cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ma2 Autoantibody-Negative Multifocal Paraneoplastic Neurological Disorder Associated with Metastatic Testicular Cancer. (P4.049)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of metastatic seminoma-associated multi-phasic meningoencephalomyeloradiculopathy lacking Ma2 or other definable autoantibodies. BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic disorders with testicular cancers are often associated with Ma2 autoantibody. Neurological symptoms can precede cancer diagnosis. Treatment consists of tumor removal and immunotherapy. DESIGN/METHODS/ RESULTS: A 29 year-old man with well-controlled ulcerative colitis (onset age 10) presented elsewhere with subacute tinnitus, hearing loss, diplopia and imbalance. There were enhancing T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in the brainstem and bilateral thalami. Spinal fluid was inflammatory (elevated protein and reactive lymphocytic pleocytosis). Comprehensive autoantibody evaluation of serum and spinal fluid was negative, including Ma2-IgG. Mediastinal lymph node pathology revealed seminoma; testes were normal (ultrasound). The patient improved clinically and radiologically following systemic chemotherapy (bleomycin, cisplatin, carboplatin and etoposide), but peripheral neuropathy developed. Neurological symptoms worsened within 1 month of chemotherapy completion, and MRI revealed enlarging lesions in thalami and midbrain with leptomeningeal enhancement, prompting cranial radiation for presumed metastases. The patient improved neurologically, except for mild residual hearing loss and diplopia with upgaze. Bilateral foot drop followed 6 months later. Imaging revealed enhancing T2 hyperintensity of conus and thoracic spinal cord, with symmetric smooth enhancement of nerve roots and cauda equina. The patient progressed to a wheelchair despite intermittent methylprednisolone infusion. Spinal fluid examination showed protein 66 mg/dL (normal, 0-35), IgG index 0.88 (normal, < 0.86) and 12 oligoclonal bands. Repeated comprehensive autoantibody evaluation was negative. Neurophysiological studies revealed multiple bilateral lumbosacral and thoracic radiculopathies superimposed on length-dependent peripheral neuropathy. Aggressive immunotherapy (weekly IVIg and methylprednisolone, 12 weeks) halted neurological decline. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates a seminoma-associated multi-focal paraneoplastic neurological disorder. The absence of a definable neural autoantibody does not preclude a paraneoplastic diagnosis. The apparently favorable response to cranial irradiation is of interest. It was performed on the basis of misinterpretation of MRI brain abnormalities as metastases. Disclosure: Dr. Linnoila has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lennon stands to receive royalty payments for commercial assays to detect of Aquaporin 4-specific Autoantibody. Dr. Pittock9s institution has received compensation for activities with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Medimmune, and Chugai Pharma. Dr. Pittock and his institution stand to receive royalty payments in the technology entitled "Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantibodie
Infants' Response to Pictures of Impossible Objects.

Previous work has shown that 4-month-olds can discriminate between two-dimensional (2D) depictions of structurally possible and impossible objects [S. M. Shuwairi (2009), Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 104, 115; S. M. Shuwairi, M. K. Albert, & S. P. Johnson (2007), Psychological Science, 18, 303]. Here, we asked whether evidence of discrimination of possible and impossible pictures would also be revealed in infants’ patterns of reaching and manual exploration. Nine-month-old infants were presented with realistic photograph displays of structurally possible and impossible cubes along with a series of perceptual controls, and engaged in more frequent manual exploration of pictures of impossible objects. In addition, the impossible cube display elicited significantly more social referencing and vocalizations than the possible cube and perceptual control displays. The increased manual gestures associated with the incoherent figure suggest that perceptual and manual action mechanisms are interrelated in early development. The infant’s visual system extracts structural information contained in 2D images in analyzing the projected 3D configuration, and this information serves to control both the oculomotor and manual action systems.
Contrasting Actions of Lanthanum on Different Recombinant γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Isoforms Expressed in L929 Fibroblasts

Functional studies have indicated that, unlike most divalent cations, lanthanum increases both native and recombinant γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAR) currents. In the present study, we have examined whether lanthanum shows subunit-dependent selectivity for modification of currents from different GABAR isoforms. The effects of lanthanum on three different GABAR isoforms, α1β3γ2L, α6β3γ2L, and α6β3δ, were determined by transient expression of combinations of α1, α6, β3, γ2L, and δ subunit cDNAs in L929 fibroblasts. Whole-cell recording was used to determine the concentration-response curves for lanthanum for the three different isoforms at submaximal concentrations of GABA. Lanthanum displayed strong potentiation of α1β3γ2L GABAR currents consistent with earlier reports of potentiation of GABAR currents by lanthanum in neurons and recombinant GABAR isoforms. However, in contrast to the potentiation of α1β3γ2L GABAR currents by lanthanum, α6β3δ GABAR currents were strongly inhibited and α6β3γ2L GABAR currents were weakly inhibited by lanthanum. Interaction of lanthanum with GABAR isoforms was competitive, with lanthanum decreasing the EC50 value for GABA of α1β3γ2L GABARs without changing the maximum current and increasing the EC50 value for GABA of α6β3δ and α6β3γ2L GABAR currents (greater shift in EC50 value in the α6β3δ compared with the α6β3γ2L GABARs) without changing the maximum GABAR current. Neither potentiation nor inhibition of GABAR currents by lanthanum showed any voltage dependence. These results suggest that 1) changing the α-subunit subtype from α1 to α6 altered the effect of lanthanum from potentiation to inhibition, 2) changing the γ2L subunit to the δ-subunit changed the level of maximal inhibition of α6 subtype-containing GABAR currents by lanthanum, and 3) the site for interaction with lanthanum probably was on the extracellular surface of GABARs.
Isolation of the mouse Hox-2.9 gene; analysis of embryonic expression suggests that positional information along the anterior-posterior axis is specified by mesoderm.

