cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat Waves and Heat-Related Illness Preparing for the Increasing Influence of Climate on Health in Temperate Areas

Laurent Argaud, MD, PhD; Tristan Ferry, MD; Quoc-Hung Le, MD; Aurelia Marfisi, MD; Diana Ciorba, MD; Pierre Achache, MD; Roland Ducluzeau, MD; Dominique Robert, MDBackgroundDuring August 2003, Europe sustained a severe heat wave that resulted in 14 800 heat-related deaths in France. Most of these excess deaths occurred in urban areas, where maximal temperatures broke all records. Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness. The clinical course of heatstroke in urban areas of temperate countries is poorly documented.MethodsDuring the French heat wave (August 1-20, 2003), we conducted a prospective study in a university hospital located in Lyon, one of the largest metropolitan areas in France. We evaluated survival and functional outcome for 2 years and looked for factors influencing the prognosis.ResultsA total of 83 patients presented with heatstroke. The 28-day and 2-year mortality rates were 58% and 71%, respectively. Mortality was influenced as early as admission by the level of fever and the number of organ dysfunctions. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent contribution to mortality if patients came from an institution (hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.71), used long-term antihypertensive medication (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.17-4.05), or presented at admission with anuria (HR, 5.24; 95% CI, 2.29-12.03), coma (HR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.26-6.91), or cardiovascular failure (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.14-5.17). Most surviving patients exhibited a dramatic alteration of their functional status at 1 and 2 years.ConclusionsHeatstroke is associated with poor outcomes in temperate urban areas. This could be explained at least in part by our lack of experience. Western temperate countries need to be more prepared for future heat waves.
Urinary biomarkers of occupational jet fuel exposure among air force personnel

There is a potential for widespread occupational exposure to jet fuel among military and civilian personnel. Urinary metabolites of naphthalene have been suggested for use as short-term biomarkers of exposure to jet fuel (jet propulsion fuel 8 (JP8)). In this study, urinary biomarkers of JP8 were evaluated among US Air Force personnel. Personnel (n=24) were divided a priori into high, moderate, and low exposure groups. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected from each worker over three workdays and analyzed for metabolites of naphthalene (1- and 2-naphthol). Questionnaires and breathing-zone naphthalene samples were collected from each worker during the same workdays. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the exposure data. Post-shift levels of 1- and 2-naphthol varied significantly by a priori exposure group (levels in high group>moderate group>low group), and breathing-zone naphthalene was a significant predictor of post-shift levels of 1- and 2-naphthol, indicating that for every unit increase in breathing-zone naphthalene, there was an increase in naphthol levels. These results indicate that post-shift levels of urinary 1- and 2-naphthol reflect JP8 exposure during the work-shift and may be useful surrogates of JP8 exposure. Among the high exposed workers, significant job-related predictors of post-shift levels of 1- and 2-naphthol included entering the fuel tank, repairing leaks, direct skin contact with JP8, and not wearing gloves during the work-shift. The job-related predictors of 1- and 2-naphthol emphasize the importance of reducing inhalation and dermal exposure through the use of personal protective equipment while working in an environment with JP8.
Reduced thermal sensitivity and Nav1.8 and TRPV1 channel expression in sensory neurons of aged mice

Sensory neurons in aging mammals undergo changes in anatomy, physiology and gene expression that correlate with reduced sensory perception. In this study we compared young and aged mice to identify proteins that might contribute to this loss of sensation. We first show using behavioral testing that thermal sensitivity in aged male and female mice is reduced. Expression of sodium channel (Nav1.8 and Nav1.9) and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels in DRG and peripheral nerves of young and old male mice was then examined. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR assays showed reduced Nav1.8 levels in aged mice. No change was measured in TRPV1 mRNA levels in DRG though TRPV1 protein appeared reduced in the DRG and peripheral nerves. The GFRα3 receptor, which binds the growth factor artemin and is expressed by TRPV1-positive neurons, was also decreased in the DRG of aged animals. These findings indicate that loss of thermal sensitivity in aging animals may result from a decreased level of TRPV1 and Nav1.8 and decreased trophic support that inhibits efficient transport of channel proteins to peripheral afferents.
Metal chloride passivation treatments for CdTe solar cells

The traditional CdCl2 passivation of CdTe is expanded by adding other chlorides such as MgCl2, NaCl, and MnCl2 into the process through a two-step passivation procedure that combines closed space sublimation step with a vapor process. This allows the possibility of forming a highly doped field at the back of the device that could act as an electron reflector that could boost device performance by directing electrons back into the absorber layer and increasing the voltage while limiting recombination at the back of the device. The effects the two-step passivation process on device performance are characterized by current-voltage measurements, and by electroluminescence and laser-beam induced current images to show the degree of device uniformity. Additionally, capacitance voltage measurements are used to study doping density, depletion width, and possible formation of a field at the back of the device.
Picrotoxin antagonism of the inhibition of interneurons by glycine.

