last as long as the proteins they are attached to. Walsh, Sheridan, Lucas et al. tested whether vaccinating mice with the tagged proteins allowed the proteins to be tracked. The method they used was designed to identify individual cell types based on their genetic information along with the tag. This allowed them to accurately map the complex network of cells involved in storing and retrieving archived protein fragments, as well as those involved in training new immune cells to recognize them. These results provide important insights into the protein archiving system that is involved in enhancing immune memory. This may help guide the development of new vaccination strategies that can manipulate how proteins are archived to establish more durable immune protection. The biological tags developed could also be used to track therapeutic proteins, allowing scientists to determine how long cancer drugs, antibody therapies or COVID19 anti-viral agents remain in the body. This information could then be used by doctors to plan specific and personalized treatment timetables for patients.
Harmonisation of voluntary disclosure practices by Japanese companies

The harmonisation of international accounting and disclosure practices is an important policy issue. This paper investigates the extent to which voluntary disclosure practices by Japanese firms converged since the late 1980s. Convergence of voluntary disclosure suggests that Japanese firms respond to market pressures by adopting increasingly similar reporting practices. Our findings suggest that there was neither more, nor less, convergence in selected disclosure practices over the sample period, although the average level of disclosure did increase. The results suggest that Japanese firms were in 'equilibrium' in terms of scope of information voluntarily disclosed, although the quantity of disclosed information increased.
Entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens, enhances Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4Ba toxicity against yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is an important medical insect that can transmit vector borne disease to human and animal. Mosquito control is the only way to stop the spread of arboviral diseases since no vaccines and effective drugs are available to vector borne diseases. In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelnsis Cry4Ba has high toxicity to A. aegypti larvae and the calculated 50% lethal concentration of Cry4Ba was 21.28 ng/mL. The gram-negative bacteria Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus are symbiotically associated with nematode, which is one of biological agents for insect control with high pathogenicity. In here, X. nematophila and P. luminescens showed 52% and 43% of oral toxicity against Aedes aegypti larvae at 72 h after bacterial ingestion. Remarkable, the mortality of larvae was enhanced up to 95% or 87% by X. nematophila or P. luminescens at 48 h, when larvae were exposed to these bacteria with Cry4Ba toxin (5 ng/mL), which has 20% of larval mortality at 48 h after toxin ingestion along. This study reports that entomopthogenic bacteria enhance Cry4Ba's toxicity against A. aegypti larvae. These results may have promising basis for practical application to mosquito control in preventing arboviral diseases transfer and reducing the Bt resistance risk to mosquito.
False Memories in Bilingual Speakers

Many examples exist in real-world settings that highlight the importance of examining the veracity of recalled memories.
A new theoretical method to calculate shale fracture conductivity based on the population balance equation

Abstract Shale fracture conductivity plays a critical role in determining the long term production of shale wells. High fracture conductivity is achieved by pumping more proppants and minimizing conductivity damage by fracturing fluid. Currently, fracture conductivity is either measured in laboratory following ISO 13503-5 or calculated using correlations derived from extensive laboratory tests by regression analysis. There is a need for a handy and practical tool to calculate shale fracture conductivity reflecting realistic fracturing designs. This paper presents a new correlation to calculate shale fracture conductivity that considers proppant properties, fracture design variables and formation mechanical properties. This correlation is based on the population balance equation for size reduction. It utilizes the population balance concept to predict the crushed proppant size distribution under increasing closure stress. Numerical solution of the integro-differential equation is validated by comparing the computed results with the measured data. The crushed grain size distribution determines the permeability of the sand pack. Fracture width is calculated separately by considering proppant embedment and proppant grain rearrangement. Fracture conductivity is then calculated and compared with laboratory measured conductivity. Finally, the effect of water damage to shale fracture conductivity is considered by bringing in a new modification term. Results show that the population balance equation can reasonably predict the crushed proppant size reduction by properly choosing the selection equation and breakage equation. The calculated shale fracture conductivity can match with the measured fracture conductivity using the Barnett Shale. An exponential expression can be used to account for the water damage effect in the Barnett Shale.
Commissioning of a proton gantry equipped with dual x-ray imagers and a robotic patient positioner, and evaluation of the accuracy of single-beam image registration for this system.

