cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fingernail growth rate as a biomarker of aging in the pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina).

Abstract Rate of fingernail growth (FNG) of the middle digit of the right hand was assessed in 46 healthy pigtailed macaques at approximately 6-month intervals for 4 to 6 years. Mean FNG for 24 females, ranging in mean age at measurement from 7 to 24 years, was 104 ω/day; the mean for 22 males, ranging from 7 to 20 years, was 111 ω/day. Longitudinal analysis showed that FNG declined in animals of both sexes and that the rate of decline (−4.8 ω/day/year) did not differ between them, i.e., the mean regression coefficients (β) of the two sexes were significantly different from zero and not significantly different from each other. Results of cross-sectional analysis differed from those of longitudinal analysis in that the mean FNG appeared to be more rapid in males than in females, particularly in the older animals. Inter- and intra-individual variability in FNG did not increase with age. FNG appears to be an excellent functional marker of the rate of aging because the direction of change is essentially decremental, a significant degree of change can be detected in a few years, and the rate of change is relatively constant across the adult lifespan. In addition, measurement of FNG is innocuous, quantitative, inexpensive, and simple.
Dynamics of CO2-driven lake eruptions

ON 21 August 1986, a massive release of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon killed about 1,700 people. A similar event occurred on 15 August 1984 at Lake Monoun, also in Cameroon. It was suggested1–5 that the CO2 released was initially dissolved in the hypolimnion (dense lower layer) of the lake, and was released by eruptive outgassing. Because of its violence, the Nyos outburst was at first thought6 to have been volcanic, but undisturbed sediments and other evidence indicate that no large volcanic eruption occurred7–9. Recent experiments10,11 have shown that decompression of CO2-saturated water is able to power explosive eruptions. Here I analyse the dynamics of CO2-driven lake-water eruptions by deriving an equation of state for gas-liquid mixtures and using it to integrate the Bernoulli equation, which describes the dynamics of the bubbly flow. I find that under certain conditions these eruptions can be violent: the lake-surface exit velocity of an initially gas-saturated water parcel may reach 89m s−1 for Lake Nyos and 51m s−1 for Lake Monoun. The dynamics are similar to those of water-driven volcanic eruptions, which are also powered by gas exsolution from a liquid.
Inhibition of DNA replication and induction of S phase cell cycle arrest by G-rich oligonucleotides.

The discovery of G-rich oligonucleotides (GROs) that have non-antisense antiproliferative activity against a number of cancer cell lines has been recently described. This biological activity of GROs was found to be associated with their ability to form stable G-quartet-containing structures and their binding to a specific cellular protein, most likely nucleolin (Bates, P. J., Kahlon, J. B., Thomas, S. D., Trent, J. O., and Miller, D. M. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 26369–26377). In this report, we further investigate the novel mechanism of GRO activity by examining their effects on cell cycle progression and on nucleic acid and protein biosynthesis. Cell cycle analysis of several tumor cell lines showed that cells accumulate in S phase in response to treatment with an active GRO. Analysis of 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation by these cells indicated the absence of de novo DNA synthesis, suggesting an arrest of the cell cycle predominantly in S phase. At the same time point, RNA and protein synthesis were found to be ongoing, indicating that arrest of DNA replication is a primary event in GRO-mediated inhibition of proliferation. This specific blockade of DNA replication eventually resulted in altered cell morphology and induction of apoptosis. To characterize further GRO-mediated inhibition of DNA replication, we used an in vitro assay based on replication of SV40 DNA. GROs were found to be capable of inhibiting DNA replication in the in vitro assay, and this activity was correlated to their antiproliferative effects. Furthermore, the effect of GROs on DNA replication in this assay was related to their inhibition of SV40 large T antigen helicase activity. The data presented suggest that the antiproliferative activity of GROs is a direct result of their inhibition of DNA replication, which may result from modulation of a replicative helicase activity.
On Heat Transfer Measurements in Diesel Engines Using Fast-Response Coaxial Thermocouples

The authors discuss the development of finite element models of fast-response CO-AX thermocouples typically used for heat transfer measurements in diesel engines. Due to the small differences in thermal properties between the thermoelements and the iron engine components, CO-AX thermocouples are capable of measuring transient temperatures of iron components within an accuracy of 98 percent. However, these relatively small errors in temperature measurement result in as high as 25 percent errors in peak surface heat flux calculations. This implies that heat flux results depend not only on the temperature of the surface thermocouple junction, but are also sensitive to its time rate of change. Increasing the thin film thickness can significantly alter the heat flux deduced from surface junction temperatures.
Global Tissue Revolutions in a Morphogenetic Movement Controlling Elongation