Abstract By means of 5-barrel micropipettes, it was shown that the inhibitory effects of iontophoresed glycine on spinal interneurons was antagonized by the iontophoresis of picrotoxin. The blocking effects of picrotoxin were shown to be pH dependent. The possible role of glycine as a transmitter involved in picrotoxin-sensitive spinal inhibition was raised.
Development of failure analysis technique for temperature dependent failures

The growing demand for semiconductor products especially in the field of automotive industry calls for products that can withstand applications over wide range of temperature. Detailed design, robust reliability program and effective tri-temperature screening are some factors that need to be taken in consideration before a product can be introduced in the market. On the other hand, readiness in after sales support like Failure Analysis is also an important aspect that needs to be considered. Temperature dependent failures pose a challenge in the field of failure analysis. The need to simulate the failure at hot or cold conditions and integrating this failure condition in the failure isolation process and succeeding analysis steps to determine the failure mechanism is necessary.
Fiber Optic Wavelength Multiplexing For Civil Aviation Applications

Research is being conducted to accelerate the acceptance of advanced technologies by the airframe manufacturers. These technologies will make the aircraft of the 1990-2000 period more efficient and less expensive to operate. The implementation of advanced control functions requires the employment of suitable onboard flight electronics systems. The present investigation is concerned with a concept for reliable onboard data distribution which is focused around the use of fiber optic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Attention is given to aircraft control and data distribution, the wavelength division multiplexing data bus, semiconductor lasers and optical transmitters, an optical coupler-multiplexer, and optical demultiplexers. Results of tests on the prototype WDM systems indicate that the WDM concept can be engineered into a successful system with currently available components.
Mobile Elements and the Genesis of Microsatellites in Dipterans

Factors that influence the genesis and genomic distribution of microsatellite DNA are poorly understood. We have identified a novel class of Dipteran mobile elements, mini-me elements, which help elucidate both of these issues. These retroposons contain two internal proto-microsatellite regions that commonly expand into lengthy microsatellite repeats. These elements are highly abundant, accounting for approximately 1.2% of the Drosophila melanogaster genome, giving them the potential to be a prolific source of microsatellite DNA variation. They also give us the opportunity to observe the outcomes of multiple microsatellite genesis events (initiating from the same proto-microsatellite) at separate mini-me loci. Based on these observations, we determined that the genesis of microsatellites within mini-me elements occurs through two separate mutational processes: the expansion of preexisting tandem repeats and the conversion of sequence with high cryptic simplicity into tandemly repetitive DNA. These modes of microsatellite genesis can be generalized beyond the case of mini-me elements and help to explain the genesis of microsatellites in any sequence region that is not constrained by selection.
The influence of clouds on microwave brightness temperatures viewing downward over open seas

Microwave brightness temperatures for the case of downward viewing from above the earth's atmosphere over water for the 1- to 2-cm wavelength range are calculated for comparison with observations. A model of the troposphere which contains homogeneous layer clouds of varied thickness and liquid water content is used to compute estimates of the influence which clouds would have on real observations. It is assumed that only pure absorption is important for the cloud droplet-size distributions and droplet densities used. Results of the computations indicate that most water clouds will contribute a measurable amount to the microwave emission of the atmosphere and, in some cases, can be the principal source of received radiation. Comparisons of the computed cases with measurements obtained with a high flying aircraft are shown to be in reasonable agreement. These results are significant because they demonstrate that water clouds cannot be neglected in the application of passive microwave techniques to remote probing of the earth's atmosphere and because they indicate that quantitative measures of cloud liquid water contents and cloud thickness might be acquired through multi-frequency measurements.
Buridan’s Principle

Buridan’s principle asserts that a discrete decision based upon input having a continuous range of values cannot be made within a bounded length of time. It appears to be a fundamental law of nature. Engineers aware of it can design devices so they have an infinitessimal probability of not making a decision quickly enough. Ignorance of the principle could have serious consequences.
Structural and Genetic Diversity of Group B Streptococcus Capsular Polysaccharides

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important pathogen of neonates, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. GBS isolates associated with human infection produce one of nine antigenically distinct capsular polysaccharides which are thought to play a key role in virulence. A comparison of GBS polysaccharide structures of all nine known GBS serotypes together with the predicted amino acid sequences of the proteins that direct their synthesis suggests that the evolution of serotype-specific capsular polysaccharides has proceeded through en bloc replacement of individual glycosyltransferase genes with DNA sequences that encode enzymes with new linkage specificities. We found striking heterogeneity in amino acid sequences of synthetic enzymes with very similar functions, an observation that supports horizontal gene transfer rather than stepwise mutagenesis as a mechanism for capsule variation. Eight of the nine serotypes appear to be closely related both structurally and genetically, whereas serotype VIII is more distantly related. This similarity in polysaccharide structure strongly suggests that the evolutionary pressure toward antigenic variation exerted by acquired immunity is counterbalanced by a survival advantage conferred by conserved structural motifs of the GBS polysaccharides.
Being multiracial in a wired society: Using the internet to define identity and community on campus

