cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microglial pathology in Down syndrome

Subjects with Down syndrome (DS) inevitably develop histopathological features pathognomonic of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and DS can therefore be considered a human model of AD. Similar to AD, microglial activation has been reported in DS and the idea that detrimental neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration is firmly embedded. However, recent work from this laboratory has offered evidence for an alternative view regarding the role of microglial cells in AD pathogenesis by showing presence of dystrophic (senescent) rather than activated microglia in both the AD and DS brain. In this report, we build on previously published observations in human brain and offer a detailed analysis of microglial senescent pathology in the temporal cortices of 6 DS cases in their 40s, a critical age bracket where virtually all DS subjects acquire neurofibrillary degeneration characteristic of AD. Our findings using both Iba1 and anti-ferritin immunostaining of microglial cells show that coincident with the appearance of tau pathology in DS subjects there is consistent presence of dystrophic microglial cells and conspicuous absence of activated microglia using both markers. The extent of microglial pathology varied among the individual DS cases, but they all revealed decreased numbers of normal microglia ranging from 19 to 85% of the controls. Nearly all of the ferritin-positive microglia, which constitute a subset of the total Iba1-reactive microglial population, exhibited dystrophic morphology. In its most severe form dystrophy was evident as total fragmentation of the cells' cytoplasm (cytorrhexis), which likely reflects terminal degeneration of microglia. Severely dystrophic, ferritin-positive cells were often found to be colocalized with tau-positive senile plaques. Our findings help to consolidate the idea that microglial degeneration and neurofibrillary degeneration are closely linked events in a human model of AD. They suggest that microglial degeneration follows a gradually progressive course that increases in its severity in parallel with the progression of AD neurodegenerative changes.
Cervical cancer and Pap smear screening in Botswana: knowledge and perceptions.

Background Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Botswana. Little is known about women's use of Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical smear tests. Aim The study is to explore knowledge and beliefs of 30 women about cervical cancer and Pap smear tests using the Health Belief Model. Method Women were recruited from all income levels using network sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for demographic data and content analysis for interview data. Findings Knowledge of cervical cancer and the Pap smear test was inadequate among women with low incomes. Pap smear utilization was also limited among low-income women. Of the 18 women who had at least one Pap smear test in their lifetime, eight (44%) had opportunistic testing as a result of having gynaecological symptoms. Twelve women (40%) had never had Pap smear tests. Major barriers to Pap smear screening included inadequate knowledge about Pap smear testing, providers' negative attitudes, and limited access to doctors. Conclusion The study has implications for health education and health policy and for nurses' involvement in both.
Intermolecular Potential Calculations for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Clusters

Calculations of intermolecular potentials are presented for homo-molecular and hetero-molecular clusters of 24 peri-condensed PAH spanning monomer masses ranging from 78 to 1830 Da. Binding energie...
Chemistry of technetium in tripolyphosphate medium

Abstract Electroreduction of TcO 4 − yields only technetium(III) in acidic tripolyphosphate, while above pH7 it yields technetium(IV) and technetium(III), the oxidation state being controlled by the electrode potential. Above pH 9.5, the limiting current undergoes progressive suppression, but addition of ammonia reverses this effect. The technetium(III)/(IV) couple, which is reversible by pulse polarography, does not involve either free protons or free tripolyphosphate. The technetium(IV) tripolyphosphate complex undergoes irreversible alkaline hydrolysis, in a reaction that is first order in hydroxide ion.
Heterogeneous, ideal associations at sedimentation equilibrium

Abstract A general appro ach to analyze associations of the type m A+ n B = A m B n at sedimentation equilibrium under ideal conditions was derived. A simple transform to generate a function Q was defined in which the optical measurement (absorbance or refractive index increment) at a given radial distance is divided by the value that would result if no association occurred. Explicit calculations for the cases of m = 1, n = 1 and m = 2, n = 1 were used to simulate centrifuge experiments. Nonlinear least-squares regression of Q vs. the optical measurement showed that accurate estimation of parameters could be obtained in selected instances for both types of association only if the appropriate model was used. Additionally, the effect of random experimental and systematic error (e.g., the presence of contaminants) was evaluated.
Radiative Thermal Conductivity in Planetary Interiors

Diopside, peridot and oligoclase optical constants found by measuring reflectance and transmittance spectra at high temperatures
Biochemical factors in anxiety neurosis

This selective review delineates the history of the development of the concept of anxiety neurosis and details the clinical picture and natural history of the disorder. Many studies of physiological and biochemical differences between anxiety neurotics are briefly reviewed. The production of anxiety attacks in susceptible individuals with the infusion of β-adrenergic agonists (isoproterenol, epinephrine) and the end-product of their activation of the anaerobic glycolytic pathway (lactate) is covered in detail, with emphasis on the evidence for this phenomenon. The prevention of such episodes by calcium ion and β-adrenergic blockade by propranolol is discussed. The challenging prospects for the future clarification of the chemical mechanism of expression of anxiety symptoms (and attacks), as well as the future of chemotherapy of anxiety, is examined.
The Slinger - An in-orbit booster facility

