cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of migraine on health care utilization and expenses in obese adults: a US population-based study

Purpose Migraine prevalence increases in people with obesity, and obesity may contribute to migraine chronicity. Yet, few studies examine the effect of comorbid migraine on health care utilization and expenses in obese US adults. This study aimed to identify risk factors for migraine and compare the use of health care services and expenses between migraineurs and non-migraineurs in obese US adults. Subjects and methods This 7-year retrospective study used longitudinal panel data from 2006 to 2013 from the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to identify obese adults reporting migraines. Outcomes compared in migraineurs vs non-migraineurs were as follows: annualized per-person medical care, prescription drug, and total health expenses. Results In 23,596 obese adults, 4.7% reported migraine (n=1,025) approximating 3 million civilian noninstitutionalized US individuals. Logistic regression showed that the following sociodemographic characteristics increased migraine risk: age (18-45 years), females, White race, poor perceived health status, and greater Charlson comorbidity index. Migraineurs showed US$1,401 (P=0.007), US$813 (P<0.001), and US$2,213 (P=0.001) greater annual medical, prescription drug, and total health expenses than non-migraineurs, respectively. After adjustment, total health expenses increased by 31.6% in migraineurs vs non-migraineurs. Conclusion In this US adult obese population, migraineurs showed greater total health care utilization and expenses than non-migraineurs. Treatment plans that address risk factors associated with migraine and comorbidities may help reduce the utilization of health care services and costs.
A temporal shift in resource allocation facilitates flowering before leaf out and spring vessel maturation in precocious species.

Premise of the study New growth in the spring requires resource mobilization in the vascular system at a time when xylem and phloem function are often reduced in seasonally cold climates. As a result, the timing of leaf out and/or flowering could depend on when the vascular system resumes normal function in the spring. This study investigated whether flowering time is influenced by vascular phenology in plants that flower precociously before they have leaves. Methods Flower, leaf, and vascular phenology were monitored in pairs of precocious and non-precocious congeners. Differences in resource allocation were quantified by measuring bud dry mass and water content throughout the year, floral hydration was modelled, and a girdling treatment completed on branches in the field. Key results Precocious flowering species invested more in floral buds the year before flowering than did their non-precocious congeners, thus mobilizing less water in the spring, which allowed flowering before new vessel maturation. Conclusions A shift in the timing of resource allocation in precocious flowering plants allowed them to flower before the production of mature vessels and minimized the significance of seasonal changes in vascular function to their flowering phenology. The low investment required to complete floral development in the spring when the plant vascular system is often compromised could explain why flowers can emerge before leaf out.
The Use of Distraction Osteogenesis in the Treatment of Rickets-Associated Craniosynostosis

Background Craniosynostosis has a known association with rickets. Because of abnormal bone development and a tendency for patients with rickets to present at an older age than most patients with craniosynostosis, repair may be complicated by inadequate cranial expansion and greater risk of sutural re-fusion. We present 2 cases of rickets-associated sagittal craniosynostosis and show the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis in the surgical management of this condition. Case Description Two 3-year-old boys with rickets presented with sagittal synostosis and marked scaphocephalic deformity. Cranial osteotomies were performed followed by placement of 2 internal distractors. The devices were activated daily for 30 days to achieve a target transverse cranial distraction of 30 mm. A subsequent period of 10–12 weeks allowed for adequate bone consolidation. At the time of device removal, the final breadth of distraction and the quality of new bone formed was assessed. Distraction distance in both cases was verified intraoperatively to be 30 mm. Clinical examination confirmed that the distraction gaps were bridged by solid bone. The treatment protocol resulted in a significant improvement in cranial proportion in both patients, which was maintained at long-term follow-up. Estimated blood loss was high in both cases, presumably related to the hyperemic nature of rickets bone. Conclusions Distraction osteogenesis promotes bone growth and cranial remodeling in patients with craniosynostosis caused by rickets. The technique allows for continuous incremental expansion of both bone and scalp tissue. We recommend consideration of distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of older children with severe deformity related to craniosynostosis, including those with rickets.
Leptin and the Neural Circuit Regulating body Weight and Metabolism

In mammals, a robust physiologic system acts to maintain relative constancy of weight. A key element of this system is leptin. Leptin is an adipocyte hormone that functions as the afferent signal in a negative feedback loop regulating body weight. Leptin also functions as a key link between nutrition and the function of many other physiologic systems. When at their “normal” weight (i.e., normal for that individual), individuals produce a given amount of leptin and in turn maintain a state of energy balance. Weight gain results in an increased plasma leptin level which elicits a biologic response characterized in part by a state of negative energy balance. Weight loss among both lean and obese subjects results in decreased plasma levels of leptin, which leads to a state of positive energy balance and a number of other physiologic responses. Implicit in this construct is that weight is set at different levels among different individuals.
Orbicularis oculi muscle reinnervation confers corneal protective advantages over static interventions alone in the subacute facial palsy patient

