cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence of Bcl-XL antisense oligonucleotides.

To the Editor: In their report, Dibbert et al[1][1] had described that spontaneous eosinophil apoptosis was associated with a decrease in the levels of the antiapoptotic Bcl-XL protein. Because they also observed that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or interleukin-5 could maintain
Complimentary deoxyribonucleic acid array analysis of cerebral arteries after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral vasospasm is a prolonged vasoconstriction that develops on average 3 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), peaks 7 to 8 days after the hemorrhage and then slowly resolves over the next 5 to 7 days [6]. Vasospasm may be initiated by erythrocyte lysis with release of hemoglobin and/or breakdown products of hemoglobin. The subsequent events that cause and then lead to the onset and reversal of the vasospasm are less certain. Vasospastic arteries have an increased tendency to spontaneously contract when placed under isometric tension although they are less responsive to contractile agents [5]. This suggests that changes in the vascular wall are critical for vasospasm.
Transfer of infection-induced immune protection to Toxocara canis in a mouse model

Groups of mice were vaccinated twice with soluble extracts of embryonated eggs, females or males of Toxocara canis, or horse serum, and infected with 2,000 homologous embryonated eggs. Recovery of larvae on the fifth day by digestion of mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, lung, brain, and carcass revealed a slight but nonsignificant protection elicited by the parasite materials. Other groups were immunized by homologous infections. A single, 200-day-old infection increased importantly the number of larvae resulting from a challenge, possibly by inducing an immunosuppression in the host. Two infections given within 11 months protected partially against the larvae of a challenge, particularly by trapping the parasites in the liver. Transfer of mesenteric lymph node cells from twice infected mice reduced the total number of parasites, and the liver and lung parasitism of a challenge in the recipients, whereas transfer of serum decreased the total number of parasites and the brain and carcass parasitism. The combination of cells and serum acted synergistically in lungs and brain but antagonistically in liver and carcass.
Perioperative hypothermia: a preventable complication.

Hypothermia is a common and yet preventable complication from general anaesthesia.1 Although regarded by many as an inconsequential complication, mild perioperative hypothermia is associated with an increased risk of wound infection, delayed healing, decreased immunological function, and impaired coagulation.2 Hypothermia triggers tissue vasoconstriction that results in decreased delivery of oxygen. Poor tissue oxygenation results in reduced neutrophil activity and, consequently, higher risk of surgical wound infection. Wound healing is also affected by the decreased deposition of collagen.3 In addition, hypothermia affects platelet function and enzymatic function,4 and could result in greater surgical blood loss and higher transfusion requirements.5 From an anaesthetic perspective, hypothermia decreases the requirement of inhalant anaesthetic, increases its blood solubility6 and prolongs the effects of injectable drugs,7,8 resulting in a deeper anaesthetic plane and slower recovery from anaesthesia.9 Moreover, hypothermia promotes shivering and …
A Comprehensive Survey of Tools and Software for Active Subnetwork Identification.

A recent focus of computational biology has been to integrate the complementary information available in molecular profiles as well as in multiple network databases in order to identify connected regions that show significant changes under different conditions. This allows for capturing dynamic and condition-specific mechanisms of the underlying phenomena and disease stages. Here we review 22 such integrative approaches for active module identification published over the last decade. This article only focuses on tools that are currently available for use and are well-maintained. We compare these methods focusing on their primary features, integrative abilities, network structures, mathematical models and implementations. We also provide real-world scenarios in which these methods have been successfully applied, as well as highlight outstanding challenges in the field that remain to be addressed. The main objective of this review is to help potential users and researchers to choose the best method that is suitable for their data and analysis purpose.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Leads to Significant Improvement in Range of Motion and Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Purpose To determine if arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears results in statistically significant and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and shoulder range of motion with low graft failure, complication, and reoperation rates. Methods A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases were searched. Studies investigating superior capsular reconstruction in adults were included. Animal, cadaveric, and review studies, letters to the editor, and technique papers were excluded. Study methodological quality was analyzed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Shoulder motion and patient-reported outcome scores were analyzed. Statistical significance was defined by P Results Six articles (286 subjects, 292 shoulders, 67.7% males, mean age 63.4 ± 4.1 years, mean follow-up 25.7 ± 14.5 months) were analyzed. The methodological quality was fair (59.7 ± 13.8). Five studies reported significant improvement in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score (mean range: 30-55, P Conclusions Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears results in statistically significant and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and shoulder range of motion with low graft failure, complication, and reoperation rates at short-term follow-up in fair-quality studies. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
A proposed method for measuring pressures on the human hip joint

