cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cavitation Within Bland Pulmonary Infarcts

The differential diagnosis to be considered in pulmonary lesions showing evidence of cavitation in the roentgenogram becomes increasingly difficult as we attempt to differentiate between inflammatory and neoplastic processes. One generally associates evidence of cavitation within the lung with abscess formation and evacuation; however, rapidly growing pulmonary metastases, especially those of sarcomatous origin, may also show cavitation of the central portion due to ischemic necrosis. When the question arose as to whether pulmonary infarcts due to bland emboli ever underwent aseptic necrosis with cavitation, the opinions voiced by members of the consulting staff of the hospital differed so widely that we were moved to review the experience of the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital in regard to cavitation within bland pulmonary infarcts over the threeyear period, 1948 to 1951. Prior to the use of antibiotic therapy, metastatic abscesses due to septic emboli from a distant site of phlebitis were not uncommon. In contradistinction to those septic emboli we now see bland emboli arising more commonly from sites oi phlebothrombosis in the veins of the pelvis or lower extremities in patients who exhibit no other signs of any infectious process. The pathology of septic thrombophlebitis as distinct from the more common aseptic phlebothrombosis has been most thoroughly described by Ochsner.’ He has pointed out that thrombosis within an infected vein is marked by bacterial invasion of the wall of the involved vessel. The thrombus in such a vessel Is firmly attached to the wall and becomes thoroughly infected as well as highly organized. As this infected thrombus breaks down through a process of necrosis, the resulting emboli are really no more than bits of necrotic debris. When phlebothrombosls occurs In the pelvic veins or deep veins of the lower extremities as a result of a slowing of the circulation or an alteration of the clotting mechanism in certain individuals, the thrombus is sterile and Is only loosely attached to the vessel wall. The difference in size and character of the emboll arising from the two differently involved areas accounts for the different effect that the emboli have on the lung. The small bits of necrotic debris rarely cause massive infarction but do cause metastatic abscesses while the big bland thrombi which may escape into the circulation from deep beds where they silently form may block the cardiac valvular orifices or cause massive pulmonary infarction.
Liquid chromatography with photodiode array spectrophotometric detection in the forensic sciences

Abstract Liquid chromatography (LC) is used in forensic laboratories for numerous applications including examination of drugs and poisons, plastics and polymers, oils, hydrocarbons, cosmetics, inks, dyes and pigments. LC with photodiode array detection (PDA) is a hybrid technique which can provide complete UV-visible spectral information on a given peak in a chromatogram, enabling determinations of peak purity to be made, and identification of unknown peaks to be assigned by library searches of spectral information in combination with retention behavior. These are valuable features normally associated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The additional information available on each peak makes LC-PDA a particularly attractive technique for the forensic laboratory where higher levels of certainty are often demanded in test results. This paper reviews some of those applications for LC-PDA in the forensic sciences, including drug screening, drug and pharmaceutical analysis, differentiation of inks, idenfication of pesticides, fungi, quality control testing and profiling of cosmetics, street drugs and profiling of other complex mixtures. The practical and technical limitations of the technique are explored and its place in the hierarchy of methods available in forensic laboratories is evaluated.
A toolbox approach to reliably integrating MEMS gyroscopes into harsh acoustic and vibration environments

MEMS technology has greatly reduced the size and cost of gyroscopes. However, these sensors are also potentially susceptible to vibrational and acoustic excitation from their ambient operating environment. This mechanical noise can couple into the sensor and disrupt its performance in these harsh environments. No single solution will mitigate this problem for every application. Rather, a toolbox of techniques exists that each offers some degree of improvement in a MEMS gyroscope's performance in various environments. There are primarily two families of mitigation techniques. The first family involves altering the design of the sensor. For some applications, performance can be enhanced by increasing the resonating frequency of the sensor. Another technique is to embed the drive axis resonator in a feedback loop that maintains a constant amplitude of proof mass motion along the drive axis. The other family consists of techniques to enhance the device and system packaging. These techniques include passive and active vibration isolation between the sensor and the environment, mechanical noise absorbing materials and acoustic metamaterials to reduce mechanical noise transmission to the sensor. No one technique works for every sensor or every application. But a toolbox approach allows the engineer to select one of more techniques to improve gyroscope performance for a particular application.
Characteristics of high‐pressure liquid–solid fluidization

