cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RISK FACTORS FOR SIDS IN NICU GRADUATES

An epidemiological study of discharges from the Univ. of Washington Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 1977 and 1981 was conducted to ascertain whether certain clinical conditions and/or demographic factors were associated with an increased risk of SIDS. SIDS infants (n=27) were identified from autopsy results and/or coroners' reports to the SIDS Coordinating Center, Seattle, WA and were compared on 10 selected clinical and 7 demographic factors (DF) to all NICU graduates who did not die from SIDS (n= 2251 controls). The prevalence of SIDS in NICU graduates was 11.8/1000 discharges compared to 2.6/1000 births in King County, WA. SIDS was significantly increased compared to NICU controls in infants born to single or black mothers and in infants who developed apnea of prematurity (A) in the NICU (p <.05 by Chi Square). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of selected factors are shown below: NICU discharges generally had a sixfold increased risk of SIDS and infants with apnea plus 3 or more of the selected demographic factors had a twentyfold increased risk compared to all live born infants.
A monoclonal antibody to the DEC-205 endocytosis receptor on human dendritic cells.

Abstract DEC-205 is a multilectin receptor for adsorptive endocytosis, expressed in mouse dendritic cells (DC) and some epithelia. DEC-205 is homologous to the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR). A cDNA for murine DEC-205 was used to identify 3 overlapping human DEC-205 clones from a lymphocyte library. The human homologue is a transmembrane protein of 1722 aminoacids with 10 externally disposed C-type lectin domains having 77% identity to the mouse counterpart. The NH 2 terminal cysteine-rich and fibronectin type II domains were expressed and used to immunize mice. A hybridoma, MG38, which specifically recognized the immunogen was obtained from a DEC-205 knockout mouse. The antibody precipitated a 205 kD protein from metabolically labeled, monocyte-derived DCs. MG38 labeled mature monocyte-derived DCs but showed weak or no labeling of other peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In tissue sections, MG38 identified DEC-205 on thymic cortical epithelium and DCs in the thymic medulla and tonsillar T cell areas. In contrast, an anti-MMR antibody stained DEC-205 negative, macrophages in the thymus cortex, the trabeculae of the thymus and tonsil, as well as efferent lymphatics in the tonsil. Therefore, the MG38 anti-DEC-205 antibody is useful for identifying DCs and reveals clear differences in sites where MMR and DEC-205 are expressed in lymphoid tissues.
The synaptic organization of the cerebello-oiivary circuit

Section of the superior cerebellar peduncle just rostral to the deep cerebellar nuclei results in degenerating axon terminals within the contralateral inferior olive. The nuclear origin of this fiber system and its distribution within the subdivisions of the inferior olive were described in a companion study (Martin et al., 1976). Precise localization of these degenerating terminals within the nucleus was accomplished by the examination of 1 μ plastic sections cut from each tissue block prior to thin sectioning. Degenerating axon terminals are present in all the nuclear subdivisions and when seen with the electron microscope they frequently are localized in the previously described synaptic clusters (King, 1976). These terminals demonstrate an electron dense reaction at survival times of 2 and 3 days. By day 4, they are shrunken and irregular in shape, and typically are surrounded by astrocyte processes. Cerebello-olivary axon terminals measure 1–3 μ, contain spherical, clear synaptic vesicles and typically contact spiny appendages within the synaptic clusters (glomeruli). Thus, we have demonstrated that one of the primary axon systems which terminates within the synaptic clusters is from the cerebellar nuclei. We have yet to determine the origins of the remaining terminals within the synaptic clusters which include endings with either smaller spherical, pleomorphic or numerous dense core vesicles.
Nonoperative treatment of vertebral blastomycosis osteomyelitis associated with paraspinal abscess and cord compression. A case report.

