cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical exposure of the dorsal proximal third of the radius: How vulnerable is the posterior interosseous nerve?†

This study determined the distance between the posterior interosseous nerve bicipital tuberosity of the radius in cadavers. Both elbows of 15 preserved cadavers were dissected (eight male cadavers, seven female cadavers). The mos prominent point of the radial tuberosity was located, and the shortest distance from this area to the posterior interosseous nerve was measured. The average distance was 2.3 cm (range 1.8 to 3.2 cm); the intracadaver (right vs left) variation was 1.3 mm. The tuberosity to nerve distance was unaffected by forearm rotation. Palpation of the prominence of the radial tuberosity is a reliable guide to the position of the posterior interosseous nerve in dorsal approaches to the proximal forearm.
Effect of nifedipine on serum digoxin concentration and renal digoxin clearance

Nifedipine has been reported either to decrease or not to affect digoxin elimination. We studied the effect of oral nifedipine on steady-state digoxin concentrations and renal clearance in 20 healthy male subjects. After 2 wk of digitalization, all received digoxin, 0.375 mg a day, with placebo for 2 wk, then digoxin and nifedipine, 18.5 +/- 4 mg every 8 hr, for 2 wk, and then digoxin with placebo for 2 wk. Mean (+/- SD) digoxin concentrations of 0.74 +/- 0.20 and 0.75 +/- 0.25 ng/ml on placebo were not altered by nifedipine (0.77 +/- 0.23 ng/ml). Digoxin clearance was 2.2 +/- 0.6 and 2.7 +/- 0.8 ml/kg/min on placebo and 2.5 +/- 0.6 ml/kg/min on nifedipine. No change in pharmacologic effect of digoxin by nifedipine was observed, but mean blood pressure was lower and heart rates were accelerated. These data indicate that oral nifedipine does not alter digoxin concentrations or decrease renal clearance in healthy subjects.
Multiple [3H]DTG binding sites in guinea pig cerebellum: evidence for the presence of non-specific binding

Abstract The characteristics of the low affinity component of 1,3-di(2-3H]tolyl)guanidine binding to the guinea pig cerebellum were investigated. Saturation binding assays where σ1 receptors were masked with dextrallorphan indicated that 1,3-di(2-[5-3H]tolyl)guanidine bound to cerebellar membranes in a fashion best described by a 1 site + non-specific binding model with a low density of specific binding sites (Bmax ≈ 200 fmol/mg protein). Boiling the cerebellar membranes before addition to the saturation assay had no effect on the density of 1,3-di(2-[5-3H]tolyl)guanidine binding. In contrast, both the Kd and Bmax for 1,3-di(2-[5-3H]tolyl)guanidine binding to liver membranes was significantly reduced by boiling, as was the density of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding to cerebellum and liver. Thus, a substantial component of 1,3-di(2-[5-3H]tolyl)guanidine binding in the guinea pig cerebellum is to non-specific, proteinaceous binding sites with some of the pharmacological characteristics of the σ2 binding site.
A surface plasmon resonance spectrometer sensor using a super-period metal nanohole grating

We demonstrated a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer sensor with a patterned super-period metal nanohole grating. With the super-nanohole grating and a CCD, surface plasmon resonance can be measured without using an external optical spectrometer.
Monoculture and Rotation System Effects on Precipitation Use Efficiency of Corn

Development and utilization of cropping systems in rainfed areas are highly dependent on their water use efklciencies, especially in subhumid areas. The objective was to evaluate the effect of crop rotation and N fertilizer rates on precipitation use efficiency by dryland corn (L.). Corn was grown under rainfed conditions at Mead, NE, on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll) in four cropping systems: (i) continuous corn, (ii) a 2-yr soybean [ (L.) Merr.]-corn rotation, (iii) a 4-yr rotation of oat [ (L.)] + clover [80% Lam. and 20% L.]-grain sorghum [ (L.) Moench]-soybean-corn, and (iv) a 4-yr rotation of soybean-grain sorghum-oat + clover-corn. Nitrogen fertilizer rates used for corn were 0, 90, and 180 kg N ha as NHNO. Corn grain precipitation use efficiency was significantly affected by year, rotation, and N fertilizer rates from 1984 through 1991. Precipitation use efficiency ranged from 36 to 137 kg ha cm for continuous corn and from 57 to 165 kg ha cm for corn grown in rotation from 1984 through 1991. Precipitation use efficiency was greater in rotation (101.8 kg ha cm) than in continuous corn (83.6 kg ha cm). In dryland production areas, cropping systems with greater and more stable precipitation use efficiency can reduce crop failures.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT OXIDATIVE INSULTS ON INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM IN ISOLATED PERFUSED RAT HEARTS

