cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HyRes: a coarse-grained model for multi-scale enhanced sampling of disordered protein conformations

Efficient coarse-grained (CG) models can be coupled with atomistic force fields to accelerate the sampling of atomistic energy landscapes in the multi-scale enhanced sampling (MSES) framework. This approach may be particularly suitable for generating atomistic conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). While MSES is relatively robust to inherent CG artifacts, achieving optimal sampling efficiency requires CG modeling to generate the local and long-range fluctuations that are largely consistent with those at the atomistic level. Here, we describe a new hybrid resolution CG model (HyRes) for MSES simulations of disordered protein states, which is specifically designed to provide semi-quantitative secondary structure propensities together with a qualitative description of long-range nonspecific interactions. The HyRes model contains an atomistic description of the backbone with intermediate resolution side chains. The secondary structure propensities are tuned by adjusting the backbone hydrogen-bonding strength and the ϕ/ψ torsion profile. The sizes and covalent geometries of the side chains are parameterized to reproduce distributions derived from atomistic simulations. Lennard-Jones parameters for sidechain beads are assigned to reproduce statistical potentials derived from the protein structural database, and then globally parameterized with nonspecific electrostatic interactions to reproduce the free energy profiles of pair wise interactions and the key conformational properties of model peptides. Application of HyRes to MSES simulations of small IDPs suggests that it is capable of driving faster structural transitions at the atomistic level and increasing the convergence rate compared to the Cα-only Gō-like models previously utilized. With further optimization, we believe that the new CG model could greatly improve the efficiency of MSES simulations of the larger and more complex IDPs frequently involved in cellular signalling and regulation.
Enhancing auditors' critical thinking in audits of complex estimates

Abstract Audit practitioners, standards, and regulators continually emphasize the importance of professional judgment in the audit of complex processes and financial estimates. Despite this increasing call for more thoughtful analysis, research and inspection reports seem to suggest that auditors tend to make mechanistic audit decisions in such situations. This experiment evaluates auditor participants' improved application of professional judgment in the audit of complex estimates when taught a specific critical thinking methodology from system dynamics. Results indicate that emphasizing the use of professional judgment is not sufficient to decrease auditors' mechanistic mentality. As expected, however, auditors primed to take a systems-thinking perspective are better able to evaluate the complexity of the situation and to more effectively apply professional judgment. These results suggest that the goal of improving professional judgment can be achieved with an underlying change to the way auditors think.
Landauer’s limit and the physicality of information

Landauer’s lower bound on the dissipative cost of information erasure is revisited within a new physical conception of information. The notion of strong physical information is introduced, and the new conception of physical information – observer-local referential (OLR) information – is defined, shown to be strongly physical, and related to other measures that arise in physical information contexts. A generalization of Landauer’s limit is then obtained for OLR information from quantum dynamics and entropic inequalities alone. Specializations of this bound are compared and contrasted to similar bounds under conditions for which they coincide, and important distinctions between seemingly identical bounds expressed in terms of various information measures are discussed. The controversial distinction between Landauer erasure of known and unknown data – and the alleged difference between their respective erasure costs – is then explored via OLR information. This physically grounds and clarifies distinctions between known and unknown data and between unconditional and conditional erasure operations, enables a straightforward physical accounting of associated lower bounds on erasure costs, and illustrates the advantages of OLR information for resolution of controversies related to the dissipative cost of information erasure. Applications of OLR information to determination of irreversibility induced dissipation bounds in more complex computing scenarios are briefly discussed.
High speed gradient elution reversed phase liquid chromatography of bases in buffered eluents: Part II. Full equilibrium

In this work we determined when the state of thermodynamic (full) equilibrium, i.e. time-invariate solute retention, was achieved in gradient elution reversed-phase chromatography. We investigated the effects of flow rate, temperature, organic modifier, buffer type/concentration, stationary phase type, n-butanol as eluent additive, and pore size. We also measured how selectivity varied with reequilibration time. Stationary phase wetting and the ability of the stationary phase to resist changes in pH strongly affect the time needed to reach full equilibrium. For example, full equilibrium is realized with many endcapped stationary phases after flushing with only two column volumes of acetonitrile-water containing 1% (v/v) n-butanol and 0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid. Trends in retention time (<0.010min) and selectivity become quite small after only five column volumes of reequilibration. We give practical guidelines that provide fast full equilibrium for basic compounds when chromatographed in buffered eluents.
Tacrolimus: A Potential New Treatment for Autoimmune Chronic Active Hepatitis: Results of an Open-Label Preliminary Trial

