cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A back-stress-based rationale for creep behavior during dynamic aging

Abstract Recent creep results on a titanium-base alloy were analyzed in terms of a creep equation relating the creep rate to an effective stress which is defined as the applied stress less an average back stress dependent on the nature of the strengthening mechanism operative during creep of the alloy. It is shown that the back stress at low strain rates is close to the Orowan—Ashby stress required to bypass silicide precipitates dynamically formed on mobile dislocations during creep in a titanium alloy containing small additions of silicon. At higher strain rates, when the dynamic precipitation process is not observed to occur, the back stress values appear to be close to the estimated values of the drag stress due to silicon atmospheres around moving dislocations. The true creep activation energies in both strain rate regions, calculated by correcting the apparent activation energies for the temperature dependence of the elastic modulus and the appropriate back stress, appear to be of the order of magnitude expected for diffusion in vacancy-controlled lattice diffusion in a titanium alloy.
Rhizobium meliloti exopolysaccharides: Synthesis and symbiotic function

Bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) is required for establishment of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between Rhizobium meliloti and its host plant, Medicago sativa (alfalfa), but the precise role of EPS in this interaction is not well defined. Bacterial mutants which fail to produce EPS induce nodules on the roots of the host plant, but fail to invade these root nodules. Research conducted in our lab and others suggests that EPS plays a specific role in the R. meliloti-M. sativa symbiosis. A common theme emerging from these studies is that small quantities of low-molecular-weight (LMW) EPS are sufficient to mediate successful invasion by R. meliloti mutants which fail to produce EPS, implying that LMW EPS may act as a signaling molecule during this process.
An Analysis of GABA Receptor Changes in the Discrete Regions of Mouse Brain After Acute and Chronic Treatments with Morphine

The effects of morphine on the affinity and distribution of GABA receptors in the mouse regions (striatum, medulla, diencephalon, cortex, and cerebellum) were investigated in relation to: (a) acute administration, (b) chronic administration (tolerance), (c) precipitated withdrawal by naloxone, an opiate antagonist, and (d) abrupt withdrawal for 8 and 24 h. The alterations in the affinity as reflected by the dissociation constant (KD) and the number of receptors (Bmax) in the synaptic membranes obtained from controls and various treatments were determined by radioligand binding assay using [3H]muscimol as a ligand. Significant changes were observed in striatum, medulla, and diencephalon, whereas other regions including whole brain exhibited marginal changes. In general the number of GABA receptors increased after tolerance development, which upon abrupt withdrawal returned to control levels except in the case of naloxone-induced precipitated withdrawal. The affinity changes in different regions were diverse in nature and were not evident in the whole brain membranes. These results indicate that: (as) the regional alterations in the affinity and distribution of GABA receptors may play a role in the induction, maintenance, and regression of morphine tolerance; (b) abrupt withdrawal and antagonist precipitated withdrawal affect the GABA system differently, (c) chronic morphine treatment appears to influence the GABA receptors in the cerebellum, a region generally known for its lack of opiate receptors.
Fibrous proteins—silk as a model system

The repetitive nature of fibrous proteins leads to regular secondary and higher order structures. This attribute suggests that these polymers are useful models to gain insight into structure-function relationships. Genetic variants of these proteins can be constructed from precisely defined synthetic oligonucleotides to encode the specific sized protein of interest. The biosynthesis and assembly of this type of protein is addressed using spider dragline and silkworm cocoon silks. This review includes an overview of: (a) spider dragline silk composition and genetics, and (b) the assembly of silk proteins, including the formation of mesophases and control of crystalline structure. Silks are environmentally stable, yet biodegradable under appropriate conditions, leading to a wide range of potential applications for these polymers.
Impulsivity: differential relationship to depression and mania in bipolar disorder.

Introduction Impulsivity, a component of the initiation of action, may have a central role in the clinical biology of affective disorders. Impulsivity appears clearly to be related to mania. Despite its relationship to suicidal behavior, relationships between impulsivity and depression have been studied less than those with mania. Impulsivity is a complex construct, and it may be related differently to depression and to mania.
Crystallization of the effector-binding domains of BenM and CatM, LysR-type transcriptional regulators from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1

BenM, a member of the LysR-type family of transcriptional regulators, controls genes for benzoate degradation in the Gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter sp. strain ADP1. Recent studies show that BenM activates benABCDE expression synergistically in response to two effector ligands: cis,cis-muconate (CCM) and benzoate. As an initial step in investigating the structural basis of dual effector response, the effector-binding domain of BenM (BenM-EBD) was crystallized by the microbatch-under-oil technique with conditions optimized from high-throughput screens performed by the Hauptman–Woodward Institute. Data-collection quality crystals of BenM-EBD belonged to space group P212121, diffracted to 2.3 A and had unit-cell parameters a = 65.64, b = 66.34, c = 117.46 A. The influence of effector ligands on crystal formation was also evaluated. The presence of benzoate or CCM impaired the formation of crystals. The presence of both effectors together resulted in a dramatic decrease in the production of crystals. The effector-binding domain of CatM, a homolog of BenM, was also crystallized.
A note on S-packing colorings of lattices

