cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience in CRISPR-Cas9 Experimental Design to Support Reverse Genetic Studies in Arabidopsis thaliana .

Gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 have created unprecedented opportunities for genetic studies in plants and animals. We designed a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to train introductory biology students in the concepts and implementation of gene-editing technology as well as develop their soft skills in data management and scientific communication. We present two versions of the course that can be implemented with twice-weekly meetings over a 5-week period. In the remote-learning version, students performed homology searches, designed guide RNAs (gRNAs) and primers, and learned the principles of molecular cloning. This version is appropriate when access to laboratory equipment or in-person instruction is limited, such as during closures that have occurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In person, students designed gRNAs, cloned CRISPR-Cas9 constructs, and performed genetic transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Students learned how to design effective gRNA pairs targeting their assigned gene with an 86% success rate. Final exams tested students' ability to apply knowledge of an unfamiliar genome database to characterize gene structure and to properly design gRNAs. Average final exam scores of â¼73% and â¼84% for in-person and remote-learning CUREs, respectively, indicated that students met learning outcomes. The highly parallel nature of the CURE makes it possible to target dozens to hundreds of genes, depending on the number of sections. Applying this approach in a sensitized mutant background enables focused reverse genetic screens for genetic suppressors or enhancers. The course can be adapted readily to other organisms or projects that employ gene editing.
Does the oral apparatus of the ciliate Stentor inhibit oral development by release of a diffusible substance

In the ciliate Stentor, many thousands of basal bodies assemble on the ventral cell surface to form a new oral apparatus during cell division, regeneration and reorganization (oral replacement during interphase). During interphase, oral development is normally inhibited by the presence of the anteriorly placed oral apparatus. A glass needle was used to cut the oral apparatus of interphase stentors in two so that the parts remained intact but separate at the anterior end of the cell. These cells initiated basal body assembly and oral development, usually within 8 h. Basal body assembly can therefore result from disconnection of fibrous structures within the oral apparatus but is unlikely to be regulated by an inhibitor diffusing from it.
Spatial Encoding Using Multiple rf Coils: SMASH Imaging and Parallel MRI

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 The History of Parallel MRI 3 Smash Imaging 4 Image-Domain Subencoding Techniques 5 A Recipe for Practical Parallel Imaging 6 The Future of Parallel MRI 7 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
2,4,6‐Triphenylpyrylium Tetrafluoroborate

[448-61-3] C23H17BF4O (MW 396.21) InChI = 1S/C23H17O.BF4/c1-4-10-18(11-5-1)21-16-22(19-12-6-2-7-13-19)24-23(17-21)20-14-8-3-9-15-20;2-1(3,4)5/h1-17H;/q+1;-1 InChIKey = VQYPWMWEJGDSTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N (converts primary amines into pyridinium salts which on reaction with nucleophiles NuH afford RNu) Physical Data: mp 255–257 °C. Solubility: insol H2O, EtOH, Et2O; sol CF3CO2H. Form Supplied in: yellow solid. Purification: recryst. from AcOH or (ClCH2)2. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: may be stored indefinitely. Reports on possible mutagenic activity make it desirable to avoid direct contact with skin. Other 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium salts are the commercially available sulfoacetate, and the hydrogen sulfate whose synthesis2 is analogous to that of 1 as described by eq 1 below.
Transition from weak- to strong-field coherent control

We trace out the transition from weak- to strong-field coherent control, focusing on multiphoton population transfer in atomic sodium. We show how dynamic Stark shifts and ground-state depletion mark the departure from perturbative to strong-field excitation, and how a time-domain picture yields insight into the dynamics when a static resonance, frequency-domain approach breaks down. Experimental measurements are interpreted with the help of calculations that numerically integrate the Schr\"odinger equation.
CROSS-LINKING OF DOPA-PROTEINS IN THE EGGSHELL OF BDELLOURA CANDIDA, A MARINE WORM : A PIXE STUDY

Mature and hatched eggshells of Bdelloura candida, a member of a family of marine worms, have been examined to determine their structure, composition and mechanism of formation. This report concentrates on the metal content with the purpose of establishing whether or not metals that can form DOPA chelates are present, and, thereby, provide a means of cross-linking. Elevated levels of Fe, Cu and Zn were observed, all of which can form such chelates.
Carbon Dioxide and Ethylene Control of Spore Germination in Onoclea sensibilis L