BACKGROUND Corneal protection is a priority in flaccid facial palsy patients. Denervation of the orbicularis oculi muscle results in weak palpebral closure and predisposes patients to severe corneal sequelae. While periorbital static procedures enhance corneal coverage in repose, voluntary closure is only regained through dynamic reinnervation of the muscle. This study aims to elucidate the added effect of dynamic reinnervation of the orbicularis oculi muscle on long-term corneal integrity as well as on dynamic closure of the palpebral aperture. METHODS Retrospective review was performed on two groups of complete palsy patients: those who received solely periorbital static procedures and those who underwent concomitant orbicularis oculi muscle reinnervation and static lid procedures. Only patients with complete ophthalmic examinations were included. Corneal punctate epithelial erosions in addition to static and dynamic palpebral measurements were serially assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS Of 272 facial palsy patients, 26 fit the inclusion criteria. Eleven patients underwent combined muscle reinnervation involving facial-to-masseteric nerve coaptation in addition to static eye procedures, and 15 patients underwent solely static interventions. Analysis revealed a 65.3 percent lower mean punctate epithelial erosion score in reinnervation patients as compared with static patients when evaluated at more than 9 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). Reinnervation patients were also found to have 25.3 percent greater palpebral aperture closure (p < 0.05) and 32.8 percent higher closure velocity (p < 0.01) compared with static patients. CONCLUSION In patients with subacute facial palsy, dynamic reanimation of the orbicularis oculi muscle with concomitant static interventions provides lasting corneal protection not seen in patients who receive solely static interventions. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.
A Three-Level Boost Converter With Full-Range Auto-Capacitor-Compensation Pulse Frequency Modulation

A three-level boost converter enables efficient voltage step-up power conversion with high power density by reducing the inductance and blocking voltage requirements in a conventional boost converter. An auto-capacitor-compensation pulse frequency modulation (ACC-PFM) controller, combining peak and valley current-mode controls, is proposed to resolve the issue of unbalanced flying capacitor voltage, as well as to regulate the output voltage. The capacitor balance is further strengthened through a delay-equalized level shifter that generates duty ratios with only sub-nanosecond deviations. The step-up power conversion from the input voltage of 0.3–3.0 V to the output voltage of 2.4–5.0 V is demonstrated through a prototype converter implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process with 0.28 mm2 active area. This converter achieves 96.8% peak efficiency and an 83-mA peak output current, with an 8 $\times $ peak step-up conversion ratio.
More than Collection Development: Using Local Citation Analysis to Begin a Career in Business Librarianship

This study shares the results of a citation analysis performed on the publications of the faculty of the College of Business at a large public university in the southern United States for the years...
Do renewable portfolio standards in the United States stunt renewable electricity development beyond mandatory targets

Abstract Building upon the literatures of policy stringency, policy effectiveness and clean technological change, this paper explores the question of whether the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) serves as a floor or a cap on renewable electricity capacity deployment in the U.S. In particular, we examine the effect of RPS policy stringency on renewable electricity capacity additions beyond compliance. A panel dataset from 1998 to 2017 is constructed for 28 states that have adopted a mandatory RPS in this timeframe. Using hybrid random effects negative binomial regression models, we find that when constrained by renewable electricity potential capacity (potential capacity
Colorful Reflections: Skin Tone, Reflected Race, and Perceived Discrimination among Blacks, Latinxs, and Whites

How do Black, Latinx, and White people who believe they are mistaken as a member of another racial group perceive the amount of racial discrimination they experience, and what role does skin tone play? Using the Texas Diversity Survey (TDS), I analyze the amount of discrimination Black people, Latinxs, and Whites report when they believe others do not see them as their self-identified race. The data show that skin tone is connected to racial identity mismatch for all aforementioned groups. In addition, Latinxs with lighter- or darker-skin who believe others see them as Latinx report more racial discrimination than medium-skinned Latinxs who believe strangers do not see them as Latinx; Whites with darker-skin who believe others see them as White report less discrimination; and age is one of the most significant predictors of discrimination for Black and White respondents. I suggest that the Black-White binary continues to divide Black and White people across identity measures and emphasizes how racial identity is quite complex for Latinxs. The inter-related nature of these concepts means that if we better understand one aspect, we have a more accurate conceptualization of race in the twenty-first century and are closer to exposing the various factors connected to racial discrimination, particularly as the percentage of racial minorities in the USA increases. This timely work has implications for racial discrimination among relatively stable groups (Black and White people) and the largest and fastest growing minority group in the USA (Latinxs).
The E-Bike Potential: Estimating regional e-bike impacts on greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have been found to offer a promising solution to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of a region’s passenger transportation system. Using data from a North American survey of e-bike owners, a mode replacement model was adapted and augmented to consider the case of Portland, OR for various levels of e-bike person miles traveled (PMT) mode share penetration. It was estimated that for a 15% e-bike PMT mode share, car trip mode share could be reduced from 84.7% to 74.8%. Total car PMT per day could be reduced from 28.9 million to 25.5 million. Furthermore, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from passenger transportation could be reduced by 12% after accounting for e-bike emissions from electricity generation and induced e-bike trips. An individual e-bike could provide an average reduction of 225 kg CO2 per year. These estimates show that e-bikes have the potential to help cities and regions achieve their climate goals. Additionally, this research can be used to support policies and programs necessary to facilitate the growth of this emerging mode to realize carbon reduction impacts.
Plenty of Blame to Spread Around: Dystopia(nism) and the Cold War

