cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early detection of retinal alteration by visible and near-infrared optical co-herence tomography (vnOCT) in a dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension mouse model

Purpose: To apply a novel visible and near-infrared optical coherence tomography (vnOCT) in the dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension mouse model, and test the capability of four optical markers, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, total retinal blood flow, VN ratio and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO 2 ), in detecting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in association with ocular hypertension. Methods: Twelve mice (C57BL/6J) were separated into a control (n=6) and a dexamethasone group (n=6) receiving twice daily saline or dexamethasone eye drops, respectively, for 7 weeks. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were taken at baseline and weekly. Optical measurements by vnOCT were longitudinally taken at baseline, 4 weeks and 7 weeks. Following week 7, ex vivo RGC counting was performed by immunostaining. Results: The dexamethasone group showed a measurable rise in IOP by week 2. Despite the IOP differences between the dexamethasone and control groups, there was not a statistical difference in RNFL thickness or total blood flow over 7 weeks. The dexamethasone group did show an increase in retinal arteriovenous sO 2 difference (A-V sO 2 ) that was significant at week 4 and 7. The RNFL VN ratio showed a significant decrease at week 4 and 7 in dexamethasone group associated with a decreased RGC count. Conclusions: RNFL VN ratio and A-V sO 2 are capable of detecting early retinal alterations in the dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension mouse model. Data analysis suggests VN ratio and A-V sO 2 are correlated with RGC loss secondary to ocular hypertension, while being independent of IOP.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis OSY-GA1, Which Encodes Multiple Antimicrobial Metabolites and Expresses Antimicrobial Activity against Foodborne Pathogens.

ABSTRACT Bacillus velezensis OSY-GA1 is a Gram-positive soil bacterium that exhibits antagonistic activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens. Here, we present the strain’s draft genome, which is 4,009,999 bp long with an average G+C content of 46.2%. Genome mining analysis revealed numerous biosynthetic gene clusters encoding antimicrobials of diverse natures.
School bus routing problem: Contemporary trends and research directions

Abstract The school bus routing problem (SBRP) is a challenging operations research problem that has been studied by researchers for almost 50 years. SBRP publications address one or more operational sub-problems, including: bus stop selection, bus route generation, bus route scheduling, school bell time adjustment, and strategic transportation policy issues. This paper reviews 64 new SBRP research publications and analyzes them by sub-problem type, problem characteristics and solution approach. The impact of key SBRP characteristics (number of schools, mixed load, fleet mix, service environment, objective and constraints) are discussed and the different solution approaches to the SBRP are summarized by sub-problem type and methodology. We found in recent years, SBRP researchers are examining more complex real-world problem settings, adopting both evolutionary-based and trajectory-based metaheuristic solution approaches, and considering ridership and travel time uncertainty. This review documents recent trends in SBRP research and highlights research gaps and promising opportunities for future SBRP research.
Short-term stall housing of horses results in changes of markers of bone metabolism

In previous research, stall-housing growing horses resulted in decreased bone mineral content (BMC) of the third metacarpal (MCIII) compared to pasture-housing. To determine whether stall confineme...
HPC for Weather Forecasting

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) is one of the first applications of scientific computing and remains an insatiable consumer of high-performance computing today. In the face of a half-century’s exponential and sometimes disruptive growth in HPC capability, major weather services around the world continuously develop and incorporate new meteorological research into large expensive operational forecasting software suites. At the heart is the weather model itself: a computational fluid dynamics core on a spherical domain with physics. The mapping of a planar grid to the geometry of the earth’s atmosphere presents one of a number of challenges for stability, accuracy, and computational efficiency that lead to development of the major numerical formulations and grid systems in use today: grid point, globally spectral, and finite/spectral element. Significant challenges await in the exascale era: large memory working sets, overall low computational intensity, load imbalance, and a fundamental lack of weak scalability in the face of critical real-time forecasting speed requirements. This chapter provides a history of weather and climate modeling on high-performance computing systems, a discussion of each of the major types of model dynamics formulations, grids, and model physics, and directions going forward on emerging HPC architectures.
Two Dietary Metabolites Fuel Salmonella Colonization

Nguyen et al. used transposon sequencing analysis and competitive colonization assays to describe how aspartate/malate can trigger initial Salmonella Typhimurium gut-lumen colonization in mice, providing insight into the significance of certain key metabolites beyond the realm of Salmonella life. Metabolite-driven diagnostic and anti-infective strategies for preventing salmonellosis could rapidly emerge from this work.
A Case of Laryngeal Tuberculosis, Endobronchial Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Coexistent in an Immunocompetent Host

