cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postreplication repair of DNA in human fibroblasts after UV irradiation or treatment with metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene

We have examined the ability of normal fibroblasts and of excision-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and XP variant fibroblasts to perform postreplication DNA repair after increasing doses of either ultraviolet (UV) irradiation or mutagenic benzo(a)pyrene derivatives. XP cells defective in the excision of both UV-induced pyrimidine dimers and guanine adducts induced by treatment with the 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxides of benzo(a)pyrene were partially defective in their ability to synthesize high molecular weight DNA after the induction of both classes of DNA lesions. This defect was more marked in XP variant cells, despite their ability to remove by excision repair both pyrimidine dimers and the diol epoxide-induced lesions to the same degree as observed in normal cells. The benzo(a)pyrene 9,10-oxide had no effect in any of the 3 cell lines. The response of the excision and postreplication DNA repair mechanisms operating in human fibroblasts treated with benzo(a)pyrene 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxides, therefore, appears to resemble closely that seen after the induction of pyrimidine dimers by UV irradiation.
Initial experiences with small group discussions in MOOCs

Peer learning, in which students discuss questions in small groups, has been widely reported to improve learning outcomes in traditional classroom settings. Classroom-based peer learning relies on students being in the same place at the same time to form peer discussion groups, but this is rarely true for online students in MOOCs. We built a software tool that facilitates chat-based peer learning in MOOCs by 1) automatically forming ad-hoc discussion groups and 2) scaffolding the interactions between students in these groups. We report on a pilot deployment of this tool; post-use surveys administered to participants show that the tool was positively received and support the feasibility of synchronous online collaborative learning in MOOCs.
Ultrastable AFM: Improved Stability, Precision, and Bandwidth for Bio-AFM

Enhancing the short-term force precision and temporal resolution of atomic force microscopy (AFM) while maintaining excellent long-term stability would result in improved performance across multiple AFM modalities, including single molecule force spectroscopy. However, instrumental drift in AFM remains a critical issue that limits the precision and duration of experiments. Previously, we developed an active optical stabilization technique to improve tip-sample stability at ambient conditions. However, force drift also occurs via uncontrolled deflection of the zero-force position of the cantilever. We found that the primary source of force drift in liquid for a popular class of soft cantilevers is their gold coating, even though they are coated on both sides to minimize drift. While removing the gold led to ∼10-fold reduction in reflected light, we nonetheless achieved a 10-fold improvement in force stability of bioAFM, with a sub-pN force precision over a broad bandwidth (0.01-20 Hz) just 30 minutes after loading. We subsequently extended AFM's sub-pN bandwidth by a factor of ∼50 to span five decades of bandwidth (Δf ≈ 0.01-1,000 Hz by developing an efficient process to modify a short (L = 40 μm) commercially available cantilever (BioLever Mini) with a focused ion beam (FIB). Measurements of mechanically stretching individual proteins showed improved force precision coupled with state-of-the-art force stability and no significant loss in temporal resolution compared to stiffer, unmodified cantilevers. Ongoing work in our lab extends this concept down to ultrashort cantilevers (L =10 μm) along with instrumental development to detect these cantilevers in a commercial AFM. Such cantilevers enable sensitive detection of protein unfolding and refolding with ∼1 μs time resolution. Importantly, these cantilevers were robust and were reused for SFMS over multiple days. Hence, we expect these responsive, yet stable, cantilevers to broadly benefit diverse AFM-based studies.
A Belted Monofacial Ionophore Featuring High Selectivity for Lithium Ion Complexation.

Despite its preferred equatorial conformation in the solid state and in solution, the cis,cis-trispiro ether 1 binds readily and strongly to lithium ions. The 2:1 sandwich complex 2 is initially formed and transformed progressively into the 1:1 species 3 upon the addition of more LiClO4 .
A selection theorem for quasi-lower semicontinuous mappings in hyperconvex spaces

We prove a continuous selection theorem for quasi-lower semicontinuous mappings with values that are closed sub-admissible subsets of a hyperconvex metric space and apply this result to obtain fixed point theorems in these spaces.
Asparagine synthesis in the chick embryo liver.

Abstract 1. 1. Chick embryo liver homogenates were shown to catalyze the conversion of [ 14 C]aspartic acid to [ 14 C]asparagine in the presence of l -glutamine. 2. 2. [ 14 C]Asparagine synthesis was dependent upon both the mitochondrial and supernatant fractions. Heat treatment, freezing and thawing, dialysis and filtration on Sephadex gels indicated that both fractions contain enzymic factors. 3. 3. The activity of the chick embryo liver system was inhibited by anaerobiosis, cyanide, sulfide, rotenone and 2,4-dinitrophenol. Although these results suggested that asparagine synthesis is dependent upon an energy source, such a requirement could not be demonstrated directly with ATP and ATP-generating systems. Mg 2+ was found to give a stimulation of about 2-fold at concentrations of 1 mM, but became inhibitory at higher levels. 4. 4. The level of activity of homogenates of liver from chick embryos was virtually the same from the 13th day after fertilization to the 17th day and then decreased to 10–15% of that level by the 19th day. Activity was not detectable in livers of newly hatched chicks or adult chickens. 5. 5. Investigation of the activity of mitochondrial and supernatant fractions of 14-day-old chick embryo livers and newly hatched chick livers in synthesizing asparagine showed that the mitochondrial fraction from the older livers was inactive but that the supernatant fraction remains active. Supernatant fractions obtained from chick embryo brain or from adult rat liver were inactive.
p89c-Myb is not required for fetal or adult hematopoiesis

