cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A total system for automated gas chromatography

An integrated system for performing complete automated gas chromatographic analyses on up to 100 samples, both liquid and solid, is described. Key to system operation is synchronization of functional components through a series of analytical phases to completion of an analysis. An automatic sampler is actuated after suitable chromatographic and computational conditions have been established. Sample is injected into a chromatograph under controlled conditions, and as chromatographic information develops it is stored in a data processor. When the chromatogram is complete, as determined by expiration of a preset time period, the processor prints out a report on a teletypewriter. The report includes sample identification and component concentrations computed under the direction of one of a number of stored methods. A great range of instrumental and computational conditions can be accommodated, as well as multiple chromatographs and teletypewriters.
Associations between residual disease and survival in epithelial ovarian cancer by histologic type

Abstract Objective Surgical cytoreduction has been postulated to affect survival by increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. We hypothesized that women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which usually responds to chemotherapy, would derive greater benefit from complete cytoreduction than those with histologic subtypes that are less responsive to chemotherapy, such as mucinous and clear cell carcinoma. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIIC or IV epithelial ovarian cancer from 2011 to 2013 using data from the National Cancer Database. We constructed multivariable models to quantify the magnitude of associations between residual disease status (no residual disease, ≤1cm, or >1cm) and all-cause mortality by histologic type among women with clear cell, mucinous, and high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Because 26% of the sample had unknown residual disease status, we used multiple imputations in the primary analysis. Results We identified 6,013 women with stage IIIC and IV high-grade serous, 307 with clear cell, and 140 with mucinous histology. The association between residual disease status and mortality hazard did not differ significantly among histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer (p for interaction=0.32). In covariate adjusted models, compared to suboptimal cytoreduction, cytoreduction to no gross disease was associated with a hazard reduction of 42% in high-grade serous carcinoma (hazard ratio [HR]=0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.49–0.68), 61% in clear cell carcinoma (HR=0.39, 95% CI=0.22–0.69), and 54% in mucinous carcinoma (HR=0.46, 95% CI=0.22–0.99). Conclusions We found no evidence that surgical cytoreduction was of greater prognostic importance in high-grade serous carcinomas than in histologies that are less responsive to chemotherapy.
The determination of the insensible water as a means of calculating the heat production over a weekly period.

Summary In a preliminary observation a method of calculating the heat production has been used in an eleven-year-old boy confined to bed under natural conditions. The diet closely approximated the transformation of energy over the weekly period. The insensible water was determined daily, and the heat production was calculated. The ratio of the percentile loss of heat to the total heat production amounted to 24.3 per cent as calculated from the metabolic mixture and 24.5 per cent as calculated from the diet. The method seems to offer an accurate way of calculating the heat production for children at rest in bed over a weekly period.
African American Adolescent-Caregiver Relationships in a Weight Loss Trial.

Successful family-based weight loss interventions for African American adolescents are rare. Parent-adolescent interactions supporting adoption of healthier nutrition and physical activity practices are not well understood. African American caregivers' and adolescents' perspectives on how they worked together to achieve weight loss need further exploration. This study describes the relationships experienced by adolescents and caregivers during the 6-month, evidence-based FIT Families weight loss trial and explores differences between families whose adolescents were successful and unsuccessful with weight loss. Exit interviews conducted with 136 adolescents (age 12–16 years; BMI percentile ≥95) and their caregivers (primarily mothers) were taped and transcribed verbatim. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to explore differences between groups stratified by weight loss. Five adolescent-caregiver relationship patterns emerged which describe dyads working together, working alone, working against each other; caregiver support and caregiver working on self. When relationship patterns were compared between groups stratified by weight loss, three themes emerged: motivation, support, and persistence. Families that achieved the greatest weight loss referred more often to working together to reach weight loss goals, attributed their success to adolescent self-motivation, with engaged caregiver support which allowed families to persist in change efforts. Family relationships involving adolescent autonomy, engaged parental support, and persistence despite challenges, clustered differently among adolescents who were successful at weight loss compared to those who were not. Interventionists trained to reinforce effective adolescent-parent interactions will advance behavioral interventions for families who have typically benefited least in prior interventions.
Analysis of Preferred Footwear on Weight Bearing Scores Using the Functional Movement Screen

Functional screening tools are popular to help determine deficiencies in mobility or stability. The Functional Movement Screen® (FMS) is commonly used, however, the instructions fail to indicate if...
EFFECT OF LITHIUM ON ACUTE MYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE - A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Lithium was observed to increase the number of peripheral neutro-phils in hematologically normal individuals (Shopsin et al., 1971; Bille et al., 1975) and in several primary neutropenic conditions (Tisman and Show-Jen, 1977; Barrett, et al., 1977). When this effect is analysed in people receiving lithium for psychiatric reasons, it appeared to involve predominantly the myeloid cell line, though platelet counts were also increased (Bille et al., 1975). Lithium apparently causes increased neutrophil production by increasing colony stimulating activity (Turner et al., 1978).
Brentuximab Vedotin (SGN-35) for CD30-Positive Malignancies

