cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A syndrome of hypersomnia with automatic behavior.

Abstract Five male patients, complaining of daytime sleep attacks, and having a history of automatic behavior, were recorded continuously by polygraph for 108 h under two different protocols: (I) (first 48 h) with restricted sleep time (8.5 h) and (II) with ad libitum sleep. Patients were given specific tests to perform during Phase I. Six normal males were run as controls during Phase I. At the end of the recordings, patients had measurements of Homovanillic Acid (HVA) and 5 Hydroxy-indol Acetic Acid (5HIAA) in CSF before and after Probenecid testing. Patients appeared to present an abnormal sleep structure, with lack of Stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep, but had no significant increase in total sleep time during 24 h compared to normals. They also had repetitive very short periods of “micro-sleep” which account for their automatic behavior and were responsible for their great decrement in performance compared to normal controls. No CSF HVA and 5HIAA abnormality could be detected. This syndrome, which greatly impairs the social life and working ability of the patients, may be more related to an impairment of the “wakefulness” structures than to a dysfunction of the “sleep” structures.
Targeted disruption of Sonic Hedgehog in the mouse adrenal leads to adrenocortical hypoplasia.

Development of the mammalian adrenal gland is regulated by a diverse network of growth and transcription factors. Disruptions in these pathways often result in adrenal insufficiency because of adrenal hypoplasia. Several lines of evidence have suggested that the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which controls many aspects of tissue and organ patterning, may play a direct role in adrenal morphogenesis as well. Therefore, we examined the role of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), a member of the Hedgehog family, in mouse adrenal development. We show that Shh and its downstream effectors Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 are expressed in the adrenal cortex throughout development, and that Shh is required for normal adrenal organogenesis. Conditional inactivation of Shh in the adrenal cortex using a Cre-loxP system resulted in severe hypoplasia and disorganization of the cortex. In mice carrying the targeted mutation (Shhfl/fl;SF-1/Cre+), adrenal mass was significantly reduced and the cortex failed to encapsulate the adrenal medulla. Taken together, these results establish a direct role for Shh signaling in normal adrenal development. genesis 47:628–637, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Origin of apparent critical thickness for island formation in heteroepitaxy.

We find that a continuum model of heteroepitaxy exhibits a sharp crossover with increasing coverage, from planar growth to island formation. The ``critical thickness'' at which this Stranski-Krastanov transition occurs depends sensitively on misfit strain, with a dependence strikingly similar to that seen experimentally. The initial planar growth occurs because of intermixing of deposited material with the substrate. While the transition is strictly kinetic in nature, it depends only weakly on growth rate. The role of surface segregation is also discussed.
Age differences in backward dichoptic masking.

Abstract An investigation of age differences in backward dichoptic visual noise masking was carried out with young, middle-aged and old subjects. Older subjects were found to be significantly more susceptible to the backward masking effect over longer delays between the target and masking stimuli. These results indicate a decrease with age in the rate at which stimuli can be cleared through the central mechanisms concerned with perceptual processing. These data appear to support the “stimulus persistence” and “arousal” models of aging.
Landsat 7 automatic cloud cover assessment

An automatic cloud cover assessment algorithm was developed for the Landsat 7 ground system. A scene dependent approach that employs two passes through ETM+ data was developed. In pass one, the reflective and thermal properties of scene features are used to establish the presence or absence of clouds in a scene. If present, a scene-specific thermal profile for clouds is established. In pass two, a unique thermal signature for clouds is developed and used to identify the remaining clouds in a scene. The algorithm appears to be a good cloud discriminator for most areas of the Earth. Some difficulty has appeared in imagery over Antarctica, and snow at high illumination angles is occasionally mistaken for cloud.
Modulation of phosphoinositide metabolism in rat brain slices by excitatory amino acids, arachidonic acid, and GABA