The c-myb gene encodes two proteins, termed p75 and p89. Of these, the larger isoform is transcribed from an alternatively spliced message that contains an additional exon, exon 9A. Disruption of the c-myb locus in mice results in embryonic lethality due to defective hematopoiesis and in the adult, tissue-specific inactivation of c-myb in hematopoietic tissues blocks differentiation along several lineages. The c-myb knock-out mouse models described thus far result in the disruption of both the p75 and p89 isoforms, making it impossible to assign a definitive role to p89(c-Myb) in development and hematopoiesis. We have therefore generated a null-mutant mouse where exon 9A has been systemically deleted that results in the absence of only the p89-myb transcript and protein. Unlike disruption of both forms of the c-myb gene, loss of only the p89-encoding isoform does not have any deleterious effects on mammalian hematopoiesis and development.
The interaction of ultrasound with imperfect interfaces: Experimental studies of model structures

Model specimens are prepared, each of which may be viewed as two sections of similar material joined imperfectly at a planar interface. Measurements of the ultrasonic reflection from, mode conversion at, and/or transmission through these imperfect interfaces, are reported. The interface structures include distributions of pores, contacts, and inclusions. Included are both near-periodic and random cases. As the frequency is increased, the measured reflection coefficients generally show an initially linear increase from zero, followed by a maximum which may exhibit multiple peaks, and a subsequent decay. These results are interpreted in terms of a quasi-static model and an independent scattering model for ultrasonic interactions with imperfect interfaces.
Hypoxia increases velocity of blood flow through parenchymal microvascular systems in rat brain.

The postulation that hypoxia increases local cerebral blood flow (lCBF) mainly by perfusing more capillaries (the capillary recruitment hypothesis) was tested in awake adult male Sprague–Dawley rat...
Yaw Angle and Speed Control of Underwater Vehicle Propelled by Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuator

In this paper, a closed-loop feedback controller is developed for the underwater vehicle propelled by ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator. The dynamics of the underwater vehicle with IPMC actuator are modeled using the large deflection beam model and hydrodynamic forces due to its interaction with the surrounding water. The hydrodynamic force coefficients are identified based on the results of extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The path of the vehicle is controlled by simultaneously controlling the yaw angle and speed of the vehicle using the proportional controllers. Simulation data is utilized to find the relation between control input parameters namely, amplitude and bias of the voltage applied to the IPMC, and yaw angle and speed of the vehicle. In the simulations, frequency of the control input is assumed to be fixed. Simulation results show that the proposed controller can be effectively used to steer the under water vehicles propelled by IPMC.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
In‐House Well Drilling Operations for a Ground Water Monitoring Program, Suffolk County, New York

All public agencies involved in ground water monitoring and protection face the requirement of obtaining well drilling services consistent with their needs. Most will rely on contracted drilling services, but a limited number of agencies having responsibilities for long-term aquifer monitoring and the promulgation of monitoring standards may find that implementing an in-house well drilling program is an effective approach to achieving their ground water protection goals. Suffolk County, located on Long Island, New York, has been operating a well drilling program for 10 years, with three levels of drilling capability to meet the requirements of characterizing and monitoring an unconsolidated regional aquifer system. The program's cost and labor requirements are substantial, but this approach has provided uniformly high-quality data and the hands-on experience needed to test drilling innovations and produce monitoring regulations that are effective and feasible. If soundly organized and run, an agency-directed drilling operation will be readily adaptable to changing needs and priorities. In Suffolk County, this has included emergency response and fuel-spill monitoring. A successful program must also include a demonstrated geologic identification and well logging capability, close laboratory support, and an experienced hydrogeological or ground water engineering staff. This approach may be suitable for other regional agencies based on their ground water conditions and water-supply protection needs.
Dual enrollment lessons and the development of the New Community College at CUNY

In this chapter, the former director of the New Community College Initiative at The City University of New York explains how dual enrollment programs influenced the development of an admissions process, first-year curriculum, and advisement structures at the new institution.
A study of the Rous sarcoma virus by density gradient centrifugation.

