cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of parental measurements of infant size.

This study evaluates the reliability and validity of parental measurements of infant size, using illustrated instructions and simple measuring tools. Following pilot tests, final methods were evaluated on a sample of 28 parents (26 mothers and 2 fathers) of infants from 1 to 6 weeks of age. Parents independently measured twice the infant's head circumference (HC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), abdominal circumference (AC), and recumbent length (RL). Infants were also measured twice by a trained observer. Mean parental measures were correlated (intraclass R) with the observer criterion measures at the levels of 0.81 for RL, 0.70 for AC, 0.80 for MUAC, and 0.94 for HC. Relative differences in the means for measurements obtained by parents and the trained observer were small, ranging from 0.3% for HC and RL, to 3.8% for AC. Intraclass correlations of reliability between the two parental measurements ranged from R = 0.84 for MUAC to 0.96 for RL. Given the reliability and validity of the results, the methods tested yield measurements that are suitable for ranking individuals and for use in group-level analyses, and at least in the case of head circumference, for individual-level analyses. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:275–279, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
the validating role of humoral theory in traditional Spanish‐American therapeutics

In conventional interpretations of humoral theory in Spanish-American popular medicine, the “principle of opposites” model (a Hot remedy for a cold illness, and vice versa) is viewed as prescriptive, that is, as a guide to therapy. Anomalous ethnomedical data from Tzintzuntzan, Mexico, suggest the opposite, that the role of theory is to validate empirical remedies administered with little or no thought given to theoretical dictates. It is further suggested that validation of prevailing curing practices is a special case of a broader principle, that the role of many cultural institutions is validation rather than prescription, as often described. [humoral theory, popular therapies, anomalous data, prescription, validation]
The Contribution of Genetics and Early Rearing Experiences to Hierarchical Personality Dimensions in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

A reliable literature finds that traits are related to each other in an organized hierarchy encompassing various conceptualizations of personality (e.g., Big Three, five-factor model). Recent work suggests the potential of a similar organization among our closest nonhuman relative, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), with significant links to neurobiology suggesting an evolutionarily and neurobiologically based hierarchical structure of personality. The current study investigated this hierarchical structure, the heritability of the various personality dimensions across levels of the hierarchy, and associations with early social rearing experience in a large sample (N = 238) of socially housed, captive chimpanzees residing in 2 independent colonies of apes. Results provide support for a hierarchical structure of personality in chimpanzees with significant associations with early rearing experiences. Further, heritabilities of the various dimensions varied by early rearing, with affective dimensions found to be significantly heritable among mother-reared apes, whereas personality dimensions were largely independent of relatedness among the nursery-reared apes. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for the influence of both genetic and environmental factors on personality profiles across levels of the hierarchy, supporting the importance of considering environmental variation in models of quantitative trait evolution.
STATIONARY WAVES PRODUCED BY THE EARTH'S BOW SHOCK.

Cyclotron waves should be produced upstream and downstream from the bow shock by current in the shock. Amplitudes and polarizations of waves produced by a steady thin current sheet in the plane of the shock have been calculated by using cold plasma dispersion relations. The steady current leads to waves that are stationary in the shock frame. Waves upstream from the shock are circularly polarized electron waves, the polarization is in the sense of a right-hand screw when the interplanetary field is directed generally toward the shock and of a left-hand screw when the field is directed away. The downstream magnetic wave field has two components, one from the electron cyclotron branch and one from the ion cyclotron branch of the dispersion relation. The second component has a longer wavelength and a larger amplitude (by the ion/electron mass ratio) than the electron wave. It is elliptically rather than circularly polarized and is always polarized in the opposite sense to the upstream electron wave. Therefore, the sense of polarization would be seen to reverse as the shock is traversed in either direction. When the ambient magnetic field is not perpendicular to the shock, there is also a stationary electrostatic wave with its electric field normal to the shock. Both upstream and downstream the ratio of the electrostatic wave to the magnetic wave amplitudes is of the order u/c tan θ, where θ is the angle between the normal to the shock and the magnetic field, and u is the plasma flow velocity.
Factors influencing planktonic, post-settlement dispersal of early juvenile blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun).

