cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ascending tract neurons survive spinal cord transection in the neonatal rat

Abstract Retrograde axonal transport was used to determine which ascending nerve tracts from the lumbosacral spinal cord are present in the cervical spinal cord of the newborn rat and if their cell bodies survive axotomy. A pledget of true blue was applied to a low cervical spinal transection in the newborn rat ( N = 4). After a 5-day survival period, neurons were labeled in the laminae of origin of all ascending nerve tracts throughout the lumbosacral spinal cord. Neurons labeled in the same way survived for at least 1 month postoperatively when the spinal cord was transected at a midthoracic level at 5 days of age ( N = 4). No neurons in the lumbosacral spinal cord were labeled if the midthoracic spinal cord was transected at the same time as application of the dye to cervical spinal cord ( N = 2). Therefore, neurons labeled with true blue from cervical spinal cord during the neonatal period are likely to have been axotomized by thoracic injury made at 5 days of age. Three months after midthoracic spinal transection of newborn rats, HRP was injected or a pledget was applied to the first spinal segment caudal to this lesion ( N = 8). The same population of neurons was labeled as in adult rats receiving application of HRP to an acute midthoracic spinal transection ( N = 4). Neurons were seldom labeled in adult rats in which HRP was injected and ascending nerve tract axons not damaged ( N = 4). These results suggest that most ascending nerve tract axons are present in cervical spinal cord during the neonatal period (by 4 to 5 days of age). A substantial number of these neurons survive neonatal midthoracic spinal transection and their axon terminals remain near this lesion site.
Colloid mobilization during soil iron redox oscillations.

In redox-dynamic soils, iron reduction−oxidation events may initiate wide shifts in the concentration of colloidal and dissolved material because of either Fe mineral dissolution or pH shifts assoc...
Role of Surgical Resection in Broncholithiasis

an, 74 months). The 15-year actuarial survival did not differ significantly from that of a matched control group (p 5 0.774). At follow-up, 28 patients (68.3%) were asymptomatic. Symptoms continued in 12 patients. Recurrent or persistent disease was documented in 6 patients (14.6%). The site of recurrence was in a new location in 3 patients, a previous site in 2, and unknown in 1 patient. Subsequent management included observation in 3 patients, bronchoscopic removal in 2, and bilobectomy in 1 patient. Conclusions. Surgical resection for broncholithiasis is an effective method of management for this disease and can be done with low mortality and morbidity. Progression of the disease may lead to recurrence and further surgical intervention.
Hunting for QR Codes: Linking Students to the Music Collection

Libraries are exploring the use of Quick Response (QR) codes, to market to and connect users with libraries' services. The University of the Pacific has been experimenting with QR codes in an innovative way: to introduce first-year music majors to the physical music library materials via a QR code scavenger hunt. This article discusses the library literature on QR codes and scavenger hunts, as well as the University of the Pacific's QR code scavenger hunt from creation to assessment. Additionally, recommendations are given for designing a similar pedagogical tool at your library.
Identification and purification of a cell surface glycoprotein mediating intercellular adhesion in embryonic and adult tissue.

Abstract An antiserum against material shed into serum-free medium by MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma cells (anti-SFM II) disrupts cell-cell interactions in murine mammary tumor epithelial cells (MMTE). We now report purification of an 80 kd glycoprotein (GP80) from SFM of MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells that blocks the activity of anti-SFM II. Anti-SFM II also inhibits compaction of eight-cell mouse embryos, and purified GP80 blocks this reaction. An antiserum against purified GP80 (anti-GP80) has all adhesion-disrupting activities displayed by anti-SFM II. It recognizes one band at 80 kd in SFM and a 120 kd band in detergent extracts of epithelial but not fibroblastic cells. In immunofluorescence studies it is restricted to sites of cell-cell interaction in cultured epithelial cells. Thus a cell surface glycoprotein of 120 kd, the medium form of which is ∼80 kd, which is neither species nor tissue specific, is expressed at early stages of mammalian development and is found on epithelia.
Applications of microwave photonics to space-based radar

This paper will discuss some of the potential applications, opportunities, and challenges to the implementation of microwave photonics to future space-based platforms.
The interaction of antibody with the major surface glycoprotein of vesicular stornatitis virus II. Monoclonal antibodies to nonneutralizing and cross-reactive epitopes of Indiana and New Jersey serotypes☆

Abstract Eleven monoclonal antibodies reactive with the major surface glycoprotein (G-protein) of vesicular stomatitis virus serotypes Indiana and New Jersey (VSV-Ind, VSV-NJ) were used to map antigenic sites found on one or both serotypes. The antibodies used were unable to neutralize infectivity of the virus in vitro although they were able to bind to the G-protein. Six of the antibodies bound to the G-proteins of both serotypes and delineated three nonoverlapping epitopes as determined by a competitive binding assay. In addition, one monoclonal antibody bound to both serotypes and could neutralize infectivity in vitro of only VSV-Ind. This antibody could compete with several cross-reactive nonneutralizing antibodies which could not neutralize either VSV-Ind or VSV-NJ. Three monoclonal antibodies were serotype specific for VSV-NJ and exhibited no overlap among themselves or with the cross-reactive antibodies. One VSV-Ind serotype-specific antibody was isolated which could compete with a cross-reactive antibody. Enhancement of antibody binding by the binding of a second antibody was observed in some cases. This phenomenon appeared to be due to an increase in availability of antigenic sites caused by allosteric modifications.
Role of bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde glue in the formation of anastomatic pseudoaneurysms.

