cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emicizumab and the clinical laboratory

Abstract This review describes and discusses the different assays used to measure the effectiveness of the novel therapeutic agent, emicizumab, as well as monitor factor VIII activity in patients with hemophilia A. Emicizumab is a humanized, asymmetric, bispecific, IgG4 monoclonal antibody designed to mimic the function of activated factor VIII. Clinical studies have demonstrated its utility in the successful treatment of hemophilia A patients with and without anti-factor VIII alloantibodies. The conventional methods currently used for monitoring management of hemophilia A will be discussed along with why they may be inappropriate for patients receiving emicizumab. Alternative methods, i.e global testing, will be presented and discussed in the context of emicizumab. With the increasing availability of treatment with emicizumab it is important the clinical laboratory understands the mechanism, interaction with conventional coagulation assays, and alternative methods for its monitoring.
Enhancement of the ultraviolet photoluminescence of ZnO films: Coatings, annealing, and environmental exposure studies

To realize the many potential applications of ZnO films, it is vital to produce films with high optical quality that exhibit strong UV luminescence. By combining annealing at an optimal temperature followed by the deposition of a coating, one can achieve a significant enhancement of photoluminescence (PL). The effectiveness of the coating over time is a crucial point to be considered. Three types of coating materials were investigated: MgO, SiO2, and Al2O3. Due to its strong bond energy, MgO was found to be the most effective coating material for passivation of the surfaces of the ZnO films; SiO2 was the second best. The UV-PL intensity of MgO coated ZnO was found to increase by a factor of 52 relative to an uncoated film. The effectiveness of the coatings exhibited a linear correlation with their bond energies and is discussed in terms of competing mechanisms to surface passivation such as the adsorption of OH-groups; these can act as surface traps and diminish the UV-PL intensity. Annealing at 900 °C prior to the deposition of the coating was found to be an important step in realizing the optimal performance of the coating due to the reduction of Zn interstitials accompanied by improved crystallinity. Exposure to the environment, up to 294 days, results in the degradation of the UV-PL of the MgO coated film; this effect was not observed for the film coated with SiO2. This effect is discussed in terms of the strong reactivity of MgO with environmental contaminants from the OH-groups.
Ultrathin Antenna-Integrated Glass-Based Millimeter-Wave Package With Through-Glass Vias

This article presents the design and demonstration of a high-bandwidth antenna-in-package (AiP) module focusing on low-loss interconnects and Yagi–Uda antenna performance fabricated on a 100- $\mu \text{m}$ low coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) glass for the 28-GHz band. It shows the modeling, design, and characterization of key technology building blocks along with the process development of advanced 3-D glass packages. The building blocks include impedance-matched antenna-to-die signal transitions, Yagi–Uda antenna, and 3-D active–passive integration with backside die assembly on 100- $\mu \text{m}$ glass substrates. The design and stack-up optimization of antenna-integrated millimeter-wave (mm-wave) modules is discussed. Process development to achieve high-density interconnects and precise dimensional control in multilayered thin glass-based packages is also described. The characterization results of the key technology building blocks show an insertion loss of 0.021 dB per through-package via (TPV), leading to the whole-chain loss of less than 1 dB and a return loss lower than 20 dB. The fabricated Yagi–Uda antenna features high repeatability of wide bandwidth due to the process control enabled by glass substrates. The antenna measurements show a bandwidth of 28.2%, which covers the entire 28-GHz fifth-generation (5G) frequency bands (n257, n258, and n261). The flip-chip assembled low-noise amplifier with 80- $\mu \text{m}$ solder balls shows a maximum gain of 20 dB as desired. The performance of the glass-based package integrated antennas is benchmarked to other 5G substrate technologies, such as organic laminates or co-fired ceramic-based substrates.
A targeted next generation sequencing approach to develop robust, genotype-specific mutation profiles and uncover novel variants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Distinct mutation signatures arise from environmental exposures and/or from defects in metabolic pathways that promote genome stability. The presence of a particular mutation signature in a cell or a tumor can therefore predict the underlying mechanism of mutagenesis, which, in practice, may be clinically important. These insults to the genome often alter dNTP pools, which itself impacts replication fidelity. Therefore, the impact of altered dNTP pools should be considered when making mechanistic predictions based on mutation signatures. We developed a targeted deep-sequencing approach on the CAN1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to define information-rich mutational profiles associated with distinct rnr1 backgrounds that alter replication fidelity by elevating dNTP levels.. The mutation spectra of rnr1Y285F and rnr1Y285A alleles were characterized previously; our analysis was consistent with this prior work but the sequencing depth achieved in our study allowed a significantly more robust and nuanced computational analysis of the variants observed, generating profiles that integrated information about mutation spectra, position effects, and sequence context. This approach revealed novel, genotype-specific mutation profiles in the presence of even modest changes in dNTP pools. Furthermore, we identified broader sequence contexts and specific nucleotide motifs that influenced variant profiles in different rnr1 backgrounds, which allowed us to make specific mechanistic predictions about the impact of altered dNTP pools on replication fidelity.
Impact on neurosurgical management in Level 1 trauma centers during COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions: The Santa Clara County experience.

Early COVID-19-targeted legislations reduced public activity and elective surgery such that local neurosurgical care greatly focused on emergent needs. This study examines neurosurgical trauma patients' dispositions through two neighboring trauma centers to inform resource allocation. We conducted a retrospective review of the trauma registries for two Level 1 Trauma Centers in Santa Clara County, one academic and one community center, between February 1st and April 15th, 2018-2020. Events before a quarantine, implemented on March 16th, 2020, and events from 2018 to 19 were used for reference. Encounters were characterized by injuries, services, procedures, and disposition. Categorical variables were analyzed by the χ2 test, proportions of variables by z-score test, and non-parametric variables by Fisher's exact test. A total of 1,336 traumas were identified, with 31% from the academic center and 69% from the community center. During the post-policy period, relative to matching periods in years prior, there was a decrease in number of TBI and spinal fractures (24% versus 41%, p < 0.001) and neurosurgical consults (27% versus 39%, p < 0.003), but not in number of neurosurgical admissions or procedures. There were no changes in frequency of neurosurgery consults among total traumas, patients triaged to critical care services, or patients discharged to temporary rehabilitation services. Neurosurgical services were similarly rendered between the academic and community hospitals. This study describes neurosurgical trauma management in a suburban healthcare network immediately following restrictive quarantine during a moderate COVID-19 outbreak. Our data shows that neurosurgery remains a resource-intensive subspeciality, even during restrictive periods when overall trauma volume is decreased.
Trends in Nicotine Product Use Among US Adolescents, 1999-2020

Importance With increasing e-cigarette use among US adolescents and decreasing use of other tobacco products, it is unclear how total use of nicotine products, and its long-term health risks, have changed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s standard measure—any tobacco product use in the past 30 days—considers neither frequency of use nor product risk implications. Objective To investigate how nicotine product use, including frequency of use, and its associated risks have changed among middle school and high school students since 1999. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the 1999-2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey, an in-school survey of a nationally representative sample of students in grades 6 through 12; each survey recruited between 15 000 and 36 000 participants. Exposures Nicotine product use in the past 30 days. Main Outcomes and Measures Use of nicotine products assessed by nicotine product days (NPDs), the number of days that the average student consumed these products in the past 30 days. Risk-adjusted NPDs account for differential long-term health risks of various products. Results This study included 16 years of cross-sectional survey data. Each survey recruited between 15 000 and 36 000 participants in grades 6 through 12 (male students: mean, 50.4% [minimum, 48.5%; maximum, 58.4%]; mean age, 14.5 years [minimum, 14.0 years; maximum, 14.7 years]). Nationally representative cross-sectional data for high school students showed that NPDs decreased steadily from 5.6 days per month in 1999 (95% CI, 5.0-6.2 days per month) to 2.2 days per month in 2017 (95% CI, 1.9-2.6 days per month), increased to 4.6 days per month in 2019 (95% CI, 4.1-5.1 days per month), and then decreased to 3.6 days per month in 2020 (95% CI, 3.0-4.1 days per month). For a risk weight of 0.1 for e-cigarettes, compared with combustible products, risk-adjusted NPDs decreased from 2.5 days per month in 2013 (95% CI, 2.2-2.9 days per month) (prior to the popularity of e-cigarettes) to 2.0 days per month in 2019 (95% CI, 1.6-2.5 days per month) and 1.4 days per month in 2020 (95% CI, 1.0-1.8 days per month). However, with a risk weight of 1.0 for e-cigarettes (identical to that of combustible products), risk-adjusted NPDs increased to 5.3 days per month in 2019 (95% CI, 4.4-6.2 days per month) and 3.9 days per month in 2020 (95% CI, 3.1-4.7 days per month). Similar trends were found for middle school students. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that NPDs represent an improvement, albeit an imperfect one, compared with any 30-day tobacco product use by incorporating the frequency of use of various products. By distinguishing products, NPDs permit consideration of the health consequences associated with different mixes of products over time. Health risks of adolescent nicotine product use could have decreased during vaping’s popularity if assessment of the long-term risks associated with vaping compared with those of smoking is low. There is a need to closely monitor youth nicotine and tobacco product use patterns.
NECROPOLITICS VERSUS BIOPOLITICS: Spatialization, White Privilege, and Visibility during a Pandemic

Anthropologists have used Michel Foucault’s thesis on biopolitics to critique modern institutions. Yet while useful, biopolitics is often misapplied. The arrests, killings of unarmed Blacks by police, COVID-19 racial health inequities, and the January 6 white nationalist act of sedition made visible fault lines between a biopolitical system set up to care for whites and a necropolitical system that treats Black bodies as expendable. By critiquing the facile overuse of biopolitics and biopower, this article also speaks to what COVID-19 uncovered within the academy.
Prediction of Time in Swimming Breast Stroke Based on Oxygen Consumption

(1940). Prediction of Time in Swimming Breast Stroke Based on Oxygen Consumption. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 40-44.
Abstract B42: Adaptive drug resistance is associated with phenotypic reprogramming and hypersensitivity to HDAC inhibitors

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. One of the major reasons for the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is its high resistance to gemcitabine and other currently available chemotherapeutic agents. In the present study, we have developed gemcitabine-resistant cell lines to investigate the mechanisms by which adaptive resistance occurs during pancreatic tumor progression. Gemcitabine-resistant (GR) cell lines were established from the MiaPaCa2 cell line. Increasing drug selection pressure resulted in the establishment of populations that proliferate in the continuous presence of 300 nm (GR300), 800 nM (GR800), or 2µM (GR2000) gemcitabine. Using a SCID mouse xenograft mouse model, we demonstrate that the gemcitabine resistant phenotype is maintained in vivo. Growth inhibition profiles demonstrate cross resistance to Ara-c (cytarabine), and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2CDA/cladribine), but no resistance to DNA damaging agents or microtubule inhibitors. Most strikingly, the gemcitabine resistant subclones demonstrated a dose dependent hypersensitivity to the Class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA/Vorinostat) (IC50: MP 1.6uM; GR300 1.0uM; GR800 0.2uM; GR2000 0.08uM). This collateral hypersensitivity extended to additional Class I HDAC inhibitors including MS-275 (Entinostat) and Trichostatin A, but not to the Class IIa selective agent MC1568. There was no significant difference in basal levels of histone acetylation, but the gemcitabine resistant clones demonstrated a greater increase in histone acetylation in response to HDAC treatment. Cell morphology of the gemcitabine resistant cells demonstrate an EMT-like phenotype, however evaluation of classic EMT markersidentified no significant changes in expression compared to the parental cell line. Invasive potential was measured using matrigel invasion assays, and found to be increased in a dose dependent manner. These data demonstrate that selection for drug resistance co-selects for an invasive phenotype with EMT-like characteristics. In addition, the resistance phenotype that emerges under drug pressure is associated with a phenotypic reprogramming that can be exploited to devise new therapeutic options for patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Betty k. Samulitis, Erika Pond, Kelvin Pond, Anne E. Cress, Robert T. Dorr, Terry H. Landowski. Adaptive drug resistance is associated with phenotypic reprogramming and hypersensitivity to HDAC inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr B42.
Isolation and Crystallization of an Esteroproteolytic Zymogen from Porcine Pancreas

Abstract A crystalline preparation of an esteroproteolytic zymogen was obtained from porcine pancreas. The physical and catalytic properties of the zymogen indicate that it is the precursor of an esteroproteolytic enzyme previously isolated and characterized in this laboratory. Activation of the zymogen by trypsin appears to involve only slight proteolysis to produce an enzyme having the same specific activity as the esteroproteolytic enzyme. The isolation procedure for the esteroproteolytic zymogen included an elution of proteins from a diethylaminoethyl cellulose column by means of a decreasing pH gradient. Under these conditions an anionic precursor of a new proteolytic enzyme with potential tryptic activity was revealed. The chromatographic behavior of the precursor closely parallels that of the esteroproteolytic zymogen. The precursor is both a potential activator and a tenacious contaminant of the esteroproteolytic zymogen. The isolation procedure for the esteroproteolytic zymogen was designed to effect maximum separation and inhibition of the precursor and its active enzyme.
S4: small state and small stretch routing protocol for large wireless sensor networks

Routing protocols for wireless sensor networks must address the challenges of reliable packet delivery at increasingly large scale and highly constrained node resources. Attempts to limit node state can result in undesirable worst-case routing performance, as measured by stretch, which is the ratio of the hop count of the selected path to that of the optimal path. We present a new routing protocol, Small State and Small Stretch (S4), which jointly minimizes the state and stretch. S4 uses a combination of beacon distance-vector based global routing state and scoped distance-vector based local routing state to achieve a worst-case stretch of 3 using O(√N) routing state per node in an N-node network. Its average routing stretch is close to 1. S4 further incorporates local failure recovery to achieve resilience to dynamic topology changes. We use multiple simulation environments to assess performance claims at scale, and use experiments in a 42-node wireless sensor network testbed to evaluate performance under realistic RF and failure dynamics. The results show that S4 achieves scalability, efficiency, and resilience in a wide range of scenarios.
Applying Lean Six Sigma within the university: opportunities for process improvement and cultural change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the historical development of Lean Six Sigma and to identify the relevant opportunities for the application of Lean Six Sigma within the university setting. The paper also discusses the challenges of Lean Six Sigma implementation in higher education, as well as the cultural changes necessary to provide an appropriate climate for its long-term success. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contains a comprehensive discussion of the development of Lean Six Sigma over the past three decades. Additionally, the paper describes how Lean Six Sigma may be applied in the university setting to improve processes in curriculum delivery; business and auxiliary services; admissions and enrollment management; and research. Findings – Lean Six Sigma can be applied to facilitate process improvements in curriculum delivery; business and auxiliary services; admissions and enrollment management; and research. While obstacles to Lean Six Sigma implementation exist, the proces...
The counterphobic defense in children

The clinical data for this study were derived from the case histories of five children who consistently used the counterphobic defense either alone or in combination with phobic attitudes. The children's manifestations of this defense appeared in both verbal and nonverbal behavioral patterns. The choice of defensive style was found related to at least three factors: an early history of trauma, especially separation, parental encouragement of “toughness,” and essentially a counterphobic family style.
Beta-endorphin and components of emotionality discriminate between physically active and sedentary men☆

Differences between physically active and sedentary men were tested by profile comparison. The study identifies the relative importance of circulating beta-endorphin (BE), atherosclerotic disease risk (ADR) index, and selected components of emotionality in discriminating between physically active and sedentary men. The subjects were psychologically normal and medically healthy middle-aged men. Jogging activity was the subject classification criterion. The data were collected on selected physiological (treadmill), biochemical (blood collected from resting subjects), and psychological (Eysenck and MMPI) variables. The physical fitness score (PFS) was used as an index of fitness. Physically active men with a high PFS (n = 21), when compared to the sedentary men with a low PFS (n = 15), exhibited lower basal plasma BE, lower ADR, lower anxiety index (AI), and lower MMPI depression score (D). Canonical correlation analysis showed that PFS and BE in one set were correlated with D and neuroticism (NS) in another set of variables. Discriminant function analysis showed that the AI was the most powerful discriminator between the physically active and sedentary men, followed by BE and NS. Interestingly, BE and NS exhibited the same magnitude of discrimination power. The ADR exhibited less discrimination power, relative to AI, BE, and NS. In conclusion, the physically active men, compared to the sedentary men in this study, exhibited lower basal plasma BE, which appeared to be associated with less atherosclerotic disease risk, less neuroticism, less anxiety, and less depression.
Visual cortex in a reptile, the turtle (Pseudemys scripta and Chrysemys picta).

The afferent and efferent connections of general cortex were studied in two species of turtle,Pseudemys scripta and Chrysemys picta. The thalamic distribution of labeled cells following cortical applications of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) indicated that at least 3 dorsal thalamic nuclei, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, nucleus ventralis and the nucleus dorsolateralis anterior, project to general cortex. When cortical applications of HRP were combined with intraocular injections of tritiated proline in the same animal, autoradiographically labeled retinal terminations were found among the dendrites of lateral geniculate neurons containing the HRP reaction product. These experiments demonstrated that the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus not only projects to general cortex, but also receives retinal input. Thus, gereral cortex in the turtle is a target of a visual pathway which relays in the dorsal thalamus. Cortical lesions produced anterograde degeneration in the same thalamic nuclei which the HRP experiments demonstrated project to cortex, thereby indicating that the dorsal thalamus and general cortex have reciprocal connections in the turtle. These same experiments with cortical lesions demonstrated that general cortex also sends projections to the optic tectum and tegmentum of the midbrain. These afferent and efferent connections of general cortex in the turtle are compared with the connections of general cortex in other reptilian groups and with those of neocortex in mammals.
Chemical sensitivity of graphene edges decorated with metal nanoparticles.

Graphene is a novel two-dimensional nanomaterial that holds great potential in electronic and sensor applications. By etching the edges to form nanoribbons or introducing defects on the basal plane, it has been demonstrated that the physical and chemical properties of graphene can be drastically altered. However, the lithographic or chemical techniques required to reliably produce such nanoribbons remain challenging. Here, we report the fabrication of nanosensors based on holey reduced graphene oxide (hRGO), which can be visualized as interconnected graphene nanoribbons. In our method, enzymatic oxidation generated holes within the basal plane of graphene oxide, and after reduction with hydrazine, hRGO was formed. When decorated with Pt nanoparticles, hRGO exhibited a large and selective electronic response toward hydrogen gas. By combining experimental results and theoretical modeling, we propose that the increased edge-to-plane ratio, oxygen moieties, and Pt nanoparticle decoration were responsible for ...
An erythrodermic variant of pemphigus foliaceus with puzzling histologic and immunopathologic features.

Background:Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering disorder that affects the skin owing to autoantibodies against desmoglein 1.Methods:We employed clinical, histologic, immunopathologic, an...
Some observations on bitTorrent performance

In this paper, we present a simulation-based study of BitTorrent. Our results confirm that BitTorrent performs near-optimally in terms of uplink bandwidth utilization and download time, except under certain extreme conditions. On fairness, however, our work shows that low bandwidth peers systematically download more than they upload to the network when high bandwidth peers are present. We find that the rate-based tit-for-tat policy is not effective in preventing unfairness. We show how simple changes to the tracker and a stricter, block-based tit-for-tat policy, greatly improves fairness, while maintaining high utilization.
Optimal estimation applied to visual contour tracking

This paper derives an optimal estimator for the purpose of online visual contour tracking. Starting from Bayesian segmentation as the measurement strategy, we use a bottom-up approach to design the estimator. In particular, it is shown that additive imaging noise leads to multiplicative segmentation uncertainty from which a geometric averaging update model is established. Given known noise statistics, the optimal correction gain and associated filtering equations are derived. The optimal estimator is applied to noise-corrupted imagery and its performance compared against a fixed-gain filtering strategy and other visual tracking techniques.
Induction of interleukin (IL)-1α and β gene expression in human keratinocytes exposed to repetitive strain: Their role in strain-induced keratinocyte proliferation and morphological change

Recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that mechanical strain alters many facets of keratinocyte biology including proliferation, protein synthesis, and morphology. IL-1 is known to play an important role in the autocrine regulation of these basic cellular properties under basal and stimulated conditions. However, it is not known whether IL-1 plays a role in strain-induced alteration of keratinocyte biology. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that cyclic strain stimulates IL-1 expression and that strain-induced changes in keratinocyte function is regulated by IL-1. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of cyclic strain (10% average deformation) on keratinocyte IL-1 gene expression and the effect of neutralizing antibodies of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta on strain-induced changes in keratinocyte proliferation, morphology, and orientation. Northern blot analyses demonstrated that steady state levels of IL-1 alpha and beta mRNA were elevated by 4 h, peaked at 1 2 h of cyclic strain (IL-1 alpha, 304+/-14.2%; IL-1 beta, 212+/-5.6% increase vs. static controls) and decreased gradually by 24 h. IL-1 antibodies (IL-1 alpha, 0.01 microg/ml; IL-1 beta, 0.01 microg/ml) significantly blocked strain-induced keratinocyte proliferation as well as the basal rate of proliferation. In contrast, IL-1 antibodies (IL-1 alpha, 0.01 microg/ml; IL-1 beta, 0.1 microg/ml) had no effect on strain-induced morphological changes such as elongation and alignment. We conclude that mechanical strain induces IL-1 mRNA expression in keratinocytes. The role of IL-1 in mediating strain-induced changes in keratinocyte biology remains to be determined but appears to be independent of morphological changes.
Macro- and micro-modelling of hot rolling of steel coupled by a micro-constitutive relationship

Abstract A macro- and micro-combined model has been developed to simulate the static and dynamic recrystallizations of austenite during hot rolling of steel. In addition to the coupled thermal and mechanical phenomena, a micro-constitutive relationship is used to link the macro and micro models. The macro model provides the thermal and deformation information for the micro model. A finishing line with seven stands is studied to verify the model's reliability. The results indicate that static recrystallization plays a more important role than the dynamic part in austenite refinement.
The Share Price Puzzle

We document substantial variation in the prices of common stocks in U.S. markets due to firms selecting particular price ranges for their shares. Cross‐sectional evidence indicates that variables consistent with Merton’s model of capital market equilibrium explain roughly two‐thirds of this variation in share prices. In addition, measures of trading range and share price appreciation predict stock splits, and the “investor base” of firms that split their stock increases compared to other firms. We conclude that firms manage share price levels to increase the value of the firm.
Modification of opal photonic crystals using Al2O3 atomic layer deposition

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) atomic layer deposition (ALD) on synthetic opal was explored as a model system to understand the growth of ALD films on photonic crystals. Al2O3 ALD was used to coat the sili...
Technological innovation and change: A case study in the formation of organizational conscience

A university that does not respond to the technological developments of the current age can be said to be both nonresponsive in the behavioral sense and irresponsible in the moral sense. It might seriously be questioned whether a stance of nonresponse is indeed possible. Technology is an inescapable fact of our contemporary cultural existence. We are reminded of the disarming reply of Thomas Carlyle to Margaret Fuller's stoic affirmation, “I accept the universe!” Responded Carlyle, “Gad, she'd better!” ... The more difficult requirement that we face, however, is that of responding responsibly to this cultural fact.
Spontaneous Occurrence of Hepatic Lipidosis in a Group of Laboratory Cats

Clinical signs consistent with hepatic lipidosis occurred in six obese adult laboratory cats, housed in a group cage, 6 to 7 weeks after changing their diet from a commercial to a purified diet. The affected cats lost 30 to 40% of their body weight in this time period. This rate of weight loss is compatible with little or no food intake. For treatment, 5 cats were tube-fed three or four times daily with a high-fat liquid diet supplemented with L-citrulline and choline. All cats tolerated the diet, which contained 35% protein on an energy basis. Substantial voluntary food intake resumed 12 to 16 days after initiating treatment. The sixth cat was euthanatized. These observations suggest that 6 to 7 weeks of anorexia, associated with 30 to 40% weight loss, can induce hepatic lipidosis in obese but otherwise healthy cats, and confirm that with appropriate management the prognosis for cats with hepatic lipidosis is favorable.
Effect of Light Regime and Age on Reproduction of Turkeys 3. Restricted Light on Yearling Hens

Abstract IT HAS been demonstrated by numerous investigators that the turkey female becomes refractory to photostimulation when exposed to 13 or more hours of continuous daily light for prolonged periods of time: Harper and Parker (1957, 1960, 1962), McCartney et al. (1961), Leighton and Shoffner (1961a, b), and Shoffner et al. (1962). It has also been demonstrated by the above workers that the female turkey must be subjected to a period of short days followed by increased or increasing day length in order to be stimulated into satisfactory levels of egg production. Hens that are in egg production will, in most cases, cease production when subjected to a series of short days as shown by Harper and Parker (1957). Their data also showed that when yearling hens were restricted to 9 hours of light per day for a 4 week period and subsequently exposed to 17 hours of light per day…
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CXCVII: Electron‐impact induced functional group interaction in 4‐benzyloxycyclohexyl trimethylsilyl ether

There has been much interest recently in both electron-impact induced remote functional group interaction and migration of the trimethylsilyl moiety. The title compound illustrates these phenomena, showing an important (at 12 eV) peak at mass 179 which incorporates both functionalities. Moreover, the cis and trans stereoisomers show a marked difference in the relative intensity (Rel. int.) of this peak, indicating that stereochemical integrity is maintained after initial ionization. The origin of all characteristic peaks has been demonstrated using specifically labeled isotopic analogs, high resolution measurements and metastable defocusing.
A Survey of Phytophthora spp. in Midwest Nurseries, Greenhouses, and Landscapes.

Abstract A survey of nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in order to determine the prevalence and diversity of Phytophthora spp. From sites in Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and, predominantly, Indiana, 121 Phytophthora isolates were obtained from 1,657 host samples spanning 32 host genera. Based on sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA, 11 Phytophthora spp. and two hybrid species were identified. A majority of the isolates were P. citricola (35.9%) or P. citrophthora (27.4%). Six isolates were confirmed as hybrids (four of P. cactorum × hedraiandra and two of P. nicotianae × cactorum) by cloning and sequencing the ITS region. Three P. cactorum × hedraiandra isolates were obtained from the same site, from three Rhododendron spp., which are known hosts to the parental species. The fourth isolate, however, was recovered out of a different location in a Dicentra sp., which is not a known host to either parental species, suggesting an expansion...
Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the effect of ventricular wall curvature on regional function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

We hypothesized that contraction within the ventricular septum in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) may be related to its abnormal morphology because ventricular wall stress is related to wall curvature by the Laplace equation. To test this, we studied 17 HC patients with various septal morphologies using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Short- and long-axis curvatures of the basal septal and basal lateral walls were determined on cine images as the reciprocal of the radius of the arc best fit to the endocardial contour, which was negative if the wall was convex to the cavity of the left ventricle. Endocardial and epicardial intramyocardial circumferential shortening (% circumferential shortening) was measured in the septal and lateral walls on basal short-axis myocardial tagging images. Septal walls were flatter in the short-axis plane and more convex toward the left ventricular cavity in the long-axis plane than lateral walls, as indicated by smaller short- and long-axis curvatures. Septal percent circumferential shortening was significantly lower than the lateral percent circumferential shortening, suggesting reduced septal contraction. Endocardial and epicardial percent circumferential shortening showed significant positive correlations with wall curvatures. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that both short- and long-axis curvatures significantly contributed to percent circumferential shortening (r=0.87 for endocardial and r=0.70 for epicardial, both p<0.0001). In conclusion, wall curvature is related to wall function in HC; the more convex toward the left ventricular cavity the wall is, the less it contracts. Reduced contraction of the septum in HC may be partly due to its abnormal curvature.
Infrared Solar Spectrum as Observed from Balloons

The variation of the infrared solar spectrum in the region from 2.2 to 13 μm with altitude has been observed during a series of balloon flights. The primary objective of these flights has been to obtain data concerning the transmittance of the Earth’s atmosphere in this wavelength region particularly at altitudes from 13 to 31 km. The transmittance observed during these flights are compared with the transmittances calculated using a line-by-line integration technique. It is shown that it is possible to get good agreement between the observed and calculated results provided the distribution of the absorbing molecule is known. In addition to the flights during which only relative data were obtained, two flights were made during which absolute spectral data were obtained. From these data the spectral radiance of the Sun has been determined without the complication of correcting for atmospheric effects. The results are in good agreement with the results of other investigators in the wavelength regions where such measurements have been made from the ground.
Metoprolol Succinate, a Selective β‐Adrenergic Blocker, Has No Effect on Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin resistance is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therapies to lower blood pressure should not decrease insulin sensitivity. Some b-adrenergic blocking agents can have an adverse effect on insulin sensitivity. This study examined the effect of extended-release metoprolol succinate on insulin sensitivity. Nondiabetics with hypertension (N=30) were started on (or changed to) hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg daily for 14 days. Patients with blood pressure>140/90 mm Hg while taking HCTZ alone underwent an insulin clamp procedure to quantify insulin sensitivity. Metoprolol succinate treatment was begun at 50 mg daily and titrated to a dose that lowered blood pressure to <140/90 mm Hg. Following 12 weeks of metoprolol succinate plus HCTZ therapy, the insulin clamp procedure was repeated. On metoprolol succinate plus HCTZ treatment, there were no significant changes in insulin clamp measures of insulin sensitivity. Plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly on metoprolol succinate plus HCTZ. When b-blocker therapy is considered, metoprolol succinate can be used to treat hypertension without adverse metabolic effects.
The effects of sleep loss on capacity and effort

Sleep loss appears to affect the capacity for performance and access to energetic resources. This paper reviews research examining the physical substrates referred to as resource capacity, the role of sleep in protecting that capacity and the reaction of the system as it attempts to respond with effort to overcome the limitations on capacity caused by sleep loss. Effort is the extent to which an organism will exert itself beyond basic levels of functioning or attempt alternative strategies to maintain performance. The purpose of this review is to bring together research across sleep disciplines to clarify the substrates that constitute and influence capacity for performance, consider how the loss of sleep influences access to those resources, examine cortical, physiological, perceptual, behavioral and subjective effort responses and consider how these responses reflect a system reacting to changes in the resource environment. When sleep deprived, the ability to perform tasks that require additional energy is impaired and the ability of the system to overcome the deficiencies caused by sleep loss is limited. Taking on tasks that require effort including school work, meal preparation, pulling off the road to nap when driving drowsy appear to be more challenging during sleep loss. Sleep loss impacts the effort-related choices we make and those choices may influence our health and safety.
Nucleation mechanism of stress corrosion cracking from notches

Abstract Crack nucleation mechanism of hydrogen assisted cracking at notched cracks in aqueous solutions is investigated, using the compact type specimens with various notch radius in low-tempered 4340 steel. A detached crack initiates at some distance ahead of the notch root. The crack nucleation at the notched root is determined by the electrical potential method. When the crack initiates, the voltage difference starts to increase. The crack nucleation site is examined by SEM. The time for crack nucleation increases with the notch root radius, ρ, and decreases with the apparent stress intensity factor Kρ. A linear relationship between the crack nucleation time, tn, and the parameter 2 K ρ /(πρ) 1 2 -(2K ρ /(πρ) 1 2 ) th } is seen in semi-log diagram, where (2K ρ /(πρ) 1 2 ) th is almost equal to the yield shear strength. In order to explain these experimental results, a new model of micromechanics is proposed on the basis of stress induced diffusion of hydrogen in the high stress region ahead of the notch root. This model suggests that the detached crack initiates at the elasto-plastic boundary where the hydrogen concentration is from 2 to 5 times higher than that of the notch root surface. The theory agrees with experiments with respect to {2K ρ /(πρ) 1 2 -(2K ρ /(πρ) 1 2 ) th } vs tn and tn vs ρ. The empirical equation holds under constant tn, Kρ = Ko(ρ/ρeff)m where K0 is the stress intensity factor with ρ ≈ 0 under the present environment, ρeff is the effective notch radius and m is constant. The value of m is 0.25 for the crack nucleation time (tn)th corresponding to the threshold stress intensity factor (Kρ)th, 0.5 for tn
Temporal Lobe Regions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identify Patients With Early Alzheimer's Disease

• Objective. —The goal of the study was to examine the volume of selected brain regions in a group of mildly impaired patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Five regions were selected for analysis, all of which have been reported to show substantial change in the majority of patients with AD at some time in the course of disease. Design. —Case-control study with the experimenter "blinded." Setting. —Hospital-based magnetic resonance imaging center. Participants. —Fifteen subjects, eight patients with the diagnosis of probable dementia of the Alzheimer type made in concordance with National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria and seven age-matched healthy control subjects. Results. —Three of the volumetric measures were significantly different between patients with AD and controls: the hippocampus, the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles, and the temporal lobe. Two of the measures did not significantly differentiate patients with AD and controls: the amygdala and the basal forebrain. A discriminant function analysis demonstrated that a linear combination of the volumes of the hippocampus and the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles differentiated 100% of the patients and controls from one another. Conclusions. —The results suggest that the hippocampus and the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles may be useful as antemortem markers of AD in mildly impaired patients.
Classification of elastic-shell resonances on curved bounded surfaces to very high frequencies

In the process of scattering from submerged elastic shells, it is possible to excite many types of resonances. Among these are the lowest order symmetric and antisymmetric Lamb modes, and the waterborne waves, such as the pseudo-Stoneley resonances and the higher order symmetric and antisymmetric Lamb modes Si and Ai (i equals 1, 2, 3, ...). The frequencies at which these originate are referred to as critical frequencies. We establish simple rules to determine the frequencies at which the resonances originate as a function of shell thickness and material properties.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Holocene sand beaches of southern California: ENSO forcing and coastal processes on millennial scales

Abstract A proxy record of sand beach accretion for the past 10,000 years has been assembled from radiocarbon dates on the Pismo clam, Tivela stultorum, in archaeological sites along the southern California coast. When this record is compared with numerous climate proxies, it appears that El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) controls on wave climate and sediment flux have acted upon regional geomorphology at different sea levels to either accrete or erode the Holocene beaches of southern California. Tivela dates from the Santa Maria coast indicate that perennial sand beaches built by 9000 years ago in response to abundant riverine sediment contained by the natural groin at Point Sal, wave sheltering by the massive headland of Point Buchon, and Early Holocene El Nino events. On the western Santa Barbara coast, sand beaches were forming by 7000 years ago in response to high sand fluxes from the Santa Ynez Mountains to the many small littoral catchments, possibly aided by high local rates of uplift. Decline of these sand beach habitats 5000–4000 years ago coincides with increased El Nino-driven wave energy. In accord with slowing in sea-level rise ca. 6000 years ago, sand beaches were most widespread in the period 6000–5000 years ago on Estero Bay, the western Santa Barbara coast, and west of Point Dume. However, Tivela dates first appear 5000 years ago in the Oceanside and Silver Strand littoral cells of the San Diego region. This lag coincides with the Middle Holocene shift to a more variable climate and modern periodicity in El Nino events that increased sediment supply to the southern coast. The ontogeny of the littoral cells provides timelines for modeling coastal evolution with implications for sand beach ecology, prehistoric human coastal adaptations, and coastal planning for future climate change.
Book Review: Environmental Policy Convergence in Europe? The Impact of International Institutions and Trade by Katharina Holzinger, Christoph Knill and Bas Arts (Eds.)

Environmental Policy Convergence in Europe? The Impact of International Institutions and Trade, by Katharina Holzinger, Christoph Knill and Bas Arts (Eds.). Cambridge University Press, 2008. ISBN-10: 0521888816; ISBN-13: 978-0521888813
All-or-None Effect of γ1 Auxiliary Subunit on BK Channel Gating

Ca2+-and-voltage-gated K+-channels (BK) are symmetrical complexes whose minimal functional unit is a tetramer composed of four identical α-subunits. BK α-subunits can coassemble with auxiliary subunits which drastically influence channel gating. Two families of BK auxiliary subunits have been described, β and γ subunits. Up to four β-subunits can assemble with the α-subunits in a BK channel complex, where each individual β-subunit contributes an identical additive increment to the total β-induced gating shift. At present, the stoichiometry of the assembly of α and γ subunits is unknown. Here we show that, in contrast to gating shifts produced by β-subunits, the γ1-effect on BK channel is an 'all-or-none' type of functional regulation. The presence of a single γ1 subunit in BK channels is enough to produce the full γ1-induced gating shift, although probably more than one γ1 can assemble in a BK channel complex. Our results describe an uncommon example of asymmetric functional regulation of a symmetric oligomeric protein. (Supported by NRSA F32 GM103138 to VGP and GM081748 to CJL).
Coprolites from Hidden Cave, revisited: evidence for site occupation history, diet and sex of occupants

Analysis of paleofeces from Hidden Cave, western Nevada provides new evidence for occupation history, diet and dietary change, and occupation of the cave by women. Dating of the coprolites shows two main periods of occupation, from 3800 to 3400 BP and 1900 to 1500 BP. Faunal and floral macrofossils, coupled with pollen analysis, show a dependence on wetland food resources, augmented with small seeds from dryland plants. Fecal steroid analysis indicates that the occupants of the cave were probably women. These results shed insights on prehistoric settlement patterns in the Carson Desert at times prior to major residential occupation of the Stillwater Marsh.
Photophysical Characterization of a Series of Platinum(II)-Containing Phenyl-Ethynyl Oligomers

A comprehensive photophysical study has been carried out on a series of platinum(II)-containing phenyl−ethynyl oligomers. The compounds are composed of a platinum center attached to two tributylpho...