cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The formation of hollow sea-salt particles from the evaporation of drops of seawater

Abstract Some non-volatile materials dissolved in water drops will, upon evaporation of the water, produce a hollow shell of the material. Though known for years in the chemical engineering literature, this fact was not appreciated by those working with the marine sea-salt aerosol. Our laboratory experiments show that a majority of seawater drops in free fall in air with a relative humidity less than about 60% evaporate, become salt-saturated, and change phase to produce hollow sea-salt particles. Some hollow salt particles have been found in marine air, though further investigation is required to show the extent of this phenomenon. Expressions have been derived from which both the size of the original drop of seawater and its salt supersaturation at the time of phase change can be calculated from the inner and outer radii of the salt shell. If hollow particles are common in the marine aerosol, then instruments that measure particle size cannot be used to obtain particle mass.
Evidence for perceptual masking of the discriminative morphine stimulus

Morphine-amphetamine and morphine-naltrexone interactions were examined in three groups of White Carneaux pigeons (n=3), which were trained in a twochoice drug discrimination procedure under a FR-30 schedule of food reinforcement using 3.2 mg/kg morphine and saline as discriminative stimuli. Once stimulus control was acquired by these initial training stimuli, the training doses of morphine were gradually changed to 1.0 mg/kg for group A and to 10 mg/kg for group C. The three groups differed in the minimum dose required for stimulus control and the drugs to which the training stimulus generalized. Stimulus generalization to amphetamine was inversely related to training dose. Amphetamine potentiated the discriminative stimulus properties of morphine. Naltrexone blocked the discriminative stimulus properties of morphine to varying degrees, which appeared to be limited by the training dose and the rate-suppressing effects of naltrexone when administered alone. Challenging the morphine stimulus with amphetamine resulted in a qualitatively similar blockade. This blockade was a direct function of the morphine training dose. It is argued that MS-AMP interactions result in perceptual masking of the MS stimulus, which can be differentiated from pharmacological antagonism by NTX. Two other challenge drugs, ketamine, and sodium pentobarbital, did not alter stimulus control by morphine.
Impact of climate and soil conditions on conception and implementation of irrigation schemes in the Senegal River basin

Abstract As a result of climatological hazards in the 1970s much of the traditional rainfed cropping in the Sahel has been abandoned or shifted to irrigation schemes. In this paper attention is focused on the factors that affect selection and development of such irrigation parameters in the Senegal River valley, and on the impact they have on optimizing cropping patterns and water use. The impact of natural resources and local socio-economic conditions on project conception and field lay-out is illustrated, and subsequent management solutions for overcoming some site-specific soil and climatic problems are discussed.
Ionic conductivity of Na, K and Ag β″-alumina-ZrO2 composites

Composite samples of Na β″-alumina with 15 vol % Zr02 stabilized with 4.5 wt % Y2O3 were fabricated using two sintering schedules. K and Ag β″-alumina composites were prepared from the Na β″-alumina composite by ion exchange. The ionic conductivities of the Na, K, and Ag composites at 300 °C were 1.3×10−1, 5.9×10−2 and 6.8×10−3 S cm−1, respectively. K 1c for the K composite was as high as 3.7 MPam1/2.
Computing rooted communication reliability in an almost acyclic digraph

This article considers the reliability problem of computing the probability that the root-vertex of a directed network can communicate with all other vertices of the network when arcs are subject to random failure. Ball and Provan have observed that when the network contains no directed cycles this probability can be computed in linear time. This paper considers the problem when the network is almost acyclic, that is, when the number of simple directed cycles in the network is small. A new algorithm for computing network reliability is presented. The algorithm is based on expressing the reliability in terms of the derivative of the network reliability with respect to the reliability of an arc. Given a class of networks with a fixed number of simple cycles c, the computation requirements of the new algorithm are O(|E|c+1), where |E| is the number of arcs. Comparison of coded versions of this algorithm and one of Ball's as well as theoretical comparison with one of Buzacott's confirm that this algorithm is to be preferred when the number of directed cycles is small in comparison to the number of vertices.
Timing considerations of Helmet Mounted Display performance

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system developed in our lab should be a useful teleoperator systems display if it increases operator performance of the desired task; it can, however, introduce degradation in performance due to display update rate constraints and communication delays. Display update rates are slowed by communication bandwidth and/or computational power limitations. We used simulated 3D tracking and pick-and-place tasks to characterize performance levels for a range of update rates. Initial experiments with 3D tracking indicate that performance levels plateau at an update rate between 10 and 20 Hz. We have found that using the HMD with delay decreases performance as delay increases.
Data repository mapping for influenza protein sequence analysis