Autoimmune chronic active hepatitis (CAH-A) is a chronic liver disease of unknown etiology that is believed to have an autoimmune pathogenesis. The disease is slowly progressive until hepatic failure and portal hypertension develop and either death or liver transplantation occur. Currently, the only widely recognized therapy is the administration of glucocorticoids, which have both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Many patients cannot tolerate such therapy because of the psychiatric, osteoporotic, and weight-enhancing actions of steroids. Tacrolimus (FK 506) is a new macrolide antibiotic that has an immunosuppressive activity that is estimated to be 10-200 times greater than that of cyclosporine. Because of its greater immunosuppressive activity, we have used it in the treatment of 21 patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis. Before each subject was treated, a liver biopsy and a panel of hematological, serological, and biochemical parameters were assessed. The Tacrolimus was administered orally at 12-h intervals, and the dose was controlled by monitoring plasma FK trough levels. After 3 months of therapy at an oral dose of 3 mg twice a day, having achieved a median blood level of 0.5 ng/ml, the serum ALT level was reduced by 80%, and the AST level was reduced by 70%. Modest change in the white blood cell count and platelet count were noted. The median BUN level increased from a level of 12 to 18 mg/dl, and the serum creatinine increased from 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dl. These preliminary data demonstrate that: 1) Tacrolimus can be used to successfully treat CAH-A; 2) the response of CAH-A to Tacrolimus treatment is rapid and sustained; and 3) a minor increase in the serum BUN and creatinine levels occurs as a consequence of Tacrolimus treatment. It is anticipated that with continued treatment for periods of 1-2 yr, the natural history of CAH-A will be changed such that hepatic failure and the requirement for liver transplantation may be averted.
Micropropagation of American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.)

Liquidambar, a small genus belonging to the Hamamelidaceae, or witchhazel family, is represented by major species in eastern North America (L. styraciflua), Asia Minor (L. orientalis) and eastern Asia (L. formosana). This is a remarkable distribution for a genus with relatively few taxa. The American sweetgum, redgum or bilsted (L. styraciflua) is undoubtedly the best known and most useful of the sweetgums, and has received the greatest horticultural and silvicultural research interest.
THE MICROBIOLOGY OF SELF-SERVICE, PREPACKAGED, FRESH PORK SAUSAGE1

Summary Ten different brands of self-service, prepackaged shipped-in fresh pork sausage (227 packages) were purchased during 22 months from 4 large volume stores. Bacterial counts at purchase ranged from 10,000 to 180 million per g. Samples taken from packages and stored at 3 to 7.5 C. for 3 to 7 days showed a wide range of bacterial populations, varying from fewer than 100,000 to more than 2 billion per g. Microbacteria and lactobacilli dominated the flora in the majority of packages of wrapped-roll sausages; conversely, Pseudomonas-Achromobacter types dominated in most of the skinless link type sausages.
Morbidity and mortality among patients with head and neck cancer in the emergency department: A national perspective.

BACKGROUND Emergency departments are playing an increasing role in cancer management. Emergency department utilization by patients with head and neck cancer, however, is unknown. METHODS The 2009-2011 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was queried for patients with a principle diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Descriptive analysis was performed to characterize patient and hospital characteristics, outcomes, and charges. Logistic regression identified predictors of admission and mortality. RESULTS A total of 31 390 patients were seen in the emergency department with head and neck cancer: 72.8% were admitted, 0.5% died in the emergency department, and 5.0% died during admission. Patients with cancer of unknown primary site had the greatest odds of admission (odds ration [OR]: 2.83; P < 0.0001). Privately insured patients (OR: 1.78; P = 0.001), those from higher income zip codes (OR: 1.56; P = 0.008), and those with oropharyngeal cancer (OR: 2.02; P = 0.0003) had the greatest odds of death. CONCLUSION These findings have direct implications for preventing unnecessary and costly emergency department visits, improving hospital and physician preparedness, and improving patient outcomes.
Applicability and Effectiveness of Social Competence Group Intervention on Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Chinese Context: A Community-Based Study with Self- and Parent-Report

Social competence training for adults with ASD were limited in comparison to intervention for children or adolescents. CBT-CSCA is a culturally-sensitive social competence training specially developed for adolescents in Hong Kong. With its demonstrated effectiveness, the current study outlined the adaptions of its adult version, CBT-CSCA (Adult) and examined its treatment effectiveness. Thirty-six adults (aged 18–29 years, with a FSIQ above 80) completed the intervention. Significant improvements were shown in overall social competence, from both self- and parent-report, and negative mood. Participants also reported satisfactory knowledge gain and confidence in applying content learnt after each session. The study provided evidence support to the applicability and effectiveness of social competence training for adults with ASD in the Chinese culture.
From Doodles to Designs: Participatory Pedagogical Agent Design with Elementary Students

Participatory design practices create informed designs by bringing stakeholders into the design process early and often. This approach is a powerful tool, especially when the designer and the intended user are very different. This paper reports on work in which researchers co-design pedagogical agents to support collaborative computer science learning with elementary school students using an iterative drawing methodology. In the open drawing phase, students drew what they believe good collaboration looked like. Next, researchers analyzed those drawings under the requirements of the broader project and created a drawing scaffold (similar to a coloring book page). In the scaffolded drawing phase, students ideated within the more focused context. This process resulted in actionable design guidelines for the appearance of pedagogical agents.
Tests for Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymandering in a Post-Gill World

Abstract I discuss four articles in Election Law Journal on partisan gerrymandering that were written after the Supreme Court's decision in Gill v. Whitford, and I lay out my own post-Gill views on...
Rehabilitation Decision-making for Lower Extremity Sarcoma with Undiagnosed Metastases: A Case Report.