The Slinger, a permanent facility that can be built and stationed in a low earth orbit and can reduce the cost of transporting satellites into geostationary orbit by a factor of three, is examined. The Slinger is described, giving its size, mass, capacity, and the construction of its tethers. Techniques for accelerating the tethers are discussed. The operation of the Slinger is examined, including its launching of a payload into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and its return to lower orbit. The Slinger's cycle time, its handling of lighter GTO payloads, and the effects of orbital precession and drag are briefly discussed. A possible reusable second stage based at the Slinger is discussed, and missions involving higher velocity and heavier payloads that can be helped by the Slinger are briefly considered along with the use of the Slinger to provide astronauts with 1 g and the use of a Slinger on the moon.
Rapid separation of biologically active syrian hamster lymphotoxin in high yield by size-exclusionl high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A rapid, simple and reproducible high-perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure is described for the partial purification of biologically active Syrian hamster lymphotoxin. Lymphotoxin, a series of lymphocyte derived immunological glycoprotein hormones with molecular weights of 20,000 to 56,000, has been partially purified by a single-step HPLC procedure or by a two-step isoelectric focusing—HPLC procedure. The HPLC separation method uses silica-based protein separation columns eluted with a 0.1 M sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, 0.1% polyethylene glycol 4000 bufer at a flor-rate of 0.5 ml/min ar room temperature. Nearly complete recoveries of biologically active lymphotoxin can be obtained with as much as a 13-fold purification in less than 1 h.
Cardinality of phase transition of Ising models on closed cayley trees

Abstract We provide a new approach to study phase transition for Ising models on closed Cayley trees. It is shown that there may exist more than one limiting measure for an Ising model on an infinite Cayley tree in both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic cases. The exact critical values of the parameters corresponding to the pair interactions are obtained for both cases.
Rapid Screening of Street Drugs by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography: the Screening of Cocaine, Heroin, Methadone and Morphine by Reverse Phase HPLC

A procedure is described for the simple and rapid screening and collection of the common “hard” drugs of abuse : cocaine, heroin, methadone, and morphine by high pressure liquid chromatography using a reverse phase packing.
Essential unitarization of symplectics and applications to field quantization

Abstract Symplectic operators satisfying generic and group-invariant (spectral) positivity conditions are studied; the theory developed is applied and illustrated to determine the unique invariant frequency decomposition (equivalently, linear quantization with invariant vacuum state) of the Klein-Gordon equation in non-static spacetimes. Let (H, Ω) be any linear topological symplectic space such that there exists a real-linear and topological isomorphism of H with some complex Hilbert space carrying Ω into the imaginary part of the scalar product. Then any bounded invertible symplectic S ∈ Sp(H) (resp. bounded infinitesimally symplectic A ∈ sp(H)) which satisfies Ω(Sv, v) > 0 (resp. Ω(Av, v) > 0 ) for all nonzero v ω H, where S + I is invertible, is realized uniquely and constructively as a unitary (resp. skewadjoint) operator in a complex Hilbert space which depends in general on the operator and typically only densely intersects H. The essentially unique weakly and uniformly closed invariant convex cones in sp(H) are determined, extending previously known results in the finite-dimensional case. A notion of “skew-adjoint extension” of a closed semi-bounded infinitesimally symplectic operator is defined, strictly including the usual notion of positive self-adjoint extension in a complex Hilbert space; all such skew-adjoint extensions are parametrized, as in the von Neumann or Birman-Krein-Vishik theories. Finally, the unique complex Hilbertian structure—formulated on the space of solutions of the covariant Klein-Gordon equation in generic conformal perturbations of flat space—is uniquely determined by invariance under the scattering operator. The invariant Hilbert structure is explicitly calculated to first order for an infinite-dimensional class of purely time-dependent metric perturbations, and higher-order contributions are rigorously estimated.
Frequency filter properties of lobster chemoreceptor cells determined with high-resolution stimulus measurement