Fundamental characteristics of liquid-solid fluidization at high pressures (up to 21 MPa) and moderate temperatures (up to 89°C) are investigated. Properties under study include minimum fluidization velocity (u mf ), bed voidage at minimum fluidization, and bed expansion. Devices for in-situ measurements of physical properties of the liquid in the bed are developed, and measurements are carried out to quantify the pressure and temperature effects on the fluidization behavior. The results indicate that under high pressures and moderate temperatures, liquid-solid fluidization behavior is affected significantly by the variation of liquid density and viscosity with pressure. As the pressure increases, the liquid viscosity and density increase, yielding an increased drag force and buoyancy force on the particles, and hence a decreasing u mf and an increasing bed expansion for a given liquid flow rate. An increase in temperature has an opposite effect on the physical properties of the liquid, increasing u mf and decreasing the bed expansion for a given liquid flow rate. Various correlations proposed in the literature for u mf and bed expansion, including those by Richardson and Zaki (1954) and Chitester et al. (1984), are applicable to high-pressure and high-temperature conditions when proper account is made of the liquid physical properties under bed operating conditions.
The effect of intensity controlled aerobic dance exercise on aerobic capacity of middle-aged, overweight women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity controlled exercise on the aerobic capacity of overweight, middle-aged women. Thirty-eight moderately overweight women, ages 35-57, participated in a 16-week dance-exercise program. Random assignment was made to an experimental group (n = 20) in which intensity of exercise was controlled and prescribed, and a control group (n = 18) in which exercise was of an intensity typical to commercial aerobic classes. Prior to the onset of training, and at the completion of 16 weeks, the following fitness tests were administered: Aerobic capacity expressed as VO2 max, body composition analysis, blood chemistry, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscular endurance, and flexibility. T-tests, ANCOVA, and gain-score analyses were utilized to evaluate data. Both groups showed small changes in weight, percent fat, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), muscular endurance, and flexibility, but these changes were statistically nonsignificant. The VO2 max for the experimental group increased 41%, while the VO2 max for the control group increased 22% (p less than 0.05). The results suggest that the cardiovascular fitness changes for overweight, middle-aged women are greater when exercise intensity and progression are tailored to their age and fitness level.
The absence of a role for the carbohydrate moiety in the binding of apolipoprotein B to the low density lipoprotein receptor

Abstract The binding of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to fibroblasts occurs through apolipoprotein B, a glycoprotein. The role of the carbohydrate in binding was assessed in two ways: 1. (1) LDL, freed of sialic acid and most of the glucosamine and hexoses by digestion with a mixture of glycosidases, bound to fibroblasts as does native LDL. 2. (2) The glycopeptides liberated from apoprotein B by trypsin and pronase failed to inhibit LDL binding to fibroblasts. Apparently the carbohydrate moiety of LDL does not interact with the plasma membrane receptor.
Social Perspective-Taking and Adjustment in Emotionally Disturbed, Learning-Disabled, and Normal Children.

Preadolescent emotionally disturbed, learning-disabled, and normal boys were compared on social perspective-taking and behavioral measures to examine possible contributions of social cognitive deficits to children's adjustment problems. Antisocial-prosocial and withdrawn-gregarious behavior dimensions were studied through subscales derived from teacher ratings. Results indicated that across all groups, high perspective-taking was associated with significantly less withdrawal than was low perspective-taking; within groups, this finding was significant only for the emotionally disturbed boys. Contrary to theoretical assumptions, antisocial behavior was not significantly related to perspective-taking across the sample. Among emotionally disturbed boys, relatively higher affective perspectivetaking was significantly correlated with higher antisocial behavior. This positive correlation for the emotionally disturbed group was significantly different from the nonsignificant negative correlation between antisocial behavior and perspective-taking among normals. Findings for learning-disabled boys were intermediate. between results for emotionally disturbed and normal boys on both perspectivetaking and behavioral measures, and the learning-disabled group generally did not differ significantly from either other group. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed
John F. Enders and measles virus vaccine--a reminiscence.

Following their initial isolation in cell culture of the virus in 1954, a succession of investigators under the mentorship of John F. Enders conducted the research, development, and initial clinical studies responsible for the licensure in 1963 of a successful live attenuated measles virus vaccine. Propagation of the virus successively in human kidney cells, human amnion cells, embryonated hens' eggs, and finally chick embryo cell cultures had selected virus that when inoculated into susceptible monkeys proved immunogenic without viremia or overt disease, in contrast to the early kidney cell-passaged material, which in similar monkeys pro- duced viremia with illness mimicking human measles. Careful clinical studies in children by the Enders group and then by collaborating investigators in many sites established its safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. This Edmonston strain measles virus became the progenitor of vaccines prepared, studied, and utilized throughout the United States and many other countries. With appreciation of measles morbid- ity and mortality, most marked among infants and children in the resource-limited lands, the vaccine was incorporated into the World Health Organization's (WHO) Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in 1974 along with BCG, OPV, and DTP. Successful efforts to further reduce measles' burden were launched in 2001 and are continuing as the Measles Initiative (Partnership) under the leadership of the American Red Cross, International Red Cross, and Red Crescent societies, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), WHO, and the United Nations Foundation.
Frequency and spatial patterning of clonal reproduction in Louisiana iris hybrid populations