Abstract An emerging body of literature points to post-settlement, planktonic dispersal as a key determinant of distribution and abundance patterns of aquatic organisms, yet little is known about mechanisms inducing such dispersal. Recent evidence suggests that early juvenile blue crabs ( Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) may use planktonic emigration as a means of post-settlement dispersal. The goal of this study was to identify mechanisms inducing post-settlement, planktonic dispersal of early juvenile blue crabs. A combination of field mark–recapture experiments in large seagrass beds within a 2×3 km region near Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, USA, and a series of laboratory flume experiments examined the effects of day vs. night, crab size (first-second juvenile benthic instars: J1–J2 vs. third–fifth juvenile benthic instars: J3–J5), crab density and current speed on planktonic dispersal of early juvenile blue crabs. Transport of dead crabs in the flume experiment identified that planktonic dispersal was an active behavioral response rather than a passive response to increasing current speed. The experimental results demonstrated that planktonic dispersal can range from 4 to 18% under medium to high flow conditions. Planktonic dispersal of juvenile crabs is (1) an active behavioral response, (2) increased significantly with current speeds above 20 cm s −1 , and (3) was higher for relatively large (J3–J5) than small (J1–J2) instars. There was a non-significant trend towards greater dispersal at night than during the day in the field experiment, and no effect of crab density on dispersal in the flume experiment. The results from this study highlight the need to consider mechanisms inducing post-settlement, planktonic dispersal when attempting to understand and predict recruitment and population dynamics of aquatic organisms, as well as when linking hydrodynamics, animal behavior and planktonic dispersal.
Body mass index and breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema.

Purpose The main purpose was to examine longitudinally the influence of body mass index (BMI) and obesity on the development of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. We asked, does elevated BMI increase lymphedema risk?
Structural insights into adrenergic receptor function and pharmacology

It has been over 50years since Sir James Black developed the first beta adrenergic receptor (βAR) blocker to treat heart disease. At that time, the concept of cell surface receptors was relatively new and not widely accepted, and most of the tools currently used to characterize plasma membrane receptors had not been developed. There has been remarkable progress in receptor biology since then, including the development of radioligand binding assays, the biochemical characterization of receptors as discrete membrane proteins, and the cloning of the first G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which led to the identification of other members of the large family of GPCRs. More recently, progress in GPCR structural biology has led to insights into the three-dimensional structures of βARs in both active and inactive states. Despite all of this progress, the process of developing a drug for a particular GPCR target has become more complex, time-consuming and expensive.
Library resources, knowledge production, and Africa in the 21st century*

The paper discusses the impact of colonialism on knowledge production and library resources in post-colonial Africa. The discussion concentrates on university libraries in Africa and on the decline of monograph and serials collections and donor dependency in accessing online academic resources and information technology. The limited circulation of Africa-based journals in the industrialized world and within Africa is another concern. Examples are provided from authors listed in the African Journals Online and searched in the Web of Science database. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on non-dependent libraries in selected African countries.
Abstract P2-12-09: Developing clinical sequencing assays at Einstein-Montefiore

The Department of Genetics in collaboration with a group of Montefiore9s clinicians initiated the development of clinical sequencing tests with the final goal to incrementally build clinical sequencing assays to improve clinical care in the Bronx. The use of next generation sequencing is particularly relevant for cancer biology since the heterogeneity of cancer requires deep sequencing and high read depth, which prior to recent advances in technology was expensive and labor intensive. We designed a custom gene panel for target sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 consisting of 650 genes for multiple disorders and diseases, including various cancers, in addition to rare and complex mendelian disorders. We sequenced 17 samples, including a tumor-normal breast cancer pair, where we identified a novel, pathogenic stop variant in the highly mutated TP53 tumor suppressor gene. In addition to our custom target panel, we sequenced this sample pair on two additional cancer panels (AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot and the Comprehensive Cancer Panel using the Ion Torrent Technology) and performed Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) to ensure the sensitivity and specificity of our custom panel. This variant was detected on all platforms. We found targeted capture high-throughput sequencing to be a cost effective, time sensitive and efficient approach in detecting pathogenic variants to aid diagnosis of individuals affected by cancer or mendelian disorders. We are currently receiving samples to sequence and plan to expand our program to various groups within the Einstein-Montefiore community. Using a personalized medicine approach we expect to detect biomarkers and prospective targets to develop an accurate and effective treatment plan for these individuals. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-12-09.
INHIBITION OF TRANSPLANTATION IMMUNITY BY RIBONUCLEIC ACID. A SPECULATIVE REVIEW.

SUMMARY An attempt has been made to marshall theoretic and experimental evidence which affords a rationale for continued investigation of nucleic acid preparations, particularly ribonucleic acid, as potentially useful and non-destructive tools in attempts to inhibit the expression of transplantation immunity by animals and man.
An olivine-clinopyroxene geothermometer

The iron-magnesium exchange reaction between olivine and calcium-rich clinopyroxene is formulated as a geothermometer. It is shown that the clinopyroxene M1 site must be nonideal and it is expressed as a regular solution. The appropriate mixing parameters are calculated from a set of groundmass olivine-clinopyroxene pairs from lavas for which there are groundmass iron-titanium oxide temperatures. The pressure dependence of the geothermometer is calculated from abailable experimental work, and is approximately 5°C per kilobar. Layered gabbros from the Kap Edvard Holm Complex, East Greenland, show no significant variation of temperature with structural height in the intrusion, while those of Skaergaard give temperatures which do not have a consistent variation with height. Continued equilibration during post-crystallisation cooling is a possibility in slowly cooled intrusions. Inclusions in diamond give a pressure-temperature line consistent with formation at 1300°C at 55 kb, 1400°C 72 kb and 1500°C 90 kb. Ultrabasic xenoliths in Basutoland kimberlites have similar pressure-temperature lines. Lavas, including alkali basalts, basanites, andesites and rhyolites give temperatures from 1025°C to 890° C.
A meta-analysis of elevated [CO2] effects on soybean (Glycine max) physiology, growth and yield

