cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monoterpene Metabolism. Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of Menthone Reductases from Peppermint

(−)-Menthone is the predominant monoterpene produced in the essential oil of maturing peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaves during the filling of epidermal oil glands. This early biosynthetic process is followed by a second, later oil maturation program (approximately coincident with flower initiation) in which the C3-carbonyl of menthone is reduced to yield (−)-(3R)-menthol and (+)-(3S)-neomenthol by two distinct NADPH-dependent ketoreductases. An activity-based in situ screen, by expression in Escherichia coli of 23 putative redox enzymes from an immature peppermint oil gland expressed sequence tag library, was used to isolate a cDNA encoding the latter menthone:(+)-(3S)-neomenthol reductase. Reverse transcription-PCR amplification and RACE were used to acquire the former menthone:(−)-(3R)-menthol reductase directly from mRNA isolated from the oil gland secretory cells of mature leaves. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two reductases share 73% identity, provide no apparent subcellular targeting information, and predict inclusion in the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes. The menthone:(+)-(3S)-neomenthol reductase cDNA encodes a 35,722-D protein, and the recombinant enzyme yields 94% (+)-(3S)-neomenthol and 6% (−)-(3R)-menthol from (−)-menthone as substrate, and 86% (+)-(3S)-isomenthol and 14% (+)-(3R)-neoisomenthol from (+)-isomenthone as substrate, has a pH optimum of 9.3, and Km values of 674 μm, > 1 mm, and 10 μm for menthone, isomenthone, and NADPH, respectively, with a kcat of 0.06 s−1. The recombinant menthone:(−)-(3R)-menthol reductase has a deduced size of 34,070 D and converts (−)-menthone to 95% (−)-(3R)-menthol and 5% (+)-(3S)-neomenthol, and (+)-isomenthone to 87% (+)-(3R)-neoisomenthol and 13% (+)-(3S)-isomenthol, displays optimum activity at neutral pH, and has Km values of 3.0 μm, 41 μm, and 0.12 μm for menthone, isomenthone, and NADPH, respectively, with a kcat of 0.6 s−1. The respective activities of these menthone reductases account for all of the menthol isomers found in the essential oil of peppermint. Biotechnological exploitation of these genes could lead to improved production yields of (−)-menthol, the principal and characteristic flavor component of peppermint.
Asymptotically Efficient Estimation of Models Defined by Convex Moment Inequalities

This paper examines the efficient estimation of partially identified models defined by moment inequalities that are convex in the parameter of interest. In such a setting, the identified set is itself convex and hence fully characterized by its support function. We provide conditions under which, despite being an infinite dimensional parameter, the support function admits √n-consistent regular estimators. A semiparametric efficiency bound is then derived for its estimation, and it is shown that any regular estimator attaining it must also minimize a wide class of asymptotic loss functions. In addition, we show that the “plug-in” estimator is efficient, and devise a consistent bootstrap procedure for estimating its limiting distribution. The setting we examine is related to an incomplete linear model studied in Beresteanu and Molinari (2008) and Bontemps, Magnac, and Maurin (2012), which further enables us to establish the semiparametric efficiency of their proposed estimators for that problem.
The kinetics of secretion from permeabilized human neutrophils: release of elastase and correlations with other granule constituents and right angle light scatter.

We have previously reported that human neutrophils can be permeabilized with the cholesterol-complexing agent digitonin. These permeabilized cells can be induced to secrete lysosomal constituents when exposed to micromolar levels of free Ca2 � , a process that is enhanced by certain guanine nucleotides. We examinedthe kinetics in this system by employing both direct and indirect measures of secretion. A continuous, fluorescent assay of elastase permits real-time monitoring of secretion from azurophil granules. The kinetics of elastase release proved to be rapid, beginning within 3-10 sec and reaching a maximum at 1-2 mm. Changes in the Ca2�concentration did not affect the “lag period” for release. A comparison of the Ca2�dose-response curves for release of the various granule constituents indicated that elastase was being secreted along with other contents of the azurophil granules. Changes in right angle light scatter (RLS), which have been shown to correlate closely with secretion, also commenced rapidly after the addition of Ca2 �; when measured simultaneously, both the Ca2 + dose-response characteristics for changes in RLS and elastase release were very similar. Changes in RLS could be halted within 5 sec by excess EGTA and restarted promptly by repletion with secretory concentrations of Ca2 � In addition, neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor, profoundly diminished degranulation as monitored by RLS and end-point techniques. A continuous assay employing 9-aminoacnidine self-quenching as a measure of secretion proved far less satisfactory, but, nonetheless, produced similar kinetics and dose-response characteristics. These data thus suggest that secretion of granule constituents from permeabilized neutrophils takes place rapidly and that the kinetics are comparable to those observed with intact cells.
An update on software packages for simulation of communication systems (links)

