cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing Methods to Determine the Minimal Clinically Important Differences in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Veterans Undergoing Elective Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty in Veterans Health Administration Hospitals

Importance The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) is the smallest change that patients perceive as beneficial. Accurate MCIDs are required when PROMs are used to evaluate the value of surgical interventions. Objective To use well-defined distribution-based and anchor-based methods to calculate MCIDs in the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for veterans undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective cohort study was conducted of 858 patients undergoing total joint replacement between March 16, 2015, and March 9, 2017, at 3 high-complexity Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Interventions Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty were administered HOOS or KOOS PROMs prior to and 1 year after surgery. The Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale (SAPS) for primary hip or knee arthroplasty was administered at 1-year follow-up as an anchor PROM. Main Outcomes and Measures The HOOS and KOOS before and 1 year after surgery, change scores (difference between postoperative and preoperative PROM scores), and MCIDs for each measure. For anchor-based methods, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, including calculation of the area under the curve. Results The mean (SD) age of the 271 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty was 65.6 (8.3) years, and the mean (SD) age of the 587 patients who underwent knee arthroplasty was 66.1 (8.2) years. There were 547 men in the knee arthroplasty cohort and 256 men in the hip arthroplasty cohort (total, 803 men). There were significant improvements in the mean values of every PROM, with mean (SD) differences greater than 39 for HOOS Joint Replacement (JR) and every hip subscale (HOOS JR, 39.7 [20.2]; pain, 47.6 [20.5]; symptoms, 45.1 [21.5]; activities of daily living, 43.7 [22.1]; recreation, 49.2 [33.5]; quality of life, 50.3 [27.8]) and mean (SD) differences greater than 29 for KOOS JR and every knee subscale (KOOS JR, 30.4 [17.5]; pain, 38.0 [20.4]; symptoms, 29.5 [22.1]; activities of daily living, 34.8 [20.5]; recreation, 34.6 [31.1]; quality of life, 35.2 [26.8]). Different calculation methods yielded a wide range of MCIDs. Distribution-based approaches tended to give lower values than the anchor-based approaches, which gave similar values for most PROMs. Area under the curve values demonstrated good to excellent discrimination for SAPS for nearly all PROMs. Conclusions and Relevance Minimal clinically important difference estimates can be highly variable depending on the method used. Patient satisfaction measured by SAPS is a suitable anchor for the HOOS and KOOS. This study suggests that the SAPS-anchored MCID values presented here be used in future studies of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty for veterans.
Academic Reputation Scores for Law Schools Rise Significantly in 2020

This Article summarizes the results of the U.S. News & World Report rankings published in 2020 with respect to the academic reputation scores of law schools. In addition to analyzing the most recent results for the U.S. News rankings, the Article supplements the more extensive longitudinal study published by this author in 2013. The Article also includes updated appendices from the prior study that catalog the U.S. News academic reputation scores for every law school between 1998 and 2020.
The moderating role of anxiety sensitivity in terms of fatigue severity and e-cigarette use expectancies:

Little is understood about individual difference factors related to e-cigarette expectancies about use. This study examined the interactive effects of fatigue severity and anxiety sensitivity in re...
Bone-conduction hyperacusis induced by superior canal dehiscence in human: the underlying mechanism.

Our ability to hear through bone conduction (BC) has long been recognized, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Why certain perturbations affect BC hearing is also unclear. An example is BC hyperacusis (hypersensitive BC hearing)-an unnerving symptom experienced by patients with superior canal dehiscence (SCD). We measured BC-evoked sound pressures in scala vestibuli (PSV) and scala tympani (PST) at the basal cochlea in cadaveric human ears, and estimated hearing by the cochlear input drive (PDIFF = PSV - PST) before and after creating an SCD. Consistent with clinical audiograms, SCD increased BC-driven PDIFF below 1 kHz. However, SCD affected the individual scalae pressures in unexpected ways: SCD increased PSV below 1 kHz, but had little effect on PST. These new findings are inconsistent with the inner-ear compression mechanism that some have used to explain BC hyperacusis. We developed a computational BC model based on the inner-ear fluid-inertia mechanism, and the simulated effects of SCD were similar to the experimental findings. This experimental-modeling study suggests that (1) inner-ear fluid inertia is an important mechanism for BC hearing, and (2) SCD facilitates the flow of sound volume velocity through the cochlear partition at low frequencies, resulting in BC hyperacusis.
Frequency based substructuring on resonant plate

Resonant plate pyroshock tests were originally designed to test one component axis at a time, while the qualification pyroshock tests often have multi-axis specifications to meet. Traditionally, one Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) is created for each single axis test record, which is then compared to the specified qualification SRS. There is interest in creating a multi-axis shock test environment using traditional resonant plate test components to save testing time and create a more realistic test environment. As a potential approach to test system design, LaGrange-Multiplier Frequency Based Substructuring (LM-FBS) is used to arrange single-axis resonant plate subsystems in different assembly configurations. LM-FBS uses Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) of the resonant plate parts, virtually assembles the parts, and produces FRFs of the assembly. To estimate potential shock test performance, an inverse Fourier transform is applied to the assembly FRF to get a time domain impulse response, then an SRS is calculated for all three response axes. A least squares regression is used to optimize the SRS produced from different assembly configuration to a multi-axis specification SRS. Preliminary assembly iterations are performed on a finite element model, and the final multi-axis configuration is verified with testing.
Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.

BackgroundCannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain often relieved with hot showers. Patients with CHS are usually long-term cannabis ...
Immigrant Integration Policies in Europe

This Chapter aims to analyse immigrant integration policies in Europe. The ‘traditional national models of immigration and integration’, which for decades have oriented the integration of immigrants in Europe, have been gradually blurred by the European convergence towards civic integration—that is policies asking immigrants to demonstrate their knowledge of the language, culture, and traditions of their new country of residence, to obtain a residence permit or the citizenship status. Language and cultural skills generally favour the socio-economic integration of immigrants into the host society. Nevertheless, the current characteristics of civic integration, based on criteria of selection and control of immigrants, risk undermining the social cohesion of European societies, since they intend to pursue differentiated integration pathways. This Chapter provides an introduction to the concept of integration in Europe and explores the different ‘traditional models of immigration and integration’ in the continent. In doing so, I seek to demonstrate in what ways the previously distinct models are converging towards civic integration and what implications this shift could bear for immigrants’ integration in the host society.
Dynamic lung compliance imaging from 4DCT-derived volume change estimation.

Background: Lung compliance is the ability of the lung to expand with changes in pressure and is one of the earliest physiological measurements to be altered in patients with parenchymal lung disease. Therefore, compliance monitoring could potentially identify patients at risk for disease progression. However, in clinical practice, compliance measurements are prohibitively invasive for use as a routine monitoring tool. Purpose: We propose a novel method for computing dynamic lung compliance imaging (LCI) from non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans. LCI applies image processing methods to free-breathing 4DCT images, acquired under two different continuous positive airway pressures (CPAP) applied using a full-face mask, in order to compute the lung volume change induced by the pressure change. LCI provides a quantitative volumetric map of lung stiffness. Methods: We compared mean LCI values computed for 10 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 7 non-IPF patients who were screened for lung nodules. 4DCTs were acquired for each patient at 5cm and 10 cm H20 CPAP, as the patients were free breathing at functional residual capacity. LCI was computed from the two 4DCTs. Mean LCI intensities, which represent relative voxel volume change induced by the change in CPAP pressure, were computed. Results: The mean LCI values for patients with IPF ranged between [0.0309, 0.1165], whereas the values ranged between [0.0704, 0.2185] for the lung nodule cohort. Two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test indicated that the difference in medians is statistically significant (p value = 0.009) and that LCI -measured compliance is overall lower in the IPF patient cohort. Conclusion: There is considerable difference in lung compliance scores between patients with IPF compared to controls. Future longitudinal studies should look for LC alterations in areas of lung prior to radiographic detection of fibrosis to further characterize LCI's potential utility as an image marker for disease progression.
Subtilisin BPN': VII. ISOLATION OF CYANOGEN BROMIDE PEPTIDES AND THE COMPLETE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE

In attempts to complete the amino acid sequence of subtilisin BPN', the diisopropylphosphoryl derivative was cleaved with cyanogen bromide, and the peptides were separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. Four of the expected six fragments were isolated in pure form; the other two were purified together but could not be separated from each other. Tryptic digestion of the mixture of the two cyanogen bromide fragments produced six of the expected seven peptides. The remaining peptide was obtained by tryptic digestion of the diisopropylphosphoryl derivative of subtilisin BPN' followed by BrCN cleavage of the tryptic peptides. This procedure permitted the isolation of the peptide missing from the former procedure as well as the other expected peptides. This information combined with that previously obtained from the tryptic, chymotryptic, and peptic digests has provided the evidence to construct a unique amino acid sequence for the 275 residues in subtilisin BPN'. Proof of this structure is provided along with a discussion of some of the features of the sequence.
Ten Years and Beyond: Economists Answer NSF's Call for Long-Term Research Agendas (Compendium)

This is a compendium of fifty-four papers written by distinguished economists in response to an invitation by the National Science Foundation's Directorate for the Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (NSF/SBE) to economists and relevant research communities in August 2010 to write white papers that describe grand challenge questions in their sciences that transcend near-term funding cycles and are "likely to drive next generation research in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences." These papers offer a number of exciting and at times provocative ideas about future research agendas in economics. The papers could also generate compelling ideas for infrastructure projects, new methodologies and important research topics.
Partitioning Non-strict Functional Languages for Multi-threaded Code Generation

