cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Gait Impairment in Toddlers Born Preterm From Near-Term Brain Microstructure Assessed With DTI, Using Exhaustive Feature Selection and Cross-Validation.

Aim: To predict gait impairment in toddlers born preterm with very-low-birth-weight (VLBW), from near-term white-matter microstructure assessed with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), using exhaustive feature selection, and cross-validation. Methods: Near-term MRI and DTI of 48 bilateral and corpus callosum regions were assessed in 66 VLBW preterm infants; at 18-22 months adjusted-age, 52/66 participants completed follow-up gait assessment of velocity, step length, step width, single-limb support and the Toddle Temporal-spatial Deviation Index (TDI). Multiple linear models with exhaustive feature selection and leave-one-out cross-validation were employed in this prospective cohort study: linear and logistic regression identified three brain regions most correlated with gait outcome. Results: Logistic regression of near-term DTI correctly classified infants high-risk for impaired gait velocity (93% sensitivity, 79% specificity), right and left step length (91% and 93% sensitivity, 85% and 76% specificity), single-limb support (100% and 100% sensitivity, 100% and 100% specificity), step width (85% sensitivity, 80% specificity), and Toddle TDI (85% sensitivity, 75% specificity). Linear regression of near-term brain DTI and toddler gait explained 32-49% variance in gait temporal-spatial parameters. Traditional MRI methods did not predict gait in toddlers. Interpretation: Near-term brain microstructure assessed with DTI and statistical learning methods predicted gait impairment, explaining substantial variance in toddler gait. Results indicate that at near term age, analysis of a set of brain regions using statistical learning methods may offer more accurate prediction of outcome at toddler age. Infants high risk for single-limb support impairment were most accurately predicted. As a fundamental element of biped gait, single-limb support may be a sensitive marker of gait impairment, influenced by early neural correlates that are evolutionarily and developmentally well conserved. For infants born preterm, early prediction of gait impairment can help guide early, more effective intervention to improve quality of life.
Enumerating Infeasibility: Finding Multiple MUSes Quickly

Methods for analyzing infeasible constraint sets have proliferated in the past decade, commonly focused on finding maximal satisfiable subsets (MSSes) or minimal unsatisfiable subsets (MUSes). Most common are methods for producing a single such subset (one MSS or one MUS), while a few algorithms have been presented for enumerating all of the interesting subsets of a constraint set. In the case of enumerating MUSes, the existing algorithms all fall short of the best methods for producing a single MUS; that is, none come close to the ideals of 1) producing the first output as quickly as a state-of-the-art single-MUS algorithm and 2) finding each successive MUS after a similar delay. In this work, we present a novel algorithm, applicable to any type of constraint system, that enumerates MUSes in this fashion. In fact, it is structured such that one can easily ”plug in” any new single-MUS algorithm as a black box to immediately match advances in that area. We perform a detailed experimental analysis of the new algorithm’s performance relative to existing MUS enumeration algorithms, and we show that it avoids some severe intractability issues encountered by the others while outperforming them in the task of quickly enumerating MUSes.
International review of ecodesign programs for products and lessons learned for China

Since the 1980s, ecodesign has emerged as a new guiding principle for integrating environmental aspects into product design and development, with the aim of reducing adverse environmental life-cycl...
Scotopic Vision Is Selectively Processed in Thick-Type Columns in Human Extrastriate Cortex.

In humans, visual stimuli can be perceived across an enormous range of light levels. Evidence suggests that different neural mechanisms process different subdivisions of this range. For instance, in the retina, stimuli presented at very low (scotopic) light levels activate rod photoreceptors, whereas cone photoreceptors are activated relatively more at higher (photopic) light levels. Similarly, different retinal ganglion cells are activated by scotopic versus photopic stimuli. However, in the brain, it remains unknown whether scotopic versus photopic information is: 1) processed in distinct channels, or 2) neurally merged. Using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7 T, we confirmed the first hypothesis. We first localized thick versus thin-type columns within areas V2, V3, and V4, based on photopic selectivity to motion versus color, respectively. Next, we found that scotopic stimuli selectively activated thick- (compared to thin-) type columns in V2 and V3 (in measurements of both overlap and amplitude) and V4 (based on overlap). Finally, we found stronger resting-state functional connections between scotopically dominated area MT with thick- (compared to thin-) type columns in areas V2, V3, and V4. We conclude that scotopic stimuli are processed in partially segregated parallel streams, emphasizing magnocellular influence, from retina through middle stages of visual cortex.
Current Practices in Endotracheal Tube Size Selection for Adults.

