cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of patient's sex on early perioperative outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Abstract Objective Differences in morbidity and mortality measures between males and females have been demonstrated for a variety of spinal surgeries, however, studies of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are limited. To investigate the impact of sex on 30-day perioperative outcomes of ACDF. Methods Retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study. Patients who underwent ACDF between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed from the ACS-NSQIP database. Propensity score matching and subgroup analysis were used. Results 21,180 patients met inclusion criteria. 11,194 patients underwent single-level ACDF and 9986 patients underwent multi-level ACDF. In the single-level group, there were 6168 (55.1%) males and 5026 (44.9%) females. In the multi-level group, there were 5033 (50.4%) males and 4953 (49.6%) females. In both single/multi-level groups, females were more likely to be of older age, be functionally dependent, and have higher BMI and lower preoperative hematocrit level. Males were more likely to be Caucasian, smokers, have myelopathy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and bleeding disorders. In both single/multi-level groups, except for the higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in females and myocardial infarction (MI) in males, there were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between males and females. Conclusions Several differences in demographics and baseline health status exist between males and females undergoing ACDF. When attempting to control for comorbid conditions, we found that sex by itself is not an independent risk factor for higher perioperative morbidity or mortality in patients undergoing ACDF, except for the higher incidence of UTI in females and MI in males. These results are important findings for clinicians and spine surgeons while counseling patients undergoing this type of procedure.
Benchmarking Outcomes for Definitive Treatment of Young-Onset, Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Abstract Purpose There has been an increase in the incidence of rectal cancer diagnosed in young adults (age Methods The medical records of 219 patients, age 18-49, with non-metastatic, cT3-4, or cN1-2 rectal adenocarcinoma treated from 2000-2017 were reviewed for demographic and treatment characteristics, as well as pathologic and oncologic outcomes. Kaplan-Meier test, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate survival outcomes. Results The median age at diagnosis was 44 years. CRT followed by TME and post-operative chemotherapy was the most frequent treatment sequence (n=196), with FOLFOX (n=115) as the predominant adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no difference in sex, stage, MSS/pMMR, or pCR by age ( Conclusion Among young adults, patients with age Micro Abstract: Among young adult patients treated with long course chemoradiation and surgery, patients with age
Creative Choice in a Kaleidic World

In this paper the authors identify the paradox that strategic choice requires an understanding of the future and that strategic choice also determines the future. They go on to suggest that a radically subjectivist approach may provide the basis of a theory of creative choice. This theory would explain both how strategic alternatives are developed as well as how they are selected. Much work needs to be done to develop such a theory, which would be centered on the use of imagination and creativity.
A dominant-negative F-box deleted mutant of E3 ubiquitin ligase, β-TrCP1/FWD1, markedly reduces myeloma cell growth and survival in mice.

// Ramaswamy Sharma 1,* , Paul J. Williams 1,* , Anjana Gupta 1 , Brandon McCluskey 1 , Shylesh Bhaskaran 1,2 , Steve Munoz 1,3 and Babatunde O. Oyajobi 1,4 1 Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA 2 Current address: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA 3 Current address: Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA 4 Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Babatunde O. Oyajobi, email: // Keywords : FWD1/β-TrCP1, 5TGM1, myeloma, plasmacytoma, proteasome Received : December 23, 2014 Accepted : April 30, 2015 Published : May 12, 2015 Abstract Treatment of multiple myeloma with bortezomib can result in severe adverse effects, necessitating the development of targeted inhibitors of the proteasome. We show that stable expression of a dominant-negative F-box deleted (∆F) mutant of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, SCF β-TrCP/FWD1 , in murine 5TGM1 myeloma cells dramatically attenuated their skeletal engraftment and survival when inoculated into immunocompetent C57BL/KaLwRij mice. Similar results were obtained in immunodeficient bg-nu-xid mice, suggesting that the observed effects were independent of host recipient immune status. Bone marrow stroma offered no protection for 5TGM1-∆F cells in cocultures treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), indicating a cell-autonomous anti-myeloma effect. Levels of p100, IκBα, Mcl-1, ATF4, total and cleaved caspase-3, and phospho-β-catenin were elevated in 5TGM1-∆F cells whereas cIAP was down-regulated. TNF also activated caspase-3 and downregulated Bcl-2, correlating with the enhanced susceptibility of 5TGM1-∆F cells to apoptosis. Treatment of 5TGM1 tumor-bearing mice with a β-TrCP1/FWD1 inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), significantly reduced tumor burden in bone. PDTC also increased levels of cleaved Mcl-1 and caspase-3 in U266 human myeloma cells, correlating with our murine data and validating the development of specific β-TrCP inhibitors as an alternative therapy to nonspecific proteasome inhibitors for myeloma patients.
Optimally weighted Z-test is a powerful method for combining probabilities in meta-analysis

