cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of early (4-week) mortality in acute myeloid leukemia with intensive chemotherapy.

The progress with intensive chemotherapy and supportive care measures has improved survival in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Given the recent development of effective low intensity therapies, an optimal decision on the therapy intensity may improve survival through the avoidance of early mortality. We reviewed the outcome of 3728 patients with newly diagnosed AML who received intensive chemotherapy between August 1980 and May 2020. Intensive chemotherapy was defined as a cumulative cytarabine dose ≥ 700 mg/m2 during induction therapy. We divided the whole cohort into a training and validation group at a 3:1 ratio. The population was divided into a training (2790 patients) and a validation cohort (938 patients). The median age was 55 years (range, 15-99). Among them, 442 patients (12%) had core-binding factor AML. Binary logistic regression identified older age, worse performance status, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated creatinine, hyperuricemia, cytogenetic abnormalities other than CBF and -Y, and pneumonia as adverse prognostic factors for an early 4-week mortality. This risk classification for early mortality was verified in the validation cohort of patients. In the validation cohort of more recently treated patients from 2000 to 2017, the 4-week mortality rates with intensive chemotherapy were 2%, 14%, and 50% in the low-, high-, and very high-risk group, respectively. The mortality rates with low intensity therapies were 3%, 9%, and 20%, respectively. The risk classification guides treatment intensity by the assessment of age, frailty, organ dysfunction, cytogenetic abnormality, and infection to avoid early mortality.
Paradox, Process, and Mystery: An Exploration of Anthropology and Healing

This paper examines anthropological studies of healing. It asserts that since healing is not merely a cognitive undertaking, research which addresses only intellectual realms will be incomplete. An abbreviated review of the history of anthropology and healing begins with a summary of the development of medical anthropology and ethnomedicine and continues with a discussion of six topical areas related to research on healing. These are the symbolic, performative, psychological, processual, political-economic perspectives, as well as that of efficacy. The processual nature of healing is investigated, especially in regards to its relationship with ritual. Finally, directions for further research are explored. It is argued that patient-healer relations are central to successful healing interactions, and that the presence and agency of participants can be a point of departure for research. Furthermore, attention to ambiguity, aesthetics, and death is needed in order to situate the practice of healing. A call is made for self-reflective, engaged, meaning-centered research on healing.
Metabolic conversion of platelet-activating factor into ethanolamine plasmalogen in an amnion-derived cell line.

Abstract Platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, PAF) labeled with 3H in the alkyl side chain was taken up rapidly by amnion-derived WISH cells in culture. The radioactivity was found in a number of cellular metabolites, principally 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (alkyl-acyl-GPC) which was labeled at a rapid rate. No intracellular accumulation of lyso-PAF was detected. At longer time periods, a substantial proportion of the radioactivity was found in association with the phosphatidylethanolamine fraction extracted from the cells. This fraction contained a high proportion of the corresponding 1',2'-alkenyl derivative (plasmalogen), as judged by the formation of long-chain fatty aldehyde after exposure to acid. The magnitude of the conversion of PAF into ethanolamine plasmalogen is suggestive of a correlation between plasmalogen content and exposure to PAF in some tissues. The exact sequence of reactions leading from alkyl-acyl-GPC to the ethanolamine derivatives is yet to be established.
Low-aliasing wavelets for pyramidal image coding

The selection of filter bank in wavelet compression is crucial, affecting image quality and system design. In this paper we address the design of wavelet filters suitable for high quality resolution-scalable (pyramidal &-progressive) subband coding of images. Recently, the biorthogonal coiflet (cooklet) family of wavelet filters has been constructed and explicit frequency domain formulae have been developed. In this paper we construct previously unpublished BC 52/60 and BC 28/36 wavelet filter pairs. Simulation with SPIHT demonstrates that the new filter pairs offer full resolution compressed image quality only 1 dB worse than that achieved by the popular CDF 9/7 filters, while reducing aliasing error in low pyramid levels (taken from low subbands) by 5 dB and 4 dB PSNR respectively. That is, full resolution image quality is imperceptibly diminished, while aliasing errors in low pyramid levels are visibly reduced.
Sustained expression of human factor VIII in mice using a parvovirus-based vector.

Persistent therapeutic levels of human factor VIII (hFVIII) would signify a major advance in the treatment of hemophilia A. Here we report sustained expression of hFVIII in immunocompetent mice using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors. AAV can stably transduce liver cells, the target tissue for efficient hFVIII production. Because of rAAV packaging constraints, we tested 2 constructs using small regulatory elements designed for liver-specific transgene expression linked to B-domain–deleted hFVIII (BDD-hFVIII) cDNA. More than 1012/mL rAAV/BDD-hFVIII virion particles were generated using a transfection scheme that eliminates adenovirus. Coatest and APTT assays confirmed the production of functional BDD-hFVIII protein after transduction of 293 and HepG2 cells. In vivo experiments were performed in C57BL/6 and NOD/scid mice receiving 1010–11 rAAV/hFVIII particles via portal vein injection. All C57BL/6 mice tested developed anti-hFVIII antibody. In contrast, NOD/scid mice expressed hFVIII reaching 27% of normal human plasma levels. As expected, we could not detect hFVIII antigen from plasma samples isolated from control animals receiving equivalent doses of rAAV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Transgene mRNA expression was detected primarily in the liver and histologic analysis of the liver revealed no pathologic abnormalities. These results demonstrate a promising approach for treatment of hemophilia A.
Chain melting temperature estimation for phosphatidyl cholines by quantum mechanically derived quantitative structure property relationships

