cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of a fast fiber scanner for fluorescence microendoscopy (Conference Presentation)

Fiber optic scanning microendoscopy enables fluorescence microscopy deep within the body. These devices are essentially miniature laser scanning microscopes for linear (confocal or wide-field) and nonlinear (multiphoton) imaging applications. We present simple methods to fabricate a low-cost miniature fiber scanning microendoscope probe with specifications that promise video rate imaging applications.
Examining Spatial Disparities of Obesity: Residential Segregation and the Urban–Rural Divide

This study investigates spatial disparities in obesity among different racial and ethnic groups from the urban–rural perspective through a case study of the southeastern United States, a region mar...
Self-Check-In Kiosks Utilization and Their Association With Wait Times in Emergency Departments in the United States.

Abstract Background Delayed care in emergency departments (EDs) is a serious problem in the United States. Patient wait time is considered a critical measure of delayed care in EDs. Several strategies have been employed by EDs to reduce wait time, including implementation of self-check-in kiosks. However, the effect of kiosks on wait time in EDs is understudied. Objectives To assess the association between patient wait time and utilization of self-check-in kiosks in EDs. To investigate a series of other patient-, ED-, and hospital-level predictors of wait time in EDs. Methods Using data from the 2015 and 2016 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, we analyzed 40,528 ED visits by constructing a multivariable linear regression model of the log-transformed wait time data as an outcome, then computing percent changes in wait times. Results During the study period, about 9% of EDs in the United States implemented kiosks. In our linear regression model, the wait time in EDs with kiosk self-check-in services was 56.8% shorter (95% confidence interval 130% to 6.4%, p Conclusions Self-check-in kiosks are associated with shorter ED wait time in the United States. However, prolonged ED wait time continues to be a system-wide problem, and warrants multilayered interventions to address this challenge for those who are in acute need of immediate care.
Heart failure enigma in young man: the acute onset of a frequently encountered condition with an unexpected cause

An 18-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department complaining of new onset chest pain, fever and orthopnoea. Initial workup was remarkable for elevated troponin, diffuse ST-segment elevation on ECG and chest X-ray with enlarged cardiac silhouette. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrates severe biventricular concentric hypertrophy and pericardial effusion. Also, Coxsackie virus A and B titres were positive, concerning for a classic viral pericarditis. However, despite medical management, the patient became dyspnoeic and hypotensive. Impending cardiac tamponade was observed on repeat TTE, and pericardiocentesis was performed, complicated by pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest, and ultimately patient requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Emergent endomyocardial biopsy showed no inflammatory process, and a skin biopsy of a small lesion in the right arm showed unexpected diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (+) natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. On initiation of chemotherapy, clinical improvement was observed as evidenced by improving ejection fraction, resolution of pericardial effusion and gradual decrease in myocardial hypertrophy.
Racial differences in user experiences and perceived value of electronic symptom monitoring in a cohort of black and white bladder and prostate cancer patients

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are increasingly being used for symptom monitoring during routine cancer care, but have rarely been evaluated in diverse patient populations. We assessed ePRO user experiences and perceived value among Black and White cancer patients. We recruited 30 Black and 49 White bladder and prostate cancer patients from a single institution. Participants reported symptoms using either a web-based or automated telephone interface over 3 months and completed satisfaction surveys and qualitative interviews focused on user experiences and value. Using a narrative mixed methods approach, we evaluated overall and race-specific differences in ePRO user experiences and perceived value. Most participants selected the web-based system, but Blacks were more likely to use the automated telephone-based system than Whites. In satisfaction surveys, Whites more commonly reported ease in understanding and reporting symptoms compared with Blacks. Blacks more often reported that the ePRO system was helpful in facilitating symptom-related discussions with clinicians. During interviews, Blacks described how the ePRO helped them recognize symptoms, while Whites found value in better understanding and tracking symptoms longitudinally. Blacks also expressed preferences for paper-based ePRO options due to perceived ease in better understanding of symptom items. Electronic patient-reported outcomes are perceived as valuable for variable reasons by Black and White cancer populations, with greater perceived value for communicating with clinicians reported among Blacks. To optimize equitable uptake of ePROs, oncology practices should offer several ePRO options (e.g., web-based, phone-based), as well as paper-based options, and consider the e-health literacy needs of patients during implementation.
Understanding Local Barriers to Inclusion for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through an Employment Conference

Employment is a crucial part of adult life and is associated with improved health outcomes. However, despite the several advantages of hiring individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD), the employment rate for this population is still low. An employment conference was organised to inform participants of successful employment initiatives, and to increase our understanding of local employer challenges regarding the recruitment, hire, and retention of employees with IDD. Descriptive statistics were used to assess common methods of recruitment, potential helpful hiring strategies, and recruitment, hire, and retention challenges, and an ordinal logistic regression was conducted to examine whether responses differed based on demographic variables. The conference was evaluated by gathering data on several facets of participant satisfaction. Findings brought to light several key challenges that can be used to create more targeted interventions and supports. Responses to several questions differed by demographics (such as company size and industry type), which represent important areas for future research to examine. Participants reported being satisfied with the conference, and many indicated that their attitudes had changed towards disability and that they were more likely to employ individuals with IDD in the future. Systematically addressing barriers to employment is essential in order to reduce the employment gap and improve outcomes for individuals with IDD. Ultimately, conferences that aim to educate participants about successful programs and strategies represent a promising practice that can increase employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.
Application of surface coil in nuclear magnetic resonance studies of physical properties of quasi-2D materials