The plant genera in which natural hybridization is most prevalent tend to be outcrossing perennials with some mechanism for clonal (i.e., asexual) reproduction. Although clonal reproduction in fertile, sexually reproducing hybrid populations could have important evolutionary consequences, little attention has been paid to quantifying this parameter in such populations. In the present study, we examined the frequency and spatial patterning of clonal reproduction in two Louisiana iris hybrid populations. Allozyme analysis of both populations revealed relatively high levels of genotypic diversity. However, a considerable amount of clonality was apparent. Nearly half of all genets (47%) in one population and more than half (61%) in the other had multiple ramets. Furthermore, both populations exhibited relatively high levels of genetic structuring, a pattern that resulted from the aggregation of clonal ramets. The occurrence of clonal reproduction in hybrid populations could not only facilitate introgression through an increase in the number of flowering ramets per genet and/or the survivorship of early generation hybrids, but might also influence the mating system of such populations. Any potential increase in the selfing rate due to cross-pollination among ramets of the same genet may, in turn, increase the likelihood of homoploid hybrid speciation.
A Two-Stage Hybrid Local Search for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows

The vehicle routing problem with time windows is a hard combinatorial optimization problem that has received considerable attention in the last decades. This paper proposes a two-stage hybrid algorithm for this transportation problem. The algorithm first minimizes the number of vehicles, using simulated annealing. It then minimizes travel cost by using a large neighborhood search that may relocate a large number of customers. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm, which has improved 10 (17%) of the 56 best published solutions to the Solomon benchmarks, while matching or improving the best solutions in 46 problems (82%). More important perhaps, the algorithm is shown to be very robust. With a fixed configuration of its parameters, it returns either the best published solutions (or improvements thereof) or solutions very close in quality on all Solomon benchmarks. Very preliminary results on the extended Solomon benchmarks are also given.
Integrating heuristic knowledge and optimization models for communication network design

A method is developed for integrating heuristic design knowledge with optimization models to create a tool for the topological design of computer communication networks. Design choices are based on suggestions from optimization models, as well as heuristic knowledge, which interact through a blackboard. A truth maintenance system (TMS) records justification for current design choices, as well as promising alternatives. A dependency-directed backtracking mechanism works with the TMS to choose other alternatives as warranted. This hybrid tool can consider a wider range of design requirements than is possible using one type of knowledge alone, is flexible in handling variations in these requirements, and has a modular structure which facilitates incremental refinement. Computational results on separate networks show it is effective in identifying good low-cost solutions. >
Risk stratification of opioid misuse among patients with cancer pain using the SOAPP-SF.

Background. Opioids are recognized as an integral part of the armamentarium in the management of cancer pain. There has been a growing awareness of the misuse of prescription opioids among cancer patients. More research is needed to detail risk factors and incidence for opioid misuse among cancer pain patients. Methods. We reviewed 522 patient charts that were seen in our Pain Center from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 for risk stratification of opioid misuse with demographic and clinical factors utilizing the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-short form (SOAPP-SF). Group differences based on High (≥4) and Low (<4) SOAPP-SF scores were evaluated at initial visit, follow-up within a month and 6–9 months. Results. One hundred forty-nine of the 522 (29%) patients had a SOAPP-SF score of ≥4. The mean age for patients with high SOAPP-SF score (≥4) was 50 ± 14 vs 56 ± 14 for patients with low SOAPP-SF score (<4) (P < 0.0001). The pain scores were higher for patients with high SOAPP-SF score compared with patients with low SOAPP-SF score at consult (P < 0.0001). Morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) was higher for patients with high SOAPP-SF score compared with patients with low SOAPP-SF score at consult (P = 0.0461). Fatigue, feeling of well-being, and poor appetite were higher among the high SOAPP-SF group at initial visit (P < 0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0149, respectively). The high SOAPP-SF score patients also had statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher anxiety and depression scores at all three time points. In the multivariate analysis, patients younger than 55 years have a higher odds of having a “high” SOAPP-SF score than patients 55 years and older {odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 2.76 (1.58, 4.81), P = 0.0003} adjusting for employment status, disease status, treatment status, usual pain score, and morphine equivalency at consult. Patients with higher usual pain score at consult have higher odds of a “high” SOAPP-SF score (OR [95% CI] = 1.34 [1.19, 1.51], P < 0.0001) adjusting for age, employment status, disease status, treatment status, and morphine equivalency at consult. Conclusion. Patients classified by the SOAPP-SF in the current study as high risk tended to be younger, endorse more pain, have higher MEDD requirement, and endorse more symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings are consistent with the literature on risk factors of opioid abuse in chronic pain patients which suggests that certain patient characteristics such as younger age, anxiety, and depression symptomatology are associated with greater risk for opioid misuse. However, a limitation of the current study is that other measures of opioid abuse were not available for validation and comparison with the SOAPP-SF.
Building the Garden and Making Arena Sports Big Time “Tex” Rickard and His Legacy in Sport Marketing