This paper introduces a new method for creating an interactive sequence similarity map of all known influenza virus protein sequences and integrating the map with existing general purpose analytical tools. The NCBI data model was designed to provide a high degree of interconnectedness amongst data objects. Substantial and continuous increase in data volume has led to a large and highly connected information space. Researchers seeking to explore this space are challenged to identify a starting point. They often choose data that is popular in the literature. Reference in the literature follow a power law distribution and popular data points may bias explorers toward paths that lead only to a dead-end of what is already known. To help discover the unexpected we developed an interactive visual analytics system to map the information space of influenza protein sequence data. The design is motivated by the needs of eScience researchers.
Decay of a New Isotope, S 30

Scintillation techniques were used to study the beta and gamma radiation from high-purity natural silicon targets after irradiation with 8-Mev ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ ions. In addition to activities associated with well-known radioisotopes, an activity with a (1.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10)-sec half-life was observed. A (677\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10)-kev gamma ray was associated with the 1.35-sec half-life. Decomposition of decay curves constructed from data obtained by observing annihilation radiation revealed a component with the same half-life. Half-life measurements using positrons with energies in excess of 3.15 Mev also indicated the presence of a 1.35-sec activity. The beta spectrum in coincidence with two annihilation quanta extended to \ensuremath{\approx}5.0 Mev, a higher energy than can be accounted for by positrons from the known reaction products. The beta spectrum in coincidence with the (677\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10)-kev gamma ray had an end-point energy of (4.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15) Mev. The assignment of the (1.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10)-sec activity to the decay of ${\mathrm{S}}^{30}$ produced in the reaction ${\mathrm{Si}}^{28}({\mathrm{He}}^{3}, n){\mathrm{S}}^{30}$, and the proposed decay scheme are supported by arguments formulated from the known characteristics of reaction products, half-life studies using both beta and gamma radiation, the features of the experimental beta and gamma spectra, beta-gamma coincidence spectra, nuclear systematics, and nuclear theory. The decay of the ground state of ${\mathrm{S}}^{30}$ takes place by at least two positron transitions: ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1}$, a (4.98\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15)-Mev superallowed transition to the 1+, $T=0$ ground state of ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$; ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$, a (4.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15)-Mev superallowed transition to the 0+, $T=1$ (0.677\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010)-Mev first excited state of ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$. No evidence was found for ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{3}$, presumably an allowed transition to the 1+, (0.704\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005)-Mev second excited state of ${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$, but an experimental upper limit of 25% is placed on its branching percentage. Branching percentages of (19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2)%, (73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7)%, and (8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10)% for ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1}$, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$, and ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{3}$ were calculated using the measured ${\mathrm{S}}^{30}$ half-life, a ${\mathrm{S}}^{30}$-${\mathrm{P}}^{30}$ mass difference of (6.01\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15) Mev, assumed charge independence of nuclear forces, and the fact that $log\mathrm{ft}$ for ${0}^{+}$ to ${0}^{+}$ positron transitions within $T=1$ charge multiplets is almost constant.
DOES ENDOGENEITY MATTER? A COMPARISON OF EMPIRICAL ANALYSES WITH AND WITHOUT CONTROL FOR ENDOGENEITY

Abstract PURPOSE: Using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, we perform an empirical investigation of the effects of endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity in the analysis of health outcomes. METHODS: First, we lay a theoretical background for this analysis and develop a set of expectations regarding the effects of ignoring endogeneity. Then, by modeling the effect of infant-feeding patterns on time to resumption of menses, we perform parallel analyses with and without control for endogeneity. RESULTS: We show that in this analysis, as far as the effects of endogeneity are concerned, empirical results do accord with theoretical expectations. There are differences in parameter estimates between models, that lead to somewhat different interpretations. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the importance and implications of these findings for epidemiological studies of health outcomes. We outline the steps involved in such an analysis and discuss the practical limitations of the method, as well as the possible gains.
Benign early repolarization: Electrocardiographic manifestations and differentiation from other ST segment elevation syndromes

Early repolarization, also known as benign early repolarization (BER) or normal variant, is noted in approximately 1% of the population and in up to 48% of patients seen in the emergency department with chest pain. BER represents a benign variant of the normal electrocardiogram and is one of several syndromes producing electrocardiographic ST segment elevation. BER electrocardiographically includes diffuse or widespread ST segment elevation, upward concavity of the initial portion of the ST segment, notching or slurring of the terminal QRS complex, and concordant T waves of large amplitude. This article focuses on BER and includes a discussion of the electrocardiographic tools useful in making this diagnosis and in distinguishing BER from other ST segment elevation syndromes.
Risk factors and outcomes associated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections with reduced susceptibilities to linezolid

