cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of gamma-hydroxy-[1-14C] butyrate by rat brain: relationship to the Krebs cycle and metabolic compartmentation of amino acids

— Ninhydrin decarboxylation experiments were carried out on the labelled amino acids produced following intraventricular injection of either γ-hydroxy-[1-14C]butyric acid (GHB) or [1-14C] succinate. The loss of isotope (as 14CO2) was similar for both substances. The [1-14C]GHB metabolites lost 75% of the label and the [1-14C] succinate metabolites lost 68%. This observation gives support to the hypothesis that the rat brain has the enzymatic capacity to metabolize [1-14C]GHB to succinate and to amino acids that have the isotope in the carboxylic acid group adjacent to the a-amino group. These results also indicate that the label from [1-14C]GHB does not enter the Krebs cycle as acetate. The specific activity ratio of radiolabelled glutamine to glutamic acid was determined in order to evaluate which of the two major metabolic compartments preferentially metabolize GHB. It was found that for [1-14C]GHB this ratio was 4.20 ± 0.18 (S.E. for n = 7) and for [l-14C]succinate this ratio was 7.71 (average of two trials, 7.74 and 7.69). These results suggest that the compartment thought to be associated with glial cells and synaptosomal structures is largely responsible for the metabolism of GHB. Metabolism as it might relate to the neuropharmacological action of GHB is discussed.
Elevation predicts domain-specific volunteerism 3 months later

Elevation, the feeling of moral uplift when viewing the virtuous action of another, has been shown to be a distinct moral emotion [Algoe, S.B., & Haidt, J. (2009). Witnessing excellence in action: The ‘other-praising’ emotions of elevation, gratitude, and admiration. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4, 105–127]. Prosocial behaviors have been theorized to be one of the behavioral effects of elevation, but this behavioral connection has not been strongly established. This study followed college students in a naturalistic setting known to induce elevation, a spring break service trip. Self-reports of elevation during service trip were collected from participants at the conclusion of the trip. At 1 week and 3 months later, participants reported on trip-related and general volunteerism. Self-reports of elevation during the trip predicted trip-specific volunteerism at 1 week and 3 months, but did not relate to general volunteerism at either time. This predictive connection was maintained even when pre-trip volun...
Land fragmentation as an index of history in the Virginia Military District of Ohio

Abstract This paper investigates the process of land fragmentation for several counties and townships in the Virginia Military District of Ohio in the early part of the nineteenth century. It reports the ultimate patterns or configurations arising from individual decisions about properties, that is, conveyances of all or part of original large holdings to children by inheritance or to new settlers by sale. The distribution of land holdings rapidly stabilizes as lognormal with a Gini coefficient of about 0.6. An explanation for this result is offered based on breakage theory, the distribution of male offspring, and the behavior of the lognormal distribution with truncated inheritance distributions.
Measurement and analysis of compaction in fused silica

Laser irradiation of fused silica produces compaction. Irradiation at photolithographic wavelengths of 248nm or 193nm produces density increase of order parts per millon. While these changes are small, the accompanying increase in index of refraction may be large enough to degrade the performance of photolithographic exposure optics. This paper reports experimental of compaction by interferometry and theoretical analysis of the elastic response of the glass samples to extract the sample-independent unconstrained compaction. The power law behavior of compaction vs. exposure dose is presented, along with a Monte Carlo analysis of error bars on this curve.
TMJ Closed Lock Symptoms Improve, Regardless of Intervention

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Randomized Effectiveness Study of Four Therapeutic Strategies for TMJ Closed Lock Schiffman EL, Look JO, Hodges JS, Swift JQ, Decker KL, Hathaway KM, et al. J Dent Res 2007;86(1):58-63 Level of Evidence 1 Strength of Recommendation B Purpose/Question Among patients presenting for evaluation and treatment of a TMD disorder characterized as “closed lock,” do those who undergo operative intervention, when compared with those treated nonoperatively, have improved outcomes in terms of pain or jaw function? Source of Funding Government (National Institutes of Health [NIH]/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [NIDCR]), industry (HealthPartners of Minnesota), and institutional (University of Minnesota School of Dentistry) Type of Study/Design Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
A Mixed Lubrication Model for Journal Bearings with a Thin Soft Coating—Part I: Contact and Lubrication Analysis

Soft coatings are used extensively in industry for contact friction reduction, particularly during the running-in period. A numerical model is developed for contact and lubrication analysis of some soft coating coated bearings in mixed fluid lubrication. The model is applied to determine oil film thickness, contact pressure, and the friction coefficient of the coated bearings in contact with a hard journal surface. The contact of tin-coated 339 Al-Si alloy bearings with case hardened steel is analyzed using the developed model. Presented as a Society of Trlbologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Lahaina, Hawaii, October 16–20, 1994
Generating monoclonal antibodies to neuronal antigens