Regulation of spore germination in the fern Onoclea sensibilis L. was investigated by applying CO2 alone and in combination with ethylene. Sterile spores were sown aseptically on Knops solution in loosely capped culture tubes, enclosed individually in 2-liter chambers, and grown under continuous white light. When maintained in enclosed containers with the ethylene-absorbent mercuric perchlorate and with atmospheres enriched up to 2% CO2 (v/v), spores germinated without any inhibition. Higher levels of applied CO2 were progressively inhibitory. Inhibition by CO2 was reversible. When CO2 was permitted to escape and spores were exposed subsequently to ambient laboratory air, recovery from inhibition occurred within 48 hours. Also, inhibition by CO2 was specific, since the same degree of inhibition resulted regardless of whether spores were treated with exogenous CO2 for 48, 72, or 96 hours. The effect on germination of 1 μl/l added ethylene depended upon the amount of applied CO2. When containers of KOH were enclosed and ambient CO2 was absorbed, inhibition of germination by 1 μl/l exogenous ethylene was 90%. When CO2 was applied in concentrations from 0.25 to 1.0% (v/v), CO2 increasingly antagonized the inhibitory action of 1 μl/l added ethylene. Thus, photoinduced germination of spores was regulated by competitively interacting levels of CO2 and ethylene.
Conductive Milieu on Cellular Electromechanics

Cellular polarity and alignment are significant biophysical factors in tissue architectures and tissue-to-organ level functions. Multiple biophysical contributors are addressed as cellular alignment factors in mechanical, biochemical and electrical aspects; however, passive electric conductance has not been discussed. Herein, we report the spontaneous alignment of cardiomyocytes to predefined electric conductivity environments as example. Two to three days after passaging iPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes on thin gold strips (i.e., 10-nm thickness, 10s-µm width and 10s-µm period) patterned on a nonconductive substrate (i.e., glass), the most single-cell cardiomyocytes adhere on the nonconductive area and align themselves parallel to the conductive pattern, without any external stimuli. From control experiments, we can exclude any mechanical cues as the reasons of the spontaneous alignment, such as surface groove and mechanical stiffness. Currently, we hypothesize diamagnetic effect or Frohlich electromagnetic effect as the physiological response of cardiomyocyte, which may be induced from the electric field coupling between cardiomyocytes and the gold pattern. Along with the further understanding, this observation will highlight passive electric elements as important biophysical aspects since many cellular components possess a level of electric properties.
Flavor at SSC energies: A New mechanism for dynamically generated fermion masses

I show how the ordinary fermions can be partially composite, where the constituents participate in SU(2) × U(1) breaking. The mechanism assumes no exotic strong interaction dynamics since the force binding the constituents is entirely QCD-like. A family mass and mixing angle hierarchy can arise automatically in such models, without being put in by hand. Clues to flavor structure would be accessible at SSC energies in such a theory, including technibaryons that decay to ordinary fermions.
Adapting cellular automata to model failure in spatially heterogeneous ductile alloys

Abstract Cellular automata have been adapted to provide a multi-scale approach to investigating the effect of spatial heterogeneity on failure in ductile alloys. The levels of domain and property discretization necessary to predict the response and failure strain in heterogeneous ductile alloys have been determined.
FACILE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SPECTRA OF cis AND trans PHOTOISOMERS IN A MIXTURE OF ACYL‐ENZYMES BY RAMAN DIFFERENCE SPECTROSCOPY

Raman difference spectroscopy is used to provide the spectra of both the cis and trans forms of acryloyl-based acyl enzymes from a mixture without resorting to purification. A mixture of cis and trans, about the-C=C-C(=O) ethylenic linkage, is generated photochemically and by subtracting the Raman spectrum of the mixture from the spectrum of the pure trans form prior to photochemical irradiation, Raman peaks of the trans acyl-enzyme appear as “negative” features and of the cis form appear as “positive” features. No operator intervention is required to scale the spectra for subtraction, and thus information on the relative Raman scattering efficiencies of the cis and trans isomers can be obtained immediately from the data. Results for 5-methylthienylacryloyl chymotrypsin confirm earlier data for the purified cis and trans forms and data for cis indoleacryloyl chymotrypsin are presented for the first time.
Mathematics Teaching and Learning as a Mediating Process: The Case of Tape Diagrams

This article examines how visual representations may mediate the teaching and learning of mathematics over time in Japanese elementary classrooms. Using the Zone of Proximal Development Mathematical Learning Model (Murata & Fuson, 2006; Fuson & Murata, 2007), the process of mediation is explicated. The tape diagram, a central visual representation used in Japanese mathematics curriculum, is explored for its roles and the student learning that is intended to be mediated over time, illuminating aspects of the process. The study argues that the consistent and coherent use of one representation can bridge student understanding over time, focusing on mathematical relationships and problem-solving processes. The study also suggests different instructional approaches between U.S. and Japanese curricula that are reflected in the uses of representations.
Pulse radiolytic generation and photolysis of diphenyldiazomethane radical anion (Ph2CN2

Abstract Diphenyldiazomethane radical anion (Ph 2 Cn 2 −. ) has been generated by pulse radiolytic reduction of diphenyldiazomethane (Ph 2 CN 2 ) in acetonitrile. Subsequent pulse laser excitation within the electronic absorption band of Ph 2 CN 2 −. ( λ max =370 nm) results in a strong irreversible bleach of the absorption signal and a simultaneous appearance of a secondary absorption band ( λ max =330 nm). The secondary transient is attributed to diphenylmethyl radical (Ph 2 ĊH) formed by protonation of diphenylcarbene radical anion (Ph 2 C −. ) within the laser excitation pulse.
Cervical dystonia: Etiology and pathophysiology

