cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thyroid storm after choking

Background A thyroid storm (TS) is a rare, but life-threatening condition in hyperthyroid patients. Mortality in adult TS patients may be as high as 10%. Typically, a trigger precipitates the storm in hyperthyroid patients. Case presentation We report the case of an adolescent girl with untreated hyperthyroidism who developed fulminant TS after a significant choking episode. Initially, she was found to have neck swelling and tachycardia leading providers to suspect infection. She deteriorated after a CAT Scan (CT) was performed with iodine contrast, potentially worsening storm symptoms. Here, we describe the case, the treatment strategy and propose a treatment modification for pediatric patients. Conclusions While many children are found to have minor abnormalities in thyroid studies, this case highlights the critical importance of prompt medical attention for any child with significantly elevated free thyroxine (FT4) levels as morbidity can occur when left untreated.
Evaluating the Reliability, Validity, and Usefulness of Education Cost Studies

Much has been made in recent years about studies that purport to estimate the costs of constitutionally adequate education. In some cases, these studies have been held up as a gold standard that should necessarily guide legislative school finance policy design and judicial evaluation. In others, these studies have been criticized as pure alchemy. Much has also been made about differences between methods for estimating the cost of constitutionally adequate education, which can be roughly divided into two groups: studies that identify the inputs needed to provide adequate service delivery models or prototypical schools (resource cost) and studies that attempt to estimate statistically the relationship between existing expenditures and existing outcomes and use those models to predict the cost of achieving constitutionally adequate outcomes (cost function). In each case, the studies produce both baseline cost estimates and marginal cost estimates associated with district characteristics and student needs.
Influence of Phenology and Land Management on Biosphere-Atmosphere Isotopic CO2 Exchange

Stable isotope and micrometeorological techniques have long been used to study carbon cycle dynamics at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Combination of these techniques provide a powerful tool for gaining greater process information at the ecosystem and regional scales and can provide a meaningful way to scale processes from leaf to region. In this chapter we review the recent literature and examine the key processes influencing biosphere–atmosphere 13CO2 exchange. These processes are examined from the perspective of agricultural land management and rapid seasonal changes in phenology. Novel measurement techniques are introduced that can be used to better quantify the 13CO2 exchange between the biosphere and atmosphere to determine how ecosystem processes, land use modifications, and phenology impact the isotopic composition of the atmosphere (i.e. the atmospheric isotopic forcing associated with land surface processes). High temporal resolution isotope mixing ratio and flux measurements, based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, are presented. The results demonstrate that the isotopic composition of respiration at the ecosystem scale is strongly linked to plant assimilated carbon, which is dependent on plant metabolic physiology and growth phase. We review how this strong isotopic coupling between ecosystem respiration and photosynthesis can impact isotope-based flux partitioning of net ecosystem CO2 exchange, the variation in the canopy isotopic discrimination parameter, and the resulting isotopic forcing on the atmosphere.
Impact of Neutral Current on Concentric Cable Overloading

Harmonic and neutral current can lead to additional heating of a concentric cable. With the increasing number of non-linear loads integrated to the distribution system, it has been a critical issue in power system planning about how to determine the cable ampacity. However, there is no sufficient study on the neutral current estimation and cable overloading factor (COF) of the underground cable. In addition, old standards about cable ampacity are based on fundamental current. In this paper, an analytical method is proposed for calculating the neutral current of long-distance concentric cables with MGN configuration. Furthermore, a new index is proposed for determining the overloading factors in the presence of harmonic and neutral current.
Road proximity influences indoor exposures to ambient fine particle mass and components.

Abstract Exposure to traffic-related PM2.5 mass and its components can affect human health. Meanwhile, indoor concentrations are better exposure predictors as compared to outdoor concentrations because individuals spend the majority of their time indoors. We estimated the impact of traffic emissions on indoor PM2.5 mass and its species as a function of road proximity in Massachusetts. A linear regression model was built using 662 indoor samples and 580 ambient samples. Analysis shows that indoor exposures to traffic-related particles increased dramatically with road proximity. We defined relative concentration decrease, R(α), as the ratio of the indoor concentration at perpendicular distance α in meters from the closest major road to the indoor concentration at 1800 m from the major road. R(13) values for PM2.5 mass and Black Carbon (BC) were 1.3 (95%CI: 1.4, 1.6) and 2.1 (95%CI: 1.3, 2.8) for A12 roads, and 1.3 (95%CI: 1.2, 1.4) and 1.2 (95%CI: 1.1, 1.3) for A3 roads. R(α) values were also estimated for Fe, Mn, Mo, Sr and Ti for A12 roads, and Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Sr, V and Zn for A3 roads. R(α) values for species associated mainly with brakes, tires or road dust (e.g., Mn, Mo and Sr) were higher than others. For A12 roads, R(13) values for Mn and Mo were 10.9 (95%CI: 0.9, 20.9) and 6.5 (95%CI: 1.4, 11.5), and ranged from 1.3 to 2.1 for other species; for A3 roads, R(13) values for Mn, Mo and Sr were 1.9 (95%CI: 1.1, 2.9), 1.8 (95%CI: 1.1, 2.4), and 8.5 (95%CI: 5.9, 10.9), and ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 for others. Our results indicate a significant impact of local traffic emissions on indoor air, which depends on road proximity. Thus road proximity which has been used in many epidemiological studies is a reasonable exposure metric.
The limits of capacity building