The willingness of both the United States and the Soviet Union to defend their ostensibly incompatible ideologies with tens of thousands of nuclear weapons presented a ready-made situation for dystopian fiction’s ironic troubling of utopian propositions. Many of the most immediately recognisable dystopian works from the Cold War arose from the two superpowers or from nations allied with them. As the chapter examines, such relatively familiar works tended to criticise inherent flaws within one or both of the Cold War’s dominant ideologies. However, the chapter also addresses the extensive body of dystopian literature produced by authors from the ‘non-aligned’ nations and that collectively revealed how the Cold War indirectly and directly deformed the societies it dismissively lumped together as the ‘Third World’.
Home food environment and associations with weight and diet among U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study.

The home provides the physical and social context for the majority of eating behaviors for U.S. adults. This study describes eleven dimensions of the home food environment among a national sample of U.S. adults and identifies which are associated with diet quality and overweight/obesity. A national sample of U.S. adults ages 18 to 75 was recruited from an online survey panel. Respondents (n = 4942) reported on foods available in the home, including 1) fruit and vegetables, 2) salty snacks/sweets, 3) less healthy beverages, as well as 4) food placement, 5) shopping practices for fruits and vegetables, 6) food preparation, 7) portion control methods, 8) family meals from restaurants, 9) family household practices around TV and eating, 10) presence of a TV in the dining area, and 11) ownership of a scale. Self-reported height and weight, fruit and vegetable intake, and percent calories from fat were also assessed. Mean household size was 2.6, 32.7% had children in the home, and 23.1% lived alone. The majority were White (67.7%), with 12.3% Black and 14.3% Hispanic. Mean age was 44.4 and 48.3% were men. In multivariable models, seven features of the home food environment were associated with meeting the recommended fruit and vegetable intake guidelines, with food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables available in the home most strongly associated. Eight of 11 features were associated with percent energy from fat, including restaurant food for family meals, salty snacks and sweets availability, less healthy beverages availability, food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, family eating with the TV on, and having a TV in the dining area. More diverse fruit and vegetable availability was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity, and more frequent family eating while watching TV was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity. Targeting these dimensions of the home food environment may be a promising approach for future intervention research.
Healing takes nerve.

Epidermal stem cells display remarkable capacities to restore the barrier upon skin injury. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Huang et al. (2021) use innovative high-resolution intravital imaging to identify a vital function of sensory nerves in regulating a subset of epidermal stem cells for wound repair.
Which Socioeconomic Factors Affect Outcomes Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Studies have shown that lower socioeconomic status may result in adverse outcomes following total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The optimal method of defining socioeconomic status, however, continues to be debated. The purpose of this study was to determine which socioeconomic variables are associated with poor outcomes following THA and TKA. Methods We reviewed a consecutive series of 2,770 primary THA and TKA patients from 2015-2018. Utilizing census data based upon the patient’s ZIP code, we extracted poverty, unemployment, high school graduation, and vehicle possession rates. We collected demographics, comorbidities, discharge disposition, 90-day readmissions, and postoperative functional outcome scores for each patient. We then performed a multivariate regression analysis to identify the effect of each socioeconomic variable on post-operative outcomes. Results Patients from areas with high unemployment (p=0.008) and low high school graduation rates (p=0.019) had a higher age adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index. High poverty levels, high unemployment, lower high school graduation rate, and lower vehicle possession rates did not have a significant effect on functional outcomes (all p>0.05). In multivariate analysis, no socioeconomic variable demonstrated an increased rates of rehabilitation discharge, revision, or readmission (all p>0.05). Conclusions Patients undergoing THA and TKA from areas with high unemployment and lower educational levels do have more medical comorbidities. However, none of the four socioeconomic variables studied are independently associated with higher rates of readmission, discharge to rehabilitation, or worse functional outcomes. Patients from disadvantaged areas should not be denied access to arthroplasty care based on socioeconomic status alone.
When Houses of Worship Go Empty: The Effects of State Restrictions on Well-being Among Religious Adherents

