cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Audit of Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Patients with Loeys–Dietz Syndrome and Vascular Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome

Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS) and vascular Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) are genetically heterogeneous heritable disorders of connective tissue. Both are multi-system disorders with dominant vascular pathology and associated gastrointestinal manifestations. To summarize the abdominal manifestations found in these two disorders in a cohort of patients seen at Mayo Clinic during a period of 25 years. Data were collected via the advanced cohort explorer (ACE) of Mayo Clinic records from 1994 to 2018 in patients with vEDS or LDS confirmed by genetic testing and/or medical genetics consultation. We extracted information concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal hernias, and vascular manifestations or complications. We identified and reviewed records of 68 vEDS and 13 LDS patients. Patients were similar in age at diagnosis and gender distribution. Gastrointestinal symptoms were frequently reported in both disorders and largely similar, although altered bowel function was more prevalent in LDS patients. Hernias were present in similar proportions of patients with vEDS and LDS; however, ventral hernias were more frequent and more likely to be postoperative in vEDS than LDS. LDS patients had more arterial aneurysms overall (76.9% LDS vs. 58% vEDS, p = 0.02) and a higher proportion required arterial repair (69.2% LDS vs. 32.7% vEDS S, p = 0.03). Co-morbidities of autonomic dysfunction, psychopathology (most commonly anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder), and allergy were more prevalent in LDS than vEDS. Patients with vEDS and LDS had a propensity for gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal hernias, and aneurysm formation, but repair for arterial rupture was more prevalent in LDS than EDS.
Market Segmentation in the Collegiate Basketball Market

This study investigates the characteristics of three market segments based on patronage in the collegiate basketball market and provides suggestions for marketers who operate in this market. This research gives special recognition that this "semi-professional" product competes with the true professional offering in a number of markets. Those segments investigated were non-attenders, low attendere, and high attendere. They were characterized in terms of their general market orientation, interests in leisure pursuits, opinions about the competing product, professional basketball, and demographics.
Science in history and beyond

The writings of George Sarton (1884–1956) and Johan Huizinga (1872–1945) are used to motivate a new approach to intellectual history called Historical Complementarity.
DEUCE: a sounding-rocket ultraviolet spectrograph for flux-calibrated B star observations across the Lyman limit

The Dual-channel Extreme Ultraviolet Continuum Experiment (DEUCE) is a rocket-borne, ultraviolet spectrograph specifically designed to obtain the first flux-calibrated spectra of nearby B stars ϵ and β Canis Majoris (CMa) across the Lyman limit at 912 Å. These observations will help quantify the contribution of such stars to modern ionization in the intergalactic medium. The payload operates in two channels over the 700 to 1150 Å extreme ultraviolet/far ultraviolet (EUV/FUV) bandpass, with resolving powers of 180 (1850) and net effective areas (including slit transmission) of 4 cm2 ( . 15 cm2) in its large and small-slit channels, respectively. DEUCE features a large format 200 × 200 mm2 low-noise atomic layer deposition-activated microchannel plate detector of the type baselined for the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared (LUVOIR) Surveyor and has demonstrated its flight performance. DEUCE has obtained the first flux-calibrated spectrum of ϵ CMa from 730 to 895 Å. This paper outlines the science objectives, instrument design, calibration, launches, and observations of the mission.
Stabilizing ultrahigh-nickel layered oxide cathodes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Abstract Rechargeable lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) with ultrahigh-nickel (Ni) layered oxide cathodes offer a great opportunity for applications in electrical vehicles. However, increasing Ni content inherently arouses a tradeoff between specific capacity and electrochemical cyclability due to the aggressive side reactions with electrolyte contributed by the highly reactive Ni species. Here, a protective and stable cathode/electrolyte interphase featuring enriched and evenly-distributed LiF is in situ formed on ultrahigh-Ni cathode LiNi0.94Co0.06O2 (NC) with an advanced ether-based localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE), which concurrently shows good compatibility with Li metal anode. Subsequently, the NC cathode can deliver high capacity retentions of 81.4% after 500 cycles at 25 °C and 91.6% after 100 cycles at 60 °C in the voltage range of 2.8–4.4 V in Li||NC cells at 1C cycling rate (1.5 mA cm−2). Meanwhile, the conductive electrode/electrolyte interphases formed in LHCE enable a high reversible capacity of about 209 mAh g−1 at 3C charging rate. This work provides an effective approach and important insight from the perspective of in situ ultrahigh-Ni cathode/electrolyte interphase protection for high energy–density, long-lasting LMBs.
Low Iodine Intake May Decrease Women’s Fecundity: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Salt iodization is one of the most cost-effective strategies to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). However, China’s dismantling of salt monopoly has reduced the availability of iodized salt in the susceptible population in pregnancy, which might cause IDD and have adverse health effects on both themselves and their offspring. The aim of our study was therefore to explore the association between IDD and women’s reproductive health. This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 1653 pregnant women participated in this study. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in the population was used to assess iodine intake. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the association between iodine intake and time to pregnancy, which was indicated with fecundability ratio (FR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The percentage of participants with iodine deficiency who had been waiting longer than 13 months to get pregnant (20%; median UIC 119.6 μg/L) was significantly higher than those with iodine sufficiency (14%; median UIC 147.1 μg/L). A significant decrease in fecundity was observed in participants with iodine deficiency (FR, 0.820; 95% CI, 0.725−0.929) than those with iodine sufficiency. These findings indicate the importance of ongoing monitoring of iodine nutrition in women of reproductive age. Keeping a safe and optimal level of iodine nutrition during pregnancy should be emphasized.
One Size Fits All: The Origins of Mixed Governance in Namibia