In rat brain slices the synthesis of [3H]phosphoinositides and the production of [3H]inositol monophosphate (IP1) induced by norepinephrine (NE) were inhibited by glutamate. Calcium concentrations were varied to test if these inhibitory effects of glutamate were mediated by a calcium-dependent process. Although reducing calcium or addition of the calcium antagonist verpamil reduced the inhibitory effects of glutamate, these results were equivocal because reduced calcium directly decreased agonist-induced [3H]phosphoinositide synthesis. The inhibitory effects of glutamate were mimicked by quisqualate in a dose-dependent manner, but none of a variety of excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists modified the inhibition caused by quisqualate. It is suggested that glutamate activates a quisqualate-sensitive receptor (for which an antagonist is not available) and causes inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis mediated in part by a direct or indirect inhibitory effect of calcium on phosphoinositide synthesis. Modulatory effects of arachidonic acid were examined because glutamate and calcium can activate phospholipase A2. Arachidonic acid caused a rapid and dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]phosphoinositide synthesis and of NE-stimulated [3H]IP1 production. A similar inhibition of the response to carbachol also occurred. The inhibition caused by arachidonic acid was unchanged by addition of inhibitors of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase. Activation of phospholipase A2 with melittin caused inhibitory effects similar to those of arachidonic acid. Inhibitors of phospholipase A2 were found to impair phosphoinositide metabolism, likely due to their lack of specificity for phospholipase A2. Further studies were carried out in slices that were prelabelled with [3H]inositol in an attempt to separate modulatory effects on [3H]phosphoinositide synthesis and agonist-stimulated [3H]IP1 production. Several excitatory amino acid agonists inhibited NE-stimulated [3H]IP1 production. This inhibitory inter-action could be due to impaired synthesis of [3H]phosphoinositides because, even though the slices were prelabeled, addition of unlabelled inositol reduced NE-stimulated [3H]IP1 production, indicating that continuous regeneration of [3H]phosphoinositides is required. In contrast to the inhibitory effects of the excitatory amino acids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enhanced the response to NE in cortical and hippocampal slices. GABA also enhanced the response to carbachol in hippocampal and striatal slices and to ibotenic acid in hippocampal slices. Baclofen potentiated the response to NE similarly to the effect of GABA and baclofen partially blocked the inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid but did not alter that of quisqualate.
Improving Subject Recruitment By Maintaining Truly Informed Consent: A Practical Benefit of Disclosing Adverse Clinical Trial Results

While Liao and colleagues (2009) make the strong and appropriate argument that the moral duty to disclose all adverse clinical trial results to participants in clinical trials supercedes the commer...
Femoral hernia in infancy case report

Abstract 1. 1. Femoral hernias are of very rare occurrence in infancy, the patient reported here being probably one of the youngest in the literature. 2. 2. The occurrence of a femoral hernia in an infant so young tends to lend weight to the theory that femoral hernia can be congenital in origin.
Production of the Influenza Syndrome in Man with Equine Influenza Virus

AN antigenic relationship has been established between A/equi-2 influenza virus isolated in 1963 and the 1968 Hong Kong variant of human type A2 influenza virus1. This relationship suggests that the Hong Kong variant was derived from the equine virus. To evaluate this relationship further and to test the possibility of an exchange of viruses between species we have carried out virus challenge studies with normal volunteers. Here we describe the occurrence of clinical syndromes similar to those described for naturally occurring influenza after inoculation of antibody-free volunteers with a strain of influenza A/equi-2 virus.
Optimal band selection in hyperspectral remote sensing of aquatic benthic features: a wavelet filter window approach

This paper describes a wavelet based approach to derivative spectroscopy. The approach is utilized to select, through optimization, optimal channels or bands to use as derivative based remote sensing algorithms. The approach is applied to airborne and modeled or synthetic reflectance signatures of environmental media and features or objects within such media, such as benthic submerged vegetation canopies. The technique can also applied to selected pixels identified within a hyperspectral image cube obtained from an board an airborne, ground based, or subsurface mobile imaging system. This wavelet based image processing technique is an extremely fast numerical method to conduct higher order derivative spectroscopy which includes nonlinear filter windows. Essentially, the wavelet filter scans a measured or synthetic signature in an automated sequential manner in order to develop a library of filtered spectra. The library is utilized in real time to select the optimal channels for direct algorithm application. The unique wavelet based derivative filtering technique makes us of a translating, and dilating derivative spectroscopy signal processing (TDDS-SP (R) ) approach based upon remote sensing science and radiative transfer processes unlike other signal processing techniques applied to hyperspectral signatures.
Pharmacogenomics of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate for recurrent preterm birth prevention

Objective We hypothesized that genetic variation affects responsiveness to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) for recurrent preterm birth prevention. Study Design Women of European ancestry with ≥1 spontaneous singleton preterm birth at Results Fifty women (9 nonresponders) were included. Responders delivered 9.2 weeks longer with 17P vs 1.3 weeks' gestation for nonresponders ( P P Conclusion We identified sets of over-represented genes in key processes among responders to 17P, which is the first step in the application of pharmacogenomics to preterm birth prevention.
The Stereoscopic Mickey: Space, Animation, and the Mouse

Film history has partially obscured the accomplishment of the first Mickey Mouse cartoons. With the appearance of the fully synchronized-sound Steamboat Willie (1928), they have been primarily discussed in relation to that technology, being both praised and attacked for the ways they use sound. While useful, such assessments have also shifted attention away from something fundamental to animation, a sense of how these films confronted the problems of space and constructed a character—Mickey Mouse—who must seem at home in that space. This issue of space is particularly significant, since it adds a note of complexity to discussions of Disney's later development of a "realistic" style and sheds some light on the studio's problematic relation to modernism. This article examines the first decade of Mickey Mouse films in this spatial context in an effort to excavate that distinctive visual style, one that clearly strongly appealed to audiences of early animation.
Ist das menschliche Ei für in den Kreislauf gelangende radioaktive Substanzen und für Medikamente erreichbar