Methods for generating monoclonal antibodies directed to the functional sites of neuronal antigens are reviewed. These methods include optimal antigen preparation and presentation as well as selective targeting and manipulation of the antigenic response. We describe our use of the immunosuppressant drug, cyclophosphamide, to produce a selective immune response to rare, poorly immunogenic, or actively suppressed antigens. These techniques allow us to generate antibodies to the functional sites of neuronal antigens, such as cell surface molecules. Such antibodies are directed to complex carbohydrates, proteins, protein complexes and glycolipids that form the active site of neuronal antigens. We can use these antibodies in the molecular dissection of functional active sites that are inaccessible to genetic manipulation. These techniques favor the generation of antibodies that can be used to understand and manipulate neuronal cellular activity.
Epidermal DNA Synthesis: A New Disc Technique for Evaluating Incorporation of Tritiated Thymidine

We present a new technique for evaluating epidermal DNA synthesis as measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine. Standard areas of epidermis were isolated by glueing plastic discs to the skin followed by heating on a hot plate at 60°C. The discs were then cut out and the dermis gently separated and removed by incubation at 60°C in 2M potassium bromide. The discs with attached epidermis were washed in 0.25% acetic acid to remove unincorporated tritiated thymidine and then counted in a liquid scintillation counter. Results were expressed as disintegrations per minute per disc. This technique showed good correlation to the hydroxylapatite column and perchloric acid methods for extracting DNA, but was considerably less tedious and subject to fewer errors. Incubation of discs in DNAse indicated radioactivity was primarily in DNA. The disc technique is simple, rapid and inexpensive and could be performed in large numbers even in unsophisticated laboratories.
Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Use in Acute Myocardial Infarction

To the Editor: As my mentor Dr William Dock said, medical practice is like a pendulum: it swings back and forth every 20 to 30 years. Sodi-Pallares et al1 in 1962 introduced the glucose-insulin-potassium infusion (GIK) for treatment of acute myocardial …
Messenger RNA export from the nucleus: a series of molecular wardrobe changes.

The advent of the nucleus during the evolutionary development of the eukaryotic cell necessitated the development of a transport system to convey messenger RNA (mRNA) from the site of transcription in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm. In this review, we highlight components of each step in mRNA biogenesis, from transcription to processing, that are coupled with mRNA export from the nucleus. We also review the mechanism by which proteins from one step in the mRNA assembly line are replaced by those required for the next. These ‘molecular wardrobe changes' appear to be key steps in facilitating the rapid and efficient nuclear export of mRNA transcripts.
Poly(propylene oxide) Modified Dimethacrylate Networks

ABSTRACT A series of methacrylated poly(propylene oxide)/reduced styrene content/dimethacrylate resin systems have been prepared. These modified vinyl esters may be ideal for coatings, toughened matrix resins for fiber-reinforced composites, bridge deck wear surface resins, and structural adhesive applications. Network systems cured with room-temperature and elevated-temperature cure methods have been studied. The network morphologies were investigated by DMA and TEM analyses. The K1c values of the adhesives increases when systems were cured with the room-temperature cure package. The lap-shear strength of these systems were investigated for structures including composite-to-composite, composite-to-steel, and composite-to-concrete following ASTM D1002. Lap-shear adhesive strengths of all of the adhesives, which had appropriate viscosities on composite substrates, were in the structural regime with values of ∼13.8 MPa. Room-temperature cure schedules (with and without a postcure) resulted in good adhesive ...
Effect of molecular weight on conductivity of polymer electrolytes

Abstract The ionic conductivity, σ , of mixtures of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide (LiTFSI) was measured as a function of molecular weight of the PEO chains, M , over the range 0.2–5000 kg/mol. Our data are consistent with an expression σ = σ 0 + K / M proposed by Shi and Vincent [Solid State Ionics 60 (1993)] where σ 0 and K are exponential and linear functions of inverse temperature respectively. Explicit expressions for σ 0 and K are provided.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Triazacyclopenta[cd]pentalenes by Intramolecular 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Azomethine Imines

The construction of triazacyclopenta[cd]pentalene diesters 6 by the reaction of dihydropyrrole α-ketoesters 3 with acylated hydrazines was evaluated further as a potential central strategic step in the total syntheses of complex guanidine alkaloids such as palau‘amine and styloguanidine. Successful cyclocondensations were realized with acid-stable 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbazate and thiosemicarbazide, but not tert-butyl carbazate. The substituent on the pyrrolidine nitrogen can be alkoxycarbonyl, sulfonyl, or an N-alkyl-2-acylpyrrole group. Siloxy substitution at C1 of the α-ketoester side chain is also tolerated.
Ethics of emerging technologies and their transition to accepted practice: intestinal transplant for short bowel syndrome

