cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-related synaptic changes in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus of Fischer-344 rats

The central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) is a major processing center for the ascending auditory pathways. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitant amino acids (EAAs) are essential for coding many auditory tasks in the IC. Recently, a number of neurochemical and immunocytochemical studies have suggested an age-related decline in GABAergic inhibition in the ICc, and possibly excitant-amino-acid-mediated excitation as well. The objective of this study was to compare quantitatively changes in the synaptic organization of the ICc among three age groups (3, 19, and 28 months) of Fischer-344 rats. Immunogold electron microscopic methods were used to determine if there were age-related changes in the density, distribution, or morphology of GABA-immunoreactive (+) and GABA-immunonegative (-) synapses in the ICc. The data suggest similar losses of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the ICc. There were significant reductions in the densities of GABA+ and GABA- synaptic terminals (approximately 30% and approximately 24%, respectively) and synapses (approximately 33% and approximately 26%, respectively) in the ICc of 28-month-old rats relative to 3-month-olds. The numeric values, which were adjusted to consider changes in volume of the IC with age, depict similar effects, although the effect magnitude for the adjusted values was reduced by approximately 9%. For both types of synapses, the decreases did not differ significantly from each other. The reductions in synaptic numbers appeared, to be related to a similar numeric decline in dendrites, in particular those with calibers of between 0.5 and 1.5 microm. The number and distribution of synaptic terminals on the remaining dendrites of GABA- neurons appeared not to undergo major age-related changes. GABA+ neurons, on the other hand, may have evolved patterns of synaptic and dendritic change during aging in which the distribution of synaptic terminals shifts to dendrites of larger caliber. In the 19-month group, the synaptic areas were elevated in terminals apposed to dendrites with calibers of 1.5 microm or less. However, this increase in synaptic size did not persist in the aged animals. No neuronal losses were detectable among the three age groups. Thus, the decrease in GABA and EAAs identified in the IC by previous studies may be attributable to synaptic and dendritic declines, rather than cell loss.
Quantification of the 31P metabolite concentration in human skeletal muscle from RARE image intensity.

A method is described for quantifying the cellular phosphorus-31 (31P) concentration in human skeletal muscle based on RARE (rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement) image intensities. The 31P concentrations were calculated using relaxation rates, RF coil spatial characteristics, and RARE signal intensities from foot muscle and an external 31P standard. 31P RARE and 1H T2-weighted images of the foot muscles in 11 normal subjects were acquired at 3.0 T using a double-tuned (31P/1H) birdcage coil. 31P PRESS (point-resolved spectroscopy) spectra were acquired to verify the measurable 31P concentrations in a multiecho acquisition. The mean measured concentration was 26.4 ± 3.1 mM (mean ± SD) from RARE signal intensities averaged over the entire imaged foot anatomy and 27.6 ± 4.1 mM for a 3 × 3 pixel region-of-interest measurement. The 31P RARE image acquisition time was 4 min with a 0.55 cm3 voxel size. These results demonstrate that the 31P concentration can be accurately measured noninvasively in human muscle from RARE images acquired in short scan times with relatively high spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 52:1036–1042, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anthrax Protective Antigen Oligomerization Regulates Toxin Activity

Anthrax toxin (Atx) is a key virulence factor secreted by Bacillus anthracis. This three-protein toxin includes protective antigen (PA) and two enzymatic components, lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), which must assemble into oligomeric complexes to disrupt cell physiology. Atx complexes are endocytosed, where they convert to a transmembrane channel that transports LF and EF into the cytosol. Assembly from monomeric components may occur in two physiological contexts: 1) in the bloodstream and 2) on cell surfaces. We have previously shown that the assembly of toxin complexes on cell surfaces produces a mixture of ring-shaped homooctameric or homoheptameric PA oligomers in a 1:2 ratio, which assemble via dimeric PA intermediates. Here we investigate how Atx complexes assemble in bovine blood. We find that, under these conditions, the predominant toxin complex that assembles is octameric. Incubation in blood causes heptameric LT complexes to lose greater than 90% cytotoxicity, whereas octameric LT complexes retain their activity. To understand the molecular mechanism of the apparent differential loss of toxin activity, we determined the pH-threshold of conversion to the channel state for each oligomeric complex. We find that the octameric toxin has a lower pH-threshold for channel formation than the heptamer. A consequence of this is that heptamers are inactivated by premature conversion to the channel state, whereas the octamers remain in the functional prechannel state. We propose that assembly of two oligomeric Atx complexes may provide a regulation mechanism for anthrax toxin cytotoxicity in both assembly at cell-surfaces and in the bloodstream. The assembly of octameric toxin complexes at the cell surface may alleviate potential assembly bottlenecks incurred by the mechanism of assembly via PA dimers, while in the bloodstream they may serve to maintain cytotoxicity during anthrax pathogenesis.
Vibrations of frame structures according to the Timoshenko theory