Es wurde gepruft, ob verabfolgte korperfremde Substanzen mit dem Saugerei in vivo in Beziehung treten konnen. I131, I131-γ-Globulin, Hg203-Mercaptomerin, C14-Meprobamate, Penicillin und Pyridium dringen nach Verabfolgung in die menschliche Follikelflussigkeit ein und werden darin zum Teil konzentriert; Evansblau und insbesondere Benzoechtrosa werden vom Ei der lebenden Maus aufgenommen.
Imaging Evaluation of Chest Wall Disorders in Children

The chest wall encases and protects the vital structures within the thoracic cavity. The chest wall comprises multiple layers, including skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, bone, cartilage, and pleura. Chest wall disorders may be congenital, developmental, or acquired and typically involve one or more of these layers. Acquired pathologic processes may be infectious, neoplastic, or traumatic. Imaging often plays an integral role in the evaluation of symptomatic and asymptomatic chest wall abnormalities. Symptomatic chest wall pathology usually requires imaging evaluation to assist in localization and characterization of lesions. Although asymptomatic palpable chest wall lesions tend to be benign or reflect normal developmental variations, imaging is still often requested [1,2].
Medial femoral periosteal microvascular free flap: a new method for maxillary reconstruction

Maxillary defects may arise from ablative tumor surgery or severe maxillofacial trauma. Contemporary maxillofacial reconstruction must consider both functional and esthetic concerns to optimize reconstruction, with the ultimate goal of prosthetic dental rehabilitation. Several techniques are available for maxillary reconstruction, including nonvascularized bone grafting from the iliac crest, and an entire gamut of microvascular reconstructive options. The choice of reconstruction should be based on the nature of the defect, and the patient’s tolerance for donor-site morbidity. Several microvascular techniques were described for extensive composite maxillary defects: most notably, the free fibula osteocutaneous 1 and deep circumflex iliac artery free flap. 2 Alternative approaches for moderate to large composite maxillary defects include soft tissue-only reconstruction for defect obliteration without bone reconstruction, using myorotational flaps such as the temporoparietal rotational flap, and free-tissue transfer with the rectus abdominus or latissimus dorsi muscle. Obliteration of the soft-tissue defect after maxillectomy may isolate the antral and nasal contents for the oropharynx, but renders prosthetic dental rehabilitation difficult, with limited functional outcomes. Some guidelines were presented, as based on physical and anatomic requirements for prosthodontic reconstruction. 3 The options are limited for small, recalcitrant, or difficult to obturate alveolar defects of the maxilla. Various studies showed that vascularized bone grafts can be used successfully to treat cases of persistent nonunion. 4-6 These studies showed the biological and mechanical benefits of vascularized bone grafts compared with nonvascular grafts. Vascularized grafts accelerate healing because they are capable of preserving osteocytes, replacing deficient bone, revascularizing ischemic bone, and increasing bone mass with diminished osteopenia after transfer. 7,8 Limited composite defects or nonunion sites, even in the presence of preexisting infection, may be unsuitable for autologous corticocancellous bone grafts, despite gaps of less than 5 cm. For such situations, vascularized bone grafts have become the standard of care. 9
Spacelab experiment integration

The capabilities and characteristics of Spacelab are discussed, and a process is described for the integration of a large number of experiments into the vehicle. Spacelab payload services and experiment integration functions are examined. The latter include science management; mission definition, documentation, and control requirements and interfaces; analytical integration; ground processing; flight operations; and postflight activities. It is concluded that the major factors involved in Spacelab experiment integration have been optimized to a great extent with respect to maximum science return for minimum cost.
First human randomized trial of G-CSF stem cell mobilization to treat large acute myocardial infarction—preliminary results of a pilot study

Abstract Based upon substantial preclinical testing, we initiated an FDA-sanctioned, single-site dose escalation study of granulocyte colony stimulation factor (G-CSF) to attempt to enhance myocardial healing for patients with large acute MI via mobilization of stem cells. Principal inclusion criteria were age ≤80 yrs, acute ST elevation MI reperfused late (4–48 h), EF 20–39%, and coronary anatomy unlikely to require CABG. Patients were randomized to G-CSF or placebo in a 2:1 fashion and treated for 5 days starting
Fluoromicroscopic studies of bleomycin-induced intracellular oxidation in alveolar macrophages and its inhibition by taurine.

The mechanism of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis is not yet clear. Recent studies have shown that alveolar macrophages (AM) can be stimulated by bleomycin in vitro releasing inflammatory cytok...
Identification and Cloning of Genes for Insertion

Abstract In order to apply the emerging ability to manipulate genes to poultry improvement, it will be necessary to identify, clone, and understand genes that have economic potential. The rapid developments in cloning methods have made it possible to clone genes that have a defined protein product. Some such genes have been cloned from the chicken and from mammals. Those genes known to influence immune response and disease resistance or involved in the hormonal regulation of growth and reproduction have potential for cloning and manipulation. A far more difficult problem is the identification of clonable genes that influence quantitative traits. However, the collaboration of quantitative geneticists and molecular biologists should lead to innovative approaches to identify new genes influencing productivity traits.
The time to treat the children is now.

