cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food adulteration and food fraud

Eating is an act of trust. Jonathan Rees’ concise and timely work Food Adulteration and Food Fraud argues that this trust is breaking down, as consumers have become less and less familiar with how ...
Distinct co-modulation rules of synaptic and voltage-gated currents coordinates interactions of multiple neuromodulators

Different neuromodulators usually activate distinct receptors but can have overlapping targets. Consequently, circuit output depends on neuromodulator interactions at shared targets, a poorly understood process. We explored quantitative rules of co-modulation of two principal targets: voltage-gated and synaptic ionic currents. In the stomatogastric ganglion of the crab Cancer borealis, the neuropeptides proctolin and CCAP modulate synapses of the pyloric circuit, and activate a voltage-gated current (IMI) in multiple neurons. We examined the validity of a simple dose-dependent quantitative rule that co-modulation by proctolin and CCAP is predicted by the linear sum of the individual effects of each modulator, up to saturation. We found that this rule is valid for co-modulation of synapses, but not for the activation of IMI, where co-modulation was sublinear. Given the evolutionary conservation of neuromodulator receptors and signaling pathways, such distinct rules for co-modulation of different targets are likely to be common across neuronal circuits.
Outcomes of robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension (RALLS) with mesh for anterior and apical prolapse

Abdominal sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy is the gold standard for the treatment of vaginal apex support. However, dissection of the promontory may expose to potentially life-threatening complications. To avoid this risk, laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh is an alternative. Robotic assistance may be helpful in both techniques. The objective of our study was to evaluate outcomes of robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension (RALLS) with mesh for anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). From March 2012 to January 2018, 59 consecutive patients underwent RALLS using titanized polypropylene mesh. Between August 2017 and September 2019, all patients were contacted to assess outcome. We performed a clinical exam and asked them to complete the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire. Fifty-four patients (91.5%) were available for follow-up. Mean age was 58.5 years (28.8–79.8). There were no perioperative complications. The mean follow-up was 33.6 months (11.2–74.1).The objective cure rate (no prolapse beyond hymen) and the subjective cure rate (PGI-I ≤ 2) were 83.3% and 77.2%, respectively. Five women (9.3%) were reoperated for POP recurrence. There was no erosion. Of the 20 women complaining of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) preoperatively, 12 (60%) were cured without any additional SUI procedure. Only two women (10%) required TVT for persistent grade 2 SUI. Two women (5.9%) developed de novo SUI, but none of them required an operation. RALLS repair for POP with mesh is safe and effective and may represent an alternative to sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy.
Income shifting and U.S. international trade in goods statistics

Abstract Intrafirm trade represents greater than one-third of total U.S. international trade in goods. Since these are not arm’s-length transactions, trade policymakers have voiced concerns that income shifting may distort international trade in goods statistics through the manipulation of transfer prices. Using country-level data on intrafirm exports and imports, we estimate a path analysis that simultaneously tests how and to what extent tax-motivated transfer pricing and real investment decisions affect intrafirm trade in goods statistics. Contrary to speculation, we do not find an economically significant relation between transfer pricing and intrafirm trade in goods statistics. In contrast, we find that tax-motivated location decisions create a 21 (20) percent or $819.7 ($927.1) million difference in mean intrafirm exports (imports) between the U.S. and a low- and high-tax country. This study provides trade policymakers with relevant information about the extent to which real investment decisions and accounting manipulations affect intrafirm trade in goods statistics and contributes to the international trade and income shifting literatures.
Childhood socioeconomic status, adulthood obesity and health: The role of parental permanent and transitory income

Children from low SES backgrounds experience long-term economic deprivation in addition to excessive income volatility during childhood. Little is known about whether parental income influences adulthood weight and health through either prolonged or transitory hardship. Using the intergenerational feature of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), we link parents' income records from a 47-year panel (1968-2015 waves) to health outcomes of 3976 adult children (1999-2015 waves) in the United States. We calculate parental permanent income to measure prolonged disadvantages, as well as transitory income peaks and valleys at various early-life stages to measure transitory advantages and disadvantages, respectively. Our findings show that parental permanent income is negatively associated with obesity and adverse health outcomes in multiple adulthood stages. We also detect negative associations between transitory income peaks in adolescence and adverse weight and health outcomes. Our findings provide strong empirical support for the influence of prolonged material hardship on adverse weight and health outcomes and no support for the influence of transitory material hardship. Our findings also show that policies that improve parental permanent income and provide higher transitory income are essential to generate healthier adults.
A qualitative enhancement to quantitative social network analysis

The literature on social media analytics typically focuses on the social processes within the social media group that is being studied. On the other hand, the subjective views of the social media a...
Fuzzy Clustering and Active Contours for Histopathology Image Segmentation and Nuclei Detection

Histopathology imaging provides high resolution multispectral images for study and diagnosis of various types of cancers. The automatic analysis of these images can greatly facilitate the diagnosis task for pathologists. A primary step in computational histology is accurate image segmentation to detect the number and spatial distribution of cell nuclei in the tissue, along with segmenting other guiding structures such as lumen and epithelial regions which together make up a gland structure. This paper presents a new method for gland structure segmentation and nuclei detection. In the first step, fuzzy c-means with spatial constraint algorithm is applied to detect the potential regions of interest, multiphase vector-based level set algorithm is then used to refine the segmentation. Finally, individual nucleus centers are detected from segmented nuclei clusters using iterative voting algorithm. The obtained results show high performances for nuclei detection compared to the human annotation.
Factors That Shape Design Thinking.

