cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral measurements and synchrotron radiation calculation comparisons of the new X25 mini-gap undulator

Abstract During January 2006, a new hybrid PM-type in-vacuum mini-gap undulator (MGU) with NdFeB magnets and vanadium permendur poles was installed within the X25 straight-section of the 2.8 GeV National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) electron storage ring. This new insertion device was implemented to deliver high brightness X-ray beams within the energy range of ∼5.5–20 keV for monochromatic single-crystal X-ray macromolecular crystallography. The spectral output from such a device is very sensitive to the storage ring machine parameters and in this paper, we report the precise determination of the new X25 MGU performance by implementing a single-crystal silicon (1 1 1) X-ray spectrometer to measure the X-ray energy-dependent flux throughput and infer the corresponding brightness values for a wide range of undulator gap openings. We compare these values to synchrotron radiation calculations using the SPECTRA (version 8.0) code and confirm both the integrity of the new X25 MGU device and the emittance values of the NSLS electron storage ring.
OLDER ADULTS' PERFORMANCE ON THE SDLRS: AN ITEM ANALYSIS

This study was designed to conduct an item analysis of Guglielmino's Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) completed by older adults. Specifically, the investigation was designed to determine what, if any, differences might be identified when two methods of completing the SDLRS were used. Accordingly one group (n = 19) of subjects had the scale read to them and they orally indicated their response choice. The other group (n —30) independently completed the scale. Eleven hypotheses were examined. Four of the null forms of the hypotheses were rejected. These findings suggest that (a) the total SDLRS scores for the two groups were not significantly different and that (b) the two groups are not significantly different in terms of education levels or age. Yet interesting variations among the item responses, by group, are identified. The findings reveal differences for responses associated with negatively scored items and a few positively scored ones. According to Cronbach's alpha (α), reliability gene...
Entropy andP-particle observables. II. The two-particle entropyS2

This paper defines, and then evaluates perturbatively, an information-theoretic notion of entropyS2 for a system ofN interacting particles which assesses an observer's limited knowledge of the state of the system, assuming that he or she can measure with arbitrary precision all one-particle observables and correlations involving pairs of particles, but is completely ignorant of the form of any higher-order correlations involving three or more particles. By construction, thisS2(t) involves only the reduced two-particle distribution functions, or density matrices,f2(i,j) at timet, and, though the implementation of a “subdynamics,”dS2(t)/dt can be realized in terms of thef2(i, j)'s at retarded timest−τ. A similar line of reasoning demonstrates that the “most probable” three-particlef3(i,j, k) consistent with a knowledge of thef2's is precisely thatf3 suggested by the Kirkwood, or cluster, decomposition.
Antenatal sonographic diagnosis of club foot with particular attention to the implications and outcomes of isolated club foot

Objective There are no studies to date on the implications and outcomes of antenatally detected isolated club foot. The purpose of this study was to perform a contemporary evaluation of club foot diagnosed in the antenatal period. Design We performed a retrospective analysis of all ultrasound examinations performed in 1989–96 in the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Unit of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (n = 23 863). Subjects and methods All cases of club foot (n = 35) were evaluated for the presence of other detectable abnormalities and karyotype results if available. Postnatal follow-up was performed until over 1 year of age. Results We diagnosed unilateral (n = 18) and bilateral (n = 17) club foot from 17.4 to 37.0 weeks. Defects involving other systems were found in 28 of 35 cases. Of the seven cases considered to be isolated antenatally, three were diagnosed with additional malformations in the neonatal period. Conclusion Most cases of antenatally diagnosed club foot were not isolated. Even when they were thought to be isolated on antenatal ultrasound, over half of them were later found to be associated with additional severe abnormalities that were detectable only in the neonatal period. Copyright © 1998 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
On the classification of congenital abnormalities from hand radiographs

Abstract Mathematical techniques for the computer classification of congenital abnormalities using metacarpophalageal lengths obtained from hand radiographs have been investigated. Discriminant analysis has been shown to be significantly better than similarity measures in distinguishing the normal condition, Down's syndrome, Turner's syndrome and achondroplasia from one another.
Globalization, Foreign Investment Dependence and Agriculture Production: Pesticide and Fertilizer Use in Less-developed Countries, 1990–2000

Bridging the areas of political-economic sociology, the sociology of agriculture and environmental sociology, this study tests two hypotheses derived from a refined theory of foreign investment dependence. The hypotheses state that pesticide and fertilizer use intensity in less-developed countries are both positively associated with foreign investment dependence in the primary sector. The use of such inputs in agriculture production is known to contribute to a variety of human health and environmental problems. Findings for random effects and static score panel regression analyses of 35 less-developed countries confirm the hypotheses, and point to the sociological relevance in assessing the potential social and environmental impacts of both the transnational organization and the relative scale of production in different sectors.
Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, and catalytic properties of UO2Sb2O4