Abstract Background: Questions exist concerning the safety of bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde (BSAG) glue in thoracic aortic surgery, vis-a-vis embolization and pseudoaneurysm formation. We examined clinical experience with BSAG glue to determine if such problems were detected. Methods: We studied 99 consecutive patients (25 female and 74 male, age range 27 to 86 years) in whom BSAG glue or similar product was used for reinforcement of thoracic aortic suture lines (n = 87 BSAG glue, 12 GRF [French] glue). BSAG glue was used selectively and sparingly for acute aortic dissection or tissue fragility. Cases included 81 ascending/arch procedures, 15 descending/thoracoabdominal procedures, and 3 combined. Clinical outcome and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 90 months (mean: 15.1 months). We also examined the records of 78 controls in which BSAG glue was not used. The two groups were statistically similar except for rate of aneurysm versus dissection and percentage of emergent surgery. Results: Perioperative survival was 95/99 (96.0%). Six patients (6.0%) required reexploration for bleeding. There were five early postoperative neurological events and no late strokes or peripheral embolic events. CT scan follow-up identified two pseudoansuerysms, both not perianastomic, which were likely unrelated to BSAG glue use. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of pseudoaneurysms between the two groups. Conclusions: Isolated problems associated with BSAG glue have been reported. In this relatively large experience, we identified no obvious problems directly related to judicious use of BSAG glue. BSAG glue appears a safe and effective adjunct in thoracic aortic surgery. (J Card Surg 2011;26:76-81)
Increased biogenic amine release in mouse hypothalamus following immunological challenge: antagonism by indomethacin.

Abstract Stimulation of the acute-phase response in mice by lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, concanavalin A or interleukin-1 was associated with increased release of biogenic amines, serotonin and norepinphrine in the hypothalamus as indexed by their primary metabolites, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, respectively. The increases in norepinephrine and serotonin turnover observed 4 h following systemic administration of interleukin-1 were antagonized by concurrent administration of indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. These data suggest that the increase in norepinephrine and serotonin release in mouse hypothalamus during the acute-phase response to infection is partially mediated by the actions of arachidonic acid metabolites.
Lenticulostriate echogenic vessels: clinical and sonographic study of 70 neonatal cases

Neonatal branching echogenic streaks in the basal ganglia or 'lenticulostriate vasculopathy' (LSV) has no clear comprehensive aetiology. To provide some clinical evidence, possibly relevant to aetiology, by analysis of a large series. Seventy cases (9 deaths, 3 post mortem) identified between 1981 and 2000 out of 9,138 neonates with routine brain sonograms (578 in a protocol for neonates from HIV+ mothers). Review of maternal/neonatal charts for clinical data and serologic status. Retrospective analysis of sonograms for grading and time course of LSV and coexistent abnormalities. LSV was unilateral in 31 cases (22 right), bilateral in 39. Grading separated 8 major, 27 moderate and 35 minor patterns. In 42 cases, LSV was isolated, and in 28 it was mixed with peri-intraventricular haemorrhage grades I or II and/or leucomalacia. LSV was detected in the first postnatal week in 56 instances and appeared later in 13. Disappearance occurred mostly within 2 months. Perinatal circumstances: 13 recipient monochorionic twins (polycythaemia from twin-twin transfusion syndromes), 20 HIV+ mothers (possible immunological disturbances; only 2 infected neonates), 10 congenital anomalies, 1 toxoplasmosis, 1 postnatal cytomegalovirus infection, 25 miscellaneous conditions. Numerous maternal and neonatal factors were non-contributory. These results do not support congenital toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes (TORCH) infections as the main causative factor. Polycythaemia and various immunological disturbances may be involved, as well as infectious agents not appropriately screened by routine serodiagnoses.
Monadic recursion schemes: The effect of constants☆

Abstract When the class of monadic recursion schemes is augmented by individual constants, some of the properties change. It becomes undecidable whether “S diverges” or “ S is strongly equivalent to T ” for S , T schemes with individual constants. The family of value languages generated by this class of schemes is the family of recursively enumerable languages. The subclass of free schemes with constants is also investigated. It remains decidable whether “S halts” or “S diverges” for S a free scheme with individual constants, but it becomes undecidable whether “T has a strongly equivalent free scheme” for T an arbitrary scheme with individual constants.
New growth of axons in the cochlear nucleus of adult chinchillas after acoustic trauma.

