cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Development of Aortic Valve Disease in Unrepaired Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects.

We sought to determine the natural history of aortic valve disease in patients with unrepaired perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pVSDs) and to identify echocardiographic parameters predictive of increased risk of surgical repair of pVSD because of aortic valve disease. We retrospectively analyzed all echocardiograms of patients with a diagnosis of pVSD at our institution from January 1999 to January 2015. All available echocardiographic data were collected. Patients were excluded if there was another structural cardiac anomaly other than bicuspid aortic valve, small patent foramen ovale, or ductus arteriosus. The prevalences of aortic valve prolapse and regurgitation, as well as aortic valve disease progression, were determined. A total of 2,114 echocardiograms from 657 patients with unrepaired pVSD were reviewed. Median age at the time of echocardiogram was 1.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.2 to 5.4). Median duration of follow-up was 1.7 years (IQR 0.2 to 7.4). pVSD-associated aortic valve disease prompted surgical intervention in 1.5% (10 of 657) of patients. Median age at the time of surgery was 4.8 years (IQR 1.7 to 8.4). A pVSD-to-aortic annulus diameter ratio of 0.66 ± 0.05 was present in 90% (9 of 10) of patients who underwent surgical closure because of pVSD-associated aortic valve disease. In conclusion, pVSD-associated aortic valve disease is uncommon, and progression of aortic regurgitation is rare. These data suggest that the majority of patients with pVSD do not require frequent follow-up and that frequent follow-up can be saved for a subset with echocardiographic markers placing them at higher risk of aortic valve diseases.
Capitalism Receives a Failing Grade

Cooperation ® : The Wealth of Nations Game ® is a simulation, a way to highlight advantages and disadvantages of economic systems, and suggest where changes might improve performance. This simulation enabled its inventors, Bob Blain and Bob Gill, to identify a set of rules that would work better than barter, socialism, and capitalism. University students graded these, along with autonomous cooperation. Barter received a C, socialism a B, capitalism an F, and autonomous cooperation an A. The latter is the result of adjusting game rules to incorporate the strengths of the other three methods of exchange while avoiding their weaknesses. How the rules of autonomous cooperation can be applied to economic policies is explained in the final section.
Agreement, Complement, and Disagreement to “Why Are Some Reactions Slower at Higher Temperatures?”

In the article “Why Are Some Reactions Slower at Higher Temperatures?” published in this Journal, Revell and Williamson explained, from the enthalpic and entropic aspects, why an A + B → P reaction may proceed more slowly at higher temperatures via an A + B ↔ C → P mechanism using the pre-equilibrium approximation. Their explanation is convincing but may be too abstract for undergraduate physical chemistry students to understand fully. In this communication, a numerical implementation and graphical demonstrations of their explanation are provided for students to use to “see” for themselves a negative activation energy. Although Revell and Williamson perfectly explained the negative temperature dependence of the A + B ↔ C → P reaction rate, great caution must be exercised when their explanation is applied to interstellar chemistry where the pre-equilibrium approximation may be invalid and statistical thermodynamics functions may be ill-defined.
Characterizing the Classical Strong Parapolar Spaces: The Cohen–Cooperstein Theory Revisited

Virtually all parapolar space characterizations of Lie incidence geometries rest on a trail of logical dependencies leading back to Arjeh Cohen’s characterization of Grassmannians, presented here. The first tier of consequences of Cohen’s theorem is summarized in the two theorems of Cohen and Cooperstein, the first of which falls within this chapter. Further explorations liberate their theory from the assumption of constant symplectic rank.
Using literacy-based behavioural interventions to teach self-regulation skills to young children

Many young children receive developmental screenings because they do not perform basic self-regulation skills needed in preschool and home environments. Previous research on Literacy-Based Behaviou...
Legal responsibilities when fitting minors with contact lenses.

BACKGROUND Practitioners must understand their legal responsibilities in fitting minors with contact lenses, which include informed consent, contractual obligations, and the Statute of Limitations. Minors are children and teenagers who have not yet reached voting age in their state--generally 18 years of age. Informed consent requires permission from the patient before a practitioner performs any treatment. For these young people, this consent generally can only be given by a parent or legal guardian. Minors can repudiate contracts made with them; therefore, the contractual obligation to pay for a contact lens fitting should be established with a parent or legal guardian. In most states, minors have additional time beyond the usual Statute of Limitations to bring a lawsuit. If practitioners recognize their legal responsibilities in caring for these special patients, fitting youngsters with contact lenses can be a rewarding part of practice.
One Big Digital Family: Examining Social Media and Social Support in the Development of Youth "At-Risk"

This study explores the role of social media use in the social development of underserved or "at-risk" youth in Los Angeles, CA and Lafayette, IN. A major goal of this research is building a knowledge base of this group's social media use to beneficially address their social support needs and aid in their successful assimilation into adulthood. This study employs ethnographic methods of semi-structured intensive interviews and participant observation with Santa Monica and Lafayette Boys & Girls Clubs program participants ages 10-15. Findings may be of particular interest to areas of CMC, HCI, social psychology, and policy/research in youth service development and the intersection of technology and health or well-being. The notion of "at-risk" is interrogated as part of this study.
Social Responsibility Revisited: Critical Thinking and Empathy as Necessary Components of Social Change

AbstractThe field of Recreation and Leisure has a history of advocacy and social reform. In recent history, there have been spirited dialogues, beginning with the 1991 SPRE Teaching Institute, abou...
Students' Alcohol Use, Sexual Behaviors, and Contraceptive Use While Studying Abroad.