Abstract 13C and 31P NMR were used to evaluate exogenous substrate utilization and endogenous phosphate metabolites in perfused rat hearts exposed to tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Both reagents caused a reduction in developed pressure compared to controls and, in agreement with previous 31P NMR data,8 had different effects on intracellular high-energy phosphates and glycolysis. 13C Isotopomer analysis of tissue extracts showed that H2O2 and tert-BOOH also had significantly different effects on substrate utilization by the citric acid cycle. The contribution of exogenous lactate and glucose to acetyl-CoA was 43% in controls and increased to over 80% in the presence of either oxidant. With tert-BOOH, exogenous glucose and lactate were both significant contributors to acetyl-CoA (44 ± 2 and 41 ± 3%). However, with H2O2, exogenous lactate supplied a much higher fraction of acetyl-CoA (72 ± 2%) than glucose (9 ± 1%). Also, when [2-13C]glucose was supplied, accumulation of [2-13C] and [5-13C]fructose 1,6-bisphosphate was observed in the presence of H2O2, indicating inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. These results indicate that despite this glycolytic inhibition, H2O2 increased the utilization of pyruvate precursors when lactate was present as an alternative carbohydrate substrate.
Poro-thermoelastic borehole stress analysis for determination of the in situ stress and rock strength

The in situ stress state and rock strength are key parameters in a number of problems concerning petroleum and geothermal reservoir development, particularly in well stimulation and optimum wellbore trajectory analyses. Inversion techniques utilized to determine the in situ stress and rock strength based on the observation of borehole failure and its analysis often assume elastic rock behavior. However, when drilling through high-pressure and high-temperature rocks, coupled poro-thermo-mechanical processes result in a time-dependent stress and pore pressure distribution around the borehole. In this work, the poro-thermoelastic effects on borehole failure are studied and their impact on wellbore stability and the estimations of the in situ maximum horizontal stress and rock strength using wellbore failure data are investigated. It is shown that coupled poro-thermo-mechanical effects influence both failure mode and potential. Also, when considering shear failure, neglecting heating and cooling effects will underestimate and overestimate rock strength, respectively. Therefore, for accurate assessment of wellbore stability and inversion of wellbore failure data, poroelastic and thermal factors should be considered.
Moral Reasoning and Rhetoric: The Acceptability of Arguments About AIDS‐Related Dilemmas1

The disease AIDS has given rise to a host of social dilemmas. Here we explore the rhetoric that affects people's reasoning about actions taken in the face of such dilemmas. We presented a group of 514 undergraduates with vignettes depicting dilemmas having to do with the distribution of sexually explicit educational material to high school students and with the forced HIV blood testing of factory workers. Subjects rated the acceptability of arguments for and against courses of action taken by persons in the vignettes. The arguments embodied concerns typical of moral reasoning at each of Kohlberg's six stages. We found that the acceptability of stage-typical moral arguments about AIDS-related dilemmas depends on both the dilemma at hand and the course of action being argued for. We argue that knowledge of how people respond to different kinds of moral arguments concerning AIDS-related dilemmas is valuable for informing efforts to advocate humane and lifesaving policies to particular audiences.
Anatomical Localization of the Effects of 17β-Estradiol on Oxytocin Receptor Binding in the Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus*

Oxytocin (OT) neurotransmission plays a role in the facilitation of steroid-dependent sexual receptivity in the rat. One way in which the ovarian steroid 17 beta-estradiol (E2) has been shown to modulate OT transmission is by increasing OT receptor binding in certain brain areas involved in the regulation of female sexual behavior such as the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). This study was undertaken to describe the distribution of OT receptors within the VMN that are regulated by physiological levels of E2. With quantitative autoradiographic methods, we measured [3H]OT binding in ovariectomized female rats implanted with Silastic capsules containing cholesterol, 5% E2, or 100% E2. In addition, plasma E2 levels, pituitary progestin receptor binding, and uterine weights were measured in animals from each treatment group. Results of this study showed that physiological levels of E2 increased [3H]OT binding in caudal regions of the ventrolateral VMN and stimulated maximal uterine growth and pituitary progestin receptor binding. However, in more rostral VMN sections, E2 induced a dose-dependent increase in [3H]OT binding. These data suggest that ovarian steroids sensitize the brain to OT by increasing OT receptor binding in certain brain areas involved in the regulation of sexual receptivity.
The fetish object: phylogenetic considerations.