Foreshadowing the beginning of the Great Depression, George “Tex” Rickard succumbed to appendicitis in 1929. A leader and representative of sport marketing during the 1920s, Rickard altered the urban landscape in American cities by definitively showing that promoters could use sports in arenas (i.e., indoor) to help those venues be economically viable through the production of awe-inspiring spectacles. In this article, the authors critically examine sport marketing as a tool to help reframe the career of Tex Rickard and ultimately the development of Madison Square Garden III in the context of macromarketing. This historical and illustrative case study will also demonstrate that sport marketing is somewhat different than traditional marketing through an emphasis on media and community relations. Finally, we will show how Rickard made use of the traditional “marketing mix” (i.e., place, price, promotion, and product) to capitalize on the urban setting and other strategies employed to promote products and se...
Murine β1,4-galactosyltransferase: both the amounts and structure of the mRNA are regulated during spermatogenesis.

Abstract Previously we have shown that the gene encoding murine beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta 1,4-GT; UDPgalactose:N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl-glycopeptide 4-beta-D-galactosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.38) is unusual in that it specifies two sets of mRNAs of about 3.9 and 4.1 kilobases (kb). Translation of the 3.9- and 4.1-kb mRNAs results in the predicted synthesis of two related membrane-bound forms of the protein of 386 amino acids (short form) and 399 amino acids (long form), respectively. In this study we have examined the expression of beta 1,4-GT during murine spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia contain a 4.1-kb transcript that is comparable in size to the beta 1,4-GT mRNA identified in somatic cells. During differentiation from spermatogonia (2n) to pachytene spermatocytes (4n), the amount of beta 1,4-GT mRNA is reduced to barely detectable levels. Continued differentiation to round spermatids (n) is coincident with a renewed production of beta 1,4-GT mRNA to levels comparable with those detected in spermatogonia. However, the characteristic 4.1-kb mRNA detected in spermatogonia is replaced by two truncated transcripts of 2.9 and 3.1 kb. By S1 nuclease analysis, the 2.9- and 3.1-kb transcripts were shown to encode the same open reading frame as the 4.1-kb transcript found in somatic cells. The shorter round spermatid transcripts arise as a consequence of the use of alternative poly(A) signals. Lastly, we show that, in direct contrast to all somatic tissues and cell lines examined to date, male germ cells synthesize only the long form of the beta 1,4-GT polypeptide.
Increased Renal Medullary Oxidative Stress Produces Hypertension

The present study examined whether chronic increased oxidative stress within the medulla of the kidney lowers medullary blood flow and leads to hypertension. Optical fibers were implanted into the renal cortex and medulla of uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan Sprague-Dawley, Madison, Wis) for the daily measurement of blood flow to these regions using laser-Doppler flowmetry techniques, while arterial pressure was measured from an indwelling aortic catheter. A renal medullary interstitial catheter was implanted for the continuous delivery of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETC), at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg/d. Renal interstitial superoxide (O 2 − ) levels were determined by perfusing an O 2 − sensitive fluorescent dye, dihydroethidium, through a microdialysis probe implanted into the medulla. Urine samples (24 hours) were collected for measurements of isoprostane excretion. The results indicate that medullary DETC infusions increased tissue O 2 − concentrations in the renal medulla (93.4±22.3,n=8, saline and 867.3±260.2, n=8, DETC; fluorescence units) and increased urinary 8-isoprostane excretion (4.1±0.4 ng/d, n=9, saline and 8.8±1.6 ng/d, n=10, DETC). Mean arterial pressure increased 24 hours after the start of intrarenal DETC infusion and remained nearly 20 mm Hg above control pressure throughout the 5 days of medullary SOD inhibition. During chronic medullary DETC infusion, medullary blood flow was significantly reduced (42.7%), whereas cortical blood flow was unchanged. Intravenous infusion of the same dose of DETC produced no changes in renal medullary or cortical blood flow or arterial blood pressure. The present experiments indicate that an increase in superoxide concentration within the renal medulla selectively reduces medullary blood flow resulting in chronic hypertension.
Gain in electrophotography&#8212;I: Phototransistor configuration

The potential of the phototransistor or "hook" structure for realizing gain in the electrophotographic process is considered. By considering the phototransistor to be an emission-limited device, it can be shown that gain in excess of unity can only be produced in the external circuit. The charge necessary to produce the image is accumulated on an external capacitor whose size limits the gain to the ratio between the external and device capacitances. The predictions of this analysis are supported by experiments using a commercial phototransistor in simple circuits that simulate electrophotographic plates.
Microbiologic and Clinical Epidemiologic Characteristics of the Chicago Subset of a Multistate Outbreak of Serratia marcescens Bacteremia