Abstract A retrospective matched case-control study of hospitalized patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection with reduced susceptibility to linezolid was performed in order to identify risk factors for this infection and describe patient outcomes. Forty-eight linezolid nonsusceptible VRE cases were identified between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2008, and compared to 96 controls with linezolid-susceptible VRE, matched based on culture date and anatomic site of infection. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were collected. On univariable analysis, risk factors for reduced linezolid susceptibility included allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and/or solid organ transplant (odds ratio [OR]: 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–6.15; P = 0.025), receipt of immunosuppressive medications (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.08–5.29; P = 0.032) including corticosteroids (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.03–5.58; P = 0.042) and noncorticosteroid immunosuppressives (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.00–5.30; P = 0.049), and receipt of linezolid within 1 year prior to infection (OR: 34.50, 95% CI: 4.60–259.02; P P
Adolescent Attachment Insecurity and Parasympathetic Functioning Predict Future Loss Adjustment

Losing a close relationship is highly stressful and a robust predictor of major depression in adolescents. The current study examined relationships between attachment insecurity, parasympathetic nervous system activity, indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and adolescent adjustment to the loss of a close social partner. Adolescents with more attachment anxiety to their mother at age 14 were more likely to report poorer adjustment to a subsequent loss than adolescents with less attachment anxiety. Attachment avoidance interacted with stress-induced changes in RSA to predict loss adjustment. Among adolescents with higher RSA in response to the stressor, those with more attachment avoidance reported better loss adjustment, whereas among adolescents with lower RSA in response to the stressor, those with more attachment avoidance reported poorer loss adjustment. In sum, the combination of attachment insecurity and stress-induced changes in RSA predicted how well adolescents adjusted to a loss.
Histone H4 Promotes Prothrombin Autoactivation

Recent studies have documented the ability of prothrombin to spontaneously convert to the mature protease thrombin when Arg-320 becomes exposed to solvent for proteolytic attack upon mutation of residues in the activation domain. Whether prothrombin autoactivation occurs in the wild-type under conditions relevant to physiology remains unknown. Here, we report that binding of histone H4 to prothrombin under physiological conditions generates thrombin by autoactivation. The effect is abrogated by mutation of the catalytic Ser-525 and requires the presence of the Gla domain. Fluorescence titrations document direct binding of histone H4 to prothrombin with an affinity in the low nm range. Stopped flow data and luminescence resonance energy transfer measurements indicate that the binding mechanism obeys conformational selection. Among the two conformations of prothrombin, collapsed and fully extended, histone H4 binds selectively to the collapsed form and induces a transition toward a new conformation where the distance between Ser-101 in kringle-1 and Ser-210 in kringle-2 increases by 13 A. These findings confirm the molecular plasticity of prothrombin emerged from recent structural studies and suggest that different conformations of the inter-kringle linker domain determine the functional behavior of prothrombin. The results also broaden our mechanistic understanding of the prothrombotic phenotype observed during cellular damage due to the release of histones in the blood stream. Prothrombin autoactivation induced by histone H4 emerges as a mechanism of pathophysiological relevance through which thrombin is generated independently of activation of the coagulation cascade.
The importance of sample size in studies based upon the serologic classification of escherichia coli.

SummaryThe total number of different serological O groups in individual specimens was determined by a study of Escherichia coli isolated from feces, urines, the vagina, and blood. The serologic heterogeneity of the fecal coliform flora was confirmed. Ninety percent of urines contained only a single E. coli group regardless of the number of organisms present. The vaginal flora was composed of a single group less frequently than the organisms isolated from urine, but was not so heterogenous as that of the feces. E. coli recovered from blood was invariably of a single group. The importance of sample size was demonstrated in the study of stool specimens. Most O groups present were identified by an examination of only 5 colonies but the possibility of identifying additional strains was not exhausted by a study of as many as 25 colonies. The chances of finding new O groups by a study of more than 5 colonies were greater in those specimens that initially contained more than one O group.
Transradial Cerebral Angiography: An Alternative Route

INTRODUCTION The transradial approach has been well described for arteriography of the coronary vessels. To assess the safety and success rate of the transradial approach for three-vessel or four-vessel diagnostic cerebral arteriography, we reviewed the experience at our institution and compared our
Stress Reduction and Tg Enhancement in Ternary Thiol-Yne-Methacrylate Systems via Addition-fragmentation Chain Transfer