It is rapidly becoming accepted that the vertebrate neural tube, in particular the hindbrain, develops into a segmented structure. After segment formation, cells in the neural tube do not cross segmental boundaries, and segment-specific gene expression is observed. However, it is not known what positional cues instruct the neural tube to express genes in this restricted manner. We have cloned a murine homeobox-containing gene, Hox-2.9, whose expression in the neural tube at E9.5 is restricted to a segment of the hindbrain known as rhombomere 4. A study of its expression pattern earlier in development revealed that prior to the start of neurulation (E7.5) Hox-2.9 is expressed within a posterior to the embryonic mesoderm that will participate in hindbrain formation. With the onset of neurulation, expression then becomes detectable in the neural plate as well, but only in the part that overlies the Hox-2.9-expressing mesoderm; it is not detected in the more anterior neuroectoderm that will form the future midbrain and forebrain. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the mesoderm is providing cues that serve to instruct the overlying neuroectoderm with respect to its position along the anteroposterior axis and that Hox-2.9 participates in or reflects this process. As neurulation continues and individual segments form, a second phase of expression is detected in the neural tube in which high levels of Hox-2.9 transcripts become restricted to rhombomere 4. Hox-2.9 expression is also detected in the developing branchial arch units of the hindbrain region, in a pattern that suggests to us that here, too, mesoderm is providing a localized signal that induces Hox-2.9 expression, in this case in endoderm of the pharynx and in superficial ectoderm. In general, we interpret the expression patterns of Hox-2.9 in the hindbrain region as suggesting that the specific mechanisms of pattern formation in mammals are fundamentally similar to those of amphibians and avians - i.e. anteroposterior positional information is acquired by mesoderm, mesoderm induces positional values within (neuro-) ectoderm and endoderm, and both events occur within a restricted window of time.
A qualitative study of state-level zoonotic disease surveillance in New England.

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases transmittable between animals and humans and outbreaks of these diseases in animals can signify that humans are also infected (or vice versa). Thus, communication between animal and human health agencies is critical for surveillance. Understanding how these agencies conduct surveillance and share information is important for the development of successful automated zoonotic monitoring systems. Individual interviews were conducted with 13 professionals who perform animal or human zoonotic disease surveillance in one of the New England states. Questions centred on existing surveillance methods, collaborations between animal and human health agencies, and technological and data needs. The results showed that agencies routinely communicate over suspected zoonotic disease cases, yet there are barriers preventing automated electronic linking of health data of animals and humans. These include technological barriers and barriers due to sensitivity and confidentiality of information. Addressing these will facilitate the development of electronic systems for integrating animal and human zoonotic disease surveillance data.
Influence of Hfe on neurobehavior in 1-year-old mice (907.5)

Influence of Hfe on neurobehavior in 1-year-old mice JuOae Chang, Jonghan Kim Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA Mutat...
Somatoform Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Past 10 Years

ABSTRACT Objective To review the literature on somatoform disorders in children and adolescents relevant to recertification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Method The psychiatric, pediatric, and psychological literatures were searched for clinical or research articles in the past 10 years dealing with somatization and somatoform disorders. Results Somatizing presentations are organized conceptually; somatization disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder, vocal cord dysfunction, pain disorder, and recurrent abdominal pain are described in children and adolescents; empirical evidence for treatment efficacy is scant, but clinically reasonable approaches are applied. Conclusion More developmentally appropriate diagnostic schemes and better outcome studies are needed in all the somatoform disorders for children and adolescents.
Evaluation and optimization of different cationic liposome formulations for in vivo gene transfer.

