cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive Ability of an Illness Severity Measure: Implications for Nursing Research.

Background and purpose Illness severity among children with life-limiting illnesses is measured with the pediatric complex chronic conditions (CCC) measure. Developed in 2000/2001, it was revised in 2014 to include infant-specific categories. Methods Discrimination, calibration, accuracy, and validation tests were used to examine the predictive performance of the measures. Results Among the 10,175 infants in the analysis, both measures poorly discriminated-palliative care consultation (C-statistics 0.6396 vs. C-statistics 0.5905) and any inpatient procedure (C-statistics 0.6101 vs. C-statistics 0.5160). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests revealed good calibration for both measures. The original measure was more accurate in predicting end-of-life outcomes-palliative care consultation (Brier Score 0.3892 vs. 0.7787) and any inpatient procedures (Brier Score 0.3115 vs. 0.4738). Conclusions The revised measure did not perform any better than the original in predicting end-of-life outcomes among infants.
The Roman Space Telescope coronagraph technology demonstration: current status and relevance to future missions

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (formally WFIRST) will be launched in the mid-2020’s with an onboard coronagraph instrument which will serve as a technology demonstrator for exoplanet direct imaging. The Roman Coronagraph will be capable of detecting and characterizing exoplanets and circumstellar disks in visible light at an unprecedented contrast level of ~10-8 or lower. Such a contrast level, which is several magnitudes better than state-of-the-art visible or near-infrared coronagraphs, raises entirely new challenges that will be overcome using a combination of hardware, calibration and data processing. In particular, the Roman Coronagraph will be the first space-based coronagraphic instrument with real-time active wavefront control through the use of large format deformable mirrors, and its EMCCD detector will enable faint signal detection in photon-counting mode. The Roman Coronagraph instrument passed its critical design review successfully in April 2021, and is now well on its path to demonstrate many core technologies at the levels required for future exo-Earth direct imaging missions.
Continuous Encryption Functions for Security Over Networks.

This paper presents a study of continuous encryption functions (CEFs) of secret feature vectors for security over networks such as physical layer encryption for wireless communications and biometric template security for online Internet applications. CEFs are defined to include all prior continuous "one-way" functions. It is shown that dynamic random projection and index-of-max (IoM) hashing algorithm 1 are not hard to attack, IoM algorithm 2 is not as hard to attack as it was thought to be, and higher-order polynomials are easy to attack via substitution. Also presented is a new family of CEFs based on selected components of singular value decomposition (SVD) of a randomly modulated matrix of feature vector. Detailed empirical evidence suggests that SVD-CEF is hard to attack. Statistical analysis of SVD-CEF reveals its useful properties including its sensitivity to noise. The bit-error-rate performance of a quantized SVD-CEF is shown to exceed that of IoM algorithm 2.
Robust R ∗ 2 map estimation from motion scattered slices for fetal fMRI

A major challenge for fMRI analysis of the developing brain is subject motion, which can corrupt T 2 ∗-weighted (T 2 ∗-w) signal intensity with spin history effects. Multi echo multislice EPI acqusitions can be used to create parameteric R 2 ∗ mapping for fMRI that can provide independence from such signal variation. However, motion between slice acquisitions scatters the measurements over the anatomy of interest at each time frame. Such motion scattering cannot be optimally accounted for using direct interpolation, as data at each voxel can be missing or duplicated due to motion. Conventional BOLD contrast techniques have recently employed iterative time series reconstruction schemes to make best use of acquired data. Here we propose an extension to such techniques to deal with the case of multi-echo parametric fitting from scattered slices. Specifically, we formulate a robust R∗ 2 map estimation scheme for scattered multi-slice slice data, making use of robust fitting of R 2 ∗ values to the spatially scattered T 2 ∗-w slices. We present results on simulated data and real in-utero imaging that indicate the approach outperforms the conventional interpolation based recovery of R∗ 2 timeseries.
Fetal and adult hemoglobin production during adult erythropoiesis: coordinate expression correlates with cell proliferation

The design and evaluation of therapies for the sickle cell and beta-thalassemia syndromes rely on our understanding of hemoglobin accumulation during human erythropoiesis. Here we report direct measurements of hemoglobin composition and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in cultured CD34(+) cells and correlate those measurements with studies of freshly obtained bone marrow samples. Hemoglobin levels in differentiating cells were also compared with morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cell cycle assessments. A population of large preproerythroblasts was first identified within 24 hours and became the dominant population by day 5. The transition from proerythroblast to basophilic normoblast occurred later, from days 7 to 9, and correlated with a peak of 74.1% +/- 3.9% of the cells in the S phase of cell cycle. Orthochromatic normoblasts were the dominant and final cell type by day 13. High-performance liquid chromatography-based quantitation of fetal (HbF) and adult (HbA) hemoglobin and real-time polymerase chain reaction globin mRNA quantitation demonstrated a coordinate rise in the accumulation of both proteins and mRNA among these developmentally staged populations. Quantitative analyses on freshly sorted bone marrow populations demonstrated a similar rising pattern with beta-globin and HbA as the dominant species at both early and late stages of differentiation. We found no evidence for HbF dominant populations or switching during differentiation in adult cells. Instead, rapid increases in both HbF (heterocellular) and HbA (pancellular) content were observed, which coincided with the apex in cell cycling and the proerythroblast-basophilic normoblast transition. Based on these measurements, we conclude that HbF and HbA content are regulated with the rate of proliferation during adult erythropoiesis.
Hierarchical Data Representations Based on Planar Voronoi Diagrams