Abstract This study determined the effect of acoustic overstimulation of the adult cochlea on axons in the cochlear nucleus. Chinchillas were exposed to an octave-band noise centered at 4 kHz at 108 dB sound pressure level for 1.75 h. One chinchilla was never exposed to the noise, and several others had one ear protected by an ear plug or prior removal of the malleus and incus. Exposure of unprotected ears caused loss of inner and outer hair cells and myelinated nerve fibers, mostly in the basal half of the cochlea. Cochlear nerve fiber degeneration, ipsilateral to the exposed ears, was traced to regions of the cochlear nucleus representing the damaged parts of the cochlea. In silver impregnations of a deafferented zone in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, the concentration of axons decreased by 43% after 1 month and by 54% after 2 months. However, by 8 months, the concentration of thinner axons, with diameters of less than 0.46 μm, increased by 46–90% over that at 2 months. The concentration of axons with larger diameters did not change. Between 2 and 8 months small axonal endings appeared next to neuronal cell bodies. This later increase of thinner axons and endings is consistent with a reactive growth of new axons of relatively small diameter. The emergence of small perisomatic boutons suggests that the new axons formed synaptic endings, which might contribute to an abnormal reorganization of the central auditory system and to the pathological changes that accompany acoustic overstimulation.
Effects of chronic treatment with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on uterine growth in the mouse

Abstract The estrogenic responses of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, remain unsettled. We examined the effects of chronic treatment of THC on uterine wet weights and nuclear 3 H-thymidine incorporation (DNA synthesis), and compared these responses with those of an acute treatment of estradiol-17β (E 2 ) in ovariectomized (OVX) or hypophysectomized (HYPOX) mice. As shown previously, an injection of E 2 increased uterine weights and nuclear 3 H-thymidine incorporation in epithelial cells in OVX or HYPOX mice when examined 18 h after the injection. Injections of THC daily for 7 days also elicited uterine weight gains and nuclear 3 H-thymidine incorporation in a dose dependent manner in OVX or HYPOX mice as compared to the vehicle (oil) treated controls. Like E 2 , THC induced nuclear 3 H-thymidine incorporation primarily in luminal and glandular epithelial cells. However, effects of THC in these responses were much inferior to those elicited by an injection of E 2 . These data suggest that THC, given chronically in the mouse, behave as a weak uterotrophic agent, and THC effects are not mediated by the pituitary.
Simple intestinal obstruction causes bacterial translocation in man.

• Indirect clinical evidence has accumulated indicating that the gut may be a reservoir for microorganisms causing systemic infection in man. Our experimental results, in a variety of animal models, demonstrate that bacteria can translocate across the mucosal barrier and cause systemic infections. To determine directly whether bacterial translocation occurs in man, we cultured mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) obtained at laparotomy from 42 patients, none of whom were clinically infected. Ten (59%) of 17 patients with intestinal obstruction (none of whom had necrotic bowel) had bacteria in their MLNs, in contrast to one (4%) of 25 patients operated on for other reasons. The most common bacteria cultured from the MLNs wasEscherichia coli. Thus, it appeared that simple intestinal obstruction of the colon or small bowel in the absence of necrotic bowel was associated with bacterial translocation. (Arch Surg1989;124:699-701)
Efficacy of Telehealth Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress-Related Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis summarizes the findings of outcome research on the degree to which telehealth treatments reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms. In a search of the literature, 13 studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis and were coded for relevant variables. A total of 725 participants were included. Results indicate that telehealth treatments are associated with significant pre- to postreduction in PTSD symptoms (d = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–1.11, p < .001), and result in superior treatment effects relative to a wait-list comparison condition (d = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76–1.26, p < .001). However, no significant findings were obtained for telehealth intervention relative to a supportive counseling telehealth comparison condition (d = 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.38 to 0.60, p = .67), and telehealth intervention produced an inferior outcome relative to a face-to-face intervention (d = − 0.68, 95% CI: − 0.39 to − 0.98, p < .001). Findings for depression symptom sev...
Adult physical inactivity prevalence in the Muslim world: Analysis of 38 countries

Objective Physical inactivity surveillance informs policy and treatment options toward meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of a 10% reduction in its prevalence by 2025. We currently do not know the aggregate prevalence for Muslim-majority countries, many of which have extremely high rates of comorbidities associated with physical inactivity.
Expressibility and parallel complexity

It is shown that the time needed by a concurrent-read, concurrent-write parallel random access machine (CRAM) to check if an input has a certain property is the same as the minimal depth of a first...
Detrital sediment fluxes from continents to oceans