Using panel data on over 50,000 individuals between March 2020 and May 2021, this paper investigates the effects of state house of worship restrictions on subjective well-being (SWB). My identification strategy exploits plausibly exogenous variation in the timing of these policies on religious adherents with their non-religious counterparts before versus after the adoption of the state restrictions. The adoption of these restrictions led to a 0.094 standard deviation reduction in current life satisfaction and a 4.1 percentage point rise in self isolation among the religious, relative to their counterparts. Numeric caps are more harmful for SWB than percentage caps. The results are robust to a wide array of controls, including income, political affiliation, economic sentiment, industry, and occupation. Moreover, they are robust to state times time fixed effects, which exploit variation between religious and non-religious adherents after controlling for all shocks common in the same state over time.
Reconstructing Clovis Landscape Use at Multiple Spatial Scales from the Mockingbird Gap Site, New Mexico

This chapter addresses the archaeology and paleoecology of Clovis hunter-gatherers in the Rio Grande rift valley and adjacent regions of northwest New Mexico. We focus particularly on the Mockingbird Gap Site and associated collections of Clovis stone tools from the central Rio Grande rift region. We review the Clovis archaeological record from Mockingbird Gap and the region surrounding the site. We then examine the projectile point assemblages at the site and regional scales in terms of dimensions and raw material use. These data are used to construct a model of Clovis paleoecology in the greater Southwest.
Tokamak poloidal magnetic field measurements accurate for unlimited time durations

A new hybrid method and apparatus is presented for poloidal magnetic field measurement, suitable for use in steady-state control of tokamak plasma shape, position, and current. [An invention disclosure has been filed.] It combines two different magnetic field principles (induction and torque) into a single hybrid measurement apparatus, thus in one device providing accurate magnetic field measurement over the entire frequency spectrum from DC to several kilohertz.
Effects of modification of ε-amino groups on the interaction of κ and αs1-caseins.

Abstract 1. 1.|The reaction of κ-casein B and α s 1 - casein C with formaldehyde suggested that their free amino groups might be essential for their native functions. Other amino group-modifying reagents were then employed since the specificity of formaldehyde is doubtful. 2. 2.|The capacity of κ-casein B for stabilizing α s 1 - casein C in the presence of Ca2+ is abruptly abolished after five of its nine positively charged lysine residues per molecule (monomer mol. wt., 19 000) are converted to uncharged homocitrulline residues by carbamylation. A marked decrease in sedimentation coefficient at 1% protein concentration coincided with the loss of protective colloid function of carbamylated κ-casein B. These findings indicate that changes in conformation and/or aggregation of κ-casein B occur due to the increase in net negative charge that accompanied carbamylation of the fifth lysine residue per molecule. 3. 3.|In other experiments the lysine residues of κ- and α s - caseins were converted to homoarginine, e-N,N- dimethyllysine and e-N- isopropyllysine residues. Such modification retains the charges of the lysine residues while sterically hindering their e-amino groups. Since the native properties of the κ-casein B and α s 1 - casein C were conserved, it seems doubtful that a specific e-amino group is critically involved in the interaction of these proteins.
Targets and Approaches for Cancer Drug Discovery

Although significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer have been made in the past decade, there remains a compelling need for more effective therapies for the treatment of many different types of cancer. Accurate predictive diagnostic tools are necessary to identify the molecular defects of tumors to allow for individualized targeted therapy. This chapter provides an introduction to the field of cancer drug discovery, focusing on a subset of current targets and giving a brief overview of approaches for identification of leads and sources of materials for drug discovery efforts. Keywords: EGFR signaling; mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR); telomerase; aurora kinases; heat shock protein 90
Activation of guanylate cyclase by arachidonic acid in mammary gland homogenates from mice.

Abstract Arachidonic acid stimulated guanylate cyclase activity about two fold in homogenates of mammary glands obtained from midpregnant mice; effects of arachidonic acid were observed during incubation periods between 5 and 20 minuted. Stimulatory effects of arachidonic acid on guanylate cyclase activity were observed when 10 to 100 μg arachidonic acid was added to the reaction mixtures (150 μl). When 250 μg or more arachidonic acid was added to the reaction mixtures, the activity of guanylate cyclase was inhibited. Other fatty acids including linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid also stimulated guanylate cyclase activity but neither arachidic acid nor stearic acid had an effect. The arachidonic acid stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity was abolished by incubation with indomethacin and aspirin, thus suggesting the arachidonic acid effect may be carried out via the prostaglandins. A variety of prostaglandins, however, at several concentrations did not stimulate guanylate cyclase activity when added to the reaction mixtures. The failure of the prostaglandins to have an effect may be due to several reasons which are discussed.
Rooftop Detection and 3D Building Modeling from Aerial Images