An update is provided of the software package for link simulation that were described in the January 1984 issue of this journal (P. Balaban, et al., ibid., vol.2, no.1, pp.1-8). The packages covered are SYSTID, TOPSIM, CHAMP, ICS, ICSSM, BLOSIM, and CLASS. Three new software packages are reviewed: MODEM, WCS, and BOSS. Recent trends in software packages for simulation-based analysis and design of communication links are also discussed. >
Kinetic examination of nitrogen release by zooplankters1

Kinetics of nitrogen release by Daphnia mugna (0.2-0.4 mg dry wt) and Daphnia pulex (ca. 0.03 mg dry wt) were followed by measuring ammonium (plus primary amines) in water flowing past individual animals. Culture media water was pumped slowly (6 ml *h-l) through an incubation chamber (volume 0.05 ml) containing a daphnid and then either mixed with o-phthalaldehyde reagent for continuous analysis of nitrogen compounds or passed into a sample loop of an ammonium analyzer for measurements of ammonium release at discrete intervals. Within the resolution of the technique (3 min), nutrient regeneration appeared continuous rather than pulsed. Highest rates of ammonium release, 44 nmol. (mg dry wt)-l* h-’ (SE = 5, N = B), were typically observed immediately after the animals were removed from food. Regeneration rates for D. manna gradually decreased during the first hour to a mean steady state rate of 11 nmol. (mg dry wt)“.h -1 (SE = 2, N = 8). The release of nitrogen and phosphorus by zooplankton provides nutrients for phytoplankton in marine and freshwaters. Many investigators have measured nitrogen and phosphorus release in laboratory and field experiments, but the kinetics of nutrient release are not yet well defined. For example, it is not clear whether zooplankters release nutrients in pulses or continuously. This is important in estimating the persistence of concentrated nutrient patches which may be microenvironments for enhanced nutrient uptake by phytoplankton (cf. Goldman et al. 1979; Lehman 1980). Factors controlling rates of nutrient release are also not well defined. Although recently fed animals release nitrogen and phosphorus at higher rates than unfed ones (Corner et al. 1965; Hargrave and l GLERL Contribution 244. Geen 1968; Marshall and Orr 1961; Conover and Mayzaud 1976), the extent to which food quantity and quality affect nutrient release has been masked by previous experimental designs. For example, because phytoplankton, added as food, assimilate nutrients released by the animals before the increased nutrient concentrations can be measured, investigators have incubated animals without food before measuring nutrient accumulation. Also, because relatively large incubation chambers were used, experiments have often been run for more than 12 h to accumulate sufficient nutrients for measurement. The shortest incubation times have been about 2 h. The retention time of food in the animal’s gut is long (~1 h) in the absence of an external food source (Schindler 1968; Geller 1975; Lampert 1977), and food in the gut is partly digested during the experiment. Thus, nutrient release rates obtained
The State of Aging and Public Health for People with Spinal Cord Injury: Lost in Transition?

The population with spinal cord injury (SCI) is currently in an epidemiologic transition, characterized by increasing life span and a resultant change in health comorbidities. These health shifts, along with “life transitions” and aging experiences unique to people with SCI, require a specialized approach to aging with SCI. The purpose of this article is to provide a background to epidemiologic changes in the general population and in those with SCI. Then, a brief overview of the evidence base relevant to conditions associated with aging with SCI will be presented. By approaching SCI care with anticipatory knowledge of likely aging needs, health care professionals and consumers with SCI can better proactively address potential comorbidities and health decline and, using a coordinated approach, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and interventions can be implemented with the long-term goal of reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving health, wellness, and quality of life.
Alternating-Current Resistance of Rectangular Conductors

New experimental data are presented for conductors having ratios of width to thickness of 1 to 1 to 2400 to 1 for frequencies up to eight kilocycles. These data are co-ordinated with existing data furnishing an experimental proof of the "principle of similitude." "Skin effect" formulas are also checked with the experimental data over the range of frequencies for which these relations apply.
Increased folding and channel activity of a rare cystic fibrosis mutant with CFTR modulators

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. The gene product is a PKA-regulated anion channel that is important for fluid and electrolyte transp...
Bowed Limbs in a Newborn

A term male born with bowed limbs. ### Prenatal History: ### Birth History: ### Vital Signs: ### Physical Examination:
Intelligent missions for MAVs: visual contexts for control, tracking and recognition

In this paper, we develop a unified vision system for small-scale aircraft that not only addresses basic flight stability and control, but also enables more intelligent missions, such as ground object recognition and moving-object tracking. The proposed system defines a framework for real-time image feature extraction, horizon detection and sky/ground segmentation, and contextual ground object detection. Multiscale Linear Discriminant Analysis (MLDA) defines the first stage of the vision system, and generates a multiscale description of images, incorporating both color and texture through a dynamic representation of image details. This representation is ideally suited for horizon detection and sky/ground segmentation of images, which we accomplish through the probabilistic representation of tree-structured belief networks (TSBN). Specifically, we propose incomplete meta TSBNs (IMTSBN) to accommodate the properties of our MLDA representation and to enhance the descriptive component of these statistical models. In the last stage of the vision processing, we seamlessly extend this probabilistic framework to perform computationally efficient detection and recognition of objects in the segmented ground region, through the idea of visual contexts. By exploiting visual contexts, we can quickly focus on candidate regions where objects of interest may be found, and then perform additional analysis for those regions only. Throughout, our approach is heavily influenced by real-time constraints and robustness to transient video noise.
Development of a Pacifier for Low-Birth-Weight Infants' Nonnutritive Sucking

