cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NEONATAL MORTALITY RATE: IS FURTHER IMPROVEMENT POSSIBLE?

Objective: To determine whether improvement in neonatal and infant mortality rates is possible or likely. Setting: Regional neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: Experience during a decade (1982-1991) was evaluated. We determined postnatal age at death and birth weight-specific and gestational age- specific mortality rates. Neonatal deaths (deaths before discharge) were categorized as "possibly preventable" or "probably unpreventable." Results: Deaths occurring after 28 days ("postponed" deaths) contributed 9% of the total for the decade, and 5% for those with extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 gm) during the last 6 years; 47% of all deaths and 65% of deaths of ELBW infants occurred within 24 hours of birth. Congenital malformations accounted for 7%, 54%, and 66% of deaths when birth weight was 500 to 1499 gm, 1500 to 2499 gm, and ≥2500 gm, respectively. In infants with birth weight ≥1000 gm, probably unpreventable deaths (predominantly from congenital malformations, but also including hydrops and inborn errors of metabolism) accounted for 61% of deaths. Of deaths of ELBW infants, extreme prematurity (500 to 750 gm) accounted for 58%; major malformations and pulmonary hypoplasia contributed an additional 9%. Conclusion: During the decade, the gestational age at which there was a 50% survival rate fell from 26 weeks to 24 weeks and a marked increase in the survival rate occurred at birth weights <1500 gm (VLBW) after the introduction of exo genous surfactant therapy. The number of possibly preventable deaths is now very small. For any substantial impact on mortality rates, it will be necessary to lower VLBW and ELBW rates. (J Pediatr 1995;126:427-33)
Characterization of Millennial-Scale Climate Variability

The oxygen isotope time series from ice cores in central Greenland [the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) and the Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP)] and West Antarctica (Byrd) provide a basis for evaluating the behavior of the climate system on millennial time scales. These time series have been invoked as evidence for mechanisms such as an interhemispheric climate seesaw or a stochastic resonance process. Statistical analyses are used to evaluate the extent to which these mechanisms characterize the observed time series. Simple models in which the Antarctic record reflects the Greenland record or its integral are statistically superior to a model in which the two time series are unrelated. However, these statistics depend primarily on the large events in the earlier parts of the record (between 80 and 50 kyr BP). For the shorter, millennial-scale (Dansgaard‐Oeschger) events between 50 and 20 kyr BP, a first-order autoregressive [AR(1)] stochastic climate model with a physical time scale of t 5 600 6 300 yr is a self-consistent explanation for the Antarctic record. For Greenland, AR(1) with t 5 400 6 200 yr, plus a simple threshold rule, provides a statistically comparable characterization to stochastic resonance (though it cannot account for the strong 1500-yr spectral peak). The similarity of the physical time scales underlying the millennial-scale variability provides sufficient explanation for the similar appearance of the Greenland and Antarctic records during the 50‐20-kyr BP interval. However, it cannot be ruled out that improved cross dating for these records may strengthen the case for an interhemispheric linkage on these shorter time scales. Additionally, the characteristic time scales for the records are significantly shorter during the most recent 10 kyr. Overall, these results suggest that millennial-scale variability is determined largely by regional processes that change significantly between glacial and interglacial climate regimes, with little influence between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres except during those largest events that involve major reorganizations of the ocean thermohaline circulation.
Robust Visual Tracking by Integrating Multiple Cues Based on Co-Inference Learning

Visual tracking can be treated as a parameter estimation problem that infers target states based on image observations from video sequences. A richer target representation may incur better chances of successful tracking in cluttered and dynamic environments, and thus enhance the robustness. Richer representations can be constructed by either specifying a detailed model of a single cue or combining a set of rough models of multiple cues. Both approaches increase the dimensionality of the state space, which results in a dramatic increase of computation. To investigate the integration of rough models from multiple cues and to explore computationally efficient algorithms, this paper formulates the problem of multiple cue integration and tracking in a probabilistic framework based on a factorized graphical model. Structured variational analysis of such a graphical model factorizes different modalities and suggests a co-inference process among these modalities. Based on the importance sampling technique, a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed to provide an efficient simulation and approximation of the co-inferencing of multiple cues. This algorithm runs in real-time at around 30 Hz. Our extensive experiments show that the proposed algorithm performs robustly in a large variety of tracking scenarios. The approach presented in this paper has the potential to solve other problems including sensor fusion problems.
Bent Laue crystal monochromator for producing areal x‐ray beams