This paper presents a new procedure for rooftop detection and 3D building modeling from aerial images. After an over-segmentation of the aerial image, the rooftop regions are coarsely detected by employing multi-scale SIFT-like features and visual object recognition. In order to refine the detected result and remove the non-rooftop regions, we further resort to explore the 3D information of the rooftop by 3D reconstruction. Wherein, we employ a hierarchical strategy to obtain the corner correspondence between images based on an asymmetry correlation corner matching. We determine whether a candidate region is a rooftop or not according to its height information relative to the ground plane. Finally, the 3D building model with texture mapping based on one of the images is given. Experimental results are shown on real aerial scenes.
Recovery Factors Affecting Utilization of Small Pediatric Donor Kidneys

Kidneys from small pediatric donors are underutilized. Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for donors <21 kg in which at least one organ was recovered from 1997 to 2007 (n = 3341), donor and recovery factors were evaluated by multivariate analysis for associations with (a) kidney nonrecovery and (b) transplantation of recovered kidneys. Results: The proportion of kidney recoveries were 55% during liver procurements and 40% during intestine procurements amongst donors <10 kg (p < 0.01) compared to 93% and 88%, respectively, for donors weighing 10–20 kg (p = 0.003). Intestine procurement was independently associated with an 81% greater likelihood of kidney nonrecovery (p < 0.0001) and a 48% lower likelihood of transplantation (p = 0.0004). A multivariate Cox model indicated that single kidney recipients had a 63% higher risk of graft failure compared with en bloc kidney recipients (p < 0.0001); however, concurrent intestine recovery was not a significant risk factor for graft loss. Intestine recovery from donors <21 kg of age is strongly associated with higher kidney nonrecovery and lower transplantation rates. Graft survival is worse with single kidney transplantation, but is not significantly affected by intestine recovery. Small pediatric donors procurement teams should strive to increase kidney recoveries overall and en bloc recoveries in particular.
Neisseria elongata prosthetic valve endocarditis: case report and literature review

Introduction: Neisseria elongata, a Gram-variable, rod-shaped organism, was previously thought to be non-pathogenic. However, in recent years it has become increasingly recognized as a rare cause of infective endocarditis. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we describe the first case of bivalvular prosthetic valve endocarditis due to N. elongata. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old Taiwanese man with history of Streptococcus viridans endocarditis status post prosthetic mitral and aortic valve replacements presented with a 2-week history of progressive fatigue and altered mental status. He presented with fever, lethargy and shock. He was intubated and started on vasopressors. A systolic murmur was noted with leukocytosis and acute renal failure. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. An initial trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) did not reveal vegetation, but showed an elevated aortic valve gradient of 70 mmHg consistent with severe aortic stenosis. A repeat TOE revealed multiple mobile and immobile mitral and aortic valve vegetations with an abscess extending toward the aortic valve. Three sets of positive blood cultures from admission identified N. elongata. Antibiotics were tailored to ceftriaxone. He underwent urgent aortic and mitral valve replacement. He completed a 6-week course of ceftriaxone. At discharge, two-dimensional echo revealed normal heart function with normal prosthetic mitral and aortic valves. Conclusion: N. elongata is an uncommon, but increasingly recognized, cause of infective endocarditis. It causes severe valvular destruction with systemic complications and often requires surgical intervention.
Gedankenexperiment About the e and B Fields, and the Link to Gravitons and by Extension Gravitational Waves in the Early Universe

We examine what Padmanabhan presented in an exercise as of a linkage to (Electromagnetic) E and M fields with Gravitation. The modifications we bring up take the nonrelativistic approximation as the beginning of an order of magnitude estimate as to gravitons, E and M fields, and are by definition linked to the total angular momentum of an initial configuration of ‘particles’ of space-time import. The innovation put into Padmanbhan’/s calculation is to for total mass M, used, to substitute in M ~ N(gravitons) times m(g), where m(g) is about 10^-62 grams, as well as specify distances, for the object spinning as being about Planck length in size, give or take a few orders of magnitude. The results are by definition very crude, and do not take into account relativistic effects, but are probably within an order of magnitude important comparisons
Infrared radiative transfer in dense disks around young stars