Let a 1 , a 2 , ? , a k be positive integers. An ( a 1 , a 2 , ? , a k ) -packing coloring of a graph G is a mapping from V ( G ) to { 1 , 2 , ? , k } such that vertices with color i have pairwise distance greater than a i . In this paper, we study ( a 1 , a 2 , ? , a k ) -packing colorings of several lattices including the infinite square, triangular, and hexagonal lattices. For k small, we determine all a i such that these graphs have packing colorings. We also give some exact values and asymptotic bounds.
COPII and selective export from the endoplasmic reticulum

Forward transport of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex depends on COPII, a membrane coat that forms ER-derived vesicles. Based on experimental observations, a series of integrated events must be accomplished during the formation of COPII coated vesicles. First, the subunits of the COPII coat must be recruited to the correct site on the surface of the ER. Second, soluble and integral membrane cargo proteins destined for the Golgi complex are concentrated into nascent buds. Third, a set of molecules that must cycle between the ER and Golgi compartments (such as SNARE proteins) are incorporated into vesicles. And fourth, the COPII coat is disassembled after release of ER-derived vesicles thus allowing vesicle fusion and recycling of COPII components. Incorporation of soluble cargo infers the existence of membrane spanning receptor molecules that link lumenal cargo to the vesicle coat. Some candidate proteins have been identified (including the p24 family) that appear to participate in the selection of soluble cargo; however, the mechanistic details of this selection procedure remain obscure. This review will focus on the molecular constituents of the COPII coat and emerging interactions of the coat subunits with proteins involved in selective export from the ER.
Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1990

Abstract The 1991 hurricane season produced 76 tropical waves of which 12 became tropical depressions. African seedlings initiated 10 of the 14 named Atlantic storms and all of the eastern Pacific tropical cyclones. A comparison with previous years is presented.
Comparative effectiveness of estrogens on fluid imbibition and growth of the rat's uterus.

Five natural estrogens (estradiol-17B, estrone, estriol, equilin and equilenin) and one synthetic estrogen (diethylstilbestrol) were compared as to effectiveness in promoting fluid imbibition and growth of the uterus in 22-day old rats. Graded amounts of each estrogen were injected subcutaneously as a single dose in 0.1 cc. sesameoil and uterine responses observed at intervals up to 72 hours. Both quantitative and qualitative differences were found with respect to dose required for a response and speed, duration, and extent of the reaction. Some estrogens are more effective for fluid imbibition and others more active for growth and superiority for one does not imply superiority for the other. It was found that the minimal dose in micrograms required to produce 33⅓% increase in uterine wet weight at six hours (Astwood unit) is for estradiol, 0.025; estriol, 0.029; diethylstilbestrol, 0.078; equilin, 0.312; estrone, 0.45; and equilenin, 0.546.The dosage required to produce 70% gain in uterine wet weight at ...
Elastic properties of the composite outer hair cell wall

We propose a mathematical model for analyses of the elastic properties of the wall of the outer hair cell (OHC) in the inner ear. The model reflects the properties of the major components of the OHC wall: the subsurface cisternae, the cortical lattice, the plasma membrane, and the radial pillars. The wall is treated as a composite consisting of three elastic cylindrical shells. Two inner shells, isotropic and orthotropic, are adjacent to each other, and the outermost isotropic shell is connected to the combined inner shell by elastic springs. We derive Flugge-type equations for the composite wall and apply the model to the interpretation of the experiments with axial loading and with inflation of the OHC. We derive expressions for the axial stiffness and the wall strains measured in these experiments in terms of the elastic properties of the wall components. We also consider a conceivable experiment with torsion of the OHC and obtain relations between the torque (the axial reaction) and the angle of torsion. These solutions provide necessary information for the future determination of the OHC elastic properties. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Intraspecific genetic variation in cytokinin-controlled shoot morphogenesis from tissue explants of Petunia hybrida

Abstract In this paper we present the characterization of a differential morphogenetic response to cytokinin between two Petunia lines cultured in vitro. In particular, we report that: (1) two inbred cultivars of Petunia hybrida differed in the concentrations of cytokinin required to induce shoot morphogenesis from leaf explants and from stem epidermal explants in vitro. These differences were specific to the particular cytokinin utilized. (2) The F 1 hybrids of the two cultivars exhibited a biphasic morphogenetic response to cytokinin which was unlike that of either parent. (3) The cytokinin dose responses were similar in the reciprocal F 1 hybrids, indicating that the response is controlled primarily by Mendelian genes, rather than by cytoplasmic factors.
Police recruit attitudes toward the use of unnecessary force

