cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Receiving Renin Angiotensin System Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers.

INTRODUCTION: Use of certain antihypertensive medications has been an area of interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several hypotheses have been developed regarding the effects of renin-angiotensin system blockers as well as calcium channel blockers in those infected with COVID-19. We seek to determine the association between exposure to ACEI, ARB, and CCB and outcomes in those admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 841 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection at the University of Chicago Medical Center between March 25 and June 22, 2020. Out of these 841, 453 patients had a personal history of hypertension. For the first part, we evaluated primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients based on their exposure to particular medications regardless of a personal history of hypertension and compared them with those who were not on these medications. For the second part, we evaluated the aforementioned outcomes in 453 patients with a personal history of hypertension based on their medication exposure. Secondary outcomes of length of stay, readmission rate, and new-onset dialysis requirement were also compared across the study groups. RESULTS: Out of 841 patients, 111 (13.19%) were on ACEI/ARB (median age: 66.1, SD 15.4; 52.25% females) and 730 (86.80%) were not on them (median age: 56.6, SD 20.3; 50.14% females), while 277 (32.93%) used CCB (median age: 64.6, SD 15.2; 57.04% females) and 564 (67.06%) did not use CCB (median age: 54.6, SD 21.2; 47.16% females). After adjusting for demographics and covariates, neither ACEI/ARB nor CCB exposure was associated with any effect on mortality, but ACEI/ARB exposure was associated with 42% reduction in risk of ICU admissions (OR 0.58, 95% CI [0.35, 0.95], p value 0.03). In addition, combined use of ACEI/ARB and CCB was associated with statistically significant (45%) reduction in ICU admission (OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.94], p value 0.029). Out of 453 patients with a personal history of hypertension, 85 (18.76%) were taking ACEI/ARB (median age 65, SD 15.6; 56.47% females) and 368 (81.24%) were not on ACEI/ARB (median age 62.8, SD 16.4; 54.89% females), while 208 (45.92%) out of 453 were on CCB (median age 65; SD 14.8; 60.1% females) and 245 (54.08%) were not on CCB (median age 61.7, SD 17.3; 51.02% females). In the fully adjusted model in this group, ACEI use was associated with 71% reduction in in-house mortality (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.09, 0.93], p value 0.03). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Among all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection, exposure to ACEI/ARB, as well as combined exposure to ACEI/ARB and CCB, were associated with reduced incidence of ICU admissions. In those admitted patients who had a personal history of hypertension, there was a trend towards reduced in-hospital mortality in those exposed to ACEI.
PhyMask: Robust Sensing of Brain Activity and Physiological Signals During Sleep with an All-textile Eye Mask.

Clinical-grade wearable sleep monitoring is a challenging problem since it requires concurrently monitoring brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, cardio-respiratory features and gross body movements. This requires multiple sensors to be worn at different locations as well as uncomfortable adhesives and discrete electronic components to be placed on the head. As a result, existing wearables either compromise comfort or compromise accuracy in tracking sleep variables. We propose PhyMask, an all-textile sleep monitoring solution that is practical and comfortable for continuous use and that acquires all signals of interest to sleep solely using comfortable textile sensors placed on the head. We show that PhyMask can be used to accurately measure sleep stages and advanced sleep markers such as spindles and k-complexes robustly in the real-world setting. We validate PhyMask against polysomnography and show that it significantly outperforms two commercially-available sleep tracking wearables, Fitbit and Oura Ring.
Jewish Law in the Gospels in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls

This study examines a number of specific examples of halakhic (Jewish legal) matters discussed in the New Testament that are also dealt with in the Dead Sea Scrolls. This paper compares and contras...
International Tax Law- Status Quo, Trends and Perspectives

This chapter will argue that developments in the past decade have significantly bolstered the International Tax Regime, so that it does a much better job in protecting PIT and CIT from erosion due to cross-border tax evasion and avoidance than it did before 2010. Specifically, the adoption of FATCA and the consequent development of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEI) and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) have significantly protected PIT, while the OECD BEPS project has significantly improved CIT, especially if the current BEPS 2.0 effort is successfully concluded.
SU-E-J-42: Evaluation of Fiducial Markers for Ultrasound and X-Ray Images Used for Motion Tracking in Pancreas SBRT