A two-dimensional radiative transfer program has been used to determine the temperature distribution within cylindrically symmetric, centrally heated dust clouds. In particular, the disk-shaped structures observed around young luminous stars have been modeled. Changing the dust distribution in these disks primarily affected the observed morphology in the near-infrared and far-infrared, and at millimeter wavelengths. The overall cloud spectrum, however, was mainly determined by the characteristics of the grains themselves. Comparison with published far-infrared and molecular line data has indicated that the dust density can generally be modeled by a power-law distribution in r with index of -2 and an exponential in z with disk thickness proportional to 1/r. When observed nearly edge-on, scattered direct stellar radiation is observed in the polar regions in the form of comet-shaped lobes of emission.
Perinatal Copper Deficiency Alters Rat Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Size and Distribution

Copper is required for activity of several key enzymes and for optimal mammalian development, especially within the central nervous system. Copper-deficient (CuD) animals are visibly ataxic, and previous studies in rats have demonstrated impaired motor function through behavioral experiments consistent with altered cerebellar development. Perinatal copper deficiency was produced in Holtzman rat dams by restricting dietary copper during the last two thirds of gestation and lactation. Male offspring were evaluated at postnatal day 25. Compared to cerebella from copper-adequate pups, the CuD pups had larger Purkinje cell (PC) size and irregularities in the Purkinje cell monolayer. These results suggest that the ataxic behavioral phenotype of CuD rats may result from disrupted inhibitory pathways in the cerebellum. A similar PC phenotype is seen in Menkes disease and in mottled mouse mutants with genetic copper deficiency, suggesting that copper deficiency and not just specific loss of ATP7A function is responsible.
The Nexus of Unity of an Emerson Sentence

In this essay I investigate the unity of Emerson's sentences. I begin by describing the phenomenology of reading Emerson and use that phenomenology to orient the investigation. I propose to understand the unity of Emerson's sentences by using a variation of Frege's strategy for understanding the unity of sentences generally. I then address how the unity of the Emerson sentence serves to create the unity of the Emerson paragraph and even of the Emerson essay. Along the way I compare Emerson's essays to Lancelot Andrewes’ sermons. I finish by using the results of the investigation and comparisons to provide a partial reading of “Experience” in which I shed light on the nature of Emerson's encounter with the problematic of skepticism.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A PIEZOTHERMOELASTIC LAMINATED PLATE

A theory for dynamic analysis of piezothermoelastic laminated plates is presented in this paper. The general dynamic equations, which include mechanical, thermal, and electric effects, are derived based on the anisotropic composite laminated plate theory. Analytical dynamic solutions are obtained for the case of general forces acting on a simply supported piezothermoelastic laminated plate. As a special application of the solutions, we examine the harmonic responses to temperature variation and an electric field. Numerical results illustrate that the deformation amplitudes of a laminated plate can be reduced significantly by adding a layer of piezoelectric material with a harmonic electric field. In addition, the frequency spectrum of the plate can explicitly be solved for the transversely flexural modes as well as the extensional modes.
Observation of crack closure in Nicalon/CAS composites

For clarification of the issue of crack closure, an investigation was performed to draw definitive conclusions about the occurrence of crack closure and its effects on hysteresis loop shape. From the evaluation of the hysteresis loops at various minimum stresses, a regime in which crack closure operates may then be determined. The composite investigated consists of a calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) glass-ceramic matrix reinforced with 40 vol% continuous, unidirectional Nicalon silicon carbide fibres
String motion in five-brane geometry.

The classical motion of a test string in the transverse space of two types of heterotic five-brane sources is fully analyzed, for arbitrary instanton scale size. The singular case is treated as a special case and does not arise in the continuous limit of zero instanton size. We find that the orbits are either circular or open, which is a solitonic analogy with the motion of an electron around a magnetic monopole, although the system we consider is quantitatively different. We emphasize that at long distance this geometry does not satisfy the inverse square law, but satisfies the inverse cubic law. If the five-brane exists in nature and this structure survives after any proper compactification, this last result can be used to test classical "stringy" effects.
The decrease in size and synthetic activity of poliovirus polysomes late in the infectious cycle

Abstract Poliovirus-induced polysomes in infected HeLa cells have been examined during the course of the infectious cycle with respect to (1) sedimentation behavior, (2) the average number of host cell ribosomes per viral messenger RNA molecule, and (3) the spectrum of capsid and noncapsid virus specific polypeptide chains being synthesized. It was found that the polysomes are large (380 S) and indistinguishable in size during most of the RNA replicative cycle. Late in infection, however, the average size of the virus polysomes decreases. The average number of ribosomes in the largest polysomes is about 35 per viral mRNA molecule while in the smaller late-cycle polysomes, which are about 200 S, there are still an average of 20 ribosomes. Furthermore, the rate of protein synthesis per ribosome is considerably decreased in the late cycle polysomes, although the same spectrum of viral proteins is made throughout the replicative cycle.
Histologic evidence for osteopenia and increased bone turnover in ovariectomized rats