Etiological and pathophysiological aspects of cervical dystonia Dystonias present in many different ways and can vary widely in the number of body areas and systems involved, as well as in clinical features, age of onset, natural history, and etiology. Cervical dystonia (CD) may be isolated or a part of more complex dystonias, be they primary or secondary. The majority of CDs are primary and focal, that is, they have no other associated clinical or neuroimaging features and they remain restricted to the neck and shoulder girdle muscles. Secondary CD can be drug induced or caused by a peripheral or central nervous system (CNS) lesion or genetic metabolic defects. We will provide an overview of data derived from genetic, posttraumatic, and tardive etiologies of CD. This will be followed by a more in-depth discussion of potential loci of pathological changes within the CNS and discussion of the motor and sensory features that result will follow. The evidence presented will focus on studies of CD and will be complemented with studies from other dystonias. For an expanded discussion of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and classification of CD, see Dr. Stacy's article in this supplement.
Multipole polarizabilities and long range force constants for ground state magnesium atoms

Abstract Mg 2 is a true van der Waals molecule, and much information about its spectra can be obtained from a knowledge of the long range force coefficients between separated Mg atoms. The R -matrix method is used to evaluate “ab initio” frequency dependent dipole, quadrupole and octupole polarizabilities for ground state magnesium atoms. These are then used to evaluate C 6 , C 8 and C 10 long range force coefficients for the MgMg interaction, and C 6 coefficients for several Mg-other atom interactions. C 6 values for Be-other atom interactions are also given. Adequate allowance is made for electronic correlation effects, and the results are expected to be correct to within ten percent.
Artifacts, assumptions, and ambiguity: Pitfalls in comparing experimental results to numerical simulations when studying electrical stimulation of the heart.

Insidious experimental artifacts and invalid theoretical assumptions complicate the comparison of numerical predictions and observed data. Such difficulties are particularly troublesome when studying electrical stimulation of the heart. During unipolar stimulation of cardiac tissue, the artifacts include nonlinearity of membrane dyes, optical signals blocked by the stimulating electrode, averaging of optical signals with depth, lateral averaging of optical signals, limitations of the current source, and the use of excitation–contraction uncouplers. The assumptions involve electroporation, membrane models, electrode size, the perfusing bath, incorrect model parameters, the applicability of a continuum model, and tissue damage. Comparisons of theory and experiment during far-field stimulation are limited by many of these same factors, plus artifacts from plunge and epicardial recording electrodes and assumptions about the fiber angle at an insulating boundary. These pitfalls must be overcome in order to understand quantitatively how the heart responds to an electrical stimulus.
Electrical properties and deep levels spectra of bulk SiC crystals grown by hybrid physical–chemical vapor transport method

Abstract Concentrations of nitrogen shallow donors, boron shallow acceptors, charge carriers, and electron traps were measured as a function of position along the growth axis in a series of undoped 6H–SiC boules grown by sublimation method with and without addition of hydrogen to the growth atmosphere. Elemental analysis by secondary ion mass spectrometry and measurements of electrical properties indicate that the addition of hydrogen suppresses nitrogen incorporation and formation of all electron traps. Concentration of boron is not affected by hydrogen presence. The addition of hydrogen to the growth ambient improves the uniformity of nitrogen incorporation and deep trap distribution along the growth axis. The results are interpreted as due to increased carbon transport and corresponding shift of crystal stoichiometry toward carbon-rich side of the SiC existence range.
CluVis: dual-domain visual exploration of cluster/network metadata

CluVis, a prototype for visual monitoring and exploration of cluster and network metadata, is introducted. CluVis builds upon interactively added charts of cluster/network metadata (e.g., packets received, processor activity, etc.) created by the user. CluVis uses a dual-domain approach that depicts the active chart on each node of a computer cluster or communication network in one view while displaying the relationships between explored charts in another view. Thus, CluVis facilitates a hypothesis-driven exploration of computer system metadata for visual analysis.
The consequences of intergrain Josephson coupling in ceramic high-temperature superconductors

The transport and magnetic properties of high-Tc superconducting ceramics are best understood in terms of an intergranular network of Josephson junctions. The drastic drop of the critical current of such a network in small magnetic fields results in magnetically decoupled grains. Thus, magnetic hysteresis data on ceramic YBa2Cu3O7-δ actually imply an intragrain critical current density over 106 A/cm2 at 5 K. Critical current versus field data provide an estimate of the product of the penetration depth and average junction size, as well as a sensitive measure of Hc1.
Methods for Measuring the Economic Impact of Ambient Pollutants on the Agricultural Sector: Discussion