Polarized cell behaviors drive axis elongation in animal embryos, but the mechanisms underlying elongation of many tissues remain unknown. Eggs of Drosophila undergo elongation from a sphere to an ellipsoid during oogenesis. We used live imaging of follicles (developing eggs) to elucidate the cellular basis of egg elongation. We find that elongating follicles undergo repeated rounds of circumferential rotation around their long axes. Follicle epithelia mutant for integrin or collagen IV fail to rotate and elongate, which results in round eggs. We present evidence that polarized rotation is required to build a polarized, fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) that constrains tissue shape. Thus, global tissue rotation is a morphogenetic behavior that uses planar polarity information in the ECM to control tissue elongation.
Simulated U.S. Drought Response to Interannual and Decadal Pacific SST Variability

AbstractIdealized atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments by the U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) Drought Working Group were used in order to study the influence of natural modes of sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Pacific on drought in the contiguous United States. The current study expands on previous results by examining the atmospheric response of three AGCMs to three different patterns of the idealized Pacific SST anomalies that operate on different time scales: low-frequency (decadal), high-frequency (interannual), and a pan-Pacific pattern that retains characteristics of interannual and decadal variability. While forcing patterns are generally similar in appearance, results indicate that differences in the relative amplitude of the equatorial and extratropical components of the SST forcing are sufficient to give rise to differing teleconnections, leading to regional differences in the amplitude and significance of the precipitation respon...
Lack of evidence for the μ‐opioid receptor splice variant MOR1C in rats

We previously reported the existence of MOR1C mRNA and MOR1C-immunoreactivity (-ir) in rats. However, the sequence that we reported for rat MOR1C appears not to be present in the rat genome. We have therefore reexamined whether MOR1C mRNA or MOR1C-ir exist in rats. We used reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to attempt to amplify MOR1, MOR1A, MOR1B, the rat MOR1C sequence we previously reported, and MOR1C1 and MOR1C2 (which have recently been reported to exist in rats). In RNA extracted from rats, we were able to demonstrate PCR products representing MOR1, MOR1A, and MOR1B splice variants. All three products were confirmed as related to MOR1 by Southern blot. However, we were unable to detect either the MOR1C product reported previously by us or the MOR1C-like products reported to exist in rats by others. In RNA extracted from mice we were able to detect MOR1, MOR1A, MOR1B, and MOR1D-like products. To test the specificity of our MOR1C antiserum, we examined MOR1C-ir in control and knockout mice. MOR1C-ir had a distribution in control mice similar to that previously reported in rats, including coexisting with vGLUT2. However, although MOR1-ir was absent in MOR1 knockout mice, the density and distribution of MOR1C-ir were unchanged, suggesting that the antiserum crossreacts with another molecule in tissue. We find no evidence for MOR1C mRNA in rats. Furthermore, we conclude that MOR1C-ir represents crossreactivity. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:452–458, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Association of subjective cognitive dysfunction with akathisia in patients receiving stable doses of risperidone or haloperidol.

Summary Background and objective: Antipsychotic-induced akathisia leads to poor compliance with medication and is still a source of concern in the treatment with antipsychotic drugs. Regarding clinical characteristics, the distinguishing features of akathisia in comparison with other extrapyramidal syndromes are prominent subjective symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to examine the subjective cognitive dysfunction associated with antipsychotic-induced akathisia. Methods: Sixty-seven outpatients with schizophrenia receiving stable doses of risperidone or haloperidol were evaluated for akathisia and other extrapyramidal side effects. Subjective cognitive dysfunction was comprehensively assessed using the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ). The severity of subjective cognitive deficits was compared between the groups with and without akathisia using analysis of covariance with relevant variables as covariates. Results: The akathisia group (n = 25) scored significantly higher on the total FCQ score than the non-akathisia group (n = 42) (P < 0·05). In phenomenological subscale scores, the akathisia group had significantly higher scores on various subscales, i.e. ‘anxiety’, ‘disorder of selective attention’, ‘deterioration of discrimination’, ‘perceptual disorder’ and ‘disorder of coping responses’ than the non-akathisia group (P < 0·05). Conclusions: These results suggest that akathisia is significantly associated with a variety of subjective cognitive-perceptual deficits. Early therapeutic interventions for akathisia should be performed considering its significant association with the subjective cognitive dysfunction and the impairment of coping responses.
A simple electrode for metallic replication.

A simple resistive heating electrode has been designed for use in metallic replication procedures. The electrodes are relatively small, reliable, adaptable to most vacuum systems, and are compatible with ultra-high vacuums. They are easily aligned, have good electrical conductivity and ajustable tensions. Using these electrodes with full wave rectified a.c., we found reduced specimen heating, lower background granularity, and improved resolution compared to commercially available designs.
On multiple-delay static output feedback stabilization of LTI plants

We develop a control methodology for linear time-invariant plants that uses multiple delayed observations in feedback. Using the special coordinate basis (SCB), we show that multiple-delay controllers can always be designed to stabilize minimum-phase plants, and identify a class of non-minimum-phase plants that can be stabilized using these controllers.
Acetaminophen toxicity: suicidal vs. accidental