Abstract Five commonly used cationic liposome formulations were tested for their ability to deliver DNA to established subcutaneous human tumor xenografts in SCID mice. Liposomes were complexed with a mammalian expression plasmid containing the bacterial β-galactosidase gene and delivered to tumors by direct injection. The optimal lipid to DNA ratios in vivo were markedly different than those observed in vitro for each liposome formulation. Tumor size at the time of inoculation also effected transfection efficiency significantly. Of the five liposome formulations tested, DC-Cholesterol was found to be superior to all others in vivo. Even under optimal conditions however, the efficiency of in vivo transfection was low in our system (∼0.3%). Implications of these results for in vivo gene therapy of tumors are discussed.
Antenatal Sonographic Findings of Fetal Adrenal Hemorrhage

In spite of the widespread use of obstetrical sonography, the prenatal detection of presumed adrenal hemorrhage remains extremely unPathologic proof is ~are.~,~ Several authors have noted adrenal calcifications at birth and have speculated that they represent the sequelae of prenatal adrenal hemorrhage. However, without pathologic proof, differentiation from spontaneously resolved neuroblastoma is not pos~ible.~-~ We present a case of adrenal hemorrhage initially detected as a predominantly cystic mass with prenatal sonography at 28 weeks. The mass persisted on sequential prenatal sonograms with an increase in size and a change in internal architecture, from primarily cystic to complex with cystic and solid elements. Postnatal sonography and computed tomography (CT) on the first day of life confirmed a complex cystic and solid mass. Persistence of a suprarenal mass without significant decrease in size, in combination with a complex sonographic appearance, led to a presurgical diagnosis of cystic neuroblastoma; however, adrenal hemorrhage was found at surgery.
Effects of 2-deoxyglucose on plasma catecholamines in adult and aged rats

Abstract To examine the effects of aging on the responsiveness of the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system, I have measured plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) in adult (6 months old) and aged (24 months old) Fischer 344 male rats. Two days prior to testing, rats were surgically prepared with chronic tail artery catheters to permit remote sampling of blood in conscious, unrestrained animals. Following collection of basal blood samples, each rat received a single injection of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG, 250 or 500 mg/kg, IP) and additional blood samples were collected 1, 2 and 4 hours later. 2-DG, a glucose analogue, stimulates a centrally mediated activation of the adrenal medulla and to a lesser extent the postganglionic sympathetic neurons. For purposes of analysis, data were excluded from animals which died within 4 hours after injection. Basal plasma levels of both catecholamines were similar in adult and aged rats. Administration of 2-DG was attended by significant and sustained increases in plasma NE and EPI in rats of both ages. A greater proportion of aged rats died following administration of 2-DG compared to adult rats. At the higher dose of 2-DG, plasma levels of NE were significantly higher in 6 month old rats at 1 and 2 hours post-injection. In contrast, plasma levels of EPI were significantly higher in 24 month old rats at 1 and 2 hours after administration of 250 mg/kg 2-DG and at 1 hour after administration of 500 mg/kg 2-DG. These findings indicated that the adrenal medullary response of aged rats to an intense and prolonged stressor is greater than that of adult rats. The attenuated plasma NE response of aged rats to 2-DG may be due to a lessor release of NE from the adrenal medulla and/or a diminished activation of postganglionic sympathetic nerves.
The scaled α-Winsorized estimate of exponential scale for censored data: an analysis based on two influence functions

Abstract A new view of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of exponential scale for censored data is presented. This is done by adapting Reid's (Ann. Statist. 9 (1981) 78) approach for obtaining the two influence functions (IF) for the Kaplan–Meier estimate of the survival function; one for uncensored and one for censored data, respectively. The MLEs two IFs are derived. Via this analysis, we propose a new robust estimator, the scaled α-Winsorized estimator (WE). Under Type II censoring, the WE is the MLE and, hence, is asymptotically efficient in that case. Its two IFs are bounded; hence,WE is B-robust. Its breakdown point is α. A comparison is made with respect to asymptotic bias and mean square error at contaminated exponential and Weibull survival models.
Activation of the Potato Tuber ADP-glucose Pyrophosphorylase by Thioredoxin *

Abstract The potato tuber (Solanum tuberosumL.) ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADP-GlcPPase) catalyzes the first committed step in starch biosynthesis. The main type of regulation of this enzyme is allosteric, and its activity is controlled by the ratio of activator, 3-phosphoglycerate to inhibitor, Pi. It was reported (Fu, Y., Ballicora, M. A., Leykam, J. F., and Preiss, J. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 25045–25052) that the enzyme was activated by reduction of the Cys12disulfide linkage present in the catalytic subunits. In this study, both reduced thioredoxin f and m from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves reduced and activated the enzyme at low concentrations (10 μm) of activator (3-phosphoglycerate). Fifty percent activation was at 4.5 and 8.7 μm for reduced thioredoxin f andm, respectively, and 2 orders of magnitude lower than for dithiothreitol. The activation was reversed by oxidized thioredoxin. Cys12 is conserved in the ADP-GlcPPases from plant leaves and other tissues except for the monocot endosperm enzymes. We postulate that in photosynthetic tissues, reduction could play a role in the fine regulation of the ADP-GlcPPase mediated by the ferredoxin-thioredoxin system. This is the first time that a covalent mechanism of regulation is postulated in the synthesis of starch.
Coating of Metal Powders with Polymers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as a solvent to produce polymeric films on fused silica plates and metal (Al, Mg) powders. Two polymers, poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(4-vinylbiphenyl) (PVB), were used. Polymer-coated particles of metal powders exhibit enhanced resistance to the dissolution in aqueous basic and acidic solutions. The protective properties of the films were quantified based on the dissolution rate. The average thickness of the PVB films (that contain aromatic rings) was evaluated using UV absorption spectroscopy. A technique to measure the solubilities of poorly soluble polymers in supercritical carbon dioxide was developed. The effect of the coating conditions on the protective properties of the produced polymeric films was evaluated.
Special Issues in Genetic Testing for Alzheimer Disease