The effects of elevated [CO2] on 25 variables describing soyabean physiology, growth and yield are reviewed using meta-analytical techniques. This is the first meta-analysis to our knowledge performed on a single crop species and summarizes the effects of 111 studies. These primary studies include numerous soyabean growth forms, various stress and experimental treatments, and a range of elevated [CO2] levels (from 450 to 1250 ppm), with a mean of 689 ppm across all studies. Stimulation of soyabean leaf a CO2 assimilation rate with growth at elevated [CO2] was 39%, despite a 40% decrease in stomatal conductance and a 11% decrease in Rubisco [ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase] activity. Increased leaf CO2 uptake combined with an 18% stimulation in leaf area to provide a 59% increase in canopy photosynthetic rate. The increase in total dry weight was lower at 37%, and seed yield still lower at 24%. This shows that even in an agronomic species selected for maximum investment in seed, several plant level feedbacks prevent additional investment in reproduction, such that yield fails to reflect fully the increase in whole plant carbon uptake. Large soil containers (>9 litres) have been considered adequate for assessing plant responses to elevated [CO2]. However, in open-top chamber experiments, soyabeans grown in large pots showed a significant threefold smaller stimulation in yield than soyabeans grown in the ground. This suggests that conclusions about plant yield based on pot studies, even when using very large containers, are a poor reflection of performance in the absence of any physical restriction on root growth. This review supports a number of current paradigms of plant responses to elevated [CO2]. Namely, stimulation of photosynthesis is greater in plants that fix N and have additional carbohydrate sinks in nodules. This supports the notion that photosynthetic capacity decreases when plants are N-limited, but not when plants have adequate N and sink strength. The root:shoot ratio did not change with growth at elevated [CO2], sustaining the charge that biomass allocation is unaffected by growth at elevated [CO2] when plant size and ontogeny are considered.
Constitutively active β-catenin confers multilineage differentiation potential on lymphoid and myeloid progenitors

Beta-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling may contribute to the self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and proliferation in some malignancies. We now show that expression of constitutively active beta-catenin in normal lymphoid or myeloid progenitors generated uncommitted cells with multilineage differentiation potential. Inappropriate gene expression occurred in cells destined to produce either cell type and caused corresponding changes in their characteristics. For example, forced activation of beta-catenin quickly increased C/EBPalpha while reducing EBF and Pax-5 in lymphoid progenitors that then generated myeloid cells. Inversely, EBF dramatically increased in transduced myeloid progenitors and lymphocytes were produced. The results indicate that ectopic activation of beta-catenin destabilizes lineage fate decisions and confers some, but not all, stem cell properties on committed progenitors.
Bereaved Parents' Negotiation of Identity Following the Death of a Child

This study examines changes in bereaved parents' identities following the death of a child. The bereaved parents in this study experienced two dialectical contradictions of identity, which are: (a) a parent without a child to parent and (b) I'm an outsider-I'm an insider. Results describe how parents used communication to negotiate these contradictions of identity. Implications for the study of parental bereavement, communication, and identity are discussed.
Recent Work and Prospects in American Indian Contact Population

The population levels of the newly discovered western hemisphere at contact have been an object of observers’ attention since the first voyage of Columbus. The numbers that have been developed over time reflected the environments in which they evolved – sometimes they were very high and sometimes very low. The latest of these cycles, dating from the 1940s and still in vogue, reflects the highest numbers, as well as the most elaborate methodology, ever applied to the problem. The results have been estimates that are many times most of those previously advanced, and the mechanism to explain this substantially greater decline has been epidemic European diseases, to which the American Indians had no resistance. The High Counters’ methodology involves taking relatively small numbers in the record and multiplying these many times over to reach new numbers that are ten to twenty times as large. A major component of this practice is to presume that the epidemics in question spread across the hemisphere even before Europeans could assess their impact. For this hypothesis, and for several other elements of the exercise, there is no evidence whatever. Despite this handicap, the new cadres of numbers have themselves spread far and wide and can be found in a variety of sources aimed at various audiences.
Association of elevated alanine aminotransferase with BMI and diabetes in older veteran outpatients.

