cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autofluorescence of choroidal vessels in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy.

Objective To describe the pattern of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in Bietti’s crystalline dystrophy (BCD). Methods and analysis From the National Institutes of Health EyeGene database of 2769 patients with known pathogenic mutations, 5 patients with BCD-causing CYP4V2 mutations who had FAF images were selected. Demographic and genetic information and imaging files were obtained. From the FAF imaging files, unique autofluorescence (AF) patterns and correlation with retinal structures were assessed by three investigators for clinical significance. Results Five patients (four males, one female; mean age 56 years, range 42–76 years) were included, all with different CYP4V2 mutations. All patients displayed varying degrees of hypo-AF in the posterior pole. In four out of five patients, there was a relative hyper-AF of choroidal vessels within the hypo-AF area; this feature was limited to sclerotic vessels only. A transitional zone of speckled AF was visible around the hypo-AF area. This zone corresponded to the area containing retinal crystals on colour fundus photography; however, retinal crystals did not demonstrate hyper or hypo-AF. Conclusions This study presents a previously unreported characteristic finding in patients with BCD with CYP4V2 mutations. AF of choroidal vessels may aid in differentiating BCD from other retinal dystrophies.
Where Should We Look For High Zt Materials: Suggestions From Theory.

The key challenges in discovering new high ZT thermoelectrics are understanding how the nearly contradictory requirements of high electrical conductivity, high thermopower and low thermal conductivity can be achieved in a single material and based on this identifying suitable compounds. First principles calculations provide a material specific microscopic window into the relevant properties and their origins. We illustrate the utility of the approach by presenting specific examples of compounds belonging to the class of skutterudites that are or are not good thermoelectrics along with the microscopic reasons. Based on our computational exploration we make a suggestion for achieving higher values of ZT at room temperature in bulk materials, namely n-type La(Ru,Rh)4Sb12 with high La-filling.
Retrospective Evaluation of Somatic Alterations in Cell-Free DNA from Blood in Retinoblastoma

Purpose Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the plasma of patients with retinoblastoma and simulating lesions. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study of the association of plasma ctDNA from retinoblastoma and simulating lesions with disease course. Participants Fifty-eight Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center patients with retinoblastoma comprising 68 plasma ctDNA samples and 5 with retinoblastoma-simulating lesions. Methods The ctDNA analyzed with hybridization capture and next-generation sequencing in blood (plasma) of patients who had retinoblastoma or simulating lesions were evaluated for association with clinical course of the disease. Main Outcome Measures Presence or absence of molecular aberrations in the RB1 gene and correlations with clinical features. Results RB1 cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was detected in 16 of 19 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated intraocular retinoblastoma and in 3 of 3 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated metastatic disease. It was also present in 3 patients with recurrent intraocular disease before therapy, but was not present in patients with recurrent disease who received intra-arterial chemotherapy, nor in 21 patients who had undergone enucleation for unilateral disease. In 1 patient who had delayed treatment (insurance reasons) and showed rapid growth of the intraocular tumor, the variant allele frequency increased in 1 month from 0.34% to 2.48%. No RB1 mutations were detected in the cfDNA from plasma of patients with simulating lesions (3 with Coats disease and 1 with persistent fetal vasculature [PFV]). In 2 patients, we identified 2 independent RB1 mutations in plasma. Conclusions Mutations in RB1 were found in the cfDNA from blood of patients with newly diagnosed, untreated retinoblastoma and in patients who showed disease recurrence in the eye after prior treatment, but not in unilateral retinoblastoma after enucleation Levels of ctDNA increase in patients with progressive disease who did not receive any treatment. High plasma cfDNA levels were detected in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic disease, and these levels decreased after systemic chemotherapy was administered. Further validation is needed for measuring the somatic alterations in cfDNA from blood in retinoblastoma that could provide a promising method of monitoring patients in the future.
Pre-existing Inequality II: Social Workers Assess Impact of COVID-19 on Medicare Home Health Beneficiaries

There is significant data on the adverse impact of COVID-19 on persons who were poor, minorities, had compromised physical or mental health, or other vulnerabilities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic....
Remote Delivery of Services for Young Children With Disabilities During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

This study used a nationally distributed survey to explore how classroom-based early childhood personnel delivered remote services to young children with disabilities and their families during the ...
Monetizing virtuous employees

Abstract This study addresses contracting with an employee (labeled a saint) whose distaste for profit-seeking effort can be mitigated by engaging in another effort directed toward the realization of broader societal goals (i.e., sustainability). The saint is also optimistic about the efficacy of this effort. I establish conditions under which the principal maximizes expected profits by hiring a saint instead of a traditional agent. This can occur even if sustainability initiatives, not including the effect on compensation, generate negative cash flows. I extend the model to include a sustainability report used in a second period for recontracting purposes, and find that the principal can prefer an uninformative report because it may allow her to continue to extract the saint's private benefits from sustainability actions.
Assessment of the Impact of Cytokines on T FH , T REG , and T FR Cell Populations After Influenza Infection

Within the last several years, great strides have been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the generation of T follicular helper (TFH), T regulatory (TREG), and T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells. As a result, it is now clear that cytokines play a critical role in regulating the development and function of these CD4+ T cell subsets. One of the critical limitations when studying the effect of individual cytokines in these populations is differentiating between the intrinsic and extrinsic effects of these cytokines in vivo. Here we describe how to utilize mixed bone marrow chimeras in combination with MHC class II tetramers to characterize the direct role played by cytokines on controlling the development, function, and maintenance of TFH, TREG, and TFR cells in vivo.
Acute toxicity of proton beam radiation for pediatric central nervous system malignancies.