We conduct a comprehensive set of tests of performance of surface coils used for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of quasi-2-dimensional samples. We report 115In and 31P NMR measurements on InP, semi-conducting thin substrate samples. Surface coils of both zig-zag meander-line and concentric spiral geometries were used. We compare reception sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the NMR signal obtained by using surface-type coils to that obtained by standard solenoid-type coils. As expected, we find that surface-type coils provide better sensitivity for NMR study of thin film samples. Moreover, we compare the reception sensitivity of different types of the surface coils. We identify the optimal geometry of the surface coils for a given application and/or direction of the applied magnetic field.
Economic Analysis of Transformer Loss of Life Mitigation Using Energy Storage and PV Generation

High penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) can potentially put the utility assets such as transformers under overload stress causing decrease in their lifetime. The decrease in PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) prices has made them viable solutions to mitigate this situation. In this paper, the economic aspect of their optimal coordination is studied to assess transformer loss of life and hottest spot temperature (HST). Monte Carlo simulation is employed to provide synthetic data of EVs load in a residential complex and model their stochastic behavior. For load, temperature, energy price and PV generation, data for City of College Station, Texas, USA in 2018 is acquired and a case study is developed for one year. The results illustrate using BESS and PV is economically effective and mitigates distribution transformer loss of life.
Designing and using digital platforms for 21st century learning.

This paper is written in response to the original article “Designing for 21st century learning online: A heuristic method to enable educator learning support roles” (Nacu et al. 2018). The article presents a guide for teacher interactions with students in networked technologies. It also serves as a guide for network designers who are concerned about the quality of online learning, and want more equitable access to systems that inspire young people “to pursue their interests and take ownership of their learning” (Nacu et al. 2018, p. 1029). During the Covid-19 pandemic, network platforms assumed a central role in the educational process. The article is a timely reminder of the importance of designing and implementing platforms that will address twenty-first century learning goals. This response to the Nacu et al. article reviews their research from a “theory of change” perspective. The authors in the original article present a heuristic that expands the online roles that educators currently use to support young people in building their knowledge. To realize the full potential of the heuristic, a more holistic approach is required, one that repositions online learning as a knowledge-building environment. A theory of change could identify the critical variables needed to help teachers and designers transition to a more comprehensive understanding of online learning. Unfortunately, heuristics by themselves do not prepare network designers or teachers to do this work. Future research can embed the heuristic in a broader, deeper effort to prepare teachers and designers to enact student-centered online learning environments.
Classification of older adults who underwent lumbar-related surgery using pre-operative biopsychosocial predictors and relationships with surgical recovery: An observational study conducted in the United States

Lumbar surgery is a commonly prescribed intervention for low back pain but poses higher risks and worse outcomes for older adults. Identifying clinical phenotypes based on biopsychosocial factors may help identify older adults who are at greatest risk for poor postoperative recovery. This study aimed to (a) classify older adults who underwent lumbar surgery based on preoperative biopsychosocial factors, and (b) quantify the association between preoperative biopsychosocial classifications and 3 and 12 months postoperative improvement outcomes. Latent class analysis was used to identify biopsychosocial classifications in 10,283 individuals aged ≥60 from the Quality Outcomes Database (the United States, 2021-2018). Logistic regression models measured the association between biopsychosocial classifications and 3 and 12 months postoperative outcomes (back/leg pain intensity, disability and quality of life), adjusting for covariates. Three classes were identified based on 19 a priori biopsychosocial factors and were characterised as 'high-risk' (15%), 'physical-/social health-risk' (44%) and 'low-risk' (41%). The high-risk class demonstrated increased odds of failing to recover post-operatively compared to the other classes. Similarly, the physical-/social-risk class demonstrated increased odds of failing to recover in all outcomes and time points compared to the low-risk class. Biopsychosocial factors with higher prevalence in the high versus low-risk class were depression (92.5% vs. 10.6%), multiple morbidities (55.3% vs. 25.7%) and obesity (59.5% vs. 37.2%). This study introduces novel non-recovery phenotypes for older adults undergoing lumbar surgery and may lead to the development of tailored interventions to improve clinical care and outcomes for this population.
5alpha-reductase-2 deficiency and complete androgen insensitivity: lessons from nature.

