cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalyzed chemical vapor deposition of one-dimensional nanostructures and their applications

This article reviews progress in the growth of one-dimensional nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and inorganic nanowires. Catalyzed chemical vapor deposition has been the preferred method to grow these materials for various applications requiring controlled growth on patterned and unpatterned substrates. Both thermal and plasma chemical vapor deposition techniques have been widely used in the case of carbon nanotubes. In addition to the discussion on growth, a review of applications for one-dimensional nanostructures and future directions is provided.
Prospective Evaluation of the Role of Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Abdominal Stab Wounds

Importance An important adjunct in the management of abdominal gunshot wounds, the role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnostic workup of abdominal stab wounds remains controversial. Objective To prospectively compare CT against serial physical examination in the evaluation of patients who have sustained a stab wound to the abdomen. Design, Setting, and Patients Prospective single-center observational study of all patients sustaining abdominal stab wounds from March 1, 2009, through March 31, 2011. Patients who were hemodynamically unstable, unevaluable, peritonitic, or eviscerated proceeded directly to laparotomy (n = 249). The remainder underwent CT evaluation. The impact of CT findings and physical examination on the decision to operate was analyzed. Main Outcomes and Measures Diagnostic accuracy of CT vs physical examination in determining the need for therapeutic laparotomy. Results A total of 249 patients were enrolled (94% male; mean [SD]: age, 30.8 [12.9] years [range, 16-87 years]; systolic blood pressure, 128 [28] mm Hg; Glasgow Coma Scale score, 14 [2]; Injury Severity Score, 6.8 [6.5]). Forty-five patients (18.1%) underwent immediate laparotomy, 27 (10.8%) had superficial injuries allowing immediate discharge, and the remaining 177 (71.1%) underwent CT. Of these, 154 (87.0%) were successfully observed, with 20 (11.3%) requiring laparotomy, 2 (1.1%) thoracotomy, and 1 (0.6%) sternotomy. Of the 20 laparotomies, 16 (80.0%) were therapeutic. All patients who underwent therapeutic laparotomy did so based on their physical examination. The most common finding leading to laparotomy was the development of peritonitis in 70%. The CT scan findings did not alter clinical decision making. The sensitivity and specificity of physical examination were 100.0% and 98.7%, respectively, while those of CT were 31.3% and 84.2%, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance In this prospective evaluation of abdominal stab wound management, serial physical examination was able to discriminate between patients requiring a therapeutic laparotomy and those who could be safely observed. A physical examination–based diagnostic algorithm was effective and decreased radiation burden in the management of abdominal stab wounds.
SMA Hybrid Composites for Dynamic Response Abatement Applications

A recently developed constitutive model and a finite element formulation for predicting the thermomechanical response of SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures is briefly described. Attention is focused on constrained recovery behavior in this study, but the constitutive formulation is also capable of modeling restrained or free recovery. Numerical results are shown for glass/epoxy panel specimens with embedded Nitinol actuators subjected to thermal and acoustic loads. Control of thermal buckling, random response, sonic fatigue, and transmission loss are demonstrated and compared to conventional approaches including addition of conventional composite layers and a constrained layer damping treatment. Embedded SMA actuators are shown to be significantly more effective in dynamic response abatement applications than the conventional approaches and are attractive for combination with other passive and/or active approaches.
Social influences on the prognosis of schizophrenia

Literature relating to social influences on prognosis of schizophrenia is selectively reviewed. The influence of the care system is considered separately from other social influences such as business cycle fluctuations, community organization and attitudes, social class membership, independent events in the patient's life, and expression of emotion by the patient's family members. Several studies of milieu indicate that milieu can influence course of illness for better, or for worse. One study of group psychotherapy suggests that groups help improve social function of schizophrenics in the community. Studies of individual psychotherapy fail to demonstrate its efficacy. Business cycle fluctuations clearly relate to admission rates of schizophrenics to hospitals; independent life events are associated with onset and relapse. Community attitudes and family emotional expression relate to relapse and rehospitalization. Clearly, social events, especially those occurring outside the care system, do influence the course of illness. There is also evidence for the influence of psychosocial treatment but at the present time is less consistent the evidence for the influence of other social events on the prognosis and course in schizophrenia.
Enzyme Action: Comparison on Soluble and Insoluble Substrate

The action of trypsin on gelatin solution is compared with its action on swollen gel microspheres in suspension. Both the solution gelatin and gel spheres, which are readily permeable to the enzyme, follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The apparent rate constants for dissociation of the enzyme-substrate complexes to hydrolysis products are essentially the same for both solution gelatin and spheres, an indication that gel structure in this system has a negligible influence on reaction rate once the enzyme forms a complex with the substrate. In contrast, the Michaelis constant for the gel system is greater than that for solutions below the melting point of the gel; this difference disappears as the melting point gel is approached.
Tonic immobility as a fear response in lizards Anolis carolinensis

The role of fear in mediating the immobility response was studied in three experiments with a total of 71 anoles. In the first experiment, a significant relationship between level of preinduction shock and duration of immobility was found. Experiment 2 revealed a significant effect of brief exposure to a loud noise on the resulting duration of immobility. In the third experiment, lizards immobilized in the visual presence of an E showed longer reactions than those immobilized from behind a barrier. The findings were taken as support for a fear interpretation of animal hypnosis.
Interactions of catecholamine uptake inhibitors and norepinephrine on autonomic ganglia.