A wide range of design literature discusses the role of the studio and its related pedagogy in the development of design thinking. Scholars in a variety of design disciplines pose a number of factors that potentially affect this development process, but a full understanding of these factors as experienced from a critical pedagogy or student perspective is lacking. In this study, the experiences of six first-year design students were examined as they evolved in their conceptions of design. Data was collected during a series of three interviews. Analysis of data confirmed and recontextualized factors identified in the literature. Additional factors relating to group work, culture shock, critique, individual versus group identity, and the design influence of professors, mentors, and curricula are identified and reported. Opportunities for future research are identified.
Sequence and structural characteristics of the trypsin-resistant T6 surface protein of group A streptococci.

Abstract The gene for the trypsin-resistant surface T6 protein of Streptococcus pyogenes D471 (M type 6) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene (tee6) and its flanking regions was determined and found to include only one major open reading frame coding for a protein of 537 amino acids (Mr, 57,675). The N terminus of the deduced protein sequence exhibits features of a typical signal sequence, and the C-terminal segment was found to have a high degree of homology with the membrane anchor region of other gram-positive surface proteins, such as streptococcal M protein, wapA protein from Streptococcus mutans and staphylococcal protein A. A hexapeptide having the consensus sequence LPSTGE and located immediately upstream of the C-terminal hydrophobic segment showed the highest degree of conservation at both the protein and DNA levels, with nearly all reported surface proteins from gram-positive cocci. The amino acid composition of the T6 protein revealed 21% serine and threonine residues distributed nearly regularly throughout the molecule, and analysis of the secondary structure predicted a conformation composed of greater than 70% beta-sheet potential interrupted by beta-turns or random coils. Localization experiments in E. coli show very little T6 protein in the periplasmic space. When found here, however, this T6 protein had a molecular mass of 55 kilodaltons, similar to that extracted from the streptococci by nonionic detergent. Most of the T6 protein was found localized in the membrane fraction, where it was composed of a triple band of 60, 58, and 57 kilodaltons. The coexistence of streptococcal surface proteins which are either resistant (T protein) or sensitive (M protein) to proteolytic enzymes may offer a new dimension to the modulation of these antigens under specific biological conditions.
Ultrastructural changes in the terminal bronchiole of the rat during continuous, low-level exposure to nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract The epithelial cells of the terminal bronchioles of rats continuously exposed to NO2 show several conspicuous ultrastructural changes. In this study tissue from animals exposed to 2 ppm for up to 2 years was compared with that from animals exposed to 17 ppm for up to 43 days. In addition, tissue from animals repeatedly exposed to 17 ppm NO2 with intervening recovery phases in clean air were compared with the tissue mentioned above. The ultrastructural changes observed were common to all groups of animals strongly suggesting a concentration-time response of the tissue to NO2. Among the changes reported are (1) loss of cilia, (2) failure of new cilia to develop although centriolar replication is not interrupted, (3) disorientation of basal bodies, (4) formation of intracytoplasmic ciliated vacuoles, and (5) formation of intracytoplasmic crystalloid inclusions.
Relating ambient ozone concentrations to adverse biomass responses of white clover: a case study

A white clover model system (consisting of O3-sensitive [NC-S] and tolerant [NC-R] clones) offers an opportunity to establish cause (temporally dynamic O3 exposures) and effect (temporally variable, chronic plant biomass responses) relationships under chamberless, ambient conditions on a regional scale. However, our understanding of the performance of the system (ambient O3 exposures and the responses of NC-S:NC-R) requires improvement. For example, there are residual carry-over effects in the biomass responses of NC-S:NC-R between successive harvests in a given growth season. However, there were no clear increasing or decreasing trends in these ratios from harvest to harvest during a given growth season. Based on observed differential, perhaps random variations in the biomass responses of NC-S:NC-R, one may conclude that growth regulating factors other than the ambient O3 were responsible for the observed variability. This is supported by the results of the linear regression analysis between the O3 exposure potentials (O3 flux) and the biomass responses of NC-S:NC-R. Future research must include not only site specific measurements of ambient O3 concentrations and the biomass responses of NC-S and NC-R, but also hourly horizontal windspeeds, air temperature, global radiation and relative humidity, to derive more realistic and reliable numerical relationships of cause (O3 fluxes) and effect (NC-S:NC-R biomass). The resulting predictive models need to be of time-series in their nature to account for the stochasticity of the underlying relationships.
Radiation tolerance of the cervical spinal cord