Objectives/hypothesis Intubation with inappropriately sized endotracheal tubes (ETT) can cause long-term tracheal and laryngeal injuries often requiring surgical intervention. Although tracheal size has been demonstrated to vary based on height and sex, it is unclear whether these guidelines are regularly implemented in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of appropriate ETT size selection in patients undergoing intubation and assess provider decision making in ETT size selection. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods The study population was all patients who underwent endotracheal intubation over a two-week period at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected on patient age, gender, height, BMI, comorbidities, ETT size, duration of intubation, bronchoscopies, and type of practitioner who performed the intubation. A height-based nomogram for ETT size selection was used to determine the recommended ETT size for each patient. Results One hundred five patients met the inclusion criteria. 22% of patients were intubated with an inappropriately large tube, defined as 1.0 mm larger than the recommended size. Women were more likely to be intubated with an inappropriately large ETT (OR = 13.58, P = .001), as were patients with height less than 160 cm (OR = 141, P = .001). Other factors related to disease severity, anticipation for bronchoscopy, and BMI were not risk factors for the use of inappropriately large ETT. Conclusions Although there is compelling evidence that height is a strong predictor of tracheal morphology and appropriate ETT size, height-based guidelines have yet to be universally adopted for ETT size selection. Laryngoscope, 131:1967-1971, 2021.
Specific healthcare responsibilities and perceived transition readiness among adolescent solid organ transplant recipients: Adolescent and caregiver perspectives.

Abstract Objective Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with solid organ transplants must attain responsibility for healthcare tasks during transition to adult healthcare. However, healthcare systems often initiate transfer based on age and not independence in care. This study examines specific responsibilities distinguishing AYA organ transplant recipients reporting readiness to transfer. Methods 65 AYAs (ages 12–21) with heart, kidney, or liver transplants and 63 caregivers completed questionnaires assessing AYA’s transition readiness, healthcare responsibility, and executive functioning. Categorizations included mostly/completely ready versus not at all/somewhat ready to transition; responsibility was compared between groups. Results 42% of AYAs and 24% of caregivers reported AYAs as mostly/completely ready to transition. AYAs mostly/completely ready reported similar routine healthcare responsibility (e.g., medication taking, appointment attendance), but greater managerial healthcare responsibility (e.g., knowing insurance details, appointment scheduling), compared to AYAs not at all/somewhat ready to transition. Conclusions All AYAs should be competent in routine healthcare skills foundational for positive health outcomes. However, the managerial tasks distinguish AYAs perceived as ready to transfer to adult healthcare. Practice implications Emphasis on developing responsibility for managerial tasks is warranted. The Hierarchy of Healthcare Transition Readiness Skills is a framework by which AYA responsibility can be gradually increased in preparation for transfer.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Its roles in physiology

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was initially discovered as a cellular protein involved in mediating the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds. Extensive research in the past two decades has identified several families of physiological ligands and uncovered important functions of AHR in normal development and homeostasis. Deficiency in AHR expression disrupts major signaling systems and transcriptional programs, which appear to be responsible for the development of numerous developmental abnormalities including cardiac hypertrophy and epidermal hyperplasia. This mini review primarily summarizes recent advances in our understanding of AHR functions in normal physiology with an emphasis on the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, integumentary, nervous, and immunomodulatory systems.
Next-Generation Relay Voting Scheme Design Leveraging Consensus Algorithms

Traditional protective relay voting schemes utilize simple logic to achieve confidence in relay trip actions. However, the smart grid is rapidly evolving and there are new needs for a next-generation relay voting scheme. In such new schemes, aspects such as inter-relay relationships and out-of-band data can be included. In this work, we explore the use of consensus algorithms and how they can be utilized for groups of relays to vote on system protection actions and also reach consensus on the values of variables in the system. A proposed design is explored with a simple case study with two different scenarios, including simulation in PowerWorld Simulator, to demonstrate the consensus algorithm benefits and future directions are discussed.
Voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Religion

This study documents a link between religion and voluntary CSR disclosure. Based on a comprehensive data set from the CSRwire news service, we find that companies disclose less in locations with strong religious beliefs (high adherence) but disclose more in locations with more non-evangelicals (high affiliation). When we further categorize disclosures into environmental versus social groups, we find that environmental disclosure varies positively with adherence and affiliation. We attribute this to differences in beliefs regarding the importance of environmental versus social factors. In addition, regressions show that the strength and denomination of local religious beliefs associate positively with investors' returns around CSR disclosures; and portfolios constructed on the basis of religious attributes generate significant net excess returns over one to three months following such disclosures. Collectively, these results suggest that religious organizations might promote corporate disclosure as a feasible pathway for changing company individuals’ norms and attitudes about environmental and social welfare. Our results suggest that stock investors should also benefit from efforts to promote CSR disclosure.
Punished by misunderstanding: A critical evaluation of Kohn's punished by rewards and its implications for behavioral interventions with children