Abstract The study of the Rous sarcoma virus in rubidium chloride density gradients shows that the virus has an average buoyant density of approximately 1.18. However, the virus preparations studied contain particles with densities from 1.16 to 1.19. This density heterogeneity does not appear to be an artifact of the techniques used. No evidence could be obtained to support the suggestion that the virus stock consisted of several strains of virus, each with a different, genetically controlled density. It is suggested that the density heterogeneity observed may be due to variation in the amount or composition of the outer membrane of the virus particle.
Bile duct perforation: a complication of large caliber endoprosthesis

Endoscopic retrograde placement of a biliary endoprosthesis has proven to be an effective noninvasive method to palliate malignant biliary obstruction. Although this technique is safer than surgical bypass or percutaneous drainage, complications may still occur. We report a rare late complication, erosion of a large diameter endoprosthesis through the common bile duct into the hepatic parenchyma, and discuss its pathogenesis and treatment.
Erratum to “Element partitioning during precipitation of aragonite from seawater: A framework for understanding paleoproxies” [Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70 (2006) 4617–4634]

ln Ba Ca 1⁄4 2337 270 T 5:3 0:9 ð3Þ The square of the correlation coefficient for the fit is 0.937. On page 4623 Eq. (9) is incorrectly printed. The correct equation is as follows: lnK DH 1⁄4 2913 154 T 9:0 0:5 ð9Þ On page 4627 Eq. (14) and the quoted square of the correlation coefficient are incorrectly printed. The correct equation and r value are as follows: lnD S 1⁄4 9700 700 T þ 31 2 ð14Þ The squares of the correlation coefficients (r) for the fits represented by Eqs. (13)–(15) are 0.989, 0.976, and 0.975, respectively. On page 4632 Eqs. (A2.1) and (A2.4) are incorrectly printed. The correct equations are as follows: D Mg 1⁄4 3:81 10 3 exp 1909 T þ 273:15 ðA2:1Þ D Ba 1⁄4 3:18 10 2 exp 3635 T þ 273:15 ðA2:4Þ
Computing offsets of B-spline curves

Abstract This paper presents a general offset technique valid for non-uniform rational B-spline curves. The offset curve is defined by a new control polygon where each new control point is the offset of a control point of the original curve in a direction given by the normal at the closest point of the curve. The offset factor is related to both the curvature and the distance between the control point and its closest point. Straight lines and inflection points are considered as well as the offset in a direction other than the normal one. One of the main advantages of this technique is to provide a good approximation when the offset cannot be described by a B-spline and an exact result otherwise (for circles, for example).
Sediment-borne “seeds” from Sand Creek, northwestern Kansas: taphonomic significance and paleoecological and paleoenvironmental implications

Abstract A study of seeds, fruits, and reproductive bracts (collectively “seeds”) collected during 1986–1988 from recent sediments along a small, perennial stream in northwestern Kansas was conducted to determine the taphonomic significance of sediment-borne “seeds” and the implications for studies of similar accumulations of fossil plants. The samples were collected from sediments in, but at the margin, of a flowing stream. The abundant and diverse assemblage of aquatic and marginal-aquatic plants recovered in the sediments shows that the sediment-borne “seeds” accurately reflect the marginal-aquatic habitat next to the channel and temperate climate of the region. The sediments also contained a wide assortment of other taxa that represented native riparian, floodplain, and upland habitats, as well as cultivated croplands; overall these taxa are indicative of temperate grasslands. Disturbance of the study site by trampling by livestock, and perphaps by lowered stream flow during the last year, reduced the variety of taxa and numbers of specimens in samples, but these influences did not change the marginal-aquatic habitat suggested by sediment-borne “seeds”. Comparison of a late Miocene (7–8 m.y. B.P.) assemblage of “seeds” from the Minium Quarry in northwestern Kansas with the Sand Creek results suggests that the habitat nearest the deposition site of the fossils was a marginal-aquatic setting similar to that Sand Creek. The comparison alos suggests that the Miocene landscape beyond the depositional site was dominated by warm temperate to subtropical grasslands, an interpretation supported by faunal evidence.
On the calculation of the matrix-reinforcement interface diffusion coefficient in diffusional relaxation of composite materials at high temperatures

Metal or intermetallic matrix composites reinforced with discontinuous fibers exhibit creep strength which is superior to the unreinforced matrix strength due to the constraint imposed by the fibers on the deformation of the matrix. However, experimental measurements indicate that at temperatures higher than approximately half of the melting temperature of the matrix the composite creep resistance is limited, and in some cases the strengthening imparted by the reinforcements is completely lost even when no damage accumulation or debonding occurs at the matrix-reinforcement interface. Slip of the matrix over the reinforcement or diffusional mass transport along the matrix-reinforcement interface have been shown to be possible mechanisms responsible for the loss of strengthening. Current model predictions for the effect of the diffusional relaxation mechanism are based on a diffusion coefficient for the mass transport along the matrix-reinforcement interface. This diffusion coefficient is unknown, hard to quantify and no experimental measurements exist. In this paper a methodology for the calculation of the interface diffusion coefficient is presented on the basis that long range diffusional mass transport occurs with free slip of the matrix over the reinforcement, and that diffusional relaxation is needed in addition to slip for the composite strength to be knocked down to levels around and below that of the pure matrix. The procedure combines experimental measurements of the composite creep strength as a function of applied strain rate and temperature along with corresponding strength predictions from finite element calculations.
Tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2 have unique and opposing roles in oligodendrocyte development