Multiresolution representation of high-dimensional scattered data is a fundamental problem in scientific visualization. This paper introduces a data hierarchy of Voronoi diagrams as a versatile Solution. Given an arbitrary set of points in the plane, our goal is the construction of an approximation hierarchy using the Voronoi diagram as the essential building block. We have implemented two Voronoi diagram-based algorithms to demonstrate their usefulness for hierarchical scattered data approximation. The first algorithm uses a constant function to approximate the data within each Voronoi cell, and the second algorithm uses the Sibson interpolant [14].
Gene Therapy, Ethics, Somatic Cell Gene Therapy

Introduction Development of Science and Concepts Leading to Gene Therapy Origins and Evolution of Public Oversight of Human Gene Therapy Principles of Review for Human Gene Therapy Human Gene Therapy and the Industry Model for Drug Development Challenges for the Future Keywords: gene therapy
Acoustically active liposome-nanobubble complexes for enhanced ultrasonic imaging and ultrasound-triggered drug delivery.

Ultrasound is well known as a safe, reliable imaging modality. A historical limitation of ultrasound, however, was its inability to resolve structures at length scales less than nominally 20 µm, which meant that classical ultrasound could not be used in applications such as echocardiography and angiogenesis where one requires the ability to image small blood vessels. The advent of ultrasound contrast agents, or microbubbles, removed this limitation and ushered in a new wave of enhanced ultrasound applications. In recent years, the microbubbles have been designed to achieve yet another application, namely ultrasound-triggered drug delivery. Ultrasound contrast agents are thus tantamount to ‘theranostic’ vehicles, meaning they can do both therapy (drug delivery) and imaging (diagnostics). The use of ultrasound contrast agents as drug delivery vehicles, however, is perhaps less than ideal when compared to traditional drug delivery vehicles (e.g., polymeric microcapsules and liposomes) which have greater drug carrying capacities. The drawback of the traditional drug delivery vehicles is that they are not naturally acoustically active and cannot be used for imaging. The notion of a theranostic vehicle is sufficiently intriguing that many attempts have been made in recent years to achieve a vehicle that combines the echogenicity of microbubbles with the drug carrying capacity of liposomes. The attempts can be classified into three categories, namely entrapping, tethering, and nesting. Of these, nesting is the newest—and perhaps the most promising. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Numerical analysis of in vivo platelet consumption data from ITP patients.

Numerical methods have recently allowed quantitative interpretation of in vivo murine platelet consumption data in terms of values for the random destruction rate constant (RD), intrinsic lifespan (LS), and the standard deviation of ln LS (SD), as well as the platelet production rate (PR) and age distribution (AD). But application of these methods to data obtained in thrombocytopenic patients is problematic for two reasons. First, such data has in all cases been obtained with radiolabeled platelets, and uptake of the radio-isotope by long lived cells complicates the analysis. Second, inferred values of the platelet production rate (PR) and random destruction rate (RD) are difficult to interpret, since increased RD can occur either as a cause or a consequence of thrombocytopenia. We used a numerical method to analyze in vivo platelet consumption data from a series of 41 patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). An additional parameter, the fraction of labeled long-lived cells (LL), was evaluated concurrently with RD, LS, and SD. To provide a basis for interpreting these values, we used an iterative interpolation process to predict their response to different pathophysiologic mechanisms. The process also generates predicted effects on the widely used immature platelet fraction (IPF). Optimal parameter value sets were identified in 76 % (31 of 41) of the data sets. 27 of 31 ITP patients showed no substantial homeostatic increase in platelet production, with the remaining 4 showing both augmented platelet consumption and a compensatory increase in PR. Up to 1/3 of the patients showed the degree of increased RD expected to result from reduced thrombopoiesis only. “Jacknife” resampling yielded CV values of <0.5 in over 75 % of the evaluable data sets. Predicted platelet age distributions indicate that interpretation of the IPF and absolute IPF (aIPF) is a complex function of platelet count. We found, counter-intuitively, that reduced PR can increase the IPF, and increased RD can reduce the aIPF. Our findings support the feasibility of using numerical analysis to quantitatively interpret in vivo platelet consumption data, to identify likely etiologies of thrombocytopenias, and to assess the utility of IPF measurements in that context.
What makes a problem GP-hard? validating a hypothesis of structural causes