The importance of the hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the male is best illustrated by studies of the inherited condition of male pseudohermaphroditism due to 5a—reductase-2 deficiency (Imperato-McGinley et al, 1974,1976;Fratianni and Imperato-McGInley, 1994; Walsh et al, 1974). Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone by two known 5a—reductase isoenzymes 5a—reductase-1 and 5a—reductase-2. It is defects in the 5a—recluctase-2 gene that cause male pseudohermaphroditism. The syndrome of 5a-reductase-2 deficiency results in a selective decrease in dihydrotestosterone. The clinical and laboratory findings of this syndrome have defined specific roles for testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in male sexual differentiation and development. The unusual psychosexual aspects of this clinical entity have helped to define the role of androgens in gender identity formation.
Teaching Visual Literacy across the Curriculum: Suggestions and Strategies

This final chapter highlights seven general suggestions and strategies for faculty (and others) working to develop visual literacy in classrooms and across the curriculum. The chapters throughout this volume illustrate and elaborate on these strategies; they are condensed here as a quick guide to effective practice.
Virtual Economies: Origins and Issues

Within virtual worlds, users collect, trade, destroy, produce, and refine virtual resources. Collectively these activities comprise a virtual economy. This entry discusses a definition of virtual economy, touching on important issues and current research on the subject. It provides an historical and conceptual grounding for understanding virtual worlds and virtual economies. The connection between virtual and real economies is an issue of particular importance since it lies at the nexus of interests originating in the academy, business, and game development communities. The exchange of virtual currency, goods, and services for their real-life counterparts – known as the real money trade, or RMT – continues to fascinate researchers, befuddle the popular press, and ignite sparks in the eyes of venture capitalists. Keywords: design; gold farming; trade; video games; virtual assets; virtual currencies; virtual currency trading; virtual worlds
Snow water equivalent along elevation gradients in the Merced and Tuolumne River basins of the Sierra Nevada

[1] We used daily remotely sensed fractional snow-covered area (SCA) at 500 m resolution to estimate snow water equivalent (SWE) across the Upper Merced and Tuolumne River basins of the Sierra Nevada of California for 2004 (dry and warm) and 2005 (wet and cool). From 1800 to 3900 m, each successively higher 300 m elevation band consistently melts out 2–3 weeks later than the one below it. We compared two methods of estimating SWE from SCA: (1) blending the fractional SCA with SWE interpolated from snow-pillow measurements; and (2) retrospectively estimating cumulative snowmelt based on a degree-day calculation after the snow disappeared. The interpolation approach estimates a lower snowmelt volume above 3000 m and a higher snowmelt contribution at elevations between 1500 and 2100 m. Snowmelt timing from the depletion approach matches observed streamflow timing much better than snowmelt estimated by the interpolation method. The snow-pillow sites used in the interpolation method do not cover the highest elevations and melted out several weeks before the basin itself was free of snow. Middle elevations (2100–3000 m) contributed 40%–60% of the annual snowmelt in both basins, the lower elevations (1500–2100 m) 10%–15%, and elevations above 3000 m the remaining 30%–40%. The presence of snow in the highest elevations highlights their critical buffering effect in accumulating snow every year. Variability in lower-elevation snow illustrates its susceptibility to climate variability and change.
Secure Database Interoperation via Dynamic Addition of Roles

Secure object-oriented database models discuss features necessary to ensure access control to object-oriented data. Discretionary and mandatory access control models have recently been proposed for object-oriented systems. One of the primary discretionary methods proposed is based on the role of a user within the system and is called user role based security. In this paper we discuss the addition of new roles at run time to facilitate interoperation between secure databases which use user role based security. We discuss a promising approach to dynamic addition of roles, and propose future research to develop a role calculus for describing and merging role lattices.
Sulfate‐Reducing Bacteria: Environmental and Technological Aspects

Involvement of SRB in Biogeochemical Cycles Distribution of Physiological Groups of Sulfate Reducers Presence of Sulfate Reducers in Deep Subsurface Activities of Sulfate Reducers in Biological Communities Biogenic Hydrogen Sulfide Production Applications of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria The Role of Sulfate Reducers in Biocorrosion Detection of Sulfate Reducers Keywords: biotechnology; sulfate reducing bacteria
Effects of Coat Protein Mutations and Reduced Movement Protein Expression on Infection Spread by Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus and Its Hybrid Derivatives

Previously we have reported that the essential 3a movement gene of icosahedral cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) can be functionally replaced by the 30-kDa movement gene of rod-shaped sunn-hemp mosaic virus (SHMV). Because plant RNA viruses differ in requiring or not requiring coat protein for systemic infection, we have now investigated whether systemic spread by this CCMV/SHMV hybrid is dependent on its CCMV coat protein as well as its SHMV movement protein. We find that either deletion or frameshift mutations in the coat protein gene block systemic spread. Thus, like wild-type CCMV, systemic infection by the hybrid is dependent on both movement protein and coat protein. These results further support the conclusion that the required functions of the coat and movement proteins in CCMV spread do not depend on sequence-specific interaction between these proteins. Additional features of the hybrid also motivated testing the effects of modulating movement protein expression. Creating an extra, out-of-frame translational start codon (AUG) shortly upstream of the 3a movement protein gene in CCMV downregulated its expression 18-fold. Nevertheless, for CCMV derivatives bearing either the CCMV 3a gene or the SHMV 30-kDa gene, the extra AUG resulted in only a minor delay in the onset of viral spread and little or no effect on the subsequent rate of cell-to-cell spread. Thus, under normal circumstances, the rate of CCMV cell-to-cell spread in cowpea plants appears to be limited primarily by factors other than movement protein synthesis.
Applying Neural Networks to Software Reliability Assessment