This case report describes the physical therapy management and clinical decision-making for a 67-year-old female patient with an initial left-hip sarcoma which subsequently metastasized. The patient had significant physical pain and emotional distress after her surgery and radiation. The patient presented to physical therapy (PT) with left hip pain and pain in the left flank and left shoulder. These issues were significantly affecting her quality of life and activities of daily living. She had undergone a previous bout of outpatient PT that did not resolve her pain. A thorough PT evaluation was completed and conservative management of the patient’s pain was initiated but she did not experience sustainable pain relief. Later it was discovered that the patient had developed spinal metastatic lesions and the pain was likely caused by a pathological fracture that was not identified upon physical examination or previous imaging. Based on this, the physical therapist chose to conduct physical therapy due to the increasing pain, and then referred her back to the physician for further evaluation of imaging results and reevaluation of the patient’s symptoms. The initial diagnosis and metastatic spread of the sarcoma had a significant negative influence on the patient’s quality of life and participation in her activities of daily living. When working with any patient with a history of cancer, metastatic disease should remain high on the differential diagnosis list and should be a focus of any new unexplained pain.
Head Impact Exposure in College Football after a Reduction in Preseason Practices.

Introduction Regulatory efforts toward reducing concussion risk have begun to focus on decreasing the number of head impacts (i.e., head impact burden) sustained by athletes in contact sports. To that end, in 2018, the NCAA decreased the number of preseason on-field team activities for Division I teams from 29 to 25. The objective of the current study was to quantify changes in practice schedule and head impact exposure between the 2017 and 2018 football preseasons. Methods Athletes from five NCAA Division I football teams (n = 426) were consented and enrolled. Results On average, athletes participated in 10% fewer contact practices in 2018. However, the effect of this ruling on preseason head impact burden was mixed. Across all athletes, the total preseason head impact burden was essentially the same from 2017 to 2018. However, this study revealed significant team-by-team differences in preseason head impact burden, with one team demonstrating a 35% increase in the average number of recorded head impacts from 2017 to 2018, despite a modest decrease in the number of contact practices. Other teams had similar or decreased head impact burden. Conclusions Team-based differences in total preseason head impact burden were attributable to changes in daily practice schedule, with longer practice durations and more intense contact practice sessions contributing to increases in daily head impact exposure that, in turn, led to greater preseason head impact burden. Results of this study have highlighted the difficulty in decreasing contact sport head impact exposure through rule changes targeted at limiting on-field team activities. Future efforts aimed specifically at contact practice duration, daily head impact exposure, or limiting time in specific drills may be more effective at reducing total preseason head impact burden.
ANME-1 archaea drive methane accumulation and removal in estuarine sediments

Abstract Uncultured members of the Methanomicrobia called ANME-1 perform the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) through a process that uses much of the methanogenic pathway. It is unknown whether ANME-1 obligately perform AOM, or whether some of them can perform methanogenesis when methanogenesis is exergonic. Most marine sediments lack advective transport of methane, so AOM occurs in the sulfate methane transition zone (SMTZ) where sulfate-reducing bacteria consume hydrogen produced by fermenters, making hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis exergonic in the reverse direction. When sulfate is depleted deeper in the sediments, hydrogen accumulates making hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis exergonic, and methane accumulates in the methane zone (MZ). In White Oak River estuarine sediments, we found that ANME-1 comprised 99.5% of 16S rRNA genes from amplicons and 100% of 16S rRNA genes from metagenomes of the Methanomicrobia in the SMTZ and 99.9% and 98.3%, respectively, in the MZ. Each of the 16 ANME-1 OTUs (97% similarity) had peaks in the SMTZ that coincided with peaks of putative sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfatiglans sp. and SEEP-SRB1. In the MZ, ANME-1, but no putative sulfate-reducing bacteria or cultured methanogens, increased with depth. Using publicly available data, we found that ANME-1 was the only group expressing methanogenic genes during both net AOM and net methanogenesis in an enrichment. The commonly-held belief that ANME-1 perform AOM is based on the fact that they dominate natural settings and enrichments where net AOM is measured. We found that ANME-1 also dominate natural settings and enrichment where net methanogenesis is measured, so we conclude that ANME-1 perform methane production. Alternating between AOM and methanogenesis, either in a single ANME-1 cell or between different subclades with similar 16S rRNA sequences of ANME-1, may confer a competitive advantage, explaining the predominance of low-energy adapted ANME-1 in methanogenic sediments worldwide. Abstract Importance Life may operate differently at very low energy levels. Natural populations of microbes that make methane survive on some of the lowest energy yields of all life. From all available data, we infer that these microbes alternate between methane production and oxidation, depending on which process is energy-yielding in the environment. This means that much of the methane produced naturally in marine sediments occurs through an organism that is also capable of destroying it under different circumstances.
Before-and-after analysis of property value around SunRail stations in Orlando, FL