Abstract The incidence of permanent injury to the spinal cord as a complication of radiation therapy generally correlates positively with total radiation dosage. However, several reports in the literature have indicated that fraction size is also an important factor in the development or nondevelopment of late injuries in normal tissue. To determine the effect of fraction size on the incidence of radiation-induced spinal cord injuries, we reviewed 144 cases of head and neck cancer treated at our institution between 1971 and 1980 with radiation > 5600 cGy to a portion of the cervical spinal cord. Most of these patients received ≥6000 cGy, with fraction sizes ranging from 133 cGy to 200 cGy. Fifty-three of the 144 patients have been followed up for 2 years or more. Nearly half of these (26 patients) received >6000 cGy with fraction sizes of 133 cGy to 180 cGy. Only 1 of the 53 (1.9%) has sustained permanent spinal cord injury; 20 months after completion of radiation treatments he developed Brown-Sequard syndrome. Our experience suggests that radiation injuries to the spinal cord correlate not only with total radiation dosage, but also with fraction size; low fraction sizes appear to decrease the incidence of such injuries.
Randomness & complexity in pure mathematics

One normally thinks that everything that is true is true for a reason. I've found mathematical truths that are true for no reason at all. These mathematical truths are beyond the power of mathematical reasoning because they are accidental and random.
The effects of protamines and histones on the nucleic acids of ascites tumor cells

Abstract When Krebs ascites tumor cells are exposed to protamine or histone, these basic proteins are rapidly incorporated into the cells. At fairly high medium concentrations of these substances the cells may finally take up more protamine than their normal content of DNA and RNA combined. This protamine combines with the DNA of the cell nucleus, and with cytoplasmic RNA forming precipitated bodies in the cytoplasm. By their staining reactions these bodies were shown to contain RNA and protamine. The exposure of the cells to protamine or histone was followed by abrupt cessation of incorporation of amino acids into cell protein, though only relatively minor effects on cellular respiration were produced by the same protamine concentrations. The viability of the cells was destroyed.
Novel Approach to Quantitative Depth Profiling of Surfaces Using ATR/FT-IR Measurements

Reflection theory for step-wise stratified media is applied to establish the relationship between the reflectivity data obtained from ATR/FT-IR surface depth profiling experiments and the concentration at a given surface depth. In spite of the mathematical complexity of the process, an unknown surface depth profiling can be calculated by using a linear interpolation, or by applying a function with variable parameters. Due to limited assumptions and fairly reasonable computation time, even when the sample is finely divided to achieve high spatial resolution, the linear interpolation approach seems to be particularly advantageous. The proposed methodology is tested for the distribution of surfactant molecules and calculations of the surface depth profiles in latex thin films.
2'-O-[2-(guanidinium)ethyl]-modified oligonucleotides: stabilizing effect on duplex and triplex structures.

Oligonucleotides with a novel 2‘-O-[2-(guanidinium)ethyl] (2‘-O-GE) modification have been synthesized using a novel protecting group strategy for the guanidinium group. This modification enhances the binding affinity of oligonucleotides to RNA as well as duplex DNA (ΔTm 3.2 °C per modification). The 2‘-O-GE modified oligonucleotides exhibited exceptional resistance to nuclease degradation. The crystal structure of a palindromic duplex formed by a DNA oligonucleotide with a single 2‘-O-GE modification was solved at 1.16 A resolution.
How New Ideas in Physics and Biology Influence Developmental Science

This article reviews how ideas from 20th century physics and biology have come to play important roles in the study of development and how these ideas have informed a relatively new paradigm in developmental science: relational developmental systems, a synthesis of developmental biology and developmental psychology. Employing concepts such as emergence and self-organization, epigenetics and epigenesis, and an ontological framework that stresses levels of increasing organization and complexity, the relational developmental systems paradigm embraces a thoroughly holistic and nonreductionistic account of development and behavioral origins. It furthermore promotes psychology as a unique science, irreducible to biological science—though genes, brains, and other biological processes are factors that participate in the developmental process, such factors do not cause behavioral origins and are only explicable in the context of the developing system as a whole.
Some beta distributions

Four new generalizations of the standard beta distribution are introduced. Various properties are derived for each distribution, including its hazard rate function and moments.
Spiral Waves of Chemical Activity

The Zhabotinsky-Zaikin reagent propagates waves of chemical activity. Reaction kinetics remain to be fully resolved, but certain features of wave behavior are determined by purely geometrical considerations. If a wave is broken, then spiral waves, resembling involutes of the circle, appear, persist, and eventually exclude all concentric ring waves.
The Color of Music: Correspondence through Emotion:

College students listened to four song clips. Following each clip, the students indicated which color(s) corresponded to each of the four songs by distributing five points among eleven basic color ...
Standard polarization components: progress toward an optical retardance standard

NIST is developing a quarterwave linear retarder designed to have a retardance stable within 0.1 degree(s) over a variety of operational and environmental conditions. In this paper we review several design strategies and early results of this effort. These have led to a promising prototype design consisting of a double rhomb TIR retarder constructed from a low stress- optic glass. We also review several measurement methods that are used in our evaluations.
a Line Intensity Transfer Model for the Rotational Raman Spectrum of Ethylene.