Nonnutritive sucking can provide low-birth-weight infants with an opportunity to organize their behavior, an important component of developmental care. A pacifier specifically designed for low-birth-weight infants facilitates their nonnutritive sucking to more fully meet their needs. The research and development of a pacifier for low-birth-weight infants incorporated a naturalistic approach and used the best model, the infant thumb, in the design. Clinical trials with infants randomized to control and experimental groups were conducted to compare the prototype pacifier to a commercially available pacifier. Observations using the Anderson Behavioral State Scale demonstrated that infants using the prototype pacifier more often were found to be in an alert state. This pacifier may contribute to infants' state organization for optimum feeding and could be a component in developmental care planning.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Torsional Deformation by Doppler Tissue Imaging Validation Study With Tagged Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background— Left ventricular (LV) torsional deformation is a sensitive index for LV performance but difficult to measure. The present study tested the accuracy of a novel method that uses Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) for quantifying LV torsion in humans with tagged magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference. Methods and Results— Twenty patients underwent DTI and tagged MRI studies. Images of the LV were acquired at apical and basal short-axis levels to assess LV torsion. We calculated LV rotation by integrating the rotational velocity, determined from DTI velocities of the septal and lateral regions, and correcting for the LV radius over time. LV torsion was defined as the difference in LV rotation between the 2 levels. DTI rotational and torsional profiles throughout systole and diastole were compared with those by tagged MRI at isochronal points. Rotation and torsion by DTI were closely correlated with tagged MRI results during systole and early diastole (apical and basal rotation, r=0.87 and 0.90,...
The Big Picture: Preparing Students for a Data-centric World

It is the beginning of the fall semester 2015 here at the University of Georgia. One of us is teaching an introductory statistics course for honors students. On the first day, the class is discussi...
Mn L3,2 X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism in ferromagnetic Ga1-xMnxP

We have measured the X‐ray absorption (XAS) and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Mn L3,2 edges in ferromagnetic Ga1−xMnxP films for 0.018⩽x⩽0.042. Large XMCD asymmetries at the L3 edge indicate significant spin‐polarization of the density of states at the Fermi energy. The spectral shapes of the XAS and XMCD are nearly identical with those for Ga1−xMnxAs indicating that the hybridization of Mn d states and anion p states is similar in the two materials. Finally, compensation with sulfur donors not only lowers the ferromagnetic Curie temperature but also reduces the spin polarization of the hole states.
Case Report: Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome Associated with Treatment of the Bite of a Brown Recluse Spider

Dapsone (4-4-diaminodiphenyl-sulfone) is a member of the sulfone group of antibiotics used in the treatment of leprosy and various dermatitidies and more recently employed in the management of local reactions to the bite of the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa. A dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, consisting of fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, hemolysis, leukopenia, and mononucleosis, has been described in patients treated with the drug for leprosy. A case report of the hypersensitivity syndrome occurring in a patient being treated with dapsone for a brown recluse spider bite is presented.
Paternal or Maternal Uniparental Disomy of Chromosome 16 Resulting in Homozygosity of a Mutant Allele Causes Fanconi Anemia

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in one of 19 FANC genes. FA patients display congenital abnormalities, and develop bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. We identified homozygous mutations in four FA patients and, in each case, only one parent carried the obligate mutant allele. FANCA and FANCP/SLX4 genes, both located on chromosome 16, were the affected recessive FA genes in three and one family respectively. Genotyping with short tandem repeat markers and SNP arrays revealed uniparental disomy (UPD) of the entire mutation-carrying chromosome 16 in all four patients. One FANCA patient had paternal UPD, whereas FA in the other three patients resulted from maternal UPD. These are the first reported cases of UPD as a cause of FA. UPD indicates a reduced risk of having another child with FA in the family and has implications in prenatal diagnosis.
Notes on the Biology of Neodiprion excitans in North Carolina

A field study was made of a pine sawfly, Neodiprion excitans (Rohwer), which attacked 3000 acres of pond pine. Pinus serotina Michx., and loblolly pine, Pinus taeda I... in Pasquotank County, N. C., in 1968. Collections and observations of the insect were made weekly. The sawfly overwintered in the egg stage. Average egg size was 1.3 × 0.5 mm, and dissection of virgin females revealed an average of all eggs. Typically, the female deposits 1 egg per needle. Cocoon color varied, with humidity, and cocoons under high humidities were darker. Average dimensions of all sample cocoons were 3.2 × 7.5 mm. Average dimensions of female and male cocoons were 9.2 × 3.8 mm anti 6.7 × 2.9 mm, respectively. There were 2 generations per year, and the 2nd generation diapaused until November when the adults emerged and began oviposition. Some tree mortality was noted during the outbreak, but this was probably due in part to recent site disturbance and other insects.
Quantitative Anatomical Study of Tailored Far-Lateral Approach for the VA-PICA Regions