College study abroad students may represent a subgroup at risk for increased alcohol use and sexual activity while traveling. The present study explored student’s alcohol use, sexual activity, and the interrelationship between the two while abroad. A sample of 372 students (Mage abroad = 20, SD = 3.3, 68% women) who had traveled abroad in the past 3 years were recruited from a large, southern university. Students completed an online survey of demographics, alcohol use, sexual behaviors, and contraceptive use. Students reported consuming an average of six drinks in one sitting, and 76% of women and men met criteria for ‘hazardous drinking’ while abroad. Students who met criteria for ‘hazardous drinking’ were more likely to engage in sexual activity; however, they also had a greater likelihood of wearing a condom. Our findings show students engage in problematic drinking and this is related to their engagement in sexual activity while abroad. Findings extend previous research and suggest study abroad programs should address norms around drinking and sexual activity prior to travel to ensure students’ safety while abroad.
Validation and cost-effectiveness of an in-house dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment protocol for daratumumab patients in a large tertiary care hospital provides gateway for implementation in smaller community hospitals.

Abstract Background Treatment of multiple myeloma with daratumumab (DARA) is increasing fast. Unfortunately, this antibody also attaches to red blood cells (RBCs) and mimics an autoantibody’s panreactivity during pre-transfusion testing, necessitating specialized techniques, (e.g. dithiothreitol (DTT)) for alloantibody detection. Many hospitals use a reference lab for such testing, increasing both cost and turn-around time (TAT). Herein, we compare the cost and TAT, pre and post-implementation of an in-house DTT protocol. Methods We designed a validation of our in-house DTT protocol from Nov to Dec 2017 with full implementation on January 1, 2018. We retrospectively reviewed all pre-transfusion tests on DARA patients from Feb 2016 to April 2018, pre and post-implementation of in-house DTT testing. Descriptive statistics were used for patient demographics and a Student t-test was used to compare cost and TATs (pre and post-implementation). Results We identified 49 patients on DARA treatment requiring transfusion. Samples from these patients were sent to the reference lab 104 times and were tested in-house 28 times. The average TAT for the reference lab was 19h25 m compared to our in-house TAT of 5h9m (an average time-savings of 14h16 m). We spent approximately $33,800 ($325 per test) for 104 reference lab samples versus $806.12 (˜$28.79 per test) for in-house testing of 28 samples. Conclusion We provide an easily implementable DTT protocol for pre-transfusion testing community hospitals and beyond. As more monoclonal antibodies are developed and approved for clinical use, the lessons learned with DARA will expand to deal with interference from future targeted therapies.
A Polarization-Reconfigurable Antipodal Dipole Antenna Using Liquid Metal

A polarization-reconfigurable antipodal dipole antenna is presented. The antenna switches between two orthogonal linear polarizations using low-power electrical actuation of liquid metal. Previous electrically actuated liquid-metal antennas have required continuous applied voltages to maintain an operating state, and had reduced gain from exposure to the lossy electrolyte needed for actuation. This antenna uses metastable locking so that applied voltages are only needed to change operating states, not to maintain them. In addition, the compact design of this antenna reduces the amount of electrolyte, and the antenna performance with and without the electrolyte solution is quantified. The dipole has a maximum gain between 1.8 and 2.3 dBi in the presence of the electrolyte and between 2.4 and 3.0 dBi when the solution is removed. The resonant frequencies of the orthogonal polarizations are less than 5.3% apart, and all states have greater than 15-dB return loss at the 3-GHz operating frequency.
Mechanical Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty Based on Surgical Approach: A Large, Single-Institution Cohort Study.

Abstract Background The influence of surgical approach on risk of early postoperative mechanical complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to be a focus of debate. We performed the first single-institution study on risk of early operative and nonoperative mechanical complications after THA based on approach, with the hypothesis that there would be no clinically significant difference with modern surgical methods. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 16,186 consecutive THA performed from 2010 to 2016. Revision or conversion THA and cases performed for hip fracture, with recalled prostheses, or during a surgeon’s learning period were excluded. THAs were performed using direct anterior (DA; n = 5465), direct lateral (DL; n = 8561), or posterolateral approach with soft tissue repair (PL; n = 2160). All mechanical complications within the first 2 years were identified. The primary analysis was a time to event Cox regression, accounting for both patient and surgeon characteristics. Results Compared with the DL approach, risk of mechanical complications was higher for both DA and PL. Adjusted risk of instability within 2 years was 0.17%, 0.74%, and 1.74% for DL, DA, and PL, respectively. While occurring at similar rates with the PL and DL approaches, the risk of periprosthetic fracture and loosening increased with DA. Consequently, femoral failure, including fracture or loosening, occurred more frequently for DA, with an adjusted incidence of 1.20% vs 0.58% and 0.47%, with DL and PL. Conclusion Even with soft tissue repair, instability continues to occur with increased frequency with the PL approach. While reducing dislocation, a higher risk of femoral failure with DA must also be considered. Nevertheless, the DL approach appears to confer the lowest overall risk of mechanical complications.
The Praxis of Roman Geometrical Ordering in the Design of a New American Prairie House