Abstract A new uranyl antimonite, UO2Sb2O4 (1), has been prepared from the hydrothermal reaction of UO3 with Sb2O3 and KCl. The structure of 1 consists of neutral two-dimensional ∞2[UO2Sb2O4] layers. The U(VI) centers are ligated by two trans oxo ligands and four square pyramidal antimonite anions. In addition, the U(VI) also forms long contacts with two additional oxygen atoms that are distorted by 12.7(2)° out of the equatorial plane perpendicular to the uranyl unit. These long interactions are significant owing to evidence supplied by bond valence sum calculations. The two-dimensional layers found in 1 are built from one-dimensional chains formed from edge-sharing UO6 octahedra that run along the b-axis, and are linked together by [Sb2O4]2− chains. A flow microreactor system has been used to study the catalytic activity of 1, and these results show that it can be used as a catalyst in the conversion of propene and O2 to acrolein. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, space group C2/m, a=13.490(2) A, b=4.0034(6) A, c=5.1419(8) A, β=104.165(3)°, Z=2, MoKα, λ=0.71073, R(F)=1.74% for 30 parameters with 365 reflections with I>2σ(I).
Characterization of the 2-Phospho-l-lactate Transferase Enzyme Involved in Coenzyme F420 Biosynthesis in Methanococcus jannaschii†

The protein product of the Methanococcus jannaschii MJ1256 gene has been expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and shown to be involved in coenzyme F420 biosynthesis. The protein catalyzes the transfer of the 2-phospholactate moiety from lactyl (2) diphospho-(5‘)guanosine (LPPG) to 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazariboflavin (Fo) with the formation of the l-lactyl phosphodiester of 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazariboflavin (F420-0) and GMP. On the basis of the reaction catalyzed, the enzyme is named LPPG:Fo 2-phospho-l-lactate transferase. Since the reaction is the fourth step in the biosynthesis of coenzyme F420, the enzyme has been designated as CofD, the product of the cofD gene. The transferase requires Mg2+ for activity, and the catalysis does not appear to proceed via a covalent intermediate. To a lesser extent CofD also catalyzes a number of additional reactions that include the formation of Fo-P, when the enzyme is incubated with Fo and GDP, GTP, pyrophosphate, or tripolyphosphat...
Jointly Combining Implicit Constraints Improves Temporal Ordering

Previous work on ordering events in text has typically focused on local pairwise decisions, ignoring globally inconsistent labels. However, temporal ordering is the type of domain in which global constraints should be relatively easy to represent and reason over. This paper presents a framework that informs local decisions with two types of implicit global constraints: transitivity (A before B and B before C implies A before C) and time expression normalization (e.g. last month is before yesterday). We show how these constraints can be used to create a more densely-connected network of events, and how global consistency can be enforced by incorporating these constraints into an integer linear programming framework. We present results on two event ordering tasks, showing a 3.6% absolute increase in the accuracy of before/after classification over a pairwise model.
Spacecraft navigation using the modernized global positioning system signal

Navigation is examined using information that is presently known about the modernized GPS signal. Although the full signal has not yet been fielded, its technical description can be used to predict its performance. The ranging accuracy of the new signal is compared to the classic signal. First, the signals are described. The correlation processes and consequent tracking accuracies are then determined. Finally the effect of multipath on the M-code is examined as a method to assess the future performance of the broadcast ephemeris. In most cases the performance of the modernized GPS signal is improved over the classic GPS signal, implying that it would be advantageous for receivers to employ it.
Cerebral blood flow in systemic lupus erythematosus with or without cerebral complications.

We measured mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 25 lupus patients using the xenon-133 method. The CBF was normal in lupus patients without cerebral disease and also in CNS lupus patients in remission. The CBF was lower than normal during bouts of cerebral lupus ( p
Profiling motives behind hedonic eating. Preliminary validation of the Palatable Eating Motives Scale.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to validate a new scale designed to measure individual motives for eating tasty foods and determine if any specific motive(s) are associated with obesity. The “Palatable Eating Motives Scale” (PEMS) is a self-report measure adapted from the Drinking Motives Questionnaire Revised (DMQ-R). N = 150 racially-diverse college students (mean age: 24.4, BMI: 16–51 kg/m 2 ) were administered the PEMS along with the Binge-Eating Scale (BES) and the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) to test for convergent and incremental validity and the Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) for discriminant validity. The PEMS identified four motives for eating tasty food, the same ones found with the DMQ-R for alcohol intake: Social, Conformity, Enhancement, and Coping motives. The scales had good convergent validity with BES and YFAS scores but discriminated from the broader motivational constructs of inhibition and activation measured by the SPSRQ. Of the PEMS motives, Coping (eating tasty food to deal with problems and negative feelings) accounted for unique variance in BMI, and added to variance in BMI contributed by BES scores, showing incremental validity. YFAS scores did not contribute to BMI after controlling for binge-eating. Coping subscale scores were also significantly higher ( p 40). Motives behind palatable food intake are not homogenous and should be considered in personalized weight-loss strategies in future studies. In normal weight individuals, knowing one’s dominant motive for eating tasty foods may help promote healthier food choices in times and places where they are most vulnerable to do otherwise.
Tailoring National Standards to Early Science Teacher Identities: Building on Personal Histories to Support Beginning Practice