ing from Pope, models for measuring economic impact should consider the follow- ing three principles: (a) it should be flexible enough to describe the underlying environ- ment; (b) it should accommodate theory; and (c) it should provide results that directly lead to policy implications. In this discussion these principles are employed as a criterion for judg- ing the merits of papers by Dixon, Garcia, and Mjelde (DGM); Hamilton, McCarl, and Adams (HMA); and Atkinson, Adams, and Crocker (AAC). A discussion of their papers is followed by suggestions for future research methods in measuring impacts of ambient pol- lutants.
Omission Bias and Decision Making in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Background Pulmonary and critical care physicians routinely make complex decisions, but little is known about cognitive aspects of this process. Omission bias and status quo bias are well-descibed cognitive biases that can cause lay decision makers to prefer inaction that preserves the status quo even when changing the status quo through action is more likely to lead to the best outcomes. It is unknown if these biases influence trained decision makers such as pulmonologists. Study objectives To determine whether omission bias and status quo bias influence the medical decisions of pulmonologists. Design and interventions The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted within a cross-sectional survey of pulmonologists’ opinions about the relevance of various factors in pulmonary and critical care decision making. We designed case vignettes that presented patient information with an associated patient management choice. The status quo state and the action/omission distinction were varied in two forms of otherwise identical vignettes. One form of each case vignette pair (A and B) was administered randomly to each prospective respondent during the first mailing of the opinion survey. Participants Five hundred pulmonologists selected randomly from the membership of the American College of Chest Physicians. Measurements and results There were 125 respondents, including 59 for form A and 66 form B (enrollment rate, 25%). In vignettes involving evaluation of pulmonary embolism and treatment of septic shock, respondents were more likely to choose a suboptimal management strategy when an omission option was present that allowed preservation of the status quo (71% vs 53%, p = 0.048; 50% vs 29%, p = 0.016, respectively). In a vignette involving a hypothetical clinical trial and the decision to prescribe tube feeding, the omission option was not significantly associated with the decision to prescribe tube feeding (54% vs 50%, p = 0.67). Conclusion Pulmonary and critical care decisions are susceptible to the influence of omission and status quo bias. Because of the great number of decisions that are made each day involving choices between maintaining or changing the status quo, this finding could have far-reaching implications for patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, resource utilization, clinical practice variability, and medical errors.
Pediatric multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs at all ages of the pediatric population. Childhood MS may represent up to 10% of all MS cases. Establishing the diagnosis of MS in a child is complicated by the limited diagnostic criteria and the possibility of significant clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) overlap with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and other pediatric diseases. Although the clinical profile of MS appears similar to that seen in adults, several features may differ and specific issues arise in children. Sex ratios are different between young children with MS and adolescents— implicating a role for sex hormones in disease pathogenesis and/or modification of disease expression. Younger patients with MS are more likely to have seizures, brainstem, and cerebellar symptoms than adults. Children with MS may have fewer T2 hyperintense areas on MRI scans, therefore not meeting MRI criteria established for adults. It is possible that the pediatric MS course is more indolent than in adult patients but the disease may lead to significant disability at a younger age, e.g., while patients are students, young professionals, or want to start a family. There has been no controlled clinical trial in children with disease modifying therapies approved for adult MS due to the limited number of patients under the age of 18 years compared with the adult contingent. As a result, children are receiving adult therapies in an arbitrary manner and our understanding of pediatric treatment effect and tolerability is limited. Available data on tolerability of approved drugs for adults is reviewed.
A note on band mixing in 154Gd

Abstract The relative intensities of the γ-rays emitted in the decay of 154 Eu were measured using Ge(Li) detectors. The E2 components of the intensities of transitions from the K = 2 and K = 0 vibrational bands to the ground state rotational bands were used to calculate ratios of reduced E2 transition probabilities and the corresponding band-mixing parameters. The band mixing of the K = 2 and the K = 0 vibrational bands could not be described by a two-parameter analysis.
Juvenile hormone: Its assay and effects on pupae of Manduca sexta☆

Abstract Non-diapausing pupae of Manduca sexta were used to develop a bioassay for juvenile hormone (JH). The period of maximal sensitivity to Cecropia C17-JH injected in olive oil was found to be 24 to 30 hr after pupal ecdysis at the time of the beginning of epidermal retraction. The dose-response curves for C16-, C17-, and C18-JH at 29±1 hr after pupal ecdysis were determined and those for the latter two compounds were found to be similar and to be linear between 10 −2 and 10 μg/g body weight. C16-JH was 300 times less active than C17- and C18-JH in this bioassay. The effectiveness of 0·5 μg/g C18-JH at 29±1 hr was determined by the carrier media in which it was injected. The highest scores were obtained when the carrier was light mineral oil or loive oil whereas the lowest scores were obtained using 10% BSA or Tween 80. These scores are consistent with the kinetics of equilibration of the injected JH with the haemolymph. Thus, the injected hormone is more effective when it slowly leaks into the blood, presumably because it is metabolized much more slowly.
Hydrogen sensing of N-polar and Ga-polar GaN Schottky diodes