Direct observations of behavior evoked by a fetish object (wet shoe) in one patient are reported. The intrinsic qualities of an object endowing it with fetish power are examined. Such qualities may be related to human perceptual preferences, a product of phylogeny, stemming from such factors as the primate interest in body parts and extracorporeal objects. The capacity to relate to an inanimate object including the assimilation of the object by varied motor acts reflects the crucial role of objects (tools) in hominid evolution. Also phylogenetically based is the human capacity to assign multiple meanings to an object.
Cognitive hypothesis testing and response to intervention for children with reading problems

Response to intervention (RTI) must be combined with comprehensive cognitive assessment to identify children with learning disabilities. This article presents the Cognitive Hypothesis Testing (CHT) model for integrating RTI and comprehensive evaluation practices in the identification of children with reading disabilities. The CHT model utilizes a scientific method approach for interpreting cognitive and neuropsychological processes together with evaluation of ecological and treatment validity data to develop targeted interventions for students who do not respond to standard academic interventions. A case study highlights how CHT practices can lead to effective interventions for a child who did not respond to a phonologically based reading intervention. In addition, discriminant analyses of 128 children with reading disabilities revealed the presence of Global, Phonemic, Fluency-Comprehension, and Orthographic subtypes. Results suggest subtypes show disparate cognitive profiles that differentially impact their reading achievement, supporting our contention that individual assessment of cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses is not only necessary for identifying children with reading disabilities but also can lead to individualized interventions designed to meet their unique learning needs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 835–853, 2006.
Learn, Take Action, and Live A Guide to Using Online Tools to Prevent and Manage Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease and stroke can often be prevented, but these diseases remain the number 1 and number 3 killers of Americans, and the demand for treatments continues to grow. From 1979 to 2002, the number of cardiovascular operations and procedures increased 470%.1 The failure of patients to follow medical advice unquestionably contributes to this problem. Statistics from the National Council of Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) show that more than half of all Americans with chronic diseases don’t follow their physician’s medication and lifestyle guidance.2 The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recognize that patient education is an important way to help individuals “learn and live,” and our Web sites, www.americanheart.org and www.strokeassociation.org, provide easy access to the latest information on heart disease and stroke. But we also understand that information alone isn’t enough. Individuals need to take action, and lifestyle changes are the number 1 priority for reducing risks for heart disease and stroke. That’s why we provide an array of tools to help you take action to reduce your risks by making the necessary lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, compliance, and developing better relationships with your healthcare providers. All content on our site is science-reviewed and is updated when facts change. Medical illustration libraries are found in each content area, and links help show the connection between different aspects of cardiac health. New topics are continuously being developed. For a complete list of links to all topics discussed in this article, cut and paste the following URL into your Web browser: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/20/e318/DC1 ### Arrhythmia The Web site www.americanheart.org/arrhythmia has excellent information for patients recently diagnosed …
Determining probable causes of ecological impairment in the Little Scioto River, Ohio, USA: Part 1. Listing candidate causes and analyzing evidence

The Little Scioto River in north-central Ohio, USA, is considered to be biologically impaired based on the results of fish and invertebrate surveys. The causes for these impairments were evaluated by means of a formal method. Two of the impairments identified on the stream reach were characterized in detail to support the causal assessment. A list of six candidate causes was developed that included habitat alteration, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination, metals contamination, low dissolved oxygen, ammonia toxicity, and nutrient enrichment. Evidence for the causal evaluation was developed with data from the site that associated each candidate cause with the biological responses. Evidence was also developed that drew on data from other locations and laboratory studies, including comparisons of site exposures with screening values and criteria. The formal method increased the transparency of the assessment; candidate causes were clearly listed and the pathways by which they may have produced effects were shown. Analysis of the evidence maximized the utility of available data, which were collected as part of monitoring and research programs rather than to specifically support a causal assessment. This case study illustrates how the stressor identification method can be used to draw conclusions from available data about the most likely causes of impairment and to show what additional studies would be useful.
Mapping Local Matrix Remodeling Induced by a Migrating Tumor Cell Using Three-Dimensional Multiple-Particle Tracking

Mesenchymal cell migration through a three-dimensional (3D) matrix typically involves major matrix remodeling. The direction of matrix deformation occurs locally in all three dimensions, which cannot be measured by current techniques. To probe the local, 3D, real-time deformation of a collagen matrix during tumor cell migration, we developed an assay whereby matrix-embedded beads are tracked simultaneously in all three directions with high resolution. To establish a proof of principle, we investigated patterns of collagen I matrix deformation near fibrosarcoma cells in the absence and presence of inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and acto-myosin contractility. Our results indicate that migrating cells show patterns of local matrix deformation toward the cell that are symmetric in magnitude with respect to the axis of cell movement. In contrast, patterns of matrix release from the cell are asymmetric: the matrix is typically relaxed first at the back of the cell, allowing forward motion, and then at the cell's leading edge. Matrix deformation in regions of the matrix near the cell's leading edge is elastic and mostly reversible, but induces irreversible matrix rupture events near the trailing edge. Our results also indicate that matrix remodeling spatially correlates with protrusive activity. This correlation is mediated by myosin II and Rac1, and eliminated after inhibition of pericellular proteolysis or ROCK. We have developed an assay based on high-resolution 3D multiple-particle tracking that allows us to probe local matrix remodeling during mesenchymal cell migration through a 3D matrix and simultaneously monitor protrusion dynamics.
Systemic Transformation from the Ground–Up Using Learning Lab to Design Culturally Responsive Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Supports

