cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of liquid metal surface wave damping in the presence of magnetic fields and electrical currents

Abstract Experiments and predictions of surface wave damping in liquid metal due to a surface aligned magnetic field and externally regulated j × B force are presented. Fast-flowing, liquid-metal plasma facing components (LM-PFCs) are a proposed alternative to solid PFCs that are unable to handle the high heat flux, thermal stresses, and radiation damage in a tokamak. The significant technical challenges associated with LM-PFCs compared to solid PFCs are justified by greater heat flux management, self-healing properties, and reduced particle recycling. However, undesirable engineering challenges such as evaporation and splashing of the liquid metal introduce excessive impurities into the plasma and degrade plasma performance. Evaporation may be avoided through high-speed flow that limits temperature rise of the liquid metal by reducing heat flux exposure time, but as flow speed increases the surface may become more turbulent and prone to splashing and uneven surfaces. Wave damping is one mechanism that reduces surface disturbance and thus the chances of liquid metal impurity introduction into the plasma. Experiments on the Liquid Metal eXperiment Upgrade (LMX-U) examined damping under the influence of transverse magnetic fields and vertically directed Lorentz force.
How do we choose the appropriate animal model for antiseizure therapy development

Introduction: Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide, and despite the numerous therapies that are currently available for the symptomatic management of chronic seizures, a substantial proportion of the population has not achieved adequate seizure control. Developing more effective and better-tolerated therapies will benefit patients worldwide. Areas covered: This article will discuss the relevant preclinical models that have been instrumental to the development of over 20 antiseizure drugs (ASDs) currently on the market today. While there have been meaningful therapies already developed over the last several decades, this article will highlight remaining areas of unmet medical need. Innovative models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy may advance therapies for patients who currently do not attain sufficient seizure control in the absence of adverse effects. There also remains a need to identify improved therapies for special patient populations, including the very young and old. Expert opinion: ASD development will still find utility in the established models that have been instrumental to the identification of impactful therapies. However, there should now be greater emphasis to implement those models in young and aged rodents to advance novel therapies for patients who are still in need of better tolerated or more effective therapies, such as pediatric and elderly patients.
On-chip Analog Computing with Dielectric Metasurface

Compact and low-loss on-chip metasurface and metasystem are experimentally demonstrated on a standard SOI substrate. We demonstrated on-chip focusing and spatial differentiation with single layer metalens and three-layer metasystem.
Chasing the Unicorn

As our marketing efforts accelerated, our main focus was the next Optical Fiber Conference, OFC2000 to be held in Baltimore in early March (just a few months after funding Cronos). Brian was determined to make Cronos the star of the show and was investing unimaginably large amounts to do so. Just the booth for the show, a 100-square-foot structure, cost $75,000! We were also spending enormous sums with Brodeur as we meticulously prepared every detail. We needed slide shows and presentation decks, press releases, product documentation, industry backgrounders, company backgrounders, and executive backgrounders. We lined up interviews with reporters and analysts and new customers. Everything revolved around our new positioning as an internet backbone company, a photonics components leader. The preparation alone was exhausting.
Comparative study on vibration characteristics of aircraft wings using finite element method

Abstract In recent times, there has been significant research in the area of vibration in aircraft wings. Vibration can cause some serious failure in the structure. The increase in research in vibration has led to taking design considerations in the wings. This paper specifically focuses on the vibration in wings. Modal analysis of wing with the rectangular cross section is done with the use of Finite Element Analysis. Three different materials (Aluminum, Carbon Fiber and E-glass Fiber) have been incorporated which describe the effect of free vibration. The results show that Aluminum 2024 is best suited for the design of aircraft wings compared to other two materials.
Prospective Study Examining the Effects of Extreme Drinking on Brain Structure in Emerging Adults.

Background Emerging adulthood is a critical neurodevelopment period in which extreme drinking has a potentially pronounced neurotoxic effect. Therefore, extreme drinking, even a single episode, could be particularly harmful to the developing brain's structure. Relatedly, heavy alcohol use in emerging adults has been associated with structural brain damage, especially in the corpus callosum. However, it is unclear whether and how much a single extreme drinking episode would affect brain morphometry. Methods For the first time in the literature, the current study prospectively examined the impact of an extreme drinking episode (i.e., twenty-first birthday celebration) on the brain morphometry of emerging adults immediately following their birthday celebration (n = 50) and approximately 5 weeks post-birthday celebration (n = 29). Results We found evidence that a single extreme drinking episode was associated with structural changes immediately post-birthday celebration. Specifically, higher twenty-first birthday estimated blood-alcohol concentration was associated with decreased volume of the posterior and central corpus callosum immediately post-birthday celebration. This extreme drinking episode was not associated with further structural changes, or recovery, 5 weeks post-twenty-first birthday celebration. Conclusions Overall, results suggest that a single episode of heavy drinking in emerging adulthood may be associated with immediate structural changes of the corpus callosum. Thus, emerging adulthood, which is characterized by high rates of extreme drinking, could be a critical period for targeted prevention and intervention.
Omission of Surgical Axillary Lymph Node Staging in Patients with Tubular Breast Cancer

With more effective screening and treatment strategies, there is debate over whether surgical axillary staging should be deescalated for patients with small favorable breast cancers, such as tubular carcinoma (TC). We identified patients with TC [defined as > 90% tubular tubules (angulated, not multilayered)] and known surgical axillary staging from our institutional database (2000–2018). Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) (2004–2015), we identified patients with TC, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and pT1 estrogen receptor (ER)-positive invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We determined the rates of lymph node (LN) metastases, and the 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) for patients with LN-negative versus LN-positive disease using the Kaplan–Meier method and propensity match analysis. In our institutional cohort, we identified 112 patients with T1 TC; only one (0.9%) patient had nodal involvement. In the NCDB cohort, we identified 6938 patients with T1 TC; 323 (4.7%) patients had axillary LN disease. The rate of axillary LN involvement for TC was comparable to that identified for patients with DCIS (4.2%), and much lower than that found for patients with grade I–III, T1, ER-positive IDC (20.5%), and patients with grade I, T1, ER-positive IDC (14.4%). There was no difference in 5-year (94.6% versus 95.4%, p = 0.67) and 10-year (83.9% versus 85.2%, p = 0.98) OS between TC patients with or without LN involvement. Kaplan–Meier survival curves even after propensity score matching suggest that tubular histology is independently associated with improved survival. T1 TC is an excellent starting point for deescalation of surgical axillary staging.
Object shape affects hand grip function for heavy objects in younger and older adults.

Hand-grip function while lifting objects is essential for performing everyday tasks. The Box and Block Test (BBT) has been used to assess hand-grip function and dexterity, but only light objects ha...
A Chandra Search for X-Ray Jets in z ≈ 6 Quasars

We have searched for X-ray jets in the recent Chandra observations of three Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasars at redshift z ≈ 6. All three quasars were detected in X-rays in these relatively short observations. SDSS 1030+0524 is not consistent with a point source and may be a gravitationally lensed system. We find a possible jetlike feature 23'' from the quasar SDSS 1306+0356. We can explain the emission by inverse Compton scattering off the cosmic microwave background, assuming that the intrinsic properties of the system are similar to X-ray jets at z < 1. Deeper observations to investigate the jet interpretation will be practical.
Attitudinal Acceptance of Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Outcomes for Female Survivors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

While current literature evidences a strong association between gender-based violence exposure and adverse mental health outcomes, few studies have explored how attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence (IPV) might impact this relationship. This analysis employed data from 13–24-year-old females as part of the Violence Against Children Surveys in Nigeria, Uganda, and Malawi. Mental health status, defined by the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress, and suicide ideation served as outcome measures. Predictors of interest included lifetime experiences of IPV and attitudinal acceptance of IPV. Country-stratified logistic and ordinary least squares regressions were used to predict outcomes and included interactions between violence exposure and attitudinal acceptance of IPV. Violence exposure was associated with increased symptoms of mental distress and increased suicide ideation in all countries. Among those who experienced IPV, exhibiting attitudinal acceptance of IPV was associated with improved mental health in Nigeria and Malawi. IPV tolerance conferred lower odds of suicide ideation following IPV exposure in Nigeria. The findings suggest that programs aiming to reduce attitudinal acceptance of IPV must consider how these changes may interact with women’s exposure to IPV.
Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II

There is a great deal known about the in vitro properties of CaM kinase II, both in terms of its substrate specificity and its regulation by calmodulin and autophosphorylation. Much of this characterization is based on experiments performed with the rat brain isozyme of CaM kinase II, although in the aspects examined to date isozymes of the kinase from other tissues appear to behave in a broadly similar manner in vitro. However, relatively little is known about the functions of the kinase in vivo. The proteins phosphorylated by the kinase (with the probable exception of synapsin I and tyrosine hydroxylase) and the role of kinase autophosphorylation in vivo remain largely unknown. Investigation of the physiological role of the kinase in brain and other tissues will be a particularly exciting area for future work. The current knowledge of the in vitro properties and the availability of cDNA clones will hopefully expedite this research.
Centering Climate Disaster: A Labor Immigration Driving Force

Labor migration is predominately studied through anthropocentric modes of analysis. This review essay explores, demonstrates, and argues that the environment and climate disaster can be driving forces of labor migration. While the scholarship explored as part of this essay, including text, a documentary, and photographs, demonstrate how non-human assemblages, climate and the environment, impact labor and subsequently the family unit and migration, they also call attention to the Anthropocene, the current moment that we occupy as humans as the dominant influence on climate and the environment. Given the impact of climate disaster on labor migration, it is important to decenter past anthropocentric modes of analysis focused on socioeconomic disparities.
A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Various Rod Configurations Following Anterior Column Realignment and Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy.