Purpose: To check the accuracy of a gantry equipped with dual x-ray imagers and a robotic patient positioner for proton radiotherapy, and to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of single-beam registration using the robotic positioner. Methods: One of the proton treatment rooms at their institution was upgraded to include a robotic patient positioner (couch) with 6 degrees of freedom and dual orthogonal kilovoltage x-ray imaging panels. The wander of the proton beam central axis, the wander of the beamline, and the orthogonal image panel crosswires from the gantry isocenter were measured for different gantry angles. The couch movement accuracy and couch wander from the gantry isocenter were measured for couch loadings of 50–300 lb with couch rotations from 0° to ±90°. The combined accuracy of the gantry, couch, and imagers was checked using a custom-made 30 × 30 × 30 cm3 Styrofoam phantom with beekleys embedded in it. A treatment in this room can be set up and registered at a setup field location, then moved precisely to any other treatment location without requiring additional image registration. The accuracy of the single-beam registration strategy was checked for treatments containing multiple beams with different combinations of gantry angles, couch yaws, and beam locations. Results: The proton beam central axis wander from the gantry isocenter was within 0.5 mm with gantry rotations in both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions. The maximum wander of the beamline and orthogonal imager crosswire centers from the gantry isocenter were within 0.5 and 0.8 mm, respectively, with the gantry rotations in CW and CCW directions. Vertical and horizontal couch wanders from the gantry isocenter were within 0.4 and 1.3 mm, respectively, for couch yaw from 0° to ±90°. For a treatment with multiple beams with different gantry angles, couch yaws, and beam locations, the measured displacements of treatment beam locations from the one based on the initial setup beam registered at the gantry at 0°/180° and couch yaw at 0° were within 1.5 mm in three translations and 0.5° in three rotations for a 200 lb couch loading. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that the gantry equipped with a robotic patient positioner and dual imaging panels satisfies treatment requirements for proton radiotherapy. The combined accuracy of the gantry, couch, and imagers allows a patient to be registered at one setup position and then moved precisely to another treatment position by commanding the robotic patient positioner and delivering treatment without requiring additional image registration.
The numerical simulation of low frequency unsteady transonic flow fields

The lowest order approximation to the Euler equations for unsteady, transonic flow about a thin airfoil is considered and a semiimplicit difference scheme is applied to a simplified governing equation which is a suitable modification of this approximation for low-frequency motion. In another approach the approximation first considered is retained as the governing equation and a semiimplicit difference scheme is employed. The computed results obtained in both cases are discussed.
Special Issue: Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning

For the last thirty years the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning has provided a venue where researchers can share and discuss their work with practitioners. We are honored and gratef...
eNOS transfection of adipose-derived stem cells yields bioactive nitric oxide production and improved results in vascular tissue engineering

This study evaluates the durability of a novel tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV) created by seeding a natural vascular tissue scaffold (decellularized human saphenous vein allograft) with autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) differentiated into endothelial-like cells. Previous work with this model revealed the graft to be thrombogenic, likely due to inadequate endothelial differentiation as evidenced by minimal production of nitric oxide (NO). To evaluate the importance of NO expression by the seeded cells, we created TEBV using autologous ASC transfected with the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene to produce NO. We found that transfected ASC produced NO at levels similar to endothelial cell (EC) controls in vitro which was capable of causing vasorelaxation of aortic specimens ex vivo. TEBV (n = 5) created with NO-producing ASC and implanted as interposition grafts within the aorta of rabbits remained patent for two months and demonstrated a non-thrombogenic surface compared to unseeded controls (n = 5). Despite the xenograft nature of the scaffold, the TEBV structure remained well preserved in seeded grafts. In sum, this study demonstrates that upregulation of NO expression within adult stem cells differentiated towards an endothelial-like lineage imparts a non-thrombogenic phenotype and highlights the importance of NO production by cells to be used as endothelial cell substitutes in vascular tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INCIPIENT GERMINATION IN HEAVY SUSPENSIONS OF SPORES OF BACILLUS STEAROTHERMOPHILUS AT SUBMINIMAL GROWTH TEMPERATURES.