Abstract Aims We determined age-stratified associations of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), as a likely indicator of non-alcoholic steatonecrosis (NASH), with body mass index (BMI) and diabetes among older male, veteran outpatients. Methods Administrative files at three, urban Veteran Administration Healthcare Systems were surveyed. 47.916 male outpatients, mean age 69.2 years, without ICD-9CM documented liver diseases or alcohol- or drug-abuse, had the highest of one or more ALAT results analyzed. Logistic regression determined age-stratified predictors of elevated ALAT among groups 70 (“older-aged”). BMI, diabetes and “statin” use were predictors. Results 1272 (2.7%) patients had their highest ALAT greater than the upper limit of normal (mean = 98.4 U/L). 4.9% of all diabetics and 15.2, 6.1 and 3.4% of the “younger-aged”, middle-aged” and “older-aged” diabetics, respectively, had elevated ALATs. BMI values from 25 to 20 to Conclusions The cross-sectional findings support previous epidemiologic data associating ALAT elevations with obesity and diabetes, and provide new evidence that in elderly male patients, ALAT elevations, absent other known liver diseases, may selectively associate with diabetes.
Nonlinear Constitutive Model for Anisotropic Biobased Composite Materials

Biobased composites have been widely proposed in the literature as suitable replacements for a variety of engineered materials, with applications ranging from biomedical devices to automotive components to construction materials. Previous research has primarily focused on engineering biobased alternatives with mechanical and physical properties that either duplicate or exceed those of their synthetic counterparts. Although several elastic biobased composite design techniques have been proposed, modeling the complete material constitutive response, including the significant anisotropy and nonlinearity exhibited by many biobased composites, has not yet been explored. In this research, a transversely isotropic nonlinear constitutive model is modified and implemented in a finite-element framework to predict the mechanical response of natural woven fabric biopolymeric composites. A novel method for indirect calibration of constitutive model parameters from simple tension and flexure tests is proposed using a fiber section analysis and nonlinear optimization. Numerical predictions of anisotropic elastic and nonlinear hardening behavior are demonstrated in a comparison between experimental and finite-element analysis results for oriented hemp fabric–reinforced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) polymer composites tested in flexure. Model results for 0, 45, and 90° and [±30/±60/0]s oriented laminates tested in uniaxial tension and three-point bending closely matched the results of experiments. This modeling technique is proposed within the context of developing effective design tools that facilitate the adoption of engineered biobased composites into practice.
Importance of unbound phenytoin serum levels in head trauma patients

Total (bound + unbound) and unbound phenytoin serum concentrations were measured in ten male comatose head trauma patients and ten male epileptic patients. Serum biochemistry and complete blood cell counts were normal for both groups, except albumin concentrations were below normal in the head trauma patients for nutritional reasons. Total phenytoin concentrations were 6.8 +/- 1.8 mcg/ml for the head trauma patients and 14.5 +/- 3.0 mcg/ml for the epileptic patients (p less than 0.0002) even though phenytoin doses were similar. However, unbound phenytoin concentrations were within the therapeutic range of 1 to 2 mcg/ml for both groups and were not significantly different. Had only the total concentrations been measured, phenytoin doses might have been increased inappropriately in the head trauma patients. The reason head trauma patients had therapeutic unbound concentrations despite lower total concentrations was that the unbound per cent of phenytoin was higher in these patients (21 +/- 3.2%) than in the epileptic patients (10 +/- 1.3%, p less than 0.0002).
Isolation and characterization of 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the mycophagous fly Drosophila innubila.

Drosophila innubila is a mushroom-feeding member of the quinaria group, found in the woodlands and forests of the ‘sky islands’ in Arizona and New Mexico and extending south into central Mexico. Here, we describe and characterize 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci from D. innubila collected in the Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona. The number of alleles ranged from three to 21, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0513 to 0.9737. Six loci were putatively X-linked, six departed from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, seven had evidence of null alleles, and six showed evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These markers will be useful for examining population structure of D. innubila and its association with male-killing Wolbachia.
Hydrolysis of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate blend

The hydrolysis of a polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) blend (50/50) was investigated by immersing molded samples in water baths between 21 and 98°C. Samples were also placed in a 100°C air circulating oven (dry environment). Changes in impact properties, dynamic mechanical properties, molecular weight, and thermal properties were followed. In 80°C water bath the material was found to embrittle in five to six days, and in circulating air oven at 100°C in less than 90 days. A sharp decline in molecular weight and changes in thermal and mechanical properties were observed. The activation energy for the embrittlement process in water was found to be 22 kcal/ mole. This value is between the activation energy for the hydrolysis of PC and that of PBT.
Metrics for evaluating the performance of joint-transform-correlation-based target recognition and tracking algorithms

