cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A challenging case of a AQP-4-seronegative, anti-MOG positive, NMOSD patient. (P2.079)

Objective: To present a thought-provoking case. Background: Recent Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) diagnostic criteria have broadened our understanding of the disease, including cases where typical Aquaporine-4-antibodies (AQP-4-abs) are negative, whereas, research is underway for the role of anti-MOG antibodies in these seronegative cases. Design/Methods: This refers to a 30-year-old, female patient with an initial episode of left-arm numbness attributed to a C5–C6 demyelinated lesion, negative brain MRI and AQP-4-IgG, positive oligoclonal bands and high IgG-index. Diagnosis of a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) was made but no treatment was initiated because the patient soon became pregnant. During her pregnancy, episodes of arm and/or leg numbness were observed. She received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for 6 months after giving birth, repeat MRIs were stable and was started on immunomodulatory treatment. Subsequently, she had multiple myelitis episodes for which she received cortisone but with transient effect. Repeat MRIs showed new lesions in the spinal cord, and only a minor lesion along the left optic nerve in the brain. Plasma-exchange had a moderate effect. Rituximab was initiated. After the first two rituximab doses the patient presented with bilateral optic neuritis, for which she received intravenous cortisone and slow per os tapering. At this point, repeat AQP-4-IgG was negative, but anti-MOG was positive. Due to serious complications (diabetes, pneumonia), cortisone was discontinued and IVIG was re-initiated. Results: The patient is now under treatment with rituximab every 6 months (depending on CD-19) and monthly IVIG infusions which stabilised her for the time-being. Conclusions: New evidence emerging on NMOSD disorders makes it easier to discriminate them from multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune cases, but as the above case shows there may be a lot of overlapping between the two, which warrants further research so as to attain more effective management. Disclosure: Dr. Karageorgiou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giannouli has nothing to disclose.
Microscopy of nanoparticles for semiconductor devices

The miniaturization of semiconductor devices brings the impending need for nanoscale components for which nanoparticles of semiconductor materials are uniquely suited. However, their small length scales are known to produce properties unique from those of their bulk form. Full characterization of the nanoparticles suggested for use in devices becomes imperative. This study investigates silicon nanocubes prepared by a constricted-mode capacitive silane-argon plasma. These cubes have been proposed as key components in nanoscale transistors. Various techniques are used to examine these particles and their implementation in a potential device is explored.
Primate Models for the Management of Separation Anxiety

The clinical problem of anxiety has been the subject of extensive research in both child and adult psychopathology--one that has been highlighted with the increased emphasis on phenomenology in psychiatric diagnosis during the past decade. The current diagnostic and statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association (1987) includes several forms of anxiety disorders. In adults these include the categories of generalized anxiety disorders and panic attacks as well as phobic anxiety. Panic attacks are further subdivided and may occur with or without agoraphobia. In childhood there is an additional classification with designations for separation anxiety, separation anxiety disorder, and anticipatory anxiety, the overanxious disorder of childhood. Phobias may occur at all ages but the diagnoses of generalized anxiety and panic attacks ordinarily do not present until late adolescence and early adult life. The childhood forms present as the persistence and exaggeration of a normal developmental response to separation from the caregiver. When the response becomes maladaptive leading to personal distress or failure in adaptation, e.g. inability to attend school, a disorder is designated.
An Introduction to Child and Adolescent Neurology for Forensic Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists approaching adolescents or children with possible brain disease (encephalopathy) will find it useful first to attempt to classify the general nature of the neurologic pathology. All patients can be so classified and the time course of the illness will facilitate close focus on certain diagnostic categories and elimination of others. It must be emphasized that this classification requires a generally accurate history. The categories of neurologic disease can be listed as follows: 1. Congenital-chromosomal-genetic 2. Traumatic 3. Toxic-metabolic 4. Inflammatory 5. Vascular 6. Neoplastic 7. Degenerative
Integrating patterns into CASE tools

Software patterns are used to facilitate the reuse of object-oriented designs. While most Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools support the use of Unified Modeling Language (UML) (Alhir & Oram, 1998) to extract the design from the software engineer and assist in development, most do not provide assistance in the integration and code generation of software patterns. In this chapter, we analyze the Iterator software pattern (Gamma et al., 1995) for the semantics that would be used in a CASE-design tool to help the software engineer to integrate this pattern into a design and then generate some of the code needed to implement the pattern. This work is based on semantic data modeling techniques that were previously proposed for the design of active databases (Brawner, MacKellar, Peckham & Vorbach, 1997; Peckham, MacKellar & Doherty, 1995).
Pets and the Therapeutic Process

Abstract This chapter addresses some common challenges in psychotherapy, such as inconsistent attendance, premature termination of therapy, and treatment noncompliance. This chapter also provides empirical and theoretical support for the use of clients' companion animals as treatment adjuncts. The evidence may be for structured utilization of companion animals, in treating trauma and cases of interpersonal violence, in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, in the treatment of children, and in individuals with insecure attachment styles. Finally, case examples of the use of clients' own companion animals within the therapy setting will be provided.
Echoes of insight: past perspectives and the future of Christian higher education