This study examined the attitudes of police recruits toward the use of unnecessary force. Police recruits from a single regional police academy served as the population for this study. They were provided a survey on the first day of academy training; a vignettes research design was used to measure their view of the use of unnecessary force by another officer and their likelihood of reporting such behavior. The type of unnecessary force plays a role in how the recruits view its use. The use of unnecessary physical force was unacceptable, but verbal force was acceptable. If the suspect flees from the officer, or if the suspect is an auto thief, unnecessary force is acceptable. Similarly, the type of unnecessary force that is used, and the circumstances of its use, influences if the respondents are likely to report the unnecessary force to a supervisor. Older recruits and those with higher levels of education were negatively related to slapping a suspect. Conversely, recruits seem to carry into the academy a...
Langmuir-Blodgett films as single-layer analogs of known organic/inorganic solid-state materials

Abstract Langmuir-Blodgett films of manganese octadecylphosphonate (Mn(O 3 PC 18 H 37 )·H 2 O) are prepared by depositing octadecylphosphonate monolayers from a MnCl 2 ·4H 2 O containing subphase at a pH range of 5.2–5.5. The LB films possess crystalline order that is analogous to the bulk manganese organophosphonates. Pressure versus area isotherms suggest that the Mn 2+ ions cross-link the phosphonate groups at the air/water interface. Two sharp IR bands at 978 cm −1 and 1088 cm −1 can be assigned to the symmetric and asymmetric PO 3 2− stretching modes, respectively, and a H 2 O bending mode at 1608 cm −1 is also observed. XPS analysis demonstrates that the Mn to P ratio is 1 to 1 which is consistent with the bulk manganese phosphonates. X-ray diffraction yields a layer spacing of 48.5 A. The in-plane structure is determined by transmission electron diffraction (TED). The combined diffraction data yield lattice parameters for the LB film based on an orthorhombic space group of a a = 5.7 A, b = 48.5 A and c = 4.9 A. The in-plane order is analogous to that of the known bulk manganese organophosphonates. The shape and g-value of the EPR signals for the bulk manganese phenylphosphonate and the LB film are identical. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility of the LB film demonstrates short-range antiferromagnetic order with the coherence length of the interaction increasing as the temperature is lowered.
Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Anthracycline-based chemotherapeutics have long been recognized as effective agents for treating a wide range of malignancies. However, their use is not without significant adverse cardiotoxic side effects. Strategies for prevention involve limiting free-radical production and subsequent cardiac myocyte damage. Dexrazoxane remains the most widely studied cardioprotective medication. Alternative agents may reduce cardiotoxicity but may still cause significant cardiovascular problems. The role of β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure is well proven. The role of these medications in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is not well established.
Vitamin D inhibition of TACE and prevention of renal osteodystrophy and cardiovascular mortality

In the course of kidney disease, the progressive loss of renal capacity to maintain normal serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) is a main contributor to parathyroid hyperplasia and high serum PTH. High PTH causes mineral and skeletal abnormalities predisposing to ectopic calcifications and increased mortality. Intriguingly, replacement therapy with 1,25(OH)2D or its less calcemic analogs was recently shown to improve survival in kidney disease patients through renal and cardiovascular protective actions that are independent of PTH suppression. This work presents preliminary evidence that 1,25(OH)2D inhibition of TACE (Tumor necrosis factor Alpha Converting Enzyme) is a potential common mechanism underlying the efficacy of therapy with 1,25(OH)2D or its analogs to improve outcomes in chronic kidney disease. 1,25(OH)2D prevents/moderates not only the onset and progression of parathyroid TACE/TGFα-driven secondary hyperparathyroidism, but, more significantly, renal TACE/TGFα-driven fibrotic and inflammatory lesions to the renal parenchyma, and TACE/TNFα-driven systemic inflammation, which is known to aggravate renal and cardiovascular lesions and enhance the risk of vascular calcification and cardiovascular mortality.
Multimodality imaging of thrombus in transit.

A 58-year-old woman with no past medical history underwent right shoulder surgery for rotator cuff tear. The surgery was uneventful and patient was discharged the next day to continue outpatient physical therapy. However, on post-operative sixth day, she presented to emergency department complaining of chest pain and dyspnoea with exertion which she never had before. An electrocardiogram was performed and revealed sinus tachycardia, with a right bundle branch block and an S1-Q3-T3 pattern. …
SMS versus voice messaging to deliver MNCH communication in rural Malawi: assessment of delivery success and user experience.