Fungal infections of the spine are uncommon and usually result from hematogeneous spread of a primary focus1. Blastomyces dermatitidis has been described as a causative agent in cases of vertebral osteomyelitis2,3. Most cases of blastomycosis osteomyelitis begin as primary fungal infections of the lungs3. However, traumatic innoculation, local extension, and lymphatic spread also have been described as possible mechanisms of introduction of the fungi to bone2. The long bones are more commonly affected than the vertebral column is4. Primary cutaneous blastomycosis can occur5, and many other organ systems, including the genitourinary and central nervous systems, can be affected6. Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the southeastern and south central portions of the United States4. Primary pulmonary blastomycosis is acquired by inhalation of airborne conidia1. The spores then develop into the yeast form, producing an acute illness stage that is clinically indistinguishable from a bacterial pneumonia. In as many as 50% of cases of disseminated blastomycosis, osseous involvement may occur2,7. We report the case of a patient in whom vertebral blastomycosis osteomyelitis was successfully treated nonoperatively. The patient was informed that information concerning this case would be submitted for publication. Asixty-four-year-old South American woman who had recent-onset midthoracic spinal pain with left scapular radiation presented to us in February 2001. The patient had no history of trauma or recent illness and no history of exposure to farm animals or pets. The medical history included chronic hypertension, arthritis, and depression. Physical examination revealed normal findings. A computerized tomography scan demonstrated a paraspinal mass with rim …
Comparative metabolism of intravenously injected sucrose and trehalose in the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. While intravenously administered maltose and glucose are efficiently oxidized to 14 CO 2 in the rat, trehalose and sucrose are minimally oxidized. 2. 2. A relatively large percentage of intravenously administered trehalose and sucrose are recovered in the urine, while small amounts of glucose and maltose are excreted in the urine. 3. 3. Analyses of radioactivity in tissue homogenate extracts indicate that trehalose and sucrose accumulate predominately in kidney tissue. 4. 4. The absence of trehalase and sucrase activity in rat serum and kidney may contribute to the relative inability of the rat to metabolize trehalose and sucrose. 5. 5. The presence of trehalase activity in rabbit serum and kidney likely contribute to the efficient oxidation of trehalose to 14 CO 2 by this animal. 6. 6. Injected maltose, unlike trehalose or sucrose, remains the only disaccharide known to be metabolized as well as glucose in the rat.
Exploring Links Between Well-Being and Interactional Sense-Making in Married Couples' Jointly Told Stories of Stress

Narrative theorizing suggests that narrating stress, difficulty, or trauma can be beneficial for improved mental health, yet extant research tends to consider narrating stress as an individual or psychological construct. However, in close relationships, people often experience shared stressors and jointly tell their shared stories of difficulty to others. Thus, joint storytelling processes likely also relate to individual health. We tested this expectation using a series of actor-partner interdependence models and path analyses in a study that included 68 couples' video-recorded joint storytelling interactions. Findings primarily indicate relationships between husbands', wives', and couples' storytelling behaviors and husbands' mental health. Generally speaking, however, storytelling behaviors did not predict wives' mental health. Interpretations, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
The macro-economic implications of improved food animal health: The case of swine in the United States

Abstract This paper responds to the general critique that present healt cost estimation techniques ignore the inelastic demand for agricultural products. Because of this characteristic, convention holds that mortality attributed to disease and other health problems may actually serve to support livestock prices and producer revenues above what they otherwise might be. Where in reality the benefits only occur to producers when technology reduces costs more that increased production reduces prices. A holistic approach iss undertaken to examine the macro-economic implications of a non-cost-reducing hypothetical technology, induced over a 5 year period, that reduces swine mortality by 1% but does not alter the cost of production per unit. A dynamic simulation model of the livestock industry and the macro economy is employed to trace over a period of time (the years 1992–2000) the implications for an increase in the supply of live hogs by 1% diffused equally over the first 5 years. Estimates are provided for the economic impacts upon retail prices and consumption of beef, pork, broiler, and turkeys; and farm prices, producer revenues, and production for cattle, hogs, broilers, and turkeys.
Henry’s Law Coefficient of Hydrazoic Acid

Abstract The Henry’s law constant, K H , of dilute aqueous hydrazoic acid, HN3, was determined experimentally for the first time as a function of concentration and temperature in a packed column. K H was found to be 12.0 ± 0.7 M atm-1 at 25 °C, m = 0.02 M ((8.4 ± 0.5) x 10-3 kPa m3mol-1). The reaction enthalpy, DH, was found to be -31 ± 1 kJ mol-1. The results appear to be in good agreement with the only other published value for concentrated aqueous solutions at 30 °C.
Separating macroecological pattern and process: comparing ecological, economic, and geological systems.

Theories of biodiversity rest on several macroecological patterns describing the relationship between species abundance and diversity. A central problem is that all theories make similar predictions for these patterns despite disparate assumptions. A troubling implication is that these patterns may not reflect anything unique about organizational principles of biology or the functioning of ecological systems. To test this, we analyze five datasets from ecological, economic, and geological systems that describe the distribution of objects across categories in the United States. At the level of functional form (‘first-order effects’), these patterns are not unique to ecological systems, indicating they may reveal little about biological process. However, we show that mechanism can be better revealed in the scale-dependency of first-order patterns (‘second-order effects’). These results provide a roadmap for biodiversity theory to move beyond traditional patterns, and also suggest ways in which macroecological theory can constrain the dynamics of economic systems.
Effect of Pb/(Zr+Ti) molar ratio on the photovoltaic properties of lead zirconate-titanate ceramics

