cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmission of Maternal Proteins into Oocytes

Summary Large molecules synthesized by the maternal body and carried in the blood are transferred nearly intact into the ovarian oocytes of many animal classes, vertebrate and invertebrate. In the mammal, maternal blood molecules also are transferred into oviductal embryos and into uterine blastocysts and fetuses. This literature is summarized in tabular form. Since the transfer of maternal macromolecules occurs over a broad phylogenetic spectrum and since it affects the female gamete so intimately, our working hypothesis is that such transfer is obligatory, not optional, for normal oogenesis and embryonic development. In the mouse, ovarian oocytes contain molecules similar to or identical with certain molecules of maternal blood. Immunohistological and autoradiographic work with systemically-injected foreign proteins shows that these “serum-like” molecules are transferred to the ovum from the blood rather than synthesized de novo by the oocyte, that the transfer process is quantitatively specific as to ovarian follicle stage and that it is selective as to molecular species. The serum-like molecules persist in the ooplasm during ovulation but they cannot be detected one or two hours afterwards, whether fertilization has occurred or not. The maternal serum molecules are detectable again in ootids after follicle cell dispersal and are present in the cytoplasm of embryonic blastomeres throughout cleavage. This paper reports further fluorescent antibody and immunoelectrophoretic studies on selctive molecular transfer in the mouse ovary. The data support the hypothesis that, analagous to the behaviour of systemically administered foreign protein, native mouse serum antigens are transferred selectively to the ovarian oocyte. The ovarian location of five antigens similar to or identical with mouse blood components was determined by fluorescent antibody studies. Antigens like serum components, migrating in the albumin and alpha globulin regions in Immunoelectrophoresis, were detected in oocytes and granulosa cells at all follicle stages. Both antigens also were associated with oocyte nuclear chromatin and nucleoli at stages before oocyte growth began and near its completion. Antigens similar to or identical with beta and gamma serum globulins were never detected within cells. All serum-like components which could be differentiated by our reagents were present in the zona pellucida and follicular fluid. Immunozymograms showed that the serum components like those detected in the ovum had esterase, cholinesterase, cytochrome oxidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. The possibility is discussed that “masking” by the transferred maternal serum molecules may protect certain storage molecules in the ooplasm from premature utilization and may block genetic expression at particular oocyte growth stages.
Changes in intraocular pressure control in the first year after secondary intraocular lens implantation in children

Purpose To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) control before and during the first year after secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of children who received secondary IOL implantation. We analyzed IOP and antiglaucoma medications before and after implantation. The latest exam with IOP measurement found within the 2-15 month period after IOL implantation was used for the postoperative data. Failure to maintain IOP control was defined as either the addition of antiglaucoma medication(s) or a rise in IOP > 4 mm Hg. Statistical analyses were performed to assess risk factors for failure to control IOP after surgery, namely age at IOL implantation, preoperative glaucoma status, and IOL fixation location. Results A total of 100 eyes were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.74 months (SD = 3.11). Twenty-three of one hundred eyes failed to maintain IOP control according to our definition. Eyes with a history of having had a traumatic cataract (n = 3) had a more than threefold increased risk of failure (P = 0.015). Although not statistically significant, very young age at initial cataract surgery ( 12 months old) (P = 0.213). No other risk factors were found to have statistical significance. Conclusion Secondary IOL implantation carries a modest risk of worsening IOP control in the first year after implantation, for which, a history of ocular trauma or young age at initial cataract surgery seems to present the highest risk.
End-stage renal disease as a risk factor for epiglottitis: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