A bent Laue crystal monochromator for diffraction of areal monochromatic x-ray beams from a polyenergetic x-ray rotating anode source has been developed at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). The monochromatic beam, with a solid angle of more than 5 degrees{times}5 degrees and energy range tunable from 15 keV to 100 keV, is completely separated from the white beam at a distance of less than 1 m from the source. The absolute reflectivity of the monochromator ranges from 10{percent} to 40{percent}, depending on the energy of the x rays being diffracted and on the source size. The energy bandwidth, around 2{percent}, is controllable by varying the diffraction planes used, the crystal thickness, the asymmetry angle and the bending radius. A single emission line from an x-ray tube source can be selectively diffracted into the entire exit-beam solid angle. The monochromator was tested using a compact rotating anode x-ray source at Science Research Laboratory (SRL). The K-alpha characteristic lines (both K-alpha1 and K-alpha2) of cerium and barium targets were diffracted by the monochromator and used for the above and below iodine K-edge imaging of phantoms with several concentrations of iodine contrast agent. Digital subtraction of the images produced an iodine image.more » The potential applications of the device in clinical radiography are discussed.« less
FIELD NOTE: NEW APPROACHES TO GENERALIST FIELD EDUCATION

The practice of social work has changed significantly over the years, but models for student field learning have changed relatively little. This article describes two recent changes implemented by the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago that are intended to connect the contemporary demands of generalist social work more closely to the preparation of students in field education. These are (1) collective learning, to broaden students' understanding of settings and populations; and (2) macro projects, which are intended to expand students' understanding of assessment and intervention at multiple system levels within an agency.
Absorption and pitch relationships in dichroic guest–host liquid crystal systems

The absorption of a dichroic dye dissolved in chiral nematic hosts in the Grandjean texture increased with decreasing pitch of the host. Absorption was higher for hosts of low birefringence and high order parameter. Boundary condition, homeotropic or parallel (homogeneous), had no appreciable effect on absorption, but threshold voltage was higher for the parallel than homeotropic boundary. The results agreed with theoretical plots relating absorption to pitch.
On Testing Inter-Scale Difference Scores within a Profile

A common practice among clinicians and counselors is the administration of comprehensive personality inventories to their clients, followed by examination of the various inter-scale, intra-profile comparisons which are possible. The significant difference scores are then examined for theoretical significance, and diagnosis or placement directives may be based on them. A method is derived in which the magnitude of the critical difference (which an obtained difference score must equal or exceed in order to be considered statistically significant at α < .05) is a function of the number of comparisons being made and the average individual reliability of the K scales. A nomograph is provided from which the critical difference may be read directly.
Microstructural evolution in an austenitic stainless steel fusion reactor first wall

Abstract The design of near-term fusion reactors will require the extrapolation of radiation effects data which have been generated in fast fission reactors. A detailed rate-theory-based model of microstructural evolution under fast neutron irradiation has been developed to aid in this interpretation. The prominent new feature of this model is the treatment of dislocation evolution. Frank faulted loops form, grow, and unfault to provide a source for network dislocations while the dislocation network is simultaneously evolving. The dislocation evolution model has been coupled with a previously developed cavity swelling model. The predictions of this composite model compare favorably with fast reactor microstructural data over a broad range of irradiation temperatures and doses. The composite model has been used to predict the microstructural evolution in a DT fusion reactor first wall. The predicted network dislocation densities are generally somewhat lower for the fusion case. However, the major effects of the higher fusion He/dpa ratio are a reduced incubation time for swelling and enhanced swelling at low temperatures.
Infrared and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies of 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone and its metal complexes

Infrared and resonance Raman spectra of 1-hydroxy-9, 10-anthraquinone, its deuteriated and deprotonated forms and its metal chelates with CuII, NiII and CoII ions are presented. Vibrational assignments of the carbonyl, hydroxyl and the chelating unit of this chromophore are emphasized. It is found that the different metal ions force delocalization of the electrons on the chelate rings to different extents. The intensities of the Raman bands under resonance conditions suggest that the electronic band in the visible region is mainly of a charge-transfer type from the metal to the ligand.
Post-bariatric panniculectomy: pre-panniculectomy body mass index impacts the complication profile.

Abstract Background Morbid obesity continues to increase in the United States, which accounts for the increase in bariatric procedures performed. After these patients experience massive weight loss, many are left with a redundant pannus that poses physical limitations and psychosocial disturbances. An increasing proportion of bariatric patients are returning for body-contouring procedures. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study set in a tertiary care center. We evaluated 126 post-bariatric panniculectomies performed over a 3-year period. Perioperative and postoperative data were collected through chart review. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS 11.0. Results Ninety-six percent of patients were female. Mean age of the population was 42 (±12). The average post-bariatric weight loss and pre-panniculectomy weight were 53 (±16) kg and 78 (±14) kg, respectively. Complication rates were as follows: seroma 17%, hematoma 13%, surgical site infection (SSI) 17%, transfusion 6%, skin breakdown/necrosis 11%, and re-exploration 11%. Forty percent of patients experienced a complication. Using multivariate logistic regression, we evaluated age, pre-panniculectomy body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, specimen weight, and operative duration; only pre-panniculectomy BMI was an independent predictor for developing a postoperative complication (odds ratio 3.3, confidence interval 1.2 to 8.4, P Conclusions Post-bariatric patients who have sustained significant weight loss report subjective improvement after panniculectomy. Even though this population has experienced significant weight loss, they are still at an increased risk for postoperative complications. Maximal reduction in BMI should be stressed to these patients in order to reduce their risk of complications following panniculectomy.
Some Consequences of Deep Interruption in Task-Oriented Communication

