cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel aspects of the role of the liver in carbohydrate metabolism

Malfunction of the liver is a central factor in metabolic disease. Glucose production by liver is complex and controlled via indirect mechanisms; insulin regulates adipose tissue lipolysis, and free fatty acids in turn regulate liver glucose output. This latter concept is confirmed by studies in L-Akt-Foxo1 knockout mice. The adipocyte is a likely locus of hepatic insulin resistance. Also, kidneys play a role in regulating glucose production; denervated kidneys abrogate the effect of fat feeding to cause insulin resistance. Glucose itself is an important regulator of liver metabolism ("glucose effectiveness"); after entering liver, glucose is phosphorylated and can be exported as lactate. Using the dynamic glucose/lactate relationship, we have been able to estimate glucose effectiveness in intact animals and human subjects. Families have been identified with a glucokinase regulatory protein defect; modeling demonstrates elevated glucokinase activity. Insulin clearance by liver is highly variable among normal individuals, and is under environmental control: high fat diet reduces clearance by 30%. Liver insulin clearance is significantly lower in African American (AA) adults and children compared to European American participants, accounting for fasting hyperinsulinemia in AA. We hypothesize that reduced hepatic insulin clearance causes peripheral insulin resistance and increased Type 2 diabetes in AA.
Laparoscopic Management of Acute Appendicitis

Over the last 10–15 years, the management of appendicitis in childhood has changed with regard to diagnosis and therapy. From the first report of conventional appendectomy in 1894 for decades, appendectomy through an incision as described by McBurney [1] has been the gold standard in surgical treatment of (suspected) acute appendicitis. The implementation of ultrasound, scoring systems to support the surgical indication, and minimal invasive techniques for surgery since the 1980s which nowadays range from conventional laparoscopy to single-site surgery have had major impact in the treatment of appendicitis. The aim is to propose practical clinical guidelines for the current gold standard of laparoscopic appendectomy.
Real world evidence in cardiovascular medicine: ensuring data validity in electronic health record-based studies.

Objective With growing availability of digital health data and technology, health-related studies are increasingly augmented or implemented using real world data (RWD). Recent federal initiatives promote the use of RWD to make clinical assertions that influence regulatory decision-making. Our objective was to determine whether traditional real world evidence (RWE) techniques in cardiovascular medicine achieve accuracy sufficient for credible clinical assertions, also known as "regulatory-grade" RWE. Design Retrospective observational study using electronic health records (EHR), 2010-2016. Methods A predefined set of clinical concepts was extracted from EHR structured (EHR-S) and unstructured (EHR-U) data using traditional query techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, respectively. Performance was evaluated against manually annotated cohorts using standard metrics. Accuracy was compared to pre-defined criteria for regulatory-grade. Differences in accuracy were compared using Chi-square test. Results The dataset included 10 840 clinical notes. Individual concept occurrence ranged from 194 for coronary artery bypass graft to 4502 for diabetes mellitus. In EHR-S, average recall and precision were 51.7% and 98.3%, respectively and 95.5% and 95.3% in EHR-U, respectively. For each clinical concept, EHR-S accuracy was below regulatory-grade, while EHR-U met or exceeded criteria, with the exception of medications. Conclusions Identifying an appropriate RWE approach is dependent on cohorts studied and accuracy required. In this study, recall varied greatly between EHR-S and EHR-U. Overall, EHR-S did not meet regulatory grade criteria, while EHR-U did. These results suggest that recall should be routinely measured in EHR-based studes intended for regulatory use. Furthermore, advanced data and technologies may be required to achieve regulatory grade results.
"Con Mucho Sacrificio, We Give Them Everything We Can": The Strategic Day-To-Day Sacrifices of Undocumented Latina/o Parents.

In this research article, Stephany Cuevas explores how undocumented Latina/o parents are engaged in their children's higher education goals and aspirations. Specifically, she investigates how the c...
Antiepileptic drug effects on subjective and objective cognition.