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells first proliferate to generate sufficient cell numbers and then differentiate into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. The signal transduction mediators that underlie these events, however, remain poorly understood. The tyrosine phosphatase Shp1 has been linked to oligodendrocyte differentiation as Shp1-deficient mice show hypomyelination. The Shp1 homolog, Shp2, has recently been shown to regulate astrogliogenesis, but its role in oligodendrocyte development remains unknown. Here, we report that Shp2 protein levels were developmentally regulated in oligodendrocytes, with Shp2 phosphorylation being promoted by oligodendroglial mitogens but suppressed by laminin, an extracellular matrix protein that promotes oligodendroglial differentiation. In contrast, oligodendrocyte progenitors were found to be unresponsive to mitogens following Shp2, but not Shp1, depletion. In agreement with previous studies, Shp1 depletion led to decreased levels of myelin basic protein in differentiating oligodendrocytes, as well as reduced outgrowth of myelin membrane sheets. Shp2 depletion in contrast did not prevent oligodendrocyte differentiation but promoted expanded myelin membrane outgrowth. Taken together these data suggest that Shp1 and Shp2 have distinct functions in oligodendrocyte development: Shp2 regulates oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation and Shp1 regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation. Adhesion to laminin may additionally provide extrinsic regulation of Shp2 activity and thus promote the transition from progenitor to differentiating oligodendrocyte.
Composition of the seed bank in drawdown areas of Navigation Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River

In an effort to enhance aquatic plant production and habitat diversity on the Upper Mississippi River (UMR), resource managers considered water level reduction as a management tool to increase the area of emergent and submersed aquatic vegetation by natural seed germination. To quantify the availability of seed, we assessed the potential seed bank of selected areas of Navigation Pool 8 of the UMR from substrate samples collected in spring 2000. We tested these samples for viable seed content under four hydrologic conditions: dry, moist, shallow flooded and submerged. Forty-seven species were identified in the seed bank, including 27 obligate wetland, 10 facultative wetland and 7 upland species. Dominant taxa within the seed bank included Sagittaria spp., Lindernia dubia, Zosterella dubia, Cyperus spp., Eragrostis spp. and Leersia oryzoides. Of the four hydrologic treatments, moist substrates had the greatest species diversity and were the most productive, yielding an average density of 1420 seedlings m−2. Emergent and submersed aquatic species were widely distributed, each type occurring in more than 90% of the samples. Timing of seedling germination varied among species and has implications for scheduling drawdowns to promote establishment of desired species. Seed bank results were correlated with the vegetation response on substrates exposed during a reduction of water levels of Pool 8 during summer 2001. Experimentally determining the composition and viability of seed banks from drawdown areas provides information useful in predicting the types of vegetation that may develop on exposed substrates. Further, these findings provide resource managers a better understanding of the potential for achieving desired vegetation response through water level reductions. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleepstellar: A Safety Kit and Digital Storyteller for Sleepwalkers

Sleepwalking affects 2-4% of adults and can be a potentially dangerous condition leading to severe safety incidents. We interviewed sleepwalkers and sleep disorder experts; and investigated sleepwalking forums to understand their needs and characteristics. Research shows that sleepwalkers not only face safety issues, but also social embarrassment leading to conflicts in their self-image and self-awareness. We present Sleepstellar that includes a safety kit to protect sleepwalkers and a platform to encourage digital storytelling for overcoming embarrassment issues. The safety kit provides customized RFID stickers to stick to the potentially harmful places (like staircases, kitchen stove) and connecting it with a sleep tracking wearable that alarms when the patient is close to an RFID sticker. The accompanying mobile app tracks sleepwalking pattern and creates stellar-like beautiful visualizations to be viewed by sleepwalkers and share anonymously with the public along with their individual stories to encourage public engagement, thus enhancing a sleepwalker's self-image and overcome embarrassment issues.
Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults

Late life anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric conditions among older adults and they often present at a sub-threshold level. Specific phobias (SP) are particularly frequent and fear of falling is increasingly being recognized as a class of phobias typically seen in older adults. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), although recognized as a chronic disorder with early onset, has been found to have an onset late in life as well. Social phobia (SoP) has been found to not necessarily have a chronic course in this population. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifests in older adults often as an exacerbation of symptoms from a trauma earlier in life. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) augmented with learning and memory aids, and a combination of CBT and medication, has had good outcomes in the management of anxiety disorders in older adults.
Sodium MRI of a human transplanted kidney.