Parental counseling becomes complex when considering the use of emerging technologies, especially if it is unclear whether the level of evidence is sufficient to transform the proposed therapy into accepted practice. This paper addresses ethical issues underlying medical decision-making and counseling in the setting of emerging treatments, when long-term outcomes are still in the process of being fully validated. We argue that the ethical transition of emerging technologies, ideally from ethically impermissible to permissible, to obligatory, depends primarily on two factors: outcome data (or prognosis) and treatment feasibility. To illustrate these points, we will use intestinal transplant for short bowel syndrome (SBS) as a specific example. After reviewing the data, this paper will identify the ethical justifications for both comfort care only and intestinal transplant in patients with ultra SBS, and argue that both are ethically permissible, but neither is obligatory. The approach outlined will not only be valuable as ultra SBS outcomes data continue to change, but will also be applicable to other novel therapies as they emerge in perinatal medicine.
Hyades Morphology and Star Formation

Perryman and collaborators found that for the Hyades cluster the fraction of multiple stars increases from G stars to early-A stars. We discuss here whether this may be a general property of star formation or whether collisions in the cluster environment change the fractions of binary stars. A star ring of mainly F and G stars is seen around the Hyades cluster core, supposedly created by a shock wave due to a supernova explosion. These ring stars show the same fraction of binary stars as observed for the F and G stars in the core of the cluster. This suggests that collisions in the high stellar density cluster center did not measurably change the multiple-star fractions. There is so far only evidence of this one supernova explosion in the Hyades. If this is indeed the only one, then only one massive star was born in the cluster. There are also fewer than 10 white dwarf descendants of B stars found in the cluster. Unless many white dwarfs and neutron stars evaporated from the cluster, the initial mass function for stellar masses >2 M⊙ must have been very steep, corresponding to a Salpeter function with an exponent of less than -3.3.
Characteristic Wind Speed Distributions and Reliability of the Logarithmic Wind Profile

Wind produces turbulence facilitating the exchange of pollutants and other environmentally important trace gases such as oxygen and greenhouse gases between stationary water bodies and the atmosphere. Whereas wind speeds continuously vary, different wind speed monitoring and characterization procedures have been used for the gas exchange studies. We assessed the impact of measurement time intervals, logarithmic wind speed profiles, and surface roughness values on wind characterizations. The Weibull probability density function effectively characterized yearly and seasonal wind speed distributions. It was not affected by various averaging time intervals (1–60 min) . However, averaging time interval of <10 min was necessary for reliable characterizations of shorter-periods ( <3–5 days). Vertical wind speed variations were effectively described by logarithmic profile irrespective of atmospheric stability conditions. Interestingly, use of the logarithmic profile allowed the actual U10 to be predicted with rea...
Assessment of binocular function during infancy

Recently developed procedures for assessing monocular visual acuity, stereopsis, and binocular summation in normal and visually impaired infants are reviewed. Results from many laboratory and clinical studies suggest that the first year of life is a period of rapid development and of high sensitivity to disruption of binocularity resulting from anomalous visual experience.
Replication of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a Traumatic Brain Injury and Head Trauma Sample

The purpose of the current study was to replicate the clinical validation study of the Test of Memory Malingering (Tombaugh, 1996 1997). Fifty cases were selected from two different participant pools: medically documented traumatic brain-injury patients and compensation-seeking, mild head trauma cases. Results replicated and expanded those found by Tombaugh and indicated that employing a Trial 2 cutting score of greater than 5 errors provided adequate sensitivity to suboptimal effort while demonstrating remarkable insensitivity to cognitively impaired traumatic brain-injury cases. Use of a lower cutting score (e.g., 2 to 5 errors) is also discussed.
Guaranteed opportunistic scheduling in multi-hop cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks enable opportunistic sharing of bandwidth/spectrum. In this paper, we introduce optimal control and scheduling algorithms for multi-hop cognitive radio networks to maximize the throughput of secondary users while stabilizing the cognitive radio network subject to collision rate constraints required by primary users. We show that by employing our proposed optimal algorithm, the achievable network throughput can be arbitrarily close to the optimal value. To reduce complexity, we propose a class of feasible suboptimal algorithms that can achieve at least a fraction of the optimal throughput. In addition, we also analyze the optimal algorithm in the fixed-routing scenario and deduce the corresponding lower-bound of average end-to-end delay across a link set.
Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Preliminary Decision Analysis