A new strategy for studying the properties and processes of ancient geometrical architectural design occurred in 1988 with the design and construction of the Watts house in Manhattan, KS, USA. Utilization of geometrical design properties gleaned from classical Roman architecture in an actual design application yielded a number of valuable insights. Putting the process into practice revealed its basic pragmatic virtues in terms of directly setting out the design upon the site using datums and proceeding to investigate alternative commensurate subdivisions of the datum frame. This directness of application extends to the actual construction process where some of the geometrical design processes are also done at full scale. The directness of this application provides a ready feedback and verification of the design in the field. It can also provide the opportunity for unforeseen minor adjustments in the original design. In doing so, the process allows for improving the fit between the original design intention and its final implementation.
What Happens on the Edge, Stays on the Edge: Toward Compressive Deep Learning.

Machine learning at the edge offers great benefits such as increased privacy and security, low latency, and more autonomy. However, a major challenge is that many devices, in particular edge devices, have very limited memory, weak processors, and scarce energy supply. We propose a hybrid hardware-software framework that has the potential to significantly reduce the computational complexity and memory requirements of on-device machine learning. In the first step, inspired by compressive sensing, data is collected in compressed form simultaneously with the sensing process. Thus this compression happens already at the hardware level during data acquisition. But unlike in compressive sensing, this compression is achieved via a projection operator that is specifically tailored to the desired machine learning task. The second step consists of a specially designed and trained deep network. As concrete example we consider the task of image classification, although the proposed framework is more widely applicable. An additional benefit of our approach is that it can be easily combined with existing on-device techniques. Numerical simulations illustrate the viability of our method.
KAIROS: Incremental Verification in High-Level Synthesis through Latency-Insensitive Design

High-level synthesis (HLS) improves design productivity by replacing cycle-accurate specifications with untimed or transaction-based specifications. Obtaining high-quality RTL implementations requires significant manual effort from designers, who must manipulate the code and evaluate different HLS-knob settings. These modifications can introduce bugs in the RTL implementations. We present KAIROS, a methodology for incremental formal verification in HLS. KAIROS verifies the equivalence of the RTL implementations the designer subsequently derives from the same specification by applying code manipulations and knobs.
Begging for bags: BAG-raising and prescriptive ideologies in Spokane Washington

Prevelar raising, the raising of /ae/ and /ɛ/ before /g/ and /ŋ/, has been noted during the last decade as a feature of Pacific Northwest English (PNWE). Previous research has focused mainly on gender and age as predictors, revealing a complex interplay that generally points to a decline in usage among younger generations. The present research reveals contradictory findings and identifies a novel category in the debate—speaker attitude towards the variable – which is found to condition itmore robustly than other established predictors.
Vaccine Candidate Brucella melitensis 16MΔvjbR Is Safe in a Pregnant Sheep Model and Confers Protection.

ABSTRACT As a natural host species for Brucella melitensis, pregnant sheep offer an ideal model to evaluate vaccine candidates for safety. B. melitensis strain Rev. 1 has been used almost exclusively to prevent brucellosis in small ruminants, but it causes abortions when given to pregnant animals. To evaluate the comparative safety of the candidate Brucella melitensis 16MΔvjbR, pregnant sheep (n = 6) were vaccinated subcutaneously with 1 × 1010 CFU/ml of 16MΔvjbR or 1 × 109 CFU/ml Rev. 1 at a highly susceptible stage of gestation (approximately 70 days). 16MΔvjbR resulted in only 1 abortion (1 of 6) compared with 4 of 6 (66.7%) abortions in the Rev. 1 cohort. The placenta was evaluated by culture to determine if vaccination resulted in colonization. As another measure of safety, effects of B. melitensis on the fetus/offspring (vertical transmission) was evaluated by culture and histopathology of fetal tissues to determine if vaccination prevented infection of the fetus. Vaccination with 16MΔvjbR resulted in less vertical transmission than Rev. 1. To determine if vaccination was efficacious and could reduce tissue colonization in sheep, the same cohort of sheep were challenged 5 weeks postpartum by conjunctival inoculation with 1 × 107 CFU/ml B. melitensis. Protection was similar between Rev. 1 and 16MΔvjbR, with no statistical difference in colonization in the target organs. Overall, the 16MΔvjbR vaccine was considered safer than Rev. 1 based on a reduced number of abortions and limited infection in the offspring. Future experiments are needed to further refine the vaccine dose to increase the safety margin and to evaluate protection in pregnant ewes. IMPORTANCE Brucellosis is one of the most commonly reported zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Of the 12 Brucella species, Brucella melitensis is considered the most virulent and causes reproductive failure (abortions/stillbirths) in small ruminants, which can spread the disease to other animals or to humans. Vaccination of small ruminants is a key measure used to protect both human and animal health. However, the commercially available live-attenuated vaccine for Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 retains virulence and can cause disease in animals and humans. In order to evaluate the safety and efficacy in sheep, we vaccinated pregnant sheep with 16MΔvjbR. Our results indicate that 16MΔvjbR was safer for use during pregnancy, provided a similar level of protection as Rev. 1, and could be considered an improved candidate for future vaccine trials.
Design of an FPGA based algorithm for real-time solutions of Statistics-Based Positioning