A method of measuring the spatial and temporal pressure variations on the cartilage surfaces in the human hip joint has been developed. A suitably instrumented standard hip prosthesis replaces the ball portion of the joint and serves as the means by which a number of small pressure transducers are placed in contact with the cartilage surface in the hip socket. This arrangement allows the pressures to be measured as the subject stands, walks or runs.
Cultural Issues Impacting the Acceptance of Psychosexual Therapy

Adapting the practice of sex therapy to address the sexual problems of a culturally diverse patient population necessarily faces challenges. These challenges are most pronounced with patients from traditional cultures whose values differ significantly from those upon which sex therapy is based. Cultural adaptations focus on factors relating to the therapeutic relationship and the development of a shared understanding of the nature of the problem and the method and goals of treatment. Many of the behavioral interventions used in sex therapy infringe on traditional cultural values. Suggestions are offered for modifying the practice of sex therapy such that it may be acceptable and effective across cultures.
Influence of spin state and electron configuration on the active site and mechanism for catalytic hydrogenation on metal cation catalysts supported on NU-1000: insights from experiments and microkinetic modeling

The mechanism of ethene hydrogenation to ethane on six dicationic 3d transition metal catalysts is investigated. Specifically, a combination of density functional theory (DFT), microkinetic modeling, and high throughput reactor experiments is used to interrogate the active sites and mechanisms for Mn@NU-1000, Fe@NU-1000, Co@NU-1000, Ni@NU-1000, Cu@NU-1000, and Zn@NU-1000 catalysts, where NU-1000 is a metal–organic framework (MOF) capable of supporting metal cation catalysts. The combination of experiments and simulations suggests that the reaction mechanism is influenced by the electron configuration and spin state of the metal cations as well as the amount of hydrogen that is adsorbed. Specifically, Ni@NU-1000, Cu@NU-1000, and Zn@NU-1000, which have more electrons in their d shells and operate in lower spin states, utilize a metal hydride active site and follow a mechanism where the metal cation binds with one or more species at all steps, whereas Mn@NU-1000, Fe@NU-1000, and Co@NU-1000, which have fewer electrons in their d shells and operate in higher spin states, utilize a bare metal cation active site and follow a mechanism where the number of species that bind to the metal cation is minimized. Instead of binding with the metal cation, catalytic species bind with oxo ligands from the NU-1000 support, as this enables more facile H2 adsorption. The results reveal opportunities for tuning activity and selectivity for hydrogenation on metal cation catalysts by tuning the properties that influence hydrogen content and spin, including the metal cations themselves, the ligands, the binding environments and supports, and/or the gas phase partial pressures.
Michael Perez and Jessica McKee, eds. Billie Holiday: Essays on the Artistry and Legacy.

Michael Perez and Jessica McKee, eds. Billie Holiday: Essays on the Artistry and Legacy. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2019. vi + 169 pp. ISBN 1476674698 (pbk). $39.95.
A barcoding‐based scat‐analysis assessment of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra diet on Kinmen Island

While it is well known that Eurasian otters principally feed on fishes and crustaceans, their detailed diet taxonomies are not fully understood. This is partly due to their nocturnal behavior and the limited resolving power of traditional morphological identification from scat. A suitable, reliable molecular method for diet studies is therefore needed. I performed a series of Sanger‐sequencing reactions, utilizing nine primer sets for Eurasian otter diet research. These are mainly based on the barcoding concept to determine the taxonomic composition of spraints. The primer sets target different types of animals, amplifying each separately. This procedure was used to detect the prey contents of 64 spraint samples collected from Kinmen Island. Through high‐resolution gel electrophoresis and sequencing, it was evident that PCR products could be successfully amplified by the different primer sets and from spraint samples comprising multiple prey species. Extracted DNA from all spraint samples was PCR‐amplified with 9 primer sets. In total, 16 prey types were identified across all 64 samples. Fourteen were identified at the species level. The aim of this study was to develop and apply a novel diet research method to Eurasian otters. Eight of the primers are universal primers designed for COI segments of different animal groups, and one primer set was designed specifically for tilapia groups. This method can be applied to study the diets of not only Kinmen Eurasian otter populations, but also other Eurasian otter populations and other small carnivorous animals.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation: epidemiology, outcomes, and diagnostic challenges.