Abstract Detrital sediment is carried from land to the sea by three agents, rivers, glaciers, and winds. The shoreline is an arbitrary boundary within the detrital sediment transport system, which extends from a site of origin across areas of temporary storage to a site of long-term deposition. The most important of the agents moving sediment across the land is river transport, estimated to be in the order of 20×10 12 kg of sediment annually at present. Analysis of drainage basins indicates that relief and runoff are the most important factors in determining the sediment load of rivers. The competence of rivers to transport sediment is governed by the volume flow, gradient, and the sediment load itself. Today, most large rivers are fed by snowmelt in highland areas, runoff from rainfall in the drainage basin, and groundwater inflow. Along the river course, water is lost to evaporation and groundwater infiltration. River courses can often be divided into two segments, a degradational section in which the gradient is relatively steep and little temporary storage of sediment takes place, and an aggradational section where the gradient is sharply reduced through meandering, and where large-scale temporary sediment storage forms a flood plain. Lakes trap sediment inland and prevent its transport to the sea. Today, many high and mid-latitude rivers are interrupted by lakes of glacial origin. There are also some large areas of internal drainage that deliver no sediment to the sea. The load carried by rivers has been markedly altered by human activity, and may have doubled over the past few thousand years, only to be reduced in the past century by the widespread construction of dams. The ancient use of fire in hunting and its subsequent use in clearing land has increased erosion. Extensive deforestation and cultivation processes have also increased the sediment supply. Dam construction is a relatively new factor and affects the sediment transport system by trapping sediment before it can reach the sea. The resulting lower sediment supply from rivers is, at least in part, compensated by increased coastal erosion. Glacial erosion is difficult to estimate. There is an ongoing controversy whether ice sheets are effective erosive agents or not. Estimates of the present global flux of glacial detritus range from 0.8–50×10 12 kg annually, with the lower value most probable. The dust flux is in the order of 0.5 to 0.9×10 12 kg annually, but may vary greatly with time.
Controlled clinical trials: Some ethical issues

Abstract Three basic ethical principles, expressed in the familiar requirements of codes of ethics for research, set the boundaries for clinical research. Beneficence requires that good be done, harm avoided or minimized, and that benefits justify harms. Respect for persons requires that the free choice of moral agents be honored and that protection be given to those of diminished autonomy. Justice requires an equal distribution of burdens and benefits except where an unequal distribution is justified by merit or need. Special problems in the application of these principles to clinical trials are discussed. The vulnerability of patients requires extra protection in the consent process, attention to matters of justice in the selection of subjects and in their compensation, and limitations on the type and amount of risks presented. Research must be described carefully so that research components and therapeutic components are clearly distinguished in order to facilitate the consent process, the risk-benefit analysis, and the provision of compensation. Randomization, though usually justified, may not be justified in some circumstances, and must generally be disclosed to patients. With attention to such special safeguards and concerns, clinical trials can be conducted ethically.
The N-terminal region of soluble proteins from procaryotes and eucaryotes

Abstract 1. 1. The N-terminal amino acids of the soluble proteins from 10 procaryotes and 5 eucaryotes have been determined by the Sanger procedure using tritiated 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. In addition, the amino acids occupying the second position in the proteins from some of the bacteria have been examined using radioactive Sanger reagent after removal of the N-terminal residues by Edman degradation. 2. 2. Methionine, alanine and serine are the major N-terminal amino acids of the proteins from the procaryotes. The relative amounts of these amino acids depend upon the organism examined, but the order is usually methionine > alanine > serine. The N-terminal amino acids of the soluble proteins from eucaryotes vary more than those of bacterial proteins but consistently high quantities of alanine and serine are found. Relatively large amounts of other amino acids are also found in the N-terminal position of the proteins of individual eucaryotes, especially in the case of the nucleated microorganisms. 3. 3. The amino acids occupying the second position in the proteins from procaryotes are more varied than the N-terminal residues. Only the combination of leucine plus isoleucine and threonine are found in higher amounts than would be predicted from random distribution based on amino acid analyses of the procaryotic proteins. 4. 4. A possible basis for the specificity of removal of methionine from the N-terminals of newly initiated procaryotic proteins is discussed.
CLIF, a Novel Cycle-like Factor, Regulates the Circadian Oscillation of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Gene Expression

The onset of myocardial infarction occurs frequently in the early morning, and it may partly result from circadian variation of fibrinolytic activity. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity shows a circadian oscillation and may account for the morning onset of myocardial infarction. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this circadian oscillation remain unknown. Recent evidence indicates that basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/PAS domain transcription factors play a crucial role in controlling the biological clock that controls circadian rhythm. We isolated a novel bHLH/PAS protein, cycle-like factor (CLIF) from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. CLIF shares high homology with Drosophila CYCLE, one of the essential transcriptional regulators of circadian rhythm. CLIF is expressed in endothelial cells and neurons in the brain, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the center of the circadian clock. In endothelial cells, CLIF forms a heterodimer with CLOCK and up-regulates the PAI-1 gene through E-box sites. Furthermore, Period2 and Cryptochrome1, whose expression show a circadian oscillation in peripheral tissues, inhibit the PAI-1 promoter activation by the CLOCK:CLIF heterodimer. These results suggest that CLIF regulates the circadian oscillation of PAI-1 gene expression in endothelial cells. In addition, the results potentially provide a molecular basis for the morning onset of myocardial infarction.
Identification of Trisubstituted-pyrazol Carboxamide Analogs as Novel and Potent Antagonists of Farnesoid X Receptor

