cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Birth Weight Is a Significant Predictor of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness at 36 Weeks Postmenstrual Age in Preterm Infants

Purpose To assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in preterm infants. Design Prospective observational study. Methods We imaged 83 awake infants (159 eyes) at 36 ± 1 weeks postmenstrual age (defined as the time elapsed between the first day of the last maternal menstrual period and the time at imaging) using a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) system at the bedside. Blinded graders semi-automatically segmented RNFL in the papillomacular bundle (−15 to +15° relative to the fovea-optic nerve axis). We correlated RNFL thickness and 7 characteristics of interest (sex, race, ethnicity, gestational age, birth weight, stage of retinopathy at prematurity, and presence of pre-plus or plus disease) via univariable and multivariable regressions. Results RNFL was 3.4 μm thicker in the right eyes than in the left eyes (P Conclusion Birth weight is a significant independent predictor of RNFL thickness near birth, implying that the retinal ganglion cells reserve is affected by intrauterine processes that affect birth weight.
Modeling the breakup of tabular icebergs.

Nearly half of the freshwater flux from the Antarctic Ice Sheet into the Southern Ocean occurs in the form of large tabular icebergs that calve off the continent's ice shelves. However, because of difficulties in adequately simulating their breakup, large Antarctic icebergs to date have either not been represented in models or represented but with no breakup scheme such that they consistently survive too long and travel too far compared with observations. Here, we introduce a representation of iceberg fracturing using a breakup scheme based on the "footloose mechanism." We optimize the parameters of this breakup scheme by forcing the iceberg model with an ocean state estimate and comparing the modeled iceberg trajectories and areas with the Antarctic Iceberg Tracking Database. We show that including large icebergs and a representation of their breakup substantially affects the iceberg meltwater distribution, with implications for the circulation and stratification of the Southern Ocean.
NCAA Exit Interviews and Surveys: Academic Experiences of College Athletes

Institutions are required to conduct exit interviews and surveys (EIS) with departing athletes, however, these instruments are currently an untapped data source for further understanding the college athlete experience. This study examined 17 FBS institutions’ exit interviews and surveys with 528 athletes, focusing on athletes’ academic experiences. Analyses revealed that EIS questions pertaining to educational experiences focused on the following areas: academic services, overall academic experiences, time demands, coach support of academics, and faculty support. Athletes in this sample expressed overall positive academic experiences and gratitude for the academic services provided. Additionally, the majority of athletes noted few issues with time demands, strong coach support for their academic progress, and positive faculty interactions. These findings challenge some of the current literature noting negative educational experiences and opportunities for college athletes. Implications and recommendations for the field are discussed.
Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Patients With McCune Albright Syndrome

ABSTRACT Study Objective To identify polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in a population of female patients with McCune−Albright syndrome (MAS) by retrospective chart review. Design Retrospective study. Setting Academic setting. Participants All female patients with a prior diagnosis of MAS who were more than 12 years of age at the time of chart review. Only complete medical records from January 2009 to January 2020 were included in the analysis. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Diagnosis of PCOS based on the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Results Seventeen female patients with MAS were included in the analysis. PCOS appeared to be more prevalent in MAS patients than expected based on population estimates (exact binomial test = 0.353; CI = 0.142-0.617, P = .01). The average body mass index was not significantly different between MAS patients with and without PCOS (23.38 kg/m2 vs 23.44 kg/m2, 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test with continuity correction, W = 29, P = 0.733). The majority of patients (71%) were treated with an aromatase inhibitor and/or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that female individuals with MAS have a statistically higher prevalence of PCOS. These findings warrant further studies to determine whether the increased risk of PCOS may be associated with precocious puberty, treatment of precocious puberty, or other factors.
Prevalence of Normal Weight Obesity and Health Risk Factors for the Female Collegiate Dancer.

ABSTRACT Brown, AF, Alfiero, CJ, Brooks, SJ, Kviatkovsky, SA, Smith-Ryan, AE, and Ormsbee, MJ. Prevalence of normal weight obesity and health risk factors for the female collegiate dancer. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2321-2326, 2021-The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of normal weight obesity (NWO) and evaluate the relationship between NWO and health risk factors in a collegiate dancer population. Reanalysis of data of female dancers (N = 42) from 2 larger studies was used to assess prevalence and health risk factors of NWO. Dancers completed a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to assess fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and a 3-day food record. Normal weight obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg·m-2 and body fat (BF) ≥30%. Twenty-five (60%) dancers were classified as normal weight lean (NWL), and 17 dancers (40%) were classified as NWO. Significant differences were observed for BMI (NWL: 21.1 ± 1.7, NWO: 23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.001), LM (NWL: 71.0 ± 2.9%, NWO: 62.5 ± 2.7%, p < 0.001), %BF (NWL: 24.8 ± 3.1%, NWO: 33.9 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001), and VAT (NWL: 130.6 ± 43.0 g, NWO: 232.3 ± 70.8 g, p < 0.001) between NWL and NWO. A significant difference was observed for carbohydrate intake (NWL: 4.7 ± 1.8 g·kg-1, NWO: 3.7 ± 1.0 g·kg-1, p = 0.020) between groups. Significant positive correlations with FM were observed between carbohydrate (kcal, p = 0.048), fat (kcal, p = 0.018; g·kg-1, p = 0.040), and total calories (p = 0.019) in NWO. Normal weight obesity in collegiate dancers may be more prevalent than previously perceived and may be significantly related to important health risk factors. The current study demonstrates the need for body composition assessments and emphasizing on promoting overall health in collegiate dancers.
Eicosanoid and Cytokine Production by the Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophage

Eicosanoids and cytokines produced by the pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) are key mediators for the defensive role this cell plays in neutralizing the inhalation of pariculate dusts and foreign microbes. However, these factors are also mediators of inflammation and their uncontrolled release may cause the lung injury and fibrotic changes observed in individuals exposed occupationally to mineral dust. In vitro studies have suggested a link between the production of certain eicosanoids and cytokines released from the activated PAM. To this end, we have studied the release of eicosanoids (PGE2, TXB2 and LTB4) and cytokines (IL-1 and TNF) by cultured PAM, obtained from healthy human volunteers by bronchoalveolar lavage under basal culture conditions and following acute exposure to provocative agents such as the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mineral dusts including silica. Studies were also carried out in the presence of specific cyclooxygenase inhibitors. The addition of LPS (10 μg/ml) to the culture medium produced a significant increase in PAM release of the eicosanoids: PGE2 (3.5 fold over baseline), TXB2 (2.8 fold over baseline) and LTB4 (4 fold over baseline). LPS also elicited a 2.5 fold elevation in IL-1 from these cells and a 9 fold increase in TNF release. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, significantly inhibited the LPS-induced rise in PGE2, TXB2 and TNF but had only a modest suppressive effect on IL-1 release. Exposure of these cells to silica dust elicited a similar augmentation in eicosanoid and cytokine release which was neutralized by prior exposure of the cells to ibuprofen. These results suggest that the enhanced production of eicosanoids and cytokines by PAM exposed to endotoxins and/or mineral dusts may be linked and that inhibition of eicosanoid release is linked to the production of TNF. IL-1 release however is not effectively neutralized by cyclooxygenase inhibition.
The Rational Approach to Therapy

One of the most popular cognitive approaches to therapy is rational-emotive therapy. Albert Ellis, the founder of this therapy, believes that emotional problems have their roots in cognitions. Although he makes a distinction in the therapy’s name between the cognitive (rational) and the emotional (emotive) aspect of the personality, rational-emotive therapy does not treat them equally. The therapy attacks emotional problems by modifying the client’s beliefs and attitudes.
Mathematical manipulatives as designed artifacts: the cognitive, affective, and technological dimensions

Mathematical manipulatives---tangible objects with a pedagogical purpose---have become popular tools in mathematics education. But typically, the notion of a "manipulative" carries with it a number of additional assumptions: that these objects are designed for elementary (as opposed to advanced) mathematics instruction; that they have little in the way of emotional meaning for their users; and that they are relatively simple, "low-tech" objects. In this paper we challenge these assumptions. Drawing on our experiences in two related projects in educational computing, we suggest that manipulatives may be designed for advanced mathematical topics; that they may offer creative (and thus affectively important) opportunities for students; and that they may be designed in ways that accompany or incorporate computational media.
Kinetics of the Reaction of Hybrid-Heme Hemoglobins with Carbon Monoxide

Abstract Hybrid-heme hemoglobins in which one chain contains meso- or deuteroheme and the other chain protoheme, react with CO at a slow rate characteristic of reduced hemoglobin rather than quickly reacting hemoglobin, but at a rate at the protoheme site that is somewhat faster than in "all-proto" hemoglobin. The rate at the other site containing mesoheme is essentially the same as for protoheme; for deuteroheme, it is about 50% faster. There is a similar increase in the rate when both chains contain protoheme, and the iron is +3 (nonfunctional in CO binding) in one of the chains. The results support a mechanism in which the two hemes react similarly and at random with CO. In experiments with intermediate complex II, a hemoglobin with hemes only in the α chain, the rapid combination rate (4.5 x 106 m-1 sec-1), similar to quickly reacting hemoglobin, is slowed to that characteristic of reduced hemoglobin upon addition of various porphyrins to the β chain heme site. This 20-fold change in rate at the α site (and a presumably large associated conformational change) characteristic of heme-heme interaction in intact hemoglobin, cannot be mediated by bond changes between the iron and the proximal histidine in the β chain.
Stimulatory Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol-Like Substances from Solanum malacoxylon and Cestrum diurnum on Phosphate Transport in Chick Jejunum