While much has been written about the resurgence of traditional authorities in sub-Saharan Africa, we know less about what explains differences in the institutional and regulatory frameworks that l...
Ethics and the geography of the nurse-patient relationship: spatial vulnerable and gendered space

In a study that sought to understand the ethical concerns of home care and psychiatric nurses, relationship proved to be of central import. Yet the sense of relationship was not limited to, not even primarily, the interpersonal bond that is most commonly understood by relationship. For the nurses in this study, serious ethical concerns originated in those structural aspects of relationship reflecting the social space that patients and nurses occupy. These concerns can be broadly grouped into two categories, spatial vulnerabilities and gendered space. The ethical concerns of spatial vulnerability include poverty, exploitation of patients for institutional gain, homogenization of identity, and the fragmentation of care. Gendered space includes invisibility, instrumentality, and relations to other nurses. Geography may be a useful way to think about the nurse-patient relationship because relationship is itself a spatial term and because geography allows for the dimensionality of scale from the local or intimate to the global or structural. How we organize and structure our social relations is ethically significant.
Learning Theory and Epistemology

Learning is the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. It spans a range of processes from practice and rote memorization to the invention of entirely novel abilities and scientific theories that extend past experience. Learning is not restricted to humans: machines and animals ran learn, social organizations can learn, and a genetic population can learn through natural selection. In this broad sense, learning is adaptive change, whether in behavior or in belief.
Improving Performance in U.S. State Governments

Public sector entrepreneurship is an approach to reinventing government that has been applied in public and nonprofit settings to stimulate better performance. The mind-set of public entrepreneurship (i.e., risk-taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness) is expected to cultivate more competitive and productive environments in organizations. This study examines the effects of public entrepreneurial characteristics on organizational performance in 296 U.S. state agencies. The results indicate that taking risks, being innovative, and being proactive contribute positively to organizational performance. Proactiveness is the most influential factor of the three for achieving improved performance. The results suggest that state governments can better leverage their strategies and resources, become more action oriented and opportunity driven, and take advantage of cutting-edge opportunities by adopting entrepreneurial characteristics.
Vulnerability of lower brachial myotomes in motor neurone disease

Abstract Single fibre EMG was used to study the motor unit fibre density in the right biceps brachii, extensor digitorum communis and first dorsal interosseous muscles of 15 patients with motor neurone disease, with different patterns of initial weakness. There was an inverse relationship between strength and fibre density in these muscles. Abnormalities were more marked in patients whose initial symptom was arm weakness, but collateral reinnervation was not as effective as in other neurogenic disorders. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis that motor neurone disease begins segmentally, or at a discrete level within the motor system, before becoming generalised. The single fibre EMG fibre density is a useful quantitative technique for sequential assessment of patients with neurogenic disorders.
Detection of Candida antigenuria in disseminated candidiasis by immunoblotting.

Abstract Immunoblotting (Western blotting) was used to detect Candida albicans antigens in urine of 10 patients with disseminated candidiasis who had two or more positive blood cultures. Twelve urine samples were examined; and antigenuria was found in five of six patients with C. albicans infections, in one patient with a mixed Candida infection (including C. albicans), and in one of two patients with C. tropicalis infection. All except one specimen was collected from 2 to 12 days after initiation of amphotericin B therapy. Positive samples showed different numbers of bands in Western blots with an antigen that had an apparent molecular weight of 47,000 in common. This antigen was not found in the urine of patients who had more than 5 days of therapy for candidiasis and who were responding to therapy. The results suggest that Western blotting for C. albicans antigens in urine may be a useful method for the diagnosis of disseminated candidiasis and for evaluating antifungal treatment.
Population and Economic Change: The Emergence of the Rice Industry in Guyana, 1895–1915