Abstract Rationale Cognitive impairment is one of the most common complaints for persons with epilepsy (PWE). These impairments are not only associated with seizures, but are also regularly reported as adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Previous studies have examined cognitive effects of both AED monotherapy and polytherapy, yet there is limited research on these differences with respect to both subjective and objective cognition. The current study uses data from previous research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network collaborative. We used three distinct archival datasets from the following: (1) the HOBSCOTCH efficacy trial at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (HOB-1), (2) the multisite replication trial (HOB-2), and (3) epilepsy self-management research conducted at the NYU School of Medicine. Methods This retrospective analysis combined baseline data from three datasets to determine how the number of AEDs and the type of AEDs were associated with subjective (patient-reported) and objective (examiner-assessed) cognition. Subjective cognition was captured using the cognitive subscale of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) in all three datasets (n = 224), while objective cognition was measured using the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) in the HOB-1 dataset (n = 65) and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) in the HOB-2 dataset (n = 91). Multivariable linear regression was utilized for our initial assessments, followed by propensity score matching to provide stronger control of covariates. Matching was based on significantly different covariates, such as education, depression, and history of prior epilepsy surgery. Nonparametric statistical tests were utilized to compare these matched subjects. Results Subjective cognitive impairment was significantly worse among individuals on polytherapy (2 + AEDs) compared with those on monotherapy (1 AED) (adjusted p = 0.041). These findings were consistent with our propensity score matched comparison of monotherapy and polytherapy, which indicated that polytherapy was associated with worse overall subjective cognition (adjusted p = 0.01), in addition to impairments on the RBANS (Total score p = 0.05) and specific subdomains of the BTACT (Episodic Verbal Memory p Conclusions A greater number of AEDs is significantly and negatively associated with subjective and objective cognition in PWE, and is in line with previous research. Antiepileptic drug type did not, in itself, appear to be associated with subjective cognition. Our findings suggest that ineffective AEDs should be replaced, rather than introducing additional AEDs to a treatment regimen. Further, while subjective and objective cognition assessments were both sensitive at detecting differences based on AED status, the neuropsychological objective subdomains offer additional and specific insights into how cognition is impaired with AEDs.
The Impact of Persistent Climate Crisis on the mobility of Rural Bangladeshi Communities: How Far Would They be Able to Move and Sustain?

This study finds that the ongoing climate change causes huge displacement for the rural and underserved communities in Bangladesh and that results in a huge increase in both urbanization and migration nationally. The issue of ability to move and adjust in urban communities for the Bangladeshi displaced rural communities become a huge national crisis and severely affects the overall socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Finally, this paper finds strong historical evidence that the triple mobility crisis impacts the overall socio-economic development of Bangladesh negatively between 2007-2017 and continues to affect the development goals. This study recommends evidence-based recommendations to minimize the impacts of the triple mobility crisis and support and assist the affected population more effectively and purposefully.
Shear-wave velocity structure beneath Alaska from a Bayesian joint inversion of Sp receiver functions and Rayleigh wave phase velocities

Abstract The present-day lithospheric structure of Alaska is the result of a unique tectonic history of subduction and terrane accretion that controls upper plate thickness and rheology. To provide new constraints on the structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Alaska, we jointly inverted Sp receiver functions and Rayleigh wave phase velocities to calculate shear-wave velocity profiles. Robust Sp receiver functions were obtained using a broad range of frequencies (2–100 s), time-domain deconvolution, and K-means cluster analysis. Tests of the Bayesian joint inversion with synthetic data illustrate that Sp receiver functions enhance the resolution of the velocity gradients at the Moho and the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, while Rayleigh surface waves provide information about absolute velocities. Our results show that in central Alaska, above the shallow slab, the continental lithosphere is thinnest (∼60 km) and the asthenosphere has its lowest velocities. This zone coincides with the Denali Volcanic Gap. The continental lithosphere thickens to the north beneath the Brooks Range and the northern Arctic Alaska terrane, reaching values of 110 to 130 km, with high lithospheric velocities that are comparable to Archean cratons. This pattern is consistent with a northward decrease in upper plate modification by melt and volatiles derived from the slab, in addition to intrinsic mantle velocity and viscosity differences between inherited lithospheric terranes. Lithospheric and asthenospheric velocities are not significantly different inside and outside of the Denali Volcanic Gap, but at the boundaries of this region lithospheric thickness increases rapidly to the north and gradually to the south. In the south, the subducting Yakutat plate is thicker (∼100–120 km) than the subducting Pacific plate (∼80–90 km), likely due to its thicker crust.
Institutional Ethnography: A Theory of Practice for Writing Studies Researchers: Michelle LaFrance. Logan, UT: Utah State U P, 2019. 151 Pages. $22.95 paperback.

Institutional ethnography, a research methodology originally developed in sociology by Dorothy Smith, has entered writing studies with Michelle LaFrance’s Institutional Ethnography: A Theory of Pra...
Nasser in the Egyptian Imaginary

Examines representations of Gamal Abdel Nasser in Egyptian novels, short stories, autobiographies and films.The late President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser (1918-1970), has been represented in many major works of Egyptian literature and film, and continues to have a presence in everyday life and discourse in the country. Omar Khalifah's analysis of these representations focuses on how the historical character of Nasser has emerged in the Egyptian imaginary. He explores the recurrent images of Nasser in literature and film and shows how Nasser constitutes a perfect site for plural interpretations. He argues that Nasser has become a rhetorical device, a figure of speech, a trope that connotes specific images constantly invoked whenever he is mentioned. His study makes a case for literature and art to be seen as alternative archives that question, erase, distort and add to the official history of Nasser.Key FeaturesContributes to the ongoing debate on Nasser and his relevance to modern EgyptiansTraces, contextualizes, and analyses the making of Nasser's image(s) in creative productions including novels, short stories, autobiographies and filmShows how Nasser functions for many Egyptians as a site of memory at times disconnected from the real historical figure he once was
Asymptotic Risk and Bayes Risk of Thresholding and Superefficient Estimates and Optimal Thresholding