While Christian higher education has focused on adapting business models to increase enrolment and thrive in a competitive academic market, Patrick Allen and Kenneth Badley believe that such instit...
Influence of a thiamethoxam seed treatment on acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicide–induced injury to inbred and hybrid imidazolinone-resistant rice

The increased use of insecticide seed treatments in rice has raised many questions about the potential benefits of these products. In 2014 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted near Stuttgart and Lonoke, AR, to evaluate whether an insecticide seed treatment could possibly lessen injury from acetolactate synthase (ALS)–inhibiting herbicides in imidazolinone-resistant (IR) rice. Two IR cultivars were tested (a hybrid, ‘CLXL745’, and an inbred, ‘CL152’), with and without an insecticide seed treatment (thiamethoxam). Four different herbicide combinations were evaluated: a nontreated control, two applications of bispyribac-sodium (hereafter bispyribac), two applications of imazethapyr, and two applications of imazethapyr plus bispyribac. The first herbicide application was to two- to three-leaf rice, and the second immediately prior to flooding (one- to two-tiller). At both 2 and 4 wk after final treatment (WAFT), the sequential applications of imazethapyr or bispyribac plus imazethapyr were more injurious to CLXL745 than CL152. This increased injury led to decreased groundcover 3 WAFT. Rice treated with thiamethoxam was less injured than nontreated rice and had improved groundcover and greater canopy heights. Even with up to 32% injury, the rice plants recovered by the end of the growing season, and yields within a cultivar were similar with and without a thiamethoxam seed treatment across all herbicide treatments. Based on these results, thiamethoxam can partially protect rice from injury caused by ALS-inhibiting herbicides as well as increase groundcover and canopy height; that is, the injury to rice never negatively affected yield.
When fund ows take the fun (alpha) away

We provide new evidence for diseconomies of scale at the mutual fund level. Building on Berk and Green (2004) and allowing for gradual adjustment to equilibrium, we show that (quarterly) changes in fund performance are strongly negatively related to lagged predicted fund ows. We nd that alphas would be more cross-sectionally dispersed and more persistent without the damping eect of ows. Thus, ows are an important factor behind the lack of predictability in mutual fund performance. This ow mechanism is strongest for smaller and more active funds with higher expense ratios, suggesting that it is related to the stock illiquidity and costly search for investment opportunities.
Health insurance coverage and sources of advice in entrepreneurship: Gender differences

Abstract Most of the previous literature examining health insurance and entrepreneurship focused on the effects of provisions of health insurance coverage on the decision to start or end self-employment. This paper takes a different approach and investigates the decision to purchase health insurance once self-employed. Using data from the US Federal Reserve Board’s 2016 Survey of Consumer Finances, we found that in 2016 (when full provisions of the Affordable Care Act were in place) the self-employed were less likely to be insured, especially females who in the general population are more likely to be insured. Compared to the general population, the odds of being covered by health insurance were 62% lower for self-employed males and 83% lower for self-employed females. Additionally, self-employed females were less likely to be insured when they reported using friends and family as a source of financial information.
Maternal and cord plasma branched‐chain amino acids and child risk of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: a prospective birth cohort study

BACKGROUND Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are essential amino acids involved in biological functions of brain development and recently linked with autism. However, their role in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not well-studied. We investigated individual and combined relationships of maternal plasma and newborn cord plasma BCAAs with childhood development of ADHD. METHODS We utilized the Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly urban, low-income, US minority population. Child developmental outcomes were defined in three mutually exclusive groups - ADHD, neurotypical (NT), or other developmental disabilities based on physician diagnoses per ICD-9 or 10 in medical records. The final sample included 626 children (299 ADHD, 327 NT) excluding other developmental disabilities. BCAAs were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We used factor analysis to create composite scores of maternal and cord BCAA, which we divided into tertiles. Logistic regressions analyzed relationships between maternal or cord BCAA tertiles with child ADHD risk, controlling for maternal race, age, parity, smoking, education, low birth weight, preterm birth, and child sex. Additionally, we analyzed maternal and cord plasma BCAAs jointly on child ADHD risk. RESULTS Adjusted logistic regression found significantly increased odds of child ADHD diagnosis for the second (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.54, p = .032) and third tertiles (OR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.15, p = .002) of cord BCAA scores compared to the first tertile. This finding held for the third tertile when further adjusting for maternal BCAA score. There was no significant association between maternal BCAA score and child ADHD risk, nor a significant interaction between maternal and cord BCAA scores. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective US birth cohort, higher cord BCAA levels were associated with a greater risk of developing ADHD in childhood. These results have implications for further research into mechanisms of ADHD development and possible early life screening and interventions.
Overcoming Tumor Heterogeneity by Ex Vivo Arming of T Cells Using Multiple Bispecific Antibodies