This chapter presents an overview of current technology trends and how multiracial students' use of these tools may differ from that of their monoracial peers. Implications for student affairs practice and limitations of technology are presented.
Comprehensive review of liquid-propellant combustion instabilities in f-1 engines

disparity in time and length scales exist in close proximity to one another. Although advances in the field have been made, the largest and most reliable source of information to date applicable to the design of improved combustion devices is the store of experimental data from full-scale engine tests. Consequently, the motivation behind the present work was to gain further insight into the mechanisms associated with combustion instability by providing a detailed, concise account and analyses of the design attributes which led to dynamic stability in F-l developmental injectors. Objectives were 1) to preserve the experience gained through development of the F-l engine; 2) to merge full-scale test results with corresponding theories and experiments; and 3) to analyze the effect of proposed solutions. To facilitate analysis, all available full-scale component and engine test data have been combined into a single data base. This compilation provides a complete genealogy of F-l developmental injector design configurations, and contains all available measured and observed test results. Table 1 lists the injector design parameters and test results acquired. The complete data base is available as an appendix to a separate technical report prepared by the authors.1 These data have been assembled from a variety of sources.2^ Reference 2 is a chronological tabulation of full-scale injector component test results recorded at the test site. This document lists the injectors tested along with the date, chamber pressure, thrust, run time, mixture ratio, bomb size, and damp times, as well as observations made during various tests. Reference 3 contains a set of 16 reports (four volumes of four reports each) which present a somewhat chronological account of the methodology leading to a dynamically stable injector design. Full-scale engine and component test results are discussed throughout this set of reports. Reference 4 provides a broad overview of the problems and solutions encountered with combustion instability in the F-l engine. Finally, Refs. 5 and 6 are weekly
Evidence for the presence of A1 adenosine receptors in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. Isolated aortic rings (endothelium-intact and -denuded) from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used in this study to examine the vasoactive effects of various adenosine analogues. 2. In phenylephrine contracted aortic rings, concentration-response curves were constructed by cumulative additions (10(-11) - 10(-5) M) of (2S)-N(6)-[2-endo-Norbornyl] adenosine (ENBA), N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), R-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl) adenosine (R-PIA), 2-p-(-2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-thylcarboxamido adenosine (CGS-21680). 3. A non-specific adenosine receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine (CAD) resulted in biphasic response with a small contraction at lower concentrations (10(-9) - 10(-8) M) followed by a significant relaxation at higher concentration in endothelium-intact SHR tissues, suggesting presence of both A(1) and A(2) adenosine receptors in SHR aorta. However, only relaxation was observed in WKY. 4. Contractile response in SHR had the following rank order of potency: ENBA>CPA>R-PIA>CAD. The relaxation response in SHR and WKY had the following rank order of potency: CGS 21680>CAD>R-PIA>CPA>ENBA. 5. Removal of endothelium abolished the adenosine analogue induced contractions in SHR aorta and attenuated the vasorelaxation responses in the WKY and SHR. 6. The contractile response in SHR was abolished by A(1) adenosine receptor antagonist N(6)-endonorbornan-2-yl-9-methyladenine (N-0861). A(2) adenosine receptor antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-proparglyxanthine (DMPX) did not affect the contraction response of adenosine analogues. 7. Endothelium-dependent contractions elicited by A(1) receptor agonists were blocked by indomethacin and by free radical scavengers. 8. These data suggest that the contractile response to adenosine analogues in SHR aorta is probably mediated by free radicals which are generated through the increased cyclo-oxygenase activity occurring in the vascular endothelium of SHR but not the WKY rats.
Research Design for the Study of Mixed-Income Housing

Research Designs for the Study of Mixed-Income Housing Xavier de Souza Briggs Greg Duncan Katherine Edin Mark Joseph Robert D. Mare John Mollenkopf Mary Pattillo Lincoln Quillian Robert Sampson Claudia Solari Laura Tach Sudhir Venkatesh CCPR-2009-011 May 2009 Last Revised: February 2009 California Center for Population Research On-Line Working Paper Series
Identification of factors that contribute to engineering design skill

A survey/test was developed to determine the capabilities, education, and noneducational experiences that contribute to the success of an engineering design student. The survey/test provided measurements of variables that were used to develop regression equations to predict student performance. To predict performance in a design contest, academic class, previous grade point average, family financial status, and perceived competence level were most important. To predict course grade, only previous grade point average was important. >
SURFACE TENSION OF SERUM : XIV. CONCERNING THE CHANGE IN SURFACE TENSION OCCURRING AS A RESULT OF IMMUNIZATION.