Genetic testing for Alzheimer disease (AD) raises two issues that are, thus far, unusual. First, genetic testing of dementia patients for diagnostic purposes necessarily leads to information of some predictive significance for the patient's family members. What information about the test results should be disclosed to whom needs careful consideration. Testing for a patient's apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele status was used, both in research and clinically, as a predictor of cardiovascular risk long before it was known to be associated with AD risk. Whether and how information about the newly understood AD implications of the test should be provided to those who were tested for cardiovascular risk needs attention, as does the general problem of new, and possibly less benign, meanings for old genetic test results.
Map location of the kanamycin resistance determinant in P1Km0

Abstract The kanamycin resistance determinant in P1Km lies between am 33 and gene 2 on the P1 genetic map. This is within the invertible region (C loop) of P1 DNA.
GIS FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION

This paper demonstrates the application of geographic information systems (GISs) to high-level radioactive material (HLRM) transportation analysis and identifies three transportation risk-analysis methodologies: comparative study, worst-case assessment, and probabilistic risk assessment. The GIS technology potential for HLRM transportation risk analysis has not been fully exploited. This potential is demonstrated here in applications of GIS technology to develop estimates of resident and visitor population and ecologically sensitive areas along transportation corridors. The applicability of GIS technology is also illustrated through a discussion of linking models for risk assessment and examples of effective display of data and results.
A note on the proportional hazards model with discontinuous data

Cox's proportional hazards (PH) model is applicable to continuous random (response) variables as well as to discontinuous ones. We make two remarks on the PH models for discontinuous random (response) variables. (1) In general, the proportional hazards relation can only occur in the interior of the support of the two relevant random variables, instead on the whole support, as stated in the standard textbooks. (2) The PH model is not the same as a proportional cumulative hazards model (or a Lehmann family) unless the random variables are continuous. These two models are mistaken to be the same in several papers on Cox's regression model in the literature.
Magnetization transfer via residual dipolar couplings: application to proton-proton correlations in partially aligned proteins.

Abstract A novel three-dimensional NMR experiment is reported that allows the observation of correlations between amide and other protons via residual dipolar couplings in partially oriented proteins. The experiment is designed to permit quantitative measurement of the magnitude of proton–proton residual dipolar couplings in larger molecules and at higher degree of alignments. The observed couplings contain data valuable for protein resonance assignment, local protein structure refinement, and determination of low-resolution protein folds.
Evaluation of preprocessing techniques for chief complaint classification

Objective:: To determine whether preprocessing chief complaints before automatically classifying them into syndromic categories improves classification performance. Methods:: We preprocessed chief complaints using two preprocessors (CCP and EMT-P) and evaluated whether classification performance increased for a probabilistic classifier (CoCo) or for a keyword-based classifier (modification of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene chief complaint coder (KC)). Results:: CCP exhibited high accuracy (85%) in preprocessing chief complaints but only slightly improved CoCo's classification performance for a few syndromes. EMT-P, which splits chief complaints into multiple problems, substantially increased CoCo's sensitivity for all syndromes. Preprocessing with CCP or EMT-P only improved KC's sensitivity for the Constitutional syndrome. Conclusion:: Evaluation of preprocessing systems should not be limited to accuracy of the preprocessor but should include the effect of preprocessing on syndromic classification. Splitting chief complaints into multiple problems before classification is important for CoCo, but other preprocessing steps only slightly improved classification performance for CoCo and a keyword-based classifier.
Recognition and position information in working memory for visual textures

In three experiments, we examined connections between item-recognition memory and memory for itemposition information. With sequences of compound gratings as study and probe items, subjects made either itemposition judgments (Experiments 1 and 2), by identifying the serial position of the study item that matched the probe, or recognition judgments (Experiment 3), by judging whether the probe had or had not been presented in the study series. Integrating a summed-similarity account of recognition into a signal detection framework shows that the variance of summed similarities on lure trials (probe not present in the study series) exceeds the variance on target trials (probe present in the study series). This prediction is borne out by the empirical zROC functions, all of which had slopes that were greater than 1. Additionally, about 25% of correct recognitions were accompanied by incorrect item position identification. Misidentifications of item position arose from two sources—structural similarity and positional similarity—which combined in an approximately additive fashion.
From KISS1 to Kisspeptins: An Historical Perspective and Suggested Nomenclature

