cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute insulin response is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals with both normal fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose concentrations

Background Earlier prospective studies have identified insulin action and secretion as predictors of T2DM in populations with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (2-h OGTT < 7.8 and 7.8–11 mmol/L, respectively). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), an additional and recently modified (normal <5.6 mmol/L) diagnostic criterion is associated with insulin secretion. We wanted to establish whether insulin secretion persists as an independent predictor of T2DM in individuals with no clinical evidence of impaired glucose regulation based on FPG and 2-h plasma glucose concentrations. Methods Insulin action (M, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp), insulin secretion (acute insulin response (AIR), IVGTT), and adiposity (%Fat, DXA or densitometry) were compared at baseline in 358 Pima Indians (232M/126F, 18–44 years old) with normal glucose regulation of whom 61 (35M/26F) developed diabetes (DIAB) during a median follow-up time of 7.6 years. Results In proportional-hazard analysis, % Fat (HR = 1.52, p = 0.03), M (HR = 0.51, p = 0.04) and AIR (HR = 0.64, p = 0.003) predicted the development of diabetes after adjustment for age and sex. In regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, %Fat and M at baseline, the non-diabetic group (NON-DM) had a higher AIR (p = 0.0002) than the DIAB group; the positive association of AIR with adiposity observed in the NON-DM group was absent in the DIAB group. Cumulative incidence rates (12y) for diabetes were highest (48%) in subjects with both M and AIR below the population median and lowest (11%) in subjects with both M and AIR above the population median. Conclusion AIR can predict diabetes prior to the current clinical indicators of impaired glucose regulation. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depressed cellular immune response to streptococcal antigens in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Abstract We have demonstrated progressive glomerular sclerosis during the years following subsidence of the acute manifestations of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). Since evidence of a humoral-immune basis for this progression is lacking, we have examined cell-mediated immunity directed against streptococcal protoplast membrane antigens as a possible pathogenetic mechanism. Lymphocyte transformation, utilizing highly purified streptococcal antigens from types 12 and 57 (nephritogenic strains) and type 11 (rheumatic strain), was measured by [ 14 C] thymidine incorporation in 12 patients with evidence of persistent disease 4 to 18 years after acute PSGN, and in 12 normal controls. Dose response curves with nephritogenic strains, as well as with the rheumatic strain, showed a depressed response in PSGN, especially at higher concentrations of antigen. There was no difference between the two groups in blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin-M (PHA-M), tuberculin PPD, and streptokinase-streptodornase (SKSD). The paradoxically depressed cellular-immune response to streptococcal protoplast membrane antigens in persistent PSGN may be causally related to development of the disease rather than to the occurrence of chronicity.
The Character of Play

In computer science education, we tend to emphasize the knowledge that we need to impart to our students and the skills they need to develop, but we generally fail to talk about the emotional and cultural aspects of their growth.
Structure and function of the dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter mediates uptake of dopamine into neurons and is a major target for various pharmacologically active drugs and environmental toxins. Since its cloning, much information has been obtained regarding its structure and function. Binding domains for dopamine and various blocking drugs including cocaine are likely formed by interactions with multiple amino acid residues, some of which are separate in the primary structure but lie close together in the still unknown tertiary structure. Chimera and site-directed mutagenesis studies suggest the involvement of both overlapping and separate domains in the interaction with substrates and blockers, whereas recent findings with sulfhydryl reagents selectively targeting cysteine residues support a role for conformational changes in the binding of blockers such as cocaine. The dopamine transporter can also operate in reverse, i.e. in an efflux mode, and recent mutagenesis experiments show different structural requirements for inward and outward transport. Strong evidence for dopamine transporter domains selectively influencing binding of dopamine or cocaine analogs has not yet emerged, although the development of a cocaine antagonist at the level of the transporter remains a possibility.
Relationship of Prostate-Specific Antigen Velocity to Histologic Findings in a Prostate Cancer Screening Program