The performance of target detection and tracking algorithms generally depends on the signature, clutter, and noise that are usually present in the input scene. To evaluate the effectiveness of a given algorithm, it is necessary to develop performance metrics based on the input plane as well as output plane information. We develop two performance metrics for assessing the effects of input plane data on the performance of detection and tracking algorithms by identifying three regions of operation—excellent, average, and risky intervals. To evaluate the performance of a given algorithm based on the output plane information, we utilize several metrics that use primarily correlation peak intensity and clutter information. Since the fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (JTC) was found to yield better correlation output compared to alternate JTC algorithms, we investigate the performance of two fringe-adjusted JTC (FJTC)-based detection and tracking algorithms using several metrics involving the correlation peak sharpness, signal-to-noise ratio, and distortion invariance. The aforementioned input and output plane metrics are used to evaluate the results for both single/multiple target detection and tracking algorithms using real life forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video sequences.
CCD line-scan image sensor for the measurement of red cell velocity in microvessels

A device for measuring red cell velocities in transilluminated microvessels has been developed using a 256 element charge-coupled device (CCD) line scan sensor. An image of the moving red cells is focussed on the device so that it senses optical data along the flow axis. Paired sets of data, separated by a fixed time interval, are sampled by an A/D converter operating at 1 MHz, and transferred to a dedicated microcomputer employing the MC68000 (Motorola Inc.) microprocessor. Velocity is computed from the detected spatial shift occurring in the time between data sets. The computed velocity is converted to an analogue voltage. Calibration is linear, the system is direction-sensitive and it can detect zero motion.
Chicken manure enhanced yield and quality of field-grown kale and collard greens

Organic matter and nutrients in municipal sewage sludge (SS) and chicken manure (CM) could be recycled and used for land farming to enhance fertility and physical properties of soils. Three soil management practices were used at Kentucky State University Research Farm, Franklin County, to study the impact of soil amendments on kale (Brassica oleracea cv. Winterbar) and collard (Brassica oleracea cv. Top Bunch) yields and quality. The three soil management practices were: (i) SS mixed with native soil at 15 t acre−1, (ii) CM mixed with native soil at 15 t acre−1, and (iii) no-mulch (NM) native soil for comparison purposes. At harvest, collard and kale green plants were graded according to USDA standards. Plants grown in CM and SS amended soil produced the greatest number of U.S. No. 1 grade of collard and kale greens compared to NM native soil. Across all treatments, concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenols were generally greater in kale than in collards. Overall, CM and SS enhanced total phenols and as...
On the Origin of the Cosmic Radiation

Experimental evidence of the isotropy of the cosmic radiation of energy above ${10}^{13}$ ev is given. The interpretation of this result leads one to infer that the more energetic particles of the cosmic radiation are not of solar origin, but come from the whole galaxy. On the other hand, a local origin seems necessary for the particles of moderate energy (${10}^{9}$-${10}^{10}$ ev).
The meaning of early knowledge of a child's infertility in families with 47,XXY and 45,X children.

Nine girls with X or partial X monosomy and fourteen boys with 47,XXY karyotypes were identified through the consecutive chromosome screening of 40,000 newborns over a ten-year period. The probable infertility of these children emerged as a central concern in annual psychiatric interviews with parents. Parental grief over the anticipated loss of this choice for their child, whether or not openly avowed within the families, influences the development of self-image and self-esteem in the child and, if not appropriately confronted, blocks the acceptance process necessary in the child as preparation for parenthood by means of adoption.
Merkel cell polyomavirus: A newly discovered human virus with oncogenic potential

A marked escalation in the rate of discovery of new types of human polyomavirus has occurred over the last five years largely owing to recent technological advances in their detection. Among the newly discovered viruses, Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV or MCV) has gained the most attention due to its link with a rare human cancer. Infection with MCPyV is common in the human population, and the virus is detected in several anatomical locations, but most frequently in skin. Study of MCPyV molecular virology has been complicated by the lack of straightforward cell culture models, but recent in vitro studies are making strides towards understanding the virus life cycle, its cellular tropism, and mode of transmission. While MCPyV shares several traditional traits with other human polyomaviruses, the burst of research since its discovery reveals insight into a virus with many unique genetic and mechanistic features. The evidence for a causal link between MCPyV and the rare neuroendocrine cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), is compelling. A majority of MCCs contain clonally integrated viral DNA, express viral T antigen transcripts and protein, and exhibit an addiction to the viral large T and small t antigen oncoproteins. The MCPyV large T antigen contains MCC tumor-specific mutations that ablate its replication capacity but preserve its oncogenic functions, and the small t antigen promotes an environment favorable for cap-dependent translation. The mechanisms of MCPyV-induced transformation have not been fully elucidated, but the likely etiological role of this new polyomavirus in human cancer provides a strong opportunity to expand knowledge of virus-host interactions and viral oncology.
Impulse conduction in the mammalian brain: physiological properties of individual axons monitored for several months