PurposeTumoral heterogeneity is a hallmark of tumor evolution and cancer progression, being a longstanding challenge to targeted immunotherapy. Ex vivo armed T cells (EATs) using IgG-[L]- scFv bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are potent tumor-specific cytotoxic effectors. To improve the anti-tumor efficacy of EATs against heterogeneous solid tumors, we explored multi-antigen targeting approaches. MethodsEx vivo expanded T cells were armed with BsAbs built on the IgG-[L]-scFv platform, where an anti-CD3 (huOKT3) scFv was attached to the carboxyl end of both light chains of a tumor specific IgG. Multispecificity was created by combining monospecific EATs, combining BsAbs on the same T cell, or combining specificities on the same antibody. Three multi-antigens targeting EAT strategies were tested: (1) pooled EATs (simultaneous combination of monospecific EATs or alternate EATs (alternating combination of monospecific EATs), (2) dual-EATs or multi- EATs (T cells simultaneously armed with [≥] 2 BsAbs), and (3) TriAb-EATs [T cells armed with BsAb specific for two tumor targets besides CD3 (TriAb)]. The properties and efficiencies of these 3 strategies were evaluated by flow cytometry, in vitro cytotoxicity, cytokine release assays, and in vivo studies performed in BALB-Rag2-/-IL-2R-{gamma}c-KO (BRG) mice xenografted with cancer cell line (CDX) or patient-derived tumor (PDX). ResultsMulti-EATs retained target antigen specificity and anti-tumor potency. Cytokine release with multi-EATs in the presence of tumor cells was substantially less than when multiple BsAbs were mixed with unarmed T cells. When tested against CDXs or PDXs, dual- or multi-EATs effectively suppressed tumor growth without clinical toxicities. Most importantly, dual- or multi- EATs were highly efficient in preventing clonal escape while mono- or TriAb- EATs were not as efficient. ConclusionArming T cells with multiple BsAbs enabled multi-specific T cell immunotherapy which overcomes tumor heterogeneity without excessive cytokine release.
Beyond Fake News: Toward a Theory of Socially Constructed Political Information Seeking

In the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as we began to understand the impact of fake news on democratic discourse, librarians and information scientists joined the conversation about the roots of, operationalization of, and effects of the phenomenon. As did academics across a range of domains such as political science, psychology, and communication, the field of library and information science (LIS) searched for ways to apply theory and practice to the problem. Passionate analyses of the concepts of fake news, post-truth, and misinformation appeared in conference papers and panels, in journals, and in textbooks. The upshot was calls for librarians and LIS researchers to lead the fight against misinformation and for information literacy. Approaching the problem of misinformation through a lens of information literacy is sensible, and librarians and other LIS professionals have multiple tools for, and a successful history of, teaching information literacy. Information literacy training suggests that users consider the sources of information and support for any assertions, understand their own biases, and consult experts, among other tools. However, when the crisis of fake news is based in a lack of common agreement on what constitutes an authoritative source, if one person’s deep understanding of the truth is another person’s bias, we may need to consider additional approaches. The epistemic crisis we face has developed over many years of a growing asymmetry in the approach of liberals and conservatives to the concept of authority. And while conspiracy theories have been bubbling under the surface for years, new conspiracies now seem to spring forward on a daily, if not hourly basis. Add to this a weaponization of the concept of critical thinking that suggests there are no ground truths, and well-meaning information professionals brandishing information literacy tools may find themselves speaking past those they wish to educate. This research seeks to explore the influence of social worlds on political information seeking and knowledge construction. How can we examine socially constructed heuristics to find ways to communicate across the epistemic breach? How can we use this knowledge to interrogate the methods that govern the way information professionals approach information and digital literacy? The growing crisis in epistemology demands new ways of building understanding and authority.
Biophysical Assessment and Predicted Thermophysiologic Effects of Body Armor