We adapt concepts from the field of neural networks to assess the reliability of software, employing cumulative failures, reliability, remaining failures, and time to failure metrics. In addition, the risk of not achieving reliability, remaining failure, and time to failure goals are assessed. The purpose of the assessment is to compare a criterion, derived from a neural network model, for estimating the parameters of software reliability metrics, with the method of maximum likelihood estimation. To our surprise the neural network method proved superior for all the reliability metrics that were assessed by virtue of yielding lower prediction error and risk. We also found that considerable adaptation of the neural network model was necessary to be meaningful for our application – only inputs, functions, neurons, weights, activation units, and outputs were required to characterize our application.
nNOS and Ca2+ influx in rat pancreatic acinar and submandibular salivary gland cells

Abstract Regulation of agonist-activated Ca 2+ influx by the NOS pathway through generation of cGMP is being found in an increasing number of cell types. In the present work, we examined the role of the NOS pathway in agonist-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations and attempted to identify the NOS isoform most likely to regulate Ca 2+ influx. For this, we first show that two Ca 2+ -mobilizing agonists acting on pancreatic acinar cells, bombesin (BS) and the cholecystokin in analog CCK-JMV-180 (CCKJ), evokes different type of [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations. The BS-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations rapidly became acutely dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca 2+ , whereas the CCKJ-evoked oscillations continue for long periods of time in the absence of Ca 2+ influx. This differential behavior allowed us to isolate Ca 2+ influx and study its regulation while controlling for non specific effects on all other Ca 2+ transporting events involved in generating [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations. Inhibitors of selective steps in the NOS pathway inhibited agonist-induced cGMP production. The inhibitors were then used to show that scavenging NO with reduced hemoglobin, inhibition of guanylyl cyclase with 1 H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) and inhibition of protein kinase G with Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS inhibited [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations evoked by BS but not those evoked by CCKJ. These findings were extended to duct and acinar cells of the SMG. In these cells, Ca 2+ -mobilizing agonists stimulate large Ca 2+ influx, which was inhibited by all inhibitors of the NOS pathway. Western blot analysis and immunolocalization revealed that the cells did not express iNOS, eNOS was expressed only in blood vessels and capillaries whereas nNOS was expressed at high levels next to the plasma membrane of all cells. Accordingly, the nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) inhibited BS- but not CCKJ-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations and Ca 2+ influx into SMG acinar and duct cells. Thus, together, our findings favor nNOS as the isoform activated by the Ca 2+ released from internal stores to generate cGMP and regulate Ca 2+ influx.
Open-surface MHD flow over a curved wall in the 3-D thin-shear-layer approximation

3-D thin-shear-layer equations for flows of conducting fluids in a magnetic field have been derived in orthogonal body-oriented coordinates and then applied to the analysis of MHD open-surface flows over a curved wall. Unlike the classic boundary-layer-type equations, present ones permit information to be propagated upstream through the induced magnetic field. Another departure from the classic theory is that the normal momentum equation keeps the balance between the pressure gradient term, and those related to gravity, centrifugal forces, and Lorentz force. Thus, the normal pressure variations are allowed. The model describes basic 3-D effects due to the wall curvature and spatial variations of the applied magnetic field. As a particular case, equations for flows with rotational symmetry have been derived. Numerical calculations were performed for open-surface flows over a body of revolution under conditions relevant to a fusion reactor (Hartmann number is 8500). Some specific flow patterns, such as flow thickening and spiral-type flows, have been observed and discussed. A special attention has been paid to the analysis of the magnetic propulsion as a tool for the active flow control by applying an electric current. It has been shown that depending on the applied current, the axial pressure gradient can act as an adverse pressure gradient or propulsion force.
Elementary steps in enzyme catalysis and regulation

ABSTRACT A general approach to elucidating the molecular basis of enzyme catalysis and regulation is the time resolution of the complex reaction mechanisms involved into their elementary steps. Both enzyme catalysis and enzyme regulation are initiated by the binding of small molecules to the protein. This association reaction is generally quite rapid and is often followed by a conformational change of the macromolecule. These conformational changes are discussed in terms of the dynamics of the underlying elementary processes, hydrogen bonding, solvation and hydrophobic interactions, all of which have been studied in model systems. Enzyme catalysis often involves acid–base catalysis. Consideration of the rates of both concerted and sequential proton transfer mechanisms in terms of model systems suggests that the observed turnover numbers of enzymes require that proton transfer steps in the catalytic process occur at close to their maximum possible rates. A general mechanism for enzyme catalysis is proposed and is illustrated by the mechanism of action of ribonuclease A. A distinguishing feature of most regulatory enzymes is their multi-subunit nature. The regulation of enzyme activity usually is achieved by alteration of subunit interactions through conformational changes triggered by ligand binding. These conformational transitions are important processes in the cooperative binding of substrates and effectors to regulatory enzymes. As an example, the mechanism of the regulation of aspartate transcarbamylase from Escherichia coli is considered: in this case coupled conformational changes appear to be utilized as interlocking on–off switches for the enzymic activity.
Stark shifts, band-edge transitions, and intrinsic optical dipoles in spherical InP quantum dots under electric fields