Purpose Ultrasound tracking of target motion relies on visibility of vascular and/or anatomical landmark. However this is challenging when the target is located far from vascular structures or in organs that lack ultrasound landmark structure, such as in the case of pancreas cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate visibility, artifacts and distortions of fusion coils and solid gold markers in ultrasound, CT, CBCT and kV images to identify markers suitable for real-time ultrasound tracking of tumor motion in SBRT pancreas treatment. Methods Two fusion coils (1mm × 5mm and 1mm × 10 mm) and a solid gold marker (0.8mm × 10mm) were embedded in a tissue–like ultrasound phantom. The phantom (5cm × 12cm × 20cm) was prepared using water, gelatin and psyllium-hydrophilic-mucilloid fiber. Psylliumhydrophilic mucilloid acts as scattering medium to produce echo texture that simulates sonographic appearance of human tissue in ultrasound images while maintaining electron density close to that of water in CT images. Ultrasound images were acquired using 3D-ultrasound system with markers embedded at 5, 10 and 15mm depth from phantom surface. CT images were acquired using Philips Big Bore CT while CBCT and kV images were acquired with XVI-system (Elexta). Visual analysis was performedmore » to compare visibility of the markers and visibility score (1 to 3) were assigned. Results All markers embedded at various depths are clearly visible (score of 3) in ultrasound images. Good visibility of all markers is observed in CT, CBCT and kV images. The degree of artifact produced by the markers in CT and CBCT images are indistinguishable. No distortion is observed in images from any modalities. Conclusion All markers are visible in images across all modalities in this homogenous tissue-like phantom. Human subject data is necessary to confirm the marker type suitable for real-time ultrasound tracking of tumor motion in SBRT pancreas treatment.« less
Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility - A unique facility with new capabilities

The Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF), formerly called the Landing Loads Track, is described. The paper gives a historical overview of the original NASA Langley Research Center Landing Loads Track and discusses the unique features of this national test facility. Comparisons are made between the original track characteristics and the new capabilities of the Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility following the recently completed facility update. Details of the new propulsion and arresting gear systems are presented along with the novel features of the new high-speed carriage. The data acquisition system is described and the paper concludes with a review of future test programs.
MOVIMIENTOS SOCIALES Y LA POLÍTICA DE LO VIRTUAL. ESTRATEGIAS DELEUZIANAS

Resumen es: El presente articulo ofrece una primera aproximacion a una lectura de los movimientos sociales contemporaneos desde la perspectiva de la obra de Deleuze ...
The Downside Risk Implications of Investments in Information Technology

Determining whether investments in information technology (IT) have beneficial effects on an organization is an area of research that continues to interest academics, managers, and investors. Our study contributes to this line of research by examining the effect of investments in IT on the risk profiles of a sample of companies. Additionally, we examine whether different types of IT investments may have different impacts on firm risk. We use the downside conceptualization of risk, that some have argued, most appropriately represents the risk taking attitudes of investors and managers. The results of this study suggest that IT investments do have an impact on organizational downside risk. A number of studies have examined whether investments in IT have a positive effect on some measure of earnings or other form of financial return. Results from the studies have been mixed. The findings of our study may offer an alternative perspective that captures the benefits of IT investments where no apparent incremental financial results are evident.
CLOSURE ON ROCK FRACTURE SPACINGS, OPENINGS, AND POROSITIES

THE COMMENTS OF HOULSBY, SCOTT AND WITTKE CONCERNING FRACTURES AND GROUTING ARE DISCUSSED. AS NOTED, GROUT TAKES USUALLY CORRELATES POORLY WITH PERMEABILITY. THE PAPER SUGGESTS THAT GROUT TAKE BE CORRELATED WITH POROSITY, PERMEABILITY HAS COMMONLY BEEN CORRELATED ON THE PREMISE THAT GROUT MOVES WITH THE SAME EASE DURING THE ENTIRE PERIOD OF INJECTION, SO THAT RATE TIMES TIME VARIES WITH PERMEABILITY. PERMEABILITY IS AN INADEQUATE CORRELATION WHEN VISCOSITIES OF THE FLUIDS DIFFERS. RESISTANCE INCREASES CONTINUOUSLY AS THE MEDIUM IS INVADED TO GREATER AND GREATER DISTANCES. A VOLUME OF POROUS MEDIUM IS THEREFORE DELIMITED, WITHIN WHICH THERE IS PARTIAL SATURATION BY GROUT. THE DEGREE OF SATURATION DEPENDS ON THE FRACTURE PATTERN AND APERTURE DISTRIBUTION. SCOTT'S DISCUSSION IS A WELCOME INDEPENDENT CONFIRMATION OF THE FRACTURE OPENINGS TO BE EXPECTED AT DEPTH IN FRACTURED FOUNDATIONS. DISCUSSION IS MADE OF WITTKE'S FEELINGS THAT JOINTS ARE NON-RANDOM IN ROCK BODIES, THUS INVALIDATING THE ASSUMPTION THAT EQUAL LENGTHS OF DRILL HOLE, DISPOSED AND ORIENTED AT RANDOM, CUT NUMBERS OF FRACTURES DISTRIBUTED AS A POISSON. THE POISSON ESTIMATE SEEMS ACCEPTABLE IN VIEW OF THE MAGNITUDE OF ERRORS OF DERIVED PROPERTIES. A GENERAL EXPRESSION IS PRESENTED FOR THE HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY OF PLANAR CONDUITS. THE EXPRESSION IS PRESENTED FOR THE REYNOLDS NUMBER FOR RADIAL FLOW BETWEEN PARALLEL PLATES. LITTLE ERROR IN DERIVED POROSITIES OR OPENINGS COULD HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED BY NEGLECT OF TURBULENCE REFERENCES: ROCK FRACTURE SPACINGS, OPENINGS, AND POROSITIES, DAVID T SNOW, ASCE PROC. PAPER 5736, JANUARY 1968.
Estimating Soil Water Retention from Soil Properties