1. We developed a high resolution, on-line stimulus measurement system for accurate control of chemical stimulus applications for Homarus americanus lateral antennule chemoreceptors. Focal stimulus presentations in an electrophysiological preparation with the receptor sensilla intact were measured at small spatial (30 μm) and time (5 ms) scales. 2. We tested 15 receptor cells with ten 100 ms pulses of 104M hydroxyproline at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 Hz and with a single 8 s square pulse. Individual cells showed differences in their capabilities to resolve pulses (“flicker fusion”). At 2 Hz stimulation, some cells could follow stimulus pulses while others could not. At 4 Hz, 3 cells could still encode individual stimulus pulses accurately. The population resolved pulses up to 2 Hz; at 4 Hz, the population response to a pulse series approximated the response to a square pulse. 3. Repetitive stimulation caused a gradual decrease in the number of spikes and a gradual increase in first spike latency (“cumulative adaptation”). Increased stimulation frequency resulted in greater cumulative adaptation. 4. Since individual differences in adaptation and disadaptation rates of the receptor cells could not be attributed to measured stimulus variability in situ, lobster chemoreceptor cell populations have intrinsic temporal diversity which, we hypothesize, could be used to analyze pulsatile stimuli that occur in natural turbulent odor plumes.
Optical diagnosis of electric fields in a beam-driven turbulent plasma

Optical diagnostics using laser fluorescence techniques measure the RMS electric field in a superstrongly turbulent, relativistic beam-plasma system. This yields detailed mapping of as a function of axial position, z, radial location, r and time, t. This allows studies of growth and evolution of turbulent fields, their diffusion and decay. Fluctuating electric fields occur when a 700 keV, 4 kA, 2 µs electron beam propagates into 20 cm diameter, 1.5 m long drift tube filled with 10 mTorr of Helium plasma. Stark effect shifts appear in suitable forbidden and allowed transitions, originating from the same upper energy level for the measurement: HeI 6632 A and HeI 5015.7 A. The spectral bandwidth includes the forbidden line and its satellites. Using the ratio of the intensity of the forbidden plus satellite lines, to the allowed line intensity, yields the R.M.S. field as the combined field of oscillation near the plasma frequency. Fields up to 28 kV/cm result. An analytical model of production of strong electric fields by beam-plasma instability, including modulational transfer in k-space, plasma heating, radiation and wave convection explains these results. Comparison between the experiment and the numerically integrated model is good.
The effect of multiple primer-template mismatches on quantitative PCR accuracy and development of a multi-primer set assay for accurate quantification of pcrA gene sequence variants

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a critical tool for quantifying the abundance of specific organisms and the level or expression of target genes in medically and environmentally relevant systems. However, often the power of this tool has been limited because primer-template mismatches, due to sequence variations of targeted genes, can lead to inaccuracies in measured gene quantities, detection failures, and spurious conclusions. Currently available primer design guidelines for qPCR were developed for pure culture applications, and available primer design strategies for mixed cultures were developed for detection rather than accurate quantification. Furthermore, past studies examining the impact of mismatches have focused only on single mismatches while instances of multiple mismatches are common. There are currently no appropriate solutions to overcome the challenges posed by sequence variations. Here, we report results that provide a comprehensive, quantitative understanding of the impact of multiple primer-template mismatches on qPCR accuracy and demonstrate a multi-primer set approach to accurately quantify a model gene pcrA (encoding perchlorate reductase) that has substantial sequence variation. Results showed that for multiple mismatches (up to 3 mismatches) in primer regions where mismatches were previously considered tolerable (middle and 5' end), quantification accuracies could be as low as ~0.1%. Furthermore, tests were run using a published pcrA primer set with mixtures of genomic DNA from strains known to harbor the target gene, and for some mixtures quantification accuracy was as low as ~0.8% or was non-detect. To overcome these limitations, a multiple primer set assay including minimal degeneracies was developed for pcrA genes. This assay resulted in nearly 100% accurate detection for all mixed microbial communities tested. The multi-primer set approach demonstrated herein can be broadly applied to other genes with known sequences.
COMMUNITY, BUSINESS ETHICS, AND GLOBAL CAPITALISM

The absorption of the cultural sphere into the commercial sphere signals a fundamental change in human relationships with troubling consequences for the future of society. From the beginning of civilization to now, culture has always preceded markets. People create communities, construct elaborate codes of social conduct, reproduce shared meanings and values, and build social trust in the form of social capital Only when social trust and social exchange are well developed do communities engage in commerce and trade…. When the commercial sphere begins to devour the cultural sphere … it threatens to destroy the very social foundations that give rise to commercial relations.1
Neuronal gap junctions play a role in the secondary neuronal death following controlled cortical impact

In the mammalian CNS, excessive release of glutamate and overactivation of glutamate receptors are responsible for the secondary (delayed) neuronal death following neuronal injury, including ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and epilepsy. Recent studies in mice showed a critical role for neuronal gap junctions in NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and ischemia-mediated neuronal death. Here, using controlled cortical impact (CCI) in adult mice, as a model of TBI, and Fluoro-Jade B staining for analysis of neuronal death, we set to determine whether neuronal gap junctions play a role in the CCI-mediated secondary neuronal death. We report that 24h post-CCI, substantial neuronal death is detected in a number of brain regions outside the injury core, including the striatum. The striatal neuronal death is reduced both in wild-type mice by systemic administration of mefloquine (a relatively selective blocker of neuronal gap junctions) and in knockout mice lacking connexin 36 (neuronal gap junction protein). It is also reduced by inactivation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (with LY341495) which, as reported previously, control the rapid increase in neuronal gap junction coupling following different types of neuronal injury. The results suggest that neuronal gap junctions play a critical role in the CCI-induced secondary neuronal death.
Some memory effects with sequential impoverished visual stimuli.