Since polymerization-induced shrinkage stress is detrimental in many applications, addition–fragmentation chain transfer (AFCT) was employed to induce network relaxation and adaptation that mitigate the shrinkage stress. Here, to form high glass transition temperature, high modulus polymers while still minimizing stress, multifunctional methacrylate monomers were incorporated into allyl sulfide-containing thiol–yne resins to provide simultaneously high glass transition temperatures and a facile mechanism for AFCT throughout the network. As a negative control, in an attempt to isolate just the effects of AFCT in the polymerization, a propyl sulfide-based diyne, which has a nearly identical chemical structure though absent any AFCT-capable functional group, was synthesized and implemented in place of the allyl sulfide-based diyne. The glass transition temperature of the ternary systems increased from 39 to 79 °C as the methacrylate content increased while the shrinkage stress of the optimal ternary resin wa...
Altered responsiveness of hypertrophied rat hearts to alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation

Inotropic responsiveness to alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents was examined in pressure-overload hypertrophied rat hearts. Pressure overload was induced in rats by abdominal aortic constriction. Three weeks post-constriction, hearts were isolated and perfused with buffer containing various concentrations of (1) calcium (2) isoproterenol (3) forskolin, or (4) phenylephrine. The change in rate of left ventricular pressure development (delta + dP/dt) with increasing perfusate calcium concentrations was comparable in hypertrophied hearts of aortic-constricted rats (AC) and hearts of sham-operated rats (SO). However, with isoproterenol or forskolin stimulation, inotropic responsiveness (delta + dP/dt) was 50% lower in hypertrophied hearts of AC. This was associated with significantly lower tissue cAMP levels. Beta-adrenoceptor number and affinity were unchanged in the hypertrophied myocardium. Maximum inotropic responsiveness to phenylephrine was also lower in hypertrophied hearts and was associated with reduced alpha-adrenoceptor numbers. The data suggest that altered inotropic responsiveness to alpha-adrenergic stimulation may, in part, be due to reduced cardiac alpha-adrenoceptor density. However, post-receptor mechanisms including alterations in cAMP metabolism may contribute to the reduced responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation in hypertrophied hearts of AC.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR FELT NEEDS FOR INTERORGANIZATIONAL COOPERATION AND ACTUAL COOPERATIVE OUTCOMES BY THEIR HOSPITALS

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the determinants of interorganizational cooperation among hospitals. Hospital administrator felt needs for programs of interhospital cooperation and actual cooperative outcomes by their hospitals are examined. A combination of survey and archival data is used to test several research hypotheses. Results support separating the interorganizational activities of hospitals into those related to medical and those related to ancillary service areas. Felt needs to cooperate in both service areas are influenced by administrators' concerns for hospital autonomy and image in interorganizational relations. Perceived availability of cooperation partners affects felt needs to cooperate only in the area of medical services. Actual levels of cooperative activity in medical services are related to perceived manpower resource scarcity, historical levels of cooperation, and concerns for hospital image in interorganizational relations. In ancillary services, actual levels of cooperation were related to perceived financial resource scarcity, historical levels of cooperation, and perceived availability of cooperation partners. Felt needs to cooperate were not associated with actual cooperative outcomes in either service area. The results contain implications for future research into the decision processes that give rise to interorganizational relationships of cooperation.
Discussion of “Predicting End Bearing Capacity of Post-Grouted Drilled Shaft in Cohesionless Soils” by Gray Mullins, Danny Winters, and Steven Dapp

The authors have presented a very interesting paper on postgrouted drilled shafts PGDS , a deep foundation system that is relatively new to North American geotechnical practice. A clear strength of the paper is the documentation of full-scale field test data for five test sites, particularly given the scarcity of these types of data on deep foundation systems. In the opinion of the discussers, however, the paper does not provide important information regarding procedures and data reduction of the field tests conducted. This lacking information is important so that readers can have a complete story. However, the discussers believe this paper is a very useful contribution toward establishing a reliable design rationale and methodology for PGDS in different types of soils. Review of the references cited in the paper shows that the case histories involved load tests carried out using the Statnamic device, which typically involves test durations of less than a second. This is important information that should be mentioned explicitly in the paper. Although Statnamic testing has been used for quite some time and its usefulness is not questioned, it is important that this aspect be mentioned in the paper and any associated assumptions involved in the field data reduction should be stated and discussed. Furthermore, some important details on the full-scale load tests were not found in the references cited for each case history, and it would be helpful to the geotechnical community’s understanding of the use of postgrouted drill shafts if some additional information is provided by the authors. This is particularly important in North America, where this deep foundation system is relatively new. Specifically, the following design issues should be specified for each case history presented: 1 whether grout pressure was locked in or not; 2 how end bearing load versus tip displacement was measured or backcalculated during each Statnamic test; and 3 whether the end bearing versus tip displacement results presented were corrected for possible damping and load rate effects that can be associated to the Statnamic testing procedure. In closing, the authors have provided a very valuable paper that illustrates the promise of this new deep foundation system and improves our knowledge of the design issues involved with postgrouted drilled shafts. As our knowledge and understanding of some of the pending technical and design issues related to the use of postgrouted drilled shafts increase, we will likely find that
On the sign of a multiple integral

One proof of Minkowski's fundamental theorem on lattice points in an n -dimensional parallelopiped depends upon a multiple Fourier expansion. Its terms involve multiple integrals which are easily evaluated and so are shown to have positive values. Then the expansion takes only positive values and the desired proof follows at once. It seems of interest to note a multiple integral which assumes only positive values.
POINT: Are surgeons ethically obligated to treat Medicare patients despite substantial reductions in reimbursement?