Individual recommendation plans (IRP) for student teaching practice were co-constructed with two methods students based on the select application of National Science Teachers Association’s National Standards for Science Teacher Preparation. Methods students completed a resume, an interview on pedagogical preferences, and a learning styles survey to determine the reform-based standards and pedagogical approaches that better fit their personal histories and identity formation as science teachers. Each case was unique with one student better meeting the Standards of “Issues” and “Science in the Community” and the other student better meeting the standards of “Inquiry” and the “Nature of Science”. Student teachers planned and taught lessons based on their IRP and were mostly successful in meeting their prescribed standards and utilizing their preferred pedagogies. However, their success in use of specific strategies supporting their approach was highly dependent upon classroom context. The use of the IRP process as a reflective tool strengthening identity formation and early practice is discussed.
Effects of high-latitude thermosphere heating at various scale sizes simulated by a nonhydrostatic global thermosphere–ionosphere model

Abstract Using the University of Michigan Global Ionosphere–Thermosphere Model (GITM) variations of the high-latitude Joule and auroral heating with increasing spatial resolution and the resulting changes in the high-latitude thermosphere–ionosphere are studied. Additionally, the application of multiplicative factors artificially increasing the Joule heating in global thermosphere models is investigated by running simulations at low resolution, at high resolution, and then at low resolution again, with the Joule heating artificially increased to be similar to the value derived when running with high resolution. All simulations have been performed for December solstice conditions at constant low geomagnetic and moderate solar activity levels. Increasing the resolution from 5° longitude by 5° latitude to 2.5° longitude by 0.3125° latitude increases the high-latitude mean Joule heating by ∼ 40 % , partially by better capturing the peaks in the electric field. Although the Joule heating is increased, the global mean temperature is not altered significantly due to resulting adiabatic cooling. When the Joule heating is artificially increased in the low resolution simulations, the temperature increases more, due to the model inability to adequately capture the dynamical cooling. It is therefore suggested that artificially increasing the Joule heating may not be the best method for capturing the realistic temperature structure or the dynamics within the thermosphere.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) of lung nodules in CT scans: radiologist performance and reading time with incremental CAD assistance

Objective The diagnostic performance of radiologists using incremental CAD assistance for lung nodule detection on CT and their temporal variation in performance during CAD evaluation was assessed.
Ethnic Bias, Charisma, and the Analysis of Leadership: Comment on William John Hanna's Review

a book that my colleagues who read the American Anthropologist could not afford to ignore; I wished to tell them why. There were spatial strictures to observe. What to include, what to omit, was a matter of judgment, faulty or otherwise. So, after quite a lot of Nadel business, Stancliff finds my review "disappointing." All right. But, were I de Gaulle, and a cartoonist elected my nose for an outsize delineation and declared me thereupon unhandsome, I should agree with his conclusion, but not from the logic of his premises. I'm not sure I like my "rejoinder." It contains too much personal defense, a distasteful thing. But it has been difficult to disentangle Stancliff's substantive comments from his personal ones. Now go read Chapple's book.
Research on Flicker Measurement Algorithm Based on FFT

Abstract Voltage fluctuation and flicker is an important indicator of power quality, so accurate measurement of it is important. This paper researches on voltage fluctuation and flicker measurement algorithm based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) in depth. Voltage fluctuation and flicker measurement based on LabWindows/CVI virtual instrument is realized by use of this algorithm and C language programming. Flow chart of measurement soft and detailed instructions is given. Finally, the measurement result is verified, and error analysis is carried. The calculation result of the algorithm can be consistent with IEC standards after amending the instantaneous flicker values.
On Rank Transformation Techniques for Balanced Incomplete Repeated-Measures Designs

Abstract Asymptotic properties of statistics designed to detect general alternatives in compound symmetric balanced incomplete repeated-measures designs with fixed treatment effects are investigated. Included in this study are the analysis of variance (ANOVA) F statistic, its rank transform Durbin's statistic. By making asymptotic relative efficiency comparisions among these statistics when they have been computed with and without mean alignment, valuable new insight into their large-sample performance characteristics is gained. Evidence is presented corroborating recent empirical studies that suggest that mean alignment can improve the performance of rank transformation statistics. Finally, it is noted that the rank transform of the ANOVA F statistic when it is computed using mean aligned data is generally the most efficient among the statistics studied here.
Interleukin-1-mediated regulation of plasminogen activation in pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-primed rat granulosa cells is independent of prostaglandin production.