Abstract The effect of catecholamine uptake inhibitors on blockade by norepinephrine was observed in the isolated stellate ganglion of the hamster. The preganglionic nerve was stimulated, supramaximally, at 0.2 Hz and compound action potentials were recorded from the postganglionic nerve. Norepinephrine blocked ganglionic transmission. The sensitivity of the ganglion to norepinephrine was increased by the catecholamine uptake inhibitors, desipramine (3 × 10 −7 M), d-amphetamine (10 −6 and 10 −5 M) and tyramine (10 −4 M). Ouabain (10 −5 and 3 × 10 −5 M) did not change the sensitivity of the ganglion to norepinephrine. All the drugs reduced the uptake of [ 3 H]norepinephrine into the ganglion. The inhibition of [ 3 H]norepinephrine uptake by the drugs could be correlated with the increase in sensitivity of the ganglion to norepinephrine. These results support the hypothesis that catecholamine uptake is important in terminating the actions of exogenously applied norepinephrine, and that inhibition of the catecholamine uptake increases the sensitivity of the ganglion to norepinephrine.
Nonhomogeneous boundary value problems for linear manifolds

Abstract We express the index of a closed linear manifold or a closed linear operator in Banach space in terms of numbers of boundary conditions. We develop a theory of nonhomogeneous boundary value problems for a linear manifold or a linear operator in such a way that no knowledge on “variation-of-constant formulas” is required, and it is self-contained in the sense that no matrix equations or intermediate adjoints are involved. The above is a finite-dimensional theory in that only finitely many conditions are considered.
Familial C/D translocation t(9;13)(9p23.13q21) in a male associated with recurrent abortion.

A familial reciprocal translocation, established by R-banding as t(9;13) (9p23; 13q21), is described in a phenotypically normal male carrier, whose father is also a balanced carrier and wife had four consecutive spontaneous abortions. The role of translocation in reproductive failure through production of chromosomally unbalanced gametes or by impairment of the spermatogenesis is briefly discussed.
Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for reducing dopaminergic phenotypic markers.

Abstract Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double-stranded RNAs of ∼19–29 nucleotides designed to suppress the expression of homologous genes by a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). In this study we have characterized several short interfering RNAs to reduce (knockdown) the expression of genes related to the dopaminergic system of the ventral mesencephalon. We report here effective suppression of all targeted genes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the transcription factor Nr4a2 (Nurr1) and the GDNF receptor moiety cRet, by co-transfection of plasmids expressing gene specific siRNAs under control of the human U6 promoter with a reporter plasmid coding for firefly luciferase and fused in tandem to the cDNA for the gene of interest. The effective suppression of Nr4a2, cRet and tyrosine hydroxylase suggest that the U6 expression cassette could be used to deliver siRNA to mammalian cells in vivo and actively suppress the expression of dopamine related mammalian genes. The characterization of highly effective siRNAs for DA phenotypic markers may open new avenues for loss-of-function phenotypic analysis, and may lead to new approaches for gene therapy.
Attributes of apparel tablet catalogs: value proposition comparisons

Purpose – To comprehend tablet catalog marketing, the purpose of this paper is to obtain an integrated descriptive analysis of tablet catalogs and to compare the value propositions between retailers’ and aggregators’ applications (apps). Design/methodology/approach – A total of 28 tablet catalog apps were content analyzed in terms of interface attributes. Next, based on the results, a χ2 analysis was applied to compare the value proposition between retailers and aggregators. Findings – The result showed that the value propositions of retailers and aggregators were significantly different in the Context, Customization, and Communication dimensions. In addition, the incongruence of emphasized dimensions among retailers is larger than that among aggregators. Research limitations/implications – Because mobile commerce exhibits fast-changing dynamics, the results from collected data may vary in different periods. However, the present results may provide a baseline of longitudinal study. The 8Cs framework expan...
Lack of correlation between internists' ability in dermatology and their patterns of treating patients with skin disease.