Abstract A new model for the spectrum of ethylene, utilizing the line-mixing concept for overlapping lines, is presented here. The Lorentzian line shape is assigned to all the lines, with the single transitions having the usual directly pressure-dependent widths, and with overlapping lines considered as a single composite feature having an inversely pressure-dependent width. This model is compared with two sets of data: interferometric data over a range of pressures, and an ad hoc model that matches experimental line spectrum data at a single pressure. Inversely pressuredependent widths are obtained for the two comparisons, and the discrepancy between the results is explained.
Effects of electron mediator charge properties on the reaction kinetics of hydrogenase from Chlamydomonas.

Abstract Anions modulate hydrogenase activity in cell-free preparations of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and this modulation is greatly influenced by the charge properties of the redox agent included to mediate electron transfer to hydrogenase. With cationic methyl viologen as the electron mediator, anions stimulate the maximum velocity of H2 production (e.g., a 320% increase in the presence of 1 m NaCl) but have little effect on the Km for methyl viologen. Conversely, when hydrogenase activity is mediated by polyanionic metatungstate or ferredoxin, H2 production is strongly inhibited by anions (e.g., 70–77% inhibition by 0.2 m NaCl). This inhibition is primarily due to a reduced affinity of hydrogenase for these mediators (as evidenced by a large increase in Km values), rather than a change in the maximum velocity of the reaction. Anions have little effect on the kinetics of hydrogenase activity mediated by zwitterionic sulfonatopropyl viologen, a redox agent with a nearly neutral net charge. These results suggest the presence of a cationic region near the active site of hydrogenase. This cationic region, probably due to lysine and/or arginine residues, may serve in vivo to facilitate the interaction between hydrogenase and ferredoxin, the polyanionic, physiological electron mediator.
Multisource estimation of long-term terrestrial water budget for major global river basins

AbstractA systematic method is proposed to optimally combine estimates of the terrestrial water budget from different data sources and to enforce the water balance constraint using data assimilation techniques. The method is applied to create global long-term records of the terrestrial water budget by merging a number of global datasets including in situ observations, remote sensing retrievals, land surface model simulations, and global reanalyses. The estimation process has three steps. First, a conventional analysis on the errors and biases in different data sources is conducted based on existing validation/error studies and other information such as sensor network density, model physics, and calibration procedures. Then, the data merging process combines different estimates so that biases and errors from different data sources can be compensated to the greatest extent and the merged estimates have the best possible confidence. Finally, water balance errors are resolved using the constrained Kalman filt...
Moving environmental DNA methods from concept to practice for monitoring aquatic macroorganisms

The discovery that macroorganisms can be detected from their environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquatic systems has immense potential for the conservation of biological diversity. This special issue contains 11 papers that review and advance the field of eDNA detection of vertebrates and other macroorganisms, including studies of eDNA production, transport, and degradation; sample collection and processing to maximize detection rates; and applications of eDNA for conservation using citizen scientists. This body of work is an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to take eDNA detection of macroorganisms from technical breakthrough to established, reliable method that can be used in survey, monitoring, and research applications worldwide. While the rapid advances in this field are remarkable, important challenges remain, including consensus on best practices for collection and analysis, understanding of eDNA diffusion and transport, and avoidance of inhibition in sample collection and processing. Nonetheless, as demonstrated in this special issue, eDNA techniques for research and monitoring are beginning to realize their potential for contributing to the conservation of biodiversity globally.
Neurovirulence of two clonally related herpes simplex virus type 1 strains in a rabbit seizure model.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strains vary widely with regard to neurovirulence, but their tropism for specific central nervous system structures and their ability to induce seizures are poorly defined. We have used the clonally related +GC and −GC strains of HSV-1 to define the pathophysiological basis of neurovirulence in a rabbit model. Following intranasal inoculation, +GC infection was nearly uniformly fatal while -GC infection was asymptomatic. The +GC infected animals developed electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities which preceded severe motor seizures. Tropism of the +GC strain for specific CNS nerve centers and the expression of viral antigens within them correlated with its virulence. Although both viruses invaded and replicated within the brain, +GC replicated to slightly higher titers and expressed more abundant viral antigen than -GC. The relatively less efficient replication of — GC appeared to correlate with its temperature-sensitive phenotype in vitro. Both +GC and −GC antigens were found in cerebral cortical layers IV–VI, and in several central nervous system trigeminal and olfactory system structures. However, +GC spread more completely throughout the brain to involve the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, several brainstem nuclei and the locus ceruleus. The +GC antigens were also found in cerebral cortical layer I of animals that developed seizures. These results indicate that the ability of HSV-1 to induce electrophysiologic brain abnormalities is associated with its ability to replicate within specific brain nerve centers.
Some constraints on functionally disordered phonologies : phonetic inventories and phonotactics