Acetaminophen toxicity, which can lead to hepatotoxicity, is a burden on our health care system and contributes significantly to intensive care unit admissions and cost of hospitalization. The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiology of various types of acetaminophen poisoning and analyze their outcome compared with their admission characteristics. We identified 93 consecutive patients, hospitalized for acetaminophen toxicity over a 52-month period from 1996 to 1999 in our urban county hospital. Retrospective case-control analysis was carried out using the data obtained from the medical records. Acetaminophen accounted for 7.5% of all cases of poisoning admitted during this period. Of the 93 patients, 80 were classified as suicidal and 13 had accidentally poisoned themselves in an attempt to relieve pain. The ratio of females to males was found to be 2:1. Of the 93 patients studied, 88 were admitted to the intensive care unit for initial 24–48 hours of monitoring. Peak acetaminophen levels were higher in the suicidal overdose group (mean 121.7 ± 97.0 mg/l vs 64.5 ± 61.8 mg/l, P 1000 IU/l were more often seen in the latter (39% vs 12%, P < 0.05). Hepatic coma and death were seen more often in the accidental overdose group (15% vs 0%, P < 0.05). Interestingly chronic alcohol abuse was also more frequent in the accidental overdose category (39% vs 18%, P = 0.05). Although the peak acetaminophen level in the suicidal group was significantly higher, cases of therapeutic misadventure had higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Peak acetaminophen levels correlate poorly with hepatic dysfunction, morbidity and mortality. We recommend that the patients with suicidal acetaminophen overdose, without any concomitant poisoning, can safely managed on the medical floors.
Wide‐area estimates of saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) evapotranspiration on the lower Colorado River measured by heat balance and remote sensing methods

In many places along the lower Colorado River, saltcedar (Tamarix spp) has replaced the native shrubs and trees, including arrowweed, mesquite, cottonwood and willows. Some have advocated that by removing saltcedar, we could save water and create environments more favourable to these native species. To test these assumptions we compared sap flux measurements of water used by native species in contrast to saltcedar, and compared soil salinity, ground water depth and soil moisture across a gradient of 200–1500 m from the river's edge on a floodplain terrace at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR). We found that the fraction of land covered (fc) with vegetation in 2005–2007 was similar to that occupied by native vegetation in 1938 using satellite-derived estimates and reprocessed aerial photographs scaled to comparable spatial resolutions (3–4 m). We converted fc to estimates of leaf area index (LAI) through point sampling and destructive analyses (r2 = 0·82). Saltcedar LAI averaged 2·54 with an fc of 0·80, and reached a maximum of 3·7 with an fc of 0·95. The ranges in fc and LAI are similar to those reported for native vegetation elsewhere and from the 1938 photographs over the study site. On-site measurements of water use and soil and aquifer properties confirmed that although saltcedar grows in areas where salinity has increased much better than native shrubs and trees, rates of transpiration are similar. Annual water use over CNWR was about 1·15 m year−1. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact controllability of semilinear abstract systems with application to waves and plates boundary control problems

Consideration is given to the question of (global) exact controllability for a class of semilinear abstract differential equations with dynamical properties such as arise in wave/plate boundary control problems. The main goal is to prove that under the assumptions of exact controllability of the linear part of the dynamics and approximate controllability of its linearization, the original semilinear problem is (globally) exactly controllable (on the same space, and over the same time interval, as the linear part). The wave equation with Dirichlet controls is taken as an example. >
Thin film p-ridge n-stripe III–V laser broad area metal-metal bonded to silicon

A p-ridge single quantum well thin film laser has been metal/metal bonded onto silicon for good thermal dissipation and low threshold current. The threshold current density is 244 A/cm2.
The Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History Since 1900 – By David Edgerton

In this pathbreaking book, the author presents a radical reinterpretation of technology and invention, and in so doing he rereads not only the history of technology, but modern history itself. Davi...
Stem cells in drug discovery, regenerative medicine and cancer

The Stem Cell World Congress brought together scholars and experts from a wide array of stem cell research. Discussions covered a range of issues and topics, including basic science discoveries related to the use of neural progenitors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, the legal aspects related to patent protection of stem-cell-based discoveries, the best practices for biobanking of cord blood, and the ethical considerations related to stem cell research. This report focuses on major themes of the meeting, with a focus on the stem cell topics related specifically to medical genomics.
Comparison of High Risk Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Findings in Men With Rapid Versus Prolonged Recovery of ST-Segment Depression After Exercise Stress Testing