Background and Design: We determine whether a subset of internists exist who are better at diagnosing skin disease and therefore select themselves to treat the majority of patients with dermatologic disorders. A survey was conducted in which internists reported their self-perception regarding their abilities in dermatology, the amount of dermatology training they had received, and the percentage of patients they encounter with and treat for skin diseases. This was correlated with results from an objective photographic (Kodachrome) examination assessing their diagnostic abilities in dermatology. The setting was university and private practices in Miami, Fla, and New Haven, Conn. The participants were general internists, medical subspecialists, and medical residents. After completing a self-administered questionnaire, each physician then participated in an examination where they were shown 20 color photographs of common skin disorders. We correlate the relationship between the survey variables and the results of the photographic examination. Results: Eighty-four internists diagnosed 50.5% of the diseases correctly. Internists perceive themselves as mediocre in dermatology (2.6, on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the best), which correlated with their poor performance on the photographic evaluation ( P =.04). Internists reported having limited education or training in dermatology (>85% having P =.07). Notably, there was no correlation between internists' ability in dermatology and the percentage of patients they encounter with and treat for skin disease. Conclusions: Internists receive limited training and have resultant poor performance in diagnosing skin disease. Internists are aware of their limited ability in dermatology as demonstrated by their mediocre self-perceived ability. Notably, no correlation was found between internists' abilities in dermatology and the percentage of patients they encounter and treat for skin disease. Therefore, we did not demonstrate a subset of internists, superior at dermatology, who treat the majority of patients with skin disease. This suggests patients with skin disease may be better served by dermatologists. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:1043-1046
Partial restoration of the long QT syndrome associated KCNQ1 A341V mutant by the KCNE1 β-subunit

Abstract Background The A341V mutation in the pore-forming KCNQ1 subunit of the slowly activating delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs) underlies a common form of the long QT syndrome, and is associated with an unusually severe phenotype. However, there is controversy regarding the underlying mechanism responsible for the clinically observed phenotype. We investigated the biophysical characteristics of A341V in a cardiac environment by utilizing a cardiac cell line, and in particular the impact of the KCNE1 β-subunit. Methods Whole-cell current were recorded from transiently transfected HL-1 cells, a cardiac cell line. Mutant KCNQ1 and KCNE1 were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Results The A341V mutant resulted in a non-functional channel when expressed alone. When co-expressed with wild type KCNE1, A341V produced a slowly activating current, with a smaller current density, slower rates of activation, and a depolarized shift in its activation curve compared to the wild type KCNQ1 + KCNE1. Confocal microscopy confirmed the surface expression of GFP-tagged A341V, suggesting a functionally defective protein. A T58A mutation in KCNE1 abolished functional restoration of A341V. Under heterozygous conditions, the expression of A341V + KCNQ1 + KCNE1 reduced but did not abolish the electrophysiological changes observed in A341V + KCNE1. A dominant negative effect of A341V was also observed. Action potential simulations revealed that the A341V mutation is arrhythmogenic. Conclusions The KCNE1 β-subunit partially rescued the non-functional A341V mutant, with electrophysiological properties distinct from the wild type IKs. General significance The severity of the A341V phenotype may be due to a combination of a significant suppression of the IKs with altered biophysical characteristics.
Evaluating the Impact of Electronic Health Records on Clinical Reasoning Performance

This paper adapts and extends the task-technology fit model of performance to the health care domain and the clinical reasoning task. Central to this effort was careful adaptation of the task and technology characteristics constructs to the clinical reasoning task and electronic health record technology. Overall the results indicate a good fit between model and data. The contributions of this study include successful adaptation of a corner-stone information systems theory to a new domain and technology, a validated user evaluation instrument able to assess the impact of EHR use on clinical reasoning performance, and new insight on the factors that impact task-technology fit and clinical reasoning performance.
Oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of Recent & larger and smaller foraminifera from the Madang Lagoon (Papua New Guinea)

Abstract Tests of Recent benthic foraminifera from the Madang Lagoon (Papua New Guinea) were analyzed for their oxygen and carbon isotopic composition. Analyses were performed on scuba collected species from backreef and low-oxygenated harbor environments covering a depth range of 0 to 45 m. Both rotaliid and miliolid symbiont-bearing species were found to exhibit increasing δ18O with depth, while only the rotaliids reveal a comparable trend in their δ13C composition. The general trend of depletion in the heavier isotopes, 13C and 18O appears to be depth- and light-dependant. Neither the symbiont type nor the nature of the microhabitat appear to affect the magnitude of 18 O 16 O fractionation in larger foraminifers from this environment. The carbon isotope patterns of symbiont-bearing species revealed distinct differences between rotaliids and miliolids. Consistently lower δ13C values in rotaliid foraminifers may be related to a higher rate of photosynthetic activity. The photosynthetic effect of carbon isotope fractionation may be overprinted by the presence/absence of an internal carbon pool and/or specific modes of biomineralization which may act as isotopic filters. Foraminifera collected from low-oxygenated, organic-rich sediments in harbor inlets at Madang were found to exhibit particularly low δ13C values. Depletion (δ13C) is suggested to be due to oxidative processes in the surrounding organic-rich sediment coupled with preferential incorporation of isotopically lighter 12C.
Identification of metabolites from liquid chromatography-coulometric array detection profiling: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and refractionation provide essential information orthogonal to LC-MS/microNMR.