Extracts of the calcinogenic plants Solanum malocoxylon and Cestrum diurnum stimulate phosphate absorption by the jejunum of vitamin D-deficient chicks, as determined by everted gut sac technique. Their action on cellular pathways of transepithelial phosphate transport is indistinguishable thereby from that of cholecalciferol. Increased net absorp tion from the lumen was due to enhanced uptake of phosphate from the luminal side, while leakage of tissue phosphate in the opposite direction was apparently unaffected. Steep serosa/mucosa concentration gradients were observed as consequence of enhanced levels of transepithelial phosphate flux in the mucosa-to-serosa direction. With respect to their stimulatory action on phosphate absorption, the calcinogenic plant factors retained their biological activity when phosphate transport was depressed by a high strontium diet. Their action in overcoming the strontium inhibition of phos phate absorption, calcium-binding protein synthesis, and alkaline phos- phatase activity, was comparable to the effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecal- ciferol. On the basis of these biological responses, the action of the plant factors from Solanum malacoxylon and Cestrum diurnum provides further evidence for their close resemblance to the hormonally active sterol. J. Nutr. 108: 1673-1679, 1978.
W1672 Yttrium-90 Microsphere Induced Gastrointestinal Tract Ulceration

Background Radiomicrosphere therapy (RT) utilizing yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres has been shown to be an effective regional treatment for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. We sought to determine a large academic institution's experience regarding the extent and frequency of gastrointestinal complications.
Bacteria in human mouths involved in the production and utilization of hydrogen peroxide

Earlier studies have demonstrated that pure cultures of oral streptococci produce hydrogen peroxide but none has found any free peroxide in dental plaque or salivary sediment despite streptococci being major components of their mixed bacterial populations. The absence of peroxide in plaque and sediment could be due to the dominance of its destruction over its formation by bacterial constituents. To identify which of the oral bacteria might be involved in such a possibility, pure cultures of 27 different oral bacteria were surveyed (as well as dental plaque and sediment) for their peroxide-forming and peroxide-removing capabilities. Peroxide production was measured for each of the pure cultures by incubation with glucose at low and high substrate concentrations (2.8 and 28.0 mM) for 4 h and with the pH kept at 7.0 by a pH-stat. Removal of hydrogen peroxide was assessed in similar experiments where peroxide at 0, 29.4, 147.2 or 294.4 mM [0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1% (w/v)] replaced the glucose. Hydrogen peroxide formation was seen with only three of the bacteria tested, Streptococcus sanguis I and II (sanguis and oralis), and Strep. mitior (mitis biotype I); levels of hydrogen peroxide between 2.2 and 9.8 mM were produced when these micro-organisms were grown aerobically and 1.1 and 3.9 mM when grown anaerobically. Earlier reports indicate that such levels were usually sufficient to inhibit the growth of many plaque bacteria. The amounts formed were similar at the two glucose levels tested, suggesting that maximum peroxide production is reached at low glucose concentration. None of the three peroxide-producing organisms was able to utilize hydrogen peroxide but five of the other 24 tested, Neisseria sicca, Haemophilus segnis, H. parainfluenzae, Actinomyces viscosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, could readily do so, as could the mixed bacteria in salivary sediment and dental plaque, both of which contain relatively high numbers of these peroxide-utilizing micro-organisms. The ability of the bacteria in plaque and sediment to degrade hydrogen peroxide was considerable and extremely rapid; peroxide removal and usually complete within the first 15 min of the incubation even when its initial level was as high as 294.4 mM. This almost overwhelming ability to remove peroxide was confirmed when peroxide-producing and -using cultures were mixed and when each of eight salivary sediments was incubated with glucose and with peroxide at concentrations up to 294.4 mM. In the glucose incubations, no hydrogen peroxide was observed, indicating dominance of microbial peroxide removers over hydrogen peroxide producers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Dexterous telemanipulation with a multi-touch interface

Robust manipulation with a dexterous robot hand is a grand challenge of robotics. Impressive levels of dexterity can be achieved through teleoperation. However, teleoperation devices such as a glove or force reflecting master-slave system can be expensive and can tie the robot down to a restricted workspace. We observe that inexpensive and widely available multi-touch interfaces can achieve excellent performance for a large range of telemanipulation tasks, making dexterous robot telemanipulation broadly accessible. Our key insight is that dexterous grasping and manipulation interactions frequently focus on precise control of the fingertips in a plane. Following this observation, our novel multi-touch interface focuses on reliable replication of planar fingertip trajectories, making previously difficult actions such as grasping, dragging, reorienting, rolling, and smoothing as intuitive as miming the action on a multi-touch surface. We demonstrate and evaluate these and other interactions using an iPad interface to a Shadow Hand mounted on a Motoman SDA10 robot.
The differential localization of the in vitro spontaneous antibody and proliferative responses in lymphoid organs proximal and distal to the site of primary immunization