Objective The extent of the far-lateral approach (FLA) has not yet been quantified for the region of the vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries (VA-PICA). We quantitatively analyzed six main sequential steps of the FLA. Methods A modified small FLA (msFLA) and a classic large FLA (clFLA) were performed sequentially on both sides of five cadaveric heads. A frameless navigational system was used to quantify the angle of attack for the origin (T1) and lateral medullary segment (T2) of the PICA and the surgical area of exposure above and below the vagus nerve (cranial nerve [CN] X). Results The total area of exposure above CN X increased significantly (p 0.05). C1 hemilaminectomy increased (p < 0.05) the vertical angle of attack, and drilling the posteromedial third of the occipital condyle increased (p < 0.05) the horizontal angle of attack to the origin of the PICA. Conclusions For the VA-PICA region, the msFLA offered a similar practical surgical working area and similar angles of attack when compared with the clFLA. The FLA should be tailored based on the location, size, and pathology of lesions and on the exposure required for effective surgical treatment.
Tone Perception and Decomposition of Periodic Functions

(1979). Tone Perception and Decomposition of Periodic Functions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 36-42.
MODIFICATION OF VERBAL INTERACTIONS IN TRIAD GROUPS: PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Studies of group behavior within an operant conditioning fmmework have been relstively sparse. The studies that have been performed (e.g., Cieutat, 1959; Oakes, Drogc, & August, 1960) have demonstrated that verbal conditioning principles can be employed ro manipulate simultaneously the duration of talking by several Ss. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the conditions under which the verbal interactions in triads of Ss could be modified. The assumption was made that the verbal behavior of a given S is regulated at least to some extent by the verbal behavior of other Ss in the group. A series of 5 reinforcement programs was investigated to determine to what extent manipulation of the verbal behavior of 2 Ss in a triad group (Non-critical Ss or NCSs) would have on the third S (Critical S or CS). 90 Ss (in 30 triads) were placed in individual isolation booths and given psychiatric case histories to discuss. The reinforcement was points which registered on their counters contingent upon duration of talking and the person to whom they talked. The points were exchangeable for gifts at [he end of the experimental session. The best reinforcement procedure involved direct manipulation of CS's behavior. Reinforcement programs involving simultaneous manipulation of the NCSs in addition to the CS failed to produce changes in the CS's duration of talking. The reinforcement programs were also unsuccessful in producing increases in the amount of talking by the NCSs to the CS although there were substantial decrements in the interactions between NCSs. Because of the large variabiliry among triads of Ss, results are tentative. The study susgesred that the effectiveness of any reinforcement program may be dependent upon a number of variables, such as the operant level of talking by CS, the operant duration of talking directed by the NCSs to CS, the sex of the members composing the triads, and possibly the length and/or number of conditioning sessions. These are variables which have to be taken into account in subsequent research.
Interictal photosensitivity associates with altered brain structure in patients with episodic migraine.

Background Migraine attacks manifest with hypersensitivities to light, sound, touch and odor. Some people with migraine have photosensitivity between migraine attacks, suggesting persistent alterat...
Enhancement of lycopene bioaccessibility from tomato juice using excipient emulsions: Influence of lipid droplet size.

The use of excipient emulsions to increase the bioaccessibility of lycopene in tomato juice was studied by simulating gastrointestinal conditions. The influence of droplet diameter (d = 0.17 or 19 μm) and thermal treatment (90 °C, 10 min) on lycopene bioaccessibility was evaluated. Lycopene bioaccessibility was relatively low (<8%) in the absence of excipient emulsions due to the crystalline nature of the carotenoids and their entrapment within chromoplasts. Emulsions containing small droplets were fully digested within the small intestine phase, and led to a higher bioaccessibility (12.5%) than emulsions containing large droplets (10.0%) or emulsion-free samples (7.5%). The relatively modest increase in bioaccessibility was attributed to the high level of entrapment in crystalline form. Thermal processing did not appreciably disrupt tomato cells, and therefore only led to a slight increase in lycopene bioaccessibility. Overall, this study shows that excipient emulsions may increase the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in tomato juices.
REACTION MECHANISM AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A SUPER ABSORBENT RESIN OF CELLULOSE /AM/AA

Reaction mechanism of a super absorbent resin (SAR) of cellulose/AM/AA, with (NH 4) 2Ce(No 3) 6 as Initiator, has been studied, which is free radical mechanism that contains the process of chain initiation, chain growth, chain ending and oxidation. Identifying SAR by infrared spectroscopy (IR), the advent of characteristic peak has indicated that AA and AM have grafted on the chain of cellulose. Graft effectiveness of the SAR is determined with the method of bromine (Br) and up to 76%.
The Media Archaeology Lab (MAL, University of Colorado Boulder, USA) as an Archive