The inverse normal and Fisher's methods are two common approaches for combining P-values. Whitlock demonstrated that a weighted version of the inverse normal method, or 'weighted Z-test', is superior to Fisher's method for combining P-values for one-sided T-tests. The problem with Fisher's method is that it does not take advantage of weighting and loses power to the weighted Z-test when studies are differently sized. This issue was recently revisited by Chen, who observed that Lancaster's variation of Fisher's method had higher power than the weighted Z-test. Nevertheless, the weighted Z-test has comparable power to Lancaster's method when its weights are set to square roots of sample sizes. Power can be further improved when additional information is available. Although there is no single approach that is the best in every situation, the weighted Z-test enjoys certain properties that make it an appealing choice as a combination method for meta-analysis.
Kamp, M. The new woman in Uzbekistan: Islam, modernity, and unveiling under communism

Marianne Kamp’s recent book on women and the state in the first third of the twentieth century adds a new set of voices to the discussion, those of the women themselves. Kamp’s work is based on interviews she did in Uzbekistan not long after its independence and although only a few of them are presented at length here, Kamp’s sophisticated work elsewhere (2001, ‘Three Lives of Saodat,’ Oral History Review 28/2: 21–58), echoing the ideas of Sheila Fitzpatrick in Tear Off the Masks!: Identity and Imposture in Twentieth-Century Russia (2005), demonstrates that she knows and controls far more material than she had space to present here. The work is a qualitative history, not a quantitative one. The book’s ten chapters consist of four major sections: context up to and including the Soviet revolution (the Introduction and Chapters 1–3), education and women’s self-understanding (Chapters 4, 5), unveiling and its consequences (Chapters 6–8) and the situation in 1940s and after (Chapters 9, 10). Not surprisingly, the three chapters on unveiling, discussing the hujum (translated as ‘attack or assault’ [against the ‘veil’]) encompass nearly a third of the total length of the book, and include descriptions of what women went through. Kamp uses ‘veiling’ as a shorthand; like everywhere else, what the local culture construed as ‘required by Islam’ is more focused on the urban women (a point Kamp makes as well), and seems to have desired most intently to keep women’s faces covered in public. The local variant included a paranji (a robelike garment worn on the head and reaching down to the ankles) and a chachvon (a horsehair veil covering the face). The ‘unveiling’ here that the Soviet government encouraged was removing these two garments, leaving the hair covered by a scarf or hat. Cont Islam (2009) 3:191–193 DOI 10.1007/s11562-008-0056-9
Dependency Detection in MobiMine and Random Matrices

This paper describes a novel approach to detect correlation from data streams in the context of MobiMine -- an experimental mobile data mining system. It presents a brief description of the MobiMine and identifies the problem of detecting dependencies among stocks from incrementally observed financial data streams. This is a non-trivial problem since the stock-market data is inherently noisy and small incremental volumes of data makes the estimation process more vulnerable to noise. This paper presents EDS, a technique to estimate the correlation matrix from data streams by exploiting some properties of the distribution of eigenvalues for random matrices. It separates the "information" from the "noise" by comparing the eigen-spectrum generated from the observed data with that of random matrices. The comparison immediately leads to a decomposition of the covariance matrix into two matrices: one capturing the "noise" and the other capturing useful "information." The paper also presents experimental results using Nasdaq 100 stock data.
Effect of Endotoxin and Cortisone on Synthesis of Ribonucleic Acid and Protein in Livers of Mice

The effect of cortisone and endotoxin, singly and in combination, on ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in livers of adrenalectomized mice was determined. This was accomplished by measuring the incorporation either of inorganic 32P or of 14C-orotic acid into the RNA. Under similar conditions, the effect of these agents on the rate of protein synthesis was examined with the use of 14C-leucine. Bacterial endotoxin was found to augment the uptake of isotope in the RNA and in the protein of the liver. These reactions did not appear to be mediated via the pancreatic hormone insulin, which was found to depress the incorporation of the radioactive compounds into RNA. Cortisone increased the uptake of isotope in liver RNA but depressed the incorporation of leucine into hepatic protein. These results indicate that the previously observed ability of endotoxin to prevent the hormone induction of hepatic enzymes, such as tryptophan oxygenase, is not associated with impaired synthesis of liver RNA or protein.
Element content of Ochromonas danica: a replicated chemostat study controlling the growth rate and temperature

Ecological stoichiometry focuses on the balance between multiple nutrient elements in resources and in consumers of those resources. The major consumers of bacteria in aquatic food webs are heterotrophic and mixotrophic nanoflagellates. Despite the importance of this consumer-resource interaction to understanding nutrient dynamics in the aquatic food web, few data are available addressing the element stoichiometry of flagellate consumers. Ochromonas danica, a mixotrophic bacterivore, was used as a model organism to study the relationships among temperature, growth rate and element stoichiometry. Ochromonas danica was grown in chemostats at dilution rates ranging between 0.03 and 0.10 h(-1) and temperatures ranging between 15 and 28 °C. Cells accumulated elements as interactive functions of temperature and growth rate, with the highest element concentrations corresponding to cells grown at a low temperature and high growth rates. The highest concentrations of elements were associated with small cells. Temperature and growth rate affected the element stoichiometry (as C:N, C:P and N:P) of O. danica in a complex manner, but the growth rate had a greater effect on ratios than did temperature.
Potentiation of nitrogen mustard cytotoxicity by disulfiram, diethyldithiocarbamic acid, and diethylamine in mice.