Abstract Antibody and DNA synthesis were spontaneously induced in the absence of added antigen in cultures of lymph node (LN) cells from rabbits immunized months earlier with glutaraldehyde polymerized human serum albumin (HSA). These spontaneous responses were markedly higher in cell cultures from the draining (D) than non-draining (ND) LN. Cultures from the NDLN generally required at least 100-fold more HSA to achieve maximal antibody and DNA responses than cultures from DLN. The local factor responsible for the spontaneous antibody response and exogenously added HSA acted additively to induce antibody synthesis, thereby providing further evidence for the existence of persistent antigen. Several not mutually exclusive explanations of the data include the persistence of greater amounts of HSA in the DLN than in the NDLN and the presence of greater numbers of T and B memory cells in the DLN than NDLN. The current and previous observations support a model in which persisting HSA induces, maintains, and regulates antibody production.
Fungistatic effects of sub-atmospheric pressures

Der Wuchs und die Sporenbildung der PilzePenicillium expansum, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis alli undAlternaria wurde durch den subatmospharischen Druck gehemmt.
An Evaluation of Color Duplex Scanning in the Primary Diagnosis and Management of Carotid Body Tumors

Carotid body tumors present a diagnostic challenge. Despite technologic diagnostic advances, misdiagnosis resulting in blind biopsy or exploration through a limited incision still occur. Color duplex scanning has recently been used to evaluate carotid body tumors in our institution. A characteristic feature of these tumors found with this modality is wide splaying of the carotid bifurcation by a hypervascular mass. Color duplex scanning is the noninvasive modality of choice for the primary diagnosis of carotid body tumors. Additionally, it may be of use in screening for familial carotid body tumors and sequential follow-up of nonoperatively managed tumors.
Comments on “Tectonic implications of the age, composition, and orientation of lamprophyre dikes, Navajo volcanic field, Arizona”, by A.W. Laughlin, M.J. Aldrich, Jr., M. Shafiqullah and J. Husler

Commentaire sur l'article de A.W. Laughlin, M.J. Aldrich Jr., M. Shifiqullah et J. Husler paru dans Earth Planet. Sci. Le Hers, NLD, 1979, 43, 279-284
Determination of mercury in pharmaceutical products by neutron activation analysis.

Abstract A reliable, efficient, and highly specific method is presented for the determination of mercury in pharmaceutical products. Neutron activation analysis is used for the elemental determination of various organomercurials and requires no chemical separation or cleanup. The induced radioactivity of 197 Hg and 203 Hg is the basis of this method. Recoveries ranged as follows: neutron activation analysis (14 samples), 90-108% ( 197 Hg) and 91-110% ( 203 Hg); X-ray fluorescence (10 samples), 91-101%; atomic absorption (nine samples), 84-112%; and cold vapor atomic absorption (four samples), 106-121%.
Hypertension in cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients is sodium dependent*

Purpose Physicians increasingly prescribe cyclosporine as an immunosuppressive agent for both organ-transplant and non-organ-transplant recipients. Investigators have reported a high incidence of drug-induced hypertension even when clinical nephrotoxicity was not present. We wanted to determine the reason. Patients and methods A comparison was made of hypertension in 15 cyclosporine-treated transplant recipients with that in a similar group of 15 azathioprine-treated transplant recipients. Results Hypertension in the cyclosporine group responded differently from that seen in the azathioprine group and from previously described forms of post-transplantation hypertension. Hypertensive cyclosporine-treated patients show a sodium acquisitive renal state that responds to sodium restriction. Unlike rat models, which suggest cyclosporine-induced stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system, or previous forms of post-transplant hypertension in humans, plasma renin levels were not elevated and blood pressure did not respond to a test dose of captopril. Conclusion Hypertension in cyclosporine-treated patients is an iatrogenic form of hypertension that may be associated with an early, subtle, renal defect in sodium excretion, a genesis of hypertension that is consistent with Guyton's view of essential hypertension.
Robust tracking and anomaly detection in video surveillance sequences

In this paper, the authors examine the problem of tracking people in both bright and dark video sequences. In particular, this problem is treated as a background/foreground decomposition problem, where the static part corresponds to the background, and moving objects to the foreground. Having this into account, the problem is formulated as a rank minimization problem of the form X = L + S + E, where X is the captured scene, L is the low-rank part (background), S is the sparse part (foreground) and E is the corrupting uniform noise introduced in the capture process. Actually, low-rank and sparse structures are widely studied and some areas such as Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) and Matrix Completion (MC) have emerged to solve this kind of problems. Here we compare the performance of three different methods in solving the RPCA optimization problem for background separation: augmented lagrange multiplier method, Bayesian markov dependency method, and bilateral random projections method. Furthermore, a preprocessing light normalization stage and a mathematical morphology based post-processing stage are proposed to obtain better results.
Docking Studies on the Complexed and Uncomplexed FKBP12 Structures with Bound and Unbound Ligands: An Implication of a Conformational Selection Mechanism for Binding