In this paper, we present a new approach to partitioning, the problem of generating sequential threads for programs written in a non-strict functional language. The goal of partitioning is to generate threads as large as possible, while retaining the non-strict semantics of the program. We define partitioning as a program transformation and design algorithms for basic block partitioning and interprocedural partitioning. The inter-procedural algorithm presented here is more powerful than the ones previously known and is based on abstract interpretation, enabling the algorithm to handle recursion in a straightforward manner. We prove the correctness of these algorithms in a denotational semantic framework.
Comparison of optical PMD compensation using variable and fixed differential group delays

Polarization mode dispersion compensation with dynamic tracking is investigated by modeling. An optical compensator using a variable differential group delay can alleviate the local minimum problem and provide superior performance compared to a fixed-delay compensator.
Adaptive actuator failure compensation for feedback linearizable systems

Actuator failure compensation problem for nonlinear systems is formulated and adaptive actuator failure compensation control with state feedback is investigated for feedback linearizable systems. Under different structure conditions which characterize different classes of systems, adaptive state feedback control schemes are developed for systems with uncertain actuator failures. It is proved that the proposed control schemes ensure asymptotic output tracking and closed-loop signal boundedness.
Managing Cancer Care: a psycho-educational intervention to improve knowledge of care options and breast cancer self-management.

Objective We tested the feasibility and acceptability of a psycho-educational self-management intervention, Managing Cancer Care: A Personal Guide (MCC), to improve knowledge of care options (curative, palliative, and hospice care) among a range of breast cancer self-management skills. Methods We conducted a one-group, pre-post-test study among women with non-metastatic breast cancer (n = 105). We gave participants the printed, self-guided, seven-module intervention following enrollment. At baseline and 2 months, we measured knowledge of care options, desired and actual role in self-management, medical communication skills, experience and management of transitions, anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and self-efficacy. We conducted interviews to obtain module ratings and qualitative data on strengths and limitations of MCC. Results Knowledge of care options (δ = 0.40 (1.11), p = 0.0005) and desired role in self-management (δ = −0.28 (1.08), p = 0.0177) significantly improved. Less skilled medical communicators significantly improved their communication (δ = 3.47, standard deviation = 6.58, p = 0.0449). Multivariate modeling showed that changes in our primary outcomes of medical communication and management of transitions seemed to drive positive changes in our secondary outcomes of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and self-efficacy. Participants highly rated MCC and reported the importance of understanding care options despite non-metastatic disease. Conclusions MCC is a feasible and acceptable means of improving knowledge of care options and other aspects of breast cancer self-management. The combination of modules offered in MCC appears to have beneficial interactive effects. We are currently testing MCC more rigorously in a randomized controlled trial to explore mediating and moderating relationships. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The determination of reproductive safety in men during and after cancer treatment

Fertility-related concerns are frequently encountered in the course of providing care to oncologic patients. Male cancer survivors who desire paternity after cancer treatment face the question of whether their posttherapy sperm can be safely used in either natural or assisted conception attempts. Although the reproductive risks of using sperm genetically compromised by chemotherapy or radiotherapy include impaired embryonal development, pregnancy loss, and congenital anomalies in offspring, there is a general lack of consensus in the literature concerning the persistence of sustained genotoxic effects, making it difficult to assuredly quantify the level of risk involved. Transmission of chemotherapeutic agents via seminal plasma is another potential risk that has not yet been well evaluated. Sperm chromosomal aneuploidy rates and DNA fragmentation indices provide means of assessing genomic damage that could prove useful in genetic counseling efforts. Ultimately, additional research is needed to clarify investigational discrepancies and establish a stronger body of evidence that would allow for the development of clinical guidelines to assist cancer patients considering posttreatment conception in their decision-making processes.
Administration of PTH-(7-84) antagonizes the effects of PTH-(1-84) on bone in rats with moderate renal failure.

Circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a mixture of PTH-1-84 and carboxy-terminal (C-PTH) fragments. Recently, the “intact” PTH assay was reported to detect not only PTH-(1-84) but also a C-PTH fragment, presumably PTH-(7-84). The purpose of this study was to determine whether PTH-(7-84) antagonizes the PTH-(1-84) effects on bone. Forty-eight rats were thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX), eight were used as controls and the remaining TPTX rats (10/group) were nephrectomized (Nx) and subsequently given PTH-(1-84), PTH-(7-84), PTH-(1-84) and PTH-(7-84) or no PTH peptide. Another ten rats were sham-operated and served as controls. Administration of PTH-(1-84) brought serum calcium and osteoblast activity i.e., bone turnover, to normal levels. Concomitant administration of PTH-(7-84) abrogated these effects. Administration of PTH-(7-84) alone did not further suppress the levels of serum calcium and bone turnover in these TPTX-Nx rats. Moreover, radioligand binding experiments demonstrate that PTH-(7-84) binds ...
Studies of total and protein-bound plasma Mg++ in wild and hatchery-reared coho salmon smolts in freshwater and in seawater

Total plasma Mg++ and Ca++, Mg++ in erythrocytes as well as protein-bound plasma Mg++ were investigated in wild and hatchery-reared smolts. The proportion of plasma Mg++ which was bound to plasma protein did not change significantly during entry into seawater, even though the in vitro addition of exogenous Mg++ to the plasma showed that additional binding was possible.
Human temporal bone findings post stapedectomy. A review of ten cases.

