cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propensity scores for proxy reports of care experience and quality: are they useful?

Patient-reported outcome and experience measures are increasingly important in health care and health research. The use of these measures is growing in the US and overseas, and performance measures that incorporate patient-reported outcomes are being considered, particularly in cancer. A major challenge for the use of these measures is patient non-response, especially for diseases such as cancer and dementia. A commonly used approach is to ask a proxy such as the patient’s spouse or child to complete the measure on their behalf. Proxy reporting is used in major surveys, including those used in pay-for-performance approaches. No standards exist regarding how to adjust for the use of proxy-reported measures in analyses. As patients requiring proxies likely differ in important ways from those who can self-report, adjusting for these differences is important. In this paper, we evaluate the use of propensity score models when adjusting for proxy-reported data, including weighting, matching with replacement, and non-parametric multiple imputation. Additionally, because previous analyses using propensity scores for proxy reports have employed stepwise or p value based algorithms, we evaluated the sensitivity of our results to the inclusion of respondent-sensitive variables such as proxy reports of patient health status, as well as auxiliary covariates. Under all propensity score methods, estimates obtained from propensity scores using respondent-insensitive variables were different from those obtained when respondent-sensitive variables were incorporated in the propensity score. Propensity score methods have limitations in these contexts and their assumptions should be carefully examined.
Inflammation product effects on dilatational mechanics can trigger the Laplace instability and acute respiratory distress syndrome

In the lungs, the Laplace pressure, ΔP = 2γ/R, would be higher in smaller alveoli than larger alveoli unless the surface tension, γ decreases with alveolar interfacial area, A, such that 2e > γ in which e = A(dγ/dA) is the dilatational modulus. In Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), lipase activity due to the immune response to an underlying trauma or disease causes single chain lysolipid concentrations to increase in the alveolar fluids via hydrolysis of double-chain phospholpids in bacterial, viral, and normal cell membranes. Increasing lysolipid concentrations decrease the dilatational modulus dramatically at breathing frequencies if the soluble lysolipid has sufficient time to diffuse off the interface, causing 2e 0, which may explain the benefits ARDS patients receive from high frequency oscillatory ventilation.
Time resolved x-ray diffraction in shock compressed systems

The availability of pulsed x rays on short timescales has opened up new avenues of research in the physics and chemistry of shocked materials. The continued installation of shock platforms such as gas guns and high power lasers placed at beamline x-ray facilities has advanced our knowledge of materials shocked to extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. In addition, theoretical advancements have made direct correspondence with high-pressure x-ray experiments more viable, increasing the predictive capability of these models. In this paper, we discuss both recent experimental results and the theory and modeling that has been developed to treat these complex situations. Finally, we discuss the impact that new platforms and increased beam time may have on the future direction of this field.
Endovascular thrombectomy in the setting of occult cerebral artery aneurysm: Reducing the risk of iatrogenic rupture

Cerebral artery aneurysms are present in up to 10% of ischemic stroke patients, often within or adjacent to the occluded vessel. In some cases, the approach to intervention may need to be modified based on the size and location of the aneurysm. We describe a 99-year-old female with a known history of cerebral aneurysm who underwent successfully mechanical thrombectomy of a right middle cerebral artery thrombus; an 8-mm aneurysm involving the right M1 bifurcation was identified only on post-procedural digital subtraction angiography. In addition, we discuss strategies to reduce the risk of iatrogenic aneurysm rupture in the setting of endovascular thrombectomy.
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the positive

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to address how utilizing positive psychology can be beneficial in solving complex problems and increasing staff productivity. Design/methodology/approach – This is a viewpoint column. Findings – Many academic libraries, along with their parent institutions, are facing difficult challenges. Finding ways to maintain a positive outlook can be beneficial in meeting these obstacles and keeping staff motivated and productive. Originality/value – This column addresses how the author’s history of reading self-help books has been beneficial in providing leadership tools and in helping overcome challenging circumstances in academic libraries.
Boards of Directors in New Ventures

Board independence is an important element in the perception of the quality of a firm's governance. This issue, however, can be exacerbated for new ventures because the CEOs are often the founders. For the new venture, then, it is possible that (i) the founder is the CEO, (ii) the founder is also the board chairperson, and (iii) the board is not independent. Importantly, the perceived lack of independent governance in a new venture can adversely affect its relationship with external constituencies – constituencies that may be critical for the new venture's growth and success. Keywords: board of directors; IPO
Real-world testing of a multi-robot team

Multi-robot systems (MRS) have received a great deal of attention recently due to their potential to address complex distributed tasks such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue, agriculture, and security [3, 4, 5, 1, 2]. One specific type of multi-robot system that has significant near term promise is fleets of autonomous watercraft for applications such as flood response, water monitoring and bathymetry. Small watercraft are an attractive option for real world multi-robot systems because some of the most critical robotic problems are minimized on water - movement is relatively simple and dangers are relatively low.
Global Optimization and Parametric Analysis of Large-Scale Extended Pooling Problems

Abstract The pooling problem addresses the storage of intermediate refinery streams under limited tankage conditions by optimizing profit subject product availability, storage capacity, demand, and product specifications. We extend the pooling problem by explicitly incorporating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 80.45: Complex Emissions Model into the constraint set. We globally optimize pooling problem networks with as many as fourteen feeds, five pools, and ten products (Misener et al., 2010; Misener and Floudas, 2009). We further extend this work by parametrically analyzing the economic impact varying of the different inputs to the EPA model.
Coccidioidomycosis Masquerading as Eosinophilic Ascites.