Disulfiram (DSF) and its metabolites, diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DDC) and diethylamine (DEA), were studied as pretreatments in combination with the alkylating agent nitrogen mustard (HN2) on the cytotoxicity of HN2 against both leukemia cells and normal hematopoietic stem cells. Both time intervals and dose relationships were examined. DSF showed a substantial potentiation of HN2 cytotoxicity against murine AKR leukemia cell spleen colony-forming units (LCFU) when given i.p. between 15 to 30 min prior to HN2 i.v. treatment. For 3 mg DSF/mouse pretreatment, leukemia LCFU survival was about 10(-6) whereas it was about 10(-2) for HN2 alone. The extent of this potentiation decreased as the time between treatments increased. Significant potentiation was noted even when a low dose of DSF (0.25 mg/mouse) was administered 15 min before HN2. However, DSF had little if any effect on the modulation of HN2 cytotoxicity to normal hematopoietic cell spleen colony-forming units (NCFU). DDC showed an increasing potentiation of HN2 cytotoxicity against LCFU when given i.p. prior to HN2 i.v. treatment. The maximum effect was noted between 2 and 4 h with a surviving fraction for LCFU between 10(-5) and 10(-6) for 20 mg/mouse DDC pretreatment. The extent of this effect then decreased as the time interval increased beyond 4 h, but it was still significant for the 24-h interval. This pronounced potentiation effect was dose dependent for DDC. The compound exhibited a protective effect against HN2 cytotoxicity to NCFU when given 15 min before HN2. This protection decreased with increased time interval. DEA (20 mg/mouse) did not show a significant potentiation of HN2 cytotoxicity against LCFU when administered i.p. prior to HN2. Also, DEA did not show any significant protection of NCFU.
The Supreme Court and Critical Elections

Several years ago Professor Robert Dahl argued that the traditional concern over the Supreme Court's power of judicial review was largely unfounded. Dahl demonstrated that seldom, if ever, had the Court been successful in blocking the will of a law-making majority. This paper argues that, had Dahl considered his data from a different perspective, he would have discovered that, by virtue of the recruitment process, the Court will rarely even attempt to thwart a law-making majority. Examining Dahl's data in the context of the Survey Research Center's election classification scheme, the paper focuses on the Court's relation to patterns of partisan change to show that the traditional philosophic concern with the counter-majoritarian nature of judicial review is largely divorced from empirical reality and has relevance only during periods of partisan realignment within the political system as a whole. The paper buttresses the argument that the Court's “yea-saying” power is more important than its “nay-saying” power, a realization which can serve as the premise from which a logically consistent justification of the Court's power of judicial review may be dialectically constructed.
Multiband Microvariability Observations of BL Lacertae during the Outburst of 1997

BL Lac was observed in the V and R bands on 11 nights in 1997 July during a major optical outburst. It varied continuously, exhibiting nightly variations ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mag. Over the course of the 11 nights, BL Lac was seen to vary by 1.8 R magnitudes. Color variations were also observed, with BL Lac becoming bluer as it brightened. The influence of variable seeing conditions on the observed variations was investigated. No correlation was found between the observed microvariability and the local seeing conditions.
Prooxidant activity and toxicity of nordihydroguaiaretic acid in clone-9 rat hepatocyte cultures.

Abstract Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a polyphenol. It is present at high concentrations in the leaves of the evergreen desert shrub, Larrea tridentate (Creosote bush), which has a long history of medicinal use traditionally by the native Americans and Mexicans. It is generally believed that the antioxidant properties of NDGA are responsible for the medicinal value of this desert shrub. The clone-9 rat hepatocyte cultures were used as an in vitro model to assess the hepatotoxic potential of NDGA and to determine whether it exhibits any prooxidant activity. The hepatocyte cultures were treated with NDGA for 2 h at 37 °C at concentrations of 0–100 μM. After the treatment period the cells, the culture supernatants and cell lysates were assayed for evaluation of prooxidant activity and toxicity of NDGA. Oxidative stress level and oxidative cell injury as measured by the peroxidation of membrane lipids and DNA double-strand breaks were used to index prooxidant activity. Cytotoxicity as measured by the leakage of the liver enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture medium, mitochondrial function and extent of cell proliferation were used as the endpoints of toxicity. Significant concentration-dependent differences were observed in these biomarkers over the concentration range examined demonstrating the prooxidant activity and toxicity of NDGA in clone-9 rat hepatocyte cultures.
Body Temperature and Information Processing Capability

Typically, human performance is projected to fluctuate in a circadian manner, usually in association with body temperature rhythm. Such sinusoidal relationships are isomorphic in that they are, under most normal circumstances, phase-locked in environmental time. As body temperature rises so performance is improved. However, increase in temperature above the zenith does not result in increased capability. Rather, such elevation has the dual and opposing action of speeding performance while elevating error rate to produce an overall diminution of efficiency (e.g., Allan and Gibson, 1979; Nunneley, Reader, and Maldonado, 1982). It has been suggested that deep body temperature controls the speed of performance, while skin temperature mediates error through the control of comfort associated with peripheral variation. To overcome distress connected with peripheral increase, yet to utilize the superior speed elicited by alteration of central temperature change, the use of selective head heating has been explored...
Protein-folding dynamics.