Founder and Director of the Media Archaeology Lab (MAL) University of Colorado-Boulder (CU-Boulder), United States of America (USA), Lori Emerson discusses both its history from 2008 to the present and its flexible philosophy of using hands-on access to so-called “old media” as a way to drive teaching, research, and artistic practice. Emerson also provides an OVERVIEW of this laboratory´s holdings, research projects as well as the artist residencies, all of them essential elements for MAL´s mission.
Photoaffinity labelling of cyanomethaemoglobin with derivatives of tryptophan and 5-bromotryptophan

Tryptophan and 5-bromotryptophan (5-BrTrp) are relatively potent inhibitors of sickle-haemoglobin polymerization. The binding sites of these compounds to normal and sickle haemoglobin (HBA and HBS) have been suggested, but not firmly established, through the use of spin-labelled derivatives and/or computer modeling. In the present study we approached the problem by utilizing the technique of photoaffinity labelling. The cyanomet forms of HBA and HBS were subjected to photoaffinity labelling with N alpha-(4-azidotetrafluorobenzoyl)tryptophan and N alpha-(1-ethyl-2-diazomalonyl)-5-bromotryptophan respectively. Both irradiated samples of HBA and HBS were denatured, digested with trypsin, and then separated by reversed-phase HPLC. A labelled tryptic peptide was isolated from the photolabelling of HBS with N alpha-(1-ethyl-2-diazomalonyl)-5-bromotryptophan. The peptide was identified to be Val1(alpha)-Lys7(alpha), with the label attached to Val1(alpha), by virtue of amino acid analysis and sequencing, in conjunction with fast-atom-bombardment MS. The binding mode of N alpha-(1-ethyl-2-diazomalonyl)-5-bromotryptophan is proposed and its relevance to the potency of the 5-BrTrp-based anti-sickling agents is discussed.
Sympathoadrenal contribution to plasma dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) in rats.

1. To determine the sources of dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) in plasma, we measured regional arteriovenous differences, tissue concentrations and urinary excretion of dopa during systemic intravenous infusions of I -[ 3 H]dopa into anaesthetized intact rats and rats pretreated with the sympathetic neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine. 2. In intact rats, large arteriovenous increments in plasma dopa concentrations were noted in the femoral (47%) and adrenal (141%) beds, with a small arterial-portal venous increment (11%), whereas in the kidney there was a substantial (47%) arteriovenous decrement in plasma dopa levels. Skeletal muscle appeared to be a major source of dopa in arterial plasma. 3. Treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine abolished the afferent-efferent increment of plasma dopa concentrations in the femoral bed. The arteriovenous decrement of plasma dopa concentrations in the kidney was preserved, and the arteriovenous increment in the adrenal bed was decreased by about half. Arterial plasma dopa levels fell by 41%. 4. Regional extraction percentages of I -[ 3 H]dopa were used to estimate the clearances and rates of appearance (spillovers) of dopa in plasma. Dopa spillover was detected in the femoral, renal, splanchnic and adrenal beds, with skeletal muscle accounting for about 44% and the kidneys accounting for about 18% of dopa in arterial plasma. Whereas chemical sympathectomy decreased the femoral and renal spillover of dopa by 90% or more, arterial dopa levels and estimated dopa spillover into arterial plasma were decreased by only about 45%. 5. The kidneys accounted for 22% of dopa clearance from arterial plasma. From the renal extraction of I -[ 3 H]dopa and the urinary excretion of [ 3 H]dopamine, it was estimated that 77% of dopa removed in the kidneys was excreted as dopamine in intact animals and 69% was excreted as dopamine in sympathectomized animals. Conversely, about 80% of urinary endogenous dopamine was derived from plasma dopa, regardless of 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. 6. The results indicate that endogenous dopa in arterial plasma is derived substantially but not exclusively from sympathetic nerve endings that are destroyed by 6-hydroxydopamine, especially in skeletal muscle and the kidneys. Regional dopa spillover therefore probably reflects regional catecholamine biosynthesis. In rats, urinary dopamine is derived mainly from renal decarboxylation of circulating dopa.
Evaluation of early response by anatomic imaging to predict survival among patients with group III rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children’s Oncology Group.

10012 Background: The prognostic significance of response to induction therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) by anatomic imaging (computerized tomographic [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scan...
A Pathfinding Radio Documentary Series: Norman Corwin's One World Flight