Curran, Harold R. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.), and Michael J. Pallansch. Incipient germination in heavy suspensions of spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus at subminimal growth temperatures. J. Bacteriol. 86: 911–918. 1963.—By use of spore (plate) counts and permeability to stain, labilization was followed periodically in heavy suspensions of washed Bacillus stearothermophilus 1518 spores incubated at different temperatures. Although vegetative proliferation did not occur below 38 C, incipient germination was rapid down to 20 C and much slower and incomplete at 14 C. Dilution of the suspension materially reduced the degree and rate of labilization. The degree of washing and use of deionized water had no appreciable influence upon early development of the spores. The results are discussed from the point of view of the possible origin and nature of the germination stimulant. Images
Power electronics packaging challenges for future warship applications

Power conversion and solid state protection technologies are critical enablers to the accomplishment of the Navy's vision for shipboard Next Generation Integrated Power Systems but for most commercial offerings of this equipment the simultaneous achievements of high power density with electromagnetic and thermal compatibility and high reliability are prohibitive cost drivers. The increasing availability of wide bandgap power semiconductors provides the opportunity for the development of power electronic systems with a smaller footprint, higher efficiency and lower demands for external thermal management — enabling more widespread introduction of power electronic systems into the shipboard environment with lower system integration costs. However, the shipboard environment poses challenging competing requirements that cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the future packaging challenges in three areas: modularity, increased module functionality and retrofit. These challenges are illustrated by three specific examples: medium voltage solid state transformer, medium voltage dc solid state circuit breaker and low voltage variable speed drive.
Fracture network versus single fractures: Measurement of fracture geometry with X-ray tomography

Abstract Several long-standing questions concerning fluid transport in fractured rock involve the geometrical properties of the connected void space within a fracture network. We present experimental results that compare the geometrical properties of a fracture network to those of the individual fractures in the network. To image and quantify the aperture distribution of natural fracture networks in coal, a Wood's metal injection method is combined with X-ray computerized tomography and image analysis. We find that the aperture distribution of the networks is spatially anisotropic and dependent on the number and geometry of the individual fractures. Void area in the individual fractures ranged between 45%–58%. A three-dimensional auto-correlation analysis on the fracture network and a two-dimensional analysis on the individual fractures found that the apertures were correlated over distances of 10 mm to 20 mm in the direction of flow.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship Between Fluency and Application for Multiplication

Research suggests component skill performance has a strong positive relationship with composite skill performance. This study examined the association between accuracy and fluency for the component-composite relationship within multiplication. One hundred and fifty-seven fifth-graders did one-minute assessments for single-digit, and multi-digit multiplication problems. The results demonstrated the students achieved high levels of accuracy but low levels of fluency. Strong correlations between the component-composite skill fluency suggest that fluent component skills may have a significant role in composite skill performance. Moderate/low correlations between component and composite skill accuracy indicate that more than one skill component may contribute to composite skill acquisition.
Exploiting value-added content in an online course: introducing programming concepts via HTML and JavaScript

Online courses have proliferated across all disciplines in recent years. One commonly-used approach for creating an online course is to build a web site containing as much course information---assignments, solutions, lecture notes, streaming videos, and the like---as possible. The goal of this type of course is to replicate online, to the maximum extent possible, the classroom experience. Online courses built this way exploit the communications capabilities of networked computers. We believe, however, that online courses should also strive to exploit the computational capabilities of computers. That is, online courses should provide value-added components that make possible learning experiences beyond what is feasible in the traditional classroom. We describe such an online course, called Creating Interactive Web Content, that we created and have taught successfully for the last three years. It is a general enrollment course that uses HTML and JavaScript as a vehicle for teaching elementary programming concepts.
Intrarenal vascular obstruction of the superior infundibulum in children