OBJECTIVES For prostate cancer screening, the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity (PSAV) in conjunction with total PSA is controversial. We evaluated the relationship of PSAV to histologic findings on biopsy and assessed whether PSAV provides independent predictive information. METHODS From a community-based cohort of 25,276 men screened from 1991 to 2001, 1851 underwent a first biopsy for an elevated PSA and nonsuspicious digital rectal examination with a PSAV available from the year before biopsy. We analyzed the association between PSAV and biopsy histology. RESULTS The histologic findings on biopsy were cancer in 468 (25%), prostatic inflammation in 135 (7%), and benign prostate tissue in 1248 (68%). The cancer detection rate was associated with PSAV and, depending on PSAV, ranged from 13% to 36% (P <0.001). Among men with a PSAV less than 0.5 ng/mL per year, the cancer rate ranged from 27% to 36%, at a PSAV of 0.5 to 3.0 ng/mL per year was 24% to 28%, and at a PSAV greater than 3.0 ng/mL per year was 13% to 18%. On multivariable analysis adjusting for age and PSA, PSAV was independently associated with risk of cancer on biopsy (P <0.0005). The rate of prostatic inflammation was directly associated with PSAV (PSAV of 3.0 ng/mL per year or less: 5% to 9%; PSAV greater than 3.0 ng/mL per year: 11% to 13%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In screened men with an elevated PSA undergoing biopsy, PSAV provides independent predictive information for estimating prostate cancer risk. Modest increases in PSA are associated with an increased risk of cancer, whereas more dramatic PSA rises are associated with a diminishing risk of cancer and higher rate of inflammation.
Associations between medication and disease beliefs and use of inhaled corticosteroids among inner city adults with persistent asthma

Abstract Rationale This study examined underlying beliefs that may explain suboptimal adherence with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) among inner city adults with moderate and severe asthma. Methods A prospective cohort of consecutive adults hospitalized at a large New York City hospital over 1 year were interviewed at baseline and 6 months to assess medication and disease beliefs and self-reported ICS adherence. Results Overall, 204/218 patients (Pts) consented and 97% and 84% completed baseline and 6 month interviews(28% in Spanish). Mean age was 49.9 years, 78% female, 62% Hispanic, 28% African-American, and 5% White. Twenty-three percent had previous intubations and 88% prior steroids. Before hospitalization, 66% were on ICS. Of these, 73% used them regularly when symptomatic vs. 58% when asymptomatic (p Conclusions Efforts to improve asthma outcomes should concentrate on addressing suboptimal medication and disease beliefs.
An Ecosystem Approach for Assessment Advice and Biological Reference Points for the Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank Atlantic Herring Complex

Abstract The biomass of Atlantic herring Clupea harengus in the Gulf of Maine–Georges Bank (GOM–GB) region declined sharply in the mid- to late 1970s, when fishery harvests ranged from 300 to 400 kilo–metric tons (kt) per year. During this same period, the consumption of Atlantic herring by fish and marine mammal predators was very large. Consumption has greatly exceeded landings from 1985 to the present. Previous research showed that four groups of predators (demersal fishes, marine mammals, large pelagic fishes, and seabirds) together annually consumed over 200 kt of Atlantic herring during the 1970s and over 300 kt during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Our analyses indicate that Atlantic herring predation mortality rates are related to the abundance of both Atlantic herring and predators. Predation mortality rates were relatively low during the 1960s, when Atlantic herring were abundant, but increased in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Atlantic herring declined. Predation mortality rates declined...
Creating a healing environment for critical care

Creating an environment for healing is embedded in actualizing Florence Nightingale’s legacy. Have we lost that legacy as the business of providing healthcare focuses on values of containing costs and improving efficiencies toachievequality care?Althoughthismay seem to be the case, there is evidence that caring and creating healing environments is good for patient outcomes and economically good for the organization [1,2]. In 1990, the Society for Critical Care Medicine held a consensus conference on fostering more humane critical care. The goal was to bring out the best in caregivers, patients, and families and to improve the unit environment. More than 500 strategies were generated that can serve as a blueprint for creating healing environments for critical care [3]. Since then, the importance of creating a consumeroriented healthcare system that promotes healing is recognized as good for the consumer, the caregivers, and the organization’s bottom line [4,5]. It is not enough to just physically modify an environment or to apply complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) approaches to healing. The physical/emotional/spiritual healthcare environment should be a synergy of CAT combined with compassionate caring. Compassionate caring requires an organizational culture that values a mind-body-spirit approach to health, patient-family centered care, and personal growth and mastery of the staff to manage the emotional labor of caring. Without an organizational model oriented to health and healing, it is difficult to integrate CAT and redesign the physical environment to promote healing. This article focuses on creating such an environment for critical care based on an organizational model oriented to health and healing through the use of architecture and esthetics, use of CAT, and development of emotional intelligence and compassionate caring to promote family centered care.
Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and the subsequent response to chronic stress differ depending upon life history stage