Geometries for 62 phosphatidylcholines (PC) were optimized using the AM1 semiempirical quantum mechanical method. Results obtained from these calculations were used to calculate 463 descriptors for each molecule. Quantitative Structure Property Relationships (QSPR) were developed from these descriptors to predict chain melting temperatures (Tm) for the 41 PCs in the training set. After screening each QSPR for statistical validity, the Tm values predicted by each statistically valid QSPR were compared to corresponding Tm values extracted from the literature. The most predictive, chemically meaningful QSPR provided Tm values which agreed with literature values to within experimental error. This QSPR was used to predict Tm values for the remaining 21 PCs to provide external validation for the model. These values also agreed with literature values to within experimental error. The descriptor developed by the final QSPR was the second order average information content, a topological information-theoretical descriptor.
Intraocular retinal prosthesis: microelectronics meets medicine

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Age-Related Macula Degeneration (AMD) are incurable retinal diseases that result in profound vision loss due to degeneration of the light sensing photoreceptor cells. Retinitis pigmentosa has an incidence of I in 4000 live births, whereas, 200,000 eyes are blinded each year by age related macular degeneration. Since the late 1980's, medical doctors and scientists at the Doheny Eye Institute/University of Southern California (formerly at Johns Hopkins University) and engineers at North Carolina State University have been investigating the possibility of restoring sight to this subset of blind patients by developing an electronic retinal implant. As shown in a figure, the prototyping implant (Multiple Artificial Retina Chip Set or MARC) will replace the functionality of photoreceptor layer by directly providing electrical stimulation to the surviving neurons of the retina. Thus, by capturing light and electrically stimulating the next layers of neurons in the visual pathway (i.e. the bipolar and/or ganglion cell layer of the retina), useful sight to the blind affected by retinal diseases such as RP and AMD can be restored. Patients afflicted with RP or AMD would be the largest groups to benefit from such a biomedical advance.
Energization of the 10–100 Kev Electrons in Solar Flares by Strongly-Driven Reconnection

We have developed a cascading-turbulence model for the energization of the electrons for the impulsive hard X-ray emission from flares (LaRosa & Moore 1993; LaRosa, Moore, & Shore 1994; Moore, LaRosa, & Orwig 1995). In our model, these electrons are energized via strongly-driven reconnection within the flaring magnetic field. The reconnecting fields press together over a large interface (≳ 109 cm across in large flares). Because the field has fine-scale substructure (close-packed flux tubes, each ≲108 cm in diameter), the reconnection is very disordered, proceeding in many fine-scale bursts thickly scattered over the interface. Each burst is the reconnection of a pair of opposing flux tubes. Because the reconnection is strongly driven, each reconnection burst lasts for about the Alfven crossing time of a flux tube. The outflows from each of these fine-scale reconnections are Alfvenic and hence MHD turbulent. The largest eddies in this turbulence have Alfvenic circulation and have diameters no larger than those of the reconnecting flux tubes. Each large eddy dissipates in one turnover time (~ its Alfven crossing time) by cascading to smaller scales. The compressive component of this cascading MHD turbulence dissipates into the electrons via Fermi acceleration. This process dumps energy into the electrons but not the protons because at coronal temperatures the electrons are fast enough to interact with the magnetic compressions in the turbulence but the protons are much too slow (see Figure 1). This dissipation gives the average electron the kinetic energy of a proton moving at the Alfven speed. Thus, for the Alfven speeds ( ~ 2 × 108 cm/s) and electron densities (~ 1010 cm−3) expected in the reconnecting coronal fields in active-region flares, each reconnection event produces a subsecond burst of ≲ 1034 electrons energized to ~ 20 keV (having a total energy of ≲ 1027 erg), in agreement with the subsecond spikes observed to be typical in the impulsive-phase hard X-ray emission from flares. In large flares, ~ 100 fine-scale reconnection events are in progress at once over the large-scale interface, bulk-energizing electrons to hard X-ray energies at a total rate of ~ 1036 electrons/s or ~ 1029 erg/s, as required by the observed hard X-ray emission.
Pharmacological characterization of the inhibitory effects of neurotensin on the rabbit ileum myenteric plexus preparation