We describe 22 patients from a multistate outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteremia that was linked to contaminated prefilled syringes of heparin and saline supplied by 1 manufacturer. Contents of unused syringes were cultured in pools; samples from 25 (5.3%) of 472 syringes grew S. marcescens. Despite good clinical outcomes overall, patients had substantial morbidity.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Suppresses Function of the CD28 Costimulatory Membrane Receptor in Primary Murine and Jurkat T Cells

(n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been widely documented to reduce inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This study sought to elucidate the mechanism whereby (n-3) PUFA downregulate T-cell proliferation. We hypothesized that membrane incorporation of dietary PUFA would alter membrane structure and consequently membrane receptor function. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed for 14 d one of three diets containing arachidonic acid (AA), fish oil or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that varied in lipid composition only. Spleens were harvested and T cells ( approximately 90% purity) were activated with agonists that stimulated proliferation at the receptor level [anti-CD3 (alphaCD3)/anti-CD28 (alphaCD28)], intracellularly [phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin] or with a combined receptor/intracellular agonist (alphaCD3/PMA). Although there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in proliferative response across dietary groups within each agonist set, interleukin (IL)-2 secretion was significantly reduced (P = 0.05) in cells from DHA-fed mice stimulated with alphaCD3/alphaCD28. In parallel in vitro experiments, Jurkat T cells were incubated with 50 micromol/L linoleic acid, AA, or DHA. Similar agonists sets were employed, and cells incubated with DHA and AA had a significantly reduced (P < 0.05) IL-2 secretion in three of the agonist sets. However, only when the CD28 receptor was stimulated was there a significant difference (P < 0.05) between DHA and AA. The results of this study suggest the involvement of the CD28 receptor in reducing IL-2 secretion in DHA-fed mice and DHA-incubated Jurkat cells and that purified T cells from DHA-fed mice require accessory cells to modulate proliferative suppression.
Moving object tracking in video

The advance of technology makes video acquisition devices better and less costly, thereby increasing the number of applications that can effectively utilize digital video. Compared to still images, video sequences provide more information about how objects and scenarios change over time. However, video needs more space for storage and wider bandwidth for transmission. Hence is raised the topic of video compression. The MPEG 4 compression standard suggests the usage of object planes. If the object planes are segmented correctly and the motion parameters are derived for each object plane accordingly, a better compression ratio can be expected. Therefore, to take full advantage of the MPEG 4 standard, algorithms for tracking objects are needed. So, we propose an algorithm to track moving objects in video sequences. The algorithm first separates the moving objects from the background in each frame. Then, four sets of variables are computed based on the positions, the sizes, the grayscale distributions and the presence of textures of the objects. A rule-based method is developed to track the objects between frames, based on the values of the variables. Preliminary experimental results show that the algorithm performs well. The tests also show that the algorithm obtains success in indicating new tracks, ceased tracks and possible collisions.
Oxygen deprivation inhibits basal keratinocyte proliferation in a model of human skin and induces regio-specific changes in the distribution of epidermal adherens junction proteins, aquaporin-3, and glycogen

It is generally accepted that hypoxia and recovery from oxygen deprivation contribute to the breakdown and ulceration of human skin. The effects of these stresses on proliferation, differentiation and expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules were investigated for the first time in an organotypic model of human skin. Fully stratified tissues were exposed to a time course of oxygen deprivation and subsequent reoxygenation. Regional changes in keratinocyte morphology, glycogen stores and cellular junctions were observed, with more differentiated layers of the epidermis exhibiting the first evidence of oxygen deprivation. Cellular swelling within the granular layer was concurrent with aquaporin-3 depletion. The keratinocyte adherens junction proteins E-cadherin and beta-catenin were dramatically decreased in a regio-specific manner throughout the epidermis following oxygen deprivation. In contrast, P-cadherin and the desmosomal proteins desmoplakin and desmoglein-1 were refractory to oxygen deprivation. Relative to normoxic controls, hypoxic tissues exhibited increased mRNA levels of the transcriptional repressor Slug; however, mRNA levels of the related transcriptional factor Snail were unaffected. All cellular and molecular changes were reversible upon reoxygenation. These results show that oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation exert differential effects on epidermal adhesion proteins and suggest a novel role for cadherins, beta-catenin, and Slug in hypoxia-induced junctional changes occurring in stratified squamous epithelium.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study

Previous studies suggest a link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive impairment. Whether the longitudinal course of cognitive impairment differs among people with or without CKD is unknown. Data collected in 3034 elderly individuals who participated in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed with the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam (3MS) at baseline and then 2 and 4 yr after baseline. Cognitive impairment was defined as a 3MS score 5 points after 2 or 4 yr of follow-up among participants with baseline 3MS scores > or =80. Participants with CKD, defined as an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, were further divided into two eGFR strata. Unadjusted mean baseline 3MS scores and mean declines in 3MS scores over 4 yr were significantly more pronounced for participants with lower baseline eGFR. More advanced stages of CKD were associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment: Odds ratio (OR) 1.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.69) and OR 2.43 (95% CI, 1.38 to 4.29) for eGFR 45 to 59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively, adjusted for case mix, baseline 3MS scores, and other potential confounders. CKD is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment in the elderly that cannot be fully explained by other well-established risk factors. Studies aimed at understanding the mechanism(s) responsible for cognitive impairment in CKD and efforts to interrupt this decline are warranted.
Induction of Monoamine Oxidase B by 17β-Estradiol in the Hamster Kidney Preceding Carcinogenesis