The enduring existence of disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education programs and disciplinary practices creates a double bind for educators, educational leaders, and families. Disproportionality is an adaptive systemic issue that is not under any entity’s control; thus, it demands collaboration and critical dialogue among local stakeholders. This article examined the implementation of Learning Lab, a new methodology of systemic transformation, for local stakeholders to collectively examine and address disproportionality in behavioral outcomes from the ground–up. Learning Lab aims to increase equity within the local implementations of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) by opening up decision-making and problem-solving processes with local stakeholders. Designed to increase authentic collaboration and dialogue among educators, families, and communitybased organizations, Learning Lab offers the possibility of contextually fit, culturally responsive implementations of PBIS and building the capacity for forming adaptive and inclusive schools.
Extracting compiler provenance from program binaries

We present a novel technique that identifies the source compiler of program binaries, an important element of program provenance. Program provenance answers fundamental questions of malware analysis and software forensics, such as whether programs are generated by similar tool chains; it also can allow development of debugging, performance analysis, and instrumentation tools specific to particular compilers. We formulate compiler identification as a structured learning problem, automatically building models to recognize sequences of binary code generated by particular compilers. We evaluate our techniques on a large set of real-world test binaries, showing that our models identify the source compiler of binary code with over 90% accuracy, even in the presence of interleaved code from multiple compilers. A case study demonstrates the use of inferred compiler provenance to augment stripped binary parsing, reducing parsing errors by 18%.
Re-thinking colonialism to prepare for the impacts of rapid environmental change

This essay demonstrates how key concepts from ecology can be applied within historical analyses in order to gain insights regarding contemporary environmental change. We employ a coupled human and natural systems conceptual framework in a nascent historical analysis of rapid societal and environmental change in colonial New England, where European colonization led to stark and rapid transformations. Introduced diseases reduced indigenous communities to a fraction of their pre-contact levels. European agriculture and associated pest species, deforestation and overharvest of ecologically influential species were among key aspects of the rapid changes in colonial New England. Cross-continental biotic introductions initiated reinforcing feedback loops that accelerated the transition of human and natural systems into novel states. Integrating colonial history and ecology can help identify important interactions between human and natural systems useful for contemporary societies adjusting to environmental change.
Feasibility and efficacy of transradial access for coronary interventions in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Transradial coronary intervention is a relatively new technique that may lower morbidity and improve patient satisfaction. A retrospective analysis was performed on 41 consecutive patients who underwent transradial coronary interventions. Twenty-nine patients had ST elevation MI (group A) and 12 patients had non–Q-wave MI (group B). Mean time to arterial access from hospital admission was 15.6 min, and mean time to balloon inflation from arterial cannulation was 25.3 min. All patients underwent successful stenting of the infarct-related artery. Over 75% of patients received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. All patients received aspirin and either clopidogrel or ticlopidine. There were no procedure-related complications. Mean hospital stay was 3.9 days and 2.8 days for group A and group B, respectively. The transradial approach to coronary interventions is both feasible and safe in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This option may be most appealing in patients at high risk for developing vascular complications of arterial access. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:167–171. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correction of near-field acoustic measurements made with arbitrary measuring transducers

This paper concerns the basic acoustics problem of the coupling between the near-field acoustic pressure field radiated by a source and an arbitrary measuring transducer such as a microphone or hydrophone. It is shown that the far-field of a source can be determined independently of the phase and amplitude directional characteristics of the measuring transducer provided that the far-field response of the measuring transducer is known. Solutions to the problem are obtained by an application of Green's theorem to the modal expansions of the acoustic pressure field in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems.
Digital trail libraries

We propose the idea of an online, user submitted digital library of recreation trails. Digital libraries of trails offer advantages over paper guidebooks in that they are more accurate, dynamic and not limited to the experience of the author(s). The basic representation of a trail is a GPS track log, recorded as recreators travel on trails. As users complete trips, the GPS track logs of their trips are submitted to the central library voluntarily. A major problem is that track logs will overlap and intersect each other. We present a method for the combination of overlapping and intersecting GPS track logs to create a network of GPS trails. Each trail segment in the network can then be characterized by automatic and manual means, producing a digital library of trails. We also describe the TopoFusion system which creates, manages and visualizes GPS data, including GPS networks.
Using induction to refine information retrieval strategies