We report on the implementation of an algorithm and hardware platform to allow real-time processing of the previously described Statistics-Based Positioning (SBP) method for continuous miniature crystal element (cMiCE) detectors. The SBP method allows an intrinsic spatial resolution of ∼1.4 mm FWHM to be achieved using our cMiCE design. Previous SBP solutions have required a post-processing procedure due to the computation and memory intensive nature of SBP. This new implementation takes advantage of a combination of algebraic simplifications, conversion to fixed-point math, and a hierarchal search technique to greatly accelerate the algorithm. For the presented seven stage, 127×127 bin LUT implementation, these algorithm improvements result in a reduction from ≫7×106 floating-point operations per event for an exhaustive search to ≪5×103 integer operations per event. Simulations show nearly identical FWHM positioning resolution for this accelerated SBP solution, and positioning differences of ≪0.1mm from the exhaustive search solution. A pipelined Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of this optimized algorithm is able to process events in excess of 250K events per second, which is greater than the maximum expected coincidence rate for an individual detector. In contrast to all detectors being processed at a centralized host, as in the current system, a separate FPGA is available at each detector thus dividing the computational load. These methods allow SBP results to be calculated in real-time and to be presented to the image generation components in real-time. A prototype hardware implementation has been tested, limited to 4 stages due to memory limitations of the initial prototyping board. A custom board is currently under development to allow implementation of the full seven stage algorithm.
Beta-amyloid burden predicts poorer mnemonic discrimination in cognitively normal older adults

One of the earliest indicators of Alzheimer's disease pathology is the presence of beta-amyloid (Αβ) protein deposition. Significant amyloid deposition is evident even in older adults who exhibit little or no overt cognitive or memory impairment. Hippocampal-based processes that help distinguish between highly similar memory representations may be the most susceptible to early disease pathology. Amyloid associations with memory have been difficult to establish, possibly because typical memory assessments do not tax hippocampal operations sufficiently. Thus, the present study utilized a spatial mnemonic discrimination task designed to tax hippocampal pattern separation/completion processes in a sample of cognitively normal middle-aged and older adults (53-98 years old) who underwent PET 18F-Florbetapir Αβ scanning. The degree of interference between studied and new information varied, allowing for an examination of mnemonic discrimination as a function of mnemonic similarity. Results indicated that greater beta-amyloid burden was associated with poorer discrimination across decreasing levels of interference, suggesting that even subtle elevation of beta-amyloid in cognitively normal adults is associated with impoverished performance on a hippocampally demanding memory task. The present study demonstrates that degree of amyloid burden negatively impacts the ability of aging adults to accurately distinguish old from increasingly distinct new information, providing novel insight into the cognitive expression of beta-amyloid neuropathology.
Seeking information about enhanced geothermal systems: The role of fairness, uncertainty, systematic processing, and information engagement intentions

Abstract Despite potential benefits emerging energy technologies usually promise, the public often meets them with skepticism, resistance, or even outright rejection. In this study, we investigated the potential role communication plays in the early stages of opinion formation. In particular, we examined the relationships among message framing, information processing, communication motivation, and information seeking. Building on work examining uncertainty reduction, fairness, risk communication, and the theory of planned behaviors, we conducted an experiment in which a sample of U.S. adults (N = 1042) were led to believe that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) would be developed in their local community. Participants received initial information varying in degrees of uncertainty and procedural fairness about the EGS development. Subsequently, we offered them an opportunity to read additional articles about EGS, which was operationalized as actual information seeking behaviors. We found that predictors, such as affect, norm, current knowledge, and information need, explained information engagement intentions, which further predicted actual information seeking behaviors. In addition, systematic processing of the initial EGS information, perceived uncertainty, and perceived fairness had direct relations with actual information seeking. The discussion provides theoretical and practical implications.
Prodigal Children: Why Older Mothers Favor Their Once-Deviant Adult Children.