The band-edge electronic structure of spherical InP dots under electric fields is investigated using an atomistic pseudopotential approach. Field-induced changes in orbital energies, single-particle wave functions, transition intensities, and excitonic gaps are calculated. We find that interstate couplings profoundly affect the Stark shifts and optical transitions in InP quantum dots. As a result, band-edge transitions can be enhanced instead of being quenched by the field. We also demonstrate that both dipole and polarizability contributions should exist in the Stark shifts of zinc-blende dots.
Predictive Modeling and High-Pressure−High-Temperature Synthesis of Perovskites Containing Monovalent Silver

The program POTATO, which was developed to model distorted perovskite structures, has been used to assess the stability of hypothetical compositions and guide the synthesis of new materials at high pressures and high temperatures. The initial result of this effort is the synthesis of two new perovskites, Ca2NdAgTi4O12 and NdAgTi2O6, which were synthesized at 14−14.5 GPa and 1000 °C using the uniaxial split sphere anvil type press (USSA-2000). Both compounds are perovskites distorted from the ideal cubic structure by octahedral tilting distortions. Ca2NdAgTi4O12 contains a random distribution of Ca2+/Nd3+/Ag+ ions on the A-site, whereas NdAgTi2O6 has a partially ordered distribution of Nd3+/Ag+ ions. Ca2NdAgTi4O12 adopts the GdFeO3 structure (Glazer tilt system b-a+b-), space group Pnma, with a = 5.44883(4), b = 7.68915(6), and c = 5.42290(3) A. NdAgTi2O6 belongs to the tetragonal space group P4/nbm, with a = 5.45337(3) and c = 7.72934(6) A. This structure can be derived from the simple cubic perovskite st...
Identification of the promoter, genomic structure, and mouse ortholog of LGI1.

The human LGI1 gene is a leucine-rich, repeat-containing gene that was cloned from the t(10:19) breakpoint of the T98G glioblastoma cell line. The LGI1 gene maps to 10q24, a region of peak LOH in malignant gliomas, and is inactivated during the transition from low to high-grade brain tumors. Here we report detailed studies of the genomic structure of the LGI1 gene and its promoter. We have also cloned and characterized the mouse lgil gene, which is 97% homologous to the human gene at the amino acid level and 91% homologous at the nucleotide level. LGI1 contains 8 exons, where each of the four leucine-rich repeat units is contained in an individual 72-bp exon. The cysteine-rich regions flanking the LRR and the single trans-membrane domain do not occupy individual exons. Approximately 5-kb of the genomic region 5′ to LGI1 was sequenced, but conventional CAAT and TATA motifs were not present within this sequence. A 597-bp fragment of this 5′ sequence was cloned upstream of a promoterless luciferase gene and was shown to be sufficient to drive transcription. SSCP analysis of the coding region of LGI1 in 20 glioblastomas and five cell lines did not reveal any mutations. Because LGI1 expression is considerably downregulated in gliomas, we also investigated whether this was owing to changes in the methylation status of the promoter. Southern blot analysis and 5-azacytidine treatment did not show any appreciable difference in methylation status between normal brain and glioblastomas.
Novel 3D analysis of Claudin-5 reveals significant endothelial heterogeneity among CNS microvessels

Tight junctions (TJs) feature critically in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and undergo significant disruption during neuroinflammatory diseases. Accordingly, the expression and distribution of CLN-5, a prominent TJ protein in central nervous system (CNS) microvessels and BBB determinant, has been shown to parallel physiological and pathophysiological changes in microvascular function. However, efforts to quantify CLN-5 within the CNS microvasculature in situ, by using conventional two-dimensional immunohistochemical analysis of thin sections, are encumbered by the tortuosity of capillaries and distorted diameters of inflamed venules. Herein, we describe a novel contour-based 3D image visualization and quantification method, employing high-resolution confocal z-stacks from thick immunofluorescently-stained thoraco-lumbar spinal cord cryosections, to analyze CLN-5 along the junctional regions of different-sized CNS microvascular segments. Analysis was performed on spinal cords of both healthy mice, and mice experiencing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of the neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis. Results indicated that, under normal conditions, the density of CLN-5 staining (CLN-5 intensity/ endothelial surface area) was greatest in the capillaries and smaller venules, and least in the larger venules. This heterogeneity in junctional CLN-5 staining was exacerbated during EAE, as spinal venules revealed a significant loss of junctional CLN-5 staining that was associated with focal leukocyte extravasation, while adjacent capillaries exhibited neither CLN-5 loss nor infiltrating leukocytes. However, despite only venules displaying these behaviors, both capillaries and venules evidenced leakage of IgG during disease, further underscoring the heterogeneity of the inflammatory response in CNS microvessels. This method should be readily adaptable to analyzing other junctional proteins of the CNS and peripheral microvasculature, and serve to highlight their role(s) in health and disease.
Late-onset pulmonary fibrosis and chest deformity in two children treated with cyclophosphamide.