Abstract The dynamic analysis of frame structures by means of the general dynamic slope-deflection equations including the effect of rotary inertia and of transverse-shear deformation is presented. A portal frame subjected to free and forced vibrations is used to illustrate the application of the proposed method and to show the rotary inertia and shear effects.
Intraluminal brachytherapy for the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction –- the role of the interventional radiologist

No. 348 A retrospective analysis of 334 cases of hemoptysis treated by bronchial artery embolization A.S. Bhalla, D. Kandasamy, P.T. Veedu, A. Mohan, S. Gamanagatti; Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India Purpose: To analyze the safety, efficacy and outcome of bronchial artery embolization(BAE) in the management of patients with hemoptysis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 334 patients for whom BAE was performed for hemoptysis from January 2007 to July 2013. Study included 255 (76.3%) males and 79 (23.7%) females and age ranged from 5 81yrs (mean 40). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 300-1000μm) was used in all patients and gel foam was used in combination with PVA where there was significant shunting. All relevant arteries were evaluated but only those arteries which showed hypertrophy and significant blush were targeted Results: Mild hemoptysis was seen in 70 patients, moderate in 195 and severe in 69 patients. On imaging right side disease was seen in 101 patients, left side involvement in 59 patients and bilateral involvement in 174 patients. Right upper zone involvement was the most frequent occurrence seen in 229 patients. Post tuberculosis changes were the predominant pathology and it was seen in 248 patients. Among 334 patients (386 procedures) 42 patients underwent the procedure twice and 5 patients underwent thrice. Total of 485 arteries were attempted of which 440 arteries were successfully embolized whereas the rest 42 arteries could not be cannulated because of technical difficulty and 3 arteries went in to spasm. Right intercostobronchial (RICB) was the commonest culprit artery which was present in 157 patients which is followed by common bronchial (97), left bronchial (55), right bronchial (45) and others. We embolized a maximum of 4 arteries in one session. Immediate complications such as dissection and rupture were observed only in 9 sessions (2.3%) in which no intervention was needed. Twenty-five procedures (6.5%) were repeated within 2 months which were due to technical or clinical failure of the procedure. Twenty-seven procedures (7%) were repeated after 2 months which represented clinical recurrence of the disease. Posters and Exhibits ’ JVIR S156 P os te rs an d Ex hi bi ts
Complications of liver transplantation

C OMPLICATIONS are common after liver transplantation. A decade ago, the University of Pittsburgh reported that 87% of patients experienced severe complications] This high rate of complications is not surprising because end-stage liver disease, independent of transplantation, is accompanied by multiple, severe secondary end-organ dysfunction. These include systemic vascular dilatation, hepatorenal and hepatopulmonary syndromes, and encephalopathy. These secondary complications are often the primary reason for liver transplantation, because a functioning liver graft leads to resolution of these multiorgan abnormalities. In this respect, the major "complications" of liver transplantation are, in fact, the resolution of end-organ dysfunction. For this reason, we review the basic physiology of end-stage liver disease and what is known of its resolution after liver transplantation. In addition, complications strictly attributable to the transplant procedure, specifically venovenous bypass complications and hepatic artery thrombosis, also are reviewed.
Construction and analysis of a bacteriophage phi 6 gene 14 nonsense mutant.

Abstract The production of a small low-abundance protein encoded by the large dsRNA genome segment of bacteriophage φ6 in extracts of phage-infectedPseudomonas phaseolicolahas been reported previously. Construction and analysis of a phage containing a nonsense mutation in this gene, designated gene 14, indicates that its product is not essential for growth in the laboratory. However, since early protein synthesis is delayed, burst sizes are reduced, and plaques are smaller than wild type, P14 is needed for optimal phage development.
R&D Policies and Endogenous Growth: A Dynamic General Equilibrium Analysis of the Case for Canada*

This paper utilizes a general equilibrium R&D model of endogenous growth via increasing capital variety to examine the impact of alternative policies on productivity and economic growth. The model is calibrated using data from the Canadian economy. Findings reveal that direct incentives such as subsidies to R&D activities would have the highest productivity impact on the Canadian economy, that an increase in subsidies to the users of R&D capital (output) would have a positive but smaller impact, and trade liberalization would have minimal effects on productivity growth via its impact on international R&D spillovers.
Linear mixed-effects models for weight–length relationships

Abstract Length and weight data are often analyzed in fisheries science to derive a parametric weight–length relationship for estimating biomass and to develop indices of condition for comparing the ‘wellness’ of different populations of fish. However, analysis of such data often ignores the inherent spatial and temporal grouping of the observations, and hence, the data hierarchy. This paper proposes the use of linear mixed-effects models as an effective means of analyzing and comparing weight–length relationships and indices of condition when there are many groups. The use of simple linear regression (where grouping is ignored), ANCOVA (where group effects are incorporated as fixed-effects), and linear mixed-effects models (where group effects are random-effects) are compared using data for Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus). The group means of residuals is proposed as a measure of relative weight or index of population condition. Linear mixed-effects models should be used to analyze grouped data because the variability among groups is ignored in simple linear regression and ANCOVA. Also, it is important that explanatory variables be incorporated in analyses of grouped data because their influence may mask the true differences among groups.
A problem-solving approach to management of instructional systems design

In this article, we present a dynamic systems approach to instructional systems design (ISD). The fourth generation of ISD represents the attempt to establish a system that can adapt to individual learning and performance problems/needs while also being able to continuously update itself. It is learning-theory-neutral and takes into account the expertise of the instructional designer, while presenting the instructional designer an opportunity to utilise different domains of the system to address instructional problems or needs.
Mothers' perceived physical health during early and middle childhood: relations with child developmental delay and behavior problems.

Abstract The self-perceived physical health of mothers raising children with developmental delay (DD; N = 116) or typical development (TD; N = 129) was examined across child ages 3–9 years, revealing three main findings. First, mothers of children with DD experienced poorer self-rated physical health than mothers of children with TD at each age. Latent growth curve analyses indicated that mothers in the DD group experienced poorer health from age 3 but that the two groups showed similar growth across ages 3–9 years. Second, cross-lagged panel analyses supported a child-driven pathway in early childhood (ages 3–5) by which early mother-reported child behavior problems predicted poorer maternal health over time, while the reversed, health-driven path was not supported. Third, this cross-lagged path was significantly stronger in the DD group, indicating that behavior problems more strongly impact mothers’ health when children have developmental delay than when children have typical development. The health disparity between mothers of children with DD vs. TD stabilized by child age 5 and persisted across early and middle childhood. Early interventions ought to focus on mothers’ well-being, both psychological and physical, in addition to child functioning.
An IEEE 1588 time synchronization testbed for assessing power distribution requirements

Wide-area monitoring (WAM) applications for power distribution rely on accurate global time synchronization. Furthermore, there is interest in replacing current time synchronization methods such as Inter Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG), with distributed time synchronization protocols that utilize the data communication lines eliminating the need for dedicated timing signals within the substation. By understanding the factors impacting synchronization performance, the testbed facilitates the characterization of metrics needed to meet industry requirements. The testbed provides an experimental venue to explore IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) technologies and determine how new features and requirements for time synchronization can impact the performance of next-generation power distribution applications. Initial results indicate PTP has the capabilities to support an accurate and scalable time synchronization solution given the components are interoperable.
Elevated CXCL1 expression in gp130-deficient endothelial cells impairs neutrophil migration in mice

Neutrophils emigrate from venules to sites of infection or injury in response to chemotactic gradients. How these gradients form is not well understood. Some IL-6 family cytokines stimulate endothelial cells to express adhesion molecules and chemokines that recruit leukocytes. Receptors for these cytokines share the signaling subunit gp130. We studied knockout mice lacking gp130 in endothelial cells. Unexpectedly, gp130-deficient endothelial cells constitutively expressed more CXCL1 in vivo and in vitro, and even more upon stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α. Mobilization of this increased CXCL1 from intracellular stores to the venular surface triggered β2 integrin-dependent arrest of neutrophils rolling on selectins but impaired intraluminal crawling and transendothelial migration. Superfusing CXCL1 over venules promoted neutrophil migration only after intravenously injecting mAb to CXCL1 to diminish its intravascular function or heparinase to release CXCL1 from endothelial proteoglycans. Remarkably, mice lacking gp130 in endothelial cells had impaired histamine-induced venular permeability, which was restored by injecting anti-P-selectin mAb to prevent neutrophil rolling and arrest. Thus, excessive CXCL1 expression in gp130-deficient endothelial cells augments neutrophil adhesion but hinders migration, most likely by disrupting chemotactic gradients. Our data define a role for endothelial cell gp130 in regulating integrin-dependent adhesion and de-adhesion of neutrophils during inflammation.
Quality Control: a Necessary Good for Improving Service

This article reports the benefits, challenges, and effective methods of assessing the quality of virtual references services at an academic library.
Contact/Impact in Hybrid Parameter Multiple Body Mechanical Systems—Extensions for Higher-Order Continuum Models

In recent work the author presented a systematic formulation of hybrid parameter multiple body mechanical systems (HPMBS) undergoing contact/impact motion. The method rigorously models all motion regimes of hybrid multiple body systems (i.e., free motion, contact/impact motion, and constrained motion), utilizing minimal sets of hybrid differential equations; Lagrange multipliers are not required. The contact/impact regime was modeled via the idea of instantaneously applied nonholonomic constraints. The technique previously presented did not include the possibility of continuum assumptions along the lines of Timoshenko beams, higher order plate theories, or rational theories considering intrinsic spin-inertia. In this technical brief the above-mentioned method is extended to include the higher-order continuum assumptions which eliminates the continuum shortfalls from the previous work. The main contributions of this work include: 1) the previous work is rigorously extended, and 2) the fact that coefficients of restitution are not required for modeling the momentum exchange between motion regimes of HPMBS. The field and boundary equations provide the needed extra equations that are used to supply post-collision pointwise relationships for the generalized velocities and velocity fields.
Intermixing between germanium and silicon thin films in the presence of a fast interstitial diffuser

Abstract The interdiffusion between germanium and silicon is relatively slow. Generally speaking, an annealing temperature of not less than 800°C is needed to cause any significant diffusion in Ge/Si thin film couples in a reasonable time. In this investigation we study the effect of fast interstitial diffusers on the intermixing between germanium and silicon thin films. The samples generally consist of the following structure SiO2/Ni(≈100–340 A)/Ge(≈3000 A)/Si(≈3000 A) Nickel is known to be a fast interstitial diffuser in germanium and silicon. Megaelectronvolt ion backscattering and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the intermixing and the structure of the samples before and after annealing. It was found that germanium and silicon mixed significantly faster at relatively low temperatures in the presence of a fast interstitial diffuser whereas little or no intermixing was observed in diffusion couples without any fast diffuser at temperatures of about 750°C.
Microscopy of the response of rodent dentin to injected fluoride.

Rats were injected subcutaneously with 50 mg/kg body weight of sodium fluoride. The hypermineralized and hypomineralized components of the response in incisor dentin were identified in ground sections using contact microradiography and analyzed microscopically for matrix alterations. In demineralized sections the hypomineralized component stained weakly for acid polysaccharide (alcian blue, Hale's iron method), was less dense (interference microscopy) and more birefringent than normal matrix. The hypermineralized component stained intensely for acid polysaccharide and was less birefringent than normal matrix. In the electron microscope, the inorganic crystals in the hypomineralized component were less numerous and larger than normal, while those of the hypermineralized component were more numerous but of normal diameters. These observations indicate that the hypomineralized component results from an inhibition of polysaccharide-collagen interaction, resulting in a paucity of apatite nucleation sites and a more soluble organic matrix. The hypermineralized component results from an increased period of time for matrix aggregation with the formation of more nucleation sites and therefore more numerous crystals and a less soluble organic matrix. The presence of a hypermineralized component in organic matrix of nearly normal density indicates that mature rodent incisor dentin is less completely mineralized than the bone of mature osteons.
The impact of superpower arms transfers on conflict in the Middle East

I explore the relationship between superpower arms transfers and the Arab‐Israeli rivalry. My empirical analysis suggests that Soviet arms transfers to the Middle East, more than American transfers, have exacerbated interstate rivalry in the region. It also suggests that Soviet arms transfers, again more than American transfers, have encouraged compensatory arming by the other superpower. These conclusions derive from the results of cross‐correlation analysis, Granger‐causality tests, and variance decompositions, and are quite robust. While my findings paint a rather unflattering portrait of the effects of superpower involvement in the region, they do constitute grounds for optimism in light of current developments.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex in the hippocampus of elderly, normal individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract The various ligand binding sites of the N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor complex in the hippocampal formation and parahippocampal gyrus of Alzheimer's disease patients and age-matched normal individuals were examined using quantitative autoradiography. The hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus of the normal elderly brain exhibited virtually identical distributions of l -[ 3 H]glutamate, [ 3 H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-iminemaleate([ 3 H]MK-801), [ 3 H][(±)2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl]propyl-1-phosphonic acid ([ 3 H]CPP) and strychnine-insensitive [ 3 H]glycine binding sites ( r > 0.87) suggesting that binding occurred to different domains of the same receptor macromolecule. The binding of [ 3 H]MK-801 to channel-associated phencyclidine sites appeared to be most severely impaired in Alzheimer's disease, especially at the anterior hippocampal level. When the data were averaged and the means for Alzheimer's disease and control group compared, a 34% decrease ( P 3 H]MK-801 binding was identified in the CA1 stratum pyramidale and a smaller decrease was found in the dentate gyrus molecular layer, parahippocampal gyrus and subiculum. The CA1 region exhibited a similar 35% reduction ( P l -[ 3 H]glutamate binding to N -methyl- d -aspartatesensitive sites. This decrease most probably reflected a decline in receptor density. Binding of [ 3 H]CPP to antagonist-preferring sites and [ 3 H]glycine to glycine modulatory sites did not change significantly. However, a marked intersubject variability in N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor binding was observed in control and Alzheimer's disease groups. This variability was not related to age, sex or post mortem delay. Some Alzheimer's disease patients showed markedly reduced receptor binding levels, while others showed no changes or even increased binding. The loss of N -methyl- d -aspartate-sensitive sites did not correlate with a loss of neurons in the CA1 region ( r = 0.286). Similarly, no correlation between the level of binding to N -methyl- d -aspartate-sensitive sites and the density of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles was found. Intersubject variability in N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor responses in the Alzheimer's disease group may partially explain conflicting reports in the literature on the N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor changes in Alzheimer's disease, and imply that caution should be exercised before making any generalizations about receptor changes in Alzheimer's disease based on mean values only. The analysis of the individual Alzheimer's disease cases may also be valuable in determining the mechanism(s) underlying the disease.
Preconditioned Krylov subspace methods for solving nonsymmetric matrices from CFD applications