Abstract Lead zirconate-titanate ceramics having various Pb/(Zr+Ti) molar ratios ranging from 0·90 to 1·01 and a fixed Zr/Ti molar ratio of 50/50 have been sintered at 950–1250°C for 2 h to investigate the change in photovoltaic properties, as well as their grain size dependence on ultraviolet irradiation. The photovoltaic current increased abruptly when the molar ratio was less than 1·00, whereas the photovoltage gave scattered results and decreased between the molar ratio of 0·99 and 1·00, which was caused by grain growth. The maximum output power discernibly increased, confirming a net increase in photovoltaic efficiency. The grain size dependence of the photovoltage revealed an opposite tendency in two samples with different molar ratios of 0·992 and 1·00. From these results, it is proposed that creating Pb vacancies on the perovskite lattice is essential for the photovoltaic properties of the samples.
Ideal Teacher Behaviors: Student Motivation and Self-Efficacy Predict Preferences

Differences in students’ academic self-efficacy and motivation were examined in predicting preferred teacher traits. Undergraduates (261) completed the Teaching Behavior Checklist, Academic Self-Co...
Targeted alteration of real and imaginary refractive index of biological cells by histological staining.

Various staining techniques are commonly used in biomedical research to investigate cellular morphology. By inducing absorption of light, staining dyes change the intracellular refractive index due to the Kramers-Kronig re- lationship. We present a method for creating 2D maps of real and imaginary refractive indices of stained biological cells using their thickness and absorptance. We validate our technique on dyed polystyrene microspheres and quantify the alteration in refractive index of stained biological cells. We reveal that specific staining of individual organelles can increase their scattering cross-section by orders of magnitudes, implying a major impact in the field of biophotonics. © 2012 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 160.4760, 170.1530, 170.0180, 300.6550, 290.0290.
Two-photon-resonant third-harmonic generation in cesium vapor

Abstract It is shown that two-photon-resonant tripling of the ruby laser frequency in cesium vapor is limited by ionization. The laser induced Stark shift is found to be favorable to the process in that it counteracts saturation of the resonant transition.
Fine-Grain Compilation for Pipelined Machines

Computer architecture design requires careful attention to the balance between the complexity of code scheduling problems and the cost and feasibility of building a machine. In this paper, we show that recently developed software pipelining algorithms produce optimal or near-optimal code for a large class of loops when the target architecture is a clean pipelined parallel machine. The important feature of these machines is the absence of structural hazards. We argue that the robustness of the scheduling algorithms and relatively simple hardware make these machines realistic and cost-effective. To illustrate the delicate balance between architecture and scheduling complexity, we show that scheduling with structural hazards is NP-hard, and that there are machines with simple structural hazards for which vectorization and the software pipelining techniques generate poor code.
Applications of laser speckle photography for thermal flow problems

Abstract Laser speckle photography measures projected beam deflection of a phase object. The beam deflection measured at the solid surface will directly determine the wall-temperature gradient. Thus, the laser-speckle photography allows the evaluation of the convection-heat-transfer coefficients without the need to correct for conduction and radiation heat losses, which otherwise would be necessary. Selected results and brief discussions are presented for several natural convection-heat-transfer problems. Second, high-temperature applications of laser speckle photography shows potential as a nonintrusive means of measuring flame temperature. A fairly good agreement is shown in comparison of the laser speckle data with intrusive thermocouple data. Suggestive discussions are made to further improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the laser speckle photography technique in high-temperature applications. Finally, tomographic reconstruction of laser speckle photography data is discussed using both actual test fields and computer-synthesized phantom fields. The conventional algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) has been modified to apply for the laser speckle tomography. The efficacy of ART is examined particularly under a limited number of projections.
Bioenergetics of the camel cricket Ceuthophilus stygius

Abstract 1. 1. In early summer, camel crickets in Mammoth Cave National Park exhibit a sex-specific relationship between crop-empty live weight and hind femur length. 2. 2. They also exhibit curvilinear long-term weight loss patterns averaging 2.67 and 3.13 mg/hr for females and males, respectively, and caloric assimilation efficiencies of 65.6 and 70.5% for females and males, respectively.
Simulation analysis of declining cotton yields

Abstract Cotton lint yields in the Southern Great Plains of the USA have declined by an average of 9·4 kg ha−1 year−1 for an estimated total decline of 197 kg ha−1 from 1965 to 1985. Simulation analysis using the cotton model GOSSYM and historical yield data indicate that weather causes large yearly yield fluctuations but the weather effect during the 21-year period is neutral. Simulation analysis, using weather and production input data sets from the Regional Cotton Variety Trials conducted at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Lubbock from 1965 to 1985, indicated insignificant effects from individual or combined effects of weather, carbon dioxide, ozone and herbicide. Average simulated yields of weather alone (W) and weather combined with carbon dioxide(C), ozone(O) or herbicide(H) effects were 739, 761, 699 and 772 kg ha−1, respectively. Similar yields for the combination effects of WCO and WCOH were 691 and 776 kg ha−1. Simulations where irrigation was reduced from preplant plus one summer irrigation to preplant irrigation only and nitrogen application was reduced from 45 to 33 kg ha−1 estimated that variety trial lint yields would have decreased by an average of 161 kg ha−1 during 1965–1985. The yield reduction simulated by the decreases of irrigation and nitrogen, that corresponded to the reductions indicated by historical data, accounted for 82% of the average yield decline estimated from historical yield data. The simulated effects of carbon dioxide, ozone, and especially herbicide involved considerable extrapolation of historical data and interpretation of research concerning the effect of these factors on cotton growth and development. Therefore, the simulated effects of nitrogen and irrigation on cotton lint yield were considered more realistic than those of the other factors. Reduced inputs of irrigation and fertilizer are the primary factors of the cotton yield decline in the Texas High Plains. The cotton yield decline does not appear to be caused by the misuse of production technology or from significant negative changes in the atmospheric environment.
THE REDSHIFT CONTROVERSY

