cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Dose-response Models for Death from Hematological Depression in Different Species

SummaryMany radiation-induced lethality experiments have been published for various mammalian species. From those studies a subset of studies reflecting useful biological and physical variables has been compiled into a database suitable to study interspecific variability of radiosensitivity, dose-rate dependence of sensitivity, dose–response behavior within each experiment, etc. The data compiled were restricted to continuous and nearly continuous exposures to photon radiations having source energies above 100 keV. Photon source energy, exposure geometry, and body weight considerations were used to select studies where the dose to hematopoietic tissue was approximately uniform. The database reflects 13 mammalian species ranging in size from mouse to cattle. Some 211 studies were compiled, but only 105 were documented in adequate detail to be useful in development and evaluation of dose–response models of interest to practical human exposures. Of the 105 studies, 70 were for various rodent species, and 35 ...
Polynesia and polygenism: the scientific use of travel literature in the early 19th century:

Christoph Meiners (1747—1810) was one of 18th-century Europe's most important readers of global travel literature, and he has been credited as a founder of the disciplines of ethnology and anthropology. This article examines a part of his final work, Untersuchungen uber die Verschiedenheiten der Menschennaturen [Inquiries on the differences of human natures], published posthumously in the 1810s. Here Meiners developed an elaborate argument, based on empirical evidence, that the different races of men emerged indigenously at different times and in different places in natural history. Specifically this article shows how a sedentary scholar who never left Europe constructed a narrative of human origins and migrations on the basis of (1) French theory from the 1750s (Charles de Brosses and Simon Pelloutier) and (2) data gathered by explorers as reported in travel literature (J. R. Forster, Perouse, Cook, Marsden).
Photoelectron spectroscopy of diethylzinc on the polar surfaces of zinc oxide

Abstract The adsorbed state of diethylzinc on the (0001) and (0001) surfaces of zinc oxide was examined by TPD, XPS, and UPS. These techniques demonstrated that diethylzinc was adsorbed intact, with little detectable difference in its interaction with the two polar surfaces. XPS and UPS provided evidence for energy levels of diethylzinc which were outside the range observed for other carbon-containing adsorbates on zinc oxide, suggesting that these techniques are suitable for the detection of surface alkyls.
Acclimation Temperature Influences Cortisol and Glucose Concentrations in Stressed Channel Catfish

Abstract Basal concentrations of plasma cortisol (near 50 ng/ml) and plasma glucose (near 0.50 mg/ml) were significantly greater in yearling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) acclimated to 10 C than in fish adapted to 20 or 30 C; the latter groups had similar basal levels of cortisol (near 25 ng/ml) and glucose (near 0.30 mg/ml). Fish at 10 C had a slower and less marked increase in cortisol and glucose over minutes, hours, and days in response to the stress of severe confinement than fish at 20 or 30 C which were again similar. No mortality occurred in the fish stressed at 10 C during 3 days of confinement, while 89% died in the 20 C group by day 3 and all fish at 30 C were dead by day 2. Glucose concentrations initially rose more slowly than those of cortisol, but continued to increase between 3 and 12 hours after confinement. Also, glucose returned to near basal levels in dying fish while cortisol was at its highest then. Channel catfish, even at warm temperatures, have a slower and less extensive ...
Supplements and drugs used to enhance athletic performance.

Our society is founded on competition and places immense value on success.A brief look at the salaries of our professional athletes in recent years supportsthis. At the highest levels, winning or losing can be the difference in multi-million-dollar salaries, product endorsements, and scholarships. These pressureshave led to a ‘‘win at all costs’’ mentality. Millions of athletes at every level ofcompetition look for that ‘‘edge,’’ sometimes even illegally and without muchregard to safety. In a survey of Olympic hopefuls, 98% reported they would use abanned substance if it were absolutely undetectable and guaranteed victory[14,112]. In fact, greater than 50% reported they would use the same undetectablesubstance if it would allow them a winning edge for 5 years but then resultedin death.Adolescents are not immune from these pressures. Winning brings admirationfrom their peers, praise from their parents and coach, and opportunities tocompete at the next level. They also see their heroes on television returninggold medals because of banned-substance use or breaking home run records aftersupplement use. Perhaps this is why more and more adolescents are tryingperformance-enhancing drugs. Adolescents often hope that performance-enhanc-ing drugs will increase their competitive edge or make them more attractive [11].Numerous substances claim performance-enhancing qualities. Some are ille-gal, and many are banned by major sports governing bodies. A large number aresold as dietary supplements. Since the passage of the Dietary Supplement Healthand Education Act in 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is nolonger responsible for guaranteeing the purity or safety of these substances.Often, supplements have very little proof of efficacy for their claims. Persons ofany age can easily purchase these ‘‘natural’’ substances at health food stores.
Effect of Sulfanilamide and Sulfapyridine on the Avian Malarias.