Endemic to the southwestern parts of the United States, coccidioidomycosis, also known as “Valley Fever,” is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs in both acute and chronic forms. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe but very uncommon and usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. It can affect the central nervous system, bones, joints, skin, and, very rarely, the abdomen. This is the first case report of a patient with coccidioidal dissemination to the peritoneum presenting as eosinophilic ascites (EA). A 27-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and distention from ascites. He had eosinophilia of 11.1% with negative testing for stool studies, HIV, and tuberculosis infection. Ascitic fluid exam was remarkable for low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), PMN count >250/mm3, and eosinophils of 62%. Abdominal imaging showed thickened small bowel and endoscopic testing negative for gastric and small bowel biopsies. He was treated empirically for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, but no definitive diagnosis could be made until coccidioidal serology returned positive. We noted complete resolution of symptoms with oral fluconazole during outpatient follow-up. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis can present in an atypical fashion and may manifest as peritonitis with low SAAG EA. The finding of EA in an endemic area should raise the suspicion of coccidioidal dissemination.
A First Course in Dynamics: Linear Maps and Linear Differential Equations

In this chapter the complexity of the dynamical behavior increases slightly over that observed in the examples in Chapter 2. In particular, periodic motions are now present in both discrete and continuous time. At the same time, in most linear systems, that is, linear maps and linear differential equations, the orbit structure is easy to understand (the limited elliptic complexity that arises from complex eigenvalues on the unit circle is discussed in the first sections of the next two chapters). We describe it carefully here. This involves linear algebra, but it is not simply a repetition of it because we investigate the dynamical aspects of linear systems, paying attention to the asymptotic behavior under iteration. Thus, this chapter serves to augment the range of asymptotic behaviors that we are able to describe. Our development takes place first in the plane and then in Euclidean spaces of any dimension. Aside from widening our horizons in terms of the possibilities for asymptotic behavior, understanding linear maps is useful for the study of nonlinear maps by way of linearization, which was first discussed in Section 2.1.2. This is most directly the case when one wants to understand the asymptotic behavior of orbits near a fixed point of a nonlinear dynamical system, but it can also help study the relative behavior of orbits and help describe the global orbit structure. One place where this is discussed explicitly is in Section 6.2.2.7.
Digital video watermarking for metadata embedding in UAV video

In this work we present an application of video digital watermarking to metadata embedding in UAV video footage. Digital watermarking provides the capability of embedding invisible signatures in digital media. As digital media is easily transported, copied or exchanged, a marked file provides innumerable advantages for tracking, fingerprinting, ownership verification and possibly covert communication. UAVs collect voluminous amount of metadata along with surveillance footage. Presently, metadata stream is transmitted on a separate channel or stored in the header section of video. The former approach occupies bandwidth whereas the latter approach leaves metadata in the open and easily removable. We have adapted our recently developed MPEG-2 watermarking algorithm to embed flight metadata directly in MPEG bitstream of UAV video. By intertwining metadata with video, the two streams cannot be easily separated, bookkeeping is reduced and security is enhanced. These goals are achieved at little or no cost. Video quality is maintained and file size is not increased. The algorithm is applied to Predator video footage
Thermal performance evaluation of the Calmac (liquid) solar collector

The procedures used and the results obtained during the evaluation test program on the S. N. 1, (liquid) solar collector are presented. The flat plate collector uses water as the working fluid. The absorber plate is aluminum with plastic tubes coated with urethane black. The glazing consists of .040 in fiberglass reinforced polyester. The collector weight is 78.5 pounds with overall external dimensions of approximately 50.3in. x 98.3in. x 3.8in. The following information is given: thermal performance data under simulated conditions, structural behavior under static loading, and the effects of long term exposure to natural weathering. These tests were conducted using the MSFC Solar Simulator.
Software Cost and Productivity Model

Abstract A software cost and productivity model is summarized. The model is based on 452 software development activities that commenced or completed after January 1, 1996, and are drawn from air, sea, land, and space programs. Software complexity is considered by assigning each data record to one of 32 combinations of operational environment and application domains. In addition, the model captures productivity information based on programming language. The following areas are examined, with comparisons to an earlier (1996) Aerospace Corporation model whenever possible: (1) software development productivity, (2) code growth, (3) apparent minimum and maximum software development schedules as a function of the number of source lines of code, (4) relationships for estimating the number of developer-months needed to produce a given number of lines of code, and (5) approximate data distributions. A key finding is that an apparent increase in software productivity has occurred, with median levels of productivity...
Proton versus conventional radiotherapy for pediatric salivary gland tumors: Acute toxicity and dosimetric characteristics.