The cancer suppressor gene, KISS1, was initially described as having an important role in inhibiting cancer metastasis. Since then, KISS1 and its receptor, KISS1R, have been shown to play a key role in controlling the onset of puberty of reproductive physiology in the human and other species. Recent studies have also linked KISS1/kisspeptin/KISS1R to other processes, such as vasoconstriction, aging, adipocyte physiology, and perhaps as a molecular conduit linking metabolism and reproduction. This article highlights the history of KISS1/kisspeptin/KISS1R biology and proposes a consensus for nomenclature of the key molecules in this signaling pathway.
Investigation of Spectral Sensitization III. A Study of the Visible and Infrared Spectra of Some Very Pure Bis-Thiazolinyl and Bis-Thiazolyl Cyanine Iodides

A detailed study of the visible spectra in solution and the infrared spectra of the dyes in the solid state have been made for the following vinylogous series of cyanine dyes: [2-bis (3-ethylthiazolinyl)] cyanine iodides, I; [2-bis (3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolyl)] cyanine iodides, II; and [2-bis (3-ethyl-4,5-diphenylthiozolyl] cyanine iodides, III. Each dye, to be acceptable for study, had to be chromatographically pure, give a correct microchemical elemental analysis, and be free of electron-spin resonance (free radical) signals. These vinylogous series of dyes from a systematic group. That is, in series I there is only a resonant conjugated chain of alternate single and double bonds present between the two nitrogen atoms; in series II there are additional olefinic unsaturated bonds which are in conjugation with the resonant conjugated chain; and in series III there are additional phenyl rings in conjugation with the entire pi bond system present in II. The characteristic red shift of the principal absorption maxima was observed for these dyes in the visible as the number of methine linkages increased. Furthermore, a small relative red shift of the absorption maxima has been observed for this group of dyes and has been interpreted on the basis of the type of unsaturation present in conjugation with the resonant conjugated chain. Assignments of vibrational modes to separate absorption regions have been made for these vinylogous series of dyes. A correlation of the dye structure with the absorption bands has been made. Each vinylog gave rise to a characteristic pattern of resonant conjugated stretching modes in the region 1600 to 1400 cm−1. These modes exhibited a low frequency shift as the resonant conjugated chain-length increased. For a constant number of polymethine linkages these modes are a function of the type of unsaturation present which is in conjugation with the resonant conjugated chain.
Complexity of the Argentina mild strain of barley stripe mosaic virus

Abstract Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) is known to have unusual strain-specific variations in the number of high molecular weight RNAs that can be resolved by gel electrophoresis. Analysis with recombinant DNA clones has revealed that all strains contain three distinct hybridizing species of RNA, which we now designate α, β and y. The α- and β-RNAs are about 4200 and 3650 nucleotides (NT), respectively, but the γ-RNAs vary in size depending on the strain. The γ-RNA of the Type strain is 3650 NT, and is difficult to resolve from β-RNA by gel electrophoresis. However, the γ-RNA of the North Dakota 18 (ND18) strain is 3250 NT and is clearly separated from β-RNA. The results presented below show that the Argentina mild (AM) strain contains a mixture of γ-RNAs of 3650, 3250, and 2900 NT. The 3650- and 3250-NT γ-RNAs appear to be functional because AM subclones containing either 3650- or 3250-NT γ-RNA can be isolated from plants inoculated with low concentrations of virus. The 2900-NT γ-RNA is probably not capable of functioning as a genomic RNA because this RNA is not a component of any of the AM subclones.
Extraction of fungal fatty acids for gas chromatography analysis

The standard method for the extraction of fatty acids from fungi recommended in association with commercially produced fatty acid analysis sys- tems (MIDI Inc., Newark, Delaware) was compared with methods utilizing a Polytron homogenizer and vortexing with glass beads for disruption of fungal mycelia. The extraction efficiencies and variability were compared utilizing two isolates of Ceratocystis fagacearum, the causal agent of oak wilt. Using a Poly- tron homogenizer significantly reduced the fatty acid levels (61%) when compared to the standard meth- od. Vortexing with glass beads (425-600 rtm) in- creased the fatty acid levels (49%) and reduced var- iability (20%) when compared to the standard meth- od. Different sizes of glass beads (150-212 jLm, 425- 600 pLm, 710-1180 jum) did not yield significant dif- ferences in extraction efficiency with the fatty acid levels with 150-212 jim and 710-1180 JUm being 71% and 59% compared to the use of 425-600 Im glass beads. The addition of 1 g glass beads/sample fol- lowed by vortexing for 2 min is easily adapted in any laboratory conducting fatty acid analysis without ad- ditional equipment. The reduction in the variability of samples would be extremely important when look- ing for minor changes in fatty acid percentages and composition. The standard recommended growth temperature (28 C) was decreased (22 C) for maxi- mal growth of C. fagacearum. No significant differ- ences were noted between the use of SDB and PDB except in the level of 14:0 fatty acid which was a mi- nor component in the total levels of fatty acids (0.7
System Limitations Of Infrared Detectors

Thermal imaging systems for industrial and military applications have capabilities not envisioned twenty years ago. Much of this rapid growth in capabilities is a direct result of synergistic coupling between system and detector design engineers funded by the United States Department of Defense. In many designs both the detector and the system optical designs have been pushed to levels very near their fundamental limits. It is therefore, advantageous to spell out some of the fundamental limitations on detectors to avoid the needless design iterations which result when only the equations (without boundry values) are manipulated in the quest to meet the system packaging and sensitivity requirements.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Osmotic and desiccation tolerance in Escherichia coli O157:H7 requires rpoS (σ(38)).