Historically associated with poor prognosis seen in advanced disease, laryngeal tuberculosis (LTB) now represents only 1% of all cases of tuberculosis (TB). The incidence of LTB has decreased drastically with the introduction of anti-tubercular drugs. LTB can be primary or secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. LTB can mimic laryngeal cancer. We present a case of primary laryngeal TB with descending tracheobronchial spread in an immunocompetent 71-year-old female who developed progressive dysphonia over several months with unintentional weight loss and non-productive cough. Non-contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed clustering of subcentimeter stellate nodules in the right upper lung field with an enlarging ground-glass opacity in the right lower lung but did not show structural abnormalities within the neck. Positron emission tomography (PET) showed pathologic fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake within the larynx and trachea with extension into the left mainstream bronchus as well as the proximal left upper and lower lobe bronchi. Diffuse standardized uptake value (SUV) was greatest in the larynx (20.5). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on bronchoscope sputum specimen confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Findings were consistent with primary laryngeal TB with endobronchial extension. She was started on a four-drug regimen comprising of isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide with a good response. Her close contacts were treated as well. This case highlights the unusual spread of primary laryngeal TB in an immunocompetent host. Early diagnosis can limit adverse complications and unnecessary exposure to healthcare workers. To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary LTB with proximal spread to the tracheobronchial and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Exploring facets of the mindful personality: Dispositional mindfulness and the Big Five

Abstract Existing literature indicates inconsistencies regarding the pattern and strength of associations between mindfulness and the Big Five personality traits, potentially due to methodological differences across studies. To address this, we simultaneously assessed associations among mindfulness and all personality traits, controlled for demographic characteristics, and utilized multiple measures of mindfulness in an adult life-span sample (N = 594). Mindfulness was consistently negatively associated with neuroticism. There were small to medium positive associations between mindfulness and conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion. Results differed modestly depending on the type of analysis (regression vs. bivariate correlations) and were mostly similar across different mindfulness measures. Major differences did not emerge as a function of demographic characteristics. Our findings advance the literature by addressing methodological limitations to demonstrate the importance of simultaneously assessing personality traits and using multidimensional measures of mindfulness.
The Association of α Angle on Disease Severity in Adolescent Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain in adolescent patients. Clinical exam and radiographic markers, such as α angle and lateral center edge angle (LCEA), are commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of this condition. The purpose of this study was to correlate preoperative α angle and LCEA with preoperative symptoms, intraoperative findings, and preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcomes (PROs) in the adolescent patient. METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted for all patients who underwent operative intervention for FAI at an academic institution over an 11-year period. Preoperative imaging was obtained and measured for LCEA and α angle. PROs (modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and UCLA score) were collected preoperatively, as well as 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively. Operative intervention was either open surgical hip dislocation or arthroscopic, and intraoperative disease was graded using the Beck Classification system. Patients with minimum 1-year follow-up were included in statistical analysis. RESULTS There were 86 hips (64 female hips) included with an average age of 16.3 years (range, 10.4 to 20.5 y), with an average of 37 months of follow-up. There was no correlation between severity of preoperative symptoms or difference between pre and postoperative PROs for both α angle and LCEA. Overall, significant improvement was noted in modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and UCLA Score (P<0.001 for each). Independent of preoperative symptoms, increased α angle correlated with more severe intraoperative labral disease (P<0.001), and longer length of labral tear (Corr 0.295, P<0.01). Femoral head and acetabular articular cartilage damage did not correlate with α angle or LCEA, nor did overall severity of disease. CONCLUSIONS In adolescent patients with FAI, increased α angle was found to significantly correlate with labral pathology, including increased length of tear and severity of disease, irrespective of preoperative symptoms or postoperative patient reported outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-retrospective.
Micrometer-sized magnetite synthesis using Fe(OH)2(s) as a precursor for technetium sequestration from liquid nuclear waste streams

Abstract. Systematic batch experiments under variable adjusted physicochemical conditions were conducted to explore optimization of micrometer-sized magnetite synthesis for Tc sequestration from radionuclide waste streams using Fe(OH)2(s) as the precursor. Extensive solid characterizations using X-ray diffraction, microscopy and spectroscopic methods were performed to identify mineral phases, assess changes in particle morphology and size distribution, as well as Tc speciation and incorporation, in the produced mineral phases. The results show that the solution pH, temperature, and oxidation kinetics play key roles in the final mineral products. Micrometer-sized magnetite crystals (0.62–0.96 µm, on average) with well-defined dodecahedral or octahedral structures were synthesized under near neutral (~pH 8) or alkaline (~pH 13) conditions at 75 °C, respectively; whereas goethite dominated the end products at room temperature. An increase in pH at 75 °C improved Tc removal from 27% (near neutral pH) to 42% (alkaline pH), but the removal process remained inhibited by redox-competitive Cr(VI) present in the waste streams. By adding additional Fe(II) to the system, Tc sequestration was dramatically improved up to 87% without observable changes in the solid product. The sequestrated Tc existed as TcO2•2H2O and/or Tc(IV) incorporated into magnetite, where extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy showed that more Tc was incorporated into magnetite at elevated temperatures and pH conditions, with complete Tc(IV) incorporation into magnetite occurring under 75 °C-pH 13 conditions. Our results indicate that optimal micrometer-sized magnetite can be produced for Tc sequestration by reacting Fe(OH)2(s) with a waste stream simulant under elevated pH (~13) and temperature (75 °C) conditions. The incorporation of reduced Tc(IV) into stable micrometer-sized magnetite provides a viable supplemental immobilizing technology that may be used to improve nuclear waste treatment and disposal needs.
Interactive Analysis for Large Volume Data from Fluorescence Microscopy at Cellular Precision.