Despite the growth of behavior analysis over the past 30 years, misunderstandings of behavioral theory and practice may threaten its continued growth and application. Alfie Kohn’s Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes (1993) offers a view of behaviorism that, if accepted uncritically, could hinder efforts to disseminate behavioral interventions, particularly those involving children. A comprehensive review of Punished by Rewards revealed the following assumptions: (a) Behavior analysis is exclusively derived from animal research; (b) behavior analysts characterize children as passive agents to be manipulated; (c) behavior analysis is a behavior control technology; (d) behavior analysts are uninterested in and ignorant of the causes of behavior; and (e) behavior analysts are unconcerned about the protection and welfare of children. For each class of assumptions, critique and commentary are offered. Empirical and philosophical aspects of Kohn’s arguments are scrutinized, and the implications of continued misunderstandings for the future of behavior analysis and the need for more accurate dissemination of contemporary applied behavioral research are also discussed. Despite Kohn’s apparent biases against behaviorism, it is concluded that a better informed public would find much to like about contemporary behavior analysis.
The Abolition of Marriage Movement from a Tax Policy Perspective: Only Certain Women Need Apply

The abolition of marriage movement seeks to end the oppression of women by abolishing the legal significance of marriage. The proponents of the abolition of marriage movement have failed to show that the movement would help all women. Specifically, the proponents have not taken into account the race and class distinctions among women. Scholars have shown that wives who make significant financial contributions to the household have the most control in their marriages. Empirical data shows that black wives and low and middle income white wives are likely to make significant financial contributions to their households. As such they are most likely not oppressed by marriage, yet the abolition of marriage movement does not show how the movement would impact these women. The abolition of marriage movement should separately consider its impact on black women and lower and middle income white women in order to satisfy its goal of eliminating the subordination of all women. This Essay hopes to initiate such an examination.
Manipulation Capabilities with Simple Hands

A simple hand is a robotic gripper that trades off generality in function for practicality in design and control. The long-term goal of our work is to explore that tradeoff and demonstrate broad manipulation capabilities with simple hands. This paper describes two prototype simple hands. Both hands have thin cylindrical fingers arranged symmetrically around a low friction circular palm. The fingers are compliantly coupled to a single actuator. Our experiments with both hands in a bin-picking scenario demonstrate that we can achieve robust grasp classification and in-hand localization using simple statistical techniques. We further show how the classification accuracy increases as the grasp proceeds by exploiting information obtained online. We finally evaluate the relative importance of observing the full state of the hand rather than just observing the state of the actuators.
The Chemical Composition and Origin of Moldavites

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Geology and Geophysics. Thesis. 1965. Ph.D.
Subset of CD4+ T cell clones expressing IL-3 receptor alpha-chains uses IL-3 as a cofactor in autocrine growth.

In this paper we demonstrate that IL-3 can act as a cofactor for the growth of some CD4+ T cells. This lymphokine synergized with IL-4 to induce both a unique set of protein tyrosine phosphorylations and the vigorous proliferation of the keyhole limpet hemocyanin-specific and I-Ab-restricted CD4+ Th0 cell clone, E6. In addition, neutralizing anti-IL-3 Abs specifically inhibited the growth of E6 T cells to Ag or anti-CD3 mAb stimulation. Finally, this T cell clone was shown to express both the IL-3R alpha-chain and an IL-3R beta-chain (AlC2A). An examination of other CD4+ T cell clones determined that one Th1 clone (A.E7), two Th0 clones (16B.2 and L9A.1), and one Th2 clone (D10.G4.1) were not influenced by the addition of rIL-3. However, proliferation of the Th2 clones CDC25 and CDC35 to CD3-stimulation was significantly enhanced by IL-3. The sensitivity of these latter two clones to IL-3 was also found to be associated with expression of IL-3R alpha-chains. Because E6 T cells are highly dependent on IL-4 for autocrine growth similar to Th2 cells, these results suggest that IL-3 may synergize with IL-4 to enhance the proliferation of a subset of IL-4-dependent CD4+ T cells, and the study indicates that IL-3R alpha-chain expression may be a specific marker of this CD4+ T cell subset.
Crystal structure, electronic structure, temperature-dependent optical and scintillation properties of CsCe2Br7

CsCe2Br7 is a self-activated inorganic scintillator that shows promising performance, but the understanding of the important structure–property relationships is lacking. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive study on CsCe2Br7. The crystal structure of CsCe2Br7 is refined using single crystal X-ray study for the first time. It crystallizes into the orthorhombic crystal system with Pmnb space group. Its electronic structure is revealed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two cerium emission centers are identified and the energy barriers related to the thermal quenching to 4f ground states of Ce3+ for these two Ce centers are evaluated. CsCe2Br7 single crystal has better light yield and energy resolution than CsCe2Cl7, but with an additional slow decay component of 1.7 μs. The existence of a deep trap with a depth of 0.9 eV in CsCe2Cl7 contributes to its higher afterglow level in comparison to that of CsCe2Br7. The most possible point defects in CsCe2Cl7 and CsCe2Br7 are proposed by considering the vapour pressure in the growth atmosphere upon melting point.
Medicine: Babesiosis in a 10‐year‐old British crossbreed dog returning from vacation in France