Introduction Military personnel are often required to wear ballistic protection in order to defend against enemies. However, this added protection increases mass carried and imposes additional thermal burden on the individual. Body armor (BA) is known to reduce combat casualties, but the effects of BA mass and insulation on the physical performance of soldiers are less well documented. Until recently, the emphasis has been increasing personal protection, with little consideration of the adverse impacts on human performance. Objective The purpose of this work was to use sweating thermal manikin and mathematical modeling techniques to quantify the tradeoff between increased BA protection, the accompanying mass, and thermal effects on human performance. Methods Using a sweating thermal manikin, total insulation (IT, clo) and vapor permeability indexes (im) were measured for a baseline clothing ensemble with and without one of seven increasingly protective U.S. Army BA configurations. Using mathematical modeling, predictions were made of thermal impact on humans wearing each configuration while working in hot/dry (desert), hot/humid (jungle), and temperate environmental conditions. Results In nearly still air (0.4 m/s), IT ranged from 1.57 to 1.63 clo and im from 0.35 to 0.42 for the seven BA conditions, compared to IT and im values of 1.37 clo and 0.45 respectively, for the baseline condition (no BA). Conclusion Biophysical assessments and predictive modeling show a quantifiable relationship exists among increased protection and increased thermal burden and decreased work capacity. This approach enables quantitative analysis of the tradeoffs between ballistic protection, thermal-work strain, and physical work performance.
The structure of collagen and gelatin.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that collagen constitutes the major protein component of skin, bone, tendon, and all the other forms of connective tissue. An understanding of collagen seems to the clinician to be a necessary prerequisite to a rational attack on many and diverse connective tissue disorders currently lumped together as “collagen diseases.” The unusual amino acid composition of collagen had also been recognized for some time. One-third of the residues of all collagens seemed to be glycine, while about one-fourth were proline and hydroxyproline. However, the stereochemical consequences of the presence of these residues has only become clear as a result of the detailed studies of synthetic homo- and copolymers of glycine and proline. Consideration of such synthetic polypeptides as simplified models of certain features of collagen and gelatin has been extremely helpful in recent years, and constitutes the rationale for the inclusion of a section dealing specifically with these synthetic polypeptides in this chapter. It also reviews that the collagen ⇆ gelatin transformation in solution has been recognized as a reversible first-order phase transition, subject to the same physical laws which govern the crystalline ⇆ amorphous phase transitions observed in systems of linear polymers. The direct relationship between the transition in solution and the well-known thermal shrinkage phenomenon exhibited by collagen fibers has also been established.
New approaches to the design of self-synchronizing stream ciphers

Self-synchronizing stream ciphers (SSSC) are a commonly used encryption technique for channels with low bit error rate but for which bit synchronization can present a problem. Most presently used such ciphers are based on a block cipher (e.g. DES) in 1-bit cipher feedback mode. In this paper, several alternative design approaches for SSSCs are proposed that are superior to the design based on a block cipher with respect to encryption speed and potentially also with respect to security. A method for combining several SSSCs is presented that allows to prove that the combined SSSC is at least as secure as any of the component ciphers. The problem of designing SSSCs is contrasted with the problem of designing conventional synchronous additive stream ciphers and it is shown that different security criteria must be applied. Furthermore, an efficient algorithm is presented for finding a function of low degree that approximates a given Boolean function, if such an approximation exists. Its significance for the cryptographic security of SSSCs and its applications in coding theory are discussed.
A Catalan Werkstätte? Arts and Crafts Schools between Modernisme and Noucentisme

AbstractOne of the features of Catalan modernisme is the blend of vernacular crafts with structural and formal innovations, as found in the work of architects such as Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner. In the 1880s, they galvanized a generation of craftsmen and stimulated the establishment of new workshops, but were nonetheless dissatisfied by the lack of a formal education oriented toward these trades. Although Barcelona did eventually gain a School of Arts and Crafts, during the Noucentista years the architect Rafael Maso was still hindered in his attempt to create a “very modern” school based on a model of the Deutsche Werkstatten. The development of modern craft in Catalonia was carried out in spite of several failed or interrupted attempts at establishing an arts and crafts school system. Two generations of Catalan artists and architects were involved in this struggle, and as with other European nations at this time, their attempts were shaped by conflicting social and political agendas.
Stress Intensity and Flaw-shape Variations in Surface Flaws

Flaw shapes and stress-intensity distributions for a variety of technologically important surface-flaw problems using the frozen-stress method are described. Limitations of the method are noted. Results are used to illustrate effects peculiar to three-dimensional cracked-body problems.
A Review of “In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto”

In Defense of Food follows Michael Pollan's previous book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, a discussion of food production and ecology in westernized countries. Pollan's current work, is, as its subtitle s...
Polarization Spectroscopy of Condensed Phases

The various techniques of saturation spectroscopy have been widely used to eliminate Doppler broadening and to determine the splittings and homogeneous widths of spectral lines of vapors. Less attention, however, has been paid to the problem of removing inhomogeneous broadening from absorption lines of condensed phases. In many cases, the physically relevant information about the system can be obtained by time-domain techniques, but these techniques fail for levels with short relaxation times [1].
Spatio-temporal variations of double-couple aftershock mechanisms and possible volumetric earthquake strain

[1] We analyze spatio-temporal patterns in rotation angles of double-couple–constrained mechanisms of aftershocks of the 1992 Landers earthquake. The rotation angles provide information on the distribution of source geometries in different regions of space and time with respect to the mainshock focal mechanism. The results indicate that the mechanisms of the early aftershocks are more scattered and less aligned with the mainshock than those of the long-term events. This is most pronounced around the northern end of the Landers rupture, least pronounced around the central section, and intermediate around the southern end of the rupture. The relatively large scatter and misalignment of the mean rotation angles of the early focal mechanisms around the edges of the Landers rupture suggest possible volumetric earthquake strain in these regions. The results may reflect isotropic source terms produced by dynamic generation of rock damage. Synthetic tests indicate that the observed differences in the rotation distributions of the early and long-term events around the end regions of the Landers rupture can result from neglecting in the inversion process isotropic components that are 0.03–0.15 of the total event moments.
Removal of terrestrial DOC in aquatic ecosystems of a temperate river network