Ten temporal bones were obtained at varying intervals following stapedectomy. They have been studied regarding middle and inner ear changes after this type of surgery. The review of these ten temporal bones confirms the clinical impression that the present surgical techniques used in stapedectomy routinely produce little middle and inner ear reaction.
PRESENCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MYELOID POPULATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INVASIVE TUMOR PHENOTYPE OBSERVED AFTER ANTI-ANGIOGENESIS THERAPIES.

BACKGROUND: The addition of anti-angiogenic therapy to the few treatments that are available to patients with malignant gliomas was based on the fact that these tumors are highly vascularized and on findings from initial preclinical and clinical studies which showed encouraging results. However, tumors that initially respond to this therapy invariably recur with the acquisition of highly aggressive and invasive phenotype. Although several myeloid populations have been associated to the recurrence of these tumors, a specific targetable population has not been yet identified as responsible for the heightened invasion observed upon antiangiogenesis therapies. METHODS: Immunocompromised mice and immunocompetent GFP macrophage Fas-induced apoptosis (MAFIA) transgenic mice were used to model the response of malignant gliomas to several antiangiogenesis therapies, such as bevacizumab, VEGF Trap, DC101, and to temozolomide. Analysis of tumors and monocytic populations were performed by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. In vitro studies encompass the use of isolated monocytes from donors and a novel experimental model based on a THP1 human monocytic cell line. Data was corroborated in surgical specimens from human malignant gliomas RESULTS: Here we present evidence for the accumulation of Tie2-expressing cells at the tumor/normal brain interface of immunocompromised mice treated with anti-VEGF therapies in regions with heightened tumoral invasion. This cell population was further characterized as having markers of M2 polarized monocytes/macrophages compatible with Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs). We validated these results using the immunocompetent MAFIA transgenic mice treated with an anti-VEGFR compound. In contrast, TEMs were almost undetectable in the brains of glioma-bearing mice treated with temozolomide or anti-VEGF therapies that did not result in an invasive tumoral pattern. In vitro studies showed that TEMs enhanced the invasive properties of glioma cells compared with monocytes that did not express Tie2 (non-TEMs). Moreover, TEMs displayed a higher gelatinase enzymatic activity and, specifically, secreted higher levels of MMP2 and MMP9 than non-TEMs did. Consistently Tie2/MMP9 monocytic cells were detected in the invasive tumoral edge of mice treated with anti-VEGF therapies. Of clinical relevance, we detected the presence of TEMs in human surgical specimens after anti-VEGF therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results described the association of a specific myeloid/monocytic subpopulation characterized as Tie2-expressing monocytes with the heightened invasion observed after antiangiogenic therapy. Our results suggest that his distinctive population might explain the mechanism of escape of malignant gliomas to anti-angiogenesis therapies. Therefore, combination of antiangiogenesis therapies with approaches to decrease the tumor recruitment of TEMs might be required to obtain a therapeutic effect. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Preclinical Experimental Therapeutics.
Crafting, Cooking, and Constructing Histories: Women and the Politics of Everyday Life along the Falémé River ( ca. AD 1000–1900)

Recent archaeological research in Africa has moved to illuminate the dynamic ways in which cultural identities such as ethnicity and caste have intersected with regional histories. Along these same lines, this paper focuses on the roles of women within the processes of frontier and periphery that shaped, and were shaped by, daily life within the precolonial landscape of Upper Senegal. Focusing on historical and archaeological evidence from past settlements along the Faleme River, this paper explores how the production of pottery vessels, and their use within domestic routines of food storage and preparation, may have played into political economic relations between and beyond local communities during the second millennium AD. Insofar as these craft and culinary practices lay within the gendered domain of women, they add insight into the contributions of craftswomen and female household makers to local and regional histories.
Pulsar kicks from neutrino oscillations

Neutrino oscillations can explain the observed motion of pulsars. We show that two different models of neutrino emission from a cooling neutron star are in good quantitative agreement and predict the same order of magnitude for the pulsar kick velocity, consistent with the data.
Preliminary Study on Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange and Cr(VI) Compound System by Titania-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag

Using calcined sulfate-modified titanium-bearing blast furnace slag (STBBFS) as photocatalyst, decolorization efficiency of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of Cr(VI) were studied. The effect of solution pH on the decolorization efficiency of MO and reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) have been investigated. The results indicate that the acidic solutions are favorable for the photocatalytic oxidation of MO in the presence of Cr(VI), and the optimum pH for oxidation of MO is 1.5. The increasing of photocatalytic activities in the compound system can be attributed to five main reasons: (1) the redox reaction between Cr(VI) and MO; (2) adsorption of Cr(VI) species and dye molecule onto STBBFS surface; (3) the visible light irradiation; (4) Cr(VI) species reduced to Cr(III) by Mn2+ in STBBFS photocatalyst; (5) Moreover, the addition of Cr(VI) species able to act as electron scavengers to catalyst surface promotes the effective separation of electron-hole, and hence promote the increase of decolorization efficiency of MO and reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) in Cr(VI)-MO system under visible irradiation. UV-vis spectral analysis indicated that MO was completely mineralized in the presence of Cr(VI) after 240 min. FTIR spectral analysis showed that all these characteristic peaks of Cr(VI) and MO disappear after photoreaction, indicating the degradation of Cr(VI) and MO.
Isolation of hepatocyte stimulating factor from human monocytes.