The nature of the relation between the time-drop and antibody formation cannot be stated as yet. It is certain that the physicochemical change in the serum, detected by means of surface tension measurements, is not due directly to the antibody itself. Neither is it due to the direct action of the antigen on the serum, or to a change in the albumin-globulin ratio in this latter. Rather does it appear like antibody formation itself to be due to a tissue activity. Further experiments are being carried out on this subject.
Experimental Modal Analysis and Damping Estimation for an Inflated Thin-Film Torus

Experimental modal testing of an inflated torus is examined. The principal focus of this investigation is an evaluation of the use of conventional dynamic testing tools in modal testing of a thin-film inflated structure. Because thin-film structures are inherently flexible and lightweight, precautions must be taken in the test procedure. Challenges in testing and identifying natural frequencies and modal damping are detailed. The experimental study shows that whereas localized flexible body dynamics is predominant at higher frequency, the structure behaves in a fashion similar to that of a solid elastic structure for the low-order modes. In addition, natural frequencies and modal damping are shown to be dependent on the level of internal pressurization. Furthermore, viscous (air) damping and structural (strain-rate) damping coefficients are estimated from the experimentally measured modal parameters to provide a more complete assessment of the damping behavior of this structure.
DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND BREEDING BIOLOGY OF WHITE TERNS ON OAHU, HAWAII

White Terns (Gygis alba) are common in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, but in the main Hawaiian Islands they are found only on Oahu, where they are listed as threatened by the State of Hawaii. I censused the White Tern population on Oahu from October 2001 to January 2003, and I investigated breeding success and seasonality during monthly visits to four sites. I observed a total of 694 adult White Terns on Oahu, of which approximately 500 (72%) were breeding birds. Active nests were present during all months, but most eggs were laid from January to April (65%), with a peak in egg laying during March (22%). Nest success was 74%, and pairs produced a mean of 0.98 fledglings/year. One pair fledged successive young less than three months apart. The incubation period at one nest was 35 days, and the fledging periods at two nests were 43 and 47 days. The White Tern population on Oahu has increased from a single breeding pair in 1961 to approximately 250 pairs in 2002, a growth rate of 14% per year. White Terns on Oahu exist entirely in urban and suburban areas, and their reproduction is not inhibited by the numerous predators and sources of disturbance.
2D and 3D elastic wavefield vector decomposition in the wavenumber domain for VTI media

A pragmatic decomposition of a vector wavefield into P- and S-waves is based on the Helmholtz theory and the Christoffel equation. It is applicable to VTI media when the plane-wave polarization is continuous in the vicinity of a given wavenumber and is uniquely defined by that wavenumber, except for the kiss singularities on the VTI symmetry axis. Unlike divergence and curl, which separate the wavefield into a scalar and a vector field, the decomposed P- and S-wavefields are both vector fields, with correct amplitude, phase, and physical units. If the vector components of decomposed wavefields are added, they reconstruct those of the original input wavefield. Wavefield propagation in any portions of a VTI medium that have the same polarization distribution (i.e., the same eigenvector) in the wavenumber domain have the same decomposition operators and can be recon-structed with a single 3D Fourier transform for each operator (e.g., one for P-waves and one for S-waves).This applies to isotropic wavefields a...
Vaccination Coverage of Foreign-Born Children 19 to 35 Months of Age: Findings From the National Immunization Survey, 1999–2000

Objective. To compare coverage estimates of foreign-born children 19 to 35 months old with those of US-born children of the same age group. Methods. The National Immunization Survey is a multistage, random-digit dialing survey designed to measure vaccination coverage estimates of US children 19 to 35 months old. Data from 1999–2000 were combined to permit comparison of vaccination coverage among foreign- and US-born children. Results. Foreign-born and US-born children 19 to 35 months of age had comparable 3:3:1 series coverage (3 or more doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine [DTP/DTaP/DT], 3 or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, and 1 or more doses of measles-containing vaccine), the standard in most countries. However, coverage for a US standard, 4:3:1:3 series (4 or more doses of DTP/DTaP/DT, 3 or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, 1 or more doses of measles-containing vaccine, and an adequate number of Haemophlius influenzae type b [Hib] doses based on age at first dose) was lower among foreign-born children because of markedly lower Hib cover and marginally lower DTP/DTaP/DT coverage. In addition, hepatitis B coverage was markedly lower in foreign-born children. Conclusion. Lower vaccination coverage among foreign-born children, especially against Hib and hepatitis B, is of concern because foreign-born children often live in households and communities characterized by more intense exposure to these diseases, and many originate from countries with much higher prevalence rates of these diseases than the United States. The differences in Hib and hepatitis B coverage suggest a need for increased culturally competent public health immunization interventions to increase coverage among foreign-born children.
Probabilities and Critical Values for z, chi square, r, t, and F