Objectives This study examines the effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on plasminogen activator (PA) activity and prostaglandin (PG) E production in pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-primed granulosa cells and the potential involvement of PGE in the regulation of ovarian plasminogen activation.
Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Groups Associated with Retinitis in AIDS

To determine if cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis occurs more frequently in patients infected with certain strains CMV isolates from the blood of 44 patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease were grouped by the DNA sequence or the restriction endonuclease digest pattern of a portion of the glycoprotein B (gB) gene. Forty-two patients (95%) were followed clinically until the development of CMV retinitis or death. Fourteen (78%; 95% confidence interval, 7%-39%) of 26 with isolates belonging to other gB groups developed CMV retinitis (P = .002). Viremia caused by gB group 2 CMV strains is associated with higher risk of CMV retinitis than viremia due to other CMV gB groups. The association of CMV gB gene with retinitis suggests this gene, or one linked to it, is a virulence factor for CMV strains causing infection in AIDS patients.
Laser altimeter canopy height profiles: methods and validation for closed-canopy, broadleaf forests

Waveform-recording laser altimeter observations of vegetated landscapes provide a time-resolved measure of laser pulse backscatter energy from canopy surfaces and the underlying ground. Airborne laser altimeter waveform data was acquired using the Scanning Lidar Imager of Canopies by Echo Recovery (SLICER) for a successional sequence of four, closed-canopy, deciduous forest stands in eastern Maryland. The four stands were selected so as to include a range of canopy structures of importance to forest ecosystem function, including variation in the height and roughness of the outermost canopy surface and the vertical organization of canopy stories and gaps. The character of the SLICER backscatter signal is described and a method is developed that accounts for occlusion of the laser energy by canopy surfaces, transforming the backscatter signal to a canopy height profile (CHP) that quantitatively represents the relative vertical distribution of canopy surface area. The transformation applies increased weighting to the backscatter amplitude as a function of closure through the canopy and assumes a horizontally random distribution of the canopy components. SLICER CHPs, averaged over areas of overlap where altimeter ground tracks intersect, are shown to be highly reproducible. CHP transects across the four stands reveal spatial variations in vegetation, at the scale of the individual 10-m-diameter laser footprints, within and between stands. Averaged SLICER CHPs are compared to analogous height profile results derived from ground-based sightings to plant intercepts measured on plots within the four stands. The plots were located on the segments of the altimeter ground tracks from which averaged SLICER CHPs were derived, and the ground observations were acquired within 2 weeks of the SLICER data acquisition to minimize temporal change. The differences in canopy structure between the four stands is similarly described by the SLICER and ground-based CHP results. However, a chi-square test of similarity documents differences that are statistically significant. The differences are discussed in terms of measurement properties that define the smoothness of the resulting CHPs and canopy properties that may vertically bias the CHP representations of canopy structure. The statistical differences are most likely due to the more noisy character of the ground-based CHPs, especially high in the canopy where ground-based sightings are rare resulting in an underestimate of canopy surface area and height, and to departures from assumptions of canopy uniformity, particularly regarding lack of clumping and vertically constant canopy reflectance, which bias the CHPs. The results demonstrate that the SLICER observations reliably provide a measure of canopy structure that reveals ecologically interesting structural variations such as those characterizing a successional sequence of closed-canopy, broadleaf forest stands.
Cytotoxicity of cytokines in cerebral microvascular endothelial cell.

Abstract Objective: Several studies reported that the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cytokines in CSF may contribute to the development of vasospasm and cerebral ischemia. In the present study, we investigated the possible cytotoxic effects of these cytokines on cultured cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Method: The effects of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were tested using cell viability assay, DNA fragmentation analysis (DNA laddering), Western blot analysis (Anti-poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase [PARP] antibody), and caspase-3 activity. Results: TNF-α and IL-1β, but not IL-6 or IL-8, caused cell detachment in a dose-dependent manner (p
Complex modal properties of coupled moderately light equipment-structure systems