Rationale and Objectives Sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys has been used to spatially map areas of sodium-concentrating activity and to quantify the corticomedullary sodium gradient in various physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. In this case study, sodium MRI of a clinically well-functioning transplanted kidney was performed to determine whether its sodium gradient could be detected and quantified using this method. Materials and Methods Sodium MRI was performed on a 3T scanner with a commercial rectangular sodium surface coil placed on the lower abdomen over the palpable transplanted kidney. A three-dimensional gradient echo sequence, modified for multinuclear imaging, was applied to acquire 23 Na images. Results Five main renal pyramids within the medulla were detected, and the corticomedullary sodium gradient was quantified in each renal pyramid by both region of interest–based and pixel-by-pixel analyses, resulting in a mean medulla/cortex signal-to-noise ratio of 1.8 ± 0.1 ( n = 5) and a mean linear increase slope of 1.1 ± 0.1 relative arbitrary units per mm ( n = 5). Conclusions The feasibility and usability of 23 Na MRI of a human renal allograft was demonstrated. Further studies are required to determine the clinical significance of this technique in the follow-up of patients after renal transplantation.
Comprehension of Relativized Sentences by Deaf Students

Approximately 450 deaf students (25 males and 25 females at each age from 10 to 18 years) and 60 hearing students (10 males and 10 females at each age from 8 to 10 years) were given the 22 parts of...
Ffact vs Ritac: Sorting Out the Textile Import Players

Key United States government agencies and international bodies which administer and affect textile and apparel imports are outlined with their structure and functions. Associations and coalitions representing the textile and apparel industry and the retail industry also are presented, illustrating the free-trade vs protectionist views. Examples of conflicts between these two positions show the complexity of the textile and apparel import program.
Ocular metastasis of cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Abstract Background Metastatic melanoma to the eye and orbit are rare. Patients at greatest risk often have disseminated metastases in the setting of advanced disease. Because the prognosis for orbital metastatic disease is poor, emphasis must be placed on early detection and prevention. Although cutaneous malignancies include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, the majority of cases that result in metastasis, ocular morbidity, and mortality are from sebaceous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Case Report A 72-year-old white woman presented emergently with a chief complaint of sudden, painless vision loss in her left eye of 2 weeks' duration. Her best-corrected visual acuities measured 20/30 in the right eye and 20/400 in the left eye with no improvement on refraction. Her systemic medical history was significant for the diagnosis of a cutaneous malignant melanoma. Examination of the left eye found grade II disc edema with all other posterior pole and peripheral structures intact and unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic lesions involving structures of the left orbit ultimately causing reduced visual ability. The patient opted to avoid aggressive care and “hope for the best.” Denying significant medical intervention, the woman lived in hospice where she died 6 months later. Conclusion The primary care optometric setting, by the way a patient's visual symptoms present or the appearance of fundus abnormalities, can offer the capability of first detection and referral for the discovery of metastatic lesions. Although orbital metastasis is considered a terminal finding in these cases, timely diagnosis enables, while limited, the best options for management.
Effects of delay of reinforcement and stimulus meaningfulness on the discrimination learning of retardates at two intelligence levels

This experiment was designed to study the effects of delay of reinforcement, meaningfulness, and level of retardation (borderline or mild) on performance in a successive discrimination learning task. Ss from both IQ groups were required to learn a left or right motor response to each of six pictures, three meaningful and three nonmeaningful. For a given S, each stimulus from both meaningfulness categories was paired with a different delay interval, 0, 3, or 9 sec. The three main effects proved reliable, but none of the interactions reached significance.
A geometric view of Sigma Delta modulations

A geometric method for finding the boundary of the stable region for sigma-delta ( Sigma Delta ) modulations with more than one loop is presented. Results obtained for a double-loop 1-bit modulation are presented as an example. >
The doubly oxidized, antiaromatic tetraphenylporphyrin complex [Li(TPP)][BF4].

Oxidation of dilithium tetraphenylporphyrin, Li2(TPP), yields the doubly oxidized porphyrin complex [Li(TPP)][BF4]. Free TPP appears to be unstable. The crystal structure of [Li(TPP)][BF4] reveals that the 16-atom C−N inner ring of the porphyrin consists of alternating single and double bonds. NMR spectroscopy and nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations, in addition to the distortion from planarity observed in the crystal structure, indicate that the 16 π-electron inner C−N ring of the porphyrin is antiaromatic.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal heart failure in twin reversed arterial perfusion syndrome

Diagnosis of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome is a rare fetal anomaly that can be misdiagnosed on prenatal ultrasound. We confirmed the use of colour-flow Doppler for prenatal diagnosis of TRAP syndrome and used serial fetal echocardiography for non-invasive evaluation of the fetus. A patient with twin intrauterine pregnancy was referred to our centre with suspected intrauterine fetal demise following a 16 week ultrasound. Serial colour-flow Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated retrograde arterial flow in an acardiac twin. Following diagnosis of TRAP syndrome, serial fetal echocardiography was employed to follow the normal twin for signs of heart failure, including right atrial dilation, tricuspid regurgitation and pericardial effusion. When early signs of fetal heart failure were suspected a viable female infant was delivered at 32 weeks' gestation. We suggest that serial fetal echocardiography represents a non-invasive approach that can be used to follow fetal cardiac function of the normal twin in TRAP syndrome.
Soft drugs 15: Mydriatic activity and transcorneal penetration of phenylsuccinic soft analogs of methscopolamine as short acting mydriatics