Objectives Patients with uremia are prone to infection; however, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as a risk factor for acute epiglottitis warrants study. We investigated the risk of severe epiglottitis requiring hospitalisation in patients with ESRD. Setting We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study by using the claims data of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Participants We identified an ESRD cohort with 87 908 patients newly diagnosed in 2000–2013 and underwent dialysis. The non-ESRD cohort comprised patients who had not received a diagnosis of ESRD, and they were matches to the ESRD cohort (1:1) by sex, age, residence urbanisation level, monthly income, and diabetes and hypertension status. Primary and secondary outcome measures The cumulative incidence of epiglottitis at the end of 2013 was analysed with Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank tests. The HR of epiglottitis was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for confounding factors. Results The overall epiglottitis incidence rate was 94% greater in the ESRD cohort than in the non-ESRD cohort (10.3 vs 5.3 cases per 100 000 person-years, p=0.002), with an adjusted HR of 1.89 (95% CI: 1.23 to 2.91, p=0.004). In the log-rank analysis, compared with the non-ESRD group, the epiglottitis cumulative incidence was significantly higher in the ESRD group (p=0.003). Epiglottitis did not exhibit an association with higher rates of airway interventions, intensive care unit admissions or longer hospitalisation in patients with ESRD than in controls. Conclusions This nationwide matched cohort study indicated that ESRD patients should be monitored for the risk of severe epiglottitis requiring hospitalisation.
Triple stimulation (TriStim) before bilateral oophorectomy in a young woman with ovarian cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) involves two rounds of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte retrieval in immediate succession. It represents a promising approach to increase oocyte yield for patients with diminished ovarian reserve or those with limited time before fertility-threatening oncologic treatment. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with Stage IC endometrioid ovarian cancer who underwent a triple stimulation or “TriStim,” completing three rounds of COS and oocyte retrieval within 42 days prior to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A 31 year old nulligravid woman presented for fertility preservation counseling following a bilateral ovarian cystectomy that revealed Stage IC endometroid adenocarcinoma arising within endometrioid borderline tumors. The patient was counseled for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, lymph node dissection, and omentectomy followed by three cycles of carboplatin/paclitaxel. Prior to this, all within six weeks, the patient underwent three rounds of controlled ovarian stimulation using an antagonist protocol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, resulting in vitrification of nine two-pronuclear zygotes (2PN), after which definitive surgery was performed. Advantages of DuoStim procedures are increasingly recognized, especially for oncology patients with limited time before potentially sterilizing cancer treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a triple stimulation (“TriStim”). Our case highlights that triple stimulation is a viable option for patients needing urgent fertility preservation in order to maximize egg and embryo yield within a limited time period.
What Is the Best End Use for Compost Derived from the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste

There is increasing interest in diverting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste from landfills to biological treatment processes that result in compost. Due to variations in compost quality and available markets, it is not always possible for compost to be beneficially used on soil. In such cases, compost may be used as alternative daily cover (ADC) in landfills. The objective of this study is to compare the environmental impacts of using compost as a soil amendment, accounting for its beneficial substitutions for fertilizer and peat, to its use as ADC. Monte Carlo simulation and parametric sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of uncertainty in input values on the environmental performance. The ADC scenario outperforms the soil amendment scenario in terms of global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication in ∼63, ∼77, and ∼100% of simulations, respectively, while the soil amendment scenario is better in terms of cumulative energy demand and abiotic resource depletion potential ∼94 and ∼96% of the time, respectively. Therefore, we recommend that using compost as ADC be considered, especially when site-specific factors such as feedstock contamination or a lack of markets make it difficult to find appropriate applications for compost as a soil amendment.
Antiresorptive-Type and Discontinuation-Timing Affect ONJ Burden.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), a severe side effect of antiresorptive medications, is characterized by exposed, nonhealing bone in the oral cavity. Treatment options for ONJ range from management...
A Note on the Comparison of NPV Profiles of Mutually Exclusive Projects

One of the basic tenets of modern finance is that an asset’s required return depends on that asset’s risk. Hence, a project’s cost of capital should be matched with the riskiness of that project. From this standpoint, one may conclude that the standard textbook treatment of NPV profiles is restricted to the case where the projects being compared have the same risk and, therefore, have the same discount rate. When the same discount rate is inappropriately applied to different projects, the usual comparison of NPV profiles can be misleading. It is when possible differences in project risk and associated cost of capital are explicitly considered, that NPV profiles can become more useful in the comparative evaluation of mutually exclusive projects.
Comparison of Breath and Blood Alcohol Concentrations in a Controlled Drinking Study.

In this work, 114 volunteers were dosed with 80-proof liquor to produce peak blood- or breath- alcohol concentration of 0.040 to 0.080 g/100mL blood or g/210L breath. This was followed by a 30-minute deprivation period before simultaneous blood and breath samples were collected and the alcohol concentration quantified. Blood alcohol concentration was determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and breath alcohol concentration by a dual-sensor Intox EC/IR II instrument. Paired Student t-tests showed that differences between paired blood and breath alcohol results differed significantly. Results from these two measurement methods are highly correlated and, on average, measured blood alcohol concentration was 11.3% greater than breath alcohol concentration. There were ten instances of breath alcohol concentration being greater than the corresponding blood alcohol concentration, and the average difference between these two values was 0.0059 g/100mL. Agreement plots of coupled blood and breath alcohol concentration revealed a mean bias of 0.00754 g/100mL and 95% limits of agreement at -0.00705 and 0.0221 g/100mL. Once breath alcohol concentration values were truncated to the hundredths place as required by Wisconsin state statute, only three participants had greater breath alcohol concentration than corresponding blood alcohol concentration, with an average difference between these values of 0.008 g/100mL. Agreement plots with truncated breath alcohol concentration values gave a mean bias of 0.0120 g/100mL and 95% limits of agreement at -0.00344 and 0.0275 g/100mL. Data showed that typically, blood samples had greater alcohol concentrations than corresponding breath values. Differences were exacerbated by Wisconsin's statutory requirement that reported breath alcohol measurements be truncated to the hundredths place whereas blood has no corresponding mandate.
HURRICANE WAVE STATISTICS FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO

This paper contains the results of a statistical hindcast study of the heights and periods of significant waves generated by hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the period 1900 to 1949. Results are presented in a series of polar plots of frequencies of occurrence of waves of given height and period at deep-water (100 fathoms depth) stations at different bearings offshore from five coastal stations (Brownsville, Tex., Gilchrist, Tex., Burrwood, Miss., Apalachicola, Fla., Tampa, Fla.). Analysis was conducted by selecting a sample of 9 hurricanes and hindcasting by graphical moving fetch techniques, wave heights, periods and arrival times along eleven approach-directions to the five coastal stations for one storm, and from two to three approach directions for the remaining eight storms. Maximum heights and periods were correlated with hurricane characteristics (pressure, radius of maximum winds, forward velocity and direction). From the correlation the sample was increased by an additional 23 hurricanes whose characteristics were known. Heights and periods plotted against frequencies of occurrence gave mainly normal probability distribution Finally taking account of the total number of tropical storms occurring in the Gulf of Mexico in 50 years and the incidences of waves from various direction at the five stations, the chances of occurrence of full hurricane waves were evaluated.
Role of Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Clozapine is effective for treating positive symptoms in approximately two-thirds of the 30% of patients with schizophrenia whose psychosis is minimally responsive to typical or atypical antipsychotic
Phase-field simulations of GaN growth by selective area epitaxy from complex mask geometries

Three-dimensional phase-field simulations of GaN growth by selective area epitaxy were performed. The model includes a crystallographic-orientation-dependent deposition rate and arbitrarily complex mask geometries. The orientation-dependent deposition rate can be determined from experimental measurements of the relative growth rates of low-index crystallographic facets. Growth on various complex mask geometries was simulated on both c-plane and a-plane template layers. Agreement was observed between simulations and experiment, including complex phenomena occurring at the intersections between facets. The sources of the discrepancies between simulated and experimental morphologies were also investigated. The model provides a route to optimize masks and processing conditions during materials synthesis for solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and other electronic and opto-electronic applications.
The New Prosecutors

Part I of this article examines in greater detail this vast accretion of prosecutorial power, and explains how this transformation has resulted in a radical skewing of the balance of advantage in the criminal justice system in favor of the state. Part II then offers several suggestions on restoring some equilibrium to the process. Equilibrium should be restored because the prosecutor, with the power of the state behind him or her, should not have this unfair advantage. Reliability and fairness will suffer if the equilibrium continues its shift.
Publications and Citations: A Study of Faculty at Leading Schools of Social Work

Abstract This study explores the relationship between scholarly productivity—as evidenced in publication and citation rates—and institutional reputation among leading schools of social work. Using the Social Sciences Citation Index to establish publication and citation records for 333 faculty members from 13 schools of social work, the authors (a) examine 7 hypotheses on publication/citation rates and institutional productivity, and (b) compare their study to those conducted previously. They propose an index, the “critical mass of scholarly activity,” for determining institutional scholarly productivity.
Almost all cancellative triple systems are tripartite

A triple system is cancellative if no three of its distinct edges satisfy $A \cup B=A \cup C$. It is tripartite if it has a vertex partition into three parts such that every edge has exactly one point in each part. It is easy to see that every tripartite triple system is cancellative. We prove that almost all cancellative triple systems with vertex set [n] are tripartite. This sharpens a theorem of Nagle and Rodl on the number of cancellative triple systems. It also extends recent work of Person and Schacht who proved a similar result for triple systems without the Fano configuration. Our proof uses the hypergraph regularity lemma of Frankl and Rodl, and a stability theorem for cancellative triple systems due to Keevash and the second author.
An analysis of omitting biliary tract imaging in 668 subjects admitted to an acute care surgery service with biochemical evidence of choledocholithiasis.

Abstract Background No consensus exists for the timing and utility of biliary imaging in patients with preoperative concern for choledocholithiasis. Methods Admissions to an acute care surgery service with evidence of choledocholithiasis undergoing same-admission cholecystectomy without preoperative or intraoperative imaging were identified. One-way analysis of variance on the log-transformed outcomes, with the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison procedure, were used to compare means between groups. Results A total of 668 patients with elevated but downtrending liver enzymes underwent cholecystectomy without preoperative or intraoperative imaging. Thirty-eight patients (5.7%) had postoperative biliary imaging, of whom 22 (3.3%) had definite choledocholithiasis. One case of postoperative cholangitis occurred which required readmission and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with no long-term morbidity. Presenting liver enzymes were significantly higher in the group found to have retained stones postoperatively than those without retained stones. Conclusions Patients presenting with biochemical evidence of choledocholithiasis who downtrend preoperatively can be safely managed by cholecystectomy with omission of biliary tract imaging.
Effects of quality of energy on substrate oxidation in enterally fed, low-birth-weight infants.