Surface waters play a potentially important role in the global carbon balance. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes are a major transfer of terrestrial carbon to river systems, and the fate of DOC in aquatic systems is poorly constrained. We used a unique combination of spatially distributed sampling of three DOC fractions throughout a river network and modeling to quantify the net removal of terrestrial DOC during a summer base flow period. We found that aquatic reactivity of terrestrial DOC leading to net loss is low, closer to conservative chloride than to reactive nitrogen. Net removal occurred mainly from the hydrophobic organic acid fraction, while hydrophilic and transphilic acids showed no net change, indicating that partitioning of bulk DOC into different fractions is critical for understanding terrestrial DOC removal. These findings suggest that river systems may have only a modest ability to alter the amounts of terrestrial DOC delivered to coastal zones.
Synthesis of erythrocyte glutathione in healthy adults consuming the safe amount of dietary protein

Background: The finding that plasma glutathione turnover decreases as dietary protein intake decreases suggests that the safe amount of dietary protein, although sufficient for maintenance of nitrogen balance, may be insufficient for maintenance of cellular glutathione. Objective: Our objective was to determine the effect of the safe protein intake on the erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rate and its relation with urinary 5-L-oxoproline excretion. Design: Erythrocyte glutathione synthesis and urinary 5-L-oxoproline excretion were measured in young adults (6 men and 6 women) by using an infusion of [13C2]glycine on 3 occasions: initially during the subjects' habitual protein intake (1.13 g · kg–1 · d–1) and on days 3 and 10 of consumption of a diet providing the safe protein intake (0.75 g · kg–1 · d–1). Results: Compared with baseline values, the fractional synthesis rate of erythrocyte glutathione was significantly lower (P Conclusion: During adaptation to the safe amount of dietary protein, there are changes in the concentration and kinetics of erythrocyte glutathione that suggest a reduced antioxidant capacity and possible increased susceptibility to oxidant stress.
Calorie Offsets: Environmental Policy for the Food Environment.

Although obesity continues to challenge the public’s health, effective policy solutions are wanting. Borrowing from environmental protection efforts, we explored the potential for a “calorie offset” regulatory mechanism, which is similar to the carbon emission offsets used to curb greenhouse gas emissions, to mitigate the harmful health externalities of unhealthy food production. This approach might have a number of advantages over traditional policy tools, and warrants attention from health policymakers and industry alike.
A role for Fli-1 in B cell proliferation: implications for SLE pathogenesis.

Transgenic overexpression of Fli-1 in normal mice leads to SLE-like disease and increased expression was reported in SLE-affected human and murine lymphocytes. Reducing Fli-1 expression in MRL/lpr mice decreased antibody production, proteinuria, renal pathology, and mortality. Compared to those with wild-type expression of Fli-1, we report here that proliferative responses of Fli-1-deficient naive B cells to several mitogens were reduced in lupus-prone and control mice. Expression of mitogen receptors, including BCR, TLR4, and TLR9, was not significantly impacted in Fli-1-deficient naive B cells. IL12a transcripts were upregulated and NFAT transcripts were downregulated in Fli-1-deficient MRL/lpr B cells. These results demonstrate that Fli-1 deficiency affects B cell proliferative responses to mitogens, independent of BCR and TLR expression. IL12a and NFAT, known to influence proliferation, were identified as potential mediators of this effect. This may be a mechanism by which overexpression of Fli-1 contributes to B cell hyperactivity and subsequent SLE pathogenesis.
Analytical model for tilted coils in eddy-current nondestructive inspection

The electromagnetic field and impedance of a cylindrical eddy-current probe coil are calculated analytically for arbitrary coil orientation above a conductive half-space. The remarkably simple closed-form expressions are provided as a function of coil tilt angle. The effect of tilt on the impedance change produced by a long crack is also investigated by combining the analytical model with an existing thin-skin theory for surface crack inspections. Results for both cracked and uncracked conductors are expected to be useful for evaluation of movement-generated noise in eddy-current inspections.
Behavioral rules, inventory adjustments and the stability of macroequilibria

Abstract This paper extends the static analysis of Nikaido (1974) and the temporary equilibrium analysis of Day-Fan (1980) to a full disequilibrium analysis by introducing inventories explicitly into the Keynes-Kaldor-Nakaido framework. Two different inventory adjustment processes are considered. The first is based on the micro behavioral assumption that each producer coordinates his safes, production and inventory departments so that inventories can be adjusted to the desired level through intra-firm shipments. The second follows the traditional approach of treating inventories as part of investment demand. Coupled with the two behavioral rules of price-output determination, namely full-cost pricing and perceived profit maximization four models are generated. These models are studied for their dynamic behaviors in disequilibrium. It is found that the adjustment trajectories of both the full-cost pricing and perceived profit maximization models with intra-firm inventory adjustments exhibit damped cycles, whereas those of both models with inventories treated as investment demand are inherently unstable.
Absence of dorsal-ventral differences in energy metabolism in early embryos of Xenopus laevis