Moderate numbers of pyriform intracellular organisms were found (Fig. 4). PCR later confirmed these to be Babesia canis canis. A complete blood count also indicated a mild neutrophilia and monocytosis, consistent with an inflammatory response. A moderate thrombocytopenia was present, however a coagulation screen (PT, APTT and DCASE HISTORY A 10-year-old neutered male crossbreed dog presented as an emergency for further evaluation of lethargy, depression and marked haematuria. The dog had become listless 24 hours after returning with his owners from a two-week vacation near Toulouse in France. During this time several ticks had been removed, the last seven days before returning. The dog was treated with an acaricide 36 hours prior to returning to the UK (in accordance with PETS) however prior to this no ectoparasite prevention had been used.
Rationale, development, and implementation of the Electrocardiographic Methods for the Prehospital Identification of Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Events (EMPIRE).

Abstract Background The serum rise of cardiac troponin remains the gold standard for diagnosing non-ST elevation (NSTE) myocardial infarction (MI) despite its delayed response. Novel methods for real-time detection of NSTEMI would result in more immediate initiation of definitive medical therapy and faster transport to facilities that can provide specialized cardiac care. Methods EMPIRE is an ongoing prospective, observational cohort study designed to quantify the magnitude of ischemia-induced repolarization dispersion for the early detection of NSTEMI. In this ongoing study, prehospital ECG data is gathered from patients who call 9-1-1 with a chief complaint of non-traumatic chest pain. This data is then analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA) technique of 12-lead ECGs to fully characterize the spatial and temporal qualities of STT waveforms. Results Between May and December of 2013, Pittsburgh EMS obtained and transmitted 351 prehospital ECGs of the 1149 patients with chest pain-related emergency dispatches transported to participating hospitals. After excluding those with poor ECG signal (n = 40, 11%) and those with pacing or LBBB (n = 50, 14%), there were 261 eligible patients (age 57 ± 16 years, 45% female, 45% Black). In this preliminary sample, there were 19 STEMI (7%) and 33 NSTEMI (12%). More than 50% of those with infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI) had initially negative troponin values upon presentation. We present ECG data of such NSTEMI case that was identified correctly using our methods. Conclusions Concrete ECG algorithms that can quantify NSTE ischemia and allow differential treatment based on such ECG changes could have an immediate clinical impact on patient outcomes. We describe the rationale, development, design, and potential usefulness of the EMPIRE study. The findings may provide insights that can influence guidelines revisions and improve public health.
Percutaneous Distal Limb Perfusion via Portable, Miniaturized, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Resuscitation

As extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems become miniaturized, their role for rapid implementation, as an adjunct to resuscitation and high-risk percutaneous interventions, grows. We describe a percutaneous approach to short term mechanical circulatory support, in the setting of cardiogenic shock, which employs a percutaneous, self-contained, distal limb perfusion system. We feel that this technique is highly important for both interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons as well.
Effects of Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Operating Parameters on Particle Number Emissions

A single-cylinder, wall-guided, spark ignition direct injection engine was used to study the impact of engine operating parameters on engine-out particle number (PN) emissions. Experiments were conducted with certification gasoline and a splash blend of 20% fuel grade ethanol in gasoline (E20), at four steady-state engine operating conditions. Independent engine control parameter sweeps were conducted including start of injection, injection pressure, spark timing, exhaust cam phasing, intake cam phasing, and air–fuel ratio. The results show that fuel injection timing is the dominant factor impacting PN emissions from this wall-guided gasoline direct injection engine. The major factor causing high PN emissions is fuel liquid impingement on the piston bowl. By avoiding fuel impingement, more than an order of magnitude reduction in PN emission was observed. Increasing fuel injection pressure reduces PN emissions because of smaller fuel droplet size and faster fuel–air mixing. PN emissions are insensitive to ...
Retinal hemorrhage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation or child abuse.

L'hemorragie retinienne (HR) chez un enfant dans le coma est consideree comme caracteristique d'une atteinte du systeme nerveux central resultant d'une maltraitance a enfant. L'hypothese de la responsabilite de la reanimation cardio-pulmonaire a ete soulevee et pour la tester, un examen du fond d'oeil a ete realisee systematiquement chez 54 enfants reanimes; en l'absence de traumatisme prealable (45 cas), 1 seule HR expliquee d'ailleurs par des convulsions et une hypertension arterielle; parmi les 9 enfants victimes de traumatisme, 5 avaient une HR et dans 4 cas la maltraitance a ete prouvee: celle-ci est donc toujours a suspecter devant une HR
Groundwater parameter estimation via the unsteady adjoint variable formulation of discrete sensitivity analysis