Abstract Liquid chromatography–coulometric array detection (LC–EC) is a sensitive, quantitative, and robust metabolomics profiling tool that complements the commonly used mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based approaches. However, LC–EC provides little structural information. We recently demonstrated a workflow for the structural characterization of metabolites detected by LC–EC profiling combined with LC–electrospray ionization (ESI)–MS and microNMR. This methodology is now extended to include (i) gas chromatography (GC)–electron ionization (EI)–MS analysis to fill structural gaps left by LC–ESI–MS and NMR and (ii) secondary fractionation of LC-collected fractions containing multiple coeluting analytes. GC–EI–MS spectra have more informative fragment ions that are reproducible for database searches. Secondary fractionation provides enhanced metabolite characterization by reducing spectral overlap in NMR and ion suppression in LC–ESI–MS. The need for these additional methods in the analysis of the broad chemical classes and concentration ranges found in plasma is illustrated with discussion of four specific examples: (i) characterization of compounds for which one or more of the detectors is insensitive (e.g., positional isomers in LC–MS, the direct detection of carboxylic groups and sulfonic groups in 1 H NMR, or nonvolatile species in GC–MS), (ii) detection of labile compounds, (iii) resolution of closely eluting and/or coeluting compounds, and (iv) the capability to harness structural similarities common in many biologically related, LC–EC-detectable compounds.
Radiation-Use Efficiency and Grain Yield of Maize Competing with Johnsongrass

Accurate simulation of the impart of weeds on crops requires adequate quantification of weed effects on crop biomass and on the partitioning of crop biomass into grain. The first objective of this study was to determine whether radiation-use efficiency (RUE) values of maize (Zea mays L.) and johsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] grown in monoculture could be applied to these species grown in mixed plantings. The second objective was to investigate how maize yield and harvest index (HI) respond johnsongrass competition. Monoculture plotsof maize and johnsongrass and plots with the two species competing were established on Houston black clay (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Udic Pellustert) in the field at Temple, TX, in 1991 and 1992 [...]
29.3L: Late‐News Paper: Eye‐Trace Integration Effect on The Perception of Moving Pictures and A New Possibility for Reducing Blur on Hold‐Type Displays

A detailed analysis on “eye-trace integration” which causes the degradation of moving pictures is made. Some intrinsic characteristics and questions are found and the visual results that show the effects of the overdrive and the intraframe blanking are obtained. Also a new possibility is found, that could produce a better view without using blanking.
School-based Health and Supportive Services for Pregnant and Parenting Teens: Associations with Birth Outcomes of Infants Born to Adolescent Mothers

to-severe depressive symptoms. Multivariate analyses revealed that participants who reported depressive symptoms were more likely than those who did not to be African American (versus Hispanic: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1⁄4 2.17; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1⁄4 1.14-4.16; p 1⁄4 .019), and to report limited contact with the father of the baby (AOR 1⁄4 2.18; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.16-4.13; p 1⁄4 .016), prior verbal abuse (AOR 1⁄4 2.23; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.11-4.47; p 1⁄4 .023), and physical or sexual abuse (AOR 1⁄4 1.84; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.04-3.28; p 1⁄4 .038). Depressed adolescents also experienced higher levels of family criticism (AOR 1⁄4 1.67; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.07-2.60; p 1⁄4 .025) and lower levels of general support (AOR 1⁄4 1.81; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.24-2.64; p 1⁄4 .002). The Hosmer and Lemenshow Goodness of Fit Test 1⁄4 8.370(8), p 1⁄4 .398, indicating an acceptable fit to the data. Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that pregnant adolescents are confronted with many environmental challenges that affect their mental health and well-being. Interventions that incorporate partners and families to address the multiple needs of this priority population are sorely needed. Sources of Support: This project was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP).
A Personal Reflection of Greenlight 532 nm Laser for BPH Treatment

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia are a bothersome symptom set that affect approximately one in every four males above the age of 50. First line treatment is typically medication, but when medications fail surgical therapy is the next option. Technological advances have made surgical therapy safer and more effective. One area that our group has particular interest and focus in is the application of the 532 nm laser in surgical therapy. The high power 532 nm laser is used to remove obstructive prostatic tissue and the laser energy is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin in the prostate tissue, resulting in effective tissue vaporization and removal. We review our experience with Greenlight laser system and its evolution from the original 60-watt laser to the most recent 180-watt Greenlight system with MoXy fiber.
Simplified Measurement of Consumer Welfare Change