Abstract The establishment of dorsoventral polarity in amphibian development begins prior to the first cleavage with the formation of the gray crescent. It has been suggested that quantitative differences exist in the metabolic activity of dorsal and ventral regions at these stages and that this metabolic activity gradient is involved in the maintenance of dorsoventral polarity. In this study regional metabolism has been examined by the microinjection of various radioactive compounds into dorsal or ventral cells of the four-celled Xenopus laevis embryo. The activities of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, the pentose shunt, and the Krebs cycle and phosphate metabolism have been measured. No difference was detected in the rate or pattern of metabolism between dorsal and ventral regions, suggesting that metabolic activity gradients do not exist in these pathways during early Xenopus embryogenesis.
Adenosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate phosphodiesterase activities in the X-irradiation induced rat small bowel adenocarcinoma☆

The adenosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities were evaluated in X-irradiation induced Holtzman rat small bowell adenocarcinoma and age-matched normal small intestine. Within normal small intestine, PDE activity was optimal at pH 7.4, and highly dependent upon the addition of Mg2+ or Mn2+. Analyses of the rat small bowel adenocarcinoma revealed significantly elevated PDE activities above the normal small bowel which were found to be relatively constant throughout the length of the ileum and jejunum. These findings suggest that the diminished intracellular adenosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate levels observed in this lesion (1) may be the consequence of elevated PDE activities.
Predictors of participation in physical activity for community-dwelling elderly Italians.

Abstract This paper analyses variables associated with community-dwelling older people's engagement in physical activity (PA). Data were examined using the results from the European ZINCAGE study on 306 community-dwelling Italians aged 65years and over. The lifestyle questionnaire was used to evaluate the data. Levels of regular/non-regular PA were based on ≥1h of weekly exercise. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors of PA. Participants reported the time they had spent per week engaging in PA over the last year. Overall, 56.2% of them engaged in regular physical exercise. PA levels decreased in subjects with probable cognitive decline, depression and high perceived stress levels ( p
Entrustable Professional Activities: Making Sense of the Emergency Medicine Milestones

Background The Next Accreditation System (NAS) is being implemented by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education with seven specialties, including Emergency Medicine (EM), which began in July 2013. The NAS represents a more structured method of accreditation, with dependence on outcomes and less emphasis on educational process. A key component of the NAS is the individual resident semiannual reporting of the Milestone proficiency levels for all sub-competencies, which are more specific areas of domain for the general competencies. All specialties are struggling to some extent with developing assessment mechanisms for the Milestones. At the heart of this struggle is the conceptualization of the Milestones themselves-descriptors of the individual. In practice, faculty assess clinical care provided to the patient by the resident. This creates difficulty for faculty to assign a resident to a specific sub-competency proficiency level when their focus has been on assessment of clinical care. Objectives The objectives of this article include the discussion of whether Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) could be defined and linked to milestones in a way that, once implemented, could inform Clinical Competency Committees of the Milestone proficiency reporting. Discussion EPAs are units of professional work, or clinical care that may help translate aspects of clinical care into Milestone proficiencies. This article explores EPAs in depth, and discusses how EPAs may be used within EM as one method of assigning proficiency levels to residents. Conclusions EPAs may be a useful tool to inform Milestone proficiency placement of residents. Because EPAs are based on clinical descriptions rather than individual physician descriptions, there may be less faculty development needed for Milestone sub-competency assessment.
Odor of specific alcohol solutions selectively alters locomotor activity of alcohol-drinking P rats

Abstract Evidence exists that the olfactory property of alcohol affects cerebral processes to influence the pattern of alcohol drinking in an experimental animal. In this study, the level of activity was quantified in the genetically selected alcohol-preferring P rats during exposure to the odor of 4 concentrations of alcohol. A Mini-Mitter ® transmitter was implanted intraperitoneally in each animal to record individual locomotor activity continuously, in terms of counts per unit time. In the first experiment, each rat was exposed between 1730 and 1930 h to the odor of 5%, 15%, 30%, or 60% alcohol placed in 2 petri dishes flanking both sides of each cage. The control condition was identical, except that the petri dishes were empty. In the second experiment, each rat was offered water and its individually preffered solution of alcohol in the drinking tubes during 1730 to 1930 h on alternate days of exposure to the odor of alcohol. During the odor condition alone, the 30% concentration of alcohol increased the activity counts significantly from the control level of 228.8 ± 23.9 to 303.5 ± 28.1 over the first 30 min of the 2-h test period. Plots of activity every 30 min for each alcohol solution, calculated as percent of control, also showed that the odor of 30% alcohol evoked significantly greater activity during the first and fourth intervals, in contrast to the exposure to 5%, 15%, and 60% alcohol, which failed to shift activity beyond the control level. When the P rats were exposed to 30% alcohol 24 h after 2 h of alcohol drinking, their profile of activity was concordant with that prior to alcohol drinking. These results demonstrate that the odor of a specific concentration of alcohol (i.e., 30%) selectively enhances the activity of the P rat. This could reflect an association of the sensory quality of alcohol with an anticipation of drinking. Finally, these experiments provide the first quantitative evidence that an olfactory cue associated with the unique odor of a specific solution of alcohol may determine the nature of the drinking response.
Unscheduled incorporation of [3H]TTP into DNA of isolated rat liver nuclei

