cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early sexual maturation, body composition, and obesity in African-American girls.

HIMES, JOHN H., EVA OBARZANEK, TOM BARANOWSKI, DARRELL M. WILSON, JAMES ROCHON, AND BARBARA S. McCLANAHAN. Early sexual maturation, body composition, and obesity in African-American girls. Obes Res. 2004;12:64S–72S. Objective: To describe associations between sexual maturation and body composition in a sample of African-American girls who were participants in phase 1 pilot interventions of the Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies. Research Methods and Procedures: Stature, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Pubic hair and breast development were assessed, and body composition was measured by DXA for 147 African-American girls who were 8 to 10 years of age from three field centers. Participants had BMI 25th percentile for age (one site) or BMI 50th percentile for age. Results: Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies girls had greater BMI, fat mass, and percentage body fat than national norms and relatively earlier initiation of breast development and pubic hair. Increasing stages of breast development, but not stages of pubic hair, were related to increased stature, waist circumference, BMI, lean mass, fat mass, and percentage of body fat. Pubescent girls (breast stage 2) were greater than six times as likely to be classified as at risk of overweight (BMI 85th percentile) and greater than eight times as likely to be classified as overweight (BMI 95th percentile) as prepubescent counterparts. Adjusted odds ratios for advanced breast development [breast stage 2( 8 years) or 3 (9 and 10 years)] were 3.6 for risk of overweight and for overweight compared to girls with average or less than average breast development. Discussion: Sexual maturation is important to consider in understanding the classification of overweight and the development of obesity during adolescence. Breast development and pubic hair development should be considered separately for their associations with growth and body composition.
Observations on the aetiology and natural history of stinging insect sensitivity: application of measurements of venom‐specific IgE

Summary Measurements of serum venom specific IgE were used to gain further insight into the aetiology and natural history of stinging insect allergy. Several aspects were studied. (a) Following sting reactions, sequential sera were examined in the absence of venom immunotherapy. There was a marked individual patient variation in the persistence of venom specific IgE. In nine patients, antibody levels dropped to insignificant levels, suggesting the possibility that sensitivity can be lost spontaneously. (b) Details of four patients with anamnestic IgE antibody responses after sting reactions are presented. These responses occurred even when prior antibody titres were negligible, suggesting that patients mentioned above (No. 1) will require careful monitoring. The anamnestic responses are insect specific. (c) Eighteen patients were studied who had typical insect sting anaphylaxis and subsequent insignificant serum levels of venom specific IgE. One third also had negative direct skin tests with venom. These observations suggest that the possibility for a non-IgE pathogenesis for some insect sting reactions may have to be considered. (d) One patient was identified who became sensitized to non-venom protein in whole body insect extracts as the result of whole body extract therapy.
Diffusion tensor tractography of the arcuate fasciculus in patients with brain tumors: Comparison between deterministic and probabilistic models

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the deterministic and probabilistic tracking methods of diffusion tensor white matter fiber tractography in patients with brain tumors. Materials and Methods: We identified 29 patients with left brain tumors <2 cmfrom the arcuate fasciculus who underwent pre-operative language fMRI and DTI. The arcuate fasciculus was reconstructed using a deterministic Fiber Assignment by Continuous Tracking (FACT) algorithm and a probabilistic method based on an extended Monte Carlo Random Walk algorithm. Tracking was controlled using two ROIs corresponding to Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. Tracts in tumoraffected hemispheres were examined for extension between Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, anterior-posterior length and volume, and compared with the normal contralateral tracts. Results: Probabilistic tracts displayed more complete anterior extension to Broca’s area than did FACT tracts on the tumor-affected and normal sides (p < 0.0001). The median length ratio for tumor: normal sides was greater for probabilistic tracts than FACT tracts (p < 0.0001). The median tract volume ratio for tumor: normal sides was also greater for probabilistic tracts than FACT tracts (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Probabilistic tractography reconstructs the arcuate fasciculus more completely and performs better through areas of tumor and/or edema. The FACT algorithm tends to underestimate the anterior-most fibers of the arcuate fasciculus, which are crossed by primary motor fibers.
Synthesis of (+)-1-epiaustraline

A highly efficient total synthesis of (+)-1-epiaustraline ((+)-1), a tetrahydroxypyrrolizidine alkaloid of the alexine/australine subclass, is described. The key step is a tandem intramolecular [4 ...
Characterization of Mutations in the β Subunit of the Mitochondrial F1-ATPase That Produce Defects in Enzyme Catalysis and Assembly

The ATP2 gene, coding for the beta subunit of the mitochondrial F1-ATPase, was cloned from nine independent isolates of chemically mutagenized yeast. Seven different mutant alleles were identified. In one case the mutation occurs in the mitochondrial targeting sequence (M1I). The remaining six mutations map to the mature part of the beta subunit protein and alter amino acids that are conserved in the bovine heart mitochondrial and Escherichia coli beta subunit proteins. Biochemical analysis of the yeast atp2 mutants identified two different phenotypes. The G133D, P179L, and G227D mutations correlate with an assembly-defective phenotype that is characterized by the accumulation of the F1 alpha and beta subunits in large protein aggregates. Strains harboring the A192V, E222K, or R293K mutations assemble an F1 of normal size that is none-the-less catalytically inactive. The effect of the atp2 mutations was also analyzed in diploids formed by crossing the mutants to wild type yeast. Hybrid enzymes formed with beta subunits containing either the G133D, E222K, or R293K mutations are compromised for steady-state ATPase activity. The display of partial dominance confirms the importance of Gly133 for structural stability and of Glu222 and Arg293 for catalytic cooperativity.
The pH of deliquesced sea‐salt aerosol in polluted marine air

The pH of deliquesced sea-salt aerosol was derived from the Cl phase partitioning measured in marine air, corresponding meteorological conditions, and the thermodynamic properties of HCl. Under moderately polluted conditions at Bermuda during spring 1996, calculated sea-salt aerosol pH ranged from the mid-2s to the mid-3 s. Cl− and NO3−concentrations in the lower half of the sea-salt size distribution were near thermodynamic equilibrium with respect to HClg and HNO3g; shorter aerosol lifetimes and slower reaction kinetics involving larger aerosol sustained moderate phase disequilibria. The active multiphase cycling of HCl buffered sea-salt aerosol pH to approximately the same value across the particle size spectrum.
Commonly cited website quality criteria are not effective at identifying inaccurate online information about breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Consumers increasingly consult the Internet for breast cancer information. Concerned about accuracy, multiple organizations developed quality criteria for online content. However, the effectiveness of these tools is unknown. The authors determined whether existing quality criteria can identify inaccurate breast cancer information online. METHODS The authors identified 343 unique webpages by using 15 breast cancer-related queries on 5 popular web search-engines. Each page was assessed for 15 quality criteria and 3 website characteristics, link type (sponsored or not), search engine used to find the page, and domain extension. Two clinician-reviewers independently assessed accuracy and topics covered. The authors then determined whether quality criteria, website characteristics, and topics were associated with the presence of inaccurate statements. RESULTS The authors found 41 inaccurate statements on 18 webpages (5.2%). No quality criteria or website characteristic, singly or in combination, reliably identified inaccurate information. The total number of quality criteria met by a website accounted for a small fraction of the variability in the presence of inaccuracies (point biserial r = −0.128; df = 341; P = .018; r2 = 0.016). However, webpages containing information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were significantly more likely to contain inaccuracies compared with pages without CAM information (odds ratio [OR], 15.6; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Most breast cancer information that consumers are likely to encounter online is accurate. However, commonly cited quality criteria do not identify inaccurate information. Webpages that contain information about CAM are relatively likely to contain inaccurate statements. Consumers searching for health information online should still consult a clinician before taking action. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Preparation and properties of the iron-protoporphyrin chelating enzyme.

Abstract Further studies are reported on the iron-protoporphyrin chelating enzyme. The enzyme was prepared in soluble form from rat-liver mitochondria and was assayed spectrophotometrically. These procedures and numerous properties of IPCE are described. The enzyme is quite stabe, has maximum activity at pH 8.2 and the only established cofactor requirement is a reducing agent such as glutathione. It exhibits numerous properties of an enzyme requiring a sulfhydryl group for activity.
Recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 pseudotypes: comparing safety, specificity, and transduction efficiency in the primate striatum: Laboratory investigation

Object Although several clinical trials utilizing the adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 2 serotype 2 (2/2) are now underway, it is unclear whether this particular serotype offers any advantage over others in terms of safety or efficiency when delivered directly to the CNS. Methods Recombinant AAV2–green fluorescent protein (GFP) serotypes 2/1, 2/2, 2/5, and 2/8 were generated following standard triple transfection protocols (final yield 5.4 × 1012 particles/ml). A total of 180 μl of each solution was stereotactically infused, covering the entire rostrocaudal extent of the caudoputamen in 4 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) (3.0 ± 0.5 kg). After 6 weeks' survival, the brain was formalin fixed, cut at 40 μm, and stained with standard immunohistochemistry for anti-GFP, anticaspase-2, and cell-specific markers (anti–microtubule-associated protein-2 for neurons and anti–glial fibrillary acidic protein for glia). Unbiased stereological counting methods were used to determine cell number and striatal volume. Resul...
Formation of homogeneous carbohydrate-lectin cross-linked precipitates from mixtures of D-galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectins and multiantennary galactosyl carbohydrates.

Quantitative precipitation studies have shown that the Man/Glc-specific lectin concanavalin A (ConA) forms homogeneous (homopolymeric) cross-linked precipitates with individual asparagine-linked oligomannose and bisected hybrid-type glycopeptides in the presence of binary mixtures of the carbohydrates [Bhattacharyya, L., Khan, M. I. & Brewer, C. F. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 8762–8767]. The results indicate that the ConA-glycopeptide precipitates are highly organized cross-linked lattices that are unique for each carbohydrate. Using similar techniques, the present study shows that the Gal-specific lectins from Erythrina indica and Ricinus communis (agglutinin I) form homogeneous cross-linked complexes with individual carbohydrates in binary mixtures of triantennary and tetraantennary complex-type oligosaccharides with terminal Gal residues. Conversely, binary mixtures of Gal/GalNAc-specific lectins from E. indica, Erythrina cristagalli, Erythrina flabelliformis, R. communis, soybean (Glycine max), and Wistaria floribunda (tetramer) in the presence of a naturally occurring or synthetic branched-chain oligosaccharide with terminal GalNAc or Gal residues provide evidence for the formation of separate cross-linked lattices between each lectin and the carbohydrate. The present results therefore demonstrate the formation of homogeneous lectin–carbohydrate cross-linked lattices in (a) a mixture of branched-chain complex-type oligosaccharides in the presence of a specific Gal/GalNAc-binding lectin, and (b) a mixture of lectins with similar physicochemical and carbohydrate binding properties in the presence of an oligosaccharide. These findings show that lectin–carbohydrate cross-linking interactions provide a high degree of specificity which may be relevant to their biological functions as receptors.
Atomic resolution observations of solute atom segregation to stacking faults in a Co-0.96 at .% Nb alloy

The authors present the results of an atom-probe field-ion microscope (FIM) study of niobium segregation to stacking faults in a Co-0.96 at % Nb alloy. Their atom-probe FIM allows them to determine the chemical identity of individual atoms with a mass (m) resolution of (..delta..m/m about1/200 (6-9). In addition, the atom-probe FIM has a lateral atomic resolution, for composition, of a few angstroms and therefore it is an ideal tool for studying solute segregation to stacking faults.
Effect of Corneal Drying on Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose To determine the effect of corneal drying on the outcome of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design Cohort study. Participants Seventeen normal participants (mean age, 39±12 years). Methods Subjects underwent a series of peripapillary circular StratusOCT scans (version 3.0; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA) in a randomly selected eye. Baseline scan sets were acquired, and thereafter, blinking was prevented by taping the eyelid. Eyelid taping was immediately followed by 6 to 8 serial scan sets, each separated by 20 seconds. After removing the eyelid tape, 3 additional scans were acquired at 1, 2, and 4 minutes of blinking freely. Main Outcome Measures The analyzed outcome measures were scan quality as defined by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal strength (SS) provided by the built-in OCT software and mean nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness. Results Significant reductions in SNR, SS, and NFL were noted at each scanning point in the drying phase (for each, P t test) except for NFL thickness measurements acquired at 140 and 160 seconds. The reduction in NFL thickness exceeded the 95% confidence limit of the reported reproducibility error of StratusOCT after 15 seconds of corneal drying. After 1 and 2 minutes of blinking freely, there was still a significant reduction in NFL thickness compared with the baseline value, which was no longer evident at the 4-minute scan. Conclusions Corneal dryness affects OCT scan quality and measured NFL thickness after a short exposure time. It is recommended to instruct those who are scanned to blink frequently or to instill artificial tears.
Superconductivity in Pb-PbTe thin film structures

Abstract The critical temperatures of thin superconducting films of Pb in intimate contact with PbTe have been measured resistively. The films were formed by sequential deposition and by co-evaporation of Pb and PbTe. The results show a depression of the critical temperature.
An Angiocardiographic Method for Directly Determining Left Ventricular Stroke Volume in Man

A method has been described for directly determining left ventricular stroke volume in man through the use of biplane angiocardiography. Left ventricular stroke volume determined by this method has been compared with stroke volumes determined by the Fick and/or indicator-dilution methods in 14 subjects without arrhythmias or clinical evidence of valvular insufficiency. Stroke volumes determined by these various methods showed close agreement.
Efficient Scheduling of Part-Time Employees

Abstract A staff scheduling model and heuristic procedure is proposed to aid in developing schedules for part-time employees. The model and heuristic method explicitly incorporates employee time preferences (i.e. times at which the employees are available to work) as well as employee wages in developing a weekly work schedule. Data collected from a local restaurant and a computer lab is used to validate and illustrate the model. The results show that the use of the model considerably simplifies the task of the restaurant/lab manager in developing weekly work schedules. Further, this application also demonstrates the trade offs between the “benefits” of maximizing employee satisfaction versus minimizing the costs of employee wages.
High density lipoprotein in patients with liver failure; relation to sepsis, adrenal function and outcome of illness.

Background and Aims High density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in the transport of cholesterol to the adrenal gland for steroidogenesis and may have actions that modulate response to infection and critical illness. The clinical relevance of HDL level in patients with liver failure remains poorly characterised. Methods In 164 critically-ill patients with acute (ALF) and acute on chronic liver failure (AOCLF) we evaluated the relationship between HDL levels measured on admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and survival, predisposition to sepsis and adrenocortical function assessed through the cortisol response to short synacthen testing (SST). Results In acute liver failure and acute on chronic liver failure, high density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in non-survivors (P < 0.01). Levels correlated closely with biochemical markers of liver function and the duration of liver failure. However, predictive accuracy was not superior to conventional markers and on multi-variate analysis did not show independent association with survival. Low HDL concentration was not associated with an increased incidence of sepsis either precipitating or complicating ICU admission. Evidence of adrenocortical insufficiency was present in more than half of patients undergoing SST and HDL level but not other lipid parameters correlated closely with cortisol increment after SST (r = 0.364, P < 0.0001). Conclusions High density lipoprotein levels are low in patients with liver failure and reflect its severity. Levels are lower in non-survivors but do not offer an advantage as early indicators of prognosis over conventional markers. No evidence of a major predisposing role for infection was found, but findings suggest a close link to adrenal function.
Efficacy of a bovine Staphylococcus aureus vaccine using interleukin-2 as an adjuvant.

Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a vaccination protocol using recombinant bovine interleukin-2 (rBoIL-2) as an adjuvant with a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine. Holstein dairy cows were immunized with a S. aureus vaccine in conjunction with either saline solution (n = 3), Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA; n = 3) or rBoIL-2 (n = 3). Whey and serum were analysed for antibody titer to specific S. aureus antigens. Isolated blood mononuclear cells (BMC) were examined for their ability to proliferate and to produce interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN) after either mitogenic or antigenic stimulation in vitro. Efficacy of the vaccination protocols was assessed by challenging experimental animals intramammarily with 100 colony forming units of S. aureus. Regardless of treatment, all cows exhibited similar serum antibody titers to S. aureus pseudocapsule. Cows treated with saline exhibited a significant increase in serum α-toxin antibody titer when compared to levels observed in FIA and rBoIL-2-treated cows. However, cows receiving rBoIL-2 treatment exhibited significantly higher lacteal pseudocapsule antibody titer compared to the other adjuvant groups. Administration of rBoIL-2 did not enhance BMC proliferative responses to the mitogens concanavalin A (ConA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) or interleukin-2 (IL-2) when compared to FIA or saline treated cows. Although cows receiving rBoIL-2 treatment exhibited enhanced cytokine production upon antigenic stimulation, efficacy of the vaccination protocol was inferior compared to the protection offered by saline treatment.
Genetic variation and divergence of the sibling pair of cyprinid fishes, Notropis cornutus and N. chrysocephalus

Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis was used to estimate the amount of genetic divergence between Notropis cornutus and N. chrysocephalus. Measures of genetic identity (1) and distance (D) were 0.881 and 0.127 ± 0.055 (s.e.), respectively. These estimates correspond more closely to the sibling species status of these taxa than other previously reported estimates. Notropis cornutus was found to be significantly more variable than N. chrysocephalus electrophoretically and morphologically. Assuming the existence of an electrophoretic clock, the time of divergence was calculated to be roughly 1.9–2.5 million years. This estimate corresponds very closely to a previously hypothesized late Pliocene divergence.
Enteral tube feeding

Tube feeding is an integral part of medical therapies, and can be easily managed also in the outpatient setting. Tube feeding by the stomach or small intestine with nasogastral or nasojejunal tubes is common in clinical practice. Long-term nutrition is usually provided through a permanent tube, i. e. a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Modern portable nutrition pumps are used to cover the patient's nutritional needs. Enteral nutrition is always indicated if patients can not or should not eat or if nutritional requirements cannot be covered within 3 days after an intervention, e. g. after abdominal surgery. Industrially produced tube feedings with defined substrate concentrations are being used; different compositions of nutrients, such as glutamine fish oil etc., are used dependent on the the condition of the patient. Enteral nutrition may be associated with complications of the tube, e. g. dislocation, malposition or obstruction, as well as the feeding itself, e. g.hyperglycaemia, electrolyte disturbances, refeeding syndrome diarrhea or aspiration). However, the benefit of tube feeding usually exceeds the potential harm substantially.
Rapid measurements of elastic modulus and density in polypropylene sheet during aging

New methods for rapidly obtaining elastic modulus and density measurements during isothermal polymer aging are given. The elastic measurements are performed using a Rockwell hardness tester. In this case, the elastic recovery is measured. Rapid density measurements are performed using a “double drop” density gradient columan method. Here, a fully aged and a freshly quenched specimen are dropped simultaneously into the column. Simultaneous column height differences directly measure the density difference of the two specimens. The results of these two experiments extend previously reported aging measurements to relatively low times of aging. A log (time) law for both properties is found to the smallest times measured.
SocialNetSense: Supporting sensemaking of social and structural features in networks with interactive visualization

Increasingly, social network datasets contain social attribute information about actors and their relationship. Analyzing such network with social attributes requires making sense of not only its structural features, but also the relationship between social features in attributes and network structures. Existing social network analysis tools are usually weak in supporting complex analytical tasks involving both structural and social features, and often overlook users' needs for sensemaking tools that help to gather, synthesize, and organize information of these features. To address these challenges, we propose a sensemaking framework of social-network visual analytics in this paper. This framework considers both bottom-up processes, which are about constructing new understandings based on collected information, and top-down processes, which concern using prior knowledge to guide information collection, in analyzing social networks from both social and structural perspectives. The framework also emphasizes the externalization of sensemaking processes through interactive visualization. Guided by the framework, we develop a system, SocialNetSense, to support the sensemaking in visual analytics of social networks with social attributes. The example of using our system to analyze a scholar collaboration network shows that our approach can help users gain insight into social networks both structurally and socially, and enhance their process awareness in visual analytics.
Long-term outcome of accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multilumen balloon applicator in a patient with existing breast implants

Abstract Purpose Accelerated partial breast irradiation is now an accepted component of breast-conserving therapy. However, data regarding long-term outcomes of patients treated with multilumen catheter systems who have existing breast implants are limited. Methods and Materials We report the treatment and outcome of our patient who had existing bilateral silicone subpectoral implants at the time of presentation. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the right breast showed infiltrating mucinous carcinoma. Right breast lumpectomy revealed an 8 mm area of infiltrating ductal carcinoma with mucinous features and nuclear grade 1. A 4–5 cm Contura (Bard Biopsy Systems, Tempe, AZ) device was placed, and she was treated over the course of 5 days twice daily to a dose of 34 Gy using a high-dose-rate iridium-192 source. Results The planning target volume for evaluation was 73.9 cc. The percentage of the planning target volume for evaluation receiving 90%, 95%, and 100% of the prescribed dose was 99.9%, 99.3%, and 97.8%, respectively. The total implant volume was 234.5 cc and received a mean dose of 15.4 Gy and a maximum dose of 72.8 Gy. The percentage of implant volume receiving 50%, 75%, 100%, and 200% of the prescribed dose was 31.1%, 16.5%, 8.6%, 2.0%, and 0%, respectively. Maximum skin dose was 97% of the prescribed dose. With a followup of nearly 5 years, she continues to be cancer free with minimal late toxicities and good to excellent cosmetic outcome. Conclusions Accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multilumen balloon applicator in patients with existing breast implants can safely be performed with excellent long-term cosmetic outcome. Further studies are needed to establish the absolute dosimetric tolerance of breast implants.
On approaches to the functional restoration of salivary glands damaged by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, with a review of related aspects of salivary gland morphology and development

Radiation therapy for cancer of the head and neck can devastate the salivary glands and partially devitalize the mandible and maxilla. As a result, saliva production is drastically reduced and its quality adversely altered. Without diligent home and professional care, the teeth are subject to rapid destruction by caries, necessitating extractions with attendant high risk of necrosis of the supporting bone. Innovative techniques in delivery of radiation therapy and administration of drugs that selectively protect normal tissues can reduce significantly the radiation effects on salivary glands. Nonetheless, many patients still suffer severe oral dryness. I review here the functional morphology and development of salivary glands as these relate to approaches to preventing and restoring radiation-induced loss of salivary function. The acinar cells are responsible for most of the fluid and organic material in saliva, while the larger ducts influence the inorganic content. A central theme of this review is the extent to which the several types of epithelial cells in salivary glands may be pluripotential and the circumstances that may influence their ability to replace cells that have been lost or functionally inactivated due to the effects of radiation. The evidence suggests that the highly differentiated cells of the acini and large ducts of mature glands can replace themselves except when the respective pools of available cells are greatly diminished via apoptosis or necrosis owing to severely stressful events. Under the latter circumstances, relatively undifferentiated cells in the intercalated ducts proliferate and redifferentiate as may be required to replenish the depleted pools. It is likely that some, if not many, acinar cells may de-differentiate into intercalated duct-like cells and thus add to the pool of progenitor cells in such situations. If the stress is heavy doses of radiation, however, the result is not only the death of acinar cells, but also a marked decline in functional differentiation and proliferative capacity of all of the surviving cells, including those with progenitor capability. Restoration of gland function, therefore, seems to require increasing the secretory capacity of the surviving cells, or replacing the acinar cells and their progenitors either in the existing gland remnants or with artificial glands.
Effects of Shoot Environment on Apparent Root Resistance to Water Flow in Whole Soybean and Cotton Plants

The response of leaf water potential to change in transpiration rate was examined in young soybean and cotton plants. Leaf water potential measured 1 h after transpiration became constant following a change in humidity and was constant over a wide range of transpiration rates in both species. However, leaf water potential was not in equilibrium with flow until 3 h after transpiration became constant. At equilibrium an increase in transpiration always resulted in a decrease in leaf water potential. It was also found that different responses of equilibrium leaf water potential to transpiration rate occurred depending on whether transpiration was altered by changing humidity, light intensity, or leaf area. Low light and decreased leaf area caused lower leaf water potentials for a given transpiration rate. These increases in root resistance correlated with lower rates of root elongation. The data indicate that shoot-root interactions are occurring which affect apparent root resistance to water flow, and complicate interpretation of whole plant data on leaf water potential and transpiration in terms of the flow dependence of root hydraulic characteristics.
Reply to comments of Jon Olson and Richard Schultz

.Thisistruebutonlyatthe level ofa factorof ﬁveor so(e.g. Pecketal.,1985), notthe factorof 500 seen in their data.I then went on to point out several errors in data handling orinterpretation thatled tothe datagiving theillusion of beingbetterﬁt by a square root line. The ﬁrst was mixing data for singlesegmentveinswithmultiplesegmentveins.Thesetwoarenotself-similar and should not be scaled together. The second set of prob-lems hastodowith interpretingmultiplesegment fractures.If theyare an echelon set they are likely to be the result of mixed modeIII þ I fracture. In that case the length of the segments are notcausally related to the opening of the master crack and so the twoshould not be related (as is the case for the Shiprock dikes). In themoregeneral case, segments of multiple segmented cracks have, asa result of their stress interactions, scaling of the form d
Depth-to-magnetic source analysis of the Arctic Ocean region

Abstract Approximately 400,000 line kilometers of high quality, low level Arctic aeromagnetic data collected by the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Oceanographic Office and the Naval Ocean Reseach and Development Activity from 1972 through 1978 have been analyzed for depth to magnetic source. This data set covers much of the Canada Basin, the Alpha Ridge, the central part of the Makarov Basin, the Lincoln Sea, the Eurasia Basin west and south of the 55°E meridian and the Norwegian-Greenland Sea north of the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone. The analysis uses the autocorrelation algorithm developed by Phillips (1975, 1978) and based on the maximum entropy method of Burg (1967, 1968, 1975). The method is outlined, examples of various error analysis techniques shown and final results presented. Where possible, magnetic source depth estimates are compared with basement depths derived from seismic and bathymetric data. All major known bathymetric features, including Vesteris Bank and the Greenland, Molloy and Spitsbergen fracture zones, as well as the Mohns, Knipovich and Nansen spreading ridges and the Alpha Cordillera appear as regional highs in the calculated magnetic basement topography. Shallow basement was also found under the northeastern Yermak Plateau, the Morris Jesup Rise and under the southern (Greenland-Ellesmere Island) end of the Lomonsosov Ridge. Regional magnetic source deeps are associated with such bathymetric depressions as the Canada, Makarov, Amundsen, Nansen, Greenland and Lofoten basins; more localized magnetic basement deeps are found over the Molloy F.Z. deep and over the Mohns, Knipovich and Nansen rift valleys. A linear magnetic basement deep follows the extension of Nares Strait through the Lincoln Sea toward the Morris Jesup Rise, suggesting the continuation of the Nares Strait or Wegener F.Z. into the Lincoln Sea. A sharp drop in the regional magnetic source depths to the southeast of the Alpha Ridge suggests the Alpha Ridge is not connected to structures in northwest Ellesmere Island as previously postulated from high altitude aeromagnetic collected by Canadian workers. A regional deep under the east Greenland shelf west of the Greenland Escarpment suggests the presence of 5–10 km of post-Paleozoic sediments.
Maturation-Dependent Response of the Immature Brain to Experimental Subdural Hematoma

In children less than 2 years of age, the radiographic finding of a subdural hematoma (SDH) in the absence of trauma is highly suggestive of inflicted head injury. Little is understood about the un...
Malnutrition as Assessed by Nutritional Risk Index is Associated with Worse Outcome in Patients Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: An ACAP-HF Data Analysis:

Malnutrition is common at hospital admission and tends to worsen during hospitalization. This controlled population study aimed to determine if serum albumin or moderate and severe nutritional depletion by Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) at hospital admission are associated with increased length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Serum albumin levels and lymphocyte counts were retrospectively determined at hospital admission in 1740 consecutive patients admitted with primary and secondary diagnosis of ADHF. The Nutrition Risk Score (NRI) developed originally in AIDS and cancer populations was derived from the serum albumin concentration and the ratio of actual to usual weight, as follows: NRI = (1.519 × serum albumin, g/dL) + {41.7 × present weight (kg)/ideal body weight(kg)}. Patients were classified into four groups as no, mild, moderate or severe risk by NRI. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine the association between nutritional risk category and LOS.Three hundred and eighty-one patients (34%) were at moderate or severe nutritional risk by NRI score. This cohort had lower BMI (24 ± 5.6 kg/m(2)), albumin (2.8±0.5 g/dL), mean NRI (73.5±9) and lower eGFR (50±33 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)). NRI for this cohort, adjusted for age, was associated with LOS of 10.1 days. Using the Multiple Logistic regression module, NRI was the strongest predictor for LOS (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.58-1.9; P=0.005), followed by TIMI Risk Score [TRS] (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.71; P=0.02) and the presence of coronary artery disease (OR 2.29, 95%CI: 1.03-5.1; P=0.04). Moderate and severe NRI score was associated with higher readmission and death rates as compared to the other two groups.Nutritional depletion as assessed by Nutritional Risk Index is associated with worse outcome in patients admitted with ADHF. Therefore; we recommend adding NRI to further risk stratify these patients.
METHANE DIMERIZATION VIA MICROWAVE PLASMAS

Methane can be converted to ethane and ethylene in a microwave plasma reactor at pressures from 10 to 100 mm Hg. The total methane conversion has a linear correlation with power • (45 + pressure)/flow and can be as high as 90%. The conversion of methane to ethylene varies from 0 to 11%. It reaches a maximum at a value of Power • (45 + Pressure)/Flow of 2200 W•mm Hg•s/mL. The energy efficiency of driving this thermodynamically unfavourable reaction is 2%.
Subaperture stitching performance estimation

Subaperture stitching extends measurements such as interferometry by combining several overlapping measurements into a single, high-accuracy estimate of the overall image. In designing a subaperture measurement regimen, there are several tradeoffs related to size, quantity and locations of subapertures within the full aperture of the test optic. Understanding how individual subaperture measurement noise couples through these parameters into errors in the final stitched map is important for estimating overall system performance. In this work, we explore parametric rules for estimating the accuracy of stitched results based on subaperture geometry parameters and noise characteristics for a self-calibrating system where both a test optic and reference optic are simultaneously determined. From these rules, we examine types of errors introduced by stitching which enables confidence estimates for the final stitched map surface quality.
Localization of the tight ADP‐binding site on the membrane‐bound chloroplast coupling factor one

The photoaffinity analog 2-azido-ADP (2-azidoadenosine 5′-diphosphate) was used as a probe of the spinach chloroplast ATP synthase. The analog acted as a substrate for photophosphorylation. Several observations suggested that 2-azido-ADP and ADP bound to the same class of tight nucleotide binding sites: (a) 2-azido-ADP competitively inhibited ADP tight binding (Ki= 1.4 μM); (b) the concentration giving 50% maximum binding, K0.5 for analog tight binding (1 μM) was similar to that observed for ADP (2 μM); (c) nucleotide tight binding required prior membrane energization and was completely reversed by re-energization; (d) the tight binding of 2-azido-[β-32P]ADP was completely prevented by ADP; (e) the analog inhibited the light-triggered ATPase activity at micromolar concentrations. Ultraviolet irradiation of washed thylakoid membranes containing tightly bound 2-azido-[β-32P]ADP resulted in the covalent incorporation of the label into the membranes. Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the labeled membranes demonstrated that the β subunit of the coupling factor one complex was the only polypeptide in the thylakoid membranes which was labeled. These results identify the β subunit of the coupling factor as the location of the tightly bound ADP on the thylakoid membranes.
The unique distribution of ornithine aminotransferase in rat liver mitochondria

Abstract Mitochondria were isolated from normal rat and mouse liver and kidney, hepatocytes, ascites tumor cells, and livers of rats treated in various ways known to affect the size of liver mitochondria. These mitochondria were then distributed by particle size through a linear sucrose-density gradient in a zonal centrifuge, and the distribution of ornithine aminotransferase activity was compared to that of malate dehydrogenase activity. While the activities of these enzymes are congruent in mitochondria prepared from several tissues other than liver, the midpoints of their distributions are consistently different in mitochondria prepared from whole liver and from hepatocytes. The changes in the separation of midpoints in animals treated in various ways (subtotal hepatectomy, corticosteroid administration, and diet modification) are consistent with the histologic effects of these treatments on liver mitochondria, and suggest that ornithine aminotransferase activity may prove a useful marker for a unique population of mitochondria perhaps localized in cells near the central vein.
Toward a Common Framework for Statistical Analysis and Development

We develop a general ontology of statistical methods and use it to propose a common framework for statistical analysis and software development built on and within the R language, including R's numerous existing packages. This framework offers a simple unified structure and syntax that can encompass a large fraction of existing statistical procedures. We conjecture that it can be used to encompass and present simply a vast majority of existing statistical methods, without requiring changes in existing approaches, and regardless of the theory of inference on which they are based, notation with which they were developed, and programming syntax with which they have been implemented. This development enabled us, and should enable others, to design statistical software with a single, simple, and unified user interface that helps overcome the conflicting notation, syntax, jargon, and statistical methods existing across the methods subfields of numerous academic disciplines. The approach also enables one to buil...
Fimbria–fornix transection and excitotoxicity produce similar neurodegeneration in the septum