ST-segment depression during stress testing predicts future risk for adverse cardiovascular events and routinely prompts further noninvasive imaging or invasive evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD). A subset of patients develop ST depression at peak exercise that rapidly resolves early in the recovery period (ST-rapid). The goal of this study was to compare the prevalence of single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) findings in patients with ST-rapid to those with prolonged ST depression (ST-prolonged) and those without ST depression (ST-normal). A total of 637 men without previous CAD and with interpretable rest electrocardiograms referred for exercise stress MPI were included in this study. ST depression was defined as > or =1-mm ST depression occurring 80 ms after the J point at peak exercise. ST-rapid was defined as ST depression with recovery of the ST depression by 1 minute into recovery. Men with ST-rapid were younger (55.4 +/- 7.6 vs 62.6 +/- 9.6 years, p or =4; 27% vs 47%, p = 0.02), severe CAD (summed stress score >8; 9% vs 29%, p = 0.004), and a composite of high-risk MPI findings (summed stress score >8 or ejection fraction <40%; 11% vs 32%, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in exercise capacity, the presence of CAD, or the composite of high-risk MPI findings between men with ST-rapid and those with ST-normal. In conclusion, men who developed ST-rapid during exercise stress testing had markedly fewer abnormal and high-risk MPI findings compared to those with prolonged ST depression. In fact, the prevalence of MPI abnormalities in men with ST-rapid was similar to that in men with normal electrocardiographic responses to exercise.
The impact of environmental and organizational factors on discontinuous innovation within high-technology industries

This study examines the influence of environmental, organizational, and managerial characteristics on discontinuous innovation across three industries (aerospace, electronic components, and telecommunications) that are highly dependent upon innovation for survival and competitive advantage. The authors randomly mailed survey questionnaires to 900 chief executive officers located across the USA and obtained quantitative data from 192 individuals. To validate these results, they conducted structured follow-up interviews of 25 executives. The findings suggest that discontinuous innovation increases with environmental dynamism and that structure and processes (intrafirm linkages, experimentation and transitioning, or sequencing from one product/project/program to another) contribute to discontinuous innovation. These results suggest that top managers are active, not passive, in influencing discontinuous innovation within their organizations.
Iterative algorithms for generating minimal cutsets in directed graphs

Plusieurs approches pour evaluer la fiabilite d'un reseau necessitent de generer tous les ensembles de coupe minimaux dans un graphe oriente, et on propose pour cela un algorithme general iteratif, base sur une structure algebrique sous-jacente
Lateral maneuvering of ground vehicles: modeling and control

Researches challenging problems in nonlinear analysis and lateral maneuvering control of ground vehicles. Newton's second law is used to find the differential equations to model the lateral vehicle dynamics in the two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. To guarantee safety and comfort, to achieve the desired handling qualities, and to attain the specifications imposed on driveability and maneuverability, controllability and agility, control algorithms are needed to be designed and tested. Nonlinear proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are synthesized in the paper. The feedback gain coefficients are found using the Lyapunov stability theory. Compared with conventional linear PID algorithms, it is illustrated that superior dynamic performance and driveability, excellent controllability and maneuverability, as well as robustness and stability, were achieved by using nonlinear control laws. The paper develops a new concept to solve the motion control problem using nonlinear feedback error maps. It is shown that controllers with nonlinear error and state feedback guarantee robust tracking and stability, as well as allow one to attain the desired performance specifications. Nonlinear modeling and simulations support the developments.
Deubiquitinase USP47/UBP64E Regulates β-Catenin Ubiquitination and Degradation and Plays a Positive Role in Wnt Signaling

Wnt signaling plays important roles in development and tumorigenesis. A central question about the Wnt pathway is the regulation of β-catenin. Phosphorylation of β-catenin by CK1α and GSK3 promotes β-catenin binding to β-TrCP, leading to β-catenin degradation through the proteasome. The phosphorylation and ubiquitination of β-catenin have been well characterized; however, it is unknown whether and how a deubiquitinase is involved. In this study, by screening RNA interference (RNAi) libraries, we identified USP47 as a deubiquitinase that prevents β-catenin ubiquitination. Inactivation of USP47 by RNAi increased β-catenin ubiquitination, attenuated Wnt signaling, and repressed cancer cell growth. Furthermore, USP47 deubiquitinates itself, whereas β-TrCP promotes USP47 ubiquitination through interaction with an atypical motif in USP47. Finally, in vivo studies in the Drosophila wing suggest that UBP64E, the USP47 counterpart in Drosophila, is required for Armadillo stabilization and plays a positive role in regulating Wnt target gene expression.
“Practicing Electoral Politics in the Cracks” Intersectional Consciousness in a Latina Candidate’s City Council Campaign

Previous research on gender and political leadership has narrowly defined gender consciousness, failing to account for the broader commitments, concerns, and loyalties held by women of color. In this article, the author calls for an intersectional approach to analyzing the gender consciousness of political leaders. She presents findings from four months of participant observation in a Latina candidate’s campaign for city council. The author finds that the campaign presented an intersectional consciousness in the candidate’s messages, using gendered discourses to frame her commitment to issues of greatest concern to Hispanic and low-income communities. The campaign’s mobilization efforts targeted both women and Hispanics, but focused most of its resources into courting the vote of middle- and upper-class white women. Contrary to recent claims that intersectionality has outlived its usefulness as an analytic tool, the author argues that intersectionality remains an underutilized and much-needed framework for helping to close gaps in the understanding of political life.
A study of negative ions from substituted benzils