Abstract Incorporation of [3H]TTP into DNA of nuclei isolated from normal and regenerating adult rat livers by high-shear rotatory homogenization was examined. In these isolated nuclei incorporation of [3H]TTP in vitro did not reflect the activity of DNA synthesis occurring in hepatocytes in vivo. Virtually all nuclei isolated from normal liver (in which there is practically no DNA synthesis in vivo) incorporated [3H]TTP as indicated by autoradiography. In contrast to presumed replicative DNA synthesis which occurs in liver nuclei isolated from regenerating livers by more gentle techniques [Lynch et al., J. Biol. Chem., 245 (1970) 3911], DNA synthesis in these nuclei was largely independent of ATP concentration, was only partially inhibited by omissions of single or multiple deoxynucleotides, and was not semiconservative. These observations suggest that the unscheduled incorporation of [3H]TTP observed in vitro represents a repair process activated by damage to nuclei during isolation.
Synthesis of formaldehyde-dibenzo-18-crown-6 condensation resins containing phosphonic acid groups and their alkali-metal cation sorption

Ion-exchange resins are prepared by introducing phosphonic acid monoethyl ester or phosphonic acid groups into formaldehyde condensation poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) resin. The phosphonic acid ion-exchange groups provide accessibility for metal cations, while the ion-selective cyclic polyether binding site influences the selectivity. The selectivities and efficiencies for competitive alkali-metal cation sorption from aqueous solutions by these crown ether-containing phosphonic acid resins are strongly influenced by the pH of the aqueous solution, the identity of the phosphonic acid groups, and the molar ratio of ion-exchange groups to crown ether units. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
First report of target spot of tobacco caused by Rhizoctonia solani (AG-3) in Massachusetts.

In June 2010, shade-grown cigar wrapper tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants in Hampshire County, Massachusetts were observed with leaf lesion symptoms that ranged from small (2 to 3 mm) water-soaked spots to larger (2 to 3 cm) lesions. Lesions had a pattern of concentric rings, necrotic centers and tears in the centers, and margins that often resulted in a shot-hole appearance. Some lesions had chlorotic halos. Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (Thanatephorus cucumeris A.B. Frank) was isolated from lesions and identified on the basis of mycelial characteristics including multinucleate cells, septate hyphae wider than 7 μm and hyphal branches occurring at approximately right angles, and constricted at the base (3). Eight-week-old, potted tobacco plants were each inoculated either by spraying with a mycelial suspension (1 × 105 CFU) (five plants) or by placing colonized half-strength potato dextrose agar (PDA) plugs (0.2 cm) of an isolate of R. solani recovered from tobacco onto leaves (five plants) or with water or half-strength PDA plugs alone (five plants each). The plants were placed in plastic bags in a 24°C growth chamber and misted. After 2 days, the bags were removed and the potted plants were placed in trays filled with water to a depth of 1 cm in the growth chamber. After 8 days, the pathogen was reisolated from inoculated plants exhibiting water-soaked spots as disease symptoms. Leaves inoculated with water or half-strength PDA plugs alone were not diseased. DNA was extracted from the R. solani isolate and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. HQ241274). The ITS sequence confirmed our identification of this new isolate as R. solani anastomosis group (AG) 3. This disease had been previously reported on tobacco from South America, South Africa, the southern United States (1), and Canada (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of this disease in cigar wrapper tobacco in New England. The humid environmental conditions under which shade tobacco is grown make this new disease a significant threat for the Massachusetts and Connecticut growing area. References: (1) J. S. Johnk et al. Phytopathology 83:854, 1993 (2) R. D. Reeleder et al. Plant Dis. 80:712, 1996. (3) B. Sneh et al. Identification of Rhizoctonia species. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1991.
Tensor CSAMT survey over the Sulphur Springs thermal area, Valles Caldera, New Mexico, U.S.A., Part I: Implications for structure of the western caldera