Various measures of consumer welfare change have been proposed in the literature, each claiming relative superiority in accurately reflecting the income equivalent of a welfare change. Selection of an appropriate measure in empirical research is complicated by both theoretical and estimation considerations. Compensating variation (CV) and equivalent variation (EV) as measures of consumer welfare change normally are preferred theoretically since they indicate whether or not a policy change is a potential Pareto improvement. However, use of Paasche Variation (PV), Laspeyres Variation (LV), or consumers' surplus (CS) measures is desirable empirically since less information is required for calculation. While Hicks long ago (1943) suggested that the distinctions among these measures would be of little empirical significance in applied studies, other recent authors, including Mishan, have insisted on the necessity for theoretical precision. Willig established the usefulness of CS as an approximation to CV and EV measures of consumer welfare change under specified conditions. However, conditions under which PV and LV can be useful have not been rigorously developed. In this paper, guidelines are developed for using PV and LV as empirical approximations for theoretically preferable CV and EV measures. These guidelines require less information than those developed by Willig and PV and LV measures have several addi: tional advantages in applied research.
Corporate social responsibility engagement and communication by Chinese companies

Abstract Premised upon the centrality of relationship management in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public relations functions, and the growing momentum toward CSR in China, this study reports survey results of corporate communication/public relations executives in Chinese companies on aspects of CSR accountability and transparency. Responses to four key topical areas – drivers for CSR engagement, areas of practice, importance of CSR communication, and preferred channels for communication – suggest a strong concern for corporate image and culture in pursuing CSR, an overwhelming emphasis on disaster relief despite the recognition of a much broader array of societal priorities, and the Chinese companies’ current reliance on in-house and Internet media for CSR communication.
Gradient estimation algorithms for equation error formulations

This paper presents the theory for and illustrates the application of gradient parameter estimation algorithms which have been developed for equation error formulations of parameter identification problems. These algorithms are computationally simple; hence, they are ideal candidates for on-line applications. They are limited, however, by availability of first- and second-order statistics of noise processes.
The effective electrostriction of P(VDF-TrFE) polymer based composites

Electrostriction refers to the strain induced in a dielectric by electric polarization, which is usually very small for practical applications. In this paper we present a micromechanical analysis on the effective electrostriction of a P(VDF-TrFE) polymer based composite, where the relationship between the effective electrostrictive coefficients of the composite and its microstructure is established. Enhanced electrostriction in the composite has been demonstrated, and optimal microstructure for electrostriction enhancement has been identified. Our analysis provides a mechanism for the electrostriction enhancement, where the electrostrictive strain several times higher can be obtained if the microstructure of the composites can be carefully tailored.
Hypotonia, Weakness, and Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia in Siblings

A 6-week-old girl presenting with severe weakness, hypotonia, gastroesophageal reflux, and microcephaly as well as dysmorphic features including micrognathia and high arched palate was also found to have pontocerebellar hypoplasia. She died of acute pneumonia at age 6 months. Her younger brother also had generalized hypotonia, weakness, areflexia, and tongue fasciculations and was also noted to have pontocerebellar hypoplasia revealed by brain magnetic resonance imaging. We herein briefly review familial spinal muscular atrophy with type 1 pontocerebellar hypoplasia in children.
Management of subglottic stenosis in infancy and childhood.

During the 12-year period between June 1987 and June 1999, 141 children underwent curative treatment for subglottic laryngeal stenosis at La Timone Children’s Hospital in Marseille, France. Ninety-six children (68%) were under the age of 5 years; 106 (75%) presented with acquired stenosis and 93 had narrowing involving over 70% of the subglottic lumen. Endoscopic laser surgery was performed in 25 cases and open surgery in 116. Open surgical techniques included laryngotracheoplasty with autologous cartilage interposition in 83 cases, laryngotracheal split in 22, and cricotracheal resection in 11. After decannulation, 132 children (94%) were able to breathe normally through the upper airway. Perspectives for development of new techniques and improvement of conventional methods are discussed.
Integrated simulation and emulation using adaptive time dilation

Simulation and emulation techniques are commonly used to evaluate the performance of complex networked systems. Simulation conveniently predicts the behavior of a complex networked system while usually requiring fewer simplifying model assumptions often necessary for theoretical analysis. In contrast, emulation does not need to re-implement the target real systems, so it may improve on the implementation efficiency of simulation while maintaining much of the realism of testbeds. A hybrid approach in which simulation nodes connect to emulation hosts can be used to combine the advantages of both approaches. In this paper, we propose integrating simulation with emulation using adaptive time dilation to evaluate system performance. If a simulator schedules its events in real time and the simulation time keeps up with the real time, then the hybrid system works very well and meets its deadlines. However, a heavily-loaded simulator can introduce significant simulation delays and thereby create situations where these delays impact the accuracy of the system. Our approach uses time dilation to reduce simulation delays and thus increasing the accuracy of the integrated simulation and emulation system. Our adaptive time dilation dynamically controls the time dilation factor to avoid system overloads for both the simulation and the emulation components and to improve the execution correctness of the hybrid system.
Studies of phosphorus metabolism by isolated nuclei. X. Nucleolar nucleosidediphosphatase activity.