Study objective New therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) improve functional status, quality of life (QOL), and survival. Clinicians must chose between very different therapies without the availability of comparison studies. We constructed a “virtual” clinical trial to help inform these treatment choices. Design We compare key outcomes related to survival, costs, and QOL using a Markov-type decision model to estimate the expected outcomes and costs for PAH patients treated for 1 year with bosentan and treprostinil compared to patients treated with epoprostenol, as well as patients treated with bosentan compared to those treated with treprostinil. The allowed transitions in the model were between World Health Organization functional class I to IV and death. Transition probabilities were based on observed transitions for bosentan. Treatment effect was estimated using 6-min walk data for treprostinil and epoprostenol. Utilities were calculated from estimated EuroQol health states. Cost was estimated from average wholesale price and Medicare reimbursement data. The effects of changing values of input variables on the key outcomes were calculated Results Treatment with bosentan compared to treatment with either epoprostenol or treprostinil was less costly and resulted in a greater gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Conversely, treprostinil was significantly more expensive than epoprostenol, without an appreciable gain in QALYs. These findings were not substantially affected by the reasonable adjustments of transition probabilities, utility values, or tachyphylaxis to epoprostenol. Conclusion Treatment with bosentan is more cost-effective than treatment with either treprostinil or epoprostenol. In addition, a net improvement in quality-adjusted survival may be expected.
Electrical Properties of Mbe-Grown HgCdTe

A detailed analysis of Hall data obtained at temperatures between 20K and 300K has been made for n-type HgCdTe epilayers prepared by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Based on a theoretical calculation for intrinsic concentrations that takes into account the non-parabolicity of the conduction band, the electron concentrations are shown to follow nicely the model for semiconductors in their intrinsic and extrinsic ranges. The scattering mechanisms in these materials are studied through the analysis of electron mobility. Polar mode phonon scattering, acoustic mode via deformation-potential coupling, acoustic mode via piezoelectric coupling, and impurity scattering are included in the mobility calculation. The results indicate that these mechanisms are insufficient to explain the measured mobility.
Alkaline tide of the alligator.

SummaryThe alkaline tide of the alligator has been studied. Although the plasma electrolyte changes were qualitatively similar to those reported for other animals the magnitude of these changes was much greater. Some plasma chloride levels as low as 15% of the fasting level were found and some plasma bicarbonates were elevated 5-fold. Although the average fasting blood pH is about 7.3, pH values of over 8 have been observed at the height of the “alkaline tide.” Plasma sodium concentrations were unaffected by feeding. No correlation was found between pH and plasma calcium content.
Can hypnosis help psychosis

Abstract Ten questions are addressed from the scattered literature about hypnosis in the treatment of psychotic patients. Issues involve whether psychotic patients can be hypnotized, whether special induction techniques are necessary, whether special treatment techniques are necessary, whether hypnosis can be dangerous with psychotic patients, whether a special relationship is necessary, whether self-hypnosis is effective, whether the state of the illness is important, whether trance depth should be limited, whether there are any special problems with hypnosis with schizophrenics, and ultimately whether the use of hypnosis can help in the treatment of psychosis. A case study is presented including a recorded abreaction of the results of preparation by hynotherapy for an anticipated psychotic episode, which actually occurred and responded successfully to hypnotherapy. The case is analyzed in terms of the 10 questions listed above and is found to be compatible with the information in the literature.
First North American records of Batrachedra pinicolella (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae), a Palearctic needleminer of spruces

Batrachedra Herrich-Schaffer, 1853 (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae) is a widespread genus with species concentrated in tropical areas. This genus of about 140 described species has been put in several lepidopteran families, most recently in the Batrachedridae (Hodges 1999; Koster 2002). Batrachedra has 25 Nearctic species (Hodges 1983; Koster 2002), 17 Neotropical species (Becker 1984), 6 Palearctic species (Koster 2002), and 29 Australian species (Edwards 1996). Additional species occur in other areas such as Indonesia (Baringbing 1986). Here I report that the Palearctic species Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) is established in Connecticut, United States of America. Until now the range of the species was restricted to European countries and the far eastern Palearctic region (Riedl 1969, 1996; Bolov and Sinev 1990). The disjunct Asian populations may represent accidental introductions.
Estimating the Effect of Home Court Advantage on Wins in the NBA

What is the effect of home court advantage in the National Basketball Association (NBA)? Based on the Economic Theory of Professional Sports and the concept of shirking, teams should perform better at home than they do on the road. Descriptive statistics support this expectation. It is hypothesized that a home court advantage is due to fan attendance, field goal and free throw percentages, and fouls called by the referee. Following every NBA team and every game played over a three-year span (2008-2011), this paper estimates the probability of producing a win at home based on the aforementioned variables. Using a logit regression analysis, it is found that a one standard deviation increase in attendance increases the home team’s chances of winning the game by 2.7%. A referee bias is also found, increasing the home court advantage for NBA teams.
Locus of control research on alcoholic populations: a review. II. Relationship to other measures.