Abstract Vascular obstructions of the urinary tract are encountered most commonly at and just below the pelviureteric junction; infrequently they are found at lower levels, involving the ureter. In 1966, Fraley drew attention to a third site at which blood vessels may interfere with urinary flow, namely, at the level of the superior infundibulum, with resulting dilatation of the upper renal calyces. 1 The present article relates mainly to three such cases in children in which the condition was responsible for attacks of loin pain so that operative intervention was needed.
Nonparametric Facial Feature Localization

Any facial feature localization algorithm needs to incorporate two sources of information: 1) prior shape knowledge, and 2) image observations. Existing methods have primarily focused on different ways of representing and incorporating the image observations into the problem solution. Prior shape knowledge, on the other hand, has been mostly modeled using parametrized shape models. Parametrized shape models have relatively few parameters to control the shape variations, and hence their representation power is limited with the examples provided in the training data. In this paper, we propose a novel method for modeling the prior shape knowledge. Rather than using a holistic approach, as in the case for parametrized shape models, we model the prior shape knowledge as a set of local compatibility potentials. This "distributed" approach provides a greater representation power as it allows for individual landmarks to move more freely. The prior shape knowledge is incorporated with local image observations in a probabilistic graphical model framework, where the inference is achieved through nonparametric belief propagation. Through qualitative and quantitative experiments, the proposed approach is shown to outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of localization accuracy.
Hormonal control of uric acid storage in the fat body during last-larval instar of Manduca sexta

Abstract In the last-larval instar of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta , a switch from excretion of uric acid to storage in the fat body occurs during transition from the feeding to the wandering stage. Neuroendocrine control of this change from excretion to storage was demonstrated by neck-ligation experiments with synchronously reared larvae. Results indicate that a neurohormone is released from the head 24–30 hr before the initiation of wandering and coincident with the first release of ecdysone that initiates metamorphosis. Direct involvement of the moulting hormone was shown by the effects of multiple injections of 20-hydroxyecdysone into the abdomen of larvae that had been ligated before the release of hormone. Urate levels in the fat body were 20- to 100-fold higher from hormone-injected larvae as from saline inject controls. Topically applied juvenile hormone or methoprene reversed the 20-hydroxyecdysone-induced storage of urate. Increased levels of uric acid in the haemolymph during pupal development result from the presence of juvenile hormone, and the abrupt decrease in uric acid concentration in the haemolymph just prior to pupal ecdysis results from a decreased titre of juvenile hormone. Applications of methoprene prevented the decrease in uric acid levels in the haemolymph.
Initial measurements of CO2 concentrations (1530 to 1940 AD) in air occluded in the GISP 2 Ice Core from central Greenland

Initial measurements of CO2 in the air of bubbles in the GISP 2 (Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2) ice core were performed using a dry extraction technique and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The record spans the years 1530 to 1940, and includes part of the little ice age. Absolute dating of the air was obtained from the location of the 14CO2 bomb peak in the bubble air, relative dating from the seasonal variations of H218O and electro-conductivity. The results for preindustrial times indicate constant atmospheric CO2 levels of 280±5 ppmv between 1530 and 1810 AD. Thereafter the concentrations rise rather abruptly. The record smoothly connects to the direct atmospheric observations from Mauna Loa.
Effect of Mode of Administration on Drug Distribution in a Two-Compartment Open System

The pharmacokinetics of drug distribution are evaluated for two types of drug administration, viz., constant-rate intravenous infusion and instantaneous intravenous injection. Both modes of administration eventually result in a constant tissue compartment-central compartment distribution ratio of drug. However, the distribution ratio at pseudo-distribution equilibrium (after instantaneous intravenous injection) and at infusion equilibrium (some time after the start of infusion) are not equivalent. The consequence of this finding is that at equivalent plasma concentrations more drug will be in the tissue compartment during pseudo-distribution equilibrium than during infusion equilibrium although the total amount of drug which will enter the tissue compartment is independent of mode of administration. The present findings may have important implications for drug-distribution studies and with respect to the relative effectiveness of continuous and intermittent drug administration.
Titanium in the rapidly cooled hypereutectic gray iron