Microelectrode recordings were used in conjunction with antidromic activation to monitor impulse conduction along individual mammalian cerebral axons for periods of up to 165 days. Approximately half of the axons studied showed a stable conduction velocity and stable aftereffects of impulse activity. The remaining axons showed slow and progressive increases or decreases in conduction velocity overtime. In these latter axons, changes in the magnitude of the aftereffects of impulse conduction were far less pronounced than were changes in axonal conduction velocity.
Mechanism for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-induced atrial fibrillation.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-Induced AF. Introduction: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), which activates intracardiac postganglionic parasympathetic nerves, has a greater profibrillatory effect than vagal stimulation. However, the mechanism responsible for this is unclear. Methods and Results: We examined the effective refractory period (ERP), conduction time, and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) induced by a single premature extrastimulus at four atrial sites as well as the AF cycle length at 65 atrial sites in 12 autonomically decentralized, open chest, anesthetized dogs. These parameters were measured in the control condition, during cervical vagal stimulation, and after PACAP administration. PACAP shortened the ERP to a similar extent at all four sites. Vagal stimulation shortened the ERP primarily at the high right atrium, but not at the other three sites. Global dispersion of ERP and variation in the AF cycle length (P < 0.01) were less after PACAP than during vagal stimulation. A premature extrastimulus induced AF more frequently after PACAP than during vagal stimulation (P < 0.001). The ERP at the pacing site was shorter when AF was induced than when it was not induced regardless of the intervention and the pacing site. Conduction time following premature beats that induced AF was shorter after PACAP than during vagal stimulation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Global ERP shortening contributes to the greater profibrillatory effect of PACAP. In addition, the decreased conduction time following premature beats may be associated with AF induction in this model.
Effect of Endogenously Produced Parathyroid Hormone- Related Peptide on Growth of a Human Hepatoma Cell Line (Hep G2)*

A well differentiated human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) was used to explore potential roles for PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. Using Northern analysis or reverse transcription-PCR, Hep G2 cells were found to express messenger RNAs for both PTHrP and the cloned PTH/PTHrP receptor, and the cells exhibited specific binding for [125I]PTHrP(1-36). Hep G2 growth medium was found to contain relatively large amounts of immunoreactive PTHrP (30 vs. 1-2 pM in medium not exposed to cells), and the PTHrP in growth medium (conditioned medium) was shown to contain N-terminal PTHrP biological activity, as assessed by the ability of the medium to stimulate cAMP production in rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8). Conditioned medium produced a dose-dependent severalfold increase in ROS cell cAMP that could be blocked by the PTHrP receptor antagonist [Asn10,Leu11,DTrp12]PTHrP-(7-34). PTHrP in Hep G2 cells also was detected by immunocytochemistry using antiserum to either synthetic PTHrP-...
The prevention of cholelithiasis with infused sodium chenodeoxycholate in the prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

1. 1. This study examines the efficacy of infused sodium chenodeoxycholate to prevent cholesterol gallstone formation in the prairie dog when fed a high cholesterol diet. 2. 2. Three experimental groups were designed to examine this. The first group (N = 5) was fed a normal rat chow diet, the second group (N = 5) was fed a high cholesterol diet (0.4% cholesterol by weight), and the third group (N = 5) was fed a high cholesterol diet plus given a daily injection of intravenous sodium chenodeoxycholate (15 mg/kg). 3. 3. All of the animals in the second group had cholesterol crystals and cholesterol gallstones. In the third group, none of the animals had gallstones, and all but one lacked cholesterol crystals. 4. 4. Statistical analysis showed that the first and third groups were statistically identical in their lithogenic indices and biliary lipid composition. 5. 5. We concluded that infused sodium chenodeoxyeholate is effective in preventing cholesterol gallstone formation in the prairie dog when fed a high cholesterol diet.
Aggressive Anticoagulation after TJA: an evaluation of the ACCP guidelines for Thromboprophylaxis.

Abstract Thromboembolic disease is common after orthopaedic surgery. In an effort to minimize the risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), anticoagulation administration has become a common practice. Both the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have published guidelines recommending antithrombotic protocols. The ACCP guidelines are excessive and do not adequately evaluate the complications resulting from aggressive anticoagulation. These complications include, but are not limited to, major and minor bleeding events, thrombocytopenia, subsequent periprosthetic infection, and complications with spinal or epidural anesthesia. The AAOS guidelines generated by a group of orthopedic surgeons evaluate the efficacy of various agents in preventing pulmonary embolus and not distal DVT. They differ from the AACP guidelines in some aspects. The AAOS guidelines accept the use of aspirin combined with mechanical compression devices, and low-dose warfarin therapy. We believe that the AAOS guidelines for thromboprophylaxis take into account all risks associated with anticoagulation therapy and may prove to be a safer option for our patients.
How consumers evaluate store brands

Using a sample of 872 shoppers and data for 14 products, tests the degree to which extrinsic cue reliance differs between “store brand” versus “non‐store brand” prone consumers. Results indicate that store brand prone consumers exhibit significantly less reliance on extrinsic cues in quality assessment. Reliance on brand name had an especially strong effect in forming taste expectations. Price reliance had a marked effect in determining perceptions of quality and reliability of ingredients. Discusses the implications for management.
SU-C-17A-01: MRI-Based Radiotherapy Treatment Planning In Pelvis.