Background Proton beam therapy (PBT) for pediatric CNS malignancies may reduce late toxicity, but acute toxicity is not well defined. We examined acute toxicity for children with CNS malignancies treated with PBT. Procedure We conducted a retrospective review of 48 children with malignant brain tumors treated with PBT at our facility from 2010 to 2012. For each patient, we recorded age at diagnosis, tumor location, histologic subtype, radiation dose, extent of radiation, and use of concurrent chemotherapy. Acute toxicity scores were recorded per the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 at weekly on treatment visits. Maximum grade of fatigue, headache, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, alopecia, and dermatitis over the radiation therapy treatment course were recorded, and rates of acute toxicity were calculated. Results The cohort consisted of 16 glial tumors, 9 medulloblastomas, 6 germinomas, 5 ependymomas, 4 craniopharyngiomas, 3 atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, and 5 other CNS tumors. The mean age was 10.8 years, and median dose was 5,400 cGy (RBE). Acute toxicities were generally low-grade and manageable. The most commonly observed acute toxicities were fatigue, alopecia, and dermatitis. The least common were insomnia and vomiting. Higher maximum grades for headache, nausea, and vomiting over the treatment course were associated with infratentorial location, while higher maximum grades for anorexia, nausea, and alopecia were associated with craniospinal radiation. Conclusions PBT appears to be well tolerated in pediatric patients with CNS malignancies. Acute toxicity can be managed with supportive care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1431–1436. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compounds from rosemary and Mexican oregano are natural inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, a target for type-2 diabetes management (1045.20)

Herbs are a concentrated source of polyphenols. Emerging research shows polyphenols can inhibit the diabetic drug target dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPiv). The aim was to identify compounds from culinary herbs that may be used in the management of type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) concentrations as well as DPPiv inhibition were measured and bioassay guided fractionation was used to identify compounds from oregano (OV, Origanum vulgare), marjoram (MO, Origanum majorana), rosemary (RO, Rosmarinus officinalis) and Mexican oregano (LG, Lippia graveolens) that inhibit DPPiv. OV had the highest concentration of TP (430 ± 17 μg gallic acid equiv/mg dry weight, DW) while RO of TF (661 ± 25 μg rutin equiv/mg DW, P<0.01). The herb extracts and their fractions with the lowest IC50 for DPPiv were RO (16 ± 5 μM), LG (31 ± 3 μM), RO fractions (range 0.37-20.27 μM) and LG fractions (range 1.1-17.4 μM). LC/MS identified flavonoids in fractions from RO and LG; of these compounds, computa...
Adaptive update algorithms for fixed dictionary lossless data compressors

Lossless data compressors strive to find a minimal size representation for a given source's output. Commonly used compression algorithms such as Lempel-Ziv, Huffman and arithmetic coding can be shown to achieve source entropy under ideal conditions. In practice however, the performance of these algorithms is limited by issues such as finite-memory in the coder and non-stationary source statistics. This paper presents results from our study of universal adaptive data compression algorithms for non-stationary sources with memory. We argue that by using a "clever" update algorithm, coupled with a compact data structure, a compressor can achieve a more compact data representation than that produced by a non-adaptive or weakly adaptive one. We present update heuristics that can be used. Further, an analytical framework for adaptive compressors is developed, along with an intuitive justification in the context of Kolmogorov complexity. Our study concentrates on dictionary style compressors such as the Lempel-Ziv algorithm and its avatars. However, the ideas contained herein can also be applied to source modeling processes that are used in arithmetic and Huffman type coders. The concepts presented are used in a new lossless compression algorithm for wide band audio. >
Neonatal growth in weight of normal infants on four different feeding regimens.

Neonatal weight changes of 400 normal infants were studied statistically. The series was composed of 200 infants fed on a flexible schedule of which 100 were breast-fed and 100 were bottle-fed; and 200 infants fed on the conventional four-hour schedule, of which 100 were breast-fed and 100 were bottle-fed. During the first week of life the ad lib-fed babies had smaller weight losses than the schedule-fed babies and the bottle-fed babies had smaller losses than the breast-fed babies. The duration of weight loss was longer in the breast-fed babies. By the time of the six week postnatal clinic visit, the group that had been breast-fed in the nursery had gained significantly more than the group that had been bottle-fed in the nursery. There were otherwise among the four groups no significant differences in weight gain during this period. It was felt that the observed differences among the four groups parallelled the expected differences in food intake.
The LLL Compact 10-PS Streak Camera – 1974 Update

We have redesigned our 10-ps streak camera to simplify its operation, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve its appearance. The electronics have been simplified, a film indexer added, and a contacted slit has been evaluated. Data supports a 10-ps resolution.
Creep as a Surface Dependent Phenomenon.