Discrete sensitivity analysis (DSA) is a method that efficiently estimates the derivatives of a numerically approximated objective function with respect to a set of parameters at a fraction of the cost of using finite differences. Coupled with an optimization algorithm, this method can be used to locate the optimal set of parameters for the objective function. The time dependent adjoint variable formulation of discrete sensitivity analysis is derived and applied to a time-dependent, two-dimensional groundwater code. The derivatives agreed with finite difference derivatives to between 6 and 8 significant digits, at approximately ⅛ the computational cost. Using the BFGS optimization algorithm to update the parameters, the parameter estimation technique successfully identified the target values, for problems with small number of parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature and field dependence of superconducting thermometer sensitivity

Abstract We present empirical functions which relate the sensitivity of thin film superconductive thermometers to variations in temperature and external magnetic field. A formula is given which, by relating the sensitivity to the temperature dependence of the critical field, can be used to simplify thermometer calibration.
Changes in the Cardiovascular Nitric Oxide Pathway in Cyclosporin-A Treated Rats

Cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressive agent is known to induce cellular toxic effects by alerting calcium homeostasis. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in a number of physiologic roles in the mammalian cardiovascular system (CVS). The aim of our present study is to investigate the effects of CsA on the rat CV NO pathway. We measured iNOS and cNOS activities in the 100,000 g soluble fraction of ventricles and serum nitrite (NO2-) and nitrite (NO3-) levels in rats treated with 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg body weight of CsA/24 hr in olive oil. CsA inhibited cNOS activity of rat ventricles and failed to bring about changes in their iNOS activity. Serum NO2-/NO3- levels were elevated in CsA treated tars. Most of these changes were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01) at 50 mg/kg body wt of CsA. It is likely that elevation of serum NO2-/NO3- levels may cause myocardial toxicity by alerting rat CV NO pathway.
Discrimination of source reactor type by multivariate statistical analysis of uranium and plutonium isotopic concentrations in unknown irradiated nuclear fuel material.

Abstract The problem of identifying the provenance of unknown nuclear material in the environment by multivariate statistical analysis of its uranium and/or plutonium isotopic composition is considered. Such material can be introduced into the environment as a result of nuclear accidents, inadvertent processing losses, illegal dumping of waste, or deliberate trafficking in nuclear materials. Various combinations of reactor type and fuel composition were analyzed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) of the concentrations of nine U and Pu isotopes in fuel as a function of burnup. Real-world variation in the concentrations of 234 U and 236 U in the fresh (unirradiated) fuel was incorporated. The U and Pu were also analyzed separately, with results that suggest that, even after reprocessing or environmental fractionation, Pu isotopes can be used to determine both the source reactor type and the initial fuel composition with good discrimination.
Corrosion Fatigue of AZ91E-T6 Cast Magnesium Alloy in a 3.5 Percent NaCl Aqueous Environment

The objective of this research was to obtain and compare constant and variable amplitude fatigue behavior of AZ91E-T6 cast magnesium alloy in both an air and 3.5% NaCl aqueous corrosive environment. An additional objective was to determine if commonly used models that describe fatigue behavior and fatigue life are applicable to this material and test environment. Fatigue tests included constant amplitude strain-controlled low cycle fatigue with strain ratio, R, equal to 0, {minus}1 and {minus}2, Region 2 constant amplitude fatigue crack growth with load ratio, R, equal to 0.05 and 0.5 and variable amplitude fatigue tests using keyhole notched specimens. In all fatigue tests, the corrosion environment was significantly detrimental relative to the air environment. Mean strains influenced fatigue life only if accompanied by significant mean stress. The Morrow and Smith, Watson, and Topper mean stress models provided both accurate and inaccurate fatigue life calculations. Likewise, variable amplitude fatigue life calculations using the local strain approach and based upon the formation of a 1 mm crack at the keyhole notch were both accurate and fairly inaccurate depending on the specific model used.
Intermolecular magnetic exchange interactions in structural polytypes of iodobis(morpholyldithiocarbamate)iron (III)

Abstract The title complex exhibits a number of allotropes or solvent adducts, several of which show cooperative magnetic transitions in the helium temperature range. These materials represent a useful class of metal complexes in which intermolecular magnetic exchange between identical molecules in variable lattice orientations may be studied. Low temperature Mossbauer hfs properties of four species are reported here; this information is used to determine the crystal field splitting within the ground quartet state of the complex.
Polarization experiments and the isotropy of space

It is shown on an example that sensitive tests of the isotropy of space (i.e., of rotation invariance) in strong-interaction particle reactions are almost identical to tests of parity conservation, and hence the two can be confused without some additional experiments which we specify.
Expression of Pulmonary Metallothionein Genes in Late Gestational Lambs