Purpose We evaluated acute toxicity profiles and dosimetric data for children with salivary gland tumors treated with adjuvant photon/electron-based radiation therapy (X/E RT) or proton therapy (PRT).
Evaluation of the chick wing territory as an equipotential self-differentiating system.

Harrison (1918: J. Exp. Zool. 25: 413–461) described a developmental field as an “equipotential self-differentiating system.” The present study was undertaken to address the question: To what extent can the pre-limb territory of a chick embryo be considered a developmental field? To what extent is the chick pre-limb territory an equipotential self-differentiating system? Two sets of experiments were undertaken to address these questions: (1) Whole and half limb territories were explanted to the celoma of host embryos, and (2) portions of the wing territories were extirpated. The wing exhibited the quality of self-differentiation after stage 12, in that the isolated wing territory, grafted to a host celom, could form limbs beginning at stage 12 (however, complete wings formed only from wing territories of stage 16 and older). On the other hand, the chick wing territory did not appear to exhibit equipotentiality. No posterior half limb graft formed normal limbs, and only in two exceptional cases did anterior half limb grafts form limbs. If part or all of the wing territory was removed from chick embryos, normal limbs formed in less than 15% of the cases after stage 15, in about 30% of the cases at stages 13 and 14, but in over half the cases at stages 10–12. Wound healing and reintiation of limb potential may be responsible for the higher incidence of limb formation at the younger ages. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SHIPS-MI Forecast Analysis of Hurricanes Claudette (2003), Isabel (2003), and Dora (1999)

Abstract Three hurricanes, Claudette (2003), Isabel (2003), and Dora (1999), were selected to examine the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme with Microwave Imagery (SHIPS-MI) forecast accuracy for three particular storm types. This research was conducted using model analyses and tropical cyclone best-track data, with forecasts generated from a dependent sample. The model analyses and best-track data are assumed to be a “perfect” representation of the actual event (e.g., perfect prog assumption). Analysis of intensity change forecasts indicated that SHIPS-MI performed best, compared to operational SHIPS output, for tropical cyclones that were intensifying from tropical storm to hurricane intensity. Passive microwave imagery, which is sensitive to the intensity and coverage of precipitation, improved intensity forecasts during these periods with a positive intensity change contribution resulting from above normal inner-core precipitation. Forecast improvement was greatest for 12–36-h forecast...
Interchromosomal homology searches drive directional ALT telomere movement and synapsis

Telomere length maintenance is a requisite feature of cellular immortalization and a hallmark of human cancer. While most human cancers express telomerase activity, ∼10%–15% employ a recombination-dependent telomere maintenance pathway known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) that is characterized by multitelomere clusters and associated promyelocytic leukemia protein bodies. Here, we show that a DNA double-strand break (DSB) response at ALT telomeres triggers long-range movement and clustering between chromosome termini, resulting in homology-directed telomere synthesis. Damaged telomeres initiate increased random surveillance of nuclear space before displaying rapid directional movement and association with recipient telomeres over micron-range distances. This phenomenon required Rad51 and the Hop2-Mnd1 heterodimer, which are essential for homologous chromosome synapsis during meiosis. These findings implicate a specialized homology searching mechanism in ALT-dependent telomere maintenance and provide a molecular basis underlying the preference for recombination between nonsister telomeres during ALT.
Globalisation and citizenship education: diversity in South Korean civics textbooks

This study examines how textbooks in the Republic of Korea incorporate liberal, Western notions of diversity and multiculturalism. Through a systematic analysis of 60 civics textbooks over time, this study shows that ideas of multiculturalism and diversity have dramatically increased in the South Korean intended curriculum. While in the past, textbooks depicted South Korean society as racially and ethnically homogenous with little or no mention of disadvantaged groups or ethnic minorities, starting in the 1990s, textbooks increasingly discuss the rights of diverse groups and the need to empower these groups to address problems of social inequality. Yet, traditional citizenship narratives of national homogeneity still remain, especially in textbooks that discuss prospects for the reunification of the Korean peninsula.
An experimental study of hypersonic wakes behind wedges at angle of attack