The effect of sulfanilamide and sulfapyridine on some of the bacterial infections has been so striking that these drugs have been tried on many others, including some of the malarias, both of man and of animals. The results obtained have been of considerable interest, and not the less so because they have varied a great deal with the species. Coggeshall,1 for example, found that sulfanilamide was effective in eradicating Plasmodium knowlesi infection in monkeys, but was apparently without any action on Plasmodium inui in the same host. He suggested that the difference might be due to the much more rapid metabolism of the former species. This seems probable in view of the generally accepted idea that sulfanilamide is effective because oxidation products are formed from it which destroy catalase, and hence interfere with the metabolic activities of the cell. Since the malaria parasites are present in the blood stream they are presumably more exposed to this effect than if they were segregated somewhere in t...
Efficient construction of an inverted minimal H1 promoter driven siRNA expression cassette: facilitation of promoter and siRNA sequence exchange.

Background. RNA interference (RNAi), mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), is an effective method used to silence gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Upon introduction into target cells, siRNAs incorporate into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The antisense strand of the siRNA duplex then ‘‘guides’’ the RISC to the homologous mRNA, leading to target degradation and gene silencing. In recent years, various vector-based siRNA expression systems have been developed which utilize opposing polymerase III promoters to independently drive expression of the sense and antisense strands of the siRNA duplex from the same template. Principal Findings. We show here the use of a ligase chain reaction (LCR) to develop a new vector system called pInv-H1 in which a DNA sequence encoding a specific siRNA is placed between two inverted minimal human H1 promoters (,100 bp each). Expression of functional siRNAs from this construct has led to efficient silencing of both reporter and endogenous genes. Furthermore, the inverted H1 promoter-siRNA expression cassette was used to generate a retrovirus vector capable of transducing and silencing expression of the targeted protein by.80% in target cells. Conclusions. The unique design of this construct allows for the efficient exchange of siRNA sequences by the directional cloning of short oligonucleotides via asymmetric restriction sites. This provides a convenient way to test the functionality of different siRNA sequences. Delivery of the siRNA cassette by retroviral transduction suggests that a single copy of the siRNA expression cassette efficiently knocks down gene expression at the protein level. We note that this vector system can potentially be used to generate a random siRNA library. The flexibility of the ligase chain reaction suggests that additional control elements can easily be introduced into this siRNA expression cassette.
The enthalpies of formation of XeF6(c), XeF4(c), XeF2(c), and PF3(g)

Abstract The energies of reaction of XeF6(c), XeF4(c), and XeF2(c) with PF3(g) were measured in a bomb calorimeter. These results were combined with the enthalpy of fluorination of PF3(g), which was redetermined to be −(151.98 ± 0.07) kcalth mol−1, to derive (at 298.15 K) ΔHfo(XeF6, c, I) = −(80.82 ± 0.53) kcalth mol−1, ΔHfo(XeF4, c) = −(63.84 ± 0.21) kcalth mol−1, and ΔHfo(XeF2, c) = −(38.90 ± 0.21) kcalth mol−1. The enthalpies of formation of the solid xenon fluorides were combined with reported enthalpies of sublimation to derive (at 298.15 K) ΔHfo(XeF6, g) = −(66.69 ± 0.61) kcalth mol−1, ΔHfo(XeF4, g) = −(49.28 ± 0.22) kcalth mol−1, and ΔHfo(XeF2, g) = −(25.58 ± 0.21) kcalth mol−1. The average bond dissociation enthalpies,〈Do〉(XeF, 298.15 K), are (29.94 ± 0.16), (31.15 ± 0.13), and (31.62 ± 0.16) kcalth mol−1 in XeF6(g), XeF4(g), and XeF2(g), respectively. The enthalpy of formation of PF3(g) was determined to be −(228.8 ± 0.3) kcalth mol−1.
BeHop: a testbed for dense WiFi networks

We present BeHop, a wireless testbed for dense WiFi networks often seen in residential and enterprise settings. BeHop aims to provide insights on the operation of dense deployments, and evaluate how different WiFi management strategies affect user experience and network behavior. It has sufficient flexibility to let us try different management techniques and setups (e.g. residential or enterprise, client or infrastructure-driven operation). It is deployed at a university dorm, where it acts as the main network for a diverse set of users and devices, exposing practical insights and implications on the operation of the network. In this paper we discuss the design and implementation of BeHop, and share our early experience over a five-month period.
Solution of benard problem with the projection method

Abstract The transient convective motion in a two dimensional rectangular cavity driven by vertical temperature gradient is analyzed by the projection method involving a Godunov-type discretization for convective terms. It is shown that the method is sufficient and accurate to predict flow and temperature field. The method may be alternative to some other methods for the solution of thermal problems since its implementation is easy.
Effects of soil-added Cl on growth ofAndropogon scoparius and possible implications for heavy metal research