Although the prognosis of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has improved over the past decade, there are still subpopulations of these patients with a poor prognosis including HL patients with chemotherapy-refractory disease, HL patients who fail or relapse with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue and who have less than a 50 % overall survival at 10 years [1], HL patients who receive alternate salvage chemotherapy [2–5], and elderly patients with HL who often cannot tolerate aggressive combination therapy. Similarly, patients with relapsed or refractory systemic ALCL (approximately 40–65 % of adult patients) have few effective salvage therapies [6, 7]. Thus, there is an unmet medical need for these patients, and the effort is ongoing to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
ENERGY USE, HUMAN

Human energy use is the extraction, collection, and conversion of energy into forms that humans can utilize. Our energy use directly alters biodiversity through land use and pollution. Indirectly, human energy use alters biodiversity through the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and through other broad ecological impacts. Because human energy use is equivalent to the product of population, economic production per capita, and energy use per unit of economic production, each of these factors can exert an equivalent impact on biodiversity. Energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy can substantially reduce ecological impacts of human energy use.
Cheek–Midface Lift

With age, the cheek migrates inferiorly and nasally. This contributes to inferior orbital rim hollowing, a circle effect of the lower eyelids and cheek, a fl attening of the cheek, cheek bags (festoons), and nasolabial fold. In the past, these problems have been treated with facelifts, excision of cheek bags, and cheek implants.
Quantifying Tensor Field Similarity With Global Distributions and Optimal Transport.

Strain tensor fields quantify tissue deformation and are important for functional analysis of moving organs such as the heart and the tongue. Strain data can be readily obtained using medical imaging. However, quantification of similarity between different data sets is difficult. Strain patterns vary in space and time, and are inherently multidimensional. Also, the same type of mechanical deformation can be applied to different shapes; hence, automatic quantification of similarity should be unaffected by the geometry of the objects being deformed. In the pattern recognition literature, shapes and vector fields have been classified via global distributions. This study uses a distribution of mechanical properties (a 3D histogram), and the Wasserstein distance from optimal transport theory is used to measure histogram similarity. To evaluate the method’s consistency in matching deformations across different objects, the proposed approach was used to sort strain fields according to their similarity. Performance was compared to sorting via maximum shear distribution (a 1D histogram) and tensor residual magnitude in perfectly registered objects. The technique was also applied to correlate muscle activation to muscular contraction observed via tagged MRI. The results show that the proposed approach accurately matches deformation regardless of the shape of the object being deformed. Sorting accuracy surpassed 1D shear distribution and was on par with residual magnitude, but without the need for registration between objects.
Osler goes viral: "The Fixed Period" revisited.

William Osler’s parting address to faculty at the Johns Hopkins University, given on February 22, 1905, and published as “The Fixed Period,” clouded his departure from North America after reporters sensationalized a playful suggestion that aging professors be chloroformed. A newly available collection of newspaper clippings affords a semiquantitative analysis of the press reaction. Only 40% of the writers openly criticized Osler. Some (about 15%) defended him; many (33%) merely attempted humor; and a few (about 6%) wrote poetry. Often overlooked are the main points of Osler’s address: awareness of one’s place in the adult life cycle and the need for self-renewal with advancing age.
Enhanced membrane distillation of organic solvents from their aqueous mixtures using a carbon nanotube immobilized membrane

Abstract In this paper, we report for the first time the application of carbon nanotube immobilized membrane (CNIM) for enhanced separation of organic solvents from their aqueous mixtures via sweep gas membrane distillation. The presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the hydrophobic membrane surface significantly altered the liquid–membrane interactions to promote isopropanol (IPA) transport in IPA-water mixture by inhibiting water penetration into the membrane pores. The preferential sorption of IPA on the CNIM was evident from the contact angle measurements. The isopropanol flux, selectivity and mass transfer coefficient obtained with CNIM were significantly higher than the corresponding unmodified PTFE membrane at different isopropanol concentrations and temperatures with enhancement in separation factor reaching as high as 350% at 70 °C. An increase in mass transfer coefficient of about 132% was also observed. Performance enhancement in CNIM was mainly attributed to the preferential sorption on the CNTs followed by rapid desorption from its surface.
Antibacterial activities of trans-cinnamaldehyde, caprylic acid, and β-resorcylic acid against catfish pathogens.