Conceptual information retrieval systems use structured document indices, domain knowledge and a set of heuristic retrieval strategies to match user queries with a set of indices describing the document's content. Such retrieval strategies increase the set of relevant documents retrieved (increase recall), but at the expense of returning additional irrelevant documents (decrease precision). Usually in conceptual information retrieval systems this tradeoff is managed by hand and with difficulty. This paper discusses ways of managing this tradeoff by the application of standard induction algorithms to refine the retrieval strategies in an engineering design domain. We gathered examples of query/retrieval pairs during the system's operation using feedback from a user on the retrieved information. We then fed these examples to the induction algorithm and generated decision trees that refine the existing set of retrieval strategies. We found that (1) induction improved the precision on a set of queries generated by another user, without a significant loss in recall, and (2) in an interactive mode, the decision trees pointed out flaws in the retrieval and indexing knowledge and suggested ways to refine the retrieval strategies.
Obtaining channel knowledge for closed-loop multi-stream broadband MIMO-OFDM communications using direct channel feedback

This paper introduces direct channel feedback in broadband multi-stream MIMO-OFDM communications as an efficient means for providing the base station with complete broadband channel information. The mobile station first estimates the complete (frequency selective) downlink channel responses between all transmit and receive antenna combinations and then transmits these responses back to the base in the frequency domain in place of the usual data symbols. The base station equalizes the received feedback signal and recovers the channel information by using standard channel estimation techniques. Using some signal processing tricks, multiple channel responses can be encoded together and sent back in a single feedback message, making the feedback very bandwidth efficient. Additional gains in bandwidth efficiency are provided by allowing multiple mobile stations to transmit their feedback on the same time-frequency resource in a spatial division multiple access (SDMA) fashion. Simulation results demonstrate that in IEEE 802.16 type systems, up to 16 complete broadband channels can be sent in one OFDM symbol period using the direct channel feedback method
The Kodiak Environment

The focus of this book is the Kodiak Archipelago of Alaska and, in particular, the southeast region around Sitkalidak Island. At the time of contact with Russians, people on Kodiak were among the most densely packed as well as socially, militarily, and politically complex groups known in the Gulf of Alaska region. Before examining the archaeology and ethnography of this region, it is necessary to understand some basic aspects of the environment where the Kodiak Alutiiq made their home. This chapter outlines the climatic, geological, and ecological character of this region. As noted in Chapter 1, Kodiak is representative of the North Pacific Rim in general while being unique in several ways.
Policy Divergence and Voter Polarization in a Structural Model of Elections

AbstractOne of the most widely discussed phenomena in American politics today is the perceived increasing partisan divide that splits the U.S. electorate. A contested question is whether this diagnosis is actually true and, if so, what the underlying cause might be. We propose a new method that simultaneously estimates voters’ preferences and parties’ positions on economic and cultural issues. We apply the model to U.S. presidential elections between 1972 and 2008. The model recovers candidates’ positions from voters’ behavior and decomposes changes in the overall political polarization of the electorate into changes in the distribution of voters’ ideal positions (voter radicalization) and consequences of elite polarization (sorting).
Variational multiscale method for nonequilibrium plasma flows

Abstract Plasmas at atmospheric or higher pressures, typically denoted as thermal plasmas, are partially ionized gases in which the high collision frequency among its constituents (molecules, atoms, ions, and electrons) causes intense transfer of electromagnetic to thermal energy. Thermal plasma flows, often generated by electric arcs, are at the core of diverse technologies, such as plasma cutting, spraying, circuit breakers, lighting, fuel reforming, and gasification. A computational nonequilibrium thermal plasma flow model based on the Variational Multiscale (VMS) paradigm is presented. The plasma is described as a compressible reactive electromagnetic fluid in chemical equilibrium and thermodynamic nonequilibrium. Two energy conservation equations, one for electrons and the other for the heavy-species, are used to describe deviations from Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium. Material properties (e.g., mass density, enthalpy, viscosity, and electrical conductivity) vary by several orders of magnitude in a strongly nonlinear manner within these flows, which severely increases the stiffness of the model. The equations describing the plasma flow are treated in a monolithic approach as a transient–advective–diffusive–reactive (TADR) transport system. An algebraic VMS Finite Element Method appropriate for the treatment of general TADR problems is presented. The method is complemented with an intrinsic time-scales matrix definition to model the fluid–electromagnetic sub-grid scales inexpensively and a discontinuity-capturing operator to increase its robustness in the handling of large gradients. The resulting discrete system is solved by a generalized-alpha time-stepper together with a globalized inexact Newton–Krylov nonlinear solver. The VMS method is verified with incompressible, compressible, and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) benchmark flow problems, and the VMS plasma model is validated with three canonical and industrially-relevant flows: the free-burning arc, and the transferred and non-transferred arc flows in a plasma torch.
Longitudinal Image Registration with Non-uniform Appearance Change

Longitudinal imaging studies are frequently used to investigate temporal changes in brain morphology. Image intensity may also change over time, for example when studying brain maturation. However, such intensity changes are not accounted for in image similarity measures for standard image registration methods. Hence, (i) local similarity measures, (ii) methods estimating intensity transformations between images, and (iii) metamorphosis approaches have been developed to either achieve robustness with respect to intensity changes or to simultaneously capture spatial and intensity changes. For these methods, longitudinal intensity changes are not explicitly modeled and images are treated as independent static samples. Here, we propose a model-based image similarity measure for longitudinal image registration in the presence of spatially non-uniform intensity change.
Is there an optimal cation-anion difference for lactation diets?