Abstract N-polar and Ga-polar GaN grown on c -plane sapphire were used to fabricate platinum deposited Schottky contacts for hydrogen sensing at room temperature. After exposure to hydrogen, Ga-polar GaN Schottky barrier reduced by 3–4 meV, while the N-polar GaN Schottky contacts became fully Ohmic. The N-polar GaN Schottky diodes showed stronger and faster response to 4% hydrogen than that of Ga-polar Schottky diodes. The abrupt current increase from N-polar GaN Schottky exposure to hydrogen was attributed to the high reactivity of the N-face surface termination. The surface termination dominates the sensitivity and response time of the hydrogen sensors made of GaN Schottky diodes.
Caryl Rivers. Selling Anxiety: How the News Media Scare Women. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 2008

Those interested in contemporary media portrayals of women will want to read Selling Anxiety: How the News Media Scare Women. Whether they will have the heart to read past the introduction is anoth...
My Country, My Self: Honor, Identity, and Defensive Responses to National Threats

Honor endorsement might predict an intertwining of personal and national identities that facilitates taking country-level threats personally. If true, this could help explain why honor endorsement predicts support for defensive reactions to national provocations. In a sample of US college students (Study 1) and adults (Study 2), a latent honor variable predicted (1) personalizing national threats, and (2) defensive responses to illegal immigration and terrorism. The first of these associations was mediated by respondents' identification with the nation, and the second was mediated sequentially by national identification and the resultant tendency to personalize national threats. Together, these results highlight a mechanism by which the honor–national-defensiveness association emerges and opens the door for further research on honor and group-level processes.
Impulsive Behavior and Assessment of Impulsivity with Hospitalized Adolescents

Psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents were administered Kagan's Matching Familiar Figures test and were rated for impulsive behavior based on the DSM III criteria for the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. Scores on these two measures were compared to actual reported incidents of impulsive behavior in an attempt to assess the construct validity of Kagan's test and the Behavior Rating Scale.
Observation of Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic Coupling in 1-D and 2-D Extended Structures of Copper(II) Terephthalates.

The reaction between CuCl2·2H2O and disodium terephthalate, Na2tp, in aqueous solution simultaneously produces chain, bis(aqua)[μ-(terephthalato-κO:κO‘)]copper(II), monohydrate, Cutp(OH2)2·H2O (1), and layered, bis(aqua)[μ-(terephthalato-κO)]copper(II), Cutp(OH2)2 (2), structured materials. 1 (C8H10CuO7) belongs to the orthorhombic P21212 space group [a = 6.3015(4) A, b = 6.8743(4) A, c = 22.9972(14) A, and Z = 4] and incorporates tp in a bridging bis-monodentate binding mode and Cu(II) in a tetragonally elongated octahedron. 2 (C8H10CuO6) which belongs to the orthorhombic Pmc21 space group [a = 10.7421(8) A, b = 7.2339(10) A, c = 5.7143(13) A, and Z = 2] incorporates tp in a mono-bidentate binding mode and Cu(II) in a distorted square pyramid. 1 and 2 exhibit axial X-band powder EPR spectra with g⊥ = 2.08, g∥ = 2.29 (1) and g⊥ = 2.07, g∥ = 2.29 (2) at 300 K. 1 obeys the Curie−Weiss law at high temperatures (θ = −7.2 K) and at low temperatures behaves as 1-D magnetic chains with an exchange-coupling const...
Development and validation of a numerical topology optimization scheme for two and three dimensional structures

A novel finite element topology optimization procedure is presented based on the application of probability density and cumulative distribution functions. The procedure utilizes a family of Beta functions with constant probability mean which provide a smooth transition from a uniform to a bi-modal density distribution while conserving constant mean density and therefore constant mass. Validation of the method is demonstrated for several well-known two-dimensional minimum-weight structures. A general minimum-weight cylindrical structural layout for the support of any combination of axial and torsional loading has been developed to provide a test case for three dimensional numerical topological optimization. It is observed that this solution presents a challenge, especially for cases where the axial load is significantly larger than the torsional loading. For these cases, slender members are an essential part of the optimal topology.
Total parenteral nutrition during acute pancreatitis: clinical experience with 156 patients.

