cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A seafloor microbial biome hosted within incipient ferromanganese crusts

Exposed rocks on underwater mountains and ridges host abundant and diverse microbial communities. X-ray and microscopic analyses of volcanic rocks associated with Loihi seamount in Hawaii suggest that seafloor microbes may commonly be sustained by energy inputs from the water column. Exposed rocks at underwater volcanoes and ridges host complex, abundant and diverse microbial communities1,2,3. The volcanic glasses associated with these features constitute one of the most geochemically reactive components of the Earth’s crust. The most commonly held hypothesis is that their oxidation in sea water provides the energy necessary to establish a seafloor biosphere4,5,6,7. However, this hypothesis has yet to be directly tested. Here we used synchrotron-based X-ray microprobe mapping, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques to examine the initial chemical changes that occur as the glassy rims of young pillow basalts are colonized by microbial organisms at Loihi seamount, Hawaii. We found little evidence of basalt dissolution. Instead, microbial biofilms were intimately associated with Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-oxides that had precipitated from sea water onto the fresh basalt surfaces. These accumulations of secondary minerals probably represent the earliest stages of ferromanganese crust formation. We suggest that fluid-derived energy sources, such as dissolved and particulate Fe(II), Mn(II) and organic matter, may support the microbial communities colonizing seafloor rocks to a greater degree than local rock dissolution.
Hypoadrenotropism: the isolated deficiency of adrenotropic hormone.

ABSTRACT Two patients with an isolated deficiency of adrcnotropic hormone are presented. One was a female patient, aged 58, who had a six-year history of profound weight loss, weakness and loss of axillary and pubic hair. The second was a male patient, aged 28, who suffered from weight loss, weakness and spontaneous hypoglycemic attacks. Neither patient had the hyperpigmentation characteristic of primary adrenal insufficiency and both were shown to have adrenal insufficiency that changed to a state of normal adrenal function during treatment with ACTH. Thyroidal and gonadal functions were normal. Neither patient had evidence of an intracranial tumor, and neither had received previous glucocorticoid therapy. The female patient died of adrenal insufficiency, and postmortem studies revealed small but intact adrenals, an intact pituitary and a normal hypothalamus. These patients suffered from a deficiency of circulating ACTH but the specific etiology of this deficiency is unknown.
Sensitivity of Cenozoic Antarctic ice sheet variations to geothermal heat flux

Abstract The sensitivity of long-term Cenozoic variations of the East Antarctic ice sheet to geothermal heat flux is investigated, using a coupled climate–ice sheet model with various prescribed values and patterns of geothermal heat flux. The sudden growth of major ice across the Eocene–Oligocene boundary (∼34 Ma) is used as a test bed for this sensitivity. A suite of several million year-long simulations spanning the transition is performed, with various geothermal heat flux magnitudes and spatial distributions reflecting current uncertainty. The climate–ice sheet model simulates the Eocene–Oligocene transition realistically as a non-linear ice-sheet response to orbital perturbations and a long-term gradual decline of atmospheric CO 2 . It is found that reasonable variations of geothermal heat flux have very little effect on overall ice volumes and extents, and on the timing of major ice transitions. However, they cause large changes in basal areas at the pressure melting point at a given time, which could strongly influence other aspects of Cenozoic Antarctic evolution such as basal hydrology, sediment deformation and discharge, subglacial lakes, and basal erosional forms.
Isoelectric forms of bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium halobium

Abstract Isoelectric focusing was performed on bacteriorhodopsin isolated from Halobacterium halobium , R 1 strain, solubilized in Nonidet P-40, on sucrose density gradient stabilized columns. When 560 nm absorbance was monitored, four forms of bacteriorhodopsin were observed, having isoelectric points (p I ) of: A, 3.93; B, 4.34; C, 5.03; D, 5.49. Instability of some of the isoelectic forms during the very process of electrofocusing was observed. When focused over a period of 6 days, the relative abundance of the forms changed although their p I values remained constant. Refocusing of the isolated forms A or B led to the production of form C. The latter species was stable to refocusing. Form B was unstable to storage either as an aqueous suspension of the purple membrane or as a detergent extract. Each of the forms had the absorption spectrum typical for bacteriorhodopsin and each showed identical patterns after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Social support increases in the year after inpatient treatment of depression.