Neurotensin in picomolar concentrations caused a concentration-related inhibition of the spontaneous contractile activity of the longitudinal muscle from the rabbit isolated ileum. Neurotensin was approximately 100 times more potent than adrenaline and about 10000 times as active as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in producing similar relaxations. The neurotensin-induced inhibitory effect did not follow activation of adrenoceptors or P1-purinoceptors since the effect of the neuropeptide was not antagonized by a combination of phentolamine plus (-)-propranolol, nor by pretreatment with theophylline. Tetrodotoxin did not reduce the potency of neurotensin in relaxing the rabbit ileum, suggesting that the neurotensin-induced inhibition is not neuronally mediated. The inhibitory responses of neurotensin were blocked non-competitively by apamin. The inhibitory effect of neurotensin was short-lived with the subsequent development of tachyphylaxis, which was not crossed to the inhibitory action of adrenaline or ATP. Similarly, when tachyphylaxis to adrenaline or to ATP was established, the inhibitory action of neurotensin was unaffected. Desensitization was characterized by a gradual shift of the neuropeptide concentration-response curve to the right and downwards. Preincubation of rabbit ileum strips with 10 nM dynorphin (1-13) significantly increased the inhibitory action of neurotensin.
Age and molecular weight of dextrans, their coating effects, and their interaction with serum albumin.

DEXTRANS coat blood platelets and red cells1 and interact with human serum albumin2. Recently two new problems have presented themselves. The first is that the interaction of the same sample of dextran with serum albumin appeared to be less after the daxtran had been stored at 4° C. for about four years, and that the interaction of “Synkol” (a Russian dextran of unknown age) was still less. The second is that, while the coating effects of dextrans of varying molecular weight scarcely varies, the interaction of the higher molecular weight dextrans with serum albumin has not been measured.
Power, bureaucracy, influence, and performance: Their relationships in industrial distribution channels

Abstract Set in an industrial product distribution channel, the authors investigate the relationship between: (1) a supplier's power and its use of influence tactics with a distributor, (2) the level of bureaucracy (operationalized as centralization and formalization) with use of influence, (3) influence use and relationship performance, and (4) bureaucracy and performance. A series of structural equation models revealed that high-power suppliers tend to use “nonmediated” approaches (information exchange and recommendations) and rely less on “mediated” tactics such as threats and “legalistic pleas.” Centralized supplier decision-making promoted the use of mediated tactics, whereas formalized relationships fostered the use of information exchange and recommendations (as well as legalistic pleas). Finally, information exchange had a positive effect on the performance of the exchange relationship, whereas requests, legalistic pleas, and threats had deleterious effects on this outcome variable. No direct bureaucratic effects on relationship performance were found when taking influence tactics into account.
The effects of acute coronary occlusion on noninvasive echocardiographically derived systolic and diastolic myocardial strain rates.

Abstract Purpose To compare the magnitude and rates of change of peak systolic (ϵ′SYS) and diastolic (ϵ′DIAS) strain rates, as measured using tissue Doppler echocardiography, to pressure and volumes left-ventricular indices during acute coronary occlusion. Methods Six closed-chest dogs had a combination high-fidelity conductance pressure transducer placed into the left ventricle for determination of end-diastolic and end-systolic pressures (EDP and ESP) and volumes (EDV, ESV, and ejection fraction [EF]). Other indices included the time constant of left-ventricular relaxation (τ), +dP/dtmax, −dP/dtmax, end-systolic pressure/volume index (ESPV). A coronary angioplasty catheter was positioned into the left-anterior descending coronary artery. During coronary occlusion, strain rates and hemodynamic parameters were recorded continuously for 2 minutes. Results During occlusion, significant decreases in strain rates occurred within 30 seconds. Systolic indices (ESPV and +dP/dtmax) changed at rates similar to ϵ′SYS (each p = NS). Diastolic indices (τ, EDP, EDV, −dp/dtmax) also changed at rates similar to ϵ′DIAS (each p = NS). However, EF decreased at a significantly slower rate than did strain rates (p CONCLUSIONS: Peak systolic and diastolic strain rates decrease with acute ischemia similar to corresponding indices of left-ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Strain rates may be used in the noninvasive assessment of ischemic-induced left-ventricular dysfunction.
The Impact of High School Economics on the College Principles of Economics Course.

The importance of high school courses in economics on student achievement in college principles of economics courses is explored. Contrary to previous fmdings, high school economics is positively related to students' grades in both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
Mammalian GW220/TNGW1 is essential for the formation of GW/P bodies containing miRISC

The microRNA (miRNA)-induced silencing complex (miRISC) controls gene expression by a posttranscriptional mechanism involving translational repression and/or promoting messenger RNA (mRNA) deadenylation and degradation. The GW182/TNRC6 (GW) family proteins are core components of the miRISC and are essential for miRNA function. We show that mammalian GW proteins have distinctive functions in the miRNA pathway, with GW220/TNGW1 being essential for the formation of GW/P bodies containing the miRISC. miRISC aggregation and formation of GW/P bodies sequestered and stabilized translationally repressed target mRNA. Depletion of GW220 led to the loss of GW/P bodies and destabilization of miRNA-targeted mRNA. These findings support a model in which the cellular localization of the miRISC regulates the fate of the target mRNA.
Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and exposure time for imaging systems with photon-limited noise