ABSTRACT: Metallothioneins (MT) are low molecular weight proteins that are important in providing protection against heavy metals such as cadmium. Other precise physiologic roles for this family of proteins are less clear, but fetal hepatic cell proliferation and differentiation may be regulated through changes in MT levels and attendant MT-mediated regulation of zinc levels. The role of MT in other developing tissue, most notably lung, is far less clear. Although expression of MT has been reported to be extremely low in early postnatal and mature lung, we hypothesized that MT has a more ubiquitous role in organ development and that pulmonary MT levels may be elevated during periods of rapid lung growth. Thus, we studied expression of MT in late-gestation fetal lambs. Sheep are particularly useful because alveolarization of lung parenchyma occurs before birth (by d 120 of a normal 147-d gestation). Immunoreactive MT was localized to bronchial epithelium of fetal, newborn, and mature sheep. The intensity of staining was greatest in the 130-d gestational age (saccular) lung, where positive reaction product was noted in the cytoplasm and nucleus of alveolar epithelial and interstitial cells. We next evaluated MT expression in developing lung tissue using Northern blot analysis and 32P-cDNA probes against the 3'-untranslated regions of mRNA encoding each of four known functional sheep MT (sMT) isoforms. Expression of sMT-H, sMT-Ia, and sMT-Ib was restricted to the saccular stage (120–132 d gestational age), and sMT-Ic mRNA was not detected in pulmonary samples from any stage of development. In contrast, all mRNA isoforms were expressed in fetal and newborn liver and at levels considerably greater than lung. These data show that pulmonary MT gene expression is apparent in the saccular stage of lung development when considerable remodeling of lung parenchyma occurs. In addition, an organ- and age-specific expression of MT mRNA isoforms in developing sheep lung and liver was noted for the first time, suggesting that MT isoforms may play specific roles in organ development.
Incorporation of an Evaporative Cooling Scheme into a Dynamic Model of Orographic Precipitation

A simple evaporative cooling scheme was incorporated into a dynamic model to estimate orographic precipitation in mountainous regions. The orographic precipitation model is based on the transport of atmospheric moisture and the quantification of preciptable water across a 3D representation of the terrain from the surface up to 250 hPa. Advective wind fields are computed independently and boundary conditions are extracted from radiosonde data. Precipitation rates are obtained through calibration of a spatially distributed precipitation efficiency parameter. The model was applied to the central Sierra Nevada. Results show a gain of the order of 20% in threat-score coefficients designed to measure the forecast ability of the model. Accuracy gains are largest at high elevations and during intense storms associated with warm air masses.
Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of the Value of Intraperitoneal Drainage After Pancreatic Resection

Objective To test the hypothesis that routine intraperitoneal drainage is not required after pancreatic resection. Background Data The use of surgically placed intraperitoneal drains has been considered routine after pancreatic resection. Recent studies have suggested that for other major upper abdominal resections, routine postoperative drainage is not required and may be associated with an increased complication rate. Methods After informed consent, eligible patients with peripancreatic tumors were randomized during surgery either to have no drains placed or to have closed suction drainage placed in a standardized fashion after pancreatic resection. Clinical, pathologic, and surgical details were recorded. Results One hundred seventy-nine patients were enrolled in the study, 90 women and 89 men. Mean age was 65.4 years (range 23-87). The pancreas was the tumor site in 142 (79%) patients, with the ampulla (n = 24), duodenum (n = 10), and distal common bile duct (n = 3) accounting for the remainder. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 139 patients and a distal pancreatectomy in 40 cases. Eighty-eight patients were randomized to have drains placed. Demographic, surgical, and pathologic details were similar between both groups. The overall 30-day death rate was 2% (n = 4). A postoperative complication occurred during the initial admission in 107 patients (59%). There was no significant difference in the number or type of complications between groups. In the drained group, 11 patients (12.5%) developed a pancreatic fistula. Patients with a drain were more likely to develop a significant intraabdominal abscess, collection, or fistula. Conclusion This randomized prospective clinical trial failed to show a reduction in the number of deaths or complications with the addition of surgical intraperitoneal closed suction drainage after pancreatic resection. The data suggest that the presence of drains failed to reduce either the need for interventional radiologic drainage or surgical exploration for intraabdominal sepsis. Based on these results, closed suction drainage should not be considered mandatory or standard after pancreatic resection.
A Trans-Holocene Archaeological Record of Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus Townsendi) on the California Coast

∗National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC †Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA ‡University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon ∗∗Humboldt State University, Arcata, California ††California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California ‡‡University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon §University of California, Los Angeles, California ¶University of California, Santa Barbra, California
Characterization of transformation- and replication-specific sequences of reticuloendotheliosis virus.

Abstract Using a combination of hybridization and oligonucleotide fingerprinting techniques we have determined the sequence relatedness of oncogenic avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) to its associated helper virus, REV-A, and to the other members of the reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus group. Our studies have shown that approximately 30% of the genomic sequences of REV are unrelated to the nononcogenic RE viruses. These REV-specific, and presumably oncogenic, sequences are arranged in a contiguous fashion, possibly interrupted by a short stretch of REV-A-related sequences, localized between 1 and 2.7 kilobases (kb) from the 3′-end on the REV genome. We have also identified two regions of REV-A sequences which are deleted in the REV genome. The first region encompasses 3 kb of sequences in the 5′-half of the genome, presumably corresponding to the gag-pol genes. The second region represents 1.5(kb) of the env sequences. These deletions could account for the genetic defectiveness of REV. By studying the sequence relatedness between REV-A and the other RE viruses, we have shown that REV is the only RE virus which contains these oncogenic sequences. We have also determined the relatedness between these viruses. In addition, we have identified a hypervariable region which maps in or near the env gene. The possible significance of this region in accounting for both the varied pathogenicity of the RE viruses and the origin of oncogenic REV is discussed.
The increasing importance of Acanthamoeba infections.