Research literature dealing with the relationships of locus of control to age, ability to function, and personality traits is reviewed. Results are contradictory on the relationship of locus of control in alcoholics to age, social desirability, and intellectual functioning. There is some tendency for internality to be related to better social functioning and the defenses of denial, in-tellectualization, and repression. There is some possible support for a relationship of externality and anxiety, and externality does appear related to helplessness, depression, isolation, general clinical pathology, and the defense of turning against another. No relationship has been found between locus of control and field dependence for alcoholics. Methodological difficulties have included problems with sampling, unsystematic research, assuming homogeneity of alcoholic samples, and assuming linearity and unidimensionality of the scales. Possible research which could clarify some of the areas are suggested.
Patent foramen ovale: Unanswered questions

The foramen ovale is a remnant of the fetal circulation that remains patent in 20-25% of the adult population. Although long overlooked as a potential pathway that could produce pathologic conditions, the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with a higher than expected frequency in a variety of clinical syndromes including cryptogenic stroke, migraines, sleep apnea, platypnea-orthodeoxia, deep sea diving associated decompression illness, and high altitude pulmonary edema. A unifying hypothesis is that a chemical or particulate matter from the venous circulation crosses the PFO conduit between the right and left atria to produce a variety of clinical syndromes. Although observational studies suggest a therapeutic benefit of PFO closure compared to medical therapy alone in patients with cryptogenic stroke, 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not confirm the superiority of PFO closure for the secondary prevention of stroke. However, meta-analyses of these RCTs demonstrate a significant benefit of PFO closure over medical therapy alone. Similarly, observational studies provide support for PFO closure for symptomatic relief of migraines. But one controversial randomized study failed to replicate the results of the observational studies while another two demonstrated a partial benefit. The goal of this review is to discuss the clinical conditions associated with PFO and provide internists and primary care physicians with current data on PFO trials, and clinical insight to help guide their patients who are found to have a PFO on echocardiographic testing.
Prognostic factors influencing survival in patients with B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma

The term "B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma" (B-SLL) is generally reserved for patients with lymph node masses that show the histology and immunophenotype of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) but who are not leukemic. The aim of our study was to define clinical factors that predict for survival in B-SLL. Thirty-nine patients with B-SLL and with less than 5,000 mature-appearing lymphocytes/microL in the peripheral blood were studied. The median follow-up of survivors was 6.6 years (range, 1.6-12.3 years). The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) were 66% and 23%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, significant adverse predictors for OS were age > or =60 years, B symptoms, elevated serum LDH, low hemoglobin (<11 g/dL), and high International Prognostic Index (IPI) score (3-5). In multivariate analysis, the IPI score was the only significant predictor of OS. Anemia and B symptoms were additionally predictive of poor OS in patients with low IPI scores.
Optimum source design for detection of heterogeneities in diffuse optical imaging

This work investigates the design of optimum distribution of photon density power among the source positions, and optimum modulation frequencies to maximize the detectability of heterogeneities embedded in turbid medium using near infrared light. The optimum waveforms are designed for the sources in near-infrared diffuse optical tomography which involves reconstruction of spatially varying optical properties of turbid medium as well as fluorophore lifetime and yield from boundary measurements. We start our analysis by first deriving the discrete source-to-detector map based on the finite-element formulation of the diffuse photon density wave equation and Robin boundary conditions. We determine statistical figures of merit to maximize the contrast of heterogeneities with respect to a given background. Next, we design optical waveforms that will maximize the figure of merit for the detectability of heterogeneities. When the figure of merit is derived based on optimal linear detection under the assumption of Gaussianity, the optimal source vector is given by the eigenvector corresponding to the maximum eigenvalue of the norm of the differences between the source-to-detector maps of homogeneous and heterogeneous domains. We extended our approach to investigate the optimum spatial positions and intensities of point sources to maximize the detectability of the heterogeneities. We explored the effect of tumor location with respect to the sources, tumor size, and the number of sources on detectability.
The Nucleocapsid Region of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag Assists in the Coordination of Assembly and Gag Processing: Role for RNA-Gag Binding in the Early Stages of Assembly

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag-RNA interactions are required for virus assembly. However, our prior study found that a defect in particle production exhibited by an HIV-1 proviral mutant with a severe deletion in the RNA-binding nucleocapsid (NC) region of Gag, NX, could be reversed by eliminating its protease activity. While our follow-up study indicated that a secondary RNA-binding site in Gag can also provide the required RNA-binding function, how protease activity inhibits NX virion production is still unclear. Therefore, we tested three possible mechanisms: NX virions are unstable and fall apart after budding; NX Gag assembly is slowed, allowing protease processing to start before particle formation; or the protease region within NX Gag-Pol becomes activated prematurely and processes the assembling Gag. We found that NX particles were as stable as wild-type virions. Furthermore, even a modest slowing of protease activity could rescue NX. Pulse-chase analysis revealed that the initial particle production by NC-deleted Gag was delayed compared to that of wild type Gag, but once started, the rate of production was similar, revealing a defect in the initiation of assembly. Wild-type Gag particle production was not eliminated or decreased in the presence of excess NX Gag-Pol, inconsistent with a premature activation of protease. Overall, these results indicate that the particle formation defect of NX is due to delayed initiation of assembly caused by the absence of NC in Gag, making it vulnerable to protease processing before budding can occur. Therefore, NC plays an important initiating role in Gag assembly.
Double‐strand conformation polymorphism (DSCP) analysis of the mitochondrial control region generates highly variable markers for population studies in a social insect

Genetic markers were obtained for the termite Nasutitermes corniger by DSCP (double-strand conformation polymorphism) analysis of PCR-amplified mitochondrial control region DNA. This procedure revealed twenty-one haplotypes in forty-four colonies, whereas a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis detected only nine haplotypes. Sequence analysis of DSCP fragments of contrasting mobilities suggests that the electrophoretic haplotypes are caused by DNA curvature in this highly AT-rich region. DSCP markers showed that some termite colonies contained maternally unrelated queens, each of which produced worker offspring. This pattern is consistent with nest founding by unrelated queens. Due to the availability of conserved primers for the mtDNA control region, DSCP analysis may readily reveal comparatively high levels of variation in a wide variety of organisms.
Uncertainty Quantification for Multi-functional Energetic Structural Material Simulations

Current investigations of multi-functional energetic structural materials (MESMs) involve shock-induced and shock-assisted chemical reactions, in which complex physical processes are only elucidated by computational models of gas-gun experiments at the present time. Physics submodels that describe the equation of state, material strength, heat transfer, and chemical reaction for MESMs must be calibrated with experimental data to obtain material constants. This paper has two main goals. First, we identify sources of uncertainty and propose a framework for calibration and validation of gas-gun simulations involving MESMs. Second, we introduce a verification procedure of a code appropriate for simulation of gas-gun experiments with MESM materials. We apply our approach to study a Ni + Al mixture where the physics models together with the conservations of mass, momentum, and energy are explicitly solved using a second-order-accurate finite volume method.
The Short-Response Function

Almost all rates of economic interest are flow rates, of the form q = c i a ij . The equation can be inferred how the elements C i of C o , and therefore all flow rates, depend on the basic-action element p. Theorem 1 says that flow rates depend on p according to the short response function. Among the interpretations of f (p) are all demand and supply functions, own-price and cross-price, as well as the quasi-Engel function. In fact, the quasi-Engel function is a cross-price demand function. In certain special cases, f (p) simplifies all own-price demand functions, for example, obey f (p) with A = 0 . So do all own-price supply functions if supplying is interpreted as selling.
Effects of lateral nitrate flux and instream processes on dissolved inorganic nitrogen export in a forested catchment: A model sensitivity analysis

The importance of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in controlling nitrogen dynamics in streams is a key interest of ecologists studying dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) export from watersheds. In this study, we coupled a stream model with a terrestrial ecohydrological model and conducted a global sensitivity analysis to evaluate the relative importance of both ecosystems to nitrogen export. We constructed two scenarios (“normal” and high nitrate loads) to explore conditions under which terrestrial (lateral nitrate flux) or aquatic ecosystems (instream nutrient processes) may be more important in controlling DIN export. In a forest catchment, although the forest ecosystem controls the nitrogen load to streams, sensitivity results suggested that most nitrogen output from the terrestrial ecosystem was taken up by instream microbial immobilization associated with benthic detritus and retained in detritus. Later the immobilized nitrogen was remineralized as DIN. Therefore, the intra-annual pattern of DIN concentration in the stream was low in fall and became high in spring. Not only was instream microbial immobilization saturated with the high nitrogen load scenario, but also the net effect of immobilization and mineralization on DIN export was minimized because nitrogen cycling between organic and inorganic forms was accelerated. Overall, our linked terrestrial-aquatic model simulations demonstrated that stream process could significantly affect the amount and timing of watershed nitrogen export when nitrogen export from the terrestrial system is low. However, when nitrogen export from the terrestrial system is high, the effect of stream processes is minimal.
Star diamond: an efficient algorithm for fast block matching motion estimation in H264/AVC video codec

Block based motion estimation is usually used to reduce the computational complexity while preserving a good quality of the images used in real-time video coding. A new block matching motion estimation algorithm called star diamond search is proposed in this paper. This one proceeds in two stages: the first one consists in carrying out a search having star shape. This one aims a coarse search for the solution, the second phase consists in refining the search for the solution. A comparative study with the most known methods is given showing the interest of the proposed algorithm.
Notes from the Library in Volume 11:2