Docking of FK506, rapamycin, and L-685,818 into their receptor, FKBP12, suggests that unlike the respective structures determined by X-ray crystallography, the uncomplexed FKBP12 structures determined by NMR may not be directly usable to identify high affinity ligands by docking studies for computational drug screening. In view of the resolution of the experimentally determined structures of FKBP12 and relatively small difference of the receptor binding sites between the complexed and uncomplexed states, it is unclear if the conformational induction mechanism is relevant to the binding of FKBP12 with its ligands. Alternatively, we advocate a conformation selection mechanism fundamentally akin to a mechanism proposed by Burgen. This mechanism better explains the experimental and calculated results for the binding of FKBP12 with FK506. It emphasizes that both guest and host select their most compatible preformed conformers to effect binding, and that the observed free energy of binding is a sum of the free energy change in complexation of the two most compatible conformers and the free energy changes in conversion of the Boltzmann-weighted principal conformers to the most compatible conformers. Conceptually, this mechanism represents one physical or nonphysical path of a thermodynamic cycle that is closed by the other path represented by the conformational induction mechanism, which can also be physical or nonphysical; it provides a theoretical means to estimate the affinity of the guest to the host with the experimentally available 3D structures of the two partners.
Deception and Farce in Post-Soviet Russian Policy vis-à-vis NATO's Expansion

Of all the assumptions pervading the conventional wisdom about Russian foreign policy few have been more universally accepted than Russia's supposed opposition to NATO expansion. Because Russia's principal source of profit has come from rental value of natural resources from the world market, Russia's foreign policy has largely been conducted in the interests of the exporters of those resources. Compliance with NATO expansion, Moscow's decision-makers apparently believe, can only promote the pecuniary interests of that group. Given this dynamic, and confirmed by an examination of the historical record, I conclude that Moscow's leaders have acquiesced to and even supported NATO expansion.
The use of data mining and neural networks for forecasting stock market returns

It has been widely accepted by many studies that non-linearity exists in the financial markets and that neural networks can be effectively used to uncover this relationship. Unfortunately, many of these studies fail to consider alternative forecasting techniques, the relevance of input variables, or the performance of the models when using different trading strategies. This paper introduces an information gain technique used in machine learning for data mining to evaluate the predictive relationships of numerous financial and economic variables. Neural network models for level estimation and classification are then examined for their ability to provide an effective forecast of future values. A cross-validation technique is also employed to improve the generalization ability of several models. The results show that the trading strategies guided by the classification models generate higher risk-adjusted profits than the buy-and-hold strategy, as well as those guided by the level-estimation based forecasts of the neural network and linear regression models.
Alkali metal n.m.r. and vibrational spectroscopic studies on solvates in non-aqueous solvents

ABSTRACT The application of far- and mid-infra-red, Raman, alkali metal n.m.r. and 35Cl n.m.r. techniques to the study of electrolyte solutions in non-aqueous solvents is discussed. The above techniques are very sensitive probes of the environment of ions in solutions. They have been used to detect contact ion pair formation and to determine cationic solvation numbers. 23Na chemical shifts in different solvents, which are strongly influenced by the paramagnetic screening constant, show a linear relationship with Gutmann's donor numbers for these solvents.
The influence of fish on leaf breakdown in a Virginia pond

1. To find if fish affect leaf breakdown, sugar maple leaves (Acer sacchrum March) were placed in a soft-water, farm pond at a depth of 1 m for up to 3 months in four treatment groups: (1) enclosure with sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) (SUNFISH treatment); (2) enclosure with catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) (CATFISH treatment); (3) enclosure without fish (NO FISH treatment); and (4) no enclosure (OPEN treatment). The study was conducted in spring and autumn. 2. The leaf breakdown rates, k±95% CL, for SUNFISH (0.0082± 0.00059 and 0.0111±0.00162 d−1) and CATFISH (0.0072±0.00096 and 0.0103±0.00077 d−1) were greater in spring and summer, respectively, than in the OPEN treatments (0.0065 ±0.00048 and 0.0105± 0.00141 d−1) and NO FISH (0.0067±0.00039 and 0.0088±0.00099 d−1). However, only k for SUNFISH was significantly different from NO FISH and OPEN treatments. 3. Fish in the pond did not appear to affect breakdown rates of OPEN leaf packs in the first replicate but k approached that of the fish treatments in the second replicate. 4. Fish may have promoted leaf breakdown directly by fragmentation of leaves while foraging for food and, indirectly, by agitation of leaves, leading to increased microbial activity.
Does hydraulic lift exist in shallow-rooted species? A quantitative examination with a half-shrub Gutierrezia sarothrae

Hydraulic lift occurs in some deep-rooted shrub and herbaceous species. In this process, water taken up by deep roots from the moist subsoil is delivered to the drier topsoil where it is later reabsorbed by shallow roots. However, little is known about the existence of hydraulic lift in shallow-rooted xeric species. The objectives of this study were 1) to ascertain whether hydraulic lift exists in Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed), a widespread North American desert species with a shallow root system, grown in pot and field conditions and 2) if it does, how much water can be transferred from the subsoil to the 30 cm topsoil during the night. Snakeweed seedlings were transplanted in buried pots allowing the deeper roots to grow into the subsoil 30 cm below the surface. Soil water content inside and outside of the pot was measured seasonally and diurnally with time domain reflectometry technique (TDR). An increase in water content was detected in the pot after the plant was covered for 3 h by an opaque plastic bag during the day, suggesting hydraulic lift from deeper depths and exudation of water into the drier topsoil. Root exudation was also observed on native range sites dominated by snakeweed. Water efflux in the pot was 271 g per plant per night. which was equivalent to 15.3% of the extrapolated, porometer-derived whole-plant daily transpiration. Hydraulic lift observed in Gutierrezia improved water uptake during the day when evaporative demand is high and less water is available in the topsoil. We concluded that hydraulic lift might help snakeweed to alleviate the effect of water stress.
Concepts, consequences, and implications of theranosis