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NRIH4) plays a major role in the control of cholesterol metabolism. This suggests that antagonizing the transcriptional activity of FXR is a potential means to treat cholestasis and related metabolic disorders. Here we describe the synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of trisubstituted-pyrazol carboxamides as novel and potent FXR antagonists. One of these novel FXR antagonists, 4j has an IC50 of 7.5 nM in an FXR binding assay and 468.5 nM in a cell-based FXR antagonistic assay. Compound 4j has no detectable FXR agonistic activity or cytotoxicity. Notably, 4j is the most potent FXR antagonist identified to date; it has a promising in vitro profile and could serve as an excellent chemical tool to elucidate the biological function of FXR.
Thematic accuracy of MRLC land cover for the eastern United States

Abstract One objective of the MultiResolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) consortium is to map general land-cover categories for the conterminous United States using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data. Land-cover mapping and classification accuracy assessment are complete for the eastern United States. The accuracy assessment was based on photo-interpreted reference data obtained from a stratified probability sample of pixels. Agreement was defined as a match between primary or alternate reference land-cover labels assigned to each sample pixel and the mode (most common class) of the map's land-cover labels within a 3×3-pixel neighborhood surrounding the sampled point. At 30-m resolution, overall accuracy was 59.7% at an Anderson Level II thematic detail, and 80.5% at Anderson Level I.
Molecular Mechanism of Adaphostin-mediated G1 Arrest in Prostate Cancer (PC-3) Cells SIGNALING EVENTS MEDIATED BY HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR, c-Met, AND p38 MAPK PATHWAYS

Adaphostin (NSC680410), a small molecule congener of tyrphostin AG957, has been demonstrated previously to have significant anti-proliferative effects in several leukemia models. However, this effect of adaphostin in adherent cells/solid tumor models has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of adaphostin in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Specifically, we explored the potential molecular mechanism(s) by which adaphostin elicits its anti-proliferative effect(s). We demonstrate that adaphostin inhibits the proliferation of PC-3 cells by inducing a G(1) phase cell cycle arrest. This adaphostin-induced G(1) arrest was associated with an increase in the expression of p21 and p27 and a decrease in the expression of G(1)-specific cyclins (cyclin A, D1, and D3) and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6. Consequently, a dramatic decrease in the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein was also observed. Additionally, we found that adaphostin treatment induced a decrease in the phosphorylation of nucleophosmin, a major nuclear phosphoprotein, and that this decreased phosphorylation was a result of the p21- and p27-mediated inactivation of cyclin E-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 complex kinase activity. Furthermore, we have determined that the adaphostin-mediated cell cycle arrest of PC-3 cells is dependent upon activation of the p38 MAPK. We also demonstrate that the hepatocyte growth factor receptor-c-Met is involved in the adaphostin-mediated signaling events that regulate p38 MAPK. Taken together, these results identify for the first time a signaling cascade of adaphostin-mediated G(1) phase-specific cell cycle arrest in PC-3 cells. These findings suggest that the tyrphostin member has a broader spectrum of activity than originally predicted.
In-service Hypnosis Education in a Children's Hospital

Abstract Records of hypnosis in-service education in a children's hospital were kept for eighteen months. Groups receiving the in-service education included registered nurses, residents, medical students, administrative, secretarial, and housekeeping staff, full time physician staff, and voluntary physician staff. Positive outcomes from the in-service education included an increased awareness of the usefulness of hypnosis by hospital staff, the personal use of self-hypnosis by hospital staff, increased use of hypnotherapy among communnity physicians, and development of clinical reserach projects related to hypnosis. Positive attitudes toward hypnosis by members of the hospital staff facilitate the therapeutic successes of physicians and psychologists who teach hypnosis to children.
Clinical Implications of a Mathematical Model of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most commonly diagnosed vertigo syndrome. It is caused by movement of detached otoconia within the inner ear (canalithiasis) or otoconia adherent to the cupula (cupulolithiasis). A mathematical model incorporating fluid dynamics of BPPV, which results in the following insights, has been developed recently: (1) The characteristic latency of BPPV is explained by movement of detached otoconia through the ampulla, as pressure caused by moving otoconia is negligible until otoconia enter the narrow duct of the semicircular canal. Typical otoconia move at a rate of 0.2 mm/s, or about 1% of the circumference of the canal each second. (2) Particle-wall interactions can account for the considerable variability in duration and latency of BPPV. (3) Dispersion of a clump of otoconia creates more rather than less nystagmus. Thus, dispersion is not a viable explanation of fatigability. (4) Cupulolithiasis is predicted to cause a far weaker nystagmus than canalithiasis. (5) Inertial effects of treatment maneuvers cause negligible movement of otoconia.
Detection of chemically induced DNA damage by derivative square wave voltammetry.