Abstract A new improved perturbation method for evaluating complex modal properties of coupled equipment-structure systems is presented. The method is applicable even when the equipment is not very light, and when the secondary system (equipment) introduces static constraint on the primary system (structure). The new method is applied to nine 8DOF coupled multiply connected equipment-structure systems. It is shown that the new method yields results which are in excellent agreement with the corresponding exact results.
Oral glutamine supplementation decreases resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of orally administered glutamine on the resting energy expenditure (REE) and nutritional status of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia. METHODS Twenty-seven children and adolescents (13 boys, 14 girls), 5.2 to 17.9 years old (median 11.0 years), received orally administered glutamine (600 mg/kg per day) for 24 weeks. Measures of REE and other nutritional parameters were compared at baseline and 24 weeks. RESULTS After 24 weeks, the patients' median REE (kcal/d) decreased by 6% (P = 0.053) as indicated by the Harris Benedict equations and by 5% (P = 0.049) as indicated by the modified equations. Patients with less than 90% ideal body weight had even greater declines in REE after 24 weeks (P < 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Improvements in nutrition parameters and in two amino acids in the plasma were observed. CONCLUSIONS After 24 weeks of orally administered glutamine, children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia had a decrease in REE and improvement in nutritional parameters. Those who were underweight had a greater decrease in REE than those of normal body weight. Lowering REE may be an effective way to improve the growth of these children and adolescents.
Persistent cyclical conflict by way of a time lagged logistic

Recently Schrodt (1981) has simulated conflict by positing a form of the logistic equation. He introduces lags into the classical equation. His six parameter model is simulated yielding three typical trajectories representing alternative patterns in conflict: 1. Oscillation to the equilibrium; 2. Oscillating patterns of virtually the same amplitude over time; 3. Rapid increases in the trajectory for short periods of time interspersed with long periods of virtually no conflict. We find that the qualitative patterns of this model can be generated without simulation using two parameters. Those qualitative patterns are dependent on only ONE hybrid parameter.
Reciprocal aspects of transient and steady-state concepts

IT IS well known that the transient response of a network can be specified completely in terms of its steady-state behavior and vice versa. This is one of the most significant interpretations attached to the Fourier and Laplace transformations as applied to the study of electric networks. Actually, the steady-state and transient concepts are regarded as alternative viewpoints of network behavior as expressed in the frequency and time domains respectively.
Tropical myositis and idiopathic thrombophlebitis, tropical primary phlebitis.

The contents of this communication must remain speculative until more evidence as to the relationship now being postulated between tropical primary phlebitis and arteritis and tropical myositis is available. For some years the pathogenesis and aetiology of tropical myositis or pyomyositis tropica have remained undecided. The most favoured view is that the condition is due to a bacterial infection of the muscle by Staphylococcus aureus. There are some cases, however, in which no bacteria can be identified. It is not uncommon, too, for " bloody material " to be aspirated from such a muscle abscess instead of the more usual brownish-red pus. Some workers have attributed tropical myositis to the filarial parasite. There are, however, many tropical areas in Africa and other lands where pyomyositis tropica is seen in the absence of filarial disease. Others again consider that it is related to scurvy. According to this view a haemorrhage in the muscle becomes secondarily infected, resulting in an abscess. It must be admitted, however, that in many cases an ascorbic acid deficiency cannot be proved. It has occurred to the author that at least one variety of tropical myositis may be intimately related to tropical phlebitis and arteritis. In support of this contention mention is made of an interesting case, published in 1949, showing both an arteritis and a phlebitis of the splenic vessels with the production of a total colliquative necrosis of the spleen. It would appear, on the other hand, that if the affected artery and vein had drained a particular area which included muscles, these might have been involved with their resultant necrosis and possible secondary infection of the avascular zone. The blood supply would have been diminished through both arterial and venous obstruction. Tropical phlebitis may affect almost any vein in the body (FISHER, 1941 ; GELFAND, 1943 ; MANSON-BAHR and CHARTERS, 1946 ; and FISHER et al., 1947). Not only may the larger vessels be attacked (phlebitis major) but also the smaller ones (phlebitis minor). The essential pathology of the disease is a diffuse inflammatory process affecting a small section of the vein, with secondary thrombosis. The clot may extend, due to venous stagnation, far along the length of I wish to express my gratitude to Dr. R. S. GIBSON for his assistance in this case, to Professor A..C. LENDRUM, of Dundee University, for kindly reporting on the section and to Dr. R. M. MORRIS, O.B.E., M.D., Secretary for Health, for his criticisms and permission to publish this paper.
Quantum superfield supergravity with off-shell background fields

Abstract We describe the quantization of superfield supergravity in the presence of off-shell background fields. For simplicity we work only to first in off-shell quantities, but this is sufficient for computing quantum properties of the supergravity supercurrent such as its supertrace.
Enhanced efficiency for voltage matched stacked multi-junction cells: Optimization with yearly temperature and spectra variations

We calculate voltage-matching considerations for stacked independent cells. The calculations show that designs using independent junctions that are voltage matched can achieve better efficiency across temperature, spectrum, and a yearly metric compared to traditional monolithic cells. Voltage matching is shown to be relatively insensitive to temperature and spectrum, but dependent on open circuit voltage as a measure of cell efficiency. Voltage matching can usually yield yearly efficiencies of 98%-99% of the efficiency of a system with each junction operating at its own maximum power point.
The efficacy of α-ketoglutaric acid in the antagonism of cyanide intoxication