This paper provides an empirical test of a hypothesis, which describes the effects of structural mechanisms in genetic programming. In doing so, the paper offers a test problem anticipated by this hypothesis. The problem is tunably difficult, but has this property because tuning is accomplished through changes in structure. Content is not involved in tuning. The results support a prediction of the hypothesis - that GP search space is significantly constrained as an outcome of structural mechanisms.
Hydrothermal Mn-deposits of the Franciscan Assemblage, II. Isotope and trace element geochemistry, and implications for hydrothermal convection at spreading centers

Abstract Major element, trace element and Sr, Nd, Pb and O isotopic data for a Franciscan Mn-deposit suggest an origin by seafloor hydrothermal circulation. Based on Q-mode factor analysis the cherts and Mn-lenses of the Blue Jay mine formed from a combination of 4 components representing 1 biogenic, 1 hydrothermal, and 2 detrital sources. Rb Sr, U Th Pb and O isotopic systematics in the Mn-lenses were affected by input from the hydrothermal circulation of material leached from the underlying basalts. Nd isotopic compositions in both cherts and Mn-lenses are identical and within the range measured for Pacific Ocean water suggesting the REE were not mobilized by hydrothermal activity. Correlation of δ 18 O with SiO 2 and MnO 2 in the Mn-lenses implies the lenses formed by simple mixing of hydrothermally derived Mn-oxides with seawater and biogenic silica. δ 18 O of the cherts is both uniform and depleted relative to DSDP Jurassic cherts but similar to microquartz-bearing cherts of the Monterey Formation: this suggests that diagenetic activity exerted more control on oxygen isotope compositions then hydrothermal alteration or metamorphism. Finally, a well defined Rb Sr isochron of 158 ± 5Myr was obtained for these cherts and opens the possibility of determining absolute radiometric ages for similar cherts throughout the geologic record.
Ambiguities in the calculation of dislocation self energies

Various forms for the interactions between dislocations have been given in the literature. While arising from the same basic expression, they differ in terms that vanish when integrating over an entire dis-location loop and thus yield the same value for the interaction energy between distinct dislocations. In this paper, however, we show that when applied to dislocation self energies, which because of a core cutoff do not involve integrations over the entire loop, these expressions may not yield equivalent results. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Built from Living Stones: Hispanic Catholic Parishes Without Boundaries or Buildings

“Hispanic” is a term from the United States (USA) census bureau later adopted by the United States Catholic Council of Bishops (USCCB) that refers to USA residents who trace part of their ancestry to Spanish-speakers. Usually they also have ancestors from among either American indigenous communities or Africans imported as slaves, or both. For the purpose of this article, it presumes that whatever their level of acculturation to USA society, their preferred language of worship is still Spanish. A new way of being Catholic is necessarily forged by those Hispanics. They are not assimilating into the USA church as did former immigrants from Europe, but they are also unable to simply reproduce the Catholicism of their twenty plus countries of origin. New church structures must therefore address this novel phenomenon, especially in areas where those immigrants are recent or geographically dispersed. Rather than only continuing the mostly futile attempt to integrate immigrants into existing parishes, local ordinaries should consider other options including parishes without boundaries or buildings. Such personal parishes constituted of a community of small communities are not only possible under current Church law and doctrine, but often best fulfills the intent of those same documents.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 151

Abstract The literature on all nuclei with mass number A = 151 has been reviewed, and the nuclear structure information is summarized here. The level properties obtained from various reaction and decay experiments are shown in the drawings, and Nilsson—state assignments are given.
Noradrenergic transmission in the extended amygdala: role in increased drug-seeking and relapse during protracted drug abstinence

Studies reviewed here implicate the extended amygdala in the negative affective states and increased drug-seeking that occur during protracted abstinence from chronic drug exposure. Norepinephrine (NE) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the extended amygdala, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, shell of the nucleus accumbens, and central nucleus of the amygdala, are generally involved in behavioral responses to environmental and internal stressors. Hyperactivity of stress response systems during addiction drives many negative components of drug abstinence. In particular, NE signaling from the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) to the extended amygdala, along with increased CRF transmission within the extended amygdala, are critical for the aversiveness of acute opiate withdrawal as well as stress-induced relapse of drug-seeking for opiates, cocaine, ethanol, and nicotine. NE and CRF transmission in the extended amygdala are also implicated in the increased anxiety that occurs during prolonged abstinence from chronic opiates, cocaine, ethanol, and cannabinoids. Many of these stress-associated behaviors are reversed by NE or CRF antagonists given systemically or locally within the extended amygdala. Finally, increased Fos activation in the extended amygdala and NTS is associated with the enhanced preference for drugs and decreased preference for natural rewards observed during protracted abstinence from opiates and cocaine, indicating that these areas are involved in the altered reward processing associated with addiction. Together, these findings suggest that involvement of the extended amygdala and its noradrenergic afferents in anxiety, stress-induced relapse, and altered reward processing reflects a common function for these circuits in stress modulation of drug-seeking.
Structure, Institutions, Power, and Ideology: New Directions Within Symbolic Interactionism