Abstract We conduct an experimental study on the behavior of several preconditioned iterative methods to solve nonsymmetric matrices arising from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications. The preconditioned iterative methods consist of Krylov subspace accelerators and a powerful general purpose multilevel block ILU (BILUM) preconditioner. The BILUM preconditioner and an enhanced version of it are slightly modified versions of the originally proposed preconditioners. They will be used in combination with different Krylov subspace methods. We choose to test three popular transpose-free Krylov subspace methods: BiCGSTAB, GMRES and TFQMR. Numerical experiments, using several sets of test matrices arising from various relevant CFD applications, are reported.
Inhibition and recovery of mammalian respiratory ciliary function after formaldehyde exposure

Formaldehyde (HCHO) has been reported to impair mucociliary clearance. The present investigation using rabbit and porcine tracheal explants in vitro examined (1) the impairment of ciliary activity, an essential component of mucociliary clearance; (2) the reversibility of ciliary dysfunction after HCHO exposure; and (3) the mechanism by which ciliary activity is reduced by HCHO. HCHO treatment of rabbit tracheal rings significantly decreased zones of active ciliated epithelium in direct proportion to concentration and exposure duration. There was also a significant concentration-dependent reduction of ciliary beat frequency. Removal of HCHO permitted recovery of zones of ciliary activity to normal beat frequencies; greater inhibitory concentrations of HCHO required greater time for return of function. Treatment of porcine tracheae with increasing concentrations of HCHO for time periods inhibitory to rabbit ciliary activity correspondingly reduced the yield of cilia extractable from treated epithelium. Furthermore, the specific activity of ATPase of extracted ciliary axonemes was diminished with increasing HCHO concentration, indicating loss of function. A recovery period following identical exposures of the porcine tracheae to the lower HCHO concentrations resulted in normal yields of functionally intact ciliary axonemes. Similarly, a recovery period after the highest HCHO concentration produced more functional axonemes than obtained from exposed tracheae without a recovery period, although less than normal yields. Therefore, ciliary dysfunction elicited by a defined range of HCHO concentrations is reversible. The yield and functional integrity of ciliary axonemes from epithelium exposed to HCHO with a recovery period are significantly greater than those without such a recovery period, suggesting an alteration and subsequent repair of epithelial surface components following HCHO exposure.
Regulation of A + U-rich element-directed mRNA turnover involving reversible phosphorylation of AUF1

Proteins binding A + U-rich elements (AREs) contribute to the rapid cytoplasmic turnover of mRNAs containing these sequences. However, this process is a regulated event and may be accelerated or inhibited by myriad signal transduction systems. For example, monocyte adherence at sites of inflammation or tissue injury is associated with inhibition of ARE-directed mRNA decay, which contributes to rapid increases in cytokine and inflammatory mediator production. Here, we show that acute exposure of THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells to the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate mimics several features of monocyte adherence, including rapid induction and stabilization of ARE-containing mRNAs encoding interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Additionally, TPA treatment alters the activity of cytoplasmic complexes that bind AREs, including complexes containing the ARE-specific, mRNA-destabilizing factor, AUF1. Analyses of AUF1 from control and TPA-treated cells indicated that post-translational modifications of the major cytoplasmic isoform, p40AUF1, are altered concomitant with changes in RNA binding activity and stabilization of ARE-containing mRNAs. In particular, p40AUF1 recovered from polysomes was phosphorylated on Ser83 and Ser87 in untreated cells but lost these modifications following TPA treatment. We propose that selected signal transduction pathways may regulate ARE-directed mRNA turnover by reversible phosphorylation of polysome-associated p40AUF1.
Radiotherapy for patients with the human immunodeficiency virus: Are special precautions necessary?†‡

Shortly after the onset of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in the 1980s, reports of radiation-associated toxicity in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS began to appear in the medical literature. Although the majority of reports have focused on AIDS-defining malignancies such as Kaposi sarcoma, greater-than-expected toxicity after a course of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy has also been documented in cancers not generally classified as being related to HIV. With improved antiretroviral therapies, HIV patients are living longer and have the potential to develop a variety of HIV-associated and nonassociated malignancies that require treatment, including radiotherapy. This review reports the published data regarding the interactions of HIV, AIDS, and antiretroviral therapy with radiotherapy and implications for the management of malignancies in patients with HIV.
475 BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINANTS IN CHILDREN OF HYPERTENSIVE PARENTS