Although the term has been coined recently, the concepts underlying theranosis have been applied in patient care for more than one-half century. However, advanced technologies are used now. Theranosis describes processes used to tailor therapy for a patient. It is the use of diagnostic tests to identify those patients better-suited for a drug (or drugs) or to determine how well a drug is working. 131 I-iodide for imaging and for therapy of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer is an excellent example of personalized theranosis and has withstood challenge for more than 50 years. Radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a more recent example of theranosis. Either of 2 anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, one labeled with indium for imaging or 90 Y for radiotherapy or a second labeled with 131 I for both imaging and radiotherapy, is used for salvage and first-line therapy of multifocal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The efficacy of these drugs is greater than that of alternative therapies. To mimic the molecular specificity and cell selectivity of a monoclonal antibody, smaller molecules that also bind to proteins upregulated by malignant cells can be used to transport cytotoxic agents to the malignant cells. Smaller carrier molecules like peptides, aptamers, affibodies, and selective, high-affinity ligands facilitate intensification of therapy because of their size. Personalized genomics, proteomics, and molecular imaging are among technologies currently used for theranosis. Molecular emission tomographic imaging with radiolabeled drugs has been used to examine the pharmacology of anticancer therapies and their effectiveness. Increased glycolysis, a molecular phenotype of many malignancies, can be imaged using 18 F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG). Tomographic imaging using FDG allows stratification of patients into those responding and likely to respond to the therapy and those better treated in another manner. Prediction of therapeutic response avoids useless therapy so that FDG imaging is included in official response evaluation criteria. Although a fixed approach to therapy may be more practical, an individualized approach is more likely to ensure that each patient receives an effective drug and drug dose that has acceptable and definable tissue effects. Drugs that work in one individual may be ineffective or cause adverse events in others.
Maternal transfer and embryonic assimilation of trace elements in freshwater turtles after remediation of a coal fly-ash spill

Oviparous vertebrates maternally transfer elements to their offspring during egg production. Maternal transfer occurs because elements mimic, or are incorporated into, nutrients allocated to eggs, but likely differs among species depending on the quantities of specific nutrients allocated to eggs. Developing embryos are often assumed to assimilate all of the elements allocated to eggs, but this assumption has rarely been tested. We tested the hypothesis that maternal transfer and embryonic assimilation of trace elements differed between two species of freshwater turtles exposed to a recently-remediated coal fly-ash spill. Sternotherus odoratus transferred As, Se, and Zn, while Trachemys scripta transferred As, Hg, Se, Sr, and Zn. Logarithmic non-linear relationships between hatchling and egg concentrations indicated that turtles partially assimilated elements present in eggs. In systems contaminated with multiple trace elements, our data show that maternal transfer and embryonic assimilation are element- and species-specific, and may be inconsistent even among closely-related species.
ALDH(+)/CD44(+)/CD24(-) expression in cells from body cavity fluids.

Background: Enhanced expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and phenotypic markers (CD44+/CD24−) in stem cells from breast tumors has been reported. This study was undertaken to monitor expression of these markers in cells from body cavity fluids of female patients suspected to have a malignancy. Methods: Cells from peritoneal and pleural fluids of 100 female patients were examined by diagnostic cytology and analyzed by laser flow cytometry for enhanced ALDH1 expression. Cells from 36 body cavity fluids with ALDH1bright fluorescence were then analyzed for the expression of CD44 and CD24 markers. Results: In samples positive for malignancy, ALDH1bright cells with both SSClow and SSChigh were seen. In 15 body cavity fluids positive for malignancy, the percentage of ALDH1bright cells ranged from 0.26 to 6.34% of the total cells. The percentage of ALDH1bright cells with CD44+/CD24− expression in these samples ranged from 0.02 to 3.66%. ALDH1bright cells with CD44+/CD24− expression were also present in body cavity fluids of patients in whom diagnostic cytology could not detect any malignancy. However, the percentage of ALDH1bright and CD44+/CD24− cells amongst the 21 body cavity fluids with negative cytology was lower than that of samples with malignancy. Conclusions: Expression of ALDH1bright and the CD44+/CD24− phenotype in body cavity fluids in which diagnostic cytology could not find any malignant cells suggests that this phenotype may not be restricted to the putative breast tumor stem cells. It is possible that only subsets of cells with this phenotype are the putative breast tumor stem cells. © 2010 Clinical Cytometry Society
Influence of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation on Early Life-history Stages of the Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus

We examined the effect of UVR on the success of early life history stages of Lepomis macrochirus in two lakes with contrasting underwater UVR environments. We tested the prediction that when exposed to similar amounts of UVR, bluegill embryos from lakes with high UVR environments have lower mortality than those from lakes with low UVR. We measured embryo survival in the two lakes by performing three experiments in which ambient UVR was manipulated. Embryos responded similarly to UVR exposure regardless of the lake of origin. However, UV-B in UVR transparent lakes is a potentially important factor in the success of early life history stages of the bluegill. A survey of the natural nesting depths in the two lakes revealed that the median depth at which bluegills construct their nests was greater in Lake Giles (high underwater UVR environment) than in Lake Lacawac (low underwater UVR environment).
The precursor form of Hansenula polymorpha copper amine oxidase 1 in complex with CuI and CoII

Copper amine oxidases (CAOs) catalyze the oxidative deamination of primary amines to their corresponding aldehydes, with the concomitant reduction of O2 to H2O2. Catalysis requires two cofactors: a mononuclear copper center and the cofactor 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ). TPQ is synthesized through the post-translational modification of an endogenous tyrosine residue and requires only oxygen and copper to proceed. TPQ biogenesis in CAO can be supported by alternate metals, albeit at decreased rates. A variety of factors are thought to contribute to the degree to which a metal can support TPQ biogenesis, including Lewis acidity, redox potential and electrostatic stabilization capability. The crystal structure has been solved of one of two characterized CAOs from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha (HPAO-1) in its metal-free (apo) form, which contains an unmodified precursor tyrosine residue instead of fully processed TPQ (HPAO-1 was denoted HPAO in the literature prior to 2010). Structures of apoHPAO-1 in complex with CuI and CoII have also been solved, providing structural insight into metal binding prior to biogenesis.
Optimal location of FACTS for ATC enhancement

The objective of this paper is to enhance the Available Transfer Capability (ATC) from source area to sink area in deregulated power system using Continuous Power Flow (CPF) method during normal and contingency cases with optimal location and control parameter of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices such as Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) or Static VAR Compensator (SVC) on IEEE 24 bus reliability test systems. Real parameter Genetic Algorithm (RGA) is used to determine optimal location and control parameter of TCSC or SVC. ATC is dependent on many factors, such as the base case of system operation, system operation limits, network configuration, specification of contingencies, etc. FACTS technology has a severe impact to the transmission system utilization with regards to those constraints on ATC. Therefore, maximum use of existing transmission assets will be more profitable for Transmission System Operators (TSO), and customers will receive better services with reduced prices.
Somaclonal variant plants of wheat derived from mature embryo explants of three genotypes

Somaclones regenerated from three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Glennson, Pavon and PAK-16171 were evaluated for variation in agronomic and morphological characters. Calli were initiated from germinating seeds on Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium plus 2 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2% sucrose and 1% agar. Calli were isolated and regenerated into whole plants on LS medium containing 0.1 mg/l indole - 3-acetic acid and 0.5 mg/l benzyladenine. Comparisons among the somaclones and their parents were made for plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, and 100 grain weight. Significant variation was observed in these characters between the somaclones and parents. Genotypic differences were observed among the somaclones for many of these agronomic and morphological characters.
c-Myc-mediated control of cell fate in megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors.

It has been found that c-Myc protein plays a critical role in controlling self-renewal versus differentiation in hematopoietic stem cells. We report that c-Myc also controls the fate of megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors through regulating the differentiation of erythroid and megakaryocytic progenitors. In addition to the significant reduction of granulocytes/macrophages and B and T lymphocytes because of the reduction of their corresponding progenitors, we found significantly increased numbers of megakaryocytic progenitors and mature megakaryocytes in bone marrow and spleens of c-Myc-knockout (c-Myc−/−) mice. Differentiation of erythrocytes was blocked at the erythroid progenitor stage. This increased megakaryocytopoiesis is a cell-intrinsic defect of c-Myc-mutant hematopoietic stem cells, as shown by transplantation studies. Furthermore, we found that c-Myc is required for polyploidy formation but not for cytoplasmic maturation of megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes from c-Myc−/− mice are significantly smaller in size and lower in ploidy than those of control mice; however, because of the dramatic increase in megakaryocyte number, although fewer platelets are produced by each megakaryocyte, a greater than 3-fold increase in platelet number was consistently observed in c-Myc−/− mice. Thus, c-Myc−/− mice develop a syndrome of severe thrombocytosis-anemia-leukopenia because of significant increases in megakaryocytopoiesis and concomitant blockage of erythrocyte differentiation and reductions in myelolymphopoiesis.
Determination of iodide and thiosulfate by paired-ion, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance, electrochemical, and conductimetric detection.