We present simple, mathematically tractable definitions of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for imaging systems when photon-counting statistics are the dominant source of noise. These definitions lead to a simple expression for CNR that is convenient for comparing images taken under different conditions and/or in different wave bands. Furthermore, this real-space CNR is directly proportional to the SNR in Fourier space. The sampling factor Q with which a focal plane array records an image is shown to be a primary determinant of exposure time and of SNR. If Q is known (or assumed), the f-number, resolution, and pixel size are not required.
From single defects to a structure-property relationship for polycrystals

Abstract The challenge confronting the microscopist seeking to elucidate the connection between the properties and microstructure of a polycrystalline material or the engineer seeking to design a material is immense. This is because of the diversity of interface structure and the complexity of the interactions possible between the various defects in interfaces and in the grain interiors. It is argued that so far the defects observed in interfaces seldom provide a mechanism for interfacial processes and that existing experimental approaches are fundamentally limited to a subset of the totality of interfaces which may be formed. However, to establish a structure-property correlation for a polycrystalline material as distinct from a bicrystal it may not be necessary to have a detailed knowledge of structure for each individual interface. Instead, a differentiation of interfaces into a limited number of classes each with distinctive properties which can be analysed utilising the insights of percolation may provide the means to connect the properties of individual interfaces to the behavior of the polycrystalline ensemble.
Bedside evaluation of thienopyridine antiplatelet therapy

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine is a cornerstone of treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. Compared with aspirin alone, the combination of aspirin and a thienopyridine significantly improves outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS),1,2 in stable patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI),3,4 and, by subgroup analysis, in stable patients with established atherosclerosis.5 The marked association between premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy and stent thrombosis further underscores the importance of prolonged treatment with aspirin and a thienopyridine in patients receiving drug-eluting stents (DES).6 The pharmacodynamic effect of the thienopyridine clopidogrel varies substantially between individuals despite a clinical benefit across a range of disease states. Furthermore, a growing body of data supports an association between a lack of pharmacodynamic effect and ischemic events. These observations have spurred interest in the use of point-of-care platelet function assays to identify and treat at-risk patients. This review discusses the evidence that supports platelet function screening, describes the currently available assay devices, and outlines the future developments necessary for the adoption of routine platelet function testing in clinical practice. The molecular target of the thienopyridines is the platelet P2Y12 receptor. Binding of the P2Y12 receptor by its agonist, ADP, activates the G-protein inhibitor secondary messenger system, which, through a complex series of events, mediates the completion and amplification of the aggregatory response.7 Ticlopidine and clopidogrel are prodrugs that are converted to an active metabolite through a 2-step process mediated by the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) system. The active metabolite achieves its antiaggregatory effect by irreversibly binding and antagonizing the P2Y12 receptor for the life of the platelet.8 This antiaggregatory effect can be measured ex vivo by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA). First described by Born …
Relationship between gate lag, power drift, and power slump of pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors

Abstract This paper attempts to clarify the confusion between different surface-related problems of PHEMTs such as gate lag, power drift, and power slump. Distinguishment is made not only in terms of electrical characteristics but also physical mechanisms. It was found that gate lag can be attributed to surface states while power drift and slump can be attributed to recoverable and irrecoverable, respectively, charge buildups in the silicon-nitride surface-passivation layer. As the result, the worsening of gate lag instead of gate lag per se can be an indicator of power drift while power drift can be a precursor for power slump. Based on such an understanding, a convenient screening test for these surface-related problems is proposed.
EFFECT OF PRESSURE ON ANELASTIC RELAXATION IN SILVER-ZINC

Using a novel experimental apparatus, studies have been made of the effect of hydrostatic pressure up to 9000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ on the rate of stress relaxation at constant small strain in an Ag-30 atomic percent Zn alloy, where the relaxation process is presumably diffusion limited. For temperatures between 110\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the relaxation time is found to increase exponentially with pressure. The zero-pressure data are in good agreement with previous work by Nowick. At 9000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ the relaxation time is about a factor of four greater than at 1 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, for all temperatures. The pressure dependence can be interpreted in terms of an "activation volume" of 5.36\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, which is about half the atomic volume of the material. This may mean that the volume of formation of a vacancy is at most about half of the molar volume, which number is in accordance with a recent calculation by Tewordt.
Improving quality in the endoscopy unit

All gastroenterologists and their administrative staff should gain familiarity with the quality improvement process. Demonstration of formal quality improvement efforts is now required for board certification, accreditation, and, in some cases, payer reimbursement. Organizations should embrace their role as the convening, collecting, oversight body for unit-wide and most endoscopist-specific quality initiatives. Quality improvement skills should be developed among facility staff to ensure institutional capabilities and continuity in quality improvement. Ultimately, such efforts benefit both our patients and our professional endeavors.
Metathetic reactions involving ditungsten hexapivalate. Preparation and structures of W2(O2CtBu)2(OtBu)2(NiPr2)2, W2(O2CtBu)4(NiPr2)2, W2(O2CtBu)2(OtBu)4 and Na2W4O4Cp2(O2CtBu)6 solvate where CpC5H5