Objective: To determine the difference in delivery success of health messages delivered through pushed SMS, pushed voice messages sent to personal phones, and voice messages retrieved from a community phone (‘‘retrieved voice messaging’’), as well as the difference in quality of the user experience. Methods: We analyzed the project’s electronic monitoring data between September 2011 and June 2013, including demographics, enrollment data, and messages sent and successfully delivered. We also collected and analyzed information from quarterly phone-based surveys with users to assess quality of the user experience, including acceptability, comprehension, new information learned, and reported behavior change. Results: More than half of subscribers enrolled in the retrieved voice messaging service while nearly one-third enrolled in the pushed SMS service and less than 10% in pushed voice messaging. Message delivery success was highest among pushed SMS subscribers and lowest among retrieved voice subscribers. Overall, 99% of survey respondents reported trusting messages they received, and about 75% of respondents recalled the last message they received and learned something new. Almost 75% of respondents reported that they had already changed or intended to change their behavior based on received messages. Intended or actual behavior change was significantly higher among pushed SMS enrollees than among pushed or retrieved voice messaging enrollees (P5.01). Conclusion: All message modalities led to high levels of satisfaction, comprehension, and new information learned. Due to lower cost, higher delivery success, and higher levels of intended or actual behavior change, SMS is the preferred delivery modality. However, the majority of users included in this study did not have access to a personal phone, and retrieved voice messages provided an opportunity to access a population that otherwise could not be served. Providing multiple methods by which users could access the service was crucial in extending reach beyond literate personal phone owners. BACKGROUND
Cross-cultural Parenting: Reflections on Autonomy and Interdependence

As pediatricians to an ever-diversifying population, we encounter a range of parenting styles and beliefs, particularly among recent immigrants to the United States. Most pediatricians received some cultural competency training during medical school, focused mainly on how different cultures interpret and treat illness. However, at many well-child visits, the conversation inevitably turns to questions about child behavior, development, and parenting, which are similarly influenced by culture but inadequately addressed in training. This commentary discusses 2 culturally informed themes of parenting in the anthropology literature: autonomy and interdependence.1–4 These themes can help pediatricians understand the origins and goals of many parenting behaviors, especially when different from their personal beliefs. When we examine our own attitudes toward autonomy and interdependence, we may strengthen our relationships with families, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and more effectively offer anticipatory guidance around certain childrearing practices consistent with children’s developmental stage. Parenting goals and behavior are influenced by cultural norms and informed by expectations of adult behaviors that are valued by a particular society. In general, the United States, Europe, and other “Western” cultures emphasize autonomy : individual achievement, self-reliance, and self-assertiveness. The United States was founded on these characteristics, as reflected in the iconic imagery of explorers, frontiersmen, and entrepreneurs. In addition, the practice of bronzing a baby’s first pair of shoes symbolizes pride in his or her independent steps, away from the parent. To raise self-confident, individualistic children, parents offer frequent praise, favor verbal feedback over physical contact, and promote … Address correspondence to Barry Zuckerman, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, 771 Albany St, Dowling Bldg, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118. E-mail: barry.zuckerman{at}bmc.org
Maternal nativity as a risk factor for gastroschisis: A population-based study†

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gastroschisis is increasing in many parts of the world, although the etiology is largely unexplained. Young maternal age has been the only consistently identified, strong risk factor. The objective of this study was to examine the role of maternal nativity in relation to other suspected risk factors for gastroschisis in Florida. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton infants born in Florida from 1998–2003. Gastroschisis cases were identified from the Florida Birth Defects Registry. Demographic and perinatal data were obtained from birth records. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each factor of interest. RESULTS: The 6-year birth prevalence of gastroschisis was 3.26 per 10,000 live births, and the annual rate increased 41% during the study period. In addition to maternal age and marital status, maternal race/ethnicity and nativity were significantly associated with the risk of delivering an infant with gastroschisis. Compared with non-Hispanic white women, non-Hispanic black women had the lowest risk of delivering an infant with gastroschisis (PR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.13–0.26), followed by Hispanic women (PR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43–0.83). Women born outside the United States were significantly less likely than U.S.-born women to deliver an infant with gastroschisis (PR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41–0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Although young maternal age remains a strong significant risk factor for gastroschisis in Florida, other factors such as maternal race/ ethnicity and nativity could be important in explaining the increasing prevalence of gastroschisis. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 85:890–896, 2009. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multifractal model of magnetic susceptibility distributions in some igneous rocks