As the HIV pandemic spreads through regions of the world it takes a particularly discouraging toll on children and young adults-our collective future. Infants and children born to HIV-infected parents face a double threat: if they escape the 25%-40% risk of HIV infection through perinatal and breast-feeding exposure they remain at high risk for losing one or both parents to the disease. Of the 39.5 million people estimated to be living with AIDS globally as of December 2006 2.3 million were < 15 years old with ~530000 youngsters (1500/day) newly infected during the past year. Perhaps the greatest advance in HIV-related public health has been the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). The initial report of the complex use of zidovudine by mother-infant pairs in the landmark AIDS Clinical Trials Group 076 study and the subsequent report of a simple single-dose nevirapine regimen used in HIV Network for Prevention Trial 012 and of many useful variations on these 2 models that followed have transformed PMTCT practices. Although partnerships between governments and nongovernmental organizations have developed broad PMTCT implementation programs significant limitations regarding penetration and uptake on a population scale remain to be solved. The result is a constant expansion of the ranks of HIV-infected children with recently infected newborns and young infants. (excerpt)
JC virus granule cell neuronopathy: A novel clinical syndrome distinct from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) typically affects the CNS white matter of the central nervous system. We present an human immunodeficiency virus–infected patient with polyomavirus JC infection restricted to granule cell neurons of the cerebellum and with corresponding neurological symptomatology. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cerebellar atrophy without white matter lesions and stereotactic biopsy showed selective infection of the cerebellar granular cell layer, with preservation of Purkinje cells and absence of classic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy histopathology in underlying white matter. Evolution over 8 years was marked by symptomatic improvement corresponding to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), with modest increase in CD4+ T-cell counts. We propose to call this novel syndrome JCV granule cell neuronopathy (JCV GCN). Ann Neurol 2005;57:576–580
A GEOMETRIC INTERPRETATION FOR THE TORSION CONSTRAINTS OF (2,0) HETEROTIC WORLDSHEET SUPERGRAVITY

We present a geometric interpretation for the torsion constraints in (2,0) supergravity using G-structures. This leads to a classification of the constraints as given by Ref. 1. We also present the essential torsion constraints for (p,q) geometry.
An analytical threshold voltage and subthreshold current model for short-channel MESFETs

Short-channel effects on the subthreshold behavior are modeled in self-aligned gate MESFETs with undoped substrates through an analytical solution of the two-dimensional Poisson equation in the subthreshold region. Based on the resultant potential solution, simple and accurate analytical expressions for short-channel threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, and subthreshold drain current are derived. These are then used to develop an expression for minimum acceptable channel length. A comparative study of the short-channel effects in MESFETs with doped and undoped substrates indicates that channel lengths will be limited to 0.15-0.2 mu m by subthreshold conduction. Besides offering insight into the device physics of the short-channel effects in MESFETs, the model provides a useful basis for accurate analysis and simulation of small-geometry GaAs MESFET digital circuits. >
The Use of Peer Networks to Increase Communicative Acts of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Peer networks including social groups using typical peers, scripted instruction, visual text cues, and reinforcement were examined with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A multiple bas...
An integrated freshman engineering curriculum, why you need it and how to design it

The Foundation Coalition is a seven-school coalition working to define the undergraduate engineering curriculum for the next century. One goal of the project is to produce a technology-rich, active leaning environment for undergraduate engineers. There are three facets to the Foundation Coalition's curriculum development philosophy at Texas A&M University: (1) curriculum integration, (2) technology utilization, and (3) active/cooperative learning and teaming. This paper discusses these facets and highlights the Texas A&M Freshman Curriculum Integration Team's (TAFCIT's) achievements over the last year. Curriculum integration means typical first-year courses (engineering problem solving, calculus, graphics, physics and English) are tightly coordinated to form a mutually supportive environment. Although students receive individual credit in each course, the courses are truly co-requisite. Each course strives to bring relevance to the others, often presenting different aspects of a common problem. Material presentation timing provides students with a "need to know before knowledge" sequence. Information and skills introduced in one course are promptly and regularly espoused in at least one other. This paper discusses the philosophy and motivation behind an integrated curriculum and the process used in its development. The paper continues with a discussion on classroom implementation including how to develop lesson plans, schedule classes, and gather and use student feedback. We give some preliminary results and discuss our plans and concerns.
Fictive temperature measurement of amorphous SiO2 films by IR method