Randomized control trials are a potentially useful research design for identifying the causal effects of capacity-building interventions in the context of environmental development. But new research suggests that short-term capacity-building projects do not increase the rate at which local water districts in Costa Rica adopt climate adaptation strategies.
Prophylactic Intravenous Access: Is It Necessary for Renal Transplant Biopsies?

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous renal transplant biopsies have long been a safe and effective procedure with bleeding being the most common significant complication. Only a few studies, however, have addressed the need for intravenous access prior to the procedure. Objectives We postulate that the number of patients requiring intravenous resuscitation after a routine renal transplant biopsy is sufficiently low enough to prove that eliminating pre-procedural peripheral IV placement will have no negative impact on patient safety and could improve departmental efficiency. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of complications that occurred in patients who underwent routine percutaneous renal transplant biopsies at an academic center. Patients were divided into two groups: the IV cohort that had peripheral IV access placed before the procedure (n=1318) and the no-IV cohort that did not (n=492). Results This is a retrospective analysis of complications that occurred in patients who underwent routine percutaneous renal transplant biopsies at an academic center. Patients were divided into two groups: the IV cohort that had peripheral IV access placed before the procedure (n=1318) and the no-IV cohort that did not (n=492). Conclusions Placement of prophylactic peripheral IV access in patients undergoing routine renal transplant biopsies does not significantly impact the rate of biopsy complications
184 Effects of cyanidin supplementation on invitro maturation of pig oocytes

Oxidative stress can have a negative effect on oocyte maturation during in vitro production of pig embryos. Imbalance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels can affect the progression of oocyte maturation up to the point of fertilization. Antioxidants are effective in maintaining more ideal reactive oxygen species levels, which help to protect oocytes from potential harmful effects of oxidative stress. Berries from the elder plant (Sambucus sp.) contain high levels of a broad spectrum of antioxidants. One of these antioxidants, cyanidin, when supplemented to maturation medium at 100 μM concentrations, reduces reactive oxygen species formation and improves IVF and early embryonic development in pigs. However, changes in the enzyme mechanisms of action during oocyte maturation due to cyanidin supplementation are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterise the intracellular oocyte enzyme mechanisms between oocytes supplemented with 100 μM cyanidin during 40 to 44 h of maturation (n = 600) and oocytes without supplementation of cyanidin during maturation (n = 558). At the end of maturation, oocytes were evaluated for either glutathione peroxidase (n = 300), catalase (n = 564), or superoxide dismutase (n = 294) activities. Glutathione peroxidase activity was determined by following the rate of NADPH oxidation, catalase activity was determined by following the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition, and superoxide dismutase activity was determined by following the reduction rate of cytochrome c, utilising the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. There were no significant differences between oocytes matured with 100 μM cyanidin and those that were not when comparing glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Supplementation of 100 μM cyanidin to maturation medium increased (P < 0.05) catalase activity in oocytes (0.78 ± 0.15 units/oocyte) compared with no cyanidin supplementation (0.14 ± 0.11 units/oocyte). These results indicate that supplementing 100 μM cyanidin to the maturation medium of pig oocytes could reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress by increasing intracellular catalase activity during oocyte maturation.
Modeling Persistent Data

Data modeling is introduced in this chapter. Three types of data models are described: entity relationship diagram, logical data model, and physical data model. This is followed by a brief description of normalization, a process used to ensure data models adhere to a set of rules. Sample data models are created and normalized for a digital library.
Optical polarimetric elastography for biomechanical analysis

To make transformative leaps in human health and wellness, our approach to healthcare must be reimagined. Researchers are pursuing multiple avenues, such as integrating health monitoring systems into wearable devices and leveraging machine learning methods to analyze health data. However, many of these approaches are pursued in isolation, and the resulting data is not cross correlated. By working directly with clinicians and clinician-researchers as well as bioinformaticians, we are identifying and addressing their critical needs. This presentation will discuss a recently developed instrument for measuring the elasticity of living tissue. Inspired by conventional mechanical compression testing, the portable instrument replaces the conventional pressure sensor with an array of optical fiber polarimetric sensors to improve both the resolution and sensitivity. These improvements allow the mechanical properties of unprocessed, living, resected tissue to be analyzed. To date, animal tissue samples (several organ systems and cartilage) have been measured. As a result of the improvement in resolution, micron-scale mechanical deformation behavior has been detected, in agreement with the tissue architecture. More complex investigations into the biomechanical properties of tumors (patient derived xenographs) are ongoing as well as improvements in the system design to accelerate data collection and analysis.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Comfort Level With Use of Term "Stuttering" During Evaluations.