Before addressing the question of whether surgeons are ethically obligated to treat Medicare patients despite a substantial reduction in reimbursement, I must make some disclosures. First, as a professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery for 25 years, I have worked in an academic medical center my entire career and not in a fee-for-service reward environment. I have had responsibility for the financial viability of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery but was only indirectly influenced by reimbursement patterns by private payers, Medicare, or Medicaid. I have not had to directly deal with the issues of increasing practice support expenses, more administrative support needs, or a strict fee-for-service remuneration environment that might affect my salary or the salary of our faculty. Second, some variables based on context and circumstances shade the debate, although at the end of the day, in the predominantly urgent and emergency world of cardiothoracic surgery where healing is the primary end point, such issues should be relatively minor in relevance. First, location of practice and the availability of other specialists can cloud the fundamental ethical imperative and make the decision easier for the urban surgeon to justify not accepting a Medicare patient. One surgeon may be surrounded by many younger surgeons, eagerly trying to develop a sustainable practice, and therefore make the decision to personally withhold care easier. In comparison, the lone practitioner in a smaller, rural practice environment may not have other surgical alternatives and may be under closer local, environmental scrutiny. Therefore, the decision to withhold care based on personal remuneration, if publicized, may be more visible and difficult.
Stably transformed herbicide resistant callus of sugarcane via microprojectile bombardment of cell suspension cultures and electroporation of protoplasts.

Stably transformed callus of a hybrid sugarcane cultivar (Saccharum species hybrid, CP72-1210) was achieved following high velocity microprojectile bombardment of suspension culture cells, and electroporation of protoplasts. A three-day old cell suspension culture (SC88) was bombarded with gold particles coated with pBARGUS plasmid DNA containing the s-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and the bar selectable gene that confers resistance to the herbicide basta. The pBARGUS plasmid was also electroporated into the protoplasts of another cell line (SCPP). Colonies resistant to basta were recovered from both sources. Stable integration of the bar gene in the resistant cell lines was confirmed by Southern analysis. In addition, phosphinothricin acetyltransf erase (PAT) activity was also demonstrated in the transformed cell lines.
Leadership of highly creative people in highly creative fields: A historiometric study of scientific leaders

Abstract In recent years there has been a marked increase in the study of the influence of leadership on creativity, and the effects of this relationship on organizational performance. While a number of explanations have been broached with regard to the positive effects of leadership on creativity, many of these studies propose different, and often contradictory, methods for leaders to achieve these positive effects on creativity within their organizations and work groups. Additionally, little work has been done examining the effects of leadership on highly creative people in fields requiring creativity. The purpose of this study is to examine two existing leadership theories with regard to their viability as models to explain creative performance of eminent scientists. Eminent scientists represent a population of leaders of highly creative individuals in a field that values the production of innovative ideas and products as a marker of performance. Ninety-three excerpts from the biographies of scientists were content coded for leader behaviors and performance criteria. The results of this analysis indicate that a model based on strategic planning and product championing may serve to explain the positive effects of leadership on creativity in a highly creative population.
Analysis of Reactions and Minimum Clamping Force for Machining Fixtures with Large Contact Areas

This paper presents a model for analysing the reaction forces and moments for machining fixtures with large contact areas, e.g. a mechanical vice. Such fixtures transmit torsional loads in addition to normal and tangential loads and thus differ from fixtures using point or line contacts. The model is developed using a contact mechanics approach where the workpiece is assumed to be elastic in the contact region and the fixture element is treated as rigid. Closed-form contact compliance solutions for normal, tangential, and torsional loads are used to derive the elastic deformation model for each contact. A minimum energy principle is used to solve the multiple contact problem yielding unique predictions of the fixture-workpiece contact forces and moments due to clamping and machining forces. This model is then used to determine the minimum clamping force necessary to keep the workpiece in static equilibrium during machining. An example is given to demonstrate its effectiveness in analysing the clamping performance of a mechanical vice during machining.
Abnormal Liver Function in Patients Undergoing Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for Hematological Malignancies

Autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) is an accepted treatment modality for patients with high-risk or relapsed hematological malignancies. Hepatotoxicity, in particular veno-occlusive disease (VOD), is a significant complication of this therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical relevance of abnormal liver function in the patients who received high-dose cytotoxic therapy and AuBMT for hematological malignancies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Medical records of 180 consecutive patients between 1984 and 1991 treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and AuBMT for acute myelogenous leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease were reviewed.Forty-six patients (26%) developed jaundice with bilirubin >4 mg/dl. These patients had a 43% toxic death rate compared to an 11% toxic death rate in patients with lower bilirubins (p < 0.001). The main etiology of hyperbilirubinemia was VOD of the liver noted in 22 of the 180 patients (12%). Other etiologies of jaundice incl...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Alzheimer's Pathology in the Brains of Living Transgenic Mice: A New Tool in Alzheimer's Disease Research

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Cardinal pathologic features of AD are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and most in the field believe that the initiating events ultimately leading to clinical AD center on disordered metabolism of amyloid beta protein. Mouse models of AD have been created by inserting one or more human mutations associated with disordered amyloid metabolism and that cause early onset familial AD into the mouse genome. Human-like amyloid plaque formation increases dramatically with age in these transgenic mice. Amyloid reduction in humans is a major therapeutic objective, and AD transgenic mice allow controlled study of this biology. Recent work has shown that amyloid plaques as small as 35 microm can be detected using in vivo magnetic resonance microimaging (MRMI) at high magnetic field (9.4 T). In addition, age-dependent changes in metabolite concentration analogous to those that have been identified in human AD patients can be detected in these transgenic mice using single-voxel (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) at high magnetic field. These MR-based techniques provide a new set of tools to the scientific community engaged in studying the biology of AD in transgenic models of the disease. For example, an obvious application is evaluating therapeutic modification of disease progression. Toward the end of this review, the authors include results from a pilot study demonstrating feasibility of using MRMI to detect therapeutic modification of plaque progression in AD transgenic mice.
Nonemployment income and the economic base of Michigan counties: 1959-1986

ABSTRACT Despite the fact that nonemployment income makes up approximately one-third of all personal income, its impact on local area economies has not been closely examined. This study uses Michigan county data to examine the impact of nonemployment income on nonbasic income over a twenty-seven-year period. This impact is compared to the impact of basic income by employing regression analysis to estimate comparative multiplier effects for both types of income. Nonemployment income is found to have a significant impact on nonbasic income, particularly in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan urban counties, where its impact appears to be stronger than that of basic income.
The role of radioimmunoscintigraphy and computed tomography scan prior to reassessment laparotomy of patients with ovarian carcinoma. A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND. Accurate evaluation of patients with ovarian carcinoma who have completed primary therapy often requires surgical exploration. Radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) represents an evolving technique that may allow noninvasive detection and localization of persistent or recurrent disease in these patients. METHODS. Our prospective, blinded study enrolled patients with normal CA 125 levels and no clinical evidence of disease after primary cytoreductive surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma. Each patient underwent RIS using 111 Indium-satumomab pendetide (labeled antibody B72.3 to the tumor-associated antigen TAG-72) and abdominal/pelvic computed tomography (CT) prior to reassessment laparotomy. RESULTS. Twenty patients were enrolled from January 1994 to January 1995. Two patients with negative RIS scans refused reassessment laparotomy and were without evidence of disease >15 months from the study. Twelve of the remaining 18 patients (66.7%) had histologically proven disease at reassessment laparotomy. RIS images indicated the presence of disease in all 12 patients, whereas CT scans detected disease in only 2 patients. In three of five patients, biopsy-proven microscopic disease (no gross disease at the time of laparotomy) was found only in specimens obtained by RIS-directed biopsies. RIS was superior to CT in sensitivity (100% vs. 16.7%), accuracy (72% vs. 33%), and negative predictive value (100% vs. 28.6%) (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS. Routine use of CT is of limited value in the assessment of ovarian carcinoma patients with negative physical examinations and normal CA 125 levels. With its high level of sensitivity and negative predictive value, RIS may play a role in the detection of persistent disease in this population and aid in the classification of patients into three distinct groups : those with gross residual disease, small volume or microscopic disease, and no disease. Separation of this heterogenous group without surgery may help guide subsequent consolidation therapy. However, attaining a high level accuracy with RIS, depends on optimizing the method of image acquisition, the timing of scans, and the reconstruction of data.
Wavefront Sensing for WFIRST with a Linear Optical Model