This research investigates the consequences of deep interruption in task-oriented communication in terms of subsequent turn-taking and listeners' evaluations of deep interrupters. In the first part of the investigation, 116 incidents of deep interruption in small group communication were studied. Although the majority of deep interruptions were unsuccessful in the first attempt, interruptors eventually succeeded in securing the next turn-at-talk significantly more often than not. In the second part of the investigation, 369 respondents from undergraduate speech communication courses watched videotaped interactions between either mixed-or same-sex dyads. A sample of the interactions included two deep interruptions by one speaker of another; the balance did not. Results indicated that interrupters were perceived to be more dynamic, yet less generally attractive, and less appropriate in their communication behaviour, than those they interrupted. Implications of these findings, as well as directions for furth...
Leveraging multimodal learning analytics to differentiate student learning strategies

Multimodal analysis has had demonstrated effectiveness in studying and modeling several human-human and human-computer interactions. In this paper, we explore the role of multimodal analysis in the service of studying complex learning environments. We compare uni-modal and multimodal; manual and semi-automated methods for examining how students learn in a hands-on, engineering design context. Specifically, we compare human annotations, speech, gesture and electro-dermal activation data from a study (N=20) where student participating in two different experimental conditions. The experimental conditions have already been shown to be associated with differences in learning gains and design quality. Hence, one objective of this paper is to identify the behavioral practices that differed between the two experimental conditions, as this may help us better understand how the learning interventions work. An additional objective is to provide examples of how to conduct learning analytics research in complex environments and compare how the same algorithm, when used with different forms of data can provide complementary results.
Collaborative Kalman Filtering for Dynamic Matrix Factorization

We propose a new algorithm for estimation, prediction, and recommendation named the collaborative Kalman filter. Suited for use in collaborative filtering settings encountered in recommendation systems with significant temporal dynamics in user preferences, the approach extends probabilistic matrix factorization in time through a state-space model. This leads to an estimation procedure with parallel Kalman filters and smoothers coupled through item factors. Learning of global parameters uses the expectation-maximization algorithm. The method is compared to existing techniques and performs favorably on both generated data and real-world movie recommendation data.
Suitability Evaluation of Tunnel Engineering to Protect Ecological Environment

Transport development bring a negative impact on human survival ecological environment, such as destruction of vegetation, air pollution, soil erosion and other environmental issues. The actuality proves that the use of tunnel development of underground space can improve traffic quality, while also protecting the environment. Therefore, tunnel engineering and utilization of underground space are to protect the ecological environment to be effective ways for realizing economic sustainable development of economy. In this paper, based on the practical application at home and abroad, for the big cities, mountain areas, river waters, the suitability evaluation and beneficial discussion about the transportation by using tunnel to protect the ecological environment are of great practical significance to protect and improve the ecological environment.
Drug-induced cognition disorders in the elderly: incidence, prevention and management.

The aetiology of cognitive impairment is multifactorial; however, drugs are an important cause of delirium and dementia. Several factors may increase the risk of drug-induced cognition disorders in the elderly including imbalances in neurotransmitters (e.g. acetylcholine), age-related alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and high levels of medication use. Nearly any drug can cause cognitive impairment in susceptible individuals; however, certain classes are more commonly implicated. Benzodiazepines, opioids, anticholinergics, and tricyclic antidepressants are probably the worst offenders. Older antihypertensive agents (reserpine, clonidine) have negative effects on cognition; however, large clinical trials in the elderly indicate that commonly used agents [e.g. thiazide diuretics, calcium antagonists (amiodipine, diltiazem) ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril) and β-blockers (atenolol)] have minimal effects on cognition. Newer antidepressants such as selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A have not been shown to have negative effects on cognition. Although some drugs have shown low risk for causing cognition disorders in research studies, risk may be increased in frail older adults taking several medications and each case should be reviewed carefully. Identification of drug-induced cognitive impairment is crucial to early detection and resolution of symptoms. Preventive strategies directed at avoiding high risk medications when possible, appropriately adjusting doses based on agerelated changes and close follow-up may prevent these conditions.
Effect of forming temperature on the properties of polymeric diaphragm formed thermoplastic composites

Abstract An experimental study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of forming temperature on both the physical and mechanical properties of components formed from continuous carbon-fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) using the polymeric diaphragm forming process. Non-destructive evaluation, mechanical testing and microscopy were used to examine single-curvature 90° bends formed between temperatures of 415°C and 335°C. A non-standard compression flexure test was designed to evaluate strength and stiffness properties, and the results compared to theoretical predictions. The optimum forming temperature range for the 90° single-curvature bend was found to be between 360°C and 390°C. A reduction of 13 and 8% in load to failure in a flexure test was observed at forming temperatures of 335°C and 415°C respectively. Degradation of physical properties was observed by both C-scan and microscopic evaluation, which correlates with the reduction in mechanical properties. Residual stresses due to cooling are found to cause a part closing of 2·5 degrees from the forming tool angle, regardless of forming temperature. Interply slip during forming was investigated and results show that complete relative movement of adjacent plies, necessary to accommodate part definition, occurred. This indicates the absence of fiber deformation in this single-curvature component, within the entire processing range of 335°C to 415°C.
The effects of the tree-to-ground sleep transition in the evolution of cognition in early Homo

Just as the study of great apes aids in the understanding of early hominid evolution, so too can contemporary dream research help in the understanding of ancient hominid dream life and cognitive evolution. It has been proffered that a major leap forward in the cognitive evolution of hominoids may first have occurred in the building of nests, and a second major step may have been the full transition to ground sleep. These two changes may have begun a modification of the quality and quantity of hominid sleep, which in turn may have enhanced waking survival skills through priming, promoted creativity and innovation, and aided the consolidation of procedural memories. Current dream research with children, adults, animals and the dreams of modern hunter-gatherers, appears to support the hypothesis that these changes in sleep may have been important to the cognitive evolution of hominids from Homo habilis to Homo erectus.
Crystallographic snapshots of the complete catalytic cycle of the unregulated aspartate transcarbamoylase from Bacillus subtilis

Here, we report high-resolution X-ray structures of Bacillus subtilis aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase), an enzyme that catalyzes one of the first reactions in pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis. Structures of the enzyme have been determined in the absence of ligands, in the presence of the substrate carbamoyl phosphate, and in the presence of the bisubstrate/transition state analog N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate. Combining the structural data with in silico docking and electrostatic calculations, we have been able to visualize each step in the catalytic cycle of ATCase, from the ordered binding of the substrates, to the formation and decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate, to the ordered release of the products from the active site. Analysis of the conformational changes associated with these steps provides a rationale for the lack of cooperativity in trimeric ATCases that do not possess regulatory subunits.
Chemoattractant receptor signaling and the control of lymphocyte migration

This review focuses on mechanisms by which chemoattractant receptors activate downstream signaling pathways in lymphocytes. An emphasis is placed on heterotrimeric G protein signaling with a discussion of the specific heterotrimeric G-proteins involved in lymphocyte chemotaxis and motility and the role of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins in controlling the activation of downstream effectors. Also considered are those direct downstream effectors known to function in lymphocyte chemotaxis and/or motility. The consequences of targeting genes suspected, known, or serendipitously found to be involved in chemokine receptor signaling pathways form much of a basis for the review. When needed for clarification, reference to studies of chemoattractant signaling in model organisms and in neutrophils will be compared and contrasted to studies in lymphocytes. Finally, the emergence of tools to image lymphocyte in vitro and in vivo will be mentioned as they are increasing helpful for the analysis of lymphocyte trafficking and amendable to the study of chemokine receptor signaling.
Enrichment of Rat Anterior Pituitary Cell Types by Metrizamide Density Gradient Centrifugation

Anterior pituitary cells derived from hypothyroid rats were enzymatically dispersed and then fractionated by equilibrium sedimentation through a metrizamide density gradient. Populations relatively enriched in thyrotrophs, somatotrophs, mammotrophs, or gonadotrophs were obtained. The thyrotroph-enriched fraction was put into short term culture and tested for hormone responsiveness. TRH stimulated TSH release with an ED50 of 8 X 10(-10) M, and this TRH effect was inhibited by T3 with an ED50 of 1.6 X 10(-11) M free T3. Metrizamide density gradient centrifugation is a useful technique for obtaining relatively enriched populations of viable anterior pituitary cell types.
Interactions of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes with Methyl Viologen Radicals. Quantitative Estimation of Stored Electrons

The electron storage and discharge properties of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are probed by their interaction with radiolytically and photolytically produced methyl viologen (MV+•) radicals. Quantitative estimation of stored electrons amounts to one electron per ∼100 carbon atoms of SWCNT. These stored electrons are readily discharged on demand by introducing an electron acceptor such as thionine (E0TH/TH2− = 0.064 V vs NHE). On the basis of the charge equilibration experiments, we estimate the apparent Fermi level of SWCNT as 0.039 V versus NHE.
Mechanics of the inelastic behavior of materials—part 1, theoretical underpinnings

Abstract This is the first of a two-part paper that is concerned with the modeling of the behavior of inelastic materials from a continuum viewpoint, taking into account changes in the elastic response and material symmetry that occur due to changes in the microstructure of the material. The first part discusses some of the fundamental issues that must be addressed when modeling the elastic response of these materials. In particular, we discuss in detail the far reaching effects of the notion of materials with families of elastic response functions with corresponding natural configurations that was introduced by Wineman and Rajagopal (1990, Archives of Mechanics, 42, 53–75) and Rajagopal and Wineman (1992, Int. J. Plasticity 8, 385–395) for the study of the inelastic behavior of polymeric materials and later generalized and extended to the study of deformation twinning of polycrystals by Rajagopal and Srinivasa (1995 Int. J. Plasticity 11(6), 653–678, 1997, 13(1/2) 1–35). For these materials, a definition of material symmetry is introduced, that makes it possible to discuss the concept of “evolving material symmetry”.
OPTIMAL FUTURES HEDGE WITH MARKING-TO-MARKET AND STOCHASTIC INTEREST RATES

We investigate the effect of marking-to-market on an optimal futures hedge under stochastic interest rates. An intertemporal optimal hedge ratio that accounts for basis risk and marking-to-market is derived. This ratio includes all previous hedge ratios, with constant interest rates as special cases. In a preliminary empirical study using S&P 500 index futures contracts, we demonstrate that the futures-forward hedging differential is nontrivial, especially in risk-return optimization. We also show that the covariances between interest rates and spot and futures prices explain the differential: the larger the covariances are, the larger the differential will be.
Implementing Thermal Management Modeling Into SOFC System Level Design

Effective thermal management is critical to the successful design of small (<10 kW) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power systems. While separate unit processes occur within each component of the system, external heat transport from/to components must be optimally managed and taken into account in system-level design. In this paper, we present a modeling approach that captures thermal interactions among hot zone components and couples this information with system process design. The resulting thermal model is then applied to a mobile SOFC power system concept in the 1–2 kW range to enable a better understanding of how component heat loss affects process gas temperature and flow requirements throughout the flowsheet. The thermal performance of the system is examined for various thermal management strategies that involve altering the convective and radiative heat transfer in the enclosure. The impact of these measures on internal temperature distributions within the cell-stack is also presented. A comparison with the results from traditional adiabatic, zero-dimensional thermodynamic system modeling reveals that oxidant flow requirements can be overpredicted by as much as 204%, resulting in oversizing of recuperator heat duty by 221%, and that important design constraints, such as the magnitude of the maximum cell temperature gradient within the stack, are underpredicted by over 24%.
UHMWPE Composites for Orthopaedic Applications: A New Paradigm

The authors investigated the viability of UHMWPE composites for use in orthopaedic bearing applications as an alternative to crosslinking. Two composite systems were used, both based on a UHMWPE matrix: PtZr quasicrystals and Zr particle fillers. Through wear testing and impact toughness measurement it was shown that these two fillers produced composites that had high wear resistance and more impact toughness than the crosslinked polymer. These results suggest that further investigation into the use of composites for implant bearing surfaces is warranted and that appropriate criteria for filler materials must be developed to spur development of longer-lasting devices.© 2009 ASME
Mass accretion onto massive white dwarfs

We have studied the thermonuclear runaways which develop on white dwarfs of 1.205M⊙ and 1.358M⊙ accreting hydrogen rich material at 10−10M⊙ yr−1. It is found that ignition of this material occurs at densities in excess of about 104 gm cm−3 and that the critical accumulated mass required to initiate the runaway is 0.7(1.5)×10−4M⊙ for a 1.358(1.205)M⊙ white dwarf.
Growth Hormone Improves Body Composition and Physical Agility without Altering Energy Expenditure in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome † 395

Growth Hormone Improves Body Composition and Physical Agility without Altering Energy Expenditure in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome † 395
Papilledema after acute head injury

Low grade papilledema after acute, severe head injury was identified in 15 (3.5%) of 426 patients. Papilledema was recognized immediately after head injury in 1 patient, during the 1st week in 10 patients, and in the 2nd week or after in 4 patients. Initial computed tomographic scans showed evidence of brain injury in 11 of these patients. The intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored continuously for 3 or more days in 9 patients; it was mildly elevated (20 to 40 mm Hg) in 7 patients and moderately elevated (40 to 60 mm Hg) in 2 patients. Intracranial hypertension was controllable in each patient. A sudden, severe, but transient increase in ICP best explained the immediate development of papilledema and survival of 1 patient. Sustained but mild to moderately elevated ICP accounted for papilledema appearing in the 1st week. Papilledema in the 2nd week or after occurred from impaired cerebrospinal fluid absorption and consequent communicating hydrocephalus or delayed focal or diffuse cerebral swelling. A lesser degree of head injury in patients with posttraumatic papilledema was suggested by a higher Glasgow coma score, milder and controllable elevations in ICP, and the absence of any fatality in this group. The favorable outcome was significant compared to the mortality of the more severely injured patients (chi square-4.327; P less than 0.04). Papilledema did not occur in 6 patients with sustained, severely elevated ICP (greater than 60 mm Hg) for 3 or more days. Each of these patients died. The severity of the trauma apparently accounts for the failure of papilledema to develop, possibly by arresting axoplasmic production and transport in retinal nerve fibers.
Regulatory subunit myristoylation antagonizes calcineurin phosphatase activation in yeast

The Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated protein phosphatase calcineurin is a critical component of Ca2+ signaling cascades in eukaryotic cells. Myristoylation of the regulatory subunit of calcineurin (CNB) is conserved from yeast to humans. Here, we show that CNB myristoylation antagonizes phosphatase activation in yeast. Disruption of CNB myristoylation by mutation of the myristoylated glycine triggered constitutive expression of a calcineurin-dependent reporter gene and enhanced calcineurin-dependent phenotypes. Basal phosphatase activity was also increased in nmt1–181 yeast with reduced N-myristoyltransferase activity. Our findings are the first demonstration of a functional role for CNB myristoylation and reveal the importance of Nmt1 in modulating cellular calcineurin activation.
Induction of the differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells by palmitoleic and myristoleic acids

Exposure of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells to palmitoleic or myristoleic acids for 6 days produced both functional and morphological granulocytic maturation. Considerably less or no induction of differentiation occurred with a variety of other fatty acids. Combinations of fatty acids with the granulocytic inducer of maturation, DMSO, did not significantly increase the degree of differentiation of HL-60 cells over that produced by the fatty acids alone. A series of HL-60 cell clones were isolated which differed in sensitivity to the differentiation inducing activities of palmitoleic acid, myristoleic acid, and DMSO. These findings imply that myristoleic acid and palmitoleic acid act to initiate the maturation process by events that are distinct from those produced by DMSO. The capacity of myristoleic and palmitoleic acids to induce leukemic cell differentiation is discussed with respect to protein acylation by fatty acids.
Alcohol withdrawal in mice: electroencephalographic and behavioral correlates.

Abstract Chronic bipolar electrodes were implanted in forebrain structures of mice including dorsal hippocampus, dorsal-frontal cortex, dorsal-lateral thalamus and septum. Two weeks after surgery, the mice were reduced to 85–90% of free-feeding weight, and physical dependence on alcohol was established by maintaining the mice on an alcohol-containing liquid diet for 6 days. A control group was pair-fed an identical liquid diet except sucrose was substituted isocalorically for alcohol. Following 6 days of consumption alcohol was withdrawn and the development of both EEG and behavioral sequelae of withdrawal was monitored for 6–8h. Only mice withdrawn from alcohol exhibited behavioral signs of withdrawal which included hyperactivity, severe tremor, ataxia, sudden sprawling movements, and clonic-tonic convulsions. No abnormal behavior and no abnormal EEG activity resulted from the withdrawal of the sucrose control diet. EEG recordings during withdrawal from alcohol, however, indicated a progressive development of widespread neural epileptiform activity beginning with EEG slowing and increased amplitudes, followed by single spike events and often leading to sustained epileptic seizure discharge. Similar abnormal EEG patterns were observed throughout the forebrain including cortex, thalamus, hippocampus and septal area. The development of abnormal EEG activity was more severe during the second alcohol withdrawal period following 4 days of alcohol exposure than during the first alcohol withdrawal period following 6 days of alcohol exposure. It is hypothesized that the widespread forebrain epileptiform activity originates in, or is organized from, a central pacemaking region such as midline thalamus or reticular formation.
Neuroendoscopic Colloid Cyst Resection: A Case Cohort with Follow-Up and Patient Satisfaction

Objective To analyze the safety and efficacy of neuroendoscopic colloid cyst resection and to assess patient satisfaction. Methods A retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experience with neuroendoscopic resection of colloid cysts was performed. Surgeries performed in 56 patients were reviewed. Surgeries involved an anterolateral neuroendoscopic technique. Patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 14.9 months. Patients were also interviewed regarding their preoperative symptoms, resolution of symptoms postoperatively, and their degree of satisfaction. Results The median operative time was 82 minutes, and the median duration of hospital stay was 5 days. During surgery, the ventricles were explored for residual cyst wall or cyst content, and none were encountered. On immediate postoperative imaging, cyst recurrence was not noted for any patient, and only 1 patient has had evidence of recurrence on long-term follow-up. Various preoperative symptoms were described by patients; depending on the specific symptoms, 70%–100% resolution of symptoms was shown after surgery. Along with clinical follow-up, patients were interviewed regarding their perception of surgery and recovery. Of the patients contacted, 100% reported satisfaction with the surgery, and 91% noted satisfaction with their recovery. Reported complications included memory loss, infection, deep vein thrombosis, and postoperative hematoma. There were 2 perioperative deaths (3.5%) related to surgery. Conclusions Neuroendoscopic colloid cyst resection can reliably achieve complete lesion removal with short operative times. In addition, there is a high level of reported patient satisfaction. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of neuroendoscopic colloid cyst resections from a single surgeon.
Hysteroscopic management of recurrent abortion caused by septate uterus

Between April 1982 and April 1986, 91 patients underwent hysteroscopy for treatment of septate uteri. In 88 patients simultaneous laparoscopy was performed and one patient had a simultaneous laparotomy. Ninety procedures were performed on an outpatient basis with the patients under general anesthesia. The septum was incised with flexible scissors. Sequential estrogen-gestagen therapy was used immediately after operation to reepithelialize the freshly dissected surfaces. Patients were permitted to conceive in the first month after operation. The indications for hysteroscopy were multiple but included recurrent abortion in 79 patients. Among those patients in this category the pretreatment reproductive wastage was 95%. Most losses were in the first trimester. Among those patients who conceived after therapy, the gestational outcome markedly improved. Eighty-seven percent of the pregnancies have resulted in a living infant or have progressed beyond 20 weeks of gestation. Because the gestational outcome equals or exceeds that achieved by transabdominal metroplasty and because of its lower morbidity and the option for vaginal delivery, hysteroscopic incision of the symptomatic septate uterus should replace transabdominal metroplasty.
Selenium, zinc, and prostate cancer.

This paper reviews the evidence for selenium and zinc protecting against prostate cancer and suggests further lines of research for understanding their possible activities. It is noted that selenium is an essential nonmetal trace element found in grains meat poultry fish eggs and dairy products. Whether the element is especially important for preventing prostate carcinogenesis relative to cancer in general is under study. However findings from epidemiologic studies using a number of designs and with good exposure assessment together generally support that selenium is inversely related to prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Meanwhile zinc is a homeostatically regulated essential mineral a component of numerous metalloenzymes and is important for cell growth and replication osteogenesis and immunity. Although circumstantial evidence indicates that zinc may have an important role in the prostate findings for zinc and prostate cancer incidence and mortality have not been consistent. Epidemiologic evidence for zinc protecting against prostate cancer is equivocal and is based mainly on studies of retrospective design. Thus prospective studies that employ adequate assessment of exposure to zinc and other elements conducted in populations with wide ranges of zinc exposure are needed to uncover whether zinc protects against prostate cancer.
Patterns and Predictors of Performance on the Bender-Gestalt and the Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration in a Sample of Behaviorally and Emotionally Disturbed Adolescents

A sample of 78 behaviorally and emotionally disturbed adolescents was used to evaluate the degree of similarity between the Bender-Gestalt and the VMI-3R and to investigate the factors involved in ...
An energy-momentum tensor in gauge theories

Abstract We consider the renormalization of the twist two, dimension four gauge invariant operator Oμν(1) = − FμσFνσ − gμν L 0. By using the general theory of renormalization of gauge invariant operators, we find the gauge noninvariant operator O(2) with which it mixes. We construct a finite combination of O(1) and O(2) and show that it is an acceptable energy momentum tensor for gauge theories. We compare our energy momentum tensor with that constructed by Freedman, Muzinich, and Weinberg.
Evaluation of a level set segmentation method for cardiac ultrasound images

This paper evaluates the quality of segmentation achieved by a level set evolution strategy call Tunneling Descent. Level sets often evolve and become stationary at the nearest local minimum of an energy function. A comparison of the local level set minimum with a global minimum is important for many applications. This is especially true of ultrasound segmentation where ultrasound speckle can introduce many local minima which trap the level set. In this paper, we compare the quality of the level set segmentation with the quality of segmentation achieved by (1) simulated annealing (with three different cooling schedules), and (2) random sampling, and (3) three experts (manual segmentation). Simulated annealing and random sampling offer global minimization. In this paper, the quality of the segmentation is compared for 21 clinically-obtained images. The comparison is carried out using two performance measures: the amount by which the global minimizers can further decrease the level set energy, and the contour distance between the segmentations themselves. The results show that level set segmentation is within one ultrasound resolution cell of the global minimum. The results also show that the level set segmentation is quite close to manual segmentation.
The dawning of molecular genetics.

I n February 1944, I was shuttling between service as a hospital corpsman at a US Naval Hospital and the completion of my pre-medical studies at Columbia College in New York. I was just short of 19, and in uniform in the Navy V-12 officers’ training program. At Columbia, as an undergraduate I had already worked for two years in the laboratory of Francis J. Ryan, among the first of the league of students and followers of George Beadle and Edward I. Tatum, the pioneers of the biochemical genetics of Neurospora. Our main preoccupation at that moment was probably the faltering beachhead at Anzio, the invasion of Italy and the breathless anticipation of the Normandy invasion, the D-Day that was to come on June 6,1944: the hinge of history that would tell the outcome of the war against Hitler.
Catastrophic wind disturbance in an old-growth hemlock–hardwood forest, Wisconsin