Abstract : Comparative creep tests have been described for single crystal and polycrystalline zinc, with and without the presence of a surface layer containing electrodeposited copper. For polycrystalline zinc, neither the creep rate at constant temperature and load, nor the temperature dependence of the creep rate at constant load was affected by the presence of copper in the surface layer. The single crystals, on the other hand, showed a marked increase in the resistance to creep as a result of the electrodeposited copper layer. The copper also caused an increase in the temperature dependence of the creep rate, suggesting that a higher activation energy is required to generate dislocations when copper is present in the surface layer. A study was made of the steady state creep behavior of 'A' nickel in different environments and surface conditions. It was found that resistance to high temperature creep was much greater in air than in either purified hydrogen or nitrogen. The presence of tungsten in the surface layer did not affect the resistance to creep. In regard to the temperature dependence of steady state creep, 'A' nickel was found to be insensitive to conditions at the surface. An important conclusion resulting from this work is the fact that under certain conditions, creep is a surface dependent phenomenon.
Infrared-Microwave Double Resonance Measurements of T1 in Methyl Fluoride and Methyl Chloride

In the experiments described here we pulse-excite a vibration-rotation transition with a Q-switched CO2 laser where the laser pulse is short relative to any relaxation processes in the system. We then observe the effect of the population change caused by the laser pulse by observing the time dependent change in the absorption coefficient of a rotational transition which has a rotational J level in common with the two level system which was excited by the laser. We treat this three level system by a two stage solution of the Bloch equations. First we solve the Bloch equations to describe the effects of the infrared laser pulse. We then use the infrared pulse excited solution as the initial condition for the solution of the Bloch equations to describe the microwave absorption. 2
Food-induced anaphylaxis and repeated epinephrine treatments.

Background Research on the use of more than 1 dose of epinephrine in the treatment of food-induced anaphylaxis is limited. Objective To perform a medical record review to examine the frequency of repeated epinephrine treatments in patients presenting with food-induced anaphylaxis to the emergency department (ED). Methods We reviewed 39 medical records of patients who presented with food-induced allergic reactions to the Massachusetts General Hospital ED during a 1-year period. The analysis focused on the timing of the onset of symptoms and on the number of epinephrine treatments given before and during the ED visit. Results Of the 39 patients, 34 had an acute food-induced allergic reaction. Nineteen had anaphylaxis. Twelve patients with anaphylaxis (63%; 95% confidence interval, 38%-84%) received at least 1 dose of epinephrine, and 3 (16%; 95% confidence interval, 3%-40%) were given 2 doses. Although statistical analysis was not possible, repeated epinephrine treatment occurred in patients with anaphylaxis to peanut or tree nut and hypotension. There was no apparent association between time from ingestion of the causative agent to epinephrine treatment(s). Conclusions Of patients presenting to the ED with food-induced anaphylaxis, approximately 16% were treated with 2 doses of epinephrine. This study supports the recommendation that patients at risk for food-induced anaphylaxis carry 2 doses of epinephrine. Further study is needed to confirm these results and to expand them to patients who do not present to the ED because that group may have a lower frequency of epinephrine use.
Identification and functional characterization of DR6, a novel death domain-containing TNF receptor

Tumor nectosis factor (TNF) receptors are key players in inflammation and immune regulation. A new member of this family, termed death receptor-6 (DR6), has been identified. Like other death receptors, DR6 is a type I transmembrane receptor, possesses four extracellular cysteine-rich motifs and a cytoplasmic death domain. DR6 is expressed in most human tissues and abundant transcript was detected in heart, brain, placenta, pancreas, thymus, lymph node and several non-lymphoid cancer cell lines. DR6 interacts with TRADD, which has previously been shown to associate with TNFR1. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DR6 in mammalian cells induces apoptosis and activation of both NF-κB and JNK.
rRNA Promoter Regulation by Nonoptimal Binding of σ Region 1.2: An Additional Recognition Element for RNA Polymerase

Regulation of transcription initiation is generally attributable to activator/repressor proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences. However, regulators can also achieve specificity by binding directly to RNA polymerase (RNAP) and exploiting the kinetic variation intrinsic to different RNAP-promoter complexes. We report here a previously unknown interaction with Escherichia coli RNAP that defines an additional recognition element in bacterial promoters. The strength of this sequence-specific interaction varies at different promoters and affects the lifetime of the complex with RNAP. Selection of rRNA promoter mutants forming long-lived complexes, kinetic analyses of duplex and bubble templates, dimethylsulfate footprinting, and zero-Angstrom crosslinking demonstrated that sigma subunit region 1.2 directly contacts the nontemplate strand base two positions downstream of the -10 element (within the "discriminator" region). By making a nonoptimal sigma1.2-discriminator interaction, rRNA promoters create the short-lived complex required for specific responses to the RNAP binding factors ppGpp and DksA, ultimately accounting for regulation of ribosome synthesis.
New therapies in chronic prostatitis