The effect of titanium on the structure and properties of a rapidly cooled hypereutectic cast gray iron has been studied on the example of permanent mold (PM) casting. A microstructure study showed that titanium is a relatively strong element in controlling solidification structure by increasing undercooling and thus promoting type D graphite. The effectiveness of titanium additions depends on the base iron carbon equivalent (CE) with more pronounced changes in iron with a lower CE. The undercooling ability of the titanium decreases after exceeding a certain level. Increasing titanium from 0.09–0.12% slightly increases undercooling in iron with lower CE, but this effect was reduced in a more strongly hypereutectic iron. Alloying with titanium generally improves tensile strength, but the effectiveness of titanium additions also depends on the base iron CE range. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies revealed that most of the titanium-containing compounds were located in the metallic matrix: titanium carbides have been found in pearlite, while titanium nitrides and carbonitrides were located in ferrite. The presence of large amounts of extremely hard titanium-containing compounds, which often appear with steadite in a relatively high phosphorous content PM gray iron, amplifies the negative effect of titanium on machinability. This study suggests that for optimal combination of tensile strength/microstructure with good machinability, the titanium content in PM gray iron should not exceed 0.075%.
Identification of the retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor-responsive element in the human K14 keratin gene

The promoter of human K14 keratin gene, specific for the basal layer of stratified epithelia, is regulated by nuclear receptors for retinoic acid and thyroid hormone. However, the DNA sequences responsible for this regulation have not yet been identified. To identify the retinoic acid-responsive site, we have devised a simple site-specific mutagenesis method and introduced mutations into the K14 keratin gene promoter. These mutations identify the retinoic acid-responsive site. The site consists of a cluster of consensus palindrome half-sites in various orientations. As shown previously, retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors can recognize and bind common sequences in regulated genes. Here, we describe mutations that abolish regulation by both receptors. Interestingly, the hormone-dependent and-independent regulatory sites of the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor can be separated. Clusters of half-sites that share structural organization with the K14 regulatory site were found in the K5 and K10 keratin gene promoters. Similar clusters may be responsible for retinoic acid-mediated transcription regulation in epidermis.
Ultra-Near Fields of Penetrable Bodies of Translation: ω-κ Representations

Ultra-near fields scattered from penetrable bodies of translation (BOTs) are examined in the frequency wave vector (ωκ) domain. The classes of penetrable BOTs considered here include those with discrete homogeneous or inhomogeneous regions. For the latter case the region can be partially penetrable containing perfectly electrically conducting (p.e.c.) inclusions. The permittivity and permeability of each subregion can be complex. The electromagnetic scattering formulation is given in terms of a coupled system of integral equations. These are solved for the external electric and magnetic currents via the method of moments (MM). Next the ω-κ representations for the ultra-near electric and magnetic fields in the proximity of the body are obtained by a Fourier transformation of the integral operators over the spatial domain. The resulting ω-κ representations delineate the propagating and evanescent components of the fields. The analysis is extendable to finite layered media.
Advanced Procedures for Urinary Incontinence

AbstractComplicated procedures and treatments involving prosthetics, neuromodulation, and urinary diversion have been developed to manage recalcitrant urinary incontinence seen in certain subpopulations of patients with urinary dysfunction. The following is a brief summary of some of these advanced
THE GLUCOSE OXIDASE OF HONEY. I. PURIFICATION AND SOME GENERAL PROPERTIES OF THE ENZYME.

Abstract A glucose oxidase has been isolated from honey and partially purified. A study of its general properties indicates a strong similarity to the enzyme occuring in the honeybee. It is characterized by a high substrate specificity and an unusually high substrate-concentration requirement.
Biosynthesis of 3-methylthiopropylglucosinolate and 3-methylsulfinylpropylglucosinolate in wallflower Cheiranthus kewensis☆

Abstract Incorporation of dl -methionine-2- 14 C and dl -homomethionine-2- 14 C into 3-methylthiopropylglucosinolate and into 3-methylsulfinylpropylglucosinolate have been demonstrated using Cheiranthus kewensis . The reduction of 3-methylsulfinylpropylglucosinolate to 3-methylthiopropylglucosinolate has also been shown. The results support the following sequence of biochemical reactions: Methionine → homomethionine → 3-methylthiopropylglucosinolate ⇌ 3-methylsulfinylpropylglucosinolate. A method of separating the two glucosinolates on a preparative scale is described.
Some Anticonvulsant, Skeletal Muscle Relaxing, and Toxic Properties of a Series of Substituted Cyclohexanones*