This study explored the changes in housing values before-and-after the several stages of transit investments of SunRail stations in Orlando, FL by using a pre-post and intervention-control design. ...
Theory of Electrochemical Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Diabatic Vibronic Representation: Application to Proton Discharge on Metal Electrodes in Alkaline Solution

Proton discharge on a metal electrode is an important step in a wide range of electrocatalytic processes. In this proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction, also denoted the Volmer reaction,...
Predictors of Withdrawal of Life Sustaining Treatments in ECMO Patients (4792)

Objective: To review and characterize patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) whom experienced withdrawal of life sustaining treatment (WLST). Background: As ECMO use increases and survival rates improve, data regarding withdrawal of care among this population remains scant. Poor outcomes following ECMO are largely related to neurological injury and information on neurological prognostication during ECMO support is limited. Understanding the characteristics of WLST after ECMO initiation and how this relates to neurological prognosis will better inform end of life care. Design/Methods: All patients who underwent ECMO support at Johns Hopkins Hospital were identified in a prospective observational cohort from 2018–2019. Clinical and demographic information were abstracted via chart review and predictors of WLST were assessed using descriptive statistics as appropriate. Results: Of 77 patients with ECMO support, 52 patients (67.5%) died. WLST was the cause of death in 44/52 patients (57.1%). WLST occurred at a median of 6 days (range: 1–59 days). Of the WLST patients, VA was the most common form of ECMO (41 patients) followed by VV ECMO (3 patients). The primary reasons for WLST was family request (88.6%), multi-organ failure (31.8%), primary diagnosis incompatible with life (27.2%), non-CNS hemorrhage (13.6%), brain death (11.4%), ischemic stroke (ischemic stroke (6.8%), brain hemorrhage (4.5%), and other (2%). Combining neurological causes identified as reason for WLST in 22.7% of patients. 56.8% of the patients had more than one reason listed for WLST. Day of demise was typically the same day after initiation of WLST. Conclusions: Most patients who died in the prospective ECMO cohort experienced WLST. The most common reason for WLST was family request. Patients usually died the same day as WLST. Further analysis will be conducted on a retrospective cohort and on larger national database information to compare demographic data as well as further investigate neurological factors relating to WLST. Disclosure: Dr. Carlson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Enriquez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Whitman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Choi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Geocadin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose.
Head tremor and pain in cervical dystonia.

Although head tremor (HT) and pain are prevalent in cervical dystonia (CD), their joint relationship to phenotypic features of focal dystonia remains unclear. We examined how severity of HT and pain are associated with age of CD onset and duration, and whether HT subtypes (“jerky” or “regular”) exhibit distinct relationships between severity of HT and pain. The severity of HT and pain were assessed with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale in retrospective review of 188 CD patients recruited through the Dystonia Coalition. HT severity was associated with longer CD duration (p < 0.0005), whereas pain severity was associated with younger age at onset (p = 0.043). HT severity and pain severity were not correlated for jerky HT (p = 0.996), but positively correlated for regular HT (p = 0.01). The distinct associations of HT and pain with age at onset, disease duration, and HT subtype further characterize the heterogeneity of CD’s clinical presentation and suggest similarly heterogeneous underlying mechanisms.
Promoting a More Inclusive Definition of Global Health in U.S. Medical Schools

Due to increased funding opportunities, faculty recruitment, and growing interest among medical students, global health has evolved into a mainstay in American medical education. However, medical schools continue to engage with global health through fundamentally different definitions of the term itself.1,2,3 These interpretations range widely, from emphasis on neglected tropical diseases, to health systems strengthening. This essay offers a more concise and inclusive definition of global health for academic inquiry undertaken by medical schools in this field - to interpret the word global as global in scope, rather than global in geography alone. Clarifying the definition of global health in this manner offers three distinct advantages. First, it would better align American medical schools’ global health interests to the Sustainable Development Goals passed in 2015 by the United Nations, and other consensus documents shaping the current global health agenda.4 Second, this definition would encourage researchers from non-traditional disciplines in academic medicine to collaborate with medical schools on global health projects. Finally, it would facilitate smoother translation of global health practices between developed and developing countries. Reforming the definition of global health in this nature would ultimately preserve the problem-solving ethos of this field, while streamlining its commendable efforts to improve society.
Effects of the Great Recession on Educational Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health.