OBJECTIVES Past research suggests that adult children who reform their deviant behaviors (i.e., problems with drugs/alcohol or the law) are more likely to become favored by their mothers, yet the reasons underlying this phenomenon are unclear. This study employs a longitudinal, qualitative approach to explore why adult children's behavioral reforms shape changes in maternal favoritism. METHODS Analyses are based on qualitative interview data collected at two points seven years apart from older mothers regarding their adult children in 20 families. Each of these families had a "prodigal child"-a child for whom desistance from deviant behaviors between the two waves was accompanied by newfound maternal favoritism. RESULTS Findings revealed two conditions under which mothers came to favor reformed deviants over their siblings. First, this occurred when adult children's behavioral reformations were accompanied by mothers' perceptions of these children as having grown more family-oriented. Second, this occurred when mothers came to see reformed deviants as exhibiting a stronger need and appreciation for maternal support, relative to their siblings. DISCUSSION Mothers' perceptions of children's behavioral reformations as being accompanied by greater dedication to family or reflecting a need for their mothers' support offer two explanations for why previously deviant adult children may become mothers' favored offspring. These findings contribute to a growing body of scholarship on the complexity of intergenerational relations by shedding new light on changing patterns of favoritism in families with a history of parental disappointment, conflict, and strain.
Regulating Product Recall Compliance in the Digital Age: Evidence from the 'Safe Car Save Lives' Campaign

The unprecedented number of product recalls in recent years and subsequent low consumer recall compliance raise questions about the role of regulatory agencies in ensuring safety. In this study, the authors develop a conceptual framework to test the impact of a regulator-initiated digital marketing campaign (DMC) on consumer recall compliance. The empirical context is the launch of a nationwide DMC by the U.S. automobile industry’s regulator. The analysis utilizes recall completion data from 296 product recalls active both before and after the DMC’s launch. The results show that the DMC improves consumer recall compliance. In the first four quarters after it was introduced, the DMC increased the number of vehicles fixed, on average, by 20,712 per recall campaign over what was to be expected without the DMC. Regarding boundary conditions, the study finds that the DMC is more effective for recall campaigns with greater media coverage and for those with older recalled products. However, the DMC’s effect is weaker as the time needed to repair a defective component increases. The findings should help regulators make compelling cases for greater resource allocation toward digital initiatives to improve recall compliance.
Meta-Programming with XML Schema

This chapter discusses the functionality to read, process, and use XML schema within R. The primary goal is to be able to programmatically generate R classes and code to work with XML documents. Recall from Section 2.7 that an XML schema describes the structure, content and data types for XML documents in a particular XML vocabulary, grammar or format (e.g., PMML or KML). The information in the schema can be turned into S4 class definitions and R functions for reading and generating XML in R for that XML vocabulary. We can use these S4 classes to represent data that appear in the XML documents as R objects corresponding to the schema. This means we can both read XML into objects of these classes and also generate XML by serializing these R objects to XML. The key idea is that these classes and methods for reading and writing XML are generated programmatically. The XMLSchema package provides code that generates code for a given schema. R users do not need to interact directly with the contents of a schema, but can benefit from them to create structured R code and data.
Sequence analysis, biogenesis, and mitochondrial import of the α-subunit of rat liver propionyl-CoA carboxylase

Abstract We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs encoding the alpha-subunit of rat liver propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), a biotin-dependent, mitochondrial matrix protein. The full-length cDNA spans 3327 base pairs, has a long (895 base pairs) 5'-untranslated region, and encodes a protein of 721 amino acids. In vitro transcription and translation of the full-length rat alpha-PCC cDNA produces a product which is immunoprecipitable with antibodies specific to PCC and has the same apparent molecular weight as in vivo synthesized alpha-PCC. Rat liver alpha-PCC precursor is not quantitatively biotinylated when synthesized in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte system. Nevertheless, when incubated with isolated rat liver mitochondria in vitro, the precursor is imported and proteolytically cleaved to its mature form. A sequence comparison of rat liver alpha-PCC and other biotinylated polypeptides reveals the absolute conservation of three glycines and one valine in the region surrounding the biotinylated lysine residue. This pattern of conserved residues is also present in lipoylated proteins, where lipoic acid is similarly, covalently attached to a lysine residue. A possible functional role for the conserved glycine residues and further sequence similarity surrounding the site of biotinylation and lipoylation is discussed.
Preparation and polymerization of vinylpyridine-N-oxide1