Questions regarding the origin of quasi-stellar objects with their large redshifts are discussed. Evidence concerning the cosmological origin of the redshifts is examined. There appears to be some fairly strong evidence which suggests the presence of noncosmological redshifts. Most astronomers, however, still take the view that all redshifts have a cosmological origin. The different types of evidence currently available are listed in tables.
Scanning tunneling microscopy study of the structural phase transformation in manganese nitride: θ-MnN → η-Mn 3 N 2

The phase transformation of a (001)-oriented θMnN thin film grown by molecular beam epitaxy to ηMn3N2 has been investigated using a combination of diffraction analysis and real-space surface analysis by scanning tunneling microscopy. The θMnN thin film is prepared by growth at 450 °C; it is then annealed at 550 °C. It is found that the phase transformation results in three different orientations of the ηMn3N2 phase within the annealed film. The phase transformation is attributed to diffusion and loss of N atoms and ordering of the N-vacancies into parallel sheets. A schematic model of the annealed film structure is presented.
Prostaglandin receptor EP2 in the crosshairs of anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and neuroprotection

Modulation of a specific prostanoid synthase or receptor provides therapeutic alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating pathological conditions governed by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 or PTGS2). Among the COX-2 downstream signaling pathways, the prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) receptor EP2 subtype (PTGER2) is emerging as a crucial mediator of many physiological and pathological events. Genetic ablation strategies and recent advances in chemical biology provide tools for a better understanding of EP2 signaling. In the brain, the EP2 receptor modulates some beneficial effects, including neuroprotection, in acute models of excitotoxicity, neuroplasticity, and spatial learning via cAMP–PKA signaling. Conversely, EP2 activation accentuates chronic inflammation mainly through the cAMP–Epac pathway, likely contributing to delayed neurotoxicity. EP2 receptor activation also engages β-arrestin in a G-protein-independent pathway that promotes tumor cell growth and migration. Understanding the conditions under which multiple EP2 signaling pathways are engaged might suggest novel therapeutic strategies to target this key inflammatory prostaglandin receptor.
Giant eccrine adenocarcinoma of the scalp with intracranial invasion: resection and reconstruction using a vacuum-assisted closure device: technical case report.

Objective and importance Carcinoma of the adnexal structures of the skin is a rare malignancy, and is even more unusual in the scalp. We report an unusual case of scalp adnexal carcinoma of eccrine origin that went untreated for years, resulting in a giant tumor with extension through the cranium. The tumor resection and reconstruction of the cranium and scalp defects posed unique challenges. Clinical presentation A 54-year-old woman experienced a large recurrence of her scalp adnexal carcinoma after an incomplete wide local excision, which invaded through the cranium. Intervention The entire vertex of the scalp and cranium were removed en bloc. After cranioplasty, a free vascularized muscle flap was used for soft tissue coverage, but failed owing to poor vascular inflow. A large area of dura was left open, using a vacuum-assisted wound closure device to generate granulation tissue by secondary intention. Another split thickness skin graft was used to provide a cosmetically acceptable outcome. Conclusion Scalp adnexal tumors of eccrine origin rarely metastasize and can be resected for cure with complete removal. Reconstruction options for large scalp and cranial tumors may be limited, and allowing the dura to granulate by secondary intention has been very rarely described. The novel use of a vacuum-assisted wound closure device was a very useful adjunct in this situation, and may be beneficial in the reconstruction of other patients with large scalp and cranial defects after neurosurgical procedures. It should be used with caution, since it may risk injury to a major venous sinus, especially when used in the midline, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Mass-Dimensional Relationships for Ice Particles and the Influence of Riming on Snowfall Rates

Abstract The masses, dimensions, and habits of over 2800 natural ice particles precipitating from orographic winter storms in the central Sierra Nevada were obtained using photomicrographs. Ice particles that could be unambiguously classified were used to generate empirical expressions relating snow particle masses and dimensions. Many of the ice particle types had not been investigated previously. The influence of riming and aggregation on ice particle masses was examined. When possible, comparisons are made between these results and those of other experimental observations. By incorporating these mass-dimensional relationships into an expression for the ice mass content in a snowstorm, it was possible to estimate the mass fraction of the fresh snowpack resulting from accreted supercooled cloud water. The results from two storms analyzed suggest that about 30 to 40 percent of the deposited snow is composed of accreted cloud water during moderately rimed snowfall.
Endogenous flow-induced nitric oxide reduces superoxide-stimulated Na/H exchange activity via PKG in thick ascending limbs

