cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alzheimer's disease versus Dementia with Lewy bodies : Cerebral metabolic distinction with autopsy confirmation

Seeking antemortem markers to distinguish Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we examined brain glucose metabolism of DLB and AD. Eleven DLB patients (7 Lewy body variant of AD [LBVAD] and 4 pure diffuse Lewy body disease [DLBD]) who had antemortem position emission tomography imaging and autopsy confirmation were compared to 10 autopsy-confirmed pure AD patients. In addition, 53 patients with clinically-diagnosed probable AD, 13 of whom later fulfilled clinical diagnoses of DLB, were examined. Autopsy-confirmed AD and DLB patients showed significant metabolic reductions involving parietotemporal association, posterior cingulate, and frontal association cortices. Only DLB patients showed significant metabolic reductions in the occipital cortex, particularly in the primary visual cortex (LBVAD -23% and DLBD -29% vs AD -8%), which distinguished DLB versus AD with 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Multivariate analysis revealed that occipital metabolic changes in DLB were independent from those in the adjacent parietotemporal cortices. Analysis of clinically diagnosed probable AD patients showed a significantly higher frequency of primary visual metabolic reduction among patients who fulfilled later clinical criteria for DLB. In these patients, occipital hypometabolism preceded some clinical features of DLB. Occipital hypometabolism is a potential antemortem marker to distinguish DLB versus AD.
Adenine nucleotide metabolism and nucleoside transport in human erythrocytes under ATP depletion conditions

Abstract The adenine nucleotides of human red cells were labeled by incubation of the cells with [3H]adenosine. Then, the cells were incubated in Tris-saline with various supplements that cause the loss of cellular ATP, and the degradation products were quantitated as a function of time of incubation at 37°C. Incubation of the cells with 2.5 or 5 mM iodoacetate, iodoacetamide or 1 mM HCHO in combination with 5 mM KF and 50 mM deoxyglucose, 50 mM d -glucose or 10 mM inosine was most efficient in depleting the cells of ATP (100% in 0.5–1 h) without causing cell lysis. In iodoacetate- and iodoacetamide-treated cells practically all catabolism of ATP occurred via ADP → AMP → IMP → inosine → hypoxanthine with hypoxanthine accumulating in the medium. In HCHO-treated cells and in cells incubated in Tris-saline or in Tris-saline with deoxyglucose with and without KF, a substantial proportion of ATP (up to 50%) was catabolized via ADP → AMP → adenosine → inosine → hypoxanthine . Under all conditions, AMP deamination and IMP and AMP hydrolysis were rate-limiting reactions. IMP degradation was more rapid in iodoacetamide- and HCHO-treated than in iodoacetate-treated red cells. It was also more rapid in fresh than in outdated red cells, and it was inhibited by Pi. Treatment with iodoacetamide and HCHO under ATP-depletion conditions resulted in a 60–80% inhibition of uridine transport by the cells. Treatment with iodoacetate or deoxyglucose plus KF had only minor effects on nucleoside transport; thus, cells treated in this manner might be useful for studying the transport of adenosine and deoxyadenosine under conditions were their phosphorylation is prevented.
Vasodilators and Ventricular Septal Defect: Comparison of Prazosin, Minoxidil, and Hydralazine in a Chronic Lamb Model

The volume overloading of the left ventricle which results from left to right (L-R) shunting through a ventricular septal defect (VSD) may be reduced by pharmacologic agents which lower systemic vascular resistance (Rs) in excess of pulmonary arteriolar vascular resistance (Rpa). To study agents capable of decreasing the L-R shunt through systemic vasodilatation, we created a chronic lamb model with VSD and administered three vasodilators, prazosin (0.05 mg/kg), hydralazine (0.75 mg/kg), and minoxidil (0.25 mg/kg). Prazosin increased the Rpa while lowering Rs, resulting in an increase in Rpa/Rs by 43% (p less than or equal to 0.005). Prazosin decreased the pulmonary flow (Qp) slightly, decreased L-R shunt by 16%, reduced the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) by 22% (p less than or equal to 0.005), and lowered the left atrial mean pressure (LA) by 16% (p less than or equal to 0.005) with no effect on heart rate. Hydralazine lowered the Rpa and Rs equally and thus did not change the Rpa/Rs or the volume of L-R shunt (7.6 versus 8.1 liters/min/m2). No change in LA was seen with hydralazine but heart rate increased from 162 to 200/min (p less than or equal to 0.01). Minoxidil did not change the L-R shunt (6.9 versus 6.8 liters/min/m2) and, in general, produced effects intermediate between prazosin and hydralazine. The data support a selective systemic vasodilation with prazosin, a property not shared by either minoxidil or hydralazine, which results in a reduction of shunting and left ventricular volume overloading in lambs with VSD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Advances in elucidating biogeochemical processes in soils: It is about scale and interfaces

Contributions in biogeochemical research have immensely benefited humankind, including enhanced food production and the quality of our environment. This overview paper focuses on recent breakthroughs in elucidating biogeochemical processes in soils and other natural materials and delineates frontiers for the present decade and beyond. Frontiers will undoubtedly involve multiple spatial and temporal scale investigations, elucidation of reactions at biological, chemical, and physical interfaces, and the use of advanced in situ technologies in combination with interdisciplinary research. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Theoretical Calculation of Pressure-Broadened Atomic Line Profiles

An atomic line profile is theoretically calculated for various relative densities at two temperatures (666 and 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) under an adiabatic assumption, with a Lennard-Jones potential, and is compared with the experimental profile of the shorter-wavelength component of the resonance lines of cesium perturbed by xenon. The calculation predicts an appearance of one red satellite and two violet satellites as experimentally observed. Further, the result shows that the agreement between the pressure behavior of the theoretical line shape and that of the observed one is only qualitative, because the calculated satellite intensities are too weak. This disagreement is attributed to an inadequacy of the Lennard-Jones potential for calculating line-shapes under the present approximations.
An Analysis of Loss Measurements on Older Distribution Transformers

In 1981, the authors' company initiated a loss measurement study involving the collection of a large amount of loss data on older distribution transformers. The objective was to better characterize their losses for such studies as economic replacement, voltage conversion and economic loading. This paper is a discussion and analysis of that data.
Postoperative complications associated with perioperative sirolimus prior to pediatric cardiac retransplantation.

OBJECTIVES Sirolimus has been used in pediatric cardiac transplantation for the past decade for chronic renal dysfunction, recurrent rejection, and/or coronary allograft vasculopathy. There has been concern regarding the effect of sirolimus on wound healing and other postoperative complications. To date, the pediatric literature on its use is limited and has not specifically addressed its use in the perioperative period following repeat cardiac transplantation. METHODS We compared the patients in our institution who received sirolimus before repeat cardiac transplantation to those in the same era who did not receive sirolimus. RESULTS Of the 5 patients in the study group, 5 (100%) developed pleural effusions vs 1 (17%) in the control group (p=0.013). There was no increase in mortality in the sirolimus group, and there were no significant differences in renal dysfunction, serious bacterial infection, rejection, or postoperative length of stay. CONCLUSIONS In this small data set, there was a statistically s...
Germanium Nanowire Synthesis via Localized Heating and a Comparison to Bulk Processes

In this work, we compare the localized synthesis of germanium nanowires (GeNWs) to germanium nanowires synthesized under a globally high temperature environment. The localized synthesis of germanium nanowires is presented for the first time using the resistive heating of MEMS microbridges. The results of the localized synthesis process are then compared with the results of well-established high temperature synthesis processes for germanium nanowires. The effect of heat source and local temperature gradients on the resulting nanowires is assessed. The results suggest that optimal nanowire synthesis conditions in a high temperature furnace environment are no longer optimal in localized heating based synthesis. More specifically, there is a significant reduction in growth rates with the localized process. Differences in nanowire quality are observed as kinking and bending of the nanowires are a common result of the localized process yet rare in germanium nanowires synthesized in a global heating environment. Nanowires grown in a global heating environment exhibit larger average wire diameters, approximately 80 nm larger, compared to those synthesized using the localized heating process. Finally, nanowire tapering which is evident in the global heating process is not prevalent in the localized process.© 2010 ASME
Taste discrimination learning in preweanling rats

Seventeen-day-old rat pups received intraoral infusions of two novel flavors, coffee (0.625% w/v Sanka, decaffeinated) and saccharin (0.5% w/v), of which one (CS+) was paired with a 0.75% body weight, Lp. iiYection of 0.4 M LiCI, and the other (CS-) was presented alone. On the following day, two more infusion tests were conducted to determine intake of each flavor. Intake of the CS+ flavor was markedly suppressed, relative to that of the CS- flavor, although the magni­ tude ofthis effect depended on which flavor was designated CS+ and on the order in which CS+ and CS- were presented on the test day. These results indicate that preweanling rats are capa­ ble of discriminative taste aversion learning. This simple conditioning procedure should provide a useful method for studying the sensory development of the gustatory system and/or the de­ velopmental psychobiology of learning and memory.
Self-Organizing Systems-A Review and Commentary

The class of self-organizing systems represented by networks which learn to recognize patterns is reviewed from an historical standpoint, and some of the behavioral similarities between such nets and biological nervous systems are discussed. Examples and results of several experimental models for alphanumeric character recognition are presented. The network synthesis problem is then recast in terms of redundant information removal, multivariable curve-fitting and expansion in orthonormal functions. Recognition network structures and the learning process are described from these points of view. The potential component and behavioral advantages to be gained from sequential feedback networks are discussed briefly.
KAROSS: A computer‐aided storage and retrieval system for lower karroo stratigraphic palynology

Abstract KAROSS is a computer‐aided information storage and retrieval system for an information bank on Lower Karroo (Permian rocks of Africa) stratigraphic palynology. The information bank can be questioned either from the main computer installation or from remote terminal. The retrieval programs are designed to serve the general needs of a microfloral basinal analysis project. The types of problems solved by KAROSS are: (a) given one or more variables list one or more other(s); and (b) given one or more variables punch in a specified format one or more other(s) using (specified) codes for discrete data. The latter mode of output allows direct input into statistical or CALCOMP plotter programs.
Computational light field display for correcting visual aberrations

We create a computational light field display that corrects for visual aberrations. This new method enables better image resolution and higher image contrast. The prototype is built using readily available off-the-shelf components and has a thin form factor for mobile devices.
Materials for Teaching Sexuality, Love and Maturity to High School Students with Learning Disabilities

A review of available curricula and materials on human sexuality led to the conclusion that an appropriate instructional program in love, sexuality and maturity is not available for high school students with learning disabilities. A unit was developed to meet this need. Unit preparation included an investigation of philosophy, content, need and materials design. The unit was taught to a group of 6 high school students with learning disabilities. They improved their scores from a range of 58%-84% to a range of 90%-100% on the criterion referenced pre-post-test, meeting the criteria the authors established for success.
Methane flux in the Great Dismal Swamp

The paper reports measurements made over a 17-month period of the methane flux in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia in light of the potential implications of variations in atmospheric methane concentrations. Gas flux measurements were made by a technique combining a gas filter correlation IR absorption analyzer with improved sampling chambers that enclose a soil area under conditions ranging from totally flooded soils to dry soils resulting from drought conditions. Methane emissions are found to range from 0.0013 g CH4/sq m per day to 0.019 g CH4/sq m per day, depending on temperature and season, when the soil is in a waterlogged state. During drought conditions, the peat soils in the swamp were a sink for atmospheric methane, with fluxes from less than 0.001 to 0.005 g CH4/sq m per day and decreasing with decreasing temperature. Results illustrate the potential complexity of the processes which regulate the net flux of methane between wetland soils and the atmosphere.
Hourly Variation of Aerosol Composition in the Great Lakes Basin

Abstract Elemental composition has been measured in aerosol samples as a function of time continuously during summer 1976 at land-based sites in the U.S.A. close to the Great Lakes. A 14-station network was employed to determine variations with 2-hour time resolution. Each sampling device produced a 7-day time dependent sample streak on 0.4 μm pore diameter Nuclepore filters at 0.60 liter/min flowrates by a slowly sliding sucking orifice. Analysis for S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Br, Pb and 8 other elements of Z ≥ 15 was performed by proton-induced X-ray emission by moving the sample frame across a 5 MeV proton beam from a tandem Van de Graaff accelerator in 84 individual time steps. Sulfur and many trace elements exhibit marked time variations without strong inter-site correlations. Inter-element correlations, e.g. at the Argonne National Laboratory site, indicate that the time variation pattern of sulfur differs from those of soil-derived K, Ca, and Fe and also from anthropogenically derived Pb and Br. Long range transport of elements from sources in the northeast portion of the U.S. appears likely. The transport of pollution-derived sulfur especially could have a significant effect on water quality in the Great Lakes as well as on precipitation pH levels in the Great Lakes basin.
Perceived and observed maternal relationship quality predict sexual debut by age 15.

Early sexual behaviors during adolescence have the potential to lead to unhealthy outcomes. This study explored the association between specific dimensions of maternal relationship quality and adolescent sexual debut by age 15. We hypothesized that adolescents who have poor maternal relationships are at greater risk of early sexual debut than those who have a more supportive relationship. These hypotheses were examined using both adolescents’ perception of their maternal relationship quality and observed relationship quality. A sample of 268 adolescents (142 girls; 90% European American) were followed longitudinally from age 13 to age 15. The results indicate that adolescents with sexual debut by age 15 report significantly worse relationships with their mothers compared with other adolescents. Furthermore, behavioral observations of lower maternal support and higher observed displays of externalizing affect towards the mother also were related to early sexual debut. The significance of maternal relationship quality remained after controlling for family structure, race, and socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that mothers have a significant role in the timing of their adolescents’ sexual debut.
N-Methyl-d-aspartate Induces Neurogranin/RC3 Oxidation in Rat Brain Slices

Abstract Neurogranin/RC3 (Ng), a postsynaptic neuronal protein kinase C (PKC) substrate, binds calmodulin (CaM) at low level of Ca2+. In vitro, rat brain Ng can be oxidized by nitric oxide (NO) donors and by oxidants to form an intramolecular disulfide bond with resulting downward mobility shift on nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The oxidized Ng, as compared with the reduced form, is a poorer substrate of PKC but like the PKC-phosphorylated Ng has a lower affinity for CaM than the reduced form. To investigate the physiological relevance of Ng oxidation, we tested the effects of neurotransmitter,N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), NO donors, and other oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and oxidized glutathione on the oxidation of this protein in rat brain slices. Western blot analysis showed that the NMDA-induced oxidation of Ng was rapid and transient, it reached maximum within 3–5 min and declined to base line in 30 min. The response was dose-dependent (EC50 ∼100 μm) and could be blocked by NMDA-receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and by NO synthase inhibitorN G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and N G-monomethyl-l-arginine. Ng was oxidized by NO donors, sodium nitroprusside,S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, andS-nitrosoglutathione, and H2O2 at concentrations less than 0.5 mm. Oxidation of Ng in brain slices induced by sodium nitroprusside could be reversed by dithiothreitol, ascorbic acid, or reduced glutathione. Reversible oxidation and reduction of Ng were also observed in rat brain extracts, in which oxidation was enhanced by Ca2+ and the oxidized Ng could be reduced by NADPH or reduced glutathione. These results suggest that redox of Ng is involved in the NMDA-mediated signaling pathway and that there are enzymes catalyzing the oxidation and reduction of Ng in the brain. We speculate that the redox state of Ng, similar to the state of phosphorylation of this protein, may regulate the level of CaM, which in turn modulates the activities of CaM-dependent enzymes in the neurons.
Seeing the Big Picture on Microbe Distribution

Statements about the distribution of organisms can be made at all levels of phylogenetic scope and taxonomic resolution. The distributions of organisms on Earth reflect the interplay of dispersive trends with opportunity, obstruction, and extinction over time. If dispersal dominates, taxa tend to be widely distributed, and we rationalize presences and absences with greater reference to ecology. Where dispersal is constrained, taxa are more endemic, and we seek explanations by reference to history. For microbes, the idea that “everything is everywhere, but the environment selects,” first mooted by Sprengel almost 200 years ago, still maintains support ( 1 – 5 ), but a recent review of molecular data suggested that it is simplistic or wrong ( 6 ). Two reports in this issue ( 7 , 8 ) help to evaluate which concept best describes the distributions of marine microbes. In doing so, they raise broader issues about the nature of biological knowledge.
Field Investigation of the Temperature Distribution in a Commercial Hazardous Waste Slagging Rotary Kiln

Gas and bed temperatures were studied in a 4.4 m by 12 m, co-current flow, slagging rotary kiln at a commercial hazardous waste incinerator. The visual observations used by the kiln operators to control the process are described. These observations were quantified using thermocouples, radiation pyrometers, and phase-change indicators. The objectives were to estimate the peak bed temperature and compare this to measurements at the kiln exit. The maximum bed temperature occurs toward the middle of this type of kiln and not at the discharge. The slag melting temperature and test pellets with known melting points indicate that the peak bed temperature can be 100−300 K higher than the kiln exit temperature reported by the permanent instruments at this facility. Both broad-band radiation pyrometers and thermocouples give a qualitative temperature indication that can be used for process control, but the readings depend on the sensor locations relative to the incompletely mixed air and combustion products. Two-co...
Low energy dislocation structures associated with cracks in ductile fracture

Abstract Ductile fracture in metals and alloys is preceded by work hardening and necking. Microstructural processes, previously explored by in situ transmission electron microscopy, have been re-examined in the context of interactions between glide dislocations and crack tips. In this, the parameters which significantly influence experimental findings have been critically reviewed and theoretical aspects of ductile fracture have been examined including the principle of energy minimization. Consideration was given to the displacement of the stress singularity ahead of the crack tip on account of the plastic zone and the effects of thermal instabilities during crack growth. Crack propagation occurs in ductile materials mostly by void coalescence. This requires the nucleation of microcracks ahead of the crack tip as was observed experimentally in agreement with theoretical expectations. Microcrack initiation was seen to take place at dislocation cell walls which represent the most frequently formed low energy dislocation configurations in work-hardened metals. As a consequence, too, the formation of a plastic crack and its grorth in a virgin crystal are distinctly different from the nucleation and growth of a crack in a crystal with a well-defined cell structure that was formed through prior deformation. Dislocation multiplication is considered to take place by the supercritical bowing of the longest free link lengths present within the cell walls, as also observed experimentally. The microstructural changes that take place in the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip are found to be more important in fracture than the microscopic processes immediately at the tip itself.
The Theoretical Basis Of A New Optical Method For The Accurate Measurement Of Small Line-Widths

As part of the effort conducted at NBS to solve some of the fundamental problems associated with width measurement of very small (l-5-µm) lines and spaces, the performance of an optical microscope with coherent illumination is investigated. From these studies, the theoretical basis for a new method of accurate width measurements is developed and explored. The new method, in effect, produces an optical transformation in which the image no longer resembles the original line but in which the location of the line-edges is marked by two narrow, dark lines within a bright surround. The correct line-width is then given by the distance between these two lines, a measurement that eliminates the orientation problems normally associated with filar eyepieces and sidesteps the coherence problem that affects shearing eyepieces. Suggestions are made about implementing the technique. Available microscope objectives are not suitable for such a system, and a redesign is recommended.
Abstract 2511: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitors protect hippocampal neurons from radiation-induced apoptosis by regulating MDM2/p53 pathway

Exposure of the brain to ionizing radiation can cause neurocognitive deficiencies. The pathophysiology of these neurological changes is complex and includes radiation-induced apoptosis in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus. We have recently found that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) resulted in significant protection from radiation-induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons. The Molecular mechanisms of this cytoprotection include abrogation of radiation-induced accumulation of p53. Here we show that pretreatment of irradiated HT-22 neurons with small molecule inhibitors of GSK-3β SB216763 or SB415286, or with GSK-3β-specific shRNA resulted in accumulation of the p53-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2. Knockdown of MDM2 using specific shRNA or chemical inhibition of MDM2 prevented the protective changes triggered by GSK-3β inhibition in irradiated HT-22 and restored radiation cytotoxicity. We found that this could be due to regulation of apoptosis by subcellular localization and interaction of GSK-3β, p53 and MDM2. These data suggest that the mechanisms of radioprotection by GSK-3β inhibitors in hippocampal neurons involve regulation of MDM2-dependent p53 accumulation and interactions between GSK-3β, MDM2 and p53. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2511. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2511
Statewide reporting of coronary artery surgery results: A view from California

plan was for the California Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Mortality Reporting Program (CCMRP) to release results publicly in 1999. For many reasons the release has been repeatedly postponed and has not yet occurred. The impact of the release and the reaction to the release was what I thought would bring maximum timeliness to my address, but that was not to be. The imminent release of statewide data for California, the experience with projects in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Northern New England, and Minnesota, and the proliferation of other statewide projects have stimulated me to review the history of these projects, assess where they are now, and look to the future, with both predictions and recommendations. I have tried to gain access to the information in the statewide reports by using the Internet. I think the Internet is the medium most used by our patients to find out what we do and how well we do it, and this use will continue to grow in the future. Therefore, it is important to know the present state of Internet information.
Cleanroom Utilities Overview: University of Louisville

Details about four major utilities that support the University of Louisville's new Micro/NanoTechnology Cleanroom are presented. This includes a 3000 gal. deionized water system capable of delivering 18.1 Mohm-cm water at a rate of 75 gal./min., a 6,000 gal. liquid nitrogen system for delivering high purity nitrogen gas, an acid waste neutralizing system for automatically adjusting pH of cleanroom effluent, and a toxic gas monitoring system capable of monitoring over 60 satellite gas sensors.
Research of Smart Gird Functional Safety Certification

With the increasing number of attacks against industrial control systems, functions security issues of the smart grid industrial control system gradually become the focus of research in the field of smart grid. This paper introduced smart grid industrial control systems threats which faced and incidents firstly, and analyzed the current situation of the functional safety certification, including certification bodies, certification tools and certification classes; Then, researched the smart grid industrial control system functional safety certification, gave the content of the smart grid industrial control system functional safety certification, and made the design of its hardware evaluation process; Finally, we discuss the research status of functional safety certification, and pointed out the problems that the smart grid industrial control system functional safety faces.
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CCXXV: Sulfur migration in the [MC2H4]+˙ ion of s‐ethyl thiobenzoate

Sulfur migration to an ortho position is observed in the fragmentation of S-ethyl thio-benzoate.
Late graft explants in endovascular aneurysm repair

Objective With more than a decade of use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), we expect to see a rise in the number of failing endografts. We review a single-center experience with EVAR explants to identify patterns of presentation and understand operative outcomes that may alter clinical management. Methods A retrospective analysis of EVARs requiring late explants, >1 month after implant, was performed. Patient demographics, type of graft, duration of implant, reason for removal, operative technique, length of stay, complications, and in-hospital and late mortality were reviewed. Results During 1999 to 2012, 100 patients (91% men) required EVAR explant, of which 61 were placed at another institution. The average age was 75 years (range, 50-93 years). The median length of time since implantation was 41 months (range, 1-144 months). Explanted grafts included 25 AneuRx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn), 25 Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz), 17 Zenith (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), 15 Talent (Medtronic), 10 Ancure (Guidant, Indianapolis, Ind), 4 Powerlink (Endologix, Irvine, Calif), 1 Endurant (Medtronic), 1 Quantum LP (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Fla), 1 Aorta Uni Iliac Rupture Graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), and 1 homemade tube graft. Overall 30-day mortality was 17%, with an elective case mortality of 9.9%, nonelective case mortality of 37%, and 56% mortality for ruptures. Endoleak was the most common indication for explant, with one or more endoleaks present in 82% (type I, 40%; II, 30%; III, 22%; endotension, 6%; multiple, 16%). Other reasons for explant included infection (13%), acute thrombosis (4%), and claudication (1%). In the first 12 months, 23 patients required explants, with type I endoleak (48%) and infection (35%) the most frequent indication. Conversely, 22 patients required explants after 5 years, with type I (36%) and type III (32%) endoleak responsible for most indications. Conclusions The rate of EVAR late explants has increased during the past decade at our institution. Survival is higher when the explant is done electively compared with emergent repair. Difficulty in obtaining a seal at the initial EVAR often leads to failure ≤1 year, whereas progression of aneurysmal disease is the primary reason for failure >5 years.
Genomic resource development for shellfish of conservation concern.

Effective conservation of threatened species depends on the ability to assess organism physiology and population demography. To develop genomic resources to better understand the dynamics of two ecologically vulnerable species in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, larval transcriptomes were sequenced for the pinto abalone, Haliotis kamtschatkana kamtschatkana, and the Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida. Based on comparative species analysis the Ostrea lurida transcriptome (41 136 contigs) is relatively complete. These transcriptomes represent the first significant contribution to genomic resources for both species. Genes are described based on biological function with particular attention to those associated with temperature change, oxidative stress and immune function. In addition, transcriptome-derived genetic markers are provided. Together, these resources provide valuable tools for future studies aimed at conservation of Haliotis kamtschatkana kamtschatkana, Ostrea lurida and related species.
Information Searching in Governmental Bureaucracies: An Integrated Model:

Individual information searching has become increasingly a critical aspect of bureaucratic behavior. In this study I attempt to empirically investigate the causality among the factors involved in the bureaucratic information searching process. I test an integrated model of information searching that contains four sets of primary variables: decision makers' environment (i.e., nature of policy issues), organization, individual characteristics, and characteristics of information. Based on the conceptual model, a path model is built and tested against data about knowledge utilization and policy change in two areas of mental health policy—i.e., service provision and financing. The model provides a good fit for the data and demonstrates that decision makers' selection of information sources (e.g., internal or external sources) is directly and indirectly affected by a variety of factors and their linkages, not dominated by one set of factors (e.g., trustworthiness of sources or research methods) defined by a sin...
The interaction of polynucleotides with cations.

Abstract The interaction with divalent cations of the synthetic polynucleotides, polyadenylic acid and polyuridylic acid, has been studied by conductiometric titration. It is shown that further binding of divalent cation by polynucleotide ceases when one equivalent of cation has been added per mole of polymer phosphate, and that the titration curve is the same for both polymers. This result is compared with that obtained previously for DNA in distilled water, and it is shown that the anomalous end-point for DNA is eliminated if sufficient points are taken in the course of the titration. The interaction of polynucleotides with polylysine has also been investigated, both spectrophotometrically and by conductiometric titration. It is shown that a stoichiometrically well defined complex is formed, and that in the course of the reaction the polylysine is capable of displacing an equivalent amount of disalent cation.
Turbidimetric Measurement of Plant Cell Culture Growth

Turbidimetric measurement of cultures grown in sidearm flasks was used to measure the growth of plant cells. The turbidity was shown to vary proportionally with cell number and dry weight over time. The effect of different freezing conditions on the growth of the culture was presented to demonstrate the application of the sidearm-turbidity method.
On the natural frequencies of standing water waves in a canal of arbitrary shape

The small amplitude natural oscillation of liquid in a partially filled canal of arbitrary shape is investigated. The method is based on potential theory. The field equation subject to the appropriate boundary conditions is transformed into an integral equation, which is then solved numerically. Two specific geometries were chosen for the numerical examples; namely, a circular canal with arbitrary depth of liquid, and half full elliptical canals with various eccentricities. The results are presented and discussed.
Bmmar6, a second mori subfamily mariner transposon from the silkworm moth Bombyx mori.

A second member of the divergent mori subfamily of mariner transposons, Bmmar6, is described from the silkworm moth Bombyx mori genome. A confident consensus sequence for Bmmar6 was obtained from a single genomic copy, 17 EST sequences, and the direct sequencing of a ‘family’ sequence from an amplification of all full-length genomic copies. Bmmar6 is most similar to Bmmar1 in the mori subfamily, which now also includes several fly and nematode transposons. These might be viewed as a discrete family of transposons within the IS630-Tc1-mariner superfamily with a distinctive D,D37D catalytic motif, and another small divergent D,D41D clade is recognized as their sister group of transposons.
International connectivity: a survey of attitudes about cultural and national differences encountered in computer‐mediated communication

We live in a multinational world, one with many languages, cultures, races and nationalities; yet, our nations are separated by geographical, political and cultural differences. In recent years, individuals all over the world have discovered com‐puter‐mediated communication (CMC) as a means of connecting with peers, colleagues and family. CMC and the presence of international CMC networks provide a collaborative atmosphere in which researchers in many fields can bridge the cultural and national differences that separate them. From their home or office computers, they link their minds with contemporaries across the city or across the globe. As the messages are sent and received, individuals are identified and recognized by their user‐ID, and differences in nationality, ethnicity, age, gender and physical ability are not known unless divulged.
Self-Paced Instruction: A Review.

Within the last five years, self-paced instruction (SPI) has been "discovered" by economists.1 Five years ago there were no self-paced introductory courses; today SPI is the new wave at over 80 colleges and universities. SPI represents a sharp turn in educational technology. In contrast with the capital-intensive darlings of the 60's-teaching machines and educational television-a self-paced course is simplicity itself. A self-paced course has three components: first, a set of objectives for each unit of the course which define mastery (e.g., specify in operational terms what students are expected to be able to perform at the end of that unit); second, a set of exams (SPE's) for each objective which the student is invited to try whenever he feels he has mastered a unit; third, a grader who will be waiting when the student has finished one of these SPE's. The grader marks the SPE in the student's presence as either passing or failing. If a student does not pass he or she is encouraged to return and try another exam on the same subject. Credit is given for passing a unit exam regardless of the number of unsuccessful attempts. The only capital equipment required is a room, pencils and paper. Extrapolation of the growth curve suggests that SPI will be tried in many schools over the next five years. This review is primarily to serve the needs of those potential users for both cost/benefit information and nuts and bolts mechanics. It is divided into two parts. The first part summarizes the benefits and costs of self-paced instruction in introductory economics courses at seven schools, including Boise State, Vanderbilt, Weber, University of Oregon, Oklahoma State and Northern Illinois. As the reader will see, the evidence on its educational benefits at present is inconclusive. This is disappointing, although perhaps inevitable given the necessity of several "shake down cruises" before a self-paced system is working smoothly and given the relatively unsophisticated methods of evaluation employed. But while the articles here reviewed do not establish SPI as the only way to fly, they do, however, provide the potential user with an excellent checklist of the options and crucial choices in setting up a self-paced course. Thus the second part is devoted to setting out the self-paced decision tree: to specifying the nodes and summarizing what appear to be the pros and cons of each branch.
Diode-pumped composite-cavity electrooptically tuned microchip laser

A diode-pumped composite-cavity electrooptically tuned microchip laser has been constructed that tunes up to 30 GHz. The laser incorporates a LiTaO/sub 3/ electrooptic tuning element with acoustic damping to provide linear voltage-to-frequency conversion with a tuning sensitivity of approximately=14 MHz/V at modulation frequencies from DC to >1.3 GHz. >
Percutaneous cementoplasty in multiple myeloma: a valuable adjunct for pain control and ambulation maintenance

Bone pain and functional impairment are major concerns for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The goal of this study was to better define the role of percutaneous cementoplasty (PC) in improving their quality of life. This retrospective analysis included 28 consecutive heavily pretreated MM patients managed at our institution between 1996 and 2002. They underwent a total of 34 PC procedures for the treatment of 117 vertebrae and 2 iliac sites and were evaluated at 1 month. Significant pain reduction of >50% was obtained after 83% of the procedures, with a mean visual analogous score decreasing from 7.48/10 to 2.1/10 (p < 0.001). It resulted in a complete interruption of opiate analgesic consumption after 59.3% of the procedures, with a mean decrease of 70.4% in the opiate dose. Functional impairment was evaluated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status scale, with mean scores improving from 1.9 to 0.86 after the procedures (p = 0.001). There was no major complication. PC is a safe, feasible, and efficient approach for the treatment of bone pain and disability in MM patients.
A DRIFTS study of Cu-ZSM-5 prior to and during its use for N2O decomposition

Cu–ZSM-5 and Na–ZSM-5 were characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) prior to and during N2O decomposition at various temperatures to learn more about the state of the Cu–ZSM-5 catalyst and to better understand its very high activity for this reaction. In addition to IR bands also exhibited by Na–ZSM-5, the spectrum of Cu–ZSM-5 at 300 K prior to any thermal treatment displayed an additional band between 900 and 1000 cm−1, which was assigned to a stretching mode of an Si–O− bond perturbed by Cu2+ species as opposed to a similarly perturbed Si–O–Si or Si–O–Al zeolite vibration. Purging this sample in Ar at 300 K removed both adsorbed water and water coordinated in octahedral [Cu(H2O)6]2+ complexes. Heating to 773 K resulted in the thermal reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+, and a substantial fraction of the copper ions was stabilized as Si–O−Cu+. When N2O was introduced to Cu–ZSM-5, transient bands were observed which were assigned to N2O adsorbed on Cu+ via the O atom. Only Cu–ZSM-5 exhibited a slight but rapid decrease in the 3597-cm−1 υOH band for bridging Si(OH)Al groups and it was accompanied by the appearance of a band near 910 cm−1, indicating oxidation of Cu+ to Cu2+. No unequivocal bands for adsorbed N2O were detected under steady-state decomposition conditions with any catalyst, indicating very low steady-state surface concentrations of adsorbed N2O. These DRIFTS results are consistent with the following catalytic redox mechanism proposed for N2O decomposition over Cu–ZSM-5. Gas-phase N2O adsorbs molecularly via the O end onto a Cu+ ion at a Si–;O−Cu+ site maintained in a highly dispersed state. This adsorbed N2O species then irreversibly decomposes in a rate-determining step to form gaseous N2 and an adsorbed O atom. In the process Cu+ is oxidized to Cu2+, which is stabilized as either Si–O−[Cu2+(O−)]+ or Si–O−[Cu2+(OH−)]+. When two such sites are located in close proximity, such as at opposite corners of a four-membered ring having Al tetrahedra at the T9 sites of ZSM-5, oxygen recombination can readily occur to form O2, and in the process Cu2+ is reduced to Cu+, thus completing the redox cycle. This mechanism incorporates aspects specific to both the copper ions and the zeolite structure to explain the uniquely high activity of this particular catalyst, and the rate expression derived from this model fits the data well over a wide temperature range.
Effects of path-length errors on external-cavity semiconductor laser arrays