In a discussion of the dynamics of protein folding two limiting models (random-search nucleation and chain propagation., diffusion–collision) are considered. It is suggested that the latter may have the dominant role in many proteins.
Franchising cooperation through chance cross-constrained games

This paper explores the role of franchising arrangements in the context of game theory. We assume a single franchisor and a single franchisee channel and address the impact of fixed lump-sum fees, royalties, wholesale price, and retail price on the franchise contracts. We start with the chance cross-constrained noncooperative situation where the franchisor, as the leader, first specifies his/her strategies. The franchisee, as the follower, then decides on his/her decision. We then relax the assumption of franchisee's inability to influence the franchisor's decisions and discuss cooperative situation between the franchisor and the franchisee. Nash's bargaining model is utilized to select the best Pareto-efficient payment scheme for the franchisor and the franchisee to achieve their cooperation. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 47: 669–685, 2000
DNA strand breaks induced in cultured human and rodent cells by chlorohydroxyfuranones--mutagens isolated from drinking water.

Chlorohydroxyfuranones, by-products of chlorine disinfection and drinking water contaminants, are shown to produce DNA strand breaks in human and rodent cells. One chlorohydroxyfuranone, 3-chloro-4-dichloromethyl-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX), a potent bacterial mutagen, induces 232 +/- 89 DNA strand breaks.(cell-microM)-1 in human CCRF-CEM cells over a concentration range of 4.4 to 220 microM. This constitutes a DNA damage potency comparable to dimethylsulfate (DMS). By comparison, 3,4-dichloro-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MA), another chlorohydroxyfuranone which is approximately four orders of magnitude less mutagenic than MX in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100, is only about tenfold less potent as an inducer of DNA strand breaks in these cells, i.e., 18.2 +/- 3.1 strand breaks.(cell-microM)-1. The DNA strand-breaking potential of MX is inactivated by prior incubation with a rat liver S9 homogenate. In addition, both chlorohydroxyfuranones are ineffective at producing DNA strand breaks in primary rate hepatocytes (PRH) at concentrations below those which produce cytotoxicity as assessed by release of the cellular enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Prior treatment of the PRH with 750 microM diethyl maleate, a glutathione-depleting agent, did not enhance the cytotoxicity nor the DNA strand-breaking potential of either chlorohydroxyfuranone. This could indicate that glutathione-glutathione-S-transferase is not an important mechanism for the detoxification of these compounds in PRH.
Characterization of Ni-25 wt.% Cr alloys containing reactive elements and the oxide scales grown on them at high temperatures using transmission electron microscopy

Nickel-base alloys of nominal composition Ni-25 Wt.% Cr-(0-0.6 Wt.%) RE (RE=Y, La, and Ce) were prepared by conventional arc-melting Ni, Cr, and Y metal. The microstructure of the alloys was characterized by using electron diffraction and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) to determine the structure, morphology, and distribution of second-phase particles. Selected alloys were oxidized at 900°C and 1000°C in 1-atm air, and the resultant oxide scales were characterized using the same analytical techniques. The experimentally determined electron-diffraction data were compared with a JCPDF-EDD database, and several compounds were matched. The observed phases were RE oxysulfide, cerium orthochromite-CeCrO3, yttria-Y2O3, yttrium orthochromite-YCrO3, and Ni5Y.
Microsatellite markers for Longfin Dace, Agosia chrysogaster, a sentinel fish species in imperiled arid-land rivers of the Sonoran Desert

We isolated and characterized 16 microsatellite DNA loci in Longfin Dace, Agosia chrysogaster, a minnow native to Sonoran Desert streams (southwestern US and northwestern Mexico). After optimization, all primer pairs produced consistently scorable products. Genetic diversity metrics were determined for each locus using 50 individuals from two populations in the Gila River basin, New Mexico. Allelic richness ranged from 2 to 37 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.08 to 0.95 across loci. These microsatellites offer a powerful tool to study effects of habitat fragmentation, dewatering, and climate change on population connectivity and genetic diversity in this species. Moreover, Longfin Dace co-occurs with more geographically restricted and endangered desert fish species. Genetic information for Longfin Dace could provide an important comparative dataset to assist conservation and management of other imperiled fishes in the region.
Magnetic resonance sentinel lymph node detection in prostate cancer: a new solution to a longstanding problem?