Abstract The reactions between W2(O2CtBu)6(M3−M) and each of Na/Hg, NaBH4, LiHBEt3 and LiMe in hydrocarbon/THF solutions yield W2(O2CtBu)4(M4−M). W2(O2CtBu)6 and KOtBu (2 equiv.) or W2(OtBu)6 react to give W2(O2CtBu)2(OtBu)4 (1) by ligand redistribution. Crystal data for 1 at − 172°C: a = 11.200(3), b = 16.331(5), c = 10.490(3) A , α = 95.71(2), β = 111.19(1), γ = 71.82(1)° , Z = 2, Dcalc = 1.685 g cm−3, space group P - 1 . A similar reaction involving W2(O2CtBu)6 and LiNPr2 i (2 equiv.) yields and isomeric mixture of W2(O2CtBu)4(NiPr2)2, for which one isomer, 2, has been crystallographically characterized. Crystal data for 2 at −164°C: a = 41.858(9), b = 10.009(2), c = 41.481(9) A , Z = 16, D calc = 1.608 g cm −3 , space group C2/c. Compound 2 was shown to react with KOtBu (2 equiv.) to give a 6:1:1 mixture of products from which the major product W2(O2CtBu)2(NiPr2)2(OtBu)2 (3) was characterized. Crystal data for 3 at −174°C: a = 10.675(4), b = 9.836(4), c = 35.795(14) A , β = 96.76(2)°, Z = 4, D calc = 1.631 g cm −3 , space group P21/c. The reaction between W2(O2CtBu)6 and NaCp (2 equiv.) in THF gave an orange hydrocarbon soluble crystalline compound Na2W4O4Cp2(O2CtBu)6·4tBuCOOH·toluene, (4· solvate). Crystal data for 4·solvate at −70°C: a = 13.065(2), b = 14.941(2), c = 12.996(2) A , β = 114.90(1), γ = 71.69(1)°, Z = 1 , Dcalc = 1.67(2) g cm−3, space group P - 1 . In compounds 1, 2 and 3 there are Wz.3usco;;W bonds and each metal atom is coordinated to four ligand atoms. The Mz.3usco;M bond is spanned by a pair of cis-ppivalate ligands. The structure of the W4O4Cp2(O2Ct Bu)62− anion is a centrosymmetric bis-oxo bridged dimer [η5-C5H5)(η1-O2CtBu)2W (μ-η1, η1-O2CtBu)W (=O)(μ-O)]2 with a WW bonding distance of 2.537(1) A.
Warfarin resistance associated with intravenous lipid administration

Intravenous lipids have been shown to have varying effects on coagulation parameters. A patient with short bowel syndrome and recurrent thrombotic episodes who required both intravenous lipids and anticoagulation is described. A constant infusion of a soybean oil emulsion (Intralipid) in his parenteral nutrient solution was demonstrated to interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Termination of the infusion and rechallenge with warfarin resulted in prolongation of his prothrombin time to the therapeutic range. Reinstitution of a lipid-free parenteral nutrition regimen has allowed for successful continuation of warfarin therapy. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition11:316-318, 1987)
Whole Genome Expression of Cellular Response to Stroke

Many attempts have been made at developing biomarkers for stroke. Although successful to some degree,1–3 none have been sufficiently robust to be used in clinical practice. Thus, there is still a great need for more in-depth studies of the biology of human stroke to understand its pathogenesis better. This should make it possible to develop blood tests for stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) to guide treatment and ultimately improve outcomes. The traditional approach to develop stroke biomarkers has been to select candidate markers based on known pathobiology. The majority of markers that have been evaluated are proteins that are measured in patients at various times before or after stroke. The rationale for this approach is that brain injury releases molecules into blood that can be measured as evidence of brain injury; or that other cells and organs release molecules that either cause or contribute to a stroke, or are a response to the stroke. These approaches have been handicapped because they require a guess at the most reliable biomarker. Our group took a different approach to the problem by assessing the immune system after stroke.4,5 The rationale for this approach is shown in Figure 1. The expression of genes in leukocytes is influenced by many factors associated with ischemic stroke. Leukocytes interact with blood clots, platelets, atherosclerotic plaque, and injured brain endothelial cells via adhesion molecules.5 In addition, leukocytes detect circulating cytokines, chemokines, and hormones. Each has the potential to modulate RNA expression in leukocytes. Figure 1. Schematic of interactions between circulating leukocytes and factors involved in ischemic stroke, including blood clots, platelets, atherosclerotic plaque, and damaged endothelial cells. Each factor can influence expression of leukocyte RNA. This figure is reproduced from an article by Sharp et al.5 To provide proof-of-principle that …
The effect of acidic amino acid antagonists on synaptic transmission in the hippocampal formation in vitro.