Abstract Because of the increased use of the cation-anion difference (CAD) concept in dry cow nutrition, many dairy nutritionists have been asking whether or not CAD is important in lactation diets. Two common questions are: (1) should CAD be monitored in rations formulated for lactating dairy cows?; and, (2) what is the optimal CAD for high producing dairy cows? A project was initiated to answer these questions. We combined data from ten macromineral nutrition experiments and conducted a regression analysis. This data base contained a wide range (+5.8 to +61.2) of dietary CAD (defined as the meq of Na + K − Cl per 100 grams of diet DM). Regression models indicated that the optimal CAD for lactation rations was between +25 and +50. Dietary CAD should be routinely monitored in rations fed to high producing dairy cows, however, commercial diets with CAD values outside the optimal range are probably uncommon.
Structure of Catecholamine Secretory Vesicles from PC12 Cells

Catecholamine secretory organelles were partially purified from PC12 cells. Measurement of the sedimentation coefficient (540S in 0.32 M sucrose), density in an isoosmotic gradient (1.139 g/cm), and density in an isoosmotic gradient using D2O as a solvent (1.205 g/cm3) have allowed us to calculate the molecular weight (1.17 X 10(9) daltons), radius (74 nm), and water content (62% vol/vol) of the secretory vesicle. The vesicle appears to contain ATP, but the molar ratio of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) to ATP in the particles is high (16.5) and the ATP was frequently asymmetrically distributed in the vesicle fraction. The particle behaves like a true secretory particle in that the dopamine content of the particle is increased by pargyline, diminished by depolarization, and abolished by reserpine. Sequential purification of PC12 lysates on controlled pore glass columns and isoosmotic Ficoll gradients produced a 20-30-fold purification, but this enrichment is not sufficient to produce a homogeneous population of vesicles. An 82,000-dalton protein copurifies with secretory granules and appears to be the major secreted protein. At this stage of purification this single protein makes up about 30% of the protein in the vesicle-containing fractions and so the vesicles must be approaching homogeneity.
A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of a Peak Flow‐Based Asthma Education and Self‐Management Plan in a High‐Cost Population

Background. Asthma education and action plans (AP) have been recognized as important components in the optimal management of asthma. Studies have differed on the importance of a peak flow‐based self‐management plans in reducing health care costs and use due to asthma exacerbation. Objective. To analyze the cost‐effectiveness of peak flow‐based action plans in reducing costs associated with ER visits and hospitalizations due to acute asthma exacerbation in a population of high‐risk and high‐cost patients, defined as patients with moderate to severe asthma with a history of recent urgent treatment in the ER or hospitalization due to asthma. Methods. A literature review of randomized clinical trials comparing peak flow‐based (PFB) action plans, symptom‐based (SB) action plans, and usual care/no action plan (NAP) was performed. Probability values regarding the effectiveness of each alternative (as measured by increase/decrease in ER visits and hospitalizations over a 6‐month period) were derived. Incremental ...
Symptomatic Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus Peritonitis “A Complication of Peritoneal Dialysis”

Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus peritonitis was seen during the course of peritoneal dialysis in two patients with end-stage kidney disease within a 3-month period. In one patient, the isolate was A. Calcoaceticus Varient Anitratus (formerly Herellea Vaginicola) and in the other it was A. Calcoaceticus Lwoffi (formerly Mima Polymorpha). Both were successfully treated with continuous peritoneal antibiotic lavage.
High-throughput evaluation of synthetic metabolic pathways

A central challenge in the field of metabolic engineering is the efficient identification of a metabolic pathway genotype that maximizes specific productivity over a robust range of process conditions. Here we review current methods for optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis of pathway sequence-flux space, and high-throughput screening and selection techniques are discussed.
The interaction of carbon monoxide with rhodium on potassium-modified CeO2(111)

Abstract The adsorption and reactions of CO adsorbed on Rh particles deposited on K-covered CeO2(111) were studied by temperature programmed desorption and photoelectron spectroscopy. K deposited on CeO2(111) forms a KOX over-layer by extracting O from the ceria and partially reducing some of the Ce4 + to Ce3 +. CO does not adsorb on the KOX/ CeO2 – X(111) surface in the absence of Rh particles. CO adsorbed on Rh/K/CeO2(111) adsorbs molecularly on the Rh at 200 K. As the surface is heated the CO spills-over and reacts with the KOX to form carbonate. The carbonate decomposes at elevated temperature to produce CO and CO2. The carbonate stabilizes the KOX so that K desorbs at a higher temperature than it would in the absence of CO. When the Rh and K deposition are reversed so that K is deposited on both the Rh and the CeO2(111), CO adsorbs as CO2− at 200 K. The CO2− decomposes below 350 K to produce gas phase CO and adsorbed CO32 − and CO. The CO is stabilized by the K on the Rh and desorbs above 540 K. The carbonate decomposes into gas phase CO and CO2.
Economic analysis of adjuvant interferon alfa-2b in high-risk melanoma based on projections from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 1684.