The contribution of RecA, Dps, and RpoS to survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during desiccation and osmotic stress was determined in Luria–Bertani broth with 12 % NaCl (LB-12) at 30 and 37 °C, on filter disks at 23 and 30 °C, and in sterile bovine feces at 30 °C. RecA did not significantly contribute to survival in any condition or temperature. The contribution of Dps to survival was only significant in LB-12 at 37 °C. RpoS was necessary for survival during desiccation and osmotic stress, and survival of the RpoS mutant was significantly less than the parent in all conditions and temperatures. The RpoS mutant survived up to 21 days in bovine feces, 8 and 8 days in LB-12, >28 days on filter disks, and >28 days in bovine feces. Increased incubation temperatures were associated with decreased survival. E. coli O157:H7 can persist in desiccating and osmotically challenging environments, especially sterile feces, for an extended period time.
Systolic indentation of the left ventricular outflow tract in Eisenmenger syndrome.

Marked bulging of the interventricular septum toward the left ventricle has been described as a reliable index of right ventricular systolic hypertension. We report a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome who has systolic aneurysmal protrusion of the interventricular septum into the left ventricular outflow tract. To our knowledge, this is the first report of systolic indentation of the left ventricular outflow tract in a patient with right ventricular pressure/volume overload.
Evaluation of perioperative antibiotics at the time of dialysis catheter placement

The effect of prophylactic antibiotics on the occurrence of peritonitis in the 14 days following surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter placement was evaluated. Medical records from 73 pediatric patients who had 89 Tenckhoff catheters inserted over 6 years were reviewed. Twelve catheter procedures were excluded for rapid catheter loss, unavailable charts, eosinophilic peritonitis, and antibiotic administration >3 h postoperatively. Chi-squared analysis for non-continuous variables compared factors at the time of catheter placement with outcome (peritonitis). Thirteen patients developed postoperative peritonitis when 77 catheter insertions were analyzed (17%). Peritonitis was significantly more common in patients who did not receive perioperative antibiotics (7 of 16 catheter placements) (λ2 = 12.48, P≤0.001). The reduced incidence of peritonitis was not specific to any one antibiotic class. Using step-wise logistic regression analysis, no association was found between peritonitis incidence and nephrotic syndrome, immunosuppression, recent surgery (<14 days), acute versus chronic use, year of catheter placement, surgeon, or patient age. Catheter type, implantation technique, exit site care, and operative wound care did not vary. These results indicate that perioperative peritonitis episodes can be significantly reduced by the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to or at the time of surgery.
Sound and Meaning in Sura t aL-Qāria

L'A. presente une lecture de la sourate al-qāri'a qui analyse la relation de la sonorite et du sens a l'interieur du passage. Il met l'accent sur les effets phonologiques degages par l'exegese classique et les etudes contemporaines, mais rarement places au centre d'une analyse litteraire. Ces effets se concentrent autour d'un complexe sonore qui prend en compte des elements semantiques et emotifs. Cette analyse retrace le developpement des figures sonores a travers la sourate et identifie les points ou ces figures se chargent de sens
Efficacy of Intervention Strategies in Learning Success Rates

: This article reports on the efficacy of interventions made to improve the attrition rates of students of Japanese as a Foreign Language at The University of Sydney. Specifically, the study sought to evaluate differences in outcomes between students with a background in a morphographic writing system and those without such a background. Four intervention techniques were developed and integrated into a first-year Japanese course throughout 1997, with the goals of improving time management skills, providing effective learning strategies, increasing student motivation, and consequently increasing the number of successful learners. Outcomes suggest that the intervention techniques improved the success rates and academic achievement of students in 1997. However, it was found that students with a background in a morphographic writing system benefited more than students with a background in a phonographic writing system only, when improvement was measured by academic achievement. The latter group, however, showed significantly increased motivation and benefited more from learning strategy instruction and time management practice than did the group with a background in a morphographic writing system.
Factor invariance of Cluster B psychopathology among male and female inmates and association with impulsive and violent behavior