The effects on synaptic efficacy of the putative acidic amino acid antagonists, 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB), 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (APP), 1-hydroxy-3-amino-pyrrolidone-2 (HA-966) and glutamic acid diethyl ester (GDEE), were tested by bath application to the hippocampal slice preparation. On the basis of previous work, we hypothesized that APB, HA-966 and GDEE might antagonize synaptic responses to either glutamate or aspartate, but APP should antagonize only synaptic responses to aspartate. APB and HA-966 reduced the amplitude of the extracellular EPSP recorded during stimulation of the perforant path fibers, but APP and GDEE were without effect. APB, APP and HA-966, but not GDEE, consistently inhibited transmission at Schaffer collateral and commissural synapses. The mossy fiber evoked extracellular EPSP was unaffected by these agents. At the concentrations used in this study (usually 2.5 mM) none of these drugs affected the amplitude of presynaptic fiber potentials or antidromic responses, indicating that they probably acted at synapses. The spontaneous activity of hippocampal pyramidal cells, but not of dentate granule cells, increased in the presence of 2.5 mM APB. The amplitude of the population spike generated by Schaffer commissural stimulation initially increased following introduction of APB into the medium and then declined in parallel with the extracellular EPSP. In addition, APB reduced the duration of recurrent inhibition during the period when pyramidal cell firing was enhanced. These results can be explained by an antagonism at the synapse between pyramidal cell and inhibitory interneuron. The actions of these antagonists support previous suggestions that glutamate serves as transmitter of the hippocampal perforant path fibers, that asparate and possibly also glutamate mediate transmission at Schaffer commissural synapses and that neither amino acid serves as transmitter of the mossy fibers.
The input-output map of a monotone discrete-time quasireversible node (queueing theory)

A class of discrete-time quasi-reversible nodes called monotone, which includes discrete-time analogs of the ./M/ infinity and ./M/1 nodes, is considered. For stationary ergodic nonnegative integer valued arrival processes, the existence and uniqueness of stationary regimes are proven when a natural rate condition is met. Coupling is used to prove the contractiveness of the input-output map relative to a natural distance on the space of stationary arrival processes that is analogous to Ornstein's d distance. A consequence is that the only stationary ergodic fixed points of the input-output map are the processes of independent and identically distributed Poisson random variables meeting the rate condition. >
Current Status of the MMT Optics

The Multiple Mirror Telescope, a joint University of Arizona and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory project, was first reported in this journal in 1972. The optics are in production, some complete, others near completion. Some of the ideas we used worked, others did not. This paper discusses the techniques actually used and how well they succeeded. The Multiple Mirror Telescope i(MMT) was described previously in the March-April 1972 issue of this journal. For a quick review, Figs. 1 and 2 present the optical design of this instrument. It consists of six independent Cassegrainian telescopes placed in one optical support structure (OSS) and mounted in an altitude over azimuth mounting. The six telescopes will be collimated to a mutual axis and maintained by the use of an active optical alignment system. The alignment signals, as well as stellar tracking information, are gen erated by a seventh (30" diameter) guide-alignment telescope located in the center of the large array. Each of the Cassegrain telescopes has a primary aperture, 72" in diam-eter, and either a 9.5 or 10.5" diameter secondary. The reason for two secondary mirror diameters is that the telescope will be used in both the IR and visible regions of the spectrum. The instrument is designed primarily for the 1R, but differences in secondary coatings and design requirements dictated that two independent secondary configurations be fabricated. The primary mirrors are of lightweight fused silica eggcrate construction. Each of these mirrors weighs approximately 1200 lbs. and had to be slumped from their original flat configuration to the required radius of curvature of 388.8". When placed into the telescope their completed fino. will be f/2.7 yielding a total telescope Casse-grain f/no. of f/31.7. The total array f/no. is determined by the beam combiner (second folding flat) and will be approximately f/9 initially.
Temporal Information Transformed into a Spatial Code by a Neural Network with Realistic Properties

Neurons exhibit a wide range of properties in addition to postsynaptic potential (PSP) summation and spike generation. Although other neuronal properties such as paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and slow PSPs are well characterized, their role in information processing remains unclear. It is possible that these properties contribute to temporal processing in the range of hundreds of milliseconds, a range relevant to most complex sensory processing. A continuous-time neural network model based on integrate-and-fire elements that incorporate PPF and slow inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) was developed here. The time constants of the PPF and IPSPs were estimated from empirical data and were identical and constant for all elements in the circuit. When these elements were incorporated into a circuit inspired by neocortical connectivity, the network was able to discriminate different temporal patterns. Generalization emerged spontaneously. These results demonstrate that known time-dependent neuronal properties enable a network to transform temporal information into a spatial code in a self-organizing manner--that is, with no need to assume a spectrum of time delays or to custom-design the circuit.
Placental permeability of arsenate ion during early embryogenesis in the hamster.