Abstract 1. 1. Isolated rat liver nucleoli catalyze formation of P i with both ribo- and 2-deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates as substrates. Nucleolar GDPase activity is maximal at pH 7.2 to 7.8 and 40°; it is stimulated maximally by magnesium or manganese. The principal products of nucleolar GDPase are GMP and P i ; no evidence has been obtained for a contribution to this activity by polynucleotide phosphorylase. 2. 2. Nucleoli also contain glucose-6-phosphatase and inorganic pyrophosphatase. Although such a content of phosphatases is analogous to that of microsomes, the absence of microsomes in the isolated nucleoli, and the non-identity of the nucleolar phosphatases with microsomal phosphatases, has been established by several means. 3. 3. The results of this work verify previous histochemical demonstrations of nucleoside diphosphatase activity in liver and hepatoma nucleoli.
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: A Review of the Current Understanding of Epidemiology, Biology, Risk Stratification, and Management of Myeloma Precursor Disease

The term monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was coined in 1978. The recent advances in our knowledge about MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) have helped us better understand the pathogenesis of myeloma. It seems that myeloma evolves from a precursor state in almost all cases. We do not completely understand the multistep process from the precursor state to myeloma, but studies like whole genome sequencing continue to improve our understanding of this process. The process of transformation may not be linear acquisition of changes, but rather a branched heterogeneous process. Clinical features that are prognostic of rapid transformation have been identified, but no specific molecular markers have been identified. Even with recent advances, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease in the vast majority, and intervening at the precursor state provides a unique opportunity to alter the natural history of the disease. A limitation is that a vast majority of patients with precursor disease, especially low-risk MGUS, will never progress to myeloma in their lifetime, and treating these patients is not only unnecessary but may be potentially harmful. The challenge is to identify a subset of patients with the precursor state that would definitely progress to myeloma and in whom interventions will have a meaningful impact. As our understanding of the molecular and genetic processes improves, these studies will guide the selection of high-risk patients more appropriately and ultimately direct a tailored management strategy to either delay progression to symptomatic myeloma or even "cure" a person at this premalignant stage.
Moods, Goals, and Measures of Intrinsic Motivation

ABSTRACT Behavioral and self-report measures of intrinsic task interest were compared in their relationship to measures of momentary mood and long-term motivational orientation across conditions differing in sources of extrinsic motivation. The two measures of task interest did not correlate with each other and had significantly contrasting correlations with moods and life goals. The behavioral measure was related negatively to apparently intrinsic affects and goals and was positively related to fatigue. Relationships were also quite different across conditions. Results support reservations about the equivalence of the two most used types of measures of intrinsic motivation and point to factors that affect them in independent or contrasting ways. The Free Choice Time measure, for example, seems to depend on how treatments affect interest in alternative activities, not just interest in the target activity itself.
Overexpression of GATA-2 inhibits erythroid and promotes megakaryocyte differentiation.

GATA-1 and GATA-2 transcription factors are required for effective hematopoiesis. These regulatory proteins present overlapping yet distinct patterns of expression in hematopoietic cells. Absence of GATA-2 leads to defective hematopoiesis and an embryonic lethal phenotype. Disruption of GATA-1 results in a compensatory increase in GATA-2 in early erythroid cells and incomplete erythropoiesis with embryos dying at 11.5 days. We examine the specific role of GATA-2 later in hematopoiesis, during erythroid differentiation. Stable K562 cell lines expressing various levels of GATA-2 were generated using a GATA-2 expression plasmid. Overexpression of GATA-2 transcripts was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cytospin smears, growth curve analysis, PCR, and flow cytometry were used to examine the effects of increased levels of GATA-2 in altering cell phenotype and activation of megakaryocytic markers. Human progenitor erythroid cells also were transfected with a GATA-2 expression vector. Growth curve analysis, benzidine staining, and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis were used to study the effects of GATA-2 on erythroid maturation and proliferation.K562/GATA-2 cell lines expressing high levels of GATA-2 mRNA showed a marked decrease in proliferation and a shift in phenotype toward the megakaryocyte lineage. Ploidy analyses showed that these cell lines developed a multinuclear phenotype, including tetraploids and octaploids. PCR analysis showed activation of megakaryocyte-specific genes including thrombopoietin receptor (c-mpl). Surface expression of platelet glycoprotein receptors Ib/IX (CD42b/CD42a) and IIb/IIIa (CD41/CD61) also was demonstrated by flow cytometry. In primary human adult erythroid cultures transfected with a GATA-2 expression vector, production of total hemoglobin and cell proliferation decreased in a dose-dependent manner.GATA-2 plays an important role in deciding cell lineage throughout hematopoiesis, and increased expression of GATA-2 determines megakaryocytic differentiation. Downregulation of GATA-2 is required for erythroid differentiation.
Inward-rectifier chloride currents in Reissner’s membrane epithelial cells