Our study examines the structure of Cluster B personality disorders across genders and its association with various types of impulsive and violent behavior. Using the SIDP-IV structured interview, we explored the traditional DSM-IV-TR diagnoses and the optimal EFA model of the four Cluster B diagnoses as evidenced in a random sample of 288 incarcerated men and 183 incarcerated women. Two and three factor solutions met the criteria for evaluating the fit of EFA but the three factor solution was chosen for further evaluation since it was deemed the most theoretically sound and demonstrated the best fit statistics. In testing factorial invariance of the three factor solution, the chi-square difference test revealed a significant Δχ2 along with no substantial improvement in model fit, indicating that the model was not invariant across men and women. The four Cluster B diagnoses do not appear tobe distinct clinical entities but rather a set of symptoms with considerable overlap across diagnoses. Embedded in th...
Comparison of [125I]somatomedin A and [125I]somatomedin C radioreceptor assays for somatomedin peptide content in whole and acid-chromatographed plasma

The placental membrane radioreceptor assay was used to measure the levels of somatomedin (SM) peptides in plasma. Displacement of both [125I]somatomedin A ([125I]SM-A) and [125I]somatomedin C ([125I]SM-C) by normal whole plasma, the peptide fraction of acid-chromatographed plasma, and a partially purified, insulin-free SM preparation were compared. The peptide fraction of plasma was isolated by acid chromatography over Sephadex G-50 in 0.25 M formic acid with a yield of greater than or equal to 90%, as determined by bioassay and [125I]SM. In the case of [125I]SM-A, the dose-response curves for whole plasma, acid-chromatographed plasma, and the standard SM preparation were parallel (P less than 0.2). In contrast, for [125I]SM-C, the dose-response curves for acid-chromatographed plasma and the purified SM preparation were parallel (P less than 0.2), but both differed significantly from that of whole plasma (P less than 0.001). In addition, there was less variability in the assay of acid-chromatographed plasma compared to whole plasma. The results indicate that radioreceptor assay of unextracted normal plasma using [125I]SM-A is a valid measure of SM peptide concentration, while radioreceptor assay of unextracted normal plasma using [125I]SM-C, in our hands, is not. Acid chromatography of plasma before its assay is an uncomplicated procedure which allows valid and precise measurement of SM peptide content using either [125I]SM-A or [125I]SM-C.
High doses of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride accelerate onset of CNS oxygen toxicity seizures in unanesthetized rats

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) salts (hydrochloride and sulfate) are commonly used as nasal and paranasal decongestants by scuba divers. Anecdotal reports from the Divers Alert Network suggest that taking PSE prior to diving while breathing pure O₂ increases the risk for CNS oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT), which manifests as seizures. We hypothesized that high doses of PSE reduce the latency time to seizure (LS) in unanesthetized rats breathing 5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) of hyperbaric oxygen. Sixty-three male rats were implanted with radio-transmitters that recorded electroencephalogram activity and body temperature. After ≥7-day recovery, and 2 h before "diving", each rat was administered either saline solution (control) or PSE hydrochloride intragastrically at the following doses (mg PSE/kg): 0, 40, 80, 100, 120, 160, and 320. Rats breathed pure O₂ and were dived to 5ATA until the onset of behavioral seizures coincident with neurological seizures. LS was the time elapsed between reaching 5ATA and exhibiting seizures. We observed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the LS at doses of 100-320 mg/kg, whereas no significant differences in LS from control value were observed at doses ≤80 mg/kg. Our findings showed that high doses of PSE accelerate the onset of CNS-OT seizures in unanesthetized rats breathing 5ATA of poikilocapnic hyperoxia. Extrapolating our findings to humans, we conclude that the recommended daily dose of PSE should not be abused prior to diving with oxygen-enriched gas mixes or pure O₂.
Battese-coelli estimator with endogenous regressors

Abstract We provide a framework for dealing with the endogeneity problem in the Battese-Coelli estimator for productive efficiency measurement.
Antidiuretic hormone concentration in blood perfusing the adenohypophysis.

Der antidiuretische Hormon-(ADH, Vasopressin) Gehalt des die Adenohypophyse durchstromenden Blutes wird fur die Ruhephase mit 6 mU/ml und nach schwerem Blutverlust mit 2 U/ml berechnet. Die bisher allgemein vertretene Auffassung, nach welcher das ADH in einer fur die normale Stimulation der adenohypophysaren Sekretion des ACTH ungenugenden Konzentration vorhanden ist, kann nicht aufrechterhalten bleiben.
Origin of organic matter in the early solar system—VII. The organic polymer in carbonaceous chondrites

Degradation techniques, including pyrolysis, depolymerization, and oxidation, were used to study the insoluble polymer from the Murchison C2 chondrite. Oxidation with Cr2O7(2-) or O2/UV led to the identification of 15 aromatic ring systems. Of 11 aliphatic acids identified, three dicarboxylic acids presumably came from hydroaromatic portions of the polymer, whereas eight monocarboxylic acids probably derive from bridging groups or ring substituents. Depolymerization with CF3COO4 yielded some of the same ring systems, as well as alkanes (C1 through C8) and alkenes (C2 through C8), alkyl (C1 through C5) benzenes and naphthalenes, and methyl- or dimethyl -indene, -indane, -phenol, -pyrrole, and -pyridine. All these compounds were detected below 200 C, and are therefore probably indigenous constituents. The properties of the meteoritic polymer were compared with the properties of a synthetic polymer produced by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. It is suggested that the meteoritic polymer was also produced by surface catalysis.
Preparation of l-homocysteine from l-homocysteine thiolactone