Retention of visual paths was studied in two experiments using homogeneous circles presented graphically or by lights to minimize irrelevant cues that might support covert labeling. Path lengths of 3, 5, 7, and 9 nodes, and memory loads of 1, 2, and 4 paths in depth were included. In both studies, simultaneous exposure led to better recall than serial presentation, and memory proved robust with little loss between two- and four-path memory loads. Providing letter props greatly improved retention. The effects of constant versus on-then-off light exposure depended on the length of paths.
Providing the ethical example

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the importance of maintaining an ethical point of view especially in times of economic uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents some definitions of ethical behavior and reminds the reader of the consequences of not following an ethical course of action. Findings – From current literature, ethical behaviors have been compromised in some industries, as libraries establish themselves in a new economy it is important to consider revisiting organizational training needs regarding ethics. Originality/value – This paper is a reminder that regardless of economical situations, proper ethical behavior should be applied.
Class, Place, and Gender: Contested Industrial and Domestic Space in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA, 1920–1960

The Kohler company, a family-owned plumbing manufactory in Wisconsin, USA, known for the ‘garden industrial village’ erected for its workers during the 1910s, managed class relations through a gendered spatial arrangement of its model town. In the 1930s and 1950s, unionists striking at the plant responded by articulating their class alliances within and outside the town in spatial terms that revised the meaning of the place. In the process, the Kohler unions also necessarily refigured domestic space in ways that challenged the company's mapping of domesticity in the 1930s, but they drew back from such challenges in the 1950s.
Analysis and control of a two-link and three-joint elastic robot arm

A robot system composed of two-link arm and three-joint is considered in this paper. An evolution equation corresponding to the robot system formulated by partial differential equations with initial and boundary conditions is established in an appropriate Hilbert space. The spectral properties of the main operator of the evolution equation is first discussed, and then its semigroup generation is presented based on the resulting spectral properties of. Finally, an asymptotical behavior of the robot system under a designed feedback control is shown in terms of semigroup approach.
Regulating externalities through testing

Abstract Testing for compliance with regulation of a negative externality is analyzed in a strategic framework. The outcome is described where the number tested and the penalties for observed noncompliance are each controlled by different agencies, or by different levels within the regulatory agency, and where the number tested cannot be precommitted. Comparative statics results are provided, and the equilibrium is compared with the welfare optimum for different objectives of those doing the testing. It is shown that the actual enforcement decision can sometimes be optimally delegated, even if those doing the enforcement have objectives different from minimizing expected social cost.
Synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3- and -6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-d-glucopyranose

Abstract As a route for forming spacers of differing functionality for linking oligosaccharides to carrier molecules, the allyl glycosides of β- d -Glc→β- d -GlcNAc disaccharides having β- d -(1→3) and β- d -(1→6) linkages were prepared. The aglycon could be removed directly to yield the corresponding free disaccharides. Condensation of 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -glucopyranosyl bromide ( 1 ) with the known allyl 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 2 ) under Koenigs—Knorr conditions gave the protected β- d -(1→3)-linked disaccharide in excellent (86%) yield. Removal of all protecting groups afforded the previously unreported 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl- d -glucopyranose ( 6 ). Condensation of allyl 2-acetamido-3,4-di- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 9 ) with 1 under the same conditions gave an acceptable yield (64%) of the acetylated β- d -(1→6)-linked disaccharide 11 . Zemplen deacetylation of the resulting disaccharide derivative 11 followed by palladium-assisted hydrolysis of the allyl group afforded the previously unreported 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl- d -glucopyranose ( 13 ).
1544 SEPSIS IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN LATE MORTALITY OF VERY, VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS

Significant mortality occurs in very, very low birthweight (VVLBW) infants, birthweights <1000 gm, who survive beyond the first week of life. From January 1981 to July 1984, we cared for 157 VVLBW infants. Of the 98 who survived beyond one week of life, twenty-two subsequently died. Thirty episodes of bacteremic sepsis were documented in 23 of the 98 infants. Eight of the 23 (35%) infected infants died and they accounted for 36% of the late mortality in this group. Gram positive organisms of low pathogenicity were most often involved; S. Epidermidis was isolated during 14 of the septicemic episodes. Birthweight and gestational age did not statistically differ between the groups with and without infection (B.W. 802 ±147 gm vs 797 ±124gm, G.A. 27.9 ±2.0 wks vs 28.3 ±2.1 wks). While the infants cared for during 1983-84 were smaller than the ones cared for in 1981-82 (7 of 11 infected infants weighing less than 750 gms as compared to 1 of 12 during 1981-82) overall sepsis incidence did not increase. The use of parenteral nutrition (PN) was significantly associated with infection (p <0.01). The incidence of chronic lung disease in all infants was high, 64%, but group differences were not statistically different. Our observations confirm the importance of nosocomial infection in late mortality of VVLBW infants and extend the observations of Munson et al to this weight class. However, for this group of infants with BW less than 1000 grams, unexpectedly we found no increased risk of sepsis with either decreasing BW or EGA.
A convenient stereoselective synthesis of cationic (η3-allyl)iron tetracarbonyl complexes

Abstract Allylic alcohols have been found to react with Fe2(CO)9 in ether to afford after addition of HBF4/acetic anhydride, the corresponding (η3-allyl)Fe(CO)4+BF4−- species (I) in moderate to good yields. The geometry of the starting alcohol is retained in the product complex; thus E-crotyl and -cinnamyl alcohols led to anti-substituted complexes, whereas the corresponding Z-alcohols produced syn-complexes.
Development of a Self-Contained, Satellite Based, Moored Surface Buoy Position Tracking Device

In an effort to improve our understandings on the workings of the coastal ocean for a variety of environmental applications and to improve upon forecasts of storm surge for residents along the West Coast of Florida, the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science (USF/CMS) established a real-time Coastal Ocean Monitoring Prediction System (COMPS) for the West Florida Shelf region. COMPS program assets consist of arrays of offshore buoys and coastal tidal stations for surface meteorology and in-water measurement of temperature, salinity, and currents. This instrumentation array reflects a substantial investment in equipment and effort. Although rare, conditions can arise in which the bottom moored offshore surface buoys can separate and drift freely. To prevent platform and equipment loss, several onboard methods have been used to determine and track the buoy's position when necessary. This paper discusses the in-house development of a self-contained, satellite-based, moored surface buoy position tracking device.
Translocation of GLUT1 Does Not Account for Elevated Glucose Transport in Glucose-deprived 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Glucose deprivation increases the rate of glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a protein synthesis-dependent fashion. To determine if translocation of either GLUT1 or GLUT4 is responsible for this phenomenon, we adapted existing fractionation procedures toward isolating 3T3-L1 adipocyte membranes. By Western blot analysis of equal protein, GLUT1 was distributed between plasma membranes, high density "microsomal" membranes, and low density "microsomal" membranes isolated from control cells. GLUT4 comigrated with high density and low density membranes. Glucose deprivation for 12 h did not alter the distribution of either GLUT1 or GLUT4, despite an 8-10-fold increase in glucose transport activity in intact cells. Importantly, increased transport activity was retained in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from glucose-deprived cells. These data show for the first time that the increase in transport activity associated with glucose deprivation does not result from the translocation of either of the glucose transporters known to exist in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As GLUT4 is excluded from the plasma membrane, these data provide evidence for activation of GLUT1.
31. Psychosocial factors, endocannabinoids, and inflammatory molecules in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

The endocannabinoid system modulates neural processes and down-regulates pro-inflammatory, stress-related signals. Inflammatory-mediated processes significantly contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). The relationship between inflammatory molecules and the endocannabinoid system is poorly understood, and its activity has never been examined in HCT recipients. We conducted a pilot study evaluating 19 individuals undergoing HCT for any reason and collected psychosocial data and blood samples at 3 timepoints: (1) prior to transplant, (2) hospital discharge (within days of neutrophil engraftment), and (3) Day + 100. Serum was analyzed for inflammatory (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, VEGF, CRP) and endocannabinoid molecules. Psychosocial measures included depressive symptoms, anxiety, and social support. Canonical correlation analysis indicated a significant association between change in inflammatory molecules and change in psychosocial scores between the first and second time points ( r = 1.0, p p = .02; CRP, p p = .01; CRP, p = .03). These data suggest that circulating 2-AG concentrations are related to critical immune modulators, IL-6 and CRP. Future research should address whether the endocannabinoid system may buffer the adverse physiological effects of negative psychosocial factors post-transplant.
Kant and the claims of knowledge