Estrogen-induced kidney tumorigenesis in the male Syrian hamster has been postulated to be mediated by free radicals generated by metabolic redox cycling of catecholestrogen intermediates. This tissue and other rodent tissues in which tumors develop in response to estrogen treatment have been shown to contain high levels of the catecholamine norepinephrine. In this study, we have thus examined the hypothesis that an additional source of free radicals may be hydrogen peroxide formed by the monoamine oxidase (MAO)-catalyzed deamination of catecholamines. We have studied the effect of 17beta-estradiol (25-mg pellet, sc) on MAO activity in the hamster kidney (a target organ) and in the hamster liver and the rat kidney and liver, organs which do not develop tumors under these conditions. 17beta-Estradiol treatment for 2 weeks significantly increased (P < 0.01) MAO activity in the hamster kidney (76.7 +/- 10.0 and 113.0 +/- 10.8% over controls for the substrates tyramine and kynuramine, respectively). MAO activity remained elevated after 4 weeks of 17beta-estradiol treatment. No significant changes were observed in the MAO activity of hamster liver or rat kidney and liver. The addition of Tamoxifen to 17beta-estradiol restored control levels of renal MAO activity. The use of selective MAO A and MAO B inhibitors (clorgyline and deprenyl, respectively) identified the B form as the major component of hamster kidney MAO activity and its hormonal regulation. In conclusion, the estrogen receptor-mediated activation of MAO in conjunction with high catecholamine concentrations in the hamster kidney as previously reported may significantly increase the production of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals which are postulated to contribute to tumor initiation.
Giant E 1 resonances in Be 8 from the reaction Li 7 ( p , γ ) Be 8

The giant electric dipole resonances based on the ground state (${0}^{+}$) and first excited state (${2}^{+}$) of $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ have been studied with the reactions $^{7}\mathrm{Li}(p,{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0})^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ and $^{7}\mathrm{Li}(p,{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1})^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ over the range ${E}_{p}=0.8 \mathrm{to} 17.6$ MeV. Both resonances show a simple resonant shape with little fine structure. The ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1}$ giant resonance is displaced upward from the ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$ resonance by an energy of 2.2 MeV which is approximately equal to the excitation of the ${2}^{+}$ state. The reduced ($\ensuremath{\gamma},{p}_{0}$) strengths of the two resonances are approximately equal and each exhausts about 10% of the $E1$ sum rule. The angular distributions for both ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1}$ are quite constant over the giant resonance structure and are predominantly dipole in character. A simple model can be invoked to explain the dominant $E1$ features. The presence of ${P}_{1}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$ and ${P}_{3}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$ terms in both angular distributions indicates $E2$ strength which probably increases above the $E1$ resonances. Some parameters for the narrow levels at 18.15 and 19.06 MeV in $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ are given.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{7}\mathrm{Li}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $E=0.8\ensuremath{-}17.6$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E;{E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}},\ensuremath{\theta})$. Deduced properties $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ levels at ${E}_{x}=18.15,19.06$ MeV and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1}$ giant resonances. 99% enriched $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ target.
Finances of Employee Benefits: Health Costs Drive Changing Trends

This paper presents the most recent federal data on the finances of employee benefits. For decades, retirement costs accounted for the bulk of total spending on benefits by employers, but health costs are rapidly catching up. In fact, voluntary health care costs (spending on health insurance premiums) surpassed employer spending on voluntary retirement benefits (defined contribution and defined benefit plans) in 1989. Since employers tend to budget for total annual compensation costs (including wages, salaries, and benefits), these data show they are devoting a growing share to benefits (especially health benefits) and a declining share to wages and salaries. Wages and salaries remain overwhelmingly the dominant share of employers' total compensation costs (81 percent), but significantly less than it was about 50 years ago.
Fundamental Limits in Multi-Image Alignment

The performance of multiimage alignment, bringing different images into one coordinate system, is critical in many applications with varied signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A great amount of effort is being invested into developing methods to solve this problem. Several important questions thus arise, including: Which are the fundamental limits in multiimage alignment performance? Does having access to more images improve the alignment? Theoretical bounds provide a fundamental benchmark to compare methods and can help establish whether improvements can be made. In this work, we tackle the problem of finding the performance limits in image registration when multiple shifted and noisy observations are available. We derive and analyze the Cramer-Rao and Ziv-Zakai lower bounds under different statistical models for the underlying image. We show the existence of different behavior zones depending on the difficulty level of the problem, given by the SNR conditions of the input images. The analysis we present here brings further insight into the fundamental limitations of the multiimage alignment problem.
Effect of neomycin on cholesterol atherosclerosis in the rabbit.