Abstract The main objective for understanding fluorescence microscopy data is to investigate and evaluate the fluorescent signal intensity distributions as well as their spatial relationships across multiple channels. The quantitative analysis of 3D fluorescence microscopy data needs interactive tools for researchers to select and focus on relevant biological structures. We developed an interactive tool based on volume visualization techniques and GPU computing for streamlining rapid data analysis. Our main contribution is the implementation of common data quantification functions on streamed volumes, providing interactive analyses on large data without lengthy preprocessing. Data segmentation and quantification are coupled with brushing and executed at an interactive speed. A large volume is partitioned into data bricks, and only user-selected structures are analyzed to constrain the computational load. We designed a framework to assemble a sequence of GPU programs to handle brick borders and stitch analysis results. Our tool was developed in collaboration with domain experts and has been used to identify cell types. We demonstrate a workflow to analyze cells in vestibular epithelia of transgenic mice.
Therapeutic Potential, Synthesis, Patent evaluation and SAR studies of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives: Recent updates.

Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine ring framework comprises a significant class of heterocyclics that serve as a promising platform showing different pharmacological activities. The interest in thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine cores for pharmaceutical products makes this scaffold an exceptionally helpful building block for organic chemistry. This review presents current research on thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines and elucidates their biological importance in anti-cancer, anti-infectious, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, CNS, and osteoporosis drug discoveries. Patents on the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines are also elaborated as a piece of useful information. Here we additionally focus on the synthesis of this vital ring and the discovery of new thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines.
Determinants of the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Spectrum

Abstract Polls report nearly one-third of the United States population is skeptical or opposed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of these polls, as well as the scientific research that has been conducted on vaccine hesitancy, was done prior to vaccine eligibility opening to all adults. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to vaccine intentions across the vaccine hesitancy spectrum. This study conducted an online survey using the Social Science Research Solution (SSRS) Opinion Panel web panelists, representative of U.S. adults age 18 and older who use the internet, with an oversample of rural-dwelling and minority populations between April 8 and April 22, 2021- as vaccine eligibility opened to the country. We examined the relationship between COVID-19 exposure and socio-demographics with vaccine intentions [eager-to-take, wait-and-see, undecided, refuse] among the unvaccinated using multinomial logistic regressions [ref: fully/partially vaccinated]. Results showed vaccine intentions varied by demographic characteristics and risk exposures during the period that eligibility for the vaccine was extended to all adults. Funding statement Funding for this research was provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Grant #2049886). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Decay of 6.3-Min Br 78

The nuclide 6.3-min ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ has been made by the reactions ($\ensuremath{\gamma}, n$), ($n, 2n$), ($p, n$), ($d, 2n$),and ($\ensuremath{\alpha}, n$), and its decay properties have been investigated by positron decay-curve analysis, by application of a standard chemical isomer-separation procedure, by searching for conversion electrons, and by studying the gamma-ray and positron-gamma-coincidence spectra. The early portion of the positron decay curve exhibited a single 6.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2-min component, and no active daughter of this species was chemically separable from active C${\mathrm{Br}}_{4}$. Conversion electrons were not found, and soft gamma rays were shown to be absent. There are 12-kev x rays, of intensity about 0.05 relative to the positrons and therefore presumed to be $K$ x rays of Se resulting from electron capture. These results show that 6.3-min ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ has no daughter isomer and probably no g10-sec parent isomer. There is a 615-kev gamma ray, in coincidence with positrons, and of intensity 0.139 that of all positrons, representing decay of ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ to ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$ in the 615-kev 2+ state. However, no evidence for decay to ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$ in the 1.32-Mev state could be found. From these data it was deduced that 6.3-min ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ decays 81% by positron emission and 6% by electron capture to ground-state ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$, 11% by positron emission and 2% by electron capture to ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$ in the 615-kev state, and 1% to ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$ in the 1.32-Mev state. The disintegrations of ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ to ${\mathrm{Se}}^{78}$ in the ground state and 615-kev state have $log\mathrm{ft}$ values of 4.8 and 5.2, respectively, indicating that the spin of ground-state ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ is 1, with even parity. The absence of isomerism is discussed in terms of the locations of expected energy levels, with reference to the known locations of these levels in ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80}$.
Genetic control of bacteriophage T4 baseplate morphogenesis: I. Sequential assembly of the major precursor, in vivo and in vitro