PURPOSEInterferon alfa-2b (IFN) in a randomized clinical trial (E1684) prolonged relapse-free and total survival in high-risk resected melanoma. However, the costs and toxicities of IFN are barriers to its widespread use. This study was undertaken to analyze the projected costs and long-term benefits of IFN by combining prospectively collected data on IFN actual dosage, time of recurrence, and survival with secondary data on long-term melanoma recurrence risks to project the cost-effectiveness of adjuvant IFN compared with observation.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwo hypothetical cohorts of 50-year-old melanoma patients whose mean IFN dosage and clinical results were directly taken from E1684 were included in the study. Melanoma recurrence risks beyond 5 years were derived from international databases. Melanoma recurrence care costs and quality-of-life adjustments, when considered, were based on expert consensus. End points were incremental costs, life-years gained, and cost per life-year gained with and without q...
Coagulation Factor IX concentrate: method of preparation and assessment of potential in vivo thrombogenicity in animal models

Thrombosis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are complications specifically associated with the use of factor IX complex in some patients. Assuming that these complications might result from zymogen overload, we have produced, using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)- Sephadex (Pharmacia, Piscataway, NJ) and sulfated dextran chromatography, a factor IX concentrate (coagulation factor IX) that is essentially free of prothrombin, factor VII, and factor X. Factor IX specific activity is at least 5 U/mg protein, a 250-fold purification compared to plasma. Amounts of factors II, VII, and X are less than 5 units each per 100 units of factor IX. The concentrate is essentially free of activated clotting factors and contains no added heparin. In the rabbit stasis model, a dose of 200 factor IX U/kg was less thrombogenic than 100 factor IX U/kg of the DEAE-Sephadex eluate from which the concentrate was derived. Infusion of 200 factor IX U/kg did not induce DIC in the nonstasis rabbit model, whereas 100 factor IX U/kg of the DEAE-Sephadex eluate resulted in DIC in this model. Several factor IX lots were found to have shortened nonactivated partial thromboplastin times (PTTs), but were nonthrombogenic in both animal models. These data indicate that coagulation factor IX concentrate is less thrombogenic than factor IX complex.
Oscillatory Activity: Neuronal Networks Generating Pathological High Frequency Oscillations

In the mammalian brain, the occurrence of network oscillations has been shown to facilitate the timing of action potential discharges among individual neurons. A strongly coordinated, but brief, pattern of neuronal activity arises during high frequency oscillations (>100 Hz) or HFOs. Under physiological conditions, HFOs and corresponding synchronous discharges are proposed to play an important role in information processing. However, pathological alterations to HFO networks associated with seizure disorders produce abnormal synchronous discharges that are believed to be epileptogenic. A better understanding of the structural and functional changes in pathological HFO-generating networks will provide valuable information about neuronal mechanisms that contribute to epileptogenicity and could improve the surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and frisson: Mindfully induced sensory phenomena that promote happiness

There are many important phenomena involved in human functioning that are unnoticed, misunderstood, not applied, or do not pique the interest of the scientific community. Among these, autonomous sensory meridian response(ASMR) and frisson are two very noteworthy instances that may prove to be therapeutically helpful in promoting subjective well-being or happiness, which can be considered synonymous with mental health. This review attempts to elucidate the characteristics of each phenomenon, including proposed similarities and differences between the two. We present an argument that ASMR and frisson are interrelated in that they appear to arise through similar physiological mechanisms, and both may be induced or enhanced through the practice of mindfulness.
Diapause and overwintering capabilities of the larva of Homoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Before cold acclimation, diapausing mature larvae of Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst) have glycogen levels two times greater than nondiapausing mature larvae, trehalose levels are 30 times greater, and larvae have a lower supercooling point by approximately 8°C. Significant increases in trehalose occurred in diapausing larvae kept at 5°C for 7 and 18 d and at 0°C after 10 d. In most cases, there was a sufficient concomitant reduction in glycogen to account for the trehalose increases. Nondiapausing larvae in the temperature treatment groups of 10, 5, and 0°Cshowed significantly greater trehalose levels over initial values; yet these levels are almost two times lower than initial levels in diapausing larvae and three times lower than the greatest levels achieved in this study by diapausing larvae cold-acclimated to 0°C. No specific relationship was found between temperature acclimation and supercooling capacity in diapausing or nondiapausing larvae. Nondiapausing larvae died after being held at −10°C for 1 d, whereas 44% of the diapausing larvae survived to pupation after 3 d of exposure.
Philip Levine award lecture. Chromosome translocations and oncogenes in human lymphoid tumors.