Damage of DNA films after reaction with styrene oxide was detected using derivative square wave voltammetry. Double-stranded (ds) DNA films with initially low backgrounds developed oxidation peaks for DNA bases during incubation with styrene oxide. Films were prepared on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes by casting mixtures of DNA with the poly(ester sulfonic acid) ionomer Eastman AQ38S or by covalent binding of DNA onto oxidized PG. While both types of films gave oxidation peaks in the region 0.6−1.1 V vs SCE after incubations with styrene oxide, DNA/AQ films gave the best signal-to-background ratios. Damage of DNA by reaction with styrene oxide under the electrode incubation conditions was confirmed by capillary electrophoresis. Total integrals of oxidation peaks increased with time of incubation with styrene oxide. Relative peak heights depended on the type of DNA in the order calf thymus ds DNA > salmon sperm ds DNA > supercoiled ds DNA > highly polymerized calf thymus ds DNA.
Congestive heart failure following chronic tachycardia

Abstract The mechanics of left ventricular contraction were analyzed in quantitative terms from isovolumic contractions in six dogs in which congestive heart failure developed following 13 to 29 days of chronic pacemaker-induced ventricular tachycardia. Twenty-four hours following cessation of stimulation, heart failure was evidenced in the intact sedated dogs by elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressures (average, 28 mm. Hg), ascites, and the presence of a protodiastolic gallop sound. Aortic pressure, heart rate, and the ratio of stroke volume to end-diastolic volume were decreased while the ratio of left ventricular mass to body weight was unchanged, and cardiac output was increased, presumably secondary to hypervolemia. Left ventricular function was substantially reduced, contractile element velocity-tension relations were altered, and V max was significantly reduced (failure 2.37 ± 0.40 circumferences per second vs. control 3.0 ± 0.03). The maximum isovolumic tension development for any given end-diastolic volume also was decreased in five of six animals. Left ventricular myocardial stores of creatine, creatine phosphate, and adenosine triphosphate were significantly depressed. These findings indicate that the syndrome of heart failure following chronic tachycardia, characterized by elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and ascites, is associated with significant depression of the left ventricular contractile state and total energy stores.
Basic structural units in carbon fibers: Atomistic models and tensile behavior

Abstract Understanding the atomistic mechanisms of tensile failure in carbon fibers is important for fiber manufacturing and applications. Here we design structural faults with atomistic details, pertaining to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) derived fibers, and probe them using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations to uncover trends and gain insight into the effect of local structure on the strength of the basic structural units (BSUs) and the role of interfaces between regions with different degrees of graphitization. Besides capturing the expected strength degrading with increasing misalignment, the designed basic structural units reveal atomistic details of local structural failure upon tensile loading. Fracture initiation is nearly always associated with the interface of the misoriented crystallite and its environment.
An optical pressure sensor using a low-coherence light source with a photoelastic sensing element

Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigation of an optical pressure sensor, using photoelastic material as the sensing element. A change in the optical path of light propagating in the stressed sensing element has been observed by monitoring a corresponding change in the optical path in a ‘recovery’ optical interferometer. The pressure to be measured is applied by placing a calibrated mass on the sensing element. Two optical arrangements, each using a low-coherence light source, have been studied. Results are presented showing the potential of such a system for wider pressure-sensor applications.
Integrated traditional and applied education—exploring sustainable cities and regions in classrooms and communities

The most effective and promising models for teaching sustainability sciences and studies in a university setting are a topic of vigorous debate. This paper discusses an integrated sustainability curriculum at a large public university, which serves students from departments such as city and regional planning, environmental studies and sciences, geography, and many more, as well as professional schools such as public health, journalism, business, and government. We describe an integrated suite of sustainability offerings that link available academic opportunities laterally across campus to touch more students at once as well as longitudinally to provide individual students with a progressively more focused academic experience. Finally, we share lessons learned from the development of new curriculum over the last decade. The curriculum described here illuminates the larger discussion on emerging models for educating university students in planning for prosperous, stable, efficient, and just cities and regions.
Transcriptional Properties of RNA Polymerase II within Triplet Repeat-containing DNA from the Human Myotonic Dystrophy and Fragile X Loci

Expansion of a (CTG)n segment within the 3′-untranslated region of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene alters mRNA production. The inherent ability of RNA polymerase II to transcribe (CTG)17–255 tracts corresponding to DNA from normal, unstable, and affected individuals, and the normal (CGG)54 fragile X repeat tract, was analyzed using a synchronized in vitro transcription system. Core RNA polymerase II transcribed all repeat units irrespective of repeat length or orientation. However, approximately 50% of polymerases transiently halted transcription (with a half-life of approximately 10 ± 1 s) within the first and second CTG repeat unit and a more transient barrier to elongation was observed roughly centered within repeats 6–9. Transcription within the remainder of the CTG tracts and within the CCG, CGG, and CAG tracts appeared uniform with average transcription rates of 170, 250, 300, and 410 nucleotides/min, respectively. These differences correlated with changes in the sequence-specific transient pausing pattern within the CNG repeat tracts; individual incorporation rates were slower after incorporation of pyrimidine residues. Unexpectedly, approximately 4% of the run-off transcripts were, depending on the repeat sequence, either 15 or 18 nucleotides longer than expected. However, these products were not produced by transcriptional slippage within the repeat tract.
Security enhanced MPEG player