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical differences of different rod configurations following anterior column realignment (ACR) and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for an optimal correction technique and rod configuration that would minimize the risk of rod failure. Methods A validated spinopelvic (L1-pelvis) finite element model was used to simulate ACR at the L3-4 level. The ACR procedure was followed by dual-rod fixation, and for 4-rod constructs, either medial/lateral accessory rods (connected to primary rods) or satellite rods (directly connected to ACR level screws). The range of motion (ROM), maximum von Mises stress on the rods, and factor of safety (FOS) were calculated for the ACR models and compared to the existing literature of different PSO rod configurations. Results All of the 4-rod ACR constructs showed a reduction in ROM and maximum von Mises stress compared to the dual-rod ACR construct. Additionally, all of the 4-rod ACR constructs showed greater percentage reduction in ROM and maximum von Mises stress compared to the PSO 4-rod configurations. The ACR satellite rod construct had the maximum stress reduction i.e., 47.3% compared to dual-rod construct and showed the highest FOS (4.76). These findings are consistent with existing literature that supports the use of satellite rods to reduce the occurrence of rod fracture. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the ACR satellite rod construct may be the most beneficial in reducing the risk of rod failure compared to all other PSO and ACR constructs.
G9a: An Emerging Epigenetic Target for Melanoma Therapy

Epigenetic regulation is a crucial component of DNA maintenance and cellular identity. As our understanding of the vast array of proteins that contribute to chromatin accessibility has advanced, the role of epigenetic remodelers in disease has become more apparent. G9a is a histone methyltransferase that contributes to immune cell differentiation and function, neuronal development, and has been implicated in diseases, including cancer. In melanoma, recurrent mutations and amplifications of G9a have led to its identification as a therapeutic target. The pathways that are regulated by G9a provide an insight into relevant biomarkers for patient stratification. Future work is aided by the breadth of literature on G9a function during normal differentiation and development, along with similarities to EZH2, another histone methyltransferase that forms a synthetic lethal relationship with members of the SWI/SNF complex in certain cancers. Here, we review the literature on G9a, its role in melanoma, and lessons from EZH2 inhibitor studies.
Chapter 2 Molecular markers of thyroid nodules

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of molecular markers of thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are extremely common in the general population with prevalence rates approaching 50–60% of adults under the age of 60 years. Although most nodules are benign, approximately 5% are malignant; thus, accurate preoperative characterization of thyroid nodules is critical for the best management of patients. Since its initial description, fine needle aspiration (FNA) has become the diagnostic procedure of choice in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. For small, solid nodules, FNA can accurately characterize the majority of benign nodules and papillary cancers. With the advent of molecular diagnostics, in which small amounts of clinical samples can be analyzed by molecular analysis, the possibility of improving FNA-based characterization of thyroid nodules is possible. This chapter reviews the most promising molecular markers for thyroid FNA.
A scalar function formulation for optical flow

In this work, we present results from a new formulation for determining image velocities from a time-sequence of X-ray projection images of flowing fluid. Starting with the conservation of mass principle, and physics of X-ray projection, we derive a motion constraint equation for projection imaging, a practical special case of which is shown to be the Horn and Schunck's optical flow constraint. We are interested in the study of non-rigid motion of blood which is an incompressible fluid, and as such have developed a formulation for optical flow which is applicable to such media. The formulation is particularly efficient, as the flow field is obtained from a 90 degrees rotation applied to the gradient of a scalar function. It is shown that if specific criteria are met, in addition to normal flow which is commonly recoverable, the tangential component of the flow field is also recoverable, bypassing the aperture problem. An algorithm is presented to illustrate this. Preliminary results from the optical flow formulation applied to synthetic images, as well as contrast-injected X-ray images of flowing fluid, in a cylindrical fluid phantom are presented.
Stressful Life Events

Sociologists study the effect stress has on well-being. They examine the aspects of the social environment and life circumstances that can be detrimental to the health of individuals. Collectively, these aspects of one's life are called stressors. There are several different types of stressors: life events, chronic strains, daily hassles, traumas, and non-events, which each effect mental and physical health to different degrees and in varying ways. Sociologists often use the stress process model, a theoretical framework, for analyzing the social origins of health. The contribution of contemporary and future research on stressors and health will document and analyze stressful events that occur across the life course. Keywords: health; medical sociology; mental health; sociology; stress
ARIES: Arizona infrared imager and echelle spectrograph

ARIES, a new 1-5 micrometers camera/spectrograph, is designed to capitalize on the exceptionally low thermal background and high optical throughput offered by the f/15 adaptive secondary system being built for the upgraded 6.5m MMT. With two state-of-the-art IR arrays, ARIES will provide diffraction-limited imaging in the JHKLM atmospheric windows and also echelle, long-slit spectroscopy at resolutions of 2,000 and 30,000. ARIES will also supply global wavefront tip/tilt information to the adaptive system using cryogenic pick-off mirrors to access field stars over a 50 arcsec diameter field at wavelengths from 1-2 micrometers .
Seizures, Syncope, or Breath-Holding Presenting to the Pediatric Neurologist—When Is the Etiology a Life-Threatening Arrhythmia?

Using case reports from their own experience and in the literature the authors illustrate the difficulty in distinguishing non-life threatening causes, including epilepsy, from a serious cardiac arrythmia when evaluating children with paroxysmal events. Focusing on long QT syndrome, they suggest an approach for the pediatric neurologist that utilizes the electrocardiogram recorded during the electroencephalogram—direct measurement of the corrected QT interval. This approach requires knowledge of the distribution of the corrected QT interval in long QT syndrome.
Multiscale dendritic needle network model of alloy solidification

Abstract We present a novel dendritic needle network (DNN) model for simulating quantitatively the solidification of dendritic alloys. This approach is intended to reliably bridge the gap between phase-field simulations on the scale of dendrite tip radius ρ and cellular-automaton simulations on the several orders of magnitude larger scale of an entire dendritic grain. In the DNN model, the dendritic network of primary, secondary and higher other branches is represented by a network of sharp needles that interact through the solutal diffusion field. The tip velocity V of each needle is determined by combining a standard solvability condition that fixes the product ρ2V and an additional solutal flux balance condition that fixes the product ρ V 2 ∼ F 2 , where F measures the intensity of the solutal flux in the dendrite tip region. This solutal flux intensity factor F can be accurately computed by contour integral methods commonly used to compute stress intensity factors in fracture mechanics. This formulation provides an asymptotically exact description of the dendritic network dynamics in the limit of small Peclet number ρV/D ≪ 1, where D is the solute diffusivity. The DNN model is developed and implemented for both isothermal and directional solidification in two dimensions and is validated by comparison with analytical solutions for both early-stage and steady-state equiaxed growth as well as phase-field simulations. The latter comparison shows that DNN simulations are roughly four orders of magnitude faster than phase-field simulations while remaining reasonably accurate. DNN simulations of directional solidification demonstrate that the approach can be used to efficiently investigate the stability and dynamics of spatially extended dendritic arrays. This is illustrated for an Al–7 wt.% Si alloy by computing the stable range of primary array spacing and the history-dependent dynamic selection of this spacing following an abrupt change of solidification rate or of sample cross-section. We also compare DNN model predictions to microgravity experiments for the same alloy.
Lessons from computer simulations of Ras proteins in solution and in membrane.

Background A great deal has been learned over the last several decades about the function of Ras proteins in solution and membrane environments. While much of this knowledge has been derived from a plethora of experimental techniques, computer simulations have also played a substantial role.
Nuclear financial risk economy-wide costs of reactor accidents

Abstract This study examines the economy-wide financial risks associated with reactor accidents as a result of various regulatory response options that might be imposed after a serious accident, including partial or complete nuclear moratoria. The authors find that such risks may be two to three times greater than the plant-specific financial risk estimates that have previously been calculated by others (ie 500 million (1985) dollars per reactor year versus 5 to 50 million dollars).
Cholinergic systems influence local cerebral glucose use in specific anatomical areas: diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate versus soman.

Abstract The organophosphates, diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate and soman have a common mechanism of action (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase), but result in very different behavioral responses in the rat. Soman rapidly produced persistent tonic convulsions whereas diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate only infrequently produced transient convulsive-like activity. Soman increased local cerebral glucose use in most of the cortex, striato-pallido-nigral pathway, limbic system and in specific thalamic nuclei whereas diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate increased glucose use in a limited fashion, primarily in the dorsal striato-pallido-nigral pathway. When diazepam blocked soman-induced convulsions, the pattern of glucose use was strikingly similar to that caused by diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. Soman or diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate depressed local cerebral glucose use in rats pretreated with the antidotal mixture of trimedoxime, atropine and benactyzine (muscarinic antagonists). Also, this antidotal mixture blocked the increased glucose use in the dorsal striato-pallido-nigral system produced by either acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, indicating that muscarinic receptors mediate the excitation of this pathway. Both diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate and soman activate the striato-pallido-nigral pathway but soman also causes spread of activity producing overt motor convulsions. Possible explanations for this difference in response to the organophosphates are differential responses in cholinergic actions within specific brain regions or some non-cholinergic action of soman
Rho and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways mediate LPA-stimulated hepatic myofibroblast migration

Although hepatic myofibroblast migration plays a key role in the liver's injury response, the signal transduction pathways mediating the migration of this cell type are uncertain. Recently, we reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates the migration of hepatic myofibroblasts. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that rho and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways mediate LPA-stimulated hepatic myofibroblast migration. We measured migration, myosin regulatory light chain and p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation, and contractile force generation by human hepatic myofibroblasts. LPA stimulated migration in a dose-dependent and saturable manner that was partially blocked by Y-27632, a rho-associated kinase inhibitor, as well as by SB-202190, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor. LPA also induced myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation and contractile force generation in a Y-27632 dependent, and SB-202190 independent fashion. Moreover, LPA stimulated a dose-dependent and saturable phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, which was not altered by Y-27632 or C3 transferase, a rho inactivator. These novel results suggest that LPA stimulates hepatic myofibroblast migration via distinct pathways that signal through rho and p38 MAP kinase.
Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in two children with different immune responses.

ABSTRACT A diffuse, infiltrating abdominal mass accompanied with fever and anemia in a child raises the possibility of a benign or malignant tumor, pseudotumor, or infection. Herein, we describe a 9-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy with multiple large abdominal masses, fever, weight loss, and anemia. During the evaluation of the children, the girl was found to be immunocompetent, while the boy was found to be immunocompromised. Computerized tomography of the abdomen in both cases demonstrated multiple large intra-abdominal masses. Tumors in the girl were composed of wide-spread necrotizing granulomas and necrosis with dystrophic calcifications. In the boy, non-necrotic, homogenous histiocytic infiltrates with rare multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes were observed histologically. Review of histologic sections identified gram-positive, nonbranching acid-fast bacillary organisms in both cases. Diagnoses of Mycobacterium fortuitum (MF) and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) were confir...
Isolation of mutants of the cyanobacterium,Anabaena variabilis, impaired in photoautotrophy

Mutants ofAnabaena variabilis Kutz. that have a decreased ability to grow photoautotrophically have been isolated by a modification of the techniques used to isolate auxotrophic mutants of that filamentous cyanobacterium, and have been stably propagated. Three mutants have a reduced content of phycocyanin and, as determined by in situ assays of partial reaction sequences of photosynthesis, an impairment in photosystem II. Three other strains, all of which appear to have a normal complement of carotenoids when grown heterotrophically, are sensitive to light.
Autophagy Modulation in Disease Therapy: Where Do We Stand?

Since it was first described more than 50 years ago, autophagy has been examined in many contexts, from cell survival to pathogen sequestration and removal. In more recent years, our understanding of autophagy has developed sufficiently to allow effective targeted therapeutics to be developed against various diseases. The field of autophagy research is expanding rapidly, demonstrated by increases in both numbers of investigators in the field and the breadth of topics being addressed. Some diseases, such as the many types of cancer, have come to the fore in autophagy therapeutics research as a better understanding of their underlying mechanisms has surfaced. Numerous treatments are being developed and explored, from creative applications of the classic autophagy modulators chloroquine and rapamycin, to repurposing drugs approved for other treatments, such as astemizole, which is currently in use as an antimalarial and chronic rhinitis treatment. The landscape of autophagy modulation in disease therapy is rapidly changing and this review hopes to provide a cross section of the current state of the field.
Optical Tweezing Red-Shifted From Resonance

We study the enhancement of optical forces associated with optical trapping red-shifted from resonance absorption. Particles with tunable resonances are manipulated using a single-focus optical trap with tunable wavelength, and studied using back- focal-plane interferometry.
Toki-Shakuyaku-San intervenes in apoptosis induced by lowering of potassium chloride concentrations in cultured cerebellar granule cells

Cerebellar granular cells harvested from 8-day-old rats were cultured in a basic medium of Eagle's salt (BME) containing 10% serum and 25 mM KCl. At 7 days in vitro (DIV), the culture medium was switched to serum-free BME containing 5 mM KCI. Fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining was used to examine the neuronal survival. Phase-contrast microscopy and DNA fragmentation with agarose gel were used for examination of apoptosis. A progressive neuronal death with nuclear condensation, extensive damage of the neuritis network, and DNA fragmentation were observed following a switch to 5 mM KCI BME. The neuronal survival was 64%, 48% and 30% at 24, 48 and 72 h following a switch to 5 mM KCI BME respectively. An application of 0.05 mg/mL of Toki-Shakuyaku-San (TJ-23, a recipe of Japanese traditional medicine: Kampo medicine) to 5 mM KCI BME at 7 DIV intervened in neuronal death. The neuronal survival was 74% at 24 (p < 0.05), 72% at 48 h (p< 0.001) and 67% at 72 h (p< 0.001) following a switch to 5 mM KCI BME. An application of TJ-23 also intervened in nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and damage of the neuritis network caused by a switch to 5 mM KCI BME. This study provides information that switching to 5 mM KCI BME from 25 mM KCI BME at 7 DIV causes apoptosis in the cultured cerebellar granule cells. Moreover, TJ-23 intervenes in apoptosis induced by a switch to 5 mM KCI BME in cultured cerebellar granule cells.
The effect of renal impairment on growth in the rat: relationship to malnutrition and serum somatomedin levels.

The food intake, growth rate, and serum GH, somatomedin (SM), and SM carrier protein levels in young, partially nephrectomized rats with renal failure (RF) were compared with those of their nutritionally matched (NM) and ad libitum (AL) fed sham-operated controls over a period of 8 weeks to study the effects of renal impairment on growth and the growth-promoting system and to determine what contribution, if any, may be due to malnutrition. During the 8 weeks of study, the RF and NM animals consumed 19% less food than the AL controls, and their mean growth rates, measured as gain in body weight, were 57% and 25% less, respectively. While consuming the same amount of food, the growth retardation of RF rats was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that of NM controls. A significant negative correlation coefficient (r = -0.845; P < 0.001) was found at the end of 4 weeks between body weight and the degree of renal impairment, expressed as elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), in RF rats. Although serum GH level...
Poor Black Children Who are Successful Readers: An Investigation

Like other successful readers, poor black children who are successful in reading began early and enjoy reading. Other factors contributing to success are harder to determine.
Some Temporal and Spatial Aspects of Interurban Industrial Differentiation

This article examines the differences between industrial employment profiles among a set of 65 urban communities in the East North Central region. A review of literature on between-community differentiation led to the following hypotheses: (1) over time there is increasing differentiation between communities; and (2) proximity promotes increasing differentiation between communities. Findings suggest rejection of the hypotheses. Communities tended to become more alike over time, and those closer together tended to be more alike than communities farther apart. These results lead to a discussion of convergence. It is urged that functional convergence be included as a dimension in the conceptualization of systems of cities.
Mediastinitis in heart transplantation

Abstract Between March 1985 and December 1991, mediastinitis developed in 12 of 420 cardiac transplantation patients (2.8%). The mortality rate in this group of patients was 8.3% ( 1 / 12 ). Actuarial survival (1 year, 75%; and 5 years, 65%) was not significantly different from that of the group without mediastinitis (1 year, 88%; and 5 years, 75%). A higher percentage of the patients in the group with mediastinitis were listed as UNOS status 1 (50% versus 35%) and had a history of previous stemotomies (58% versus 44%). The presentation of mediastinitis was typical. Computed tomographic scanning with or without aspiration was a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of mediastinitis. Induction immunotherapy with minimal steroids in the perioperative period was used in all patients. This may contribute to the patients' ability to mount an appropriate and effective response to infection, permitting earlier diagnosis. The debridement irrigation technique used in 8 of 12 patients had a low success rate of 33%, whereas the debridement muscle flap technique used in 4 of 12 was 100% successful in eliminating infection.
Psychometric properties of the Patient Activation Measure among individuals presenting for elective lumbar spine surgery

An individual’s propensity to engage in adaptive health and rehabilitation behaviors may account for variation in postsurgical outcome. To determine the psychometric properties and construct validity of the recently developed Patient Activation Measure (PAM) (previously unused in spine research) in persons undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery. We prospectively used the PAM to assess activation in 283 patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery. Reliability statistics were computed using repeated assessment (baseline and 1-week follow-up) before surgery. Additional psychological attributes were assessed at baseline and correlated with patient activation. Factor analysis was used to confirm the theoretical structure of patient activation. Repeat PAM administrations had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85. The PAM showed positive correlation with optimism (r = 0.75), hope (r = 0.73), self-efficacy (r = 0.65), and internal locus of control (r = 0.65) but no correlation with comorbidity (r = 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis of the PAM items indicated reasonable fit between observed data and a three-factor patient activation model. The PAM is a reliable, valid measure of patient activation for individuals undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery and may have clinical utility in identifying those at risk for poor engagement in postsurgical rehabilitation.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of potent and selective amidino bicyclic factor Xa inhibitors.

Thrombotic diseases are a major cause of death and morbidity. Factor Xa (fXa) plays a vital role in the regulation of normal homeostasis and abnormal intravascular thrombus development in the blood...
Toxicity of cadmium chloride in vitro: Indices of cytotoxicity with the pulmonary alveolar macrophage

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages were isolated from adult, male New Zealand white rabbits by bronchial lavage and exposed to cadmium chloride in vitro. The observed cell sensitivity to this metal was highly dependent upon the incubation conditions used as well as the cytotoxic index selected. An LC50 value, as measured by dye exclusion (erythrosin B), was determined to be 390 microM when these cells were exposed to cadmium in Ham's F12 culture medium for 8 hr at 35 degrees C. The presence of fetal calf serum in the medium (10%; v/v) enhanced this toxicity slightly, LC50 = 235 microM, as did raising the incubation temperature to 37 degrees C, LC50 = 201 microM. No effect on cadmium toxicity was observed when the culture medium was made deficient in Cu, Zn, and Fe, nor was there any effect observed when Hepes buffer was substituted for the bicarbonate/carbon dioxide buffering system. Measurements of cadmium-109 uptake by pulmonary alveolar macrophages were consistent with and could explain, at least in part, the above observations of cytotoxicity. In the standard culture system (an 8-hr exposure period at 35 degrees C in Ham's F12 culture medium plus serum), the appearance in the culture medium of two lysosomal enzyme activities, acid phosphatase and cathepsin D, paralleled cell death. In addition, an EC50 value of 102 microM was found for cadmium when cell respiration (O2 uptake) was measured; an EC50 value of 31 microM was found for cadmium when cell function (engulfment of killed yeast particles) was followed; and scanning electron microscopic studies showed cell membrane changes (loss of fine structure and blebbing) at cadmium concentrations as low as 30 microM. These findings suggest that loss of cell function and/or changes in cell morphology are more sensitive measurements of macrophage exposure to cadmium than is either cell death, lysosomal enzyme release, or cell respiration.
Antigenicity of the tetracyclines

Abstract Specific antisera to oxytetracycline were produced in rabbits. The antibody was shown to be in the globulin fraction by DEAE-Sephadex separation. Its activity was demonstrated by tanned-cell hemagglutination, hemagglutination-inhibition, and the Schultz-Dale smooth muscle contraction phenomenon. Weakly reactive antibodies of broad specificity were produced to tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and demethylchlortetracycline. By tanned-cell hemagglutination these latter antisera of low titer were found to cross-react with all four tetracyclines.
Potential criteria for cohort selection in chemoprevention trials of uterine adenocarcinoma

Women at risk of uterine cancer include those with one or more of the following characteristics: obesity, nulliparity, late menopause, diabetes mellitus, prolonged unopposed estrogen use, and tamoxifen therapy. Risk is additionally increased by the presence of endometrial hyperplasia. The incorporation of biomarkers into the selection criteria of cohort groups at risk for developing endometrial cancer offers an innovative approach to the clinical design of chemoprevention trials of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Biomarkers that may be useful in cohort selection include nuclear morphometry, specific genetic abnormalities, and markers of proliferation and differentiation.
Formation of stacking faults in ZnS thin films epitaxially grown on GaAs(001)

Abstract The microstructure of single-crystal ZnS thin films epitaxially grown on GaAs(100) has been investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The dominant defect structures are {111} stacking faults and interface mismatch dislocations. The distribution of stacking faults is limited to the first 70 nm thickness range of the grown film, and almost no defects are observed in the thickness range beyond 100 nm. This could have important consequences in optoelectronic applications. The stacking faults of {111} layers are generated at the substrate-film interface in the following two ways. Firstly a small interface angle between the substrate and the film results in edge-type dislocations due to additional (002) ZnS layers (i.e. a low-angle boundary structure). Part of the stress created by these interface dislocations is relaxed by generating stacking faults. Secondly mismatch dislocations with additional {111} layers, due to the lattice mismatch between GaAs and ZnS (4.4%), als...
Centroids of Quadratic Jordan Superalgebras

The centroid of a Jordan superalgebra consists of the natural “superscalar multiplications” on the superalgebra. A philosophical question is whether the natural concept of “scalar” in the category of superalgebras should be that of superscalars or ordinary scalars. Basic examples of Jordan superalgebras are the simple Jordan superalgebras with semisimple even part, which were classified over an algebraically closed field of characteristic ≠ 2 by Racine and Zelmanov. Here, we determine the centroids of the analog of these superalgebras over general rings of scalars and show that they have no odd centroid, suggesting that ordinary scalars are the proper concept.
Deformation and Life Estimates for a Metal Matrix—Spherical Particulate Subjected to Thermomechanical Loading

Thermal cycling has been experimentally demonstrated to diminish the performance of many reinforced materials. The coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch is the driving force for the development of high self-equilibrating stresses and strains in the vicinity of the reinforcement. To glean the magnitude of these stresses, a simple geometry, a spherical particulate (SiC) in a spherical domain (aluminum W319) was investigated. A set of partitioned strain rate equations considered temperature dependent material properties for thermal, elastic, mechanical plastic, and creep plastic deformation. The mechanical plasticity model utilized an improved Armstrong-Fredrick kinematic hardening algorithm and a Fisher type rate dependent yield criteria. A hyperbolic sine relation proposed by Dorn (1954, "Some Fundamental Experiments on High Temperature Creep," J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 3, pp. 85-116) was used to model creep deformation. A multidimensional residual stress state due to cooling from the molten state was considered in the simulations. Two damage parameters, Findley and equivalent plastic strain, were employed to estimate cyclic damage. While the life estimates are crude, they both predict finite lives for reasonable service temperature ranges.
Lessons learned: an evaluation of land administration initiatives in Latin America over the past two decades

