cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apocrine chromhidrosis involving the areolae in a 15-year-old amateur figure skater.

Apocrine chromhidrosis is a rare disease frequently localized to the face or axillae, and rarely has been reported to occur around the breasts. We report a 15-year-old amateur figure skater who displayed localized chromhidrosis around her areolae. The most common precipitating event was exercise. She was treated topically with capsaicin cream 0.025% with a subsequent decrease in symptomatology
A Three–Dimensional Model of Dynamical Processes in the Venus Atmosphere

Three-dimensional calculations of the circulation of the Venus atmosphere have resulted in mean zonal winds in the same direction and of the same magnitude as those observed; i.e., retrograde with speeds of the order of 100 m/s. The solutions exhibit other observed properties of the circulation: small horizontal temperature contrasts with the larger variations being between equator and pole, meridional velocities at mid and low latitudes less than 10 m/s, and the existence of planetary waves which at certain times show vertical flow-field contours in a horizontal Y configuration. The mechanism maintaining the large zonal winds is a nonlinear instability involving both the mean meridional circulation and planetary-scale eddies. The meridional circulation is the principal means by which zonal momentum is transported vertically. Planetary-scale eddies are the principal means by which potential energy is released, and they are also significant in transporting angular momentum horizontally. Planetary rotation plays an important role in initially generating the mean zonal winds starting from rest. Initial conditions affect the characteristics of the solutions, including the magnitude of the mean zonal velocity and whether or not planetary waves are generated.
Repeat Transseptal Catheterization After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: A substantial number of patients require a second left atrial procedure after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), either for left atrial flutter or recurrent AF. The success and complication rates of repeat transseptal catheterization in these patients are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the difficulty and/or success rates of repeat transseptal catheterization after left atrial ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients undergoing repeat left atrial procedures after ablation for AF over a 1-year period were enrolled. Difficulties with, success rates, and complications of the first and second transseptal catheterizations were recorded. Sixteen patients underwent a repeat transseptal catheterization. Of the 4 in whom the first procedure was performed with an ablation catheter across a patent foramen ovale (PFO), 3 required a transseptal puncture for their repeat procedure. The remaining 12 underwent transseptal puncture without difficulty for their first procedure, and, despite the same operators for each patient, the repeat transseptal was noted to be difficult in 5. Of those 5, the transseptal puncture was unsuccessful due to increased interatrial septal thickness in 2 patients. One repeat transseptal attempt was aborted after posterior right atrial puncture with the transseptal needle occurred, attributed to distorted interatrial septal anatomy not observed prior to the first case. Conclusions: Compared with the first procedure, repeat transseptal catheterization after ablation for AF, whether initially performed across a PFO or via a transseptal puncture, is more difficult, less often successful, and potentially associated with more complications.
Sequence-specific recognition of DNA by zinc-finger peptides derived from the transcription factor Sp1.

Abstract We have overexpressed and purified two peptide fragments of Sp1 that contain the three "zinc-finger" domains necessary for specific Sp1 DNA binding. These peptides assume a stable, folded conformation in solution in the presence of Zn2+ as shown by DNA binding assays and NMR spectroscopy. Mobility-shift assays demonstrate that the Sp1 peptides recognize a number of different Sp1 DNA binding sites (GC boxes, with the core sequence GGGCGG). The dissociation constant for a 92-amino acid peptide binding to the GGGGCGGGGC sequence (Kd approximately 10 nM) and the relative affinities for several other DNA sequences definitively demonstrate Sp1-like binding properties. The thermodynamic binding site for Sp1-Zn92 has been mapped using the primer-extension/mobility-shift assay revealing that the 5' portion of the GC box DNA sequence (GGG GCG) contributes more strongly to the total binding energy than the 3' portion (GGGC). These findings are interpreted in the context of the Sp1 amino acid sequence in comparison with the structurally characterized Zif-268/DNA complex. A model is proposed that offers a structural explanation for the ability of Sp1 to recognize a diverse array of DNA sequences in terms of the individual (and different) DNA binding properties of each of the three zinc-finger domains.
Molecular and cellular basis of cardiovascular gender differences

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the major cause of morbidity and mortality for both men and women, occur uncommonly in premenopausal women, but their incidence rises sharply after the menopausal transition. Cardiovascular gender differences are apparent long before CVDs appear in men and women, and improved understanding of the biology underlying these differences has the potential to advance the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs in both sexes. This review considers gender differences in the molecular and cellular physiology of the heart and blood vessels in health and disease, highlighting understudied areas that can help resolve the current controversy regarding hormone replacement therapy and improve cardiovascular health in women.
Electrical properties of diamond thin films grown by chemical vapor deposition technique