Abstract. Measurements of in-situ magnetic susceptibility were compiled from mainly Precambrian crystalline basement rocks beneath the Colorado Plateau and ranges in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The susceptibility meter used measures about 30 cm3 of rock and measures variations in the modal distribution of magnetic minerals that form a minor component volumetrically in these coarsely crystalline granitic to granodioritic rocks. Recent measurements include 50–150 measurements on each outcrop, and show that the distribution of magnetic susceptibilities is highly variable, multimodal and strongly non-Gaussian. Although the distribution of magnetic susceptibility is well known to be multifractal, the small number of data points at an outcrop precludes calculation of the multifractal spectrum by conventional methods. Instead, a brute force approach was adopted using multiplicative cascade models to fit the outcrop scale variability of magnetic minerals. Model segment proportion and length parameters resulted in 26 676 models to span parameter space. Distributions at each outcrop were normalized to unity magnetic susceptibility and added to compare all data for a rock body accounting for variations in petrology and alteration. Once the best-fitting model was found, the equation relating the segment proportion and length parameters was solved numerically to yield the multifractal spectrum estimate. For the best fits, the relative density (the proportion divided by the segment length) of one segment tends to be dominant and the other two densities are smaller and nearly equal. No other consistent relationships between the best fit parameters were identified. The multifractal spectrum estimates appear to distinguish between metamorphic gneiss sites and sites on plutons, even if the plutons have been metamorphosed. In particular, rocks that have undergone multiple tectonic events tend to have a larger range of scaling exponents.
Topographical organization of the motoneuron pools that innervate the muscles of the pinna of the cat

The topographical organization of the 22 motoneuron pools that innervate the pinna muscles of the cat was examined by injecting the B-subunit of cholera toxin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase into individual muscles. All 22 pools are found in the facial nucleus, organized as rostro-caudally oriented columns, and arranged according to the action of the muscles they innervate. Pools innervating muscles that pull the pinna dorsally are located in the dorsal two thirds of the medio-dorsal subdivision, and those innervating muscles that pull the pinna ventrally are located in the ventral one half of the nucleus. Motoneurons innervating muscles that pull the pinna cranially are located laterally, those that pull the pinna caudally are located medio-ventrally, and those that change the shape of the pinna are located along the entire dorso-ventral extent in the center of the medio-dorsal subdivision. This topographical layout is consistent with the somatotopic organization of the entire facial nucleus as demonstrated in a variety of species.
Looking Back to See Ahead: Unanticipated Changes in Immigration from 1986 to the Present and Their Implications for American Politics Today

This article explores how issues of immigration—and particularly undocumented immigration—have evolved since the enactment of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act and how they have changed US politics in significant and often unexpected ways. In particular, our review explores five themes: (a) the failure of comprehensive immigration reform over the past quarter century; (b) the shift in immigration policy making toward state and local governments; (c) the identification of ethno-racial minorities around immigration status and immigrants as racialized groups; (d) the political mobilization of undocumented immigrants; and (e) the emergence of transnational political ties between the United States and sending countries. The article concludes by assessing possible blind spots within the contemporary discussion of immigration and how we might fail to anticipate possible changes or trends in the making.
Progress in measuring family spillover effects for economic evaluations

Despite considerable progress in measuring family spillover effects for economic evaluations, much work remains. This editorial describes recent advances in the field and identifies areas for future research. In particular, we point out the need to clarify the potential for double-counting from including spillover effects related to caregiver time and spillover effects related to family quality of life outcomes in Reference Case analyses. We believe that research on family spillover effects has the potential to increase interest in the field of economic evaluation and its use as a tool for decision making.
Greenland's rapid postglacial emergence: A result of ice-water gravitational attraction: Comment and reply

Abstract : This note comments upon a paper published is 'Geology', v.4 no.5 1976, in which J. A. Clark presented a simple method by which to calculate the change in sea level caused by the gravitational attraction of an ice cap. In the same paper he also presented some results of a more complex numerical solution of the problem, and the two calculations are in a disagreement. Tapscott points out that, in fact, Clark's more powerful solution is correct. His simple calculation contains an error. The present note points out the reason for the error lest doubt be cast on his numerical method and the many interesting consequences of his thesis.
Marine scientific research under emerging ocean law

Abstract The traditional “fifth freedom”; of the high seas—freedom of scientific research—has been considerably eroded by recent coastal state claims to 200‐mile offshore zones. Insofar as these claims include competence to regulate marine scientific research, they are about to be endorsed in the adoption of a new Law of the Sea Convention by the Third U.N. Conference on the Law of the Sea. The author assesses the significance of the claims and examines the features of the “consent regime”; established through the negotiations at the Conference.
Evaluation Research in Organizational Change Interventions: Considerations and Some Suggestions

This paper describes some important considerations for planning and performing evaluation research in organizational change interventions. The author suggests that the very process of planning for ...
An amphibious robot for surf zone science and environmental monitoring

An amphibious ground robot was designed, built and tested as a prototype for a mobile sensor and sampler carrier to conduct surveys on sandy beaches in the surf zone. The Lake Michigan Amphibious Robot (LMAR) is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a squat box with a low center of gravity for stability and a broad mounting plate that can accommodate a variety of scientific instruments. The vehicle is topped by a mast that holds a radio Ethernet bridge to permit communications to shore for control and for data transmission. LMAR is battery powered and driven by two brushless DC motors. Initially LMAR was propelled by a pair of tracks that proved to be problematic in the sandy beach environment. The tracks were replaced with 6 wheels, three on each side, that were more effective on dry and wet sand but still posed problems in the surf. Presented here is the motivation, design and test results of the robot along with plans for the future.
Otologic manifestations of benign intracranial hypertension syndrome: Diagnosis and management†‡

Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) is a syndrome characterized by increased intracranial pressure (IIP) without focal signs of neurological dysfunction. The diagnosis is essentially made by exclusion of various causes of IIP. The classic presenting symptoms of BIH are headache and/or visual disturbances. Otologic manifestations of this syndrome have not been described in detail. In this thesis, 20 BIH patients with associated otologic symptoms were thoroughly studied over a 5-year period. The author concludes that 1. objective pulsatile tinnitus and low frequency hearing loss can be the major or only manifestation of this syndrome; 2. diagnosis is established by lumbar puncture and elimination of other causes of IIP; 3. medical management is very effective with surgery reserved for patients with deteriorating vision or with disabling tinnitus.
The Bare Metaphysical Possibility of Bare Dispositions

Many philosophers hold that all dispositions must have independent causal bases. 1 challenge this view, hence defending the possibility of bare dispositions. In part I, I explain more fully what I mean by “disposition,”“causal basis,” and “bare disposition.” In part 2, I consider the claim that the concept of a disposition entails that dispositions are not bare. In part 3. I consider arguments. due to Prior, Pargetter, and Jackson, that dispositions necessarily have distinct causal bases. In part 4, I consider arguments by Smith and Stoljar that there can't be bare dispositions because they would make for unwelcome “barely true” counterfactuals. In the end. I find no reason to deny the possibility of bare dispositions.
M Proteins of Group C Streptococci Isolated from Patients with Acute Pharyngitis.

We studied 15 strains of group C (Streptococcus equi subsp. equisimilis) [corrected] isolated from the throats of college students with acute pharyngitis and 5 strains isolated from patients with noninfectious problems. Nineteen of the 20 strains resisted phagocytic killing during incubation in normal human blood, suggesting that they might express M proteins. Genomic DNA from all 20 strains hybridized with a probe corresponding to the carboxyterminal one-third of the group A M-protein gene emm24, a region that is highly conserved among M proteins of group A and group G streptococci. The DNA sequences of the N-terminal (variable) regions of the M-protein-encoding genes from two disease-associated group C isolates and one control isolate were determined. The predicted amino acid sequences of the two pharyngitis strains were identical and were 88% homologous to the amino acid sequence of a group G M-protein gene. The predicted terminal amino acid sequence of the control strain does not correspond to any such sequences in the GenBank database. All three strains studied possess the conserved region domain common to class I group A M-protein types epidemiologically associated with rheumatic fever. These studies demonstrate the presence of M proteins in strains of S. equi subsp. equisimilis [corrected] isolated in cases of endemically occurring acute pharyngitis. Certain of these proteins are similar to those of group G streptococci, while others may represent new M types. The similarity in structure and function between M proteins of nonrheumatogenic serogroups and those of rheumatogenic group A streptococci suggests that factors other than or in addition to M protein per se are likely involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever.
Persistence of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Serum and Semen of Adult Boars

Four seronegative adult boars were intranasally inoculated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolate VR-2332. Serum and semen were collected 2-3 times weekly for over 100 days postinoculation (DPI). Serum samples were assayed for PRRSV by virus isolation (VI) and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screened for antibodies to PRRSV using the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and virus neutralization (VN) tests. Semen was assayed for PRRSV RNA by PCR. Virus and viral RNA was detected in the serum of all boars within 1 DPI by Vi and/or PCR. However, VI results indicated that viremia was transient and occurred from 1 to 9 DPI. Viral RNA was detected in serum from 1 to 31 DPI. In the acute stage of the infection, PRRSV RNA was detected in serum by PCR prior to the presence of viral RNA in semen. The PRRSV RNA was detected in semen as early as 3 DPI and persisted for 25 DPI in 2 of the boars and 56 and 92 DPI in the remaining 2 boars. Detection of PRRSV RNA in semen occurred 2-8 and 28-35 days prior to the detection of antibodies by IFA and VN, respectively. PRRSV was isolated from the bulbourethral gland of the boar that shed viral RNA in semen for 92 DPI. These results suggest that PRRSV RNA can be detected by PCR in boar serum and semen, and may persist for variable periods of time. Viremia and the serologic status of the boar are not adequate indicators of when PRRSV or PRRSV RNA is being shed in the semen. Preliminary findings also indicated that neither shipping stress nor reinoculation with homologous PRRSV resulted in viremia or viral RNA shedding in semen.
24-Hour Fitness: the Orthopedic Resident On-Call Workout