Experimental measurements of mean flow properties of hypersonic wakes behind wedges of 20° included angle were conducted for angles of attack up to 25° at Mach number 6, with Reynolds number based on wedge base height ranging from 7,000 to 55,000. The near and far wake structures were determined, including streamlines and velocity profiles, over a down-stream distance of 60 base heights. The base pressure is insensitive to incidence within about 17°. At higher incidence, flow separation occurs on the leeward surface. The near wake flow field changes accordingly. The far viscous wake (x/H > 4) changes with increasing incidence because of the increasing differences of the inviscid flow quantities at the leeward and windward edges of the viscous wake. The wake static pressure, which increases with incidence, viscous wake edge velocities, edge Mach number, edge temperatures and flow inclination of the real flow (directed towards the leeward side) compare favorably with a simple inviscid shock expansion model. In the laminar wake flows the wake widths, minimum velocities, minimum Mach numbers and maximum temperatures change little with incidence. However, in the transitional wake flows, the “break-away” phenomenon is observed and transition from laminar to turbulent flow moves upstream as angle of attach increases.
Postnatal decrease in transforming growth factor α is associated with enlarged ventricles, deficient amygdaloid vasculature and performance deficits

Abstract It is well established that transforming growth factor α is involved prenatally in development of the nervous system, but its role in the postnatal brain is less well understood. Here, we document the occurrence of late-onset, morphological and behavioral deficits in the naturally occurring murine mutant, Waved-1 (Wa-1), whose transforming growth factor α levels decrease naturally between early postnatal and adolescent ages. Morphological analyses suggest that reduction in the growth factor postnatally is associated temporally with the onset of enlarged lateral ventricles, a reduction in vasculature in the region of the amygdala and a reduction in size of the central nucleus. Onset of the morphological deficits corresponds to the appearance of a performance deficit in contextual fear conditioning. In contrast, the transforming growth factor α gene-targeted null mutants exhibit neither morphological nor performance deficits. These data suggest that transforming growth factor α during postnatal maturation of the brain may contribute to maintenance of limbic morphology and vasculature, which may in turn affect some behaviors associated with these specific brain structures.
Specific adhesion between pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and adrenal medullary endothelial cells in co-culture

Chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla are found in close proximity to capillary endothelial cells, thereby forming the classical endocrine complex. To examine the possible chemical basis of their interaction in more detail, we have grown bovine adrenal medullary endothelial (BAME) cells in monolayer cultures and added to them pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, a chromaffin tumor cell line of rats. The PC12 cells were chosen because of the similarities they share with adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. PC12 cells rapidly attached to BAME cells cultures, their rate of adhesion being significantly enhanced over binding of PC12 cells to either uncoated plates or to monolayers of unrelated cell cultures. Consistent with this observation, we noted that the extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from the BAME cells did not enhance PC12 cell adhesion and did not promote neurite sprouting as previously described for ECM derived from corneal endothelial cells. The specific adhesion between PC12 and BAME cells could be abolished by cell surface extracts derived from these two cells but not by extracts derived from unrelated cell types. This activity was heat-labile, sensitive to trypsin and, to a lesser extent, to neuraminidase. We therefore conclude that PC12 cells may interact with BAME cells by specific proteinaceous adhesive factors associated with their plasma membranes. These interactions might represent the formative role of cell-cell contacts in the organization of the developing adrenal gland.
Efficient preparative isolation and identification of walnut bioactive components using high-speed counter-current chromatography and LC-ESI-IT-TOF-MS

Preparative isolation of complex mixtures of compounds from walnut polar extracts was established by a combination of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) and electrospray ionization-ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-TOF-MS). Compounds were isolated after a solvent optimisation selection based on solute distribution in a biphasic solvent system. Isolation was achieved through one or two successive HSCCC runs, and final purification on Sephadex LH-20. Isolated compounds included ellagitannins (1–11), gallic acid (12), dicarboxylic acid glucosides (13–15), hydrojuglone glucoside (16), catechin (17), procyanidin B2 (18), and megasterone glucosides (19–20). Praecoxin D (4) was isolated for the first time from walnut, while praecoxin A methyl ester (5) and glansreginin A n-butyl ester (14) are newly identified compounds. The purity and identity of isolated compounds were confirmed by NMR and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. These results provided a foundation for in depth characterisation of walnut compounds and offered an efficient strategy for isolation of potentially health-relevant phytochemicals from walnuts.
CO oxidation on -alumina-supported chromia catalysts

Data relating to the activity in CO oxidation of α -alumina-supported chromia catalysts under both dry and H 2 O-inhibited conditions and after extended heat treatment in O 2 are presented in this paper. The possible effect of different reductive and thermal activation procedures are also investigated. Gas adsorption and X-ray diffraction analysis are employed to suggest an interpretation of differences in catalytic activity based on different types of surface Cr entities. We found that α -alumina-supported Cr exhibited specific activity higher than that of bulk Cr 2 O 3 and far superior to that of γ -alumina-supported forms.
Power system fault detection and state estimation using Kalman filter with hypothesis testing