The optimal management of category III prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is not known. Conventional therapy usually consists of prolonged courses of antibiotics; however, clinical trials have never shown their efficacy. Newer therapies with some evidence for efficacy include alpha-blockers, anti-inflammatory phytotherapy (quercetin, bee pollen), physiotherapy, neuroleptics, and others with unique actions such as antinanobacterial treatment. A stepwise approach involving multiple treatment modalities is often successful for patients with this common and frustrating condition.
Dividend policy and investment: Theory and evidence from US panel data

This paper examines the importance of dividend policy and liquidity constraints in the context of the firm's investment behaviour. While early financial literature has argued that dividend policy should be independent of firm investment decisions, recent studies indicate that linkages are probable in a world of imperfect capital markets. This study develops an alternative Q specification which incorporates the actual dividend payment of the firm in order to test the hypothesis of independence. Empirical results suggest that after controlling for the firm's dividend payment, liquidity constraints remain an important determinant of firm investment behavior.
Structures and conformations of organophosphorus molecules

Abstract The molecules of formula CH 3 XP(Y)Z 1 Z 2 with X = CH 2 , O, and S; Y = O, S, BH 3 , or simply the lone pair of non-bonded electrons; and Z 1 Z 2 = CH 3 , F, Cl, or possibly OR, potentially have two or more conformers present at ambient temperature. From the “ gauche effect” one would predict that the most stable conformer should be the one with the maximum number of interactions between the adjacent electron pairs and/or polar bonds. Although this effect usually predicts the most stable conformations for the compounds of the second row elements, i.e., C, N and O, it has not been extensively tested on the third row elements, i.e., Si, P and S. Rotational or vibrational studies, or a combination thereof, may provide sufficient data by which one can adequately test the theory as to its applicability to phosphorus compounds for which there has not previously been reliable data for the most part on the conformer stabilities. Until very recently, the vibrational spectroscopies, i.e., far infrared and gas phase Raman, had not been applied to conformational studies because of the lack of suitable instrumentation. However, in the past decade, the advances in instrumentation in both laser Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have given researchers far easier access to the entire spectral region, i.e., 4000 to 10 cm −1 . Additionally, the ability to routinely record the spectra of molecules in the gaseous state, where they are free from the intermolecular forces in the liquid or intramolecular forces in a solvent which may affect the true relative conformer stabilities, enables one to study the conformational changes of the molecules upon going from the gaseous state to the liquid and solid states. Also, under favorable circumstances, it is possible to calculate from the low frequency Raman and far infrared data the potential functions for the asymmetric torsions from which the relative energies of the conformers can be obtained along with the barriers to interconversion. Therefore, the combined systematic studies of both the rotational and vibrational spectra have yielded accurate structural parameters, conformational stabilities and, in some cases, potential functions for internal rotation for these organophosphorus molecules.
A regional neural network ensemble for predicting mean daily river water temperature

Summary Water temperature is a fundamental property of river habitat and often a key aspect of river resource management, but measurements to characterize thermal regimes are not available for most streams and rivers. As such, we developed an artificial neural network (ANN) ensemble model to predict mean daily water temperature in 197,402 individual stream reaches during the warm season (May–October) throughout the native range of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in the eastern U.S. We compared four models with different groups of predictors to determine how well water temperature could be predicted by climatic, landform, and land cover attributes, and used the median prediction from an ensemble of 100 ANNs as our final prediction for each model. The final model included air temperature, landform attributes and forested land cover and predicted mean daily water temperatures with moderate accuracy as determined by root mean squared error (RMSE) at 886 training sites with data from 1980 to 2009 (RMSE = 1.91 °C). Based on validation at 96 sites (RMSE = 1.82) and separately for data from 2010 (RMSE = 1.93), a year with relatively warmer conditions, the model was able to generalize to new stream reaches and years. The most important predictors were mean daily air temperature, prior 7 day mean air temperature, and network catchment area according to sensitivity analyses. Forest land cover at both riparian and catchment extents had relatively weak but clear negative effects. Predicted daily water temperature averaged for the month of July matched expected spatial trends with cooler temperatures in headwaters and at higher elevations and latitudes. Our ANN ensemble is unique in predicting daily temperatures throughout a large region, while other regional efforts have predicted at relatively coarse time steps. The model may prove a useful tool for predicting water temperatures in sampled and unsampled rivers under current conditions and future projections of climate and land use changes, thereby providing information that is valuable to management of river ecosystems and biota such as brook trout.
Inaccurate estimation of body weight prior to smoking cessation: Implications for quitting and weight gain

Weight gain following smoking cessation has been found to hinder successful quitting. This preliminary investigation evaluated participants' ability to accurately estimate their body weight prior to attempting to quit smoking. The subjects were 51 adults (18 females and 33 males) with a mean age of 31 years. Subjects were asked to give their most accurate estimated weight in pounds just prior to obtaining their actual weight. The results indicated that subjects underestimated their weight by 3.5 lbs (1.59 kg). Two-thirds of the subjects underestimated their weight by an average of 6.6 lbs (2.99 kg). These findings suggest that obtaining an accurate body weight prior to smoking cessation may lead to a more accurate perception of subsequent weight change and facilitate successful quitting.
Measurements of line overlap for resonant spoiling of x-ray lasing transitions in nickel-like tungsten.