Sodium arsenate crosses the placental barrier in pregnant Syrian hamsters following injection in teratogenic or tracer doses on the 8th day of gestation.
Assessing Statistical Change Indices in Selected Social Work Intervention Research Studies

Objectives:This study examined how evaluation and intervention research (IR) studies assessed statistical change to ascertain effectiveness.Methods:Studies from six core social work journals (2009–2013) were reviewed (N = 1,380). Fifty-two evaluation (n = 27) and intervention (n = 25) studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were categorized by the statistical change indices and effect sizes reported. Only intervention studies were included in the final analysis.Results:Multivariate analysis of variance (28%) was the most frequently used primary change statistic and χ2 (43%) was the most frequent secondary indicator. About 68% of studies reported effect sizes with Cohen’s d (28%) being the most frequent.Conclusion:In addition to assessing statistical significance, the extent of rigor lies in determining the size of any change or effect in evaluation and IR. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
Experience with probabilistic risk assessment in the nuclear power industry

Abstract Risk has become an important public concern for both nuclear and chemical industries over the years. In order to manage risk in a comprehensive and quantitative manner, the nuclear industry has developed the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach over the past two decades. The chemical industry, on the other hand, has just started its efforts toward the quantification of risk. This paper presents an overview of the experience learned from PRAs for nuclear power plants. It gives a brief historical perspective of the development of PRA in the nuclear industry and reviews the methodology used in most current PRAs. In addition to the discussion of lessons learned, this paper also discusses issues related to PRA methodology that are still under development. Finally, some comments are made on the possibility of use of PRA in the chemical industry.
Dimensionless invariants from foraging theory's marginal value theorem

Abstract Copula duration (t) decreases, and proportional rate of sperm transfer (c) increases, with larger male body size in dung flies, so their dimensionless product (c. t) is approximately constant (approximately 2.2). The most recent copulating male fertilizes about 89% of the eggs laid (= 1 - e(-c.t) = 1 - e(-2.2)), independent of his body size. The conditions under which natural selection favors this phenotypic invariance are studied with fitness optimization models. The dimensionless rules for optimal patch residence times are then generalized to cover phenotypic variation in other foraging cases.
Measurements of viscosities of saturated and compressed fluid chlorotrifluoromethane (R13)

Abstract The shear viscosity coefficients of saturated and compressed fluid chlorotrifluoromethane (R13) have been measured with a torsional crystal viscometer at temperatures between 100 and 320 K, at pressures up to 35 MPa and at densities between 1.5 and 17.7 mol dm −3 . The dependence of the fluidity (viscosity − ) on molar volume and temperature has been examined. At molar volumes between 0.06 and 0.12 dm 3 mol −1 , the dependence on molar volume is linear and there is no significant temperature dependence at fixed volume. The data in this volume range have been correlated with a fluidity-volume equation. Most of the differences between the present data and the equation are smaller than 3%.
Residual Strength of Impact-Damaged CFRP Used to Strengthen Concrete Structures

Although previous research has demonstrated the improvement in performance of reinforced concrete structures enhanced with externally applied carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), the effect of transverse impact damage on the strength of the CFRP enhancements is unknown, and no guidelines have been provided that describe which impact events warrant CFRP repair or replacement. The impact events, such as dropped tools, collisions, and low-speed projectiles may cause critical damage to the epoxy matrix and fibers that is undetectable through visual inspection. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into the level of transverse impact needed to initiate critical damage in wet layup CFRP enhancements, which will serve as a guideline for inexpensive and immediate damage assessments. To simulate a variety of impact events, impactors (tups) of different sizes and shapes were dropped from several heights. The impacts were performed with a guided drop-weight apparatus, designed to achieve free-fall b...
Evolution of transcription factor function

Functional assays in Drosophila melanogaster with orthologous transcription factors from other species suggest that changes in the protein-coding sequence may play a larger role in the evolution of transcription factor pathways than was previously believed. Interestingly, recent studies provide evidence that changes in transcription factor protein sequence can affect the regulation of only a subset of target genes, even in the same cells of a developing animal.
The Antennal Exopod of Noodtorthopsyllus and the Next Evolutionary Synthesis (Copepoda)

[L'exopodite antennaire du copepodite I de Noodtorthopsyllus est un petit article avec une soie; les copepodites II-VI n'ont pas d'exopodite antennaire. Les nauplii de Noodtorthopsyllus n'ont pas ete decouverts, mais on peut supposer qu'ils ont un exopodite antennaire car il en existe un chez tous les nauplii de copepodes decrits a ce jour. La sequence du developpement differe de celle de la plupart des autres harpacticoides, mais elle est semblable aux sequences decrites chez les cyclopoides et les Poecilostomatoides. Parce que Noodtorthopsyllus est presume appartenir a une famille d'harpacticoides recemment evoluee, la similarite provient d'une convergence a partir d'ancetres dissemblables. Une transformation ontogenetiquement cyclique de la morphologie suggere un controle par expression et retention de genes, qui determine l'architecture de l'exopodite antennaire. Pour expliquer a la fois le developpement et l'evolution de cette structure et de transformations similaires, les copepodologistes doivent construire un modele pour la genetique moleculaire des transformations morphologiques avec une etude approfondie des morphologies reelles exprimees dans la nature., L'exopodite antennaire du copepodite I de Noodtorthopsyllus est un petit article avec une soie; les copepodites II-VI n'ont pas d'exopodite antennaire. Les nauplii de Noodtorthopsyllus n'ont pas ete decouverts, mais on peut supposer qu'ils ont un exopodite antennaire car il en existe un chez tous les nauplii de copepodes decrits a ce jour. La sequence du developpement differe de celle de la plupart des autres harpacticoides, mais elle est semblable aux sequences decrites chez les cyclopoides et les Poecilostomatoides. Parce que Noodtorthopsyllus est presume appartenir a une famille d'harpacticoides recemment evoluee, la similarite provient d'une convergence a partir d'ancetres dissemblables. Une transformation ontogenetiquement cyclique de la morphologie suggere un controle par expression et retention de genes, qui determine l'architecture de l'exopodite antennaire. Pour expliquer a la fois le developpement et l'evolution de cette structure et de transformations similaires, les copepodologistes doivent construire un modele pour la genetique moleculaire des transformations morphologiques avec une etude approfondie des morphologies reelles exprimees dans la nature.]
Gata3 is a critical regulator of cochlear wiring