To describe the prevalence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to explore ways to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the HIT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retrospective review of all patients needing ECMO between September 2011 and September 2020 who underwent evaluation for HIT while on ECMO. The diagnosis of HIT required a confirmatory serotonin release assay (SRA). Various break points for the optical density (OD) that defines a positive HIT ELISA were examined to estimate their utility as screening tests for HIT. Patient outcomes served as a secondary endpoint. Among 417 ECMO patients, 162 (38.8%) had a HIT ELISA. Of these, 114 (70.4%) had a subsequent SRA. Although the HIT ELISA was positive at an OD ≥ 0.4 in 1/3rd of subjects, only 15 subjects met criteria for HIT by SRA. Hence, the prevalence of HIT equaled 3.6%. At an OD ≥ 0.4 the ELISA had both poor specificity (71.7%) and accuracy (74.6%). Changing the definition of the ELISA to an OD ≥ 1.2 improved both specificity and accuracy with only a limited impact on sensitivity. Nearly 60% of those with HIT developing during ECMO died. HIT is infrequent in persons requiring ECMO. However, HIT remains associated with substantial mortality. The HIT ELISA as currently implemented performs poorly as a screening test and likely results in the unnecessary overuse of alternatives to unfractionated heparin. Altering the definition of a positive OD improves the HIT ELISA’s accuracy.
A Spectral Optimization Approach for Retrieving Bottom Characteristics in Shallow Water Environments Using Remote Sensing Data

Hyperspectral data can be exploited to retrieve multiple biophysical parameters of the environment. We present results from applying a spectral optimization approach to retrieve bottom characteristics in a coral reef environment using airborne hyperspectral data.
The Division of Child Care, Sexual Intimacy, and Relationship Quality in Couples

Increasingly, both mothers and fathers are expected to play an equal role in child rearing. Nonetheless, we know little about how child care arrangements affect couples’ sexual intimacy and relationship quality. Research has focused on the effect of the division of paid labor and housework on couples’ relationships, finding that egalitarianism is problematic for sexual intimacy, relationship quality, and relationship stability. These findings, however, come almost universally from studies utilizing decades-old data that fail to examine the division of child care. In this study, we update this work by utilizing data from the 2006 Marital and Relationship Study (N = 974) to examine how the division of child care affects the relationship quality and sexual intimacy of heterosexual couples in the United States. Results indicate that men’s performance of child care is generally associated with more satisfaction with the division of child care, more satisfying sexual relationships, and higher quality relationsh...
Actinin-4 Governs Dendritic Spine Dynamics and Promotes Their Remodeling by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

Dendritic spines are dynamic, actin-rich protrusions in neurons that undergo remodeling during neuronal development and activity-dependent plasticity within the central nervous system. Although group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are critical for spine remodeling under physiopathological conditions, the molecular components linking receptor activity to structural plasticity remain unknown. Here we identify a Ca2+-sensitive actin-binding protein, α-actinin-4, as a novel group 1 mGluR-interacting partner that orchestrates spine dynamics and morphogenesis in primary neurons. Functional silencing of α-actinin-4 abolished spine elongation and turnover stimulated by group 1 mGluRs despite intact surface receptor expression and downstream ERK1/2 signaling. This function of α-actinin-4 in spine dynamics was underscored by gain-of-function phenotypes in untreated neurons. Here α-actinin-4 induced spine head enlargement, a morphological change requiring the C-terminal domain of α-actinin-4 that binds to CaMKII, an interaction we showed to be regulated by group 1 mGluR activation. Our data provide mechanistic insights into spine remodeling by metabotropic signaling and identify α-actinin-4 as a critical effector of structural plasticity within neurons.
Active nonlinear noise control with certain nonlinearities in the secondary path

The filter-X LMS algorithm is successfully applied in linear active noise control and linear active vibration control. However, when it comes to nonlinear noise or vibration control, or the secondary path has a nonlinearity, this algorithm needs to be modified to ensure that it converges and that it is unbiased. We proposed configurations [V. DeBrunner, et al., 2003] that solve both the main path nonlinearity and the secondary path nonlinearity problems where the nonlinearity can be expressed by Volterra series. However, in practices some nonlinear system can be expressed in much simple form such as a linear filter followed by a memoryless nonlinearity (Wiener model), a memoryless nonlinearity followed by linear filter (Hammerstein model), a linear filter, a memoryless nonlinearity and another linear filter connected in series (LNL model). Such kinds of nonlinear system structure can greatly reduce the computation burden and simplify the implementation structure. In this paper, we give out active nonlinear noise control (ANNC) with these kinds of secondary path nonlinearity. We find with these kinds of nonlinear structure in the secondary path, the ANNC will have much simpler structure and the computation burden can be further reduced.
A QFT Type Design of an Idle Speed Control for a V-6 Fuel Injected Engine

Presented is a design of an idle speed control system for a V-6 fuel injected engine. The controller synthesis is based on a frequency domain design methodology that parallels QFT. In particular, the synthesis is aimed at maximizing the size of an external disturbance while preserving strict time domain constraints imposed on the system output, internal states and control efforts, with bandwidth limitations placed on the actuators. The engine model represents a V-6 fuel injected engine linearized about idle operating conditions at 800 rev/min, includes transportation lags and has its control efforts limited by the physical hardware. The design objective is to synthesize a controller(s) that maintains the idle speed within a prespecified percentage of the nominal in the presence of a torque disturbance representative of an automotive air conditioning compressor.
Diabetes in Pregnancy