It has been reported that compounds containing carbonyl groups can readily react with cyanide. Pyruvic acid, an alpha-ketocarboxylic acid, has been shown to antagonize the lethal effects of cyanide. It is suggested that its mechanism of action rests in its ability to react with or "bind" cyanide. In this study, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, also an alpha-ketocarboxylic acid, was evaluated for its ability to counteract the lethal effects of cyanide. alpha-Ketoglutaric acid increased the LD50 value of cyanide (6.7 mg/kg) by a factor of five, a value statistically equivalent to that ascertained in mice pretreated with sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite. The combination of alpha-ketoglutaric acid and sodium thiosulfate increased the LD50 value of cyanide to 101 mg/kg. Addition of sodium nitrite to the alpha-ketoglutaric acid/sodium thiosulfate regimen increased the LD50 value of cyanide to 119 mg/kg. Unlike sodium nitrite, no induction of methemoglobin formation was observed with alpha-ketoglutaric acid pretreatment. It is apparent from these studies that the administration of alpha-ketoglutaric acid in conjunction with sodium thiosulfate resulted in fewer animal deaths than sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate without the dangerous formation of methemoglobin.
INTRODUCTION: ON GOING BACK TO KANT

In 1865, the young German philosopher Otto Liebmann published a book entitled Kant and His Epigones, every chapter of which ended with the declaration: “One therefore must return to Kant.” Liebmann’s jeremiad expressed the frustration of many German philosophers with the speculative excesses of absolute idealism and at the same time their unwillingness to collapse theoretical philosophy into the empiricistic program of someone like J. F. Fries or the psychologism of a J. F. Herbart. Inspired by his teacher, the Kant scholar Kuno Fischer, and emboldened by Eduard Zeller’s famous back-to-Kant speech at
NMR-derived model of interconverting conformations of an ICAM-1 inhibitory cyclic nonapeptide.

: We have produced by phage-display a disulfide-linked cyclic nonapeptide (inhibitory peptide-01, IP01), CLLRMRSIC, that binds to intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and blocks binding to its counter-structure, leukocyte functional antigen-1 (LFA-1). As a first step towards improving its pharmacologic properties, we have performed a structural and functional analysis of this peptide inhibitor to determine the features relevant to ICAM-1 binding. We report here the solution model of our initial product, IP01, as derived from two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) restraints and molecular modeling. Distance and dihedral angle restraints, generated from nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) and one-dimensional-NMR experiments respectively, were used to generate an ensemble of structures using distance geometry and simulated annealing. Molecular dynamic simulations produced three interconverting conformational families consistent with the NMR-derived constraints. We describe these conformations and their mechanism of interconversion. Furthermore, we have measured the IC50 s of a series of inhibitors generated from IP01 through alanine substitution of each residue. These results show that the L2-L3-R4-M5-R6 segment is functionally active, conformationally flexible, and contains a β-turn involving residues R4-S7, while the C1-C9-I8-S7 segment is less functionally-active but adopts a more defined solution conformation, consistent with a scaffolding function. This model will be useful for designing nonpeptide-based organic inhibitors with improved pharmacologic properties.
Controversies in Treatment Deintensification of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinomas: Should We, How Should We, and for Whom?

It has been little more than a decade since the recognition of the epidemiology, distinct molecular biology, and profile of risk factors, patient demographics, and tumor characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) ‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). 1-3 From prospective and retrospective studies, we know that patients with locally advanced, stage III/IV, HPV-associated OPSCC who are treated with standard cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy have significantly better overall survival and reduced risk of recurrence compared with patients with HPV-negative OPSCC. 4-6 More than 80% will likely be cured of their cancer. That said, it is also evident that a subset of patients demonstrate an aggressive phenotype with the development of distant spread and death as a result of their cancer. Given that the typical patient with HPV-associated OPSCC is younger (age 40 to 60 years) and without major comorbidities, increasing discussion has been focused on deintensification of treatmentinthehopesofminimizingtreatment-relatedmorbidity without compromising the current cure rates. In particular, attention has been focused on reducing the morbidity of severe late swallowing complications that result in the need for enteral nutritional support, because this has been shown to substantially affect patient quality of life. 7 Historically, typical rates of long-term gastrostomy-tube dependence were reported to be 15% to 20%. 8,9 However, with advances in radiationtechnology(suchasintensity-modulatedradiationtherapy), target delineation has become more complex, with steeper dose gradients and shifting of dose away from organs at risk, such that the current frequency of severe swallowing dysfunction needs to be reestablished. Nonetheless, maximizing quality of life by not overtreating patients is a uniformly supported goal. Deintensificationstrategieshavetodatebeenbasedonanunder
Tumor matrix protein collagen XIα1 in cancer