In-house call is an important component of orthopedic surgery residency, with a significant portion of the post-graduate year (PGY)-2 and PGY-3 duties devoted to 24-h clinical shifts in the hospital. A majority of this time is spent attending to the needs of pre- and post-operative patients and responding to emergency department (ED) and inpatient consultations—activities that demand priority over non-clinical endeavors. However, there is occasionally time available for other pursuits such as research, study, sleep, and exercise. A variety of publications have demonstrated the need to promote resident physical activity [1, 2, 5, 7, 12] and the beneficial effects it has on both the mental and physical well-being of the individual resident and his or her ability to provide high-quality clinical care [4, 11, 14]. In an effort to encourage resident fitness and improve patient care, an assortment of exercises were developed that can be performed while on-call using only repurposed supplies that are readily available in the hospital.
Standard OSEM vs. Q.Clear® PET image reconstruction: an analysis of phantom data.

264 Objectives The accuracy for PET measurements using the routine OSEM image reconstruction algorithm is limited since it usually employs a low number of iterations to mitigate noise amplification, and thus convergence is never reached. The recently introduced Q.Clear® tool controls noise at higher iterations by applying a relative difference penalty built into the objective function. This enables one to employ more iterations that is required for accurate contrast recovery. In this study we compare currently available clinical OSEM algorithms with the Q.Clear® using phantom data. Methods The SNMMI CTN chest phantom and the Jaszczak Deluxe phantom were imaged on the GE Discovery 600 and 690 PET/CT scanners using standard acquisition protocols. The data were reconstructed using OSEM with 2 iterations and 32 subsets for D600 or 2 iterations and 24 subsets for D690 with and without time-of-flight (ToF) information, and the Q.Clear® algorithm with different regularization parameters (“beta” values of 250, 350 and 450) and up to 25 iterations. Signal-to-noise ratio, concentration recovery and cold contrast were measured and the paired Welch t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results In the studied range of the regularization strengths the Q.Clear® SNR increased by 40%, 46% and 46% for the SNMMI CTN phantom measurement on the D600, D690 w/ TOF and D690 w/o TOF, respectively. The contrast of the hot lesions, calculated from the maximum values in the ROIs at matched SNR values, improved significantly in all 3 cases (P values Conclusions Our measurements indicate that increased regularization strength of Q.Clear® results in increased SNR and reduced contrast values, so a compromise needs to be made between these performance metrics. Q.Clear® improved accuracy both in hot and cold regions, which may result in better lesion detectability in clinical studies.
Exophytic giant-cell tumor of the tibial tubercle

A 23-year-old pregnant woman presented to the orthopedic tumor clinic with gradual onset of left anteriomedial tibial pain for one month and a lytic lesion of the proximal tibia on radiography. MRI showed an exophytic mass of the left tibial tubercle with fluid-fluid levels. The patient underwent surgical excision, and pathology was consistent with giant-cell tumor. This lesion is notable for its exophytic growth pattern and its location at the tibial tubercle. Giant-cell tumors are almost always epiphyseal in location in skeletally mature patients. Although the tibial tubercle is sometimes thought of as metaphyseal, it is an epiphyseal equivalent for bone tumor growth. The role of the patient’s pregnancy in the pathophysiology of her tumor is unclear.
What Can State Income Tax Returns Tell Us About Migration, Household Composition, Income, and the Fisc?

The author analyzes Pennsylvania tax return information; his study indicates that the departure of upper-income taxpayers from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia cost these cities considerable tax revenues. Overall, both cities lost over 4 percent of their taxable units whose location was known between 1996 and 1998, the author writes.
Radionuclides Al 24 , P 28 , Cl 32 , and Sc 40

Three new short-lived positron emitters, ${\mathrm{P}}^{28}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{32}$, and ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c},}^{40}$ of the nuclear series $Z=2n+1$, $A=4n$ have been produced by $p\ensuremath{-}n$ reactions using 20-Mev protons from the UCLA 41-in. FM cyclotron. ${\mathrm{Al}}^{24}$ has also been investigated. ${\mathrm{Al}}^{24}$ has a half-life of 2.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 sec and five gamma rays from 1.39 Mev to 7.12 Mev. 2-Mev alpha particles are emitted in a small fraction of the decays. ${\mathrm{P}}^{28}$ has a half-life of 0.280\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 sec, threshold of 15.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 Mev, eight gamma rays from 1.79 Mev to 7.59 Mev, and positrons of maximum energy 10.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 Mev. No heavy particles were detected in the decay. ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{32}$ has a half-life of 0.306\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004 sec, threshold of 14.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 Mev, four gamma rays from 2.21 Mev to 4.77 Mev, and positrons of maximum energy 9.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 Mev. 2-3 Mev alpha particles are emitted in a small fraction of the decays. ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{40}$ has a half-life of 0.22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 sec, threshold of 15.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 Mev, a 3.75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 Mev gamma ray, and maximum positron energy of 9.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 Mev. No heavy particles were detected in the decay. Possible decay schemes can be set up which involve favored positron transitions to calculated analog levels in the daughters in the cases of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{24}$, ${\mathrm{P}}^{28}$, and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{32}$. In the ${\mathrm{P}}^{28}$ decay, the positron component to the 1.78-Mev level in ${\mathrm{Si}}^{28}$ has the same $\mathrm{ft}$ value as the negatron decay to this level from ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$, thus indicating the similarity of the nuclear wave functions of ${\mathrm{P}}^{28}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$.
Studies of A, B or O (H) Surface Antigen Specificity: Carcinoma in Situ and Non-Malignant Lesions of the Bladder