Responding to a fusillade of criticism in the 1970s, interactionists made numerous studies to accentuate the structural elements of constraint. This reconstruction of symbolic interactionism (SI) h...
Statistical Analysis of the ASME KIc Database

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) K{sub Ic} curve is a function of test temperature (T) normalized to a reference nil-ductility temperature, RT{sub NDT}, namely, T-RT{sub NDT}. It was constructed as the lower boundary to the available K{sub Ic} database. Being a lower bound to the unique but limited database, the ASME K{sub Ic} curve concept does not discuss probability matters. However, a continuing evolution of fracture mechanics advances has led to employment of the Weibull distribution function to model the scatter of fracture toughness values in the transition range. The Weibull statistic/master curve approach was applied to analyze the current ASME K{sub Ic} database. It is shown that the Weibull distribution function models the scatter in K{sub Ic} data from different materials very well, while the temperature dependence is described by the master curve. Probabilistic-based tolerance-bound curves are suggested to describe lower-bound K{sub Ic} values.
New insight into modeling non-covalently imprinted polymers.

Three series of polymers were carefully formulated with increasing amounts of template while keeping the polymer components constant. The number of binding sites (N) and the number average association constant (Kn) were calculated for each polymer in a series, using equations adapted from the literature describing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The trends of N and Kn for each series of polymers, which were graphed versus percent template, suggest multiple functional monomers in the binding sites of noncovalent MIPs. This new insight has implications for understanding the underlying mechanisms for the formation of binding sites in the MIPs studied.
Managerial social capital, strategic orientation, and organizational performance in an emerging economy

This study replicates and extends previous research focusing on China, to a sub-Saharan African emerging economy environment. Specifically, the study directly replicates the impact of social capital derived from the micro-managerial networking relationships and ties with top managers at other firms and government officials on macro-organizational performance using data from Ghana. This study further extends previous work by examining the impact of social capital derived from managerial social networking relationships and ties with community leaders on organizational performance. It examines how the relationship between social capital and organizational performance is contingent on an organization's competitive strategic orientation. The findings suggest that social capital developed from managerial networking and social relationships with top managers at other firms, government officials (political leaders and bureaucratic officials), and community leadership enhance organizational performance. The findings from the contingency analyses reveal some interesting trends. The impact of social capital on organizational performance differs between firms that pursue the different competitive strategies (low-cost, differentiation, and combination of low-cost and differentiation) and those who do not pursue those strategies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature effects on the morphology of porous thin film composite nanofiltration membranes.

Even though polymeric nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes often operate on surface waters and surficial groundwaters whose temperature varies over time and with season, very litt...
Determining the orientation of the rotation axis of a star using a spectral-line interferometer

An optical interferometer with long baselines and high spectral resolution could be used to determine the rotation rate of a star and the orientation of its rotation axis. Orientation is information that has previously been determined only statistically for single stars. Knowing the orientation would allow solution of currently intractable problems in star formation and stellar evolution.
Biogenic facies in the Antarctic glacimarine environment: Basis for a polar glacimarine summary

Abstract The association of glacial deposits (diamicts or tillites) with biogenic and/or chemically derived sedimentary rocks in the ancient record is one which continues to challenge interpretation. An analogous association can be found on portions of the East Antarctic continental shelf, where relict glacial and glacimarine diamictons are overlain by a varied and complex suite of modern biogenic deposits. Carbonate bioclastic material can be found in two distinct zones and its deposition may have been contemporaneous with partial glacial expansion onto the shelf. A nearshore carbonate facies consists of in situ and partially reworked barnacles, bryozoans, ostracods, pelycepods, gastropods, planktonic and benthonic foraminifera. A siliceous biogenic component is intermixed within the shallow water ( 500 m) siliceous facies, of pelagic, hemipelagic and sediment gravity flow (?) origin, is found within inner shelf depressions and consists predominantly of diatom frustules and radiolaria. These accumulations of siliceous ooze and mud clearly post date glacial recession from the shelf and contain laminated, cross-laminated, and massive interbeds which are accumulating at rates of 0.3 cm/yr. The extreme polar climate inhibits meltwater production and terrigenous influx into marine basins. This allows for the accumulation of biogenic rich material which is also favored by the high seasonal productivity inherent in the south polar oceans. Ancient analogs to these modern deposits exist and their association with glacimarine strata could be used to infer polar climatic settings and glacial retreat that is related to eustatic sea level, rather than regional warming.
Reduced alpha-lipoic acid synthase gene expression exacerbates atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Objectives To study the effects of reduced lipoic acid gene expression on diabetic atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null mice (Apoe−/−).
Analysis of phospholipid classes in various beef tissues by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract An improved HPLC procedure for the separation of phospholipid classes including plasmalogens was used to determine the distributions of phospholipids in beef chuck, loin, liver, heart and kidney. The phospholipid compositions of chuck and loin were similar, whereas considerable differences in composition were observed among liver, heart and kidney. Extremely high proportions of diacyl GPC (glycerophosphocholine) and low proportions of ChoPlas (choline plasmalogen) were detected in liver compared to other tissues. The proportion of diacyl GPE (glycerophosphoethanolamine) was highest in kidney, with EthPlas (ethanolamine plasmalogen) having the highest value in chuck among the five tissues. The proportions of minor phospholipids, i.e. SGP (serine glycerophospholipid). IGP (inositol glycerophospholipid) and Sph (sphingomyelin) differed in composition dependent on the tissues. The results for plasmalogen compositions of these tissues will be useful for formulating hypotheses regarding their function.
Longitudinal quality of life assessment of patients with hepatic metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma after treatment with transarterial radioembolization Yttrium-90 therapy