Abstract Free-living amebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis, a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system, and of amebic keratitis, a chronic eye infection. Granulomatous amebic encephalitis occurs more frequently in immunocompromised patients while keratitis occurs in healthy individuals. The recent increased incidence in Acanthamoeba infections is due in part to infection in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, while that for keratitis is due to the increased use of contact lenses. Understanding the mechanism of host resistance to Acanthamoeba is essential since the amebae are resistant to many therapeutic agents. Studies in our laboratory as well as from others have demonstrated that macrophages from immunocompetent animals are important effector cells against Acanthamoeba. We have demonstrated also that microglial cells, resident macrophages of the brain, elicit cytokines in response to A. castellanii. Neona...
Sorption of naphthoic acids and quinoline compounds to estuarine sediment.

The sorption of 16 ionizable organic compounds (IOCs) to an estuarine sediment was measured in synthetic estuarine water as a function of IOC concentration (1–100 AM) at fixed ionic strength (0.4 M), pH (7.6), and sediment concentration (0.018 g sediment kg � 1 suspension). Of the 16 IOCs, 11 were naphthoic acids and five were quinoline compounds. The linear sorption distribution coefficient (Kd) was used to correlate sorption to IOC physicochemical and molecular characteristics. With respect to naphthoic acid, sorption increased with the addition of ortho-substituent groups and with increasing chain length of the 1-acid group, and the greatest increase occurred with ortho-hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. With respect to quinoline, sorption decreased with substituent group addition (except for nitro group) and with additional heterocyclic N atoms. For the naphthoic acids, log Kd exhibited a positive correlation with water solubility (log Sw) indicative of sorption primarily to mineral surfaces under the solution chemistry. For the quinoline compounds, log Kd exhibited a negative correlation with log Sw and a positive correlation with n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log KOW) indicative of sorption primarily to organic matter. For both compounds, poor or no correlations were established between log Kd and acid dissociation constant (pKa1), and between log Kd and a variety of molecular connectivity indexes. The results from this study demonstrate that the sorption of IOCs differ depending on their backbone structure and may differ between parent compound and ionizable degradation product. D 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Representativeness of Observed Preschool Social Behaviors How Many Data Are Enough

The degree to which observations consistently describe a preschooler's characteristic social behavior was investigated. Mine comprehensive observations were conducted of preschoolers in free play settings. Observed categories of social behaviors were based on the work of Strain (1983, 1985). Comparison of partial and complete observational records demonstrated that at least 5 observations were required to represent the children's social behavior adequately. Implications are discussed for the assessment of young children's social behavior.
Advances in knowledge and treatment: an update on endophthalmitis.

Purpose of review In an area of increased willingness to perform surgery as surgical techniques are refined, comes the unavoidable complication of endophthalmitis. Because complete elimination of postsurgical endophthalmitis appears unattainable, strategies directed at optimal prevention, diagnosis, and management are constantly pursued. Recent findings Recent reports of the various aspects of endophthalmitis were analyzed from the leading peer-reviewed ophthalmic journals. Summary The author reviews the recent work concerning the factors that affect visual prognosis in postsurgical endophthalmitis.
The dark side of visual attention

The limited capacity of neural processing restricts the number of objects and locations that can be attended to. Selected events are readily enhanced: the bright side of attention. However, such focal processing comes at a cost, namely, functional blindness for unattended events: the dark side of visual attention. Recent work has advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms that facilitate visual processing, as well as the neural correlates of unattended, unconscious visual events. Also, new results have revealed how attentional deployment is optimized by non-visual factors such as behavioral set, past experience, and emotional salience.
Reduced activity and protein expression of NOS in R6/2 HD transgenic mice: effects of L-NAME on symptom progression.