2. Kopits SR, Per0vic MN, McKusick VA, Robinson RA, and Bailey J~. Congenital atlantoaxial dislocations in various forms of dwarfism, J Bone Joint Surg 54A:1349, 1972. 3. Kelly TE: The mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipodoses, Clin Orthop 116:116, 1976. 4. Kopits SE: Orthopedic complications of dwarfism, Clin Orthop 116:153, 1976. 5. Blaw ME, Langer LO: Spinal cord compression in Morquio-Brailsford's disease, J PEDIATR 74:593, 1969.
Solution of Lambert's Problem for Short Arcs

Approximation formulas are found for\(\dot x(0)\) and\(\dot x(1)\), wherex(t) satisfies\(\ddot x = f(x,t)\),x(0)=x0,x(1)=x1. The results are applied to an example of two-body motion.
Immunohistochemical morphometry of pancreatic endocrine cells in diabetic, normoglycaemic glucose-intolerant and normal cats

The anatomical distribution and volume fractions of pancreatic A cells (glucagon), B cells (insulin) and D cells (somatostatin) were evaluated by an immunoperoxidase technique in 6 diabetic cats, 6 normoglycaemic glucose-intolerant cats and 6 normal control cats. Islets lacking A cells were observed in some sections from the right lobe of the pancreas which correlated with a significantly lower A cell volume fraction in the right pancreatic lobe. Endocrine cell volume fractions in normoglycaemic glucose-intolerant cats were not significantly different from controls. Thus, a reduction in B cell volume fraction was not necessary for the occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance in these cats. However, the reduction of B cell volume fraction in the 2 normoglycaemic glucose-intolerant cats with insular amyloidosis may in part explain the more severely impaired glucose tolerance previously observed in these cats. Insular amyloidosis in our feline diabetics, as in human type II diabetics, was associated with a significant decrease in A and B cell volume fractions. In both human type II and feline diabetes mellitus, however, the reduction in B cell mass does not appear sufficient alone to lead to diabetes mellitus. Therefore, amyloid replacement of functional endocrine cells does not appear to be the primary diabetogenic event in feline diabetes mellitus, but may contribute to progression of the condition due to loss of functional B cell reserves. We thus postulate that a B cell defect precedes deposition of islet amyloid and that these amyloid deposits may thus provide an important biochemical clue to specific B cell derangements occurring in adult-onset diabetics.
Method for measuring endogenous 3-O-methyldopa in urine and plasma.

Abstract The present report describes a method using column liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for assaying concentrations of 3-O-methyldopa in urine and plasma. The technique combines a one-step sample preparation scheme with post-column flow-through electrodes in series, allowing adequate chromatographic separation of 3-O-methyldopa from other endogenous substances in urine. The validity of the method was confirmed by markedly decreased urinary 3-O-methyldopa levels after administration of an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase to rats, radioactivity in chromatographic fractions corresponding to 3-O-methyldopa in urine of rats undergoing infusion of [ 3 H]- l -DOPA, and correlations between excretion rates of 3-O-methyldopa and catechols in humans. In healthy humans, urinary excretion of 3-O-methyldopa averaged 974 ± 707 (S.D.) nmol per day, and plasma levels of 3-O-methyldopa averaged 89 ± 32 nmol/l. The method should be useful in studies about the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous DOPA.
Enzymatic characteristics of the c-Raf-1 protein kinase.