Two kinds of vinylpyridine-N-oxide, 2-vinylpyridine-N-oxide (EVPN) and 5-ethyl-2-vinylpyridine-N-oxide were prepared from the corresponding hydroxyethyl pyridines, and characterized. These N-oxides were polymerized with 2,2′-azo-bis-isobutyronitrile. The monomer reactivity ratios of the following systems were determined: St/VPN (r1 = 0.11 ± 0.01; r2 = 2.1 ± 0.6), MMA/VPN (r1 = 0.13 ± 0.03; r2 = 3.9 ± 0.8), St/EVPN (r1 = 0.10 ± 0.01; r2 = 2.6 ± 0.3), and MMA/EVPN (r1 = 0.12 ± 0.02; r2 = 4.7 ± 0.6). Moreover The reactivity difference between vinylpyridine and vinylpyridine-N-oxide in copolymerization is discussed. Es werden die Darstellungen von 2-Vinylpyridin-N-oxyd (VPN) und 5-Athyl-2-vinylpyridin-N-oxyd (EVPN) aus den entsprechenden Hydroxyathylpyridinen beschrieben. Die N-Oxyde werden charakterisiert und bei 60°C mit Azo-bis-isobutyronitril polymerisiert. In der Copolymerisation mit Styrol (St) und Methacrylsauremethylester (MMA) wurden die Copolymerisationsparameter fur folgende Systeme bestimmt: St/VPN (r1 = 0,11 ± 0,01; r2 = 2,1 ± 0,6), MMA/VPN (r1 = 0,13 ± 0,03; r2 = 3,9 ± 0,8), St/EVPN (r1 = 0,10 ± 0,01; r2 = 2,6 ± 0,3) und MMA/EVPN (r1 = 0,12 ± 0,02; r2 = 4,7 ± 0,6). Der Unterschied der Reaktivitat von Vinylpyridin und Vinylpyridin-N-oxyd bei der Copolymerisation wird diskutiert.
Enhanced binding of neuraminidase-treated sheep erythrocytes to human T lymphocytes.

Pretreatment of sheep erythrocytes with neuraminidase greatly enhances their specific binding and rosette formation with human T lymphocytes. Since the rosettes dissociate at 37°C, a method was developed to isolate human T lymphocytes with a high degree of purity and good recoveries. Trypsin treatment of E abolishes their binding to T lymphocytes. Trypsin-treated erythrocytes can be coated with antibody and complement components and used as a specific reagent to detect the C3 receptor on human B lymphocytes, avoiding the risk of an interaction between the erythrocytes and T lymphocytes.
Regulation of internodal lenght by peroxidase enzymes in grain sorghum.

A relationship between height genes (dw locus) and perioxidase was demonstrated by extracting and determining peroxidase specific activity in internode tissue from different height isogenic lines of sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Tall plants (2 dwarf) had less peroxidase per gram tissue than their short counterparts (3 dwarf); their F1 offspring internodes were closer but had more peroxidase than the tall parent. Peroxidase in the F2 offspring was inversely related to their height and followed a simply-inherited pattern similar to that for height.
Injunctions for Defamation, Juries, and the Clarifying Light of 1868

This article raises two issues of contemporary constitutional law. The first is a question of free speech: the propriety of the judiciary's current retreat from the traditional rule that equity cannot enjoin defamatory speech, which until now has been one of the unwavering precepts of the American law of remedies. The second is a question of constitutional jurisprudence: when determining the rights that citizens have against state government, should jurists who consider themselves originalists seek the meaning of the Bill of Rights in 1789, when the Bill was first adopted, or in 1868, when the Fourteenth Amendment made it applicable to the states? As a contribution to the judiciary's reassessment of the traditional no injunction for defamation rule, this Article revises our understanding of rule's history and discusses the implications of that revision for the current debate on the no injunction rule's continued propriety. The historiography of the rule traces back to Roscoe Pound's 1916 article Equitable Relief Against Defamation and Injuries to Personality. In Pound's view, the rule was not settled at the nation's founding. I will argue that it was. Also in Pound's view, the rule was founded on such anachronistic concerns as the limitation of equity's jurisdiction to the protection of property rights. I will argue that it was founded in on considerations that still should influence us: distrust of judges and respect for the role of juries in free speech controversies. In light of this argument, the Article suggests that if it is proper to depart from the traditional no injunction rule, the Supreme Court should find that the First Amendment imposes two jury-centered limitations on the departure: 1) no injunction may issue without a jury determination that the speech was defamatory; and 2) no injunction be enforced without a jury determination that the injunction was violated by speech that continues to be defamatory. By insisting on the inclusion of a jury in both the liability and enforcement proceedings, the insight of the constitution makers of the importance of a popular check on government regulation of speech may be retained. As a contribution to the practice of originalism, this Article establishes a historical point with which Pound had no concern: the evidence supporting the claim that the no injunction for defamation rule was an established aspect free speech is far more clear and abundant if we consider the Reconstruction era rather than the nation's Founding. This point illustrates the importance, when discussing the limitations imposed by the Fourteenth Amendment on the states, of shifting the focus from the meaning of the Bill of Rights in 1791 to its meaning in 1868. In this way, the paper contributes to the substantive debate on the future of the no injunction for defamation rule while it illustrates the importance of focusing on the evolution of Bill of Rights norms between 1789 and 1868 when interpreting the restrictions the Fourteenth Amendment imposes on the states.
Abstract W P241: Identification of Neural Stem Cells in Neurogenic Niche After Stroke