The requirements of psychological research often necessitate considerable familiarity with various probability functions, most notably the z., chi-square, r, t, and F distributions. In most cases, experimenters employ numbers of groups, numbers of subjects, and a nominal alpha level such that the significance (or lack thereof) of a particular test statistic can be readily determined by reference to any available statistical table. However, this is not always the case. For instance, in using the F test for homogeneity of variance, reference must be made to the F distribution on n 1 ~ 1 and n2 1 degrees of freedom, where n refers to the number of subjects in the respective groups. When n becomes even moderately large, a substantial majority of statistical tables are of minimal value; at best, linear interpolation using the available information can be attempted. Alternately, experimenters may have statistics for frequently tabled degrees of freedom but may need a probability value other than the "traditional" .05, .01, or .001 levels of significance. For example, researchers who employ a Bonferroni approach (e.g., Harris, 1975) in conducting multiple comparisons or who wish to establish a "familywise" alpha level often end up with a specified level of significance not easily found in any statistical table. The purpose of this paper is to describe a computer program that will aid in the solution of both of these problems. Description. The program consists of a brief main routine and 10 subprogram functions. The main routine controls all input and output operations and calls the appropriate function(s), as needed. When the user wishes to obtain probability value(s) for a given test statistic, input consists of a short character string, indicating the probability distribution to be referenced (e.g., "F" for the F distribution), degrees of freedom (as appropriate), and the test statistic. Output consists of the test statistic input to the program, degrees of freedom (when appropriate), and the two-tailed significance level associated with this statistic. In the case in which the user wishes to obtain a critical value for a predetermined probability value, input consists of a short character string indicating the distribution to be referenced (e.g., "CT" for a critical value for the t distribution), degrees of freedom (as appropriate), and a two-tailed significance level. Output consists of the alpha level input to the program, the associated critical
Small molecule macroarray construction via palladium-mediated carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions: highly efficient synthesis and screening of stilbene arrays.

The use of small molecule probes to interrogate biological phenomena has become a prominent research approach in chemical biology.[1,2] As the demand for probe molecules continues to grow, the need to develop new methodology for the rapid generation and evaluation of small molecules has also become more urgent.[3,4] Our laboratory is engaged in the development of the small molecule macroarray as tool for the rapid parallel synthesis and biological screening of drug-like molecules and peptidomimetics.[5–8] Macroarrays are readily constructed via the SPOT-synthesis technique on planar cellulose supports (i.e., laboratory filter paper)[9] yielding spatially addressed libraries of 10–1000 unique compounds (≈50–200 nmol of compound/spot; Figure 1A). The simplicity of macroarray construction, coupled to its compatibility with a range of biological assay formats performed either on or off of the planar support, renders this library synthesis technique attractive for a range of research applications. To find wider usage, however, the scope of chemical reactions that are compatible with the macroarray platform must be extended, and this has motivated considerable recent research in this area.[10]
Using Qdot conjugates to detect proteins in situ in highly autofluorescent cyanobacterial cells

Due to the low photostability of conventional organic fluorophores, their effectiveness in detecting proteins in highly autofluorescent cyanobacterial cells is limited. However, the inorganic fluorescent nanocrystal (Quantum Dot or Qdot) conjugates have the capability to overcome the limitation of organic fluorophores, and provide a promising tool for long-term imaging studies. In this study, we applied Qdot conjugated secondary antibodies associated with specific primary antibodies, and successfully detected nitrogenase and IdiA proteins in situ in highly autofluorescent cyanobacterial cells of the unicellular Crocosphaera watsonii (WH8501) and the non-heterocystous Trichodesmium erythraeum (EVIS101).
Blends of Paclitaxel with POSS-Based Biodegradable Polyurethanes: Morphology, Miscibility, and Specific Interactions

The morphology, miscibility, and specific interactions of paclitaxel (PTx) with a family of polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS)-based biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes (POSS TPUs) were investigated systematically using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These POSS TPUs incorporate an alternating multiblock structure formed by POSS hard segments and the soft segments composed of polylactide/caprolactone copolymer (P(DLLA-co-CL)). They feature variable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) content from 0 to 14 wt % through adjusting the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecular weight in P(DLLA-co-CL) soft segments of fixed molar mass of Mn = 12 kg/mol and further to 52 wt % utilizing pure PEG Mn = 1 kg/mol in the soft segments. Using WAXD, it was found that PTx is amorphous in all proportions in the PTx/POSS TPU blends prepared using a solution-casting method. Interestingly, the PTx not only exhibits excellent misc...
Pramipexole: a nonergot dopamine agonist as drug therapy in Parkinson’s disease

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that was recently introduced for the treatment of both early and advanced Parkinson’s disease. Pramipexole is a synthetic aminobenzothiazole compound with a high affinity to D3 receptors. It directly stimulates dopamine receptors without requiring metabolic conversion. Pramipexole is rapidly absorbed with bioavailability greater than 90% and is actively secreted by the renal tubules. The drug’s plasma half-life is 8–12 h. Shown to be safe and effective as add-on therapy, pramipexole can also be used as initial dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson’s disease, delaying the introduction of levodopa thereby postponing levodopa’s side-effects.
The Failed Anti-Incontinence Mechanism: A Flap Valve or Cecal Wrap for Surgical Reconstruction

AbstractPurpose: On a long-term basis patients with continent urinary diversions may have an acceptable number of complications, such as urinary incontinence. We report on a new surgical technique for treatment of the incompetent anti-incontinence segment.Materials and Methods: Seven patients presented with a large capacity, low pressure reservoir and an incompetent anti-incontinence mechanism. The original anti-incontinence mechanism consisted of an intussuscepted reimplanted appendix (Mitrofanoff) in 2 patients, tapered ileum and reinforced ileocecal valve in 3, and tapered and reimplanted ileal segment in 2. Surgical reconstruction involved 2 stages: stage 1-lengthening and tubularizing the cecum with the anti-incontinence segment and stage 2-creation of the flap valve mechanism. Stage 2 required intraoperative modification when abundant peri-reservoir fibrosis, a thin-walled reservoir (cecal wrap) or an excessive thickened mesentery was encountered.Results: After a mean followup of 7 months 6 of 7 pat...
Infiltration and Sediment Rates Following Creosotebush Control With Tebuthiuron

The effects of chemical creosotebush (Larrea tridentata [D.C.] Cov.) control on infiltration rates, wetting-front depth, and sediment production were examined in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. Study sites were treated with aerial applications of tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N′-dimethylurea) as part of a brush control program administered by the US Bureau of Land Management. Study sites were equally distributed among 3 geographic regions and included 6 sites treated 5–9 years ago, 6 sites treated 15–18 years ago, and 12 contiguous nontreated sites. Paired 1-m2 rainfall simulation plots encompassed the creosotebush canopy zone and adjacent interspace area with runs made using simulated rainfall at 9.1 cm·hr−1 for 30 minutes. Runoff and sediment were collected every 5 minutes, and wetting-front depths were measured at the end of rainfall simulations. Infiltration rates were significantly higher in the canopy zone than in interspace areas and were highest in 5–9-year-old sites, intermediate in nontreated sites, and lowest in 15–18-year-old sites. Regression equations showed that infiltration rates within the canopy zone were positively correlated with litter mass, and cover of litter, shrubs, and grasses. Within interspace areas, infiltration rates were most correlated with aggregate stability and cover of litter, rocks, and grasses. Wetting-front depths were significantly deeper in the canopy zone than in interspace areas for all treatments. Sediment concentration (kg·L−1) was higher in the canopy zone than interspace, but total sediment yield was not significantly different between these areas or affected by any treatments.
ER trapping reveals Golgi enzymes continually revisit the ER through a recycling pathway that controls Golgi organization

Whether Golgi enzymes remain localized within the Golgi or constitutively cycle through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is unclear, yet is important for understanding Golgi dependence on the ER. Here, we demonstrate that the previously reported inefficient ER trapping of Golgi enzymes in a rapamycin-based assay results from an artifact involving an endogenous ER-localized 13-kD FK506 binding protein (FKBP13) competing with the FKBP12-tagged Golgi enzyme for binding to an FKBP-rapamycin binding domain (FRB)-tagged ER trap. When we express an FKBP12-tagged ER trap and FRB-tagged Golgi enzymes, conditions precluding such competition, the Golgi enzymes completely redistribute to the ER upon rapamycin treatment. A photoactivatable FRB-Golgi enzyme, highlighted only in the Golgi, likewise redistributes to the ER. These data establish Golgi enzymes constitutively cycle through the ER. Using our trapping scheme, we identify roles of rab6a and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) in Golgi enzyme recycling, and show that retrograde transport of Golgi membrane underlies Golgi dispersal during microtubule depolymerization and mitosis.
That's Sick! Introducing an Immunology Exercise to a Health Psychology Class1

Abstract A laboratory investigating and monitoring the effect of exposing a microbe to a virus was added to a Health Psychology class. Students in the Health Psychology class received a class lectures on “Microbiology Laboratory Techniques” and “Concepts in Immunology.” Students then participated in a two-class meeting laboratory procedure to track changes in a microbe exposed to a virus. Student perceptions of their learning satisfaction were increased from pre to post laboratory measures. Learning lessons from the teaching method are presented.
Fractures of the Femur

Experiences with functional bracing of certain femoral fractures have been rewarding by virtue of the fact that length, alignment, and rotation were adequately maintained during functional ambulation during fracture healing. However, the femur has been the least consistent bone to respond well to functional bracing. Angulatory deformities, usually of a varus type, have been en-countered frequently and often it has been difficult for the patient to achieve function in the brace following a period of recumbency.
Type IV Collagens and Basement Membrane Diseases: Cell Biology and Pathogenic Mechanisms