Abstract The c-Raf-1 protein kinase plays a central role in the mitogenic response of cells to growth factors, cytokines, and many oncogenes. Despite the critical importance of this enzyme, very little is known of its biochemical properties or mechanisms of regulation. In these experiments, we used the only candidate physiologic substrate identified as yet for c-Raf-1, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK), to examine enzymatic characteristics and candidate modulators of c-Raf-1, c-Raf-1 was purified from Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus encoding a histidine-tagged c-Raf-1. The Km values of c-Raf-1 for ATP and MAPKK were 11.6 microM and 0.8 microM, respectively, and the stoichiometry of phosphorylation of MAPKK by c-Raf-1 was 1.67 mol of phosphate per mol of MAPKK. In contrast to prior reports, Mg2+ was the preferred cation at Mg2+ and Mn2+ concentrations > 5 mM. c-Raf-1 substrate specificity was extremely restricted, consistent with the identification of only one candidate physiologic substrate to date and highlighting the necessity of using MAPKK rather than artificial substrates in c-Raf-1 activity assays. Of multiple potential substrates tested, the only one phosphorylated to > 20% of the level of MAPKK phosphorylation was myelin basic protein (22%). Heat-denatured MAPKK was phosphorylated at only 2% the level of native MAPKK, indicating that the restricted substrate specificity may be due to tertiary-structural requirements. We also examined whether c-Raf-1 activity is modulated by lipid binding to the cysteine finger region in its regulatory domain. Of multiple mitogen-stimulated or cell-membrane lipids tested, only phosphatidylserine and diacylglycerol in the presence of Ca2+ (2.5 mM) increased c-Raf-1 kinase activity significantly (1.5-fold). The increase is probably not of physiologic significance because it was about two orders of magnitude less than the stimulation of protein kinase C by these lipids. On gel-filtration chromatography, the peak of c-Raf-1 kinase activity and immunoreactivity eluted at a predicted molecular mass of > 150 kDa, suggesting that active c-Raf-1 (but not inactive c-Raf-1) exists as a multimeric complex. This complex may not include p21ras, however, because immunoreactive p21ras was not identified in the active fractions.
Modulation of uterine sensitivity to decidual induction in the rat by nicotinamide; challenge and extension of a model of progestational differentiation.

A recently constructed model describes pyridine nucleotide metabolism as a key target of progesterone action during early progestational differentiation of the uterus ( progestation ). The present study was designed to challenge this model. Using uterine sensitivity to decidual induction as a "whole animal" index of preimplantational differentiation, nicotinamide (NAM) was administered as a probe, to test the model's validity. Pseudopregnant rats received NAM in two injections (100 mg each, i.p.) during a 3-h interval at selected times between 1200 h on Day 2 and 1200 h on Day 4. Deciduomata were induced by intrauterine instillation of phosphate buffer between 1800 h on Day 3 and 1200 h on Day 5. Uterine sensitivity was measured indirectly as uterine weight, 5 days after induction. The effect of NAM was dependent upon the time of its administration. Maximal sensitivity (1200 h on Day 4) was not altered by injection of NAM at 1200 h on Day 2, but was inhibited by 60% following injection at 1200 h on Day 3. After this period, the inhibitory effect of NAM was diminished. When NAM was injected at 1200 h on Day 4, a slight, but significant, augmentation of sensitivity was measured. These responses were predicted by the model. A comparison of the effects of NAM with those of progesterone suggested a mechanism of action for the hormone during early progestation .
Hydrothermal alteration of basalt by seawater under seawater-dominated conditions

Fresh mid-ocean ridge basalt glass and diabase have been reacted with seawater at 150–300°C, 500 bar, and water/rock mass ratios of 50, 62, and 125, using experimental apparatus which allowed on-line sampling of solution to monitor reaction progress. These experiments characterize reaction under what we have called “seawater-dominated” conditions of hydrothermal alteration. In an experiment at 300°C, basalt glass undergoing alteration removed nearly all Mg2+ from an amount of seawater 50 times its own mass. In the process, the glass was converted entirely to mixed-layer smectite-chlorite, anhydrite, and minor hematite. Removal of Mg from seawater occurred as a Mg(OH)2 component incorporated into the secondary clay. This produced a precipitous drop in solution pH early in the experiment, accompanied by a dramatic increase in the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn in solution. As Mg removal neared completion and the glass was hydrolyzed, pH rose again and heavy metal concentrations dropped. At water/rock ratios of 62 and 125 and 150–300°C, the mineral assemblage produced was similar to that at a water/rock ratio of 50. Solution chemistry, however, contrasted with the earlier experiment in that Mg concentrations in solution were greater and pH lower. This caused significant leaching of heavy metals. At 300°C nearly all of the Na, Ca, Cu, Zn, and CO2 and most of the K, Ba, Sr, and Mn were leached from the silicates. H2S, Al, Si, and possibly Co were also significantly mobilized, whereas V, Cr, and Ni were not. Little or no seawater sulfate was reduced. Although submarine hot spring solutions sampled to date along mid-ocean ridges clearly come from rock-dominated hydrothermal systems, evidence from ocean floor metabasalts and from heat flow studies indicates that seawater-dominated conditions of alteration prevail at least locally both in axial hightemperature systems and in ridge flank systems at lower temperatures.
FETAL BRAIN DAMAGE AND STILLBIRTH FOLLOWING MATERNAL INGESTION OF INDOMETHACIN AND SALICYLATE

FETAL BRAIN DAMAGE AND STILLBIRTH FOLLOWING MATERNAL INGESTION OF INDOMETHACIN AND SALICYLATE
Augmented uptake of 2-C-14-v-deoxyglucose in reversibly-injured myocardium