Diamond thin films grown on high resistivity, 〈100〉-oriented silicon substrates by the hot filament chemical vapor deposition method have been characterized by four-point probe and Hall effect measurements. The resistivities of both as-grown and chemically etched samples were lower than expected. The Raman spectra showed dramatic changes from two broad bands (one starting at 1250 cm−1 and peaking at 1350 cm−1 and the other starting at 1500 cm−1 and peaking at 1580 cm−1) for the as-grown samples to a sharp peak centered at 1332 cm−1 with a full width at half-maximum of 10.7 cm−1 for the chemically treated sample. Hall measurements yielded carrier concentrations in the temperature range 180–300 K. From a plot of carrier concentration vs. inverse temperature, activation energies of 0.36 and 0.20 eV are obtained for the two chemically treated samples. The resistivity values at room temperature of 100 Ω cm are significantly lower than the values recently observed for other undoped samples (ϱ=103−104 Ω cm). The low resistivity values observed in this work are attributed to the disordered graphitic regions between the diamond crystalline grains.
Creep deformation behavior in eutectic Sn-Ag solder joints using a novel mapping technique

Creep deformation behavior was measured for 60–100 µm thick solder joints. The solder joints investigated consisted of: (a) non-composite solder joints made with eutectic Sn-Ag solder, and (b) composite solder joints with eutectic Sn-Ag solder containing 20 vol. %, 5 µm diameter in-situ Cu6Sn5 intermetallic reinforcements. All creep testing in this study was carried out at room temperature. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of creep deformation was characterized on the solder joints. Creep deformation was analyzed using a novel mapping technique where a geometrical-regular line pattern was etched over the entire solder joint using excimer laser ablation. During creep, the laser-ablation (LA) pattern becomes distorted due to deformation in the solder joint. By imaging the distortion of laser-ablation patterns using the SEM, actual deformation mapping for the entire solder joint is revealed. The technique involves sequential optical/digital imaging of the deformation versus time history during creep. By tracing and recording the deformation of the LA patterns on the solder over intervals of time, local creep data are obtained in many locations in the joint. This analysis enables global and localized creep shear strains and strain rate to be determined.
Triiodothyronine and thyroxine: Induction of mitosis in adult forgs

Nachweis, dass bei adulten, reifen Froschen Thyroxin und Triiodothyronin die mitotische Aktivitat und die DNS-Synthese in verschiedenen Organen (Augenlinse, mit Epithel, Niere Darm, Leber, Milz, Haut, Horn-und Nickhaut) zu stimulieren vermag.
An Estimate of Mortality in a Pre-Columbian Urban Population

The excavation of an apartment compound Tlajinga 33 of the city of Teotihuacan [Mexico] yielded a representative skeletal sample for a first paleodemographic study of a New World pre-Columbian urban population. Life-table analysis revealed a population with high juvenile mortality and a relatively short life span. Comparison with other populations revealed basic similarities in mortality between Teotihuacan and Old World preindustrial cities and differences with other nonurban North American populations. (EXCERPT)
Hospitality industry revenue management performance modelling: uncovering issues associated with inconsistencies in price parity across multiple distribution channels in the US hotel market

In the hospitality industry today, online global distribution and product pricing are of critical importance in understanding the effectiveness of revenue management objectives and optimisation of top-line revenue performance. This research proposes a new model which tests hotel online global distribution competency using the following variables: reach, content, consistency and price parity (RCO2P). This study investigated the deployed competency of 15 full-service urban market hotels and their online global distribution performance pertaining to RCO2P. Core findings of this study indicated a range of both competency and inconsistency in price parity and reach across multiple distribution channels. Specifically, preferential display sequencing emerged as a significant factor in the reach category among all properties. Only 6 of 15 properties were measured as having optimal reach effectiveness. The price parity index reflected the most situation critical performance among sampled properties.
Dewey and Dialectic

This essay asks three questions concerning Dewey’s philosophy and dialectical procedures: 1. How does Dewey ordinarily use the term dialectic? 2. Is there any sense in which Dewey’s own philosophical method can be said to be dialectical? 3. Can some dialectical procedures effectively either criticize or contribute to the enterprise of philosophy as Dewey conceived it?
Effects of Great Lakes fish consumption on brain PCB pattern, concentration, and progressive-ratio performance.