Considered analytically population growth may either have positive or negative influences on economic growth. Population expansion may, by facilitating a widening of markets, allow for economies of scale to be realized and permit the introduction of new industries, or by relieving labor scarcities, facilitate economic expansion. Possible negative implications for economic growth may result however, as Malthus argued, through the mechanism of diminishing returns or by changing the age structure of the population so as to increase the proportion of dependents relative to economically active producers and thus reduce the volume of goods and services available to each individual. The point is that economic analysis prima facia is agnostic with respect to the net effect of population change on economic change. One or all of the above relationships may be operative in any individual country experience and without careful empirical observations, it is impossible to identify accurately whether the negative or positive effects are dominant. Clearly what is needed before general statements about the relationship between population and economic change can be supported is a series of country studies whose purpose will be not only to determine the frequency with which the optimistic or pessimistic influences predominate, but in addition to identify the intervening economic and social institutions which account for the predominance of one or the other effect.
The exfoliation syndrome: Source of the fibrillar material on the capsule

A clinical case of unilateral capsular exfoliation syndrome was observed in the previously traumatized eye of a 22-year-old man with a drawn-down pupil. The distribution of material correspond to the folds of the inner surface of contiguous iris. The periphery of the lens appeared free of deposits. These findings contradict previous theories on the source of the fibrillar material from the lens epithelium and indicate that it is derived from the iris pigment epithelium and not from within the lens capsule, although there is no question but that the lens is involved in a similar process, the products of which probably do not reach the lens surface. The unilateral occurrence of the exfoliation syndrome in a traumatized eye of a 22-year-old man is unique and cannot be explained at this time.
Dental Anomalies in the Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

Abstract We found dental anomalies in 36 of 249 (14.5%) cleaned skulls of eastern moles from southern Illinois and Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional teeth (supernumeration) were observed in four individuals; one specimen had a unilateral additional upper premolar, and three specimens had additional upper or lower incisors. Connation (splitting) occurred unilaterally in I1 and P1 of one individual. Failure of teeth to develop (agenesis) was much more common, occurring in 31 individuals. Agenesis usually involved maxillary dentition—P1 and/or I2 and I3—sometimes with the same individual having lost incisors and premolars. Agenesis of mandibular dentition (P1) was noted in only one individual. We found no anomalies involving molars and no relationship between age of individuals and dental anomalies. Rudimentary teeth (“spicules”) in the mandibular diastema occurred in 68 individuals (27.3%). There was a trend toward reduction of rudimentary teeth with increasing age, but no relationship between occurrence of anom...
A field conjugation method for direct synthesis of hyperthermia phases-array heating patterns

A phased-array field conjugation method is investigated as a means for synthesizing directly many ultrasound field patterns useful for tumor heating. For virtually any ultrasound phased array, the method permits the computation of element driving amplitude and phase distributions appropriate for synthesizing directly diffuse heating patterns without the need for mechanical or electrical scanning. Moreover, the proposed method offers the possibility of creating simultaneously, at different sites, more than one focus, which can then be scanned electronically. This attractive feature eliminates the need for operating at high spatial-peak temporal-peak focal intensities, a potential problem associated with conventional scanning, while achieving a desired heating pattern. The method is applied to two different applicator configurations: a concentric-ring and a square n*n array. Computer simulations of different heating patterns, synthesized using the field conjugation method, are presented. Important practical design parameters, such as the size and number of the array elements, are discussed. >
Autologous islet transplantation with remote islet isolation after pancreas resection for chronic pancreatitis

Importance Autologous islet transplantation is an elegant and effective method for preserving euglycemia in patients undergoing near-total or total pancreatectomy for severe chronic pancreatitis. However, few centers worldwide perform this complex procedure, which requires interdisciplinary coordination and access to a sophisticated Food and Drug Administration–licensed islet-isolating facility. Objective To investigate outcomes from a single institutional case series of near-total or total pancreatectomy and autologous islet transplantation using remote islet isolation. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study between March 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, at tertiary academic referral centers among 9 patients (age range, 13-47 years) with chronic pancreatitis and reduced quality of life after failed medical management. Interventions Pancreas resection, followed by transport to a remote facility for islet isolation using a modified Ricordi technique, with immediate transplantation via portal vein infusion. Main Outcomes and Measures Islet yield, pain assessment, insulin requirement, costs, and transport time. Results Eight of nine patients had successful islet isolation after near-total or total pancreatectomy. Four of six patients with total pancreatectomy had islet yields exceeding 5000 islet equivalents per kilogram of body weight. At 2 months after surgery, all 9 patients had significantly reduced pain or were pain free. Of these patients, 2 did not require insulin, and 1 required low doses. The mean transport cost was $16 527, and the mean transport time was 3½ hours. Conclusions and Relevance Pancreatic resection with autologous islet transplantation for severe chronic pancreatitis is a safe and effective final alternative to ameliorate debilitating pain and to help prevent the development of surgical diabetes. Because many centers lack access to an islet-isolating facility, we describe our experience using a regional 2-center collaboration as a successful model to remotely isolate cells, with outcomes similar to those of larger case series.
A telemetry system for measuring chewing behavior in humans