Soil water retention characteristics are needed to describe the movement and storage of water in soils. Since conventional laboratory methods of obtaining these are expensive and time consuming, a method of estimating soil water retention at various matric potentials from readily available soil properties was investigated. Data from 2543 soil horizons representing many agricultural areas of the country were utilized. The soil properties investigated were the percent sand, silt and clay, the percent organic matter, the bulk density, median particle size, particle size index, and the -0.33 and -15 bar soil water contents. A series of regression equations for predicting soil water retention at 12 matric potentials ranging from -0.04 to -15 bar were developed utilizing different combinations of soils data.
An optimal frequential based splitting approach in signal restoration: the mixed-filter-bank, realisation and validation

In the area of music signal restoration, methods based on the short-time-Fourier-transform (STFT) are usually used. They yield good results when the local signal to noise ratios (SNR) are higher than 10 dB on the whole band. Most of time, this condition is not respected and a poor detection of musical components is engendered. In the paper, a mixed filter bank approach is proposed The signal is first split in a /spl Delta/f/f filter bank by means of a wavelet transform and then a noise reduction method based on STFT is used with different window lengths in each subband The choice of parameters in these subbands is connected to the local SNR. Listening tests have shown a real audible improvement of this method applied to an old musical recording. >
Human Erythrocytic Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase: Effect of pH on the Enzymatic Reaction

The effect of pH on human erythrocytic hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.8) was studied, and the enzyme was found to be unstable at pH values below 5.5 and above 9.0. The enzyme exhibited marked differences in pH optima when the various purines or purine analogues were used as substrates: 8-azaguanine, 6.5; 6-mercaptopurine, 7.5-8.0; 6-selenoguanine, 7.5-8.0; 6-thioguanine, 8.0-9.0; guanine, 8.5-9.0. The enzyme was subjected to a Dixon analysis, in which the Michaelis constants and maximal velocities were determined for these substrates at various pH values between 5.5 and 9.5. Plots of the negative logarithm of the Michaelis constants (pKm) against pH resulted in a family of graphs with downward bends. With the exception of guanine, the bending points of the curves occurred at pH values which closely approximated the pKa values of the respective compounds. Tht Vmax values increased with increasing pH within the range examined. This effect of pH on Km values suggests that the ionization state of purines or their analogues is an important factor for binding of the substrate to the enzyme. It also indicates that the undissociated form of the molecule is the effective substrate for the enzymatic reaction. When Km values are expressed in terms of the concentration of the un-ionized form, the pKm, plots result in straight lines in all cases.
A study of the moisture preference for pupation of several strains of house flies.

Six strains of house flies, Musca domestica L. (4 resistant and 2 susceptible) were studied in relation to their moisture preference for pupation through the use of 2-section and 4-section dishes containing media with various moisture. In both cases the resistant strains selected drier areas to pupate than the susceptible strains. Statistically significant differences were found in moisture preference between media with 20, 10, and 5% moisture differences and also between strains when there were moisture differences of 5 and 10%.
Isoelectric heterogeneity of human uterine estrogen binding proteins.

Abstract Upon Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) of premenopausal uterine myometrial cytosol, specific binding of estradiol (E 2 ) can be shown at elution pH's (EpH) of 4.0–4.4, 5.0–5.2, 5.8–6.2 and 7.5–8.0. Pre-adsorption of premenopausal uterine cytosol by Concanavalin A Sepharose (Con-A) or precipitation with 30% ammonium sulfate results in loss of estradiol binding at EpH's 4.4 and 5.0. The estradiol binding sites that bind to Con-A are present in plasma and have been shown to be Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (EpH = 5.0) and Estrogen Binding Protein (EpH = 4.4). After Con-A adsorption premenopausal cytosol preincubated with 2 nM 3 HE 2 reveals a single peak on IEF at EpH's ∼-6.0, while preincubation with 40 nM 3 HE 2 reveals specific binding peaks at EpH's of ∼-6.0 and 7.5–8.0. Postmenopausal uterine cytosol preincubated with either 2 or 40 nM 3 H-E 2 on IEF reveals EpH = 5.8–6.0 binding only. Post-labeling of IEF fractions with 20 nM 3 HE 2 demonstrates one peak at EpH 5.8–6.0 in postmenopausal tissue and two peaks (5.8–6.2 and 7.5–8.0) in premenopausal tissue. Scatchard analysis of postmenopausal cytosol demonstrates a single population of binding sites with a dissociation constant ( K d ) of 10 10 M. Premenopausal cytosol on Scatchard analysis contains two estradiol binding populations with K d 's of 10 −10 and 10 −9 M. The data suggest that the 10 −10 M E 2 binding population has a EpH of 5.8–6.2, while the 10 −9 M component has an EpH of 7.5–8.0.
Drug partitioning III. Kinetics of drug transfer in an in vitro model for drug absorption