Conventional cryptography deals with the encryption and decryption of traditional textual data. The advent of networked multimedia systems will make continuous media streams, such as real-time audio and video, increasingly pervasive in future computing and communications environments. It is thus important to secure networked continuous media from potential eavesdroppers. We consider the process of real-time encryption and decryption for video streams. We implement a software-only security-enhanced MPEG player. The security-enhanced player implements a protection hierarchy by specializing the encryption scheme based on MPEG's coding sequences. Encryption may be performed on only I frames (intra-frames), on I and P frames (forward predicted frames), or on all I, P and B frames (bidirectional predicted frames). Increased protection incurs more overhead as more encryption is done. Our security-enhanced MPEG player incurs small average overheads in terms of achievable frame rate compared with the unmodified MPEG player depending on the MPEG frame size, encoding format and encryption method used, with speeds fast enough for most multimedia Internet applications. This is demonstrated by its integration with Vosaic, a real-time multimedia WWW browser. We also observe that increased compression actually results in less cryptographic overhead, due to the fact that more compression means less data, as well as longer dependencies between MPEG frames. Our work shows that video streams can also be encrypted and decrypted while satisfying the real-time requirements of the present-day Internet.
Sudden death of a horse with supraventricular tachycardia following oral administration of flecainide acetate

Objective To describe a case of supraventricular tachycardia and sudden death in a horse following administration of flecainide acetate. Case Summary An 8-year-old Hanoverian warmblood gelding was treated for chronic, naturally occurring, supraventricular tachycardia with digoxin, procainamide hydrochloride, quinidine sulfate, and flecainide acetate. After oral administration of flecainide, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes) and ventricular fibrillation developed, leading to cardiovascular collapse and death. New or Unique Information Provided Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly diagnosed dysrhythmia associated with poor performance in horses, while atrial tachycardia is rarely documented. Here, we describe a case of sudden death in a horse with atrial tachycardia following the oral administration of flecainide acetate, after the lack of response to other antiarrhythmic drugs. Information provided in this case report is new and will make clinicians aware of the potential complications of flecainide alone or in combination with other drugs, in horses with cardiac dysrhythmias.
Nonlinear polynomial systems: multiple roots and their multiplicities

We present methods for the computation of roots of univariate and bivariate nonlinear polynomial systems as well as the identification of their multiplicity. We first present an algorithm, called the TDB algorithm, which computes the values and the multiplicities of roots of a univariate polynomial. The procedure is based on the concept of the degree of a certain Gauss map, which is deduced from the polynomial itself. In the bivariate case, we use a combination of resultants and our procedure for the univariate case, as the basis for developing an algorithm for locating the roots and computing their multiplicities. Our methods are robust and global in nature. Complexity analysis of the proposed methods is included together with comparison with standard subdivision methods. Examples illustrate our techniques.
A Long-Term Hydrologically Based Dataset of Land Surface Fluxes and States for the Conterminous United States: Update and Extensions*

AbstractThis paper describes a publicly available, long-term (1915–2011), hydrologically consistent dataset for the conterminous United States, intended to aid in studies of water and energy exchanges at the land surface. These data are gridded at a spatial resolution of latitude/longitude and are derived from daily temperature and precipitation observations from approximately 20 000 NOAA Cooperative Observer (COOP) stations. The available meteorological data include temperature, precipitation, and wind, as well as derived humidity and downwelling solar and infrared radiation estimated via algorithms that index these quantities to the daily mean temperature, temperature range, and precipitation, and disaggregate them to 3-hourly time steps. Furthermore, the authors employ the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model to produce 3-hourly estimates of soil moisture, snow water equivalent, discharge, and surface heat fluxes. Relative to an earlier similar dataset by Maurer and others, the improved dataset h...
Targeted Studies as a Learning Tool in Outcomes Assessment