Accurately identifying nodal metastases at the time of radical prostatectomy in men with prostate cancer is important for achieving optimal staging and consideration of additional therapy. Providing adjuvant hormonal treatment to men with nodal metastases prolongs disease-free survival and can improve cancer-specific survival as well (1). In addition, knowledge of the location of nodal metastases impacts planning of conformal radiotherapy and may guide the extent of lymphadenectomy (2,3). Despite the postulated benefits of lymphadenectomy, considerable variability exists in surgeons’ approach to performing lymph node dissection at the time of radical prostatectomy. A limited pelvic lymph node dissection targeting nodes within the obturator fossa is a commonly applied scheme (4). A limited obturator dissection provides partial nodal sampling of the pelvis to guide staging without requiring additional dissection beyond the requisite surgical bed of the prostate. This approach is supported by a traditional perception that the frequency of nodal metastasis is very low, such that more extensive dissection is generally not warranted (5). More recently, the appropriateness of a limited pelvic nodal dissection has been questioned (6). Prostate cancer nodal metastatic disease is frequently solitary (7,8), although does not consistently first involve the obturator fossa before involving other, more remote, sites. Rather, potential sites of initial involvement are widespread, including the obturator fossa, iliac chains, presacral space, and para-aortic region (5). This variation contributes to reports of a higher frequency of nodal metastasis than reported by earlier investigations based on limited nodal dissections (6,9). In one study, up to 75% of nodal metastases were missed by performing solely an obturator dissection (10).
Mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), an abundant growth factor in bone matrix, has been shown to be involved in bone formation and fracture healing. The mechanism of action of the osteogenic effect of TGF-β1 is not clearly understood. In this study, we found that the addition of TGF-β1 to murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA production. VEGF mRNA levels reached a plateau within 2 h after the addition of TGF-β1. The induction was superinduced by cycloheximide and blocked by actinomycin D. Ro 31-8220, a protein kinase C inhibitor, abrogated the induction. In addition, curcumin, an inhibitor for transcription factor AP-1, also blocked the induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed an enhanced binding of transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB. Transient transfection experiment showed that VEGF promoter activity increased 3.6-fold upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Immunoblot analysis showed that the amount of secreted VEGF was elevated in the medium 4 h after TGF-β1 stimulation. Our results therefore suggest that at least part of the osteogenic activity of TGF-β1 may be attributed to the production of VEGF.
Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). I. Variation in inflorescence position

In the Miconieae (Melastomataceae) the inflorescences may be either lateral (with shoots pleonanthic and plants showing Rauh's architectural model) or the terminal (with shoots hapaxanthic and plants illustrating Leeuwenberg's, or less commonly Scarrone's or Stone's, architectural models). Inflorescence position is a valuable taxonomic character in the tribe and is usually uniform within genera or speciesgroups. An analysis of variation of this character elucidates the complex and difficult generic delimitations within the tribe.Ossaea DC. andClidemia D. Don, as presently delimited, contain both terminal-and axillary-flowered species and are undoubtedly polyphyletic assemblages. Some groups, e.g.,Clidemia sect.Clidemia, Leandra Raddi sect.Chaetodon Cogn.,Ossaea sect.Octopleura (Griseb.) Cogn., andMyrmidone Mart. have species that develop pseudolateral inflorescences, i.e., the terminal nature of the inflorescence is obscured by the early development of an axillary bud which continues growth of the branch. Pseudolateral inflorescences seem to have evolved several times within the tribe, andClidemia sect.Clidemia likely evolved from the obviously terminal-floweredHeterotrichum DC. andMiconia Ruiz & Pavon sect.Octomeris Hook. f. (p. p.);Myrmidone andMicrophysca Naud. are closely related toTococa Aublet; andLeandra sect.Chaetodon (and probably alsoOssea sect.Octopleura) show affinity with the remaining sections ofLeandra.
Neil Armstrong (1930–2012)

News of the death of Neil Armstrong on 25 August elicited tributes from around the world to the commander of NASA's Apollo 11 mission and the first person to walk on the Moon. A statement released by his family noted, in part, “While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves. “For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment, and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”
Increase in the stratospheric background sulfuric acid aerosol mass in the past 10 years.

Data obtained from measurements of the stratospheric aerosol at Laramie, Wyoming (41°N), indicate that the background or nonvolcanic stratospheric sulfuric acid aerosol mass at northern mid-latitudes has increased by about 5 ± 2 percent per year during the past 10 years. Whether this increase is natural or anthropogenic could not be determined at this time because of inadequate information on sulfur sources, in particular, carbonyl sulfide, which is thought to be the dominant nonvolcanic source of stratospheric sulfuric acid vapor. An increase in stratospheric sulfate levels has important climatic implications as well as heterogeneous chemical effects that may alter the concentration of stratospheric ozone.
Maximum entropy reconstruction of complex (phase-sensitive) spectra

Abstract There is no general agreement on the definition of the entropy of a complex spectrum. We consider a number of possible definitions for use in maximum entropy reconstruction, comparing their analytical properties and the quality of spectrum reconstructions computed for synthetic and experimental NMR data. On the basis of this comparison, we conclude that the entropy of the power spectrum is not well suited for spectrum reconstruction in NMR; conversely, there is one definition which appears to be better suited in every respect than the others considered.
Spectrophotometric determination of manganeseII with benzohydroxamic acid