The classic superefficient estimate of Hodges for a one dimensional normal mean and the modern hard thresholding estimates introduced in the works of David Donoho and Iain Johnstone exhibit some well known risk phenomena. They provide quantifiable improvement over the MLE near zero, but also suffer from risk inflation suitably away from zero. Classic work of Le Cam and Hajek has precisely pinned down certain deep and fundamental aspects of these risk phenomena.
Discussion of the Comparative Physiology of Serotonin and Melatonin

Publisher Summary This chapter proposes two associations to the action of 5-HT: an association with cytoplasmic microtubules and an association with high-energy nucleotides. Inasmuch as the microtubular systems are considered transducers of energy into intracellular movements, these two biological associations can be further generalized into a single association of 5-HT with the disposition of high-energy nucleotides. Furthermore, because all cells contain some form of high-energy nucleotides, the path is opened to find a functional role for 5-HT in virtually every cell. In the central nervous system, neurotubules occur almost universally among neurons, while the cellular distribution of 5-HT appears to be systematically specific. Serotonin has antitumor effects but the unknown mechanism of this action is certainly defective in the carcinoid syndrome. In the area of energy metabolism, 5-HT is associated in the production of free fatty acids from fat. 5-HT-like fluorescence is in the pancreas and that certain beta cells are innervated by granular vesicle-containing neuritis. Depletion of pineal 5-HT is much faster than depletion of brain 5-HT, the pineals drop to less than 10% of control (morning) levels in one day, while NE levels are unchanged. By specific depletion of 5-HT, as with p-chlorophenylalanine, it is now possible to examine the proposed cellular sites, at which the amine may act normally, for dysfunction in a state of 5-HT deficiency.
Materials, Structure, and Dynamics of Insect Wings as Bioinspiration for MAVs

Insect wings are complex, deformable structures that change shape dynamically during flight. Muscles are restricted to the wing base – thus, shape changes are largely passive, determined by the interaction between the wing's architecture and the aerodynamic and inertial forces associated with flapping flight. Because insect wing structure reflects numerous evolutionary trade-offs and constraints, no single wing represents the “optimal” design for flight, but particular features may enhance certain aspects of flapping flight performance. Wings are primarily composed of tubular supporting veins and deformable membranes, with diverse material and structural properties. Venation pattern and planform shape vary widely, and wings display three-dimensional corrugation, camber, and twist. Specialized features such as flexion lines, one-way hinges, patches of rubber-like protein, and inertial balancers contribute to patterns of wing deformation during flight. Spatial variation in mechanical properties and “smart” structures promote and control dynamic camber generation, transverse bending, and torsional waves. The effects of wing structure and dynamic shape changes on unsteady aerodynamic force production remain unknown, and their exploration requires the development of novel experimental tools. Keywords: insect wings; material; structure; shape; flexibility; deformation; bending; camber; torsion; dynamics
Theoretical reaction paths for cation radical cycloadditions : The [3+2] or role-reversed cation radical diels-alder

Abstract An extended basis set ab initio reaction path calculation for the prototype role-reversed cation radical Diels-Alder reveals that even this symmetry-forbidden cyclization mode proceeds without activation, at least in the gas phase. An intermediate, termed a long-bond complex, is encountered on the path, but the energy minimum is so shallow that the reaction is considered likely to be concerted when entropy effects are considered. The calculation further reveals that the factor which importantly distinguishes the role-reversed cycloaddition mode from the allowed cycloaddition mode, namely, the presence of charge predominantly on the diene moiety as contrasted to the dienophilic moiety, is maintained well along the reaction path and even in the long-bond intermediate. Competition between the role-reversed Diels-Alder and a competing [2+1] cyclobutane cycloaddition is envisioned.
A 19 element cryogenic phased array feed for the Green Bank Telescope

A low-noise cryogenic phased array feed (PAF) is in development for the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). The feed consists of electrically small elements tuned to operate near 1.4 GHz and optimized for active impedance matching to cooled front end low noise amplifiers (LNAs). A prototype cryogenic PAF with analog fiber link, down-converters and streaming data acquisition system was recently tested on the GBT. Preliminary results are presented. These efforts form an important step towards the development of a new receiver system, the focal L-band array for the GBT (FLAG).
Reproductive morphology and Spermatogenesis in Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer) (Acari: Dermanyssidae).