A system is described for detecting and recording human chewing behavior. A small transmitter mounted in the side frame of eyeglasses was used to detect muscle movement associated with chewing. The transmitter signal was received and converted to a direct-current voltage which varied at a rate proportional to the S's chewing movement. Exploratory data are presented which suggest that individuals chew at about the same rate per second, but vary in the total number of chews emitted to consume the same amount of foodstuff.
Creep of metals containing high volume fractions of unshearable dispersoids—Part II. Experiments in the AlAl2O3 system and comparison to models

The tensile and compressive creep properties of coarse- and fine-grained dispersion-strengthened aluminum with 25 vol.% submicron alumina dispersoids are presented for temperatures between 335°C and 500°C and stresses between 30 MPa and 110 MPa. For all stresses investigated, the minimum creep rate is higher in tension than in compression, because cavitation is the main deformation mechanism in tension. In compression, however, dislocation creep is the dominant deformation mechanism at all stresses for the large-grained material and at high stresses for the fine-grained material, while diffusional creep dominates in the fine-grained material at low stresses. The apparent stress exponents for both diffusional creep and dislocation creep are much higher than for unreinforced aluminum, indicating that the dispersoids strongly inhibit both mechanisms. The threshold stresses determined experimentally for dislocation creep are significantly higher than those predicted by existing climb or detachment models, which consider the interaction of a single dislocation with dispersoids. Since transmission electron microscopy reveals that several dislocations typically interact with a single dispersoid, the modified threshold stress model presented in the theoretical companion article [1] is applicable, whereby the stress of dislocation pile-ups upon the threshold-controlling dislocation is taken into account. Good agreement is found between the experimentally determined threshold stresses and theoretical predictions from that model. The same model can also satisfactorily explain the very high measured values of the apparent activation energy.
SALT-SENSITIVE HYPERTENSION AND REDUCED FERTILITY IN MICE LACKING THE PROSTAGLANDIN EP2 RECEPTOR

Salt–sensitive hypertension and reduced fertility in mice lacking the prostaglandin EP 2 receptor
Characterizing the Effect of A2AR-D2R Heteromeric Complex Formation on Homomeric A2AR and D2R Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the targets of many drugs used in clinical practice because G proteins mediate a plethora of physiological functions. Appreciation of the existence of oligomeric GPCR complexes with distinct signaling properties from their monomeric counterparts is growing. Yet, the effect of heteromerization on the pharmacology and signaling of many GPCR monomers remains unknown. We have undertaken the task to examine the effect of heteromerization on the Gs signaling through the adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) and Gi signaling through the dopamine receptor type 2 (D2R). Signaling through the A2AR-D2R heteromeric complex is of great interest as this heteromer is a pharmacological target for pathologies associated with dysfunctional dopaminergic signaling, such as in Parkinson's disease. In order to analyze A2AR-D2R heterocomplex cross signaling through Gi, we are using an electrophysiological assay with heterologously expressed channels serving as reporters for GPCR signaling. Preliminary data suggest that heteromer formation decreases the dopamine elicited Gi signaling through the D2R. We are in the process of assessing the effect of D2R on the Gs signaling of the A2AR, using a tritiated cAMP assay. We hypothesize that Gs and Gi signaling through the A2AR-D2R heterocomplex are inversely coupled, in a manner similar to the serotonin 2A- metabotropic glutamate type 2 receptor heteromer (Fribourg et al. 2011). Thus, if our hypothesis is correct, heteromerization is expected to increase adenosine elicited Gs signaling through the A2AR. Furthermore, we expect that dominant agonists and inverse agonists for the A2AR and D2R can be used to manipulate the Gi and Gs signaling through the heteromer. Characterization of the signaling pathway through the A2AR-D2R heteromer could lead to novel therapeutics for Parkinson's disease.
Steady-state performance in a thermosyphon with tube separator

A one-dimensional steady-state mathematical model describing natural circulation two-phase flow in a thermosyphon with tube separator is presented. The theoretical results show that a single liquid region in the lower part of the evaporator is available if the heat rate and operating temperature are low. At high performance operations the total mass flux changes weakly with variations in the operating temperature and heat rate. Void fraction distributions along the thermosyphon length are obtained under various operating conditions. Liquid fill ratios for steady flow are suggested.
Universal behavior in heavy-electron materials.