Abstract ManganeseII reacts with benzohydroxamic acid in ammoniacal solution to form a stable reddish-brown complex (λmax 500 mμ). The reagent does not absorb at this wavelength and the concentration of ammonium hydroxide is not critical above pH 10. The sensitivity is 0.015 μg of manganese per cm2 for log I0/I = 0.001 ; the spot-plate sensitivity is 0.2 μg of manganese per 0.05 ml. Beer's law is obeyed up to a manganese concentration of 10 ppm in 1-cm absorption cells. The colour reaction takes place in non-aqueous solvents; optimum conditions for the reaction in dimethylformamide have been established. Interference by iron, cobalt and copper is avoided by the separation of manganese from these ions by ion-exchange. Development of the method included a study of the effect of temperature, pH, reagent: manganese ratio, stability of the complex and the rate of colour formation. The spectrophotometric method has been successfully applied to the determination of manganese in steel, bronze and magnesium alloy.
Glutamine production by the isolated perfused rat heart during ammonium chloride perfusion.

Myocardial levels of ammonia, glutamate, and glutamine and the release of glutamate and glutamine were studied in the isolated perfused rat heart during perfusion with ammonium chloride, epinephrine, and conditions of anoxia or ischaemia. Perfusion for 15 min with effective ammonium chloride concentrations of 0.53, 0.71, and 2.06 mmol/l resulted in glutamine production of 1.34, 0.95, and 4.41 mmol·15 min−1/200 mg dry weight compatible with the presence of glutamine synthetase in rat myocardium. Myocardial ammonium content was unchanged by perfusion with 0.53 and 0.71 mmol/l ammonium chloride, but was increased by 1.36 μmol·15 min−1/200 mg dry weight by perfusion with 2.06 mmol/l ammonium chloride. Increased myocardial contents of ammonia and glutamine were not accompanied by depression of left ventricular pressure. Perfusion with epinephrine (0.20 μg/ml) resulted in an increased myocardial content of glutamine. Anoxia or ischaemia resulted in no changes in ammonia content, and no changes in glutamine or glutamate production. The net release of glutamine into the perfusate was about 10 times the net release of glutamate.
Engineered macroporosity in single-wall carbon nanotube films.

A key advantage of bulk nanoscale materials in applications ranging from energy storage to chemical catalysis is their inherent high surface area. Single-wall carbon nanotube films possess the additional advantages of high electrical conductivity and robust mechanical integrity. Nevertheless the flexibility of the individual nanotubes and their affinity for each other conspire to obstruct the porosity in such films limiting the perfusion rate of liquids and gases, restricting the accessible surface area and thereby limiting their utility in important applications. Here we demonstrate a simple, effective means to engineer controlled porosity into the nanotube films. The newly incorporated porosity modifies the film electrolytic capacitance and comparative perfusion rates. Pseudocapacitive RuO2 electrodeposited onto the highest porosity films exhibits a specific capacitance of 1084 F/g. Knowledge of the underlying nanotube capacitance and mass permits extraction of the deposited RuO2 specific capacitance of...
Beyond the Roots of Young Seedlings: The Influence of Age and Order on Fine Root Physiology

The increasingly widespread use of minirhizotrons, below-ground video cameras, and root image analysis software has generated information on fine root (<1 mm in diameter) dynamics in many species and ecosystems (Johnson and others 2001; Eissenstat and Yanai 2002). These techniques have also revealed the daunting complexity of the fine root system. Within the fine root system of a single fieldgrown plant are roots of numerous branching orders, lengths, diameters, ages, colors, and degrees of mycorrhizal colonization (Afek and others 1990; Pregitzer and others 1997; Wells and Eissenstat 2001; Anderson and others 2002; Mihail and others 2002; Waisel and Eshel 2002). Fine roots continually emerge, age, and die throughout the favorable growing season at rates that differ among subsets of the root population and change in response to seasonal and environmental factors (Hendrick and Pregitzer 1993; Pregitzer and others 1993; Reid and others 1993; Forbes and others 1997; Ruess and others 1998; Majdi and others 2001; Wells and Eissenstat 2001; Wells and others 2002a). The demographic characteristics of the fine root population are constantly shifting, and the consequences of these shifts for whole-plant physiology and growth are very poorly understood. The heterogeneity of the fine root system should not be surprising. Above ground, individual leaves exhibit well-characterized differences in anatomy and physiology with age and position in the crown (Esau 1965; Nobel 1975; Coleman 1986). An appreciation of these differences is implicit in most aboveground sampling strategies and is incorporated into models of whole-canopy function. Until recently, however, physiological differences among individual roots less than 1 mm in diameter were not frequently acknowledged. Most water and nutrient uptake models use total fine root length as a model parameter and assume constant rates of uptake along this length (Chen and Barbar 1990; Smethurst and Commerford 1993; Teo and others 1995; but Gao and others 1998). However, a number of studies indicate that roots of different ages and positions are anatomically and physiologically dissimilar (Atkinson and Wilson 1979; Palta and Nobel 1988; Lopez and Nobel 1991; McKenzie and Peterson 1995; Pregitzer and others 1997; Bouma and others 2001; Kosola and others 2002). At present, the majority of our information on fine root physiology derives from studies of the young, white seminal roots of crop seedlings grown in solution culture (Clarkson 1985; McCully 1999). Such studies have been extremely valuable in elucidating the details of root anatomy, development, Received: 2 January 2003; accepted: 31 January 2003; Online publication: 22 April 2003 *Corresponding author; e-mail: cewells@clemson.edu J Plant Growth Regul (2003) 21:324–334 DOI: 10.1007/s00344-003-0011-1
Elucidating upconversion mechanisms in erbium-doped transparent glass ceramic