Abstract The structure and properties of amorphous materials, in general, change with their thermal history. This is usually explained using the concept of fictive temperature, i.e., the temperature at which the super-cooled liquid state turned into a glassy state. In earlier studies, a simple IR method was used to determine the fictive temperature of silica glasses, both bulk and fiber. In the present study the applicability of the same technique for thin amorphous silica films on silicon was examined. It was found that the IR absorption as well as reflection peak wavenumber of the silica structural band can be used to determine the fictive temperature of amorphous silica films on silicon with an unknown thermal history. Specifically, IR absorbance spectra of an amorphous silica film of thickness greater than 0.5 μm grown on silicon can be taken before and after etching a thin surface layer of 20–30 nm and the peak wavenumber of the difference signal can be compared with the pre-determined calibration curve to convert the peak wavenumber to the fictive temperature. For a film thicker than ∼2 μm, IR reflection peak wavenumber can be converted directly to the fictive temperature of the film by using the calibration curve.
Statistical Timing and Power Optimization of Architecture and Device for FPGAs

Process variation in nanometer technology is becoming an important issue for cutting-edge FPGAs with a multimillion gate capacity. Considering both die-to-die and within-die variations in effective channel length, threshold voltage, and gate oxide thickness, we first develop closed-form models of chip-level FPGA leakage and timing variations. Experiments show that the mean and standard deviation computed by our models are within 3p from those computed by Monte Carlo simulation. We also observe that the leakage and timing variations can be up to 3X and 1.9X, respectively. We then derive analytical yield models considering both leakage and timing variations, and use such models to evaluate the performance of FPGA device and architecture considering process variations. Compared to the baseline, which uses the VPR architecture and device setup based on the ITRS roadmap, device and architecture tuning improves leakage yield by 10.4p, timing yield by 5.7p, and leakage and timing combined yield by 9.4p. We also observe that LUT size of 4 gives the highest leakage yield, LUT size of 7 gives the highest timing yield, but LUT size of 5 achieves the maximum leakage and timing combined yield. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in-depth study on FPGA architecture and device coevaluation considering process variation.
A social identity perspective on the job attitudes of employees in sport

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a foundation for future research pertaining to establishing the distinctness of the sport industry from an employee psychology perspective.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper is rooted in social identity theory which maintains that certain levels of self‐esteem and psychological fulfillment can be derived from one's membership in particular groups. The authors have developed a model of positive social identity in sport organizations that details the benefits and consequences of psychological fulfillment related to employment in the sport industry.Findings – Within the proposed model, the paper outlines how particular elements of social identity derived from one's employment in sport may play an active role in particular job attitudes by enhancing the employee's self‐esteem and contributing to overall self‐evaluation. It further explains how social identity in the workplace may influence individual outcomes such as organizational citizenship...
CIRCADIAN CLOCK AND CELL CYCLE GENE EXPRESSION: IN MOUSE MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELLS AND IN THE DEVELOPING MOUSE MAMMARY GLAND

Mouse mammary epithelial cells (HC-11) and mammary tissues were analyzed for developmental changes in circadian clock, cellular proliferation, and differentiation marker genes. Expression of the clock genes Per1 and Bmal1 were elevated in differentiated HC-11 cells, whereas Per2 mRNA levels were higher in undifferentiated cells. This differentiation-dependent profile of clock gene expression was consistent with that observed in mouse mammary glands, as Per1 and Bmal1 mRNA levels were elevated in late pregnant and lactating mammary tissues, whereas Per2 expression was higher in proliferating virgin and early pregnant glands. In both HC-11 cells and mammary glands, elevated Per2 expression was positively correlated with c-Myc and Cyclin D1 mRNA levels, whereas Per1 and Bmal1 expression changed in conjunction with beta-casein mRNA levels. Interestingly, developmental stage had differential effects on rhythms of clock gene expression in the mammary gland. These data suggest that circadian clock genes may play a role in mouse mammary gland development and differentiation.
Predicting low bone density in children and young adults with quadriplegic cerebral palsy

Many children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have diminished bone mineral density (BMD) and a propensity to fracture with minimal trauma. The aim of this study was to identify variables which are routinely assessed as part of standard clinical care and that might be used to identify those individuals with CP who are most likely to have low BMD. One hundred and seven participants (ages 2 years 1 month to 21 years 1 month; mean age 10 years 11 months, SD 4 years 2 months) with moderate to severe spastic CP were assessed in detail. This included gathering clinical data, taking anthropometric measures of growth and nutrition, as well as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measures of BMD. Seventeen participants were ambulatory with assistance (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level III), and 90 were capable of little or no ambulation even with assistance (26 GMFCS level IV and 64 GMFCS level V). Weight z score proved to be the best predictor of BMD z score. Declining BMD z scores also correlated with increasing age and greater severity of involvement. It can be predicted, with reasonable reliability, that a 10-year-old non-ambulatory child with quadriplegic CP and a 'typical' weight z score of -2 will have a BMD z score that is at best -2. Prior fractures, use of anticonvulsants, and feeding difficulties further reduce predicted BMD.
A Seventeenth-Century ‘General Crisis’ in East Asia?