Diabetes complicates 4% of all pregnancies is the United States and is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity.1 The majority (88%) of diabetes cases in pregnancy are due to gestational diabetes which is associated with increased BMI and increased age. The remaining 12% are due to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, often referred to as pregestational diabetes. Patients with gestational diabetes usually develop hyperglycemia during the second half of pregnancy. Hyperglycemia at this stage of gestation clearly causes fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Patients with pregestational diabetes are at risk for hyperglycemia early in pregnancy; this hyperglycemia is associated with significantly increased rates of fetal loss and fetal malformation. The evidence that has accrued over the past twenty years reveals that tight glycemic control can prevent most of the maternal and fetal complications of diabetes. The neonatal death rate in pregnancies complicated by diabetes was 50% prior to the introduction of insulin, 10% in 1939 after the introduction of insulin, and approached that in non-diabetic pregnancies by the 1980s.2
Temperature inside the fuel elements

Chapter 2 gives the methods for describing steady and transient temperature fields in the fuel elements. Some information is provided regarding influence of the cladding oxidation, hydrogen diffusion, and corrosion product deposition on the temperature fields.
The Sulfur Cycle and Atmospheric Oxygen

Changes in the ratios of isotopes of sulfur and carbon in seawater and sediment caused by biological processes can reveal much about past climate changes. In their Perspective, Berner and Petsch discuss results reported in the same issue by Paytan et al. on measurements of isotope abundances that overcome difficulties that have plagued previous studies. This new data set should prove useful in understanding atmospheric chemistry in the past, particularly changes in atmospheric oxygen.
Glandular metaplasia of hair follicles and other responses to vitamin A excess in cultures of rodent skin.

The demonstration of mucous metaplasia in chicken embryonic epidermis exposed to an excess of vitamin A (Fell & Mellanby, 1953) stimulated many further investigations (reviewed by Fell, 1964; Fell & Rinaldini, 1965; Dingle & Lucy, 1965), leading to new insights into control of differentiation and function at the cellular level. The object of the present experiments was to study the effects of excess vitamin A on another keratin-producing system, the developing hair follicle, in organotypic cultures. Hairs and their follicles have received little attention from other investigators of vitamin A effects in vitro , although Fell & Mellanby (1953) referred to ‘evidence of an inhibitory effect on hair formation’ in some preliminary experiments with mouse embryonic skin, and New (1963) reported that ‘usually the development of hair follicles was suppressed’ in cultures of embryonic skin from the rat and mouse, both in the presence and absence of excess vitamin A.
Protein, body weight, and cardiovascular health

Widespread popularity of high-protein diets has drawn controversy as well as scientific interest. By reducing intake of carbohydrates and increasing consumption of fats and proteins, such diets are thought to increase satiety, facilitate weight loss, and improve cardiovascular risk factors. In recent years, many randomized controlled studies have compared the effects of higher-protein diets on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors with those of lower-protein diets. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of experimental and epidemiologic evidence regarding the role of protein in weight loss and cardiovascular risk. Emerging evidence from clinical trials indicates that higher-protein diets increase short-term weight loss and improve blood lipids, but long-term data are lacking. Findings from epidemiologic studies show a significant relationship between increased protein intake and lower risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease. However, different sources of protein appear to have different effects on cardiovascular disease. Although optimal amounts and sources of protein cannot be determined at this time, evidence suggests a potential benefit of partially replace refined carbohydrates with protein sources low in saturated fats.
Race, ethnicity, and determinate sentencing: A new dimension to an old controversy.

A study of 4729 sentences handed out during the first year of determinate sentencing in California shows subtle differences in the sentencing of Whites, Blacks, and Chicanos. As expected, main effects of race/ethnicity are not found. However, the type of offense, mode of disposition, and the defendant's prior record do affect sentencing differently, even with determinate sentencing, depending on the defendant's race/ethnicity. The detrimental effect of a prior record for Chicanos is especially interesting as it can be invoked legally as a sentence enhancement. The findings reported here demonstrate that Chicanos constitute a separate group, distinct from both Blacks and Whites, and must be treated accordingly in criminological research. So doing clarifies many of the inconsistencies in prior sentencing research.
A Developmental Neuroscience of Borderline Pathology: Emotion Dysregulation and Social Baseline Theory