BACKGROUND Carbohydrate and fat may differ in their ability to support energy-requiring physiologic processes, such as protein synthesis and growth. If so, varying the constituents of infant formula might be therapeutically advantageous. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that low-birth-weight infants fed a diet containing 65% of nonprotein energy as carbohydrate oxidize relatively more carbohydrate and relatively less protein than do infants fed an isoenergetic, isonitrogenous diet containing 35% of nonprotein energy as carbohydrate. DESIGN Sixty-two low-birth-weight infants weighing from 750 to 1600 g at birth were assigned randomly and blindly to receive 1 of 5 formulas that differed only in the quantity and quality of nonprotein energy. Formula containing 544 kJ x kg(-1) x d(-1) with either 50%, 35%, or 65% of nonprotein energy as carbohydrate was administered to control subjects, group 1, and group 2, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 received gross energy intakes of 648 kJ x kg(-1) x d(-1) with 35% and 65% of nonprotein energy as carbohydrate. Protein intake was targeted at 4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1). Substrate oxidation was estimated from biweekly, 6-h measurements of gas exchange and 24-h urinary nitrogen excretion. RESULTS Carbohydrate oxidation was positively (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) and fat oxidation was negatively (r = -0.46, P < 0.001) correlated with carbohydrate intake. Protein oxidation was negatively correlated with carbohydrate oxidation (r = -0.42, P < 0.001). Fat oxidation was not correlated with protein oxidation. Protein oxidation was less in infants receiving 65% of nonprotein energy as carbohydrate than in groups receiving 35% nonprotein energy as carbohydrate. CONCLUSION These data support the hypothesis that energy supplied as carbohydrate is more effective than energy supplied as fat in sparing protein oxidation in enterally fed low-birth-weight infants.
The Composite Analytic and Simulation Package for RFI (CASPR) on a coded channel

The Composite Analytic and Simulation Package for RFI (CASPR) is an analysis package that determines the performance of a coded signal in the presence of radio frequency interference (RFI) and additive white Gaussian noise. It can analyze a system with convolutional coding, Reed-Solomon coding, or a concatenation of the two. The signals can be either interleaved or noninterleaved. The model measures the system performance in terms of either the E/sub b//N/sub 0/ required to achieve a given bit error rate (BER) or the BER needed for a constant E/sub b//N/sub 0/. >
Attitudes Toward Affirmative Action: Correlations With Demographic Variables and With Beliefs About Targets, Actions, and Economic Effects

Two studies assessed beliefs and attitudes toward affirmative action in the workplace. Opposition to affirmative action was most strongly associated with respondent race (White) and political conservatism, the belief that it involves strong actions (preferential hiring and setting aside jobs), and the expectation that it will hurt company performance. Attitudes were also positively associated with perceived frequency of employment discrimination experienced by the target group and negatively associated with their resulting employment opportunities. Regression results revealed that economic consequences for the company overwhelmed beliefs about target group employment opportunities in predicting affirmative action attitudes. Respondents associated aftirmative action most strongly with Black and Hispanic targets, and White respondents whose affirmative action schemas featured these 2 targets had the most negative attitudes.
Decarboxylase inhibitors affect convulsion thresholds to hexafluorodiethyl ether.

Alpha-methyl dihydroxyphenylalanine (α-MeDOPA) and alpha-methyl meta-tyrosine (α-MMT) do not lower significantly the convulsion thresholds to hexafluorodiethyl ether in the mouse, whereas reserpine and tetrabenazine produce marked lowering of these thresholds. Other workers have shown that α-MeDOPA and α-MMT decrease brain norepinephrine concentrations much more than brain 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations, while reserpine and tetrabenazine decrease the brain level of these two amines in a parallel fashion. Thus, the fact that α-MeDOPA and α-MMT, even in very large doses, do not lower convulsion thresholds and in some cases raise them suggests that the decline in 5-hydroxytryptamine may be implicated in the lowering of convulsion thresholds produced by reserpine and other, similar agents.
ISCT Presidential Editorial.

In this issue of Cytotherapy our readers can readily see that the face of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) is rapidly changing, as the cellular therapy field evolves in this er...
Probing Europa's hidden ocean from tidal effects on orbital dynamics

Indirect observations of Eurpoa suggest that the Jovian satellite may have a liquid ocean underneath its ice surface.
Effect of relative humidity on the aerodynamic diameter and respiratory deposition of fungal spores