Purpose: To support radiotherapy dose calculation, synthetic CT (MRCT) image volumes need to represent the electron density of tissues with sufficient accuracy. This study compares CT and MRCT for pelvic radiotherapy. Methods: CT and multi-contrast MRI acquired using T1- based Dixon, T2 TSE, and PETRA sequences were acquired on an IRBapproved protocol patient. A previously published method was used to create a MRCT image volume by applying fuzzy classification on T1- weighted and calculated water image volumes (air and fluid voxels were excluded using thresholds applied to PETRA and T2-weighted images). The correlation of pelvic bone intensity between CT and MRCT was investigated. Two treatment plans, based on CT and MRCT, were performed to mimic treatment for: (a) pelvic bone metastasis with a 16MV parallel beam arrangement, and (b) gynecological cancer with 6MV volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using two full arcs. The CT-calculated fluence maps were used to recalculate doses using the MRCT-derived density grid. The dose-volume histograms and dose distributions were compared. Results: Bone intensities in the MRCT volume correlated linearly with CT intensities up to 800 HU (containing 96% of the bone volume), and then decreased with CT intensity increase (4% volume). There was no significant difference in dose distributions between CT- and MRCTbased plans, except for the rectum and bladder, for which the V45 differed by 15% and 9%, respectively. These differences may be attributed to normal and visualized organ movement and volume variations between CT and MR scans. Conclusion: While MRCT had lower bone intensity in highly-dense bone, this did not cause significant dose deviations from CT due to its small percentage of volume. These results indicate that treatment planning using MRCT could generate comparable dose distributions to that using CT, and further demonstrate the feasibility of using MRI-alone to support Radiation Oncology workflow. NIH R01EB016079
Event shapes in deep inelastic lepton-hadron scattering☆

Abstract The structure of hadronic final states in deep inelastic scattering expected from QCD is analyzed in terms of the shape parameters Hl and Cl. We find that the effects of the fragmentation of quarks and gluons into hadrons are typically governed by √s = [Q 2 (1/x−1)] 1 2 . For √s≳30 GeV, the distributions of events in H2 and C2 should allow a test of the perturbative QCD prediction of three-jet events.
Ice sheet surface features from satellite radar altimetry

Fourteen SEASAT and ten GEOS-3 satellite radar altimeter groundtracks across a 1 deg x 2.5 deg study area in southwestern Greenland have yielded 3,328 ice sheet surface eievations. The surface elevations derived from SEASAT were recalculated based on a waveform retracking algorithm. The elevations have been utilized to develop a surface profile, a three dimensional surface representation, and surface contours. Analysis of the elevations reveals the presence of surface terraces, some greater than 100 km in length; each terrace is at a discrete elevation. Renormalized SEASAT AGC values are shown to be correlated with the surface slope. The ice surface undulations caused frequent altimeter losses-of-lock. Future satellite radar altimeters could significantly contribute to ice sheet mapping in the next decade, particularly if they incorporate tracking systems with more frequent updates.
Sigmoid diverticular perforation in neurosurgical patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids

Perforation of colonic diverticula is a complication of corticosteroid use that has not been described in the neurosurgical literature. Between 1987 and 1992, 719 patients who underwent surgery for primary and metastatic brain and spinal tumors of the central nervous system received 2246 to 4936 mg of methylprednisolone given over at least 7 days. Five patients in this group (all men, ages 50-69 yr) experienced a sigmoid diverticular perforation at a mean dose of 3947 mg of methylprednisolone (range, 2240-6160 mg). Of these five, two had a known history of diverticular disease. In contrast, during this same period, 3749 patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures for non-neoplastic conditions did not receive corticosteroids and experienced no colonic perforations. All five patients with colonic perforations presented with abdominal pain and had free intraperitoneal air that was revealed on radiographs of the abdomen. Perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum was confirmed in all five at exploratory laparotomy. Four patients had good outcomes, and one died. We conclude the following: 1) patients over age 50 who receive high-dose corticosteroids are at risk for sigmoid colonic perforation, and these medications should be used with caution in such patients; 2) if possible, lower total doses of perioperative corticosteroids should be used in patients with known diverticular disease; and 3) because corticosteroids mask many of the inflammatory signs of perforation, this diagnosis should be considered in any patient with abdominal discomfort, fever of unknown origin, or unexplained leukocytosis.
Intersections of Science, Sensation, and Culture

If we have somehow previously missed the signs (and texts) of Brian Mas sumi's provocative critical production, Parables for the Virtual: Movement, Affect, Sensation provides indisputable evidence of the mastery, despite his efforts to be unmasterful, that Massumi brings to his study of the complex intersection of science, philosophy, and culture. Given the depth and com plexity of the analyses contained in this volume, a review such as this can only offer a broad outline of the rich and careful work of critical reflection con tained therein.
The association of expired nitric oxide with occupational particulate metal exposure.