Sperm induction pores, tubuli annulati, rami sacculi, sacculus foemineus, cornu sacculus and acantho-membranous hood in female Dermanyssus gallinae support the probability of coxal insemination as reported for some other mesostigmatid species. Development of the circular testis in males (from fusion of two anterolaterally projecting protonymphal testicular arms) and formation of haploid (n = 3) spermatids from haploid (n = 3) spermatogonial cells is entirely mitotic. Spermatogenesis begins within one hour after protonymphal feeding and continues through adult ecdysis in normally fed individuals. Nutritional deficit causes cessation of spermatogenic divisions in deutonymphs starved 23 days, but is rapidly rejuvenated upon feeding. No rejuvenation of division was observed in adult males given the opportunity to feed, thus adult males might not feed.
The Third Eye: Race, Cinema, and Ethnographic Spectacle; Experimental Ethnography: The Work of Film in the Age of Video

The Third Eye: Race, Cinema, and Ethnographic Spectacle. Fatimah Tobing Rony. Durham: Duke University Press, 1996. 300 pp. Experimental Ethnography: The Work of Film in the Age of Video. Catherine Russell. Durham: Duke University Press, 1999.391 pp.
A solid-state device for eliminating electrical noise and biopotentials in electromyographic (EMG) recordings

A small, low-cost, integrated circuit device is described. This circuit reduces electrical noise, such as that produced from a poor electrode-skin interface and power-line interference (60 Hz). Advantages of this device, with regard to use in electrically noisy environments and with long cables, are discussed.
Continuous Adjoint Approach for Adaptive Mesh Refinement

At present, all output-based mesh adaptation methods in the existing literature have adopted the discrete adjoint approach which, depending on the structure of the code, could be very complex to implement. In this work, we aim to investigate the continuous adjoint approach for adaptive mesh refinement, with an application to the compressible Euler equations. Both the primal and the adjoint equations are solved with the high-order spectral difference (SD) method. The approach is tested on steady subsonic and transonic flows over a NACA0012 airfoil on a C-mesh with p-refinement and isotropic h-refinement. The performance is assessed by looking at the trend of the local estimated error, as well as by the accuracy of capturing local flow features (e.g. shocks).
Randomized clinical trial of a family intervention for prostate cancer patients and their spouses.

BACKGROUND. Few intervention studies have been conducted to help couples manage the effects of prostate cancer and maintain their quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine whether a family-based intervention could improve appraisal variables (appraisal of illness or caregiving, uncertainty, hopelessness), coping resources (coping strategies, self-efficacy, communication), symptom distress, and quality of life in men with prostate cancer and their spouses. METHODS. For this clinical trial, 263 patient-spouse dyads were stratified by research site, phase of illness, and treatment; then, they were randomized to the control group (standard care) or the experimental group (standard care plus a 5session family intervention). The intervention targeted couples’ communication, hope, coping, uncertainty, and symptom management. The final sample consisted of 235 couples: 123 couples in the control group and 112 couples in the experimental group. Data collection occurred at baseline before randomization and
Fraternal polyandry and fertility in a high Himalayan valley in Northwest Nepal

The manner in which cultural factors affect fertility has become an important area of anthropological concern. In this article, it will be shown that while fraternal polyandry does not affect individual fertility it does have a significant depressing effect on aggregate fertility and functions, unperceived and unintended, as an important mechanism for reducing population growth.
Immune cell CD62L and CD11a expression in response to a psychological stressor in human hypertension.

Abstract This study examined the effects of hypertension and an acute psychological stressor on white blood cells and their expression of CD62L and CD11a. Seventeen mild hypertensive and 23 normotensive volunteers were studied prior to and following a standardized laboratory public speech. In response to the speech, all subjects increased the number of circulating leukocyte populations ( p ’s ). Patients with hypertension increased the number of circulating white blood cells more than normotensives (p
[Comment on “A misuse of public funds: U.N. support for geomagnetic forecasting of earthquakes and meteorological disasters”] Comment: Earthquake prediction is worthy of study

Imagine a densely populated region in the contiguous United States haunted over the past 25 years by nine big earthquakes of magnitudes 5.5 to 7.8, killing hundreds of thousands of people. Imagine further that in a singularly glorious instance a daring prediction effort, based on some scientifically poorly understood natural phenomena, led to the evacuation of a major city just 13 hours before an M = 7.8 earthquake hit. None of the inhabitants of the evacuated city died, while in the surrounding, nonevacuated communities 240,000 were killed and about 600,000 seriously injured. Imagine at last that, tragically, the prediction of the next earthquake of a similar magnitude failed, as well as the following one, at great loss of life. If this were an American scenario, the scientific community and the public at large would buzz with the glory of that one successful, life-saving earthquake prediction effort and with praise for American ingenuity The fact that the next predictions failed would likely have energized the public, the political bodies, the scientists, and the funding agencies alike to go after a recalcitrant Earth, to poke into her deep secrets with all means at the scientists' disposal, and to retrieve even the faintest signals that our restless planet may send out prior to unleashing her deadly punches.
Simulation: An overview

Simulation is one of the most powerful analytical tools available to managers of complex systems.We define what simulation is and what it is not.We will define simulation as the process of designing a model of a real system and conducting experiments with this model for the purpose either of understanding the behavior of the system, or of evaluating various strategies for the operation of the system. Thus we understand the process of simulation to include both the construction of the model and the analytical use of the model for studying a problem. The types of systems that can be simulated are those that are either in existence or capable of being brought into existence. Therefore, systems in the preliminary or planning stage can be modeled as well as those already in existence.
Long-period tidal variations in the length of day