On 4 July 1977, the Flambeau River Hemlock–Hardwood Scientific Area (Sawyer County, WI) was leveled by a downburst of hurricane-force winds. This paper documents preblowdown and postblowdown composition in a 61-ha portion of a state Scientific Area. Total stand basal area after the blowdown was reduced to 6% of prestorm levels. Total seedling density increased greatly following the blowdown, especially that of Betula alleghaniensis Britt. Acer saccharum Marsh, continued to dominate the relatively unaffected sapling layer. A dense shrub layer of Sambucus pubens Michx. developed. Such massive blowdowns do not appear uncommon in northern Wisconsin. Implications for forest regeneration and structure are discussed.
Attitudes toward adoption and child-bearing by American and Brazilian students

A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with country of origin (U.S. or Brazil), education (high school or college), and sex (male or female) as independent variables was used to investigate cross-national differences concerning: the number of natural children wanted and expected, the number of adopted children wanted and expected, and concern about overpopulation. Subjects were 67 American and 74 Brazilian high school students, and 64 American and 78 Brazilian college students. Several interesting findings emerged. For one thing, Americans reported thinking more about adopting children and expected to have more adopted children than did Brazilians. Also, concern about overpopulation was more predictive of the number of children wanted and expected in the U.S. than in Brazil. The implications of these and other findings for population planners was discussed.
Removal of the superficial zone of bovine articular cartilage does not increase its frictional coefficient

Summary Objective To investigate the role of the superficial zone in regulating the frictional response of articular cartilage. This zone contains the superficial protein (SZP), a proteoglycan synthesized exclusively by superficial zone chondrocytes and implicated in reducing the friction coefficient of cartilage. Design Unconfined compression creep tests with sliding of cartilage against glass in saline were carried out on fresh bovine cylindrical plugs (∅6mm, n =35) obtained from 16 bovine shoulder joints (ages 1–3 months). In the first two experiments, friction tests were carried out before and after removal of the superficial zone (∼100μm), in a control and treatment group, using two different applied load magnitudes (4.4N and 22.2N). In the third experiment, friction tests were conducted on intact surfaces and the corresponding microtomed deep zone of the same specimen. Results In all tests the friction coefficient exhibited a transient response, increasing from a minimum value ( μ min ) to a near-equilibrium final value ( μ eq ). No statistical change ( P >0.5) was found in μ min before and after removal of the superficial zone in both experiments 1 and 2. However, μ eq was observed to decrease significantly ( P μ eq is even lower at the deep zone. Surface roughness measurements with atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed an increase in surface roughness after microtoming. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of SZP in intact specimens and its removal in microtomed specimens. Conclusions The topmost (∼100μm) superficial zone of articular cartilage does not have special properties which enhances its frictional response.
p16INK4a expression in actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease

Summary Background Progression of cutaneous squamous neoplasms from actinic keratosis (AK) to Bowen's disease (BD; squamous cell carcinoma in situ) has important implications for clinical management and treatment, thus requiring accurate diagnosis. p16INK4a is a cell cycle regulatory tumour suppressor protein that negatively regulates D-type cyclins in the G1 cell cycle phase via intimate interplay with the retinoblastoma gene. Expression of a paraffin-reactive p16INK4a marker has recently been shown to increase in cervical squamous neoplasms as lesions progress from low-grade dysplasia to squamous cell carcinoma in situ. p16INK4a expression in the progression of squamous cutaneous neoplasia, however, has not been evaluated. Objectives To evaluate p16INK4a expression in the progression of squamous cutaneous neoplasia. Methods Biopsies of 203 squamous cutaneous neoplasms with unequivocal features of AK (n = 87) and BD (n = 116) as well as a benign squamous control group (verruca vulgaris: n = 10; seborrhoeic keratosis: n = 11; scar tissue: n = 8) obtained between January and December 2001 at Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI, U.S.A.) were immunostained for p16INK4a (Dako; clone E6H4; dilution 1 : 50) using large core (1·5 mm) tissue microarray analysis. Nuclear/cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in > 10% of neoplastic cells was considered positive. Results Of 203 cases, 166 (81·8%) were interpretable (AK 59; BD 107). Mean patient age was 71·0 years (range 33–93); 57% were male. Sites of involvement were: head and extremities 75·9%, trunk/buttocks 21·7%, genital region 2·4%. p16INK4a immunostaining was positive in 90 of 107 (84·1%) BD cases, four of 59 (6·8%) AK cases and none of 29 benign squamous controls. The sensitivity and specificity of p16INK4a for a diagnosis of BD (vs. benign squamous controls/AK) was 84·1% and 95·5%, respectively (P < 0·0001, Fisher's exact test, two-sided). Conclusions p16INK4a is a sensitive and specific marker for distinguishing BD from AK/benign squamous cutaneous lesions and may be helpful as an adjunct to histomorphology in the diagnosis and appropriate clinical management of these lesions.