AbstractA, B or O (H) antigens identical to those that designate blood groups have been shown to be present on normal urothelial cells. Since the loss of these antigens, as measured by the specific red cell adherence test, has been associated with an increased malignant potential of low stage bladder carcinomas it was considered important to examine the specificity of this test by applying it to nonmalignant bladder lesions as well as to specimens of carcinoma in situ in which gross papillary lesions might not be present.Cells lining the lesions of cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis, appearing to be normal histologically, also were found to be positive for the presence of the A, B or O (H) antigens in all samples. In contrast, 4 specimens of squamous metaplasia, also appearing normal histologically, were negative by the specific red cell adherence testing. Finally, 7 of 8 specimens of carcinoma in situ were antigennegative, with the remaining lesion showing only minimal adherence of red cells. Furt...
Soil moisture content and plant transpiration in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico

Thermocouple hygrometers were used to monitor soil water potential in control and harvested (bare) plots in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico (U.S.A.) from June 1983 to June 1984. Soil water potentials were converted to water contents using the moisture tension release characteristics for each soil horizon. Comparisons of seasonal fluctuations in soil water storage on these plots suggest that 72% of incident precipitation is removed by plant transpiration in this ecosystem. Plant uptake of water from the lower soil profile is an important factor affecting the rate and depth of CaCO3 deposition in desert soils.
Über den Blutweg in der Milz.

M. D. u. H.! Die Anschauungen uber den Blutweg in der Milz, diese alte Streitfrage von Anatomen und Pathologen, sind fast ausschliesslich abhangig von der angewandten Untersuchungstechnik.
Horvitz and Sulston on Caenorhabditis elegans Cell Lineage Mutants.

![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] “The relationship between genes and development is unknown.” This is the bold opening statement of the 1980 article by H. Robert Horvitz and John Sulston that reported the first step of a comprehensive genetic analysis of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell
Responsiveness Of Cytogenetically Discrete Human Myeloma Cell Lines To Lenalidomide: Lack Of Correlation With Cereblon and Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Expression Levels

Abstract The introduction of novel immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), such as lenalidomide, has drastically improved the survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). While it has been shown that patients with specific cytogenetic subtypes, namely t(4;14), have the best outcomes when treated with bortezomib-based regimens, the relationship between cytogenetic subtypes and response to IMiDs remains unclear. Using DNA synthesis and apoptosis assays, we investigated the relationship between cytogenetic subtype and lenalidomide response in a representative panel of human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs). Additionally, we examined HMCL protein expression levels of the lenalidomide target cereblon (CRBN) and its putative downstream target interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), both of which have previously been shown to be predictive of lenalidomide response in HMCLs. Our results reveal that response to lenalidomide did not correlate with specific cytogenetic translocations. There were, however, distinct groups of lenalidomide-responsive and non-responsive HMCLs, as defined by inhibition of cellular proliferation; notably, all of the hyperdiploid HMCLs fell into the latter category. Repeated dosing of lenalidomide significantly lowered the IC50 of the responsive HMCL ALMC-1 (IC50 = 2.6 μM versus 0.005 μM, p=0.004), but did not have an effect on the IC50 of the non-responsive HMCL DP-6 (p>0.05). Moreover, no association was found between lenalidomide responsiveness and CRBN or IRF4 expression levels. In summary, our data indicate that lenalidomide sensitivity is independent of cytogenetic subtype in HMCLs. Additionally, while CRBN and IRF-4 have been shown to be associated with response to lenalidomide in patients, these findings do not translate back to HMCLs, which could be attributable to factors present in the bone marrow microenvironment. These results suggest that the development of a new treatment paradigm based on cytogenetic subtype of MM alone may be insufficient, and that additional markers may need to be incorporated. Furthermore, the disconnect between our findings of expression of CRBN and IRF-4 in lenalidomide-treated HMCLs and patient data highlights the need for further investigation into the role of the bone marrow microenvironment on the regulation of these previously demonstrated markers of lenalidomide response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.