Purpose To determine the effects of transarterial radioembolization therapy with Y-90 on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with hepatic metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods Single-center, IRB-approved, prospective health-related quality of life study with analysis of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) assessment tool, before and after Y-90 radioembolization was performed. Patient age ranged from 44-83 years with a mean of 60.15 years. Baseline HRQOL scores were evaluated for significant (P Results Patients had increased pretreatment baseline scores within all categories except, vitality, compared to age-adjusted norms. After treatment bodily pain (52.42 vs 48.41), social function (62.50 vs 49.93), role-emotional (59.72 vs 49.79), and mental health (71.67 vs 51.25) parameters remained increased compared to age-adjusted norms. All parameters decreased from pre-treatment compared to post-treatment, however, only social functioning (score change, -20.5; P=.049), and general health (score change, -15.2; P=.022) parameters were statistically significant. Results of the surveys were analyzed utilizing a two sample t-test for each comparison. Conclusion Generally, patients with hepatic metastatic colorectal cancer treated with Y-90 radioembolization negatively perceive, decreased health related quality of life after treatment compared with pre-treatment. However, only Social functioning and general health parameters are statistically significant (p
Cyclooctene epoxidation with H2O2 and single crystal X-ray determined crystal structures of new molybdenum and tungsten catalysts bearing the hydrophilic ligand hydroxymethyldiphenylphosphine oxide

Abstract The dioxo molybdenum and tungsten complexes MoO2Cl2(OPPh2CH2OH)2 and WO2Cl2(OPPh2CH2OH)2 have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 31P NMR. Their structures, as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, reveal distorted octahedral geometries with cis terminal oxygen atoms, trans Cl ligands and that the hydroxymethyldiphenylphosphine oxide ligands coordinate through the oxygen atom bonded to the P atom. Both of the compounds are studied as catalysts for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as a source of oxygen. Both complexes showed good activity and very high selectivity for the formation of cyclooctene oxide.
SU‐FF‐T‐82: Rapid Dose Calculation for IMRT Fields in Heterogeneous Medium

Purpose: To develop a fast algorithm to calculate patient specific 3D dose distribution for megavoltage photon beams. Method and Materials: In our PC‐based convolution algorithm, the ratio of scatter‐to‐primary dose,Ds/Dp , for a 2‐D non‐uniform field is calculated as a 3D convolution: SPR(x,y,d) = ∫ x′ ∫ y′ ∫ z′ IM(x′,y′) IM(x,y) . aw((z−z′)+d 0 ) (w⋅r+z−z′+d 0 ) 3 . A(z′)A(z−z′) A(z) dx′dy′dz′ , with r = (x − x′) 2 + (y − y′) 2 and IM(x,y) = ∑ i fMU i p i (x′,y′) is the 2D intensity profile within the IMRT field, pi is 1 inside field and 0 outside field collimation for segment field i of the IMRT field. A(z) is the attenuation function. This convolution is calculated using a Fast Fourier Transform. The parameters a, w, and d0 characterize the phantom scatter properties and can be determined from measured PDD and Sp . In a CT phantom, fast ray‐tracing is used to calculate radiological depth for the attenuation function. Results: SPR calculated using MC simulation for 6 and 15 MV Mohan Spectrum is compared with the FFT convolution algorithm. They agree very well for depths beyond electron contamination. Agreement is also compared between FFT convolution and MC simulation in a heterogeneous phantom. They agree to within 1%, relative to the primary dose.Conclusion: This algorithm is ideally suitable for calculating patient‐specific MU for quality assurance of patient specific IMRT fields for photon beams. The major attraction is the fast speed, which allows potential real‐time applications.
Influence of the Rate of Secretion on the Urea Concentration of Saliva.