Abstract High levels of social support are reported to protect against major depressive episode (MDE), but little is known about how social support changes during MDE. In this study, we measured total social support and four subtypes of social support in 75 psychiatric inpatients at the time of admission and one year later. The four subtypes of social support were tangible support, affectionate support, positive social interaction, and emotional/informational support. The majority of the sample were women (81%) with a mean age of 53.7±14.9 years. The severity of depressive symptoms improved over the year and was accompanied by a significant increase in two types of social support — positive social interaction, and emotional/informational support. There was no significant change in tangible support or affectionate support. Linear regression showed that changes in all four subtypes were correlated with changes in depressive severity after adjustment for age, gender, and baseline clinical characteristics. While Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores also improved throughout the period of observation, and while the change in IADL scores were significantly associated with changes in social support, change in IADL scores were no longer significantly associated with change in social support after adjustment for change in depression severity. These results suggest that supportive relationships improve after psychiatric hospitalization for MDE, and these changes are best explained by reduction in depression severity.
The telescoped complete denture: A research report at the clinical level

Abstract 1. The retention of a few natural teeth over which a complete denture may be telescoped provides better retention and stabilization than is possible with the usual complete dentures. 2. The reduction of the length of the crowns of the teeth being retained provides a more favorable crown-root proportion and frequently results in the elimination of periodontal disease. 3. Where lower natural anterior teeth exist, the retention of even two or three upper incisors provides the bony support in the anterior part of the upper ridge with protection against traumatic vertical and horizontal pressures from the lower teeth. Ridge resorption has become a national tragedy; any method of preventing it should be welcomed. 4. The retention of two or more lower natural teeth over which a full mandibular denture is telescoped provides a means of better retention and stabilization than is otherwise possible. 5. The psychologic impact of having all the teeth removed may be ameliorated and the patients may be conditioned to expect the eventual need for complete dentures. 6. Regardless of the theories stating that stabilization is all that is essential, both stabilization and retention are achieved in telescoped complete dentures. 7. The telescoped complete denture acts as a removable splinting device for the abutment teeth. 8. When individual teeth are joined together by a gold bar they provide greater stabilization and retention than if they were not splinted together, e.g., as with two lower cuspids. 9. With only a few lower teeth remaining to support a lower prosthesis, it is wise to consider the removal of the upper natural teeth in order to increase the longevity of the lower teeth. 10. While we advocate the use of metal secondary crowns in telescopes in fixed and removable partial dentures, acrylic resin seems more practical for use in telescoped full dentures. The exception occurs where there is no labial flange. In this situation gold telescoped veneer crowns are used. However, we consider these as removable partial dentures rather than telescoped complete dentures.
Significance of ST segment depression during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

During paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, patients frequently experience chest pain and marked ST segment depression suggesting acute myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this study was to assess whether ST depression during supraventricular tachycardia is caused by myocardial ischemia as reflected by net myocardial lactate production. Twenty-five patients (14 men, 11 women) who had a history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and a mean age (+/- SD) of 38 +/- 14 years underwent electrophysiologic testing. Twenty-four of these patients had no evidence of coronary disease, whereas one patient had undergone previous coronary bypass surgery. Nineteen patients had orthodromic and six patients had atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardias. A 12 lead electrocardiogram and simultaneous femoral artery and coronary sinus blood samples for lactate determinations were obtained at baseline and at 5 and 10 min of supraventricular tachycardia. Mean baseline heart rate of 83 +/- 12 beats/min increased to 180 +/- 25 beats/min during supraventricular tachycardia. All patients had 1 to 8 mm of ST segment depression in 1 to 9 of the 12 leads. Chest pain occurred in 64% of patients during supraventricular tachycardia. Baseline myocardial lactate extraction was 28 +/- 13% with no significant change at 5 or 10 min of tachycardia. In contrast, in a comparison group of seven patients with known coronary artery disease, atrial pacing at 168 +/- 26 beats/min in five patients resulted in greater than or equal to 1 mm ST depression in 2 to 7 of the 12 leads and a change in lactate extraction from a baseline of 29 +/- 13% to -27 +/- 20% (p less than 0.05) indicating net myocardial lactate production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Early Experience And Learning Curve Associated With Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic approach for hiatal hernia repair is relatively new. Information on the learning curve is limited. Methods: From January 1994 to September 1996, 280 patients underwent antireflux surgery at our institution. A laparoscopic repair was attempted in 60 patients (21.4%). There were 38 men and 22 women. Median age was 49 years (range 21 to 78 years). Indications for operation were gastroesophageal reflux in 59 patients and a large paraesophageal hernia in one. A Nissen fundoplication was performed in all patients; 53 (88.3%) had concomitant hiatal hernia repair. Results: In eight patients (13.3%) the operation was converted to an open procedure. Median operative time for the 52 patients who had laparoscopic repair was 215 minutes (range 104 to 320 minutes). There were no deaths. Complications occurred in five patients (9.6%). Median hospitalization was 2 days (range 1 to 5 days). Median operative time and median hospitalization were significantly longer in the first 26 patients than in the subsequent 25 patients (248 vs 203 minutes and 2 days vs 1 day, respectively; p = 0.03). Seven of the first 30 patients (23.3%) required laparotomy as compared with two of the second 30 (6.7%) ( p = 0.07). Follow-up in the 51 patients who had laparoscopic fundoplication for reflux was complete in 50 (98.0%) and ranged from 7 to 38 months (median 13 months). Functional results were classified as excellent in 34 patients (68.0%), good in 6 (12.0%), fair in 7 (14.0%), and poor in 3 (6.0%). Three patients were reoperated on for recurrent reflux symptoms at 5, 5, and 11 months. Conclusions: We conclude that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be performed safely. The operative time, hospitalization, and conversion rate to laparotomy are higher during the early part of the exprience, but all are reduced after the learning curve. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:281-5)
Organization of American Scientists for the War

