cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving diabetes outcomes through lifestyle change – A randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare a diabetes group lifestyle intervention (GLI) with dietitian referral for medical nutrition therapy (RD) for weight loss in the usual care setting. Methods Randomized clinical trial was conducted with 57 primary care patients with type 2 diabetes and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 who received either a dietitian-led 19-week GLI adapted from the Look AHEAD study or RD. Outcome measures include 6-month and 1-year weight loss, changes in medications, glycemic control, cardiac risk factors, and cost analysis. Results Patients were mean age 61, 59% male, and 32% non-white, and they weighed 97 kg with mean HbA1c 8.2%. At 6 months, 46% of GLI vs. 21% of RD lost ≥5% body weight (P = 0.04), with mean weight loss 6.6 (SD 7.0) kg with GLI and 2.1 (3.5) kg in RD (P = 0.004). HbA1c improved by 0.70 (1.13) vs. 0.39 (1.51) in GLI vs. RD (P = 0.4), respectively, and 82% vs. 38% stopped or reduced diabetes medications (P < 0.001). Weight loss remained significantly greater in GLI compared to RD at 1 year. GLI program cost was $578 per participant. Conclusions An affordable GLI achieved significantly more weight loss and medication reduction than RD in primary care patients with type 2 diabetes.
From Theoretical To Practical: Developing Tillich’s Apologetics

Paul Tillich’s understanding of faith, doubt, and church communities forms part of a systematic theology which Tillich understands as a theoretical apologetics. By developing these themes, especially Tillich’s concept of existential doubt, five guidelines for a practical apologetics can be developed in line with Tillich’s theoretical apologetics. First, both believers and nonbelievers are included in the apologist’s audience because both are at risk of idolatry. Second, the goal of apologetics is to end the suppression of doubt in order to break down idols. Third, this apologetics affirms faith without aiming to rid one of doubt. Fourth, apologetics should bring Christians and non-Christians into faith communities. Fifth, those faith communities should continue the work of apologetics by remaining open to doubt. These guidelines form a method of apologetics that speaks to the increasing secularity of the world. By breaking down traditional categories which separate faith from doubt and believers from nonbelievers, this practical apologetics is capable of moving people toward a deeper, more dynamic faith in the True God.
BRIEF REPORT: Resident and Faculty Perceptions of Conflict of Interest in Medical Education

OBJECTIVE: To determine resident and faculty perceptions of the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on medical education.
Vancomycin-Associated Nephrotoxicity: The Obesity Factor

Abstract Background: Current recommendations suggest that vancomycin dosing utilize actual rather than ideal body weight in obese patients. Thus, obese patients may be at greater risk for nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of nephrotoxicity in vancomycin-treated obese and lean patients at our institution, where unadjusted, actual body weight-based dosing (capped at 2 g per dose twice daily) is used. We expected obese patients to experience a greater incidence of nephrotoxicity than lean patients. Methods: This study examined a retrospective cohort of patients treated with vancomycin for gram-positive or mixed infections in our facility from 2005–2009 who were not receiving hemodialysis at the time of admission. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI; obese ≥30 kg/m2 vs. lean <30 kg/m2). Relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p values were computed using a generalized estimating equation to accommodate a correlated data structure corresponding ...
A class of representations of Hecke algebras

A type of directed multigraph called a W-digraph is introduced to model the structure of certain representations of Hecke algebras, including those constructed by Lusztig and Vogan from involutions in a Weyl group. Building on results of Lusztig, a complete characterization of W-digraphs is given in terms of subdigraphs for dihedral parabolic subgroups. Graph-theoretic properties of W-digraphs are established including, under certain assumptions, acyclicity. In case the Coxeter system is finite, a bound on the number of vertices of a connected W-digraph is obtained, and a graph-theoretic version of the usual duality operation is obtained.
Parkin-mediated ubiquitin signalling in aggresome formation and autophagy

Understanding how cells handle and dispose of misfolded proteins is of paramount importance because protein misfolding and aggregation underlie the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including PD (Parkinson’s disease) and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the ubiquitin–proteasome system, the aggresome–autophagy pathway has emerged as another crucial cellular defence system against toxic build-up of misfolded proteins. In contrast with basal autophagy that mediates non-selective, bulk clearance of misfolded proteins along with normal cellular proteins and organelles, the aggresome–autophagy pathway is increasingly recognized as a specialized type of induced autophagy that mediates selective clearance of misfolded and aggregated proteins under the conditions of proteotoxic stress. Recent evidence implicates PD-linked E3 ligase parkin as a key regulator of the aggresome–autophagy pathway and indicates a signalling role for Lys 63 -linked polyubiquitination in the regulation of aggresome formation and autophagy. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the aggresome–autophagy pathway, its regulation by parkin-mediated Lys 63 -linked polyubiquitination, and its dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
Musculoskeletal injuries resulting from patient handling tasks among hospital workers.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from patient handling prior to the implementation of a “minimal manual lift” policy at a large tertiary care medical center. We sought to define the circumstances surrounding patient handling injuries and to identify potential preventive measures. Methods Human resources data were used to define the cohort and their time at work. Workers' compensation records (1997–2003) were utilized to identify work-related musculoskeletal claims, while the workers' description of injury was used to identify those that resulted from patient handling. Adjusted rate ratios were generated using Poisson regression. Results One-third (n = 876) of all musculoskeletal injuries resulted from patient handling activities. Most (83%) of the injury burden was incurred by inpatient nurses, nurses' aides and radiology technicians, while injury rates were highest for nurses' aides (8.8/100 full-time equivalent, FTEs) and smaller workgroups including emergency medical technicians (10.3/100 FTEs), patient transporters (4.3/100 FTEs), operating room technicians (3.1/100 FTEs), and morgue technicians (2.2/100 FTEs). Forty percent of injuries due to lifting/transferring patients may have been prevented through the use of mechanical lift equipment, while 32% of injuries resulting from repositioning/turning patients, pulling patients up in bed, or catching falling patients may not have been prevented by the use of lift equipment. Conclusions The use of mechanical lift equipment could significantly reduce the risk of some patient handling injuries but additional interventions need to be considered that address other patient handling tasks. Smaller high-risk workgroups should not be neglected in prevention efforts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:571–578, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Precision measurement of the lifetime of the 1 s 2 s 3 S 1 metastable level in heliumlike O 6

The lifetime of the 1s2sthinsp{sup 3}S{sub 1} level of the He-like O{sup 6+} ion has been measured using the Electron Beam Ion Trap in the magnetic trapping mode. A value of 956{sub {minus}4}{sup +5} {mu}s is found, which corresponds to a radiative transition rate of 1046{sub {minus}5}{sup +4} s{sup {minus}1} for the magnetic dipole transition to the 1s{sup 2}thinsp{sup 1}S{sub 0} ground state. This value is in excellent agreement with recent theoretical predictions and distinguishes among different treatments of negative energy states and correlation in multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Experimental aortocoronary saphenous vein graft function after mechanical cardiac massage with the Anstadt Cup

Direct mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA) using the Anstadt Cup can achieve total circulatory support by massaging the fibrillating, asystolic, or failing heart. The device does not contact the blood or cause significant myocardial trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional integrity of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) subjected to DMVA vs cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Human SVGs were used to bypass the ligated left anterior descending coronary artery in 11 dogs. Animals then received 2 hrs of either DMVA (n = 5) or CPB (n = 6) during sustained ventricular fibrillation. Grafted and non grafted (control) SVG segments were then studied in vitro. SVG patency was confirmed by radiolabeled microspheres and pathologic evaluation. Matched SVG specimens (control) were not exposed to circulatory support. All SVGs were subjected to isometric tension studies. SVG contractile responses to norepinephrine, bradykinin, serotonin, and histamine were assessed. Maximal response to all agonists were similar between control SVG segments compared to either CPB or DMVA support (p = NS, ANOVA). All cumulative dose response curves were similar after DMVA vs CPB support. In conclusion, the smooth muscle function of SVGs in this study was not significantly altered by DMVA support. Therefore, short-term DMVA support does not impair patency or adversely effect the functional integrity of smooth muscle within SVGs.
Temporal and spatial expression of a cytoskeletal actin gene in the ascidian Styela clava.

We have cloned and characterized the temporal and spatial expression of ScCAl5, a cDNA clone encoding an actin gene in the ascidian Styela clava. The partial nucleotide and derived amino acid sequences of this single- copy gene suggest that it is a cytoskeletal actin. Northern analysis shows that ScCAl5 corresponds to a 1.8-kb mRNA that is transcribed during oogenesis, during embryonic development, and in the adult. In situ hybridization shows that maternal ScCA15 mRNA is distributed uniformly in the cyto- plasm of the oocyte and unfertilized egg. During the period of ooplasmic segregation following fertilization, however, ScCAl5 mRNA appears to be translocated into the ectoplasm, a specialized cytoplasmic region of the egg. During the early cleavages, the ectoplasmic transcripts are partitioned to ectodermal cells in the animal hemisphere, which are precursors of the epidermis and nervous system of the larva. Maternal ScCA15 mRNA is degraded just before gastrulation and replaced by zygotic transcripts which begin to accumulate between the neurula and mid-tailbud stages. Zygotic ScCAl5 mRNA accumulates primarily in the epidermal and neural cells, although lower levels of these transcripts may also be present in tail muscle cells. These results show that two mechanisms are used to concentrate ScCA15mRNA in the ectodermal cells during development: (1) localization and differential segregation of maternal transcripts and (2) specific expression of the ScCA15 gene. ScCAl5 mRNA is detected by in situ hybridization in the testes, ovaries, alimentary tract, and endostyle of adults. In the testes, ScCA15 mRNA is present in developing sperm, whereas in the ovary, these transcripts are present in the germinal epithelium and developing oocytes. In the alimentary tract, ScCAl5 mRNA is confined to the gastric epithelium of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. Since the ScCA15 gene is expressed in embryonic and adult tissues that are undergoing rapid cell division, this actin is likely to function in some aspect of cell proliferation.
On the discovery of glutathione.

Abstract 1988 is the 100th anniversary of de Rey-Pailhade's finding that yeast and other cells contain a substance that reacts spontaneously with elemental sulfur to give hydrogen sulfide. In 1921, Hopkins concluded that this substance is a dipeptide containing cysteine and glutamate. It thus seems an appropriate time to review some of the early studies which led to recognition of the structure of glutathione as l-γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine. Present knowledge of the biological functions of glutathione rests heavily on the important contributions of these and other pioneers, who worked during the period 1888 to 1936.
Electromigration-aware dynamic routing algorithm for network-on-chip applications

We present an electromigration-aware dynamic routing algorithm, EMARA, for network-on-chip (NoC) applications that has the ability to eliminate the electromigration effects in order to increase the lifetime of SoCs. We formulate the expected lifetime of the NoC system based on the electromigration phenomenon as a function of the bidirectional link load. We introduce the concept of void packet to help in balancing the link load in the case of severe unbalanced condition. We investigate the trade off between the expected system boosted lifetime using EMARA and the network performance measured by average packet latency and power consumption. By utilising bidirectional balanced data transfer, our algorithm increases the expected system's lifetime by two to six orders of magnitude compared with other XY-based dynamic routing algorithms. Simulation results demonstrate that EMARA can achieve more than two orders of magnitude improvement in expected system's lifetime, independently of both traffic pattern and injection rate, with only 1.14% and 4% increase in power consumption and average packet latency, respectively.
Intra-HLA recombinations localizing the 21-hydroxylase deficiency gene within the HLA complex

Close linkage between HLA and the gene for 21-OH deficiency causing congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia (CVAH) has been well documented. HLA-A/B and HLA/GLO recombination data placed the CVAH gene within the HLA-A to GLO interval, with CVAH invariably segregating with HLA. HLA-A,B,C,DR and GLO typing and ACTH stimulation to determine carrier status was done on seven families. Carrier status correlated with the appropriate HLA haplotypes in all offspring, with two exceptions. Two intra-HLA recombinants were detected in one three-generation family. The father of the proband is homozygous for HLA-A2,Cw2,B27 but is a DR2/DR4 heterozygote. The CVAH gene segregated with DR2 in all but one of his offspring who is a carrier and is DR4. This finding is consistent with recombination between the CVAH gene and DR. Study of the father's family confirmed synteny of the CVAH gene and DR2. Three of four sibs of the father inherited this haplotype and were CVAH carrier, as was the paternal grandmother, whose other haplotype was A1, Bw44,DR1. One of the father's sibs was shown serologically to be a HLA-B/D maternal recombinant and a noncarrier. she inherited the A1,Bw44 of one maternal haplotype, but the DR2 of the other. In both recombinants in this family the CVAH gene segregated with the A to B interval, separate from D. While we cannot determine whether the CVAH gene is in the HLA-A to B or B to D interval, this is the first report of two intra-HLA recombinations in one family that unequivocally map the CVAH gene inside HLA-D.
An experimental study using tissue culture medium as preservation and perfusion fluid

Abstract A commercially available tissue culture medium has been proven capable of preserving dog kidney function for at least 24 hr after simple cooling. The advantages of using tissue culture medium as preservation fluid instead of plasma or albumin solutions from the infectious and immunological points of view are obvious. An in vitro study was completed using the tissue 1 . Code (animal No.) Perfusion time (br) Perfusion pressure mm/Hg Flow ml/min Weight gain pH pO2 mm/Hg Histological appearance 1 24 70-60 systolic 96 35 7.3 150–180 Grossly normal 2 24 45-40 diastolic 108 30 3 24 96 30 4 48 70-60 systolic 80 35 7.3 150–180 Grossly normal 5 48 45-40 diastolic 120 40 7.4 6 48 100 40 7 72 70-60 systolic 115 40 7.4 150–180 Slight vacuolization of the tubular cells 8 72 45-40 diastolic 96 40 9 72 80 40 10 24 70-60 systolic 110 35 7.3 150–180 Used for transplantation 11 24 45-40 diastolic 120 35 12 24 140 40 13 24 100 30 14 24 96 30 culture medium as perfusion fluid. The results proved that it was possible to perfuse dog kidneys up to 72 hr with stable flow, pressure, pO2 and pH without adding O2 or CO2. In vivo studies, however, showed that the medium was inferior to other perfusion fluids. It was neither possible to restore kidney function after 24 hr perfusion nor after simple cooling for 48 hr due to depositions of fibrin in the glomerular vessels, most probably caused by damage to the endothelial linings.
Minimum distance estimation in doubly censored two sample scale model

Abstract This paper studies estimation of scale parameter in the two sample doubly censored scale models. The proposed estimators include a class of Cramer–von Mises minimum distance estimators and the analog of the well celebrated Hodges–Lehmann estimator. The paper proves the asymptotic normality of these estimators under mild conditions and consistency of the minimum distance estimators is shown when the scale model is only approximately true. It also contains a simulation study making comparison of some of the estimators in the class with the ratio of the two means.
The effects of nicotine on metabolic rate

One of the primary reasons smokers are hesitant to stop smoking, or relapse after they do stop, may be because of their belief that smoking helps control bodyweight (Rodin & Wack 1984). There is a great deal of evidence which suggests that cigarette smokers weigh less than nonsmokers and that smokers who quit gain weight (Noppa & Bengtsson 1980; Rodin & Wack 1984). Fear of gaining weight may be an impediment for some smokers to stop smoking (Rabkin 1984) and is also cited as a cause of smoking relapse among exsmokers (USDHHS 1988). The mechanisms involved in the relationship between smoking and bodyweight are not well known and the literature is filled with conflicting data suggesting reasons for these observed differences. As with any weight change, the mechanism must be due to a change in energy balance, either via increased caloric intake or decreased caloric expenditure. Current evidence does not consistently point to increased caloric intake as the responsible mechanism (Hall et al. 1989; Perkins et al. 1987a). Decreased caloric expenditure due to decreased physical activity is also not a likely explanation (Blair et al. 1985). However, acute increases in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following smoking (Hofstetter et al. 1986) or intake of nicotine (Perkins et al. 1989b) suggest an important role for metabolism in explaining smoking's effect on bodyweight. It is believed that nicotine is the constituent of tobacco smoke which is primarily responsible for the effect of smoking on bodyweight (Morgan & Ellison 1987). This article focuses on the role of nicotine as a mechanism for altering energy expenditure, specifically metabolic rate. Elucidating the metabolic effects of nicotine may aid in development of specific procedures to control weight gain associated with smoking cessation. The few smoking cessation programmes which address the weight gain issue emphasise dieting (i.e. reducing caloric intake), which by itself may not be sufficient or appropriate if the problem is due not to increased eating but to decreased caloric expenditure because of a slowed metabolic rate.
T-2 toxicosis and blood coagulation in young chickens.

Abstract Recent reports have suggested that T-2 toxicosis may be a contributing factor in hemorrhagic manifestations such as alimentary toxic aleukia in man and hemorrhagic anemia syndrome and general clotting dysfunction in animals. The present communication describes the effect of graded levels of dietary T-2 toxin (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg/g) on the activities of tissue thromboplastin, coagulation Factors VII, X, and V, prothrombin, and fibrinogen in young chickens. In the extrinsic clotting pathway a qualitative change was demonstrated in the lipid fraction of thromboplastin, and Factor VII activity was significantly (p > 0.05) reduced by the growth inhibitory dose of 4 μg/g. Of the common pathway functions, Factor X, prothrombin, and fibrinogen were depressed by 16 μg/g T-2 toxin, with the latter two parameters being reduced to below 60% of normal. Factor V was unaffected. These data show that T-2 toxin can produce a distinct coagulopathy in chickens characterized by a primary defect in Factor VII activity and secondary effects on prothrombin and fibrinogen. Additionally, the effects of T-2 toxicosis on clotting competence provide further evidence of a possible role of T-2 toxin in alimentary toxic aleukia.
Maudsley reactive and nonreactive rats differ only in some tasks reflecting emotionality

The behavior of Maudsley reactive and nonreactive rats, along with that of Wistar controls, was studied using three behavioral tasks which have been associated with emotionality. Consistent with the hypothesis that they are more emotional, the Maudsley reactive rats were more immobile in the forced swim test and spent less time in the open arms of an elevated plus maze than the Maudsley nonreactive or Wistar control rats. However, they learned a two-way active avoidance task just as well as the other two groups. These findings suggest that emotionality is heterogeneous and/or that it is involved to different degrees in the three behavioral tasks.
PRP: review of the current evidence for musculoskeletal conditions

Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an evolving treatment option for various musculoskeletal injuries. There is basic scientific evidence that suggests that the various growth factors present in PRP can help to augment the body’s natural healing. There are also clinical studies suggesting efficacy for several conditions, particularly tendinopathy and osteoarthritis. This article reviews the definition and first uses of PRP, the basic scientific rationale for its use, and the basic science and evidence for its use in the treatment of tendon, joint, ligament, and muscle injuries. There are varying levels of evidence for and against the use of PRP for these types of injuries, and this article reviews studies that support as well as studies that refute the use of this new treatment. There are several studies that have assessed the basic science supportive of PRP treatments, as well as the clinical efficacy of this treatment in vivo. While the current evidence is mixed, several recent studies have demonstrated therapeutic benefit in the treatment of various tendinopathies and degenerative joint diseases of the knee. There are several factors that need to be addressed to elucidate whether PRP is truly effective. These include fully defining the PRP mixture (e.g. concentration, growth factor levels, presence of white cells and red cells, etc.), determining the optimal preparation and delivery of the PRP graft, calculating the appropriate number of injections for each specific pathologic process, and defining optimal post-procedure rehabilitation.
Nutritional needs for egg formation in the Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Egg production does not impose a major food need in the Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis because the eggs are small, are formed slowly and are laid at 3-day intervals. I used dye-dosing of females, laying time and, after fixing and staining the yolk, daily ring counts to estimate the amounts of protein and energy needed each day to produce a clutch of three eggs. Maximum daily nutrient needs during egg formation were only 1.15 g per day additional protein and 34 kJ per day energy. Yolk formation times of 40 eggs were 13.5 (±1.2 s.d.) days. Based on yolk-ring counts and laying dates of 15 eggs that contained dye, the lag period between yolk completion and laying was 3.1 ± 0.06 days. The distinct light and dark rings of the stained yolk resulted from differences in the transparency of the yolk spheres. In the dark rings, the spheres were relatively clear, so more depth of stained yolk could be seen than in the light rings, which reflected the incident light.
Abstract 1042: Diminished caspase 8 and c-Myc protein expression in human fibroblasts provides insight into normal cell resistance to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated cell death is currently being exploited in clinical trials for cancer therapy. However, the molecular basis of normal cell resistance to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, and thus therapeutic index, remains largely unexplored. We found that normal HFF and WI38 fibroblasts expressed slightly lower levels of TRAIL receptor DR5 as compared to human lung and colon cancer cells. While normal and cancer cells showed comparable DcR2 expression, the WI38 and HFF expressed little DR4 and DcR1. Normal fibroblasts were examined for increased expression of proteins known to inhibit TRAIL-mediated cell death. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression in WI38 and HFF was comparable to expression found in cancer cells, while no XIAP expression was detected in the normal fibroblasts. c-Myc, a major determinant of TRAIL sensitivity in cancer cells, was found to be decreased in the normal fibroblasts and thus may be a contributing factor to their escape from TRAIL-induced cell death. NF-κB activation was assessed after 4 hours of TRAIL exposure, but minimal IκB degradation was observed in the normal fibroblasts, suggesting their resistance to TRAIL may not be mediated through induction of pro-survival factors by NFkB. Expression and activation of initiator caspases, required for complete TRAIL signaling, was investigated and although its levels were elevated, no caspase 10 activation was observed in normal WI38 and HFF cells after TRAIL treatment. Extremely low caspase 8 protein expression was detected in the normal human fibroblast lines, at levels barely detectable as compared to tumor cells that generally show robust caspase 8 expression. Reduced caspase 8 expression may be considered as another contributing factor to the resistance of normal cells to TRAIL. Expression and activation of effector caspase 3 was also examined. After TRAIL stimulation, expression of full length caspase 3 declined in normal and tumor cells. However, cleavage of caspase 3 substrate, PARP, was only seen in cancer cells. Our current studies are focused on further analysis of mediators of cell death signaling by TRAIL, whether treatment of normal fibroblasts with proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and/or DNA methylation inhibitors might result in increased caspase 8 protein expression and susceptibility to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. We are further investigating the effects of serum and growth factors to drive cell proliferation of normal cells on c-Myc expression and TRAIL sensitivity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1042.
Prediction of logarithmic growth in a quenched Ising model

Etude de la croissance des domaines suite a une rupture dans un modele d'Ising a liaisons antiferromagnetiques entre plus proches voisins. Ces liaisons introduisent des barrieres d'energie et conduisant ainsi a des dynamiques lentes. En trois dimensions, des arguments physiques simples suggerent que ces barrieres sont proportionnelles a l'echelle de longueur caracteristique L pour les ruptures en dessous de la temperature de transition du seuil de rugosite. Ceci devrait conduire a la croissance logarithmique de L aux temps longs
Analysis for guanidine and methylguanidine in uremic plasma

Abstract A method for the determination of guanidine and methylguanidine in the presence of urea has been described. These compounds were adsorbed quantitatively on a strong cation-exchange resin from a protein-free, arginine-free filtrate, eluted with 4 N KOH, and the quantities were determined by application of the Sakaguchi reaction. Plasma guanidine and methylguanidine concentrations were found to be elevated significantly in uremic dogs.
Lung Transplantation in Infants

Lung transplantation is an accepted mode of therapy for patients with end-stage pulmonary vascular or parenchymal diseases. To date, application to the pediatric age population in general, and the infantile group in particular, has been limited both in terms of number of transplants and follow-up thereafter. We performed our first transplant in an infant in 1993 and have performed 30 lung transplants in children under 1 year of age subsequent to that. This chapter will review the experience to date including indications for transplantation, post-transplant management, complications, and longterm follow-up.
The formation of Valles Marineris: 1. Tectonic architecture and the relative roles of extension and subsidence

[1] The formation of the Valles Marineris troughs on Mars is widely held to involve some combination of horizontal extension and vertical subsidence or collapse, but the specific tectonic mechanism is poorly understood. This study uses boundary element models of Valles Marineris formation to evaluate a range of fault dip angles for two end-member models of trough formation: simple extensional tectonism, and extension together with vertical accommodation at the base of the lithosphere representing either viscous lower crustal flow or some other form of deep-seated collapse. The models are constrained by the lack of footwall uplift on the plateau surface outside the troughs, and the lack of significant tectonic failure of the plateau in response to the stress changes induced by Valles Marineris formation. The results demonstrate that trough formation by extensional tectonism alone generates large surface uplifts in the surrounding plateau and enormous stresses in the lithosphere, in conflict with the observations. The only mechanism that is compatible with both the observed topography and the limitations imposed by the finite strength of the lithosphere is trough formation through displacement along steeply dipping to subvertical border faults, together with vertical accommodation at the base of the subsiding fault block. Fault dips are constrained to be greater than or equal to 85°, leading to a ratio of vertical subsidence to horizontal extension exceeding 5.7 and a maximum extension of less than 4.6 km. These results confirm earlier studies suggesting that trough formation involved a substantial component of vertical subsidence or collapse, with only modest amounts of total extension.
A Diabatic Lagrangian Technique for the Analysis of Convective Storms. Part II: Application to a Radar-Observed Storm

AbstractA new diabatic Lagrangian analysis (DLA) technique that derives predicted fields of potential temperature, water vapor and cloud water mixing ratios, and virtual buoyancy from three-dimensional, time-dependent wind and reflectivity fields (see Part I) is applied to the radar-observed 9 June 2009 supercell storm during the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). The DLA diagnoses fields of rain and graupel content from radar reflectivity and predicts the evolution of analysis variables following radar-inferred air trajectories in the evolving storm with application of the diagnosed precipitation fields to calculate Lagrangian-frame microphysical processes. Simple damping and surface flux terms and initialization of trajectories from heterogeneous, parametric mesoscale analysis fields are also included in the predictive Lagrangian calculations. The DLA output compares favorably with observations of surface in situ temperature and water vapor mixing ratio and...
An in vivo study of corneal surface morphologic features in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

We used wide-field color specular microscopy to study the corneal epithelium of 13 normal subjects and 13 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The frequencies of small, medium, and large cells were different in the two groups, with a shift to small cells in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased uptake of rose bengal dye, filaments, coarse mucus plaques, and pre-exfoliative sheets were also found in the patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These findings suggest accelerated epithelial cell loss from the surface of the eye in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Some computational problems in ocean acoustics

Abstract A brief mathematical summary of several problems occuring in the propagation and scattering of acoustic waves in the ocean is presented. The problems include the scattering of acoustic energy from random and periodic surfaces as models of the ocean surface and bottom, and the inversion of the sound- speed profile using wideband propagated field data. Computational problems in each area are briefly discussed.
Color Image Recognition By Spectral-Spatial Matched Filtering

A polychromatic correlation detection technique by spectral-spatial matched filtering is described. This technique utilizes a diffraction grating and three collinear coherent sources. The technique for large capacity spatially multiplexing matched filter synthesis is also described. This technique offers true color signal detection, which is very suitable for color image recognition and identification. We also propose a real-time polychromatic image correlator for incoherent imaging. Several interesting experimental demonstrations of this color signal correlation detection scheme are provided. We note that this color signal detection technique will offer a wide range of applications for real-time color image recognition and identification, which is a step closer to the actual human perception system.
Survival and outcome of infants 501 to 750 gm: a six-year experience.

We investigated the outcome of 60 infants with birth weight 501 to 750 gm, admitted to our neonatalintensive care unit over six years. Twenty-five infants were inborn and 35 outborn. Twenty-eight survived 28 days or longer (47%), and 24 were discharged (40%). The infants who died had a significantly increased incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, and their mothers had a significantly decreased use of tocolytic drugs and betamethasone. Of the 24 survivors, two died after discharge, leaving 22 long-term survivors. Of these, 18 (82%) were observed until 20 months to 7 years of age. Mean height and weight were near the fifth percentile until 3 years of age, then increased to the tenth to fiftieth percentiles between 4 and 6 years. Mean head circumferences always remained between the tenth and fiftieth percentiles. Mean IQ was 100.0 ±17.9 for the inborn and 87.2±15.1 for the outborn infants (excluding two whose IQ was
Drought modeling-A review

In recent years droughts have been occurring frequently, and their impacts are being aggravated by the rise in water demand and the variability in hydro-meteorological variables due to climate change. As a result, drought hydrology has been receiving much attention. A variety of concepts have been applied to modeling droughts, ranging from simplistic approaches to more complex models. It is important to understand different modeling approaches as well as their advantages and limitations. This paper, supplementing the previous paper (Mishra and Singh, 2010) where different concepts of droughts were highlighted, reviews different methodologies used for drought modeling, which include drought forecasting, probability based modeling, spatio-temporal analysis, use of Global Climate Models (GCMs) for drought scenarios, land data assimilation systems for drought modeling, and drought planning. It is found that there have been significant improvements in modeling droughts over the past three decades. Hybrid models, incorporating large scale climate indices, seem to be promising for long lead-time drought forecasting. Further research is needed to understand the spatio-temporal complexity of droughts under climate change due to changes in spatio-temporal variability of precipitation. Applications of copula based models for multivariate drought characterization seem to be promising for better drought characterization. Research on decision support systems should be advanced for issuing warnings, assessing risk, and taking precautionary measures, and the effective ways for the flow of information from decision makers to users need to be developed. Finally, some remarks are made regarding the future outlook for drought research.
Conformational Selection During Weak Binding at the Actin and Myosin Interface

The molecular mechanism of the powerstroke in muscle is examined by resonance energy transfer techniques. Recent models suggesting a pre-cocking of the myosin head involving an enormous rotation between the lever arm and the catalytic domain were tested by measuring separation distances among myosin subfragment-2, the nucleotide site, and the regulatory light chain in the presence of nucleotide transition state analogs. Only small changes (<0.5 nm) were detected that are consistent with internal conformational changes of the myosin molecule, but not with extreme differences in the average lever arm position suggested by some atomic models. These results were confirmed by stopped-flow resonance energy transfer measurements during single ATP turnovers on myosin. To examine the participation of actin in the powerstroke process, resonance energy transfer between the regulatory light chain on myosin subfragment-1 and the C-terminus of actin was measured in the presence of nucleotide transition state analogs. The efficiency of energy transfer was much greater in the presence of ADP-AlF(4), ADP-BeF(x), and ADP-vanadate than in the presence of ADP or no nucleotide. These data detect profound differences in the conformations of the weakly and strongly attached cross-bridges that appear to result from a conformational selection that occurs during the weak binding of the myosin head to actin.
Microhilum oncoperae gen. et sp. nov. (deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes): The cause of mycosis on the larvae of Oncopera intricata (lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

Abstract An entomogenous hyphomycete commonly causing epizootic in the larval population of Oncopera intricata is described as a new genus and species. The new pathogen, Microhilum oncoperae, is characterized by conidiophores bearing lageniform or tube-shaped conidiogenous cells, each of which produces zero to three short conidium-producing denticles, and by a distinctive hilum on its conidium.
Gas absorption accompanied by a system of first-order reactions

Gas absorption into agitated liquids accompanied by a complex system of first-order reactions involving n components is studied by use of film and surface renewal models. Equations for calculating enhancement factors are developed. Numerical examples are given for both reversible and irreversible reactions.
Evolutionary stability of ideal free dispersal strategies in patchy environments.

A central question in the study of the evolution of dispersal is what kind of dispersal strategies are evolutionarily stable. Hastings (Theor Pop Biol 24:244–251, 1983) showed that among unconditional dispersal strategies in a spatially heterogeneous but temporally constant environment, the dispersal strategy with no movement is convergent stable. McPeek and Holt’s (Am Nat 140:1010–1027, 1992) work suggested that among conditional dispersal strategies in a spatially heterogeneous but temporally constant environment, an ideal free dispersal strategy, which results in the ideal free distribution for a single species at equilibrium, is evolutionarily stable. We use continuous-time and discrete-space models to determine when the dispersal strategy with no movement is evolutionarily stable and when an ideal free dispersal strategy is evolutionarily stable, both in a spatially heterogeneous but temporally constant environment.
DETECTION OF SUPERCONDUCTING TRANSITIONS BY MAGNETICALLY MODULATED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

A new technique for detecting superconductivity, based on observing the effect of magnetic field modulation on the dc resistance of superconductors, is presented. The phase detected response to the magnetic modulation shows a peak at Tc for both metallic and ceramic superconductors, analogous to that observed in magnetically modulated microwave absorption. The results further demonstrate that the magnetically modulated microwave absorption peak at Tc is not equivalent to the non-resonant low field microwave absorption observed in the ceramic superconductors.
Sequentially Complete Inductive Limits and Regularity

A notion of an almost regular inductive limits is introduced. Every sequentially complete inductive limit of arbitrary locally convex spaces is almost regular.
NMR Evidence for Unusual Bifurcated Hydrogen Bonding in the TXXH Alpha-Helix N-capping Motif

Hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) are generally weak (< 20 kJ/mol) but ubiquitous interactions that determine in large part the cooperative folding and self-assembly of biological macromolecules in aqueous solution. Although important, most H-bonds are inferred indirectly and modeled using theoretical idealized geometry, therefore leaving instances of bifurcated or strained H-bonds undetected. Here, we present direct solution NMR evidence for an unusual bifurcated H-bonding arrangement comprising threonine Og-H and N-H donor protons and histidine acceptor Nd1 within the conserved TXXH alpha-helix N-capping motif of consensus ankyrin repeat (AR) proteins.The threonine N-H⋯Nd1 histidine H-bonds were detected in the TXXH motif of three and four-repeat AR proteins via 2hJNN hydrogen bond scalar coupling (HBC) NMR correlation experiments. Comparison of the 2hJNN couplings and histidine pKa values demonstrated that the N-H⋯Nd1 H-bonds of internal AR (2hJNN ∼ 4 Hz, pKa < 3) were stronger than those of the solvent-exposed C-terminal AR (2hJNN ∼ 2 Hz, pKa ∼ 5.7). In addition to the N-H⋯Nd1 2hJNN couplings, we also observed distinct 1hJHN HBCs connecting the threonine Og-H and histidine Nd1 within the TXXH motif of internal ARs. Together, the 2hJNN and 1hJHN HBCs supported that a single histidine Nd1 acceptor had two H-bond donors. Accordingly, two-bond reciprocal isotope shifts were detected between the threonine N-H and Og-H protons in solvents with mixed H2O/D2O composition. Finally, a threonine to valine replacement, which eliminated the Og-H⋯Nd1 H-bond and resulted in a destabilized protein, lead to a relaxed valine N-H⋯Nd1 histidine interaction with enhanced 2hJNN (∼5.2 Hz) likely owing to an optimized bonding geometry. Overall, our results provide new insight into the H-bonding ability of histidine and a challenging benchmark for the calculation of HBCs and their relation to H-bond energetics.Supported by NSF grant MCB-1330488
A simple behavioral demonstration of blue-cone anisotropy: Distance-induced tritanopia on standard color vision tests

In the course of a larger research program examining popular color-vision tests, the very powerful role of varying viewing distance was demonstrated with color-normal observers. More importantly, the effect of increasing distance was shown to be particularly evident for items designed for de­ tection of blue-yellow dichromacy. This is attributed to distance-induced tritanopia, which in turn reflects the unusual distribution of the "blue" cones in the retina. The utility of this finding for the simple demonstration of a nonintuitive aspect of retinal anatomy is discussed.
Effect of Coordination Geometry on the Gas-Phase Reactivity of Four-Coordinate Divalent Metal Ion Complexes

The gas-phase reactions of ammonia with M(EN-(py)2)2+, M(en)(phen)2+, and M(phen)22+, where M is Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), or Zn(II), EN-(py)2 is 1,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-2,5-triazahexane, en is ethylenediamine, and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, have been studied in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The trends in reactivity as a function of the metal are noticeably different for each complex despite the similarity of the ligand donor groups. These results indicate that coordination geometry and electronic structure have a significant impact on the gas-phase reactivity of four-coordinate metal complex ions. Specifically, for M(EN-(py)2)2+ the equilibrium constants for the reactions with ammonia follow the trend Mn ≈ Fe ≈ Co > Zn ≫ Cu > Ni. The trend for the equilibrium constants of the M(en)(phen)2+ complexes is Mn ≈ Co ≫ Ni > Cu > Zn, and for the M(phen)22+ complexes, the trend is Ni > Mn ≈ Fe > Co > Cu > Zn. The most notable changes in reaction equilibrium constants occur for the Ni and Zn ...
Severe Developmental Disorders and Bilingualism

Language ability is a strong predictor of functional outcome in autism (Nordin and Gillberg, 1998) and other moderate to severe developmental disorders (DD) such as mental retardation, childhood schizophrenia, and moderate to severe language disorders. For example, there is a strong relationship between language and aspects of both general and more specific (e.g., theory of mind ability) social functioning and adaptation in disorders ranging from autism to Down syndrome and specific language impairment (Tager-Flusberg and Sullivan, 1997). Therefore, it is essential to ensure an optimal language acquisition environment in order to maximize social and adaptive behavior outcomes in children with DD. Because second language and bilingual environments are becoming increasingly common in the United States and around the world, it seems timely to offer some clinical reflections on the impact of these environments on children with developmental delays. In the normal child, full bilingualism is associated with a wide range of cognitive advantages (Diaz, 1985). The research evidence is strong enough to contend that, when possible, every normal child should have the opportunity of being exposed to 2 or more languages and that an effort should be made to preserve the home language in language-minority children. The question is whether the same conclusions should apply to the child with severe DD, in whom control of either language, let alone bilingualism, is rarely attainable. To begin answering this question, we address (1) the importance of quality of language input in determining functional linguistic outcome in the child with DD and (2) the need to secure high-quality language input for the acquisition of a second language (L2). Then, we review the DD child’s specific difficulties in acquiring L2. We conclude by offering a few clinical recommendations.
Formaldehyde Absorption Coefficients in the Vacuum Ultraviolet (650 to 1850 Angstroms)

The absorption spectrum of formaldehyde has been measured photo-electrically from 650 to 1850 angstroms. A broad continuum observed at wavelengths shorter than 1570 angstroms will be the major spectral feature contributing to the formaldehyde lifetime in the interstellar radiation field.