Over a 3-year period, 156 of 815 patients admitted to a single institution with acute pancreatitis received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 2,572 patient days. Seventy had “simple” acute pancreatitis (group I) and 86 (group II) developed local complex disease (pseudocyst, abscess, or necrotic gland). In groups I and II, respectively, days without oral intake (NPO) were 13.6±1.5 (SEM) and 24.0±2.1 (p<0.005), hospital days were 19.8±1.7 and 35.8±3.2 (p<0.005), and duration of TPN was 10.9 ±1.0 and 21.0±2.3 days (p<0.005). Thirty-three patients in group I and 53 in group II required exogenous insulin. Alteration of standard formulas was necessary in 87 patients, but cessation of therapy was necessary in only one instance. Twenty catheters were removed for suspected sepsis with only 3 confirmed cases. Fat-based formulas were well tolerated in 15% of patients. During TPN, body weight rose from 95.0±2.4% to 97.4±4.3% of ideal in group I and remained at 90.5±1.8% in group II. Albumin rose from 3.36±0.10 to 3.50±0.08 g/dl in group I and from 3.01±0.07 to 3.35±0.07 g/dl in group II. The entire cohort differed from 10 randomly chosen patients who did not receive TPN in terms of days NPO (2.8±0.3) and hospital days (5.5±0.6). Variables associated with prolongation of hospital stay and time NPO were number of prognostic criteria, local complex disease, and underlying chronic pancreatitis only in select groups. We conclude that during acute pancreatitis, TPN can be administered safely but with careful monitoring and we recommend early aggressive therapy in the subgroups noted above and when underlying malnutrition exists. In the borderline patient, TPN may be administered by peripheral vein until the severity of disease is manifest.
Reevaluating the Role of the Saharan Air Layer in Atlantic Tropical Cyclogenesis and Evolution

The existence of the Saharan air layer (SAL), a layer of warm, dry, dusty air frequently present over the tropical Atlantic Ocean, has long been appreciated. The nature of its impact on hurricanes remains unclear, however, with some researchers arguing that the SAL amplifies hurricane development and with others arguing that it inhibits it. Most research in recent years has emphasized the potential negative impacts of the SAL, but is this emphasis justified? The potential negative impacts of the SAL include 1) vertical wind shear associated with the African easterly jet; 2) warm air aloft, which increases thermodynamic stability at the base of the SAL; and 3) dry air, which produces cold downdrafts. Multiple NASA satellite data sets and NCEP global analyses are used to characterize the SAL's properties and evolution in relation to tropical cyclones and to evaluate these potential negative influences. The results suggest that the negative influences of the SAL have been significantly over-emphasized, in part because of several false assumptions about the structure and role of the SAL.
Integrating costs and outcomes

The need for research that integrates costs and outcomes is asserted, and some of the challenges associated with this research are explored. An emphasis is placed on cost-effectiveness analysis and development of a mental health outcomes measure appropriate for this technique.
Great websites for art history

Purpose – This paper aims to identify a selection of websites for the study and enjoyment of the visual arts.Design/methodology/approach – From the hundreds of offerings on the world wide web, the 24 public sites featured in this article are distinguished by the quality of their content, design, and ease of use.Findings – The best websites are great tools for teachers, students, and interested individuals to explore and learn about the visual arts. Taking advantage of advancing technology, they offer experiences that go far beyond convenient delivery of traditional analog materials.Originality/value – Offers practical suggestions for public and academic librarians on the most useful and usable public websites devoted to the visual arts.
Photochemical-radiative damping and instability in the stratosphere

At the stratopause, when opacity effects are included, the photochemical acceleration of the thermal relaxation rate is substantially reduced and large vertical scale temperature disturbances relax at approximately the Newtonian cooling rate. Large vertical scale ozone density and temperature perturbations may grow in amplitude due to opacity changes in the O3 dissociation and heating rates.
Reliability of health-related quality-of-life indicators in cancer survivors from a population-based sample, 2005, BRFSS

Summary Objective The current emphasis in cancer survivorship research, which includes health-related quality of life (HRQoL), drives the need to monitor the nation's cancer burden. Routine, ongoing public health surveillance tools, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), may be relevant for this purpose. Study design A subsample of the 2005 Missouri BRFSS was used to estimate test–retest reliability of HRQoL questions among persons who did and did not report a personal cancer history. Methods Retest interviews were conducted by telephone 14–21 days after the initial data collection ( n = 540, 67% response rate). Reliability was estimated overall and by cancer history using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. Results The majority of retest respondents were White, female and married, with 13% reporting a history of cancer. Overall, point estimates of the reliability coefficients ranged from moderate to excellent (κ = 0.57–0.75). There were no statistically significant differences in test–retest reliability between persons with and without a history of cancer, except for self-reported pain (ICC = 0.59 and ICC = 0.78, respectively). Conclusions In general, BRFSS questions appear to have adequate reliability for monitoring HRQoL in this community-dwelling population, regardless of cancer history.
Answer to March 2012 Photo Quiz

Answer: Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis. All blood cultures grew Cardiobacterium hominis. The organism, which was presumptively identified on the basis of its colony morphology, its characteristic Gram stain, and the results of catalase, oxidase, indole, and nitrate tests, was confirmed as C.
The case for regulating indispensable amino acid metabolism: the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase-knockout mouse

BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are indispensable (essential) amino acids that are required for body protein synthesis. Indispensable amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be acquired from the diet. The BCAA leucine provides hormone-like signals to tissues such as skeletal muscle, indicating overall nutrient sufficiency. BCAA metabolism provides an important transport system to move nitrogen throughout the body for the synthesis of dispensable (non-essential) amino acids, including the neurotransmitter glutamate in the central nervous system. BCAA metabolism is tightly regulated to maintain levels high enough to support these important functions, but at the same time excesses are prevented via stimulation of irreversible disposal pathways. It is well known from inborn errors of BCAA metabolism that dysregulation of the BCAA catabolic pathways that leads to excess BCAAs and their α-keto acid metabolites results in neural dysfunction. In this issue of Biochemical Journal, Joshi and colleagues have disrupted the murine BDK (branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase) gene. This enzyme serves as the brake on BCAA catabolism. The impaired growth and neurological abnormalities observed in this animal show conclusively the importance of tight regulation of indispensable amino acid metabolism.
TU-F-17A-04: Respiratory Phase-Resolved 3D MRI with Isotropic High Spatial Resolution: Determination of the Average Breathing Motion Pattern for Abdominal Radiotherapy Planning

Purpose: To develop a retrospective 4D-MRI technique (respiratory phase-resolved 3D-MRI) for providing an accurate assessment of tumor motion secondary to respiration. Methods: A 3D projection reconstruction (PR) sequence with self-gating (SG) was developed for 4D-MRI on a 3.0T MRI scanner. The respiration-induced shift of the imaging target was recorded by SG signals acquired in the superior-inferior direction every 15 radial projections (i.e. temporal resolution 98 ms). A total of 73000 radial projections obtained in 8-min were retrospectively sorted into 10 time-domain evenly distributed respiratory phases based on the SG information. Ten 3D image sets were then reconstructed offline. The technique was validated on a motion phantom (gadolinium-doped water-filled box, frequency of 10 and 18 cycles/min) and humans (4 healthy and 2 patients with liver tumors). Imaging protocol included 8-min 4D-MRI followed by 1-min 2D-realtime (498 ms/frame) MRI as a reference. Results: The multiphase 3D image sets with isotropic high spatial resolution (1.56 mm) permits flexible image reformatting and visualization. No intra-phase motion-induced blurring was observed. Comparing to 2D-realtime, 4D-MRI yielded similar motion range (phantom: 10.46 vs. 11.27 mm; healthy subject: 25.20 vs. 17.9 mm; patient: 11.38 vs. 9.30 mm), reasonable displacement difference averaged over the 10 phases (0.74mm; 3.63mm; 1.65mm), and excellent cross-correlation (0.98; 0.96; 0.94) between the two displacement series. Conclusion: Our preliminary study has demonstrated that the 4D-MRI technique can provide high-quality respiratory phase-resolved 3D images that feature: a) isotropic high spatial resolution, b) a fixed scan time of 8 minutes, c) an accurate estimate of average motion pattern, and d) minimal intra-phase motion artifact. This approach has the potential to become a viable alternative solution to assess the impact of breathing on tumor motion and determine appropriate treatment margins. Comparison with 4D-CT in a clinical setting is warranted to assess the value of 4D-MRI in radiotherapy planning. This work supported in part by grant 1R03CA173273-01
Aledo Southeast 1,200-Ft Strawn Gas Field and Associated Deeper Production, Southeast Parker and Southwest Tarrant Counties, Texas: ABSTRACT

Most of the gas production in this region comes from earlier shallow zones ( The Aledo Southeast 1,200-ft Strawn field is one of the most profitable gas fields in the area. The marked linearity of this field demonstrates that the productive sand body is of fluvial origin. Its general east-west orientation indicates a fluvial system that flowed westward from the Ouachita highlands, and its flared shape on the western end suggests shoreline redistribution of the sands. Study of core and cuttings clearly reveals fluvial features, such as mud clasts, ripple laminations, wood fragments, and slump structures. Detailed mineralogic analyses by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicate the shallow and deep reservoirs are feldspathic sandstones that are variously limy or dolomitic and contain major amounts of kaolinite and lesser amounts of illite, chlorite, and mixed layer clays. Isopach maps combined with structure contour maps show the field is a trap formed where an east-west channel sand is tilted downward on the north side intercepting a gas-water contact. The south (updip) margin is a sand pinch-out. A marked sag, caused by differential subsidence, intercepts the gas-water contact and interrupts continuous production along the channel beneath the Parker-Tarrant county line. End_of_Article - Last_Page 143------------
Hypertension, age, and location predict rupture of small intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Although current guidelines for the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) suggest aneurysms larger than 7 mm should be considered for treatment, a significant number of subarachnoid hemorrhages are caused by IAs 7 mm or smaller. Thus, we sought to identify risk factors associated with the rupture of IAs 7 mm or smaller. METHODS We identified 100 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from IAs 7 mm or smaller between January 2001 and 2004. Patients were compared with controls (n = 51) with unruptured IAs 7 mm or smaller, diagnosed by conventional angiography or three-dimensional computerized angiography, with respect to aneurysm characteristics (size, location, and age of presentation) and risk factors (hypertension, smoking, cocaine use, and family history). RESULTS Hypertensive patients with IAs 7 mm or smaller were 2.6 times more likely to experience rupture (P = 0.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-5.53) than patients with normal blood pressure. Posterior circulation aneurysms were 3.5 times more likely to rupture than anterior circulation aneurysms (P = 0.048; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-19.4). After adjustment for location and hypertension, the age of patient on presentation was associated with a trend toward inverse correlation with aneurysmal rupture risk (P = 0.07). Hypertension and posterior location remained significant independent predictors in the logistic regression model. CONCLUSION Among patients with small aneurysms (< or = 7 mm), hypertension, relatively young age, and posterior circulation were significant risk factors for rupture. Given the minimal long-term morbidity and mortality of treatment of unruptured aneurysms in large, tertiary medical centers, management of unruptured aneurysms 7 mm or smaller should be governed by factors other than size, specifically age, history of hypertension, and location.
Uterine metabolism of estradiol in vivo during early pseudopregnancy in the rat