An algorithm for detecting power system faults and estimating the pre and post-fault steady state values of the voltages and currents is described. The proposed algorithm is based on the Kalman filter and hypothesis testing. It is shown that a power system fault is ideally suited for single sample hypothesis testing. The performance of the proposed technique is examined in connection with the protection of parallel transmission lines. The proposed technique avoids many problems of parallel line protection. The simplicity and the avoidance of complicated software and hardware in addition to the stability of the relay under different switching conditions are some of the features of the proposed technique. Studies performed on a long double-circuit transmission line with and without series compensation show a trip time in all cases of around 5 ms. >
Evolution of a Video-Learning Object Format

In a previous article, Peter J. Fadde emphasized the value of creating an identifiable format for video-learning objects. Developing such a format requires an investment of time and creativity, yet the return-on-investment is significant. In addition, viewers (or learners) know what to expect from each video-learning object -- of key importance with video objects because they can't be perused in a glance. Here, I analyze a series of mini-lecture video-learning objects called 'Real Time Minutes' (RTMs) produced by Jonathan Finkelstein, the creator/curator of Learning Times, an online community for teachers.
NUTRITIONAL COMPARISONS BETWEEN A soy‐BASED MEAT ANALOG AND GROUND BEEF IN THE UNHEATED AND HEATED STATES

The nutritional profile of a commercially available meat analog and ground beef (30% fat) was compared in the unheated and heated state. Protein quality of the meat analog was relatively high; methionine was the limiting essential amino acid. Heating to temperatures used in cooking did not greatly affect the amino acid profile or biological value of the meat analog or ground beef. The meat analogs had a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a higher concentration of potassium, calcium, phosphorus and sodium than the ground beef. The meat analogs also contained some fiber. pH values of the unheated meat analogs and ground beef were similar. Shrink values were less for the analogs than for the ground beef.
Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of Ion Channels Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Cells

We will demonstrate how to study the functional effects of introducing a point mutation in an ion channel. We study G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (referred to as GIRK) channels, which are important for regulating the excitability of neurons. There are four different mammalian GIRK channel subunits (GIRK1-GIRK4) - we focus on GIRK2 because it forms a homotetramer. Stimulation of different types of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as the muscarinic receptor (M2R), leads to activation of GIRK channels. Alcohol also directly activates GIRK channels. We will show how to mutate one amino acid by specifically changing one or more nucleotides in the cDNA for the GIRK channel. This mutated cDNA sequence will be amplified in bacteria, purified, and the presence of the point mutation will be confirmed by DNA sequencing. The cDNAs for the mutated and wild-type GIRK channels will be transfected into human embryonic kidney HEK293T cells cultured in vitro. Lastly, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology will be used to study the macroscopic potassium currents through the ectopically expressed wild-type or mutated GIRK channels. In this experiment, we will examine the effect of a L257W mutation in GIRK2 channels on M2R-dependent and alcohol-dependent activation.
UTILIZING PRIVATE PASSWORD PROTECTED AND LINKED PUBLIC WEB SITES TO ACCOMPLISH PLANNING GOALS1

ABSTRACT In the Northwestern United States, spill contingency planning occurs through a very collaborative process. Shortly after the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed, the Region 10 Regional Response Team and three Area Committees (Environmental Protection Agency Inland Area Committee and US Coast Guard Coastal Portland and Puget Sound Area Committees) decided to combine contingency planning documents. The result was the publishing of the Northwest Area Contingency Plan (NWACP) which has also been signed by the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. In the late 1990's, these organizations were further combined to form a single planning and preparedness body, the Regional Response Team (RRT) 10/Northwest Area Committee (RRT10/NWAC). In 2003, the RRT10/NWAC launched a new web site to provide all planning and preparedness information in the northwest (www.rrtlOnwac.com). The web site includes the Northwest Area Contingency Plan, 29 Geographic Response Plans, fact sheets, the RRT10/NWAC Strategic Plan, ...
ESTIMATION OF AVIAN POPULATION SIZES AND SPECIES RICHNESS ACROSS A BOREAL LANDSCAPE IN ALASKA

Abstract We studied the distribution of birds breeding within five ecological landforms in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, a 10,194-km2 roadless conservation unit on the Alaska-Canada border in the boreal forest zone. Passerines dominated the avifauna numerically, comprising 97% of individuals surveyed but less than half of the 115 species recorded in the Preserve. We used distance-sampling and discrete-removal models to estimate detection probabilities, densities, and population sizes across the Preserve for 23 species of migrant passerines and five species of resident passerines. Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata) and Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) were the most abundant species, together accounting for 41% of the migrant passerine populations estimated. White-winged Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera), Boreal Chickadees (Poecile hudsonica), and Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) were the most abundant residents. Species richness was greatest in the Floodplain/Terrace landform flanking the ...
A STUDY OF THE CELLULAR MECHANISM BY WHICH LEAD AFFECTS CATECHOLAMINE SECRETION