A series of substituted cyclohexanones was screened for anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxing and toxic properties in mice, and for those compounds that were selected for further study, ED 50 , PD 50 , and LD 50 values were determined. Although the series in general, possesses low water solubility, individual members are rapidly absorbed following intraperitoneal injection of suspensions of the compounds. 2-( o -Methylphenyl)cyclohexanone was one of the most active compounds in the series, both as an anticonvulsant and as a muscle relaxant. Because its action resembled that of mephenesin, a comparison of the two compounds was made. The effect of the ortho-isomer on strychnine convulsions was also studied.
The menopause, hormone replacement, and cardiovascular disease: the epidemiologic evidence

A large body of literature suggests that the menopause (estrogen deficiency) increases a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease, and that estrogen replacement prevents it. This paper reviews and critiques the literature that supports this thesis, and concludes that only randomized clinical trials with cardiovascular outcomes can determine whether the cardioprotection is real, and the magnitude of the effect.
Diffraction Studies of Photoexcited Crystals: Metastable Nitrosyl-Linkage Isomers of Sodium Nitroprusside

The geometries of two known metastable states of sodium nitroprusside dihydrate, Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]·2H2O, and that of the ground state have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction at 50 K, a temperature at which no decay of metastable-state concentration with time is observed. Data were collected on two laser-excited crystals containing populations of ∼37% of metastable state I (MS1) and ∼10% of metastable state II (MS2), respectively, using imaging plates and a rotating anode source. For MS1 the apparent geometry changes upon excitation, determined earlier at 138 K (Pressprich, M. R.; White, M. A.; Vekhter, Y.; Coppens, P. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 5233−5238), are confirmed. However, reinterpretation of the diffraction data points to a linear, oxygen-bound isonitrosyl geometry of this species with Fe−O and N−O distances of 1.715(5) and 1.140(7) A, respectively. The diffraction evidence points to a geometry for the MS2 species in which NO is sideways bound (η2), with Fe−N, Fe−O, and N−O distances of 1.89(2), 2....
The Tuberculous Veteran, Plans for His Future Care

SUMMARY Tuberculosis accounted for over 12 per cent of the discharges for disability of officers and enlisted men of the Army during a 33-month period in the first World War. Of the total World War I compensation service-connected disability awards still being paid by the Veterans Administration, 15 per cent are for tuberculosis as the major disability. Currently only 1.5 per cent of the disability compensation cases of veterans who served in World War II are receiving awards for tuberculosis. The Veterans Administration is now operating over 8,650 tuberculosis beds. Contract beds in private, municipal, county and State hospitals are also being utilized. Measures to insure early diagnosis, application of prompt effective definitive treatment, frequent and thorough post-hospital follow-up care have been established; medical, nursing and social work staffs have been expanded; and increased emphasis is being placed on early rehabilitation of the disabled tuberculous veterans. Future plans call for five types of institutions for the hospital treatment and post-hospital care of tuberculous veterans. 1.Units of 150 beds each for specialized care of tuberculouspsychotic patients. 2.Departments of not less than 100 beds in general hospitals for patients who require constant bed rest. 3.Rural sanatoria for ambulant patients under definitive treatment. 4."Health resorts" with proper segregation for ambulant patients with positive sputum not under definitive treatment. 5.Communities for ambulant patients with negative sputum handicapped by complications or a concomitant disease.
Line shapes for attachment of threshold electrons to SF6 and CFCl3 Threshold photoelectron /TPSA/ studies of Xe, CO, and C2H2