Erbium-doped transparent glass ceramics can produce copious upconversion fluorescence originating from both the glassy and nanocrystalline phases. From the optical spectroscopic data, we conclude that erbium ions in the glassy phase produce upconversion via excited state absorption, and those in the nanocrystalline phase undergo upconversion by energy transfer.
Crystal Structure of 1 : 2-Benzanthracene

As part of an investigation into Daudel and Pullman's theory1,2 concerning the connexion between carcinogenic activity and the chemical structure of benzanthracene derivatives, we have made a detailed study of the crystal structure of 1 : 2-benzanthracene.
Composition of mucoid fractions from duodenal fluid of children and of adults

Abstract 1. 1. About 90% of nondialyzable carbohydrate of the duodenal fluid is present in the form of TCA-soluble mucoids containing 70–75 % carbohydrate with the composition of a fucomucopolysaccharide. 2. 2. A small fraction of the TCA-soluble carbohydrate obtained by ethanol and acetone fractionation consisted of a fucomucopolysaccharide with less than 5% protein. 3. 3. The TCA-soluble mucoid represents a mixture of two different types of mucoids distinguished by differences in their solubilities in ethanol and the nature of their mucopolysaccharides. 4. 4. One type of mucoid is present in fractions which precipitate at 67% ethanol. The hexose in its mucopolysaccharide consists of more than 80% of galactose and only traces of mannose, the hexosamine of comparable amounts of glucosamine and galactosamine. 5. 5. The second type does not precipitate below 90% ethanol. The hexose in its mucopolysaccharide consists of comparable amounts of galactose and mannose and the hexosamine predominantly of glucosamine. 6. 6. In both types of mucoids from fluids of children, the molar ratio of fucose to hexosamine is very nearly 1:2. In mucoids from fluids of adults this ratio is 1.2:2. 7. 7. Subfractionation of the two types of mucoids with ethanol yields subfractions, the polysaccharides of which differ in their content in sialic acid. 8. 8. The ratios of hexosamine and galactose to sialic acid in the ethanol subfractions run parallel to their solubility in ethanol. 9. 9. The comparison of the composition of the total mucoid soluble in 67% ethanol with that of its ethanol and acetone subfractions yields suggestive evidence of an asymmetry of the mucoid molecule based on variations in the distribution of its sugar constituents along the chain of its mucopolysaccharide.
Clinical Effects of Electromagnetic Stimulation as an Adjunct to Periodontal Therapy

The clinical effects of electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) on periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone level were studied among 23 patients. The sides of the arch to receive EMS were randomly selected and exposed for a period of eight weeks following periodontal surgery. The contralateral control sides received surgery only. The electromagnetic signal was a multiple pulse signal with 21 asymmetrical quasirectangular pulses per burst and a burst frequency of 16.9 Hz. The peak magnetic field strength reached 0.46 Gauss. Changes from baseline in clinical attachment level, probing depth, and radiographic alveolar bone level were assessed at six, 12, and 18 months postsurgically. A greater gain of clinical attachment level following EMS was observed only for pockets with initial depth of 1 to 3 mm. There were no consistent differences between test (EMS) and control sides in the change of clinical attachment level or probing depth for pockets deeper than 4 mm. Radiographically, the test sides demonstrated stat...
The chitinase system of a strain of Streptomyces griseus.

Abstract The chitinase system of a strain of Streptomyces griseus (C-10) was resolved into two chitinase with similar enzymic activities and a chitobiase. Suitable assays for these enzymes were devised. The chitinases hydrolyzed chitin to N-acetylglucosamine and N,N-diacetylchitobiose without the formation of detectable concentrations of higher saccharides. Chitodextrin was cleaved randomly, forming a number of intermediate saccharides. These intermediates, as well as pure N,N,N-triacetylchiotriaose and N,N,N,N-tetraacetylchitotetraose, were broken down to monoand disaccharides. The chitobiase is a heat-labile enzyme which can be irreversibly adsorbed on bauxite. It hydrolyzes the β-phenylglycoside of N-acetylglucosamine, the di- and trisaccharides of N-acetyl-glucosamine but none of the higher saccharides. None of the enzymes is active on the homologous oligosaccharides of the analogous sugar, glucosamine; the β-phenylglycoside of glucosamine is not split by chitobiase.
Aminoglycoside binding to Oxytricha nova telomeric DNA.