Luminal flow stimulates endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2−) production by renal thick ascending limbs (TALs). The delicate balance between these two factors regulates Na transport in ...
Virtual reality-based spatial skills assessment and its role in computer graphics education

One element of using contemporary computer graphics tools is the creation of accurate 3D geometry for a variety of purposes. As part of developing effective instructional experiences for students engaged in such activities, computer graphics educators must take into account a person's spatial abilities and skills. Literature has shown these abilities are widely considered to be a significant predictor of the probability of a person's success in computer graphics-related professions. Typical spatial skills assessments examine such abilities as mental rotations, spatial visualization, and spatial perception all of which are involved in the creation of 3D computer graphics. However, most of these assessment instruments are paper-based, and the nature of the human ability being measured is such that the paper-and-pencil format currently used has no mapping to the target construct domain - namely 3D computer graphics in the real world.This lack of authenticity puts into serious question not only the perceived validity (face validity) of the test, but also the purposes for which test scores from the assessment instruments are put to use (construct validity). One such instrument is The Mental Cutting Test (MCT) which is commonly used to measure spatial visualization skills relative to a cutting plane passing through an object, which are critical in the use of many contemporary computer graphics tools. In an effort to minimize validity issues, the cognitive psychology and computer graphics communities have begun developing virtual reality-based versions of mental rotations instruments to examine various constructs. But a mental rotations assessment does not provide a complete coverage of a person's spatial abilities. This paper outlines the relationship to spatial abilities and computer graphics education and a methodology for pilot testing a working prototype of a virtual reality-based version of a spatial abilities assessment instrument which uses the MCT as a model.
EXPERIMENTAL RUNT DISEASE IN MICE CAUSED BY SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM, VAR. COPENHAGEN.

The strain of Salmonella typhimurium isolated from the subcutaneous abscess of a runted mouse and used in this study was somewhat unusual, but not unique, in that it had a high virulence for young mice, yet low infectivity. This strain could mimic many of the features, signs, and symptoms of immunological runting when injected into neonates, either in pure culture, or when mixed with spleen cells, or when present in infected isologous or F1 hybrid spleen cells. Thus, the incidence of Salmonella runting was dose-dependent and related to the age of the neonate. Runts failed to gain weight, were sickly, and usually died within 30 days. They had a marked splenomegaly and hepatomegaly associated with areas of necrosis. However, in marked contrast to immunological runts they did not have lymphoid atrophy. The incidence of runting was diminished when frozen-thawed spleen cell suspensions were used, but not with sonicated or heated suspensions or spleen cells from lethally irradiated mice. Runting could be prevented by immunizing breeders with S. typhimurium, and serum from mice immunized against S. typhimurium protected neonates injected with this organism. Isologous adult spleen cells did not protect against Salmonella runting. It is suggested that in studies on runting only the intravenous route be used and that heated cells serve as a control. More rigid criteria should be applied to runting than those frequently accepted and mice should be autopsied whenever possible.
A 130nm CMOS 100Hz–6GHz reconfigurable Vector Signal Analyzer and Software-Defined Receiver

A monolithic 100Hz–6GHz reconfigurable Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) and Software Defined Receiver (SDR), following a two-step up-down conversion heterodyne scheme with robustness to various wide-band interference scenarios, is presented. The 130nm CMOS chip does not require external filters or baseband processing to reduce the effect of interferences or harmonics. A monolithic VSA/SDR enables various commercial and military wireless solutions.
Retrograde amnesia and hippocampal stimulation: dependence upon the nature of associations formed during conditioning.

The present series of experiments was designed (1) to determine the nature of the associative learning processes which occur during conditioning in a one-trial step-through passive avoidance paradigm commonly used to assess the effects of a variety of agents on memory processes and (2) to determine whether or not postconditioning electrical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampal formation, at current levels subthreshold for the production of afterdischarge activity, produces memory deficits as a function of the nature of the associative learning processes which occur during conditioning. Using noncontingent and response-contingent footshock conditioning procedures, a behavioral analysis demonstrated that both classical fear conditioning and instrumental punishment conditioning contribute to retention test response suppression in rats trained in the step-through passive avoidance paradigm. Postconditioning hippocampal stimulation produces retention deficits in animals trained in the response-contingent conditioning procedure but not in animals trained in the noncontingent conditioning procedure. The data suggest that the effects of postconditioning hippocampal stimulation on retention depend upon the nature of the associative learning processes which occur during conditioning and which are dictated by the procedural details of the conditioning paradigm.
National Trends in Heart Failure Hospitalization After Acute Myocardial Infarction for Medicare Beneficiaries 1998–2010