Abstract Inorganic anions are typically determined by ion chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, or by “wet chemical” procedures. An alternative to these approaches is afforded by paired-ion, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the application of this technique to the determination of iodide and thiosulfate is discussed. Each analyte can be determined using ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detection and oxidative, amperometric electrochemical detection (ED). Furthermore, in the case of iodide, an additional and quite selective ED scheme is available through the use of series-configured dual glassy carbon electrodes. The dual-series ED approach utilizes an upstream electrode wich is maintained at an oxidative potential. This results in the formation of an electroactive species, which may be detected at a downstream electrode held at a reductive potential. Finally, it is demonstrated that non-suppressed conductimetric detection is also perfectly viable within the context of paired-ion, reversed-phase HPLC, provided the overall conductance of the mobile phase is not excessive.
Hexachlorobenzene distribution in tissues of swine.

Abstract Purified hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was administered to third-litter sows at dietary concentrations of 0, 1, or 20 ppm throughout gestation and nursing. Swine receiving 1 ppm were not adversely affected and residue concentrations in tissues other than fat and bone marrow remained at or below the dietary concentration. Residues of HCB in the dissectable fat of these pigs accumulated to concentrations five- to seven-fold higher than the dietary concentration. Piglets accumulated fat residues, through both placental transfer and nursing, that were higher than those of the sows. A similar proportional accumulation of HCB in fat occurred in sows receiving 20 ppm in the diet. Other toxic signs included neutrophilia, gastric irritation, fatty replacement of Brunner's gland, and pancreatic periductal fibrosis. Hepatotoxicity was not apparent, perhaps because of age-related changes in both control and treatment groups.
Diabetes and Kidney Transplantation: Past, Present, and Future

Diabetes mellitus is the most common etiology for end stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide and in the United States. The incidence of morbidity and mortality is higher in diabetic patients with ESRD due to increased cardiovascular events. Patients with type 2 diabetes who receive a renal allograft have a higher survival rate compared with patients who are maintained on chronic hemodialysis therapy, but there is scarcity of data on long-term graft outcomes. Most recently the development of new onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) poses a serious threat to patient and allograft survival. Pre-emptive transplantation and the use of living donors have improved overall survival. In addition, critical management of glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol are some of the factors that can help minimize adverse outcomes in both patients with pre-existing diabetes and patients who develop NODAT. Future clinical trials are warranted to improve therapeutic medical management of these patients thus influencing graft attrition.
The Evolution of Insect Flight: Implications for the Evolution of the Nervous System

The Insecta encompasses a prodigiously diverse group as measured at the species, family and ordinal levels, but the nervous system bears evidence of conservatism. The early acquisition of flight must
Frequency of severe renal artery stenosis in patients with severe thoracic aortic plaque

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an underdiagnosed disorder and a treatable etiology of hypertension and renal insufficiency. All patients were referred for a transesophageal echocardiogram for various indications. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in 69 patients, 43 with severe thoracic aortic plaque (≥4 mm) and 26 controls with no or mild plaque (≤2 mm). Severe RAS (≥60%) was defined as flow velocity ≥1.8 m/s and a renal:aortic ratio of ≥3.5. There were 8 cases of RAS (all severe) in the 43 patients with severe aortic plaque (19% vs 0% of controls; p = 0.02). Severe plaque (p = 0.02) and hypertension (p = 0.03) were correlated with RAS. On multivariate analysis, severe plaque (p = 0.017) and hypertension (p = 0.002) remained independently correlated with RAS. In a paired analysis, matched for age and gender (McNemar), severe plaque was significantly associated with RAS (p = 0.008). Severe thoracic aortic plaque is strongly associated with RAS, which is found in 19% of patients with severe plaque. Patients found to have severe aortic plaque on transesophageal echocardiography should be screened for RAS.
MRI artifacts and correction strategies

Artifacts appear in MRI for a variety of reasons. Potential sources of artifacts include nonideal hardware characteristics, intrinsic tissue properties and biological behavior, assumptions underlying the data acquisition and image reconstruction process, and poor choice of scanning parameters. Careful study design and scanning protocols can prevent certain artifacts from occurring, but some are unavoidable. Numerous correction methods have been developed to mitigate the corruptive effects of artifacts and improve image diagnostic quality. These methods include special pulse sequence designs, improved scanning procedures and equipment, and advanced postprocessing algorithms. Recognizing artifacts and understanding their underlying causes are important when interpreting images and choosing a correction approach.
On the interaction between cumulus clouds and the larger-scale environment

This article briefly reviews the published and unpublished work carried out by the author and his colleagues during the past few years on the interaction between cumulus clouds and the larger-scale environment. This work has been directed toward: (a) identifying favorable large-scale environments for generation of an organized meso disturbance and (b) investigating the feedback effect of a cumulus ensemble on the large-scale environment. Feedback includes the redistribution of heat and moisture by cumulus clouds in the large-scale atmosphere once a large number of different sized cumuli have developed. Both cumulus clouds over the continental United States and over the tropical oceans are considered in this article and some differences between them are discussed. A number of unsolved questions which the author feels are of importance are raised.
Electron removal from helium by fast, multiply charged ions

Abstract A four-body classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method was used to calculate single and double ionization cross sections for collisions of fully stripped ions with helium. The energy range was 1–5 MeV/amu with ions in charge states +1 to +10. Both electrons were explicitly treated in the calculations.