The phonological systems of 40 functional misarticulators, ages 40 to 80 months were examined in terms of the nature and variation of phonetic inventories and phonotactic constraints. It was found that these properties of disordered systems were governed by severe constraints that yielded a typological characterization of such systems along with associated implicational laws. The principles governing disordered systems were also found to parallel closely the principles governing normal first language acquisition. The evidence suggests that at least these properties of disordered systems represent delays in the normal acquisition process and are not otherwise deviant. The assessment and treatment of functional disorders along with the projection of learning patterns can thus appeal to principles governing such phonological systems.
Effects of different Beauveria bassiana isolates on field populations of Lygus lineolaris in pigweed (Amaranthus spp.)

Abstract The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is a pest of various fruit, vegetable, fiber, and seed crops; including cotton. Lygus spp. populations often build on alternate host plants before moving to cotton, and in the midsouthern U.S. wild host plants, such as pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), play a major role in L. lineolaris population development. Three isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) were evaluated for L. lineolaris control in redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.): one from L. lineolaris in Mississippi (TPB3); one from Lygus hesperus (Knight) in California (WTPB2); and one commercial isolate from Mycotrol® (GHA). Fungal applications resulted in moderate to high mycosis in adults (33 to 80%) and moderate mycosis in nymphs (36 to 53%) that were collected from field plots at 2 days post-treatment and incubated under laboratory conditions. Although TPB3 was previously found to be more pathogenic in laboratory bioassays, there was not a consistent separation of this isolate from the other two isolates in field trials. Where differences in adult mycosis or mortality were observed, TPB3 was the most pathogenic. However, in one field trial 7 day mortality for nymphs treated with GHA was higher than those treated with TPB3 or WTPB2. Infection rates at 2, 7, and 14 days post-treatment from caged and non-caged adults suggested that movement of adults among plots occurred, which could have masked some treatment effects. Fungal treatments did not significantly reduce populations relative to controls. This may have been caused by delayed mortality rates under field conditions and/or difficulties with estimating population change under field conditions characteristic of wild host plant populations (e.g., heterogeneous populations, adult movement, and small plot size). Further work evaluating time–dose–mortality over dynamic temperatures, spring and fall field trials on this and other wild hosts, and improved methods for estimating populations on wild hosts are needed.
Kinetic Analysis of Arabidopsis Phospholipase Dδ SUBSTRATE PREFERENCE AND MECHANISM OF ACTIVATION BY Ca2+ AND PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 4,5-BISPHOSPHATE

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a major plant phospholipase family involved in many cellular processes such as signal transduction, membrane remodeling, and lipid degradation. Five classes of PLDs have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and Ca2+ and polyphosphoinositides have been suggested as key regulators for these enzymes. To investigate the catalysis and regulation mechanism of individual PLDs, surface-dilution kinetics studies were carried out on the newly identified PLDδ fromArabidopsis. PLDδ activity was dependent on both bulk concentration and surface concentration of substrate phospholipids in the Triton X-100/phospholipid mixed micelles.V max, K sA, andK mB values for PLDδ toward phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine were determined; phosphatidylethanolamine was the preferred substrate. PLDδ activity was stimulated greatly by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Maximal activation was observed at a PIP2 molar ratio around 0.01. Kinetic analysis indicates that PIP2 activates PLD by promoting substrate binding to the enzyme, without altering the bulk binding of the enzyme to the micelle surface. Ca2+ is required for PLDδ activity, and it significantly decreased the interfacial Michaelis constantK mB. This indicates that Ca2+activates PLD by promoting the binding of phospholipid substrate to the catalytic site of the enzyme.
On the accuracy of a normal approximation to the power of the mantel-haenszel procedure

The accuracy of a normal approximation to the exact conditional power function of the Manic!-Haenszcl one degree ni freedom chi-squared procedure is nnesugaied The maximum approximation error over the parameter space is studied for designs with equal numbers of cases and controls within and across strata. An empirical rule is provided for the estimation of the maximum error, the rule performs well over a range of design constants of importance in stratified case-control studies.
Cædmon's Hymn: Context and Dating