Background—Previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding how the incidence of heart failure (HF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has changed over time, and data on contempor...
Genome-Wide Identification of Human RNA Editing Sites by Parallel DNA Capturing and Sequencing

Although genetic information is stored in DNA, and faithfully copied into RNA, the cell can make the odd (and occasionally vitally important) change to the meaning of code during a process known as RNA editing. Thirteen edited genes are known in the nonrepetitive portion of the human genome, but the overall prevalence of RNA editing is unclear. Li et al. (p. [1210][1]), used an unbiased genome-wide approach to identify 239 sites (in 207 target genes), with stringent criteria for editing. The sites identified included 10 of the 13 known edited genes. Fourteen out of 18 randomly chosen sites were validated by sequencing, and these putatively edited genes were enriched for synapse, cell trafficking, and membrane functions. Furthermore, lowering the search stringency suggested that many more human genes may be edited at lower frequencies. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1170995
PET/CT: Adding Value to Patient Outcomes and Health Care Delivery.

in ic s. co m This is the first issue in the two-part PET Clinic series of “PET/CT and Patient Outcomes.” Adding value to patients and patient outcomes at reasonable cost, which a society can afford, is the founding principle for providing an affordable health care delivery. Advanced imaging tests, suchasCT,PET/ CT, and MRI, are expensive, and their utilization and benefit must be justified for the clinical context, benefit the patients, and reduce the unnecessary waste of resources in providing care. The cost of PET/CT is entirely justifiable, if the information provided by PET/CT leads to cost saving by avoiding delays in therapy decision-making and starting therapies, by avoiding very expensive and inappropriate therapies, and by identifying therapy failures early so that appropriate therapy can be commenced sooner, improves patient quality of life, and predicts patient outcomes. PET/CT provides value to patients by providing additional information to clinicians in assessing the disease stage, deciding on appropriate therapy, assessing the therapy success or failure, predicting patient outcomes, and providing additional information about disease status in followup, if a patient has symptoms or signs suspicious of recurrence. As carefully put together by an international group of authors in this issue, PET/CT provides added value to patients and their outcomes in head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and radiation therapy planning.
Piezoelectric Actuators With Active and Passive Frames

Electromechanical actuators that generate large displacements, have large load capabilities, and demonstrate strong resonance characteristics are in great demand in the areas of precision positioning, active vibration control, and energy harvesting. Piezoelectric materials have been widely investigated for these applications because of their high energy density, quick response time, and relatively low driving voltages, but they demonstrate very small strain, typically about 0.1%. We present experimental and finite element results for two designs that use active and passive frames, respectively, to enhance the small strain in piezoelectric multilayer stacks. The first design, stacked-HYBATS, employs the synergetic contribution of d33 and d31 mode piezoelectric material. Finite element results show that this structure can generate over 50 microns of displacement and nearly 40 N of blocking force in a 36 mm × 22 mm × 10 mm footprint. The second design employs frames made from passive materials to form two stages of strain amplification in a 42 mm × 30 mm × 20 mm footprint. This two-stage design can produce over 600 microns of displacement and has a blocking force of 27 N. The active and passive materials of both designs can be varied to maximize displacement and/or blocking force. The stacked-HYBATS and the two-stage amplification system display favorable force-displacement capabilities and are promising for a variety of manufacturing and space technology applications.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Conducting polymers at low temperatures and high magnetic fields

Advances in the synthesis of organic conducting polymer systems has increased the electrical conductivity of these systems by several orders of magnitude in the last decade. Several practical applications are envisioned for such systems, but a thorough understanding of the conduction mechanisms and identification of the charge carriers is lacking, making design and implementation for bulk synthesis difficult. In order to clarify our understanding of the electrical properties of these systems, the resistivity and magnetoresistivity of various polymers doped near the metal - insulator transition, such as polyaniline protonated by camphor sulfonic acid (PANi-CSA) and polypyrrole doped with PF6 (PPy-PF6), have been studied down to 25 mK in magnetic fields up to 16 T.
Television Dramas and Support for Controversial Public Policies: Effects and Mechanisms

In this experiment, we examine effects of television dramas on support for controversial public policies (gay marriage and the death penalty) and explore mechanisms that may explain such effects. The dramas influenced support for death penalty but not gay marriage. As predicted, exposure to the relevant drama eliminated the relationship between prior ideology (conceptualized as a continuous variable) and death penalty support. Moreover, the valence of the relationship between prior (increasingly liberal) ideology and salience of a relevant value (perceived importance of a safe and crime-free society) went from negative in the comparison condition to positive after exposure to the relevant drama. These and other results suggest that a television narrative can influence policy support by reframing the dramatic situation to reduce the effect of prior ideology and values and by minimizing processing of the story as intentionally persuasive discourse.
Optical microelectromechanical system array for free-space retrocommunication

We demonstrate here an optical link for free-space retrocommunication based on an optical microelectromechanical system array with a structure of mechanically active antireflection switch using a thin Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ membrane. The array consists of 215 identical single devices with a total active area of 36 mm/sup 2/ and was fabricated with the normal surface sacrificial micromachining. An overfilled reflectance contrast of 3 dB was observed at 6328 /spl Aring/ and a data rate of 100 kb/s shown in 50 mtorr vacuum. A design tradeoff between the high optical filling factor and the high working frequency is discussed.
Optimizing harvest of corn stover fractions based on overall sugar yields following ammonia fiber expansion pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis.