Abstract Bacterial pathogens such as Edwardsiella ictaluri, Flavobacterium columnare, and virulent Aeromonas hydrophila have a significant economic impact on farm-raised catfish in the United States. Due to the limited number of licensed vaccines, and regulations with antimicrobials usage, there is need to find alternative therapeutics for sustainable aquaculture. Therefore, the antibacterial activities of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), caprylic acid (CA), and β-resorcylic acid (BA) were assessed against E. ictaluri 93–146, F. columnare 94–081, and A. hydrophila ML09–119 using broth microdilutions, and the capacity of TC to prevent E. ictaluri infection was evaluated during a challenge trial. Results demonstrated that TC inhibited growth of E. ictaluri, F. columnare, and A. hydrophila at 40, 20, and 80 μg/ml. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of E. ictaluri, F. columnare, and A. hydrophila after incubation with TC revealed cell wall lysis, leakage of cytoplasmic contents, and pleomorphism in the bacterial shape with rupture of outer membranes. By the histological analysis, no abnormal changes were observed in the catfish intestines as a result of supplementation of TC. Moreover, an increasing number of goblet cells was observed in catfish received TC compared to control. In the E. ictaluri challenge trial, significantly higher survival was found in catfish that received TC at the levels of 15 and 20 mg/kg compared to control group (49.12% and 65.52% survival vs 11.11% survival). Bacterial concentrations in spleen and anterior kidney were significantly (P
Ectomycorrhizal Inoculation Fails to Improve Performance of Sitka Spruce Seedlings on Clearcuts in Southeastern Alaska

Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Laccaria laccata and Cenococcum geophilum were established as ectomycorrhizae on container-grown Picea sitchensis seedlings that, along with noninoculated controls, were planted in rotten wood, exposed mineral soil, and undisturbed duff on a recently clearcut site. Data support earlier indications that prior colonization by these fungi provides little benefit to outplanted Sitka spruce seedlings on various microsites in SE Alaska clearcuttings. -from Authors
Soluble Syndecan-1 (sCD138) Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Abstract Syndecan-1 (sCD138) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate-bearing proteoglycan expressed in epithelial cells as well as hematopoitic cells that demonstrate plasmacytioid differentiation. CD138 is believed to play a role in cell-cell and cel-matrix interaction. A soluble form of CD138 (sCD138) has been reported to be elevated in multiple myeloma. Higher levels of sCD138 have been reported to correlate with poor outcome in myeloma. While some cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can demonstrate plasmacytoid differentiation, CD138 is usually not expressed in B-cell CLL. We investigated the levels of circulating sCD138 in the plasma of 104 patients with CLL and correlated these levels with clinical behavior. sCD138 levels were elevated in patients with CLL as compared with normal control subjects (median, 52.8, range: 13.4-252.7 ng/mL) (P 53 ng/mL) had significantly shorter survival than those with mutated IgVH and lower levels of sCD138. Similarly, patients with unmutated IgVH but high levels of sCD138 (>53 ng/mL) had significantly shorter survival than those with lower levels of sCD138 and unmutated IgVH (P=0.007). When CLL patients were dichotomized into 2 groups according to the median level of sCD138, there was significant positive correlation with age, platelet count, male sex, white cell count, and sCD23 level (all P Download : Download high-res image (77KB) Download : Download full-size image
The Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Education

In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it is abundantly clear to all the necessity of studying the pathology and widespread health consequences associated with the virus However, what is much less clear is the impact of COVID-19 on medical education Already, faculty and medical students are grappling with the changes that have been made and attempting to consolidate these with their plan of career development Changes that may seem relatively minor in comparison to the global pandemic have the potential to be drastic turning points in the career progression of many As not much is known regarding the long-lasting impact of COVID-19 on medical education, it is therefore also necessary to record and study the full impact of the changes being made The path to entering a successful residency has been predictable for the last few years - do well on Step 1, give conference presentations, go the extra mile in clerkships and shadowing opportunities, and have meaningful non-academic extracurricular activities - all of which designed to best demonstrate a student's knowledge, persistence, collaborative spirit, and dedication to medicine This trajectory has been changed with COVID-19 disrupting routines in hospitals, medical schools and beyond The replacement of in-person classes with online equivalents is an obvious necessity at this time but creates a loss of collaborative experiences that has the potential to be a significant detriment to education Likewise, the cancellation of clerkships, which are necessary for both skill acquisition as well as for relationship building, is a serious issue which students and medical schools must now resolve Many medical students have also lost the opportunity for personal development through conference presentations These presentations play a large role in distinguishing applicants during the residency application process, and therefore these lost opportunities have the potential to be a serious detriment to medical students' career trajectory While implementing technology to help resolve these issues is a unique way to help students to develop these skills, it is now necessary for medical students to demonstrate the same set of skills which they would have previously in a completely new and innovative manner Persistence and adaptability during this time of challenge are attributes that medical students can demonstrate more readily While every student has a personal story of how COVID-19 has impacted their education, there is no question that the impacts of COVID-19 will be felt on an extensive level The panic in the community is palpable, and many are confused by how to proceed in the wake of COVID-19 This is no different for medical students and faculty and the questions that arise regarding medical education and their future careers
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Prednisone at Various Doses in Dogs: Preliminary Findings Using a Naïve Pooled-Data Approach

This pilot study aimed to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of prednisone and its active metabolite prednisolone following oral prednisone administration in dogs-using dosing regimens that cover anti-inflammatory to immuno-suppressive biological effects. Six healthy Beagle dogs were given 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg prednisone orally once daily for 5 days, each successive course separated by a washout period of 9 days. At steady-state (Day 4), a sparse sampling design allowed for collection of blood from 2/6 individuals for each of the following time points: 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, 480, and 720 min. Prednisone and prednisolone were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oral prednisone was rapidly converted to prednisolone in dogs (≤ 30 min), with plasma prednisolone reaching ~6-fold greater levels (0-656.1 ng/mL) than prednisone (0-98.8 ng/mL) overall. The ratio of plasma prednisolone/prednisone was constant across the dosing regimens, indicating a non-saturation of the hepatic 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase that converts the prodrug to the active metabolite in dogs. The level of both corticosteroids increased with increasing dosing regimens, albeit in a non-linear manner. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters are described, including peak concentration (Cmax), time of peak concentration (Tmax), area under the concentration-time curve (AUClast), and the elimination half-life (t 1/2) for both corticosteroids, as well as clearance and volume of distribution during the terminal phase (Vz) for the administered drug (prednisone). In sum, the present study utilizes a sparse sampling and naive pooled-data approach to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters for prednisone and prednisolone, providing supporting preliminary knowledge that can be used to optimize corticosteroid efficacy and minimize toxicity in canine patients.
AS INSTITUIÇÕES PSICANALÍTICAS E SUAS FORMAÇÕES SINTOMÁTICAS

A autora aborda o tema do ensino e transmissao da psicanalise a partir da famosa frase, atribuida a Freud por ocasiao de sua chegada aos Estados Unidos em 1909, “Eles nao sabem o que estamos lhes trazendo: a peste”, propoe refletir sobre os impasses sintomaticos das instituicoes psicanalistas frente a realidade do inconsciente.
Modeling regional impacts and resilience to water service disruptions in urban economies

Water is a critical natural resource that sustains the productivity of many economic sectors, whether directly or indirectly. Climate change alongside rapid growth and development are a threat to w...
SAVE score with lactate modification predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with ongoing cardiac arrest during VA-ECMO cannulation:

The survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation score and its lactate modification predict in-hospital mortality in patients based on pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation va...
Abstract 323: Standardized Triggers for Catheterization Laboratory Morbidity and Mortality Case Review

Background: Guidelines recommend cardiac catheterization laboratories operate a quality improvement program that includes peer review and assesses physician performance. Traditionally this has been accomplished by a morbidity and mortality (M&M) process, but no prior studies have described M&M case selection methods. The use of objective, pre-defined triggers for case selection could avoid under-reporting by physicians and identify complex cases of educational value. Methods: The Duke University Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is a high-volume academic practice that involves trainees in the performance of all coronary angiograms and interventions. At a monthly M&M conference, challenging cases are reviewed to identify opportunities for performance improvement. Cases are selected for review based on the occurrence of pre-defined clinical triggers or by any staff member or physician request. A consensus assessment of physician, staff, and hospital systems performance is reported as a standardized score. We retrospectively reviewed M&M documentation for the purpose of assessing our approach to case selection and performance evaluation. Results: Of 37,250 coronary catheterizations performed between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013, 239 (0.6%) were selected for M&M review based on at least one triggering event. The most common triggering events were defibrillation, unplanned use of mechanical circulatory support, and unplanned intubation (Table). Multiple triggers were present in 118 cases (49.4%). An additional 125 (0.3%) cases were triggered for review by physician or staff request. These included cases resulting in access site hematoma (33 events), peripheral arterial dissection (14), stroke (12), and acute coronary thrombosis (11). “Very controversial” or “unacceptable” performance was identified for physicians in 21 (5.8%) cases, for hospital systems in 3 (1.1%) cases, and in no cases for cath lab staff. Conclusions: We present a 10-year experience with the use of objective triggers to identify cases for M&M review. This method identifies challenging cases of educational value and could be immediately implemented to strengthen national catheterization laboratory quality improvement programs. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Nitrogen losses by leaching and runoff: methods and conclusions

Information on N losses from soils is widely sought because of the importance of N fertilizers for maximizing crop production, and the potential for N contamination of surface and ground waters. A variety of methods have been used to estimate N transport through soils. These include direct soil sampling, lysimeters, porus soil-water samplers, adsorbents, outflow from tile drains, and groundwater wells. Each method has advantages and disadvantages related to soil conditions, area and depth to be sampled, experimental design and operation, and capital and operating costs. More universally adopted techniques are used for collecting surface runoff. They generally utilize pans or troughs inserted just below the soil surface on the low side of a slope to collect runoff water. Mathematical models have been developed to predict or describe N losses in both percolate and runoff water. However, models have not replaced the need for direct field measurements of N losses.
Argon Laser Treatment: Short and Long Term Results of Randomized Clinical Trials