This study investigated the effects of consumption of Great Lakes fish on progressive ratio performance, and on the pattern and concentrations of brain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE), and mirex in the rat. Adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a 30% diet of either Lake Ontario salmon (LAKE), Pacific Ocean salmon, or lab chow control for 20 or 65 days. Following the treatment regimen, half the rats from each group were sacrificed immediately for gas chromatographic analysis of organochlorine contaminants, and the other half were tested on a multiple fixed-ratio–progressive–ratio reinforcement schedule and then sacrificed for analysis. Consumption of Lake Ontario fish resulted in significantly higher levels of brain PCBs, DDE, and mirex relative to controls, but still well within human exposure ranges (<1 μg/g fat). Consumption of Lake Ontario fish for 20 or 65 days produced an average brain PCB concentration of 457 and 934 ng/g fat, respectively. Consumption of laboratory rat chow or Pacific Ocean salmon for 20 or 65 days produced an average brain PCB concentration of 240, 464, and 441 ng/g fat, respectively. Moreover, both LAKE-fed groups showed a much more heavily chlorinated pattern of brain PCBs than all control groups, as evidenced by both significant increases in the most heavily chlorinated PCB congeners and significant increases in the average chlorine biphenyl. All LAKE brains contained significant concentrations of DDE and mirex, whereas no control brains contained any detectable quantities. Analysis of progressive-ratio performance indicated that LAKE rats responded normally during fixed-ratio schedules but quit significantly sooner than control rats on a progressive-ratio 5 (PR5) schedule, indicating reduced persistence on progressively leaner reinforcement schedules. Analysis of brain PCBs indicated that total PCBs were most strongly related to PR5 performance. These data indicate that consumption by rats of contaminated Lake Ontario fish produces (1) increased concentrations of PCBs, DDE, and mirex in the brain, (2) a more heavily chlorinated distribution of PCBs in the brain, and (3) reduced persistence of progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules. While these behavioral changes are related to brain PCB level, more work is necessary before the effects can be directly attributed to PCBs.
Transmitting fantasies: Sexist glossing, scholarly desires, and translating the heroic woman in medieval Germanic literature

This article proposes that in the field of medieval Germanic literary studies, popular twentieth-century translations operated in a uniformly sexist fashion when addressing female figures in the heroic mode. Examples of such translations, glossing choices and critical commentaries are investigated for the case of Beowulf and the Poetic Edda. This leads to a critical analysis of the cultural values of the translators themselves, suggesting that sexist glossing reflects scholarly desires to reduce gender ambiguity in the service of patriarchal and imperialist cultural agendas. Implications for current criticism include the possibility of recognizing both the critical legacy of the sexist project and the interpretive potential created by the ambiguities in the original texts.
Hydrolysis of vinyl stearate and poly(vinyl stearate) monolayers

Les couches sont maintenues a pression constante de 15 dyn/cm. Hydrolyse acide ou basique a l'interface gaz-eau du monomere mais non pas du polymere
The interventricular septum in health and disease

The interventricular septum constitutes a major part of the heart and contributes to both left and right ventricular function. It is directly affected in certain disease states which can be diagnosed by echocardiographic examination of the septum. The septum also demonstrates characteristic patterns in cardiac conditions that do not directly affect it. These abnormal patterns have physiologic and diagnostic value. As a general rule, no matter what the diastolic configuration of the interventricular septum, it tries to assume its characteristic concave shape in systole. The significant exception is the presence of right ventricular pressure overload. The introduction of echocardiography has greatly increased our understanding of the interventricular septum in both health and disease.
Microhydrodynamics of stirred media milling

Abstract The milling media dynamics on micro-scale is considered. It is assumed that the turbulence energy dissipates due to media–liquid viscous friction, lubrication and partially inelastic collisions of the milling beads with each other. Both the mean velocity of the milling media oscillations and their frequency are estimated. The numerical study of the milling bead dynamics in the mixing tank is performed. The media radial stratification due to the centrifugal force is estimated by a simple model based on equilibrium of the mass fluxes caused by the centrifugal force and the turbulent dispersion.
Determination of nitrogen using the 14N(α, p)17O nuclear reaction

Abstract A technique for quantifying nitrogen in thin films using the 14N(α, p)17O reaction is reported. An incident alpha particle beam with energy near 3.9 MeV is used and emitted protons are detected at a lab angle of 135°. A 15 μm Kapton foil is placed over the detector to stop elastically scattered alpha particles. A thin film containing a known areal density of nitrogen is used for calibration. We present relative yield data on protons from the 14N(α, p0)17)O reaction at 135° lab angle from 3.4 MeV to 4.0 MeV as well as an example of the application of this technique in determining nitrogen content in thin films. Possible interfering reactions, particularly 28Si(α, p)31, are also discussed.
Cosmic string in the van Stockum cylinder

The low density van Stockum dust solution is extended by including an angular deficit factor. The resulting model describes a rotating Gott–Hiscock string surrounded by an annular dust atmosphere. The interior spacetime can be joined to a vacuum Levi-Civita solution with angular deficit.
Performance monitoring in computer systems: a structured approach

This paper argues that performance monitoring, similar to monitoring needed to ensure reliability, ought to be viewed as an ongoing process that is inseparable from the system operation. Performance monitors should be designed as part of the system, following the principles of structured system design and using the methods and tools developed for this purpose.
Reduction in surfactants by irradiation.

Detergents have been determined to be some of the largest contributors to today's water pollution conditions. Yet pollution is not produced by the total chemical constituents but by certain specific chemical structures. Linear Alkylate Sulfonate (LAS) is used as a wetting agent in certain detergents because it creates an effective surface barrier at the water/air interface. This barrier not only hinders the diffusion of oxygen from the air into the water but also holds in any carbon dioxide produced within the water. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ionizing radiation on Linear Alkylate Sulfonate to overcome the surface tension effect of detergents. Gamma rays from Cobalt-60 were utilized as the ionizing radiation. This particular material was used because, when encapsulated, it possesses the property of being a pure gamma- ray emitter and has a half-life of 5.24 years. (auth)
An Implanted Neuroprosthesis for High Tetraplegia

Individuals with high tetraplegia (ASIA classification C4 or higher) have few options to restore upper extremity function. One promising alternative for restoring function to paralyzed muscles is the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES). Initial FES applications for individuals with high tetraplegia have been limited. A major difficulty encountered in the application of FES in high tetraplegia has been the inability to achieve shoulder stabilization and mobilization primarily due to the denervation of key muscles. Another major difficulty has been the limited alternatives to provide control of the stimulated limb. As a result of these difficulties, the functional outcomes of these initial systems have been limited. Advances in technology and surgical techniques have been made that may provide methods for overcoming these limitations. Muscle denervation can be addressed through neurotization techniques to improve voluntary function and increase the response of paralyzed muscles to electrical stim...
Cuprate additions to 5-methoxycyclopentenones: a novel stereoelectronic effect

Abstract Cuprate additions to 5-methoxy-2-cyclopentenone have been found to proceed with moderate to extremely high diastereofacial selectivity, depending upon the specific cuprate and reaction protocol employed. Comparisons with related 5-substituted cyclopentenones suggest that the observed selectivity is not simply steric in nature, but instead reflects a novel stereoelectronic effect.
Investigating the Role of Religion‐Supported Secular Programs for Explaining Initiation into First Sex

Research finds that religious youth, compared to less religious youth, are more likely to delay their sexual debut (sometimes until marriage). This study is one of the first to examine the influence of involvement in religion-supported secular activities for shaping initiation into vaginal sex. Does involvement in religion-sponsored secular programs produce any health-related benefits for youth? Using two waves of data from the National Study of Youth and Religion this study finds that among teens who have engaged in some of the precursors to first sex, namely, sexual touching, involvement in religion-sponsored secular activities is associated with lower odds of having first sex between W1 and W2. Conservative attitudes about sex outside of marriage explain, in part, the relationship. Conversely, network overlap, the number of friends who belong to a youth group, and pressure from friends and partners to have sex do not significantly mediate the relationship.
Extraction of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen from niobium by reaction with zinc

Abstract Niobium forms highly stable compounds with nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Zinc forms no carbides, its nitrogen compounds are unstable and difficult to prepare, and its oxide is readily reduced. Yet a zinc-rich compound of niobium removes nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen from niobium through the formation of ternary phases of the η-carbide ( E 93 ) structure. The parabolic rate of growth of the zone depleted of Nb 2 N and Nb 2 C particles at 850 °–1230 °C and the 33 to 34 kcal/mole activation energy of the process indicate that diffusion of nitrogen and carbon in niobium control the extraction process. For oxygen, a surface reaction appears to be rate determining.
Management Education in Post-Socialist Hungary: Observations on Obstacles to Reforms

The economic transitions taking place in Central and Eastern Europe affect management education. This article describes one North American's experiences and observations during his 2 years of working with management faculty at a Hungarian university. The post-Socialist academic environment is examined, as are the obstacles to reform-minded efforts and prospects for change. Finally, a few suggestions are offered to any Western faculty member contemplating a foreign educational assignment in a transitional economy.
Phylogenetic studies of Ophioglossaceae: evidence from rbcL and trnL-F plastid DNA sequences and morphology

Ophioglossaceae are a putatively ancient lineage of ferns in which the aerial portion of the plant is composed of a single leaf. The simplicity of foliar morphology has limited the number of characters available for constructing classifications and contributed to taxonomic difficulties at nearly every level of classification within the family. Analysis of plastid DNA rbcL sequences from 36 species representing the diversity of Ophioglossaceae supported the monophyly of the family. Intrafamilial relationships were examined using rbcL and trnL-F plastid DNA sequences and morphological data. Individual and combined analyses of the three data sets revealed two main clades within the family, here termed ophioglossoid and botrychioid. In the botrychioid clade, Helminthostachys was sister to a broadly defined Botrychium, within which Botrychium in the narrow sense of some authors and Sceptridium were sister. Botrypus was paraphyletic, with Botrypus virginianus sister to Botrychium plus Sceptridium, and with Botrypus strictus sister to all other botrychioid species except Helminthostachys. In the ophioglossoid clade, Ophioglossum in the narrow sense was sister to Cheiroglossa plus Ophioderma, but relationships within Ophioglossum were not well supported.
Reactions of hexafluorobenzene with some organometallic reagents

Abstract The inverse addition of trichloro-2-thienyl-lithium to hexafluorobenzene in THF or ether has given 1,4-bis(trichloro-2-thienyl) tetrafluorobenzene in addition to the tetrakis(trichloro-2-thienyl)difluorobenzene. n-Butyl-lithium with hexafluorobenzene gave mono, bis tris and tetrakis compounds whereas t-BuLi afforded only 1,4-bis(t-butyl)tetrafluorobenzene in excellent yield. Other organolithium and organomagnesium reagents gave the expected products. IR, 19 F NMR and UV spectral data are presented for the several new compounds.
Microstructure and hardness scaling in laser-processed B4C–TiB2 eutectic ceramics

Abstract Surface layers of the pseudo-binary eutectic comprised of boron carbide (B 4 C) and titanium diboride (TiB 2 ) were directionally solidified via direct laser irradiation in an argon atmosphere. The resulting surface eutectic layers had highly oriented lamellar microstructures, whose scale (i.e. interlamellar spacing) was controlled directly by the laser scan rate, following an inverse square root dependence for lower solidification velocities. Higher velocities (>∼4.2 mm/s) departed from this relationship, although well-ordered microstructures were still achieved. A concomitant increase in the Vickers hardness with decreasing interlamellar spacing was observed, although the trend did not correspond to traditional Hall–Petch behavior. The hardness of the eutectic composites became load-independent at indenter loads greater than 9.81 N, indicating a potential transition from plastic to fractural deformation during indentation. A Vickers hardness of 32 GPa was achieved in the highest solidification velocity samples (42 mm/s) which had interlamellar spacings of 180 nm.
Relatives' risks: frailty models of life history data.

The author develops "a method for applying frailty models based on biological theory to life-history data on related individuals and events....[He] concisely summarizes the essence of the proposed method and then adumbrates some illustrative applications. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the three general purposes of frailty modeling of life history data." The model is tested using Danish data on the longevity of twins. (EXCERPT)
Diagnosis of pituitary gonadotroph adenomas in reproductive-aged women

Objective To describe the clinical symptoms associated with the diagnosis of pituitary gonadotroph adenoma in premenopausal women. Design Report of three separate cases. Setting University medical center. Patient(s) Three patients: a 31-year-old woman with primary infertility, recurrent adnexal masses, and highly elevated estradiol level; a 30-year-old woman with recurrent multicystic ovaries following multiple cystectomies and transvaginal cyst aspirations, and elevated estradiol level; a 43-year-old woman with bilateral complex cystic adnexal masses and an elevated estradiol level, who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a suspected granulosa cell tumor. Intervention(s) Transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary mass. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum estradiol, FSH, and LH levels; transvaginal ultrasonography of the ovaries; histologic examination of pituitary tumors. Result(s) Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas resulted in normalization of serum estradiol and FSH levels and resolution of adnexal masses in two of the women. Conclusion(s) Pituitary gonadotroph adenoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis in reproductive-aged women presenting with the clinical symptom triad of new onset oligomenorrhea, bilateral cystic adnexal masses, and elevated estradiol and FSH levels with suppressed levels of LH; timely diagnosis may prevent unnecessary and potentially damaging surgical procedures.
The Emotional Problems of Medical Students: Support Groups as a Preventive Mental Health Measure

(1983). The Emotional Problems of Medical Students: Support Groups as a Preventive Mental Health Measure. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 44-45.
First Ixodorhynchid Mite from Philippine Snakes (Acarina: Ixodorhynchidae)

Hemilaelaps philippinensis Voss, n.sp., was found on the snakes Cyclocorus lineatus, Oligodon modestus , and an unidentified species from Negros Island, Philippines. The new mite is related both to Hemilaelaps Ewing, 1933, and to Asiatolaelaps Fain, 1961. On the basis of this new intermediate species, the genus Asiatolaelaps Fain is considered a synonym of Hemilaelaps Ewing.
The NMDA receptor glycine modulatory site: a therapeutic target for improving cognition and reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia

Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that subanaesthetic doses of dissociative anaesthetics, which are non-competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor, replicate in normal subjects the cognitive impairments, negative symptoms and brain functional abnormalities of schizophrenia. Post-mortem and genetic studies have identified several abnormalities associated with schizophrenia that would interfere with the activation of the glycine modulatory site on the NMDA receptor. Placebo controlled clinical trials with agents that directly or indirectly activate the glycine modulatory site consistently reduce negative symptoms and frequently improve cognition in patients with chronic schizophrenia, who are receiving concurrent typical antipsychotics. Thus, there is convincing evidence that the glycine modulatory site on the NMDA receptor is a valid therapeutic target for improving cognition and associated negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Strategies for Rapid Deconvolution of Combinatorial Libraries: Comparative Evaluation Using a Model System

Synthesis and testing of complex mixtures maximize the number of compounds that can be prepared and tested in a combinatorial library. When mixtures of compounds are screened, however, the identity of the compound(s) selected may depend on the deconvolution procedure employed. Previously, we developed a model system for evaluation of deconvolution procedures and used it to compare pooling strategies for iterative and noniterative deconvolution [Freier et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 344−352]. We have now extended the model studies to include simulations of procedures with overlapping subsets such as subtractive pooling [Carell et al. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1994, 33, 2061−2064], bogus coin pooling [Blake and Litzi-Davis. Bioconjugate Chem. 1992, 3, 510−513], and orthogonal pooling [D'Prez et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 5405−5406]. These strategies required synthesis and testing of fewer subsets than did the more traditional nonoverlapping iterative strategies. The compounds identified using simul...
P.17.4 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate the effect of enzyme replacement therapy in Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD)

Pompe disease is a rare, progressive and often fatal neuromuscular disorder resulting from mutations in the gene for acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), an enzyme necessary to degrade glycogen. The deficiency or dysfunction of the GAA enzyme leads to lysosomal glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues and results in cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Glycogen content may vary between muscle groups and in regions of the same muscle. Most importantly, glycogen content may change during the course of the disease. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only FDA approved treatment for Pompe disease. However, translation from preclinical to clinical studies is challenged by the lack of reliable, noninvasive outcome measures suitable for repeated evaluations. Effect of treatment is commonly measured by muscle glycogen clearance using biochemical assays, which rely on muscle biopsy. In this study, we used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the thigh and lower leg muscles to evaluate the effect of 12 and 24 weeks of ERT in individuals affected by Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) (n = 4; age 35–50). Maximum cross-sectional area (CSAmax) – an index of muscle mass – increased in average by 1.16- and 1.09-fold at 12 weeks, and by 1.13- and 1.09-fold at 24 weeks in the lower and upper legs respectively. In addition, we studied the MR proton traverse relaxation time (T2) – an index of muscle damage and edema – by applying a mono exponential decay equation to four echo times (TE). At 24 weeks, T2 values reduced by 1.20- and 1.10-fold in the lower and upper legs, respectively. These data demonstrate an increase in CSAmax associated accompanied by a reduction of T2 value, which may suggest a reduction of glycogen accumulation and an increase of contractile myofibers. In support of this hypothesis, biochemical assay from muscle biopsy specimens showed a reduction of glycogen concentration by 2.21-fold at week 24 compare to baseline.
Linear multiuser precoding for synchronous CDMA

Multiuser transmitter precoding is a technique that has been proposed for combating multiple-access interference (MAI). In this paper, the structure and principles of multiuser transmitter design are reviewed. In addition to multiuser precoding using the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) criterion [B. R. Vojoic and W. M. Jang, October 1998], we present a decorrelating multiuser precoder (DP), an approximate maximum likelihood (AML) multiuser precoder and a maximum asymptotic multiuser efficiency (MAME) multiuser precoder for mitigating MAI in synchronous CDMA systems. In addition, the geometric properties, asymptotic multiuser efficiency (AME) and mutual information rate between the transmitter and receiver are discussed. Finally, computer simulations are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed multiuser precoding algorithms.
Achieving effective control in cancer pain: a review of current guidelines

Pain is one of the most common and distressing elements of suffering related to cancer and cancer treatment. Progress in cancer treatment means people will live longer with the sequelae of cancer and disease-directed treatments, and both the short- and long-term effects of opioid use must be considered. Skilled practitioners caring for individuals with cancer help to alleviate cancer-related pain by using the World Health Organization (WHO) step-wise approach to pain management as well as recently updated national and international guidelines. Current guidelines go beyond the unidimensional WHO model by addressing comprehensive assessment, pharmacological management of opioids and adverse effects associated with opioid use, the role of adjuvants, and the application of non-pharmacological treatments. By following current guidelines promoting a multifaceted approach to the management of cancer-related pain and advocating for patient-centered care, nurses are uniquely positioned to champion effective cancer...
White, Black, and Gray: Critical Dialogue with the International Risk Governance Council's Framework for Risk Governance

There has been a growing need among governments and a wide variety of policymakers and managers at all levels for a comparative risk framework. Needed in particular is a framework that integrates the cumulative knowledge on the analytic domain of risk research with the policy and regulatory domain of risk management and with the democratic processes of informed citizen choices. The momentum of globalising processes has accelerated this need. The inevitable risks accompanying global processes rapidly expand in variety, scale, and in disrespect for national borders. Expanding daily are concerns about global terrorism, the expansion of nuclear weapons, the emergence and spread of new diseases, the potential threats of new technologies, such as nanotechnology, and others. The International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) has responded to this need with its first White Paper, Risk Governance: Toward an Integrative Approach (IRGC 2005), principally authored by IRGC Scientific and Technology Council member Ortwin Renn. There is little doubt that this tome is a scholarly and practical landmark that markedly advances
Diffusion-Weighted MRI “Claw Sign” Improves Differentiation of Infectious from Degenerative Modic Type 1 Signal Changes of the Spine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Modic type 1 degenerative signal changes can mimic/suggest infection, leading to additional costly and sometimes invasive investigations. This retrospective study analyzes the utility and accuracy of a novel, diffusion-weighted “claw sign” for distinguishing symptomatic type 1 degeneration from vertebral diskitis/osteomyelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with imaging features resembling type 1 degeneration were classified clinically into 3 groups: true degenerative type 1 changes (n = 33), confirmed diskitis/osteomyelitis (n = 20), and radiologically suspected infection later disproved clinically (n = 20). A claw sign was defined on DWI as well-marginated, linear, regions of high signal situated within the adjacent vertebral bodies at the interface of normal with abnormal marrow. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently rated the presence of the claw sign, along with T2 disk signal and disk and endplate enhancement to determine the utility of each for identifying degeneration versus infection. RESULTS: When the 2 neuroradiologists identified a definite claw, 38 of 39 patients (97%) and 29 of 29 patients (100%) proved to be infection-free. When the readers identified a probable claw, 14 of 14 patients (100%) and 16 of 19 patients (84%) proved to be infection-free. Conversely, when the readers identified the absence of claw sign (diffuse DWI pattern), there was proved infection in 17 of 17 cases (100%) and 13 of 14 cases (93%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 1 signal changes of the vertebral disk space, a claw sign is highly suggestive of degeneration and its absence strongly suggests diskitis/osteomyelitis.
Different mechanisms of apolipoprotein E isoform–dependent modulation of prostaglandin E2 production and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expression after innate immune activation of microglia

Several lines of evidence support immune response in brain as a mechanism of injury in Alzheimer disease (AD). Moreover, immune activation is heightened in apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 carriers; inhibitors of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis show a partially protective effect on AD risk from APOE e4; and genetic variants in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) are a rare but potent risk for AD. We tested the hypothesis that APOE e4 inheritance modulates both the PGE2 pathway and TREM2 expression using primary murine microglia from targeted replacement (TR) APOE3/3 and APOE4/4 mice. Microglial cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal PGE synthase, and PGE2 expression were increased 2- to 25-fold in both genotypes by TLR activators; however, this induction was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in TR APOE4/4 microglia with TLR3 and TLR4 activators. Microglial TREM2 expression was reduced approximately 85% by all TLR activators; this reduction was approximately one-third greater in microglia from TR APOE4/4 mice. Importantly, both receptor-associated protein and a nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer inhibitor blocked TR APOE4/4-dependent effects on the PGE2 pathway but not on TREM2 expression. These data demonstrate complementary, but mechanistically distinct, regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in TR APOE4/4 murine microglia that yields a more proinflammatory state than with TR APOE3/3.
The silane/sizing composite interphase

Silane coupling agents are but one of many ingredients in commercial sizings that are applied to glass fibers. The chemistry of a silane coupling agent alone allows it to react with both the glass fiber surface and the epoxy matrix to increase the fiber/matrix adhesion. However, the action of a commercial sizing system containing a silane coupling agent along with other components is not well understood. Research has been conducted in which the physical properties have been measured of blends of epoxy-compatible silane/sizing made with bulk matrix at concentrations representing likely compositions found at the fiber-matrix interphase as a result of processing and fabrication. It has been shown that the silane/sizing interaction with the epoxy matrix produces a material with vastly different properties than those of the bulk matrix. In this particular system, the model interphase has a lower Tg higher modulus, and greater tensile strength, but lower toughness. The results from the present study show that a themical interaction theory of adhesion alone is not sufficient to explain the role of silane coupling agents in glass fiber-epoxy matrix adhesion. Consideration must be given to the interphase and its mechanical properties.
Empirical Intersections in Communication Research: Replication, Multiple Quantitative Methods, and Bridging the Quantitative-Qualitative Divide

This article concerns ways research can be related: intersections between studies. By ‘‘studies,’’ we do not necessarily mean two publications—although they could be published separately—but two distinct empirical investigations into human communication (we do not use ‘‘empirical’’ as synonymous with ‘‘quantitative’’ analysis and interpretation of texts—observations in qualitative and critical research are also forms of empirical inquiry). We assume that understanding communication is enhanced when research is not conducted in isolation. We do not claim that isolated studies cannot contribute to the literature; but research that relates to other research—reinforcing, integrating, elaborating—can provide greater breadth and depth to our understanding. Furthermore, programmatic research, which systematically investigates an aspect of communication with a series of related studies conducted across contexts or with multiple methods, is particularly valuable in our efforts to understand communication. Programmatic research is not just efficient for scholars (every new study does not require a completely different literature review, theory, or method), but each study can reinforce the conclusions of other studies and may extend the scope of the theory to new contexts. Isolated or unique studies definitely have a place in the literature, but unrelated studies simply cannot provide the depth or breadth of understanding of communication possible with programmatic research.
Genetic diversity and population structure in the rare Algodones sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes)