Hepatocyte stimulating factor is a monocyte derived protein which regulates hepatic plasma protein synthesis. Human hepatocyte stimulating factor was purified to apparent homogeneity from adherent peripheral blood monocytes by using ion excahange, gel permeationa and reversed phase chromatography. Electrophoretic analysis showed that it has a Mr of 28,000 daltons and an isoelectric point of 5.4. Biological assays specific for heptocyte stimulating factor and interleukin-1 showed that they are distinct and have independent biological effects.
B7-H1 Expression in Wilms Tumor: Correlation With Tumor Biology and Disease Recurrence

Purpose: Despite tremendous gains in improving prognosis, 10% of patients with Wilms tumor will ultimately experience disease recurrence. The identification of novel prognostic markers and tumor associated targets for patients at risk could enable clinicians to treat recurrences more aggressively and, thus, optimize outcomes. We have previously shown that tumor expression of the T cell coregulatory ligand B7-H1 portends a poor prognosis for adults with renal cell carcinoma and represents a promising target to improve therapy. We hypothesize that this finding may be true for Wilms tumor.Materials and Methods: We identified 81 patients with Wilms tumor treated at 1 institution between 1968 and 2004. Histopathological features, including Wilms tumor B7-H1 expression, were correlated with clinical observations and outcome.Results: Tumor recurrences were noted in 22% of patients with Wilms tumor and 14% died. B7-H1 was expressed in 11 tumors (14%) and was more likely to occur in anaplastic Wilms tumor (p = 0.0...
THE EFFECT OF CONDOM USE AND EROTIC INSTRUCTIONS ON ATTITUDES TOWARD CONDOMS

It was hypothesized that erotic experiences with condoms would cause attitudes toward condoms to become more positive. Heterosexual couples were randomly assigned to three conditions. Couples received either condoms with instructions on how to incorporate them into sensuous foreplay, condoms only, or no condoms and no instructions. All couples received pre‐ and post‐tests on the Attitude Toward Condoms Scale (Brown, 1984). Both of the intervention groups used condoms over a two‐week period. A 3 x 2 x 2 (treatment x gender x pre‐post) design was used, and the analysis revealed that only those who received the erotic instructions had significantly enhanced attitudes toward condoms. The results are discussed in terms of future research and application of an intervention to enhance attitudes toward condoms.
Combination therapy with leuprolide acetate and tamoxifen in refractory ovarian cancer

To determine the activity of combination hormonal therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma, we treated 20 patients with leuprolide acetate 7.5 mg intramuscularly once a month and tamoxifen 20 mg orally twice a day. Among the 17 evaluable patients, two patients (12%; 95% CI: 0–27) had a partial response, each lasting 7 months. An additional five patients (29%; 95% CI: 8–51) experienced disease stabilization with a median duration of 5 months. This response rate is not significantly different from previously published studies using either leuprolide acetate or tamoxifen alone. The median survival duration was 14.4 months and this was not significantly different from that of our previous study with high-dose Taxol (P = 0.0668). The treatment was well-tolerated, with minimal toxicity. Combination hormone therapy with leuprolide acetate and tamoxifen does not result in increased activity compared with either drug used alone for platinum-refractory ovarian carcinoma. However, hormonal therapy should remain an important consideration for this disease since it has documented activity with minimal associated toxicity.
PET scans in schizophrenia: What have we learned?

AbstractDuring the past 10 years, positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to study patients with schizophrenia. Although the technique has provided new information regarding the disease, interpretation of studies is more complex and less clear than was initially envisioned.
Differential effects of isoflurane and ketamine/inactin anesthesia on cAMP and cardiac function in FVB/N mice during basal state and β-adrenergic stimulation