Abstract Fimbria–fornix transection produces neuronal injury in the septum. This cellular pathology is characterized by somatodendritic vacuolar abnormalities in neurons. Because these cellular changes are reminiscent of some of the morphological abnormalities seen with glutamate receptor-mediated excitoxicity, we tested whether excitotoxic injury to the septal complex of adult rats mimics the degeneration observed within the dorsolateral septal nucleus and medial septal nucleus following fimbria–fornix transection. The septal complex was evaluated at various time-points (6 h to 14 days) by light and electron microscopy following unilateral injection of the N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor agonist quinolinate or the non- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor agonist kainate, and the morphological changes observed were compared to those abnormalities in the medial septal nucleus and dorsolateral septal nucleus at three to 14 days after fimbria–fornix transection. The patterns of cytoplasmic abnormalities and vacuolar injury were morphologically similar in the somatodendritic compartment of neurons following excitotoxicity and axotomy paradigms. These similarities were most evident when comparing the persistently injured neurons in the penumbral regions of the excitotoxic lesions at one to 14 days recovery to neurons in the medial septal nucleus and dorsolateral septal nucleus at seven and 14 days after fimbria–fornix transection. Pretreatment with the N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate prior to unilateral fimbria–fornix transection attenuated the somatodentritic vacuolar damage found within the ipsilateral dorsolateral and medial septal nuclei at 14 days recovery. Because glutamate is the principal transmitter of hippocampal efferents within the fimbria–fornix, we conclude that postsynaptic glutamate receptor activation participates in the evolution of septal neuron injury following fimbria–fornix transection. Thus, excitotoxicity is a possible mechanism for transneuronal degeneration following central nervous system axotomy.
The Effect of Residual Endotoxin Contamination on the Neuroinflammatory Response to Sterilized Intracortical Microelectrodes.

A major limitation to the use of microelectrode technologies in both research and clinical applications is our inability to consistently record high quality neural signals. There is increasing evidence that recording instability is linked, in part, to neuroinflammation. A number of factors, including extravasated blood products and macrophage released soluble factors, are believed to mediate neuroinflammation and the resulting recording instability. However, the roles of other inflammatory stimuli, such as residual endotoxin contamination, are poorly understood. Therefore, to determine the effect of endotoxin contamination we examined the brain tissue response of C57/BL6 mice to non-functional microelectrodes with a range of endotoxin levels. Endotoxin contamination on the sterilized microelectrodes was measured using a limulus amebocyte lysate test following FDA guidelines. Microelectrodes sterilized by autoclave, dry heat, or ethylene oxide gas, resulted in variable levels of residual endotoxins of 0.55 EU per mL, 0.22 EU per mL, and 0.11 EU per mL, respectively. Histological evaluation at 2 weeks showed a direct correlation between microglia/macrophage activation and endotoxin levels. Interestingly, astrogliosis, neuronal loss, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction demonstrated a threshold-dependent response to bacterial endotoxins. However, at 16 weeks, no histological differences were detected, regardless of initial endotoxin levels. Therefore, our results demonstrate that endotoxin contamination, within the range examined, contributes to initial but not chronic microelectrode-associated neuroinflammation. Our results suggest that minimizing residual endotoxins may impact early recording quality. To this end, endotoxins should be considered as a potent stimulant to the neuroinflammatory response to implanted intracortical microelectrodes.
Intramolecular Oxidative Coupling of the Bis Enolate Derived from Dimethyl β,β-Dimethylglutarate: A Facile Stereoselective Route to a Versatile Synthon for Preparation of Insecticidal Pyrethroids

Abstract Treatment of the bis enolate derived from dimethyl β,β-dimethylglutarate with silver chloride afforded dimethyl cis-3,3-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopropanedicarboxylate, a versatile synthon for the preparation of the acid component of cis-pyrethroids. A similar experiment utilizing iodine as the oxidant led to the isolation of the corresponding trans diester with good stereo-selectivity.
Gate delay modeling with multiple input switching for static (statistical) timing analysis

With increase in operating frequency of modern VLSI designs and increase in process variations relative to the nominal process parameters, the chances of multiple input switching have increased. The traditional method of static timing analysis assuming single input switching is no longer adequate enough to capture gate level delays. We propose a new method of systematically modeling gate delays using the high dimensional model representation (HDMR) model. The proposed method models gate delays with respect to the relative signal arrival times (RSAT) of its inputs. The resulting gate delay models can be used for gate-level static timing analysis. The systematic nature of the proposed algorithm allows gate delay characterization with multiple input switching of up to 5 inputs to be reported for the first time. The proposed model is extended to allow the input signal slope and process variations to be taken into account for statistical static timing analysis. Our results show that the proposed HDMR model gives an error between 2.2% to 9.3% compared to SPICE results depending on the number of inputs involved in switching.
Atrioventricular Block in Accidental Hypothermia— A Case Report:

The finding of second-degree and high-grade atrioventricular block in a patient with severe accidental hypothermia is described. Additional findings included atrial fibrillation, severe sinus bradycardia, and prominent J (Osborn) waves. This case represents, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of advanced spontaneous AV block not induced by atrial pacing in severe accidental hypothermia. Reversal of the block, and other characteristic changes, suggest a relationship to low temperature.