Theoretical and empirical research has linked poor emotion regulation abilities with dysfunctional frontolimbic circuitry. Consistent with this, research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) finds that frontolimbic dysfunction is a predominant neural substrate underlying the disorder. Emotion regulation is profoundly compromised in BPD. However, BPD is also associated with broad impairment across multiple domains, including impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and cognitive functioning. To date, BPD research has focused largely on single areas of dysfunction, failing to account for overlap at either the biological or behavioral levels of analysis. We examine the literature on frontolimbic dysfunction in BPD within the context of Coan’s social baseline theory. Social baseline theory proposes that healthy human functioning is dependent upon adequate social support and that, at baseline, biological systems are adapted to operate interdependently rather than independently. The social baseline perspective is particularly useful for understanding borderline personality development because the impulsive and emotionally dysregulated behaviors common among those with BPD occur almost invariably within an interpersonal context. We discuss clinical and research implications of this work.
The indications for third-molar extractions

ABSTRACT Background. Defining the indications for third- molar extraction continues to be a topic of controversy. Methods. The dentist's management of third molars commonly hinges on identifying the presence of symptoms or disease that clearly is attributable to the third molar. Use of a guide that serves as a systematic and unambiguous way to classify third molars has been advocated. Results. Patients' symptoms are designated as present and attributable to the third molar (Sx+) or as absent (Sx−). In addition, clinical or radiographic evidence of disease is evaluated and designated as present (D+) or absent (D−). Conclusions. Evidence-based clinical data developed from prospective investigations have shown that an asymptomatic third molar does not necessarily reflect the absence of disease. Practical Implications. Current data are not sufficient to refute or support prophylactic extraction versus active surveillance for the routine management of third molars that are asymptomatic and free of disease (group D). Although decisions regarding third-molar management usually are straightforward, the evidence supporting extraction versus retention of asymptomatic disease-free (group D) third molars is lacking. Active surveillance, a prescribed program of follow-up and reassessment at regular intervals are recommended for retained third molars rather than waiting for the onset of symptoms.
Characterization of marine toxin(s) in Myripristis sp. by immunological, mouse toxicity, and guinea pig assays.

Myripristis sp. (squirrelfish) has been assessed for toxicity by 1) the stick-enzyme immunoassay (S-EIA); 2) mouse toxicity bioassay; and 3) guinea pig atrial assay. Analysis of Myripristis flesh with MAb-CTX and MAb-OA showed that with every fish examined, the reaction with MAb-OA was considerably higher. The mean S-EIA value for MAB-OA was 2.9 ± 0.8 while the mean for MAb-CTX was 1.7 ± 0.5. The data strongly suggests that Myripristis sp. appear to contain okadaic acid-like toxins and/or mixed with CTX. Five fractions of the flesh extracts were obtained by silica gel chromatography. These included 100% CHC13, 10% MeOH/CHC13, 50% MeOH-CHC13, 100% MeOH, and 80% MeOH/H2O. The 100% CHC13 eluate proved to be the most toxic (mouse killed in 32 minutes) and the 10% MeOH-CHC13 fraction killed in approximately 48 hours. The remaining fractions showed a significantly lower toxicity level in mice. In the guinea pig atria examinations, extracts of Myripristis flesh, gut, and crustacea (from the gut) were studied. Extracts of the gut and crustacea showed strong sodium channel blockage, while the flesh extracts showed a weak inotropic effect, characteristic of okadaic acid. The latter response was only blocked by verapamil, but not with tetrodotoxin (10−5M) or the adrenergic blockers (10−5M). The data from this study suggest toxic compound(s) not previously reported, in the non-polar fraction of Myripristis flesh having a sodium channel blockage effect. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Forgotten Victims of the War on Drugs: An Analysis of U.S. Drug Policy and Reform From a Child Well-Being Perspective

When assessing the impact of U.S. drug laws on society, one group is often overlooked: children. This policy analysis reviews the data on parental drug involvement, incarceration, and problems of re-entry in order to understand how drug legislation affects children. From this empirical review emerge 10 central “risk to children” themes that provide criteria for conceptualizing and evaluating solutions. The article then presents five types of policy reforms that states have recently enacted and analyzes each according to its ability to mitigate harms to children along the 10 themes. No single drug policy reform effort ameliorates all risk themes, and evidence-based programing for these children is needed to bolster the impact of legislative reforms. Concluding remarks discuss the multiple implications for social work advocacy, practice, and research.
ROI planning and control

Abstract Defects in the application of the ROI method of planning and control have been disclosed by its originator, du Pont, and by a study of firms that adopted the method relatively late. None of the errors, the author observes, is inherent in the ROI method; the central error is the confusion of goals and processes. Both businessmen and theorists have treated the firm's objectives as ends in themselves. ROI systems or other systems have been installed, and targets and standards used bureaucratically. Targets and standards should be viewed as instruments for engendering healthy adaptive learning processes in organizations. The ROI system can provide information on every element of the balance sheet, income statement, and other comprehensive performance statements, serving as a vehicle for dynamic communication, feedback, and adjustment.
Dislocation mechanisms and symmetric slip in rolled nano-scale metallic multilayers