Corn stover composition changes considerably throughout the growing season and also varies between the various fractions of the plant. These differences can impact optimal pretreatment conditions, enzymatic digestibility and maximum achievable sugar yields in the process of converting lignocellulosics to ethanol. The goal of this project was to determine which combination of corn stover fractions provides the most benefit to the biorefinery in terms of sugar yields and to determine the preferential order in which fractions should be harvested. Ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, was performed on early and late harvest corn stover fractions (stem, leaf, husk and cob). Sugar yields were used to optimize scenarios for the selective harvest of corn stover assuming 70% or 30% collection of the total available stover. The optimal AFEX conditions for all stover fractions, regardless of harvest period, were: 1.5 (g NH3 g-1 biomass); 60% moisture content (dry-weight basis; dwb), 90°C and 5 min residence time. Enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted using cellulase, β-glucosidase, and xylanase at 31.3, 41.3, and 3.1 mg g-1 glucan, respectively. The optimal harvest order for selectively harvested corn stover (SHCS) was husk > leaf > stem > cob. This harvest scenario, combined with optimal AFEX pretreatment conditions, gave a theoretical ethanol yield of 2051 L ha-1 and 912 L ha-1 for 70% and 30% corn stover collection, respectively. Changing the proportion of stover fractions collected had a smaller impact on theoretical ethanol yields (29 - 141 L ha-1) compared to the effect of altering pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (150 - 462 L ha-1) or harvesting less stover (852 - 1139 L ha-1). Resources may be more effectively spent on improving sustainable harvesting, thereby increasing potential ethanol yields per hectare harvested, and optimizing biomass processing rather than focusing on the selective harvest of specific corn stover fractions.
Plasmid-encoded functions compensate for the biological cost of AmpC overexpression in a clinical isolate of Salmonella typhimurium

Objectives In a previous study with a Salmonella typhimurium strain containing cloned ampC-ampR from Enterobacter cloacae, it was suggested that ampC expression must be kept at low levels by AmpR to maintain normal growth and virulent phenotype. The purpose of this study was to determine whether findings obtained with a laboratory model can be extended to a virulent clinical isolate of S. typhimurium expressing the plasmid-encoded bla(CMY-7). Methods Disc induction assays were carried out to investigate inducibility of bla(CMY-7). Primer extension and sequence analyses were carried out to map the transcriptional start site of bla(CMY-7) and determine the relative expression. Growth and invasion potential of Salmonella strains were monitored by optical density, viable counts and cell invasion assays. Results Sequence analysis confirmed the absence of ampR upstream of bla(CMY-7) therefore confirming the negative results observed using the disc induction assay. Primer extension analysis mapped the start site of bla(CMY-7) transcription within an ISEcp1-like element. The relative expression of bla(CMY-7) was approximately 965-fold higher than the expression of a wild-type Citrobacter freundii chromosomal ampC and approximately 4.1-fold higher than ampC expression from a derepressed mutant of C. freundii. Growth and the capacity to invade mammalian cells were not compromised for either the clinical isolate or the S. typhimurium transconjugant containing bla(CMY-7). However, a Salmonella transformant containing bla(CMY-7) exhibited a compromised phenotype with respect to growth and invasion of mammalian cells. Conclusion These findings indicate that the biological cost of high-level AmpC production can be compensated by plasmid-encoded factors and not by regulating ampC expression.
Partition coefficients between human blood or adipose tissue and air for aromatic solvents

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible structural changes of the wrist and subclinical damage in the median nerves of healthy floor cleaners. Methods Twenty-four cleaners and 19 referents (noncleaners), all women, underwent bilateral magnetic resonance (MR) wrist examination and nerve conduction studies. They were all randomly selected from an occupational health service. From MR images the volumes of the wrist, carpal tunnel, and thenar and hypothenar muscles were calculated, as well as the signal intensity of the median nerve, bilaterally. Results No significant difference in the volume of the carpal tunnel was found in the two groups. The relative signal intensity of the median nerve was 0.55 for the cleaners and 0.48 for the referents (P=0.05). The mean nerve conduction velocity values were 55.2 m·s-1 for the right median nerve of the cleaners and 57.4 m·s-1 for the right median nerve of the referents (P=0.03). The median nerve of the cleaners had a mean sensory amplitude of 128.2 µV compared with 162.8 µV for the referents (P=0.01). There was a tendency towards a longer distal latency of the median nerve in the cleaner group. Conclusions This study revealed subclinical intrinsic damage to the median nerve, as demonstrated by MR, and poorer electrophysiological nerve function among workers at high risk (cleaners) compared with workers at lower risk (noncleaners).
Division Buyout and Refinancing of Event Risk Covenant Bonds: Evidence from the Long-Term Stock Performance