Basement membranes are highly specialized extracellular matrices. Once considered inert scaffolds, basement membranes are now viewed as dynamic and versatile environments that modulate cellular behaviors to regulate tissue development, function, and repair. Increasing evidence suggests that, in addition to providing structural support to neighboring cells, basement membranes serve as reservoirs of growth factors that direct and fine-tune cellular functions. Type IV collagens are a major component of all basement membranes. They evolved along with the earliest multicellular organisms and have been integrated into diverse fundamental biological processes as time and evolution shaped the animal kingdom. The roles of basement membranes in humans are as complex and diverse as their distributions and molecular composition. As a result, basement membrane defects result in multisystem disorders with ambiguous and overlapping boundaries that likely reflect the simultaneous interplay and integration of multiple cellular pathways and processes. Consequently, there will be no single treatment for basement membrane disorders, and therapies are likely to be as varied as the phenotypes. Understanding tissue-specific pathology and the underlying molecular mechanism is the present challenge; personalized medicine will rely upon understanding how a given mutation impacts diverse cellular functions.
On a Multinomial Logistic Mixture Autoregressive Processes

We propose a brand new class of time series model and analyze its statistical properties and estimation method. We demonstrated that the model is able to successfully model and forecast the high frequency stock prices.
Systematic Studies of Cerebral Resuscitation Potentials after Global Brain Ischemia (GBI)

Resuscitation of the brain after ischemic-anoxic brain injury remains a controversial topic. There is, however, presently a certain therapeutic optimism in this field. Ours is partly based on the recognition of a post-resuscitation disease, that is, treatable pathologic processes in all organs after restoration of adequate perfusion pressure and arterial oxygenation. Also, Hossmann has shown that neurons can survive longer periods of anoxia than previously assumed. There have been reports on experimental focal ischemia indicating beneficial effects of barbiturates and moderate hemodilution before and after initiation of focal ischemia. After complete temporary global brain ischemia (GBI), as in cardiac arrest, however, results so far have been conflicting and controversial.
Beyond the Limits of Equity Jurisprudence: No-Fault Equitable Subordination

In two 1996 decisions involving equitable subordination of claims in bankruptcy cases, United States v. Noland and United States v. Reorganized CF&I Fabricators of Utah, Inc., the Supreme Court did not answer the question of whether a bankruptcy court must find creditor misconduct before it equitably subordinates a creditor's claim. This Note argues that the Court should have established a bright-line rule that requires such a finding, using prepetition, nonpecuniary loss tax penalty claims of the IRS as a model. After showing that, as codified in the Bankruptcy Code, the doctrine of equitable subordination requires a finding of creditor misconduct, it analyzes circuit courts of appeals cases decided prior to Noland and Reorganized CF&I Fabricators that upheld equitable subordination of IRS prepetition tax penalty claims under a no-fault standard. The Note concludes that use of a no-fault standard of equitable subordination by a bankruptcy court constitutes impermissible judicial activism and that any unfairness resulting from the treatment of claims by the Bankruptcy Code should be remedied by Congress.
Host-pathogen interactions: A cholera surveillance system.

Bacterial pathogen–secreted proteases may have a key role in inhibiting a potentially widespread host-pathogen interaction. Activity-based protein profiling enabled the identification of a major Vibrio cholerae serine protease that limits the ability of a host-derived intestinal lectin to bind to the bacterial pathogen in vivo.
A Segmentation Research Design Using Consumer Panel Data

This segmentation research design combines consumer panel purchase data with an attitudinal questionnaire tailored to the product under study. Both serve as input to a canonical correlation analysi...
Preferred orientations in nickel electro-deposits: I. The mechanism of development of textures in nickel electro-deposits

Abstract This paper presents a mechanism for (a) the preferential formation of electro-deposit facets of a particular type and (b) the alignment of these facets normal to the substrate, and then shows that the result of these two growth processes is the development of a preferred orientation in thick electro-deposits. The discussion is confined to the growth of nickel electro-deposits from unadulterated baths . Facets are formed because of differences in growth velocities. Both crystallographic and electrochemical factors produce these differences. The crystallographic factors are considered, in terms of the Bravais law of crystal growth. It is suggested that different lattice planes have different free growth metallic overpotentials. The electrochemical disturbance to free growth , stems from the hydrogen evolution reaction. B eeck's experimental studies on hydrogen adsorption on nickel are used to argue that the intermediately-produced hydrogen atoms are adsorbed more easily on lattice planes which during free growth have faster growth velocities. If hydrogen atom adsorption increases metallic overpotential, then facets of different types are formed with different surface coverages. The {hkl} facets so formed are aligned normal to the substrate because the deposits tend to a lopt an outward mode of growth which requires that the slowest-growing {hkl} facets (and therefore the zone-axis of the {hkl} Wilman facets ) stand perpendicular to the substrate surface. All deposit-crystals being subject to similar growth influences, they get identically oriented, i.e. , a preferred orientation develops with the texture-axis being the zone-axis of the Wilman facets . The random orientation stage-which precedes the texture stage—exercises a substrate influence and therefore permits only a gradual development of texture. Two important consequences follow from the theory proposed in this paper : (1) texture changes are induced by changes in surface coverage with hydrogen atoms, and by factors such as temperature which affect this coverage; (2) deposits having different textures should have different hydrogen contents. The experimental data of Yang supports the latter conclusion.
KINEMATICS ANALYSIS OF THE 7NB MUD BUMP