"Another Gift from Dr. Paltsis" by Donald Sinclair. Describes manuscript letters and documents related to Queens College and Rutgers College. "An Unpublished Letter of William the Silent" by Madeleine Charanis. Transcribes and translates from the Dutch an original letter written by William the Silent (1533–1584). "Elia" by J. Milton French. Describes the rare. first edition of Charles Lamb's "Elia" and "The Last Essays of Elia" acquired by the Library. "Philip Freneau's Records of Sea Voyages" by Lewis Leary.
Perioperative Management of a Patient Previously Treated with Bleomycin Undergoing Thoracic Surgery

Bleomycin is used in the treatment of different cancers, but possible side effects of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis are associated with increased concentrations of oxygen. Therefore, clinicians have been reluctant to use higher concentrations of oxygen after bleomycin treatment. Anesthetic management becomes challenging in patients undergoing thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation because high inspiratory oxygen concentration is essential. Current evidence suggests that bleomycin-treated patients are able to tolerate higher inspiratory oxygen during anesthesia without significant pulmonary complications. In addition, a technique involving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and variable oxygen delivery to the nonventilated lung allowing maintenance of oxygenation safely in similar anesthesia conditions is discussed.
Socioeconomic Status, Religion and Health in India: An Examination of Chronic and Communicable Diseases:

The literature on socioeconomic status and health suggests that those in higher positions have better health, and those in lower positions have worse health. There is little evidence of an SES gradient in non-industrialized countries, however, and it is uncertain whether the health gradient established in many Western countries would apply in developing countries. In this study, the authors examine patterns in health outcomes by caste and religion in India, a developing country. Results from a nationally representative sample, the Indian Human Development Survey, suggest that while high SES social groups report less communicable disease, they report a higher prevalence of chronic diseases than low SES groups. This study demonstrates the need to examine diseases of affluence among high SES groups in developing countries while also identifying the particular health concerns that are prevalent among low SES groups.
Spherical Tensor Operators

From the previous discussion, it is clear it would be advantageous to give vectors, such as , not in Cartesian component, but in spherical component form.
Overview of the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator Large Article Ground Test Campaign

The aeroelastic behavior of large-scale hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerators (HIADs) will be investigated by wind tunnel testing to develop analysis and design tools and to advance scalable manufacturing and assembly technologies for inflatable aeroshells. Three stacked toroid, 60 degree halfangle sphere cone HIAD test articles of 3, 6 and 8.3 m in diameter will be tested in subsonic flow fields that produce flight-like aerodynamic loading. The test articles are assembled from inflatable torus segments composed of fiber reinforced thin films, which are joined together with high strength textile woven structural straps. A poly vinyl chloride coated structural fabric will be sewn together to produce an aerodynamic skin that covers the inflatable aeroshell structure. The inflatable aeroshell test articles will incorporate many flight-like design features including rigid centerbody interface attachment and load distributing strap arrangements. Each HIAD test article will be swept through +/- 25 degree yaw angles while varying the inflatable structure internal pressure and test section dynamic pressure. To correlate fluid structure interaction models full-field photogrammetry and surface pressure measurements will be used to characterize local and global aeroshell deformation and pressure distribution. The verification of fluid structure interaction models enables the establishment of baseline aeroelastic performance at relevant scales. This paper discusses the objectives, planning and limitations of testing large diameter HIADs in the National FullScale Aerodynamics Complex 40 x 80 foot test section. An overview of the design reference mission, test approach, test design, instrumentation and model verification is discussed.
Alcohol attitudes, motives, norms, and personality traits longitudinally classify nondrinkers, moderate drinkers, and binge drinkers using discriminant function analysis.

Abstract Introduction Binge drinking is commonly defined in the literature as consuming at least 5 drinks for males and 4 drinks for females. These quantities correspond to approximately a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the level of intoxication making it illegal to drive in the United States. Methods The study scrutinized the longitudinal classification of three drinker types using male ( n = 155) and female ( n = 351) college students. Measures of personality (sensation seeking, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness), alcohol attitudes, alcohol motivations (social, coping, enhancement, and conformity), and alcohol social norms (typical students, friends, closest friends, and parents) were administered at Time 1. Drinker type (nondrinkers, moderate drinkers, or binge drinkers) was assessed one month later. Results Discriminant function analyses revealed that the set of measures statistically distinguished among the three drinker types. The first function was significant and yielded high loadings for attitudes, social motives, enhancement motives, coping motives, closest friend norms, and friend norms for both genders. Model classification accuracy was 73% for the male and 67% female samples. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) compared mean differences in a 2 (gender: males or females) × 3 (drinker type: nondrinkers, moderate drinkers, or binge drinkers) design. Measures systematically differing across all pairwise comparisons of the three drinker types, starting from the strongest effect (eta-squared), were as follows: alcohol attitudes, social motives, enhancement motives, closest friend norms, friend norms, coping motives, sensation seeking, and extraversion. Conclusions Attitude, motivation, and norm variables tended to be more important than personality in distinguishing drinker types. Considering the malleability of attitudes and belief motivations, the risk variables of alcohol attitudes, social motives, and enhancement motives identified in this research warrant consideration in prevention and campaign efforts targeting problematic drinking.
Beyond complications: Comparison of procedural differences and diagnostic success between nurse practitioners and radiologists performing image-guided renal biopsies.