Abstract The hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is modulated seasonally in many species, and chronic stress can alter HPA functioning. However, it is not known how these two factors interact – are there particular life history stages when animals are more or less vulnerable to chronic stress? We captured wild house sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) in Massachusetts during six different life history stages: early and late winter, pre-laying, breeding, late breeding, and molt. At each time point, we tested HPA function by measuring baseline and stress-induced corticosterone (CORT), negative feedback in response to an injection of dexamethasone, and maximum adrenal response through an injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone. We then brought birds into captivity as a model for chronic stress, and repeated the four tests 5 days later. At capture, all HPA variables varied seasonally. Birds showed increased negative feedback during breeding and late winter compared to pre-laying. Furthermore, birds during the late breeding period had down-regulated their HPA axis, perhaps in preparation for molt. After 5 days of captivity, house sparrows lost ∼11% of initial body mass, although birds lost more weight during molt and early winter. Overall, captive sparrows showed elevated baseline CORT and increased negative feedback, although negative feedback did not show a significant increase during any individual life history stage. During most of the year, adrenal sensitivity was unaffected by captivity. However, during late breeding and molt, adrenal sensitivity increased during captivity. Taken together, these data provide further support that HPA function naturally varies throughout the year, with the interesting consequence that molting birds may potentially be more vulnerable to a chronic stressor such as captivity.
Tracazolate: A novel nonsedative anxiolytic

Tracazolate (ICI 136,753; 4-butylamino-1-ethyl-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridine-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester) exhibited dose-related anticonflict activity in mice, rats, and squirrel monkeys. The potency of tracazolate appears to be one-quarter to one-half that of chlordiazepoxide, and their durations of activity are similar in rats. No tolerance to the anticonflict activity of either chlordiazepoxide or tracazolate was evident following 12 consecutive days of treatment. Tracazolate exhibits a much greater separation between sedative and therapeutic doses than does chlordiazepoxide; thus, it is predicted that tracazolate will not be sedative at anxiolytic doses in man. Furthermore, based upon studies in rodents, tracazolate should be much less likely than the benzodiazepines to potentiate the actions of barbiturates and ethanol in man. Although tracazolate is an anticonvulsant in rodents, it is considerably less potent in this respect than chlordiazepoxide. In contrast to benzodiazepine anxiolytics, tracazolate enhances the binding of 3H-benzodiazepines to their binding sites in brain. Consistent with this finding, tracazolate potentiated both the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects of chlordiazepoxide in rodents. Although the benzodiazepine antagonists (RO 15-1788 and CGS 8216) clearly antagonize the anticonflict activity of chlordiazepoxide, the activity of tracazolate was not significantly altered by either antagonist. Both chlordiazepoxide and tracazolate significantly enhanced 3H-γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding. These results suggest that tracazolate is a novel psychoactive agent that should be a useful anxiolytic drug in man.
Extending depth of field and dynamic range from differently focused and exposed images

Focus stacking and high dynamic range (HDR) imaging are two paradigms of computational photography. Focus stacking aims to produce an image with greater depth of field (DOF) from a set of images taken with different focus distances; HDR imaging aims to produce an image with higher dynamic range from a set of images taken with different exposure values. In this paper, we present an algorithm which combines focus stacking and HDR imaging in order to produce an image with both extended DOF and dynamic range from a set of differently focused and exposed images. The key step in our algorithm is focus stacking regardless of the differences in exposure values of input images. This step includes photometric and spatial registration of images, and image fusion to produce all-in-focus images. This is followed by HDR radiance estimation and tonemapping. We provide experimental results with real data to illustrate the algorithm.
Rheological behavior of low-rank coal-water slurries

The rheological behavior of low-rank coal-water slurries was studied using a Brookfleld Rheolog viscometer. A Sarpy Creek subbituminous coal from Montana, with particle sizes ranging from 0.044 mm to 0.223 mm, was used. The solids concentration in the slurry varied from 15 to 65 weight % and the temperature was maintained constant at 82°F. The rheological behavior of the slurry made from as received coal was compared with that of the slurry made from hot water dried coal Coal-water slurries, made from both as received and hot water dried coal exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. The shear stress was found to be related to the shear rate by the power law model. As expected, the apparent viscosity was found to increase sharply with solids loading. It was also observed that the apparent viscosities of the slurries made from hot water dried coal were lower than those made from as received coal.
Effects of Herbicides and Related Chemicals on Oxidation and Phosphorylation by Isolated Soybean Mitochondria.