Sensory transduction in the cochlea depends on regulated ion secretion and absorption. Results of whole-organ experiments suggested that Reissner's membrane may play a role in the control of luminal Cl(-). We tested for the presence of Cl(-) transport pathways in isolated mouse Reissner's membrane using whole-cell patch clamp recording and gene transcript analyses using RT-PCR. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship in the presence of symmetrical NMDG-Cl was strongly inward-rectifying at negative voltages, with a small outward current at positive voltages. The inward-rectifying component of the I-V curve had several properties similar to those of the ClC-2 Cl(-) channel. It was stimulated by extracellular acidity and inhibited by extracellular Cd2+, Zn2+ and intracellular ClC-2 antibody. Channel transcripts expressed include ClC-2, Slc26a7 and ClC-Ka, but not Cftr, ClC-1, ClCa1, ClCa2, ClCa3, ClCa4, Slc26a9, ClC-Kb, Best1, Best2, Best3 or the beta-subunit of ClC-K, barttin. ClC-2 is the only molecularly-identified channel present that is a strong inward rectifier. This study is the first report of conductive Cl(-) transport in epithelial cells of Reissner's membrane and is consistent with an important role in endolymph anion homeostasis.
Effect of calcium alginate on cellular wound healing processes modeled in vitro

Although the clinical experience with calcium alginate has been generally good, well-controlled studies examining the effect of such dressings on the processes of wound healing have not been conducted. The healing of cutaneous ulcers requires the development of a vascularized granular tissue bed, filling of large tissue defects by dermal regeneration, and the restoration of a continuous epidermal keratinocyte layer. These processes were modeled in vitro in the present study, utilizing human dermal fibroblast, microvascular endothelial cell (HMEC), and keratinocyte cultures to examine the effect of calcium alginate on the proliferation and motility of these cultures, and the formation of capillarylike structures by HMEC. This study demonstrates that the calcium alginate tested increased the proliferation of fibroblasts but decreased the proliferation of HMEC and keratinocytes. In contrast, the calcium alginate decreased fibroblast motility but had no effect on keratinocyte motility. There was no significant effect of calcium alginate on the formation of capillarylike structures by HMEC. The effects of calcium alginate on cell proliferation and migration may have been mediated by released calcium ions. These results suggest that the calcium alginate tested may improve some cellular aspects of normal wound healing, but not others.
Macromolecular ageing in vivo.

VERY little work has been done in the investigation of possible changes in biologically occurring macromolecules as a function of their age. Research has been done on elucidating chemical alterations of collagen on ageing1, but this structural protein is a special case involving, among other things, the presence of some unusual amino-acids. The question is whether proteins (and nucleic acids), in general, exhibit some chemical changes on ageing which, by some applied criterion, differentiate them from younger molecules of the same species. Such an alteration, depending on its nature, may or may not affect the molecule's biological activity.
Effect of composition on charge exchange, lattice expansion, and staging in potassium-ammonia graphite intercalation compounds.

We have studied the charge exchange and compositional dependence of the sandwich thickness of stage-1 alkali-ammonia ternary graphite intercalation compounds K(${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$${)}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{y}}$, 0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}4.33, 12\ensuremath{\le}y\ensuremath{\le}24. A model of the sandwich energy is presented which explicitly accounts for x-dependent charge exchange and size or stiffness effects and is in excellent agreement with experimental measurements of the dependence of the (00l) x-ray diffraction patterns on ammonia vapor pressure. From this model we find that for the stage-1 compound K(${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$${)}_{4.33}$${\mathrm{C}}_{24}$, f=0.95 and that the ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$ molecules solvate some of the electron charge which was originally donated to the carbon layers in the ${\mathrm{KC}}_{24}$ starting material. In addition, the ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$ molecules form planar fourfold-coordinated K(${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$${)}_{4}$ clusters and hence also solvate the ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ ions in graphite galleries. We suggest that the K(${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$${)}_{4}$ clusters together with ``spacer'' ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$ molecules constitute the two-dimensional structural analog of the well-studied bulk, three-dimensional metal-ammonia solutions.
Production of C from CO2 in a two-step solar process utilizing FeO and Fe3O4

Abstract An analytical model of a solar process which produces C from CO2 is presented. The proposed process is carried out in two steps according to the following reaction scheme: 6FeO(s) + CO2 → 2Fe3O4(s) + C(graphite) (low temperature), 2Fe3O4(s) → 6FeO(1) + O2 (high temperature). We demonstrate the theoretical effects of operating conditions on process performance.
Seven-hole cone probes for high angle flow measurement Theory and calibration