A new model of long-period tidal variations in length of day is developed. The model comprises 80 spectral lines with periods between 18.6 years and 4.7 days, and it consistently includes effects of mantle anelasticity and dynamic ocean tides for all lines. The anelastic properties follow Wahr and Bergen; experimental confirmation for their results now exists at the fortnightly period, but there remains uncertainty when extrapolating to the longest periods. The ocean modeling builds on recent work with the fortnightly constituent, which suggests that oceanic tidal angular momentum can be reliably predicted at these periods without data assimilation. This is a critical property when modeling most long-period tides, for which little observational data exist. Dynamic ocean effects are quite pronounced at shortest periods as out-of-phase rotation components become nearly as large as in-phase components. The model is tested against a 20 year time series of space geodetic measurements of length of day. The current international standard model is shown to leave significant residual tidal energy, and the new model is found to mostly eliminate that energy, with especially large variance reduction for constituents Sa, Ssa, Mf, and Mt.
P02-205 - A comparative study related to the effects of alcohol, location and stranger on sexual assault in college women at university of northern colorado (UNC), USA

Introduction Alcohol involves 50% of sexual assault among college students. Eighty-five percent of on-campus rapes are acquaintance rapes. According to Bohmer and Parrot 25% of college women have experienced forced sex at some time during their college careers. Objective To determine the relationship between alcohol, location and stranger with sexual assault in college women at UNC. Aim To compare sexual assault in which alcohol was consumed versus assault in which alcohol was not consumed, assault which occurred on campus versus off campus, and friend versus stranger assault. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. Data was collected from 2003–2007. Students surveyed were undergraduates and graduates selected on the basis of non probability convenient sampling. Sample size calculation was done using the W.H.O. software where α = 0.05, 1-Beta = 90, Po = 0.55, Pa = 0.35, n (sample size) = 52. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for the dependent variable of sexual assault with a threshold for selection of p Results Friend assault had a high prevalence of assault than stranger assault (35/84; 41.66% v 17/84; 20.23; p Conclusion Alcohol increases the probability of sexual assault if the students are on campus and have friendship with the perpetrator.
Reactions leading to the formation of O-3 on magnesium oxide

Abstract Ozonide ions were observed on MgO upon irradiation (254 nm) in the presence of O 2 at 25°C or upon reaction of O - 2 on the surface with N 2 O at 100°C. In the former case on O - 2 intermediate is photodissociated to O and O - . The latter subsequently reacts with O 2 forming O - 3 .
A Differential Evolution Based Flexible QoS Multicast Routing Algorithm in NGI

Taking the characteristics of difficulty on exact measurement and complete expression of NGI (Next Generation Internet) into account, a flexible QoS multicast routing algorithm based on DE (Differential Evolution) is presented with introduction of principle of fuzzy mathematics. The corresponding model and its mathematical description are introduced. Under inaccurate information of QoS parameters and users? flexible QoS constraints, the proposed algorithm tries to find the multicast tree with maximum reliability degree and user?s QoS satisfaction degree. Simulation results have shown that the proposed algorithm is both feasible and effective.
Factors Associated with the Health and Well-being of Dementia Caregivers

Caregiving for persons with dementia has been associated with exacerbated stress and burden that can impact the health and well-being of those providing care. Spouses and adult children are the majority of these caregivers and their needs and vulnerabilities often differ. In addition, ethnicity and race are also factors that can influence caregiver needs and responses. This paper reviews recent studies on caregiver well-being, relationships, and ethnicity and interventions that may support those in caregiving roles.
Solvent effects on the elasticity of polysaccharide molecules in disordered and ordered states by single-molecule force spectroscopy

Abstract Single-molecule force spectroscopy, especially as implemented on an atomic force microscopy (AFM) platform is unique in its ability to apply small ( F F >1000 pN) stretching forces to individual polymer chains and in this way examines their elasticity and also reports force-induced conformational transitions in whole polymers and in their building blocks. In this paper, we briefly review recent applications of single-molecule force spectroscopy to the study of polysaccharides elasticity. We provide examples illustrating AFM measurements of solvent effects on the hydrogen bonding and the elasticity of individual polysaccharides and how molecular dynamics simulation can aid the interpretation of AFM results. We also discuss the use of single-molecule force spectroscopy in exploring ordered secondary structures of individual polysaccharide chains and their multi-strand complexes.
Erie Canal Technology: Stump Pullers

Many years ago I saw a picture of a huge set of wheels that was used to remove tree stumps during the construction of the Erie Canal (1817–1825) and was intrigued by its use of leverage, mechanical advantage, and torque. Figure 1 is a scale model of the device based on my memory of the (lost) picture and published accounts.1
Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infections in Dogs: A Case Series

Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi has been occasionally identified as a cause of neurological or renal disease in dogs, but cases are not well documented in the United States. The medical records from a state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for 19 cases of fatal encephalitozoonosis in puppies were reviewed. Clinical histories included depression, inappetence, and progressive neurological signs of short duration. Histopathological evaluation showed brain and renal lesions typical of encephalitis and nephritis, respectively. Molecular analyses of parasites from 13 cases confirmed the identity of the organisms as E. cuniculi strain III. This parasite may be an underdiagnosed cause of fatal canine neurological or renal disease.
An analysis of cocaine effects on locomotor activities and heart rate in four inbred mouse strains

The effects of cocaine on Y-maze activity and heart rate have been examined in four inbred strains of mouse (BALB, C57BL, C3H and DBA). In addition, brain [3H]-cocaine concentrations were measured at the time of maximal response to cocaine. Cocaine produced a dose-related increase in Y-maze cross activity in C3H, DBA and C57BL, with C3H mice being considerably more sensitive than DBA or C57BL. Cocaine was without effect on Y-maze cross activity in BALB mice. Cocaine produced a biphasic effect on rearing activity in C3H mice, a dose related depression in BALB mice, and was without effect on C57BL and DBA mice. At the highest dose studied (15 mg/kg), cocaine produced a small decrease in heart rate in C3H mice. Strain differences in behavior were maximal 15 minutes after a dose of 5 mg/kg, IP. At this dose and time interval, brain [3H]-cocaine concentrations were not significantly different among the four strains of mice. The results suggest a genetically-determined difference in CNS sensitivity to cocaine.
The Lensman microscope: tool or toy?

The experience of using the Lensman microscope for 1 year indicates that this inexpensive, pocket-sized instrument, which can be used at the bedside or in the out-patients department, can assess the quality of needle aspirates although it is not suitable for making definitive cytological diagnoses.
A Natural Convection Problem Arising From the Study of Flame-Bubbles

The authors describe numerical solutions of the flow-field generated by heat sources distributed continuously over a spherical surface that is rising at a fixed speed in a viscous fluid. This is a model for small, highly curved flames of the type that can be supported by very lean hydrogen/air mixtures (flame-bubbles). Heat swept into the wake behind the sphere generates finite disturbances at downstream infinity, and the boundary conditions there should be chosen accordingly. They compare results obtained in this way with results generated by imposing uniform conditions (Dirichlet or Neumann) at the downstream boundary.
Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients without HIV Infection, New York City

We reviewed medical records of patients without known HIV and with positive cultures for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated during 2000-2003 from 1 large hospital in New York, New York. Overall, 505 patients had positive NTM cultures; 119 (24%) met the criteria for NTM disease. The difference between demographic characteristics of case-patients in our study (66% female, 61% white, and 59% > 60 years of age) and those of the base population as determined by regional census data was statistically significant. Estimated incidences for positive cultures, all disease, and respiratory tract disease were 17.7, 2.7, and 2.0 per 100,000 persons, respectively. More patients with rapidly growing mycobacteria (61%), Mycobacterium kansasii (70%), or M. marinum (100%) met criteria for disease than did patients with M. avium complex (MAC) (27%, (p < 0.01). NTM disease in patients without HIV is increasing. Laboratory-based surveillance may be useful for detecting non-MAC and non-respiratory tract disease.
Mortality contribution of insect natural enemies to successive generations of Ips calligraphus (Germar) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) in loblolly pine

The number of Ips calligraphus adults emerging from bolts exposed to insect associates during the within-tree portion of the beetles' life cycle was greatly reduced compared to the number emerging from bolts with insect associates excluded. Mortality was consistently high in the late larval, pupal, and callow adult stages in exposed bolts. Mortality in the egg, early-larval, and mid-larval stages varied with month. Greater mortality occurred later in the life cycle of larval beetles completing development in May and earlier in the life cycle of those completing development in June and July. This suggests the presence of additional insect natural-enemy species or increased effectiveness of existing enemies due to synchronization of insect natural enemy and I. calligraphus life cycles as the season progresses. Zusammenfassung Zur Mortalitats-Anteil der naturlichen Feinde bei aufeinanderfolgenden Generationen von Ips calligraphus (Germ.) (Col., Scolytidae) Die Zahl der Kafer von Ips calligraphus, die aus Stammabschnitten schlupften, zu denen andere Insekten Zugang hatten, war gegenuber Abschnitten ohne Insektenzugang stark reduziert. Die Sterblichkeit war stetig hoch bei den Altlarven, Puppen und unreifen Kafern, wahrend sie bei den Eiern sowie Jung- und Mittellarven monatsabhangig variierte. Kafer, die im Mai ihre Entwicklung abschlossen, zeigten hohere Mortalitat als solche, die erst im Juni und Juli fertig waren. Dies deutet auf das Auftreten zusatzlicher naturlicher Borkenkaferfeinde oder die Erhohung der Wirkung vorhandener Feinde auf Grund einer Synchronisation zwischen Ips calligraphus und seinen Feinden mit dem Fortschreiten der Saison hin.
Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine: 21-Year review of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tumor characteristics and treatment associated with an improved overall survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine.
Continuous antibiotic fermentation—design of a 20 litre, single‐stage pilot plant and trials with two contrasting processes