Observations of Hench,1 Schmitz2 and others have shown that the concentration of urea in human saliva obtained by chewing paraffin averages about 80% of that of the blood. The published figures from which this average has been obtained show wide variations in different individuals. Those of Hench1 vary from 50 to 130%, those of Schmitz2 from 58 to 128%, and unpublished observations made in this laboratory in 1921 from 58 to 110%.Specimens of saliva secreted at slow and at rapid rates were obtained from each of 16 individuals, and their urea concentrations (urea plus ammonia) compared with that of blood taken at the same time. The slow specimens were obtained without stimulation, the rapid ones by chewing paraffin. (Table I.)All the subjects show a lower urea concentration in the rapidly secreted specimens, the average difference between slow and fast specimens being 46 mg. per 100 cc. The high figures obtained when the secretion rate was low are no doubt partly due to accumulated ammonium salts in the mou...
How large are the neutrino mixing angles

We find that in a broad class of theories consistent with grand unification, the neutrino mixing angles are likely to be comparable to the corresponding quark mixing angles and may well be much larger in an interesting special case. This result holds for a wide range of mass ratios for the light-neutrino Majorana masses.
Gender-linked differences in the incidental memory of children and adults.

The hunter-gatherer theory (M. Eals & I. Silverman, 1994, Ethology and Sociobiology, 15, 95-105) predicts that females should have better incidental memory for objects and locations than males. We tested this prediction with 3- to 6-year-old children (Study 1) and adults (Study 2). In Study 1, 80 children were asked to recognize 18 gender-stereotyped toys which they had previously seen in a playroom for 2 min. In Study 2, 40 adults were asked to recall the identity and location of 30 gender-stereotyped objects which they had previously seen in an office for 2 min. Analyses in both studies indicated that females and males remembered more toys or objects congruent with their own sex but that there was no overall advantage for females. Implications for the hunter-gatherer theory, gender-schema theory, and our understanding of the development of incidental memory are discussed.
Ion transmission and ion/molecule separation using an electrostatic ion guide in chemistry ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract The performance of an electrostatic ion guide for use in chemical ionization mass spectrometry is evaluated. The study focuses on the use of the ion guide to extract charged particles in a rapidly expanding beam consisting of ions and neutral molecules. A theoretical analysis of this system is presented, using three-dimensional calculations of the trajectories of ions. Laboratory measurements verifying the theoretical calculations are also reported. The results illustrate the two principal advantages for this system: efficient ion transmission and ion–neutral molecule separation. A comparison between the ion guide and the commonly used electrostatic ion lenses shows that the ion guide is significantly more efficient in capturing and transporting charged particles from a diverging ion source.
Triple-Deck Instability of Supersonic Boundary Layers

The purpose of the present study is to resolve a long-standing paradox intrinsic to the triple-deck theory that predicts stability of a supersonic boundary layer against two-dimensional disturbances for all Mach numbers M1 > 1 of the oncoming stream. Thorough investigation of disturbances in the transonic range of velocities results in a new interaction law and points to the formation of an additional stable mode missing from incompressible and subsonic flows. At some value of the transonic similarity parameter K1 the new mode “collides” in an auxiliary complex plane composed of the disturbance frequencies and wave numbers with the conventional Tollmien– Schlichting unstable mode typical of two-dimensional waves in incompressible and subsonic regimes. As a result, the mode exchange takes place and the new mode continues after collision as an unstable one. A rigorous proof of the existence of the neutral frequencies and wave numbers for arbitrary values of K1 substantiates this conclusion. In the limit, asK1 ! 1, the interactive boundary layer turns to the classical boundary layer by Prandtl extending over the reference length of developing viscous flow.
DNA bis-intercalation: Theoretical calculation of binding curves

A statistical mechanical calculation of the binding properties of DNA bis-intercalators is presented, based on the sequence-generating function method of Lifson. The effects of binding by intercalation of one or both chromophores of a bifunctional intercalating agent are examined. The secular equation for a general model that includes the effects of neighbor (nearest and non-nearest) exclusion and/or cooperativity in the binding of both singly and doubly intercalated ligands is derived. Numerical results for binding curves are presented for a more restricted model in which each type of bound ligand rigorously excludes its nearest neighbor and the total number of sites covered by a doubly intercalated ligand is variable. At low values of free ligand concentration bis-intercalation dominates the binding process, while at high value of free ligand concentration, intercalation of only one chromophore per ligand becomes significant due to the unavailability of contiguous free sites required for bis-intercalation. Also, depending on the binding parameters, the free energy of the system can be lowered by a loss of doubly intercalated ligands in favor of singly intercalated ones. Corresponding to this transition in binding mode, the average number of sites occupied by a bound ligand decreases from that characteristic of bis-intercalation to that characteristic of mono-intercalation as free ligand concentration increases. An analysis of Scatchard plots describing bis-intercalation is presented.
Cyclophosphamide Tolerance as a Test for Antigenicity of Nucleic Acids