The kinetics of drug transfer from a buffered aqueous phase (compartment A ) through a lipid phase (compartment B ) to another aqueous buffered phase (compartment C ) are reported. These kinetics are obtained from an in vitro model system which in important respects mimics drug transfer during the absorptive process. Several kinetic cases were observed–namely, D A → D B , D A ⇌ D B , D A → D C , D A ⇌ D C , D A ⇌ D B ⇌ D C , and D A ⇌ D B → D C . The D A → D C and D A ⇌ D C cases are of particular interest since these are often assumed to be applicable to in vivo drug absorption. The D A → D C transfer is actually a subcase of either a D A ⇌ D B → D C or a D A → D B → D C transfer in which the concentration of D B is negligible throughout the transfer process. The D A ⇌ D C transfer is actually a subcase of a D A ⇌ D B ⇌ D C transfer in which the same condition applies. In these two cases it is evident that the rate of disappearance of D A equals the rate of appearance of D C . In other cases where transport into compartment C is occurring there may be an appreciable accumulation of D B , and only during a steady concentration of D B are the rates of disappearance of D A and the appearance of D C equal. In all experiments the ratio of equilibrium values attained for D A and D C agreed with the ratio predicted by the pH partition hypothesis.
Antagonistic pleiotropy as a widespread mechanism for the maintenance of polymorphic disease alleles

Background Many serious diseases have a genetic basis which, from an evolutionary point of view, should have been selected against, resulting in very low frequencies. The remarkable sustained prevalence of a number of disease-associated alleles is therefore surprising. We believe that antagonistic pleiotropy, when multiple effects of a gene have opposing effects on fitness (e.g., sickle cell disease), may be more widespread than typically considered. We hypothesize that, rather than being an exception to the rule of genetic disorders, antagonistic pleiotropy may be common.
Renal potassium channels: recent developments.

Purpose of review A variety of K + channels have been identified with the patch-clamp technique and molecular cloning in the kidney. However, it is still a challenging task to determine the location and function of the cloned K + channels in the corresponding nephron segment. The aim of the present review is to update the recent developments regarding the location and function of the cloned K + channels in the native tubule. Also, the review describes the new regulatory mechanism of renal outer-medullary K + (ROMK) channels and the role of Ca 2 + -activated maxi K + channels in flow-dependent K + secretion. Recent findings Several types of voltage-gated K + (Kv) channel, such as KCNQ1, KCNA10 and Kv1.3, are highly expressed at the apical membrane of proximal tubules and distal tubules. They may participate in stabilizing the cell membrane potential. Moreover, studies performed in ROMK-knockout mice have shown that the apical 70 pS K + channel is absent in the thick ascending limb in these mice, suggesting that the ROMK channel is also involved in forming the apical 70 pS K + channel in the thick ascending limb. Three important kinases, protein tyrosine kinase, serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase and with-no-lysine kinase, have been suggested to regulate the ROMK channel density in the cortical collecting duct. Low K + intake increases protein tyrosine kinase expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK channels. Coexpression of with-no-lysine kinase with the ROMK channel decreases K + current whereas serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 stimulates the ROMK current in oocytes in the presence of Na + /H + exchanger regulatory factor 2. The Ca 2 + -activated maxi K + channel has been shown to be activated by an increase in flow rate in the rabbit cortical collecting duct. The voltage-gated K + channels are expressed in a variety of nephron segments and play a role in stabilization of cell membrane potential. With-no-lysine kinase and serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 have been shown to regulate ROMK1 channels. Protein tyrosine kinase mediates the effect of K + intake on K + secretion by stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK1 channels. The Ca 2 + -activated maxi K + channel plays a role in flow-dependent K + secretion in the distal nephron.
Impression procedure for creating a partial auricular prosthesis

Abstract Severe anatomic undercuts associated with tissue remnants or a defect site can often be an obstacle in achieving an accurate impression for a facial prosthesis. This article describes a procedure that overcomes the problems encountered in achieving an accurate impression. The distinct properties of 2 impression materials are applied to create a 3-piece impression that can be reassembled to develop an accurate stone master cast. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;83:648-51.)
AMPKα1 deficiency promotes cellular proliferation and DNA damage via p21 reduction in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy gauge and redox sensor, controls the cell cycle and protects against DNA damage. However, the molecular mechanisms by which AMPKα isoform regulates DNA damage remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if AMPKα deletion contributes to cellular hyperproliferation by reducing p21 WAF1/Cip1 (p21) expression thereby leading to accumulated DNA damage. The markers for DNA damage, cell cycle proteins, and apoptosis were monitored in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from wild type (WT, C57BL/6J), AMPKα1, or AMPKα2 homozygous deficient (AMPKα1 −/− , AMPKα2 −/− ) mice by Western blot, flow cytometry, and cellular immunofluorescence staining. Deletion of AMPKα1, the predominant AMPKα isoform, but not AMPKα2 in immortalized MEFs led to spontaneous DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) which corresponded to repair protein p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) foci formation and subsequent apoptosis. Furthermore, AMPKα1 localizes to chromatin and AMPKα1 deletion down-regulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, an important protein that plays a role in decreasing the incidence of spontaneous DSB via inhibition of cell proliferation. In addition, AMPKα1 null cells exhibited enhanced cell proliferation. Finally, p21 overexpression partially blocked the cellular hyperproliferation of AMPKα1-deleted MEFs via the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Taken together, our results suggest that AMPKα1 plays a fundamental role in controlling the cell cycle thereby affecting DNA damage and cellular apoptosis.
A Method of Simulating Propagation Problems