In this paper we develop methods to use a linear optical model to capture the field dependence of wavefront aberrations in a nonlinear optimization-based phase retrieval algorithm for image-based wavefront sensing. The linear optical model is generated from a ray trace model of the system and allows the system state to be described in terms of mechanical alignment parameters rather than wavefront coefficients. This approach allows joint optimization over images taken at different field points and does not require separate convergence of phase retrieval at individual field points. Because the algorithm exploits field diversity, multiple defocused images per field point are not required for robustness. Furthermore, because it is possible to simultaneously fit images of many stars over the field, it is not necessary to use a fixed defocus to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratio despite having images with high dynamic range. This allows high performance wavefront sensing using in-focus science data. We applied this technique in a simulation model based on the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) Intermediate Design Reference Mission (IDRM) imager using a linear optical model with 25 field points. We demonstrate sub-thousandth-wave wavefront sensing accuracy in the presence of noise and moderate undersampling for both monochromatic and polychromatic images using 25 high-SNR target stars. Using these high-quality wavefront sensing results, we are able to generate upsampled point-spread functions (PSFs) and use them to determine PSF ellipticity to high accuracy in order to reduce the systematic impact of aberrations on the accuracy of galactic ellipticity determination for weak-lensing science.
Factors influencing the anterior component of occlusal force

We hypothesized that the anterior component of occlusal force (ACF) generated by mandibular molars was a function of molar inclination, height of the transverse condylar axis above the occlusal plane, steepness of the occlusal plane, gape, molar root dimensions, interproximal tooth contact force when not biting, and bite force. Our research aim was to identify those biomechanical factors which determine ACF. Mandibular second molars were axially loaded with a 90 N force (10 mm second molar gape) in 15 subjects, and the resulting ACF was measured at the mandibular first molar-second premolar contact using a recording technique based on interproximal frictional forces. Morphologic measurements were obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs of each subject and included: Frankfort mandibular plane angle, occlusal plane angle, angles formed by the longitudinal axis of the second molar and the occlusal and mandibular planes, perpendicular distance from the top of the condyle to the occlusal plane, and second molar root width and root length. For ten subjects, ACF resulting from axial loads of 50, 100, 150, and 200 N was measured. For ten subjects, ACF resulting from an axial load of 50 N and second molar gapes of 10 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm, and 22 mm were measured. ACF increased with increasing gape and increased proportionally to increasing bite force. Correlation and stepwise regression analyses revealed that ACF varies with interproximal tooth contact force when not biting (contact 'tightness') and molar root width (model R2 = 0.71, p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High-Powered and Low-Powered Incentives in the Public Sector

Transaction-cost economics currently has a strong influence on the study of private-sector institutions, but attempts to apply it to the public sector have been less successful, particularly in the area of internal organization. I argue that the standard framework of transaction-cost economics must be adjusted to the distinctive characteristics of the public sector, and that the key is a rethinking of the idea of high-powered and low-powered incentives. I show that with this extension transaction-cost economics can provide insight into such important current issues as earmarking, public authorities, and civil service personnel systems.
Importance of the limbs in the physiological control of heat exchange in Iguana iguana and Sceloporus undulatus

Abstract Lizards use physiological mechanisms to control warming and cooling. Theoretical studies have predicted that the limbs are a major site for the physiological control of heat exchange via changes in blood flow during warming and cooling. To test this we measured thermal time constants in Iguana iguana (1 kg) and Sceloporus undulatus (10 g) warming and cooling in a wind tunnel. We isolated the limbs from the environment by wrapping them in cotton gauze and aluminum foil to test for the importance of the limbs as sites of heat exchange control. We used a physiologically based heat transfer model that included the contribution of blood flow to estimate the thermal time constants. In response to long warming and cooling, the thermal time constants for warming and cooling differed consistently only in I. iguana . Insulating the limbs with cotton gauze abolished the difference between warming and cooling in I. iguana . In S. undulatus , animals with both insulated and uninsulated limbs had warming and cooling thermal time constants that were not significantly different. As predicted, the limbs were a major site for physiological control of heat exchange in 1 kg Iguanas. However, the small lizard was unable to physiologically control warming and cooling and is expected to rely heavily on behavioral thermoregulation.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Streptavidin Functionalized Quantum dots