Assessing levels and patterns of population genetic variation is an important step for evaluating rare or endangered species and determining appropriate conservation strategies. This is particularly important for ensuring the preservation of novel genetic variation in wild relatives of crops, which could provide beneficial alleles for plant breeding and improvement. In this study, we evaluate the population genetics of Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes (the Algodones sunflower), which is an endangered, wild relative of cultivated sunflower (H. annuus L.). This rare sunflower species is native to the sand dunes of the Sonoran Desert in southern California, southwestern Arizona, and northern Mexico and is thought to harbor beneficial alleles for traits related to drought tolerance. We genotyped nine populations of this species with a set of simple-sequence repeat markers derived from expressed sequence tags (EST-SSRs) and investigated levels of genetic diversity and population structure, in H. niveus ssp. tephrodes. We also compared our results to findings from five related sunflower species that have been analyzed with these same markers, including annuals and perennials that range from rare to widespread. The Algodones sunflower harbors lower levels of standing genetic variation, but similar levels of population structure as compared to other sunflower species. We also discovered that a disjunct population from northern Mexico was genetically distinct from populations elsewhere in the range. Given the occurrence of such a genetically unique population, our recommendations include population surveys of the southern portion of the range in hopes of bolstering the existing germplasm collection.
Hard and Tight Upper Bounds on The Model Uncertainty in Linear Estimation of Restricted Complexity Models

This paper considers the problem of uncertainty quentification in linear estimation of restricted complexity models. In the paper, the plant identifier and the uncertainty identifier run in parallel. While the plant identifier provides an optimal estimate in some sense, the bound on the difference between this estimate and the true system is characterized by a sequence of rational functions generated by the uncertainty identifier. The importance of this sequence is that each member of this sequence is truly a hard upper bound of the uncertainty in L 2 sense independent of the order of the approximant. Moreover, as the order n of the approximant increases, the bound derived gets tighter and tighter and eventually converges to the actual uncertainty bound as n ? ?. Thus in estimation of restricted complexity models, the possibly conflict goals of providing an optimal estimate as well as a hard upper bound on the model uncertainty is resolved by dividing the traditional identifier into two parts the plant identifier and the uncertainty identifier as proposed in the paper.
Antibody desensitization therapy in highly sensitized lung transplant candidates.

As HLAs antibody detection technology has evolved, there is now detailed HLA antibody information available on prospective transplant recipients. Determining single antigen antibody specificity allows for a calculated panel reactive antibodies (cPRA) value, providing an estimate of the effective donor pool. For broadly sensitized lung transplant candidates (cPRA ≥ 80%), our center adopted a pretransplant multimodal desensitization protocol in an effort to decrease the cPRA and expand the donor pool. This desensitization protocol included plasmapheresis, solumedrol, bortezomib and rituximab given in combination over 19 days followed by intravenous immunoglobulin. Eight of 18 candidates completed therapy with the primary reasons for early discontinuation being transplant (by avoiding unacceptable antigens) or thrombocytopenia. In a mixed-model analysis, there were no significant changes in PRA or cPRA changes over time with the protocol. A sub-analysis of the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) change indicated a small decline that was significant in antibodies with MFI 5000–10 000. Nine of 18 candidates subsequently had a transplant. Posttransplant survival in these nine recipients was comparable to other pretransplant-sensitized recipients who did not receive therapy. In summary, an aggressive multi-modal desensitization protocol does not significantly reduce pretransplant HLA antibodies in a broadly sensitized lung transplant candidate cohort.
Expansion of Direction Space around the Cardinal Axes Revealed by Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements

It is well established that perceptual direction discrimination shows an oblique effect; thresholds are higher for motion along diagonal directions than for motion along cardinal directions. Here, we compare simultaneous direction judgments and pursuit responses for the same motion stimuli and find that both pursuit and perceptual thresholds show similar anisotropies. The pursuit oblique effect is robust under a wide range of experimental manipulations, being largely resistant to changes in trajectory (radial versus tangential motion), speed (10 versus 25 deg/s), directional uncertainty (blocked versus randomly interleaved), and cognitive state (tracking alone versus concurrent tracking and perceptual tasks). Our data show that the pursuit oblique effect is caused by an effective expansion of direction space surrounding the cardinal directions and the requisite compression of space for other directions. This expansion suggests that the directions around the cardinal directions are in some way overrepresented in the visual cortical pathways that drive both smooth pursuit and perception.