Soil additions of Cl−, as NaCl, over the 0 to 400 ppm Cl− range did not affect germination forAndropogon scoparius. Height and top dry weight were significantly reduced by 300 ppm soil added Cl−. Although not conclusive, these results did indicate that growth and germination effects reported for Cd++, added as CdCl2, are probably due to Cd++ rather than to a Cl− or salt effect. Reported Pb++ effects, where Pb++ is added as PbCl2, however may be at least partially due to a Cl− or salt effect.
Charge Dependence of Slow-Ion Energy Losses in Transmission Experiments

Modifications of the beam line, detector system, and use of Rutherford-scattered particles to correct for beam-current fluctuations, were made to increase the precision of heavy-ion energy-loss measurements in penetration experiments performed at the New York University Accelerator Facility. Ar+, Ar++, and Ar3+ ions were incident on the same domain of C, Al, and Au foils. The energy loss distributions of Ar+, Ar++, and Ar3+ ions after transmission through the foils were measured under identical conditions. We found an increase in the energy loss with increasing charge of the ions. The data are discussed in terms of the relation between the effective stopping-power charge of projectiles inside the solids and the ionic charge of particles incident on and emerging from the foils.
Electrophysiological features of Hirayama disease

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the pattern of hand muscle involvement in Hirayama disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We reviewed findings of upper limb nerve conduction studies of 46 HD patients and 60 ALS patients. The findings from 54 healthy subjects were used for comparison. Results: In HD, the ulnar compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude was more severely reduced than the median one, and the reverse pattern was observed in ALS. The mean ulnar/median (U/M) CMAP amplitude ratio was significantly lower in HD (0.64 ± 0.79) and abnormally higher in ALS (2.15 ± 1.77) compared with normal subjects (0.89 ± 0.23). An abnormally low U/M CMAP amplitude ratio (<0.6) was encountered in 34 patients with HD and in 1 with ALS. A U/M CMAP amplitude ratio ≥4.5 or absent median motor response was found only in ALS. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate different patterns of hand muscle involvement between these two diseases. Muscle Nerve, 2011
The Uses of Evidence for Educational Policymaking: Global Contexts and International Trends:

the past 150 years, educational systems have expanded and become integrally linked with economic, political, and social status in modern nation-states (see Kamens, Meyer, & Benavot, 1996). As the stakes for education have risen, so has the call for more and improved use of scientific evidence as a basis for educational policymaking (Luke, 2003; Slavin, 2002). The rise in the use of scientific evidence for educational policymaking rests on two common beliefs: One is the belief that school knowledge is abstract and universal, and the other is the belief that empirical evidence is an efficient indicator of knowledge and learning. As a result, there are serious educational policymaking consequences for individuals and schools tied to evidence (Olson, 2006). Evidence from averaged scores on international assessments of math and science achievement in particular have become important indicators of national political and economic strength, but there are many different kinds of evidence to consider (LeTendre, Baker, Akiba, & Wiseman, 2001; Wiseman & Baker, 2005). For example, high-stakes consequences resulting from averaged academic achievement scores exist for students and schools in the United States but even more so in other countries, such as Japan (LeTendre, 1999; E. Smith, 2005). However, how and why evidence is used for educational policymaking both in the United States and around the world are the larger questions this chapter addresses. To investigate the uses of evidence for educational policymaking, this volume and this chapter ask two fundamental orienting questions: Why use evidence in educational policymaking? And why is evidence-based educational policymaking a global phenomenon? The answer to the first orienting question serves as a foundation for introducing relevant macrotheoretical perspectives and exploring the motivations and agendas that drive educational policy and decision making. The answer to the
Revised palynological correlations of the lower Potomac group (USA) and the cocobeach sequence of Gabon (Barremian-Aptian)

Abstract Dating of the lower Potomac Group (Zone I), the oldest exposed Cretaceous unit of the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the USA, has relied on palynological correlations with marine sections elsewhere in Southern Laurasia. Correlation with sections in Northern Gondwana, such as the Cocobeach sequence of Gabon, has been hampered by differences due to climate. However, recently described palynofloras from intermediate areas show more overlap of elements, allowing stepwise correlations between the two provinces. A key element is the coarsely reticulate monosulcate angiosperm Brenneripollis, which appears near the base of the Aptian in England. Brenneripollis occurs in basal Potomac samples from Delaware City well D12 and outcrop localities previously dated as Barremian, favoring an early Aptian age. Other lower Zone I angiosperms include ‘Clavatipollenites’, Stellatopollis, Similipollis, Afropollis and very rare tricolpates. Upper Zone I, which contains more reticulate tricolpate pollen, has been dated as early Albian, but associated Brenneripollis grains correlate better with the middle Aptian of Egypt. This age is also favored by the presence of the zonasulculate genus Schrankipollis in upper Zone I and the Aptian of Egypt. Zone C-VII of Gabon, which contains the first reticulate tricolpates and zonasulculate species of Afropollis, has been dated as early Aptian. However, it seems older than the presumed basal Aptian of Egypt, which contains Brenneripollis and striate tricolpates, not seen until Zone C-VIII, and there are putative late Barremian occurrences of Afropollis in Nova Scotia, England, Morocco, Libya and Israel. Together with reports of tricolpates from the Barremian and Aptian of England, these results eliminate the supposed lag in migration of tricolpate-producing plants from Gondwana into Laurasia, but Northern Gondwana does appear to have been their main center of diversification.
Cytology of metastatic renal medullary carcinoma in pleural effusion: A study of two cases