The proteins specified by at least 18 bacteriophage T4 genes are needed for the formation of the complex hexagonal baseplate of the phage tail. At least 14 of these protein species are incorporated into the mature, structure of this organelle. Cells infected with amber mutants defective in any of five clustered baseplate genes ( 53, 6, 7, 8 and 10 ) are unable to form hexagonal structures.These mutantinfected infected cells accumulate structural protein complexes which are precursors to baseplates. They can be assembled into mature baseplates and thus viable phage, in vitro , in mixtures of extracts of mutant-infected cells. We have isolated the precursor proteins and protein complexes specified by the five genes, by gradient centrifugation. The proteins have been characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, and by their in vitro assembly activity. The results show that the major structural precursor of the baseplate is a 15 S complex containing six protein species. These interact in the following sequence: If any step in this pathway is blocked by mutation, the subsequent proteins remain soluble and unassembled. With the exception of the initiating proteins, reactive sites are not present on the soluble subunits, but are generated only upon incorporation of a subunit into the growing complex. Thus reactive sites are limited to growing structures, ensuring efficient assembly.
A Statistical Failure/Load Relationship: Results of a Multicomputer Study

In this correspondence we present a statistical model which relates mean computer failure rates to level of system activity. Our analysis reveals a strong statistical dependency of both hardware and software component failure rates on several common measures of utilization (specifically CPU utilization, I/O initiation, paging, and job-step initiation rates). We establish that this effect is not dominated by a specific component type, but exists across the board in the two systems studied. Our data covers three years of normal operation (including significant upgrades and reconfigurations) for two large Stanford University computer complexes. The complexes, which are composed of IBM mainframe equipment of differing models and vintage, run similar operating systems and provide the same interface and capability to their users. The empirical data comes from identically structured and maintained failure logs at the two sites along with IBM OS/VS2 operating system performance/load records.
Pediatric endoscopic ear surgery in clinical practice: Lessons learned and early outcomes.

Objectives/Hypothesis Only a few reports describe the outcomes following endoscopic ear surgery (EES) in children for chronic ear disease. We differentiate between transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES), where the case is performed with only endoscopic visualization, from non-TEES, where the endoscope is not used at all or used as an adjunct to the microscope. We hypothesize that EES is an effective approach to manage middle ear pathology using a transcanal approach in most cases, and can be incorporated into a pediatric otology practice with a neutral or positive effect on outcomes. Lessons learned during this process are analyzed and discussed. Study Design Single-institution, retrospective chart review of outcomes following TEES and non-TEES in children from January 1, 2013 through July 1, 2014. Methods Procedures included tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty, and cholesteatoma resection. Primary outcome measures included closure rate of tympanic membrane perforations, audiometric outcomes, and complications. Surgical times were reported as secondary measures. Results Ninety-four patients underwent 121 middle ear procedures. TEES was performed in 51/121 of cases (42.1%). Comparison of TEES versus non-TEES cases showed no significant difference in rate of tympanoplasty closure (P > .99). The mean pure-tone improvement following TEES tympanoplasty was −7.8 dB versus −1.33 dB for non-TEES cases (P = .03). Surgical times were similar between groups. Conclusions EES techniques were readily incorporated into a pediatric otology practice. A standardized EES classification system is useful for analyzing utilization patterns and results across institutions. Tympanic membrane closure rates and hearing outcomes were similar in TEES and non-TEES cases. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 126:732–738, 2016
Rural Failure: The Linkage Between Policy and Lobbies

The failure of a national rural policy is a complex phenomenon. Suffice to say that such policy never emerged, despite frequent appearances on the presidential agenda. This analysis looks beyond institutional inertia and examines the reasons why no sustained rural lobby was ever created independent of farm interests. The circular explanation finds (hat lobbies fail to develop in the absence of a supportive base on which to place their demands for change.
Influence of annual flooding on terrestrial arthropod assemblages of a Rio Grande riparian forest