Purpose Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) anecdotally report concern that their interactions with a child who stutters, including even the use of the term “stuttering,” might contribute to negati...
Perioperative Pain Control: Practical Tools for Surgeons

Prescription drug misuse and overuse have played a significant role in the rise of the opioid epidemic and stem from numerous causes, including the introduction of governmental policies, the increasing availability of these substances, and the inadequate opioid prescribing education for trainees and physicians. Concomitant with recognition of what the toll of opioid misuse has exacted upon our society, recent years have witnessed increasing evidence-based scholarship focusing on opioid alternatives. As prescribing education has not kept up with these advances, resources delineating their benefits are of utmost importance and remain integral to mitigation strategies. This text highlights an understanding of the role of these alternatives in the preoperative optimization process, intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Multiple metals in children's deciduous teeth: results from a community-initiated pilot study.

BACKGROUND Characterizing retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods is challenging, yet critical for understanding developmental effects. OBJECTIVE To characterize early-life metal exposure using deciduous teeth in a community concerned about past exposures. METHODS Naturally shed teeth were collected from 30 children ages 5-13 years who resided in Holliston, Massachusetts since conception. We estimated weekly prenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year of age) exposure to 12 metals by measuring dentine concentrations using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral correlates of dentine metal concentrations. RESULTS Temporal trends in dentine levels differed by metal. Source of milk during the first year of life was associated with dentine barium (Ba) levels, where being fed predominantly breastmilk was associated with 39% (95% CI: -57%, -13%) lower dentine Ba compared to predominantly formula use. Females had higher prenatal and postnatal dentine Mn and Pb, compared to males (e.g., % difference, postnatal Mn: 122% (17%, 321%); postnatal Pb: 60% (95% CI: -8%, 178%)). SIGNIFICANCE Deciduous teeth provide retrospective information on dose and timing of early-life metals exposure at high resolution. We demonstrate their utility in a community-based study with known past contamination of drinking water. IMPACT STATEMENT We conducted a community-initiated pilot study in a community concerned with historical exposure to multiple metals. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, we characterized early-life exposure to 12 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods, thus demonstrating the utility of this biomarker in communities concerned with past exposures.
Hybrid Graphene Oxide Based Plasmonic-Magnetic Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Selective Separation and Label-Free Identification of Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers

Despite intense efforts, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the top public health crisis for society even at 21st century. Since presently there is no cure for AD, early diagnosis of possible AD biomarkers is crucial for the society. Driven by the need, the current manuscript reports the development of magnetic core-plasmonic shell nanoparticle attached hybrid graphene oxide based multifunctional nanoplatform which has the capability for highly selective separation of AD biomarkers from whole blood sample, followed by label-free surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) identification in femto gram level. Experimental ELISA data show that antibody-conjugated nanoplatform has the capability to capture more than 98% AD biomarkers from the whole blood sample. Reported result shows that nanoplatform can be used for SERS “fingerprint” identification of β-amyloid and tau protein after magnetic separation even at 100 fg/mL level. Experimental results indicate that very high sensitivity achieved is mainly due to...
Higher Order Structure in Chromosomes

It is now well-established that histones interact with each other and with DNA to form nucleosomes, the invariant basic subunits of eukaryotic chromatin. Each nucleosome is a flattened disc, 55 A × 110 A, containing two molecules each of histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 in association with about 146 base pairs of DNA (for reviews, see Isenberg 1979; McGhee and Felsenfeld 1980). While our knowledge of the structure, composition, and properties of chromatin subunits is very detailed and at a high level of experimental sophistication, our understanding of the manner in which the basic chromatin fiber is folded to form higher order structures is fragmentary.
Insider threats in a financial institution: analysis of attack-proneness of information systems applications

This study investigates the risk of insider threats associated with different applications within a financial institution. Extending routine activity theory (RAT) from criminology literature to information systems security, hypotheses regarding how application characteristics, namely value, inertia, visibility, accessibility, and guardians, cause applications to be exposed to insider threats are developed. Routine activity theory is synthesized with survival modeling, specifically a Weibull hazard model, and users' system access behavior is investigated using seven months of field data from the institution. The inter-arrival times of two successive unauthorized access attempts on an application are employed as the measurement of risk. For a robustness check, the daily number of unauthorized attempts experienced by an application as an alternative measurement of risk are introduced and a zero-inflated Poisson-Gamma model is developed. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is used for model estimations. The results of the study support the empirical application of routine activity theory in understanding insider threats, and provide a picture of how different applications have different levels of exposure to such threats. Theoretical and practical implications for risk management regarding insider threats are discussed. This study is among the first that uses behavioral logs to investigate victimization risk and attack proneness associated with information assets.
Virtual Reality, Identity Imposters

The Echo Maker . A Novel. By Richard Powers . Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, 2006. 459 pp. $25, C$31. ISBN 9780374146351. Heinemann, London, 2007. £17.99. ISBN 9780434016334. Picador, New York, 2007. Paper, $15. ISBN 9780312426439. The protagonist of this award-winning novel emerges from a coma suffering from Capgras believing that those around him are all impostors, and his condition attracts the attention of a neuroscientist-author.
Caspase 6 Regulates B Cell Activation and Differentiation into Plasma Cells

Caspase (Casp) family proteases regulate not only lymphocyte apoptosis but also lymphocyte activation and development. In this study, we show that Casp6 regulates B cell activation and differentiation into plasma cells by modifying cell cycle entry. B cells from Casp6 knockout (Casp6 KO) mice examined ex vivo have more cells in G1 than wild-type B cells, and mitogen-induced G1 entry of Casp6 KO B cells is much faster than that of wild-type B cells. Even so, S phase entry and proliferation are not increased in Casp6 KO B cells. Rather than proliferating, activated Casp6 KO B cells preferentially differentiate into syndecan-1+ plasma cells and produce Abs. In Casp6 KO mice compared with WT mice, serum levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b are increased and Ag-specific Ab responses are also enhanced along with increased percentages of syndecan-1+ plasma cells. Casp6 may regulate both B cell activation and differentiation by modifying requirements for G0 B cells to enter G1.
Ethernet for space flight applications

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is adapting current data networking technologies to fly on future spaceflight missions. The benefits of using commercially based networking standards and protocols have been widely discussed and are expected to include reduction in overall mission cost, shortened integration and test (I&T) schedules, increased operations flexibility, and hardware and software upgradeability/scalability with developments ongoing in the commercial world. The networking effort is a comprehensive one encompassing missions ranging from small University Explorer (UNEX) class spacecraft to large observatories such as the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). Mission aspects such as flight hardware and software, ground station hardware and software, operations, RF communications, and security (physical and electronic) are all being addressed to ensure a complete end-to-end system solution. One of the current networking development efforts at GSFC is the SpaceLAN (Spacecraft Local Area Network) project, development of a space-qualifiable Ethernet network. To this end we have purchased an IEEE 802.3-compatible 10/100/1000 Media Access Control (MAC) layer Intellectual Property (IP) core and are designing a network node interface (NNI) and associated network components such as a switch. These systems will ultimately allow the replacement of the typical MIL-STD-1553/1773 and custom interfaces that inhabit most spacecraft. In this paper we will describe our current Ethernet NNI development along with a novel new space qualified physical layer that will be used in place of the standard interfaces. We will outline our plans for development of space qualified network components that mill allow future spacecraft to operate in significant radiation environments while using a single onboard network for reliable commanding and data transfer. There will be a brief discussion of some issues surrounding system implications of a flight Ethernet. Finally, we will show an onboard network architecture for a proposed new mission using Ethernet for science data transport.
Fluoride sorption and associated aluminum release in variable charge soils

Abstract Fluoride sorption and related aluminum (Al) release are evaluated in two iron-oxide-rich soils as a function of soil depth, composition, and physical–chemical properties and potential mechanisms of fluoride–surface interaction are suggested. Measured Al concentrations at equilibrium fluoride sorption, reflective of the net balance between Al dissolution and sequestration of the released Al by the solid phase, suggest net fluoride-assisted dissolution of Al-bearing amorphous and crystalline soil minerals. Strikingly, soils of similar depth and horizonation from the same soil order but of distinct soil series exhibited markedly different susceptibility to Al loss in the presence of fluoride, possibly a combined result of differences in the mechanism of fluoride sorption, soil mineralogy, reactivity of the surficial Al and Fe, and soil solution chemistry. Fluoride sorption is strongly correlated with soil Al and Fe present as high-surface-area amorphous and crystalline oxide phases. Fluoride complexation to surficial Al and Fe ions via ligand exchange with surficial OH groups and water molecules appears to be the dominant sorption mechanism. At high dissolved fluoride concentrations (>7 mM), other mechanisms of fluoride retention including adsorption of AlF solution complexes, entrapment in the interparticle pore fluid, and precipitation into solution and/or onto the soil surface are also likely.
Influence of testis on induction of ovarian tumors of mice by x-rays.

SummaryWhen irradiated ovaries were grafted into intact as well as castrated male Balb/c mice, ovarian tumorigenesis proceeded. Functional normal ovarian grafts into previously irradiated Balb c females inhibited tumorigenesis in the irradiated ovary. It appears that irradiation-induced ovarian tumorigenesis in this inbred strain is inhibited almost completely by ovarian, but only to a minor degree by testicular secretion.
An operant assay of thermal pain in conscious, unrestrained rats

Methods are described which provide quantification of learned operant and innate reflex responses to a thermal stimulus (heat or cold) and provide matched motor controls. The apparati and procedures consist of (1) an 'Escapetest' which measures latencies and durations of escape from a compartment where the floor is heated or cooled to a platform at neutral temperature in an adjacent compartment; (2) a motor and motivational control for the Escapetest, the 'Darkboxtest', which measures escape latency from bright light in a shuttle box; and (3) assessment of latencies and durations of licking or guarding responses to thermal stimulation in the absence of the escape option. Avoidance responses in the Escapetest (retreating to the escape platform in the absence of an experience of pain) are discouraged by bright illumination of the compartment containing the escape platform (brightly lit areas are aversive to rodents). Stimulus-response functions for escape from heat and cold are compared to stimulus response functions for innate lick/guard responses to the same temperatures. Substantial differences in the relationships between learned or innate responses and temperature attest to a need for methods which evaluate operant responses to nociceptive stimulation.
Energy dependence with respect to absorbed dose in water of lithium fluoride rods in high energy electron beams

Indicates that the sensitivity of LiF rods expressed as thermoluminescent response per rad in water, is dependent on both energy and geometrical dimensions of the LiF dosimeter. The sensitivity per rad in water of extruded LiF rods varies approximately by 25% for electron beam energies ranging from 1 to 20 MeV. A model was developed which predicted the change of sensitivity per rad in water of the LiF rods and the calculated and measured responses were compared.
Well-posedness of a needle crystal growth problem with anisotropic surface tension

We study an initial value problem for two-dimensional needle crystal growth with anisotropic surface tension. The initial value problem is derived from the so called one-sided model based on complex variables method. We then obtain the existence and uniqueness of local solution in Sobolev spaces for the needle crystal problem with arbitrary initial interface. Furthermore, we obtain that, on average in time, the solution gains derivative of smoothness in spatial variable compared to the initial data. The continuous dependence on the initial data of the solution map is also established.
Axial Mechanical Properties of Fresh Human Cerebral Blood Vessels

Human cerebral blood vessels are frequently damaged in head impact, whether accidental or deliberate, resulting in intracranial bleeding, Additionally, the vasculature constitutes the support structure for the brain and, hence, plays a key role in the cranial load response. Quantification of its mechanical behavior, including limiting loads, is thus required for a proper understanding and modeling of traumatic brain injury-as well as providing substantial assistance in the development and application of preventive measures. It is believed that axial stretching is the dominant loading mode for the blood vessels, regardless of the nature of the insult. Eighteen arteries and fourteen veins were obtained from the cortical surface of the cerebral temporal lobe of patients undergoing surgery. These vessels were stretched to failure in the longitudinal direction, either quasi-statically or dynamically. The significance of specimen and experiment parameters was determined using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) testing. Results demonstrate that the arteries were considerably stiffer than the veins, carrying approximately twice as much stress at failure but withstanding only half as much stretch. No significant rate dependence was measured over a strain rate range of more than four orders of magnitude (0.01 to 500 s -1 ).
Field applications of the piscine anaphase aberration test: lessons from the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Several large-scale genotoxicity assessments have been performed in coastal marine areas that have demonstrated either localized or widespread genetic effects resulting from human activity. One common assessment method is the anaphase aberration test, a measurement of abnormal chromosome division, using embryolarval fishes. It can be used to detect the presence of mutagens within a poorly characterized complex mixture or monitor specific genotoxins and is easily adapted for laboratory screening. One comprehensive marine genotoxicity assessment was conducted using Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) following the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) in Prince William Sound (PWS), AK in late March 1989. In early May, genetic damage was detected at many sites within the oil trajectory and was correlated with concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons characteristic of Exxon Valdez oil (EVO) in intertidal mussels. Effects were related spatially and temporally to oil exposure. Anaphase aberration rates decreased throughout May and June 1989, and by 1991, genotoxicity was undetectable. The abundance of the 1989 herring year class in PWS is significantly reduced; this is the first reported example linking genotoxicity to subsequent population level effects. This review describes the methodology for the anaphase aberration test using fish eggs, its applications for large-scale assessments and supportive laboratory studies, and its limitations for prediction of higher level effects on populations.
Genetics of childhood disorders: VIII. Making sense out of nonsense.

DNA is a biological polymer that encodes information essential for all physiological processes. The cell devotes considerable resources to maintain the integrity of this information. High priority is given to repairing DNA damage in an ongoing manner, and stringent proofreading mechanisms are in place in dividing cells. Despite these safeguards, however, alterations do occur to the original sequence. These changes may have no effect or can actually benefit the organism as occurs during evolutionary changes. When the alterations are deleterious we recognize these changes as mutations. Mutations may cause inherited disease when they are present in parental gametes and are passed on to the next generation. They may cause acquired disease when they develop de novo in somatic cells. An example of the former would include achondroplasia, a disorder in which affected individuals have short-limbed dwarfism. This illness results from a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 gene (FGFR?). Examples of acquired disorders are characteristically found in neoplasms, such as those affecting the p53 tumor suppressor gene. A key distinction between these 2 forms of mutations is that inherited mutations are present in all cells of the offspring, whereas acquired mutations affect only a subgroup of cells in an individual. Ten percent of the DNA in the human genome codes for genes. This indicates that a random mutation is more likely to affect intergenic DNA than DNA coding for proteins. While the principal disease-causing effect of mutations seems to be on coding sequences within genes, it is now appreciated that some mutations of the DNA lying between genes have functional consequences on gene expression. This realization is based on the recognition that the intergenic DNA contains sequences essential for the normal regulation of nearby genes. This regulation is usually referred to as epigenetic (pi: upon, higher than), so mutations are also classified as genetic (affecting coding sequences) or epigenetic (affecting gene regulation). Most genes may be divided into functional regions. The promoter area is where the transcriptional machinery gains access to the DNA strand to initiate transcription. Nearby regulatory sequences determine the correct timing of transcription, the level of gene expression, and the specific cell type in which transcription will occur. In addition to these regulatory regions, a gene also contains the exons which actually encode for protein and which must be spliced together to form the processed or mature messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. The mRNA is then read by the translational machinery as a sequence of triplets. Each triplet of nucleotides encodes individual amino acids that are strung together to form a protein molecule. The sequence of triplets is termed the coding sequence or open reading frame of the mRNA. Much of this material may be reviewed in 2 earlier columns on transcriptional control (April
Effects of salinity on growth and photosynthesis of three California tidal marsh species.

Summary. The comparative responses of photosynthesis and growth to salinity were investigated for two C 3 and one C 4 species native to the tidal marshes of the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento River estuary of Northern California. At low salinities (0 or 150 meq 1-1), where photosynthetic rates were maximal for all species, the C, grass Spartinafoliosa maintained the highest photosynthetic capacity and the C a stem-succulent shrub Salicornia virginica the lowest; photosynthetic rates of the C 3 sedge Scirpus robustus were intermediate. Differences in photosynthetic responses to intercellular CO 2 pressure and temperature were consistent with those generally observed between C a and C 4 plants. CO 2 uptake was reduced at salinities above 150 meq 1-1 in Scirpus and 300 meq 1-1 in Spartina. In contrast, Salicornia exhibited no inhibition of CO 2 uptake even at 450 meq 1- * salinity. Analysis of the responses to intercellular CO2 partial pressures showed that the inhibition of photosynthesis by high salinity in both Spartina and Scirpus is primarily accounted for by reduced photosynthetic capacity of the mesophyll, and secondarily, by reduced leaf conductances. Species differences in relative growth rate (RGR) almost exactly opposed the differences in photosynthetic rates; the highest RGR was found in Salicornia and the lowest in Spartina. This reversal is accounted for by the greater allocation to photosynthetic shoots in Salicornia, which more than compensated for the lower photosynthetic capacity per unit surface area. RGR was more sensitive to salinity than photosynthetic rate in all three species, but the same relative sensitivities held. For Scirpus, reduced leaf elongation rates and changes in allocation patterns account for the greater limitation by salinity of RGR than of photosynthesis, and may be a primary factor restricting productivity of this species in saline habitats.
MLOC: Multi-level Layout Optimization Framework for Compressed Scientific Data Exploration with Heterogeneous Access Patterns