The focus of this paper is to assess the long-term common stock performance of the parent firms that underwent divisional buyout (DBO) and had event risk covenant (ERC) bonds outstanding at the announcement of the DBO. The final sample of 46 parent firms exhibit a common characteristic where all the ERC bonds were redeemed (either called above par or put on the firm at par) or restructured at a higher cost to the firm around DBO announcement date due to the presence of ERCs. ERCs are triggered since the parent firms that divest their assets through a DBO reveal future cash flow volatility, which has potential to lower the value of existing bonds. This refunding of the bonds leads to costly refinancing for the parent firms, which has long-term implications. I find significantly negative cumulative abnormal returns at the issue date of the ERC bonds for these firms due to potential managerial entrenchment and foregone transfer of wealth from bondholders to stockholders. Consistent with the finance literature, I find significantly positive cumulative abnormal returns for parent firms at the announcement of the DBO. These positive short-term returns at the announcement do not translate into long-term positive returns. The common stock of these parent firms significantly underperforms the market over the periods three, four, and five years after the DBO date. This dichotomy can be attributed to the security market overreaction to the announcement of DBO. The long-term underperformance can be attributed to the costly refinancing of the ERC bonds.
Program to prepare pharmacy students for their postgraduate training search.

Objective. To design and assess an educational program for preparing pharmacy students for success during the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting (ASHP-MCM) and postgraduate training search. Design. An informational handout packet was prepared and a 1-hour educational forum was conducted prior to the 2007 and 2008 ASHP-MCMs. Following the ASHP-MCM, participating students were invited to complete an anonymous online survey instrument. Assessment. Among the 66 participating students, 73% agreed they were adequately prepared for the ASHP-MCM, with 89%, 80%, and 79% agreeing the educational forum equipped them for their activities preceding, during, and following the ASHP-MCM, and 90%, 83%, and 69% agreeing the informational handout packet equipped them for their activities preceding, during, and following the ASHP-MCM. Among 14 students seeking a residency during the 2008 ASHP-MCM, 86% were successfully placed with a program. Conclusion. An educational program was useful in...
Urine electrolytes and the urine anion and osmolar gaps

Abstract Urine ammonia concentration is crucial to understanding and quantifying the kidney's response to metabolic acidosis. This test is generally not performed by clinical laboratories. The urine anion gap and osmolar gaps have been proposed as surrogate measures of urine ammonia in patients with hyperchloremic acidosis. We measured ammonium and other electrolytes in the urine of patients attending our renal disease clinic who did not have severe metabolic acidosis and compared the results with those calculated by standard formulae for the anion and osmolar gaps. We found no correlation between measured ammonium values and the anion gap and attributed this lack of agreement to the presence in urine of substantial amounts of unmeasured inorganic anions, which the formula fails to consider. There was significant correlation between measured ammonium and the osmolar gap but not good agreement between the absolute values provided by the 2 methods. Solutes including sulfate and phosphate were quantified in 24-hour urine collections and showed great variability with respect to measured chloride and estimated protein catabolism. We conclude from these studies that there is no substitute for the direct determination of urine ammonium when an accurate concentration is desired. (J Lab Clin Med 1999;133:597-604)
Romanian Adoptees: A Cross-National Comparison

Two groups of children are described, some adopted out of their country of origin and some adopted in their own country. Utilizing a family systems model adaptable across countries, the impact of i...
Steroidogenic Enzyme Activities in Cultured Human Definitive Zone Adrenocortical Cells: Comparison with Bovine Adrenocortical Cells and Resultant Differences in Adrenal Androgen Synthesis

The activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydro-genase, 17-hydroxylase, 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, C17,2o-lyase, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase were measured in cultured human fetal definitive zone adrenocortical cells with and without prior exposure to 1 eM ACTH for 48 h. Enzyme induction and measurements of activity were performed using serum- and lipoprotein-free conditions. ACTH induced increases of 5- to 100-fold in the activity of all of these enzymes. Although 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was increased 15-fold, its activity was still an order of magnitude less than that of the hydroxylases. In contrast, when similar experiments were performed using bovine adrenocortical cells, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was similar to that of the hydroxylases after induction with ACTH. The lower activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human cells compared to that in bovine cells resulted in different sequences of transformation of [3H]pregnenolone. The initial product...
Could a hormone point the way to life extension

Mice that have been genetically modified to produce high levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 live longer than mice with normal levels of this hormone.