The Macular Photocoagulation Study (MPS) is conducting three multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials designed to determine whether laser photocoagulation is effective for preventing or delaying severe visual loss in eyes with a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients with an extrafoveal CNVM (outside of the foveal avascular zone), juxtafoveal CNVM (within, but not through the anatomic center of the foveal avascular zone) or subfoveal CNVM (extending into or through the anatomic center of the fovea) are randomized in separate portions of the study.
Direct observation of the Fermi surface in Ba1-xKxBiO3.

Positron angular correlation measurements have been used to measure electron-positron momentum density distributions in high-quality single crystals of the 32 K superconductor Ba[sub 1[minus][ital x]]K[sub [ital x]]BiO[sub 3]. Using first-principles calculations we are able to separate those features due to the strong overlap of the electron and positron wave functions from those associated with Fermi surface breaks. We have identified a roughly cubic Fermi surface centered around [Gamma], whose location is in excellent correspondence with that predicted by the band structure calculations.
Placing dynamic sensors and actuators on flexible space structures

This paper selects sensors and actuators (location, type and number) from an admissible set. We seek an approximate solution to this integer programming problem. Given the optimal use of the entire admissible set of sensors and actuators, it is possible to decompose the quadratic cost function into contributions from each stochastic input and each weighted output. In the past, these suboptimal cost decomposition methods of sensor and actuator selection have been used to locate perfect (infinite bandwidth) sensors and actuators on large scale systems. This paper extends these ideas to the more practical case of imperfect actuators and sensors with dynamics of their own. Secondly, the old cost decomposition methods are discarded for improved formulas for sensor and actuator deletion (from the admissible set). These results show that there exists an optimal number of actuators (it is possible to use too few and too many). Preliminary attempts to solve this new research question are described. It is also shown that there exists optimal dynamics of the actuators. NASA’s SCOLE example demonstrates the concepts.
Conformation of DNA packaged in bacteriophage T7: Analysis by use of ultraviolet light-induced DNA-capsid cross-linking☆

The conformation of the linear, double-stranded, 39,936 kilobase-pair DNA packaged in the protein capsid of bacteriophage T7 is investigated here by use of short wavelength ultraviolet light-induced DNA-capsid cross-linking. To detect both DNA-capsid and DNA-DNA cross-links, DNA is expelled from the T7 capsid and the products of expulsion are analyzed by use of Nycodenz buoyant density centrifugation, followed by either pulsed field gel electrophoresis or invariant field gel electrophoresis. Short wavelength ultraviolet light is found to progressively induce both DNA-DNA and DNA-protein cross-links in intact bacteriophage T7, but not in T7 from which DNA had been expelled before exposure to ultraviolet light. Protein-protein cross-links are not induced. When DNA expelled from previously cross-linked T7 is cleaved with restriction endonuclease (1 to 3 sites cleaved), analysis of the resulting fragments reveals no regions on T7 DNA that are excluded from cross-linking to the capsid. However, the efficiency of cross-linking decreases as the distance from the left end (last end packaged) of the packaged DNA increases. Electron microscopy of negatively stained capsid-DNA complexes reveals no DNA-retaining structure other than the outer shell of the capsid. Together with previously reported data that indicate lack of protein-based specificity for ultraviolet light-induced cross-linking, these observations are interpreted by the assumptions that, within the limits of resolution of these experiments: (1) no region of packaged T7 DNA is excluded from contact with the outer shell of the T7 capsid; (2) the probability of contacting the outer shell decreases as the distance from the left end of packaged T7 DNA increases. Thus, T7 DNA packaging concentrates the last end packaged near the inner surface of the outer shell of the T7 capsid.
NGTA and IGTA Training and Experience: Comparisons Between Self-Ratings and Undergraduate Student Evaluations

Undergraduate student ratings and corresponding graduate teaching assistant (GTA) self-ratings of nine teaching effectiveness factors were evaluated to determine the extent to which math and science GTAs who speak English as their native language (NGTA) differ from their international counterparts (IGTA). Overall, GTA self-ratings were consistently higher than corresponding student ratings. Differences in ratings between the two groups of GTAs were dependent upon specific teaching effectiveness factors and the source of the rating. GTA self-ratings were generally higher for IGTAs while student ratings were consistently higher for NGTAs.
[116] Equivariant Characteristic Classes in the Cartan Model

There is also a differential geometric definition of equivariant characteristic classes in terms of the curvature of a connection on P (3)(4). However, there does not seem to be an explanation or justification in the literature bridging the two approaches. The modest purpose of this note is to show the compatibility of the usual differential geometric formulation of equivariant characteristic classes with the topological one. We have also tried to be as self-contained as possible, which partly explains the length of this article.
Wives' Earnings and the Level and Distribution of married Couples' Earnings in Developed Countries

Abstract This study examines the contribution of wives' earnings to the distribution of married couples' earnings in 10 developed countries. There is substantial variation among countries in wives' labor force participation, the relative earnings of husbands and wives, the distribution of earnings, and the correlation of spouses' earnings. Even though these countries differ on these dimensions, wives' earnings mitigate inequality in the earnings of married couples. For the countries we are able to analyze over time, the labor force participation of wives married to high earning husbands increased more than the labor force participation of wives married to middle-earning men. Despite this trend, the mitigating effect of wives' earnings actually increased slightly in all countries examined. Moreover, all other things equal, the correlation of spouses' earnings would have to experience an unprecedented increase in order for wives' earnings to become disequalizing.
Validation of F2 layer peak height and density by Real-Time IRI

Relying on the well-proven formalism of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model, an IRI Real-Time Assimilative Mapping (IRTAM) extension is being developed at the Space Science Laboratory (SSL) University of Massachusetts Lowell. The IRTAM uses measurements from the Global Ionosphere Radio Observatory (GIRO) and knowledge about ionospheric climatology to now-cast global ionospheric weather. This work presents the results of the validation of current assimilative technique based on “morphing”. This technique morphs the climatology empirical model, IRI, with the current ionospheric conditions data by introducing corrections for expansion coefficients rather than in the domain maps. Global, time-dependent mapping of two main ionospheric characteristics, F2 layer peak density and peak height, has been implemented in IRTAM.
Pathophysiology, genetics, clinical features, diagnosis and therapeutic trials in progressive supranuclear palsy

Introduction: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an atypical parkinsonian syndrome formally recognized in 1964. Historically considered sporadic, recent research has shown genes strongly associated with PSP. Pathologically, it is characterized by aggregated tau protein forming neurofibrillary tangles in predominantly subcortical neurons, tufted astrocytes and oligodendroglial inclusions. Patients typically present with progressive parkinsonism, ocular motility disturbances and early falls. Although rare in the general population, it is the most common atypical parkinsonian disorder – approximately 6% of all parkinsonian patients evaluated at a specialty clinic are diagnosed with PSP.Areas covered: A relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder, PSP is still commonly misdiagnosed. Genetic studies continue to provide insight into the pathophysiology of PSP, guiding future therapeutic trials. This paper summarizes the history, clinical features and subtypes, diagnostic criteria, neuroimaging, pat...
Spectral tuning in visual pigments: an ONIOM(QM:MM) study on bovine rhodopsin and its mutants.

We have investigated geometries and excitation energies of bovine rhodopsin and some of its mutants by hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations in ONIOM scheme, employing B3LYP and BLYP density functionals as well as DFTB method for the QM part and AMBER force field for the MM part. QM/MM geometries of the protonated Schiff-base 11-cis-retinal with B3LYP and DFTB are very similar to each other. TD-B3LYP/MM excitation energy calculations reproduce the experimental absorption maximum of 500 nm in the presence of native rhodopsin environment and predict spectral shifts due to mutations within 10 nm, whereas TD-BLYP/MM excitation energies have red-shift error of at least 50 nm. In the wild-type rhodopsin, Glu113 shifts the first excitation energy to blue and accounts for most of the shift found. Other amino acids individually contribute to the first excitation energy but their net effect is small. The electronic polarization effect is essential for reproducing experimental bond leng...
Loss of imprinting of insulin growth factor II gene: a potential heritable biomarker for colon neoplasia predisposition.

Abstract Background & aims: Loss of genomic imprinting (LOI) of insulin-like growth factor II gene ( IGF2 ) involves abnormal activation of the normally silent maternally inherited allele. LOI of IGF2 has been associated with personal and family history of colorectal neoplasia (CRN), supporting a role for LOI in colorectal carcinogenesis. Whether LOI of IGF2 is associated with known environmental risk factors for CRN is unknown. Methods: We performed quantitative hot-stop PCR for imprinting analysis of IGF2 on normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of individuals. Environmental exposures including tobacco, alcohol, NSAIDs, and nutrient consumption (calcium, folate, selenium, fiber, and fat) were correlated with LOI expression in PBL. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. Results: The prevalence of LOI of IGF2 was examined in 172 individuals. Persons with CRN (adenomas/cancer) had 5.1-fold (95% CI: 1.92–13.6) increased risk of having LOI of IGF2 in PBL compared with those without CRN. In contrast, tobacco smoking (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.36–2.55), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.45–3.3), and NSAIDs use (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.38–3.94) were not significantly associated with LOI of IGF2 . Nutrient ingestion including calcium ( P = 0.61), folate ( P = 0.23), selenium ( P = 0.19), fiber ( P = 0.63), and fat ( P = 0.14) was not statistically correlated with LOI of IGF2 . Conclusions: Abnormal imprinting of IGF2 gene was strongly associated with CRN but not with any of the environmental exposures examined. LOI of IGF2 does not appear to be an environmentally acquired phenomenon but rather a hereditary risk factor for CRN.
A robust confidence interval for location for symmetric, long-tailed distributions.

Abstract A procedure called the wave-interval is presented for obtaining a 95% confidence interval for the center (mean, median) of a symmetric distribution that is not only highly efficient when the data have a Normal distribution but also performs well when some or all of the data come from a long-tailed distribution such as the Cauchy. Use of the wave-interval greatly reduces the risk of asserting much less than one's data will support. The only table required is the usual t-table. The wave-interval procedure is definitely recommended for samples of ten or more, and appears satisfactory for samples of nine or eight.
Design of a hospital-based accelerator for proton radiation therapy: Scaling rules

An accelerator for proton-beam radiotherapy should have a maximum energy of 250 MeV and an average current of about 20 nA. The best choice appears to be a small fairly rapid-cycling synchrotron using room-temperature magnets. In designing such a machine one can focus attention on the repetition rate, which drives many of the other choices. Here we examine the consequences of repetition rate and aperture on injection energy, injector current, rf power and magnet power.
MESSENGER RNA TRANSCRIPTION IN REGENERATING KIDNEY

As part of a larger project studying potential reactivation of genes active in fetal organogenesis which are not expressed in adult tissue, we have examined the control of transcription in kidney regeneration, a process involving hypertrophy and hyperplasia of several cell types. Renal polyadenylated mRNA binding to oligo(dT)-cellulose was prepared from mice 2 and 4 days following unilateral nephrectomy and from controls and used as template for the synthesis of 3H complementary DNA (cDNA). The complexity of the mRNA population was evaluated by hybridization to its homologous cDNA. Hybridization occurred over 5 log units of ROt (mols nucleotide/liter × seconds) and reached 90% saturation indicating a broad frequency distribution of mRNA populations. The 4 day post-nephrectomy curve showed a twofold increase in the complexity of the most abundant class of mRNA molecules, but no significant difference in the complexity of mRNA species present in lesser abundance. Heterologous hybridizations failed to show a significant change in saturation values. We conclude that few if any new species of mRNA are required for kidney regeneration, but that some species must be produced in increased numbers. In vitro translation of these mRNAs substantiated these conclusions, as no new proteins unique to compensatory growth were identified, although several proteins were present in significantly different amounts compared to control.
Adipose-Derived Stem and Progenitor Cells as Fillers in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgeons are keenly aware of the axiom of “replacing like with like.” Accordingly, autologous fat grafting (AFG) is frequently used as filler for a variety of soft-tissue cosmetic and reconstructive indications. Retention of the graft is dependent upon integration of the implanted adipose tissue with recipient site tissues, through a process that has many similarities to wound healing. However, graft retention, and hence the clinical success of AFG, is often limited. This appears to be due in large part to differences in technique during tissue harvest, processing, and reimplantation, which result in impairment of the graft healing process. Adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs) contain several different types of cell, including adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), endothelial cells and their progenitors, smooth muscle cells, preadipocytes, and immune regulatory cells. In addition, ADRCs can secrete multiple growth factors and cytokines, which have pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. These characteristics suggest the potential for ADRCs to improve integration of the fat graft with recipient site tissue. In this chapter, we will summarize the composition of adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells, as well as their potential therapeutic mechanisms. Additionally, automated devices will be introduced that are capable of generating clinical-grade ADRCs in real time for plastic and reconstructive surgical applications.
Blastomycosis: specificity of antigens reflecting the mating types of Ajellomyces dermatitidis.

In a study of sera from patients with proven or suspected blastomycosis, positive immunodiffusion tests were obtained in all active cases when fresh sera were tested with a cell sap (CS) antigen. False negatives occurred on occasion when an ethanol precipitate (EPF) antigen was used alone. No false positives were found. The CS antigen from the (+) mating type had in common two lines of identity with the (CS) antigen of the (−) type. In addition, other lines were present when the patient was infected with the same mating type as was used for the preparation of the antigen. No differences in the electrophoretic patterns of the enzymes leucine amino peptidase or phosphatase were noted when preparations from the two mating types were compared. However, a distinct pattern was noted when the α esterases of the (+) and (−) mating types were examined. Specific α esterase antibodies were present in patients' sera.
Experimental Performance and Self-Evaluation of Subjects Sampled Early, Middle, and Late in an Academic Term: Sex and Task

Student volunteers from introductory psychology classes who received credit for participation were sampled near the beginning, middle, and end of the quarter. Half the subjects were given a hidden-...
So you have to cancel journals? statistics that help

Few libraries have been immune to the impact of inflation on journal prices, and many have been involved in extensive journal cancellation projects. To aid in the cancellation decision process, Col...
Beware the Great Horned Serpent! Chiapas Under the Threat of Napoleon

Beware the Great Horned Serpent! Chiapas Under the Threat of Napoleon. Robert M. Laughlin, Albany: Institute for Mesoamerican Studies (distributed by Austin: University of Texas Press), 2003, 26 pp.
The N-vortex problem on a sphere: geophysical mechanisms that break integrability

We describe the dynamical system governing the evolution of a system of point vortices on a rotating spherical shell, highlighting features which break what would otherwise be an integrable problem. The importance of the misalignment of the center-of-vorticity vector associated with a cluster of point vortices with the axis of rotation is emphasized as a crucial factor in the interpretation of dynamical features for many flow configurations. We then describe two important physical mechanisms which break what would otherwise be an integrable problem—the interactions between the local center-of-vorticity vectors of more than one region of concentrated vorticity, and the coupling between the center-of-vorticity vector and the background vorticity field which supports Rossby waves. Focusing on the Polar vortex splitting event of September 2002, we describe simple (i.e., low dimensional) mechanisms that can trigger instabilities whose subsequent development cause the onset of chaotic advection and global particle transport. At the linear level, eigenvalues that oscillate between elliptic and hyperbolic configurations initiate the pinch-off process of a passive patch representing the Polar vortex. At the nonlinear level, the evolution and topological bifurcations of the streamline patterns are responsible for its further splitting, stretching, and subsequent transport over the sphere. We finish by briefly describing how to incorporate conservation of potential vorticity and the development of a model governing the probability density function associated with the point vortex system.
Cancer chemoprevention with the adrenocortical steroid dehydroepiandrosterone and structural analogs

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenocortical steroid that produces broad-spectrum cancer chemopreventive action in mice and rats. In the mouse two-stage skin tumorigenesis model, DHEA treatment inhibits tumor initiation, as well as tumor promoter-induced epidermal hyperplasia and promotion of papillomas. There is considerable evidence that DHEA exerts its anti-proliferative and tumor-preventive action through the inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the pentose phosphate pathway, which generate NADPH (required for mixed-function oxidase activation of chemical carcinogens, as well as for deoxyribonucleotide synthesis) and ribose 5-phosphate (also required for deoxyribonucleotide synthesis). Long-term DHEA treatment of mice also reduces weight gain (apparently by enhancing thermogenesis), and appears to produce many of the beneficial effects of food restriction, which have been shown to inhibit the development of many age-associated diseases, including cancer. Using the mouse two-stage skin tumorigenesis model, we found that adrenalectomy completely reverses the anti-hyperplastic and antitumor-promoting effects of food restriction. It is not unlikely that food restriction stimulates enhanced levels of adrenocortical steroids, such as the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids and DHEA, which in turn mediate the tumor-inhibitory effect of underfeeding.
A method to prevent swallowing or aspiration of cast restorations

Abstract A method for fabricating a “safety ring” on cast crowns to which a ligature can be tied to prevent swallowing or aspiration of cast restorations has been described. A report of a fixed partial denture swallowed during try-in was presented.
Comparison of preparation techniques for nuclear materials for transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Abstract Preparation of highly radioactive and irradiated nuclear fuels and materials for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is accompanied with a set of unique challenges. The paper evaluates three specimen preparation techniques for preparation of irradiated materials and determines which technique yields to the most reliable characterization of radiation damage microstructure. Various specimen preparation artifacts associated with each technique are considered and ways of minimizing these artifacts are addressed.
Real-Time Control of an Interactive Impulsive Virtual Prosthesis

An interactive virtual dynamic environment for testing control strategies for neural machine interfacing with artificial limbs offers several advantages. The virtual environment is low-cost, easily configured, and offers a wealth of data for post-hoc analysis compared with real physical prostheses and robots. For use with prosthetics and research involving amputee subjects it allows the valuable time with the subject to be spent in experiments rather than fixing hardware issues. The usefulness of the virtual environment increases as the realism of the environment increases. Most tasks performed with limbs require interactions with objects in the environment. To simulate these tasks the dynamics of frictional contact, in addition to inertial limb dynamics must be modeled. Here, subjects demonstrate real-time control of an eight degree-of-freedom virtual prosthesis while performing an interactive box-and-blocks task. With practice, four nonamputee subjects and one shoulder disarticulation subject were able to successfully transfer blocks in the virtual environment at an average rate of just under two blocks per minute. The virtual environment is configurable in terms of the virtual arm design, control strategy, and task.