Abstract Exposure to airborne fungal spores may cause respiratory symptoms. The hygroscopicity of airborne spores may significantly affect their aerodynamic diameter, and thus change their deposition pattern in the human respiratory tract. We have investigated the change in aerodynamic diameter of five different fungal species as a function of relative humidity. Liquid and dry dispersion methods were explored for the aerosolization of the fungal spores. A new system that produces non-aggregated spore aerosol directly from a moldy surface was designed and found suitable for this study. The spores were aerosolized from a mold growth on agar by ducting dry air over the surface, and spore chains in the flow were broken up by passing the entire flow through a critical orifice. Size-spectrometric measurements with an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer showed that the aerodynamic diameter of the tested fungal spores does not change significantly when the relative humidity increases from 30% to 90%. A more distinct spore size increase was found at a relative humidity of ∼ 100%. The highest change of the aerodynamic diameter was found with Cladosporium cladosporioides: it increased from 1.8 μm to 2.3 μm when the relative humidity increased from 30% to ∼ 100%. The size increase corresponds to an approximate doubling of the particle volume. In order to estimate the effect of hygroscopic growth on the respiratory deposition of spores, the mean depositions in the human respiratory tract were calculated for fungal spores with various size changes due to hygroscopic growth. A recently developed model of the International Commission of Radiological Protection was used for the respiratory deposition calculations. We found that the 27% increase in Cladosporium size results in a 20–30% increase in the respiratory deposition of these spores. We conclude that most fungal spores are only slightly hygroscopic and the hygroscopic increase does not significantly affect their respiratory deposition. Our calculations show that for bioaerosol particles, ranging from 0.1 to 10 μm in diameter, the greatest change in the respiratory deposition due to hygroscopic size changes occurs in the particle size range of 0.5–2 μm.
Scared smart or bored straight? Testing deterrence logic in an evaluation of police-led truancy intervention

Student truancy in secondary schools has increasingly been identified as an issue that merits the attention of the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This paper presents evaluation results from a recent study of a truancy intervention collaborative initiated and administered by a local sheriff's department in a large urban county in the southeastern United States. Findings provide a provisional test of a deterrence approach to truancy intervention. Implications are considered in the context of expanded criminal justice boundaries and an increasingly dominant role for law enforcement in what has traditionally been considered the informal responsibility of public educators.
Impacts of Emerging Technologies on U.S. and Third World Agriculture: Discussion

First let me agree in principle with the positions of Lu and Phillips that some past production technologies and most public policies for U.S. agriculture have not been scale neutral but have encouraged the shift to fewer and larger production units. This is particularly true for mechanization technology and for commodity programs, the latter of which have based producer benefits mainly on acreage or output volume or both. And, as Phillips rightly suggests, large-farm operators have also captured pecuniary benefits by buying inputs and selling products in large volume.
Understanding the differential performance of Rh2(esp)2 as a catalyst for C-H amination.

Catalytic amination of saturated C−H bonds is performed efficiently with the use of Rh2(esp)2. Efforts to identify pathways for catalyst degradation and/or arrest have revealed a single-electron oxidation event that gives rise to a red-colored, mixed-valence dimer, [Rh2(esp)2]+. This species is fortuitously reduced by carboxylic acid, a byproduct generated in the reaction cycle with each turnover of the diacyloxyiodine oxidant. These findings have led to the conclusion that the high performance of Rh2(esp)2 is due in part to the superior kinetic stability of its one-electron oxidized form relative to other dimeric Rh complexes.
Non-equilibrium effects on thermal desorption spectra

Using dynamical Monte Carlo simulations, we explore a kinetic lattice-gas model to investigate unimolecular thermal desorption of non-equilibrated adsorbates. We compare our simulation results under non-equilibrium conditions (either finite or zero hopping rate) with those under quasi-equilibrium conditions. The differences between the observed kinetic behavior in the non-equilibrium and quasi-equilibrium cases are elucidated quantitatively by considering correlations with various configurational distributions of adsorbates.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans: Assessment in a forensic setting

The recognition and proper evaluation of Vietnam veterans' demonstrating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder syndromes is reviewed. The special problems of accurate diagnosis and assessment of former Vietnam combatants is emphasized. The forensic evaluation of Vietnam veterans' raising the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder syndrome in either civil or criminal proceedings is comprehensively discussed. The question "What are the clinical techniques necessary to accomplish a competent forensic evaluation of the Vietnam veterans?" is specifically addressed with special emphasis on legal dispositions and treatment implications. The relationship between the criminal acts of combat veterans and their exposure to the psychological trauma of war is explored. Language: en
Ischemic episodes in 24-h ambulatory electrocardiograms of elderly persons: The cardiovascular health study

We examined correlates of ischemic episodes in 24-h ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECG) in a sample of 1511 men and women 65 years old and older. Ischemic episodes had a high prevalence period during early afternoon and also during morning hours after awakening, and the overall prevalence was 13% in men and 9% in women (P < 0.001 for gender difference). The prevalence was 9.6% in participants with no history of myocardial infarction and no major or minor resting ECG abnormalities. In multivariate analysis by logistic regression, being on digitalis medication was associated with over a three-fold risk of ischemic episodes, with an odds ratio (95% confidence limits) of 3.21 (1.80 to 5.74). Left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG and atrial fibrillation had almost a three-fold excess risk of ischemic episodes, with odds ratios 2.81 (1.37 to 5.74) and 2.63 (1.17 to 5.91), respectively. Isolated ST-T abnormalities had almost a two-fold excess of ischemic episodes, with an odds ratio of 1.89 (1.01 to 3.54). Being overweight was associated with a 33% reduced likelihood of ischemic episodes after adjustment for other factors, with an odds ratio of 0.67 (0.46 to 0.98). It is concluded that the prevalence of silent ischemic episodes is high in older men and women.
Descending projections from the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) to trigeminal and spinal dorsal horns are morphologically and neurochemically distinct

Neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are thought to modulate nociceptive transmission via projections to spinal and trigeminal dorsal horns. The cellular substrate for this descending modulation has been studied with regard to projections to spinal dorsal horn, but studies of the projections to trigeminal dorsal horn have been less complete. In this study, we combined anterograde tracing from RVM with immunocytochemical detection of the GABAergic synthetic enzyme, GAD67, to determine if the RVM sends inhibitory projections to trigeminal dorsal horn. We also examined the neuronal targets of this projection using immunocytochemical detection of NeuN. Finally, we used electron microscopy to verify cellular targets. We compared projections to both trigeminal and spinal dorsal horns. We found that RVM projections to both trigeminal and spinal dorsal horn were directed to postsynaptic profiles in the dorsal horn, including somata and dendrites, and not to primary afferent terminals. We found that RVM projections to spinal dorsal horn were more likely to contact neuronal somata and were more likely to contain GAD67 than projections from RVM to trigeminal dorsal horn. These findings suggest that RVM neurons send predominantly GABAergic projections to spinal dorsal horn and provide direct input to postsynaptic neurons such as interneurons or ascending projection neurons. The RVM projection to trigeminal dorsal horn is more heavily targeted to dendrites and is only modestly GABAergic in nature. These anatomical features may underlie differences between trigeminal and spinal dorsal horns with regard to the degree of inhibition or facilitation evoked by RVM stimulation.
A Reflection of Continued Appreciation for Transdisciplinary Foundations in Times of Economic and Academia Related Uncertainty

Alfonso Montuori wrote a very insightful and thoughtful forward for Edgar Morin’s work On Complexity. In this paper we seek to revisit these insights by two open-minded, critical thinkers to aid in the process of knowing, and the importance of considering a more transdisciplinary approach in academia through the uncertainty of the economic times.
Landscape irrigation by evapotranspiration-based irrigation controllers under dry conditions in Southwest Florida.

Due to high demand for aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes from continually increasing population in Florida, new methods must be explored for outdoor water conservation. Three brands of evapotranspiration (ET) controllers were selected based on positive water savings results in arid climates. ET controllers were evaluated on irrigation application compared to a time clock schedule intended to mimic homeowner irrigation schedules. Three ET controllers were tested: Toro Intelli-sense; ETwater Smart Controller 100; Weathermatic SL1600. Other time-based treatments were TIME, based on the historical net irrigation requirement and RTIME that was 60% of TIME. Each treatment was replicated four times for a total of twenty St. Augustinegrass plots which were irrigated through individual irrigation systems. Treatments were compared to each other and to a time-based schedule without rain sensor (TIME WORS) derived from TIME. The study period, August 2006 through November 2007, was dry compared to 30-year historical average rainfall. The ET controllers averaged 43% water savings compared to a time-based treatment without a rain sensor and were about twice as effective and reducing irrigation compared to a rain sensor alone. There were no differences in turfgrass quality across all treatments over the 15-month study. The controllers adjusted their irrigation schedules to the climatic demand effectively, with maximum savings of 60% during the winter 2006–2007 period and minimum savings of 9% during spring 2007 due to persistent dry conditions. RTIME had similar savings to the ET controllers compared to TIME WORS indicating that proper adjustment of time clocks could result in substantial irrigation savings. However, the ET controllers would offer consistent savings once programmed properly.
Subtilin, antibiotic produced by Bacillus subtilis; toxicity of subtilin to living embryonic tissue.

SummarySubtilin, an antibiotic extracted from Bacillus subtilis, was found to be antagonistic chiefly against Gram-positive organisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other acid-fast bacteria. Two notable exceptions were Neisseria catarrhalls and N. gonorrhoeae, both Gram-negative but also antagonized by subtilin. The antibiotic showed an extremely low toxicity for embryonic chick heart tissue fragments cultivated in vitro. Under the conditions of the test subtilin was approximately 20 times more toxic to Staphylococcus aureus than to chick heart tissue, a remarkably low tissue toxicity. A unit of subtilin is defined as the amount contained in 1 cc of the highest dilution capable of killing Staphylococcus aureus in 10 minutes at 37°C (F.D.A. phenol coefficient method).
Quasi-static and dynamic compression response of a lightweight interpenetrating phase composite foam

Abstract Quasi-static and dynamic compression response of syntactic foam (SF)–aluminum foam interpenetrating phase composites (IPC) is examined. Infusion of uncured syntactic foam (epoxy filled with hollow microballoons) into an open-cell aluminum network results in a 3D interpenetrating structure upon curing. The compression responses are measured at strain rates of ∼0.001/s and 1500/s. The dynamic experiments are performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar set up. The role of volume fraction of microballoons on the response of IPC is examined in terms of yield stress, plateau stress and energy absorption under quasi-static and dynamic conditions. The response of IPC samples are also compared with those made using syntactic foam alone. The results show that the energy absorbed by the IPC foams under dynamic loading is consistently higher than that measured under quasi-static loading conditions. For all volume fractions of microballoons, the IPC samples have better compression characteristics when compared to the corresponding syntactic foam samples. The failure modes and mechanisms of SF and IPC foams are examined both optically (using high-speed photography) and microscopically and the underlying differences are discussed.
Prenatal ordering and postnatal sequence in dental development

The chronology of human development involves complex systems of sequence or order that can scarcely be hinted at in the standard texts. Anatomy students learn one order of ossification for the carpal bones, beginning with the capitate and hamate, and proceeding through the triquetral, lunate, and the multangulars. Dental students learn the median order of tooth eruption as first molar (Ml), central incisor (Ii), lateral incisor (12), first premolar (P1), canine (C), second premolar (P2), second molar (M2), and third molar (M3). Students of embryology learn the sequence of development of the deciduous teeth in simple mesial to distal sequence, from the deciduous central incisor (ii) to the deciduous second molar (m2) (A through E), and this is as far as most texts currently go. Such orders as these are, of course, species specific. The carpal bones do not ossify in exactly the same order in Macaca, and the carpus is more complex in Macaca and Hylobates than in man. The order of permanent tooth eruption shows a progressive change through the primates, from a probable Ml-M2-M3-Il-12-Pl-P2-C order, to that in recent man. The order of epiphyseal union is notably different in the macaques and langurs from that in man today.' The changes in relative growth of component organs and tissues, which bring the embryo to adult proportions, are together grouped under the label morphogenesis, and together describe how the human embryo becomes, recognizably, a human adult. The uniquenesses of sequence or order of events in developmental timing do not as yet have a comparable name, although chronogenesis is one appropriate label. The order of events and relative timing in man are uniquely human. The remarkable relative delay in the second and third molars, and delayed carpal development relative to dental development, are both part of the sequential process whereby man is developmentally differentiated from monkeys.
Source of Seasonal Variations in Solar Radiation at Mauna Loa

Abstract Solar radiation transmission data taken at Mauna Loa exhibit a seasonal variation with the minimum in summer. On the basis of Barrett's model for the depletion of solar radiation by aerosols, it is suggested that these variations are due to the seasonal generation of organic aerosols by the biosphere. It is suggested that the naturally produced atmospheric background aerosol of organic origin causes the typical seasonal turbidity variations. Furthermore, changes in the amplitude or phase of transmission data could be used to indicate whether aerosols from anthropogenic sources would influence the earth's albedo. Precipitable water calculations suggest that humidity data above Mauna Loa are not accurate enough to make a quantitative estimate of the effect of atmospheric water vapor on Mauna Loa radiation data. However, water vapor apparently cannot account for these variations on the basis of phase angle considerations.
Gentamicin-collagen sponge for infection prophylaxis in colorectal surgery

Background Despite the routine use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, surgical-site infection continues to be associated with significant morbidity and cost after colorectal surgery. The gentamicin–collagen sponge, an implantable topical antibiotic agent, is approved for surgical implantation in 54 countries. Since 1985, more than 1 million patients have been treated with the sponges. Methods In a phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 602 patients undergoing open or laparoscopically assisted colorectal surgery at 39 U.S. sites to undergo either the insertion of two gentamicin–collagen sponges above the fascia at the time of surgical closure (the sponge group) or no intervention (the control group). All patients received standard care, including prophylactic systemic antibiotics. The primary end point was surgical-site infection occurring within 60 days after surgery, as adjudicated by a clinical-events classification committee that was unaware of the study-group assignments. Results The incidence of surg...
Coherent Raman spectra of the ν1 mode of 10BF3 and 11BF3

Abstract High resolution (0.001 cm−1) coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) was used to directly examine the ν1 symmetric stretching mode of the planar symmetric D3h molecules 10BF3 and 11BF3. Simulations of the spectra were done using ν1 rovibrational parameters deduced from published infrared hot-band and difference-band studies and the close similarity to the observed CARS spectra confirms the validity of the infrared constants. No significant perturbations by Fermi resonance or Coriolis interactions with nearby states are observed, in marked contrast to the case of sulfur trioxide, a similar D3h molecule recently studied. In the harmonic approximation, the 10BF3 and 11BF3 ν1 Q-branches would be identical since the isotopic substitution is at the center of mass but, interestingly, the ν1 stretching frequency for 11BF3 is found to be 0.198 cm−1 higher than for the lighter 10BF3 isotopomer. This counterintuitive result is reproduced almost exactly (0.200 cm−1) by ab initio calculations (B3LYP/cc-pVTZ) that included evaluation of cubic and quartic force constants and xij anharmonicity constants. The ab initio computations also predict to within 1% the ΔB, ΔC changes in the rotational constants in going from the ground state to the v1 = 1 vibrational level. The results illustrate nicely the complementary interplay of modern infrared, Raman, and ab initio methods in obtaining and analyzing rovibrational spectra.
Factors of Bernoulli shifts