IN America we have two principal scientific societies which are broadly representative of all the fields of science and which are rather parallel to the Royal Society of London and the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Frank B. Jewett, president of the National Academy of Sciences, has asked me to deliver his personal message to the president of the Royal Society of London, Sir Henry Dale, and in addition he requested me to express the admiration which is felt by the members of the National Academy of Sciences for the magnificent manner in which the scientific men of Great Britain have thrown the whole weight of their energies and abilities to master the innumerable technical problems arising in this War. He wanted me to assure you that in so far as we can do likewise, we in America are making a sincere effort to handle our similar problems and co-operatively to supplement the great work which you are doing.
Evaluating the predictive power of multivariate tensor-based morphometry in Alzheimer's disease progression via convex fused sparse group Lasso

Prediction of Alzheimers disease (AD) progression based on baseline measures allows us to understand disease progression and has implications in decisions concerning treatment strategy. To this end we combine a predictive multi-task machine learning method1 with novel MR-based multivariate morphometric surface map of the hippocampus2 to predict future cognitive scores of patients. Previous work by Zhou et al.1 has shown that a multi-task learning framework that performs prediction of all future time points (or tasks) simultaneously can be used to encode both sparsity as well as temporal smoothness. They showed that this can be used in predicting cognitive outcomes of Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) subjects based on FreeSurfer-based baseline MRI features, MMSE score demographic information and ApoE status. Whilst volumetric information may hold generalized information on brain status, we hypothesized that hippocampus specific information may be more useful in predictive modeling of AD. To this end, we applied Shi et al.2s recently developed multivariate tensor-based (mTBM) parametric surface analysis method to extract features from the hippocampal surface. We show that by combining the power of the multi-task framework with the sensitivity of mTBM features of the hippocampus surface, we are able to improve significantly improve predictive performance of ADAS cognitive scores 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months from baseline.
Amplifying transmission and compact suspension for a low-profile, large-displacement piezoelectric actuator

A low-profile, piezoelectrically-driven microactuator is presented that achieves very large stroke lengths within size constraints suitable for certain endoscopic microscopy applications. The actuator utilizes a transmission consisting of lever arm and chevron-beam structures to amplify high-force, low-displacement motion of a ceramic lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) brick into large displacement of a translational platform. For ±120 V input, a full range of 486 μm of motion is achieved, with natural frequency greater than 500 Hz. This corresponds to an anticipated In addition, the lateral translational platform is supported by a redesign of common folded silicon flexures to provide large transverse and vertical stiffness when the width of the actuator is limited.
Variation in performance on two grape cultivars within and among populations of grape phylloxera from wild and cultivated habitats.

When an indigenous insect becomes a pest, comparisons of performance of pest and non-pest populations on crop plants and of genetic variation in that performance may provide insight into the evolution of pest populations. To measure such genetic variation, 8–15 clones of the grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) were collected from wild grapevines in each of 3 geographically isolated sites (populations) and from commercial vineyards in northern California. A complete life table was made for clonal replicates from populations collected from wild grapevines on each of two commercial grape cultivars, the susceptible Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, and the phylloxera-resistant rootstock ‘AxR# 1’. Variation in mean performance on these two hosts was partitioned among clones within collection sites and among sites. Performance measures included an individual analog to the intrinsic rate of increase (r), age at first oviposition, fecundity in the first ten days of reproduction, total fecundity, and longevity. The overall performance of phylloxera from the wild grapevines on the resistant cultivar AxR# 1 was greater than or equal to that on the susceptible cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon. There was significant variation among clones within populations from wild grapes in the rate of increase on ‘AxR# 1’ and marginally significant clonal variation in some of the component parameters. There was no significant variation among clones within populations on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and no significant differences between populations on either crop in any trait. In a second experiment we compared the relative performance of 15–17 clones from wild grapevines and from commercial vineyards when reared on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘AxR# 1’. Phylloxera from commercial vineyards had much higher overall performance on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ than did phylloxera from the wild grapevines. Phylloxera from the commercial vineyard also had higher performance on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ than on ‘AxR’ l' but the performance of the phylloxera from wild and commercial grapes did not differ on ‘AxR# 1’. Our results show that there is genetic variation in traits related to performance on a resistant root-stock within these indigenous non-pest populations of phylloxera, but not among them. The pattern of performance of pest and non-pest populations on two commercial cultivars suggests that current levels of phylloxera performance on crop cultivars are the result of adaptation to those cultivars which has occurred while phylloxera has been associated with viticulture. Implications of these results for understanding the recent adaptation of phylloxera to ‘AxR# 1’ in California are also discussed.
Consumer credit and consumption forecasts