Bone histomorphometry was performed in the proximal tibia and lumbar vertebra of female Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to either bilateral ovariectomy or sham surgery. Ovariectomized rats killed 10 weeks after surgery were characterized by osteopenia and histomorphometric indices of increased bone turnover at both skeletal sites. Osteoclast surface and number as well as osteoblast surface and number were significantly increased in ovariectomized rats. Tetracycline-based data were consistent with accelerated bone formation in response to ovariectomy. Active formation surface (double-labeled surface), calcification rate, and bone formation rate (tissue level, total surface referent) were all significantly elevated in the proximal tibia of ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy also increased active formation surface and bone formation rate in the lumbar vertebra, but the vertebral calcification rate was nearly identical in control and ovariectomized rats. Osteopenia and dynamic tetracycline-based estimates of increased bone turnover in ovariectomized animals were more pronounced in the proximal tibia relative to the lumbar vertebra. Longitudinal bone growth in the proximal tibia and mineralization lag time at the tibial cortical endosteal surface were not affected by ovariectomy. These histomorphometric data indicate that ovariectomy induces osteopenia and accelerated skeletal metabolism in rats.
Selecting and implementing a word processor in the library

The ability of word processors to manipulate text quickly and accurately makes them ideal technical processing tools for small libraries without access to more sophisticated automated library systems. The author focuses on her experiences in selecting and implementing a word processor in the Institute for Defense Analyses' library. The section on selection emphasizes the importance of assessing the library's needs and translating these needs into word processing functions. The next step is to select a specific system by comparing and contrasting the system functions, documentation, and vendor reputation for service and support of various word processors. In order to sell the idea to management, a recommendation and justification statement will need to be prepared, showing cost savings and other benefits to be accrued from a word processor. Developing and documenting procedures, setting priorities for implementing applications, developing a timeline for implementation, training, scheduling and reporting should all be part of an implementation plan. The author demonstrates how a word processor can be used for producing catalog cards, monthly accessions bulletins, mailing labels and receipts, journal holdings and journal subscription listings and print publications. Problems encountered in the selection and implementation process are discussed and possible solutions offered.
Testing homology modeling on mutant proteins: predicting structural and thermodynamic effects in the Ala98→Val mutants of T4 lysozyme

Backgound: Current approaches to homology modeling predict how amino acid substitutions will alter a protein's structure, primarily by modeling sidechain conformations upon essentially immobile backbone frameworks. However, recent crystal structures of T4 lysozyme mutants reveal significant shifts of the mainchain and other potentially serious problems for sidechain rotamer-based modeling. This paper evaluates the accuracy of structural and thermodynamic predictions from two common sidechain modeling approaches to measure errors caused by the fixed-backbone approximation. Results: Tested on a series of T4 lysozyme mutants, this sidechain rotamer library approach did not handle mainchain shifts well, correctly predicting the sidechain conformations of only two of six mutants. By contrast, allowing sidechains to move more flexibly appeared to compensate for the rigidity of the mainchain and gave reasonably accurate coordinate predictions (rms errors of 0.5–1.0 a for each mutated sidechain), better on average than 90% of possible conformations. The calculated packing energies correlated well with experimental stabilities (r 2 =0.81) and correctly captured the cooperative interactions of several neighboring mutations. Conclusion: Mutant modeling can be relatively accurate despite the fixed-backbone approximation. Mainchain shifts (0.2–0.5 a) cause increased sidechain coordinate errors of 0.1–0.8 a, torsional errors of 10–30°, and exaggerated strain energy for overpacked mutants, compared with the same calculations performed with the correct mutant backbones.
An ultrastructural study of albinistic B-16 melanoma cells

Abstract Normally pigmented mouse melanoma B-16 cells formed a nonpigmented tumor mass after undergoing a spontaneous mutation while in mice. The cells were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, essential amino acids, and vitamins. After 24 hr of incubation, the cells appeared normal except for the loss of pigment but the tissue culture fluid had turned black. Electron microscopic studies indicated that the ability of these cells to produce melanin had been greatly reduced compared to the standard cells. Neither fragmented cells nor free pigment granules were observed ultrastructurally in the tissue culture fluid. Treatment of the cells with an increased concentration of l -DOPA showed that the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase was functional but may have a reduced activity. The melanin tests performed on the blackened media indicated that the discoloration of the fluid was not due to the presence of exogenous enzymatically formed melanin. Thin-layer chromatography (tlc) was done on fresh and 24-hr-old discolored tissue culture fluid using tyrosine and l -DOPA as controls. The tlc data showed that tyrosine was being removed from the media into the cell and DOPA was being excreted into the media. These results strongly suggest that the autooxidation of DOPA was responsible for the discoloration of the media.
Provably Good Algorithms for Transmission Scheduling in WDM Optical Networks