Authors discuss the need for increased analytical skills in the current medical environment and suggest a method which combines the use of targeted studies and Internet communication as part of graduate medical education. Advantages of such a program include involvement of the private sector in clinical outcome studies, improvements in the design of clinical studies and publications and the early development of skills in interpreting and evaluating literature. A further goal would be the development of an understanding of the principles underlying, to the extent that it is possible, unbiased assessment of one's own clinical practices.
Nutritional formula improved immune profiles of seniors living in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether an experimental nutritional formula (EXP) supports immune function in seniors living in long-term care facilities. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted September 2002 through January 2003. SETTING: North central Florida nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects aged 65 and older (n=157). INTERVENTION: Subjects received 240 mL/d of EXP or standard liquid nutrition (CON) for 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after an influenza vaccination. MEASUREMENTS: Influenza vaccine antibody responses, immunophenotyping, lymphocyte activation, cytokines, and clinical measures (fever, number of prescribed antibiotics). RESULTS: Ninety-two subjects (n=40, CON; n=52, EXP) completed the study. Geometric mean antibody titers were similar between groups, yet the percentage of subjects with H1N1 antibody titers greater than 100 postvaccination was higher in the EXP group than in the CON group (43% vs 23%, P=.047). Similar trends were found for the percentage of subjects (intent to treat) with fourfold increases against the B/Hong Kong component (64% vs 46%, P=.09) or with H3N2 antibody titers of 40 or more (97% vs 89%, P=.06). EXP subjects had higher levels of influenza-activated lymphocytes (CD69+and CD25+). Cytokine production after mitogen activation was lower in EXP than CON subjects (interleukin (IL)-6: 20±3 vs 29±3 ng/mL, P=.045; IL-10: 310±60 vs 603±140 pg/mL, P=.06). Fewer EXP subjects were treated for fever (5% vs 16%, P=.02) or prescribed antibiotics (7 vs 11 new antibiotics/100 days of study, P=.06). CONCLUSION: Seniors consuming the EXP formula demonstrated enhanced immune function, indicated by increased influenza vaccine response and lymphocyte activation, less fever, and fewer newly prescribed antibiotics than those consuming a standard ready-to-drink nutritional supplement.
Introduction to Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is perhaps the most common of all valvular heart diseases in the developed nations of the world. Once primarily caused by rheumatic fever, the most common pathogenesis today is an active inflammatory process with some features that are similar to atherosclerosis. Because of this shift, the age at onset of severe obstruction has changed from the sixth decade 50 years ago to the eighth decade in most individuals today. The onset of symptoms remains a key determinant of outcome, although the later age at onset may make it difficult to discern if aortic stenosis or other age-related comorbidities is the cause of the symptoms. Once symptoms of aortic stenosis develop, life expectancy is shortened to ≈3 years unless the mechanical obstruction to left ventricular outflow is relieved by aortic valve replacement. Traditionally performed during cardiac surgery, aortic valve replacement now may be performed safely and effectively using transcatheter techniques, potentially revolutionizing the approach to this potentially fatal disease.
Probabilities for the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test statistic*

Kolmogorov-Srnirnov one-sample test isappropriate fortesting goodness of fit of a hypothesized population distributionto a sampled population distribution (Bradley, 1968; Siegel,1956; lar, 1974).If F(X) is the hypothesized cumulative frequency of thevariable X [i.e., F(X) is the number of cases expected to be lessthan or equal to XJ, and S(X) is the observed cumulativefrequency of X [i.e., S(X) is the number of cases in the samplewhich are less than or equal to X], thenD
Phosphorylation of proteoglycans from human articular cartilage by a camp-dependent protein kinase

Purified proteoglycan subunits from human articular, bovine articular and nasal cartilages, and a rat chondrosarcoma were phosphorylated in vitro by beef heart cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the presence of gamma 32P-ATP. In these experiments, a maximum of 1.7 moles of 32P were incorporated per mole of proteoglycan from human cartilage. Phosphorylation was dependent on the presence of cAMP. Analysis by autoradiography revealed that serine residues in the core protein of the proteoglycan were the sites of phosphorylation. Treatment of proteoglycan subunits with chondroitinase ABC and alkaline phosphatase prior to reaction with cAMP-dependent protein kinase increased the incorporation of 32P by 12-30% when compared with untreated proteoglycans. These data indicate that proteoglycans in cartilage can be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
On the Correlation of Analytical and Experimental Free Shear Layer Similarity Profiles by Spread Rate Parameters

Free shear layer similarity flow profiles correlation for turbulent isobaric jet mixing by spread rate parameters, using viscosity models
Students Reach beyond Expectations with Cafeteria Style Grading

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that cafeteria style grading actually provides a course structure which encourages students to go beyond expectations. Design/methodology/approach – Three instructors offered a total of 13 sections of a general education science class called “Fundamentals of Technology” from January 2012 to December 2013 using a cafeteria-style grading method. This means students get to choose to do those assignments, quizzes or tests that appeal to their own learning interests or styles and do not need to complete all the assignments to get an A grade. Rather, they complete those assignments desired in order to earn the applicable points. This paper researches the combined results of over 400 students to assess the success of cafeteria style grading. Findings – These instructors found that half the students overall obtain an A grade and 9 percent of all students actually go above and beyond the requirements of an A grade by at least 5 percent. Actually, about 4 percent of students complete more than is required by an additional 10 percent or more. Originality/value – Cafeteria style grading is a little researched methodology for student assessment. The research shows that cafeteria style grading actually provides a course structure which encourages students to go beyond expectations.