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare and aggressive malignant epithelial neoplasm of the kidney. It almost exclusively affects children and young adults with a sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. The majority of RMC patients present with widely disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. Herein, we report two cases of young African-American patients with history of sickle cell trait, hematuria and renal mass, who present with malignant right pleural effusions. The cytology of pleural effusion reveals predominantly clusters and individual tumor cells. The tumor cells show high nuclear to cytoplasmic (NC) ratios and large nuclei with nuclear pleomorphism, nuclear grooves, and prominent single or multiple nucleoli. The cytoplasm is dense with a vacuolated and two-tone appearance. Surgical specimens of renal mass and lymph node show features of RMC. Metastatic RMC to the serous cavity is rare and may present a diagnostic dilemma since it may mimic a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or other high-grade malignant neoplasms. RMC should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young patients with a renal mass, particularly in those with history of sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease.
Physicians’ knowledge, beliefs, and use of race and human genetic variation: new measures and insights

Understanding physician perspectives on the intersection of race and genomics in clinical decision making is critical as personalized medicine and genomics become more integrated in health care services. There is a paucity of literature in the United States of America (USA) and globally regarding how health care providers understand and use information about race, ethnicity and genetic variation in their clinical decision making. This paper describes the development of three scales related to addressing this gap in the literature: the Bonham and Sellers Genetic Variation Knowledge Assessment Index--GKAI, Health Professionals Beliefs about Race—HPBR, and Racial Attributes in Clinical Evaluation—RACE scales. A cross-sectional, web survey of a national random sample of general internists in the USA (N = 787) was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the construct validity of the scales. Scale items were developed through focus groups, cognitive interviews, expert advisory panels, and exploratory factor analysis of pilot data. GKAI was measured as a count of correct answers (Mean = 3.28 SD = 1.17). HPBR yielded two domains: beliefs about race as a biological phenomenon (HPBR-BD, alpha = .69, 4 items) and beliefs about the clinical value of race and genetic variation for understanding risk for disease (HPBR-CD alpha = .61, 3 items). RACE yielded one factor (alpha = .86, 7 items). GKAI is a timely knowledge scale that can be used to assess health professional knowledge of race and human genetic variation. HPBR is a promising new tool for assessing health professionals’ beliefs about the role of race and its relationship with human genetic variation in clinical practice. RACE offers a valid and reliable tool for assessing explicit use of racial attributes in clinical decision making.
An in vitro cataract model for practice of cataract surgery

We have developed an in vitro cataract model using enucleated animal eyes. A cataract is produced by immersing the enucleated eyes in hypertonic sodium chloride solution for one hour and re-incubating them for another hour in normal saline solution. The model is useful for practicing various techniques of cataract extraction.
The relations between nematodes and plants.

Abstract Interest in the nematodes which parasitize plants is increasing rapidly. The work of the past has established the importance of nematodes in crop production, although the full extent of the damage they do has not yet been measured. Taxonomic studies have been prominent in the past and continue to be of fundamental importance since the nematode faunas of the soils of the world are still incompletely known. Many species are proven pathogens of plants, and many more remain to be tested. Nematodes are known to damage plants directly; they may also act as members of a group of organisms associated with disease. Nematodes live in all parts of plants, sometimes with marked effects on plant tissues, such as the stimulation of giant cell formation and of gall production. They may also retard normal cell differentiation or cause necrosis. The details of the histopathology of infections are known for a few species of plants and nematodes. That genetic differences exist in the response of plants to nematodes is amply proven. The physiological nature of such differences, however, is not known. Resistant and tolerant varieties of crop plants are already available for a limited number of plant-nematode associations; the number of such varieties will increase rapidly in the immediate future. Much work has been done to find practical systems of killing nematodes in soil under field conditions. Soil fumigation is assuming greater importance each year in farming practises both here and abroad. As research in this area continues, the cost of the chemicals will decrease and better methods of application will be devised. The chief current problem is to find active nematocides that are not phytotoxic. It should be obvious from this review of the relations between nematodes and plants that there is great need for basic work in every branch of the subject in order to provide the foundation from which to offer solutions to the practical problems of nematode diseases in agriculture.
The preparation, characterization, and use of supported potassium-Group VIII metal complexes as catalysts for CO hydrogenation

Abstract A major disadvantage of supported Group VIII metal Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, when compared to bulk catalysts, is the difficulty in effectively promoting such catalysts with potassium. A novel approach for preparing well-dispersed, highly promoted potassium-Group VIII metal catalysts has been developed. Catalysts were prepared by impregnating Al 2 O 3 or SiO 2 with well-characterized potassium-Group VIII metal carbonyl complexes and then thermally decomposing the supported complexes under hydrogen. Since potassium and the Group VIII metals are associated in the precursor complexes, the deposition and subsequent decomposition of such complexes maximize potassium-Group VIII metal contacting on the support surface. Several complex derived catalysts were found to be more active and to exhibit higher selectivities for C 2 -C 5 olefins than conventionally prepared potassium-Group VIII metal catalysts of the same metals stoichiometry. These results suggest that the use of preformed carbonyl complexes as supported catalyst precursors can increase any promotional effect potassium can have upon supported Group VIII metals.
Evolutionary nucleotide replacements in DNA.

With the increasing availability of analytical information on mRNA molecules, it is now possible to compare homologous nucleotide sequences from different organisms and to draw conclusions about their evolution. Such comparisons1,2 have shown that silent changes in codons occur more frequently than nucleotide replacements that produce changes in amino acid sequences (code-altering changes). Furthermore, there is an important difference between amino acid sequence comparisons and nucleotide sequence comparisons. The former show only differences in amino acid residues, but the latter show several types of differences when corresponding codons are compared3. Single-base replacements may be degenerate (silent) or expressed as amino acid replacements. Two-base codon changes may be degenerate, single-base changes, or be visible as such. Three-base codon changes may be degenerate (involving serine), simulate either single-base or two-base changes or be visible as such. All nine types of change are found in comparisons of genes from the viruses ΦX74 and G4. The relative numbers of these nine types as based on all possible interchanges between all 61 amino acid codons were listed by Holmquist et al.3 and are shown in Table 1. We discuss these results in the light of the significance of nucleotide changes in molecular evolution.
An Invertase Inhibitor from Maize Localizes to the Embryo Surrounding Region during Early Kernel Development

Invertase activity is thought to play a regulatory role during early kernel development by converting sucrose originating from source leaves into hexoses to support cell division in the endosperm and embryo. Invertases are regulated at the posttranslational level by small protein inhibitors, INVINHs. We found that in maize (Zea mays), an invertase inhibitor homolog (ZM-INVINH1) is expressed early in kernel development, between 4 and 7 d after pollination. Invertase activity is reduced in vitro in the presence of recombinant ZM-INVINH1, and inhibition is attenuated by pre-incubation with sucrose. The presence of a putative signal peptide, fractionation experiments, and ZM-INVINH1::green fluorescent protein fusion experiments indicate that the protein is exported to the apoplast. Moreover, association of ZM-INVINH1 with the glycoprotein fraction by concanavalin A chromatogaphy suggests that ZM-INVINH1 interacts with an apoplastic invertase during early kernel development. ZM-INVINH1 was localized to the embryo surrounding region by in situ analysis, suggesting that this region forms a boundary, compartmentalizing apoplast invertase activity to allow different embryo and endosperm developmental rates.
Solid Phase Synthesis. Evidence for and Quantification of Intra res in Reactions

Abstract Intrareaction occurs between moieties attached to copolystyrene-2% divinylbenzene resin as used in solid phase synthesis even when only 0.5% of the phenyl residues are functionalized. Evidence for this interaction has been obtained from the dimeric products resulting from Dieckmann cyclization of resin bound sebacates and ω-cyanopelargonyl thiol resin esters, from kinetic and product data on radioactivity scrambling during the Dieckmann cyclization of uniquely singly labeled tertiary alkyl pimeloyl resin esters, and from anhydride formation with carboxymethyl resin. The extent to which site-site interactions can occur as a function of the percentage functionalization has been measured quantitatively by radiotracer studies on intraresin anhydride formation from carboxymethyl substituted resin. The synthesis and characterization of the resin bound re-actants is described, and the significance of these observations is discussed.
ORNITHOLOGICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERING DRY SEASONS AT A PAN IN BOTSWANA

(1972). ORNITHOLOGICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERING DRY SEASONS AT A PAN IN BOTSWANA. Ostrich: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 165-168.
DECREASED CELLULAR RETINOL-BINDING PROTEIN EXPRESSION COINCIDES WITH THE LOSS OF RETINOL RESPONSIVENESS IN RAT CERVICAL EPITHELIAL CELLS

In response to estrogen the rat cervical epithelium undergoes squamous metaplastic changes, progressing from a resting state through a proliferating, secretory stage and finally to a cornified stage before sloughing or being reabsorbed. The transition from a secretory to a cornified epithelium is preceded by a dramatic reduction in the expression of the cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP). The associations among retinoids (retinol and retinoic acid), CRBP expression, and estrogen-induced keratinocyte differentiation were explored in cultured cervical epithelial cells. Retinoids supported proliferation of cervical epithelial cells expressing basal keratins. Alone, estrogen had no effect on proliferation and enhanced expression of keratins characteristic of stratified cervical epithelial cells. When added together, estrogen prevented retinoid effects on proliferation, whereas retinoids prevented the estrogen-enhanced expression of differentiation-associated cytokeratins. When CRBP expression was repressed by elevating intracellular cyclic AMP levels, the ability of retinol, but not retinoic acid, to block estrogen-induced changes in keratin expression was severely compromised. These results support a critical role for CRBP in cervical cell responsiveness to circulating retinoids (primarily retinol). We hypothesize that retinol inhibits estrogen-induced keratinization of the cervical epithelium, and the drop in CRBP level results in transient vitamin A deficiency within cervical epithelial cells, permitting the orderly transition from the secretory to the cornified stage.
Lobular neoplasia in breast core needle biopsy specimens is not associated with an increased risk of ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma.

Recent reports suggest that the finding of lobular neoplasia (atypical lobular hyperplasia [ALH] or lobular carcinoma in situ [LCIS]) in breast core needle biopsy specimens may be associated with an increased risk of both ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma at excision. We reviewed our breast core biopsy material to see if we could confirm this finding. From 4,297 biopsies, 71 cases of lobular neoplasia alone and 35 cases of lobular neoplasia associated with atypical ductal hyperplasia were identified. Biopsy follow-up revealed DCIS or invasive carcinoma in none of 6 cases of ALH, none of 9 cases of LCIS, and DCIS in 1 of 11 cases with both atypical ductal hyperplasia and LCIS. Our results suggest that patients with lobular neoplasia in breast core biopsy specimens are not at increased risk of either DCIS or invasive carcinoma at excision, and patients with this finding and no other clinical or pathologic indications for biopsy can be followed up rather than routinely undergo excision. Recent reports suggest that the finding of lobular neoplasia (atypical lobular hyperplasia [ALH] or lobular carcinoma in situ [LCIS] 1 ) in breast core needle biopsy specimens may be associated with an increased risk of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma at excision. 2,3 Such a finding seems unexpected, since lobular neoplasia traditionally has been associated with an increased risk of carcinoma for both breasts rather than an increased risk at that particular site. 1,4 If this finding could be confirmed, patients with such a finding would seem to be candidates for routine excision rather than clinical follow-up. As a specific reaction to these reports, during the last year, we have been adding a note to reports for patients with lobular neoplasia revealed by breast core biopsy that recent studies suggest that patients with these findings may be at increased risk and excision may be warranted. However, our experience is that very few of these patients had either DCIS or invasive carcinoma identified in their subsequent excisions. To investigate this, we reviewed the results of all follow-up biopsies in patients with a diagnosis of lobular neoplasia alone or with coexisting atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) from a large series of breast core biopsies.
Restoration of Native Perennials in a California Annual Grassland after Prescribed Spring Burning and Solarization

Grasslands dominated by exotic annual grasses have replaced native perennial vegetation types in vast areas of California. Prescribed spring fires can cause a temporary replacement of exotic annual grasses by native and nonnative forbs, but generally do not lead to recovery of native perennials, especially where these have been entirely displaced for many years. Successful reintroduction of perennial species after fire depends on establishment in the postfire environment. We studied the effects of vegetation changes after an April fire on competition for soil moisture, a key factor in exotic annual grass dominance. As an alternative to fire, solarization effectively kills seeds of most plant species but with a high labor investment per area. We compared the burn to solarization in a study of establishment and growth of seeds and transplants of the native perennial grass Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) and coastal sage species California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). After the fire, initial seed bank and seedling densities and regular percent cover and soil moisture (0‐20 cm) data were collected in burned and unburned areas. Burned areas had 96% fewer viable seeds of the dominant annual grass, Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), leading to replacement by forbs from the seed bank, especially non-native Black mustard (Brassica nigra). In the early growing season, B. diandrus dominating unburned areas consistently depleted soil moisture to a greater extent between rains than forbs in burned areas. However, B. diandrus senesced early, leaving more moisture available in unburned areas after late-season rains. Nassella pulchra and A. californica established better on plots treated with fire and/or solarization than on untreated plots. We conclude that both spring burns and solarization can produce conditions where native perennials can establish in annual grasslands. However, the relative contribution of these treatments to restoration appears to depend on the native species being reintroduced, and the long-term success of these initial restoration experiments remains to be determined.
Legal information retrieval and application to e-rulemaking

The complexity and diversity of government regulations make understanding the regulations a non-trivial task. One of the issues is the existence of multiple sources of regulations and interpretive guides; the latter are often independent of governing bodies. This work aims to develop an information infrastructure for legal information retrieval with applications to electronic-rulemaking. The pilot study focuses on accessibility regulations from the US Federal government, private organizations and European agencies. A shallow parser is developed to consolidate different regulations into a unified XML format, which is well suited for handling semi-structured data such as legal documents. Handcrafted rules and a text mining tool are developed to extract the important features, such as concepts, measurements, effective dates and so on, and to incorporate them into the corpus.To compare and locate related provisions from different regulatory documents, we employ Information Retrieval techniques to combine generic features with domain knowledge. Structural information from regulations, such as the hierarchical organization of provisions and heavy referencing among provisions, are used to help improve the relatedness analysis. Results are obtained to illustrate the use of regulatory structure and domain knowledge in provision comparisons. Application to an e-rulemaking scenario for a rights-of-way drafted regulation is shown to demonstrate extended capabilities of the prototype system.
Gamma-ray imaging laboratory measurements using externally segmented germanium detectors

Fully two-dimensional gamma-ray imaging with simultaneous high-resolution spectroscopy using an externally segmented germanium sensor has been demonstrated in the laboratory with a calibrated radioactive source. The system employs a single high-purity coaxial detector with its outer electrode segmented into five distinct charge collection regions and a lead coded aperture, with a uniformly redundant array (URA) pattern. A series of one-dimensional responses was collected around 511 keV while the system was rotated in steps through 180/spl deg/. A nonnegative, linear least-squares algorithm was then employed to reconstruct a two-dimensional image. Corrections for multiple scattering in the detector, and the finite distance of source and detector are made in the reconstruction process. >
Automated Solid-Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of 6-Acetylmorphine in Human Urine Specimens: Application for a High-Throughput Urine Analysis Laboratory

An automated solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS-MS) method using the Spark Holland Symbiosis Pharma SPE-LC coupled to a Waters Quattro Micro MS-MS was developed for the analysis of 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) in human urine specimens. The method was linear (R² = 0.9983) to 100 ng/mL, with no carryover at 200 ng/mL. Limits of quantification and detection were found to be 2 ng/mL. Interrun precision calculated as percent coefficient of variation (%CV) and evaluated by analyzing five specimens at 10 ng/mL over nine batches (n = 45) was 3.6%. Intrarun precision evaluated from 0 to 100 ng/mL ranged from 1.0 to 4.4%CV. Other opioids (codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and norcodeine) did not interfere in the detection, quantification, or chromatography of 6-AM or the deuterated internal standard. The quantified values for 41 authentic human urine specimens previously found to contain 6-AM by a validated gas chromatography (GC)-MS method were compared to those obtained by the SPE-LC-MS-MS method. The SPE-LC-MS-MS procedure eliminates the human factors of specimen handling, extraction, and derivatization, thereby reducing labor costs and rework resulting from human error or technique issues. The time required for extraction and analysis was reduced by approximately 50% when compared to a validated 6-AM procedure using manual SPE and GC-MS analysis.
A crash avoidance system based upon the cockroach escape response circuit

A crash avoidance system for automobiles is developed based upon a distributed network of artificial neurons that mimic the neural organization of the escape system in the American cockroach. The cockroach escape circuit is shown to be an excellent source of inspiration for the development of a collision avoidance system. The crash avoidance system is implemented in an artificial neural network which is trained off-line, but then is shown to produce real-time performance. A collision avoidance scheme which makes use of a crash alarm strategy is developed for training the neural network. A dynamic model of a four-wheeled vehicle with front wheel steering and realistic performance constraints is used to test the crash avoidance system. Simulation results show that the well-trained neural network causes successful, reflexive crash avoidance behaviors in a dynamic environment without a priori information.
A VLSI implementation of a thresholder for real-time image segmentation

Presents an algorithm to segment images dynamically and in real-time. The proposed approach utilizes a recursive learning model for thresholding each individual pixel in an image. A VLSI design and implementation of the thresholder is presented. The system features high reliability and effectively applicable to a variety of signals and images. >
Hospital-Based Long-Term Care Services for the Frail Elderly

This paper examines acute care hospital diversification into long-term care services for the frail elderly. The discussion focuses on five multifaceted roles played by health care social workers as hospitals develop long-term care initiatives. The need for an advocacy stance in both macro and micro aspects of care is stressed. Ethical dilemmas that arise in hospital-based systems are presented.
Tool support for software lookup table optimization

A number of scientific applications are performance-limited by expressions that repeatedly call costly elementary functions. Lookup table LUT optimization accelerates the evaluation of such functions by reusing previously computed results. LUT methods can speed up applications that tolerate an approximation of function results, thereby achieving a high level of fuzzy reuse. One problem with LUT optimization is the difficulty of controlling the tradeoff between performance and accuracy. The current practice of manual LUT optimization adds programming effort by requiring extensive experimentation to make this tradeoff, and such hand tuning can obfuscate algorithms.In this paper we describe a methodology and tool implementation to improve the application of software LUT optimization. Our Mesa tool implements source-to-source transformations for C or C++ code to automate the tedious and error-prone aspects of LUT generation such as domain profiling, error analysis, and code generation. We evaluate Mesa with five scientific applications. Our results show a performance improvement of 3.0× and 6.9× for two molecular biology algorithms, 1.4× for a molecular dynamics program, 2.1× to 2.8× for a neural network application, and 4.6× for a hydrology calculation. We find that Mesa enables LUT optimization with more control over accuracy and less effort than manual approaches.
Periocular Accumulation of Timolol and Betaxolol in Glaucoma Patients Under Long-term Therapy

Abstract Purpose: To determine if betaxolol or timolol is present in measurable concentration in the Tenon capsule in patients under long-term topical therapy. Methods: Small (1-cc) specimens of Tenon capsule were removed at the time of filtering surgery from 15 glaucoma patients under long-term preoperative topical therapy, nine of whom had been treated with timolol and six of whom had been receiving betaxolol. Methanol extracts of these tissue samples were analyzed quantitatively for the presence of either β-adrenergic antagonist by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Drug was detected in every specimen. A mean total of 2.6 (range, 0.1–30.0) μg of betaxolol was detected per 1-cc specimen. Conclusion: Timolol and betaxolol penetrate the conjunctiva and accumulate in the Tenon capsule. In patients under long-term therapy, the periocular tissue can accumulate a greater quantity of beta-antagonist than is present in a daily dosage of applied eyedrops, manyfold higher than the maximal intraocular concentration.
Folliculitis keloidalis nuchea, bleeding from haircuts, and potential HIV transmission.

Infection with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) the cause of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been reported worldwide. The overwhelming majority of people living with the disease live in lowand middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence. Evidence for the contribution of social factors such as poverty, migration, and related consequences (poor education, family breakdown, substance abuse, etc.) are plausible explanations for the rapid spread of a disease that is transmitted sexually and through blood contact. However, the latter seem inadequate as explanations for the striking disproportionate burden of the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa; an area accounting for about 10% of the world population yet where more than 60% of infected people live (Fig. 1). Variation in HIV country prevalence has been attributed to various factors that increase the likelihood of infection. There is no direct association between the burden of disease and various measures of poverty (i.e., the poorest countries do not necessarily have the highest prevalence, e.g., Southern Africa leads the continent both in wealth and disease prevalence). The correlation
Connecting microstructural attributes and permeability from 3D tomographic images of in situ shear-enhanced compaction bands using multiscale computations

Tomographic images taken inside and outside a compaction band in a field specimen of Aztec sandstone are analyzed by using numerical methods such as graph theory, level sets, and hybrid lattice Boltzmann/finite element techniques. The results reveal approximately an order of magnitude permeability reduction within the compaction band. This is less than the several orders of magnitude reduction measured from hydraulic experiments on compaction bands formed in laboratory experiments and about one order of magnitude less than inferences from two-dimensional images of Aztec sandstone. Geometrical analysis concludes that the elimination of connected pore space and increased tortuosities due to the porosity decrease are the major factors contributing to the permeability reduction. In addition, the multiscale flow simulations also indicate that permeability is fairly isotropic inside and outside the compaction band.
Vibrational spectroscopic studies on CO adsorption, NO adsorption CO + NO reaction on Pd model catalysts

CO adsorption, NO adsorption and CO + NO reaction on various Pd model catalysts have been studied using vibrational spectroscopy from ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) up to elevated pressures (∼1 bar) and the kinetics of the reaction compared with the conventional high surface area Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. The structure sensitivity of the CO + NO reaction on different Pd surfaces is explained using Pd(111), Pd(100) single crystals and planar Pd/SiO2/Mo(110), Pd/SiO2/Mo(112), Pd/Al2O3/Ta(110) supported model catalysts by emphasizing the particle size/morphology effects and particle-support interactions. A reaction intermediate, isocyanate (–NCO), is detected via in situ vibrational spectroscopy at elevated pressures on Pd(111) single crystal surface and the significance of this reaction intermediate on the improvement of the catalytic NOx removal is discussed.
Restoration of knee volume using selected arthroscopic releases.

Background: Inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, adhesions, or plicae may limit normal capsular compliance and decrease volume capacity of the knee.Hypothesis: Patients with fibrosis, anterior interval scarring, adhesions, or palpable painful plicae will have decreased knee volumes when compared to controls, and selective arthroscopic releases will restore volume to normal levels.Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study and cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods: In part I, knee volume and pressure were recorded in 14 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees, and the maximum volume capacity was identified before capsular disruption. In part II, 49 patients undergoing arthroscopy were divided into 2 groups based on intraoperative volume assessment at 50 mm H2O pressure: group 1 (n = 20) with normal volume ( 1 standard deviation below mean). Group 2 underwent volume-changing procedures such as lysi...
The “New” Marijuana

Synthetic cannabinoid-induced toxicity is increasing in frequency across the US, with more than 1057 reported cases as of August 2010. There is a paucity of literature on synthetic cannabinoid toxicity; however, there are various reports of adverse effects including tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, chest pain, heart palpitations, hallucinations, racing thoughts, and seizures. While reports suggest that toxic symptoms last no longer than 3-4 hours, with no residual adverse effects in many cases, there is concern about serious acute and long-term toxicities. This article reviews the development, abuse, toxicity, treatment, and legal status of synthetic cannabinoids. It is important for health-care professionals to recognize and appropriately treat synthetic cannabinoid-induced toxicity.