We evaluated the effect of the inhalant anesthetic isoflurane and the injectable combination of anesthetics ketamine/inactin on cardiac function by measuring left ventricular (LV) pressure in situ during control conditions and during β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol (ISO). The control heart rate (HR) and the maximal rate of contraction were significantly higher in the isoflurane group, but there was no difference in the rate of relaxation. During the ISO (0.32 ng · g body wt–1· min–1) stimulation the developed pressure (DP) increased 9.8 ± 1.8% (n = 11) in the ketamine/inactin group and was unchanged in the isoflurane group. The HR increased 28.4 ± 4.8% (n = 11) in the ketamine/inactin group and only 3.4 ± 0.6% (n = 11) in the isoflurane group. The rate of contraction increased 103.2 ± 9.3% (n = 11) and 13.6 ± 4.6% (n = 11) in the ketamine/inactin and isoflurane groups, respectively. At this dose of ISO the rate of relaxation did not change significantly. In control conditions there was no difference in levels of cAMP between the groups (2.29 ± 0.25 pmol/mg protein (n = 5) in the ketamine/inactin group and 2.79 ± 0.35 pmol/mg protein (n = 6) in the isoflurane group). However, during the ISO stimulation the cAMP level increased only in the ketamine/ inactin group of animals (3.50 ± 0.30 pmol/mg protein; n = 5). This level was significantly higher than the level in the isoflurane group stimulated with ISO (2.22 ± 0.30 pmol/mg protein; n = 6). In summary, our results indicate that the anesthetics differ significantly in the extent of depression of the basal and β-adrenergic stimulated state with the second messenger cAMP playing a prominent role.
Avoidance of subaortic obstruction in staged management of single ventricle.

Background Subaortic obstruction is a frequent accompaniment of single-ventricle anatomy. Most often, the aorta arises from an outflow chamber that is connected to the single ventricle by a bulboventricular foramen or ventricular septal defect. This connection may be restrictive of flow at birth, or may become obstructive after surgical procedures that reduce the volume work of the ventricle. Subaortic obstruction is recognized as a risk factor for reconstructive surgical procedures for single ventricle. Methods To prevent the consequences of subaortic obstruction, we have routinely amalgamated the proximal main pulmonary artery with the ascending aorta and arch early in the management of these patients. From September 1990 through September 1994, 29 neonates and infants with single ventricle and established or potential subaortic obstruction underwent staged reconstructive surgical procedures. The initial operation in the newborn period was a Norwood procedure (18 patients) or a pulmonary artery band (5 patients). All survivors underwent a hemi-Fontan procedure at approximately 6 months. Results Eighteen patients have undergone a completion Fontan operation with no deaths. Five await completion Fontan. None has subaortic obstruction, and none has pulmonary valve insufficiency that is graded more than mild. Conclusions Early association of the proximal main pulmonary artery with the ascending aorta appears to obviate the risks and complications associated with subaortic obstruction in patients with single ventricle.
Calcium dependence of differentiation of GABA immunoreactivity in spinal neurons

The developmental regulation of neurotransmitter synthesis has been extensively studied and appears in many cases to depend on electrical activity. The central nervous system of the Xenopus embryo and young larva is an attractive subject for such studies, since action potentials first elicited from Xenopus spinal neurons at the time of closure of the neural tube are long in duration and calcium-dependent. Moreover, cells exhibit spontaneous elevations of intracellular calcium during this early period as a consequence of calcium influx through voltage-dependent channels, which induces calcium release from intracellular stores. Since the early differentiation of Xenopus spinal neurons in dissociated cell culture parallels development in vivo, we have examined the maturation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivity in cultured neurons and explored its dependence on spontaneous calcium influx at early stages of development. We find that specific GABA immunoreactivity develops in spinal neurons in dissociated cell culture with the same time course previously defined in vivo. Additionally, this process requires calcium influx that occurs spontaneously through voltage-dependent channels. The appearance of GABA immunoreactivity is blocked by transcriptional inhibitors. The early appearance of GABA raises the possibility that it may play additional roles at early stages of development. © 1993 Wiley-Liss,Inc.
Parametric sensitivity and self-similarity in thermal explosion theory

Abstract We study the relations between thermal runaway (also called parametric sensitivity) and self-similarity, an interesting property of the sensitivity functions that has been numerically verified in many explosion and combustion systems. Both concepts are sensitivity related but independent of the particular parameter being perturbed. This independence is emphasized by proposing a new generalized condition for parametric sensitivity. Critically is defined as the point in the parameter space where the nominal trajectory exhibits maximum sensitivity to arbitrary, unstructured perturbations applied at the maximum temperature. The condition for critically reduces to the analysis of the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix. In addition to its conceptual generality, the new condition shows that in certain cases there exists no critical Semenov number. The sensitivity functions are shown to satisfy self-similarity relations if and only if the system exhibits critical or supercritical behavior. The onset of self-similarity is explained in terms of two properties of explosion systems, both related to parametric sensitivity. First, the temperature is a dominant variable, and any perturbation in the system affects the conversion mainly through the changes induced in the temperature. This strong coupling of the variables is shown by decomposing the sensitivity functions into direct and indirect terms. Second, the sensitivity equations are pseudo-homogeneous in a characteristic time window, in which the system becomes relatively insensitive to parameter perturbations applied within the same interval. The two properties are shown to imply self-similarity of the sensitivity functions. Relations to earlier parametric sensitivity and self-similarity conditions are discussed.
Rapid turnover of the histone-ubiquitin conjugate, protein A24

Abstract The specific activity of protein A24 was found to exceed that of the core histones by 2-3 fold following a brief labeling period. Accordingly, the A24 protein was found to be unstable, with a decay half-life of 90 minutes. When decay of the ubiquitin moiety was measured, it was found to turn over more extensively than the H2A moiety.
Macrophage-derived soluble factors mediate suppression induced by 2,4-dinitrophenyl-conjugated mouse IgG in hybridoma cells.