The spectroscopic properties of quantum dots can be strongly influenced by the conditions of their synthesis. In this work, we have characterized several spectroscopic properties of commercial, streptavidin functionalized quantum dots (QD525, lot 1005-0045, and QD585, lot 0905-0031, from Invitrogen). This is the first step in the development of calibration beads to be used in a generalizable quantification scheme of multiple fluorescent tags in flow cytometry or microscopy applications. We used light absorption, photoexcitation, and emission spectra, together with excited state lifetime measurements, to characterize their spectroscopic behavior, concentrating on the 400- to 500-nm wavelength ranges that are important in biological applications. Our data show an anomalous dependence of emission spectrum, lifetimes, and quantum yield (QY) on excitation wavelength that is particularly pronounced in the QD525. For QD525, QY values ranged from 0.2 at 480 nm excitation up to 0.4 at 450 nm and down again to 0.15 at 350 nm. For QD585, QY values were constant at 0.2 between 500 and 400 nm, but they dropped to 0.1 at 350 nm. We attribute the wavelength dependencies to heterogeneity in size and surface defects in the QD525, consistent with characteristics described previously in the chemistry literature. The results are discussed in the context of bridging the gap between what is currently known in the physical chemistry literature of quantum dots and the quantitative needs of assay development in biological applications.
Dissolved and particulate tin in North Atlantic seawater

Abstract A study of tin concentrations in the North Atlantic Ocean has revealed concentrations much lower than previously reported. Concentrations of dissolved tin in surface water are in the range of non-detectable (
Comment on Donald R. Haurin and Hazel A. Morrow‐Jones's “rhe impact of Real Estate Market knowledge on tenure choice: A comparison of black and white households”

Abstract Racial differences in tenure have been large and persistent, with white householders much more likely to own their homes than blacks. Haurin and Morrow‐Jones surveyed a sample of 1,002 in metropolitan Columbus, OH, in 2005 to determine the causes of the tenure gap between blacks and whites. Social and economic differences played a dominant role, but Haurin and Morrow‐Jones also identified a racial difference in real estate and financial knowledge, a difference they suggest could be reduced or eliminated with education. This comment raises questions about national homeownership goals and points out that Haurin and Morrow‐Jones overlook the consequences of pervasive racial residential segregation and the effects of both past and current discrimination.
Alternatively spliced isoforms of FE65 serve as neuron-specific and non-neuronal markers.

FE65 is predominantly expressed in brain and is especially rich in the regions with the highest densities of neurons. The FE65 protein binds to an intracellular domain of the β-amyloid precursor protein (βPP) and may modulate the production of β-amyloid peptide (AP). One of FE65 exons, a mini-exon (exon 9, 6 bp), is alternatively spliced, giving rise to two isoforms varying only in 6 base pairs. We quantitated the two isoforms by a sensitive reverse transcription-competitive polymerase chain reaction technique, and characterized their expressions in various tissues and cell cultures, and the kinetics of expression of the two isoforms in P19 embryonal carcinoma cell lines during neuronal differentiation. Our results show that the exon 9-inclusive (E9) form, the more abundant form in brain, was exclusively expressed in neurons, while the exon 9-exclusive (ΔE9) form was widely expressed in all non-neuronal cells, but was not expressed in differentiated neurons. When P19 cells were differentiated to neurons, expression of FE65 was significantly up regulated (∼30-fold) and the splicing pattern of the FE65 pre-mRNA was switched from the ΔE9 pattern to the E9 form. Based upon their distinctive expression patterns, these two isoforms may serve as neuronal and non-neuronal markers, and determination of their ratios may have applications in neuropathological diagnosis. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:632–640, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The balance between immunity and tolerance: The role of Langerhans cells

Langerhans cells are immature skin-homing dendritic cells that furnish the epidermis with an immune surveillance system, and translate information between the internal and external milieu. Dendritic cells, in particular Langerhans cells, are gaining prominence as one of the potential principal players orchestrating the decision between immunity and tolerance. Langerhans cells capture aberrant self-antigen and pathogen-derived antigen for display to the efferent immune response. Recent evidence suggests redundancy in the antigen-presenting function of Langerhans cells, with dermal dendritic subsets capable of fulfilling an analogous role. There is mounting evidence that Langerhans cells can cross-prime T cells to recognize antigens. Langerhans cells are proposed to stimulate T regulatory cells, and are implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.The phenotype of Langerhans cells, which may be tolerogenic or immunogenic, appears to depend on their state of maturity, inciting immunogen and cytokine environment, offering the potential for manipulation in immunotherapy.
A method to increase recovery of fentanyl from urine

AbstractFentanyl, a highly lipophilic drug (pka 7.7), is a common drug of abuse. The current standard techniques to detect fentanyl in urine have low recovery rates and poor sensitivity. We report a modified solvent extraction technique that can recover between 63 and 86% of the drug with a detection limit of 0.2 ng/10 ml of urine. In addition, we report the duration of urinary fentanyl excretion in 11 adolescent patients administered either low (< 10 mg/kg) or high (20-40 mg/kg) doses of fentanyl as part of anesthesia. The mean duration of urinary fentanyl excretion was similar in the two groups, with duration ranging from 1 to 5 days, and urine fentanyl concentration ranging from 0.1 ng to 10.3 ng/10 ml of urine.