Background: Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) are present in the rodent ventricular-subventricular zone (V/SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. However, their in vivo role in stroke-induced neurogenesis remains uncertain. Using an anti-mitotic agent (Ara-C) in combination with phenotype markers, we examined NSCs in whole-mount preparation of the lateral ventricle of ischemic brain. Methods and Results: Adult mice (n=28) were used. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding the right middle cerebral artery. Ara-C was infused on brain surface of mice for 7 days. BrdU was administered to label proliferating cells. Another 6 mice with non-ischemia, non-infusion were also given BrdU labeling as normal control. The architecture of NSCs identified by inhibitor of DNA binding/Differentiation 1 (Id1, a transcription factor)+/GFAP+ in the V/SVZ were examined in whole mount by means of a 3D confocal microscope. In a normal V/SVZ, 3% (at least 4,000 cells counted per each sample) cells were Id1+. Of these Id1+ cells, 16% cells were GFAP+, which were anchored by specialized apical end-feet in the center of the pinwheel of ependymal cells and they often extended basal processes at least 50 -80 um long; none of these cells were BrdU+ after 1h pulse labeling, indicating that these cells are relatively quiescent. However, 69 % of Id1+ cells were Mash+ and Olig2+ and the majority of these cells were BrdU+, indicating that these are active progenitor cells. 1h after termination of infusion, Id1+/Mash+ and Olig2+ cells were eliminated, whereas Id1+/GFAP+ cells in the center of pinwheels were not affected in non-ischemic and ischemic V/SVZ niches. At this time point, there were no actively proliferating cells measured by 1h BrdU pulse labeling. However, by 48h after termination of infusion, there were many proliferating cells with 59% and 75% of BrdU+ cells were Id1+ in non-ischemic and ischemic V/SVZ niches (p<0.05), respectively. In the ischemic V/SVZ niche, in the center of pinwheels the majority of Id1+/BrdU+ cells were GFAP+ . Conclusion: Our in vivo data suggest that adult V/SVZ niche GFAP+/Id1+ astrocytes are “functional quiescent” NSCs. Stroke recruits quiescent NSCs in the V/SVZ niche to an active pool for enhancing the neurogenic process in response to ischemic insult.
A comparison of the end-results of treatment of endocervicitis by electrophysical methods: Cautery, coagulation, and conization

Abstract One hundred and fifty cases of cervical inflammation were treated by cauterization, coagulation, or conization of the cervical canal. One hundred and thirty-eight cases were followed to a point of complete cure: that is, freedom from symptoms and eradication of pelvic pathology. Fifty were in the group treated by coagulation and 44 each in the groups treated by cauterization and conization. The average length of time required to cure patients treated by cauterization was four months. Nineteen were cured in two months and 13 in three or four months. The average length of time required to cure patients treated by coagulation was seven months. Ten were cured in two months and 15 in three or four months. The average length of time required to cure patients treated by conization was 7.3 months. Five were cured in two months and 10 in three or four months. Repetition of the same or one of the other methods was necessary in one case originally cauterized, in 5 cases originally coned, and in 6 cases originally coagulated. Newly formed cysts developed and were treated in 4 patients originally cauterized, in 9 patients originally coagulated and in 17 patients originally coned. Moderate stenosis of the cervical canal occurred in 6 patients treated by coagulation. Acute inflammation of the tubes and ovaries developed in 4 patients treated by coagulation, and in 3 treated by conization. Six patients treated by coagulation had subsequent periods of amenorrhea lasting from three to fourteen months.
TNF-α processing is required to limit the CD8+ T-cell response and the extent of lung injury during influenza infection (VIR2P.1015)

Influenza infection in humans evokes a potent CD8+ T-cell response, which is important for clearance of virus but may also exacerbate lung injury. TNF-α is a pleotropic cytokine that is important in regulating T-cell responses to disease. We sought to characterize the role of TNF-α during influenza infection by utilizing genetically modified mice that lack TNF-α or only express transmembrane TNF-α. We found that while TNF-α was dispensable for influenza virus clearance, soluble (s) TNF-α expression was required to limit the extent of injury. In the absence of sTNF-α, there was a significant increase in the virus-specific CD8+ T-cell response, which was due in part to increased resistance to activation-induced cell death. We found that sTNF-α mediated T-cell responses primarily through TNFR1, since mice lacking TNFR1 exhibited dysregulated immune responses and exacerbated injury similar to that observed in mice lacking sTNF-α. Interestingly, mice lacking TNFR2 had an impaired CD8+ T-cell response with attenuated injury. We also found that antibody neutralization of TNF-α early during infection enhanced the magnitude of the CD8+ T-cell response indicating that TNF-α expression has a dominant effect during T-cell priming to limit the size of the effector response later during infection. Taken together, these findings suggest that proteolytic processing of TNF-α is a critical event regulating the CD8+ T-cell response and the extent of immunopathology during influenza infection.
Mineral balance of finishing pigs fed copper sulfate or a copper-lysine complex at growth-stimulating levels.