Approximately ten years ago now, several colleagues and I were discussing Geoffrey Parker and Lesley Smith's then recently-published volume on the ‘Seventeenth-Century Crisis’ when a specialist in Byzantine history told us that in his opinion at least, Parker, Smith, and the others who had contributed to their jointly-edited work had gotten it all wrong. The really important ‘general crisis’ in pre-modern times, he believed, had occurred not in the seventeenth century but rather in the fourteenth. As he went on to discuss the impact of climatic change, food shortages, epidemic disease, monetary fluctuations, and military operations on fourteenth-century Europe and the Middle East, I began to think about some of the great and terrible events that had occurred in East Asian history during that same century: the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185–1330S) and the political turmoil of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (Nambokuchō) period (1336–92) in Japan; the economic and military disasters surrounding the fall of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) in China; and the food shortages, ‘Japanese pirate’ (wakō) raids, and civil wars that paved the way for the founding of the Yi dynasty (1392–1910) in Korea. In subsequent readings I added economic and political strife in fourteenth-century Southeast Asia, the decline of the Delhi Sultanate in India, the collapse of the Ilkhanate (1256–1335) in Persia, and the destructive rise of Timur (1336–1405) in Transoxania. Surely a case could be made, I came to think, for a 'General Crisis of the Fourteenth Century,' one much broader in scope than even our Byzantine specialist had been considering.
The catalytic oxidation of 14CO in a flow reactor used to measure atmospheric hydroxyl radical concentrations

Measurements of ultra-low CO oxidation rates of materials suitable for construction of a hydroxyl radical monitor are described. The procedure consists of passing an ultrapure 14CO tracer over the test material and collecting the resultant 14CO2. Oxidation rates are measured for stainless steel, aluminum, alumina, titanium, and Teflon. Results show the oxidation rate with aluminum is at least an order of magnitude less than any other material (<104 cm−2s−1). These rates are three to four orders of magnitude lower than reported previously in the literature. Application to a ground-based hydroxyl monitor is discussed.
Synthesis of an FHB-resistant durum disomic alien addition line with a pair of diploid wheatgrass chromosomes

Durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L., 2 n = 4 x = 28; AABB genomes) is an important cereal crop widely used for human consumption. Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a serious disease of durum wheat. Current durum cultivars have very little or no FHB resistance. A wild relative, diploid wheatgrass Lophopyrum elongatum (Host) A. Love (2 n = 2 x = 14; EE genome) is an excellent source of resistance. By crossing durum wheat with L. elongatum we produced F 1 hybrids that were male sterile. By backcrossing the F1 hybrids to the durum parent, followed by selfing, we obtained several fertile hybrid derivatives with FHB resistance. We isolated a disomic addition line (2 n = 28 + 2) with a pair of L. elongatum chromosomes. This alien addition line is meiotically regular and hence reproductively stable. The addition line is FHB-resistant with a mean infection of 6.5%, while the parental durum has 80% infection. Using various biochemical and molecular techniques ...
Blunt abdominal trauma and a diaphragmatic injury.

a p b n n s h r r. Matthew Berkman: Today’s case is that of a 40ear-old man involved in a motor vehicle collision MVC). By report from Emergency Medical Services EMS), this was a high-energy MVC in which the paient’s car was T-boned by another car at moderate speed nd then pushed an estimated 50 to 60 feet. The patient as unrestrained, and was found by EMS supine in the ack seat. At the scene the patient was awake but nonerbal. Blood pressure was 88 mm Hg by palpation and eart rate was 108 beats/min. The patient received 1 L of ormal saline before arrival in the Emergency Departent (ED). The patient’s past medical history, medicaions and allergies were unknown at presentation. Upon arrival in the ED, the patient was combative, ncoherent, and was moving all extremities. On primary urvey, the patient was protecting his airway and had reath sounds bilaterally, although the respiratory effort as poor. Peripheral pulses were strong in all extremiies. In the trauma bay, initial vital signs were: heart rate 09 beats/min, blood pressure 85 mm Hg by palpation; espiratory rate 11 breaths/min; oxygen saturation 99% n a non-rebreather mask. Chest radiograph revealed muliple left-sided rib fractures and an elevated left hemiiaphragm. A pelvis radiograph revealed a comminuted racture of the left superior pubic ramus and left ischium, long with a left sacral ala fracture (Figures 1 and 2). Dr. Carlo Rosen: Given the mechanism of this MVC, he abnormal vital signs and patient’s combative nature, t is essential to control the airway early. I am particuarly concerned about a head injury.
A study to design multimedia interactive software for the preparation of pre-service music educators