BACKGROUND Macroeconomic crises can exaggerate existing educational disparities in health. Few studies, however, have examined whether macroeconomic crises get under the skin to affect educational disparities in health-related biological processes. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effect of the economic recession of 2008 (i.e., Great Recession) on educational disparities in cardiometabolic risk and self-reported psychological distress. METHODS Data were drawn from two subsamples of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study: the second wave of the MIDUS sample (pre-recession cohort, N = 985) and the refresher sample (post-recession cohort, N = 863). Educational attainment was categorized into high school education or less, some college, and bachelor's degree or higher. Outcomes included metabolic syndrome, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6, as well as self-reported perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and financial distress. RESULTS Results showed that having a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to having a high school education or less) was more strongly associated with decreased metabolic syndrome symptoms in the post-recession cohort than the pre-recession cohort, above and beyond demographic, health, and behavioral covariates. These findings did not extend to systemic inflammation or psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that chronic macroeconomic stressors may widen the educational gap in physical health, particularly cardiometabolic health, by modifying biological and anthropometric risk factors implicated in metabolic syndrome.
Distinct sleep disturbance profiles among patients with gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Abstract Objective In a sample of patients with gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy, we sought to identify subgroups of patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles and assess for differences in patient characteristics and the severity of co-occurring symptoms among these subgroups. Methods Adults with gynecologic cancer (n = 232) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. Sleep disturbance was assessed using the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS). Clinically meaningful sleep disturbance was defined as a GSDS total score of ≥43. Subgroups of patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles were identified using latent profile analysis. Differences in patient characteristics and co-occurring symptoms were assessed using Chi-square, Kruskal Wallis, and one-way analysis of variance. Results Four distinct sleep disturbance profiles were identified: Low (18.5%), Moderate (43.6%), High (29.3%), and Very High (8.6%). Compared to the Low class, patients in the other three classes had lower functional status scores and higher levels of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and morning and evening fatigue. Compared to the Low class, patients in the Very High class were younger, had a higher body mass index, and were more likely to report a diagnosis of depression or back pain. Conclusions Over 80% of the patients with gynecologic cancer reported sleep disturbance that persisted over two cycles of chemotherapy. Patients in the Very High class experienced problems with both sleep initiation and maintenance. Clinicians should routinely assess sleep disturbance alongside depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Interventions that target the underlying mechanisms of these co-occurring symptoms are warranted.
A novel feedback controller for Reduced Order fluid flow Models

A novel feedback control design method is proposed to tackle nonlinear fluid flow dynamics based on POD-ROMs (Proper Orthogonal Decomposition)-(Reduced Order Models). The design method aims to not only regionally stabilize the nonlinear dynamics asymptotically but also to maximize the estimated domain of attraction (DOA) and to ensure nominal performance at each operating point. More importantly a path of operating points is programmed based on the assumption of centered-∈-cover that leads to a sequence of linear controllers that regionally stabilize the desired operating point asymptotically. Simulation results of a 2D (spatial) driven cavity flow are worked out to illustrate our proposed design method.
Women’s Issues in Sexuality and Aging

The expression of male sexuality encompasses significantly more than the number of times per month one has intercourse, or the ability of a man to have an erection. At the same time, however, clinicians must recognize that many middle-aged and older men place significant emphasis upon their ability to have penetrative intercourse, and that any concerns ED must be taken seriously. Population-based studies suggest that nearly two out of three men will experience ED at some point in their lives, and that one in six American men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. ED can be associated with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, various prescription and OTC medications, as well as psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Additional issues associated with men’s sexuality and aging include screening and treatment for prostate enlargement and cancer, treatments for ED including the myths and misconceptions often associated with PDE-5 inhibitors including Viagra and Cialis, and body image concerns ranging from distress about musculature to male pattern baldness. Clinicians can play an essential role in providing middle-age and older male clients with the ability to seek appropriate medical consultations, allay anxiety about various diagnostic procedures, manage psychological problems associated with sexual dysfunction, address issues related to sexual identity and prowess, and involve partners in assessment and treatment. An integrated approach that incorporates psychological, medical, and educational components in both an individual and couples context appears most effective in helping cope with issues related to their sexuality and aging.
Chapter 37C Analysis of rare earth matrices by spark source mass spectrometry