Abstract Our laboratory has established that 2,4-dinitrophenyl-conjugated mouse IgG (DNP-MGG) can specifically suppress proliferation, antibody synthesis, and secretion in vivo in two anti-DNP secreting cell lines: hybridoma 35-12 and myeloma MOPC-315. In the present study an in vitro system was used to further analyze the mechanism of suppression of hybridoma 35-12 cells (HC) by DNP-MGG. It was found that DNP-MGG-induced suppression of HC requires macrophages (Mφ) and occurs only in eclipsed HC which are mainly small, nonsecreting cells. The Mφ-mediated suppression is DNP specific, requires no Mφ-HC cell contact, and does not involve killing of eclipsed HC. Mφ culture supernatant alone cannot mediate suppression, but supernatants obtained by culturing Mφ with either HC or supernatant from HC culture can mediate suppression of eclipsed HC in the presence of DNP-MGG. DNP-MGG is not required for the generation of effective Mφ factors, but it is required for suppression of HC in the presence of Mφ factors. Indomethacin cannot reverse Mφ-mediated suppression, suggesting prostaglandins may not be the Mφ factors. These data suggest that Mφ-derived factors which are not prostaglandins in nature may play a role in B-cell regulation and in B-cell suppression induced by tolerogenic forms of antigen.
Influence of Rotor Axial Thermal Growth on Rotordynamic Forces of High-Low Labyrinth Seals in Steam Turbines

Rotors in steam turbines experience significant axial shifting during start-up and shut-down process due to thermal expansion. This axial-shifting could significantly alter the flow pattern and the flow-induced rotordynamic forces in labyrinth seals, which in turn, can considerably affect the rotor-seal system’s performance. This paper investigates the influence of the rotor-axial-shifting on leakage rate and rotordynamic forces for high-low labyrinth seals under different geometrical and operational conditions. A well-established CFD-perturbation model was employed to predict the rotordynamic coefficients. A surprisingly large effect was found for rotordynamic characteristics due to changes in seal configurations caused by rotor axial shifting. It was also found that less destabilizing effect arose from rotor-axial-shifting in the leakage flow direction whereas a more destabilizing effect arose from shifting against the leakage flow direction. A tentative explanation was proposed for the large sensitivities of dynamic forces to the off-design operations with rotor-axial-shifting.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Secondary structure of T4 gene 33 protein Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroic spectroscopic studies

Abstract The secondary structure of bacteriophage T4 gene 33 protein (gp33) has been quantitatively examined by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Resolution enhancement techniques, including Fourier deconvolution and derivative spectroscopy were used to quantitate the spectral information from the amide I bands. The relative areas of these component bands indicate 21% α-helix, 25% β-sheet, 34% turn, 12% random coil and 8% other undefined structures in gp33. An analysis of the CD spectrum of gp33 at the same pH and temperature revealed 19% α-helix, 25% β-sheet, 13% turn and 43% random coil structures. The possible reasons for the discrepancies in estimates of the contributions to the secondary structure from turns and random coils are discussed.
Increased amounts of hybrid (heavy/heavy) DNA in Bloom's syndrome fibroblasts.

Abstract The nuclear DNA of fibroblasts from patients suffering with Bloom's syndrome, density labeled for less than one round of DNA replication to give heavy/light molecules, was examined for spontaneous amounts of heavy/heavy DNA (hybrid DNA). When compared to normal fibroblasts the Bloom's syndrome cells exhibited a sixfold increase in such DNA.
Proton and hyperpolarized helium magnetic resonance imaging of radiation-induced lung injury in rats.

Abstract Purpose To assess the usefulness of hyperpolarized helium ( 3 He) MRI, including apparent diffusion coefficient measurements, in the detection and evaluation of radiation-induced lung injury in rats. Methods and materials Female Fischer-344 rats were treated to the right lung with fractionated dose of 40 Gy (5 × 8 Gy) using 4-MV photons. Conventional proton ( 1 H) and hyperpolarized ( 3 He) MRI were used to image the lungs 3–6 months after radiation treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of hyperpolarized 3 He in the lungs were calculated using a nonlinear, least-squares fitting routine on a pixel-by-pixel basis. After imaging, lungs were processed for histologic assessment of damage. Results The effect of radiation was time dependent with progressive right lung damage ranging from mild to moderate at 3 months to severe fibrosis with structural deformation at 6 months after radiation. There was a significant decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficient of hyperpolarized 3 He gas in radiation-treated lungs. Areas of decreased ADC in the lungs correlated with fibrosis shown by histology. Conclusion This is the first study to show that hyperpolarized 3 He MRI can detect radiation-induced lung injury noninvasively. Reduced hyperpolarized 3 He ADC values postradiation likely reflect reduced alveolar volumes associated with fibrosis of the interstitium. Future studies at earlier time points may determine whether this noninvasive imaging technique can detect lung damage before clinical symptoms. Development of this new approach of magnetic resonance lung imaging in the rat model of radiation-induced lung injury will increase the ability to develop appropriate algorithms and more accurate models of the normal tissue complication probability.
Increased expression of amyloid precursor protein and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 during trophic factor withdrawal-induced death of neuronal PC12 cells