Abstract Recent advances in the theory of consumer behavior indicate that consumption may exhibit non-linear dynamics characterized by occasional surges. Building upon them, and taking explicitly into account the forward-looking nature of consumption, this paper argues that rising consumer debt can signal such surges, as well as the consumption underprediction which will occur if they are not taken sufficiently into account in forecasting. This insight is tested with and strongly confirmed by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Developments forecasts for the USA. The results should be of interest not only to professional forecasters and policy-makers, but also to theoretical economists and econometricians who study non-linear dynamic models.
Isolation of iron-containing superoxide dismutase from Bacteroides fragilis: Reconstitution as a Mn-containing enzyme

Superoxide dismutase from the anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis has been purified to apparent homogeneity. The protein, Mr 42,000, is a dimer of equally sized subunits joined by noncovalent interactions. Metal analysis of the native enzyme revealed 1.8-1.9 g-atoms Fe, 0.2 g-atoms Zn, and less than 0.05 g-atoms Mn per mole dimer in a preparation whose specific activity was 1200 U/mg. Exposure of the enzyme to guanidinium chloride plus 8-hydroxyquinoline (T. Kirby, J. Blum, I. Kahane, and I. Fridovich, 1980, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 201, 551-555) resulted in complete loss of enzymatic activity. Activity could be restored by dialysis of the denatured apoprotein against Tris buffer containing either ferrous ammonium sulfate or manganous chloride. The Fe-reconstituted enzyme was inhibited by 1 mM azide and inactivated by H2O2 in a manner similar to the native enzyme. Mn-reconstituted enzyme was inhibited by azide but resisted inactivation by H2O2 comparable to other purified manganese-containing superoxide dismutases. The manganese reconstituted protein contained approximately 1 gm-atom Mn/mol dimer. Zn ion potently inhibited reconstitution of the denatured apoprotein by either Mn or Fe and bound to the protein with a stoichiometry of 2-3 g-atoms/mol dimer.
International agricultural research: organising themes and issues

Abstract This paper examines the premises and judgements which underlay the creation of a network of six international agricultural research and training organisations such as the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. The functioning of these new research centres is described and related to the roles of national research efforts in the less developed and industrialised countries. The donor-organised Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research—an institutional arrangement created to help support the system—is also discussed. Finally, the authors identify some unresolved issues having to do with the nature, structure and decision-making of international agricultural research operations.
The Moraxella catarrhalis porin-like outer membrane protein CD is an adhesin for human lung cells.

ABSTRACT The outer membrane protein CD (OMPCD) of Moraxella catarrhalis is an outer membrane protein with several attributes of a potential vaccine antigen. We isolated four transposon mutants of strain O35E on the basis of their reduced binding to A549 human lung cells in microcolony formation assays, and we determined that they contain a transposon in ompCD. We also found that these transposon insertions had pleiotropic effects: mutants grew slower, became serum sensitive, bound ∼10-fold less to A549 cells, and appeared transparent when grown on solid medium. We confirmed that these various phenotypes could be attributed solely to disruption of ompCD by constructing the isogenic strain O35E.CD1. O35E-ompCD was cloned, and recombinant Escherichia coli bacteria expressing the gene product exhibited a 10-fold increase in adherence to A549 cells. This is the first report of M. catarrhalis ompCD mutants, and our findings demonstrate that this gene product is an adhesin for human lung cells.
Visibility-dependent depth of focus for incoherent sinusoidal sources

A visibility-dependent depth of focus is developed for incoherent sinusoidal sources. This analysis is based on a derived relationship between the visibility and the optical transfer function (OTF). The formalism developed is general for any aperture topology and arbitrary orientation of sinusoidal sources. To illustrate the application of the method the cases of an annular aperture and a Gaussian aperture are analyzed. It is found that as the level of defect of defocus increases, the maximum visibility for which a particular spatial frequency can be resolved decreases.
How to build multifunctional agricultural landscapes in the U.S. Corn Belt: Add perennials and partnerships

Conservation of ecosystem services in agricultural regions worldwide is foundational to, but often perceived to be in competition with, other societal outcomes, including food and energy production and thriving rural communities. To address this tension, we engaged regional leaders in agriculture, conservation, and policy from the state of Iowa (USA) in a participatory workshop and follow-up interviews. Our goal was to determine constraints to, and leverage points for, broad-scale implementation of practices that use perennial vegetation to bolster ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Qualitative analysis of workshop and interview data highlighted the complexity involved in achieving multi-objective societal outcomes across privately owned, working landscapes—especially as the Corn Belt region enters a period of rapid reorganization driven by the demand for bioenergy crops. These leaders indicated that initiatives focusing on perennials have the potential to span differences between conservation and agricultural interests by blurring the distinction between working lands and protected areas. Landscape change that transcends private property boundaries to accomplish this goal is dependent upon: (1) facilitation of vertical and horizontal forms of social capital between social actors from different scales and perspectives, and (2) scale appropriate mechanisms that increase the value of perennial practices for farm owners and operators. Our data highlight the adaptive capacity of regional actors to act as intermediaries to shape macro-scale markets, technologies, and policies in ways that are compatible with the needs, the capabilities, and the conservation of local human and natural resources.
Must We Educate? by Carl Bereiter. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1973. 146 pp. $6.95

(1974). Must We Educate? by Carl Bereiter. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1973. 146 pp. $6.95. The Educational Forum: Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 122-123.
Language Concordance as a Determinant of Patient Outcomes in a Pharmacist-Managed Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic

Background:Published literature reveals that health care disparities exist due to race, gender, and language, although this has not been confirmed in a pharmacist-managed patient population.Objective:The objective of this study is to examine the association of language concordance and clinical outcomes in a comparison of English-speaking (ES) and Spanish-speaking (SS) patients in a pharmacist-managed cardiovascular risk reduction clinic (CVRRC).Methods:A retrospective chart review was undertaken to collect hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients enrolled in the CVRRC from July 2010 and August 2012. A 2-sample t-test was utilized to compare these outcomes between ES and SS patients.Results:A total of 9 SS patients and 62 ES patients were included. No statistically significant differences were found between ES and SS patients in this language-concordant, pharmacist-managed clinic setting.Conclusions:These results suggest that similar clinical outcomes bet...
An initial search for visual overshadowing.

A consistent, albeit fragile, finding over the last couple of decades has been that verbalization of hard-to-verbalize stimuli, such as faces, interferes with subsequent recognition of the described target stimulus. We sought to elicit a similar phenomenon whereby visualization interferes with verbal recognition—that is, visual overshadowing. We randomly assigned participants (n = 180) to either concrete (easy to visualize) or abstract (difficult to visualize) sentence conditions. Following presentation, participants were asked to verbalize the sentence, visualize the sentence, or work on a filler task. As predicted, visualization of an abstract verbal stimulus resulted in significantly lower recognition accuracy; unexpectedly, however, so did verbalization. The findings are discussed within the framework of fuzzy-trace theory.
TU-D-352-06: Modeling the Effect of Different Oxygenation Levels On Radiation Therapy Response Using Kinetic Parameters Derived From PET/CT Imaging

Purpose: Although tumor hypoxia is frequently related to increased radioresistance, the interplay between hypoxia and the time course of tumor response is not well understood. This study investigates effects of different oxygenation levels on therapeutic response using an imaging‐basedtumor simulation model.Method and Materials: A multiscale tumormodel was developed employing cell‐line‐specific input variables and kinetic parameters derived from pre‐therapy 18 F ‐ FLT and 61 Cu ‐ ATSM PET/CT scans, which provided information on cellularproliferation and tumor hypoxia. For each tumor voxel, stochastic simulations were performed by modelingcellulargrowth and therapeutic response based on the linear quadratic formalism including the oxygen enhancement ratio. Model parameters were fitted to published in‐vitro and animal models of head and neck squamous cellcarcinoma (HNSCC) cells. Using the obtained parameters, the model was applied to a human HNSCC case to investigate effects of different uniform and non‐uniform oxygenation levels. Resulting virtual images were compared for treatment efficacy under various hypoxic conditions. Results: Simulating cell cycle redistribution of cultured cells among the phases of the cell cycle after a single irradiation event yielded excellent agreement (within 3.8 %) with in‐vitro data, showing complete redistribution after 50 hours. In comparison to growth and response curves obtained in experiments with murine HNSCC xenografts, the model quantitatively and qualitatively reproduced macroscopic tumor behavior within experimental uncertainties. Simulations of the clinical case showed increased radioresistance with decreasing oxygen levels. Consideration of the 61 Cu ‐ ATSM uptake resulted in heterogeneous tumor response, featuring pronounced radioresistance below 2.5 mmHg pO2. Conclusion: Our results suggest that hypoxia adversely affects tumor response, especially when applying uniform dose prescriptions to heterogeneous tumors. The developed model is a valuable prospective tool for transforming voxel‐based information into patient‐specific parameters for outcome modeling and investigating biologically based non‐uniform dose prescriptions, thus helping to identify a biologically optimized treatment regimen.
Intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm repair in the thoracic endovascular aortic repair era.

Objective Intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare aneurysms that often occur in association with congenital aortic arch anomalies and/or concomitant thoracic aortic pathology. The advent of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) methods may complement or replace conventional open SAA repair. Herein, we describe our experience with SAA repair in the TEVAR era. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all intrathoracic SAAs repaired at a single institution since United States Food and Drug Administration approval of TEVAR in 2005. Results Nineteen patients underwent 20 operations to repair 22 (13 native, nine aberrant) SAAs with an intrathoracic component. Mean SAA diameter was 3.1 cm (range, 1.6-6.0 cm). Mean patient age was 57 years (range, 24-80 years). Twenty-one percent (n = 4) of patients had a connective tissue disorder (two Loeys-Dietz, two Marfan). Thirty-six percent (n = 8) of SAAs were repaired by open techniques and 64% (n = 14) via a TEVAR-based approach. All TEVAR cases required proximal landing zone in the aortic arch (zone 0-2), and revascularization of at least one arch vessel was required in 83% (10/12) of patients. Concomitant repair of associated aortic pathology was performed in 50% (n = 10) of operations. Thirty-day/in-hospital rates of death, stroke, and permanent paraplegia/paraparesis were 5% (n = 1), 5% (n = 1), and 0%, respectively. Over mean (standard deviation) follow-up of 24 (21) months, 16% (n = 3) of patients required reintervention for subclavian artery bypass graft revision (n = 2) or type II endoleak (n = 1). Conclusions This is the largest single-institution series to date of TEVAR for SAA repair. Modern endovascular techniques expand SAA repair options with excellent results. The majority of SAAs and nearly all aberrant SAAs (Kommerell's diverticulum) can now be repaired using a TEVAR-based approach without the need for sternotomy or thoracotomy.
Simple Quantum-Chromodynamics Prediction of Jet Structure in e + e - Annihilation

We propose a simple alternative to the sphericity as a measure of jet structure in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation. Our variable has the property that it can be reliably calculated in pertubation theory in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) for large Q/sup 2/. It is not sensitive to the details of quark and gluon decay into color-singlet hadrons. We discuss the nonperturbative effects which are important at moderate Q/sup 2/.
Visual-auditory interaction in speeded classification: Role of stimulus difference

An experiment examined cross-modal interference and congruence in speeded classification: Subjects had to identify compound (visual-auditory) stimuli as either low or high in spatial position (visual judgment) or low or high in pitch (auditory judgment), in 16 conditions, each of which combined one of four possible pairs of tones, varying in frequency difference, with one of four possible pairs of dots, varying in positional difference. Both classification by position and classification by pitch revealed Garner interference (poorer performance than baseline, with orthogonal variation in the irrelevant dimension) and congruence effects (better performance with congruent than with incongruent stimulus combinations), but pitch classification showed more. Furthermore, the size of the pitch difference strongly affected classification by pitch and less strongly affected classification by position, but the size of the position difference affected neither. The findings are consistent with the view that Garner interference and congruence effects are closely related, perhaps arising from a common source, and suggest that the asymmetries could depend in part on the degree of dimensional overlap between stimuli and responses.
An efficient and stable approach for computation of Lyapunov characteristic exponents of continuous dynamical systems

This paper proposes a new approach for computing the Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents (LCEs) for continuous dynamical systems in an efficient and numerically stable fashion. The method is adapted to systems with small dimensions. Numerical examples illustrating the accuracy of method are presented.
Use of the quality of well-being self-administered version (QWB-SA) in assessing health-related quality of life in depressed patients

Background: This study evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between depression severity and the Quality of Well-Being scale self-administered version (QWB-SA) in subjects diagnosed with current major depression. Methods: The research design was prospective and observational. Data were collected on a convenience sample of 58 subjects. Additional measures included the Quality of Well-Being scale interviewer-version (interviewer-QWB), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17), Beck Depression Inventory, and each were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 4 months postmedication treatment. Results: Cross-sectional and longitudinal QWB-SA scores were significantly correlated with depression severity and the interviewer-QWB. Treatment response, defined as 50% improvement in HRSD-17, was associated with 0.10 and 0.16 unit changes in the QWB-SA at 4 weeks and 4 months, respectively. The QWB-SA was significantly and negatively correlated with cross-sectional and longitudinal depression severity. Limitations: The study design was observational and used a convenience sample of subjects. Conclusions: The QWB-SA is less expensive to administer than the interviewer-QWB and is a useful alternative for determining the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for depression relative to other physical and mental illness treatments.
Chloroplast biogenesis.42. Conversion of divinyl chlorophyllide a to monovinyl chlorophyllide a in vivo and in vitro

By subjecting etiolated cucumber cotyledons to three successive light/ dark treatments, the cotyledonary tissue was induced to accumulate divinyl (DV) protochlorophyllide (Pchlide). The DV Pchlide-enriched etiochloroplasts were isolated and the DV Pchlide was converted into DV chlorophyllide a (Chlide a) by irradiating the plastids with a 2.5 ms pulse of actinic white light. After a few minutes of incubation in the dark, most of the newly formed DV Chlidea was converted into monovinyl (MV) Chlide a in vitro. When etiolated cucumber cotykedons were induced to accumulate [14C]DV Pchlide and the latter was photoconverted into [14C]DV Chlide a by a 2.5 ms actinic light treatment, the [14C]DV Chlide a was converted into [14C]MV Chlide a, during a post-illumination 5-min-dark incubation period.
Malignant bone tumors and limb-salvage surgery in children

Limb-salvage surgery plays a major role in the management of children with malignant bone tumors. This article provides background on the clinical presentation and imaging evaluation of children with malignant bone tumors and describes various limb-salvage procedures used in the treatment of these children.
Immunobiology of the mammary gland

The mammary gland is a complex organ that provides neonatal offspring with milk for nourishment and disease resistance. Specific and innate immune factors associated with mammary gland tissues and secretion also play a vital role in protecting the gland from infectious disease. Through genetic selection and technological advances in milk removal, the bovine mammary gland yields far more milk than is needed to nourish the newborn calf. This excess is the basis of the dairy industry. Factors associated with the intense management of dairy cattle can profoundly affect mammary gland immunity and the ability of the host to resist mastitis. Technological advances in immunology have led to the availability of new research tools that can facilitate the study of mammary gland immunity and disease pathogenesis. In recent years, considerable research effort has focused on enhancing the natural defense mechanisms of the mammary gland during periods of heightened susceptibility to disease. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of mammary gland immunity with special emphasis on the bovine system. The underlying mechanisms of disease susceptibility and development of potential immunoregulatory strategies to control mastitis are discussed.
Metastatic Burkitt's lymphoma presenting as diabetes insipidus.

Abstract Objective To present the first reported case of metastatic Burkitt's lymphoma with a single central nervous system (CNS) metastasis to the pituitary stalk. Methods We provided details of the case presentation and review the literature. Results Although other malignancies are known to metastasize to the pituitary, and diabetes insipidus is often the presenting symptom, there has not been a previously reported case of Burkitt's lymphoma with a single CNS metastasis to the pituitary. Conclusion A careful history and an endocrine review of systems may aid early identification of pituitary or central nervous system metastases. (Endocr. Pract. 2013; 19:e102-e104)
The effect of naltrexone on taste detection and recognition threshold.

Eighteen healthy female volunteers were administered 50 mg naltrexone in a double-blind, placebo control study. Relative taste detection and recognition thresholds for sweet, salty, sour and bitter taste and liking for and perception of sucrose solutions were determined at baseline and 1 hour after administration of naltrexone. Naltrexone did not alter relative taste detection and recognition thresholds for any of the four tastes or perception of sweetness. However, a significant, but slight, decrease in liking for sucrose solutions occurred after naltrexone administration. These findings suggest that opioid-dependent intake is independent of changes in taste perception in humans.
Prenatal ultrasonographic gastrointestinal abnormalities in fetuses with gastroschisis do not correlate with postnatal outcomes

Abstract Purpose In the setting of gastroschisis, the clinical significance of prenatal ultrasound findings of secondary changes in bowel appearance remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to correlate prenatal identification of additional gastrointestinal sonographic abnormalities with postnatal clinical outcome. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 64 fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 2000 to 2007. Postnatal outcomes were compared between newborns with additional sonographic gastrointestinal abnormalities and those without secondary changes to the bowel appearance. Results Thirty (47%) patients had at least one gastrointestinal abnormality (eg, bowel dilatation, echogenic bowel, thickened bowel, matted bowel, herniation of the stomach through the abdominal wall defect, or segmental loss of bowel peristalsis) on prenatal ultrasound. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to the time to initial and full enteral nutrition, total hospital stay, requirement for ventilator support, central line infection rates, reoperation rates, or mortality. Conclusions In the setting of gastroschisis, isolated findings of gastrointestinal abnormalities on prenatal ultrasound do not correlate with adverse postnatal outcome.
Effects of intrathecal and systemic administration of buspirone on genital reflexes and mating behavior in male rats.

Abstract Buspirone was studied to determine whether the detailed profile of male sexual behavior observed following treatment with the prototypical 5-HT1A ligand, 8-OH-DPAT, can be generalized to other 5-HT1A agonist drugs. Systematic and intrathecal (IT) routes of administration were compared. Like DPAT, significant reduction in intromission frequency followed IT infusion of buspirone (80–160 μg) as did intraperitoneal (IP) injection (1–4 mg/kg). IT doses of 80–160 μg and all IP doses significantly reduced ejaculation latency. Intercopulatory interval significantly decreased following IP buspirone but not after IT infusion although there were trends in that direction. All IP doses and 80 μg IT significantly shortened the postejaculatory interval. Buspirone inhibited erection and/or ejaculation in the ex copula reflex test. A decrease in percentage of rats displaying erections and ejaculation occurred following either route of administration. Ejaculation was significantly inhibited at the low IT dose of 40 μg. We conclude that buspirone affects sexual behavior very much like DPAT or other 5-HT1A drugs, to the extent known. Sexual effects of buspirone were generally similar regardless of route of administration, but the effective doses were clearly lower with IT treatment.
Adaptive Coordinating Construction of Truss Structures Using Distributed Equal-Mass Partitioning

This paper presents a decentralized algorithm for the coordinated assembly of 3-D objects that consist of multiple types of parts, using a networked team of robots. We describe the algorithm and analyze its convergence and adaptation properties. We partition construction in two tasks: tool delivery and assembly. Each task is performed by a networked team of specialized robots. We analyze the performance of the algorithms using the balls into bins problem and show their adaptation to failure of robots, dynamic constraints, multiple types of elements, and reconfiguration. We instantiate the algorithm to building truss-like objects using rods and connectors. We implement the algorithm in simulation and show results to construct 2-D and 3-D parts. Finally, we describe hardware implementation of the algorithms, where mobile manipulators assemble smart parts with IR beacons.
Serine protease inhibitor causes F-actin redistribution and inhibition of calcium-mediated secretion in pancreatic acini.

Abstract Background & Aims: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of serine proteases in regulating digestive enzyme secretion in pancreatic acinar cells. Methods: Isolated acini were stimulated by various secretagogues in the presence or absence of cell-permeant serine protease inhibitors 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride and Nα-p-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone. F-actin distribution was studied after staining with rhodamine phalloidin. Results: Both cell-permeant serine protease inhibitors blocked amylase secretion in response to secretagogues that use calcium as a second messenger (e.g., cerulein, carbamylcholine, and bombesin) but not to those that use adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) as a second messenger (e.g., secretin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide). Incubation of the acini with these inhibitors also resulted in a dramatic redistribution of the F-actin cytoskeleton. This redistribution was energy dependent. Similar redistribution of F-actin from the apical to the basolateral region was also observed when acini were incubated with a supramaximally stimulating concentration of cerulein, which is known to inhibit secretion. Conclusions: These results suggest that a serine protease activity is essential for maintaining the normal apical F-actin distribution; its inhibition redistributes F-actin from the apical to the basolateral region and blocks secretion induced by secretagogues that act via calcium. cAMP reverses the F-actin redistribution and hence cAMP-mediated secretion is not affected. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:1818-1827
The efficacy of three different methods of transtracheal ventilation.

The ability of three different techniques of transtracheal ventilation to reverse hypoxia and provide pulmonary ventilation were examined. Five swine were anaesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen, their tracheas were intubated, and their lungs mechanically ventilated to produce a PaCO2 of 35–40 mmHg. A 14-gauge catheter was inserted percutaneously into the trachea caudad to the tip of the tracheal tube. The animals were then left apnoeic until their oxygen saturation fell to 60 per cent. At this point, attempts were made to ventilate and oxygenate the animals through the tracheal catheter with one of three systems (Jet —50 psi [2585 mmHg] driving pressure controlled with a thumb operated valve,Flush —fresh gas outlet of an anaesthetic machine with flow controlled by the flush button, orCircle —standard anaesthesia circle system with pressures greater than 60 mmHg). Arterial blood gas determinations were made every minute for five minutes after beginning transtracheal ventilation. Both theJetandFlushmodes resulted in a mean PaO2 greater than 250 mmHg within one minute of their initiation whereas the PaO2 with theCirclesystem never exceeded 180 mmHg even at five minutes. TheFlushandJetmodes produced a decrease in the PaCO2 (from 80 mmHg to 35–45 mmHg) over the five minutes. In contrast, it was not possible to provide adequate ventilation with theCirclesystem as evidenced by an increasing PaCO2 (from 80 mmHg to > 110 mmHg at five minutes). This study suggests that preexisting hypoxia can be reversed by the administration of oxygen via a tracheal catheter connected to an anaesthesia circuit. Ventilation, however, can be achieved only if the tracheal catheter is connected to a high pressure source of oxygen.
A contemporary account of the Ensisheim meteorite, 1492

Abstract— A report of the 1492 fall of a large stone meteorite near Ensisheim, Alsace, reached the Italian parish priest Sigismondo Tizio, who included this report and a picture of the event in his manuscript History of Siena. The colored picture presents some variations on the woodcut illustration which accompanied Sebastian Brant's printed broadsheets issued immediately after the appearance of the “thunderstone,” while Tizio's report demonstrates how such information travelled quickly along European trade routes.