The purpose of this study was to adapt, identify, and develop curriculum relevant for future music educators. In field experiences, a critical task for students is the acquisition of successful teaching behaviors and the recognition of the characteristics of these behaviors. This study delineated the foundation and processes underlying a custom designed computer-based multimedia instructional program intended to provide pre-service music educators with teaching scenarios as a systematic means of identifying instructional problems. As part of this program, solutions to teaching scenarios and case studies were available for review. Teaching behaviors were remediated through discussion, analysis, criticism and practice. As part of this research, assessment criteria with associated descriptions and guidelines was determined and selected for identifying examples widely recognized by experienced music educators. Through the use of this program pre-service music teachers will experience the opportunity to observe, learn by doing, and practice the art of teaching.
Application of time-domain finite-volume method to some radiation problems in two and three dimensions

Maxwell's curl equations in the time domain are cast into a conservation form and discretized using a finite-volume procedure. The Lax-Wendroff explicit scheme is then used to solve the discretized Maxwell's equations, resulting in second-order accuracy with respect to both time and space. This time-domain scheme does not require an interlaced mesh for electric and magnetic fields. Radiation pattern and input impedance of some typical parallel-plate waveguides and mutual coupling for arrays of parallel-plate waveguides are computed and, whenever possible, compared with closed form exact or approximate solutions. Radiation patterns for a two-dimensional horn and a rectangular waveguide are presented. >
Localization and antioxidant capacity of flavonoids in Halophila johnsonii in response to experimental light and salinity variation

article i nfo The threatened seagrass Halophila johnsonii contains UV-absorbing flavonoids localized in the cuticle and cy- tosol of epidermal cells in both abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. Previous studies indicate that these com- pounds exhibit variations in response to salinity stress and may have physiological roles other than UV protection. In this study, controlled light and salinity mesocosm experiments were performed to investigate effects of salinity variation (35, 25 and 15) with or without light reduction in order to elucidate possible physiological roles of flavonoids in H. johnsonii. Response variables were measured over short (one day) and extended (three week) time periods and included flavonoid content and localization, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated that distribution of flavonoids in the cuticle and cytosol of abaxial and adaxial leaf epider- mal cells did not change in response to the salinity or light treatments. Likewise, salinity and light did not have a significant effect on total flavonoid content overall, although within day 1, flavonoid content was signifi- cantly higher among shade treatments. Among salinities, TEAC values were significantly higher for salinity 15 at 14 and 21 days; TEAC values were similar between shaded and unshaded treatments. Neither salinity nor light had significant treatment effects on individual photosynthetic parameters, but a reduction of salinity and light did have a significant interactive effect as rapid light curves (RLCs) for salinity 15 and 25 shade treatments were significantly lower than all other treatments. Flavonoids were significantly correlated with TEAC values, suggesting a possible antioxidant function for cytosolic flavonoids in H. johnsonii. However, a sunscreen role for cuticular flavonoids inthis species wasnot supportedastotal flavonoidcontent tendedtobe higher inshaded plants and intracellular flavonoid distribution was unaffected by light conditions.
Issues in Developing Drugs for Primary Brain Tumors: Barriers and Toxicities:

Drug development in neuro-oncology remains a challenge for neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS). Drugs can be administered peripherally (i.e., oral or intravenous) or locally (into the tumor or the adjacent neuropil). Each of these routes has advantages and disadvantages. Like the treatment for non-CNS cancers, peripheral side effects are encountered (i.e., diarrhea, myelosuppression, rash); however, there also may be neural-specific side effects for patients that may be acute or delayed (i.e., seizures, somnolence, hearing loss). The nervous system is also a privileged site protected by the blood-brain barrier, so many agents developed for peripheral administration will not penetrate into the CNS due to issues of size, charge, or lack of lipid solubility. In addition, the abnormal vasculature, increased interstitial pressure, and inherent mechanisms of tumor resistance (methyl-guanine-methyl transferase [MGMT], P-glycoprotein, etc.) within brain neoplasms reduce the efficacy of many agents designed for neuro-oncologic indications. Each of these issues alone, and all of them in aggregate, are reasons for the limited success of therapeutic agents directed against CNS tumors despite promising data acquired using cell lines and animal models.
The Hedging Benefits of Domestic and Global Diversification: Evidence from Economic Downturns

We examine the influence of economic downturns on the relation between diversification and firm value in a large panel of U.S. firms over the period from 1984 to 2014. When markets are incomplete or there are significant frictions, diversification provides value when the fortunes of one business segment are imperfectly correlated with the fortunes of another. We test whether this hedging effect of diversification is valued by the market. We find that the hedging value of diversification during economic downturns reduces the diversification discount by 9% for domestically diversified firms and 12% for globally diversified firms. Our results are robust to controlling for endogeneity of diversification decisions. Consistent with a hedging value of diversification, we find that risk reduction as measured by the correlation of a firm’s industrial and regional operations with the state of the economy is a key channel through which diversification becomes more valuable during economic downturns. We find little evidence that the enhanced value of diversification during downturns is attributable to alternative explanations such as mitigation of overinvestment in value-reducing diversification strategies, enhanced value of internal capital markets, or more valuable debt coinsurance.
Hereditary Risk and Child Abuse: Their Relative Roles in Type of Schizophrenia