The mass spectra and the appearance potentials for the negative ions from a number of 4-substituted and 4,4′-disubstituted benzils, containing CH3, CH3O, CH3S, (CH3)2N and NO2 substituents have been measured. Molecular anions were observed for all benzils. The negative ion mass spectra of the CH3O- and CH3S-substituted compounds also exhibited ions resulting from loss of CH3 from the parent; Cl− was observed too in the spectra of the chlorine substituted benzils. Only for the nitrobenzils is more than one fragment ion observed in the spectra. A comparison of the negative ion spectra with the positive ion spectra previously reported is also presented and discussed.
US army employment of unattended ground sensors

Army research initiatives include research and development of unattended ground sensors (UGS). UGS will improve the ability of tactical units to collect information and are expected to play an increasingly important role. Sensors are of several types, including acoustic, seismic, magnetic, electric field, and imaging. It is expected that deployed sensors will be self-organizing to form a sensor field. Because of power and communication limitations, it is anticipated that the sensor field will be required to process data locally, and report only the results of this analysis. Given detection, the report will include the classification or identification of an object transiting the field, as well as the field's self-assessed level of confidence in the estimate. This study examined the level of confidence required before a decision maker would reallocate resources based on the report. Combat arms officers were provided a tactical situation and the sensor field level of confidence required before commitment of forces was elicited. A computer model was then used to investigate what sensor mixtures and densities were required to meet this threshold. The impact of correct and incorrect decisions for a tactical situation was examined using high-resolution combat model. Additionally, the responsible unit level and doctrinal employment were examined.
Data-Driven Hint Generation in Vast Solution Spaces: a Self-Improving Python Programming Tutor

To provide personalized help to students who are working on code-writing problems, we introduce a data-driven tutoring system, ITAP (Intelligent Teaching Assistant for Programming). ITAP uses state abstraction, path construction, and state reification to automatically generate personalized hints for students, even when given states that have not occurred in the data before. We provide a detailed description of the system’s implementation and perform a technical evaluation on a small set of data to determine the effectiveness of the component algorithms and ITAP’s potential for self-improvement. The results show that ITAP is capable of producing hints for almost any given state after being given only a single reference solution, and that it can improve its performance by collecting data over time.
Hazardous Substances Releases Causing Fatalities and/or People Transported to Hospitals: Rural/Agricultural vs. Other Areas

INTRODUCTION: Mass-casualty and hospital preparedness has been analyzed widely. However, information regarding the types of areas where these events occur is limited. Therefore, the characteristics of acute hazardous substances releases resulting in death/multiple-victim events occuring in rural/agricultural areas and in all other areas were studied and compared. METHODS: Data reported to the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system from 16 state health departments during 1993-2000 were used to examine factors associated with events with death/multiple victims involving acute release of hazardous substances. A death/multiple-victim event is defined as any event resulting in a death and/or at least five people being transported to a hospital. RESULTS: Of a total of 43,133 events, 6661 occurred in rural/agricultural areas. Of these, 107 were death/multiple-victim events with 632 victims, of whom 91 died and 77 were hospitalized. All other areas had 472 death/multiple-victim events with 7981 victims, of whom 116 died and 413 were hospitalized. Death/multiple-victim events in rural/agricultural areas were more likely to be associated with transportation (Proportional Ratio (PR) = 4.1, 95% CI = 3.1-5.4) and fires and/or explosions (PR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.95-2.0) than were death/multiple-victim events in all other areas. Among transportation-related events in rural/agricultural areas, 19 were associated with air transport--mainly crop dusters--and resulted in 18 deaths. Responders were three times more likely to be injured in rural/agricultural areas. Of responders, volunteer firefighters constituted 52% compared with 6.7% in all other areas. The most frequently released chemicals in rural/agricultural areas were ammonia, chlorine, and pesticides. In all other areas, ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and 0-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, a tearing agent often associated with an illegal or unauthorized act, were released most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this analysis suggest that remedial actions should address safety measures in both transportation and fixed facilities containing acute hazardous substances. These include regular maintenance of equipment, education of workers about the substances used in their facility, rigorous training and licensing of drivers and crop duster operators, and education and training of employees and first responders in the use of protective equipment. These activities may reduce the number of events, casualties, and costs associated with hazardous substance events.
Sensitivity to endotoxin in rabbits is increased after hemorrhagic shock.

The immunoinflammatory response following trauma and hemorrhage may predispose to the development of sepsis and multiple-organ failure syndrome. Cardiac output (CO), arterial pressure, arterial PO2, and pulmonary permeability index were measured. We examined the sensitivity of rabbits to infusions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after hemorrhagic shock. Shock was produced by reducing CO to 40% of baseline for 90 min, followed by resuscitation with shed blood and then with lactated Ringer solution to maintain CO near baseline. Animals were assigned to three groups: 1) hemorrhagic shock only, 2) LPS only, and 3) hemorrhagic shock + LPS. Groups 1 and 3 were subjected to hemorrhagic shock on day 1. Escherichia coli LPS was infused (1.0 microgram/kg i.v.) into groups 2 and 3 on day 2. Fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer solution was continued in an effort to maintain CO at baseline. Five hours after LPS infusion, 125I-albumin was injected intravenously, and rabbits were killed 1 h later for measurement of pulmonary permeability index. LPS infusion after shock (group 3) caused significant decreases in CO, arterial pressure, and PO2 and an increase in pulmonary permeability. These changes were not seen in the groups 1 and 2. We conclude that hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation result in a proinflammatory state, leading to increased sensitivity to subsequent exposure to LPS.
High Incidence of “Spontaneous” Platelet Aggregation in Silicone- Coated Vacutainer TM Blood Samples

The aggregability of human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared from blood drawn by silicone-coated, citrated Vacutainer tubes is compared with that from blood drawn by plastic syringes and placed in citrate-containing polypropylene tubes. PRP prepared from the Vacutainer tubes showed a poorer aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine or collagen than that prepared from polypropylene tubes. On the other hand, five of nine Vacutainer blood samples showed “Spontaneous” platelet aggregation (SPA), while none of the samples in polypropylene tubes showed SPA. Apparently, the presence or absence of SPA in PRP can be affected by the blood sample collection method.
Primary omental torsion

Abstract Review of the literature reveals sixty cases of primary omental torsion reported to date. This report is based on a study of twenty five of the above cases plus two of our own. We submit detailed reports of two additional cases, one the youngest on record. Anatomical variations are of fundamental importance as a predisposing cause. A definite symptom-complex is presented which, it is felt, will aid in the correct diagnosis.
Notes to the Divine Comedy (A Supplement to Existing Commentaries)

Many of these interpretative suggestions are merely additions to others which have been made in each case by the commentators and translators available to me. E. Moore's invaluable Indices in Volume I (“Scripture and Classical Authors in Dante”)—now, unfortunately, out of print—of his Studies in Dante (Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1896) may be taken as practically basic among compendia of sources and parallels.
Alternate Pathways for Acetic Acid and Acetate Ion Release from Acetylcholinesterase

Two competing passageways for the exit of acetic acid and acetate ion in Torpedo californica (Tc) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were studied by examining free energies of passage through two potential trajectories using the umbrella sampling technique as implemented in CHARMM. The reaction coordinates were defined from Ser200 Oγ one through the 20 A long active site gorge ending with Trp279 and a 14 A long route ending at Arg244. The free energies were calculated in successive windows 0.5 A wide for 40–90 ps and the potential of mean force (PMF) was calculated along the reaction coordinate. The PMF for the migration of acetic acid decreases by § 8 kcal/mol after 9 A travel through the main gorge. The PMF profile for acetate ion migration falls to a 6 kcal/mol lower value than that of acetic acid in the main gorge. The free energy barrier for the migration of acetate ion is 1.5 kcal/mol due a constriction formed by Tyrl 21, Phe290, Phe330, Phe331 in the main gorge. The interaction between acetic acid/acetate ion and the OH group of Tyrl21 appears to guide their release through the main gorge. Acetate ion remains H-bonded to Tyrl21 until it approaches Trp279 when it is expelled into bulk water. Acetic acid encounters a 6 kcal/mol barrier through the alternate pathway, while the PMF for acetate ion drops ~ 27 kcal/mol when it approaches Arg244. Full MD simulations, free of restraint for 170 ps, result in the migration of acetate ion through the short channel but not through the main gorge. The results indicate that if acetic acid ionizes within 3.5 A from Ser200 Oγ, it would be more likely to exit via the alternate channel than through the main gorge.
Neuroprotective Effects of Low Level Electrical Stimulation Therapy on Retinal Degeneration

Low-level electrical stimulation applied to the eye has been shown to have neuroprotective effects on photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. In this review, we compare the effects of Subretinal Electrical Stimulation (SES), Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation (TES), and Whole Eye Stimulation (WES) on preserving retinal structure and function, and visual acuity, in retinal degeneration. Similarities and differences in stimulus parameters, targeted cells and growth factor expression will be discussed with emphasis on studies that have translated laboratory findings into clinical trials.
Crystal structure of a third polymorph of tris­(acetyl­acetonato-κ2O,O′)iron(III)