Terrestrial arthropod communities remain poorly described for riparian ecosystems of the arid southwestern United States, and the effects of extensive river regulation and habitat alteration on these potentially important invertebrates are largely unknown. Beginning in 1991, surface-active arthropods were trapped at two riparian sites along the Rio Grande, in central New Mexico, for 2 years. One site was then experimentally flooded from mid-May to mid-June for each of the next 3 years to simulate historic, low intensity flooding, after which arthropod collections were continued. These primary sites, located outside the riverside levee, and isolated from flooding for about 50 years prior to the experiment, were compared with a naturally flooded site and a second non-flooded reference. Experimental flooding and observations of the naturally flooded site indicated that flooding did not affect total taxonomic richness, nor richness of spiders, beetles or ants. However, flooding may have slightly increased the number of carabid beetle taxa present. Flooding altered the overall composition for all taxa, insects, beetles and carabid beetles. Spider taxa composition may be insensitive to flooding, while ant responses were not clear. Abundance of terrestrial isopods and spiders decreased after flooding, while overall beetle abundance did not change. Abundance of crickets and carabid beetles increased, but the response was delayed until after the second flood. Changes in taxa composition and abundance after experimental flooding were generally consistent with arthropod community structure observed at a nearby naturally flooded site. This similarity suggests that reorganization of the terrestrial arthropod community may follow restoration of flooding to this riparian ecosystem. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Readability, suitability, and health content assessment of web-based patient education materials on colorectal cancer screening

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in the Unites States are still below target level. Web-based patient education materials are used by patients and providers to provide supplemental information on CRC screening. Low literacy levels and patient perceptions are significant barriers to screening. There are little data on the quality of these online materials from a health literacy standpoint or whether they address patients' perceptions. Objective To evaluate the readability, suitability, and health content of web-based patient education materials on colon cancer screening. Design Descriptive study. Setting Web-based patient materials. Interventions Twelve reputable and popular online patient education materials were evaluated. Readability was measured by using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, and suitability was determined by the Suitability Assessment of Materials, a scale that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/typography, and learning stimulation. Health content was evaluated within the framework of the Health Belief Model, a behavioral model that relates patients' perceptions of susceptibility to disease, severity, and benefits and barriers to their medical decisions. Each material was scored independently by 3 reviewers. Main Outcome Measurements Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level score, Suitability Assessment of Materials score, health content score. Results Readability for 10 of 12 materials surpassed the maximum recommended sixth-grade reading level. Five were 10th grade level and above. Only 1 of 12 materials received a superior suitability score; 3 materials received inadequate scores. Health content analysis revealed that only 50% of the resources discussed CRC risk in the general population and Limitations Descriptive design. Conclusion Most online patient education materials for CRC screening are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level, with suboptimal suitability. Health content is lacking in addressing key perceived risks, barriers, and benefits to CRC screening. Developing more appropriate and targeted patient education resources on CRC may improve patient understanding and promote screening.
Structure, function, and intracellular processing of paramyxovirus membrane proteins

Paramyxoviruses are a fascinating group of viruses with diverse hosts and disease manifestations. They are valuable systems for studying viral pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms of negative strand viral replication, and glycoprotein structure and function. In the past few years this group of viruses has received increased attention and as a result there is a wealth of new information. For example, most of the genes of many paramyxoviruses have been cloned and sequenced. The recent availability of sequence information from a number of paramyxoviruses now allows the direct comparison of the amino acid sequence and determinants of secondary structure of analogous genes across the family of viruses. Such comparisons are revealing for two reasons. First, results provide clues to the evolution of these viruses. Second, and more importantly, comparisons of analogous genes may point to sequences and structural determinants that are central to the function of the individual proteins. Below is a comparison of five of the paramyxovirus genes with a discussion of the implications of common structural determinants for function, intracellular processing, and evolutionary origin. The focus is on the paramyxovirus membrane proteins, although other proteins are discussed briefly.
Imaging in the emergency department for suspected nephrolithiasis.

The excruciating pain of renal colic often drives the affected patient to the emergency department. Given the increasing prevalence of nephrolithiasis,1 more patients than ever before are arriving for evaluation and treatment — nearly 1 million emergency department visits for upper-tract stone disease per year.2 In the emergency department, rapid diagnosis should facilitate the most appropriate therapy. Patients with a previous episode of colic will often make the diagnosis themselves, but those who have renal colic for the first time rarely do. Laboratory tests are nondiagnostic. The urine sediment will occasionally reveal crystals, but more commonly there will be nonspecific . . .
Charge and ion-binding differences between corneal epithelial and endothelial antigens.