Twenty-four crossbred barrows (average BW, 70.8 kg) were used to compare the digestibility of dry matter and the mineral absorption and retention by pigs fed two Cu sources. Dietary treatments were 1) basal (B) (16% CP corn-soybean meal-based diet, 36 mg/kg of Cu), 2) B + 200 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO 4 .5 H 2 O (CuSO 4 ), and 3) B + 200 mg/kg of Cu from a copper lysine complex (CuLys). All diets contained equal lysine content and.05% chromic oxide for indirect determination of absorption. Two 7-d total collection periods were conducted. Pigs were fed 8% of metabolic BW (BW .75 ) divided into two equal feedings. Average daily gain tended to be higher for pigs fed CuLys than for pigs fed CuSO 4 (P .10) among treatments. The absolute amount of Cu absorbed and retained was greater for pigs fed both Cu sources (P .10) among treatment groups. Chromium intake and excretion in feces were not different (P >.10), with an average recovery of 93.8%. Indirect DM digestibility was similar to total collection values ; however, mineral values were similar only after correction for Cr recovery. Pigs fed elevated Cu absorbed more Cu, with no difference between the two sources. Zinc and Fe absorption and retention were generally not affected (P >.10) by Cu addition or sources. The absorption and retention of Cu was similar for pigs fed growth-stimulative levels of Cu from CuSO 4 or copper lysine complex.
Regulation of Steroidogenesis by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in Isolated Adrenal Cells of Rat

Abstract The data presented with the isolated adrenal cells in the present study show that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the synthesis of pregnenolone from (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol which is cycloheximide-insensitive. The stimulatory effect of the hormone is not eliminated by preloading the cells with (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol. Furthermore, adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate does not mimic this stimulatory action of ACTH. Previous studies from other laboratories (which have been supported from this laboratory) have shown that the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is inhibited by cycloheximide. The transformation of cholesterol to (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol has been shown to be the rate-limiting step and this step has been implicated to be inhibited by cycloheximide. It is, therefore, concluded from the present study that ACTH stimulates this step as well as the second step which is the conversion of (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol to pregnenolone. This second step has been herein shown to be cycloheximide-insensitive. The latter effect of ACTH is not mediated by adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate. It is, further, proposed that the mode of action of ACTH in the isolated adrenal cell is both dependent and independent of adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate. Another observation in the present study is that exogenous cholesterol inhibits ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis. Of further significance is the finding that high concentrations of deoxycorticosterone are formed from (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol in the cell. This suggests that in this biosynthetic pathway, the last step, which is the conversion of deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone, is a relatively slow reaction. This latter step, however, may not be under the control of ACTH.
Uptake and transport of macromolecules by the intestine: Possible role in clinical disorders (an update)

The intestine is exposed to a wide variety of macromolecules. Because macromolecules are antigenic, mechanisms have evolved in the gastrointestinal tract to regulate their absorption. Macromolecular uptake can be beneficial in delivering essential factors for growth and in sampling the antigenic milieu of the gastrointestinal tract. Specific transport mechanisms exist to execute this physiological absorption. However, inappropriate and uncontrolled antigen transport may occur in disease states or as a prelude to disease states in the gastrointestinal tract. Such transport may result in immune responses that are harmful. This review examines physiological transport of macromolecules through epithelia and through M cells. It also considers uncontrolled transport and its relation to disease states. The review concludes with an examination of the interrelationship between antigen transport and an altered immune system in the establishment of gastrointestinal disease.
A monolithic pulse-shaping filter for measurement of radiation particles

A monolithic CMOS continuous-time pulse-shaping filter, based on a simple passive RC model, is described. The delay time of this circuit is tunable by adjusting the tail currents in a transconductance block. An interesting result concerning the output noise of this filter is derived. >
Phenotype–genotype correlations of facial width and height proportions in patients with Class II malocclusion

Structured Abstract Objectives To characterize soft-tissue facial height and width variation in Class II malocclusion and test for correlations with genes HMGA2, AJUBA, and ADK. Setting and sample population Nine facial proportions were estimated from 2D frontal repose photographs of 330 Caucasian adults with Class II malocclusion. Material and methods After adjustments for age and gender, the facial proportions were submitted to a principal component analyses (PCA). The most meaningful phenotypic variations were correlated with SNPs rs7924176 (ADK), rs17101923 (HMGA2), and rs997154 (AJUBA) genotyped in 106 individuals. Results Principal component analyses resulted in four principal components (PCs), which explained 75% of total variation. PC1 captured variation in the intercanthus distance and explained 28% of total variation. PC2 explained 21% of the variations in facial taper and facial index. PC3 explained 14% and reflected variations in the vertical dimension of the lower face. PC4 explained 12% and captured variations in distance between the eyes, width of the commissures, and the length of the superior aspect of the lower face height corresponding to the vertical dimension of the philtrum of the upper lip. A suggestive association (p < 0.05) was observed between PC4 and rs997154 corroborating the role of AJUBA in variation of facial dimensions. Conclusion 2D frontal photographs can be used to derive quantitative measures of soft-tissue phenotypes that are of clinical relevance. The methods described are suitable for discovery and replication of associations between genotypes and malocclusion phenotypes.