We measured the concentration of [3H]estradiol (E2) and its conversion to [3H]estrone (E1) in endometrium and myometrium at diestrus, estrus, and Days 2–6 of pseudopregnancy (PSP) in the rat. Animals (N = 5–10/group) were anesthetized with pentobarbital and a constant infusion of [3H]E2 initiated via a jugular vein. Following attainment of isotopic equilibrium, a blood sample was obtained from the inferior vena cava, the endometrium and myometrium isolated, and [3H]E2 and [3H]e1 content determined after purification by paper chromatography. The metabolic clearance rate of E2 and the peripheral conversion of E2 to E1 (%Cr E2 → E1), remained relatively constant throughout the study period. Regardless of the reproductive status of the rat, endometrial and myometrial [3H]E2 and [3H]E1 concentrations (cpm/g) were greater (P < 0.001) than respective values (cpm/ml) in serum. At estrus, the concentration of [3H]E2 in the endometrium was lower (P < 0.05) than that at diestrus. In contrast, endometrial %Cr E2 → E1 and weight of the endometrium were both greater (P < 0.05) at estrus than at diestrus. Similar patterns were measured in the myometrium. During PSP, the concentration of [3H]E2 in the endometrium increased (P < 0.05) from Day 2 to Day 6 whereas concentrations in the myometrium remained relatively constant. Endometrial weight increased (P < 0.05) between Days 2–4 of PSP and was associated with a concomitant decrease (P <0.05) in the %Cr E2 → E1 from 59 to 22%. The %Cr E2 → E1 in the myometrium (2–4%) was constant between Days 2–4 of PSP but increased to 10% by Day 6 in association with a decrease (P < 0.05) in weight of the myometrium. We have demonstrated in vivo that growth and differentiation of the uterine endometrium during early pseudopregnancy in preparation for implantation/deciduogenesis is associated with decreased endometrial %Cr E2 → E1. Because ovarian E2 production is markedly decreased during early PSP, we suggest that a decrease in uterine metabolism of E2 may act, in part, to maintain endometrial E2 at concentrations sufficient to permit receptor interaction.
Do Assertive People Prefer Merit Pay

The relationship between assertiveness and individuals' preference for pay increases based on merit versus seniority was investigated. For 83 undergraduate business students (46 women and 37 men) there was a significant sex difference; more assertive men showed a preference for merit pay increases, while more assertive women preferred pay increases based on seniority. Further research to determine the bases of the results for women is encouraged.
Febie—a combined finite element-boundary integral equation method

Abstract A method of combining finite element and boundary integral equations is described wherein the boundary integral equation forms a “natural boundary condition” in the variational procedure upon which the finite element method is based. The technique is illustrated by a problem of wave resonance in a harbor.
A Systems Approach to the Design of Modern Rolling Mill Automation

An overall systems approach of applying modern automation to rolling mills is provided. Emphasis is placed on the need to establish automation objectives beyond the normal performance objectives of control. For example, system reliability and maintainability, effective human engineering, and data analysis tools are discussed. System design objectives are outlined with special emphasis on designing for quality assurance. An example configuration is included which illustrates the detailed implementation of modern automation design. Several automated mills throughout the Canadian steel industry are highlighted. Recently, the Canadian steel industry has undergone a major expansion program, with two of the world's newest fully automated hot strip mills coming on stream during 1983.
Emerging risk stratification approaches to cancer-associated thrombosis: risk factors, biomarkers and a risk score

Cancer patients are well-known to be at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the risk varies widely between patients and over the natural history of malignancy. Recent data have identified multiple clinical risk factors as well as biomarkers predictive of VTE. Risk factors include patient-associated factors such as age, obesity and medical comorbidities, cancer-associated factors such as site and stage of cancer, and treatment-associated factors, particularly chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy. Biomarkers associated with increased risk of cancer-associated VTE include leukocyte count, platelet count, and levels of tissue factor, P-selectin and D-dimer. This review focuses on the evidence for risk stratification of cancer patients, based on these risk factors and biomarkers, as well as a recently validated predictive model which can be used to identify patients at highest risk. Targeted thromboprophylaxis utilizing model-based and/or biomarker-based approaches may provide an optimal risk-benefit ratio and is currently the focus of ongoing clinical trials.