A non-nulling seven-hole conical pressure probe capable of measuring flow conditions at angles up to 75 deg relative to its axis is described. The theoretical rationale of the seven-hole probe is developed and the calibration procedure outlined. Three-variable third-order polynomial functions are used to represent local values of relative flow angles, total pressure, and total minus static pressure. These flow properties are determined explicitly from measured probe pressures. Flow angles are determined within 2.5 deg and Mach number within 0.05 with 95% certainty. The probe can be used in subsonic compressible and incompressible flows.
Vegetation, climatic and floral changes at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary

The western interior of North America has the only known non-marine sections that contain the iridium-rich clay interpreted as the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary1–7. Because vegetation and climate can be directly inferred from physiognomy of leaves8–15 and because leaf species typically represent low taxonomic categories, studies of leaf floras in these sections provide data on the effects of a terminal Cretaceous event on the land flora, vegetation and climate. A previous study based on detailed sampling of leaves and their dispersed cuticle16 in the Raton Basin provides a framework for interpretation of other leaf sequences over 20 degrees of latitude. We conclude that at the boundary there were: (1) high levels of extinction in the south and low levels in the north; (2) major ecological disruption followed by long-term vegetational changes that mimicked normal ecological succession; (3) a major increase in precipitation; and (4) a brief, low-temperature excursion, which supports models of an ‘impact winter’
Primitive religious thought and the evolution of religion

In an article in this journal about the ideas of Levy-Bruhl, Don Wiebe reviewed ideas from anthropology to argue that there is indeed a primitive mentality, and that mythopoeic religious thought is an instance of this mentality. Wiebe ends by declaring religious thought generally to be mythopoeic. The anthropological literature does support well Wiebe's thesis that primitive thought is primitive, in particular those studies which use Piaget's theory of cognitive development as a guide for interpreting primitive and other thought styles. But Piaget's theory can be extended to interpret other stages of culture and thought. This aids in recognizing that religious thought develops in stages also, from primitive folktales to archaic complex myths, and then to classical rationalized theologies and most recently to symbolic theologies.
Perioperative and postoperative complications of intracavitary radiation for FIGO stage I-III carcinoma of the cervix.

Purpose: To evaluate perioperative and postoperative complications of low-dose-rate (LDR) intracavitary radiation therapy in patients with FIGO Stage I–III carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiotherapy records of all patients treated with radiation between 1960 and 1992 at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for FIGO I–III carcinomas of the cervix. Patients who had had initial hysterectomy or whose treatment did not include intracavitary irradiation were excluded. The final study included 4043 patients who had undergone 7662 intracavitary procedures. Results: Eleven (0.3%) patients had documented or suspected cases of thromboembolism resulting in 4 deaths. Of these 11 patients, 8 had clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor involving pelvic nodes or fixed pelvic wall. The risk of postoperative thromboembolism did not decrease significantly with the routine use of mini-dose heparin prophylaxis (p = 0.3). Other life-threatening perioperative complications included myocardial infarction (1 death in 5 patients), cerebrovascular accident (2 patients), congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation (3 patients), and halothane liver toxicity (2 deaths in 2 patients). Intraoperative complications included uterine perforation (2.8%) and vaginal laceration (0.3%), which occurred more frequently in patients ≥ 60 years old (p < 0.01). Fourteen percent of patients had a temperature ≥ 101°F during at least one hospital stay. The only correlation between minor intraoperative complications and disease-specific survival was found in patients who had Stage III disease and uterine perforation; survival was significantly (p = 0.01) decreased in these patients. Conclusions: Fatal or life-threatening complications of intracavitary treatment were very rare. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) did not occur in otherwise healthy patients with early disease and were rare even when disease was more advanced. Minor perioperative complications were not correlated with serious late complications or with death from disease.
Herpes simplex virus infections of women and their offspring: implications for a developed society

Abstract Herpes simplex virus infections of humans have been known since ancient times. Contemporary society has witnessed a series of devastating manifestations of herpes simplex virus infections--namely, genital herpes simplex virus infection and neonatal herpes simplex virus infection. With the evolution of society, particularly advances in birth control and increasing promiscuity, the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 infections has increased worldwide, however, more so in developed societies. As a consequence, individuals of child-bearing age are at risk for either reactivation of herpes simplex virus at termination of gestation or acquisition of a new primary infection at that time. The consequences of vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus from mother to child, resulting in neonatal herpes simplex virus infection, can be devastating. Current efforts, which are directed toward the treatment of neonatal herpes, have established the value of drugs such as vidarabine and acyclovir. However, the real emphasis for future programs is the prevention of herpes simplex virus infections to avoid person-to-person transmission either horizontally or vertically. The development of vaccines directed against herpes simplex virus may be of value toward this end.
Spline functions as approximate solutions of boundary-value problems

In this paper, an algorithm for finding a spline function that will satisfy a given linear differential equation at a discrete set of points and a given set of boundary conditions is described.