SummaryThe experimental evidence described in this report shows that the electrophoretic mobility differences between epithelial and endothelial proteins appear to be a general phenomenon for mammalian corneal tissues. The characteristic behavior in an electrical field of epithelial and endothelial proteins was demonstrated to be a result of net charge rather than molecular-size differences by using agar and polyacrylamide as support media for electrophoresis. In both techniques the majority of endothelial proteins was grouped closer to the anode.Data are given to show that the observed net-charge differences are reflected in the ion-exchange properties of epithelial and endothelial protoplasmic proteins. In the cell-free environment, the endothelial macromolecules bound about ten times more K+ than the epithelial macromolecules. These binding differences could account, at least partially, for the net accumulation of ions against an “apparent concentration gradient.”We wish to thank Dr. Raymond Damadian f...
Behavior therapy of an unusual case of highway hypnosis

Abstract A conditioning paradigm was used as the model for the treatment of a student who frequently fell asleep during short drives. The therapy was aimed at using the drowsiness cues to trigger off alertness responses instead of sleep. After deep muscle relaxation, the client was instructed to visualize driving scenes. These scenes were then immediately followed by scenes involving alertness and excitement. Treatment was completed in 16 half-hour meetings spread over approximately 8 weeks. At the end of treatment, the client successfully drove for a 2-hr period and a 6-hr period without difficulty. Follow-up after 3 months indicates that the client has had no further difficulty in driving and was able to drive across states without drowsiness.
Complications from radiotherapy dose escalation in prostate cancer: preliminary results of a randomized trial

Abstract Objective: To compare early and late side effects in prostate cancer patients with Stage T1b–T3 disease randomized to receive 70 Gy or 78 Gy. Methods: There were 189 patients randomized with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, that were available for this analysis. All patients were initially treated with a 4-field box to an isocenter dose of 46 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction. In the 70-Gy arm, treatment was continued to a reduced volume using a 4-field box technique. In the 78-Gy arm, treatment was continued to a reduced volume using a conformal 6-field arrangement. Side effects were graded on a 1–4 scale, adapted from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force criteria. Results: No significant differences in acute rectal or bladder toxicity were seen between the two treatment techniques ( p > 0.6 for all comparisons). The 5-year Kaplan–Meier risks of Grade 2 or higher late bladder toxicity were 20% and 9% for 70-Gy and 78-Gy groups, respectively (log rank, p = 0.8). The 5-year risks of Grade 2 or higher late rectal toxicity were 14% and 21% for 70 Gy and 78 Gy, respectively ( p = 0.4). Dose–volume histogram analysis of the 78-Gy patients showed a significant correlation between the percentage of rectum irradiated to 70 Gy or greater and the likelihood of developing late rectal complications. Patients with more than 25% of the rectum receiving 70 Gy or greater had a 5-year risk of Grade 2 or higher complications of 37% compared to 13% for patients with 25% or less ( p = 0.05). All three Grade 3 complications occurred when greater than 30% of the rectum received 70 Gy or more. Conclusion: The overall rate of complications was similar in both treatment arms. However, there is evidence for a significant increase in late rectal complications when more than 25% of the rectum received 70 Gy or greater. This parameter may serve as a benchmark for the design of future three-dimensional conformal trials.
Overview of the use of ultrasonic technologies in research on wood properties

Two ultrasonic technologies, acoustic emission and acousto-ultrasonics, are reviewed in terms of characteristics and applications to wood and wood-based materials. The background is given on the two technologies, including the effect of wood on wave propagation and sensitivity to defects and other properties. The factors that affect wave injection and processing are reviewed for each technology. Four applications are given as examples: particleboard springback, creep/creep-rupture, adhesive curing, and deterioration detection. Recent developments in the technologies are discussed.
Insulin or increased concentration of zinc in liver, kidney or muscle does not alter the phosphoglucomutase activity in vivo.

Abstract Injection of insulin into mice and rabbit has been reported to convert the latent form of phosphoglucomutase (E · Zn) to an active form (E · Mg) without any net increase in the protein associated with this enzyme (Hashimoto et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 27 (1967) 369 and Peck et al., J. Biol. Chem. 242 (1971) 1160). Because the injection of Cd in rats causes a 2-fold increase in Zn concentration in the liver, it appeared that such treatment in mice would increase the concentration of the latent enzyme and thereby enhance the insulin induced activation of the enzyme. The results however show that insulin or Cd treatment, alone or in combination do not alter the concentrations of the 2 forms of enzyme in liver, kidney or muscle of normal or fasted mice. In all instances the conversion of the latent enzyme to its activated form required preincubation with a chelating agent. Fractionation of the tissue homogenates showed that upon Cd injection the concentration of Zn in the fractions of M r less and 1000 increased 6-fold in liver and 3-fold in kidney, that in muscle remained unchanged.
Regulation of the synthesis of adenylate cyclase in Escherichia coli by the cAMP -- cAMP receptor protein complex.

