cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A head holder for treatment of head and neck cancers

Abstract A modified Frank Scholz head holder for immobilization of the head and neck is described and found to be reliably effective for daily radiation therapy.
A coaxial ultrasonic pneumotachometer.

A design for a coaxial ultrasonic pneumotachometer is described. The operational principles are mathematically discussed, along with detailed correction algorithms for ultrasound velocity and effective transmission path length. Empirical measurements of the response function and baseline stability of a prototype transducer are presented.
Calculating degrees of freedom for a structural equation model

(1994). Calculating degrees of freedom for a structural equation model. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 274-278.
Prospective study of predictors of vitamin D status and survival in patients with colorectal cancer

Prospective study of predictors of vitamin D status and survival in patients with colorectal cancer
Physiologic role and regulation of intratesticular sex steroids.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent advances in our understanding of the role and regulation of intratesticular androgens, and their metabolites, in human spermatogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS Over the last few years, a number of studies have been published examining intratesticular sex steroid concentrations in normal men following gonadotropin manipulation and in the setting of impaired fertility. Advances in the field have been facilitated by the availability of more sensitive and specific assays for intratesticular sex steroid quantification. High levels of intratesticular androgens are required for normal spermatogenesis in men. However, the quantitative relationship between intratesticular testosterone concentrations and male fertility is not fully understood. In the setting of impaired spermatogenesis, intratesticular metabolites of testosterone may play a role in initiating or maintaining fertility. SUMMARY Advances in the precision of androgen measurements and recent studies examining intratesticular responses to hormonal manipulation have advanced our understanding of the testicular microenvironment. These advances have set the stage for future studies in this area which will be important for moving forward male hormonal contraceptive development and furthering our understanding of male reproductive pathology. Whether 'gonadotropin-independent' intratesticular androgen synthesis plays a role in human spermatogenesis will likely be a focus of investigation in the coming years.
Optical holography in ultrasonography

Present ultrasonographic techniques produce Planigraphic views of tissue. This results in the collection of large amounts of data when serial scanning of such organs as the breast are carried out. To reduce the volume of data which must be studied and to improve localization and differential diagnosis, optical holographic reconstruction of serial ultrasonograms has been successfully performed. This type of holographic reconstruction results in a three dimensional ultrasonogram which does not suffer from superimposition of structure and makes possible, for the first time, the studies of tissue in three dimensions. Examples of holographic reconstructions will be shown.
Pattern Recognition Guidelines For Three-Dimensional Image Matching

An introduction to the computer image pattern recognition guidelines for accurately locating an object are presented in this paper. The accurate measurement of three-dimensional position requires a camera calibration process as well as the determination of corresponding image points in two images. The accuracy of the three-dimensional measurement depends upon the accuracy of the image matching solution. Since there is a variety of image matching techniques, the pattern recognition guidelines are reviewed which indicate that the optimum features are nonlinear, a posteriori probabilities of the measurements. These optimum features also maximize the trace of the between-class scatter matrix normalized by the mixture scatter matrix. However, the theoretical guidelines do not indicate how to determine simple measurement methods for the optimum features. Therefore, some experimental examples are presented which illustrate some practical solutions to the problem.
Possible changes in reflectivity of the Earth at 360 nm: 1980–2001

The new Version 8 TOMS 360 nm reflectivity time series 1980 to 1992 and 1997 to 2001 have been combined to estimate changes that have occurred over a 21-year period. The observed changes are mostly related to changes in cloud cover and aerosols, since the Earthy appears dark (2 to 6% reflectivity) at 360 nm. The relative radiance calibration of the two TOMS (Nimbus-7, N7 and Earth-Probe, EP) has been adjusted using the measured minimum reflectivity over mid-latitude ocean and land locations (±50°). The result is that the previously published N7 minimum reflectivity decreased by 0.02 and now matches the better-calibrated Earth-Probe/TOMS. Most of the local trend features seen in the N7 time series (1980 to 1992) have been continued in the combined time series, but the overall zonal average and global trends have changed. The correlation of cloud cover with solar activity (measured by the 10.7 cm solar radiation) that was present during the Nimbus-7 period (1980 to 1992) is no longer evident for the period 1980 to 2001. The key results include a continuing decrease in cloud cover over Europe and North America and an increase in reflectivity near Antarctica.
Pharmacokinetic studies of theophylline in young children with asthma

The therapeutic effect of theophylline treatment in children with obstructive lung disease is often unpredictable. One reason to that may be inter-individual differences in the rate of elimination of theophylline in children. Studies in theophylline kinetics are missing in young children. The purpose with the present study has therefore been to determine the rate and degree of absorption as well as distribution and elimination rates of theophylline in children, 2 months to 4 years of age, with obstructive pulmonary disease. Theophylline was administered in a single dose i.v. to 6 children (5-6 mg/kg) and to 23 children via rectal suppositories (Oxyphyllin®, 3.8-14.6 mg/kg) and to 9 children via rectal enema (4.1-9.2 mg/kg). Capillary blood samples were analyzed with gas liquid chromatography. Administration of theophylline in suppositories resulted in low and varying concentrations. The bioavailability was from 8 to 100 %. The individual variations in absorption rate were greater than in elimination rate. The rectal enema were almost completely absorbed. The pharmacokinetic data after i.v. administration equal those obtained by others in adults and older children. Rectal treatment should be done using enema. After an initial dose of 8.0 mg/kg, theophylline is to be given 4 times daily (6.0 mg/kg) in order to obtain constant therapeutic plasma levels. Due to the inter-individual differences in absorption and elimination and the narrow therapeutic range it is recommended that theophylline treatment is monitored by plasma concentration assays.
Notch filter and MPC for powered wheelchair operation under Parkinson's tremor

This paper considers a model predictive control (MPC) strategy for mitigating the effects of Parkinson tremors on a movement-sensing, joystick controlled battery powered wheelchair with regenerative braking to extend its range between charges. Regenerative braking transforms the wheelchair model into a (switched) hybrid system. The wheelchair is represented as a joystick controlled wheeled mobile robot (WMR) having four modes of operation, propelling and regenerative braking for each wheel. The joystick is presumed to provide velocity, orientation, and position commands. To enhance safety, velocity and acceleration saturation limits are imposed as constraints on the control activation. The paper delineates a notch filter to remove the main Parkinson's tremor followed by a model predictive control strategy to track velocity, orientation, and distance to a wall commands from the joystick. Results show significant feasible advantages for safe wheelchair operation by Parkinson's patients with tremor.
A Pair Spectrometer Using a Large Coaxial Lithium-Drifted Germanium Detector

A gamma-ray spectrometer, using a 30 cc coaxial Ge(Li) detector, which can be operated as a 3 crystal pair spectrometer at high energies and in the Compton suppression mode at low energies, provides an effective means for studying complex gamma spectra. Pair spectrometer operation enhances peak to background ratios by reducing background and eliminating single escape and full energy peaks. The peak to background ratio for the 2.614 MeV gamma of ThC" is improved by about a factor of 70 with only a factor of 7 loss of efficiency. The energy resolution (fwhm) of the spectrometer is approximately 0.5% at 1 MeV and 0.1% at 7 MeV allowing capture gamma energies to be determined to an accuracy of about 1 keV. A comparison is given of the performance of the pair spectrometer using two smaller Ge(Li) detectors (3 cc and 5 cc) and the large 30 cc detector. Capture gamma spectra of Ti and Zr are given to illustrate the performance of the spectrometer.
Unsaturated fatty acids phosphorylate and destabilize ABCA1 through a protein kinase C δ pathway

Abnormal HDL metabolism among patients with diabetes and insulin resistance may contribute to their increased risk of atherosclerosis. ABCA1 mediates the transport of cholesterol and phospholipids from cells to HDL apolipoproteins and thus modulates HDL levels and atherogenesis. Unsaturated fatty acids, which are increased in diabetes, impair the ABCA1 pathway in cultured cells by destabilizing ABCA1 protein. We previously reported that unsaturated fatty acids destabilize ABCA1 in murine macrophages and ABCA1-transfected baby hamster kidney cells by increasing its serine phosphorylation through a phospholipase D (PLD) pathway. Here, we examined the cellular pathway downstream of PLD that mediates the ABCA1-destabilizing effects of unsaturated fatty acids. The protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta)-specific inhibitor rottlerin and PKCdelta small interfering RNA completely abolished the ability of unsaturated fatty acids to inhibit lipid transport activity, to reduce protein levels, and to increase serine phosphorylation of ABCA1, implicating a role for PKCdelta in the ABCA1-destabilizing effects of fatty acids. These data indicate that unsaturated fatty acids destabilize ABCA1 by activating a PKCdelta pathway that phosphorylates ABCA1 serines.
An Evaluation of Sex Offender Residency Restriction Functioning in Town, County, and City-Wide Jurisdictions

Residency restrictions prohibit sex offenders from living within close proximity to schools and other areas where children congregate. Though widely implemented, little empirical research has yet examined where sex offenders reside in relation to schools. Using mapping software, this study examines the differential impact of residency restrictions on housing availability in town, county, and city-wide jurisdictions, and further examines distances of sex offender and comparison community member residencies in proximity to schools. Though findings reveal that residency restrictions mostly impact housing availability in urban areas, residency shortages would likely occur in rural and suburban areas as well. Moreover, although sex offenders residing in city areas tend to live closer to schools than randomly selected community members, offenders with child victims in the same area live further from schools than offenders with no child victims. Policy implications, including concerns over housing shortages, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Who is at risk for developing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following liver transplantation

Background Experimental data suggest that cytomegalovirus (CMV) initiates innate immunity through the activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). To assess the clinical relevance of this experimental observation, we assessed the association between the specific single-nucleotide polymorphism that results in the substitution of arginine for glutamine in position 753 of TLR2 (the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism) and CMV replication and disease after liver transplantation. Methods Ninety-two liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C were screened for the presence of the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism. CMV load was determined in serially collected blood samples using CMV DNA polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier estimation and univariable and multivariable stepwise Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess associations. Results The degree of CMV replication, as measured by CMV load, was significantly higher in patients who were homozygous (mean maximum viral load, 37,059 copies/mL) and heterozygous (mean maximum viral load, 29,718 copies/mL) for this polymorphism, compared with patients without the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism (mean maximum viral load, 3252 copies/mL; P = .003). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated an association between being homozygous for the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism and CMV disease (P = .04). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated a trend towards a higher risk of CMV disease among patients who were homozygous for the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism (hazard ratio, 1.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.91–3.40]; P = .08) after adjusting for patient age, CMV serostatus, and allograft rejection. Conclusions TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism is possibly associated with CMV replication and disease after liver transplantation. This novel clinical observation supports the potential role of TLR2 in the immunologic control of CMV infection in humans.
Follow-up study on the use of leg braces issued to spinal cord injury patients

A letter questionnaire was sent to 250 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with leg braces who were admitted to a VA Medical Centre from January 1978 to December 1984. There were 73 responses deemed to be complete and acceptable. Among these 73 patients, 61 were paraplegic at the thoracic level and 12 were paraplegic at the lumbar level. They were all male veterans with an average age of 53.4 years. We found only 16 patients (22%) who were still using their braces for ambulation at the time of the survey. All 16 had lesions below T9 level, and 13 had incomplete cord lesions. The remaining 57 (78%) patients were not ambulatory; 13 of these were occasionally using their braces for standing. Statistical analysis revealed that discontinued usage of braces for ambulation was not related to length of initial hospitalisation, years after injury, marital status, educational level, living arrangements, social activities, sports participation or length of initial hospitalisation; but was related to age, level and severity of injury, medical problems and dependency on activities of daily living. In view of similar experiences at other SCI centres, it is concluded that the above factors should be considered in prescribing lower extremity braces for SCI patients.
Perineurium inflammation and altered connexin isoform expression in a rat model of diabetes related peripheral neuropathy

Diabetes related peripheral neuropathy involves both somatic and autonomic nerves and leads to an array of debilitating abnormalities. Mechanisms may include decreased neuronal conductance, reactive oxygen species, and decreased performance of the perineurium blood–nerve barrier. Here we studied the perineurium characteristics of the dorsal penile nerve in a rat model of diabetes related peripheral neuropathy. Immunohistochemistry showed extensive and perineurial cell-specific nitric oxide synthase2 staining in diabetic animals as compared to age matched controls (P<0.05); however no apparent difference in immunostaining pattern was observed for 3-nitrotyrosine (a stable biomarker of peroxynitrite formation). Significant reductions in connexins 32 and 26 were seen in the diabetic perineurium with no detectable levels of connexin 43 in either control or diabetic dorsal nerve. These data provide new evidence of perineurial cell inflammatory responses and altered gap junction protein expression during diabetes related neuropathies and suggests that strategies to protect this cell type may have therapeutic value.
Two-Laser Mass Spectrometry of Thiolate, Disulfide, and Sulfide Self-Assembled Monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiolates, disulfides (RSSR+), and sulfides were studied on Au by N2 laser desorption followed by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) (118-nm) photoionization of secondary neutrals in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Dimers (RSSR+) dominated the photoionization mass spectrum from all chain lengths of alkanethiolates and disulfides studied. Nonmethyl-terminated alkanethiolates with X = (OH and COOH) were detected as dimers without loss of the terminal group. Phenyl-SAMs with X = (H, OH, OCH3, Cl, and NO2) were detected as both monomers and dimers. Thiocholesterol SAMs were detected solely as monomers. The data suggest that dimerization occurs as a result of the recombination of surface thiolates during desorption. The alkane sulfides were detected intact, but with additional monomer and dimer species present in the spectra. The appearance of dimers is not a strong function of adsorbate structure or ordering and therefore cannot be taken as evidence for or against the recently pr...
Developing CS/SE students' communication abilities through a program-wide framework

Communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and teaming, are among the most sought after by employers of recent Computer Science/Software Engineering (CS/SE) graduates. We have been conducting a project that has developed a general framework for program-level integration of communication into CS/SE education. Our framework has been developed through workshops and field evaluation of training materials (and other resources) by faculty from a wide variety of institutions under the guidance of experts in writing and communication across the curriculum. This paper discusses the current state of communication teaching in the CS/SE domain, and presents our framework and experiences for program-wide implementation of communication skills.
Predictors of trait aggression in bipolar disorder

Objectives: Although aggressive behavior has been associated with bipolar disorder (BD), it has also been linked with developmental factors and disorders frequently found to be comorbid with BD, making it unclear whether or not it represents an underlying biological disturbance intrinsic to bipolar illness. We therefore sought to identify predictors of trait aggression in a sample of adults with BD. Methods: Subjects were 100 bipolar I (n = 73) or II (n = 27) patients consecutively evaluated in the Bipolar Disorders Research Program of the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Payne Whitney Clinic. Diagnoses were established using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-I) and Cluster B sections of the SCID-II. Mood severity was rated by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Histories of childhood maltreatment were assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), while trait aggression was measured by the Brown-Goodwin Aggression Scale (BGA). Results: In univariate analyses, significant relationships were observed between total BGA scores and CTQ total (r = 0.326, p = 0.001), childhood emotional abuse (r = 0.417, p < 0.001), childhood physical abuse (r = 0.231, p = 0.024), childhood emotional neglect (r = 0.293, p = 0.004), post-traumatic stress disorder (t = −2.843, p = 0.005), substance abuse/dependence (t = −2.914, p = 0.004), antisocial personality disorder (t = −2.722, p = 0.008) and borderline personality disorder (t = −5.680, p < 0.001) as well as current HDRS (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and YMRS scores (r = 0.371, p < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regression revealed that trait aggression was significantly associated with: (i) diagnoses of comorbid borderline personality disorder (p < 0.001); (ii) depressive symptoms (p = 0.001); and (iii) manic symptoms (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Comorbid borderline personality disorder and current manic and depressive symptoms each significantly predicted trait aggression in BD, while controlling for confounding factors. The findings have implications for nosologic distinctions between bipolar and borderline personality disorders, and the developmental pathogenesis of comorbid personality disorders as predisposing to aggression in patients with BD.
New Force Field for Na Cations in Faujasite-Type Zeolites

We have developed and validated a new force field for cations in zeolites, which explicitly distinguishes Si and Al atoms, as well as different types of oxygens in the framework. Our new force field gives excellent agreement with experimental data on cation positions, site occupancies and vibrational frequencies. Energy minimizations show that Na cations in site I are not at the centers of hexagonal prisms, but rather are in one of two symmetric SI sites displaced by about 0.6 A along the [111] direction. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that most cations are immobile in Na−X and Na−Y on the MD time scale, even at 1000 K. Only Na−X cations in site III‘ exhibit diffusive motion at 1000 K, with a self-diffusivity from MD of 3.6 × 10-10 m2 s-1. The MD simulations also show that cation movement is highly correlated, composed of jumps involving at least 4 cations or more.
Relation of intelligence and religiosity to depressive disorders in offspring of depressed and nondepressed mothers.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the relation of IQ and religiosity to depressive disorders in adolescents who varied with respect to the chronicity of their mothers' depression history. Method Participants were 240 adolescents first evaluated when they were in 6th grade and then annually for 6 years. Adolescents' depressive diagnoses were assessed initially with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children and then annually with the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation for children. Results IQ, but not religiosity, moderated the relation between chronicity of maternal depression and depressive disorders in adolescents. For children of mothers with no or less chronic depression, higher IQ was associated with a lower likelihood of depression; in contrast, for children of mothers with a history of more chronic depression, higher levels of IQ were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of depression. Depressive episodes during grades 7 through 11 predicted lower religious attendance during 12th grade, controlling for prior religiosity. There also was a marginally significant trend for religious attendance in 6th grade to predict lower odds of developing depressive diagnoses during grades 7 through 12. Conclusions These results highlight the complex relation between IQ and depression and indicate the possibility of a bidirectional relation between religious attendance and adolescent depression. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 2003, 42(5):578‐586.
Coaxial Zn2GeO4@carbon nanowires directly grown on Cu foils as high-performance anodes for lithium ion batteries

A single-step chemical vapor deposition method is utilized to prepare a novel electrode structure composed of coaxial Zn2GeO4@carbon nanowires directly grown on a Cu foil current-collector (ZGO@C/Cu), and the obtained ZGO@C/Cu hybrid electrode is employed as additive-free anode in lithium ion battery studies. The ZGO@C/Cu electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1162 mA h g−1 between 0.01 and 3.0 V at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. It also shows a remarkable cycling stability and an excellent high-rate capability. At a current density of 2.0 A g−1, a stable capacity of 790 mA h g−1 is obtained without any noticeable decay over 100 cycles. Even at a high current density of 10 A g−1, a reversible capacity of 465 mA h g−1 is still obtained. The synthesis approach developed here could be utilized for the fabrication of other high-performance heterogeneous electrode structures for lithium ion battery applications.
Infection With Chlamydia pneumoniae Accelerates the Development of Atherosclerosis and Treatment With Azithromycin Prevents It in a Rabbit Model

Background — Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has been associated with atherosclerosis by serological studies and detection of bacterial antigen within plaque. We sought to evaluate a possible causal role in an animal model. Methods and Results —Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were given three separate intranasal inoculations of either C pneumoniae (n=20) or saline (n=10) at 3-week intervals and fed chow enriched with a small amount (0.25%) of cholesterol. Immediately after the final inoculation, infected and control rabbits were randomized and begun on a 7-week course of azithromycin or no therapy. Three months after the final inoculation, rabbits were euthanatized and sections of thoracic aortas were blindly evaluated microscopically for maximal intimal thickness (MIT), percentage of luminal circumference involved (PLCI), and plaque area index (PAI) of atherosclerosis. Vascular chlamydial antigen was assessed by direct immunofluorescence. MIT differed among treatment groups ( P =.009), showing an increase in infected rabbits (0.55 mm; SE=0.15 mm) compared with uninfected controls (0.16 mm; SE=0.06 mm) and with infected rabbits receiving antibiotics (0.20 mm; SE=0.03 mm) (both P <.025), whereas MIT in infected/treated versus control rabbits did not differ. PLCI also tended to differ ( P <.1) and PAI differed significantly ( P <.01) among groups with a similar pattern. Chlamydial antigen was detected in 2 untreated, 3 treated, and 0 control animals. Conclusions —Intranasal C pneumoniae infection accelerates intimal thickening in rabbits given a modestly cholesterol-enhanced diet. In addition, weekly treatment with azithromycin after infectious exposure prevents accelerated intimal thickening. These findings strengthen the etiologic link between C pneumoniae and atherosclerosis and should stimulate additional animal and human studies, including clinical antibiotic trials.
Globalization and the world city hypothesis

ABSTRACT John Friedmann's 1986 essay on ‘The world city hypothesis’ was intended as a framework for research on the relationships between urbanization processes and the new international division of labour. The essay and its conceptual underpinnings caught the imagination of human geographers, who were just beginning to appreciate the implications of a decisive shift from an international to a global world economy. Friedmann's ideas have been widely absorbed into the discourse on globalization and urban and regional change. In retrospect, his essay did not sufficiently address the dialectics of global-local dynamics, but it did anticipate most of the principal issues attached to world city development.
Analyzing overlaps in food webs

Abstract Food webs have overlaps of predator and prey species. Some structural tools found useful in the analysis of social networks are applied to the analysis of food webs. These deal with the overlaps in a natural way. Connectivity in a simplicial complex is used to discern those parts of the microstructure of a food web worthy of further attention. Measures of distinctiveness for the species in a food web are proposed. Qualitative simulations of species removal are used to explore the intergrative role of species in a food web.
Mitochondrial localization of human PANK2 and hypotheses of secondary iron accumulation in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

: Mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2) lead to pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN, formerly Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome). This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by iron accumulation in the basal ganglia. Pantothenate kinase is the first enzyme in the biosynthesis of coenzyme A from pantothenate (vitamin B5). PANK2, one of four human pantothenate kinase genes, is uniquely predicted to be targeted to mitochondria. We demonstrate mitochondrial localization of PANK2 and speculate on mechanisms of secondary iron accumulation in PKAN. Furthermore, PANK2 uses an unconventional translational start codon, CUG, which is polymorphic in the general population. The variant sequence, CAG (allele frequency: 0.05), leads to skipping of the mitochondrial targeting signal and cytosolic localization of PANK2. This common variant may cause mitochondrial dysfunction and impart susceptibility to late-onset neurodegenerative disorders with brain iron accumulation, including Parkinson's disease.
Single ventricle and subaortic obstruction

Abstract In patients with a functional single ventricle, subaortic stenosis occurs most frequently under one of two circumstances: (1) double-inlet left ventricle, which connects with a rudimentary right ventricle leading to the aorta with obstruction to ventricular outflow from narrowing of the bulboventricular foramen, the connection between the dominant left ventricle and the rudimentary right ventricle; and (2) tricuspid atresia, ventricular septal defect, and ventriculoarterial discordance with unobstructed pulmonary blood flow with subaortic obstruction from a decrease in the size of the ventricular defect. A subaortic pressure gradient may be present at birth or be acquired, especially after pulmonary artery banding or repair of aortic atresia or coarctation. Surgical treatment of subaortic obstruction is mandatory before or at the time of a modified Fontan operation.
Metabolism and biological activity of (+)- and (-)-C-1′-O-methyl aba in maize suspension-cell cultures

Abstract (+)- C -1′- O -Methyl abscisic acid is rapidly metabolized by suspension-cultured maize cells ( Zea mays L. Black Mexican Sweet) to (+)- C -1′- O -methyl phaseic acid in an analogous process as seen for ABA. The presence of a methyl ether on the 1′-position of ABA does not interfere with enzymic oxidation at the 8′-carbon. The metabolite is demethylated to yield phaseic acid. A small amount of abscisic acid is also produced by direct demethylation. The (+)- C -1′- O -methyl ABA exhibits stronger growth inhibitory activity of the maize cells than (+)-ABA, suggesting that a free C -1′-hydroxyl group is not essential for biological activity of ABA in maize. The (−)- C -1′- O -methyl ABA is metabolized to (−)-ABA and to 7′-hydroxyABA and the corresponding C -1′- O -methyl-7′-hydroxy ABA.
Insights from Applying Rigor Metric to Healthcare Incident Investigations

Eight attributes of a rigorous intelligence analysis process were identified in prior research: hypothesis exploration, information search, information validation, stance analysis, sensitivity analysis, specialist collaboration, information synthesis, and explanation critiquing. Prior findings about new insights generated by augmenting traditional healthcare investigations with human factors expertise were categorized with respect to these attributes. This exploratory work shed light on how well the attributes generalize to a different domain and inspired suggestions for increasing the process rigor of healthcare investigations.
Making new molecules — evolution of structures for novel metabolites in plants

Secondary metabolites are essential plant fitness within the natural environment by providing defense against attacking and competing organisms including bacteria, fungi, insects, animals and other plants. These compounds’ defensive function is frequently intertwined with specific accumulation in novel developmental structures. While, the biochemical community is making great strides in identifying the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that allow these chemicals to be synthesized there is vastly less progress on understanding the developmental mechanisms that is equally key to their defensive function. In this review, I briefly delve into several novel developmental structures and provide evolutionary hypothesis for how they may have evolved and how they could be unique systems for studying key developmental processes that have heretofore been recalcitrant to study.
The problem of an executive head for english municipalities

The intensely democratic system of English municipal administration lodges great power in council committees, but neither the committees nor their administrative agents are subject to centralized control such as ia found in private business and the city manager plan.
High-temperature deformation of a polycrystalline alumina containing an intergranular glass phase

The high-temperature creep and flexural deformation of a model alumina-glass ceramic is reported over the temperature range in which the glass phase softens (from a viscosity of ~107 to ~103 P). Under both loading conditions the deformation is accompanied by extensive cavitational damage throughout the material. The cavitation is inhomogeneously distributed and at high stresses can be localized into bands. In addition, crack propagation at high temperature results in the formation of a cavitational zone on either side of the fracture and measurements of its size are presented as a function of deformation temperature. On the basis of the microstructural observations of the deformed material, the sequence by which isolated cavities grow and link up prior to failure, is described.
Hypokalemic Alkalosis and Edema with Increased Desoxycorticosterone Excretion

A case of hypovolemia, hypotension resistant to angiotensin II, hypokalemic alkalosis and increased urinary excretion of desoxycorticosterone is described. This syndrome has not been reported previously in man. Results of potassium and sodium balance studies and responses to adrenal inhibition and pituitary suppression in this patient suggest that the adrenal abnormality may be secondary to an underlying vascular disturbance. The hypokalemic alkalosis appears to have resulted from zesoxycorticosterone excess in the presence of normal amounts of aldosterone.
Piecewise optimal linearization method for nonlinear stochastic differential equations

A method for estimating the dynamical statistical properties of the solutions of nonlinear Langevin-type stochastic differential equations is presented. The non-linear equation is linearized within a small interval of the independent variable and statistical properties are expressed analytically within the interval. The linearization procedure is optimal in the sense of the Chebyshev inequality. Long-term behavior of the solution process is obtained by appropriately matching the approximate solutions at the boundaries between intervals. The method is applied to a model nonlinear equation for which the exact time-dependent moments can be obtained by numerical methods. The calculations demonstrate that the method represents a significant improvement over the method of statistical linearization in time regimes far from equilibrium.
Towards efficient octave-spanning comb with micro-structured crystalline resonator

Optical frequency combs, typically produced by mode locked lasers, have revolutionized many applications in science and technology. Frequency combs were recently generated by micro resonators through nonlinear Kerr processes. However, the comb span from micro resonators was found to be limited by resonator dispersion and mode spectrum. While dispersion engineering has been reported in on-chip devices, monolithic crystalline resonators offer an advantage of high optical quality factor. Moreover, most resonators used for comb generation support many mode families, leading to unavoidable crossings in resonator spectrum. Such crossings strongly influence comb dynamics and may prevent stable coherent mode-locking and soliton states. We report a new crystalline resonator approach supporting dispersion control and single mode spectrum while maintaining high quality factor. Dispersion engineering by waveguide micro-structuring is used to flatten the dispersion in our MgF2 resonator. Both absolute magnitude of dispersion and its slopes can be altered over a wavelength span exceeding an octave. Dispersion flattening leads to generation of an octave-spanning frequency comb with repetition rate of 46 GHz and coupled pump power below 100 mW. We also demonstrate that the micro- structuring dispersion engineering approach can be used to achieve flattened and anomalous dispersion in a CaF2 resonator near 1550 nm wavelength. In addition, we describe observation of discrete steps between the modulation instability states of the primary comb and on the three-stage comb unfolding dynamics. The micro-structured resonators may enable efficient low repetition rate coherent octave spanning frequency combs without external broadening, ideal for applications in optical frequency synthesis, metrology, spectroscopy, and communications.
Achieving angle-insensitive spectrum filter with the slit nanoresonator array structure

The spectrum filtering behavior of the slit nanoresonator array structure is based on the coupling between the slit resonance and the Wood’s anomaly of grating array, and therefore has angle dependence, which is not desirable for some applications. To achieve an angle-insensitive spectrum filter, such a coupling should be disrupted. We show that reducing the period of the slit array helps decouple these two resonances. Additionally, by enhancing the light confinement inside the slits through either shrinking the slit width or filling the slits with a high-index medium, a narrow transmission peak is maintained at a small period so that an angle-insensitive spectrum filter is achieved.
Changes in alcohol consumption: United States, 2001-2002 to 2012-2013

Abstract Background Documenting changes in alcohol consumption is critical for assessing future health service and alcohol treatment needs, evaluating efforts to modify drinking behavior and understanding the impact of shifting demographics and social norms. For the period since 2000, published data on drinking trends have been scarce and inconsistent. Methods Using data from two large, nationally representative surveys of U.S. adults (2001–2002 and 2012–2013) that contained virtually identical questions on consumption, we assessed differences by period in the prevalence of drinking, volume of intake, frequency of drinking and prevalence of ≥monthly heavy episodic drinking (HED) and determined whether changes in consumption were consistent across beverage types and in population subgroups. Results Between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013, the prevalence of drinking increased, as did volume and frequency of drinking and prevalence of ≥monthly HED among drinkers. Increases were greater for women than men for all measures and smaller among the formerly married for consumption among drinkers. The increase in overall drinking prevalence was magnified among all race-ethnic minorities, whereas the increase in ≥monthly HED was magnified only among Blacks (all relative to Whites). Conclusions Our findings are suggestive of a “wetter” drinking climate in 2012–2013 than in 2001–2002, indicating the need for continued and expanded efforts to prevent chronic and episodic heavy alcohol consumption. Given the across-the-board increases in alcohol consumption in recent years, policy efforts that address drinking at the population level are supported, even if specific drinking behaviors and subgroups of drinkers are additionally targeted for individualized approaches.
Early use of low dose intrapleural urokinase in pediatric parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema. 1941

Early use of low dose intrapleural urokinase in pediatric parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema. 1941
Impact of dose selection on parameter estimation using a rapid binding approximation model of target-mediated drug disposition

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of dose selection on population pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter estimation using a rapid binding approximation of a target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) model previously developed for interferon-β (IFN-β). A total of 50 replicate datasets each containing 100 subjects were created using NONMEM®. The study design included IV injection of IFN-β followed by the SC route in a crossover manner, with each dose and route of administration separated by a 1,000 h washout period. Serial plasma PK samples were simulated up to 48 h for all subjects following each dose. Population mean PK parameters were re-estimated in NONMEM® for each simulated dataset using the same TMDD model after including the following doses (MIU/kg): (A) 1, 3 and 10 (original study); (B) 1, 3 and 7; (C) 1, 3 and 5; (D) 1, 3 and 4; (E) 1 and 3; (F) 3 and 10; or (G) 10 MIU/kg only. Bias in the model fit was assessed by calculating the percent prediction error (PE%) for each of the population mean PK parameters relative to the estimates obtained from the fit to the 1, 3, and 10 MIU/kg doses (Case A). Relatively unbiased population mean PK parameter estimates (median PE% <8%) were obtained only when the study design included 1, 3 and a minimum higher dose of 7 MIU/kg. Bias increased for various parameters when the highest dose was less than 7 MIU/kg along with 1 and 3 MIU/kg being the low and intermediate dose levels. An increase in the bias for binding capacity, Rtot, and the equilibrium dissociation constant, KD, was observed as the highest dose included in the dataset was reduced from 5 to 3 MIU/kg (median PE% ranged from −4.71 to −23.9% and −4.76 to −34.6%). Similar increases in the range of median PE% were also observed for other model parameters as the highest dose was reduced from 5 to 3 MIU/kg. Severely biased results were obtained from the study design that included only the 10 MIU/kg dose (Case G) suggesting that it is not sufficient to study just a high dose group. This bias was greatly reduced (median PE% <14%) for all parameters except KD when the 3 and 10 MIU/kg doses were co-modeled (Case F). Plots of the PE% for Rtot and KD versus the molar ratio of maximum dose to Rtot suggest that study designs should evaluate at least one IFN-β dose 3.5- to 4-fold higher than Rtot along with the 1 and 3 MIU/kg dose levels to obtain unbiased population PK parameter estimates. In summary, for the IFN-β model and study design, dose selection influences the ability to generate relatively unbiased population mean TMDD parameter estimates, which is based on maximum dose levels relative to Rtot. This simulation study highlights the role of dose selection in optimal study design strategies for drugs such as IFN-β that exhibit TMDD properties.
The Cbl phosphotyrosine-binding domain selects a D(N/D)XpY motif and binds to the Tyr292 negative regulatory phosphorylation site of ZAP-70

The Cbl protooncogene product has emerged as a novel negative regulator of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases through currently undefined mechanisms. Therefore, determining how Cbl physically interacts with tyrosine kinases is of substantial interest. We recently identified a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain residing within the N-terminal transforming region of Cbl (Cbl-N), which mediated direct binding to ZAP-70 tyrosine kinase. Here, we have screened a degenerate phosphopeptide library and show that the Cbl-PTB domain selects a D(N/D)XpY motif, reminiscent of but distinct from the NPXpY motif recognized by the PTB domains of Shc and IRS-1/2. A phosphopeptide predicted by this motif and corresponding to the in vivo negative regulatory phosphorylation site of ZAP-70 (Tyr(P)292) specifically inhibited binding of ZAP-70 to Cbl-N. A ZAP-70/Y292F mutant failed to bind to Cbl-N, whereas a D290A mutant resulted in a 64% decrease in binding, confirming the importance of the Tyr(P) and Y-2 residues in Cbl-PTB domain recognition. Finally the ZAP-70/Y292F mutant also failed to associate with Cbl-N or full-length Cbl in vivo. These results identify a potential Cbl-PTB domain-dependent role for Cbl in the negative regulation of ZAP-70 and predict potential Cbl-PTB domain binding sites on other protein tyrosine kinases known to interact with Cbl.
Visual cortex responses to abrupt changes in the periodicity of rapidly intermittent light.

Abstract Visually evoked potentials that are stimulated by period-jumps in a high-frequency modulated luminance have been detected and studied experimentally in monkeys. The visual responses are shown quantitatively by a Principal Components analysis to depend remarkably simply, in shape and in amplitude, on the period-jump stimulus. The response shape is nearly invariant, except that the early part of the response shows a distinctive (though slight) dependence on the sign of the period-jump. The response amplitude is approximately proportional to the magnitude of the period-jump of a given polarity. These features of the evoked potentials demonstrate an intimate association with a suprafusion transient phenomenon that has been observed psychophysically in man. The experimental behavior of the visual potentials also agress well with theoretical predictions.
Absence of suppressible alleles at the his 1 locus of yeast

No suppressible alleles have been found at the his1 locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Seventeen noncomplementing alleles have been tested against the strong ochre suppressor SUP2. These alleles, plus an additional 34 complementing alleles, were previously tested against a weaker suppressor SUP11. These results, which are in marked contrast to experience with other yeast loci where suppressible alleles are frequent, may be explained if the his1 product is transcribed from a polycistronic message so that nonsense mutations lead to loss of a second nonsupplementable function, or if the his1 protein serves as an essential subunit for an unknown enzyme complex.
Consistency of Self-Reported Sexual Behavior in Surveys

Accurate data on sexual behavior have become increasingly important for demographers and epidemiologists, but self-reported data are widely regarded as unreliable. We examined the consistency in the number of sexual partners reported by participants in seven population-based surveys of adults in the U.S. Differences between studies were quite modest and much smaller than those associated with demographic attributes. Surprisingly, the mode of survey administration did not appear to influence disclosure when the questions were similar. We conclude that there is more consistency in sexual partnership reporting than is commonly believed.
Evaluation of Micro-EDM Milling Performance Using Pulse Discrimination

In this paper, the pulse discrimination of gap voltage and discharge current waveforms occurring during micro-EDM milling of micro-channels is analyzed in relation to process parameters variation and machining performance. The pulse classification algorithm discriminates voltage and current waveforms into four defined pulse types: short, arc, delayed and normal. The micro-channels are manufactured in hardened steel using an energy level corresponding to the finishing regime and varying pulse width, frequency, gain and gap. The analysis shows that when the erosion process is stable, normal discharges are predominant. Delayed and short pulses are very sporadic. A major number of arcs can be detected when the gap is decreased and gain increased, i.e. erosion speed and feed rate are increased and affect in particular tool wear. Also the increase of the pulse width has an effect on tool wear, though the percentage of the arcs remains small. On the contrary, material removal rate does not seem to be apparently related to the percentage of arcs as the process parameters are varied, since these values are spread in a constant range for all parameter combinations. The evaluation of the depth errors does not provide any significant insights about the erosion process in relation to the considered process parameters.© 2014 ASME
Imagining Our Ancient Future

Gere explores how Arthur Evans's often-fanciful interpretations of Minoan civilization (as pacifist, matriarchal, and sexually free), religion, and architecture influenced 20th-century European writers, artists, and intellectuals.