Abstract Self-supported Cu–Nb multilayered foils, synthesized by sputter deposition, show significantly different deformation behavior during rolling when the as-deposited individual layer thickness is in the few tens of nanometers range as compared to the micrometer-scale. While the rolled micrometer-scale multilayers exhibit dislocation cell structure formation and large lattice rotations of the interface plane normal, the nano-scale multilayers reveal no dislocation cell structures and insignificant rotations of the interface normal. The observed behavior following large plastic strains is interpreted in terms of dislocation mechanisms of deformation in nano-scale laminates that result in symmetric slip.
Effect of cations on heat degradation of chelator-soluble carrot pectin

Abstract The effects of monovalent salts, NaCl, KCl, and NH4Cl, and divalent salts, ZnCl2, CaCl2, SrCl2, CdCl2, and MgCl2, on heat degradation of pectin at pH 6·1 were examined. The β-eliminative degradation of extracted carrot pectin increased as cation concentration in the pectin solution was raised. At the same level of pectin methoxyl content, divalent cations promoted more depolymerization during the heating of pectin than did monovalent cations. The enhancement effect of cations on pectin degradation was greater for low-methoxyl pectin than for high-methoxyl pectin. The enhancement effect of cations increased in the order Zn++ > Ca++ > Cd++ ≈ Sr++ > Mg++ ≈ Na+ ≈ K+ > NH4+.
Change blindness and priming: When it does and does not occur

In a series of three experiments, we explored the nature of implicit representations in change blindness (CB). Using 3 × 3 letter arrays, we asked subjects (Ss) to locate changes in paired arrays separated by 80 ms ISIs, in which one, two or three letters of a row in the second array changed. In one testing version, a tone followed the second array, signaling a row for partial report (PR). In the other version, no PR was required. After Ss reported whether a change had been detected and the PR had been completed (if required), they were asked to identify a degraded letter trigram that was either novel, or from a previously shown row (repetition priming). Our findings indicate that when CB occurs, both the pre-change and post-change stimulus information primes despite its unavailability to consciousness. Surprisingly, findings also indicate that when change detection occurs only the post-change information primes.
Molecular pathogenesis of cervical cancer

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease that results from infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Oncogenic HPV DNA is found in over 95% of invasive ce...
Bilirubin excess, erythrophages and siderophages in differentiation of blood in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract Non-artificial blood admixture in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be proven by demonstrating siderophages and ‘bilirubin excess’. Bilirubin excess exists when the bilirubin concentration measured in the CSF exceeds the expected CSF bilirubin concentration. The expected CSF bilirubin concentration is calculated by multiplying the serum bilirubin concentration by the albumin quotient. Given a certain method of determination, a difference between the above-mentioned concentrations of less than 0.15 μmol/l must not be regarded as excess. Bilirubin excess was exclusively found in CSF with non-artificial blood admixture. Cytological and spectrophotometric studies are sufficient in screening for non-artificial blood admixture. When there are indications of an increased bilirubin concentration, calculations should be made in order to establish whether bilirubin excess exists. Lumbar puncture within 48 hours of the suspected haemorrhage should be avoided if possible.
Gazing at Translocation in the Mitochondrion

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into the mitochondrion via molecular machines called translocons on the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Alder et al. (2008b) examine protein translocation into intact mitochondria by adapting fluorescent techniques first used to study translocation in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Long-Term, Disease-Free Survival of a Patient With a Primitive Neuroectodermal/Ewing Sarcoma in the Mobile Spine With Extracompartmental Extension

Abstract Study Design Case report. Introduction Long-term survival of a patient with a Ewing sarcoma family of tumors/primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central spine with pathologic fracture and extradural extension is presented. Literature-based evidence for a survival benefit with modern neoadjuvant chemotherapy and en bloc resection with and without radiotherapy is reviewed. Case Report More than 10-year clinical and radiographic follow-up is given for a 14-cm-diameter tumor originating from the L4 body with pathologic fracture, unilateral pedicle involvement, and extradural canal extension. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy led to 90% tumor regression and the authors' subsequent en bloc resection attempt. The postoperative chemotherapy was resumed early and postoperative radiotherapy was administered owing to positive microscopic margins. The patient is alive more than 10 years after completing treatment and is without evidence of recurrent disease or secondary malignancy. Late effects of chemotherapy are limited to mild cardiomyopathy controlled with medication. Conclusions The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors of the spinal column accounts for approximately 2% of Ewing sarcoma lesions of the skeletal system; local and systemic relapses are higher than for the extremity sites. Survival is enhanced by en bloc surgical resection in cases where clear margins are obtained, but the prognosis of patients with central (spine and pelvis) sites is typically poor. This case adds to the literature with documentation of high quality of life with long-term, disease-free survival after modern chemotherapy surgical intervention and combined radiotherapy, a finding suggested in recent large Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database studies and smaller case series of this uncommon, high-grade spinal tumor. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with attempted en bloc resection, and postoperative radiotherapy to the resected tumor bed if there are microscopic positive margins, can still lead to long-term, disease-free survival.
Effects of solution temperature on taste Intensity in humans

Abstract The dependence of taste intensity upon both molar concentration and solution temperature was investigated by the method of magnitude estimation. For each of the four taste substances (glucose, NaCl, citric acid, quinine sulfate) 4–5 concentrations of solution were evaluated at each of six temperatures (25–50°C). Power functions of the form T = kC n related subjective intensity to molarity at a fixed solution temperature. The exponent n for all tastes but citric acid was unaffected by temperature, suggesting that the growth rate of intensity with concentrations is unaffected within a 25° change. The intercept k varied with temperature for glucose, and was linearly related to temperature for NaCl.
ENHANCED ATTITUDE CONTROL EXPERIMENT FOR SSTI LEWIS SPACECRAFT

The enhanced attitude control system experiment is a technology demonstration experiment on the NASA's small spacecraft technology initiative program's Lewis spacecraft to evaluate advanced attitude control strategies. The purpose of the enhanced attitude control system experiment is to evaluate the feasibility of designing and implementing robust multi-input/multi-output attitude control strategies for enhanced pointing performance of spacecraft to improve the quality of the measurements of the science instruments. Different control design strategies based on modern and robust control theories are being considered for the enhanced attitude control system experiment. This paper describes the experiment as well as the design and synthesis of a mixed H(sub 2)/H(sub infinity) controller for attitude control. The control synthesis uses a nonlinear programming technique to tune the controller parameters and impose robustness and performance constraints. Simulations are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed attitude control design strategy. Introduction
The magnetohydrodynamic problem of an oscillating plate of finite conductivity

A detailed study is made of the oscillating and uniform motion of a conducting plate in a conducting fluid in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field normal to the plate. Limiting solutions are obtained for the case where the fluid is replaced by two semi-infinite solids. Attention is given to the boundary conditions and their limits for a perfectly conducting and non-conducting plate. It is found that the velocity profile in the fluid is rather closely bounded by the two limiting cases of perfectly conducting and non-conducting plates while the induced magnetic field profile differs markedly for the two extremes. Curves of sample profiles are shown.
Risk factors for antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth: a population-based study.

To examine disparities in risk factors for stillbirths and its occurrence in the antepartum versus intrapartum periods. A population-based, cross-sectional study using data on women that delivered singleton births between 20 and 43 weeks in Missouri (1989-1997) was conducted (n = 626,883). Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived from regression models and population attributable fractions were estimated to examine the impact of risk factors on stillbirth. Among African Americans, risks of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth were 5.6 and 1.1 per 1,000 singleton births, respectively; risks among whites were 3.4 and 0.5 per 1,000 births, respectively. Maternal age ≥35 years, lack of prenatal care, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , and prior preterm or small-for-gestational age birth were significantly associated with increased risk for antepartum stillbirth among whites, but not African Americans. BMI ≤18.5 kg/m 2 was associated with antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth among African Americans, but not whites. The presence of any congenital anomaly, abruption, and cord complications were associated with antepartum stillbirth in both races. Premature rupture of membranes was associated with intrapartum stillbirth among whites and African Americans, but intrapartum fever was associated with intrapartum stillbirth among African Americans. These risk factors were implicated in 54.9% and 19.7% of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths, respectively, among African American women, and in a respective 46.6% and 11.9% among white women. Considerable heterogeneity in risk factors between antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths is evident. Knowledge on timing of stillbirth specific risk factors may help clinicians in decreasing antepartum and intrapartum stillbirth risks through monitoring and timely intervention.
Sensitivity of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging of benign extraaxial tumors.

The effect of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) on the sensitivity of cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was measured in a prospective blinded study. Twenty-two consecutive patients with benign extraaxial tumors underwent MR imaging on a 1.5-T system without and with intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA. Readers independently interpreted the unenhanced and enhanced images without clinical information. The interpretations were compared with the anatomically verified diagnoses. Gd-DTPA improved the sensitivity of MR imaging for benign extraaxial tumors, especially in cases of residual or recurrent acoustic neuromas, multiple tumors (e.g., neurofibromatosis), or inconclusive unenhanced MR images. Enhancement with Gd-DTPA impaired the identification of a skull base tumor.
Redox-operated genetic switches : the SoxR and OxyR transcription factors

Two redox-responsive transcription regulators have been well defined in Escherichia coli and serve as paradigms of redox-operated genetic switches. SoxR contains iron-sulfur centers that activate the protein when they are one-electron oxidized, or nitrosylated by nitric oxide. OxyR contains a pair of redox-active cysteine residues that activate the protein when they are oxidized to form a disulfide bond.
Spike train processing by a silicon neuromorph: The role of sublinear summation in dendrites