The extracellular matrix is increasingly recognized as an essential player in cancer development and progression. Collagens are one of the most important components of the extracellular matrix, and have themselves been implicated in many aspects of neoplastic transformation. Collagen XI is a minor collagen whose main physiologic function is to regulate the diameter of major collagen fibrils. The α1 chain of collagen XI (colXIα1) has known pathogenic roles in several musculoskeletal disorders. Recent research has highlighted the importance of colXIα1 in many types of cancer, including its roles in metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, as well as its potential utility in screening tests and as a therapeutic target. High levels of colXIα1 overexpression have been reported in multiple expression profile studies examining differences between cancerous and normal tissue, and between beginning and advanced stage cancer. Its expression has been linked to poor progression-free and overall survival. The consistency of these data across cancer types is particularly striking, including colorectal, ovarian, breast, head and neck, lung, and brain cancers. This review discusses the role of collagen XIα1 in cancer and its potential as a target for cancer therapy.
The role of Pax2 in mouse prostate development.

BACKGROUND. Loss-of-function of Pax2 results in severe defects of the male reproductive system, and Pax2 expression is detected in mouse prostate lobes and human prostatic cancers. However, the role for Pax2 in prostate development remains poorly understood. METHODS. The expression of Pax2 was examined by in situ hybridization at various developmental stages. Urogenital sinuses were dissected out at E18.5 from mouse Pax2 mutants and controls, cultured in vitro or grafted under the renal capsule of CD1 nude mice. The expression of prostate developmental regulatory factors was analyzed by semi-quantitative real-time PCR or immuohistochemistry. RESULTS. Pax2 is expressed in the epithelial cells of prostate buds. Loss-of-function of Pax2 does not affect the initiation of prostatic buds, but in vitro culture assays show that the prostates of Pax2 mutants are hypomorphic and branching is severely disrupted compared to controls. RT-PCR data from Pax2 mutant prostates demonstrate increased expression levels of dorsolateral prostate marker MSMB and ventral prostate marker SBP and dramatically reduced expression levels of anterior prostate marker TGM4. CONCLUSIONS. Pax2 is essential for mouse prostate development and regulates prostatic ductal growth, branching, and lobe-specific identity. These findings are important for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms in prostate development. Prostate 72: 217–224, 2012. # 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of enolase: the crystal structure of asymmetric dimer enolase-2-phospho-D-glycerate/enolase-phosphoenolpyruvate at 2.0 A resolution.

Enolase, a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the dehydration of 2-phospho-d-glycerate (PGA) to form phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), is a homodimer in all eukaryotes and many prokaryotes. Here, we report the crystal structure of a complex between yeast enolase and an equilibrium mixture of PGA and PEP. The structure has been refined using 29 854 reflections with an F/σ(F) of ≥3 to an R of 0.137 with average deviations of bond lengths and bond angles from ideal values of 0.013 A and 3.1°, respectively. In this structure, the dimer constitutes the crystallographic asymmetric unit. The two subunits are similar, and their superposition gives a rms distance between Cα atoms of 0.91 A. The exceptions to this are the catalytic loop Val153−Phe169 where the atomic positions in the two subunits differ by up to 4 A and the loop Ser250−Gln277, which follows the catalytic loop Val153−Phe169. In the first subunit, the imidazole side chain of His159 is in contact with the phosphate group of the substrate/product molecule; in t...
Schaumburg’s Sustainable Future: student research, social media, and suburban sustainability

The Schaumburg’s Sustainable Future (SSF) online social media project is a student-faculty collaboration at Roosevelt University that addresses sustainability issues, challenges, and solutions in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and, more generally, suburban communities. Conceived as an experimental class assignment in 2011, the SSF website and blog has become a locally relevant publication venue that engages sustainability topics in an interdisciplinary fashion and provides constructively critical information for the public about local suburban communities’ efforts to become more sustainable in government operations, use of water and energy, and transportation systems. Students and faculty benefit from the opportunity to produce meaningful and potentially useful research and commentary through specially focused class writing projects (both individual and collaborative), the university community has become more aware of its role in the “edge city” suburban community of Schaumburg, a major employment and shopping center in suburban Chicago, and local organizations have connected with the university in mutually beneficial ways through the website. In a time when urban sustainability is a primary focus of city planning, parkland development, urban farming, and green infrastructure projects—all worthy endeavors most assuredly—the SSF Project (1) highlights the need for and impact of suburban-focused sustainability initiatives in public/active transportation, stormwater reduction and water conservation, and restoration of native ecosystems and (2) demonstrates the role colleges and universities can play in this process.
Determinants of life expectancy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