Acknowledgments Notes on sources Introduction Part I. Kant's Early View: 1. The problem of objective validity 2. The transcendental theory of experience: 1774-1775 Part II. The Transcendental Deduction from 1781 to 1787: 3. The real premises of the deduction 4. The deduction from knowledge of objects 5. The deduction and aperception Part III. The Principles of Empirical Knowledge: 6. The schematism and system of principles 7. Axioms and anticipations 8. The general principle of the analogies 9. The first analogy: substance 10. The second analogy: causation 11. The third analogy: interaction Part IV. The Refutation of Idealism: 12. The problem, project, and promise of the refutation 13. The central arguments of the refutation 14. The metaphysics of the refutation Part V. Transcendental Idealism: 15. Appearances and things in themselves 16. Transcendental idealism and the forms of intuition 17. Transcendental idealism and the theory of judgment 18. Transcendental idealism and the 'Antinomy of Pure Reason' Afterword Notes General index.
Is parent and child weight status associated with decision making regarding nutrition and physical activity opportunities

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate parents’ versus children’s level of decision making in regards to healthy eating and physical activity practices and how it relates to weight status. Cross-sectional parent responses to a series of visual analog items assessed the level of both parent and child involvement in decisions related to nutrition and physical activity. Participants included parent–kindergarten student cohorts in West Virginia from 2007 to 2009 ( n = 634). Mean nutrition and physical activity decision making scores were compared across four groups of parent and child weight status combinations. The results indicated that parents described equal involvement of the parent and child in nutrition and activity decisions within the home. Within families where the parent and/or the child were obese, parents reported more involvement of the child in nutritional decisions. Families with an obese parent and an obese child reported the highest level of child involvement in these types of decisions. In summary, this study found that families share involvement in decisions but greater child involvement may be associated with adult and/or child obesity. At least for younger children, decisions may prove healthier if parents have an equal or greater amount of input in the decisions related to healthy lifestyle choices.
Vitamin D deficiency: A simple algorithm employing weekly administration of 50,000 IU of vitamin D

Abstract Objective Vitamin D deficiency affects parathyroid hormone levels and is endemic in the American population due to diet and lifestyle. The aim of this study was to evaluate a treatment algorithm using weekly doses of 50,000 IU of Vitamin D2 for thyroid and parathyroid surgery patients. Study Design Prospective, non-randomized. Setting University health sciences center. Subjects and Methods Patients at a thyroid center being treated for benign and malignant thyroid diseases or parathyroid disease. Subjects with total vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/dl were prospectively treated with weekly doses of 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 (D2) for durations dependent upon initial vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels. Vitamin D levels were measured after the treatment intervals and change in levels from baseline was determined. Results Subjects receiving 8 weeks of therapy demonstrated an average increase in vitamin D level of 13.4 ng/ml, 10 weeks of therapy showed an increase of 16.35 ng/ml, and 12 weeks showed an average increase of 21.6 ng/ml. The treatment groups had success rates of 82%, 75%, and 71% after 8, 10, and 12 weeks of therapy respectively. When only compliant patients were evaluated (defined as greater than 3-ng/ml increase after therapy), the success rates after 8, 10, and 12 weeks increased to 95%, 79%, and 71% respectively. Conclusions A simple algorithm using 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 corrects its deficiency in the majority of subjects treated. This is a simple method of treatment for thyroid and parathyroid patients who are vitamin D deficient. Thyroid and parathyroid conditions are frequently treated by otolaryngologists and vitamin D deficiency can complicate their diagnosis and/or management.
A methodology for evaluation of parent-mutant competition using a generalized non-linear ecosystem model

Abstract A generalized, non-linear population dynamics model of an ecosystem is used to investigate the direction of selective pressures upon a mutant by studying the competition between parent and mutant populations. The model has the advantages of considering selection as operating on the phenotype, of retaining the interaction of the mutant population with the ecosystem as a whole, and of setting a reasonable balance between theoretical manageability and quantitative testability. The model is used to make generalizations about several aspects of evolution in a terminal consumer (e.g. top carnivore). Mutations which avoid over exploitation of the prey species or introduce intra-specific population regulators will be selected against. Application of the method is limited primarily by the assumptions of a non-fluctuating environment, an asymptotically stable steady state before the mutation, absence of genetic drift, and uniformity of selective pressure on the mutant population. The method described in this paper is well suited for handling the high degree of complexity experienced in most ecosystems. Thus the methodology present may become a powerful tool in the approach to certain evolutionary questions.
Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability to Ebiratide and TNF in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals has a poor outcome because of a lack of regeneration. Alteration of the local environment after injury may induce regeneration. However, the passage of blood-borne or exogenous neurotrophic substances through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is not well characterized in either normal or injured states. We investigated the permeability of the BBB in normal and injured states to two markers of permeability (albumin and sucrose), to a peptide (ebiratide), and to a cytokine [tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF)]. We found that in normal mice the cervical and lumbar areas of the spinal cord were more permeable than the thoracic area and the brain to all four substances. The penetration of the alpha-MSH/ACTH analogue ebiratide and of TNF, substances that have saturable transport systems across the BBB and may be involved in regenerative processes in the CNS, followed a regional pattern of differential permeability comparable to that of albumin and sucrose. Complete transection at the lumbar level induced a temporal change in the permeability of the BBB. The increased permeability, as measured by the radioactively labeled tracers albumin and sucrose, was most apparent in the lumbar region proximal to the transection. After SCI, the permeability to ebiratide remained unchanged, suggesting that disruption of the BBB did not affect the transport system for ebiratide. By contrast, the increase of permeability to TNF exceeded that detected by the markers albumin and sucrose. This enhanced permeability was inhibited by excess unlabeled TNF in the blood, showing saturability. This suggests that the transport system for TNF may be activated in SCI.
Effect of a steel toe cap on forefoot injury pattern in a cadaveric model.