High-precision measurements are presented of line pairs that are candidates for resonant spoiling of x-ray lasing transitions in the nickel-like tungsten W{sup 46+} x-ray laser. Our measurements were carried out with a high-resolution crystal spectrometer, and a typical precision of 20--50 ppm was achieved. This precision is a factor of 15 better than a previous measurement of the W 4{ital p}{sub 1/2}{r_arrow}3{ital d}{sub 3/2} line. Most resonances appear insufficient for effective spoiling. The closest overlap is found for the 4{ital p}{sub 1/2}{r_arrow}3{ital d}{sub 3/2} transition in nickel-like W{sup 46+} with the 2{ital p}{sub 3/2}{r_arrow}1{ital s}{sub 1/2} transition in hydrogenic Al{sup 12+}, which differ by 2.4{plus_minus}0.3 mA or 335 ppm, providing a marginal overlap. However, because the W line lies between the two fine-structure components of the Al Ly-{alpha} line, any relative Doppler shift between the two ion species due to bulk ion motion will improve the overlap and satisfy the resonance condition.
Designing and Fabricating a PZT Strain Sensor for Soil Applications

This research focuses on designing, fabricating, and testing a strain sensor for different soil applications. Using finite element modeling and analysis, the initial dimensions of the diaphragm were designed, and a diaphragm diameter of 1.35 cm with a thickness of 300 μm was chosen. The fabrication process of the sensor prototype is discussed in this paper along with the design for specific test benches to test the electrical and mechanical characteristics at different stages of fabrication. Displacement tests on the sensor diaphragm were performed and the corresponding voltages produced were tabulated. A maximum displacement of 250 μm was achieved producing a maximum voltage of 7.3 mV. The voltage produced by the sensor was recorded using LabVIEW, and its values were tabulated and plotted against corresponding displacement and strain magnitudes.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effect of IVIg in preserving human primary neurons and protecting them against oxidative stress

etiologies) were analyzed. The subjects enrolled completed cognitive-behavioral, functional, and social scales at baseline and at the end of the CR therapy. Tools: Subjective Memory Questionnaire, Depression Inventory, Anxiety/Depression Rating Scale, instrumental and basic Activities of daily living, Quality of Life, Visual Analogue Scale and neuropsychiatric symptoms. For each tool, the difference between the rates before and after the therapy was calculated. Results: There were correlations between the time elapsed and the perceived improvement in memory, quality of life and mood (p 44 months (n 1⁄4 18)] showed a similar pattern of results, but with increased discrimination between variables. Conclusions: Results suggest that the delay in CR initiation has a negative impact on treatment efficacy in ABDpatients. Such differences can be found in the cognitive, behavioral and social functioning measurements.
Lessons Learned From the Supporting Father Involvement Study: A Cross-Cultural Preventive Intervention for Low-Income Families With Young Children

ABSTRACT Despite the proliferation of fatherhood programs designed to promote paternal involvement and positive family outcomes, evaluations of these programs are scarce. The Supporting Father Involvement (SFI) study is a randomized clinical trial comprised of 289 low-income Spanish- and English-speaking families living in California. The evaluation design reflects a partnership stance that promotes empowerment of staff and social service agencies. This article examines lessons learned from the program's first 3 years (2002–2004) from the perspectives of both evaluators and program staff. The lessons cover a broad range of areas, including communication procedures, training, staffing, recruitment/retention, clinical needs, intervention content and process, and maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Predictors and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKIis a common complication in the treatment of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS), but, to the authors' knowledge, its clinical relevance has not been detailed to date. The objective of the current study was to identify the incidence, predictors, and outcome for AKI in patients with AML and HR-MDS. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 537 patients with AML or HR-MDS undergoing induction chemotherapy from 1999 to 2007. Predictors for AKI were identified by logistic regression. Eight-week mortality of patients was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method stratified by the RIFLE criteria, a novel multilevel classification system for AKI based on the percent rise in serum creatinine from baseline (Risk, >50%; Injury, >100%; and Failure, >200% or requiring dialysis). RESULTS: A total of 187 patients (36%) developed AKI. Significant independent risk factors for AKI included the following: age ≥55 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), mechanical ventilation (OR, 16), use of vancomycin (OR, 2.3), diuretics (OR, 3.0), amphotericin B lipid formulation (OR, 2.7), vasopressors (OR, 4.9), leukopenia (OR, 1.9), hypoalbuminemia (OR, 1.4), and use of non-fludarabine–based chemotherapy (OR, 2.7). The 8-week mortality rates were 3.8%, 13.6%, 19.6%, and 61.7% for the non-RIFLE, Risk, Injury, and Failure categories, respectively. Patients requiring dialysis (8%) had a median survival of 33 days. Survival of patients who achieved complete remission was favorable, regardless of degree of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The RIFLE classification for AKI appears to have prognostic utility in predicting mortality in patients with AML or HR-MDS. Relatively mild elevations in creatinine are associated with higher mortality. Strategies to avoid nephrotoxic drugs or fluid overload may be of benefit. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Structural studies of monocyclopentadienyl titanium and zirconium complexes containing a diisopropylamide ligand. Evidence of a β-agostic interaction in (C5H5)M[N(iC3H7)2]Cl2