IT has been generally thought that nucleic acids are unable to elicit an immune response without carrier protein and adjuvant1. We have recently succeeded in accelerating the spontaneous formation of antibodies to RNA and DNA in New Zealand mice with polyinosinic · polycytidylic acid (poly I·C) without carrier protein or additional adjuvant2. We have also made New Zealand mice immunologically tolerant to subsequent challenge with poly I·C in complete Freund's adjuvant by pretreatment with poly I·C followed by Cyclophosphamide3. These studies in mice that spontaneously develop antibodies to nucleic acids suggested that poly I·C was immunogenic but did not prove that nucleic acids could be recognized immunologically by normal mice. We now report the induction of immunological tolerance to poly I·C in normal strains of mice as a method of demonstrating immunological recognition of this nucleic acid.
Acid−Amide Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding

A 2,2-dimethylbutynoic acid with a pyridone terminus (1) acts as its self-complement in molecular recognition to form an intermolecularly hydrogen-bonded dimer with hydrogen bonding between the ami...
Doppler deterioration in intrauterine growth restriction: Unterscheider et al.

See related article, page 539 uch research has focused on M whether, over time, Doppler ultrasoundcandocument a predictable sequence of deterioration in maternal and fetal blood vessels in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This month, Journal Club members discussed a study that examined the prognostic value of interrogating multiple blood vessels rather than just the standard umbilical artery (UA) imaging. Unterscheider and colleagues accumulated 7769 data points from 1116 fetuses to determine if, in fact, a dominant pattern of vessel decline exists. Identification of such a pattern could be helpful in determining an ideal time for delivery. They believe their findings say much about the natural course of Doppler changes in individual fetuses with IUGR and that the data can serve as a foundation for future intervention trials.
Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the biosynthesis of carotenoids in detached tomatoes

Abstract β-Zeacarotene was isolated from the tomato fruit. Treatment with DMSO resulted in reduction of the total carotenoid content of the ripening fruit. The synthesis of phytoene, phytofluene, ζ-carotene, and lycopene was inhibited. The levels of β-zeacarotene, γ-carotene, and β-carotene remained essentially unchanged. Two possible modes of action of DMSO are discussed.
Aberration of Light in Terms of the Theory of Relativity as Illustrated on a Cone and a Pyramid

A ray of light is propagated in the XY plane and its angle with the X-axis is determined by two observers, S and S′, who are in relative motion to each other along the X-axis at a velocity q (expressed as a fraction of the velocity of light). If the angles measured by them are δ and δ′, then it is proved that tan12δ/tan12δ′=cos(45°+12α)/cos(45°-12α), where Sin α=q. This relationship is interpreted geometrically by means of a cone in oblique coordinates. The axes of coordinates are X, Y, and time T. The T and X axes are different for the two observers, and the four axes T, X, T′, X′, form a Lorentzian Plane to which Y is perpendicular. The properties of the cone are considered in detail and a mechanical model of the cone, built of wood and iron, is described. At a desired velocity q, one can compare directly the angles δ and δ′. It is also shown that the relationship between the angles δ, δ′, and α can be represented on a pyramid. References are made to other articles by the same writer, in which oblique axes are also used for the solution of problems in the theory of relativity.
Coinfection of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces israelii in Mastoiditis Diagnosed by Next-Generation DNA Sequencing

Some bacterial infections involve potentially complex mixtures of species that can now be distinguished using next-generation DNA sequencing. We present a case of mastoiditis where Gram stain, culture, and molecular diagnosis were nondiagnostic or discrepant. Next-generation sequencing implicated coinfection of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces israelii, resolving these diagnostic discrepancies.
Intramolecular energy transfer and the driving mechanisms for large-amplitude collective motions of clusters