Abstract Norman Corwin was the most celebrated writer of American radio's golden era. This article examines his 1947 CBS series One World Flight that was based upon a round-the-world trip he had taken the previous year to assess the prospects for postwar peace. Corwin's series provided a unique look at the world as it was slipping into the Cold War. It also helped pioneer the actuality-based broadcast documentary by using recordings as opposed to dramatizations and by helping end a longstanding ban that CBS and NBC had imposed against using recordings on the air. More broadly, One World Flight pointed toward network radio's decline, as the networks soon afterward shifted their energies and revenues toward television. In addition, the series signaled the transition from the “good war” against fascism to the age of McCarthyism, with Corwin's One World Flight scripts being subpoenaed by the House Committee on Un-American Activities and Corwin himself landing in the pages of Red Channels.
Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy alone, and adenoidectomy alone are some of the most common surgeries performed in children. In 2006, there were approximately 530,000 pediatric tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomy performed in the United States (Cullen et al. in Natl Health Stat Report 11:1–25, 2009 [1]). Indications for tonsillectomy include obstruction [including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)], infection (including chronic tonsillitis), and tonsil masses. Indications for adenoidectomy include nasal obstruction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, chronic sinusitis, and OSA. Though tonsillectomy is not as commonly performed for infectious indications as it once was, tonsillectomies performed for obstructive indications have increased. Mortality is 1 per 16,000 to 1 per 35,000 procedures. Anesthetic and surgical complications include respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, death, bleeding, burns, and airway fires. As tonsillectomy for OSA has increased, respiratory complications have received more attention. Ways to minimize the risk of perioperative respiratory complications in those with sleep apnea continue to be developed (Raafat et al. in A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children. Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2013 [2]).
Thoracic Approaches and Incisions

Don’t confuse war surgery with elective thoracic practice. You need simple, reproducible, feasible, and fast solutions set in your mind for the various scenarios. Always prep your patients for the maximum, and be flexible after you make your initial move. Think about the compartments – where is the bleeding happening now? Be paranoid about the other compartments until you clear or control them one way or another. Never be afraid to extend your incision or make one somewhere else. For precordial wounds without pleural hemorrhage, think about a sternotomy. For inadequate exposure after anterolateral thoracotomy or suspected right pleural space hemorrhage, move to clamshell. Proximal left subclavian artery injuries are notoriously challenging, but a high left anterior thoracotomy is a key first move. Reserve posterolateral thoracotomy for delayed problems in stable patients with isolated unilateral chest trauma. No matter what the situation is, remember that you have within you the courage, intellect, audacity, perseverance, and proper training, and you will save your patient. And if all else fails, left anterolateral thoracotomy is a good place to start.
Assessment of indoor air quality exposures and impacts on respiratory outcomes in River Rouge and Dearborn, Michigan

Abstract Ambient air pollution is a public health issue which could potentially exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions and contribute to increases in asthma incidence. This study aims to address gaps in understanding how IAQ is impacted by outdoor air quality, which was done by sampling for indoor gaseous and particulate pollutants in residence and facilities near the sources of pollution. The study areas were selected due to non-attainment status with air quality standards, as well as demographic and socioeconomic status of those residing in these areas. Samples are obtained from five locations around the study areas. The sampling procedure involves active sampling methodologies for particulate matter (PM) and gases. Average volatile organic compounds (VOC) levels of 2.71 ppm were measured at a location, while the average particulate matter (PM) concentrations in three study locations were; 15,979 pt/cc, 9533 pt/cc, 5267 pt/cc respectively, which exceeded clean background environment level of 500–2000 pt/cc. All locations had average CO concentrations above 0.3 ppm, which is potentially associated with elevated asthma symptoms. Results demonstrated that facilities in the study area have increased levels of indoor air pollutants that potentially increase asthma and respiratory issues. The study concludes that particulate and gaseous pollutant levels in the study areas are a concerning human health issue. The study outcomes have significant implications for air quality exposure modeling and potential exposure mitigation strategies, which are expected to facilitate the implementation of public policies for improved human health conditions.
Gay Science and the Practice of Perspectivism

Against pictures of philosophy as somber or gloomy, Montagine offers a “gay and sociable wisdom” continuous with a tradition of la gaya scienza that goes back to the Provencal troubadours. Nietzsche locates Montaigne in this tradition and takes his own place in it. At the same time, he departs from Montaigne by calling his own project a Wissenschaft, a “science.” After showing how Nietzsche combines science and cheerfulness, this chapter turns to the perspectivism that lies at the core of both Montaigne and Nietzsche. It moves from Montaigne’s perspectivism, showing that it cannot be reduced to scepticism, to that of Nietzsche, whose perspectivism is not to be confused with those whom Bernard Williams calls truth “deniers,” since it proceeds in the service of knowledge. The analysis concludes by interpreting Nietzsche’s perspectivism in a way that does justice to both its playful character and its capacity to serve knowledge.
Management of Distal Ureter in Nephroureterectomy—Controversies

Radical nephroureterctomy with excision of distal ureter and the bladder cuff has been advocated as the gold standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinomas. The addition of distal ureterectomy and bladder cuff excision, adds to the complexity as well as post-operative recovery. Consequently, development of novel technical approached or the necessity of performing distal ureterectomy has been the topic of discussion. This chapter will focus on some main controversies and the relevant literature available to date.
Effect of Sleep-Wake Cycle Shifts on Sleep and Neuroendocrine Function