This study tests to see if different types of childhood abuse precede specific symptoms of schizophrenia. The analyses also examine for an interactive effect of hereditary risk, using family history of serious mental illness as a proxy variable. Data are taken from the cumulative anonymous records of patients with schizophrenia (N = 642) from a large state hospital in the northeastern U. S. Childhood abuse was separated into two domains: physical abuse and emotional/verbal abuse. Log-linear analysis of contingency tables uncovered a powerful pattern: risk for positive symptoms of schizophrenia is significantly elevated by two conditions: history of childhood abuse in combination with no history of serious mental illness within the family. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Reducing and preventing alcohol misuse and its consequences: A Grand Challenge for social work

Begun, A., Clapp, J., & The Alcohol Misuse Grand Challenge Collective (2016). Reducing and preventing alcohol misuse and its consequences: A Grand Challenge for social work. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 5 (2), 73-83. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v5i2.223 In both the United States and throughout the world, alcohol misuse is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and cooccurring physical and mental health problems. It causes an array of acute and chronic problems and contributes to extensive costs in every sector of society (e.g., health, mental health, education, legal, economic productivity). The scientific discovery, development, and implementation of evidence-informed solutions for alleviating alcohol-related problems are inherently multisectoral, as they affect individuals, families, communities, and larger social systems. The advent of new technologies, research approaches, and intervention strategies has dramatically accelerated positive results in addressing such problems over the past 40 years. Still, alcohol misuse remains a significant global problem, and reducing and preventing its consequences is a Grand Challenge for Social Work. This paper addresses the following points about the challenge: (1) it is large, important, and compelling; (2) it can be analyzed and assessed; (3) demonstrable progress can be made in a decade; (4) multisectoral collaboration is required to meet this challenge; and (5) sustainable solutions to the challenge require significant, transformative, and groundbreaking innovations.
Effects of ionizing radiation on the heart

This article provides an overview of studies addressing effects of ionizing radiation on the heart. Clinical studies have identified early and late manifestations of radiation-induced heart disease, a side effect of radiation therapy to tumors in the chest when all or part of the heart is situated in the radiation field. Studies in preclinical animal models have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms by which radiation may injure the heart. More recent observations in human subjects suggest that ionizing radiation may have cardiovascular effects at lower doses than was previously thought. This has led to examinations of low-dose photons and low-dose charged particle irradiation in animal models. Lastly, studies have started to identify non-invasive methods for detection of cardiac radiation injury and interventions that may prevent or mitigate these adverse effects. Altogether, this ongoing research should increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms of cardiovascular radiation injury, identify non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, and potential interventions that may prevent or mitigate these adverse effects.
The role of faithfulness in imperfect overlapping in Korean blends: A nonce word study

This paper reports on a nonce word study of imperfect overlapping in Korean blends where speakers rated blends with various pairs of segments in a possible overlapping position (e.g. ka t a+ p ami = ka t ami). The results show that Korean speakers prefer blends with segments with a laryngeal feature difference (/p/ vs. /p h /) as overlapping segments in comparison to pairs with a place (/p/ and /k/) or manner (/p/ and /m/) feature differences. Moreover, Korean speakers preferred blends that retained certain segments. When fortis/aspirated stops are in competition with lenis stops (e.g. ka t h a+ t ami), the resultant blends with fortis/aspirated stops are rated higher (ka t h ami is rated higher than ka t ami). This paper argues that these preferences arise from the faithfulness rankings required in the phonology of Korean; they do not require a construction-specific grammar just for blends.
A “Fluid-Agnostic” Approach to Analysis of Fetal and Neonatal Developmental Gene Expression

To date, most research on fetal nucleic acid trafficking in the maternal circulation has largely concentrated on noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 and single gene disorders using circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood. In contrast, our laboratory has focused its investigations on the wealth of genomic information available from the fetus and neonate through analysis of multiple body fluids. This mRNA-based approach has identified important differences between euploid and aneuploid fetuses in second trimester amniotic fluid samples, highlighted the presence of fetal sensory and neurodevelopmental transcripts in the whole blood of pregnant women at term, provided a novel way of acquiring developmental information through serial salivary genomic analyses in the premature neonate, and identified potential innovative fetal treatment strategies for fetuses affected with genetic disorders. By exploiting the abundance of fetal and neonatal genomic information available in multiple body fluids (many of which can be obtained noninvasively), we can broaden our understanding of fetal and neonatal development in normal and abnormal conditions. This information can then be translated to improve prenatal and neonatal diagnosis and therapy. This work demonstrates that the study of cell-free nucleic acids has significant applications beyond prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy.