cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 16.7 kb deletion in Sipa1l3 is associated with juvenile cataract in mice

Congenital or juvenile cataract is a disease condition in which opacification of the lenses is present at birth or manifests early in life. It has been attributed to different monogenic factors with a high degree of heterogeneity and is often studied using mouse models. A spontaneous mutation was identified in a mouse line selected for heat loss that influenced lens formation and resulted in juvenile cataracts in mice homozygous for the recessive allele. Genetic dissection of this selection line by combining high-density genotypes and homozygosity mapping uncovered a 906 kb fragment on MMU7 encompassing 21 SNPs split into two groups of consecutive, homozygous segments specific to the cataract phenotype. Haplotype analysis revealed a 197.5 kb segment unique to cataract-affected mice that included a single known transcript consisting of the first 14 exons of Sipa1l3. In this region, we discovered a deletion of 1114 bp at the mRNA level, spanning four coding exons, predicted to produce a truncated Sipa1l3 protein lacking a portion of a Rap-GAP domain and two other potentially vital domains. At the genome level, the deletion consisted of 16,733 bp. Genotyping across different samples confirmed that only affected mice were homozygous for the deletion and normal mice were either heterozygous or homozygous for the wild-type allele. Further studies will be required to determine the impact of the truncated Sipa1l3 domains on eye development.
Interactive sensitive data exposure detection through static analysis

Data security has become an increasingly important topic as information stored and transmitted in electronic form has become the preferred method. In order to protect this information, developers need to follow, at minimum, some basic guidelines to secure this data from malicious attackers. However, security often takes a backseat while developing software and is either not implemented at all or is patched into the software at the end. Both are undesirable as it leave the software vulnerable to sensitive data leaks and lowers the overall quality of the application. These issues can be introduced by developers of any skill level. Existing static or dynamic analysis tool does not provide the functionality of interaction with user, which we believe can be an extremely valuable feature. We present Secure Sensitive Data (SSD) Eclipse IDE plug-in that can help bridge the gap in sensitive data leaks by aiding software developers interactively by pointing out issues in real-time and enforcing certain standards to protect sensitive data. Our SSD plugin enforces five best practices and standards that should at minimum keep data encrypted and proper handling of sensitive data. By continuously involving and reminding the developers of the security implications, SSD helps to mitigate security flaws in future software applications.
Poly(α-methyleneglutarimide)s from radical polymerization of α-methyleneglutarimides

α-Methyleneglutaric acid, a metabolite of niacin (nicotinic acid), can be easily converted to its cyclic anhydride. We report here the first conversion of α-methyleneglutaric anhydride to (a series of) α-methyleneglutarimides. These monomers can be radically polymerized to the title polymers. These have relatively high glass transition properties compared to the lower homologs derived from itaconimides (α-methylenesuccinimides). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018.
Psychiatric morbidity and treatment of prison inmates.

The failure to provide adequate treatment for persons committed to mental institutions has recently received considerable attention. The doctrine of “the right to treatment” has been judicially expressed in the now famous Rouse v. Cameron decision (373F 2d 451), (D.C. Cir., 1966). Rouse was sent to St. Elizabeth Hospital in the District of Columbia after he was found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity. Three years later he sought release stating that he was not receiving adequate treatment to which he was entitled. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals stated that the possibility of ”indefinite commitment without treatment of one who has been found not criminally responsible may be so inhuman as to be cruel and unusual punishment.” A great deal of legal literature has been devoted to this issue.
Observation of Localized Phonon Modes by Superconductive Tunneling

We present here a brief outline of the way in which the density of phonon states in a superconductor may be obtained from tunneling data, with illustrative examples from the lead-indium alloy system. A detailed paper will appear elsewhere.(1)
THE MICROBIOLOGY OF SELF-SERVICE, PACKAGED, SQUARE SLICES OF COOKED HAM1

The microbial flora of 113 packages of sliced cooked ham was studied over a period of 11 months (samples purchased bi-weekly). When opened and analyzed, 49 packages from stores I and II revealed counts of 1,000 to 42 million per square inch of surface area. Samples from 17 of 49 packages were sour (buttermilk odor) after 3 to 7 days at 4 to 11°C. The dominant organism in the sour samples was a non-heat resistant Microbacterium. Twenty-four samples from packages of vacuum-packed, sliced ham from store III showed counts of fewer than 248,000 per square inch; 3 samples were sour at 7 days (4 to 11°C.) Eighteen packages of sliced ham from stores I and II were stored at 4 to 11°C for 7 days before opening; counts ranged from 3.4 million to 650 million, and 8 packages were sour. Eleven of 20 packages of vacuum-packed ham stored 7 days at 4 to 11°C before opening (store III) showed counts of 1,000 to 60,000; no souring was observed in any of the 20 packages.
Obligations of States in Disputed Areas of the Continental Shelf

Normally, a coastal State has sovereign rights to explore and exploit the natural resources of the continental shelf appurtenant to its territory. In some situations, however, States have overlapping claims as to their continental shelves, which raises important issues as to how such States must conduct themselves prior to resolution of their dispute. This chapter advances eight basic rules that every State is expected to follow in such a situation. Inevitably, such rules are general in nature and will have variable effects when applied in context. Nevertheless, it is submitted that such rules provide importance guidance to States in upholding their overall duty to resolve disputes peacefully.
Wage Trickle Down vs. Rent Trickle Down: How does an increase in college graduates affect wages and rents?

We extend the Rosen–Roback spatial equilibrium model to show that increasing city‐level college share affects welfare distribution by changing both wages and housing costs heterogeneously across individuals with different education levels. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) from 1980 to 2013, we confirm that high‐skilled workers gain greater benefits from living in cities with a rising college share, as the increase in their wage premiums outweighs their rent growth. However, the increased earnings of the unskilled are completely offset by higher housing rents. In response to the college graduate influx, housing wealth also increases significantly more for college graduates, further widening the welfare gap. The increased welfare gap is greater in cities where housing supply is inelastic.
Graphical Models and Collective Choice

Abstract : When groups of individuals make collective decisions, it is obvious that if all members share similar goals, agreement will be reached more quickly than if members have diverse opinions. This common-sense notion is quantified by using the framework of graphical models to relate choices that group members may favor. It is shown that the similarity relations between members' choices play the dominant role in the ease or difficulty with which the group can reach agreement. If similarity relations among members' choices are sparse, then consensus is likely to be very fragile and easy to disrupt. Five specific findings of this nature are reported. In addition, there are three other spin-off results. Two are related to biological system design; the third relates measures for predictability and Shannon information.
Evaluating chronic emotional dysregulation and irritability in relation to ADHD and depression genetic risk in children with ADHD.

BACKGROUND A central nosological problem concerns the etiological relationship of emotional dysregulation with ADHD. Molecular genetic risk scores provide a novel method for informing this question. METHODS Participants were 514 community-recruited children of Northern European descent age 7-11 defined as ADHD or non-ADHD by detailed research evaluation. Parents-rated ADHD on standardized ratings and child temperament on the Temperament in Middle Childhood Questionnaire (TMCQ) and reported on ADHD and comorbid disorders by semi-structured clinical interview. Categorical and dimensional variables were created for ADHD, emotional dysregulation (implicating disruption of regulation of both anger-irritability and of positive valence surgency-sensation seeking), and irritability alone (anger dysregulation). Genome-wide polygenic risk scores (PRS) were computed for ADHD and depression genetic liability. Structural equation models and computationally derived emotion profiles guided analysis. RESULTS The ADHD PRS was associated in variable-centered analyses with irritability (β = .179, 95% CI = 0.087-0.280; ΔR2 = .034, p < .0002), but also with surgency/sensation seeking (B = .146, 95%CI = 0.052-0.240, ΔR2 =.022, p = .002). In person-centered analysis, the ADHD PRS was elevated in the emotion dysregulation ADHD group versus other ADHD children (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.03-2.20, Nagelkerke ΔR2 = .013, p = .033) but did not differentiate irritable from surgent ADHD profiles. All effects were independent of variation in ADHD severity across traits or groups. The depression PRS was related to oppositional defiant disorder but not to ADHD emotion dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS Irritability-anger and surgency-sensation seeking, as forms of negative and positively valenced dysregulated affect in ADHD populations, both relate principally to ADHD genetic risk and not mood-related genetic risk.
Quantum parametric mode sorting for remote sensing and imaging

Detection signal to noise ratio lies at the heart of any remote sensing task. Matched filters have long been deployed as the optimal devices for radio and microwave receiving. However, their implements in the optics domain are challenging due to a much higher bandwidth and the intensity-only measurement by incoherent detectors. For applications involving high noise and low signal, their utilities are overly restricted by a fundamental trade-off between the signal detection efficiency and noise rejection. In this talk, I will describe a nascent approach, quantum parametric mode sorting, to addressing these practical and fundamental challenges. It is realized via quantum frequency conversion at the phase matching edge, where the signal distillation, picosecond timing tagging, and wavelength transduction are accomplished during a single pass through a nonlinear waveguide or crystal. I will report our experimental progress on using it a variety of single photon sensing and imaging tasks.
Perimitral ventricular tachycardia associated with remote inferior myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION Circuits underlying ventricular tachycardias (VTs) accompanying remote inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) are regarded to be located in the scar. Rotation around the mitral annulus (MA) had also been postulated. We tested whether entrainment mapping could confirm whether MA rotation in VTs post-IMI represented a "driving circuit." METHODS Three patients with IMI (male, left ventricular ejection fraction range 13%-40%) with hemodynamically tolerated VT (cycle length 365-690 ms) were studied with activation and entrainment mapping of the MA. RESULTS Patients showed QRS morphologies reported for VTs following IMI: LBBB (left bundle branch block) pattern and/or right bundle pattern. Entrainment revealed the entire MA perimeter constituted the circuit, that is, macroreentry (path length greater than 13 cm in one case). Areas showing prolonged fractionated electrograms (accounting for over 50% of tachycardia cycle length) demonstrated concealed entrainment indicative of slow conduction through (and not around) the scar. Concealed entrainment was observed along the MA, with similar stimulus-QRS intervals when pacing during normal sinus rhythm. Radiofrequency ablation of the inferior isthmus from scar to MA (epicardially in one case) abolished tachycardia. In follow-up, two patients had no VT recurrence and maintained NYHA Class 1 functional status during several years of follow-up. The other patient continued to deteriorate with rapidly progressive HF, had recurrent VT within 3 months, proceeding to transplant within 9 months. Our findings confirm a single-loop perimitral circuit, which is largely (if not exclusively) protected by anatomical barriers. This differs from the established "figure-of-8" VT model. CONCLUSION Single-loop macroreentrant mitral annular circuits may underlie some VTs following inferior wall infarcts.
Friendly Spaces for Functional Differential Equations with Infinite Delay

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes friendly spaces for functional differential equations (FDE) with infinite delay. Several interesting theorems and techniques for FDEs with infinite delay have been developed. One of the purposes of the chapter is to provide an update of some of the results that have been obtained, and discusses certain phase spaces (that is, spaces of initial functions) that are “friendly” with respect to current research involving existence, comparison theorems, convergence of solutions, and periodic solutions. The choice of phase space for FDEs with finite delay (or for ordinary differential equations—ODES) is standard. However the situation for infinite delay equations is quite different. For this case, there are several possibilities, and an underlying space usually is chosen in connection with the particular equation at hand. The chapter discusses some results on admissible spaces. A convergence results is also presented, and existence of a periodic solution is described.
Polymorphism of genes in the lipid metabolism pathway and the risk of biliary tract cancers: a population-based study in Shanghai, China

2557 Cancers of the biliary tract, encompassing the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, and ampulla of Vater, are rare, but often fatal. Their etiology remains poorly understood, with gallstones being one of the few known risk factors. Since cholesterol supersaturation of the bile is an essential component of gallstone formation, variants of genes encoding cholesterol transport and metabolism may affect the function of lipoproteins, thereby increasing the risk of gallstones and biliary tract cancers. In a population-based case-control study conducted in Shanghai, China, we examined the role of genetic susceptibility related to lipid metabolism in biliary tract stone and cancer etiology. The study included 406 incident biliary tract cancer cases (235 gallbladder, 125 extrahepatic bile duct, 46 ampulla of Vater), 880 biliary tract stone cases (663 gallbladder, 217 bile duct), and 779 healthy controls randomly selected from the general population and frequency matched to cancer cases on age and sex. Genomic DNA extracted from buffy coat was used to genotype the following 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five genes using Taqman assays: arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5 IVS3+99), apolipoprotein B (ApoB T98I, P2739L, IVS23-79, IVS6+360), apolipoprotein E (ApoE IVS1+69), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR 3’UTR, IVS9-30, R471, R744, IVS17-53, IVS17-42, 441), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL IVS5+948). The success rate of genotyping was > 98%, and the concordance of genotyping in duplicate samples was > 99%. All genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among population controls. Variants in two of the five genes were associated with biliary tract stones or cancers. Relative to individuals with the CC genotype of the ApoE IVS1+69 polymorphism those with the G allele (GC+GG genotypes) had a 2-fold (95% CI 1.3-3.1) and 2.5-fold (95% CI 1.2-5.1) risk of bile duct and ampulla of Vater cancers, respectively. These risks were more pronounced among men and among individuals without diabetes or with a lower body mass index (BMI ≤ 23 kg/m2). Among men, but not women, the ApoE IVS1+69 G variant was also associated with a significant excess risk of gallstones and gallbladder cancer. There was a suggestive association between LDLR IVS9-30 and bile duct cancer. Men who carried both high-risk alleles for ApoE IVS1+69 and LDLR IVS9-30 had a 5-fold risk of bile duct cancer (OR=5.34, 95% CI 2.1-13.8). These results suggest that the etiology of biliary tract stones and cancers involves a complex interplay of the ApoE gene, which encodes the ApoE protein that is essential for lipoprotein binding and cholesterol homeostasis, with other risk factors. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Undecidability and incompleteness results in automata theory

Automata theory is inextricably intertwined with undecidability and incompleteness results. This papers explores the beautiful panorama of undecidability and Godel-like incompleteness results in automata theory that reveals their ubiquity and clarifies and illustrates how the severity of these results changes with the complexity of the problems and the computing power of the automata.
Chapter VIII Primate cingulate cortex chemoarchitecture and its disruption in Alzheimer's disease

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the chemoarchitecture of primate cingulate cortex. It provides an overview of new immunohistochemical and histochemical preparations, new cytoarchitectural divisions of monkey sulcal cortex, and the only comprehensive consideration of chemoarchitectural changes in cingulated cortex in Alzheimer's disease. The anterior thalamic projection to retrosplenial cortex is highly active metabolically. This input expresses calcium-binding proteins and degenerates in Alzheimer's disease (AD), possibly when the calcium-buffering capacity of these proteins is exceeded. The cingulumotomy lesion provides an important experimental tool for assessing pre- and post-synaptic relations of chemoarchitecturally unique entities in primate posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). In addition, the lesion provides a tool for complete cholinergic deafferentation of PCC. The joint analysis of cingulate cytoarchitecture, microciruitry, and chemoarchitecture provides new insights into the structural and functional organization of the major part of the grand limbic lobe of Broca.
Galactic rotation in real time

Astronomers suspect that there is a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, but the evidence is all indirect. Measurements of the acceleration of stars close to the Galactic centre provide stronger confirmation of the location and size of this dark mass.
What Do Individual Development Accounts Do? Evidence from a Controlled Experiment

This paper evaluates the first controlled field experiment on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Including their own contributions and matching funds, treatment group members could accumulate up to $6,750 for home purchase or $4,500 for other qualified uses. Almost all treatment group members opened accounts, but many withdrew the balances for unqualified purposes. For black renters at baseline, the IDA raised home ownership rates by almost 10 percentage points over 4 years, but reduced financial assets and business ownership. White renters experienced no home ownership effects, but business equity rose. Home owners used the IDA in different ways than renters.
Globalization, Domestic Stability and Freedom of the Press

This chapter empirically models the determinants of ―press freedom,‖ which is an important, if understudied, institution of good governance. A free press plays a vital economic role in aggregating information, facilitating coordination, reducing transaction costs, increasing transparency, and holding economic and political elites accountable. Therefore actors who believe in sound economic governance should support the creation of an independent press, while those that seek to obscure bad information should oppose it. Drawing on the literature on the nexus of economic globalization and democracy, this study explains economic globalization‘s impact on states‘ calculations regarding press freedom. Economic globalization is modeled not as a single unified process, but rather as a disaggregated interrelated set of economic and political processes. Using panel data from the period 1993-2006, it finds empirical support for the significant influence of investment ratings, ―market–seeking‖ foreign direct investment, and international aid in promoting press freedom. However these positive influences are countered by with the negative effects of trade liberalization, ―efficiency-seeking‖ FDI, and social instability. Thus economic globalization generates contradictory pressures with respect to press freedom. This is because only certain types of international investment have an interest in greater transparency, while other processes such as trade liberalization can lead to a social backlash and instability, indirectly undermining globalizations positive influences. These results are robust with respect to different estimation techniques and alternative specifications.
Localized sinus inflammation in a rabbit sinusitis model induced by Bacteroides fragilis is accompanied by rigorous immune responses.

Abstract We evaluated inflammatory and immune responses against Bacteroides fragilis in a rabbit sinusitis model. Bacteroides was inoculated into the left maxillary sinus, and inflammatory (histology, cell number/cytology, lactose dehydrogenase, and apoptosis) and immune responses in the sinus, airway, and peripheral blood (PB) were determined for up to 4 weeks. In the inflamed sinus, the lactose dehydrogenase level was markedly elevated, with neutrophilic infiltration, severe tissue inflammation, and increased apoptosis. Low-grade tissue inflammation was present in the contralateral and sham-operated sinuses, but other parameters remained unchanged, and so did those in the airway and PB in the inoculated rabbits. Serum IgG antibody levels increased rapidly, were highest at 3 weeks, and began to decline at 4 weeks. Cellular immune responses (proliferation and interferon-γ mRNA expression) against Bacteroides were detected in the PB of all inoculated rabbits. Vigorous immune responses against Bacteroides may have localized but failed to terminate inflammation in the sinus, indicating importance of microenvironmental factors. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;120:869-75.)
Parental abandonment: A unique form of loss and narcissistic injury

This paper presents an overview of the effects of parent loss, looking initially at the voluminous and significant research regarding institutionalized children, and children who have lost a parent by death> In contrast to the considerable literature and information about these child populations, less has been written regarding the abandoned child. Otto Kernberg's and Heinz Kohut's newer theories of the psychology of the self, and narcissistic personality disturbances are viewed as providing useful new insights about the abandoned child population. Two cases are presented, followed by application of Kohut's and Kernberg's treatment approaches. These newer treatment interventions offer more optimism for work with abandoned children, who are an ever increasing population.
Serine-Threonine Ubiquitination Mediates Downregulation of BST-2/Tetherin and Relief of Restricted Virion Release by HIV-1 Vpu

The HIV-1 protein Vpu counteracts the antiviral activity of the innate restriction factor BST-2/tetherin by a mechanism that partly depends on its interaction with β-TrCP, a substrate adaptor for an SCF (Skp-Cullin 1-F box) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This suggests that Vpu stimulates the ubiquitination of BST-2 and that this underlies the relief of restriction. Here, we show that Vpu stimulates ubiquitination of BST-2. Mutation of all potential ubiquitination sites in the cytoplasmic domain of BST-2, including lysines, cysteines, serines, and threonines, abrogates Vpu-mediated ubiquitination. However, a serine-threonine-serine sequence specifically mediates the downregulation of BST-2 from the cell surface and the optimal relief of restricted virion release. Serine-threonine ubiquitination of BST-2 is likely part of the mechanism by which Vpu counteracts innate defenses.
An elemental rationing technique for assessing concentration data from a complex water system

Abstract Water samples have been collected at the surface and bottom layers at 51 locations throughout Chesapeake Bay. The suspended particulate and dissolved fractions of these samples have been analyzed for Cd, Ce, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sn, Th, U, and Zn using neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Special chemical procedures were used to preconcentrate the elements of interest in the dissolved samples and separate them from the salt water matrix. The elemental concentrations observed in the dissolved samples were evaluated by direct comparison to those found in coastal seawater; however, the elemental concentrations in the particulate samples (mass per volume of water) were strongly influenced by the total amount of particulate material suspended in the water at time of collection. A double normalization procedure was used to calculate crustal enrichment factors for each sample, and these enrichment factors provided both a means to observe sample-to-sample variations, and also allowed a crude comparison with the natural levels occurring in the earth's crust.
Absorbance-based spectroelectrochemical sensor for [Re(dmpe)3]+ (dmpe = dimethylphosphinoethane)

A spectroelectrochemical sensor was developed for [Re(dmpe)3]+ as a non radioactive analog for [Tc(dmpe)3]+. The sensor consists of an optically transparent electrode (OTE) coated with a thin film of sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SSEBS). Colorless [Re(dmpe)3]+ was reversibly oxidized to [Re(dmpe)3]2+ (λmax = 530 nm). [Re(dmpe)3]+ preconcentrated by ion-exchange into the SSEBS film, resulting in a 20-fold increase in peak current compared to a bare OTE after 1 h of exposure to aqueous [Re(dmpe)3]+ solution. Detection of [Re(dmpe)3]+ at concentrations down to 2 x 10 6 M was accomplished by electrochemical modulation of the complex and monitoring absorbance by attenuated total reflectance (ATR).
Optimizing fluorescent labeling of endothelial cells for tracking during long-term studies of autologous transplantation.

Abstract Background. The fluorescent marker PKH26 has been demonstrated to be useful for the tracking of endothelial cells in short-term studies; however, the optimal labeling conditions for long-term implants have not been determined. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of PKH26 on endothelial cell proliferation and to identify labeling conditions that would yield the greatest fluorescence over time without adversely affecting cell viability. Materials and methods. Canine jugular vein endothelial cells (CJVECs) were labeled with 0.04 μM PKH26. Proliferation of labeled and control cells was assessed for 8 consecutive days by [ 3 H]thymidine uptake. In a second experiment, CJVECs were labeled at concentrations of 0, 5, 8, 10, and 20 μmol/L. Cells were maintained in culture for 60 days. The fluorescence intensity of each cell population was measured using two techniques. At baseline and at 60 days, fluorescence was measured using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. On days 14, 28, 45, and 60 fluorescence was measured by constructing gray-scale histograms from photomicrographs taken of each flask under rhodamine illumination. Mean viable cell number for each concentration was determined after 60 days. Results. In the first experiment, PKH26-labeled and unlabeled CJVECs demonstrated nearly identical growth curves, suggesting that PKH26 had no adverse effect on proliferation. In the second experiment, after 60 days, the 10 and 20 μM groups displayed greater fluorescence by histogram than the 0, 5, or 8 μM groups; however, they were not significantly different from each other (mean intensity 8.2 vs 9.1, P > 0.05, Student–Newman–Keuls test for multiple comparisons). Over 60 days, the cells labeled with 20 μM PKH26 experienced the only significant decrease in viable cells compared to the unlabeled group (5.5 × 10 5 vs 9.6 × 10 5 cells/flask, P P > 0.05). Conclusions. We conclude that a concentration of 10 μM PKH26 provides the optimal labeling condition for endothelial cells when long-term tracking is desired.
Detection of methamphetamine in the presence of nicotine using in situ chemical derivatization and ion mobility spectrometry.

The detection of methamphetamine in the presence of nicotine has been successfully accomplished using in situ chemical derivatization with propyl chloroformate as the derivatization reagent and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The rapid detection of methamphetamine is important for forensic scientists in order to establish a chain of evidence and link criminals to the crime scene. Nicotine is pervasive in clandestine drug laboratories from cigarette smoke residue. It has been demonstrated that nicotine obscures the methamphetamine peaks in ion mobility spectrometers due to their similar charge affinities and ion mobilities, which makes their detection a challenging task. As a consequence, false positive or negative responses may arise. In situ chemical derivatization poses as a sensitive, accurate, and reproducible alternative to remove the nicotine background when detecting nanogram amounts of methamphetamine. The derivatization agent was coated onto the sample disk, and the derivatization product corres...
The Immunohistochemical Profile of the Myelomeningocele Placode: Is the Placode Normal?

One key to predicting optimal outcome of novel treatments, such as fetal surgery, for myelomeningocele is understanding the structure of the placode. We hypothesize that if the placode retains normal patterning and is simply unneurulated, then repair may be effective in preventing secondary injury. Serial sections of human myelomeningocele placodes were characterized using novel immunohistochemical caudal spinal cord markers (H4C4, AC4, NOT, VIN-IS-53, and FP3) and established structural markers (e.g. neurofilament, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or synaptophysin). The myelomeningocele placodes studied exhibited abnormal patterning along the dorsoventral and rostrocaudal axes indicative of a change in pattern determination and a paucity of maturing neurons. In addition, there was significant inflammatory infiltrate, gliosis and fibrosis consistent with secondary injury. Additionally, injury to the placode was also demonstrated. The combination of effects may be contributory to abnormal spinal cord function in myelomeningocele patients.
Selective Cerebellar and Basal Ganglia Injury in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High core body temperatures have been shown to selectively damage the cerebellum and basal ganglia in malignant hyperthermia, but involvement of both areas in neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has not been described. METHODS Here, we report a case of acute cerebellar and basal ganglia injury by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of NMS. We discuss the pathophysiology, both of NMS and hyperthermic brain injury. RESULTS MRI showed new restricted diffusion in cerebellar hemispheres bilaterally and right basal ganglia when compared with brain MRI obtained 1 month prior. T2 FLAIR hyperintensities corresponding to diffusion restriction were also seen in the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS Both the basal ganglia and cerebellum can be injured selectively in NMS.
Lessons learned from a randomized trial of airway secretion clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis.

Rationale Airway secretion clearance therapies are a cornerstone of cystic fibrosis care, however longitudinal comparative studies are rare. Our objectives were to compare three therapies [postural drainage and percussion: (postural drainage), flutter device (FD), and high frequency chest wall oscillation: (vest)], by studying (1) change in pulmonary function; (2) time to need for intravenous (IV) antibiotics, (3) use of pulmonary therapies, (4) adherence to treatment, (5) treatment satisfaction, and (6) quality of life. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to one of three therapies twice daily. Clinical outcomes were assessed quarterly over 3 years. Results Enrollment goals were not met, and withdrawal rates were high, especially in postural drainage (51%) and FD (26%), compared to vest (9%), resulting in early termination. FEV1 decline, time to need IV antibiotics, and other pulmonary therapies were not different. The annual FEF25–75% predicted rate of decline was greater in those using vest (P = 0.02). Adherence was not significantly different (P = 0.09). Overall treatment satisfaction was higher in vest and FD than in postural drainage (P < 0.05). Health-related quality of life was not different. The rate of FEV1 decline was 1.23% predicted/year. Conclusions The study was ended early due to dropout and smaller than expected decline in FEV1. Patients were more satisfied with vest and FD. The longitudinal decline in FEF25–75% was faster in vest; we found no other difference in lung function decline, taken together this warrants further study. The slow decline in FEV1 illustrates the difficulty with FEV1 decline as a clinical trial outcome. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:291–300. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
INTRASPINOUS INFECTION IN EXPERIMENTAL POLIOMYELITIS

By intraspinous injections of specimens of poliomyelitic virus of suitable virulence infection can be caused regularly in Macacus rhesus monkeys. The virus passes from the subarachnoid spaces into the nervous tissues in which it multiplies, and into the blood. The constant involvement of the pia-arachnoid membranes in poliomyelitis, even when no paralysis occurs, and the fact that infection can readily be produced by intraspinous inoculation suggests anew that in the pathogenesis of poliomyelitis the interstitial tissue changes within the meninges, blood vessels, and ground substance play a determining part. While the virus injected into the subarachnoid spaces can be demonstrated there by inoculation tests forty-eight hours after the injection it can no longer be detected on the sixth day, at a time when the first symptoms of infection make their appearance. The failure of the cerebrospinal fluid from human and experimental cases of poliomyelitis to produce the disease when inoculated into monkeys is due to the fact that the virus is either fixed by the nervous tissues or passes into the blood.
Shock wave structure in gas mixtures with large mass disparity

The structure of normal shock waves is considered when the ratio of molecular masses mp/m of a binary mixture of inert monatomic gases is large and the density ratio ρp/ρ is of order unity or below. Generalized hydrodynamic equations, valid for arbitrary intermolecular potentials, are obtained from a hypersonic closure of the kinetic equation for the heavy gas and a near-equilibrium closure for the light component. Because the Prandtl number of the light gas and the Schmidt number of the mixture are nearly constant, the only independent transport coefficient arising in the model is the viscosity μ of the light gas, which is absorbed into a new independent position variable s. Knowledge of μ as a function of temperature thus determines the shock structure independently from the details of the intermolecular potential, allowing comparison with experiments in the complete absence of free parameters. In terms of the ratio M (frozen Mach number) between the speed of propagation and the sound speed of the light gas in the unperturbed medium, one finds that: (i) When M > 1, the behaviour is similar to that of a ‘dusty gas’, with a broad relaxation layer (outer solution) following a sharp boundary layer through which the speed of the heavy gas is almost constant (a shock within a shock). (ii) When (1 + ρp/ρ)s−½ 1, showing a failure of the Chapman–Enskog theory, even for weak shocks, when the heavy gas is dilute. Also, an algebraic explanation arises for the ‘double hump structure’ observed in He–Xe shocks. (iv) When M is nearly unity, the initial boundary layer spreads out, and the structure must be obtained by integration of a numerically unstable system of three differential equations. However, the reduction of order brought about by the weak variation of the light-gas entropy at the head of the shock, results in a stable system of equations that we integrate numerically. Excellent phase-space agreement with recent shock-tube experiments of Tarczynski, Herczynski & Walenta (1986) is found for both weak and strong shocks.
Time-resolved inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements with individual, monodisperse drop sample introduction.

Individual ion clouds, each produced in the ICP from a single drop of sample, were monitored using time-resolved mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry simultaneously. The widths of the ion clouds in the plasma as a function of distance from the point of initial desolvated particle vaporization in the ICP were estimated. The Li+ cloud width (full width at halfmaximum) varied from 85 to 272 μs at 3 and 10 mm from the apparent vaporization point, respectively. The Sr+ cloud width varied from 97 to 142 μs at 5 and 10 mm from the apparent vaporization point, respectively. The delays between optical and mass spectrometry signals were used to measure gas velocities in the ICP. The velocity data could then be used to convert ion cloud peak widths in time to cloud sizes in the ICP. Li+ clouds varied from 2.1 to 6.6 mm (full width at half-maximum) and Sr+ clouds varied from 2.4 to 3.5 mm at the locations specified above. Diffusion coefficients were estimated from experimental data to be 88, 44, and 24...
Reflective Writing and the Spirit of Inquiry

(1989). Reflective Writing and the Spirit of Inquiry. Cambridge Journal of Education: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 71-80.
Determination of proton transverse relaxation times in homonuclear-coupled Spin Systems

A new method is described for obtaining proton transverse relaxation times in homonuclear-coupled systems. The oscillatory effect of the coupling on the T2 decay was removed by using the attached heteronucleus as a filter. A BIRD pulse (J. R. Garbow, D. P. Weitekamp, and A. Pines, Chem. Phys. Lett. 93, 504, 1982) was applied in the center of the T2 decay period, causing protons directly and remotely connected to the heteronucleus to be decoupled from each other. Protons directly bound to the heteronucleus were inverted, leaving remote protons unaffected. Thus the method works well in natural-abundance 13C and 15N systems or for 15N-enriched biological materials, where no NN connectivities exist. The importance of obtaining proton T2 values pertains to their usefulness and sensitivity in quantitating structure and mobility in molecules. Sequences for obtaining proton T2 values were described and demonstrated on formate, alcohol, and gramicidin S. The accuracy of the measured T2 as a function of X-nucleus offset and heteronuclear coupling constant was assessed.
Safety of expedited anticoagulation in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiographic-guided cardioversion.

Abstract Background In patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography-guided cardioversion, we evaluated the use and safety of an expedited in-hospital anticoagulation regimen that incorporates shorter-than-standard durations of precardioversion intravenous unfractionated heparin and postcardioversion bridging therapy with a low-molecular-weight heparin. Methods Adult patients who underwent successful transesophageal echocardiography-guided cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter between May 2000 and August 2003 were classified into 2 groups by duration of intravenous unfractionated heparin therapy ( Results The study population of 386 patients included 199 (52%) who received expedited intravenous unfractionated heparin ( Conclusions The use of an expedited heparin anticoagulation regimen in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter undergoing transesophageal echocardiography-guided cardioversion appears to be safe. Cardioversion can be performed as early as a few hours after initiation of intravenous unfractionated heparin, and bridging therapy with a low-molecular-weight heparin can be used after cardioversion until the international normalized ratio is therapeutic.
PUBLIC LAND SALES AS INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTALISM

During the 1970s, conflict over land development restrictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin intensified. Funding of costly land purchases to preclude development emerged as a key problem in implementing timely and effective environmental protection. This timing coincided with pressures for land sales in and adjacent to urban “islands” in the public land “sea” of the West. One result was enactment of Public Law 95–586, co-authored by Congressmen Santini and Burton. Proceeds from public land sales near Las Vegas, Nevada, would be dedicated to purchase of environmentally sensitive lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin some 450 miles to the north. This study traces formation of the temporary coalition among local interests and Congressional leaders that yielded a possible model for future public lands conflict resolution. It then reviews and critiques the first four years of experience with implementation of the land sales element of the act. It concludes by suggesting some “fine tuning” which, if accepted by environmentalist groups at the national and local level, would point toward the use of the Santini-Burton approach as a source of funds to be used for environmental protection in other areas.
Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers and Their Application in Electroluminescent Devices

The formation of alternating electron transporting and hole transporting 15 nm lamellae within the active layer of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is demonstrated to improve device performance. A new multifunctional bipolar rod−coil block copolymer containing a poly(alkoxy phenylenevinylene) (PPV) rod-shaped block as the hole transporting and emitting material and a poly(vinyloxadiazole) coil-shaped electron transporting block is synthesized. This new block copolymer is the active material of a self-assembling multicomponent electroluminescent device that can be deposited in a single step. In the thin film, grazing incidence X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that the layers form grains which are oriented bimodally: parallel and perpendicular from the anode. In this mixed orientation, the device demonstrates better performance than those with either pure PPV or a blend of the two analogous homopolymers as the active materials, i.e., higher external quantum efficiency ...
Role of nonenzymatic glycosylation in atherogenesis

This review summarizes progress in nonenzymatic glycosylation research of potential relevance to atherosclerosis using a hypothetical model based on current concepts of atherogenesis. Recently, new information has been presented showing that the initial Amadori product undergoes a series of further reactions and rearrangements to form adducts, called advanced glycosylation end products (AGE). These products are irreversible and accumulate indefinitely on long-lived molecules. These AGE covalently trap soluble plasma proteins, act as signals for macrophage recognition and uptake, and induce mutations in double-stranded plasmid DNA. Covalent trapping of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by AGE on collagen or elastin could promote lipid accumulation in the arterial wall, whereas AGE trapping of von Willebrand factor would increase platelet adhesion and aggregation leading to intimal smooth muscle cell proliferation. Recognition and uptake of AGE-proteins by scavenging macrophages could further contribute to the process of atherogenesis by stimulating release of macrophage secretory products such as macrophage-derived growth factor. Accumulation of AGE on smooth muscle cell DNA might also enhance arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation by increasing the rate of mutations affecting growth controls. This model should provide the basis for future experiments.
Nanocrystalline TiO2-catalyzed solid-state polymerization of diacetylene in the visible region.

An amphiphilic diacetylene, 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid, was in-situ topochemically polymerized within a TiO2 nanostructure under visible light irradiation. The red shift of the wavelength at which the polymerization occurs can be attributed to the photocatalytic effect of TiO2 upon absorption of irradiation. Since visible light can be transmitted through the entire nanoporous TiO2 film, it is possible to obtain complete polymerization of the diacetylene monomers inside the TiO2 nanopores so as to provide an approach toward fabrication of the polydiacetylene/TiO2 nanocomposite structure and further development of optoelectronic devices.
Induction of cytochrome p-450 in congenic c57bl/6j mice by isosafrole: lack of correlation with the ah locus

Summary Isosafrole induction of cytochrome P-450 was compared in congenic strains of C57BL/6J mice, one of which expresses normal levels of the Ah receptor [B6(Ahb)], and another that does not contain a measurable receptor concentration [B6(Ahd)]. Using sucrose gradient analysis of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodi-benzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) binding, an Ah receptor concentration of 69.1±3.8 fmol/mg protein was measured in the hepatic cytosol from B6(Ahb) mice, while no receptor could be detected in the cytosol from B6(Ahd) mice. Isosafrole treatment (75 mg/kg × 3 days) increased the total hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 content to the same extent in the two congenic strains. The level of microsomal monooxygenase induction in the isosafrole-treated B6(Ahd) mice was greater than that of B6(Ahb) mice for ethylmorphine N-demethylase and isosafrole metabolite-complex formation, the latter a measure of cytochrome P2-450. In the case of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase only the isosafrole-treated B6(Ahd) mice had elevated microsomal activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) also revealed a similar induction pattern for the two congenic strains, following isosafrole treatment. Thus, the isosafrole treated B6 (Ahd) mice produced an equivalent or slightly larger induction of cytochrome P-450 than the B6(Ahb) mice, suggesting that there is no direct role for the Ah receptor in the regulation of these cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities by isosafrole.