Using the technique of threshold photoelectron spectroscopy by electron attachment (TPSA), the shapes of the threshold electron attachment cross sections for SF6 and CFCl3 are determined by direct photoionization measurements of the 2P1/2 level of Xe+. The observed TPSA line shape is deconvoluted using a Lorentizian attachment profile with full‐width at half‐maximum of 30 meV for SF6 and 25 meV for CFCl3. In addition, TPSA spectra of the ground electronic states of CO+ and C2H2+ are reported. In CO+ the intensity of the threshold spectral features are dominated by autoionization, while for the vibrational features of C2H2+ direct photoionization is more important. The two processes (autoionization and direct ionization) are characterized by different TPSA spectral line profiles.
Controlling the Translocation of Single-Stranded DNA through α-Hemolysin Ion Channels Using Viscosity

Translocation of single-stranded DNA through α-hemolysin (α-HL) channels is investigated in glycerol/water mixtures containing 1 M KCl. Experiments using glass nanopore membranes as the lipid bilayer support demonstrate that the translocation velocities of poly(deoxyadenylic acid), poly(deoxycytidylic acid), and poly(deoxythymidylic acid) 50-mers are decreased by a factor of ∼20 in a 63/37 (vol %) glycerol/water mixture, relative to aqueous solutions. The ion conductance of α-HL and the entry rate of the polynucleotides into the protein channel also decrease with increasing viscosity. Precise control of translocation parameters by adjusting viscosity provides a potential means to improve sequencing methods based on ion channel recordings.
The role of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of intimal hyperplasia

Since its discovery, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a biologically important molecule and was even named Molecule of the Year by Science magazine in 1992. Specific to our interests, NO has been implicated in the regulation of vascular pathology. This review begins with a summary of the molecular biology of NO, from its discovery to the mechanisms of endogenous production. Next, we turn our attention to describing the arterial injury response of neointimal hyperplasia, and we review the role of NO in the pathophysiology of neointimal hyperplasia. Finally, we review the literature regarding NO-based therapies. This includes the development of inhalational-based NO therapies, systemically administered L-arginine and NO donors, NO synthase gene therapy, locally applied NO donors, and NO-releasing prosthetic materials. By reviewing the current literature, we emphasize the tremendous clinical potential that NO-based therapies can have on the development of neointimal hyperplasia.
Indicators of psychological well-being in a sample of employed women: an exploratory study.

Data collected from a sample of 633 healthy nonpregnant women aged 21-44 was used to assess the relationship between the subjects psychological well-being and their perception of the safety and reliability of their chosen fertility control method their self-reported level of menstrual distress their assessment of the typicalness of their menstrual distress and various social characteristics of the subjects. The women were all employees of a university located in a large metropolitan area in the US. A structured questionnaire including the standardized General Well-Being Schedule and the Moss Menstrual Distress Questionnaire was used to collect the information. Chi-square and multiple correlation and regression techniques were used to analyze the data. Analysis of the subjects scores on the General Well-Being Schedule indicated that 81 of the women were severely distressed 115 were moderately distressed and 385 were not distressed. There was no relationship between the scores and the type of fertility control method used by the women. There was an association between the type of birth control method and the subjects perceptions of the safety of their chosen method. 81% of those who used IUDs considered the method safe but only 50% of those who used oral contraceptives considered their method to be safe. Almost all of the women considered their method of fertility control to be reliable. When demographic variables were controlled perceived safety and reliability of the subjects fertility control methods accounted for only .4% of the observed variation in psychological well-being scores. The perceived severity of menstrual distress accounted for 2% of the variation in the psychological well-being scores. Women who thought their menstrual distress was more severe than that experienced by the average tended to have lower psychological well-being scores than women who perceived their menstrual distress as average. Differences in the perceived typicalness of menstrual distress accounted for 1% of the variance in psychological well-being scores. Women with no children or only 1 child had significantly lower well-being scores than women with 2 or more children; however there was no relationship between the number of children living with the subject and the well-being scores. Women who said their menstrual cycle had no effect on their social relationships nor on their life in general had significantly higher well-being scores than women who said their menstrual cycle had an effect on their social relationships and on their life in general. Overall the findings suggest that womens perceptions of various reproductive factors may influence their psychological status and that reproductive factors may account for the findings of other studies which indicate that women have higher rates of mental illness and other forms of morbidity than men.