In this paper, the structure and working principle of the new drilling mud bump-7NB mud bump were introduced. The kinematics model and 3D entity model were established with the CAD software (Pro/E), the kinematics analysis of the 7NBs mainly moving parts were finished. By simplification of the structure, the Moving equation and computation model of the 7NB were established, the analysis and calculating completed. The moving characteristics and principles were found through computing. It provided the theory foundation for improving the structure and working principal of the 7NB mud pump.
Regulatory properties of tyrosine hydroxylase: multiple forms, subunit structure and cyclic nucleotide independent phosphorylation

Tyrosine hydroxylase [L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating); EC 1.14.16.2] catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of catecholamine biosynthesis (Nagatsu et al., 1964; Levitt et al., 1965). Since its discovery (Nagatsu et al., 1964), Tittle progress has been made in the characterization of the molecular properties of the native enzyme. In this paper we report charge heterogeneity of native tyrosine hydroxylase purified from rat pheochromocytoma and bovine striatum and demonstrate that the enzyme can be isolated in several forms of different kinetic properties.
The Use of Fluorescein in Radical Inguinal Lymphadenectomy

AbstractNecrosis with slough of skin flaps is a common and distressing complication after radical inguinal node dissection. Conventional methods to predict viability of dermal flaps are notoriously unreliable.Intravenous fluorescein has been shown to be a reliable indicator of the adequacy of blood supply to dermal flaps in experimental models and in radical mastectomies. Fluorescein has been used in 6 separate node dissections for carcinoma of the penis. In all cases fluorescein reliably delineated viable skin flaps and its use can help decrease the morbidity rate in inguinal node dissection.
Alternative indications for pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy in infertile women

Three groups of women with different types of ovulatory dysfunction who had failed to conceive on conventional therapy were treated with pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Group A consisted of nine patients with luteal phase defect; group B included four patients with apparently normal menstrual cycles but disordered folliculogenesis seen by serial ultrasound examinations; and group C consisted of eight patients who exhibited anovulation or irregular ovulation. GnRH was administered subcutaneously or intravenously in dosages varying from 5 μ g to 20 μ g, with pulse frequency of 2 to 3 hours in 53 cycles. Forty-one cycles were ovulatory. Four pregnancies resulted, one ending in miscarriage at 12 weeks' gestation. Our results indicate that GnRH may be used as an alternative to the prevalent therapeutic methods for ovulatory dysfunction. Only those women who had anovulation and abnormal basal levels of serum luteinizing hormone were resistant to GnRH therapy.
A Predictive Model of Behavioral Responses in Distribution Systems

Studies on integrative frameworks of interorgani‐ zational systems and their members’ behavioral responses, in general, and of distribution systems, in particular, are few. No empirical research is reported thereon. This paper develops propositions to better understand such a framework in distribution channels and discusses their impacts on the study of interorganizational relations, thus providing new stimulation to refine the theoretical base and to develop and test hypotheses regarding behavioral responses in interorganizational systems.
Inheritance by recruitment

Doolittle (Biol Philos 28(2):351–378, 2013) and Ereshefsky and Pedroso (Proc Natl Acad Sci 112:10126–10132, 2013) argue that selection can act at the level of biofilms and other microbial communities. Clarke (Biol Philos 191–212, 2016) is skeptical and argues that selection acts on microbial cells rather than microbial communities. Her main criticism is that biofilms lack one of the ingredients required for selection to operate: heritability. This paper replies to her concern by elaborating how biofilm-level traits can be inheritable
Membrane ultrastructure of normal, sickled and heinz-body erythrocytes by freeze-etching.

The application of freeze-fracture-replication technique to the study of red cell membrane ultrastructure has provided a means for characterization of the membrane surfaces of the erythrocyte and the definition of membranocytoplasmic relationships in normal and pathologic red cells. Freeze-etching studies of the red cell membrane with resolution to the macromolecular level, affords not only with a new model of normal erythrocyte membrane organization, but permits morphologic identification of pathologic alterations in membrane structure at specific sites and surfaces. These observations provide added insight into membranogentic mechanisms of hemolytic anemias and structural membrane dynamics.