The feasibility of producing antibiotics by single-stage continuous fermentation was explored by means of a specially designed pilot plant. Both the chloramphenicol and penicillin processes appeared adaptable to such an operation. At dilution rates of 1·0 and 0·5 volume changes per day respectively, yields of from ¼ to ½ of the maxima obtained in batch operation were maintained in the steady-state for more than 2 weeks.
Lymphocyte selection by starvation: glucose metabolism and cell death

It has recently been shown by Ciaofani and Zuniga-Pflucker that the Notch signaling pathway is important in the regulation of thymocyte glucose metabolism during β-selection. Control of cell metabolism has key roles in the regulation of cell death pathways. Changes in glucose metabolism might affect cell death pathways and be crucial in the development and selection of T lymphocytes.
Microscopic and macroscopic loops in non-perturbative two dimensional gravity

Two-dimensional quantum gravity is relevant both for string theory and as a toy model of higher-dimensional quantum gravity. The definition of pure 2D quantum gravity and quantum gravity coupled to matter in terms of matrix models1 is very explicit and rigorous. Matrix realizations of pure gravity and gravity coupled to certain minimal conformai field theories (and their massive deformations) can be solved by the application of large-N techniques. Recently, an exact expression for the specific heat of some of these models was found in the continuum limit.2-6 In this chapter, we will show that the correlation functions of operators in these models can also be easily computed. We distinguish between two kinds of operators, microscopic and macroscopic loops. By microscopic loops we mean expressions like Tr M p in the matrix models with p finite. They contain all the information about integrals over the surface of local operators.
Useful applications of international event analysis

Computing came into political science at an uneven pace and piecemeal. Early applications in the nineteen fifties centered on political phenomena with obvious quantitative characteristics, voting results above all. Thus, computing served early in the studies of the data of national and state elections, of legislative decisions, judicial behavior, and United Nations voting records. Another conjunction occurred in the work of public opinion polling, spreading from the home ground of pre-election surveys to many other aspects of public affairs.
Selected biological activities of novel selenonium choline analogs

Abstract 1. 1. The novel choline analogs selenonium choline (SeCh) and acetylselenonium choline (ASeCh) have been examined for selected biological activities. 2. 2. ASeCh was found to be an alternative substrate for acetylcholin esterase with Km and Vmax values similar to acetylcholine. 3. 3. ASeCh and SeCh inhibited acetylthiocholine hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values similar to acetylcholine and choline. 4. 4. SeCh exerted a protective action against physostigmine and DFP induced toxicity. 5. 5. SeCh (85 mg/kg) was found to be 3 times more toxic in mice than choline.
Bendamustine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: the future is combination therapy.

Bendamustine hydrochloride is an alkylating agent recently approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This drug was initially developed decade...
Quantitative morphometry of renal biopsies prior to cyclosporine in nephrotic syndrome

Use of cyclosporine (CsA) in the management of children with steroid-resistant (SRNS) and steroid-dependent (SDNS) nephrotic syndrome has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although most children receive a renal biopsy prior to initiation of CsA, the relationship between initial renal histology and the subsequent clinical response to CsA is not known. We analyzed the correlation between pre-CsA segmental and global glomerular scarring and interstitial fibrosis and the subsequent response to CsA in 23 children (5.6±1.0 years, Mean±SEM) with SDNS (n=8) and SRNS (n=15) treated with CsA for 24.2±3.8 months and followed for 28.0±4.1 months. Complete remission was obtained in 78% of patients within 67.6±16 days, while 18% had a partial response and 4% no response. Quantitative histological analysis revealed a trend toward partial rather than complete response with increasing segmental glomerular (P=0.13), global glomerular (P=0.05), and interstitial (P=0.08) scarring, and among patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome versus IgM nephropathy versus focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Among complete responders, linear regression analyses revealed no correlation between time to response and pre-CsA glomerular or interstitial scarring. We conclude that increased glomerular or interstitial scarring on a pre-CsA renal biopsy tends to correlate with a partial, rather than complete, response to CsA in childhood nephrotic syndrome.
Data-Based Interval Hitting Program for Female College Volleyball Players

Context:Interval sports programs are a critical rehabilitation element when preparing the injured athlete for a return to preinjury activities. There is currently no published interval hitting program to guide a return to unrestricted play for the volleyball athlete. Therefore, data-based, position-specific overhead hitting programs that control for intensity, time, and number of ball strikes were developed for female college volleyball players.Evidence Acquisition:Records from a single Division I varsity women’s volleyball team were examined for all matches during 7 consecutive years of team play. Data were collected for number of hitting and service attempts per game for each position and the number of games per match.Results:Per game, middle hitters averaged 4.51 attacks and 2.77 service attempts; right-side hitters, 3.58 attacks and 1.26 service attempts; outside hitters, 6.37 attacks and 3.44 service attempts; and setters and defensive specialists, 0.17 attacks and 1.78 service attempts.Conclusion:Th...
Renaturation of SPARC expressed in Escherichia coli requires isomerization of disulfide bonds for recovery of biological activity.