Interest in the effect of phase-shifting of the sleep-waking rhythm in man has been accelerated because of the recent demonstration of important relationships between sleep, sleep stages, and hypothalamic-pituitary neuroendocrine function (Weitzman and Hellman 1974). The past history of studies concerned with the effect of altering the sleep-waking pattern has emphasized biochemical and physiological changes occurring when the individual was subject to either a 180-degree inversion, partial phase shift, or change in the length of the “day” (Mills 1966, Halberg 1969, Elliott et al. 1972). The use of such experimental manipulations of defined circadian rhythmic processes has led to several general principles regarding differing modes of response patterns to such cyclic shifts. It is clear that a number of circadian rhythmic processes are quite resistant to shift, requiring several weeks for the establishment of an inverted rhythm. The body temperature cycle, urinary potassium rhythm, and the 24-hour adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-cortisol secretory pattern are examples of such resistant rhythms (Sharp 1960; Sharp, Slorach, and Vipond 1961; Weitzman et al. 1968; Aschoff 1969; Elliott et al. 1972). Other measured functions have been shown to be rapidly inverted or shifted. These functions include urinary phosphates, water excretion, and the 24-hour pattern of plasma growth hormone (Sassin, Parker, and Johnson 1969), prolactin (Sassin et al. 1973), and luteinizing hormones in pubertal children (Boyar et al. 1972a).
Analysis of the First Three Zeus Critical Experiments

The Zeus experiments have been designed to test the adequacy of {sup 235}U cross sections in the intermediate-energy range. Detailed models of the three Zeus critical experiments are developed for the MCNP Monte Carlo code, and calculated results, based on cross sections derived from ENDF/B-V and ENDF/B-VI, are presented and assessed. A series of modeling simplifications then is described that transforms the detailed representations into benchmark configurations, and the reactivity impact of each of those simplifications is assessed.
Changes in hepatic function tests to induced toxicity in the bovine liver

Graded hepatic damage was induced in mature lactating dairy cows to measure the sensitivity of several hepatic diagnostic tests. In a preliminary study, cows were dosed with .05, .10 and .20 ml/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride. Extreme changes occurred in hepatic tests by 24 h post-dosing, and all died by 35 h with massive diffuse centrilobular necrosis of hepatic cord cells. Dosing was decreased to induce non-fatal hepatic changes. Cows in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were orally dosed with .002, .004, .006 or .01 ml/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride, respectively. Serum enzymes of hepatic origin, bilirubin, plus bromosulfophthalein dye clearance were assayed before dosing and up to d 14 post-dosing. Liver biopsies were performed 24 h post-dosing for histological evaluation and cytochrome P-450 content. Hepatic concentrations of cytochrome P-450 were decreased in all the dosed cows. Serum activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were elevated in cows of Groups 3 and 4 and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase in cows of Group 4 by 24 h. Serum alkaline phosphatase, glutamic-pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, urobilinogen and bromosulfophthalein dye clearance were not significantly different. Mild to moderate diffuse centrolobular necrosis was observed in livers of cow of Groups 3 and 4, but no pathological changes were seen in Groups 1 and 2.
Bohr’s Framework of Complementarity and the Realism Debate

It is often said that a work of genius resists categorization. If so, Bohr’s philosophical viewpoint easily passes this criterion of greatness. Surely this is one of the reasons for the commonplace complaints over Bohr’s “obscurity”. Thus the scholar who tries to bring Bohr’s outlook to a wider audience is immediately in difficulties which must be familiar to all who have contributed to this volume. If we try to let Bohr speak “in his own words” then we find him most elusive at just those points where we want to pose the questions which our philosophical perspective seems to make inevitable. However, if we try to locate Bohr’s position with respect to traditional philosophical reference points, then we become immediately uneasy over whether his position is correctly represented. Indeed one easily comes to suspect that the philosopher’s categories cannot characterize complementarity without distortion. Perhaps, then, understanding Bohr’s relevance for today’s philosophical discussions may come more easily if we transform the philosophers’ conceptual grid into a system less ambiguous for locating where Bohr stands on the questions that interest us most.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Hepatitis and Pancreatitis in a Patient With Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a novel approach to treat cancers. Firstly used for treatment of malignant melanomas with promising results, they were later expanded to treat other cancers including non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) expressing PD-L1. We present a case of a 66-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital for generalized gastrointestinal complaints consisting of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools occurring five times daily. Labs were significant for acute transaminitis with hyperbilirubinemia and elevated lipase. All workup for infectious and noninfectious causes was negative. The patient was started pembrolizumab 15 days before admission and his previous labs had all been normal before the initiation of treatment. He was treated with high dose of steroids with initial improvement and discharged on oral steroids taper. He subsequently presented again with worsening liver function tests (LFTs) results and was restarted on a higher dose but unable to tolerate it due to steroid-induced psychosis and left the hospital against medical advice. Presented the third time with persistent elevation of LFTs and worsening hyperbilirubinemia, this time he was started on different class of steroid with atypical antipsychotic but left again a few days later seeking care at a tertiary care institute. This case highlights one of the severe side effects of the immune checkpoint inhibitors which is acute hepatitis that can sometimes lead to acute liver failure. Prompt treatment with steroids is indicated for these patients; and those who are refractory or intolerant to steroids can be treated with a multimodal approach using topical steroids, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), ursodeoxycholic acid and immune suppressant drugs. J Med Cases. 2018;9(9):320-322 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3131w
Promotions as competitive reactions to recalls and their consequences