We present our finding that an especially simple scaling expression describes the formation of a new state of quantum matter, the Kondo Fermi liquid (KL) in heavy-electron materials. Emerging at ${T}^{*}$ as a result of the collective coherent hybridization of localized $f$ electrons and conduction electrons, the KL possesses a non-Landau density of states varying as $(1\ensuremath{-}T/{T}^{*}{)}^{3/2}[1+\mathrm{ln}﻿({T}^{*}/T)]$. We show that four independent experimental probes verify this scaling behavior and that for ${\mathrm{CeIrIn}}_{5}$ the KL state density is in excellent agreement with the recent microscopic calculations.
Single-Layer Molebdenum Disulphide Nanopore for DNA Detection

Nanopore-based DNA sequencing has paved the way toward fast, label-free and high-resolution recognition and detection of DNA bases. Solid-state and biological nanopores have low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ( 5 nm) to be able to distinguish between bases distinctly. A nanopore in graphene, a 2-D material with sub-nanometer thickness, has a SNR of ∼3 under DNA ionic current. In this report, using atomistic and quantum simulations, we find that a single-layer MoS2 is an extraordinary material (with a SNR > 15) for DNA sequencing by two competing technologies (i.e., nanopore and nanochannel). DNA sticks to the surface of graphene nanopore which is the origin of noise generation. MoS2 surface shows non-sticky behavior and bases translocate through the pore without sticking. MoS2 nanopore also shows four distinguishable ionic current signals for single-nucleobase detection with low noise. In addition, a single-layer MoS2 shows a characteristic change/response in the total density of states for each base. The band gap of MoS2 is significantly changed compared to other nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, h-BN, and silicon nanowire) when bases are placed on top of the pristine MoS2 and armchair MoS2 nanoribbon, thus making MoS2 a promising material for base detection via transverse current tunneling measurement. MoS2 nanopore benefits from a craftable pore architecture (combination of Mo and S atoms at the edge) which can be engineered to obtain the optimum sequencing signals.
The Common Language of Leadership

As our complex society continues to call for leadership across all career fields, preparing leaders at the college level can be challenging. This article outlines the results of a comprehensive examination of learning outcomes of 475 academic programs within 72 academic accrediting organizations in regard to student leadership development. The purpose of the current study was twofold: (a) to understand better what competencies college students need to develop in order to engage in leadership in their respective career fields and (b) to use research findings to develop a list of leadership competencies across academic disciplines, serving as a “common language” for use in program planning, course development, as well as individual student advising and mentoring. The Student Leadership Competencies have been translated to contemporary leadership models such as the Relational Leadership Model, the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, and the CAS Standards. Implications for the use of the Student Leadership Competencies in program development, program assessment, and the development of strategic partnerships are also discussed.
A Bayesian approach for the genetic tracking of cultured and released individuals

In all supplemental stocking programs, regardless of scale, at least some of the released animals should be tracked (recaptured and identified) to evaluate and quantify the effect of the release on wild stocks. Often, marking these animals extrinsically can be impractical. Here, a parentage-based (familyprinting), Bayesian approach is presented for genetically tracking individuals produced in captivity and released among wild conspecifics. Any class of autosomal, codominant, molecular markers may be used, provided that loci are independent and population genotype frequencies conform to Mendelian expectations for diploid systems. Incorporating reference allele-frequency data from the recipient stock and genotype data from the captive parents, parentage of tested individuals can be established via likelihood ratios that compare the probability of the genetic evidence for coparentage to the probability for coincidence for individuals whose genotypes are compatible with parental pairs. Given a sufficient number of variable loci, products of these likelihood ratios and appropriate prior probabilities yield sufficiently large posterior probabilities of coparentage, i.e., very low expectations for false-positive assignment. Thus, post-release differences in growth, survivorship, or performance traits may be evaluated among groups, among families, or among genotypes and various stocking practices (e.g., size-at-release, release location) can be studied in vivo. The principal benefit of the approach occurs when family sizes of hatchery breeding pairs are considerably larger than those of wild pairs in the stocked population, as expected during successful enhancement. An application of the method to a large-scale stocking program is described, including results of blind performance testing and mutation rate analyses to investigate program error rates.
Wildtype and Engineered Monomeric Triosephosphate Isomerase from Trypanosoma brucei: Partitioning of Reaction Intermediates in D2O and Activation by Phosphite Dianion‡

Product yields for the reactions of (R)-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GAP) in D2O at pD 7.9 catalyzed by wildtype triosephosphate isomerase from Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb TIM) and a monomeric variant (monoTIM) of this wildtype enzyme were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and were compared with the yields determined in earlier work for the reactions catalyzed by TIM from rabbit and chicken muscle [O’Donoghue, A. C., Amyes, T. L., and Richard, J. P. (2005) , Biochemistry44, 2610−2621]. Three products were observed from the reactions catalyzed by TIM: dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) from isomerization with intramolecular transfer of hydrogen, d-DHAP from isomerization with incorporation of deuterium from D2O into C-1 of DHAP, and d-GAP from incorporation of deuterium from D2O into C-2 of GAP. The yield of DHAP formed by intramolecular transfer of hydrogen decreases from 49% for the muscle enzymes to 40% for wildtype Tbb TIM to 34% for monoTIM. There is no significant difference in the ratio of the yiel...
Pion Photoproduction at O

The special features of forward pion photoproduction at high energies are discussed. It is established that the cross section for single pion production can generally be expected to have a forward dip barring a conspiracy between Regge trajectories. Photo-production of the ${A}_{1}$ (${1}^{+}$) meson followed by its decay is suggested as an important source of high-energy forward pions.
New Optical Imaging Technologies for Bladder Cancer: Considerations and Perspectives