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) play a key role in hearing by rapidly and faithfully transmitting signals from the cochlea to the brain. Identification of the transcriptional networks that ensure the proper specification and wiring of SGNs during development will lay the foundation for efforts to rewire a damaged cochlea. Here, we show that the transcription factor Gata3, which is expressed in SGNs throughout their development, is essential for formation of the intricately patterned connections in the cochlea. We generated conditional knock-out mice in which Gata3 is deleted after SGNs are specified. Cochlear wiring is severely disrupted in these animals, with premature extension of neurites that follow highly abnormal trajectories toward their targets, as shown using in vitro neurite outgrowth assays together with time-lapse imaging of whole embryonic cochleae. Expression profiling of mutant neurons revealed a broad shift in gene expression toward a more differentiated state, concomitant with minor changes in SGN identity. Thus, Gata3 appears to serve as an “intermediate regulator” that guides SGNs through differentiation and preserves the auditory fate. As the first auditory-specific regulator of SGN development, Gata3 provides a useful molecular entry point for efforts to engineer SGNs for the restoration of hearing.
Inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease (The Health, Aging and Body Composition [Health ABC] Study) ☆

This study investigates the association of several inflammatory markers with subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease in older men and women. Data are from the baseline assessment of 3,045 well-functioning persons aged 70 to 79 years, participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study. The study sample was divided into 3 groups: "cardiovascular disease" (diagnosis of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or stroke), "subclinical cardiovascular disease" (positive findings on the Rose questionnaire for angina or claudication, ankle-brachial index <0.9, or electrocardiographic abnormalities), and "no cardiovascular disease." Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and the soluble receptors IL-6 soluble receptor, IL-2 soluble receptor, TNF soluble receptor I, and TNF soluble receptor II were assessed. Of those with IL-6 levels in the highest compared with the lowest tertile, the odds ratio (OR) for subclinical cardiovascular disease was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26 to 1.97) and for clinical cardiovascular disease was 2.35 (95% CI 1.79 to 3.09). A similar association was found for TNF-alpha (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.88 and OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.72, respectively). In adjusted analyses, CRP was not significantly associated with overall subclinical or clinical cardiovascular disease, although additional analyses did find a strong specific association between CRP and congestive heart failure (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.41). Of the soluble cytokine receptors, only TNF soluble receptor I showed a significant association with clinical cardiovascular disease. Thus, our findings suggest an important role for IL-6 and TNF-alpha in clinical as well as subclinical cardiovascular disease. In this study, CRP had a weaker association with cardiovascular disease than the cytokines.
The New Deal Farm Programs: What They Were and Why They Survived

Fifty years ago President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked the Congress to pass legislation that would "increase the purchasing power of our farmers and the consumption of articles manufactured in our industrial communities." He said: "I tell you frankly that it is a new and untrod path, but I tell you with equal frankness that an unprecedented condition calls for the trial of new means to rescue
Optimization of nonlinear control systems by means of nonlinear feedbacks

The first portion of this paper is devoted to the logical selection of a category of nonlinear systems ? systems having: 1. controllers with any number of time lags or leads, and usually operating in their saturated region (velocity saturation, force saturation, etc.), and 2. loads consisting of combinations of nonlinear masses, nonlinear dampers, and nonlinear springs. (Nonlinearities which involve explicit functions of time, such as mass and inertia of a controlled rocket motor missile, introduce special considerations not included here.) In the second part of the paper, characteristics of an intentionally nonlinear element added to the feedback are considered. In the final part, the nonlinear element is shaped to provide optimum response in the saturated region of operation.
2.1-&#181;m laser of 20-W output power and 4-percent efficiency from Ho 3+ in sensitized YAG

The most efficient lamp-pumped laser yet reported has been obtained from the 2.1-μm transition of Ho3+in Er3+-Tm3+sensitized YAG at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Multimode CW output of 20 W, efficiencies up to 4 percent, and 5-W TEM 00 at 1 percent resulted when tungsten-iodine pump lamps were utilized.