In his Historia Ecclesiastica Bede devotes two successive chapters of book 4, chapters 23 and 24, to Hild and to Caedmon. A comparison of these two chapters reveals a series of thematic and motivic parallels that demonstrate a close connection between these two key figures from the monastery of Whitby. But despite these connections and the obvious importance of Hild to the inspiration and poetic career of Caedmon, she herself is never named in chapter 24, merely referred to in the opening sentence as abbatissa “abbess”. Two later references to an abbess in this chapter are usually taken to refer to Hild, and she is thus introduced into the chapter by readers, but not by Bede. Given the importance of Hild, the omission of any specific reference to her in this chapter suggests that her death had occurred before Caedmon composed his Hymn. Taken together with the chronological indications present in the surrounding chapters, the absence of Hild from the story of Caedmon suggests a date in the early 680s for the c...
Stem cell transplantation for the management of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Abstract Purpose To review the characteristics and outcomes of amyloidosis patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell reconstitution. Subjects and methods Sixty-six patients with biopsy-proven amyloidosis received transplants between March 1996 and January 2001. All patients had evidence of a clonal plasma cell dyscrasia; those with nonimmunoglobulin forms of amyloidosis were excluded, as were those who had no symptoms of amyloidosis, purpura, carpal tunnel syndrome, or symptomatic multiple myeloma. Results Amyloid was seen clinically in the kidneys (n = 45 patients), heart (n = 32), peripheral nerves (n = 11), and liver (n = 11). A monoclonal protein was found in the serum in 46 patients and in the urine in 57 patients. The median daily urinary protein loss was 4.1 g. Septal thickness, measured by echocardiography, ranged from 7 to 24 mm (median, 12 mm); 8 patients had a septal thickness ≥16 mm. Ten patients received transplants 1 year or more after diagnosis. All patients received melphalan-based chemotherapy; 17 patients were conditioned with total body irradiation. Nine patients required dialysis, 7 of whom died. Treatment-related mortality for stem cell transplantation was 14% (9/66). After a median of 25 months of follow-up after transplantation, the percentage of patients alive with one organ involved was 91% (31 of 34); two organs, 82% (18 of 22); three organs, 33% (3 of 9); and four organs, 0% (0 of 1). Hematologic responses were seen in 33 patients and organ responses in 32 patients. The 2-year actuarial survival of all patients was 70%. Conclusion The number of organs involved before stem cell transplantation for amyloidosis is the most important factor in predicting subsequent survival. Stem cell transplantation should be considered as a treatment option for selected patients with amyloidosis.
Performance Evaluation for Phase-Coded Spread-Spectrum Multiple-Access Communication--Part I: System Analysis

An analysis of an asynchronous phase-coded spread-spectrum multiple-access communication system is presented. The results of this analysis reveal which code parameters have the greatest impact on communication performance and provide analytical tools for use in preliminary system design. Emphasis is placed on average performance rather than worst-case performance and on code parameters which can be computed easily.
Lithium-Induced Neurotoxicity: Clinical Presentations, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

IntroductionLithium carbonateisahighlyeffectiveandcommonlyprescribed treatment for bipolar illness, but its use—owing toanarrow therapeuticindex—risksiatrogenic(andsometimesirreversible)neurotoxicity.Wepresentacaseof“acute-on-chronic”lithiumneurotoxicityanduse it to highlight the clinical features, pathophysiol-ogy, and treatment of lithium-induced neurotoxicity.In addition, current guidelines for the management oflithium toxicity are examined critically and futuredirections are presented.Case Vignette“Mr. T,” a 56-year-old man with bipolar disorderstabilized on lithium carbonate for several years, wasbroughttotheemergencydepartmentbyhisfamilyforevaluation of confusion, worsening tremor, and diar-rheaofseveraldaysduration. Hismedical history wasnotable for chronic renal impairment and hyperten-sion. Mr. T's medication regimen included lithiumcarbonate (1200 mg/d in divided doses), lisinopril(20 mg/d),quetiapine(300 mgatbedtime),andrisper-idone (1 mg b.i.d.). In the emergency department, hisvital signs revealed a heart rate of 105 beats perminute;histemperatureandbloodpressurewereinthereferencerange.Onphysicalexamination,hewasalertbut disoriented and distractible. His spontaneousrecall of recent events was poor. He was dysarthric,ataxic,anddysmetriconﬁnger-to-nosetesting,andhehadacoarsetremor.Laboratorystudieswereremark-ableforaserumlithiumlevelof2.65 mmol/L(upfromhis usual 0.8 mmol/L, last checked eight monthsearlier), a creatinine level of 2.28 mg/dL (up fromhis baseline of 1.7 mg/dL), a blood urea nitrogen of49 g/dL, and a mild leukocytosis. Calcium and potas-sium levels were in the reference range. A computedtomography of the brain was notable for periventric-ular white matter disease (consistent with chronicmicroangiopathic changes) with no acute intracranialprocess. His chest x-ray showed clear lung ﬁelds.Immediate management consisted of discontinu-ing lithium and starting intravenous ﬂuids. He wasadmitted to the medical service with a diagnosis oflithium toxicity. Mr. T's serial lithium levels normal-ized over the next 5 days with ﬂuids and supportivecare. On hospital day 5, his lithium level was0.82 mmol/L, and he was no longer confused. How-ever, his short-term recall remained poor, and hisdysarthria and ataxia persisted until after discharge(hospital day 10). Further discussion with his familyrevealed that he had been complaining of worseningkneepainintheweeksbeforehisadmissionandthathehad been taking ibuprofen for symptomatic relief.There was notably no history of suicide attempts,depression (to address the possibility of intentionaloverdose), recent gastrointestinal tract illness (thatcould have led to dehydration and with increasedlithium levels), cognitive impairment (for the
Practical Issues in the Treatment of Patients with Heart Failure