The frequency locking range of a laser diode array was experimentally determined. A one-dimensional array of seven lasers was phase-locked by placing it in an external optical cavity to establish coupling between the lasers. It was found that the experimental frequency locking range was four times greater than the theoretical locking range. The large experimental locking range demonstrates that there appears to be a greater tolerance of path-length errors in phase-locked laser arrays than the theory had earlier implied.
STRONG ASSOCIATION OF HLA-DR8 WITH STEROID RESPONSIVE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME |[lpar]|SRNS|[rpar]| OF CHILDHOOD

We searched for possible immunogenetic markers in SRNS of childhood in 4 different families and children having SRNS. Family A had a boy with SRNS whose father had been treated for childhood SRNS. Family B had 2 first cousin girls and Family C had 2 first cousin boys with SRNS. Family D had a brother and sister with SRNS. HLA-A, -B, -DR antigens were typed, serum C4 and factor B alleles were tested and compared to a group of 30 children with SRNS and a control group of normal individuals. In SRNS the frequency of DRW-8 was 23.5% compared to the normal control 5.9%. DRW-8 was also present in the family with the 2 sibs and 1 family where first cousins had SRNS, but not in the other families. The relative risk of DRW-8 and SRNS measured 5.6. There was a decreased frequency of HLA-BW35 and DRW1, but other HLA-A, HLA-B locus antigens, C4 alleles and factor B alleles occurred in normal frequencies. This report involving families and an unrelated population of children with SRNS failed to find the previously associated increased frequency of DRW-7 and the HLA-B12 nor the increased frequency of relapsing SRNS in children with the factor B-F allele. The significance of genetic haplotyping and completyping in children with SRNS will be discussed and the possible relationship and pathogenesis to an MHC-linked Ir gene.
On Morley’s Trisector Theorem

a þþ; b; c a; b þþ; c a; b; c þþ a; bþ; cþ aþ; b; cþ aþ; bþ; c þ; þ; þ because in each case these angles add to ða þ b þ cÞ þþ 1⁄4 180 . These triangles, so far determined only up to similarity, are illustrated in Figure 1. We can scale them so that the red lines in that figure all have the same length. The red lines from A to BC are the two lines through A that make angle aþ with BC , and are the same length since they form an isosceles triangle. (I call drawing such lines ‘‘dropping non-perpendiculars of angle aþ’’.) If one of the angles of ABC is obtuse—as is C in the figure—then the two angles at the feet of these non-perpendiculars (here cþ) are exterior angles of the isosceles triangle they form, rather than interior ones, but this does not affect the proof.
Iron repletion is associated with reduction in platelet counts in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients independent of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use: a retrospective cohort study

Iron deficiency is common in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients and, on occasion, requires parenteral iron therapy. We investigated the effect of intravenous iron repletion on platelet counts in ND-CKD patients with and without concomitant darbepoetin administration. We conducted a retrospective analysis of ND-CKD patients with iron deficiency anemia treated with low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) between 2005 and 2009 at our CKD clinic. The primary end-point was change in platelet count 60 days post infusion of LMWID in those with and without concomitant darbepoetin administration. Secondary end-points were the correlations between changes in platelet count and iron indices. A total of 108 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The decrease in platelet counts in response to iron repletion was statistically significant (305.72 ± 108.86 vs 255.58 ± 78.97, P = < .0001). The decrease in platelet count was independent of concomitant darbepoetin use. Bivariate regression analysis between baseline platelet count and transferrin saturation by iron (TSAT) showed a negative association (βTSAT = −5.82, P = .0007) and moderate correlation (R = 0.32). Following iron treatment, the within individual changes in platelet count in 60 days were not related to changes in TSAT (βΔTSAT = −0.41, P = .399) and demonstrated a poor correlation (R = 0.10). Parenteral iron treatment by LMWID is associated with reduction in platelet counts in iron deficient anemic ND-CKD patients. However, ESA use in the majority of patients prior to intravenous iron administration could have altered platelet production through bone marrow competition.
Fear of Relativism

Although scholars toss around the word “relativism” when debating the merits of various methodological approaches in international studies, there is a lack of clarity about what it might mean to have a relativist position on the production of social-scientific knowledge. As a result, a lot of the ink spilled about the potential dangers of relativism is overblown. A little philosophical and logical clarity goes a long way towards dispelling that particular bogeyman.