Soft drug analogs of methscopolamine (4 a-c) were tested for mydriatic activity in rabbits' eyes. After unilateral administration of equieffective doses, the AUC24hrs and the mydriatic recovery times were found to be significantly lower with the soft drugs compared to methscopolamine. At equieffective doses, the AUC24hrs for soft drugs ranged from 22.4% to 60% of that of methscopolamine. Significant dilation of the untreated eye was observed with methscopolamine but not with the soft drugs after unilateral administration. Soft drug 4a exhibited only 10.4% of the AUC6hrs (untreated eye) of that of methscopolamine. Shorter durations of mydriatic action combined with potentially reduced systemic side effects make these compounds candidates for further study. In vitro rabbit transcorneal penetration of soft analog 4a was found to be significantly higher than methscopolamine.
"Ars sine arte:" Nicholas Lemery and the end of alchemy in eighteenth-century France.

L'A. demontre comment Nicholas Lemery a initie la cession de l'alchimie en France a la fin du XVIII e siecle, en limitant la definition de l'alchimie a une speculation fantastique
Who was Morton Prince

Morton Prince, a Boston neurologist, founded the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 1906 as an outlet especially for those who took a psychogenic view of neurotic disorders. Through experiments with hypnotism, he added appreciably to knowledge of subconscious and coconscious mental processes; The Dissociation of a Personality (Prince, 1905) still ranks as a classic. He early saw that studying normal people in the depth and detail with which one studied patients could make significant contributions to our whole understanding of human nature. Before his death he established and briefly directed the Harvard Psychological Clinic, devising the research environment out of which presently sprang major contributions to the study of personality.
Low-loss chalcogenide waveguides on lithium niobate for the mid-infrared.

We demonstrate low-loss chalcogenide (As2S3) waveguides on a LiNbO3 substrate for the mid-IR wavelength (4.8μm). Designed for single-mode propagation, they are fabricated through photolithography and dry-etching technology and characterized on a mid-IR measurement setup with a quantum cascade laser. For straight waveguides, propagation loss as low as 0.33dB/cm is measured and low-loss bends on the order of 100μm are simulated, with measurement results showing <3dB for a 250μm bend radius. The coupling efficiency is estimated to be 81%. In addition, the influences of variations in width and bend radius are also investigated.
Biliary and nonbiliary contributions to reverse cholesterol transport.

Purpose of reviewThe process of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is critical for disposal of excess cholesterol from the body. Although it is generally accepted that RCT requires biliary secretion, recent studies show that RCT persists in genetic or surgical models of biliary insufficiency. Disco
Mucopolysaccharides in Urine during Normal Human Development

Extract: To determine the pattern of urinary mucopolysaccharides during normal human development, the urine samples from 92 normal individuals (aged from birth to 25 years) were analyzed for degradation ratio (large molecular weight mucopolysaccharides/fragments) and for the electrophoretic pattern of the different mucopolysaccharides present. The degradation ratio averaged 0.42 ± 0.21 (range 0.13–0.75) and was independent of age and sex. It was determined by electrophoresis that the major mucopolysaccharide was chondroitin sulfate. In the eight patients with a genetic mucopolysaccharidosis the degradation ratio was above 1.0 and electrophoresis revealed the presence of large quantities of dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. The two tests, therefore, permit distinction of urine from a normal individual from that of a patient with a genetic mucopolysaccharidosis. Speculation: On the basis of studies done on cultured fibroblasts, it is apparent that the term genetic mucopolysaccharidosis encompasses a much broader base of cellular pathology than that previously considered. Normal values for urinary mucopolysaccharides throughout development in conjunction with cell culture studies are needed by clinicians trying to determine whether a patient with some but not all the stigmata suggestive of a genetic mucopolysaccharidosis has a disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism.
Brief educational intervention to improve medical student competence in managing patients exposed to secondhand smoke.

ABSTRACT. Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure may lead to the development of various diseases and conditions. One way to reduce SHS exposure is to screen for it within each primary care examination so that appropriate counseling can be directed to affected individuals. There has been little attention to improving medical education about SHS exposure and screening. The goal of this study was to develop an SHS-related educational intervention for medical students, with the purpose of improving knowledge regarding consequences of SHS exposure, and increasing intent to screen patients for exposure. Methods: Medical students (N = 405) were given a measure assessing their knowledge of SHS exposure and intent to screen. Two groups of students served as controls (i.e., a posttest-only group and a pre/posttest group), and one group participated in the SHS education intervention. A factorial analysis with repeated measures and chi-square analyses were used to assess the differences between the groups to det...
Genetic and Cellular Response to Unilateral Ischemia of the Rabbit Urinary Bladder

AbstractPurpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that partial outlet obstruction and acute overdistension of the rabbit bladder rapidly stimulate the activation of similar patterns of gene expression. Since bladder overdistension has been shown to reduce the blood flow of the bladder and since unilateral ischemia of rabbit bladder has been found to induce similar physiologic and histologic changes to the bladder as found in association with partial outlet obstruction, we tested whether experimental ischemia of the rabbit bladder could induce the same molecular response.Materials and Methods: Unilateral ischemia was created by surgically ligating the major arteries entering the rabbit bladder to one side. Bladders were recovered from control rabbits and from rabbits at 1 hour, 8 hours, 1, 3, or 7 days after unilateral ischemia and were divided into ischemic and nonischemic portions. These tissues were used for in vitro 35S-methionine and3 H-thymidine incorporation assays. Ribonucleic acids extracted fro...
Thalamic hemorrhage and aphasia

The behavioral effects of left thalamic hemorrhage are reported in two living cases, reviewed in four autopsied cases derived from a 15 year retrospective review of 16,000 autopsies, and compared with autopsied cases reported in the literature. An unusual fluctuating state is described. When rendered fully alert, the patients appeared virtually intact in language function, including intact repeating from dictation, but quickly lapsed into a state of unwonted logorrheic paraphasia resembling delirium. The state appeared sufficiently unusual to warrant description as an entity separate from traditional aphasic syndromes.
The Development of a Discipline: A 20-Year Evaluation of Society & Natural Resources

This article presents an assessment of the first 20 years of Society & Natural Resources (SNR), based on a content analysis of places, topics, and methods published; an electronic survey of the membership of the International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR); and an assessment of various measures of journal impact. Findings are used to determine how well the journal is meeting its original goals including the degree to which it is international, diverse, and authoritative. The journal, the International Symposium for Society and Resource Management (ISSRM) conferences, and the membership of IASNR are international, although the developing world is largely absent from membership and research. Articles published in the journal are highly diverse, in terms of the types of articles, topical focus, and the methods used. Conventional journal impact measures show the journal's status to be improving over time. Citation patterns within SNR and its peer journals suggest that cumulative learnin...
Oncogenic Kras Activates a Hematopoietic-to-Epithelial IL-17 Signaling Axis in Preinvasive Pancreatic Neoplasia

Summary Many human cancers are dramatically accelerated by chronic inflammation. However, the specific cellular and molecular elements mediating this effect remain largely unknown. Using a murine model of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), we found that Kras G12D induces expression of functional IL-17 receptors on PanIN epithelial cells and also stimulates infiltration of the pancreatic stroma by IL-17-producing immune cells. Both effects are augmented by associated chronic pancreatitis, resulting in functional in vivo changes in PanIN epithelial gene expression. Forced IL-17 overexpression dramatically accelerates PanIN initiation and progression, while inhibition of IL-17 signaling using genetic or pharmacologic techniques effectively prevents PanIN formation. Together, these studies suggest that a hematopoietic-to-epithelial IL-17 signaling axis is a potent and requisite driver of PanIN formation.
Deciphering physiological role of the mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel in the distal nephron

Long-standing experimental evidence suggests that epithelial cells in the renal tubule are able to sense osmotic and pressure gradients caused by alterations in ultrafiltrate flow by elevating intr...
Toward Quantitative “In Vivo Biochemistry” with Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy

Quantitative description of protein dynamics and interactions in vivo with temporal and spatial resolution is a key step in dissecting molecular mechanisms in cell biology. Fluorescence fluctuation...
Minimizing pilot-induced-oscillation susceptibility during C-17 development

This paper addresses Pilot-Induced-Oscillation encounters during the early development of the C-17A and steps used to address the issues presented. Most of the encounters occurred during the landing phase, and although not catastrophic, the large wing span of the C-17 exaggerates wing-tip to wing-tip oscillations close to the ground creating illusions of more severe oscillations. Common to most of the encounters is instantaneous large pilot control reaction to some external disturbance that lead to actuator rate saturation. However, some of the oscillations started with normal control inputs during high gain tasks that is more indicative of excessive phase lag in the control system. Drastic changes, especially in the lateral control law architecture, made to prevent unnecessary actuator rate saturation and reduce overall phase lag (time delay) did not completely resolve the problem. The final solution required significant reductions in control sensitivity. Time domain analysis of the entire non-linear system provided a better means of analyzing and correlating the results with flight test. Since these changes, there has been no report of any encounters with Pilot-Induced-Oscillations.
Accuracy assessment of a photoimaging and scanner-based wound diagnostics method

The new Wound Diagnostics Tool (WDT) software package presented here aims to produce wound progress statistics that have clinical significance by linking digital image-based and three-dimensional (3D) geometry maps of the ulcer with existing traditional risk assessment techniques and other wound progress tracking information. All this information is then combined in a detailed electronic report that can be integrated with additional patient progress information in a picture archives communication system or web based database. This study presents data from early clinical trials supporting the increased accuracy and efficiency of the new photoimaging and scanner-based wound diagnostics method.
Basalt generation at the Apollo 12 site. Part 1: New data, classification, and re-evaluation