This paper addresses the problem of scheduling packet transmissions in wavelength-division multiplexed networks with tunable transmitters and fixed-tuned receivers. Unlike previous work which assume that all packets are known in advance, this paper considers theon-linecase in which packets may arrive at any time. An on-line algorithm is presented that achieves a performance ratio of 3 with respect to an optimal off-line algorithm. In addition, off-line algorithms are presented for the case when there are two wavelength channels. Even this special case of the problem is known to be NP-complete and the currently best known algorithm for this case achieves a performance ratio of 2. Using a more rigorous analysis, it is shown that this algorithm has, in fact, a performance ratio of32, and an example is presented where this algorithm achieves this performance ratio even when the tuning delay is zero. Furthermore, for this case a new polynomial-time approximation algorithm is presented with a performance ratio better than32, provided the tuning delay?is less than (32?2)(S/6), whereSis the total number of packets to be transmitted.
To Adhere or not to Adhere: Regulation of Self-Contact Elimination by Membrane Fusion

Mutual, homophilic cell-cell adhesion between epithelial cells is required for proper maintenance of epithelial barrier function. While opposing membranes from neighboring cells rapidly assemble junctional complexes, self-contacting membranes do not, suggesting that cells have the ability to distinguish self from neighboring cells. Using a self-contact inducing micro-fabricated substrate, we show that self-contacts of normal epithelial cells are rapidly eliminated by membrane fusion between two opposing plasma membranes of a single cell. This membrane fusion is most frequently observed in E-cadherin expressing epithelial cells, but not in fibroblasts. The efficiency of self-contact elimination depends on extracellular calcium concentration and the level of E-cadherin, suggesting that E-cadherin, while not required, enhances membrane-fusion efficiency by bringing opposing membranes into close apposition to one another. Additionally, ROCK inhibition decreases self-contact induced membrane fusion of epithelial cells, suggesting that this fusion may be mechanically regulated through the actin-myosin network. This is the first demonstration of self-contact induced membrane fusion in mammalian cells, and that membrane fusion may be a key feature of the cell self-recognition signaling pathway.
The fatty acid composition of the serum chylomicrons and adipose tissue of children with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas

Summary 1. The fatty acid compositions of theserum chylomicrons and of adipose tissues of 15 children with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas and of 12 controls of similar ages but without clinical evidence of impaired intestinal digestion and absorption were determined. 2. The serum chylomicrons of childrenwith cystic fibrosis were found to contain increased amounts of palmitoleic and oleic acids and decreased amounts of palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids. 3. Two types of fatty acid patterns of depot fat are described in children with cystic fibrosis: (a) In the case of little or no absorption of fat the composition of the depot fat reflects active endogenous lipogenesis from carbohydrate; this pattern is also observed in very young infants without cystic fibrosis. (b) In most of the older children with cystic fibrosis the impairment in fat absorption is rarely extreme. In them, the increased tendency to selective absorption of oleic acid is superimposed upon an increased endogenous lipogenesis to produce a pattern characterized by relatively high content of palmitoleic and oleic acids and relatively low content of palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids. This pattern of depot fat is also observed in adults with the malabsorption syndrome. 4. Improvement in the absorption of fatin children with cystic fibrosis following the administration of Cotazym failed to produce a significant change in the abnormal pattern of the depot fat in the majority of the children studied for periods of 3 to 9 months. In fact, the content of oleic acid may continue to increase with Cotazym therapy. 5. In view of the demonstration that oleic acid and perhaps other monounsaturated fatty acids are more readily absorbed than most of the other fatty acids commonly found in foods, a diet with relatively high monounsaturated fatty acid content and low in saturated acids may be helpful in improving the nutritional status of these patients. 6. This study may also serve as a basisfor studying the relationship of diet, and dietary fat in particular, to coronary artery disease.
Ultimate methane yield from beef cattle manure: Effect of temperature, ration constituents, antibiotics and manure age

The effects of temperature, ration constituents, antibiotics and manure age on the ultimate methane yield B0, litre CH4/g volatile solids fed (VSf)) were investigated using 4-litre batch fermenters. The average B0 for fermenters maintained at 30–60°C (at 5°C intervals) was 0·328 litre CH4/g VSf. The B0 at 65°C averaged 0·118 litre CH4/g VSf, but this low yield was attributed to unstable fermentation rather than decreased substrate availability at that temperature. These results agreed well with B0 values estimated from daily-fed fermenters. Chlortetracycline and monensin did not affect B0; however, monensin did delay the start of active fermentation in batch fermenters. The average B0 of manure from cattle fed 91·5, 40 and 7% corn silage were 0·173, 0·132 and 0·290 litre CH4/g VSf, respectively. The average B0 for 6–8 week old manure from a dirt feedlot was 0·210 litre CH4/g VSf.