Problems relating to reflection, refraction (including continuously variable index of refraction), or scattering can be simulated by propagating centimeter-wave energy in a large sheet of low-loss dielectric material. The conditions of the problem are set up by imbedding objects in the sheet, varying its thickness, or coating its surfaces. One surface of the sheet is then scanned with the probe of a phase-front plotter, and lines of equal phase are recorded on a separate sheet of paper. The behavior of the energy can be judged from the recording so obtained.
Growth and Morphology of Mouse Lymphoma Cells in Diffusion Chambers.

SummaryExperiments have been reported which show that diffusion chambers constructed of Millipore membranes of 0.45 μ average pore size can support the growth of lymphoma cells from thymus fragments and stromal cells from both normal and lym-phomatous fragments of thymus for as long as 32 weeks. Certain animals carrying chambers with tumor fragments developed lymphoma from 4-18 weeks after the chambers were implanted. It is concluded that the majority of these neoplasms probably were the result of the escape of the cells from the diffusion chambers. This conclusion is based upon the localization of tumor growth to the region near the chamber, and the short temporal relationship of tumor development to chamber implant. It is the author's opinion that migration of both normal and malignant lymphocytic cells through Millipore membranes of the mean pore size employed here remains a possibility which must be considered in all experiments of this type. Liberation of a subcellular tumorigenic agent by the viable...
Transmittance measurements for filters of optical density between one and ten

We have developed a facility for measuring the transmittance of optical filters at a wavelength of 1064 nm, using a Nd:YAG laser, a power stabilizer, and linear photodiode detectors. A direct measurement method was used for filters with optical densities (OD’s) less than or equal to 4, and a reference substitution technique was used for filters with OD’s as great as 10. The apparatus and data-acquisition system are described. Measurement results for a set of filters are presented. The expanded uncertainties for the measured OD and deduced absorption coefficient are determined through a detailed analysis of all the uncertainty components.
The Early Human Embryo is Scarred by Terms of Ambiguous Meaning

Abstract The author examines both the so-called "Catholic" and "lay" theses on the identity and status of the early human embryo. He points out that some assumptions shared by both theses are biologically equivocal. Moreover, some authoritative experts validate those assumptions by using linguistic artifices which confound the understanding of this sensitive issue. He disputes the ambiguity of the expressions "human life," "human being," and "genetic identity." He concludes his essay listing some terms, which do not assign univocal meaning, and which are exploited to alter objective data and biological concepts for corroborating the "lay" thesis.
Implementation of a personal-computer-based real-time hardware-in-the-loop U.S. Army aviation and missile command simulator

With the rapid increase in computational power of the standard personal computer, many tasks that could only be performed by a mini-computer or mainframe can now be performed by the common personal computer. Ten years ago, computational and data transfer requirements for a real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulator could only be met by specialized high performance mini-computers. Today, personal computers shoulder the bulk of the computational load in the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command's Radio Frequency Simulation System, and one of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command's millimeter wave simulation systems is currently undergoing a transition to personal computers. This paper discusses how personal computers have been used as the computational backbone for a real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulator, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of a PC based simulation. This paper also provides some general background on what the Radio Frequency Simulation System (RFSS) is and how it works, since the RFSS has successfully implemented a PC based real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulator.
The Domains of Mammalian Base Excision Repair Enzyme N-Methylpurine-DNA Glycosylase INTERACTION, CONFORMATIONAL CHANGE, AND ROLE IN DNA BINDING AND DAMAGE RECOGNITION

Repair of a variety of alkylated base adducts in DNA is initiated by their removal by N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase. The 31-kDa mouse N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase, derived by deletion of 48 amino acid residues from the 333-residue wild type protein without loss of activity, was analyzed for the presence of protease-resistant domains with specific roles in substrate binding and catalysis. Increasing proteolysis with trypsin generated first a 29-kDa polypeptide by removal of 42 amino-terminal residues, followed by production of 8-, 6-, and 13-kDa fragments with defined, nonoverlapping boundaries. The 8- and 13-kDa domains include the amino and carboxyl termini, respectively. Based on DNA-affinity chromatography and the protease protection assay, it appears that the 6- and 13-kDa domains are necessary for nontarget DNA binding and that the 8-kDa domain, in cooperation with the other two domains, participates in recognition of damaged bases. Furthermore, chemical cross-linking studies indicated that, in the presence of substrate DNA, the 8- and 6-kDa domains undergo conformational changes reflected by both protection from proteolysis and reduced availability of cysteine residues for the thiol-exchange reaction.
Production of emetic material by species of Fusarium.