Latin America has a long and rich history of land administration projects stretching back to the 1980s and beyond. Unfortunately, this history has not been systematically analyzed nor recorded but is buried in a myriad of reports and other gray literature. Currently, almost every country in the region has a land administration project, incorporating cadastral reform, that is either in preparation or being implemented. It is therefore timely to consider what lessons have been learned from previous experience, in the region and elsewhere, and more specifically how this experience can inform current efforts. This paper starts with a summary of a recent World Bank/USAID initiative to compile lessons learned from land administration projects around the world and follows with the author's view of lessons learned in the context of project design, institutional reform and technical innovation.
Hydrido, Halo, and Hydrido-Halo Complexes of Two-Electron Mixed-Valence Diiridium Cores

Two-electron mixed-valence bimetallic cores of iridium are stabilized in a diphosphazane, MeN[P(OCH2CF3)2]2 (bis(bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphino)methylamine, tfepma) coordination sphere. Treatment of [Ir(cod)Cl]2 with tfepma affords the Ir20,II complex, Ir2(tfepma)3Cl2 (1), in which the Ir0 and IrII centers assume trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal coordination geometries, respectively. The coordinatively unsaturated two-electron mixed-valence core of 1 supports an extensive acid−base and oxidation−reduction chemistry. As established by single crystal X-ray analysis, two-electron donor ligands are readily received at the IrII center of 1 to complete the octahedral coordination environment that is preferred by a d7 metal−metal bonded center. Alternatively, redox-active substrates rapidly add across the single metal−metal bond of 1 to form Ir2I,III mixed-valence complexes; the chlorine and hydrochloric acid adducts, Ir2(tfepma)3Cl4 (5) and Ir2(tfepma)3HCl3 (7b), respectively, have been characterized by...
Comment on: Social capital and growth ☆

Routledge and von Amsberg (2003) have made an insightful contribution to the burgeoning literature on social capital and economic development. The underlying idea in the existing literature is that societies characterized by higher levels of social capital—commonly defined as norms of trust or cooperation that improve economic productivity—experience more rapid economic development, and better institutional performance as well (Putnam, 1993). More recently, one branch of this literature has explored the correlation of social capital with a range of important economic, financial, and political outcomes (as surveyed in Routledge and von Amsberg, 2003), while another has examined the underlying social factors that affect social capital formation, including social and ethnic divisions, for instance Easterly and Levine, 1997, Alesina et al., 1999, and Miguel and Gugerty, 2002. This paper makes a sharp break with most of the existing literature, and offers a different perspective on how we should think about the relationship between social capital and economic growth. Instead of viewing social capital as a crucial input into economic growth and development, the authors consider the effect of economic growth on social capital. Their central theoretical idea is simple—but powerful. Rapidly growing societies periodically experience large technological ‘‘shocks’’ that generate pressure for labor mobility, to take up new factory jobs in growing urban areas, for example. The resulting residential mobility increases labor productivity by matching up workers with particular skills to the employers who need those skills. Yet this mobility also
Preprocedural Considerations in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

The current practice of open-access endoscopy allows primary care and other non-gastroenterology physicians to directly refer patients for routine gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Open-access endoscopy is considered to be more cost-effective and time efficient than the traditional practice of referring patients for preprocedural consultation with a gastrointestinal endoscopist. Several studies have evaluated the performance of endoscopic procedures in an open-access environment and the utility of structured referral mechanisms to ensure safe and appropriately indicated procedures. This review focuses on 4 common preprocedural issues in gastrointestinal endoscopy encountered by primary care physicians: management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, indication for prophylactic antibiotic drug therapy, need for anesthesia-assisted sedation, and management of poor bowel preparation. We summarize the current guidelines that address these 4 common preprocedural issues to facilitate safe and clinically appropriate procedures in open-access endoscopy.
THEORY OF MAGNETIZED, COUPLED, RF-DRIVEN PLASMA SHEATHS IN ONE DIMENSION

A set of equations for magnetized plasma sheaths in rf capacitance discharges is developed within the adiabatic electron, fluid ion framework. It differs from previous approaches in that (a) ion demagnetization, i.e., the detachment of the ion flow from the magnetic lines caused by electrostatic gradients, is introduced self-consistently, (b) the ion injection velocity from the presheath is reevaluated to ensure the ion-electron flux balance, and (c) two symmetrically opposed coupled sheaths are driven by a sinusoidal driving voltage instead of a sinusoidal current. It is found that the sheath potential and thickness increase considerably with increasing magnetic inclination {theta} relative to the electric field compared to the unmagnetized results; the latter are recovered at the parallel magnetic field limit. Also, the ion injection velocity along the magnetic lines is subsonic and depends on the magnetic inclination. Finally, a sinusoidal ac voltage drives an anharmonic sheath current, while a sinusoidal current drives anharmonic voltage. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}