Background:Crush injuries to the foot are a common workplace injury and a significant source of morbidity, disability and lost wages. Many regulatory bodies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend the use of safety shoes in certain occupations to help protect against these occupational hazards. However there remains controversy and paucity of published data regarding the protection afforded by a steel toe cap in regards to clinical injury pattern. This study looks to investigates the protective influence of a steel toe cap on crush injuries of the forefoot.Materials and Methods:Five non-osteoporotic paired cadaver lower extremities were appropriately fitted to a standard work boot. One foot of each pair was fitted into a steel toe capped boot (designated “ST” group) while the other foot was fitted into an identical version of the work boot but without the protective steel toe cap (designated “NST” group). Each foot was crushed using a custom designed rig with a load of...
Electrocardiographic Evidence of Left Atrial Hypertension in Acute Myocardial Infarction

The relationship between mean left atrial pressure (LAm) and P-wave abnormalities in lead V1 of standard 12-lead electrocardiograms was evaluated in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction. In each patient pulmonary artery diastolic pressure or pulmonary wedge pressure was measured, and these values were used as an estimate of LAm. Electrocardiograms recorded at the time of the pressure measurements were used for P-wave analysis. Patients with a history of hypertension were excluded from analysis. There was a significant correlation between the magnitude of the P terminal force in lead V1 (PTF-V1) and the estimated LAm (r = –0.78, P 12 mm Hg). Thus, in 25 of the 30 patients, the PTF-V1 correctly identified whether the LAm was normal or abnormal on admission. On subsequent days, simultaneous measurements o...
Noise characterization of supercontinuum sources for low-coherence interferometry applications

We examine the noise properties of supercontinuum light sources when used in low-coherence interferometry applications. The first application is a multiple-scattering low-coherence interferometry (ms2/LCI) system, where high power and long image acquisition times are required to image deep into tissue. For this system, we compare the noise characteristics of two supercontinuum sources from different suppliers. Both sources have long-term drift that limits the amount of time over which signal averaging is advantageous for reducing noise. The second application is a high-resolution optical coherence tomography system, where broadband light is needed for high axial resolution. For this system, we compare the noise performance of the two supercontinuum sources and a light source based on four superluminescent diodes (SLD) using imaging contrast as a comparative metric. We find that the NKT SuperK has superior noise performance compared with the Fianium SC-450-4, but neither meets the performance of the SLD.
Expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in human blood after in vitro treatment with chlorpyrifos, and its metabolites, in combination with endotoxin LPS and allergen Der p1.

Exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides has been associated with respiratory symptoms and may be related to asthma; however, few studies have examined the molecular basis for these associations. Asthma and allergic disorders are characterized by elevated Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), whereas the chronic inflammatory response in asthmatic airways is maintained by Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. The goal of this in vitro study was to examine the effects of OP chlorpyrifos (CPF), and its metabolites chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), singly, and in combination with endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1) allergen, on expression of IFN-γ and IL-4, Th1 and Th2 signature cytokines, respectively. Cytokine expression was measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. Human blood cultures were treated with CPF/CPO/TCP (1–1000 µg ml−1) and LPS (1.5–2.5 µg ml−1) or Der p1 (200 AU ml−1) and supernatants were collected at 48 h. Pesticides CPF, CPO and TCP did not induce cytokine expression in vitro, while LPS and Der p1 induced IFN-γ and IL-4 expression, respectively. Whole blood cultures treated with low doses of CPO (1 and 10 µg ml−1), in combination with LPS, expressed higher levels of IFN-γ than LPS alone (P < 0.05). While CPO increased LPS-dependent induction of IFN-γ, CPO treatment did not alter Der p1 induction of IL-4. The interaction between CPO and LPS, which results in an increased type 1 immune response, should be investigated further, particularly since the combination of OP pesticides and endotoxin is common in rural, agricultural communities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of free eutectic growth and competitive solidification in undercooled near-eutectic alloys based on in situ measurements