An example is constructed of a proper factor of a Bernoulli shift, that cannot be increased without increasing its entropy, and still has no independent complement. The construction mirrors, in a sense, that of aK-automorphism that is not a Bernoulli shift.
The Effect of Age on Optic Nerve Axon Counts, SDOCT Scan Quality, and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurements in Rhesus Monkeys

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of age on optic nerve axon counts, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) scan quality, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measurements in healthy monkey eyes. METHODS In total, 83 healthy rhesus monkeys were included in this study (age range: 1.2-26.7 years). Peripapillary RNFLT was measured by SDOCT. An automated algorithm was used to count 100% of the axons and measure their cross-sectional area in postmortem optic nerve tissue samples (N = 46). Simulation experiments were done to determine the effects of optical changes on measurements of RNFLT. An objective, fully-automated method was used to measure the diameter of the major blood vessel profiles within each SDOCT B-scan. RESULTS Peripapillary RNFLT was negatively correlated with age in cross-sectional analysis (P < 0.01). The best-fitting linear model was RNFLT(μm) = -0.40 × age(years) + 104.5 μm (R2 = 0.1, P < 0.01). Age had very little influence on optic nerve axon count; the result of the best-fit linear model was axon count = -1364 × Age(years) + 1,210,284 (R2 < 0.01, P = 0.74). Older eyes lost the smallest diameter axons and/or axons had an increased diameter in the optic nerve of older animals. There was an inverse correlation between age and SDOCT scan quality (R = -0.65, P < 0.0001). Simulation experiments revealed that approximately 17% of the apparent cross-sectional rate of RNFLT loss is due to reduced scan quality associated with optical changes of the aging eye. Another 12% was due to thinning of the major blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS RNFLT declines by 4 μm per decade in healthy rhesus monkey eyes. This rate is approximately three times faster than loss of optic nerve axons. Approximately one-half of this difference is explained by optical degradation of the aging eye reducing SDOCT scan quality and thinning of the major blood vessels. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Current models used to predict retinal ganglion cell losses should be reconsidered.
Measuring Unmet Needs of Intercity Bus Transportation

Federal funding for intercity bus programs is available to states under Section 5311 (f) of the Federal Transit Act. The act requires that 15% of all federal funding for public transportation in nonurbanized areas be expended for intercity bus transportation, unless the state governor certifies that the intercity bus service needs are adequately met. A demand-supply-deficiency analysis was undertaken to assess whether intercity bus needs are being met in Illinois. The analysis indicates that some larger city-to-city routes could use additional service. In addition, many smaller urban places have no access to rail or bus service, especially in southern Illinois, and many of these have no Section 5311(f) recipients. Without state support for intercity bus programs, it is unlikely that people in these places will have access to such service in the foreseeable future.
Effects of Carotid Artery Stenting on Arterial Geometry

Background The role of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for the treatment of carotid artery disease continues to evolve, despite higher stroke and restenosis risks for CAS compared with conventional open endarterectomy. Understanding the effects of CAS on arterial geometry, which strongly influence hemodynamics and wall mechanics, can assist in better stratifying the inherent risk of CAS to individual patients. Study Design Fifteen consecutive patients undergoing CAS had pre- and post-stenting CT angiograms. These images were used to reconstruct the 3-dimensional geometries of the bilateral carotid arteries from their origin to the skull base. Quantitative assessment of the carotid bifurcation angle, cross-sectional area, tortuosity and artery length, were compared pre- and post-stenting. Plaque volume and calcification were also measured. Mathematical models were devised to determine the mechanisms of CAS-induced geometric changes, and their mechanical and hemodynamic significances. Results Major and moderate changes in arterial tortuosity and elongation were seen in 5 (33%) patients. Characteristics most associated with the development of CAS-induced geometric changes were stenoses located in the internal carotid artery distal to the carotid bulb, circumferential distribution of plaque, and plaque calcification. Modeling did not demonstrate substantial alterations in wall shear stress due to geometric changes, but did show considerable increases in arterial wall axial stress. Conclusions Cartoid artery stenting can produce geometric changes to the artery that promote favorable conditions for complications and recurrent disease. Patients with circumferential, highly calcified plaques that are located relatively distal in the internal carotid artery are most likely to have post-stenting geometric changes.