Chromosome studies are helping to identify oncogenes, both known and previously unknown, involved in the pathogenesis of human lymphocytic tumors; and mechanisms by which the function of these genes is critically altered. Most extensively studied have been the chromosome translocations involving the myc gene in Burkitt's lymphomas and the bcl -2 gene in low-grade lymphomas, where “activation” of the oncogene results from association with a transcriptionally active immunoglobulin gene. Other putative oncogenes, similarly involved in translocations with immunoglobulin genes (in B-cell tumors) or T-cell receptor genes (in T-cell tumors), are currently being investigated, as well as alternative mechanisms of myc gene activation in these neoplasms. Limited clinical applications of these studies have already been forthcoming, and they should eventually lead to improvements in diagnosis, prognosis, and even therapy.
Distribution of Sharpshooters in Florida Citrus Groves

The distribution of sharpshooter species (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)was determined in Florida citrus groves to assess their role as possible vectors of citrus blight. In trap placement studies, Homalodisca coagulata (Say) was most frequently captured at 2 to 3 m above ground, Oncometopia nigricans (Walker) at 1 to 2 m, and H. insolita (Walker) at <1.0 m. The side of the tree on which the trap was placed had less effect on capture of these three species. Populations of O. nigricans and H. coagulata peaked in late spring and early summer, but H. coagulata became active somewhat late in the spring and was active longer during the summer. O. nigricans was active year-round in the Southeast Flatwoods, but was inactive in winter in the Ridge area in the center of the state. Populations of O. nisricans were 5 to 10 times higher in South and Southeast Flatwoods, where citrus blight is the most common, than in the North Ridge or the Central-South Ridge areas. Populations of H. coagulata were 2 to 3 times higher in the North Ridge area than in the Central-South Ridge or the South and Southeast Flatwoods.
The Numerical Simulation of Flapping Wings at Low Reynolds Numbers

Although there are many examples of successful apping ight in nature, the design of e cient apping wings for human designed vehicles has been an elusive goal. One of the main obstacles encountered is the multi-dimensional design space. In order to e ciently search the design space one must rely on e cient models that allow the rapid evaluation of the proposed designs and at the same time are able to capture the critical subtleties of the ow. An e ective strategy to accomplish these two requirements is the use a multidelity simulation capability. In this paper, we analyze apping ight for Micro Aerial Vehicle size scales at two di erent levels of delity: an inviscid panel method code (FastAero), and a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for solving the Navier-Stokes equations (3DG). One of the objectives of this paper is to examine and establish the limits of validity for each approach.
Use of Modified New York City Medium for Growth of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: A Preliminary Report

The recovery of Mycoplasma pneumoniae from clinical specimens is a time-consuming process that requires highly specialized media. Modified New York City (NYC) medium was evaluated for its ability to support the growth of M. pneumoniae, as compared with conventional culture technics for mycoplasma. In this study, 95 stock strains of M. pneumoniae were inoculated onto modified NYC medium, PPLO methylene blue agar, biphasic medium with methylene blue, and PPLO glucose broth with phenol red to compare each medium's growth-supporting properties. The results demonstrated that the modified NYC formulation was a suitable medium for supporting this growth of stock strains of M. pneumoniae and that growth can be detected a minimum of five to six days sooner than by conventional methods.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical-level injuries account for the majority of presented spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to date. Despite the increase in survival rates due to emergency medicine improvements, overall quality of life remains poor, with patients facing variable deficits in respiratory and motor function. Therapies aiming to ameliorate symptoms and restore function, even partially, are urgently needed. Current therapeutic avenues in SCI seek to increase regenerative capacities through trophic and immunomodulatory factors, provide scaffolding to bridge the lesion site and promote regeneration of native axons, and to replace SCI-lost neurons and glia via intraspinal transplantation. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a clinically viable means to accomplish this; they have no major ethical barriers, sources can be patient-matched and collected using non-invasive methods. In addition, the patient's own cells can be used to establish a starter population capable of producing multiple cell types. To date, there is only a limited pool of research examining iPSC-derived transplants in SCI-even less research that is specific to cervical injury. The purpose of the review herein is to explore both preclinical and clinical recent advances in iPSC therapies with a detailed focus on cervical spinal cord injury.
Iron, hormesis, and protection in acute kidney injury

Iron is critical for cellular, organismal, and possibly universal existence. Use of iron complexes to treat human diseases is ancient and is described in detail in Ayurveda/Siddha systems of medicine. Old aphorisms from Siddha medicine ("Alavukku Minjinal Amirdhamum Nanjagum," an elixir turns poisonous when taken in excess) and Paracelsus ("Die Dosis macht das Gift," the dose makes the poison) are of practical relevance in understanding the role of this ancient metal in acute kidney injury.