Our purpose was to determine the role of protein kinases in the mediation of the stimulatory effects of lead on catecholamine secretion. Pheochromocytoma cells were incubated for 90 minutes with W-7 (calmodulin antagonist), calphostin C (protein kinase C inhibitor), Sp-cAMPS (cAMP agonist), Rp-cAMPS (cAMP antagonist), forskolin (activator of adenylyl cyclase), or lead nitrate. Catecholamines were measured by liquid chromatography. Lead had a stimulatory effect on catecholamine secretion, whereas W-7 was inhibitory. In the presence of both lead and W-7, the response was markedly decreased compared to that seen with lead alone. Calphostin C suppressed the secretion of catecholamines; however, in the presence of lead and calphostin C, the secretion was similar to that seen with lead alone. Compared to control, Sp-cAMPS was stimulatory. Co-incubation of Sp-cAMPS and lead had a slight synergistic effect. Rp-cAMPS decreased catecholamine secretion, but co-incubation of Rp-cAMPS and lead resulted in a slight reduction compared to lead alone. Forskolin markedly increased the secretion of catecholamines, and co-incubation of lead and forskolin resulted in a synergistic increase. In the absence of calcium, lead had no effect. We conclude that lead stimulates catecholamine secretion by acting through the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II system and not through the protein kinase C or protein kinase A system, and requires the presence of calcium for its action.
Expression of cytokeratin 5/6 in epithelial neoplasms: An immunohistochemical study of 509 cases

Cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6) immunoreactivity has been observed in the vast majority of cases of malignant mesothelioma but only rarely in pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Thus, CK 5/6 has been used to distinguish malignant mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma. However, the utility of CK 5/6 in distinguishing pleural malignant mesothelioma from pleural metastases from nonpulmonary adenocarcinoma, as well as peritoneal malignant mesothelioma from peritoneal metastatic adenocarcinoma, has not yet been adequately addressed because the tissue expression of CK 5/6 in nonpulmonary neoplasms has not been well defined. We have studied the CK 5/6 expression in 509 cases of various epithelial tumors by immunohistochemistry. We found that the vast majority of cases of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, thymoma, salivary gland tumor, and biphasic malignant mesothelioma were positive for CK 5/6. In addition, CK 5/6 immunoreactivity was detected in 15 of 24 cases (62%) of transitional cell carcinoma, in 5 of 10 cases (50%) of endometrial adenocarcinoma, in about one third of cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (38%) and breast adenocarcinoma (31%), and in one quarter of cases of ovarian adenocarcinomas (25%). Our study confirms the diagnostic utility of CK 5/6 immunohistochemistry in distinguishing biphasic mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma but raises caution about its use for the differential diagnosis of pleural or peritoneal malignant mesothelioma versus pleural or peritoneal metastatic nonpulmonary adenocarcinoma, because many types of nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas may be positive for CK 5/6.
Characterization of Giemsa dark- and light-band DNA

Using synchronized cultures of V79-8 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts, we either alternately labeled early- and late-replicating DNA, or substituted one of these with bromodeoxyuridine to separate them in CsCl density gradients or to identify the bromodeoxyuridine-containing chromosome bands by fluorescence microscopy. The Giemsa light R bands were shown to replicate in the first half of S phase, and the dark G bands were shown to replicate in the last half of S phase. S phase was bimodal, with a distinct pause in the rate of DNA synthesis that separated the period of R-band DNA synthesis from that of G-band DNA synthesis. G-band DNA was found to be 3.2% richer in AT than R-band DNA. Surprisingly, G- and R-band DNA appeared equally transcriptionally active in that alternate labels in chromatin were digested with the same kinetics by DNAase I, and in reassociation experiments, total poly(A)+ RNA drove nick-translated G- and R-band DNA probes similarly. G- and R-band DNA also reassociated with identical kinetics, demonstrating that they contain equal proportions of all kinetic-complexity classes of sequences.
Current medication practice and tracheal intubation safety outcomes from a prospective multicenter observational cohort study.

Objectives:Tracheal intubation in PICUs is often associated with adverse tracheal intubation–associated events. There is a paucity of data regarding medication selection for safe tracheal intubations in PICUs. Our primary objective was to evaluate the association of medication selection on specific
Prostate cancer: A closer look at the initial results from the REDUCE trial.

Initial results of the REDUCE trial suggest that dutasteride decreases the incidence of prostate cancer in men with persistently elevated PSA; however, questions have emerged about the drug's effect on the incidence of high-grade cancer. Adjustment for post-randomization confounders, however, brings the true benefit of this drug into clearer focus.
Characterization of protein involvement in rabies virus binding to BHK-21 cells.