Abstract Programmed cell death (PCD) (apoptosis) is implicated in the neuronal cell death of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) during trophic factor deprivation-induced PCD of neuronally differentiated PC12 cells. Neuronal PC12 cells underwent PCD within two days following withdrawal of nerve growth factor (NGF) from the culture medium. Total APP mRNA levels increased gradually after 24 h, reaching levels 250% higher than those in control cells at 48 h after NGF withdrawal, and total APLP2 mRNA levels also increased similarly at 48 h. Analysis of the three major APP mRNA isoforms APP695, APP751, and APP770 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed a substantial increase in the proportion of APP770 at 48 h after NGF withdrawal. Basic fibroblast growth factor, which prevented the appearance of PCD after NGF withdrawal, inhibited the increases in APP and APLP2 mRNA levels as well as the increase in the proportion of APP770. Cellular holoprotein levels of total APP, APP containing the Kunitz protease inhibitor domain, and APLP2 also increased by ∼60%, 100%, and 30%, respectively, at 48 h after NGF withdrawal. These data indicate that in neuronal PC12 cells undergoing PCD following trophic factor withdrawal, the syntheses of both APP and APLP2 are upregulated, and the alternative splicing of the APP gene is modified. This implies a linkage between APP and APLP2 expression and neuronal PCD.
Spectral investigation of the diffuse-to-direct solar beam irradiances ratio (UV–VIS) in the urban Athens atmosphere

This study explores the influence of air gaseous pollutants–aerosols and solar zenith angle (SZA) on the spectral diffuse-to-direct beam E dλ/E bλ irradiances ratio. It does so using ground-based spectroradiometric measurements taken over the Athens atmosphere during May 1995. It was found that the spectral E dλ/E bλ ratio decreases rapidly with increasing wavelength and regression curves of the form E dλ/E bλ = aλ−b fitted the experimental data. These curves are strongly modified by aerosols–air pollutants, aerosol optical properties, and SZA. The log–log plot of E dλ/E bλ versus λ reveals a significant departure from linearity, which is likely to be associated with aerosol physical properties and SZA effects. The effect of atmospheric turbidity, as expressed through the aerosol optical at 500 nm and SZA on the spectral E dλ/E bλ ratio, is investigated in detail for two discernible atmospheric conditions observed in the urban Athens atmosphere. The first case includes different atmospheric turbidity levels under the same SZA, while the second corresponds to different SZA values under the same turbidity levels. It was found that the correlation between E dλ/E bλ and spectral aerosol optical depth can be a useful tool in determining the aerosol optical properties and aerosol types composition.
THOREA RIEKEI SP. NOV. AND RELATED SPECIES1

SUMMARY The morphology and ontogeny of Thorea riekei sp. nov. from a spring-fed stream in Landa Park, New Braunfels, Texas, are described. The organism was isolated into unialgal culture and grown through its complete life history, stages of which are illustrated by photomicrographs. Comparative studies were made of herbarium specimens of Thorea species from several United States herbaria. A review of the taxonomic literature on the genus Thorea revealed a considerable number of inaccurate and doubtful determinations of herbarium specimens. A brief study of the ultrastructure of T. riekei is included.
Electrically Generated Intramolecular Proton Transfer: Electroluminescence and Stimulated Emission from Polymers

Abstract : Application of a voltage across a thin film of a rod coil copolymer containing 2-(2'- hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole in the backbone induces a reversible intramolecular proton transfer. The observed electroluminescence occurs from the excited keto form, produced electrically by a chemical reaction termed electrically generated intramolecular proton transfer, EGIPT. Stimulated emission between 540-640 nm was observed by Ps transient absorption spectroscopy. EGIPT and related proton transfer electroluminescence have implications for understanding proton transfer reactions and organic light emitting devices.
Mean heart rate predicted by task demand characteristics.

Mean HRs recorded during sequences of perceptual-motor and cognitive tasks were predicted from ratings of task characteristics such as complexity and frequency of stimuli, transformations, and responses. In three separate groups of Ss and tasks the correlations between mean HRs and task demand ratings were ≥.91.
Oxytalan fibers in ameloblastomas.

Abstract Oxytalan fibers have been demonstrated in the connective tissue stroma of ameloblastomas and in an ameloblastic fibroma.