The management of heart failure is complex. Initiating and maintaining drug therapy in patients with heart failure can be challenging. Many factors influence the heart failure syndrome and are important to account for when evaluating these patients. Concomitant diseases such as ischemic heart disease and hypertension may contribute to worsening heart failure, and treatment strategies addressing these conditions should be implemented in affected patients. Concomitant drugs also must be considered. The heart failure population is at risk for drug interactions, both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic, because these patients often take many drugs at the same time. Proactively recognizing potential interactions and modifying a patient's regimen to minimize or avoid adverse effects are important. Many agents are contraindicated in heart failure; thus, avoiding such therapies may significantly affect a patient's outcome. The successful treatment of a patient with heart failure requires careful consideration of many factors, including other diseases, drugs, and social issues. Addressing these factors when treating patients translates into improved pharmaceutical care.
Observational Analysis of Magnetic Reconnection Sequence

We conduct comprehensive analysis of an X2.0 flare to derive quantities indicative of magnetic reconnection in solar corona by following temporally and spatially resolved flare ribbon evolution in the lower atmosphere. The analysis reveals a macroscopically distinctive two-stage reconnection marked by a clear division in the morphological evolution, reconnection rate, and energy release rate. During the first stage, the flare brightening starts at and primarily spreads along the polarity inversion line (PIL) with the maximum apparent speed comparable to the local Alfven speed. The second stage is dominated by ribbon expansion perpendicular to the PIL at a fraction of the local Alfven speed. We further develop a data analysis approach, namely reconnection sequence analysis, to determine the connectivity and reconnection flux during the flare between a dozen magnetic sources defined from partitioning the photospheric magnetogram. It is found that magnetic reconnection proceeds sequentially between magnetic cells, and the observationally measured reconnection flux in major cells compare favorably with computations by a topological model of magnetic reconnection. The three-dimensional evolution of magnetic reconnection is discussed with respect to its implication on helicity transfer and energy release through reconnection.
Heterogeneous catalysis in a microscale reactor fabricated from a biologically active polymer

Micro-scale biochemical reactors have been developed from a polydimethylsiloxane/enzyme (PDMS-E)biopolymer. Micro-reactor channels 125 micrometers in depth, 500 micrometers wide by 50 centimeters long contain fixed triangular features for enhanced fluid mixing. All channel features are composed of the same PDMS-E material. Conversions of urea by urease enzyme of up to 70% have been obtained at an overall flowrate of 0.4 mL/min. Additional PDMS-E biopolymer systems containing amyloglucosidase (for converting starch to glucose) have demonstrated enzymatic activity.
Life-threatening respiratory distress from mediastinal masses in infants.

Abstract From 1972 through 1974, 5 infants with severe respiratory distress secondary to mediastinal tumors were treated in the Division of Pediatric Surgery of The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The mediastinal masses included 2 intramural bronchial cysts, a giant esophageal duplication, a benign teratoma, and a highly malignant neuroblastoma. Individualized management was carried out successfully in all: total resection of the bronchial cysts and teratoma; partial resection of the duplication cyst with stripping of the remaining mucosa from the contiguous esophageal wall, thereby preserving esophageal integrity; and excision of involved chest wall and tumor combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the neuroblastoma. This experience emphasizes the potential for lethal respiratory distress from mediastinal tumors in infants and supports the experience reported by others of serious consequences if resection is not performed. Primary physicians and thoracic surgeons must be aware of the lethal potential of such mediastinal tumors among the many other "surgical" causes of respiratory distress in neonates and infants.
Criteria and Method for Specification and Evaluation of Distributed Digital Control Systems

Traditional methods of developing specifications and evaluating control systems have become less viable today, as a greater number of new Distributed Digital Systems become available.
Generic image matching system