Parent(P)-child(C) sharing of explanatory variables for blood pressure(BP) was studied in 161 kindreds(k) randomly recalled in the Princeton School family study, comparing 121 K [345 children, CH] with neither P on hypotensive agents (H-), and 40 K [80 CH] with at least 1 P on hypotensives (H+). The following mean (SE) BP determinants, covariance adjusted for age, race, and sex, differed in CH from H+ and H- K (*p 0.1. Multiple linear regression with P use of hypotensive agents as a class (explanatory) variable revealed different (p<.05) relationships in CH of H+ and H- fathers for CHs' and fathers' HCT, TC, C-HDL, C-LDL, WT, Q, alkaline phosphatase, thyroxine, and creatinine. The relationships between CHs' and mothers' HCT, W, Q, and glucose differed between CH of H+ and H- mothers. CH of H+ P display BP determinants which, in aggregate, may facilitate the ultimate expression of high BP, and reflect familial sharing of high BP. In CH from H+ K potentially predisposed to high BP, control of obesity, a major determinant of BP in CH, might prevent the eventual development of high BP or reduce its severity.
Replication of human chromosomes in human-mouse hybrids: Evidence that the timing of DNA synthesis is determined independently in each human chromosome

The terminal phase of DNA replication was studied by autoradiography in hybrids between human lymphocytes and mouse fibroblasts. The hybrids contained on the average only 11 human chromosomes. It was found that the sequence of terminal DNA replication for the human chromosomes in the hybrids was the same as the sequence of terminal replication for the corresponding chromosomes in the human lymphocytes. Furthermore, it was shown that the maintenance of the normal terminal replication sequence of the human chromosomes in the hybrids was not dependent on the presence of any specific human chromosome. The results suggest that the timing of terminal DNA replication is determined independently in each human chromosome.
“Type III” cells of rat taste buds: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of neuron‐specific enolase, protein gene product 9.5, and serotonin

Taste buds contain a variety of morphological and histochemical types of elongate cells. Serotonin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase (PGP 9.5), and neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) all have been described as being present in the morphologically defined Type III taste cells in rats. In order to determine whether these substances coexist in a single cell, we undertook immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of taste buds in rats. Double-label studies show that PGP 9.5 and NSE always colocalize. In contrast, PGP 9.5 and serotonin seldom colocalize. Further, whereas the serotonin-immunoreactive cells are always slender and elongate, the PGP 9.5/NSE population comprise two morphological types--one slender, the other broader and pyriform. Although gustducin-immunoreactive taste cells appear similar in overall shape to the pyriform PGP 9.5/NSE population, gustducin never colocalizes with PGP 9.5 or NSE. The serotonin-immunoreactive taste cells have an invaginated nucleus, synaptic contacts with nerve fibers, and taper apically to a single, large microvillus. These are all characteristics of Type III taste cells described previously in rabbits (Murray [1973] Ultrastructure of Sensory Organs I. Amsterdam: North Holland. p 1-81). PGP 9.5-immunoreactive taste cells exhibit two morphological varieties. One type is similar to the serotonin-immunoreactive population, containing an invaginated nucleus, synapses with nerve fibers, and a single large microvillus. The other type of PGP 9.5-immunoreactive taste cell has a large round nucleus and the apical end of the cell tapers to a tuft of short microvilli, which are characteristics of Type II taste cells. Thus, in rats, some Type III cells accumulate serotonin but do not express PGP 9.5, whereas others express PGP 9.5 but do not accumulate amines. Similarly, Type II taste cells come in at least two varieties: those immunoreactive for gustducin and those immunoreactive for PGP 9.5.
Heterogeneous modeling of chemical-looping combustion. Part 1: Reactor model

Abstract Heterogeneous modeling is used to investigate the significance of intraparticle diffusion, temperature fluctuations, and dispersion on predicting fixed-bed chemical-looping combustion (CLC) reactors. The model is validated against chemical-looping reduction experiments from the literature that utilize methane as fuel and a Ni-based oxygen carrier. The effect of particle size on CLC reduction reactions is studied by examination of the Weisz–Prater and Mears criteria for internal and external mass transfer limitations. Homogeneous and heterogeneous models are applied for two particle sizes and it is shown that diffusion limitations are significant for the larger particle. Furthermore, non-ideal flow patterns are evaluated, where superior predictions are obtained by considering the effects of dispersion and convection. Radial dispersion in each experiment is analyzed in detail and the predicted temperature fluctuations inside the reactor and particle are presented. Lastly, the heterogeneous model is applied to design a particle that maximizes chemical-looping efficiency, measured as fuel conversion and product selectivity. Enhancements to the overall reaction rate and temperature profile are observed for the optimal particle size as a result of reducing the intraparticle resistance.
Repair of titanium airframe castings by hot isostatic pressing