Telomeric DNA sequences have been at the center stage of drug design for cancer treatment in recent years. The ability of these DNA structures to form four-stranded nucleic acid structures, called G-quadruplexes, has been perceived as target for inhibiting telomerase activity vital for the longevity of cancer cells. Being highly diverse in structural forms, these G-quadruplexes are subjects of detailed studies of ligand−DNA interactions of different classes, which will pave the way for logical design of more potent ligands in future. The binding of aminoglycosides was investigated with Oxytricha nova quadruplex forming DNA sequence (GGGGTTTTGGGG)2. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) determined ligand to quadruplex binding ratio shows 1:1 neomycin:quadruplex binding with association constants (Ka) ∼ 105 M−1 while paromomycin was found to have a 2-fold weaker affinity than neomycin. The CD titration experiments with neomycin resulted in minimal changes in the CD signal. FID assays, performed to determin...
Light-scattering studies on penicillin G solutions.

LITERATURE concerning the physical-chemical state of aqueous systems of penicillin reveals a controversial issue. Claims that micelles, between 200 A. and 5000 A. in length, are formed above a critical concentration of 10,000 units/c.c. (0.6 per cent)1–4 contrast with evidence which indicates that penicillins behave as simple electrolytes5–9. One paper5 reports that colloidal electrolyte behaviour is not reached until 8.26 per cent, a concentration so high as to be of little biological importance.
Reliability and Clinical Significance of the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature related to the reliability and clinical validity of the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test. Extensive research has been done on both normal and abnormal school age children and on normal land high-risk infants. Precaution for administration and guidelines for interpretation of postrotary nystagmust test scores are discussed. Alternate methods of measuring nystagmus, such as caloric and per-rotary induces nystagmus, are compared to postrotary nystagmus.
Heat capacities of dilute alloys of Fe in Cu below 1°K

Abstract The heat capacities of five alloys containing between 0.0081 and 0.27 at.% Fe in Cu have been measured between 0.06 and 1°K. The concentration dependence shows that Fe-Fe interactions are important, even in the most dilute alloy, at the lowest temperature, and suggests that the low-temperature heat capacity characteristic of the spin-compensated state is proportional to temperature.
The physical examination in cancer pain assessment

Objectives: To examine pain-related constructs, illness-related constructs, and the particular importance of the physical examination as integrative steps in a comprehensive pain assessment. Data sources: Review articles and book chapters related to the physical examination and evaluation of cancer pain. Conclusions: The physical examination is a fundamental aspect of cancer pain assessment. It provides unique information that can be combined with the history, data from the medical record, and the results of additional studies to yield a comprehensive understanding of the patient. Implications for nursing practice: The nurse's understanding of pain-related constructs, illness-related constructs, and the importance of the physical examination will help provide strategies for pain management that are most likely to offer both pain relief and improved quality of life
Scaling laws for NOx emission performance of burners and furnaces from 30 kW to 12 MW

A general analytical approach for scaling NO{sub x} emissions from burners and furnaces is presented, together with the scaling model for NO{sub x} emissions performance that results when this approach is applied to a broad class of swirl-stabilized industrial gas burners. The model is based on results from a set of collaborative burner scaling experiments on a generic gas burner and furnace design at five different scales having near-uniform geometric, aerodynamic, and thermal similarity and uniform measurement protocols. This collaborative effort provides the first NO{sub x} scaling data over the range of thermal scales from 30 kW to 12 MW, including input-output measurements as well as detailed in-flame measurements of NO, NO{sub 2}, CO, O{sub 2}, unburned hydrocarbons, temperature, and velocities at each scale. The in-flame measurements allow identification of key sources of NO{sub x} production. The underlying physics of these NO{sub x} sources lead to scaling laws for their respective contributions to the overall NO{sub x} emissions performance. It is found that the relative importance of each source depends on the burner scale and operating conditions. The scalings for these NO{sub x} sources are combined in a comprehensive scaling model for NO{sub x} emission performance. Results from the scalingmore » model show good agreement with experimental data at all burner scales and over the entire range of turndown, staging, preheat, and excess air dilution, with correlations generally exceeding 90%. The scaling model permits design trade-off assessments for a broad class of burners and furnaces, and allows performance of full industrial-scale burners and furnaces of this type to be inferred from results of small-scale tests.« less
Periumbilical perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

primary manufacturer of DINP), there are no severe hazardous side effects from DINP unless it is burned. In this case, it releases toxic fumes. The greatest hazards from contact are mild eye and skin irritation. The Federal Department of Transportation does not consider DINP hazardous (Aristech Chemical Co., personalcommunication, June 1991). The Consumer Protection Agency had no reports of problems relating to DINP or Sqwish Balls. The other possible irritant to which the patient was exposed is the cleanser. The manufacturer of Soft Scrub informed us that the primary ingredient is calcium carbonate and that there have been few reports of dermatitis from its use (personal communication, August 1991). Because of the detergent Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology