cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods for thymidylate synthase pharmacodynamics: serial biopsy, free and total TS, FdUMP and dUMP, and H4PteGlu and CH2-H4PteGlu assays.

This report details our methods for performance of the major parameters related to quantitation of TS inhibition resulting from fluoropyrimidine administration to patients, methods equally applicable to preclinical studies. Sampling of tumors before and after drug treatment is done by 4 mm disposable punch biopsy or forceps biopsy via subcutaneous tunneling. Homogenates are prepared using N2 or polytron-mincing. Cytosolic free TS is measured by either the tritium-release method for small biopsies or by [3H]FdUMP ligand-binding. FdUMP and dUMP are separated by DEAE-cellulose column and measured by competitive binding and [14C]dTMP synthesis by the Moran methods. Total, postFUra TS is measured by pre-incubation dissociation of FdUMP-bound TS after neutral charcoal removal of cytosolic ligands. H4PteGlu and CH2-H4PteGlu are measured by the Priest method using L. Casei TS. The materials and methods are described in sufficient detail to permit wide application of this approach.
Framing in Social Media: How the US Congress Uses Twitter Hashtags to Frame Political Issues

Social media offers politicians an opportunity to bypass traditional media and directly influence their audience's opinions and behavior through framing. Using data from Twitter about how members of the U.S. Congress use hashtags, we examine to what extent politicians participate in framing, which issues received the most framing efforts, and which politicians exhibited the highest rates of framing. We find that politicians actively use social media to frame issues by choosing both topics to discuss and specific hashtags within topics, and that recognizably divisive issues receive the most framing efforts. Finally, we find that voting patterns generally align with tweeting patterns; however, several notable exceptions suggest our methodology can provide a more nuanced picture of Congress than voting records alone.
Inefficient ZAP-70 Phosphorylation and Decreased Thymic Selection In Vivo Result from Inhibition of NF-κB/Rel

Signaling from the TCR regulates T lymphoid survival, deletion by apoptosis, and selective clonal expansion. One set of signaling pathways activated during thymic selection leads to degradation of a cytosolic retention protein, the inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB)alpha, followed by nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB/Rel family of transcription factors. It has been found previously that NF-kappaB proteins mediate a pathway signaling the survival of mature T cells and protection of thymocytes against TNF-induced apoptosis. In contrast, we show in this study that a transgenic inhibitor of NF-kappaB/Rel signaling interferes with the negative selection of immature thymocytes by endogenous MHC ligands in vivo. Positive selection of the H-Y TCR also was diminished. This attenuation of thymic selection efficiency was associated with decreased ZAP-70 phosphorylation and TCR signaling of CD69 induction. These findings demonstrate that the NF-kappaB transcriptional pathway plays an important role in normal processes of clonal deletion and they indicate that the NF-kappaB/IkappaB axis can regulate the efficiency of TCR signaling.
Microwave absorption characteristics of the clouds of Venus from Mariner 10 radio occultation.

Measurements of received signal strength at S-band (13 cm) and X-band (4.8 cm) wavelengths during the radio occultation of Mariner 10 by Venus on February 5, 1974, are examined in order to study the structure and composition of the absorbing medium. The frequency excursions of the signals are determined and used to obtain the structure of the refractive index in the lower atmosphere. Profiles of excess signal attenuation due to atmospheric scattering and absorption are presented which indicate that the X-band signal experienced much more absorption and was extinguished at about 50 km, while the S-band signal penetrated to about 42 km. The optical-depth data are inverted by means of a discrete inversion method to obtain the absorption coefficient for each band as a function of height, and the resulting absorption-coefficient profiles are compared with the attenuation at vertical incidence modeled from planetary radar and passive microwave observations of Venus. The absorption coefficients at the two wavelengths are employed to estimate the liquid content and composition of the microwave-absorbing cloud particles.
Decitabine and Sorafenib Therapy in FLT-3 ITD-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Abstract Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by Feline McDonough Sarcoma-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT-3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations have poor outcomes. Treatment options are limited, because these mutations confer resistance to conventional chemotherapy. FLT-3 inhibitors such as sorafenib have been studied as a single agent and in combination with conventional chemotherapy or azacytidine with fair responses. Patients and Methods Here we describe our preclinical and clinical experience with the combination of the DNA hypomethylating agent, decitabine and sorafenib for the treatment of FLT-3 ITD-mutant AML. Results In vitro treatment of the human FLT-3 ITD-mutant AML cell line, MV4-11, with both drugs significantly improved growth inhibition over single-agent therapy and resulted in synergistic antitumor effects (combination index Conclusion Further investigation is warranted to confirm these responses.
Use of Trinitrobenzene Sulfonate to Determine the pKa Values of Two Active-Site Lysines of Ribulosebisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase1

Ribulose-P2 carboxylase (E.C* 4.1.1.39), which catalyzes the carboxylation of ribulose-P2 to yield two molar equivalents of D-3-phosphoglycerate, provides the only significant route by which atmospheric CO2 is converted to carbohydrate and hence is absolutely essential to all higher life forms (see ref. 1 for a thorough review). The carboxylation reaction is suppressed by O2, which is both a competitive inhibitor (2) and a substrate of ribulose-P2 carboxylase (3). In the presence of O2, the enzyme catalyzes the conversion of ribulose-P2 to one molar equivalent each of phosphoglycolate and 3-phosphoglycerate. Although multiple substrate specificities among enzymes are not unusual, the bifunctionality of ribulose-P2 carboxylase is perhaps unprecedented in that the two reactions catalyzed are the initial steps in competing metabolic pathways — photosynthetic assimilation of CO2 and photorespiration, an energy wasteful process without a known function which results in the release of previously fixed CO2. Suppression of the carboxylase reaction by O2 clearly accounts for the long-recognized inhibition of photosynthesis by O2, i.e. the Warburg effect (4–8). Minimization of the Warburg effect by cultivating plants under controlled atmospheres of reduced O2 or elevated CO2 levels results in substantially enhanced growth rates and yields (9). Obviously, if the carboxylase/oxygenase ratio of ribulose-P2 carboxylase could be enhanced either by genetic engineering or by chemical treatment, agronomic benefits would ensue.
Seeing the Forest for the Trees: The Limitations of Phylogenies in Comparative Biology

AbstractThe past 30 years have seen a revolution in comparative biology. Before that time, systematics was not at the forefront of the biological sciences, and few scientists considered phylogenetic relationships when investigating evolutionary questions. By contrast, systematic biology is now one of the most vigorous disciplines in biology, and the use of phylogenies not only is requisite in macroevolutionary studies but also has been applied to a wide range of topics and fields that no one could possibly have envisioned 30 years ago. My message is simple: phylogenies are fundamental to comparative biology, but they are not the be-all and end-all. Phylogenies are powerful tools for understanding the past, but like any tool, they have their limitations. In addition, phylogenies are much more informative about pattern than they are about process. The best way to fully understand the past—both pattern and process—is to integrate phylogenies with other types of historical data as well as with direct studies ...
Watch your tone: Social conditions modulate singing strategies.

Bird song is typically depicted as a male singing a long-distance signal to potentially unknown receivers to (1) deter males and (2) attract females. Nevertheless, many songbirds sing from close distances to a known receiver; males of these species may be under more intense selective pressure to modify their songs depending on the sex of the receiver in order to convey different motivational states (aggression versus courtship) to the different sexes. In a laboratory setting, we examined how receiver sex affected within-song variation of the close-range singing behavior in the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). Although we know that cowbird song is influenced by flock composition, it is still unclear as to how the cowbird modifies his song based on social context. Using a cross-correlation analysis of each male's different song types, we found that pairs of songs were significantly more dissimilar if they were directed to females compared with songs directed to males. We subsequently tested whether there were any consistent spectral or temporal patterns in the songs males gave to females versus to males. Our results lend support for the Motivational Structural Rules Hypothesis as songs directed toward males had higher entropy (i.e., harshness) than the same song type directed toward females. Our results suggest that cowbirds may have evolved the ability to alter multiple dimensions of their singing behavior based on receiver sex.
Clinical Evaluation of Gemcitabine in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Malignancies

We conducted a clinical evaluation of gemcitabine in 19 dogs with spontaneously occurring malignancies. The principal objectives of this study were to characterize toxicity and seek preliminary evidence of antitumor activity of gemcitabine administered every 2 weeks (biweekly) as a 30-minute IV infusion. A total of 64 doses, ranging from 300 mg/m2 to 675 mg/m2, were administered during the initial 8-week evaluation period, and an additional 131 doses were administered during the extended evaluation period. The total cumulative dose for the 10 dogs receiving gemcitabine in the extended evaluation period ranged from 1,500 mg/m2 to 24,300 mg/m2. Clinical evidence of toxicity was minimal. Cumulative myelosuppression was not apparent. Unexplained retinal hemorrhages occurred in 1 dog. No complete or partial remissions were observed during the initial evaluation period; however, objective responses were observed in 2 dogs during the extended evaluation period. Gemcitabine is a promising new chemotherapeutic agent that can be used safely in dogs with cancer. Biweekly administration of doses of 675 mg/m2 IV results in minimal and acceptable toxicity.
Octreotide-induced hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension in premature neonates

The authors report 2 cases of premature neonates who had enterocutaneous fistula complicating necrotizing enterocolitis. Pulmonary hypertension developed after administration of a somatostatin analogue, octreotide, to enhance resolution of the fistula. The authors discuss the mechanism of the occurrence of this complication and recommend caution of its use in high-risk premature neonates.
Duality for Coset Models

We construct dual Lagrangians for GH models in two space-time dimensions for arbitrary Lie Groups G and H ⊂ G. Our approach does not require choosing coordinates on GH, and allows for a natural generalization to Poisson-Lie T-duality. For the case where the target metric on GH is induced from the invariant group metric on G, the dual system is a gauged Higgs model, with a non-constant metric and a coupling to an antisymmetric tensor. The dynamics for the gauge connection is governed by a BF-term. Poisson-Lie T-duality is relevant once we allow for a more general class of target metrics, as well as for couplings to an antisymmetric tensor, in the primary theory. Then the dual theory is written on a group G dual to G, and the gauge group H (which, in general, is not a subgroup of G) acts non-linearly on G. The dual system therefore gives a non-linear realization of a gauge theory. All dual descriptions are shown to be canonically equivalent to the corresponding primary descriptions, at least at the level of the current algebra.
A hierarchical carbonized paper with controllable thickness as a modulable interlayer system for high performance Li–S batteries

The carbonized Kimwipes® (CK) interlayer has been found to be a modulable, low-cost hierarchical interlayer for Li–S cells, leading to a high discharge capacity with superior cycling stability and rate performance. This new interlayer is designed to allow controllable thickness for analyzing the polysulfide interception mechanism within the interlayer architecture.
Measurement properties of the neurobehavioral cognitive status examination (Cognistat) in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Objective: Evaluate measurement properties of the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (Cognistat) using Rasch analysis. Design: Calibration of item responses from 120 individuals admitted to a rehabilitation medicine service for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 296 community-dwelling adults with TBI. Results: Three strata of performance were differentiated despite a skewed distribution toward high performance among the community sample. Elimination of easier items created a better targeted instrument (i.e., generated more spread among individuals) without a significant increase in error. Memory and verbal reasoning were the most difficult domains for each sample; however, analyses indicated significant measurement error. Conclusions: As a screening instrument, the Cognistat reliably classifies multiple levels of cognitive status in both acute and postacute TBI settings; however, this measure is unsuitable for generating a profile of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses.
The design and the development of a hyperspectral and multispectral airborne mapping system

Abstract Flexible and cost-effective tools for rapid image acquisition and natural resource mapping are needed by land managers. This paper describes the hardware and software architecture of a low-cost system that can be deployed on a light aircraft for rapid data acquisition. The Hyperspectral and Multispectral Cameras for Airborne Mapping (HAMCAM) was designed and developed in the Geospatial Laboratory for Environmental Dynamics at the University of Idaho as a student-learning tool, and to enhance the existing curriculum currently offered. The system integrates a hyperspectral sensor with four multispectral cameras, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-capable Global Positioning System (GPS), a data acquisition computer, and custom software for running the sensors in a variety of different modes. The outputs include very high resolution imagery obtained in four adjustable visible and near-infrared bands from the multispectral imager. The hyperspectral sensor acquires 240 spectral bands along 2.7 nm intervals within the 445–900 nm range. The INS provides aircraft pitch, roll and yaw information for rapid geo-registration of the imagery. This paper will discuss the challenges associated with the development of the system and the integration of components and software for implementation of this system for natural resource management applications. In addition, sample imagery acquired by the sensor will be presented.
Effect of film thickness on the properties of indium tin oxide thin film grown by pulsed-laser deposition for organic light-emitting diodes

Transparent conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on glass substrates. The structural, electrical and optical properties of these films were investigated as a function of film thickness (300 - 8700 A). Films were deposited using a KrF excimer laser (248nm, 30 ns FWHM) at a fluence of 2 J/cm 2 , at substrate temperature of 300 °C and 10 mTorr of oxygen pressure. For ITO films (500 - 4000 A thickness) deposited at 300 °C in 10 mTorr of oxygen pressure, the resistivity of 2 - 4 x 10 -4 Ω-cm was observed and the average transmission in the visible range (400 -700 nm) was about 85 - 90 %. The Hall mobility and carrier density for ITO films (500 - 4000 A thickness) were observed to be in the range of 24 - 27 cm 2 /V-s and 5 - 9 x 10 20 cm -3 , respectively. We have used the ITO thin films, deposited by PLD on silica substrates, as the anode contact in organic light emitting devices and studied the effect of ITO film thickness on the device performance. The optimum thickness of the ITO anode for the maximum device efficiency was observed to be about 500-1000 A. The device showed an external quantum efficiency of about 0.8 % at 100 A/m 2 .
Hamster hepatic cytochrome b5: purifications, immunochemical properties, and in vitro synthesis.

Abstract Cytochrome b 5 has been purified from hamster liver microsomes. Both Ouchterlony double-diffusion and rocket immunoelectrophoresis experiments indicate that no immuno-cross-reactivity exists between guinea-pig anti-rabbit cytochrome b 5 antibody and hamster cytochrome b 5 . However, anti-rabbit b 5 IgG inhibited both hamster microsomal NADH-cytochrome c reductase and NADPH-dependent 7-ethoxycoumarin- O -deethylase activities. Hamster cytochrome b 5 stimulated several reconstituted hamster cytochrome P -450-dependent monooxygenase activities and this stimulatory effect could be inhibited by antibody against rabbit cytochrome b 5 . Two-dimensional iodinated tryptic peptide mapping experiments provided evidence that the polypeptide fingerprint of hamster cytochrome b 5 is substantially different from the fingerprints of cytochrome b 5 isolated from rabbit, rat and bovine. We also studied the in vitro synthesis of hamster cytochrome b 5 from liver mRNA using a wheat germ lysate system. A 16 kDa polypeptide, which is the same size as hamster cytochrome b 5 , was immunoprecipitated by antibody against rabbit b 5 . This experiment suggested that in vitro synthesized hamster cytochrome b 5 is recognized by a heterologous antibody. Thus, hamster and rabbit cytochrome b 5 do share some common immuno-determinants which may be locate close to the heme-binding active site.
Application of a block modified Chebyshev algorithm to the iterative solution of symmetric linear systems with multiple right hand side vectors

An adaptive Richardson iteration method is described for the solution of large sparse symmetric positive definite linear systems of equations with multiple right-hand side vectors. This scheme ``learns'' about the linear system to be solved by computing inner products of residual matrices during the iterations. These inner products are interpreted as block modified moments. A block version of the modified Chebyshev algorithm is presented which yields a block tridiagonal matrix from the block modified moments and the recursion coefficients of the residual polynomials. The eigenvalues of this block tridiagonal matrix define an interval, which determines the choice of relaxation parameters for Richardson iteration. Only minor modifications are necessary in order to obtain a scheme for the solution of symmetric indefinite linear systems with multiple right-hand side vectors. We outline the changes required.
If Theory and Practice Were the Same, Then What? A New Approach to Designing Professional Education

Professional education has for decades been based on the premise that theory and practice are dichotomous, and that somehow a way must be found to enable professional practitioners to translate theory (the knowledge they acquire) into practice (what they actually do). The article examines the relationship between theory and practice, contending that theory and practice are the same, and proposes a model of professional education based on this premise. Based primarily on hermeneutic philosophy, a number of approaches to professional education are described that are quite different than those generally employed today.
Social dysfunctionality and community drug use: A regional anthropological investigation

Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine extent of association between drug use and 8 social dysfunctionality indices for a heterogeneous population of 488 drug users. Data presented indicate a moderate relationship between drug use and social dysfunctionality indices, the strongest association being with an “arrest” variable. An innovative approach to the gathering of drug use information, based on the ethnographic refinements of anthropology, was also described and suggestions given for facilitating community drug use research.
Gravity interpretation using the fourier integral; discussion and reply

The authors do not state explicitly that equations (1) and (12) express gravity anomalies of the two-dimensional cylinder and fault respectively. These structures have an infinite extension along the strike, and all the gravity profiles perpendicular to the strike are identical. For this reason it is admissible to apply the one-dimensional Fourier transform to obtain the one-dimensional amplitude spectra shown in Figures (1) and (5). The situation, however, is different for the sphere, which does not have a one-dimensional gravity profile in the above sense, but rather a two-dimensional field with cylindrical symmetry. Instead of using the one-dimensional Fourier transform as given by (6) along a straight line, we must apply the two-dimensional Fourier transform over the whole area. Because of the circular symmetry, one radial variable will suffice in place of the two Cartesian coordinates x and y, and the two-dimensional Fourier transform can be expressed as Hankel transform, so that equation (6) becomes F s ( ω )=2 π α D ∫ ∞ 0 J 0 ( ω ξ ) ( D 2 + ξ 2 ) 3 / 2 − ξ d ξ =2 π α e − D ω .
π − Photoproduction from Deuterium at Laboratory Energies 600 to 1250 MeV

The differential cross section for the reaction $\ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p$ was measured for laboratory photon energies between 600 and 1250 MeV, using a liquid deuterium target. The internal nucleon momentum distribution of the deuteron was used to calculate the major effect of using deuterium as a neutron target. The data show that the amplitude to excite the ${F}_{15}(1688)$ resonance is small, in agreement with a recent quark-model prediction.
Ethanol intakes and preferences in the desalivate rat

Abstract Desalivate and control rats were tested for ethanol versus water preference (5%, 10% and 20% (v/v) ethanol solutions). Each concentration of ethanol was presented for six days in an ascending, descending, or mixed presentation schedule. Following preference tests, intakes of first 10% (15 days), then 5% (15 days), and finally 10% (5 days) ethanol as the only available fluid were determined. Blood ethanol concentrations were measured (22:00 hr, 24:00 hr, 02:00 hr) during the final 10% ethanol intake test. Desalivate and control rats showed similar aversions to ethanol at all concentrations with relative ethanol intake being a negative function of concentration. During ethanol and water intake tests, desalivates drank significantly greater amounts (ml/100 g body weight) of all drinking fluids than controls. However, for both groups intake of 10% ethanol was reduced significantly from water baseline levels. Although desalivates consumed as much ethanol as controls, their blood ethanol concentrations at all times tested were slightly lower than controls. During the ethanol intake test desalivate rats lost body weight, while control rats gained body weight.
Mouse strain differences in the effects of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) on sleep and wakefulness.

Abstract Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) plays a major role in central nervous system responses to stressors and has been implicated in stress-induced alterations in sleep. In the absence of stressors, CRH contributes to the regulation of spontaneous waking. We examined the effects of CRH and astressin (AST), a non-specific CRH antagonist, on wakefulness and sleep in two mouse strains with differential responsiveness to stress to determine whether CRH might also differentially affect undisturbed sleep and activity. Less reactive C57BL/6J (n = 7) and high reactive BALB/cJ (n = 7) male mice were implanted with a transmitter for determining sleep via telemetry and with a guide cannula aimed into a lateral ventricle. After recovery from surgery and habituation to handling, ICV microinjections of CRH (0.04, 0.2, and 0.4 μg), AST (0.1, 0.4, and 1.0 μg) or vehicle alone (pyrogen-free saline, 0.2 μl) were administered during the fourth hour after lights on and sleep was recorded for the subsequent 8 h. Comparisons of wakefulness and sleep were conducted across conditions and across strains. In C57BL/6J mice, REM was significantly decreased after microinjections of CRH (0.2 μg) and CRH (0.4 μg), and NREM and total sleep were decreased after microinjections of CRH (0.4 μg ). CRH (0.04 μg) and AST did not significantly change wakefulness or sleep. In BALB/cJ mice, CRH (0.4 μg) increased wakefulness and decreased NREM, REM and total sleep. AST decreased active wakefulness and significantly increased REM at the low and high dosages. These findings demonstrate that CRH produces changes in arousal when given to otherwise undisturbed mice. Strain differences in the effects of CRH and AST may be linked to the relative responsiveness of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice to stressors and to underlying differences in the CRH system.
High-performance hole-transport layers for polymer light-emitting diodes. Implementation of organosiloxane cross-linking chemistry in polymeric electroluminescent devices.

This contribution describes an organosiloxane cross-linking approach to robust, efficient, adherent hole-transport layers (HTLs) for polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). An example is 4,4‘-bis[(p-trichlorosilylpropylphenyl)phenylamino]biphenyl (TPDSi2), which combines the hole-transporting efficiency of N,N-diphenyl-N,N-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1-biphenyl)-4,4-diamine) (TPD, prototypical small-molecule HTL material) and the strong cross-linking/densification tendencies of organosilanol groups. Covalent chemical bonding of TPDSi2 to PLED anodes (e.g., indium tin oxide, ITO) and its self-cross-linking enable fabrication of three generations of insoluble PLED HTLs: (1) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of TPDSi2 on ITO; (2) cross-linked blend networks consisting of TPDSi2 + a hole transporting polymer (e.g., poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-N-(4-(3-methylpropyl))diphenylamine), TFB) on ITO; (3) TPDSi2 + TFB blends on ITO substrates precoated with a conventional PLED HTL, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styre...
Self-Disclosure and Marital Satisfaction in Mid-Life and Late-Life Remarriages:

Self-disclosure and marital satisfaction were studied among 125 males and females who were in their first remarriage. Essentially equal numbers had remarried in mid-life (ages 30-45) and late-life (ages 60-75). The multidimensional Wheeless self-disclosure scales and Locke-Wallace measure of marital satisfaction were employed. Mid-life versus late-life differences were evident for the amount, and depth of disclosure, but not for intentionality, valence or honesty of disclosure. No gender differences were manifested in self-disclosure. Marital satisfaction was greatest for late-life remarriages, and this was due to the high level of male satisfaction in this age group.
Is analytical dynamics a theoretical or an experimental science

When a mechanical system is subjected to equality constraints, use of the chain rule of differentiation and of generalized inverses of matrices enables us to write the most general possible equation of motion, no use being made of any physical principles, Eq. (8). Then employment of standard physical principles enables us to further interpret the terms in this general equation of motion.
The responses of Iβ cells to increases in the rate of lung inflation

The activity of inspiratory cells in the region of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) was recorded extracellularly in paralyzed, artificially ventilated cats either during chloralose-urethane anesthesia or following midcollicular decerebration. Twenty-three of the 68 inspiratory cells recorded in the region of the NTS were classified as I beta cells on the basis of their response to withholding lung inflation. The dynamic sensitivity of I beta cells was determined by studying their response to increases in the rate of lung inflation at constant peak volume. The I beta cells in this study showed 3 distinct patterns of response to increases in the rate of inflation. Five cells showed no change in firing pattern (fixed firing pattern). Ten cells showed an increase in the rate of rise of cell activity but no change in peak frequency (low dynamic sensitivity). Eight cells showed increases in both the rate of rise of cell activity and peak frequency (high dynamic sensitivity). It was concluded that I beta cells are not a functionally homogeneous population, at least in terms of their dynamic sensitivity. Cells showing fixed firing patterns have the characteristics of off-switch neurons. Cells with low levels of dynamic sensitivity may receive afferents from pulmonary stretch receptors. Cells showing a high degree of dynamic sensitivity may receive afferents from rapidly adapting receptors. The fact that I beta cells are not a functionally homogeneous population may explain the many divergent observations reported from studies of these cells.
Human Mucosal Langerhans Cells: Postmortem Identification of Regional Variations in Oral Mucosa

Modified ATPase histochemistry was used to identify and count Langerhans cells (LC) in autopsy tissue from 8 oral mucosal sites, 8–20 h postmortem. The specificity of the ATPase method was confirmed on serial sections with indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies OKT6 and antihuman Ia. Average LC counts on ATPase-stained epithelial sheets from each of the 8 sites ranged from 160–550 LC/mm 2 . Nonkeratinized mucosae of the soft palate, ventral tongue, lip, and floor of the mouth had the highest counts (mean ± SD, 508 ± 110 LC/mm 2 , n=24), and keratinized mucosae of the hard palate and gingiva had the lowest counts (201 ± 97 LC/mm 2 n=8). LC frequency was variable in 2 sites: In the dorsal tongue, LC occurred on only one side of filiform papillae and were absent from regularly recurring areas of interpapillary epithelium. In the cheek mucosa, LC clustered around connective tissue papillae and their numbers showed marked individual variation (130–650 LC/mm 2 ). The number of LC in nonkeratinized oral mucosa is approximately the same as in skin, but keratinized oral mucosa has fewer LC. The frequency of oral mucosal LC varies inversely with the degree of keratinization. There are regions of the oral mucosa that have no LC.
Molecular characteristics of pediatric high-grade gliomas.

SUMMARY High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are extremely lethal tumors. Survival has not changed significantly in the past decades. The only known prognostic factors in pediatric HGGs (pHGGs) are extent of resection and histologic grade. Treatment has historically been based on adult trials because of the rarity of pHGGs and the lack of genomic tools to explore their unique molecular characteristics. The recent advances in molecular biological data helped divide these tumors into distinct subgroups. In this review, the authors focus on major molecular targets of alterations in pHGGs: histone H3.3, telomeres, PDGFRA, IDH, BRAF V600E, ACVR1 and NTRK and briefly highlight the difference with the adult counterpart.
Electroconvulsive therapy during high-risk pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the risk of injury associated with mental illness. The varieties of malnutrition, substance abuse, and aggression that may accompany mental illness can injure the unborn child in more severe ways than the patient herself. Dangers associated with illness-related behavior can outweight the risks of pharmacotherapy, but no psychotropic drug is approved for use during pregnancy. Failure to produce a prompt or lasting remission of psychiatric symptoms also is a significant possibility with medication. The morbidity from continued illness and the incompletely described adverse effects of psychotropic drugs increases the attractiveness of ECT for severely depressed pregnant patients, especially with associated high-risk conditions. This paper discusses physiologic changes occurring during pregnancy and ECT and reviews contemporary monitors of maternal and fetal well-being. Guidelines are suggested for ECT during regular and high-risk pregnancies. The authors conclude that using additional precautions with high-risk pregnant patients permits ECT to be given with relative safety; medical and obstetric risk factors need not prevent its use.
Teaching ethics to trainees

Medical events contain many sources of uncertainty. Instruction in medical ethics gives trainees vital knowledge that assists them with some of the sources of uncertainty. Instruction to provide this knowledge is not available from the usual science curriculum. From an understanding of the principles of ethics flows an application of those principles to timely ethical issues. Ethics education has become a mandated feature in accredited residency training programs. A flexible curriculum in ethics can be developed for trainees in child neurology. The education program encourages thoughtful caregivers and teaches the methods for resolution of ethical issues and conflicts. Selection of topics is based on faculty and trainee interest and on situations of current relevance in the training program. Ethics education results in trainees who become capable of ethical reasoning and capable of resolving many of the clinical situations where issues arise that require decisions based on ethical principles.
Role for Metallothioneins-I/II in Isoflurane Preconditioning of Primary Murine Neuronal Cultures

Background Pretreatment with inhaled anesthetics, including isoflurane, can induce long-lasting cellular protection against ischemia-derived toxicity in multiple tissues, including brain tissue. Metal-regulatory genes, metallothioneins-I/II (MT-I/II), have been shown to protect against oxidative damage in multiple tissues. Furthermore, MT have been found to be differentially regulated in response to isoflurane and ischemic preconditioning. In this study, we assess the role of MT-I/II in mediating isoflurane preconditioning in primary neuronal-glial cultures. Methods Primary mouse neuronal-glial cultures were preconditioned with isoflurane (3 h, 1.5%) 24-96 h before 3-h oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD, ischemic model). After OGD, isoflurane protection and responsiveness of MT-I/II knockdown and knockout cultures to preconditioning were assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release. Immunoassays for microtubule associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein determined neuronal-glial sensitivity to preconditioning. MT-I/II messenger RNA was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Cultures transfected with exogenous MT-I/II were analyzed for protection against OGD toxicity. Results Isoflurane preconditioning reduced OGD-mediated toxicity by 11.6 +/- 7.9% at 24 h, with protection increasing to 37.5 +/- 2.5% at 72 h after preconditioning. Immunolabeling showed that neurons were more sensitive to OGD and more responsive to isoflurane preconditioning compared to glia. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed MT-I/II messenger RNA were upregulated (approximately 2.5-fold) by isoflurane treatments. Also MT-I/II protein transfection significantly decreased OGD-mediated toxicity. Finally, knockdown and knockout of MT-I/II diminished and abolished isoflurane-mediated protection, respectively. Conclusions MT-I/II play an important role in isoflurane-mediated delayed preconditioning against OGD toxicity of neuronal and glial cells in vitro.
Disease modification in migraine: study design and sample size implications.

Objective.—Describe a clinical trial design that is capable of detecting disease modifying effects (DME) of anti-migraine drugs, and to explore the effect on study size of the likely variability in initial active- and placebo-response rates. Methods.—An orthodox power calculation and typical response rates in studies of prophylactic drugs for migraine were used to construct the initial model. The interactions between variability in response rates for active and placebo treatments (ARR and PRR, respectively), as well as required sample size, was then analyzed as a 3-dimensional problem. Results.—Overall, the putative study design requires 4 times as many patients as in each analyzable treatment group, all with allowances for loss to follow up, when both positive and negative control groups are available for comparison with the group being tested for DME.For an example prophylactic agent withARR = 50% and PRR = 25%,the model suggests that the study might need 260-270 patients. Sample sizes increase in quasi-exponential manner as placebo-response rates rise, and active-response rates fall, and these are plotted for the reported variability of ARR and PRR in migraine prophylaxis. Conclusions.—Variations on the study design can be modeled for the likely variability in outcome using a straightforward technique. Investigating DME activity for drugs with the efficacy that is typical of approved prophylactic agents might not require impractically large numbers of patients. Such models can be used not only in study design, but also in assessing the overall feasibility of whether or not to pursue DME detection within a given development program.
APPLICATION OF THE EQUITY THEORY OF MOTIVATION TO SPORT SETTINGS: IMPORTANCE AND EFFECT OF INEQUITY OF OVERPAYMENT

The equity theory of motivation has received strong support within sport settings; however, research had focused almost solely on relationships in which there is inequity in underpayment but not that of overpayment. Using equity theory, it was argued that athletes attempt to restore equity to a situation of overpayment by increasing their performance, thereby justifying their overpayment. This prediction was supported for major league baseball teams (N=16) moving to a new stadium as performance increased after the move. Discussion focused on the implications of inequity in overpayment for coaches and sport psychologists.
The Use of Real-Time Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) to Guide Interventions During a Nursery Outbreak of Serratia marcescens † 1447

The Use of Real-Time Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) to Guide Interventions During a Nursery Outbreak of Serratia marcescens † 1447
A unified approach to the synthesis of control structures for complex chemical plants

Abstract The problem of synthesis of process control structures for a chemical plant is formulated. The multilayer decomposition approach is used to classify disturbances in order to decompose control tasks into regulatory and optimizing control. The chemical plant is decomposed along the multiechelon concept to provide subsystmes for which optimizing and regulatory control structures are developed. Feedback optimizing control structures are introduced along with their attractiveness in translation of economic objectives into process variables. The result is an algorithm to generate alternative control structures, mainly based on simple structural models.
Human Body Composition Estimation and Model-Free Control Design for Weight Management

It is well known that obesity, a chronic disease, can lead to increased risk of other serious chronic diseases and even death. Knowledge of daily changes in lean muscle mass and body fat can be helpful in developing personalized diet and exercise routines to correct this problem. In this paper, it is assumed that measurements of individual body composition components are available only periodically although the total body weight is tracked on a daily basis. The control input is physical activity whose profile can be constrained to accommodate individual preferences while the energy intake can be arbitrary. We present switching and time delayed feedback based model-free control methods for the dynamic management of body mass and its major components. Additionally, based on human body weight dynamics, estimation of body composition using soft switching-based observer is proposed. Simulation results validate the performance of the proposed controllers and the observer under disturbances in recording energy intake and energy expenditure figures.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Nonlinear elliptic equations and the complex hessian

On etudie le probleme de Dirichlet pour des equations elliptiques de la forme F(u ijpo )=ψ>0 dans Ω, u=o sur ∂Ω, ou {u ijpo }={∂ i ∂ jpo u} est la matrice hessienne complexe d'une fonction u:Ω⊂C n →R
TiO2-Photocatalyzed Oxidative Degradation of CH3CN, CH3OH, C2HCl3, and CH2Cl2 Supplied as Vapors and in Aqueous Solution under Similar Conditions

Acetonitrile (CH3CN), methanol (CH3OH), trichloroethylene (C2HCl3, TCE), and methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) were degraded in stirred batch reactors in the presence of O2 at room temperature over films...
The Management of Urban Coastal Resources