Abstract Previous work found that dietary l-arginine alters symptom progression in mice transgenic for Huntington’s disease (HD), and that cerebral blood flow (CBF) is abnormal in early stage HD patients. Both of these findings potentially implicate nitric oxide (NO) and its converting enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), in HD. The current experiment found that both NOS enzymatic activity and neuronal NOS (nNOS) protein expression were reduced (P l -arginine methyl ester hydrochloride ( l -NAME) via their drinking water had reduced NOS enzyme activity. NOS activity varied as a function of l -NAME dose, was virtually eliminated in the 500-mg/l groups, and correlated (P l -NAME (500 mg/l) accelerated symptom onset in HD transgenics. These results support the hypothesis that nNOS activity and NO production are abnormal in HD, this in the setting of a more global dysregulation of calcium protein expression. Taken collectively with earlier data from our laboratory demonstrating abnormal CBF findings in early-stage HD patients, these results suggest that abnormalities in NOS function may significantly contribute to the neurodegeneration found in HD.
PREVALENCE OF DEFICIENT RETRO-AORTIC RIM AND ITS EFFECT ON OUTCOME IN DEVICE CLOSURE OF ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECTS

Deficient retro-aortic rim has been identified as a potential risk factor for aortic erosion, following device closure of atrial septal defects (ASD). However, the prevalence of deficient retro-aortic has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of retro-aortic
Age-related changes in rostral basal forebrain cholinergic and GABAergic projection neurons: Relationship with spatial impairment

Both cholinergic and GABAergic projections from the rostral basal forebrain contribute to hippocampal function and mnemonic abilities. While dysfunction of cholinergic neurons has been heavily implicated in age-related memory decline, significantly less is known regarding how age-related changes in codistributed GABAergic projection neurons contribute to a decline in hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. In the current study, confocal stereology was used to quantify cholinergic (choline acetyltransferase [ChAT] immunopositive) neurons, GABAergic projection (glutamic decarboxylase 67 [GAD67] immunopositive) neurons, and total (neuronal nuclei [NeuN] immunopositive) neurons in the rostral basal forebrain of young and aged rats that were first characterized on a spatial learning task. ChAT immunopositive neurons were significantly but modestly reduced in aged rats. Although ChAT immunopositive neuron number was strongly correlated with spatial learning abilities among young rats, the reduction of ChAT immunopositive neurons was not associated with impaired spatial learning in aged rats. In contrast, the number of GAD67 immunopositive neurons was robustly and selectively elevated in aged rats that exhibited impaired spatial learning. Interestingly, the total number of rostral basal forebrain neurons was comparable in young and aged rats, regardless of their cognitive status. These data demonstrate differential effects of age on phenotypically distinct rostral basal forebrain projection neurons, and implicate dysregulated cholinergic and GABAergic septohippocampal circuitry in age-related mnemonic decline.
Modifying Factors of Amino-acid Antagonisms in a Mutant of Neurospora crassa

IN certain amino-acid-requiring mutants of Neurospora crassa, any one of a number of naturally occurring amino-acids can inhibit competitively the utilization of the required amino-acid for growth1,2. In the course of determining the inhibition indexes of the inhibitory amino-acids, it was noted that variations in certain experimental conditions would cause significant differences in the observed indexes. The mutant strain E-5212 (ref. 3), which responds to either phenylalanine or phenylpyruvate, was used in a study of the various modifying factors. Growth assays were performed in the usual manner using Fries minimal medium4. The inhibition index is defined as the ratio of inhibitor to required amino-acid which produces complete inhibition of growth for approximately three days at 27° C.
Magnetocardiographic electroanatomical imaging for pre-interventional evaluation of arrhythmogenic substrates

Abstract Catheter ablation has significantly changed the diagnostic approach and the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Being the appropriate localization of the arrhythmogenic target a key-point for effective ablation, new technologies have been recently developed, for three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomical imaging during ablation procedures. However all of them are invasive and cannot be used for preoperative assessment and localization of arrhythmogenic substrates. Magnetocardiographic mapping (MCG) on the contrary is a feasible method, which provide 3D electroanatomical imaging of cardiac sources non-invasively, therefore it can be repeated on ambulatory patients, to define the characteristics of the arrhythmogenic substrate before intervention. MCG detection of electrophysiologic (EP) abnormalities and 3D electroanatomical imaging of arrhythmogenic substrates can be enhanced by simultaneous EP study with amagnetic trans-esophageal atrial pacing. Alternatively minimally invasive, single-catheter multiple monophasic action potential recordings (Multi-MAP) can be aimed at the arrhythmogenic targets identified by MCG. The MCG-guided Multi-MAP EP study is also useful for direct validation of MCG estimate of atrial and ventricular de-repolarization by comparison with simultaneous MAP recordings in sinus rhythm and under pacing. Future robotic navigation of an ablation catheter guided by 3D MCG coordinates of the arrhythmogenic target is foreseeable.
New directions in feminist understandings of rural crime

In the early to mid-1990s, Patricia Gagne's work on woman abuse in the Appalachian region of the United States (U.S) sparked contemporary feminist interpretations of rural crime and social control. Nevertheless, the flames did not emerge until the latter part of the last decade, with the publication of a spate of scholarly books, journal articles, and chapters. These feminist contributions enhance an empirical and theoretical understanding of rural criminality and societal reactions to it, but there are still key gaps in gender and rural crime research. The main objective of this article is twofold: (1) to briefly review the extant feminist literature on rural crimes and societal reactions to them and (2) to suggest new directions in the development of a feminist rural criminology.