The size and scope of cutting-edge scientific simulations are growing much faster than the I/O and storage capabilities of their runtime environments. The growing gap gets exacerbated by exploratory data&#x00E2;"intensive analytics, such as querying simulation data for regions of interest with multivariate, spatio-temporal constraints. Query-driven data exploration induces heterogeneous access patterns that further stress the performance of the underlying storage system. To partially alleviate the problem, data reduction via compression and multi-resolution data extraction are becoming an integral part of I/O systems. While addressing the data size issue, these techniques introduce yet another mix of access patterns to a heterogeneous set of possibilities. Moreover, how extreme-scale datasets are partitioned into multiple files and organized on a parallel file systems augments to an already combinatorial space of possible access patterns. To address this challenge, we present MLOC, a parallel Multilevel Layout Optimization framework for Compressed scientific spatio-temporal data at extreme scale. MLOC proposes multiple fine-grained data layout optimization kernels that form a generic core from which a broader constellation of such kernels can be organically consolidated to enable an effective data exploration with various combinations of access patterns. Specifically, the kernels are optimized for access patterns induced by (a) query&#x00E2;"driven multivariate, spatio-temporal constraints, (b) precision&#x00E2;"driven data analytics, (c) compression&#x00E2;"driven data reduction, (d) multi-resolution data sampling, and (e) multi&#x00E2;"file data partitioning and organization on a parallel file system. MLOC organizes these optimization kernels within a multi&#x00E2;"level architecture, on which all the levels can be flexibly re-ordered by user&#x00E2;"defined priorities. When tested on query&#x00E2;"driven exploration of compressed data, MLOC demonstrates a superior performance compared to any state-of-the-art scientific database management technologies.
REGULATION OF PROTOCHLOROPHYLL(IDE) LEVELS IN DARK-GROWN NON-DIVIDING Euglena—II. INFLUENCE OF UTILIZABLE SUBSTRATES AND INHIBITORS OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS*

— Dark-grown cells of Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris incubated on resting medium for 7 days lose half of their extractable and phototransformable protochlorophyll(ide) [Pchl(ide)]. The readily-utilized substrates glutamate and malate bring about a regeneration of both pools of Pchl(ide) to the levels found in growing cells, without causing cell division during the period of regeneration. Light does not cause a regeneration of total extractable Pchl(ide) to the levels found in growing cells, and the complete regeneration of phototransformable Pchl(ide) seen probably results from conversion of non-transformable Pchl(ide) to transformable Pchl(ide). Optimal glutamate, malate, and light in any combination are no better in causing phototransformable Pchl(ide) regeneration than any one treatment alone, indicating that the Pchl(ide) pool size is limited by other factors. The regeneration of phototransformable Pchl(ide) induced by light or substrates is insensitive to inhibitors of protein synthesis on 80 S cytoplasmic ribosomes (cycloheximide) or on 70 S chloroplast ribosomes (streptomycin). Cycloheximide, however, induces the regeneration of phototransformable Pchl(ide) in darkness in the absencc of externally-added substrates. Since cycloheximide is known to induce paramylum breakdown under the same conditions, it is likely that this process can provide internal substrates and/or reducing power for phototransformable Pchl(ide) regeneration. Possible mechanisms of regulation of formation of Pchl(ide)635 in Euglena are discussed and compared with regulation of Pchl(ide)650 in higher plants.
Fracture Toughness of Human Femoral Neck: Effect of Microstructure, Composition, and Age

The effects of porosity and pore size; osteonal area, size, and density; mineral content; water content; wet and dry apparent densities; and age on mode I (tensile) and mode II (shear) strain energy release rate were investigated for femoral neck cortical bone from human cadavers aged ≥50 years. The results suggest that porosity- and density-based parameters that are related to bone quantity are more consistently determinant for femoral neck fracture toughness than morphology-based parameters that are related to microstructural organization. Bone features examined here were more explanatory for shear than tension fracture toughness. Tension and shear fracture toughness did not change with age, unlike in previous reports investigating the femoral and tibial shaft. It was concluded that the femoral neck is different from the femoral and tibial shaft in terms of its microstructure and composition and in its relationship of fracture toughness to its constituents and age.
Sociodemographic characteristics and beverage intake of children who drink tap water.

Background Tap water provides a calorie-free, no-cost, environmentally friendly beverage option, yet only some youth drink it. Purpose To examine sociodemographic characteristics, weight status, and beverage intake of those aged 1–19 years who drink tap water. Methods National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2005–2010) were used to examine factors associated with tap water consumption. A comparison was made of beverage intake among tap water consumers and nonconsumers, by age, race/ethnicity, and income. Results Tap water consumption was more prevalent among school-aged children (OR=1.85, 95% CI=1.47, 2.33, for those aged 6–11 years; OR=1.85, 95% CI=1.32, 2.59, for those aged 12–19 years) as compared to those aged 1–2 years. Tap water intake was less prevalent among girls/women (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.64, 0.89); Mexican Americans (OR=0.32, 95% CI=0.23, 0.45); non-Hispanic blacks (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.34, 0.67); and others (OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.36, 0.68) as compared to whites; Spanish speakers (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.55, 0.95); and among referents with a lower than Grade-9 education (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.31, 0.88); Grade 9–11 education (OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.32, 0.77); and high school/General Educational Development test completion (OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.33, 0.76), as compared to college graduates. Tap water consumers drank more fluid (52.5 vs 48.0 ounces, p p p Conclusions One in six children/adolescents does not drink tap water, and this finding is more pronounced among minorities. Sociodemographic disparities in tap water consumption may contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Improvements in drinking water infrastructure and culturally relevant promotion may help to address these issues.
Fluorescent In Vivo Detection Reveals that IgE+ B Cells Are Restrained by an Intrinsic Cell Fate Predisposition