SummaryProlonged oral administration of neomycin resulted in a greater elevation of serum lipids and more severe aortic atherosclerosis and visceral lipoidosis in cholesterolfed rabbits than in untreated cholesterol-fed controls. Failure to observe these enhancing effects following intramuscular administration of neomycin indicates that this action is related to increased absorption of cholesterol. Neomycin was without effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism in this species.
Psychophysiologic Gastrointestinal Reactions: Therapeutic Observations

The two principal factors in precipitation of functional disturbance are quality of individual and quantity of trauma.An erroneous diagnosis of physical illness followed by medical or surgical treatment tends to fix the neurotic state, but the greatest harm occurs when a patient with a conversion reaction dies with an untreated malignant disease.Successful management of functional gastrointestinal disturbance encompasses dietetic therapy, pharmacologic aids, creation of insight, correction of rigid states, reeducation, and adjunctive measures.The comparative effectiveness of various tranquilizers and antidepressants is reviewed, and experience with the nonbarbiturate sedative thalidomide is presented.
High-Frequency Stimulation of Dorsal Column Axons: Potential Underlying Mechanism of Paresthesia-Free Neuropathic Pain Relief.

Objective Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) treats neuropathic pain through retrograde stimulation of dorsal column axons and their inhibitory effects on wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. Typical SCS uses frequencies from 50–100 Hz. Newer stimulation paradigms use high-frequency stimulation (HFS) up to 10 kHz and produce pain relief but without paresthesia. Our hypothesis is that HFS preferentially blocks larger diameter axons (12–15 µm) based on dynamics of ion channel gates and the electric potential gradient seen along the axon, resulting in inhibition of WDR cells without paresthesia. Methods We input field potential values from a finite element model of SCS into an active axon model with ion channel subcomponents for fiber diameters 1–20 µm and simulated dynamics on a 0.001 msec time scale. Results Assuming some degree of wave rectification seen at the axon, action potential (AP) blockade occurs as hypothesized, preferentially in larger over smaller diameters with blockade in most medium and large diameters occurring between 4.5 and 10 kHz. Simulations show both ion channel gate and virtual anode dynamics are necessary. Conclusion At clinical HFS frequencies and pulse widths, HFS preferentially blocks larger-diameter fibers and concomitantly recruits medium and smaller fibers. These effects are a result of interaction between ion gate dynamics and the “activating function” (AF) deriving from current distribution over the axon. The larger fibers that cause paresthesia in low-frequency simulation are blocked, while medium and smaller fibers are recruited, leading to paresthesia-free neuropathic pain relief by inhibiting WDR cells.
Study on Factors Leading to Failure of Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Coatings

Objective To study reasons of failure of absorbing coatings caused by physical and chemical damages so as to evaluate and improve the lifetime and guide the functional optimization of absorbing coatings. Methods A series of tests such as high-low temperature vibration and accelerated aging test,micro-topography of coatings before and after damage,and elementary analysis were taken to confirm the factors leading to failure in absorbing performance. Results During the solidification and high-low temperature vibration test,the performance failure was due to cracking and pealing caused by the change of internal stress. Exposed to UV and salt fog,the performance failure was due to pulverization and bubbling caused by coating oxidation and permeation of salt and fog. Conclusion According to the experiment results,the absorbing coating failure system and factors were established. The major factors that influenced the performance of coatings included coating thickness,adhesive force,density,functional groups of organic film forming substance and oxidative activity of absorbents. During the design of absorbing coatings,resin of low crosslinking degree should be used to reduce internal stress caused by solidification. Tolerance of high-low temperature shift and vibration can be enhanced by decreasing thickness and increasing toughness. The lifetime of coatings under atmospheric and medium corrosive condition was prolonged by introduction of corrosion resisting shielding layer and high weatherability protection layer.
Nanophotonic waveguides for chip-scale raman spectroscopy: Theoretical considerations

Highly evanescent nanophotonic waveguides enable extremely efficient Raman spectroscopy in chip-scale photonic integrated circuits due to the continuous excitation and collection of Raman scattering along the entire waveguide length. Such waveguides can be used for detection and identification of condensed-phase analytes, or, if functionalized by a sorbent as a top-cladding, can be used to detect trace concentrations of chemical species. The scattering efficiency is modified in guided-mode structures compared to unconfined, micro-Raman geometries. Here, we describe the theoretical framework for understanding the Raman scattering efficiency in nanophotonic waveguides, and compare these calculations to our measurements of trace gases in hypersorbent-clad silicon nitride waveguides.
How hazardous wastes affect human health