Purpose: Bladder cancer presents as a spectrum of different diatheses. Accurate assessment for individualized treatment depends on initial diagnostic accuracy. Detection relies on white light cystoscopy accuracy and comprehensiveness. Aside from invasiveness and potential risks, white light cystoscopy shortcomings include difficult flat lesion detection, precise tumor delineation to enable complete resection, inflammation and malignancy differentiation, and grade and stage determination. Each shortcoming depends on surgeon ability and experience with the technology available for visualization and resection. Fluorescence cystoscopy/photodynamic diagnosis, narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography address the limitations and have in vivo feasibility. They detect suspicious lesions (photodynamic diagnosis and narrow band imaging) and further characterize lesions (optical coherence tomography and confocal laser endomicroscopy). We analyzed the added value of each tech...
Increased phosphatidylinositol kinase activity in psoriatic epidermis

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase is activated by growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), and is thought to be involved in cellular proliferation. Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative epidermal disease in which EGF receptor expression is altered and phospholipase C activity is increased. Considering the potential importance of growth factor stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in the genesis of abnormal growth, we measured PI kinase activity in epidermal keratome biopsies from normal skin and the lesional and nonlesional skin of psoriatic patients. The PI kinase activity in 10 psoriatic involved plaques was increased 6.7-fold (Vmax = 67.1 +/- 23.9 pmol formed/min/mg protein +/- SE) when compared with 11 normal epidermal biopsies (Vmax = 10.0 +/- 1.3 pmol/min/mg protein, p less than 0.025). Similar results were noted when enzyme activity was standardized using DNA content. The apparent Km of PI kinase for ATP in involved psoriatic biopsies (0.45 +/- 0.14 mM) was also significantly (p less than 0.025) increased compared with normals (0.11 +/- 0.02 mM). The PI kinase activity in 11 biopsies of nonlesional psoriatic epidermis was not statistically different from normal epidermis. Both psoriatic and normal PI kinases required Mg++ and were inhibited by Ca++. The polyamine, spermine, a known activator of PI kinase in other tissues, stimulated normal but not psoriatic epidermal PI kinase. Both normal and psoriatic PI kinase activities had an apparent mol wt of 85,000. Increased synthesis of phosphoinositides by PI kinase in psoriatic tissue may provide more substrate for phospholipase C; a key enzyme in growth factor-mediated signal transduction.
The reactivity of the bound DPN of muscle triose phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract 1. 1. It has been found that the Neurospora DPNase can cleave the bound DPN of inactive muscle triose phosphate dehydrogenase (TPD i ) without prior dissociation of the pyridine nucleotide. The ratio, rate of splitting DPN-TPD i /rate of splitting free DPN, is pH-dependent, a minimum being observed at pH 6.7. DPN bound to active triose phosphate dehydrogenase (TPD a ) is also cleaved without prior dissociation if the reaction is run outside the pH range 7.4–8.0. Within that pH range, DPN bound to TPD a is not split by DPNase, the limited reaction observed being due to dissociated DPN. 2. 2. Takadiastase deaminase will readily deaminate the bound DPN of TPD i although at a rate considerably slower than free DPN. On the other hand, no deamination of DPN-TPD a occurs. Since TPD a has additional SH groups, some type of relationship is suggested between a protein SH group and the amino group of the adenine moiety of the oxidized DPN. DPNH bound to TPD a is deaminated by the takadiastase enzyme at a rate comparable to free DPNH, suggesting that reduction of DPN alters the interaction between the adenine amino group and the protein. 3. 3. Snale venom pyrophosphatase splits the DPN bound to TPD a and TPD i . The rate of splitting is somewhat slower with TPD a . 4. 4. The bound DPN can also be phosphorylated by ATP in the presence of DPN kinase to form TPN. This phosphorylation occurs without prior dissociation of the DPN and occurs at a faster rate with TPD i than with TPD a . 5. 5. The bound DPN of TPD i is available to a number of dehydrogenases, but the reaction rate with these dehydrogenases is slower than that of free DPN. DPN-TPD a does not react with other dehydrogenases. However DPNH-TPD a is readily available to these same dehydrogenases. 6. 6. It is concluded from the above studies that the DPN found on TPD a is bound to the protein through at least two linkages. One is through a binding found also in TPD i and a second through a grouping which may involve the nicotinamide moiety and which has also been indicated by the studies of Racker and Krimsky 35 .
Role of bendamustine in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Major advances in the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) include an enhanced ability to make an accurate diagnosis and define clinically meaningful prognostic groups, while improving outcome through more effective therapeutic regimens and supportive care. Nevertheless, CLL remains an incurable disorder and new, active agents are needed. Bendamustine, a unique cytotoxic agent with structural similarities to both alkylating agents and antimetabolites, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of CLL and rituximab-refractory indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In a randomized trial, bendamustine was superior to chlorambucil, with comparable toxicity. Combinations with other active agents including rituximab and lenalidomide are in development. Nevertheless, numerous questions concerning the ideal use of this agent remain to be addressed, including the optimal dose and schedule and mechanisms of resistance. The availability of bendamustine provides another effective treatment option for patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. Rational development of combination regimens will improve the outlook for patients with CLL.
Pediatric nurses' cognitive representations of children's pain