New data are reported from five previously unanalyzed Apollo 12 mare basalts that are incorporated into an evaluation of previous petrogenetic models and classification schemes for these basalts. This paper proposes a classification for Apollo 12 mare basalts on the basis of whole-rock Mg# (molar 100*(Mg/(Mg+Fe))) and Rb/Sr ratio (analyzed by isotope dilution), whereby the ilmenite, olivine, and pigeonite basalt groups are readily distinguished from each other. Scrutiny of the Apollo 12 feldspathic 'suite' demonstrates that two of the three basalts previously assigned to this group (12031, 12038, 12072) can be reclassified: 12031 is a plagioclase-rich pigeonite basalt; and 12072 is an olivine basalt. Only basalt 12038 stands out as a unique sample to the Apollo 12 site, but whether this represents a single sample from another flow at the Apollo 12 site or is exotic to this site is equivocal. The question of whether the olivine and pigeonite basalt suites are co-magmatic is addressed by incompatible trace-element chemistry: the trends defined by these two suites when Co/Sm and Sm/Eu ratios are plotted against Rb/Sr ratio demonstrate that these two basaltic types cannot be co-magmatic. Crystal fractionation/accumulation paths have been calculated and show that neither the pigeonite, olivine, or ilmenite basalts are related by this process. Each suite requires a distinct and separate source region. This study also examines sample heterogeneity and the degree to which whole-rock analyses are representative, which is critical when petrogenetic interpretation is undertaken. Sample heterogeneity has been investigated petrographically (inhomogeneous mineral distribution) with consideration of duplicate analyses, and whether a specific sample (using average data) plots consistently upon a fractionation trend when a number of different compostional parameters are considered. Using these criteria, four basalts have been identified where reported analyses are not representative of the whole-rock composition: 12005, an ilmenite basalt; 12006 and 12036, olivine basalts; and 12031 previously classified as a feldspathic basalt, but reclassified as part of the pigeonite suite.
Implicit integration under mixed controls of a breakage model for unsaturated crushable soils

Summary This paper discusses a series of stress point algorithms for a breakage model for unsaturated granular soils. Such model is characterized by highly nonlinear coupling terms introduced by breakage-dependent hydro-mechanical energy potentials. To integrate accurately and efficiently its constitutive equations, specific algorithms have been formulated using a backward Euler scheme. In particular, because implementation and verification of unsaturated soil models often require the use of mixed controls, the incorporation of various hydro-mechanical conditions has been tackled. First, it is shown that the degree of saturation can be replaced with suction in the constitutive equations through a partial Legendre transformation of the energy potentials, thus changing the thermomechanical state variables and enabling a straightforward implementation of a different control mode. Then, to accommodate more complex control scenarios without redefining the energy potentials, a hybrid strategy has been used, combining the return mapping scheme with linearized constraints. It is shown that this linearization strategy guarantees similar levels of accuracy compared with a conventional strain–suction-controlled implicit integration. In addition, it is shown that the use of linearized constraints offers the possibility to use the same framework to integrate a variety of control conditions (e.g., net stress and/or water-content control). The convergence profiles indicate that both schemes preserve the advantages of implicit integration, that is, asymptotic quadratic convergence and unconditional stability. Finally, the performance of the two implicit schemes has been compared with that of an explicit algorithm with automatic sub-stepping and error control, showing that for the selected breakage model, implicit integration leads to a significant reduction of the computational cost. Such features support the use of the proposed hybrid scheme also in other modeling contexts, especially when strongly nonlinear models have to be implemented and/or validated by using non-standard hydro-mechanical control conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and control of spacecraft formation flying in trajectories of the restricted three-body problem

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of relative position control of spacecraft formation flying (SFF) utilizing the framework of the circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) with the Sun and Earth as the primary gravitational bodies. Particularly, the results are not confined to the close vicinity of the collinear Lagrangian libration points. Rather, a linearization is performed relative to an arbitrary non-Keplerian reference trajectory, so that linear time-varying differential equations result. It is rigorously proved that the open-loop linearized SFF dynamics is unstable but controllable. Uncontrolled formations with bounded relative separation that constitute the stable subspace of the dynamics are found using the dual system method. This constitutes a powerful observation, since bounded formations in three-body trajectories have been found thus far only at the vicinity of the Lagrangian equilibrium points. Assuming ideal state measurements, a time-varying continuous linear-quadratic control law is subsequently developed. A complete internal disturbance model is used, rendering a robust disturbance rejection performance. An illustrative example is used to show that the propulsion for deep-space formationkeeping requires a considerable dynamic range. It is concluded that plasma electric propulsion having a micro-thrusting capability is a most suitable means for deep-space formationkeeping.