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an analysis of rare earth matrices by spark source mass spectrometry. Spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS) is characterized by several distinguishing features. The foremost is the ability to provide wide elemental coverage with attendant high sensitivity without requiring chemical separation of the sample. However, the technique is highly susceptible to errors because of sampling of small volumes when impurities are not homogeneously distributed. The application of SSMS to analysis of rare earth matrices began slowly. This chapter presents information, techniques, or trends, which have been judged to be pertinent to the analysis of rare earth matrices by SSMS. The techniques developed at the Ames Laboratory for preparation of rare earth metals have been found to be generally satisfactory and are discussed briefly. Sampling is performed by sectioning the homogenized metal into a specified and recorded pattern from which the sample is selected. Samples specifically sectioned for analysis by SSMS are shaped as rods, approximately one cm long and one square mm cross section with slightly rounded edges.
Perceptual Factors of Computerized Television Images: An Exploratory Study

The new visual communication media imagery such as video games, digital television, and computerized pictures have captured the attention of viewers of all ages causing a revolution in imagery and stressing contemporary man's ability to comprehend and accurately recall visual information to its fullest extent. Some of the consequences of this boom in computerized video imagery are obvious while many more remain hidden.
Cyclosporine therapy for severe sight-threatening uveitis in children and adolescents.

Abstract Objective To review the safety and efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of children with severe bilateral sight-threatening intermediate uveitis or panuveitis. Design/participants A retrospective chart review was performed on all children younger than 18 years of age with chronic bilateral sight-threatening uveitis who were treated with cyclosporine. Main outcome measures Assessment of the therapeutic efficacy and development of adverse effects of cyclosporine after 6 months, 2 years, and 4 years of therapy was performed. Results Between 1983 and 1992, 15 children and adolescents were treated with cyclosporine. After 6 months, visual acuity improved or stabilized in 82.1% of eyes, while median vitreous inflammation decreased from 2.0 to 0.5. After 2 and 4 years, visual acuity improved or stabilized in 64% and 75% of eyes, respectively. Median vitreous inflammation remained 0.5 after 2 and 4 years of therapy. Mean creatinine clearance and hemoglobin values decreased and serum creatinine increased after 6 months. After 2 years, only mean hemo- globin values remained decreased. After 4 years, no significant differences were noted in any of the laboratory studies. The most frequently noted side effects included transient increases in serum creatinine in 53%, gingival hyperplasia in 40%, and hirsutism in 20% of patients. Conclusions The authors' results suggest that cyclosporine is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of children with severe bilateral sight-threatening intermediate uveitis or panuveitis.
Calculating percent depth dose with the electron pencil-beam redefinition algorithm.

In this work, we investigated the accuracy of the electron pencil-beam redefinition algorithm (PBRA) in calculating central-axis percent depth dose in water for rectangular fields. The PBRA energy correction factor, C(E), was determined so that PBRA-calculated percent depth dose best matched that measured in water. The hypothesis tested in this study was that a method can be implemented into the PBRA that will enable the algorithm to calculate central-axis percent depth dose in water at 100-cm source-to-surface distance with an accuracy of 2% or 1-mm distance-to-agreement for rectangular-field sizes ³ 2x2 cm2. Preliminary investigations showed that C(E), determined using a single percent depth dose for a large field (i.e., having side-scatter equilibrium), was insufficient for the PBRA to accurately calculate percent depth dose for all square fields ³ 2x2 cm2. Therefore, two alternative methods for determining C(E) were investigated. In Method 1, C(E), modeled as a polynomial in energy, was determined by fitting the PBRA calculations to measured percent depth dose for each individual rectangular field. In Method 2, C(E) for square fields, described by a polynomial in both energy and side of square, W, i.e., C=C(E,W), was determined by fitting the PBRA calculations to measured percent depth dose for a small number of square fields. C(E) for other square fields was determined using the function C(E,W), and C(E) for rectangular field sizes was determined using the geometric mean of C(E) for the two square fields of the dimension of the rectangle (square root method). PBRA calculations using both methods were evaluated by comparing with measured square and rectangular-field percent depth doses at 100-cm SSD for the Siemens Primus radiotherapy accelerator equipped with a 25x25-cm2 applicator at 10 and 15 MeV. To improve the fit of C(E) to the electron component of percent depth dose, it was necessary to modify the PBRA?s photon depth-dose model to include dose buildup. Results showed that the PBRA was able to predict percent depth dose within criteria for all square and rectangular fields using both methods. Results showed that a 2nd or 3rd order polynomial in energy (Methods 1 and 2) and field size (Method 2) was typically required. Although time of dose calculation for Method 1 is approximately twice that of Method 2, it is recommended that Method 1 be used for clinical implementation of the PBRA due to its being more accurate (most measured depth doses predicted within approximately 1%) and simpler to implement.
Vegetation Response to Burn Severity, Native Grass Seeding, and Salvage Logging