The aim of this mixed methods exploratory study was to describe pediatric nurses’ cognitive representations (CRs) of the assessment and management of children’s pain and to determine the relationships between their CRs and their choices about pain assessment and morphine administration. We recruited a convenience sample of 87 nurses caring for hospitalized children at four institutions. We measured the CRs with the Conceptual Content Cognitive Map (3CM) technique and pain assessment and morphine administration with smiling and grimacing child vignettes. We used content analyses for the 3CM data and fit logistic regression models to predict participants’ analgesic choice for each vignette. Nearly all (91%) participants identified the child’s behavior as an assessment approach; 48% indicated it as most important. Participants (92%) identified pharmacologic as a management approach; 47% indicated it as most important. Participants’ CRs did not predict assessment or morphine administration choices. Significantly more participants choose the appropriate analgesic response for the grimacing child than did for the smiling child. Nurses with more years of pediatric experience were less likely to select administration of the appropriate morphine dose. The 3CM method provided insights into nurses’ thinking about pain that are indicative of gaps, which may be amenable to interventions.
Two genetic markers for larvae of the screw-worm fly.

Two dominant larval mutations in the screw-worm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), are described. In one the number of slits in the posterior spiracles of third-instar larvae is reduced from 3 to 2. In the other, larvae have a complete anterior band of spines on the dorsum of segment 11 instead of the interrupted band usually found in wild-type larvae. Although penetrance varies in both mutants, each strain was considered adequate for use in field studies requiring a genetic marker.
Dendrochronology in climatology – the state of the art

Summary The current state of dendrochronology's contributions to climatology is surveyed, with an emphasis on the extent to which its actual and potential strengths are being used, and its weaknesses recognized and surmounted. After the growth in climatologists' interest in the potential of dendrochronology to contribute to their field is described, a brief account is given of the development of dendroclimatology over the past quarter-century. The strengths and weaknesses of tree rings as natural archives of climate variability are discussed. The greatest strengths are: the capability to date tree rings to the calendar year with a very high degree of confidence; the existence of large geographic-scale patterns of common year-to-year tree-ring variability; the development of very extensive, shared networks of tree-ring chronologies meeting common standards; the surprising effectiveness of very simple linear models of tree-ring/climate relationships; and the growing understanding of the mechanisms leading to variability in tree-ring features. The greatest weaknesses are that: tree-ring chronologies only capture a fraction of climate variability; their response may be limited to specific seasonal “windows” some do not respond directly to a single monthly or even seasonal climate variable; they may not record the climate variables of interest to climatologists; their use to reconstruct past climate is based on the assumption that the same factors, acting in the same way, controlled the formation of tree rings in the past as in the twentieth century; and, the techniques used to remove non-climatic variability, such as that caused by tree age/size trend and interactions with neighbors, limit the faithful representation of climate variations on centennial and longer time scales in many cases. The manner in which these strengths have been used, and these weaknesses addressed, is discussed. The overall assessment is that the state of the art of dendrochronology in climatology is vibrant, with much robust debate and innovative work.
Seamounts of Nazca and Salas y Gómez: a review for management and conservation purposes

Con motivo de la creciente preocupacion internacional por el manejo y conservacion de ecosistemas marinos vulnerables, entre los que se cuentan los montes submarinos y los corales de aguas frias de las cordilleras de Nazca y Salas y Gomez, y en vista de la inminente creacion de la Organizacion Regional de Administracion Pesquera del Pacifico Sur, se hace necesaria una revision de los principales antecedentes cientificos sobre estas cadenas montanosas como un insumo para la toma de decisiones. El presente documento atiende dicha necesidad considerando los aspectos geologicos, oceanograficos, biologicos, ecologicos y pesqueros asociados a Nazca y, Salas y Gomez, junto con identificar las opciones de manejo. A pesar que los estudios en el area son escasos y fragmentados, se destaca su particularidad debido a los altos niveles de endemismo, alta diversidad de especies, alta concentracion de montes submarinos, presencia de corales de aguas frias, mayor nivel de productividad en relacion a las aguas circundantes y su potencialidad para actividades de oceano-mineria y pesca de fondo. Debido a la lejania del area y los altos costos involucrados, una mayor cooperacion internacional se requerira para abordar futuros estudios, al tiempo que la creacion de una red de Areas Marinas Protegidas se identifica como la mejor opcion para el manejo y conservacion.
Spectroscopic and crystal structure analyses of methyl 1-phenyl-3,4-dioxo-2-naphthalenecarboxylate, C18H12O4