This paper uncovers novel and specific dynamical mechanisms that initiate large-amplitude collective motions in polyatomic molecules. These mechanisms are understood in terms of intramolecular energy transfer between modes and driving forces. Structural transition dynamics of a six-atom cluster between a symmetric and an elongated isomer is highlighted as an illustrative example of what is a general message. First, we introduce a general method of hyperspherical mode analysis to analyze the energy transfer among internal modes of polyatomic molecules. In this method, the (3n−6) internal modes of an n-atom molecule are classified generally into three coarse level gyration-radius modes, three fine level twisting modes, and (3n−12) fine level shearing modes. We show that a large amount of kinetic energy flows into the gyration-radius modes when the cluster undergoes structural transitions by changing its mass distribution. Based on this fact, we construct a reactive mode as a linear combination of the three gyration-radius modes. It is shown that before the reactive mode acquires a large amount of kinetic energy, activation or inactivation of the twisting modes, depending on the geometry of the isomer, plays crucial roles for the onset of a structural transition. Specifically, in a symmetric isomer with a spherical mass distribution, activation of specific twisting modes drives the structural transition into an elongated isomer by inducing a strong internal centrifugal force, which has the effect of elongating the mass distribution of the system. On the other hand, in an elongated isomer, inactivation of specific twisting modes initiates the structural transition into a symmetric isomer with lower potential energy by suppressing the elongation effect of the internal centrifugal force and making the effects of the potential force dominant. This driving mechanism for reactions as well as the present method of hyperspherical mode analysis should be widely applicable to molecular reactions in which a system changes its overall mass distribution in a significant way.
Experiences of Older Adult Women Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), usually diagnosed in children, is known to persist into adulthood. However, the research has not examined the disorder in older adults. This article describes a preliminary qualitative study of the experiences of women over age 62 who were diagnosed with ADHD after the age of 60. Participants reported experiencing peer rejection, feeling different, and a tendency to become advocates for others. Although they reported difficulties in work and relationships, they also described finding creative solutions to their attention problems. Diagnosis and treatment appears to have assisted with self-acceptance and appreciation of the strengths of having ADHD.
Discrimination of quantum states

In quantum information processing and quantum computing protocols the carrier of information is a quantum system and information is encoded in the state of a quantum system. After processing the information it has to be read out what is equivalent to determining the final state of the system. When the possible final states are not orthogonal this is a highly nontrivial task that constitutes the general area of what is known as quantum state discrimination. It consists in finding measurement schemes that, according to some figure of merit, will determine the state of the system. Optimized measurement schemes often lead to generalized measurements (Positive Operator Valued Measures [POVMs]). In this tutorial review we illustrate the power of the POVM concept on examples relevant to applications in quantum cryptography. In order to keep the flow of the presentation we give a brief introduction to the quantum theory of measurements, including generalized measurements (POVMs), in the Appendices.
Vertebral body fracture following stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF): report of two events out of 712 levels.

Purpose Available studies demonstrate vertebral body fractures as a relatively rare complication following lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), with most fractures reported in association with lateral plating and vertebral screws. This study reports the occurrence of two vertebral body fractures following stand-alone LLIF in 712 levels fused in 335 patients.
Quercetin prevents left ventricular hypertrophy in the Apo E knockout mouse

Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, there are few studies aimed at determining the effects of dietary compounds on early or mild cardiac hypertrophy associated with dyslipidemia. Here we describe left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in 12 week-old Apo E−/− hypercholesterolemic mice. The LV end diastolic posterior wall thickness and overall LV mass were significantly increased in Apo E−/− mice compared with wild type (WT) controls. Fractional shortening, LV end diastolic diameter, and hemodynamic parameters were unchanged from WT mice. Oral low dose quercetin (QCN; 0.1 µmol QCN/kg body weight for 6 weeks) significantly reduced total cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein in the plasma of Apo E−/− mice. QCN treatment also significantly decreased LV posterior wall thickness and LV mass in Apo E−/− mice. Myocardial geometry and function were unaffected in WT mice by QCN treatment. These data suggest that dietary polyphenolic compounds such as QCN may be effective modulators of plasma cholesterol and could prevent maladaptive myocardial remodeling.
Structurally Modified Firefly Luciferase. Effects of Amino Acid Substitution at Position 286

Ser was replaced at position 286 of firefly luciferase (Luciola mingrelica) by a series of naturally occurring and unnatural amino acids. The effect of these substitutions on the properties of luci...
An approach to evaluating energy-economy models

Abstract The increasing importance of models that stress the energy portion of the economy has created the demand for evaluation, by other than the model developer, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a model with respect to the needs of the intended user. The literature describing how evaluations should be performed shows agreement on several basic components of the evaluation process, but at the same time is confusing because, although the same words may be used to describe these components, they often have different meanings. Although the models of interest are quantitative and the corresponding computer programs yield numerical results, published guidelines on model evaluation have lacked operationally defined checkpoints that can be used to summarize concisely and quantitatively the status of knowledge at a given time. Information related to desirable endpoints such as user requirements in terms of model outputs and associated maximum uncertainties, data sensitivities, etc., have customarily been expressed in more qualitative terms that are difficult to measure. A set of guidelines is developed for evaluating energy-economy models; the components of a thorough model evaluation are defined in an operational manner. Quantitative measures based on sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of results important to the user are included. Examples of the various components are drawn from the literature and from evaluation by Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the Long-Term Energy Analysis Program (LEAP) used by the Energy Information Administration for making projections to year 2020 included in that agency's 1978 Annual Report to Congress. Possible paths for future development of evaluation techniques are indicated, particularly those for which evaluation components must be more strictly defined after further practical experience is gained.