Purpose Radiology-trained nurse practitioners (NPs) may perform image-guided medical renal biopsies with computed tomography (CT). This study evaluates the procedural differences and diagnostic success between biopsies performed by NPs compared to radiologists. Data sources A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent nontargeted, CT-guided renal biopsy between 2009 and 2014. Provider type (NP or radiologist), number of core specimens obtained, sedation medication dose, CT dose index (CTDI), and diagnostic success were recorded. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using χ2 and Student's two-tailed t-test, respectively, comparing NPs with radiologists. Conclusions A total of 386 patients were included; radiologists performed 215 biopsies and NPs performed 171 biopsies. There was no significant difference in diagnostic success, amount of tissue harvested (number of cores), radiation dose, or sedation dosage between NPs and radiologists performing CT-guided renal biopsies. Only 4% were nondiagnostic (n = 7, radiologists; n = 9, NPs; p = .325). Overall mean number of cores obtained was 3.7, mean CTDI was 176.5 mGy, mean fentanyl dose was 86.3 μg, and mean midazolam was dose 1.54 mg without a statistically significant difference between provider types. Implications for practice NPs perform image-guided medical renal biopsies in a similar fashion to radiologists with respect to diagnostic success, amount of tissue harvested, total radiation dose exposure, and administration of sedation.
Effects of serum and insulin-like growth factor I on protein degradation and protease gene expression in rat L8 myotubes.

We examined the effects of horse and fetal bovine sera and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on proteolysis and protease gene expression in rat L8 skeletal myotube cultures. Protein degradation was measured as release of radioactive trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble materials from intracellular proteins prelabeled with [3H]tyrosine. Horse serum and fetal bovine serum inhibited (P .05) on cathepsin B and D gene expression but slightly increased (P < .05) m-calpain and alpha-tubulin mRNA concentrations. Proteasome mRNA concentration was reduced (P < .05) by IGF-I treatment. The changes in proteasome mRNA levels paralleled the IGF-I-dependent alterations in proteolysis. These observations suggest that effects of IGF-I on muscle protein degradation may be mediated by the specific down-regulation of proteasomal subunit mRNAs.
Defining Renal Anatomy and Function with 99mTechnetium Dimercaptosuccinic Acid: Clinical and Renographic Correlation

AbstractWe studied renal anatomy and function with 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid and 131iodine hippuran in 17 patients with suspected unilateral renal disease. 99mTechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid gave excellent images of cortical anatomy and there was close correlation of its relative uptake with relative function determined by 131iodine hippuran renography. The morphologic and functional data obtained with 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid have potential clinical utility, especially when nephrectomy is being considered.
Autopsy findings associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

This article summarizes the autopsy findings in infants dying with hyperbilirubinemia. Changes in both the brain and viscera are described. The meaning of these findings is controversial and may represent either direct toxic effects of bilirubin or secondary bilirubin staining in areas already damaged by other causes.
SU-F-T-486: A Simple Approach to Performing Light Versus Radiation Field Coincidence Quality Assurance Using An Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID)

Purpose: To develop an accurate, straightforward, and user-independent method for performing light versus radiation field coincidence quality assurance utilizing EPID images, a simple phantom made of readily-accessible materials, and a free software program. Methods: A simple phantom consisting of a blocking tray, graph paper, and high-density wire was constructed. The phantom was used to accurately set the size of a desired light field and imaged on the electronic portal imaging device (EPID). A macro written for use in ImageJ, a free image processing software, was then use to determine the radiation field size utilizing the high density wires on the phantom for a pixel to distance calibration. The macro also performs an analysis on the measured radiation field utilizing the tolerances recommended in the AAPM Task Group #142. To verify the accuracy of this method, radiochromic film was used to qualitatively demonstrate agreement between the film and EPID results, and an additional ImageJ macro was used to quantitatively compare the radiation field sizes measured both with the EPID and film images. Results: The results of this technique were benchmarked against film measurements, which have been the gold standard for testing light versus radiation field coincidence. The agreement between this method and film measurements were within 0.5 mm. Conclusion: Due to the operator dependency associated with tracing light fields and measuring radiation fields by hand when using film, this method allows for a more accurate comparison between the light and radiation fields with minimal operator dependency. Removing the need for radiographic or radiochromic film also eliminates a reoccurring cost and increases procedural efficiency.