Free eutectic growth and its competition with single-phase growth in solidification of undercooled near-eutectic alloys are not yet fully understood. In this paper, the historical development of eutectic growth models was reviewed. The LZ model of free eutectic growth was evaluated using recent data of eutectic growth velocities in an undercooled Ni81.3Sn18.7 eutectic composition. An excellent agreement was achieved between the LZ model and the data. Crystal growth velocities in off-eutectic Ni83Sn17 and Ni80Sn20 compositions were measured using a high-speed camera technique. The present data of the off-eutectic compositions and the recent data of the eutectic composition were modeled using the LZ model and the LKT/BCT model of free dendritic growth. The modeling revealed that the competition between the free eutectic growth and the single-phase growth is controlled by the highest interface temperature criterion. A coupled zone of the α-Ni-Ni3Sn eutectic was calculated using this criterion. The coupled zone agrees well with studies of solidified structures of undercooled samples.
Fly Rod Response

A semi empirical equation is presented which can be used to predict the first mode natural frequency of fly rods and fly rod blanks as a function of the stiffness to mass ratio and a mass distribution parameter. The equation may be applicable to other multipiece tapered cantilever beams, examples of which include flag poles and antennas
Improving Identification of Demand-Side Obstacles to Schooling: Findings from Revealed and Stated Preference Models in Two SSA Countries

Summary Efforts to expand primary education have shifted from a policy focus on supply (building schools) to demand-side policies. Human capital theory posits that common demand-side obstacles are high direct costs, opportunity costs, and low perceived benefits—constructs that are difficult to measure empirically. This study compares strategies to estimate obstacles to schooling through revealed and stated preferences using similar household survey data from two Sub-Saharan African countries. The typical determinants of schooling model underestimates demand-side obstacles and gender differences, and additional useful information for theory testing and policy is derived from analyzing parents’ stated preferences as well.
Malone antegrade continence enema (mace): a comparison of results using various channel techniques

Introduction To report a single institution's long term results of the various MACE procedures in the treatment of chronic constipation in children with neuropathic bowel. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of 253 MACE procedures was performed. Age at surgery, channel technique, location of stoma, number and type of revisions required and continence were documented and a database was created. Results 236 patients had at least 6 months follow-up and are included in this report. There were 172 In-situ appendicocecostomies, 23 split appendix channels, 9 appendicocecostomy with cecal extension, 22 Yang-Monti ileocecostomies and 10 colon flap colocecostomies. Mean age at surgery was 10.2 years (2-36 years), and mean follow-up was 50 months (6-115 months). 93% of the patients achieved faecal continence, with no difference between channel techniques. A total of 61 surgical revisions were performed in 56 patients (23.7%). Complications occurred more commonly with the split appendix (26%), and the caecal extension (33%) than the other techniques, but this did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in stomal complications with an umbilical location (17.5%) versus lower abdominal stoma (15%). Mean time to revision for the entire cohort was 18.7 months (1-105 months). Conclusions The long term results of the MACE channel in large cohort of patients with chronic neuropathic constipation are encouraging. Almost 25% of the patients will require revisional surgery and patients/parents should be counselled accordingly. There were no differences in outcomes based on channel technique, though the apppendicocecostomy was associated with the lowest risk of re-operation.
Umbilical sinus tract with gallstone extrusion after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

There are an increasing number of reports concerning complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We report a case of persistent elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase and spillage of several gallstones through an abdominocutaneous sinus tract to the umbilicus with spontaneous resolution.
Enhancement of Gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by novel exosome-mediated delivery of the Survivin-T34A mutant.

Background : Current therapeutic options for advanced pancreatic cancer have been largely disappointing with modest results at best, and though adjuvant therapy remains controversial, most remain in agreement that Gemcitabine should stand as part of any combination study. The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein Survivin is a key factor in maintaining apoptosis resistance, and its dominant-negative mutant (Survivin-T34A) has been shown to block Survivin, inducing caspase activation and apoptosis. Methods : In this study, exosomes, collected from a melanoma cell line built to harbor a tetracycline-regulated Survivin-T34A, were plated on the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MIA PaCa-2) cell line. Evaluation of the presence of Survivin-T34A in these exosomes followed by their ability to induce Gemcitabine-potentiative cell killing was the objective of this work. Results : Here we show that exosomes collected in the absence of tetracycline (tet-off) from the engineered melanoma cell do contain Survivin-T34A and when used alone or in combination with Gemcitabine, induced a significant increase in apoptotic cell death when compared to Gemcitabine alone on a variety of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Conclusion : This exosomes/Survivin-T34A study shows that a new delivery method for anticancer proteins within the cancer microenvironment may prove useful in targeting cancers of the pancreas. Keywords: Survivin; Survivin-T34A; exosomes; pancreatic cancer; Gemcitabine (Published: 17 February 2014) Citation: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles 2014, 3 : 23244 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jev.v3.23244