In the structure of the title complex, [Fe(C5H7O2)3] or Fe(acac)3, the asymmetric unit contains one mol­ecule in a general position. The coordination sphere of the FeIII atom is that of a slightly distorted octahedron. The crystal under investigation was a two-component pseudo-merohedral twin in the monoclinic system with a β angle close to 90°. Twin law [100/0-10/00-1] reduced the R1 residual [I > 2σ(I)] from 0.0769 to 0.0312, and the mass ratio of twin components refined to 0.8913 (5):0.1087 (5). In the crystal, mol­ecules are arranged in sheets normal to [001] via non-classical C—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. No other significant inter­molecular inter­actions are observed. The structure is a new polymorph of Fe(acac)3 and is isotypic with one polymorph of its gallium analog.
A visual task manager application for individuals with autism

In recent years, use of mobile computing has expanded rapidly, both in terms of audience and function. Men, women, and children of all ages, with a huge variety of interests and needs, all use and often depend on the mobile devices they carry. Ordinary people use mobile devices for different purposes ranging from leisure to organization to teaching and learning. Special needs groups have also found many ways to use mobile devices to enhance their abilities and enrich their lives. One such group is the autistic community. This paper describes a project idea to design and implement a mobile web application that would allow adults with autism to complete their work with minimal supervision.
Investigation of the Complete Suite of the Leucine and Isoleucine Isomers: Toward Prediction of Ion Mobility Separation Capabilities.

In this study we investigated 11 isomers with the molecular formula C6H13NO2 (m/z 131) to ascertain the potential of utilizing drift tube ion mobility mass spectrometry to aid in the separation of isomeric mixtures. This study of small molecules provides a detailed examination of the application of uniform field ion mobility for a narrow scope of isomers with variations in both bond coordination and stereochemistry. For small molecules, it was observed that in general constitutional isomers are more readily separated by uniform field mobility in comparison to stereoisomers such as enantiomers or diastereomers. Diastereomers exhibited differences in their collision cross section (CCS), but were unresolvable in a mixture, whereas the enantiomers studied did not exhibit statistically different CCS values. A mathematical relationship relating the CCS to resolving power was developed in order to predict the required ion mobility resolving power needed to separate the various isomer classes. For the majority of...
Social Support and Parental Nurturance among Asian Indian Families in the US: Mediating Role of Parenting Self-Efficacy

Asian Indians in the United States are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups, yet empirical research on this population remains extremely scarce. This might be partly due to the “model minority” assumption that implies research on this population is not needed. This study is one of the first studies to examine the effects of social support on parental nurturance of children in a sample of Asian Indian parents and investigate the mediating role of parenting self-efficacy in this relationship pathway. We used newly available data from the Survey of Asian American Families and conducted analyses in the Asian Indian sub-sample (N = 211). The regression models controlled for a rich array of parent and child characteristics and family socioeconomic status. We found that parental nurturance was positively associated with family support but not with support from partner or friends. Parenting self-efficacy played a significant mediating role in the relationship between family support and parental nurturance. These findings have important implications for social work practice and policy interventions that address the needs of the growing ethnic minority population of Asian Indians in the US.
The HACMS program: using formal methods to eliminate exploitable bugs.

For decades, formal methods have offered the promise of verified software that does not have exploitable bugs. Until recently, however, it has not been possible to verify software of sufficient com...
A surrogate analyte-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of endogenous cyclic nucleotides in rat brain

A robust high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and qualified for the measurement of cyclic nucleotides (cNTs) in rat brain tissue. Stable isotopically labeled 3',5'-cyclic adenosine-13C5 monophosphate (13C5-cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine-13C,15N2 monophosphate (13C15N2-cGMP) were used as surrogate analytes to measure endogenous 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Pre-weighed frozen rat brain samples were rapidly homogenized in 0.4M perchloric acid at a ratio of 1:4 (w/v). Following internal standard addition and dilution, the resulting extracts were analyzed using negative ion mode electrospray ionization LC-MS/MS. The calibration curves for both analytes ranged from 5 to 2000ng/g and showed excellent linearity (r2>0.996). Relative surrogate analyte-to-analyte LC-MS/MS responses were determined to correct concentrations derived from the surrogate curves. The intra-run precision (CV%) for 13C5-cAMP and 13C15N2-cGMP was below 6.6% and 7.4%, respectively, while the inter-run precision (CV%) was 8.5% and 5.8%, respectively. The intra-run accuracy (Dev%) for 13C5-cAMP and 13C15N2-cGMP was <11.9% and 10.3%, respectively, and the inter-run Dev% was <6.8% and 5.5%, respectively. Qualification experiments demonstrated high analyte recoveries, minimal matrix effects and low autosampler carryover. Acceptable frozen storage, freeze/thaw, benchtop, processed sample and autosampler stability were shown in brain sample homogenates as well as post-processed samples. The method was found to be suitable for the analysis of rat brain tissue cAMP and cGMP levels in preclinical biomarker development studies.
Preschoolers' selective sustained attention and numeracy skills and knowledge.