Abstract Opening of the lactone ring of l -homocysteine thiolactone with alkali to yield free homocysteine was investigated. Spectrophotometric studies revealed that ring cleavage was complete when concentrations above 1.5 N alkali were used. However, titration with ninhydrin demonstrated that treatment with less than 5.0 N NaOH resulted in a marked reduction in recovery of free amino nitrogen groups. This indicated the formation of some type of homocysteine complex, perhaps the diketopiperazine. Chromatographic analysis of the different preparations indicated that the best recovery of free homocysteine was obtained when the thiolactone was treated with 5.0 N NaOH for 5 min followed by neutralization with KH 2 PO 4 . Free l -homocysteine prepared by this method must be used immediately or stored under nitrogen since oxidation to homocystine is quite rapid.
Optimal Scheduling of a Finite Capacity Shuttle under Delayed Information

We consider the optimal scheduling of a finite capacity shuttle in a two-node network with imperfect information. When shuttle trips do not depend on the number of passengers carried, we prove optimality and monotonicity of threshold policies. We derive conditions for dispatching that reduce the computational effort required to compute an optimal threshold policy. We prove a counter-example to the optimality of threshold policies for finite horizon problems where trip lengths increase stochastically in the number of passengers carried.
DISENTITLEMENT? THE THREATS FACING OUR PUBLIC HEALTH-CARE PROGRAMS AND A RIGHTS-BASED RESPONSE

In the battle over the future of American health policy, the lines are drawn. On one side are those who seek to turn health care financing and delivery over to private markets that are individualiz...
Adaptive ultrasonic sensor using a fiber ring laser with tandem fiber Bragg gratings

We propose and demonstrate an intensity-demodulated fiber-optic ultrasonic sensor system that can be self-adaptive to large quasi-static background strain perturbations. The sensor system is based on a fiber ring laser (FRL) whose laser cavity includes a pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). Self-adaptive ultrasonic detection is achieved by a tandem design where the two FBGs are engineered to have differential spectral responses to ultrasonic waves and are installed side-by-side at the same location on a structure. As a result, ultrasonic waves lead to relative spectral shifts of the FBGs and modulations to the cold-cavity loss of the FRL. Ultrasonic waves can then be detected directly from the laser intensity variations in response to the cold-cavity loss modulation. The sensor system is insensitive to quasi-static background strains because they lead to identical responses of the tandem FBGs. Based on the principle, a FRL sensor system was demonstrated and tested for adaptive ultrasonic detection when large static strains as well as dynamic sinusoidal vibrations were applied to the sensor.
Fabrication of x-ray phase masks for sub-70-nm imaging

A more robust XPM with improved thermal and radiation stability was designed and fabricated in CNTech. The effectiveness of this design is demonstrated and XPM fabrication processing is optimized to obtain finer control over the processing, low stress membrane and vertical sidewall in the phase-shifter materials. The XPM testing indicates that this XPM design is able to readily generating sub-100 nm feature in large volume under a much larger and more manageable gap between mask and wafer (20 - 30 micrometers ). 70 nm lines were printed with UV 5 under 25 micrometers mask-to- wafer gap. The simplicity of this design and the intrinsic multiple mask reduction ratio instead of 1:1 for conventional X-ray mask provide an easy analytical tool for this community to study lithographic performance in 50-to-70 nm region.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamic morphology of auroras

Simultaneous changes of auroral forms, brightness, and motions over the whole polar region are studied, using IGY all-sky camera records from widely distributed stations in eastern Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the northern United States. It is found that the auroral system centered in the midnight sector in the auroral zone repeatedly undergoes an expansion and subsequent contraction; during the maximum stage of the activity, the whole auroral system extends over a substantial portion of the darkened polar region. Such extensive auroral activity as a whole may be regarded as a single event, and is described in terms of the auroral substorm. The substorm has two characteristic phases, an expansive phase and a recovery phase. Characteristic auroral displays over the entire polar region during the substorm are described in detail. The basic physical processes involved for the auroral substorm are also discussed. Geomagnetic disturbances associated with the auroral substorm are also described in detail in terms of the polar magnetic substorm, and it is shown that both the auroral substorm and the polar magnetic substorm are different aspects of the manifestation of a large-scale plasma motion in the magnetosphere. The distribution of the aurora for different degrees of the geomagnetic activity is also discussed in terms of the auroral belt. It is shown that the center line of the auroral belt moves greatly with respect to its average location (namely the auroral zone), depending on the degree of the magnetic activity.