A dendritic tree, as part of a silicon neuromorph, was modeled in VLSI as a multibranched, passive cable structure with multiple synaptic sites that either depolarize or hyperpolarize local “membrane patches,” thereby raising or lowering the probability of spike generation of an integrate-and-fire “soma.” As expected from previous theoretical analyses, contemporaneous synaptic activation at widely separated sites on the artificial tree resulted in near-linear summation, as did neighboring excitatory and inhibitory activations. Activation of synapses of the same type close in time and space produced local saturation of potential, resulting in spike train processing capabilities not possible with linear summation alone. The resulting sublinear synaptic summation, as well as being physiologically plausible, is sufficient for a variety of spike train processing functions. With the appropriate arrangement of synaptic inputs on its dendritic tree, a neuromorph was shown to discriminate input pulse intervals and patterns, pulse train frequencies, and detect correlation between input trains.
Relationship between clinical assessment and examination scores in determining clerkship grade

CONTEXT Grades in clinical clerkships are typically based on a combination of clinical assessments from teachers, as well as results of more reliable (but perhaps less valid) scores on standardised tests of knowledge. It is not clear how these scores are combined in practice to yield a final summative grade. METHODS Our subjects were 83 students who rotated through five clinical clerkships during a single year. After computing univariate correlations between clinical assessment scores and standardised examination scores, we performed logistic regression analyses for each clerkship to predict the final grade from these two variables. We compared actual grade with predicted grade under various hypothetical policies for combining these two variables. Finally, we assessed whether some students would systematically benefit from these policies. RESULTS Clerkships varied in their univariate correlations between scores on clinical assessments and scores on standardised examinations. Clerkships with the lowest correlations tended to give more weight to standardised examination scores. Grading committees adjusted a substantial minority of grades to account for factors that were not reflected in either score. There did not appear to be a systematic bias in grading committee effect across the five clerkships. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a number of testable hypotheses about the cognitive processes by which evaluators combine various pieces of information to yield a summative performance score.
Crazing studies of polystyrene. I. A new phenomenological observation

This paper reports a new phenomenological observation regarding the stress crazing of glassy polystyrene. It was found that the applied stress to initiate a craze, often called the critical crazing stress, is independent of molecular weight. Further, the gross structure of the craze does depend on molecular weight, and other phenomenological aspects previously reported have been reaffirmed. These observations are interpreted in the light of knowledge from the literature and provide a better understanding of the crazing process.
Carbon monoxide pollution and neurodevelopment: A public health concern

Although an association between air pollution and adverse systemic health effects has been known for years, the effect of pollutants on neurodevelopment has been underappreciated. Recent evidence suggests a possible link between air pollution and neurocognitive impairment and behavioral disorders in children, however, the exact nature of this relationship remains poorly understood. Infants and children are uniquely vulnerable due to the potential for exposure in both the fetal and postnatal environments during critical periods in development. Carbon monoxide (CO), a common component of indoor and outdoor air pollution, can cross the placenta to gain access to the fetal circulation and the developing brain. Thus, CO is of particular interest as a known neurotoxin and a potential public health threat. Here we review overt CO toxicity and the policies regulating CO exposure, detail the evidence suggesting a potential link between CO-associated ambient air pollution, tobacco smoke, and learning and behavioral abnormalities in children, describe the effects of subclinical CO exposure on the brain during development, and provide mechanistic insight into a potential connection between CO exposure and neurodevelopmental outcome. CO can disrupt a number of critical processes in the developing brain, providing a better understanding of how this specific neurotoxin may impair neurodevelopment. However, further investigation is needed to better define the effects of perinatal CO exposure on the immature brain. Current policies regarding CO standards were established based on evidence of cardiovascular risk in adults with pre-existing comorbidities. Thus, recent and emerging data highlighted in this review regarding CO exposure in the fetus and developing child may be important to consider when the standards and guidelines are evaluated and revised in the future.
Optimizing parameter learning using temporal differences

Temporal difference algorithms are useful when attempting to predict outcome based on some pattern, such as a vector of evaluation parameters applied to the leaf nodes of a state space search. As time progresses, the vector begins to converge towards an optimal state, in which program performance peaks. Temporal difference algorithms continually modify the weights of a differentiable, continuous evaluation function. As pointed out by De Jong and Schultz, expert systems that rely on experience-based learning mechanisms are more useful in the field than systems that rely on growing knowledge bases (De Jong and Schultz 1988). This research focuses on the application of the TDLeaf algorithm to the domain of computer chess. In this poster I present empirical data showing the evolution of a vector of evaluation weights and the associated performance ratings under a variety of conditions.