Abstract Titanium castings were subjected to elevated temperature-pressure-time autoclave cycles in order to repair internal porosity. Metallography confirmed the closing (repair) and metallurgical bonding of former defects.
Prevalence of Physician-Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective: To determine the prevalence of physician-diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a national population-based sample in the United States. Methods: Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were used to estimate the prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed SLE. Adult participants (age ≥ 17; sample n = 20,050) were asked if they had been diagnosed with SLE by a physician. All medications currently being taken by survey participants were recorded. Two definitions were used to classify participants with SLE: self-reported physician diagnosis and self-reported physician diagnosis and a current prescription for antimalarials, corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressive medications. Results: The prevalence of SLE in adults age ≥$ 17 based on self-reported physician diagnosis was 241 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 130-352). The prevalence of SLE in adults age ≥ 17 based on self-reported physician diagnosis and current prescription for an...
Chief Executive Officers, Top Management Teams, and Boards of Directors: Congruent or Countervailing Forces?

Conceptualization and research have addressed the homogeneity heterogeneity of top management teams and, independently, the effectiveness of alternative corporate governance structures. Those studies which do concurrently consider directors and management focus largely on the board’s monitoring of the CEO. The interdependencies which exist among chief executive others, top management teams, and boards of directors necessitate an integrative approach which simultaneously considers these groups of strategic leaders. In this paper, we provide a rationale whereby a firm might elect a CEO or board dominance structure as compared to more balanced governance structures. We suggest that the efficacy of such choices may depend on several attendant conditions including the portfolio exposure and globalization of the firm, its ownership patterns (e.g., five percent owners, institutional investors, positions held by other corporations), and resource dependence and information requirements.
Diffraction effects in single- and two-laser photothermal lens spectroscopy

A simple method for calculating the effects of optical geometry on photothermal lens signals is shown. This method is based on calculating cumulative electric-field phase shifts produced by a series of Gaussian refractive-index perturbations produced by the photothermal effect. Theoretical results are found for both pulsed-laser and continuous Gaussian laser excitation sources and both single- and two-laser apparatuses commonly employed in photothermal lens spectroscopy. The effects of apparatus geometry on the resulting signal are shown. Analytical time-dependent signal results are found for small signals. Analytical pump–probe focus geometry results allow direct optimization for certain conditions. The calculations indicate that the photothermal lens signal is, in general, optimized for near-field detection-plane geometries.
Nuclear proliferation: A selective annotated bibliographic guide

The conclusion of the Cold War's U.S.‐Soviet superpower rivalry may have ended the threat of a global nuclear military confrontation involving these powers. It did not, however, result in the termination of international regional conflicts or of military threats to U.S. national security. The collapse of a world political and strategic system ostensibly polarized between two ideologically contrasting superpowers has resulted in the emergence of numerous threats to regional and global order.
Control design and testing of a novel fuel-cell-powered battery-charging station

This paper presents a novel system design for a fuel-cell-powered battery-charging station. This battery charging station allows multiple batteries to be charged simultaneously. Three baseline static charging algorithms are proposed to coordinate the power distribution among the battery branches. The control strategies include equal rate charging, proportional rate charging and pulse current charging. These charging algorithms are then realized in MATLAB/Simulink, and the current and voltage regulations are implemented using the classical proportional-integral approach. The system simulation is conducted in VTB by embedding Simulink objects and cosimulating with MATLAB. The experimental tests are performed by compiling Simulink codes and downloading onto the dSPACE platform. The simulation and experimental results are also given.
Optimization of Thermocautery in Excisional Dermatologic Surgery

PURPOSE Electrosurgery is routinely used in cutaneous surgery for hemostasis. Thermocautery can be used in patients with implantable cardiac devices. This technique relies on heat without electrical current passing through the patient to produce hemostasis. The temperatures and utility of a commercially available, adjustable thermocautery unit are examined. METHODOLOGY Tip temperature of the commercially available thermocautery unit (Geiger model 150, Geiger Medical Technologies, Council Bluffs, IA, USA) was measured in air and tissue via a type E thermocouple (0.002in. diameter) around the unit’s tip. Time intervals of 20 to 30 seconds were recorded at device settings 1 to 9 in air and 3 to 8 on surgical patients (Institutional Review Board approval obtained). RESULTS In vitro analysis demonstrated predictable temperatures at increasing settings in air: 350 to 9001C. Analysis in vivo during surgery demonstrated similar findings. Tissue contact decreased tip temperature by approximately 50% from in vitro values, and use in a bloody field caused a further decrease in the tip temperature. CONCLUSION The thermocautery unit examined is an effective and safe unit to achieve hemostasis. In addition, the temperature may be adjusted as opposed to hand-held units that operate at in vitro temperatures exceeding 1,4001F. Hemostasis at approximately 100 to 4001C provided optimal hemostasis. Geiger Medical Technologies (Council Bluffs, IA) loaned the thermocautery unit for purposes of this study.
Lossless data embedding--new paradigm in digital watermarking