The synthesis of the adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphatelyase-(cyclizing), E.C. 4.6.1.1.] of Escherichia coli, appears to be regulated negatively by the cAMP receptor protein CRP. This conclusion is based on a comparison of adenylate cyclase activities measured in vitro with the rates of cAMP synthesis by intact bacteria. The activity of adenylate cyclase, depending on conditions of growth, is also regulated by CRP; this effect, however, is indirect insofar as it is mediated by a protein or proteins under CRP control.
Constructing the story: How nurses work with families regarding withdrawal of aggressive treatment in ICU – A narrative study

Abstract Background Specific communication practices used by experienced intensive care nurses who are comfortable working with dying patients and their families in ICU to reach consensus on withdrawal of aggressive treatment and shift to palliative care are lacking in the literature. However, there are seven international qualitative studies relevant to this research. Important themes related to communication were composed of four elements: general communication and relationship building, recognizing the need to transition to palliative care, facilitating palliative care, and providing dignified care through to death. Aim To describe the specific communication practices experienced intensive care nurses' comfortable working with dying patients' use with families to negotiate consensus on withdrawal of aggressive treatment and/or shift to palliative are at end of life. Design A qualitative narrative study. Method Purposeful sampling was used to recruit nineteen experienced intensive care nurses. A narrative approach was used for data collection and analysis. Results Consistent with narrative inquiry the results describe an overall plot: "constructing the story" and five subplots that identify and describe communicative actions relevant to the plot. The five subplots are: (A) organizing and interpreting knowledge of different kinds from different sources; (B) learning who the patient is as a person and putting the medical diagnosis into the biographical life of the patient; (C) helping families see the deteriorating status of the patient; (D) imagining and acting on moral possibilities for end of life care; and (E) facilitating saying goodbye – the end of the story. Conclusion Findings from this study enrich the understanding of how experienced nurses who are comfortable with dying patients communicate with families as they navigate the difficult path of transitioning from aggressive care to palliative care for their significant other in the intensive care unit. This research provides a beginning language that can enable caregivers to talk about and reflect on the complex communication necessary for good end of life care. The findings of this study have major implications for clinical practice and interdisciplinary education.
Calibration of rheological techniques used for foods

Abstract It is essential that rheological instruments be calibrated in fundamental units based on functions of mass, length, and time; for example, shear rate, shear stress and the geometrical dimensions of those parts of the instrument that are in contact with the food. This calibration is sufficient for engineering design purposes such as designing pumps, pipelines and heat transfer equipment. However, although essential, this calibration is not sufficient if the measurements are intended to predict sensory correlation of textural properties and mouthfeel of foods. The rheological techniques must also be calibrated against people because people use different rheological techniques for different foods. If an inappropriate rheological technique is used for a given food or inappropriate test conditions are used, there will be a disappointingly low correlation between sensory evaluation of texture and the instrument reading no matter how well the instrument is physically calibrated and operated.
Effect of low-dose human growth hormone on carbohydrate metabolism in children with hypopituitarism.

Carbohydrate metabolism was studied in nine growth hormone-deficient children before and one year after treatment with human growth hormone (HGH). Before treatment the mean plasma immunoreactive insulin concentrations following administration of glucose and tolbutamide were significantly reduced. After one year of HGH therapy the mean plasma immunoreactive insulin levels in response to glucose and tolbutamide were greater than before treatment. The pattern of response of plasma free fatty acids, which was abnormal before treatment, returned to normal with therapy. The improvement in insulin responsiveness following HGH suggests that in the absence of growth hormone pancreatic beta cells have a decreased capacity to release insulin which improves following therapy. The effect of HGH on growth may be due, in part, to its insulinogenic activity.
Double-stranded cleavage of pBR322 by a diiron complex via a "hydrolytic" mechanism.

Abstract Treatment of plasmid pBR322 with Fe2-(HPTB)(OH)(NO3)4(HPTB = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopr opane) and H2O2 or O2 and a reductant (dithiothreitol or ascorbate) results in double-stranded cleavage of the plasmid. The linearization of supercoiled pBR322 by this complex is not inhibited by hydroxyl radical scavengers. On the other hand, the linearized pBR322 is efficiently religated by T4 DNA ligase, and the presence of 3'-OH and 5'-OPO3 ends is corroborated by 3'- and 5'-end-labeling studies. These observations indicate that cleavage results from hydrolysis of the DNA-phosphate backbone, which is proposed to occur by nucleophilic attack of the bound peroxide on the phosphodiester. Double-stranded cleavage by the Fe2(HPTB)(OH)(NO3)4/H2O2 adduct preferentially occurs between bp 3489 and 3485 of pBR322.
Fast, electrically tunable filters for hyperspectral imaging

