cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral vectored granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor inhibits vaccine protection in an SIV challenge model: protection correlates with neutralizing antibody.

In a previous vaccine study, we reported significant and apparently sterilizing immunity to high-dose, mucosal, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) quasi-species challenge [27]. The vaccine consisted of vectors based on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) gag and env genes, a boost with propagating replicon particles expressing the same SIV genes, and a second boost with VSV-based vectors. Concurrent with that published study we had a parallel group of macaques given the same doses of vaccine vectors, but in addition, we included a third VSV vector expressing rhesus macaque GM-CSF in the priming immunization only. We report here that addition of the vector expressing GM-CSF did not enhance CD8 T cell or antibody responses to SIV antigens, and almost completely abolished the vaccine protection against high-dose mucosal challenge with SIV. Expression of GM-CSF may have limited vector replication excessively in the macaque model. Our results suggest caution in the use of GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant, especially when expressed by a viral vector. Combining vaccine group animals from this study and the previous study we found that there was a marginal but significant positive correlation between the neutralizing antibody to a neutralization resistant SIV Env and protection from infection.
University Entrepreneurship May Be Failing Its Market Test

of industry “best practices” to improve the performance of any organization, including how to improve the innovative capacity of a profit-seeking firm. For the uninitiated, this concept is as simple as its name suggests. To improve your company’s performance, you look for the organization that does something better than everyone else and then copy it. If Procter & Gamble runs its packing line better than you do, by all means, copy its practice. Such thinking may be a reason we are concerned about the slowing rate of innovation in America. If today’s best practice is the standard for emulating, do any firms feel comfortable out on some “better than best” frontier? The very notion of “best practices” suggests the acceptance of a grand average. Except, of course, for those firms that are deemed the best practitioners of “innovation.” In a recent book, Inside Real Innovation, Gene Fitzgerald and Andreas Wankerl and I argue that most older and larger firms forget how to innovate, a finding suggested long ago by Max Weber. Perhaps this is why we have, over the last three decades, intuitively embraced entrepreneurship as a way to bring more innovation to our economy. Indeed, as I have detailed elsewhere, it was the resurgence of entrepreneurial capitalism in the 1980s that got us out of the prolonged recession that characterized the Carter years. But the word “entrepreneurship” is beginning to sound a little like the concept of best practices—a phrase that is valued for its inchoate sense of being logical and a self-evidently valuable pursuit. What we mean when we speak of entrepreneurship appears to evade definition. Of course, entrepreneurship is connected to creating new profit-seeking firms. That’s what might be called the conventional or
Psychogenic Seizures and Other Nonepileptic Paroxysmal Events in Children

Abstract The differential diagnosis of nonepileptic paroxysmal disorders is very broad in children and adolescents, spanning a wide variety of physiologic, organic, and behavioral conditions. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are the most common psychiatric disorder, but rage and panic attacks may also occur. Other conditions mimicking seizures in children include nonepileptic staring and inattention, stereotyped mannerisms, arousals, hypnic jerks, parasomnias, tics, shuddering attacks, and gastroesophageal reflux with posturing or laryngospasm. Video-EEG monitoring is critical to diagnosis. PNES may be seen in boys or girls as young as 5 or 6 years of age, becoming more common during adolescence when a female predominance first emerges. PNES typically manifest in pediatric patients as episodes of quiet unresponsiveness or as motor events with head and limb movements. Critical to the treatment of PNES in children and adolescents is an accurate, incontrovertible diagnosis based on video-EEG, presented with empathy and confidence. Mood disorders or other psychiatric conditions and severe environmental stress, especially sexual or physical abuse and family dysfunction, must be considered in every case. Acute psychiatric intervention is important to address underlying emotional and environmental conditions and to help the patient learn new coping skills. Prognosis for cessation of PNES appears to be more favorable in children and adolescents than in adults, with 81% of pediatric patients free of events by 3 years after video-EEG diagnosis.
Silver nanoparticle-assisted diffusion brazing of 3003 Al alloy for microchannel applications

Abstract In the current study, we investigated the effect of braze filler particle size and various processing parameters on vacuum diffusion brazing of thin foils of 3003 Al using a Ag nanoparticle (AgNPs) interlayer. All samples were brazed at 550 °C and 570 °C at heating rates of 5 °C/min and 25 °C/min under a pressure of 1 MPa. Differential scanning calorimetric results, involving 5 nm AgNPs, showed significant reduction in phase transformation temperature. Microstructures of brazed cross-sections revealed that nanoparticles aid formation of the joint at temperatures below the Al–Ag eutectic temperature of 567 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis of the interface showed the presence of δ-phase (Ag 2 Al) and μ-phase (Ag 3 Al). This was confirmed with energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis. A tensile strength of 69.7 MPa was achieved for a sample brazed at 570 °C with an interlayer of approximately 7 μm in thickness.
Near-Infrared Optical Imaging of the Breast with Model-Based Reconstruction

Abstract Rationale and Objectives Near-infrared diffuse optical imaging may offer enhanced contrast resolution over that of the existing technologies for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. The authors report quantitative absorption and scattering images of the human breast with model-based reconstruction methods using near-infrared continuous-wave tomographic data. Materials and Methods An automatic, multichannel optical imaging system was used to image the breasts of nine women: four with infiltrating ductal carcinomas, one with infiltrating lobular carcinoma, one with fibroadenoma, and three control subjects with no breast lesion. The image reconstruction methods are centered on the finite element solution of photon diffusion in breast tissue. Results Substantial contrast between tumor and adjacent parenchyma was observed. Images of the control subjects showed homogeneous optical features. In the six women with breast lesions, the locations and sizes of tumors imaged optically were accurate and consistent with the mammographic findings. Conclusion The results of this pilot study show that cancers as small as 5 mm can be quantitatively imaged. In addition, preliminary data from the scattering images suggest that benign and malignant tumors can be noninvasively differentiated with optical imaging.
Depletion of CD4+ Cells Exacerbates the Cutaneous Response to Acute and Chronic UVB Exposure

Solid organ transplant recipients have a 60-250-fold increased likelihood of developing sunlight-induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared with the general population. This increased risk is linked to the immunosuppressive drugs taken by these patients to modulate T cell function, thus preventing organ rejection. To determine the importance of T cells in the development of cutaneous SCC, we examined the effects of selectively depleting Skh-1 mice of systemic CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, using monoclonal antibodies, on ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced inflammation and tumor development. Decreases in systemic CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells significantly increased and prolonged the acute UVB-induced cutaneous inflammatory response, as measured by neutrophil influx, myeloperoxidase activity, and prostaglandin E2 levels. Significantly more p53+ keratinocytes were observed in UVB-exposed CD4-depleted than in CD4-replete mice, and this difference was abrogated in mice depleted of neutrophils before UVB exposure. Increased acute inflammation was associated with significantly increased tumor numbers in CD4-depleted mice chronically exposed to UVB. Furthermore, topical treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib significantly decreased tumor numbers in both CD4-replete and CD4-depleted mice. Our findings suggest that CD4+ T cells play an important role in modulating both the acute inflammatory and the chronic carcinogenic response of the skin to UVB.
“Chemical shifts of the μ+” - A comment

Abstract Correction of an error in the paper of the above title reduces the calculated difference of chemical shift between μ + and proton by 2√2. The possibility of reducing the chemical-correction uncertainty in muon moment measurements is discussed.
Cysteine-3635 is responsible for skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor modulation by NO

We have shown previously that at physiologically relevant oxygen tension (pO(2) approximately 10 mmHg), NO S-nitrosylates 1 of approximately 50 free cysteines per ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) subunit and transduces a calcium-sensitizing effect on the channel by means of calmodulin (CaM). It has been suggested that cysteine-3635 is part of a CaM-binding domain, and its reactivity is attenuated by CaM [Porter Moore, C., Zhang, J. Z., Hamilton, S. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 36831-36834]. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of NO was mediated by C3635. The full-length RyR1 single-site C3635A mutant was generated and expressed in HEK293 cells. The mutation resulted in the loss of CaM-dependent NO modulation of channel activity and reduced S-nitrosylation by NO to background levels but did not affect NO-independent channel modulation by CaM or the redox sensitivity of the channel to O(2) and glutathione. Our results reveal that different cysteines within the channel have been adapted to serve in nitrosative and oxidative responses, and that S-nitrosylation of the cysteine-containing CaM-binding domain underlies the mechanism of CaM-dependent regulation of RyR1 by NO.
Crassulacean acid metabolism in Isoetes bolanderi in high elevation oligotrophic lakes.

Isoetes bolanderi dominates the littoral flora of Siesta (elevation 2,440 m) and Ellery (2,905 m) lakes in the Sierra Nevada Range of California, USA. Both lakes are sparesly vegetated and I. bolanderi maintained aboveground oven dry weight of 30-50 m-22 through most of the 1981 summer growing season. Plants at the higher elevation Ellery Lake were half as large as plants at Siesta Lake and had substantially more biomass in corms. Titratable acidity levels in Isoetes leaves showed a diurnal fluctuation <50 μeq g1 fresh weight early in the season at the highest elevation site but this increased to ∼300 μeq g1 FW by mid-summer; starch and chlorophyll levels likewise increased in the leaves over this time. Throughout the season the magnitude of the diurnal acid change was comparable inIsoetes from both lakes but the dynamics of daytime deacidification were not. Averaged over the season, total daytime deacidification at Ellery Lake was 65% complete by noon whereas at Siesta Lake it was only 22% complete by noon. It is suggested that this may be related to the fact that Siesta Lake was more acidic and thus more carbon was in the form of free CO2. In both lakes water chemistry showed no consistent diurnal fluctuation in pH or free CO2 though total inorganic carbon levels were at the extreme low end for aquatic habitats. The studies reported here suggest that under extremely low inorganic carbon levels there may be selection for nighttime CO2 assimilation. Consistent with this hypothesis is the observation that emergent I. bolanderi plants, resulting from fluctuating water levels, initiated leaves with stomata(unlike adjacent submerged plants) and, although these leaves had substantially higher chlorophyll levels, they showed an order of magnitude less acid fluctuation than submerged leaves.
Split-spectrum processing with finite impulse response filters of constant frequency-to-bandwidth ratio

Abstract A limitation to the ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation of materials with coarse structure is the poor signal-to-noise ratio caused by backscattering noise. Split spectrum signal processing, based on the decomposition of the ultrasonic signal by multiple narrow-band filtering, has been proved efficient for the suppresion of such noise. Its application, however, has been limited by the long processing time of the filtering process which uses discrete Fourier transforms. Here a new decomposition method is presented, based on finite impulse response filters of constant frequency-to-bandwidth ratio. This method is more efficient for split-spectrum processing of ultrasonic signals having wide frequency bandwidths or long time duration, and could be implemented in real-time with tapped delay lines. The choice of the optimal processing parameters is discussed theoretically and experimentally verified on ultrasonic data obtained from austenitic steel and graphite-epoxy samples.
Comparative accuracy of value solutions in non-sidepayment games with empty core

This article reports a test of the predictive accuracy of solution concepts in cooperative non-sidepayment n-person games with empty core. Six solutions were tested. Three of these were value solutions (i.e., λ-transfer value, λ-transfer nucleolus, and λ-transfer disruption value) and three were equilibrium solutions (deterrence set, stable set, and imputation set). The test was based on a laboratory experiment utilizing 5-person, 2-choice normal form games with empty core; other related data sets were also analyzed. Goodness-of-fit results based on discrepancy scores show that the three value solutions are about equally accurate in predicting outcomes, and that all three are substantially more accurate than the other solutions tested.
Progenitor cell capacity of NeuroD1‐expressing globose basal cells in the mouse olfactory epithelium

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor NeuroD1 is expressed in embryonic and adult mouse olfactory epithelium (OE), as well as during epithelial regeneration, suggesting that it plays an important role in olfactory neurogenesis. We characterized NEUROD1-expressing progenitors, determined their progeny in the adult OE, and identified a subtle phenotype in ΔNeuroD1-knockout mice. All olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) derive from a NeuroD1-expressing progenitor as shown by recombination-mediated lineage tracing, as do other sensory receptors of the nose, including vomeronasal, nasal septal, and Grunenberg ganglion neurons. NEUROD1-expressing cells are found among the globose basal cell population: they are actively proliferating and frequently coexpress Neurog1, but not the transit amplifying cell marker MASH1, nor the neuronal marker NCAM. As a consequence, NEUROD1-expressing globose basal cells are best classified as immediate neuronal precursors. In adolescent ΔNeuroD1-LacZ knock-in null mice the OE displays subtle abnormalities, as compared to wildtype and heterozygous littermates. In some areas of the OE, mature neurons are absent, or sparse, although those same areas retain immature OSNs and LacZ-expressing progenitors, albeit both of these populations are smaller than expected. Our results support the conclusion that most, if not all, nasal chemosensory neurons derive from NeuroD1-expressing globose basal cells of the immediate neuronal precursor variety. Moreover, elimination of NeuroD1 by gene knockout, while it does not disrupt initial OSN differentiation, does compromise the integrity of parts of the olfactory epithelium by altering proliferation, neuronal differentiation, or neuronal survival there.
Institutional and Student Factors and Their Influence on Advanced Mathematics Achievement.

The author examined advanced mathematics achievement with 1,839 students from 162 schools. The data were obtained from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study Population 3 cohort; the author used hierarchical (multilevel) linear modeling to examine student- and school-level factors. Even within the advanced mathematics cohort, gender and economic disparities existed, but the magnitude of these disparities varied from school to school. Average parent education was observed to be associated with the magnitude of the coefficient for attitude toward mathematics on achievement. The more a student believed that success in mathematics was caused by natural ability, the higher the score on the test. Finally, resources, school size, and average parent education were significantly associated with school mean achievement in advanced mathematics.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition at a conifer forest: response of free amino acids in Engelmann spruce needles

Abstract Recent increases of nitrogen (N) deposition to forest ecosystems have had a variety of effects on plant species including mineral imbalance, growth disturbance and the accumulation of foliar-free amino acids. The purpose of this study was to determine the existence and degree of correlation between variable atmospheric nitrogen deposition and the concentrations of foliar free amino acids in Engelmann spruce ( Picea engelmannii ). Needle samples were collected during July and August of 1996 from a site in the Colorado Rocky Mountains that has large diurnal variations in atmospheric nitrogen deposition and receives approximately 4–8 kg N ha −1 year −1 total deposition. Amino acid concentrations were quantified with foliar % N also determined. Atmospheric nitrogen concentrations of gaseous HNO 3 and NH 3 , as well as particulate NH 4 + and NO 3 − , were determined simultaneously with needle sampling, and were subsequently converted to atmospheric N flux estimates. Foliar concentrations of arginine (July intensive) and glutamic acid (August intensive) in adult trees showed strong positive correlations with variations in atmospheric N flux, dominated by nitric acid, after a 4 ±2 h time delay. The results of this study support previous work that suggest that arginine may serve as an indicator of atmospheric N deposition. More importantly, however, this study has shown that foliar amino acid responses to atmospheric N flux (especially arginine) may occur after approximately a 4±2 h time delay.
Update in management of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infection.

Purpose of reviewThe present review summarizes recent developments in pathogenesis, prevention, and management of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infection.Recent findingsBasic science advances include reports of new resistance mutations and multidrug resistance. Innovative studies of the host
Localization and quantification of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor in the human cornea.

α-1-Proteinase inhibitor, formerly called α-1-antitrypsin, was detected in human corneal epithelium, stroma, Descemet's membrane and endothelium using an indirect immunolocalization technique. The average α-1-proteinase inhibitor levels detected by an immunodot blot assay in the epithelium, stroma and Descemet's membrane-endothelium extracts per total human cornea were 29.5 μg, 54.3 μg and 3.5 μg, respectively. Immunolocalization on Western blots of SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels revealed that all three layers contained a molecule with a molecular weight equal to the native α-1-proteinase inhibitor. Additionally, in the epithelial and stromal extracts minor bands at 75 kD and 110 kD were noted which are possibly due to complexes with proteases. The 110 kD band alternatively may be a dimer of the inhibitor. The epithelial extract contained bands at 40 kd and <30 kD indicating the presence of proteolysis products. a-1-Proteinase inhibitor probably plays a major role in the protection of the cornea ...
A woman's heart

Adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with breast cancer may contribute to the expression of underlying cardiovascular disease or expose the heart to additional toxicities. Tamoxifen remains an important component of endocrine therapy for breast cancer, although major clinical trials of the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane suggest that these agents are more effective and better tolerated alternatives to tamoxifen. The AIs inhibit the conversion of androgens to estrogen in postmenopausal women; consequently, their mechanism of action differs from that of tamoxifen. Accordingly, although it has been observed that tamoxifen has some favorable effects on cardiovascular risk, such as reducing total cholesterol levels, because of its partial estrogen-agonist properties, no such effects exist for the AIs. Some studies, particularly those that compare the AIs with tamoxifen, have suggested a less favorable impact of adjuvant AI therapy on cardiovascular risk. Comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease, emerge as competing causes of death as women with breast cancer continue to live longer, and the potential impact of adjuvant therapies on cardiovascular risk becomes an increasingly important consideration for clinicians. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Integration of Recognition Elements with Macromolecular Scaffolds: Effects on Polymer Self-Assembly in the Solid State

Polystyrene scaffolds were grafted with model functionalities featuring strongly interacting hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking elements. Both glass transition temperatures and degree of microphase separation in functionalized block copolymers depend on the nature of the functionality and in particular on the strength of intermolecular interactions. The polymers under study were amorphous; it was found, however, that domain periodicities of functionalized diblock copolymers in the microphase-separated state are extremely sensitive to local interactions between functionalities and can express even subtle differences in interaction strength. The results emphasize the ability to fine-tune polymer microstructure and thermomechanical behavior using supramolecular chemistry.
The role of tactile feedback in grip force during laparoscopic training tasks.

Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized surgical care by reducing trauma to the patient, thereby decreasing the need for medication and shortening recovery times. During open procedures, surgeons can directly feel tissue characteristics. However, in laparoscopic surgery, tactile feedback during grip is attenuated and limited to the resistance felt in the tool handle. Excessive grip force during laparoscopic surgery can lead to tissue damage. Providing additional supplementary tactile feedback may allow subjects to have better control of grip force and identification of tissue characteristics, potentially decreasing the learning curve associated with complex minimally invasive techniques. A tactile feedback system has been developed and integrated into a modified laparoscopic grasper that allows forces applied at the grasper tips to be felt by the surgeon’s hands. In this study, 15 subjects (11 novices, 4 experts) were asked to perform single-handed peg transfers using these laparoscopic graspers in three trials (feedback OFF, ON, OFF). Peak and average grip forces (newtons) during each grip event were measured and compared using a Wilcoxon ranked test in which each subject served as his or her own control. After activating the tactile feedback system, the novice subject population showed significant decreases in grip force (p 0.05 in all cases). Supplementary tactile feedback helped novice subjects reduce grip force during the laparoscopic training task but did not offer improvements for the four expert subjects. This indicates that tactile feedback may be beneficial for laparoscopic training but has limited long-term use in the nonrobotic setting.
Rewiring the wheat reproductive system to harness heterosis for the next wave of yield improvement.

Bread wheat (hexaploid Triticum aestivum) provides an extraordinary 10,000-y story of a new species, established by early farmers, selecting for simple agronomical traits to facilitate efficient and plentiful grain harvest. The genetic changes underlying wheat domestication over thousands of years, however, included not just a collection of beneficial single gene mutations, but also introgressions and whole genome duplication. The hexaploidization event occurred spontaneously in nature, but the resulting wild species did not survive; it is known only in its domesticated form. Evolutionary bottleneck(s) reduced genetic variation of the species, and it was introduced broadly outside its native geographical range and habitat. Nevertheless, modern breeding programs delivered high-yield elite cultivars, which are planted in most major wheat-producing areas of the world. In the face of quickly declining arable land expansion and challenges from climate change, the following question arises: where can we find the next wave of increase in yield and global production of wheat? In PNAS, Kempe et al. (1) describe molecular engineering of an elegant male sterility–fertility restoration system for the exploration of heterosis (hybrid plant vigor) in wheat. In the future, this system could facilitate introduction of hybrid seeds on a large scale.
GENETIC PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH GROWTH VARIABILITY IN PONDEROSA PINE

Variability in annual growth increment in Pinus ponderosa was measured and heterozygosity level estimated in order to examine the relationship between genetic heterozygosity and phenotypic homeostasis in natural populations of a long-lived perennial plant. Pollen was collected from 190 ponderosa pine trees in the upper montane region of the Front Range in Colorado and four isozyme systems were resolved electrophoretically from these samples. Each tree was cored, aged, and each annual ring width measured. Statistics estimating within-tree variation in growth increment were then related to heterozygosity levels. The results indicated a significant positive association between level of heterozygosity and growth variability. Two speculations are offered to account for this relationship. THE EXAMINATION of phenotypic variation in natural populations has been a long-standing interest among evolutionary biologists while a more recent emphasis on protein variation within populations has raised interest in any patterns of association between these two types of variation. Lerner (1954) proposed that lower levels of within-individual phenotypic variance should be expected in individuals with
D-fructose-1,6-diphosphatase-AMP binding measurements using a nucleotide selective enzyme electrode

Abstract A newly developed AMP selective enzyme electrode has been used to make direct binding measurements of the allosteric interaction between AMP and D-fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (E.C. No. 3.1.3.11). The proposed technique is based upon the ability of the enzyme electrode to distinguish between free and bound nucleotide. D-fructose-1,6-diphosphatase from rabbit muscle was found to have four binding sites for AMP with an average binding constant of 9 × 104 M −1. The advantages of a direct electrode method for determining nucleotide binding constants are discussed.
Identification of bison consumer characteristic dimensions and restaurant marketing strategies

The number of bison raised in the United States is increasing. Potential markets need to be identified and promotional efforts enhanced to maintain prices and profitability in this growing industry. However, very little research regarding domestic bison marketing has been performed. This article reports on the identification of consumer characteristic dimensions and marketing strategies for restaurants selling bison meat. Bison taste tests were performed and results are provided to assist restauranteurs in developing bison marketing strategies and product promotion. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Trends in Graduate Training in Social Psychology: Training Social Psychology's Trainers

We examine social psychology graduate training in the United States by analyzing the faculty members in doctoral degree-granting programs, using archival sources. About 500 full-time faculty work in the 105 social psychology doctoral programs in the United States. These faculty hold Ph.D.'s from 74 different U.S. (and 11 non-U.S.) social psychology programs, with a median degree receipt date of 1983. Increasing numbers of women faculty attain positions in doctoral programs in social psychology; in our sample, 48% of women received Ph.D.'s after 1990, compared to 30% for men. We examine 29 programs that provided 2 or more training faculty, from 1950–1990 and 1991–2004. The data demonstrate both stability and change in graduate training—programs that produced the majority of graduate trainers during the post-WWII period continue to produce new graduate trainers (ρ = .40, p < .05), though the creation of graduate trainers currently spreads across a larger array of programs. Average GRE scores of a training p...
Optical Theorem and Electronic States in Disordered Transition Metals

In disordered systems, apparently reasonable decoupling procedures can lead to negative densities of electronic states near resonant $d$ bands. By applying the optical theorem to the multiple-scattering series we can determine a prior whether a given decoupling will necessarily yield positive results. Since none of the extensions of the coherent-potential approximation to amorphous systems is found to meet this requirement, we propose a new scheme which is both self-consistent and guaranteed to give a positive spectrum.
How the NICU environment sounds to a preterm infant: update.

Purpose To replicate a previously published descriptive study of sound levels in the NICU. Study design and methods A descriptive study of nursery ambient sound levels and sound levels associated with nursery equipment and care activities was conducted in a Level III NICU. Measurements were obtained using a sound level meter and evaluated in light of previous findings. Results Contrasted with 16 years ago, room sound levels were reduced; however sound levels associated with caregiving, equipment, and activities continue to be high. Clinical implications Sound levels continue to be a clinical challenge for NICU nurses. This study suggests some modification of care practices and equipment selection that could reduce sound levels and concludes that sound reduction is a continuing need in neonatal care.
Determination of Calcium in Dietary Supplements: Statistical Comparison of Methods in the Analytical Laboratory

A laboratory experiment is described in which students compare two methods for the determination of the calcium content of commercial dietary supplement tablets. In a two-week sequence, the sample tablets are first analyzed via complexometric titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and then, following ion exchange of the calcium ion present for hydronium ion, by acid–base titration with sodium hydroxide. Upon completion of the laboratory work, students pool their data with classmates and perform a statistical analysis to determine whether the average values of the calcium content obtained by the two methods are equivalent. When taken together with such considerations as analysis time, accuracy, simplicity and ease of use, susceptibility to interference, and waste generation, these results enable the students to evaluate the relative merit of the two approaches to calcium determination. In so doing, they are introduced to an important aspect of “real-world” chemical analysis, namely, selection of th...
The symmetries of filamentous phage particles.

Abstract The helical symmetries of two classes of filamentous bacteriophage particles are distinctly different. The symmetry of the class I particles is † C 5 S ~2.0 (a 5-fold rotation axis combined with an approximately 2-fold screw axis). The symmetry of the class II particles is C 1 S 5.4 (a one-start helix with 27 subunits equally spaced along five turns). The same basic α-helical interlocking arrangement of the largely α-helical coat protein subunits can be accommodated by the symmetry of the two classes of phage particles. The conservation of this structural pattern reflects intrinsic packing properties of α-helices. The difference between the symmetries of the class I and class II particles suggests that different assembly processes may have evolved to form these structures with very similar protein packing architectures.
Preparation of radioactive iodinated cholylhistamine for use in the radioimmunoassay of cholic acid

A major handicap in the development of simple and accurate radioimmunoassay procedures for bile acids has been the lack of a radioactive standard of high specific activity. To provide such a compound, we first synthesized cholylhistamine using the carbodiimide reaction. The hypothesized structure was confirmed by elemental analysis, thin-layer chromatography, infrared and mass spectral analysis. The cholylhistamine was then iodinated with 125I, using the choloramine-T method. The 125I-cholylhistamine was bound by antisera raised against a cholic acid-bovine serum albumin conjugate. This procedure should prove useful in preparing radioactive conjugates for all of the bile acids.
Al-rich calcic pyroxene in pseudotachylite: An indicator of high pressure and high temperature?

Abstract An aluminous pyroxene with an approximate formula (Ca 0.60 Na 0.05 □ 0.20 ) (Mg 0.58 Fe 0.11 2+ Al 0.60 VI )[Si 1.68 A1 0.32 O 6 ] or {Jd 0.05 Ts 0.32 Es 0.20 Wo 0.10 En 0.27 Fs 0.06 } has been found in a pseudotachylite vein from gabbros in the Musgrave ranges, Central Australia. Textural evidence indicates that it formed by breakdown of calcic plagioclase, augite, and olivine which constitute the isochemical country rock. There is a large amount of M (2) vacancy compared to most pyroxenes. The vein mineral is most similar in composition to natural pyroxenes in kimberlites and eclogites and especially to synthetic pyroxenes which formed at pressures in excess of 3 GPa (= 30 kb). We suggest that these high pressures were not lithostatic but represent dynamic stresses released during catastrophic brittle rupture either at tips of propagating fractures or spallation of unsupported crackwalls. Such transient shear stresses may reach the shock range. We propose such a fracture mechanism as an alternative to frictional melting for the productoin of pseudotachylite veins.
Targeting HER2 in ovarian and uterine cancers: Challenges and future directions

Targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has yielded major advances in breast cancer treatment. Accordingly, it has generated interest in targeting HER2 to treat gynecologic malignancies. Multiple studies have evaluated the rates of HER2 overexpression and/or amplification in ovarian and uterine cancers. HER2 has also been studied as a prognostic factor but resulting data has been contradictory. Moreover, clinical trials of HER2-directed therapies, including trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and lapatinib in ovarian and uterine cancers have been largely disappointing. Current research on HER2 in gynecologic malignancies has focused on identifying mechanisms of resistance and looking further into how HER2 signaling in gynecologic cancers differs from breast cancer. In this review, we highlight the existing data of targeting HER2 in ovarian and uterine carcinomas, many dating back more than a decade, and discuss future directions in pursuing HER2 as a potential target in these diseases.
The effect of shear load on frictional healing in simulated fault gouge

We report on frictional strengthening (healing) in granular quartz gouge as a function of time of true stationary contact. To distinguish between the slip-dependent (Ruina, 1983) and time-dependent (Dieterich, 1979) friction constitutive laws, we designed tests similar to conventional slide-hold-slide (SHS) tests except that shear load was completely removed prior to holds. We find large healing values (0.033-0.054 for holds of 101-102 s) compared with quasi-static SHS experiments, and our data indicate time-dependent weakening in contrast with strengthening observed from SHS tests. Gouge layer compaction increases with increasing hold time, comparable to observations from conventional SHS tests. Our data indicate that purely time dependent processes have a minor influence on healing under the conditions studied and/or that such effects are efficiently erased by particle rearrangement during removal/reapplication of shear load. The data are not adequately described by either the time (Dieterich) or slip (Ruina) dependent state evolution laws.
Is there a plateau in the survival curve after autologous transplantation in patients with intermediate and high-risk acute myeloid leukemia? A 20-year single institution experience

In an attempt to examine whether autologous SCT provides long-term disease control in patients with intermediate and high-risk AML where a suitable donor is not available, we analyzed the outcomes of autologous SCT in patients with intermediate and high-risk AML from 1986 to 2005. No relapses occurred after 2.2 years. The overall survival curve appears to have developed a plateau after 2.2 years. In conclusion, autologous SCT in patients with AML in whom an allogeneic transplantation is not feasible appears to be a safe alternative and a plateau in the survival curve indicates cure in a small proportion of patients.
The Effects of Dopants and A:B Site Nonstoichiometry on Properties of Perovskite‐Type Proton Conductors

Investigations of perovskite-type BaCeO{sub 3} and SrCeO{sub 3} with various dopants (Y, Gd, Nd, and Ni) indicate that their microstructures and electrical properties are strongly influenced by the type and amount of dopants. Grain growth and densification of sintered samples are influenced by dopant level and A:B site nonstoichiometry. The conductivity of BaCe{sub 1{minus}x}Y{sub x}O{sub 3{minus}{delta}} increases with the yttrium content in hydrogen and wet Ar, and exhibits a maximum in oxygen at a yttrium content of 10 to 20%. BaCe{sub 0.8}Y{sub 0.2}O{sub 3{minus}{delta}} has the highest conductivity in a hydrogen atmosphere: {approximately} 1.54 {times} 10{sup {minus}2} {Omega}{sup {minus}1} cm{sup {minus}1} at 600 C, and {approximately} 4.16 {times} 10{sup {minus}2} {Omega}{sup {minus}1} cm{sup {minus}1} at 800 C. The effect of BaO excess depends on the concentration of dopant. Compared with BaCe{sub 0.95}Y{sub 0.05}O{sub 3{minus}{delta}}, doped BaCeO{sub 3} with BaO excess (BaO{center_dot}0.90CeO{sub 2}{center_dot}0.025Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) has a higher total conductivity in all atmospheres studied (O{sub 2}, H{sub 2}, and wet Ar), whereas the conductivity of BaCeO{sub 3} with excess BaO (BaO{center_dot}0.85CeO{sub 2}{center_dot}0.05Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) is lower than that of BaCe{sub 0.9}Y{sub 0.1}O{sub 3{minus}{delta}}. BaCeO{sub 3} based materials have higher conductivities than those of SrCeO{sub 3} based materials, whereas SrCeO{sub 3} basedmore » materials show higher proton transference numbers.« less
Flumazenil induces seizures and death in mixed cocaine-diazepam intoxications

Study hypothesis: Administration of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil may unmask seizures in mixed cocainebenzodiazepine intoxication. Design: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received 100 mg/kg cocaine IP alone, 5 mg/kg diazepam alone, or a combination of diazepam and cocaine. Three minutes later, groups were challenged with vehicle or flumazenil 5 or 10 mg/kg IP. Animal behavior, seizures (time to and incidence), death (time to and incidence), and cortical EEG tracings were recorded. Interventions: Administration of flumazenil to animals after they had received a combination dose of cocaine and diazepam. Results: In group 1, animals received cocaine followed by vehicle. This resulted in 100% developing seizures and death. Group 2 received diazepam alone followed by vehicle. Animals became somnolent and none died. Group 3 received diazepam followed by 5 mg/kg flumazenil. Animals became somnolent after diazepam and then active after flumazenil administration. In group 4, a combination of cocaine and diazepam was administered simultaneously. This resulted in no overt or EEG-detectable seizures and a 50% incidence of death. Group 5 received a similar combination of cocaine and diazepam, followed later by 5 mg/kg flumazenil. This resulted in an increased incidence of seizures, 90% ( P P ≤.01), compared with group 4. Group 6 received cocaine and diazepam followed by 10 mg/kg flumazenil. This also resulted in an increased incidence of seizures, 90% ( P ≤.01), and death, 90% ( P ≤.05), compared with group 4. Conclusion: Flumazenil can unmask seizures and increase the incidence of death in a model of combined cocaine-diazepam intoxications.
Management of Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Abstract Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) are harvested in the eastern Pacific Ocean by the fishing fleets of 10 nations. From 1950 to 1960 the combined catches of these two species averaged about 310 million pounds per year. With the advent of newly designed and highly efficient purse seine gear in the early 1960's the catches increased, on the average, by about 10 to 20%. Much of this increase was in yellowfin tuna. Studies by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission have shown that this increased production reduced the population of yellowfin slightly below the size at which biomass production is maximal but has not affected the abundance of skipjack. On recommendations of the Commission, international agreement was reached in 1966 to restrict the capture of yellowfin tuna by a general quota system. A management program has been in effect since that time, and has resulted in the restoration and maintenance of the stock of yellowfin tuna at a level that can su...
Primary structural features of the self-incompatibility protein in solanaceae

We present a sequence comparison of 12 S-allele-associated proteins from three solanaceous species with gametophytic self-incompatibility: Nicotiana alata, Petunia inflata, and Solanum chacoense. The allelic variants of the S-protein exhibit a very high degree of sequence diversity consistent with their function as recognition molecules. We identify 41 perfectly conserved residues, 18 of which are also conserved in two fungal ribonucleases, RNase T2 and RNase Rh. The residues conserved in both the S-proteins and the ribonucleases include two histidines essential for catalysis, four cysteines involved in disulfide bridges, and hydrophobic residues probably involved in the core structure of the proteins. This conservation between the two ribonucleases and the 12 divergent S-proteins confirms the previously recognized similarity between 3 more closely related N. alata S-proteins and these ribonucleases, and argues strongly for the functional importance of the ribonuclease activity of the S-protein in self-incompatibility. We also identify the 19 most variable residues, which are the prime candidates for the S-allele-specificity determinant. Twelve of these nineteen residues are clustered in two regions of hypervariability, designated HVa and HVb, which are also the most prominent hydrophilic regions of the S-protein. We suggest that these two regions might form parts of the putative pollen recognition site. Identification of these structural features forms a foundation for the study of the molecular basis of self-recognition and the biochemical mechanism of inhibition of self-pollen tube growth.
Refacing Inmates A Critical Appraisal of Plastic Surgery Programs in Prison

This article reviews the role of plastic surgery in rehabilitating disfigured inmates. These programs surfaced over 30 years ago under the assumption that physical deformities were retarding rehabi...
Use Of Night Vision Systems By The Land Manager

For the last two years, the USDA Forest Service has been engaged in an R&D program to expand helicopter firefighting operations into the nighttime by use of current night vision technology. As a result, Land Managers are beginning to utilize some of the systems and devices for other tasks as well. These include law enforcement on National Forests, surveying techniques, nocturnal game studies, search and rescue, and reconnaissance duties. This paper describes the equipment in present use, training requirements, and typical operations.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Syme's Ankle Disarticulation

The Syme's ankle disarticulation is an end-bearing amputation level that provides stable walking, requires minimal physical therapy gait training, and rarely requires hospitalization on a rehabilitation unit. This article discusses patient selection, surgical technique, and rehabilitation of an underused rehabilitation amputation level.
Comparative tracking performance of the LMS and RLS algorithms for chirped narrowband signal recovery

This paper studies the comparative tracking performance of the recursive least squares (RLS) and least mean square (LMS) algorithms for time-varying inputs, specifically for linearly chirped narrowband input signals in additive white Gaussian noise. It is shown that the structural differences in the implementation of the LMS and RLS weight updates produce regions where the LMS performance exceeds that of the RLS and other regions where the converse occurs. These regions are shown to be a function of the signal bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). LMS is shown to place a notch in the signal band of the mean lag filter, thus reducing the lag error and improving the tracking performance. For the chirped signal, it is shown that this produces smaller tracking error for small SNR. For high SNR, there is a region of signal bandwidth for which RLS will provide lower error than LMS, but even for these high SNR inputs, LMS always provides superior performance for very narrowband signals.
A Contextual Analysis of Differential Association, Social Control, and Strain Theories of Delinquency

The history of criminological thought has seen several theories that attempt to link community conditions and individual-level processes. However, a comparative analysis of contextual effects has not been undertaken. This article estimates a multilevel model that examines the effects of variables derived from three delinquency theories. The results indicate that youths residing in areas of high male joblessness who experience stressful life events or little parental supervision are especially likely to be involved in delinquent behavior. The attenuating impact of school involvement on delinquency is more pronounced in urban environments low in male joblessness. These results suggest that examining the contextual implications of delinquency theories is important, but theories need to be developed with more attention to specific contextual processes.