One common drawback of virtually all current data embedding methods is the fact that the original image is inevitably distorted due to data embedding itself. This distortion typically cannot be removed completely due to quantization, bit-replacement, or truncation at the grayscales 0 and 255. Although the distortion is often quite small and perceptual models are used to minimize its visibility, the distortion may not be acceptable for medical imagery (for legal reasons) or for military images inspected under nonstandard viewing conditions (after enhancement or extreme zoom). In this paper, we introduce a new paradigm for data embedding in images (lossless data embedding) that has the property that the distortion due to embedding can be completely removed from the watermarked image after the embedded data has been extracted. We present lossless embedding methods for the uncompressed formats (BMP, TIFF) and for the JPEG format. We also show how the concept of lossless data embedding can be used as a powerful tool to achieve a variety of nontrivial tasks, including lossless authentication using fragile watermarks, steganalysis of LSB embedding, and distortion-free robust watermarking.
Funeral for the Nouvelle École -iana Generic Names Introduced for Freshwater Mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida)

ABSTRACT. Bourguignat, Locard, Servain, and others of the French Nouvelle Ecole of the late 18th century introduced a number of subgeneric names for the freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionoida) species of western Europe. Based largely upon latinizations of species-group names, most of these generic names end in the characteristic suffix -iana. For the most part, these taxa have not been regarded as valid and, in fact, they have been largely ignored since the early 20th century. However, most of these genus-group level names are available and need to be accounted for as the malacological community moves forward to update the taxonomy of the European fauna. A survey of the relevant primary and secondary literature revealed 131 available -iana generic nomina, only three of which are currently regarded as valid. The type species of each is reported (or designated) herein, and these are used to place the subgenera into the current European system of genera: Unio, Anodonta, Pseudanodonta, Potomida, and Margariti...
Pandemic preparedness strategies for school systems : is closure really the only way?

School closure at the outset of epidemic outbreaks has been recommended as one of the best ways to protect children and prevent amplifying the outbreak by gathering susceptible individuals, with relatively poor hygiene, into close contact, and then sending them back out to mix with society at large. However, school closure is not without its own, potentially critical, impact on the function of society. Outbreak-related workforce depletion is already another major concern of pandemic preparedness planners, and caring for children during the day may drastically contribute to adult absenteeism from work. We present a series of computational models to examine whether alternative in-school strategies could provide some measure of infection control without producing the same societal burden in finding alternative childcare. These investigations lead to the conclusion that some non-closure options may provide the best societal protection, finding an appropriate balance between preventing further infection and compromising general societal function.
Handling incompleteness in reasoning: application to situational analysis and real time reactive systems

There are many situations where a human or machine reasoner must make inferences even when the information available is incomplete. Various approaches have been proposed regarding which inferences should be made under these circumstances. Most of the proposals for extending incomplete theories (closed world assumption, circumscription and default theories) choose a single preferred extension. However in many cases, reasoning about possible and relevant worlds is required. The authors propose a new approach to handling incompleteness called constraint quantification which generalizes both existential and universal quantification. The use of this method to analyze contingencies in situations and the application to reactive systems for real-time reasoning is discussed. >
Vehicle segmentation and tracking from a low-angle off-axis camera

We present a novel method for visually monitoring a highway when the camera is relatively low to the ground and on the side of the road. In such a case, occlusion and the perspective effects due to the heights of the vehicles cannot be ignored. Features are detected and tracked throughout the image sequence, and then grouped together using a multilevel homography, which is an extension of the standard homography to the low-angle situation. We derive a concept called the relative height constraint that makes it possible to estimate the 3D height of feature points on the vehicles from a single camera, a key part of the technique. Experimental results on several different highways demonstrate the system's ability to successfully segment and track vehicles at low angles, even in the presence of severe occlusion and significant perspective changes.
Neonatal bilirubin triage with transcutaneous meters: when is a blood draw necessary?

Objective: To find the optimal transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening level in term neonates that minimizes the discomfort of phlebotomy, while protecting the child from harm and controlling costs. Methods: All available TcB and total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements taken between 27 and 51 hours of life from a cohort of term newborns were analyzed in a retrospective chart review. TcB cutoffs between 6 and 12 mg/dL were evaluated for their negative predictive values (NPVs) for high risk (HR) and for the combination of high-intermediate risk and HR on the Bhutani TSB risk nomogram. Results: One thousand seventy-one full-term newborns were entered into the study. Of 601 newborns with TcB Conclusions: In our center, term infants with a TcB of