OCCASIONALLY crops of barley and other cereals in the mid-western States of America have been infected with one of several species of Fusarium that cause a condition known as ‘scab’. Such grain often contains an emetic principle1 which renders it unsuitable for feeding to animals having simple stomachs.
A method of phase-less measurements for the circularly polarized gain in the sub-millimeter band

Increasing interest in W-band communication systems and sub-millimeter wave imaging systems has stimulated research in sub-millimeter wave antennas. Circularly polarized (CP) antennas are important for point-to-point communication for airborne transceivers and for satellite communication. Conventional methods for CP gain characterizations require measurement of the radiated field (magnitude and phase) using an LP antenna in the two orthogonal planes. In this method, the antenna under test (AUT) or LP antenna must be rotated by 90°. Such rotations normally cause phase errors due to cable bending and possible position inaccuracies. For sub-millimeter waves, these errors can be significant in the phase of the vertical field with respect to horizontal. Furthermore, for WR-8 band (90–140 GHz), coaxial cables are not available. Frequency multiplier boxes with WR-8 output waveguides needs to be also used for antenna measurements in this band. Rotation and alignment of these boxes adds more phase errors, since rotation of the box can change the distance between the AUT and LP antenna. For example, at 100 GHz, a variation of distance as small as 0.25 mm can cause a phase error of 30°. These complications make antenna CP measurements a daunting task for frequencies beyond 100GHz.
Planning to Succeed: A Case Study of the Implementation of the Strategic Prevention Framework

This study is an evaluation of the use of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) by a community-based AIDS service organization in Dallas, Texas. The program is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study examined how well the SPF was used by the program in its first year. The evaluation was conducted through a qualitative method of use of program documents, guided conversations with staff members, and the use of an open-ended survey. Findings show that the program has achieved notable milestones in the process of undertaking a comprehensive needs assessment, developing a strategic plan, and preparing for implementing evidence-based programs aimed at 3 groups that are in need of enhanced services: veterans, college-aged youths, and the reentry population. Lessons learned are described in this article.
THE DETERMINANTS OF DAILY TRAVEL-ACTIVITY PATTERNS: RELATIVE LOCATION AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS

In an effort to explore the determinants of urban travel behavior, this paper examines the effects of two sets of variables on different aspects of individuals' complex travel-activity patterns: (1) sociodemographic variables (attributes of the individual and household) and (2) spatial variables (the location of the individual relative to potential destinations). The paper reviews earlier work that has investigated the relationships between these factors and travel and finds that (1) studi,es investigating the impact of sociodemographics on travel have generally not controlled for variation in spatial constraints and (2) few empirical studies have examined the relationship between travel and spatial constraints. Using the Uppsala travel-diary data, this study assesses the role of spatial and sociodemographic factors in explaining each of a number of different aspects of travel (e.g., frequency of travel, dispersion of destinations visited). The significance of the regression coefficients in stepwise regre...
Cantharidin, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, strongly upregulates detoxification enzymes in the Arabidopsis proteome

Cantharidin, a potent inhibitor of plant serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PPPs), is highly phytotoxic and dramatically affects the transcriptome in Arabidopsis. To investigate the effect of cantharidin on the Arabidopsis proteome, a combination of two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI/TOF) mass spectrometry was employed for protein profiling. Multivariate statistical analysis identified 75 significant differential spots corresponding to 59 distinct cantharidin-responsive proteins, which were representative of different biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions categories. The majority of identified proteins localized in the chloroplast had a significantly decreased presence, especially proteins involved in photosynthesis. Detoxification enzymes, especially glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), were the most upregulated group (ca. 1.5- to 3.3-fold). Given that the primary role of GSTs is involved in the process of detoxification of both xenobiotic and endobiotic compounds, the induction of GSTs suggests that cantharidin promoted inhibition of PPPs may lead to defense-like responses through regulation of GST enzymes as well as other metabolic pathways.
Application of classical gel electrophoresis to the chiral separation of milligram quantities of terbutaline.

Although the last couple of decades has seen tremendous progress in the ability to do chiral separations, the ability to do larger scale chiral separations has lagged somewhat behind the current analytical chiral separation state of the art. The potential of classical gel electrophoresis for chiral separation of milligram quantities of chiral material is examined. A protocol for the chiral separation of milligram quantities of terbutaline using sulfated cyclodextrin as a chiral additive is demonstrated. The possible advantages of the approach are discussed.
Modernization of a Transit System-- Factors That Determine the Choice of Vehicle

THE transit industry is facing serious economic problems. Shrinking revenues, due largely to the competition of the private automobile, and increased operating expenses have together so decreased the margin between income and expenses that many systems are now in financial straits. The best solution for these problems, so far advanced, is to modernize the equipment and rehabilitate the service. Some lines have already been modernized; most of the remainder badly need modernization. Present equipment is old and expensive to operate; the service is slow, infrequent, and generally unattractive to the riding public. Through substituting new, fast, comfortable vehicles, run on frequent headways, for the present obsolete equipment and through aggressive management, most transit systems, if not all, may regain a considerable portion of their lost traffic and thus get back to a more satisfactory financial condition.
Distinct Domain Utilization by Smad3 and Smad4 for Nucleoporin Interaction and Nuclear Import

Smad proteins undergo rapid nuclear translocation upon stimulation by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and in so doing transduce the signal into the nucleus. In this report we unraveled nuclear import mechanisms of Smad3 and Smad4 that are dependent on their interaction with FG-repeat-containing nucleoporins such as CAN/Nup214, without the involvement of importin molecules that are responsible for most of the known nuclear import events. A surface hydrophobic corridor within the MH2 domain of Smad3 is critical for association with CAN/Nup214 and nuclear import, whereas Smad4 interaction with CAN/Nup214, and nuclear import requires structural elements present only in the full-length Smad4. As exemplified by the different susceptibility to inhibition of import by cytoplasmic retention factor SARA (Smad anchor for receptor activation), such utilization of distinct domains for nuclear import of Smad3 and Smad4 suggests that nuclear transport of Smad3 and Smad4 is subject to control by different retention factors.
Barriers to medication adherence in poorly controlled diabetes mellitus

Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize the adherence and medication management barriers for adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (those with A1c 9% or above) and to identify specific adherence characteristics associated with poor diabetes control. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized, controlled diabetes intervention conducted in University of Washington (UW) Medicine Clinics in the greater Seattle, Washington, area. The goal of the original study was to evaluate the effect of a pharmacist intervention on improving diabetes control over 12 months. Evaluation measures for medication adherence included self-reported adherence and medication management challenges using the Morisky question format and difficulty with taking medications for each diabetes medication based on the Brief Medication Questionnaire. Specific adherence characteristics associated with poor diabetes control (A1c >9%) were identified using multivariate regression analysis. Results Seventy-seven subjects (mean A1c, 10.4%; mean duration of DM, 7 years) were studied. The most common adherence challenges included paying for medications (34%), remembering doses (31%), reading prescription labels (21%), and obtaining refills (21%). Taking more than 2 doses of DM medication daily (beta = .78, SE = 0.32, P = .02) and difficulty reading the DM medication prescription label (beta = .76, SE = 0.37, P = .04) were significantly associated with higher hemoglobin A1c. Self-reported adherence was not related to A1c control. Conclusions In this study, we identified 2 factors that were associated with poorer A1c control. These findings highlight the importance of identifying potential challenges to medication adherence for those with DM and providing support to minimize or resolve these barriers to control.
Self-assembled lipid--polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a robust drug delivery platform.

We report the engineering of a novel lipid−polymer hybrid nanoparticle (NP) as a robust drug delivery platform, with high drug encapsulation yield, tunable and sustained drug release profile, excellent serum stability, and potential for differential targeting of cells or tissues. The NP comprises three distinct functional components: (i) a hydrophobic polymeric core where poorly water-soluble drugs can be encapsulated; (ii) a hydrophilic polymeric shell with antibiofouling properties to enhance NP stability and systemic circulation half-life; and (iii) a lipid monolayer at the interface of the core and the shell that acts as a molecular fence to promote drug retention inside the polymeric core, thereby enhancing drug encapsulation efficiency, increasing drug loading yield, and controlling drug release. The NP is prepared by self-assembly through a single-step nanoprecipitation method in a reproducible and predictable manner, making it potentially suitable for scale-up.
The inverse problem in classical statistical mechanics

We address the problem of whether there exists an external potential corresponding to a given equilibrium single particle density of a classical system. Results are established for both the canonical and grand canonical distributions. It is shown that for essentially all systems without hard core interactions, there is a unique external potential which produces any given density. The external potential is shown to be a continuous function of the density and, in certain cases, it is shown to be differentiable. As a consequence of the differentiability of the inverse map (which is established without reference to the hard core structure in the grand canonical ensemble), we prove the existence of the Ornstein-Zernike direct correlation function. A set of necessary, but not sufficient conditions for the solution of the inverse problem in systems with hard core interactions is derived.
The Mergelyan property for weakly pseudoconvex domains

We show that pseudoconvex domains have the Mergelyan property if the Levi form is degenerate on a sufficiently small set in the boundary. This includes the case when the weakly pseudoconvex points all lie on a smooth curve.
Resolution of Laryngeal Injury Following Translaryngeal Intubation

Translaryngeal intubation (TLI) causes mucosal ulcerations of the vocal cords and posterior laryngeal commissure. Usually these ulcers heal by primary reepithelialization, but occasionally laryngeal granulomas or strictures develop at these ulcer sites. The incidence of granuloma and stricture formation and the variables influencing abnormal laryngeal healing following TLI are not well understood. A group of 54 patients who experienced prolonged TLI were followed prospectively to determine the resolution rate of laryngeal injury. Direct fiberoptic laryngoscopy was performed at either extubation or tracheostomy and repeated every 2 wk until the larynx returned to normal or a persistent laryngeal abnormality was identified. Laryngeal symptoms were assessed at these same time points. In 5 patients (9%) the appearance of the larynx was normal at extubation, and in 42 patients (78%) laryngeal healing occurred by primary reepithelialization within 8 wk. Four patients (7%) developed laryngeal granulomas, which required surgical removal in all but one case. No patients in this series developed laryngeal strictures. Three patients (6%) died before complete follow-up. Laryngeal symptoms, particularly hoarseness, resolved as the larynx healed. Performance of tracheostomy, age, TLI for more than 10 days, and severe laryngeal injury at extubation did not influence the median time to resolution of laryngeal abnormalities. Abnormal laryngeal healing following TLI is uncommon but is not exacerbated by prolonged TLI (more than 10 days), severe laryngeal injury at extubation, or performance of a tracheostomy.
Sodium ion and fatty acid oxidation in bovine brain mitochondria

Abstract In bovine brain mitochondria fatty acids are activated, in part, by high-energy intermediates of oxidative phosphorylation (Beattie and Basford, 1966) . A similar activation of fatty acids by high-energy intermediates has also been proposed for liver mitochondria (Wojtczak, 1965). This paper reports an inhibition of fatty acid oxidation in brain mitochondria by the addition of Na+ ion which has been shown by Krall (1965) to stimulate the respiratory rate of brain mitochondria in the absence of phosphate acceptor with a decrease in respiratory control. The inhibition of fatty acid oxidation by Na+ persists in the presence of oligomycin and is reversed by increasing concentrations of fatty acid suggesting that fatty acids and Na+ may interact with an identical high-energy intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation.
The Principle, Politics, and Finances of Introducing Academic Merit as the Standard of Hiring for “the teaching of law as a career,” 1870–1900

Compared to the practice in other professional schools and academic fields at universities, law professors are hired at a young age based primarily upon their academic merit determined through grades, class rank, and school rank. This emphasis upon narrowly defined academic merit—apart from achievement demonstrated through original scholarship or experience in professional practice—first emerged during “the professionalization of the American law professor” between 1870 and 1900 at Harvard Law School (HLS). Though normative today, this outcome was neither necessary nor uncontested. In the late nineteenth century the new standard of hiring faculty according to their academic merit was energetically opposed by those favoring the antecedent standard of professional experience and reputation. Only when financial considerations counterbalanced that traditional standard did hiring decisions tip in favor of the new principle. Not until the early 1900s, when the second generation of academic meritocrats dominated the HLS faculty, did the new hiring standard become unequivocally established as policy in the school and, by extension, in legal education.
Evidence for Quaternary tectonism in the northern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana

Irregularities in the reconstructed gradients of latest Pliocene and Quaternary terraces in the northern Bighorn Basin, northwest Wyoming and south-central Montana, suggest that Quaternary movements have occurred on the Frannie anticline, the Nye-Bowler–Sage Creek fault zone, and the North Pryor fault. This area has been considered tectonically inactive. The timing of the interpreted movements is derived from age estimates of fluvial deposits determined from numerical ages and altitudes of associated deposits of volcanic ash. South of the Pryor Mountains, the 1.4 Ma Polecat Bench terrace of the Shoshone River rises 6–7 m over the axis of the Frannie anticline; this displacement may be related to folding or faulting since 1.4 Ma. Near the Nye-Bowler–Sage Creek and North Pryor faults in the Pryor Mountains, bedrock is 25 and 55 m shallower than depths predicted from the projected 1.4 Ma gradient of the Shoshone River through Pryor Gap. The 2.0 Ma terrace of Rock Creek may have been offset up to 7 m by a splay of the Nye-Bowler fault zone between 2.0 and 0.6 Ma. The downstream divergence of terraces along Rock Creek suggests ongoing uplift of the northern Bighorn Basin, perhaps caused by crustal rebound due to post-Oligocene erosion.
Oxidative metabolism of Polytron versus Nagarse mitochondria in hearts of genetically diabetic mice.

Abstract We have shown previously that heart mitochondria obtained by the Nagarse method from genetically diabetic mice (C57BL/KsJ db / db) exhibit a defect in oxidizing NAD+-linked substrates (Kuo, T.H., Moore, K.H., Giacomelli, F. and Wiener, J. (1983) Diabetes 32, 781–787). In this study, the oxidative phosphorylation characteristics of cardiac mitochondria isolated by the Polytron method were compared with that of Nagarse mitochondria. Evidence is presented here that in the diabetic heart both Nagarse and Polytron mitochondria have defective pyruvate oxidation, whereas only the former exhibit impaired fatty acid oxidation. Assay of two rate-limiting β-oxidation enzymes, namely β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and β-ketothiolase, indicates no alteration in specific activities from diabetic mice vs. controls. The data suggest that two populations of mitochondria are present in myocardium and that the defective oxidative metabolism in the cardiac mitochondria of db / db mice may be linked to deficiencies in total NAD + NADH content.
Astrophysical investigations utilizing objective prisms

Abstract This article is directed primarily at the student or prospective student of astronomical spectroscopy who is considering the use of objective-prism techniques in his work. A broad summary is presented of the history of contributions of objective-prism methods to astronomy, and of recent and current programs having astrophysical ramifications. Finally, a few remarks are directed at some desiderata, and probable developments in the near future, in the field of objective-prism work.