As the size and extent of wildfires has increased in recent decades, so has the cost and extent of post-fire management, including seeding and salvage logging. However, we know little about how burn severity, salvage logging, and post-fire seeding interact to influence vegetation recovery long-term. We sampled understory plant species richness, diversity, and canopy cover one to six years post fire (2006 to 2009, and 2011) on 72 permanent plots selected in a stratified random sample to define post-fire vegetation response to burn severity, post-fire seeding with native grasses, and salvage logging on the 2005 School Fire in eastern Washington. Understory vegetation responded rapidly post fire due, in part, to ample low intensity rainfall events in the first post-fire growing season. Vegetation was more diverse with greater plant species richness and diversity (Shannon-Wiener index) in low and moderate burn severity plots in 2006 (species richness 18; diversity 2.3) compared to high burn severity plots (species richness 10; diversity 1.8), with species richness on the high severity plots reaching 19 in the sixth post-fire year, similar to the initial values on the low and moderate burn severity plots. Plants that commonly resprout from rhizomes, bulbs, and other surviving belowground sources were abundant post fire, while those establishing from off-site seed sources, including non-native species, were present but not abundant. Plots seeded with native grass post fire and not salvage logged had the highest canopy cover of graminoid species: more than 30 % six years after the fire (in 2011), with low forb (15 %) and shrub (1 %) canopy cover and species richness. For comparison, high severity plots that were not seeded and not salvage logged had 3 % graminoid cover, 14 % forb cover, and 26 % shrub cover. Plots that had been salvage logged from one to three years after the fire produced less canopy cover of shrubs and forbs, but three times more canopy cover of graminoids on the high burn severity plots by 2011. High severity plots that were salvage logged and not seeded with native grasses had the lowest species richness, diversity, and cover. Very few non-native species were found, regardless of salvage logging and seeding. Rapid post-fire growth dominated by native plants of high diversity suggests that this forest’s vegetation and soils are highly resilient to disturbance. Overall, burn severity and post-fire seeding with native grasses were more influential than salvage logging on understory plant abundance one to six years after fire.
Testing for Defective DNA Mismatch Repair in Colorectal Carcinoma: A Practical Guide

Abstract Context.—Significant bench and clinical data have been generated during the last decade regarding DNA mismatch repair in colorectal carcinoma. Objectives.—To review clinically relevant asp...
Human apolipoprotein A-II: nucleotide sequence of a cloned cDNA, and localization of its structural gene on human chromosome 1.

Abstract Using the technique of oligonucleotide hybridization, we have isolated two dscDNA clones to human apolipoprotein A-II. One of the clones (pAII-1) has been completely sequenced. It has 433 nucleotides which includes a poly A tail of 10 adenylic acid residues, all the coding and 3′-non-translated regions of the mRNA and part of the 5′-non-translated region. The amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA clone includes 100 amino acids (including the 23 amino acid prepropeptide) which is very similar to the sequence reported by Brewer et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 69, 1304–1308). [ 32 P]-labeled pAII-1 was used as a probe in chromosome mapping studies to detect the human apoAII structural gene sequence in human-Chinese hamster cell hybrids. Southern blot analysis of 10 hybrids localized the gene to human chromosome 1.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and coexisting bullous pemphigoid: Immunofluorescent investigations

An 18-year-old black woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who subsequently developed a bullous eruption is presented. Direct immunofluorescent studies of a bulla and peribullous skin demonstrated a tubular band at the dermoepidermal junction diagnostic for bullous pemphigoid (BP). However, an atrophic plaque clinically and histologically characteristic for lupus erythematosus (LE) also demonstrated a tubular band instead of one of the LE bands. Indirect immunofluorescent studies employing normal human skin revealed peripheral, homogeneous, and particulate antinuclear antibody patterns with anti-IgG but were negative for circulating anti-basal zone antibodies. Therefore BP was dominant cutaneously, whereas SLE prevailed serologically. This case illustrates the diagnostic problems of a bullous eruption in an SLE patient and points out some unusual immunofluorescent findings.
Methods for in Vitro Percutaneous Absorption Studies VI: Preparation of the Barrier Layer

The skin membrane for in vitro percutaneous absorption studies was prepared so that it was similar in thickness to the in vivo barrier layer. A dermatome section from the skin surface produced a layer of skin that included the epidermis and papillary dermis (location of capillary loops) but without most of the dermal tissue. Improved absorption measurements were then obtained with hydrophobic compounds with the use of a polyethylene glycol 20 oleyl ether (PEG-20 oleyl ether) receptor fluid. With the haired rat, preparing a skin section 300-μm thick (and pretesting for damage to the barrier with H3-water) resulted in a membrane that gave values in good agreement with in vivo results for 3-phenyl-2-propenyl 2-aminobenzoate (cinnamyl anthranilate) (1) and benzo(a)pyrene absorption. When sparsely haired fuzzy rat skin was used, a section of skin 200-μm thick could be prepared without the need for pretesting for damage. Good agreement was obtained between in vivo and in vitro values for 1-(3-ethyl-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-5,5,8, 8-tetra-methyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone (acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin) (2) and DDT with 0.5% PEG-20 oleyl ether in water as the receptor fluid. The skin of the fuzzy rat seemed more similar in permeability to human skin than did the skin of the hairless mouse when the absorption of six compounds was compared.
The Long-Term Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment in Children With Asthma:

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred method of therapy for persistent asthma in children, providing the most effective anti-inflammatory treatment available. This article defines treatment with ICS in children and discusses current research findings related to the long-term side effects and safety concerns related to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Major safety concerns associated with long-term treatment with ICS include the potential effect on adrenal function, the inhibition of linear growth and growth velocity, osteoporosis, and ocular disorders. This article describes side effects associated with ICS and implications in pediatric primary care.
Formation of Calcium Phosphates in Saliva and Dental Plaque

This is an X-ray diffraction study of the mineral phases in saliva and early dental plaque. The salivas studied came from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), those with asthma, and heavy and light calculus formers. One-week old plaque was studied from individuals who are heavy, moderate, and light calculus formers.
A Splicing Variant of the Bcl-2 Member Bok with a Truncated BH3 Domain Induces Apoptosis but Does Not Dimerize with Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins in Vitro

Abstract Bok (Bcl-2-relatedovarian killer) is a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein identified in the ovary based on its dimerization with the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. In addition to the Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains 1 and 2 and the transmembrane sequence, Bok also has a BH3 domain believed to be important for dimerization with selective antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and cell killing. We identified a splicing variant of Bok mRNA with a deletion of 43 residues from the full-length protein (Bok-L), leading to the fusion of the N-terminal-half of its BH3 domain to the C-terminal-half of the BH1 domain. Genomic analysis indicated that the Bok has five exons, and the short form of Bok (Bok-S) represents the splicing out of exon three during transcription. Although Bok-S retains the apoptosis-inducing activity in transfected cells, it has lost the ability to dimerize with antiapoptotic proteins in vitro. Additional BH3 domain mutations of Bok-L also led to defective heterodimerization without affecting its proapoptotic action. Furthermore, similar deletions for the related channel-forming proapoptotic Bax and Bak did not impair their cell killing ability. Thus, the naturally occurring Bok-S variant represents a new form of proapoptotic protein that induces cell killing without heterodimerization with antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. This variant appears to contain the minimal module spanning BH1 and BH2 domains and the transmembrane sequence for apoptosis induction by channel-forming Bcl-2 proteins.
Appraising the Transmitting Ability of Sires Placed in Artificial Service as Young Bulls

The cooperative artificial breeding program in Illinois was started and functions for the purpose of improving the efficiency, production, type, and value of Illinois dairy cattle. Consequently, keeping an adequate number of bulls in service that have the ability to transmit the desired characteristics to their offspring is one of the most important problems in connection with this project. The number of bulls adequately and favorably proven for production and type that are available for use in artificial breeding associations falls far short of supplying the demand. Some bulls proven satisfactory for production transmit undesirable type. Bulls proved on the basis of a few dam and daughter pairs in one herd may show up differently when final appraisal is made on a large number of artificially sired daughters. With this situation in mind, the practice of carefully selecting and making special matings to produce young sires to be sparingly used until proved on the basis of artificially sired daughters was started soon after the program got under way in Illinois in 1940.
Formation of the nuclear envelope during mitotic anaphase in Spirogyra

The formation of the nuclear envelope in the mitosis ofSpirogyra was studied with an electron microscope. The nuclear envelope was disrupted around the spindle equator in the metaphase. Many small vesicles were observed in the metaphase spindle. These vesicles surrounded the masses of chromosomes and nucleolar substance in the early anaphase, and they fused with each other to form daughter nuclear envelopes during the early anaphase. The formation of new envelopes from small vesicles at such an early mitotic anaphase is reported here for the first time. The possible origin of these vesicles is also discussed.
Stimulation of Microbial Degradation of Methyl Bromide in Soil during Oxidation of an Ammonia Fertilizer by Nitrifiers

To reduce volatilization of the fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) from soil into the atmosphere, attempts were made to enhance microbial degradation of MeBr in soil by stimulating the activity of soil nitrifiers. Disappearance of MeBr in limed Arredondo soil (pH 7.70) treated with an ammonia-based nitrogen fertilizer, (NH4)2SO4, was initially more rapid than in unlimed Arredondo soil (pH 5.5−5.7). Disappearance of MeBr in limed soil with or without treatment of (NH4)2SO4 that received 20 μg/g MeBr was more rapid than in the corresponding soil samples that received a higher rate of MeBr (50 μg/g). Due to higher nitrification activity in limed surface soil (0−15 cm depth) than in limed subsurface soil (15−30 cm depth), disappearance of MeBr in the surface soil with or without (NH4)2SO4 treatment was also more rapid than in the corresponding subsurface soil. Both microbial and chemical degradation were involved in the MeBr degradation in soil, with chemical degradation possibly being the major factor. Contribut...