Abstract This brief report addresses preschoolers’ selective sustained attention (SSA) and early numeracy skills and knowledge. Past research indicates that children’s attention and early numeracy are positively associated, yet some concerns have emerged about the age appropriateness of tools used to measure preschoolers’ SSA. This study used a new measure—the Track-It Task—that demonstrates strong psychometric properties. In total, 31 at-risk preschoolers (Mage = 46.6 months) participated and were assessed on SSA, nonsymbolic quantity discrimination, and symbolic quantitative skills and knowledge. The ability to sustain attention in the face of distractions was positively correlated with preschoolers’ verbal counting and one-to-one correspondence, Arabic numeral recognition, and cardinal principle knowledge. SSA was not significantly associated with child age or performance on a memory task. This study provides preliminary evidence that SSA may facilitate the process whereby young children become reliable counters and learn that the symbol system of numbers represents specific quantities.
A multi-institutional review of outcomes in biopsy-proven acute invasive fungal sinusitis.

Background Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a rare, aggressive infection occurring in immunocompromised patients. In this study we examined factors that affect survival in AIFS, and whether immune-stimulating therapies (IST) improve survival. Methods Pathology records of biopsy-proven AIFS were reviewed from 3 academic institutions from 1995 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed at 1 and 3 months from diagnosis. Results One hundred fourteen patients were included; 45 received IST. In the univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with worse survival: hematologic malignancy (3-month hazard ratio [HR], 3.7; p = 0.01); recent chemotherapy (within 1 month of AIFS diagnosis) (3-month HR, 2.3; p = 0.02); recent bone marrow transplant (BMT) (3-month HR, 2.5; p = 0.02); and infection with atypical fungi (1-month HR, 3.1; p = 0.04). The following were associated with improved survival in univariate analysis: increasing A1c% (1-month HR, 0.7; p = 0.01) and surgical debridement (1-month HR, 0.1; p = 0.001). One third of patients with a hematologic malignancy had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1000 at the time of diagnosis. ANC was not associated with prognosis in these patients. The following were associated with worse survival in multivariate analyses: hematologic malignancy; recent chemotherapy; atypical organisms; and cavernous sinus extension. In multivariate analyses, IST was associated with a 70% reduction in mortality at 1 month (p = 0.02). Conclusion We presented the largest series of AIFS. Further studies are needed to examine the importance of ANC in diagnosis and prognosis. Patients diagnosed with atypical organisms may be at higher risk of death. IST likely improves short-term survival, but prospective studies are needed.
Methods for Perfusing Different Structures of the Brain

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for perfusing different structures of the brain. Among the problems concerning the function of the living brain is a most difficult question pertaining to the neurochemical events involved in mediating a given pattern of behavior. Each experimental finding contributes in a small way to a clearer understanding of the vital cerebral systems underlying the basic mechanisms that exert a control over individual behavioral and physiological systems. The methods of ventricular perfusion can be employed to investigate the regional release of a substance or the selective action of a drug on an area within the ventricular cavity. That means the anterior horn, inferior horn, or even the dorsal or ventral half of the third ventricle can be perfused individually. Further, the region surrounding the cisterna magna may be excluded entirely from the path of the perfusion medium. The applications of the push–pull perfusion method have also been extended to the cross-perfusion, sometimes called transfusion of effluents, between individual structures in the brains of two conscious animals. Effluent collected from one site in the brain-stem of a donor, which is exposed to a physiological stimulus or change of some sort, is transfused to a homologous site in a recipient animal, and the behavioral and physiological changes in the second animal are recorded. Among the functions examined so far using this direct assay method are the diencephalic and mesencephalic humoral mechanisms involved in the regulation of body temperature, hunger and thirst, and sleep.
The Centrist Authoritarian

Although it is widely believed that political conservatism and authoritarianism are part of the same personality, cluster of attitudes, or syndrome, the link between authoritarianism and conservatism has not been examined systematically in representative samples of the general U.S. public. This study reviews 27 studies that have asked F-Scale or similar authoritarianism questions from the 1952 American National Election Study through the 2004 General Social Survey, finding that moderates and Democrats tend to score as relatively authoritarian, while liberals and Republicans tend to score as relatively non-authoritarian. Breaking down by interactions of party and political orientation, moderate and conservative Democrats tend to be the most authoritarian subgroups, while conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats tend to be the least authoritarian subgroups. Thus in the general public, high authoritarians tend to be found in the political center and center-left (moderate and conservative Democrats), while low authoritarians tend to be found at the political extremes (conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats). It appears that the conflation of authoritarianism with conservatism so common in studies of students and other unrepresentative samples (Stone, 1980; Jost et al., 2003a; Altemeyer, 1996, 1998) does not hold in representative samples of the general U.S. public.
Animal Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Over the years a large number of animal models of IBD have been put forth. The stimuli used to promote inflammation in the models include infectious agents, immune manipulation, toxic compounds and tissue homogenates from IBD patients. Although all of the models are successful models of intestinal inflammation it is hard to single out one as being a more successful model of IBD because we have no specific markers of IBD for the model to mimic. Progress in the development of animal models awaits the better definition of characteristics specific to IBD.