Urban populations are generating intense pressures for the utilization of coastal resources. Coastal management programs must be concerned with expanding the opportunities for use of the coastal zone as well as with the protection of the natural environment. One way to respond to social and economic demands for coastal resources is to increase the carrying capacity of the coastal zone in urban areas. This paper analyzes public ownership and leasing, which is a management tool that allows private development to occur within a framework of public control. Marina del Rey, the world's largest small craft harbor, is a multi-activity coastal community created through such a leasehold system, which serves a diversity of uses within one overall project. If efforts to protect natural coastal areas are to succeed, it will be necessary to determine ways to accommodate pressures for coastal activities through the development and redevelopment of the urban coastal zone.
Fast transient simulation of Markovian models of highly dependable systems

Abstract In this paper we investigate fast simulation techniques for the estimation of transient measures in Markovian models of highly dependable systems. For such models, standard simulation techniques are inefficient as system failure events are rare. Two importance sampling techniques, namely forcing and failure biasing, have been found to increase the efficiency in estimating such measures. However, experiments have shown that these techniques work well only for the case where the time horizon is ‘small’ and result in poor estimates otherwise. To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon we analyze the importance sampling heuristics for the case of estimating the expected interval unavailability. We show that for any fixed given time horizon the estimates using importance sampling have bounded relative error (i.e., the relative error of the simulation estimate remains bounded as failure rates tend to zero; this is contrasted to standard simulation in which the relative error tends to infinity). However, for time horizons that are large these techniques are shown to be inefficient. For this case we develop bounds on the measure and then instead of estimating the measure we estimate these bounds. We prove that these bounds can be very efficiently estimated and that for time horizons that are not ‘small’, the bounds approach the measure as failure rates tend to zero.
Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time

In almost every respect, Daniel Webster was larger than life, an intellectual colossus, a statesman of the first rank, and a man of towering and finally unfulfilled ambition. In this new biography, Webster is seen as a major player in American politics in the era between the War of 1812 and the beginning of the Civil War, involved with every significant issue confronting the new nation. Webster had no equal as an orator, then or since. Whether in the Senate, before the Supreme Court, or on the political stump, he was a golden-tongued spellbinder, often holding audiences in thrall for hours. In his lifelong defense of the Constitution, and as a constant upholder of the Union, Webster won love and respect. He was often referred to as "the Godlike Daniel". But he was also referred to as "Black Dan" because of his questionable dealings with men of wealth and power, his political conniving, his habitual nonpayment of debts, and perhaps even his somewhat roving eye.
Latex particle size distribution from turbidimetry using inversion techniques

Abstract A method is reported for estimation of the particle size distribution of latices from spectral turbidity data. The method is based on existing solutions to Fredholm integral equations and it is demonstrated through recovery of the particle size distribution of polystyrene latices. Unimodal and bimodal particle size distributions of varying breadth and mean particle diameters have been investigated. It is shown that in every case the particle size distribution can be adequately recovered.
Timing of sudden death in patients with heart failure

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the timing of sudden death in patients with advanced heart failure. Background. The frequency of sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction is greatest in the morning hours, suggesting that physiologic processes associated with morning activities may trigger these events. In patients with advanced heart failure, a variety of mechanisms may cause sudden death, and the frequency of their occurrence may differ from that in other patient groups, perhaps altering the timing of sudden death in heart failure. Methods. Deaths among 566 consecutive patients followed up after treatment for advanced heart failure were prospectively categorized as sudden death, death due to heart failure or noncardiac death. For 72 sudden deaths the time of death was determined from witnesses to the event and from death certificates. Results. Sudden death occurred 2.5 times more frequently between 6:01 am and 12 noon than in the three other 6-h intervals, with 46% of deaths occurring during this period (p Conclusions. Despite a variety of potential mechanisms of sudden death and underlying causes of heart disease in patients with heart failure, the 24-h distribution of sudden death in these patients is similar to that observed in other patient groups. Morning surges in sympathetic nervous system activity may promote a variety of sudden death mechanisms, including ischemic and nonischemic arrhythmias.
Exhaled carbon monoxide in lung disease.

To the Editor: We read with interest the paper by Zetterquist et al. 1 in which the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured in a group of asthmatic and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients using two different methods. A new fast-response nondisperse infrared (NDIR) CO analyser was used alongside the old electrochemical method and the results obtained with the two methods were compared. Surprisingly, contrary to what has previously been shown by our own and other groups 2–6, as shown by both methods, the levels of exhaled CO were found to be similar in a group of asthmatic patients and patients with CF compared with normal subjects. The authors conclude that exhaled CO …
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIAGNOSED BY A LOOP RECORDER IN A PATIENT WITH CRYPTOGENIC STROKE

A third of strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) are cryptogenic requiring additional investigation. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) has been suggested as a potential cause of these strokes. Detecting the cause is key. It prompts the initiation of antithrombotic therapy, which will