The stoichiometric reaction of (C5R5)MCl3 or its THF adduct (R = H, Me; M = Ti, Zr) with one equivalent of [Li(N(iC3H7(2)]n in toluene provides a convenient method for the preparation of a series of monocyclopentadienyl Group 4 diisopropylamido complexes (C5R5)M[N(iC3H7)2]Cl2. The molecular structure of these four mononuclear, 14-electron complexes are characterized by a pseudotetrahedral geometry with the MN bond distance being consistent with the presence of a double bond. The stereoelectronic influence of the replacement of C5H5 ring in the (C5H5M[N(iC3H7)2]Cl2 (M = Ti(1), Zr(3)) by the stronger π-donating and bulkier C5Me5 ring in (C5Me5)M[N(iC3H7)2]Cl2 M = Ti(2), Zr(4)) is evidenced by a 10–15° increase in the Cp(c)MN angle and by the loss of the β-agostic interaction observed for the methine CH bond of an isopropyl group in 1 and 3. A comparison of the structural parameters about the electrophilic metal center of 1–4 with those of related bent metallocenes is consistent with the diisopropylamido ligand being a poorer π-donor than either the C5H5 or C5Me5 ring.
Seasonal Variations And Ground-Penetrating Radar Data Repeatability

A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) study conducted over sandy soil during the fall of 1990 and winter of 1991 reveals important conclusions concerning the climatic effects on the repeatability and interpretability GPR data. Despite significant changes in the degree of ground surface saturation between the GPR data sets collected in October 1990, December, 1990 and late January, 1991, much of the data show a high degree of repeatability. GPR data collected during the coldest day over partially frozen ground yielded the highest resolution data. Direct comparison between seasonal data sets allowed the identification of a local low permeability zone likely associated with concentrated fine-grained sediment. The transparency of the near-surface low electrical permeability zone from the January data over frozen ground allowed detection of the water table which could not be identified in the other data sets. This study suggests that long-term GPR investigations over unconsolidated sediments that incorporate seasonal data sets can greatly enhance the interpretability of GPR data. In addition, the tests indicate the potential usefulness of the GPR data for long-term monitoring of hydrogeolgic conditions.
On the Goldie Quotient Ring of the Enveloping Algebra of a Classical Simple Lie Superalgebra

Abstract If g is a classical simple Lie superalgebra ( g ≠ P(n)), the enveloping algebra U( g ) is a prime ring and hence has a simple artinian ring of quotients Q(U( g )) by Goldie's Theorem. We show that if g has Type I then Q(U( g )) is a matrix ring over Q(U( g 0)). On the other hand, if g = osp(1, 2r) then by extending the center of U( g ) we obtain a prime ring whose Goldie quotient ring is a matrix ring over the quotient division ring of a Weyl algebra. This is an analog of a result of Gelfand and Kirillov.
MO-D-BRB-07: Failure-Mode and Effects Analysis Study for CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) for CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery to determine the sensitivity of existing QA procedures and determine in which areas new QA procedures needed to be implemented. Methods: Members from each professional team providing service for CyberKnife radiosurgery(Medical Physicists, Nurses, Physicians, Radiation Therapists, and Administrators) were interviewed to gather potential failure modes. A patient flow chart was developed from patient consult to conclusion of last treatment. Failure modes were mapped to nodes in the flow charts to identify potential high‐risk areas. A matrix was created to correlate existing QA procedures with failure modes to identify failure modes that were not covered by any QA as well as identify the sensitivity of QA procedures to prevent failures. Results: 180 failure modes were identified. Current AAPM QA recommendations were found to focus preferentially on technical failure modes (15%), while the majority of failure modes found are process failures and human errors (85%). Creating a Venn diagram of CyberKnife and Gamma Knife failure modes revealed a large overlap area. The most effective QA checks are checklists for physics second chart review and pre‐ treatment time‐out checklists. Existing checklists were modified and new checklists added to address high‐ranked failure modes. New procedure guidelines, e.g. for contouring workflow and add‐on simulations, were developed as QC to address clusters of failure modes. An ARIA‐CyberKnife DICOM interface is being implemented to resolve failure modes centering around multiple fraction, multiple plan treatments and total dose tracking. Conclusions: This work is the first FMEA study for the CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery. It will facilitate medical physicists using the CyberKnife to deliver SRS/SBRT treatments to transition from experience‐based technical QA to a comprehensive new quality paradigm including technical, process, and human safety aspects.
Dynamic Association between the Catalytic and Lectin Domains of Human UDP-GalNAc:Polypeptide α-N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-2

The family of UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAcTs) is unique among glycosyltransferases, containing both catalytic and lectin domains that we have previously shown to be closely associated. Here we describe the x-ray crystal structures of human ppGalNAcT-2 (hT2) bound to the product UDP at 2.75 A resolution and to UDP and an acceptor peptide substrate EA2 (PTTDSTTPAPTTK) at 1.64 A resolution. The conformations of both UDP and residues Arg362–Ser372 vary greatly between the two structures. In the hT2-UDP-EA2 complex, residues Arg362–Ser373 comprise a loop that forms a lid over UDP, sealing it in the active site, whereas in the hT2-UDP complex this loop is folded back, exposing UDP to bulk solvent. EA2 binds in a shallow groove with threonine 7 positioned consistent with in vitro data showing it to be the preferred site of glycosylation. The relative orientations of the hT2 catalytic and lectin domains differ dramatically from that of murine ppGalNAcT-1 and also vary considerably between the two hT2 complexes. Indeed, in the hT2-UDP-EA2 complex essentially no contact is made between the catalytic and lectin domains except for the peptide bridge between them. Thus, the hT2 structures reveal an unexpected flexibility between the catalytic and lectin domains and suggest a new mechanism used by hT2 to capture glycosylated substrates. Kinetic analysis of hT2 lacking the lectin domain confirmed the importance of this domain in acting on glycopeptide but not peptide substrates. The structure of the hT2-UDP-EA2 complex also resolves long standing questions regarding ppGalNAcT acceptor substrate specificity.
Cytostatic effects of horseradish and thyroid peroxidase derived free radicals

An otherwise noncytostatic flux of H2O2 from glucose and glucose oxidase became cytostatic to cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells when horseradish or thyroid peroxidase was added to the culture medium. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements showed that one or more factors present in the culture medium promote the one-electron oxidation of a reduced nitroxide or glutathione in an H2O2/peroxidase-dependent process. Moreover, a reduced nitroxide conferred significant protection against the cytostatic effect of H2O2/peroxidase. Cytostatic effects were not only seen in the presence of the active H2O2/peroxidase system, but also in media which had been preexposed to H2O2/peroxidase but no longer contained an active H2O2 generating system. It is suggested that peroxidases oxidize one or more factors in tissue culture media to free radicals, which react with nearby components of cells or form toxic products, causing growth inhibition. If similar free radical precursors are present in tissue fluids, some of the toxicity of H2O2 in vivo may be due to peroxidase-mediated endogenous free radical generation.
Purple membrane and purple membrane-phospholipid Langmuir-Blodgett films☆

Abstract Langmuir-Blodgett films containing purple membrane fragments, which consist of the integral membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin in its native bilayer, were studied in order to determine the optimal conditions for the construction of an artificial biological membrane containing purple membrane. In pure purple membrane films, the fragments were found to aggregate at surface pressures above 15 dyn cm -1 and desorb above 35 dyn cm -1 . At 46 dyn cm -1 the area per bacteriorhodopsin molecule in the film equals the molecular area in a purple membrane fragment. When a synthetic phospholipid was added, to form a membrane fragment-lipid monolayer film, aggregation ceased to occur at a lipid/protein mole ratio of around 100. Desorption was still observed. The phospholipid and membrane fragment were found to be miscible and the mixing was ideal within experimental error.
The Tradeoff Between Wages and Employment in Trade Union Objectives

This paper demonstrates that, contrary to a widely held opinion, the determination of the goals of unions is fully amenable to empirical analysis. A characterization of the wage and employment-setting process in unionized markets is adopted, and its qualitative implications examined. The first-order condition for this model is fitted to time series data on the newspaper industry from ten cities. The International Typographical Union's objective function reveals very restricted opportunities for substituting wages for employment in response to a change in the slope of the employer's labor demand function. Larger union locals place greater emphasis on wages versus employment than smaller union locals.
Relativistic and electron correlation effects in neon and argon

The differential cross sections for electrons scattered from atoms are determined in the first Born approximation by the Fourier transform of the sum of the first- (times 2Z) and the second-order density matrix elements. When scattered intensities are measured with high accuracy, features such as electron correlation and relativistic effects can be studied. In the present experiment using 40-keV electrons, a precision of 0.1% in the count rates and 2 arc sec in the scattered angle has been achieved in the angular range of 7 to 200 mrad. The experimental data are matched at large scattering angles to theoretical cross sections based on Hartree--Fock potentials. The deviations between theory and experiment at small angles are discussed with respect to changes in the first- and second-order densities based on configuration-interaction wave functions. (AIP)
Seedling Growth and Nutrient Content of Two Desert Shrubs Growing in Amended Soil

Establishment of native vegetation is one method of stabilizing shifting soil and minimizing fine particulate dust air pollution from barren, dry lakebeds worldwide. Successful colonization, however, hinges on native seedlings' ability to survive and grow in these stressful environments. We studied the effects of soil amendment on two halophytic shrub species (Atriplex parryi and Sarcobatus vermiculatus) native to Owens Lake, California, to determine effects of locally available soil amendments (fertilizer, clay, and Distichlis spicata leaf litter) on plant growth and survival. We used changes in leaf nutrient concentrations, shoot growth, and root allocation as indicators of plant nutrient uptake and of limitations in unamended native soils. We report results from both a partial factorial greenhouse study and summary data from a similar field study. Amendment additions of clay or organic matter did not increase biomass of seedlings significantly, while additions of fertilizer more than doubled growth com...
Clinical significance of the preoperative plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in patients with carcinoma of the large bowel

Preoperative levels of perchloric acid extractable plasma CEA were measured in 911 patients with complaints of the digestive system. A final diagnosis of benign disease was made for 579 patients; 332 patients were found to have cancer. Data for the preoperative CEA values were examined for clinical significance as an aide to diagnosis, preoperative disease staging, and prognosis.
Correlation of change in serum creatinine levels 30 days after renal transplantation with long-term graft survival

Correlation of change in serum creatinine levels 30 days after renal transplantation with long-term graft survival
Discriminative stimulus properties of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH DPAT).

Using a two-lever operant procedure, eleven rats were trained to discriminate 0.2 mg/kg of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH DPAT) from saline using a variable-interval 15 sec schedule of reinforcement. Once trained, these animals were used in a series of stimulus generalization and stimulus antagonism studies. The 8-OH DPAT-stimulus did not generalize to the 5-HT1B agonist 1- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) or the 5-HT2 agonist 1(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM), nor could it be attenuated by pre-treatment of the animals with the 5-HT2 antagonist ketanserin. Low doses of spiperone and propranolol were without effect on 8-OH DPAT-appropriate responding, whereas higher doses of these agents resulted in disruption of behavior. Some preliminary structure-activity data were also obtained using several related tetralin analogs. The results of this study demonstrate that the serotonin agonist 8-OH DPAT serves as a discriminative stimulus in rats and that it produces stimulus effect that are probably not 5-HT1B or 5-HT2-mediated.
Development and application of a self-referencing glucose microsensor for the measurement of glucose consumption by pancreatic beta-cells.

Glucose gradients generated by an artificial source and beta-cells were measured using an enzyme-based glucose microsensor, 8-microm tip diameter, as a self-referencing electrode. The technique is based on a difference measurement between two locations in a gradient and thus allows us to obtain real-time flux values with minimal impact of sensor drift or noise. Flux values were derived by incorporation of the measured differential current into Fick's first equation. In an artificial glucose gradient, a flux detection limit of 8.2 +/- 0.4 pmol.cm(-2).s(-1) (mean +/- SEM, n = 7) with a sensor sensitivity of 7.0 +/- 0.4 pA/ mM (mean +/- SEM, n = 16) was demonstrated. Under biological conditions, the glucose sensor showed no oxygen dependence with 5 mM glucose in the bulk medium. The addition of catalase to the bulk medium was shown to ameliorate surface-dependent flux distortion close to specimens, suggesting an underlying local accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Glucose flux from beta-cell clusters, measured in the presence of 5 mM glucose, was 61.7 +/- 9.5 fmol.nL(-1).s(-1) (mean +/- SEM, n = 9) and could be pharmacologically modulated. Glucose consumption in response to FCCP (1 microM) transiently increased, subsequently decreasing to below basal by 93 +/- 16 and 56 +/- 6%, respectively (mean +/- SEM, n = 5). Consumption was decreased after the application of 10 microM rotenone by 74 +/- 5% (mean +/- SEM, n = 4). These results demonstrate that an enzyme-based amperometric microsensor can be applied in the self-referencing mode. Further, in obtaining glucose flux measurements from small clusters of cells, these are the first recordings of the real-time dynamic of glucose movements in a biological microenvironment.
The Covenant Idea as a Revolutionary Symbol: Scotland, 1596–1637 *

I should like to call attention once again to the old home truth that ideas, while they may not be completely independent of their environment, are still possessed of a heredity of their own that can and often does transform the material circumstances of man and affect the course of history. the course of history. I have chosen for purposes of illustration the covenant or federal theological conception, which worked a powerful influence in Scottish society during the early decades of the seventeenth century and which, in turn, was peculiarly influenced and reshaped by that society until it evolved into a symbol for the revolution which terminated in the overthrow of the monarchy of Charles I. In brief, it is my conviction that this rebellion against Charles and his government was primarily and mainly, though not solely, the result of a religious ferment that had been brewing for forty years.