BACKGROUND Although the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) healthcare sector has been expanding rapidly, many differences exist across socioeconomic status, clinical practice standards and healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE Predict production functions of health by measuring socioeconomic and expenditure factors that impact life expectancy in the EMR. METHODS Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory and the World Bank were used for this cross-sectional, time-series study spanning 21 nations in the EMR from 1995 to 2010. The primary outcome was life expectancy at birth. Covariates of interest included sociodemographic and health indicators. To both establish and validate appropriate categorization of countries, a cluster analysis was undertaken to group cases by taking selected characteristics into account. A variance-component, multilevel mixed-effects linear model was employed that incorporated a finite, Almon, distributed lag of 5 years and bootstrapping with 5000 simulations to model the production function of life expectancy. RESULTS Results of the cluster analysis found four groupings. Clusters 1 and 2, composed of six total countries, generally represented non-industrialized/least developed countries. Clusters 3 and 4, totalling 15 nations, captured more industrialized nations. Overall, gross domestic product (GDP) (P = 0.011), vaccination averages (P = 0.026) and urbanization (P = 0.026), were significant positive predictors of life expectancy. No significant predictors existed for Cluster 1 countries. Among Cluster 2 nations, physician density (P = 0.014) and vaccination averages (P = 0.044) were significant positive predictors. GDP (P = 0.037) and literacy (P = 0.014) were positive significant predictors among Cluster 3 nations. GDP (P = 0.002), health expenditures (P = 0.002) and vaccination averages (P = 0.014) were positive significant predictors in Cluster 4 countries. CONCLUSION Predictors of life expectancy differed between non-industrialized and industrialized nations, with the exception of vaccination averages. Non-industrialized/least developed nations were associated with adjusted life expectancies of >14% lower than their industrialized peers. Continued work to address differences in the quality of and access to care in the EMR is required.
Aging of the Respiratory System: Impact on Pulmonary Function Tests and Adaptation to Exertion

Abstract Normal aging of the respiratory system is associated with a decrease in static elastic recoil of the lung, in respiratory muscle performance, and in compliance of the chest wall and respiratory system, resulting in increased work of breathing compared with younger subjects and a diminished respiratory reserve in cases of acute illness, such as heart failure, infection, or airway obstruction. In spite of these changes, the respiratory system remains capable of maintaining adequate gas exchange at rest and during exertion during the entire lifespan, with only a slight decrease in Pa(O2) and no significant change in Pa(CO2).
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and BRL 49653 on Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)γ2 Gene Expression and Other Adipocyte Genes

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in adipocytes has been reported to correlate with insulin resistance associated with obesity. The thiazolidinediones such as BRL 49653 have been reported to improve insulin sensitivity in obese animals and humans. Although its exact mechanism of action is not known, BRL 49653 has been shown to antagonize some of the inhibitory actions of TNFα. BRL 49653 binds and activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ2), an important nuclear transcription factor in adipocyte differentiation; however, its regulation of PPARγ2 in differentiated adipocytes is unknown. In this paper, we find that BRL 49653 blocked the ability of TNFα to down-regulate the expression and transcription of several adipocyte genes, but BRL 49653 did not prevent TNFα from down-regulating PPARγ2. Moreover, BRL 49653 alone initially decreased the expression of PPARγ2 mRNA and protein greatly. After 24 h of treatment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, BRL 49653 down-regulated PPARγ2 by greater t...
Varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy and central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome with human immunodeficiency virus infection treated with steroids

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is widely recognized and rarely involves the central nervous system (CNS). Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are at an increased risk for developing CNS-IRIS upon initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This syndrome can be fatal and requires extreme vigilance in determining if a treatable underlying opportunistic infection exists. We report here a case of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy and CNS-IRIS in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient who required prolonged steroid treatment for clinical stabilization. There are no established treatment regimens for IRIS and the use of corticosteroids in this syndrome remains controversial. Similar to our patient, severe cases of CNS-IRIS may benefit from high-dose intravenous corticosteroid treatment followed by an oral prednisone taper.
Recipes for Mapping Vegetation

Of the three Atta species of Panama (sexdens L., cephalotes isthmicola Weber and colombica tonsipes Santschi), sexdens in a grassland species as it is in South America, may nest in the same general grassy area, sexdens extends along the sandy Pacific shore, and the other two nest primarily in clay. A unique relationship in the heart of the city of Colon on the Atlantic side was a colony of isthmicola surrounded by colonies of tonsipes. Their leaf bearing files were separate and they were mutually hostile. The main plaza of Panama City on the Pacific side has been occupied by sexdens despite the gradual extinguishing of foraging areas by building. Barro Colorado Island has isthmicola and tonsipes occupying similar habitats. Personal records since 1938 are noted. Usually the species of the leaf—cutting ant, Atta, occupy well—defined and separate areas gap between texana Buckley in Texas and the northermost extent of mexicana F. Smith in Arizona is several hundred miles wide. In Uruguay sexdens L. is found t...