Prior studies established the specificity of rabies virus receptors on BHK-21 cells based on the saturability of the receptors and on competitive binding. In the present study, we used protease-treated cells to identify the involvement of protein in the specific binding of rabies virus to these cells. In addition, biochemical characterization of n-cotylglucoside solubilized BHK-21 plasma membranes demonstrated the involvement of a protease sensitive, heat insensitive, integral membrane protein or protein complex in rabies virus binding to these cells. The membrane component that binds rabies virus is associated with a high molecular weight fraction of the n-octylglucoside-plasma membrane extract isolated by gel filtration. This high molecular weight fraction (∼450 KDa) is enriched with a cell surface integral membrane component that comigrates with denatured bovine serum fibronectin (220 KDa). This cellular component did not bind polyclonal antisera to fibronectin in Western blot (native or denatured) or immunoprecipitation experiments. Direct and specific virus binding to high molecular weight plasma membrane protein(s) separated on Western blots further confirmed the role of a protein receptor in rabies virus binding to these cells.
35 minute green flash observed at Little America on 16 October 1929: a retrospective study.

On 16 October 1929 five members of the Byrd Expedition 1 observed an intermittent 35 min green flash at the Little America station (latitude −78.57°) in Antarctica. The flash was the result of strong atmospheric refraction, likely associated with a subcritical Novaya Zemlya mirage. This paper examines the constraints placed on the observation by the Earth–Sun orbital kinematics. It is found that the length of the observation cannot be explained solely by the slowness of the setting rate of the Sun, nor the time required just before the beginning of the Antarctic summer for the top of the Sun to set, reach its relative minimum position at the horizon, and then rise back up again. The observed length of the effect, however, is consistent with the Sun effectively setting twice and rising twice during the observation, with the first effective rising being the result of the observers climbing up the radio towers at the Little America station in order to keep the top of the Sun in view.
Intracranial astrocytoma with diffuse bone marrow metastasis: a case report and review of the literature

A 41 year old male presented with headache, lethargy, and ataxia and found to have a left temporal lobe mass and a leukoerythroblastic peripheral blood smear. The latter prompted an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy on which a diagnosis of metastatic glioma was made and verified by immunohistologic characterization. The patient was treated with cranial irradiation and simultaneous systemic BCNU (bis-dichloroethylnitrosurea) with complete response. This case with diffuse bone marrow involvement demonstrates that a glioblastoma is capable of extracranial metastases without previous intervention. From a review of reported cases of gliomas of extraneural metastasis, it is concluded that untreated gliomas are capable of vascular spread although less frequently than previously manipulated tumors.
Wavelet-Based Filtered-X LMS Algorithm for the Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) can behave chaotically for a certain range of its parameters. To improve its dynamical behavior and enable a robust control of the rotor angular speed, a novel method combining the wavelet transform with the filtered-x LMS algorithm is presented in this paper. Without linearizing the model so as to not advertently misinterpret the underlying dynamics, the method can identify the nonlinear PMSM model with adaptive filters in real-time and guarantee a comprehensive control in both the time and frequency domains. Firstly, the physical PMSM model is analyzed and its chaotic behavior without control is investigated. The wavelet-based filtered-x LMS is then applied to the nonlinear PMSM system subject to desired angular speeds that are constant and varying harmonically in time. Numerical studies show that chaotic behaviors are effectively mitigated and the system output matches the desired angular speed after the initial transient period, thus demonstrating the feasibility of the method for the control of PMSMs.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Assessing the fidelity of palaeomagnetic records of geomagnetic reversal

A major difficulty facing the study of geomagnetic polarity reversals lies in interpreting palaeomagnetic records of polarity transitions. These records are the sole source of information about what happens to the field as it reverses. In addition to comparison of records of the same reversal from different types of recorders to check for accuracy, we need some internal measure that can be used as a gauge of the temporal resolution provided by the data. This paper explores methods using the extent to which secular variation is recorded in the full polarity intervals bounding polarity transitions to estimate the temporal extent to which the transitional record should be interpreted. Cumulative dispersion and two autocorrelation methods are evaluated using datasets representative of different end–member palaeomagnetic records of secular variation and polarity transitions.
Feeder‐pig Producers and Finishers: Who Should Contract?

The purpose of this study is to determine the minimum level of contract payments required to produce hogs under a production contract. Required payments needed for contract growing to be preferred to independent production for the average-profit, slightly risk-averse, feeder-pig producer and for the high-profit, moderately to strongly risk-averse, feeder-pig producer are found to be similar to those currently offered by contractors. Feeder-pig finishers with average profit levels would either have to be strongly risk-averse or expect economic profits to fall to zero to prefer contracting over independent production. Low-profit feeder-pig finishers who are moderately to strongly risk-averse would prefer contracting. Feeder-pig finishers who historically have experienced above-average profits would require payments substantially above current contract rates to prefer contracting. L'objet de cette etude est de determiner le seuil de paiement contractuel requis pour inciter les producteurs de porcs a passer des contrats de production. Nous avons constate que les niveaux de paiement actuellement affert par les contracteurs correspondent aux niveaux requis pour rendre la production sous-contrat referable a la production libre, tant aux yeux du naisseur de porcs d'engraissement qui recherche un profit moyen sans trop de souci pour les risques que de celui qui espere un niveau de profiteleve avec le moins de risques possibles. Quant aux engraisseurs a niveau de profit moyen, il faudrait soit qu'il soit completement ennemi du risque ou qu'ils envisagent que leur rentabilite puisse descendre a zero pour les inciter a produire ous-contrat. En revanche les engraisseurs a faible niveau de rentabilite et moderement a fortement soucieux des risques prefereraient la production sous-contrat. Les engraisseurs qui auparavant ont enregistre des benefices superieurs a la moyenne auraient besoin de paiements contractuels sensiblement superieurs aux taux en vigueur pour les inciter a adopter la
Unified approach to pre- and in-flight satellite-sensor absolute radiometric calibration