The crystal and molecular structure of methyl 1-phenyl-3,4-dioxo-2-naphthalenecarboxylate, C18H12O4, has been determined from three-dimensional, single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupCc(No. 9, Cs4) witha=9.837(2),b=16.397(3),c=8.706(1) A,β=94.88(1)°,Z=4,Dm=1.38(1) Mg m−3, andDx=1.388 Mg m−3. The phasing model was determined by direct methods and the final full-matrix least-squares refinement yieldedR=0.0363 and Rw=0.0405 for 1374 unique reflections. Optical, infrared, NMR, and UV-VIS analyses have also been carried out. The molecules in the crystal lattice are held together by van der Waals forces.
Correlates of Perceived Risk of Developing Cancer among African-Americans in South Los Angeles

There are differences in cancer-risk perception among racial/ethnic groups that may affect health risk behaviors. Using a community partnered-participatory research approach, we conducted a survey on cancer screening, risk behaviors, and related knowledge/attitudes within 11 churches in South Los Angeles with predominantly African-American parishioners. This analysis examines correlates of perceived risk of developing cancer among 755 African American adults. Almost 15 % of participants indicated higher perceived risk for cancer compared to the average man/woman of the same age, 38 % indicated same risk, whereas 48 % perceived lower risk. Sixty-nine individuals (9 %) reported a cancer history and 63 % reported at least one blood relative with cancer. Controlling for demographic characteristics and healthcare access, participants who reported higher risk of cancer had higher level of cancer-related knowledge; were current and ex-smokers; had poorer health status; had a blood relative with cancer; had a cancer history; and had discussed their risk of cancer with their doctor. The bivariate association between high perceived cancer risk and lack of exercise and obesity disappeared after adjusting for demographic characteristics and perceived health status. Our data suggest that a substantial proportion of African Americans in South Los Angeles may underestimate their cancer risk. Additionally, lack of exercise and obesity are not recognized as independent cancer risk factors as much as smoking and personal and family history of cancer. Next steps will be to inform participating churches about our findings and explore their interest in taking steps to reduce health risk behaviors among their parishioners.
A SIMPLE DEVICE FOR REDUCING INSENSIBLE WATER LOSS (IWL) IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS

IWL was measured in 5 non-distressed premature infants, 1-4 days old, by a multiple weighing technique using an electronic balance inside an incubator. The babies were studied naked before and after being covered with a transparent “thermal blanket” made from plastic packing material. Operative incubator temperature was within the thermoneutral zone and relative humidity between 25 and 40%. Consecutive three hour Δ weight measurements were made 30-60 minutes after gavage milk feeds. IWL was determined as Δ weight. Pulmonary water loss, assumed to be constant, was excluded from the calculation. Consecutive paired iWL studies: Use of the thermal blanket produced a 70% mean reduction in IWL and a net caloric saving of 27 kcal/kg/day (t=3.4; p<.01). There was minimal interference with nursing care. The results indicate that (1) the simple insulating blanket used is a highly effective means of reducing IWL, (2) the caloric saving achieved by reducing IWL and evaporative heat loss may be an important determinant of intact survival in the high-risk infant.
Spin-lattice relaxation in fractal systems.

Stapleton and co-workers have measured the spin-lattice relaxation rates of a number of protein molecules and interpreted the results in terms of the fractal nature of these complex systems. We examine the theoretical foundation of their work by calculating in detail the normal modes, local strain, and the temperature dependence of the Raman spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/${T}_{1}$ of an exactly soluble model system, the elastic Sierpinski gasket. No simple power-law dependence of 1/${T}_{1}$ on temperature is found in the entire temperature range.
Resource Constraints in Petroleum Production Potential

Geologic reasons indicate that the dominant position of the Middle East as a source of conventional petroleum will not be changed by new discoveries elsewhere. The share of world crude oil production coming from the Middle East could increase, within 10 to 20 years, to exceed 50 percent, under even modest increases in world consumption. Nonconventional resources of oil exist in large quantities, but because of their low production rates they can at best only mitigate extant trends. Increased production of natural gas outside the United States, however, offers an opportunity for geographically diversified energy supplies in the near future.
Prediction of a Linear Spin Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in Antiferromagnets

Here we predict the existence of a linear bulk spin photovoltaic effect, where spin currents are produced in antiferromagnetic materials as a response to linearly polarized light, and we describe the symmetry requirements for such a phenomenon to exist. This effect does not depend on spin-orbit effects or require inversion symmetry breaking, distinguishing it from previously explored methods. We propose that the physical mechanism is the nonlinear optical effect "shift current," and calculate from first principles the spin photocurrent for hematite and bismuth ferrite. We predict a significant response in these materials, with hematite being especially promising due to its availability, low band gap, lack of charge photocurrents, and negligible spin-orbit effect.