The generic imaging matching system (GIMS) provides an optimal systematic solution to any problem of color image processing in printing and publishing that can be classified as or modeled to the generic image matching problem defined. Typical GIMS systems/processes include color matching from different output devices, color conversion, color correction, device calibration, colorimetric scanner, colorimetric printer, colorimetric color reproduction, and image interpolation from scattered data. GIMS makes color matching easy for the user and maximizes operational flexibility allowing the user to obtain the degree of match wanted while providing the capability to achieve the best balance with respect to the human perception of color, color fidelity, and preservation of image information and color contrast. Instead of controlling coefficients in a transformation formula, GIMS controls the mapping directly in a standard device-independent color space, so that color can be matched, conceptually, to the highest possible accuracy. An optimization algorithm called modified vector shading was developed to minimize the matching error and to perform a 'near-neighborhood' gamut compression. An automatic error correction algorithm with a multidirection searching procedure using correlated re-initialization was developed to avoid local minimum failures. Once the mapping for color matching is generated, it can be utilized by a multidimensional linear interpolator with a small look-up-table (LUT) implemented by either software, a hardware interpolator or a digital-signal-processor.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hydrogen peroxide stimulates ubiquitin-conjugating activity and expression of genes for specific E2 and E3 proteins in skeletal muscle myotubes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to promote muscle atrophy in chronic wasting diseases, but the underlying mechanism has not been determined. Here we show that H2O2 stimulates ubiquitin conjugation to muscle proteins through transcriptional regulation of the enzymes (E2 and E3 proteins) that conjugate ubiquitin to muscle proteins. Incubation of C2C12 myotubes with 100 microM H2O2 increased the rate of 125I-labeled ubiquitin conjugation to muscle proteins in whole cell extracts. This response required at least 4-h exposure to H2O2 and persisted for at least 24 h. Preincubating myotubes with cycloheximide or actinomycin D blocked H2O2 stimulation of ubiquitin-conjugating activity, suggesting that gene transcription is required. Northern blot analyses revealed that H2O2 upregulates expression of specific E3 and E2 proteins that are thought to regulate muscle catabolism, including atrogin1/MAFbx, MuRF1, and E214k. These results suggest that ROS stimulate protein catabolism in skeletal muscle by upregulating the ubiquitin conjugation system.
Natural history of spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy.

Background: Although spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is generally believed to be associated with better survival and function compared to other motor neuron diseases, no systematic study of long-term functional status or survival has been reported. Methods: We report the results a retrospective review of 39 patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis and compared their survival to normal, population-based, age- and gender-matched controls. We assessed the functional status of 25 of the 33 survivors by completing the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-r) by telephone. Results: The subjects with SBMA had a 10-year survival of 82% compared to 95% among the age-matched controls (p = 0.053). The mean ALSFRS-r score for the survivors was 37 (range 27–43). The ALSFRS-r subscores indicated mild deficits in all areas in most, with the greatest limitation being the use of stairs. While all reported bulbar symptoms, none had disabling deficits. None of the subjects required a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube and one subject used noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Conclusions: The long-term survival of subjects with spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy is minimally reduced from their age-matched controls. The long-term functional assessments demonstrate mild neurologic impairment in most without devastating bulbar or respiratory dysfunction and good ambulatory function years after diagnosis.
Comparison of radioactive and stable tl+ diffusion in potassium chloride: demonstration of a transmutation effect.

Radioactive 204 Tl + was found to diffuse in potassium chloride up to three times more rapidly than stable Tl + . The difference is attributed to the 204 Pb 2+ daughter element produced by β – emission. A theoretical model accounts satisfactorily for the discrepancy and indicates that internal sources of cation vacancies are effective in maintaining electroneutrality at all but low temperatures.
The rate of force development scaling factor (RFD-SF): protocol, reliability, and muscle comparisons.

Performing a set of isometric muscular contractions to varied amplitudes with instructions to generate force most rapidly reveals a strong linear relationship between peak forces (PF) achieved and corresponding peak rates of force development (RFD). The slope of this relationship, termed the RFD scaling factor (RFD-SF), quantifies the extent to which RFD scales with contraction amplitude. Such scaling allows relative invariance in the time required to reach PF regardless of contraction size. Considering the increasing use of this relationship to study quickness and consequences of slowness in older adults and movement disorders, our purpose was to further develop the protocol to measure RFD-SF. Fifteen adults (19–28 years) performed 125 rapid isometric contractions to a variety of force levels in elbow extensors, index finger abductors, and knee extensors, on 2 days. Data were used to determine (1) how the number of pulses affects computation of the RFD-SF, (2) day-to-day reliability of the RFD-SF, and (3) the nature of RFD-SF differences between diverse muscle groups. While sensitive to the number of pulses used in its computation (P 50 pulses (ICC > .7) and more so with 100–125 pulses (ICC = .8–.92). Despite differences in size and function across muscles, RFD-SF was generally similar (i.e., only 8.5% greater in elbow extensors than in index finger abductors and knee extensors; P = .049). Results support this protocol as a reliable means to assess how RFD scales with PF in rapid isometric contractions as well as a simple, non-invasive probe into neuromuscular health.