The need is identified for a unified approach to the preflight and in-flight absolute radiometric calibration of satellite sensors, which does not depend on the accurate transfer of lamp and detector calibrations from the laboratory to orbit. Such an approach is described that uses the sun to provide the link between preflight solar-radiation-based calibration, in-flight solar- diffuser-based calibration, and vicarious calibration. An example is given of each of these methods and uncertainty budgets are provided. It is shown that an uncertainty, with respect to solar exo-atmospheric irradiance, of less than 3%, one sigma, can be attained for each method and that each can, if needed, be related to national laboratory standards. In addition to providing the link between preflight and in-flight on-board calibrations, this unified approach also fills the critical need to relate these calibrations to those of the radiometers used for vicarious calibration and data-product, field-validation measurements, by also referencing them to the same solar-irradiance scale.
Molecular basis of RNA recognition by the embryonic polarity determinant MEX-5

Embryonic development requires maternal proteins and RNA. In Caenorhabditis elegans, a gradient of CCCH tandem zinc finger (TZF) proteins coordinates axis polarization and germline differentiation. These proteins govern expression from maternal mRNAs by an unknown mechanism. Here we show that the TZF protein MEX-5, a primary anterior determinant, is an RNA-binding protein that recognizes linear RNA sequences with high affinity but low specificity. The minimal binding site is a tract of six or more uridines within a 9–13-nucleotide window. This sequence is remarkably abundant in the 3′-untranslated region of C. elegans transcripts, demonstrating that MEX-5 alone cannot specify mRNA target selection. In contrast, human TZF homologs tristetraprolin and ERF-2 bind with high specificity to UUAUUUAUU elements. We show that mutation of a single amino acid in each MEX-5 zinc finger confers tristetraprolin-like specificity to this protein. We propose that divergence of this discriminator residue modulates the RNA-binding specificity in this protein class. This residue is variable in nematode TZF proteins, but is invariant in other metazoans. Therefore, the divergence of TZF proteins and their critical role in early development is likely a nematode-specific adaptation.
Whitman's Debt to the Muse

Discusses Section 11 of "Song of Myself" in the context of Whitman's identification of femininity with a mythological muse.
X-ray microradiographs of laser fusion targets: improved image analysis techniques

Improved techniques for analyzing x-ray microradiographic images of laser fusion targets are described. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique is used to detect efficiently inner–outer wall nonconcentricities of ±95 A in hollow glass shells having a mean wall thickness of 1 μm. An improved technique for detecting and quantifying local wall-thickness variations is described. These results are compared with previous sensitivities.
Delay-Constrained Motion-Compensated FGS Video Transport With Optimal Interleaving

Bursty packet losses can be quite harmful to video applications transmitted over the Internet since burst losses generally produce a larger video distortion than an equal number of isolated losses [1]. This paper combines packet interleaving with motion-compensated (MC) fine granularity scalability (MC-FGS) video source coding and unequal loss protection (ULP) to combat the effects of bursty losses. The video source coder, ULP allocation and interleaver parameters are jointly optimized under an end-to-end delay constraint based on the network state. The simulation results demonstrate that the improvement in mean PSNR achieved by this proposed scheme increases as the average burst length of the network losses increases or the delay constraint is relaxed. For a short media clip, this system can achieve 1.9 dB improvement over a comparison transport system without interleaving.
Altered Myocardial Function and Metabolism in Chronic Diabetes Mellitus without Ischemia in Dogs

Myocardial disease in diabetes mellitus is usually attributed to coronary atherosclerosis. To examine the influence of uncomplicated diabetes on the left ventricle, a mild noninsulin-requiring diabetes was produced in male mongrel dogs after three intravenous doses of alloxan were administered at monthly intervals. There was a persistent decline in glucose tolerance and a reduced insulin content in the pancreas of each alloxan-diabetic dog at the termination of the experiment. The dogs were anesthetized for hemodynamic and metabolic studies after approximately 11 months. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume and cardiac output were measured by the indicator-dilution method. An increase in afterload with moderate aortic pressure elevations elicited a significant rise in end-diastolic volume and stroke volume in normal control dogs. In diabetes, despite a similar end-diastolic pressure response, the end-diastolic volume and the stroke volume responses were significantly less than those in control dogs. Duri...