Summary IgE antibodies may be protective in parasite immunity, but their aberrant production can lead to allergic disease and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Despite the importance of IgE regulation, few studies have directly examined the B cells that express IgE, because these cells are rare and difficult to detect. Here, we describe fluorescent IgE reporter mice and validate a flow cytometry procedure to allow sensitive and specific identification of IgE-expressing B cells in vivo. Similar to IgG1 + cells, IgE + B cells differentiated into germinal center (GC) B cells and plasma cells (PCs) during primary immune responses to a T cell-dependent hapten-protein conjugate and the helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis . However, the participation of IgE + B cells in GCs was transient. IgE + B cells had an atypical propensity to upregulate the transcription factor Blimp-1 and undergo PC differentiation. Most IgE + PCs were short lived and showed reduced affinity maturation, revealing intrinsic mechanisms that restrict the IgE antibody response.
An improved method for exchanging troponin subunits in detergent skinned rat cardiac fiber bundles.

We describe a method for the removal of endogenous troponin (Tn) complex from bundles of detergent-treated cardiac fibers. After 70 min treatment with cTnT-cTnI most of the endogenous Tn complex was removed from fiber bundles. Complete reconstitution of the Tn complex was achieved by reconstituting with cardiac troponin C (cTnC) in fully relaxing conditions. Ca2+-dependent maximum force of the fibers treated with cTnT-cTnI or cTnT-cTnI33–211, which was used to aid in the visualization of the troponin exchange, decreased to 85–90% of the force developed by fibers before the treatment. SDS-PAGE analysis of the cTnT-cTnI33–211 and the cTnT77–289-cTnI33–211 treated fiber bundles demonstrated that 70–80% of the endogenous Tn subunits were removed. After reconstitution with cTnC, approximately 80–85% of the Ca2+-regulated force was restored in cTnT-cTnI/cTnI33–211 treated fibers. Our results demonstrate that by minimizing the prolonged exposure of skinned cardiac fiber bundles to rigor conditions, successful exchange of all three subunits of the Tn complex can be accomplished with minimal loss of function.
National Healthline Responses to a Stroke Scenario Implications for Early Intervention

Background and Purpose— Acute stroke is a time-dependent emergency in which patients often arrive outside of the therapeutic treatment windows. To determine the role that healthlines may have in promoting early presentation, this study evaluated patterns of healthline triage of potential stroke patients. Methods— Phone numbers of healthlines at 82 United States hospitals with neurology residencies were acquired. Each healthline was called and the operator was presented with a standardized scripted stroke patient scenario. The operator was asked to choose 1 of 4 responses that could be given to the patient (wait for symptom resolution, contact a primary care physician, drive to a local urgent care center, call 911 for ambulance transport). The operator was then asked to name common signs and symptoms of stroke. If the operator transferred the call, the process was repeated. Results— Forty-six healthlines participated, with 22% recommending that the patient contact a primary care physician. The remaining 78...
Cooperative vehicle-highway systems: gap analysis for emergency transportation operations

A cooperative network of communications between motor vehicles and roadside or other non-mobile elements would enable or improve vehicle safety applications, transportation management functions and other public- and private-sector applications. An area that highlights the potential of this cooperative system is emergency transportation operations, which refers to activities by public agencies to manage the movement of vehicles in response to everyday incidents and large-scale emergencies. This paper provides a gap analysis for the use of cooperative vehicle-highway systems to support emergency transportation operations. This analysis may promote the exploration and implementation of such a system. A methodology for gap analysis is developed and applied to this problem. Included in the methodology is the development of a framework based on information paths, an application of the framework to explore scenarios in parallel with a technology assessment, and finally the generation and classification of gaps, especially those associated with the communications network.
Defects in accuracy of reaching after removal of posterior parietal cortex in monkeys.

Abstract We measured the capacity of monkeys to project the arm to visually located targets under conditions differing in the nature of visual control allowed during reaching. This capacity was impaired by a unilateral posterior parietal lesion which increased the magnitude and variability of errors in projecting the contralateral arm to targets located on either side of the midline. Furthermore, accurate projections of the arm were often accompanied by misorientations of the fingers of the hand. These errors occured whether reaching with or without visual guidance of the limb. The presence or absence of vision influenced the direction of errors in arm projection. Under conditions permitting a view of the limb and sight of the target, errors occured in a direction toward the side of the lesion. When all visual cues were eliminated during reaching, errors were directed away from on-target toward the midline as they are in normal monkeys, but were greater in magnitude following the lesion.