Firms may profit from responding to competitors’ product recalls, but relatively little is known about the nature and efficacy of these reactions. The authors empirically (1) test the link between a major recall (by Toyota) in the automobile context and competitors’ promotional responses and (2) assess the effectiveness of promotional responses and how it varies across brand tiers. They find that though Toyota recalls induced competitive promotions of approximately $850 on average, the competitive promotional reactions did not significantly affect sales on average. However, the results differ substantially by brand tiers. While 50% of premium brands increased promotions, only 36% of nonpremium brands did so. Among premium brands, 86% benefited from promotional reactions; in contrast, the effects of promotions on sales were nonsignificant or even negative for most nonpremium brands. These findings suggest that well-established results on promotional behaviors and their effectiveness may not hold in the context of recalls.
Nonthermal dark matter from modified early matter domination

Thermal freeze-out or freeze-in during a period of early matter domination can give rise to the correct dark matter abundance for $⟨{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{ann}}v{⟩}_{f}l3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}26}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}\text{ }{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. In the standard scenario, a single field that behaves like matter drives the early matter dominated era. However, in realistic models, this epoch may involve more than one field. In this paper, we study the effect of such a modification on the production of dark matter during early matter domination. We show that even a subdominant second field that decays much faster than the dominant one can considerably enhance the temperature of the Universe during an early matter-dominated phase. This in turn affects dark matter production via freeze-out/in and opens up the allowed parameter space toward significantly larger dark matter masses. As a result, one can comfortably obtain the correct relic abundance for PeV-scale dark matter for reheating temperatures at or below 10 GeV.
Examining Parental Alienation Treatments: Problems of Principles and Practices

When children of high-conflict divorced parents prefer one parent and resist or refuse visitation with the other parent, some authors have spoken of this situation as parental alienation (PA). PA refers to cases of avoidance of a parent in which the preferred parent is alleged to have manipulated the child’s thinking and created antagonism toward the non-preferred parent, and in which neither abuse nor neglect has been substantiated. Advocates of the PA concept have offered treatment methods that entail court-ordered separation of the child from the preferred parent, followed by intensive treatment and aftercare through specialized counseling, with separation and treatment sometimes lasting years. This paper examines the published evidence and other material related to the safety and effectiveness of PA treatments, and concludes that the treatments have not been shown to be effective, but are in fact potentially harmful. Suggestions are made for research approaches that could help to explain avoidance of a parent and that could yield effective treatment for such avoidance.
Improving corn yield prediction across the US Corn Belt by replacing air temperature with daily MODIS land surface temperature

Abstract While canopy temperature has been extensively utilized for field-level crop health assessment, the application of satellite-based land surface temperature (LST) images for corn yield modeling has been limited. Furthermore, long term yield projections in the context of climate change have primarily employed air temperature (Tair) and precipitation, which may inadequately reflect crop stress. This study assessed potential benefits of satellite-derived LST for predicting annual corn yield across the US Corn Belt from 2010 to 2016. A novel killing degree day metric (LST KDD) was computed with daily LST images from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and compared to the typically used Tair-based metric (Tair KDD). Our findings provide strong evidence that LST KDD is capable of predicting annual corn yield with less error than Tair KDD (R2/RMSE of 0.65/15.3 Bu/Acre vs. 0.56/17.2 Bu/Acre). Even while adjusting for seasonal temperature and precipitation parameters, the R2 and RMSE of the LST model were approximately 9% higher and 2.0 Bu/Acre lower than the Tair model, respectively. The superior performance of LST can be attributed to its ability to better incorporate evaporative cooling and water stress. We conclude that MODIS LST can improve yield forecasts several months prior to harvest, especially during extremely warm and dry growing seasons. Furthermore, the better performance of LST models over Tair and precipitation models suggest that subsequent long term yield projections should consider additional factors indicative of water stress.
Writing as Communicating with Reviewers: Strategies for Anticipating and Addressing Insightful and Skeptical Reviews

Communicating research insights is challenging and is often work that is underestimated. In this chapter, readers are invited to take the stance of writing as communicating with reviewers. After sharing how reviewers are assigned to manuscripts, the authors (experienced journal editors) discuss three of the common issues reviewers usually raise when recommending that manuscripts not be accepted for publication—coherence, claims, and contribution. They also share strategies that prospective authors can use to anticipate and address these issues when preparing and revising their manuscripts.
Non-surgical Facial Skin Tightening

Non-surgical facial skin tightening treatments are becoming more popular and many people are interested in learning how they can address their skin laxity concerns. Aesthetic patients specifically complain about their drooping lower face or sagging neck. The increased interest in non-surgical skin tightening options has led to improvements in technology as well as better results for patients.