Abstract Toxicologic studies have shown that soluble transition metals in residual oil fly ash (ROFA) can induce pulmonary injury. In this study, we investigated the association between the fractional concentration of expired nitric oxide (F E NO) and exposure to metal constituents of particulate matter with an aerodynamic mass median diameter⩽2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) in boilermakers exposed to ROFA and metal fume. Metals investigated included vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, and lead. Subjects were monitored for 5 consecutive days during boiler repair overhauls in 1999 ( n =20) and 2000 ( n =14). In 1999, we found a significant inverse association between log-transformed F E NO and PM 2.5 metal concentrations. Log F E NO changed by −0.03 (95% CI: −0.04, −0.01), −0.56 (95% CI: −0.88, −0.24), −0.09 (95% CI: −0.16, −0.02), and −0.04 (95% CI: −0.07, −0.02) per μg/m 3 of PM 2.5 vanadium, chromium, manganese, and nickel, respectively. In 2000, no significant associations were observed, most likely due to exposure misclassification resulting from the use of respirators. The inverse association between PM 2.5 metal exposure and F E NO in subjects with limited respirator usage suggests that soluble transition metals might be partially responsible for the adverse pulmonary responses seen in workers exposed to ROFA.
A dose-surviving fraction curve for mouse colonic mucosa

A dose-surviving fraction curve representing the response of the mouse colonic mucosa to single doses of 137Cs gamma radiation was obtained from the results of a multifraction in vivo colony assay. Construction of the curve required an estimate of the average number of clonogens initially present per colonic crypt. The estimated clonogen count (88) was determined by a statistical method based on the use of doses per fraction common to different fractionation protocols. Parameters for the LQ and TC models of cell survival were obtained by weighted least-squares fits to the data. A comparison of the survival characteristics of cells from the mouse colonic and jejunal crypts suggested that the epithelium of the colon is less radiosensitive than that of the jejunum.
Security threats, linguistic homogeneity, and the necessary conditions for political unification

. The proposition that security threats can drive states to pool their sovereignty has been around for some time. The existence of these threats, according to William Riker, is a necessary condition for political unification. A less common argument centers on linguistic homogeneity; it asserts that states must be sufficiently similar and speak the same language before they can successfully imagine a common state. This paper tests both hypotheses in a large-N analysis that identifies all instances of voluntary political unification between 1816 and 2001. It takes the form of a falsification probe and examines whether any unification happened in the absence of either an external security threat or a common language. It finds that political unification has occurred in relatively tranquil settings, but that all unifying dyads have shared a common language. Security threats are not a necessary condition, but a common language may well be.
Transient co-localization of calretinin, parvalbumin, and calbindin-D28k in developing visual cortex of monkey

This paper reports a double-labelling immunocytochemical study of the three calcium-binding proteins calretinin, parvalbumin, and calbindin-D28k in developing and adult Macaca primary visual cortex. In adult visual cortex, each protein marks a subset of GABAergic neurons with a characteristic laminar distribution and virtually no co-localization was found between these three proteins, suggesting that each calcium-binding protein may serve as a marker for one or more cortical subcircuits. The immature visual cortex, immunostained using identical techniques was then analysed to determine if each calcium-binding protein could serve as a developmental marker for these circuits. The Cajal-Retzius cells of layer 1 contained all three proteins during development. Calbindin-D28k and calretinin were co-localized starting at Fd (foetal day) 45 and after Fd125, parvalbumin also was present in the same Cajal-Retzius cells. All three proteins continued to be expressed until the Cajal-Retzius disappeared postnatally. In layers 2-6 calbindin-D28k and calretinin were never co-localized. In contrast, parvalbumin and calretinin were found in neurons of deep layer 3 from Fd 155 to postnatal (P6) weeks with a few persisting even later. Before birth almost all PV+ neurons in layers 4-6 were CaB+, but by P3 weeks only a few PV+/CaB+ neurons remained in layer 4C and these completely disappeared by P6 weeks. Co-localization in layer 4 neurons overlaps the period of ocular dominance segregation, suggesting that the onset of cortical maturity coincides with segregation of calcium-binding proteins within the GABA interneurons.
Optimal representation of motion fields for video compression

A new video coding scheme in which an image sequence is fully represented through its motion field is introduced. The motivation behind the new coding scheme is that motion fields are generally more efficient representations of image sequences. We describe the new coding scheme, and present a new generalized and optimized representation through the motion field. An important aspect of the new coding approach is that we are free to choose parameters in the representation of the motion field. Our goal is to choose those parameters so that the motion field can be coded most efficiently. We describe our definition of the motion field, and illustrate how the parameters of the motion model can be chosen. We also present the results of applying those parameters to the coding procedure.