We studied the cardiac uptake of 2-14C-D-deoxy-glucose (14C-DG) in 6 dogs subjected to a 15 min left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 30 min reflow. Coronary arterial flows during occlusion were determined with46Sc microspheres. After 30 min reflow, 50 μCi14C-DG were given intravenously to determine cardiac uptake. The animal was killed 45 min later and46Sc counts/min were determined in gamma and beta counters. Quenching was determined with non radioactive blood for both isotopes in the beta counter. Contribution of46Sc counts/min to the14C channel was subtracted.14C uptake was in DPM/g and was higher in the cardiac ischemic regions of four of the six dogs. In three of the six animals there was an inverse curvilinear relation between14C-DG cardiac uptake and occlusion flow. This observation was further confirmed by high resolution autoradiography, indicating that enhanced cardiac uptake of radiolabeled DG may be a useful positron emission tomographic marker for reversible myocardial ischemia.
Access to pediatric rheumatology care in the United States

Objective To describe rheumatology providers, depict their availability, and determine the extent to which internist rheumatologists may expand access to care for children with rheumatic diseases. Methods Using data from the American College of Rheumatology and the Bureau of Health Professions Area Resource File, we generated a national map of providers' practice locations and calculated distances between each county and the nearest rheumatologist. We also performed a logit analysis to identify provider and county characteristics that were associated with internist rheumatologists' willingness to treat children. Results Approximately 50% of the under 18 population in the United States live within 50 miles of a pediatric rheumatologist and nearly 90% live within 50 miles of a pediatric rheumatologist or an internist rheumatologist who treats children. Internist rheumatologists in private practice were 3 times as likely as those in medical schools to treat children (P < 0.001). Likewise, internist rheumatologists who live 200 or more miles from a pediatric rheumatologist were more than twice as likely to treat children as those who lived within 10 miles of a pediatric rheumatologist (P < 0.001). Conclusions Our analysis suggests that internist rheumatologists are more geographically diffuse than pediatric rheumatologists and act as substitutes for pediatric rheumatologists in those regions that lack such providers. Research is needed to understand the role of internist rheumatologists in caring for children with rheumatic diseases and the quality of the care that they provide to this population.
Metastatic Iridociliary Adenocarcinoma in a Labrador Retriever

An enucleated left eye from a 15-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever was received by the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) for histopathologic evaluation. Routine histologic preparation included staining with hematoxylin and eosin, and with alcian blue periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). At necropsy 9 months later, all grossly abnormal tissues (ipsilateral orbit and lung) were submitted to the COPLOW for histopathologic evaluation. Histopathologic evaluation of the globe revealed extensive invasion of the uvea and sclera by a pleomorphic cell population that formed disorganized cords and exhibited PAS-positive basement membrane material. Necropsy revealed a morphologically similar tumor in the ipsilateral orbit and lung. On immunohistochemical examination, the intraocular tumor stained diffusely immunopositive for vimentin, S-100, and neuron-specific enolase and multifocally, sparsely immunopositive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. The orbital and thoracic tumors stained positively for v...
Metallurgical effects in niobium-titanium alloys

Abstract The effects of metallurgical treatments on some of the physical, metallurgical, and mechanical properties of commercial purity Nb-34-wt % Ti, Nb-45-wt % Ti, and Nb-55-wt % Ti, were studied by measuring properties of annealed and metallurgically processed materials at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Processing strengthens all three materials, but significantly changes the electrical resistivity of only Nb-55-wt % Ti. The behaviour of the electrical resistivity of Nb-55-wt % Ti upon deformation at 76 K suggests the occurence of a systematic transformation (twinning or martensitic phase transformation).
Stridulatory Mechanisms and Sound Production in Conotrachelus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The elytral stridulitra and the plectra on the sixth abdominal tergite are described and illustrated for both sexes of Conotrachelus naso LeConte, C. posticatus Boheman, and C. carinifer Casey, as is the stridulitrum of the male C. nenuphar (Herbst); the female of C. nenuphar has no plectrum. The stridulations are described and illustrated by audiospectrographs for the first 3 species. Demonstrable differences exist between the stridulations of these species, and between the sexes of each. Individual weevils are capable of several speeds and frequencies of stridulations. Sound production can be induced by agitation of the weevils, or by rough handling.
Effects of Pasteurella haemolytica A1 leukotoxin on bovine neutrophils: degranulation and generation of oxygen-derived free radicals.

Abstract To further define the role of Pasteurella haemolytica A1 leukotoxin in the pathogenesis of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis, its in vitro effects on bovine neutrophils were investigated. Leukotoxin-containing culture supernatant, from P. haemolytica , stimulated a neutrophil respiratory burst as measured by the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals O 2 − and H 2 O 2 . This effect was immediate because preincubation of neutrophils with the culture supernatant for 5 min or longer substantially suppressed this respiratory burst. This suppression was due to cytolysis of the neutrophils. Prolonged incubation of neutrophils with the same culture supernatant caused further cytolysis and degranulation. Heat-inactivated P. haemolytica culture supernatant that had lost its cytotoxic properties failed to stimulate respiratory burst by neutrophils. Furthermore, the respiratory burst, cytolysis and degranulation were abrogated only by leukotoxin-neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, but not by antibodies against the lipopolysaccharide. These studies show that the leukotoxin component in the culture supernatant was responsible for the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals and proteolytic enzymes from neutrophils which may participate in direct lung injury.