Abstract SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, also known as osteonectin and BM-40) belongs to a group of secreted macromolecules that modulate cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix. During vertebrate embryogenesis, as well as in tissues undergoing remodeling and repair, the expression pattern of SPARC is consistent with a fundamental role for this protein in tissue morphogenesis and cellular differentiation. Human SPARC was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction from an endothelial cell cDNA library and was expressed in Escherichia coli as a biologically active protein. Two forms of recombinant SPARC (rSPARC) were recovered from BL21(DE3) cells after transformation with the plasmid pSPARCwt: a soluble, monomeric form that is biologically active (Bassuk et al., 1996, Archiv. Biochem. Biophys. 325, 8–19), and an insoluble form sequestered in inclusion bodies. Aggregated rSPARC was unfolded by urea treatment, purified by nickel-chelate affinity chromatography, and renatured by gradual removal of the denaturant. Proper isomerization of the disulfide bonds was achieved in the presence of a glutathione redox couple. After final purification by high resolution gel filtration chromatography, a monomeric form of rSPARC displaying biological activity was obtained. The recombinant protein inhibited the spreading and synthesis of DNA by endothelial cells, two properties characteristic of the native protein. We conclude that the information for the correct folding of rSPARC resides in the primary structure of the protein, and suggest that post-translational modifications are required neither for folding nor for biological activity.
Estimation of jeopardized left ventricular myocardium in symptomatic and silent ischemia as determined by iodine-123 phenylpentadecanoic acid rotational tomography.

Abstract Whether patients with silent myocardial ischemia have a lesser mass of ischemic myocardium than patients with symptomatic ischemia is controversial. Forty-five patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (≥70% luminal diameter narrowing) were studied. All patients had ischemic patterns of myocardial uptake and clearance of the long-chain fatty acid perfusion/metabolic imaging agent iodine-123 phenylpentadecanoic acid after maximal exercise. Single-photon emission computed tomography was performed and 25 myocardial segments were analyzed using circumferential activity profile curves. The 21 patients with silent treadmill ischemia exercised longer than the 24 patients with painful treadmill ischemia (430 ± 137 vs 337 ± 96 seconds, p
Risk Factors for Contact Lens Induced Papillary Conjunctivitis Associated with Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Wear

BACKGROUND Contact lens induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) continues to be a major cause of dropout during contact lens extended wear. This retrospective study explores risk factors for the development of CLPC during silicone hydrogel lens extended wear.
Utilization of intrinsic boron isotopes as co-migrating tracers for identifying potential nitrate contamination sources

The stable isotopes of the conservative element boron, {sup 11}B and {sup 10}B, have been employed as co-migrating isotopic tracers to trace potential sources of nitrate observed in ground water pumped from a large capacity 0.167 m{sup 3}/s irrigation well in the Avra Valley of southeastern Arizona. The isotopic ratios provided an identifying signature for two nitrogen carrying source waters: municipal waste water and agricultural return flow. Additional chemical parameters were also examined to corroborate the isotopic indications. Boron isotopes provided a superior delineation of mixing processes in the system compared to the general inorganic chemical parameters. Findings of this investigation indicate that the water pumped by the study well at the beginning of the 1993 irrigation season was composed of a mixture of approximately 25% municipal waste water and 75% background ground water. As the irrigation season progressed, an increasing proportion of water was contributed by irrigation return flow from neighboring agricultural fields.
Environmental Photochemistry on Semiconductor Surfaces: Photosensitized Degradation of a Textile Azo Dye, Acid Orange 7, on TiO2 Particles Using Visible Light

Photosensitized degradation of a textile azo dye, Acid Orange 7, has been carried out on TiO2 particles using visible light. Mechanistic details of the dye degradation have been elucidated using diffuse reflectance absorption and FTIR techniques. Degradation does not occur on Al2O3 surface or in the absence of oxygen. The dependence of the dye degradation rate on the surface coverage shows the participation of excited dye and TiO2 semiconductor in the surface photochemical process. Diffuse reflectance laser flash photolysis confirms the charge injection from the excited dye molecule into the conduction band of the semiconductor as the primary mechanism for producing oxidized dye radical. The surface-adsorbed oxygen plays an important role in scavenging photogenerated electrons, thus preventing the recombination between the oxidized dye radical and the photoinjected electrons. Diffuse reflectance FTIR was used to make a tentative identification of reaction intermediates and end products of dye degradation....