An extensive tensor controlled-source audiomagnetotelluric (CSAMT) survey has been carried out over the Sulphur Springs geothermal area, Valles Caldera, New Mexico. Forty-five sites were acquired using two crossed transmitter bipoles placed approximately 13 km south of the center of the survey. The soundings in the Sulphur Springs area were arranged in four profiles to cross major structural features. CSAMT and magnetotelluric (MT) data taken outside Valles Caldera were constrained by drill logs and imply resistive Bandelier Tuff, underlain by conductive Paleozoic sediments, and further underlain by resistive, primarily Precambrian crystalline rocks. Model cross-sections within the caldera were derived using 2-D parameterized inversion constrained by drilling, with layered-earth inversion for starting models. Southeast of the Sulphur Creek fault, the upper 200 m of the section are of relatively low resistivity and correspond to unconsolidated land-slide and debris flows. The Bandelier Tuff below exhibits higher but variable resistivities because of alteration controlled by local faulting. Beneath the Bandelier Tuff, the Paleozoic sedimentary layer is only moderately less resistive than it is outside the caldera, with the lowest values occurring northwest of Sulphur Creek. Its low resistivity per se does not necessarily represent a hydrothermal aquifer. The Sulphur Creek fault appears to bemore » a locus of substantial change in structural relief; upthrow of stratigraphy and basement to its west appears to be about 400--500 m. A major normal fault down to the southeast is located under the topographic expression of Freelove Canyon, which is up to 1 km farther southeast than suggested by previous geologic sections. High resistivities possibly corresponding to a vapor zone in the upper 500 m near VC-2B and VC-2A are not consistent with the CSAMT data.« less
The lead content of human deciduous and permanent teeth

Abstract The distribution of lead in human permanent and primary teeth was determined. Comparable levels of lead were found in coronal dentine, root dentine, and enamel. However, in secondary dentine the lead level was elevated. By reaming, this elevation was shown to be greatest in the most superficial layers of this zone. Secondary dentine is in intimate contact with blood and its elevated lead content probably reflects its actual exposure to lead throughout the life of the tooth. It is suggested that this tissue could be of value in the diagnosis of plumbism.
STOMATAL MOVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH POTASSIUM FLUXES

Association of potassium ions with stomatal movements is reported here for 22 different plants. These include Ophioglossum engelmanni, Ginkgo biloba, and Pinus sylvestris. In all 22 plants potassium migrates into the guard cells when stomata open in response to light. In addition, potassium migration into guard cells also occurs with night opening in Crassula argentea and with rhythmic opening in Mimosa pudica. Potassium inside the guard or subsidiary cells, conventionally detected through light microscopic observations of epidermal peels treated with sodium cobaltinitrite reagent, may also be mapped by x-ray microanalysis of such histochemically treated peels, as was the case in this study. In addition to the potassium migration, we also show the movement of chloride as an accompanying anion in Ophioglossum engelmanni, Ginkgo biloba, Plantago rugelii, Begonia sp., and Avena sativa. Eight plants are shown to accumulate potassium inside the stomatal initials or cells of immature stomatal apparatuses; ordinary, immature epidermal cells do not show such an accumulation of potassium. A list in the discussion indicates all the plants in which potassium fluxes associated with stomatal movements have so far been established, including the new examples reported in this paper. HISTOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS of accumulation of potassium (K) in the guard cells was first ob
A Palmitoylation Switch Mechanism in the Regulation of the Visual Cycle

RPE65 is essential for the biosynthesis of 11-cis-retinal, the chromophore of rhodopsin. Here, we show that the membrane-associated form (mRPE65) is triply palmitoylated and is a chaperone for all-trans-retinyl esters, allowing their entry into the visual cycle for processing into 11-cis-retinal. The soluble form of RPE65 (sRPE65) is not palmitoylated and is a chaperone for vitamin A, rather than all-trans-retinyl esters. Thus, the palmitoylation of RPE65 controls its ligand binding selectivity. The two chaperones are interconverted by lecithin retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) acting as a molecular switch. Here mRPE65 is a palmitoyl donor, revealing a new acyl carrier protein role for palmitoylated proteins. When chromophore synthesis is not required, mRPE65 is converted into sRPE65 by LRAT, and further chromophore synthesis is blocked. The studies reveal new roles for palmitoylated proteins as molecular switches and LRAT as a palmitoyl transferase whose role is to catalyze the mRPE65 to sRPE65 conversion.
Contrast Analysis in Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance Designs: A SAS Implementation

The use of contrast analysis has been emphasized as an alternative to the two-stage sequence of omnibus F test followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Instead, user contrasts tailored to the research can be formulated. Expressing each cell in a contrast in terms of the parameters of the means model is the key to determine the coefficients of the contrast. A three-way ANOVA with repeated measures on two factors is used to illustrate the technique. The code for the SAS Procedure GLM provides examples.
Gas ionization solar spectral monitor (GISSMO)

We are currently developing an instrument free from optical components to measure the full-disk solar spectrum in the extreme ultraviolet regime covering wavelengths from 75-500 A. The instrument, which will be launched aboard a NASA Black Brant sounding rocket in September 1992, consists of a windowless noble gas ionization cell followed by a toroidal electrostatic analyzer to spatially disperse photoelectrons as a function of their energies. A microchannel plate based position sensitive detector will be used to detect individual electrons, indirectly returning the solar EUV spectrum.