During 1988-1990 a total of 345 virulent and avirulent strains of enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) were isolated from human faeces in microbiological laboratories in Prague and Sofia. This group of strains belonged to a total of 11 serotypes. The most frequently encountered serotypes in both laboratories were: 0124, 0164 and 028ac. From patients 205 strains were obtained and from healthy subjects 140 strains of EIEC. In all strains the following signs of virulence were investigated: biochemical properties, serotypes, Sereny's test, test on HeLa cells, sensitivity to colicine JS and the plasmid profile. The presence of high molecular plasmid 140 MDa correlated closely with positive results of the above mentioned tests. Plasmid 140 MDa was more frequently present in E. coli strains isolated from faeces of patients (in 76.09%) than in strains from healthy subjects (in 23%). The strains circulating in the healthy population were in the majority avirulent.
A Systematic Investigation of the Thermodynamic Properties of Aqueous Barium Sulfate up to High Temperatures and High Pressures

Standard state thermodynamic properties for completely dissociated aqueous barium sulfate, BaSO4(aq), were fixed by an ionic additivity relationship using the data from other completely dissociated electrolytes, barium chloride, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride, from 298.15 to 598.15 K and at steam saturated pressure, psat. The solubility of barium sulfate in pure water was then predicted a priori from 273.15 to 598.15 K and pressures up to 140 MPa, and the results were compared with the literature data. These predicted solubility values for barium sulfate in pure water, when corrected for ion pair association of Ba2+(aq) ion with SO42–(aq) ion and hydrolysis of SO42–(aq) ion, are in very good agreement with the literature data to well within the uncertainties of the experimental data at all temperatures and pressures considered. Using the experimental data from this study and auxiliary data from the literature, the logarithm of the molar dissociation constants of BaSO4° associated ion pair were also c...
A perspective on the recent progress in solution-processed methods for highly efficient perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were developed in 2009 and have led to a number of significant improvements in clean energy technology. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs has increased exp...
Targeted use of growth mixture modeling: a learning perspective

From the statistical learning perspective, this paper shows a new direction for the use of growth mixture modeling (GMM), a method of identifying latent subpopulations that manifest heterogeneous outcome trajectories. In the proposed approach, we utilize the benefits of the conventional use of GMM for the purpose of generating potential candidate models based on empirical model fitting, which can be viewed as unsupervised learning. We then evaluate candidate GMM models on the basis of a direct measure of success; how well the trajectory types are predicted by clinically and demographically relevant baseline features, which can be viewed as supervised learning. We examine the proposed approach focusing on a particular utility of latent trajectory classes, as outcomes that can be used as valid prediction targets in clinical prognostic models. Our approach is illustrated using data from the Longitudinal Assessment of Manic Symptoms study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response to Comment on “Xist recruits the X chromosome to the nuclear lamina to enable chromosome-wide silencing”

Wang et al . question whether Lamin B receptor is required for Xist-mediated silencing because they claim that our cells contain an inversion rather than a deletion. We present evidence that these cells contain a proper deletion and that the confusion is caused by DNA probes used in the experiment. Accordingly, the points raised have no effect on the conclusions in our paper.
Towards an explanation of inequality in premodern societies: the role of colonies, urbanization, and high population density

Using a newly expanded set of 41 social tables from premodern societies, this article tries to identify the factors associated with the level of inequality and the inequality extraction ratio (how close to the maximum inequality the elites have pushed actual inequality). Strong evidence is found to show that elites in colonies were more extractive, and that more densely populated and less urbanized countries exhibited lower extraction ratios. Several possibilities are proposed, linking high population density to low inequality and to low elite extraction.
Optimization of Metabolic and Renal Clearance in a Series of Indole Acid Direct Activators of 5'-Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK).

Optimization of the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of a series of activators of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is described. Derivatives of the previously described 5-aryl-indole-3-carboxylic acid clinical candidate (1) were examined with the goal of reducing glucuronidation rate and minimizing renal excretion. Compounds 10 (PF-06679142) and 14 (PF-06685249) exhibited robust activation of AMPK in rat kidneys as well as desirable oral absorption, low plasma clearance, and negligible renal clearance in preclinical species. A correlation of in vivo renal clearance in rats with in vitro uptake by human and rat renal organic anion transporters (human OAT/rat Oat) was identified. Variation of polar functional groups was critical to mitigate active renal clearance mediated by the Oat3 transporter. Modification of either the 6-chloroindole core to a 4,6-difluoroindole or the 5-phenyl substituent to a substituted 5-(3-pyridyl) group provided improved metabolic stability while minimizing p...
Phenology of hatching, emergence, and end-of-season body size in young-of-year coho salmon in thermally contrasting streams draining the Copper River Delta, Alaska

Phenology can be linked to individual fitness, particularly in strongly seasonal environments where the timing of events has important consequences for growth, condition, and survival. We studied t...