Tunable, narrow-wavelength spectral filters with a ms response in the mid-wave/long-wave infrared (MW/LWIR) are an enabling technology for hyperspectral imaging systems. Few commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components for this application exist, including filter wheels, movable gratings, and Fabry-Perot (FP) etalon-based devices. These devices can be bulky, fragile and often do not have the required response speed. Here, we present a fundamentally different approach for tunable reflective IR filters, based on coupling subwavelength plasmonic antenna arrays with liquid crystals (LCs). Our device operates in reflective mode and derives its narrow bandwidth from diffractive coupling of individual antenna elements. The wavelength tunability of the device arises from electrically-induced re-orientation of the LC material in intimate contact with antenna array. This re-orientation, in turn, induces a change in the local dielectric environment of the antenna array, leading to a wavelength shift. We will first present results of full-field optimization of micron-size antenna geometries to account for complex 3D LC anisotropy. We have fabricated these antenna arrays on IR-transparent CaF2 substrates utilizing electron beam lithography, and have demonstrated tunability using 5CB, a commercially available LC. However, the design can be extended to high-birefringence liquid crystals for an increased tuning range. Our initial results demonstrate <60% peak reflectance in the 4- 6 μm wavelength range with a tunability of 0.2 μm with re-orientation of the surface alignment layers. Preliminary electrical switching has been demonstrated and is being optimized.
Unstable electron pairing and the energy loan model of enzyme catalysis

Abstract A theory of enzyme catalysis is described which utilizes a thermodynamically consistent construction of a free energy diagram with different pathways for complex formation and decomposition. The switch to the decomposition pathway occurs when downward uncertainty and thermal fluctuations make possible a short-lived potential energy dominance in which parallel spin electrons are paired and thus free to drop below the energy floor normally maintained by the Pauli exclusion principle. Such pairing is possible if van der Waal's and other weak interactions holding the complex together impose confinement constraints on parallel spin electrons, thereby both increasing uncertainty fluctuations in their kinetic energy and weakly favoring a phase correlation in their motion (which can be interpreted in terms of an exchange of virtual particles). The paired configuration is highly unstable and thus energy released by pair falling is either immediately recaptured to re-establish a normal orbital structure or, if the pair persists long enough to produce a nuclear motion, recaptured at the end of this motion. In the latter case the release of energy can be thought of as an energy loan which finances the switch to the lower activation energy pathway without compromising an energy-balanced regeneration of the enzyme. The advantage is that the complex (because of its instability) has a real free energy which is lower than the free energy which would be assigned to it on the basis of its equilibrium concentration. This increases the specificity and speed of complex formation without decreasing the speed of decomposition. The theory predicts that the magnetic moment which marks the pair should accompany the nuclear (e.g. allosteric) motion and that the pair formation stage of the enzymatic process should have an anomalous temperature dependence. Variations of the model may be constructed to deal with a number of processes involving macromolecular motions, including sequential processes in catalysis, allosteric control, persistent molecular motions, self-assembly, energy transfer, channeled transport, and protection against inhibitors.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears in skeletally immature patients: meniscal pathology at presentation and after attempted conservative treatment.

Abstract We evaluated 12 skeletally immature patients with acute, intrasubstance tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and open physes for meniscal pathology. Arthrograms were completed in 10 of 12 patients, and subsequent arthroscopy confirmed 8 meniscal tears (4 medial, 4 lateral) in 6 patients. Four patients with repairable menisci underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and stabilization. Eight patients received quadriceps and hamstrings rehabilitation and returned to sports with a brace. After return to sports, all braced patients developed instability with multiple episodes of "giving way". Average time from initial injury to first episode of instability was 7 months. Seven patients sustained further meniscal damage an average of 15 months (range 7–27 months) after initial injury. We conclude that meniscal pathology is commonly associated with ACL tears in skeletally immature patients and we recommend arthrography or arthroscopy to evaluate patients with suspected ACL tears. Brace management did not prevent instability or new meniscal tears.
Test of the definition of learning disability based on the difference between IQ and achievement

A learning disability is commonly defined as a discrepancy between IQ and achievement. This has been criticized for identifying too many children as having a learning disability who have high IQs and average academic achievement. Such overidentification as actually occurred was assessed in 473 referred children (8-16 years, M= 10, SD=2) with normal intelligence. Learning disability was defined as a significant discrepancy (p<.05) between predicted and obtained achievement in reading, mathematics, or written expression on the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test. Predicted achievement was based on the child's WISC-III Full Scale IQ. Overidentification was considered to occur when a child scored at or above age level in reading, mathematics, and writing but still had a significant discrepancy between predicted and obtained achievement by virtue of a high IQ. Learning disability was diagnosed in 312 (66%) of the children. There was no overidentification because all children had one or more WIAT scores below the normative level for their age, i.e., < 100. Further, only 7% of the children were identified with a learning disability based on a WIAT score in the 90s. These children had a mean IQ of 123 and were rated by their teachers and parents as having learning problems.