Herbicides have been shown to affect many diverse processes in plants. Respiratory responses, however, are general, and the idea that a common site of action exists somewhere in the oxidation or phosphorylation systems would seem to be a good working hypothesis (11). In recent years evidence has accumulated that the enzymes involved in aerobic plant respiration and phosphorylation are located in discrete cytoplasmic particles called mitochondria (5, 8). The reactions mediated by these enzymes may be carried out in vitro by properly isolated particles. Although isolated plant particles would appear to be favourable for the study of the effects of herbicides on respiratory enzyme systems, only one referenee (3) to such an investigation has been found. The experiments reported here were carried out with an in vitro particulate system with the hope of further elucidating the mechanism of action of certain herbicides and related chemicals in vivo. The particles used were isolated by differential centrifugation from etiolated soybean hypocotyls and were shown to have oxidative and phosphorylative activities similar to those from mung beans (10). In most experiments treatments consisted of the addition of various concentrations of herbicide or other chemical to Warburg flasks containing the reaction mixture. The effect of the chemical on oxygen uptake by the soybean particles was then expressed as percentage of control (table I). Some of the chemicals tested inhibited oxygen uptake only when added at relatively high concentrations. This suggests an osmotic effect, and probably such an explanation is correct for chemicals that inhibited only at concentrations of 0.1 M or higher, such as sodium chlorate (cf. sodium chloride, table I). Others including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic 1 Received August 23, 1956. 2 Journal Paper No. J-3013 of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa. Project No. 944. 3 This research was supported by a Fellowship grant from the Standard Oil Company of Indiana. 4 Present address : Department of Botany, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Active and group learning techniques and their use in graphics education

Abstract Student learning and the depth of the student's knowledge increase when active and group learning methods are employed in the classroom. Group learning has the additional benefit of preparing students for professional environments. Active and group learning strategies are discussed in general computer science course work and as applicable in the graphics class. Difficulties with active learning and techniques for dealing with these are also presented.
Heat measurements associated with isometric contraction in fast and slow muscles of the chicken

Abstract 1. 1. Analysis of the time course of heat production during twitch and tetanic isometric response was made and compared between the fast and slow muscles of the chicken. 2. 2. Heat production of the slow muscle was found to be approximately three times smaller than the fast muscle for a comparable tension development. 3. 3. The “activation” heat appears to be several orders smaller in slow muscles than it is for the fast.
Ryanodine Receptors Alter Store-Operated Ca2+ Influx In Resting And Activated Human T Cells By Regulating Ca2+ Retention Within The Store

We have reported previously that in Jurkat T cells, ryanodine receptors (RyR) are activated by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). However, the role of RyR in Ca2+ signaling in human T cells has not been elucidated. Resting T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and activated in vitro with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies. Using RT-PCR analysis we found that both resting and activated human T cells express RyR1 mRNA and that expression levels were higher in activated T cells compared to the resting. Probing the functional expression of ryanodine (Ry)-sensitive store with caffeine, a RyR agonist, revealed that caffeine induced elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in activated but not in resting T cells, indicating that Ry-sensitive store is upregulated after T cell activation. The caffeine-induced Ca2+ release was abolished with blocking concentrations of Ry. We further found that in both resting and activated T cells RyR blockers Ry and dantrolene reduced the rates and peak amplitudes of [Ca2+]i transients induced by SOCE, while increasing store content. These indicate that RyR control SOCE by regulating Ca2+ retention within the store. Importance of RyR in regulation of Ca2+-dependent factions of activated T cells was underscored by the fact that inhibition of RyR significantly downregulated activation-induced T cell proliferation. We conclude that upregulation of RyR is essential for maintaining of enhanced [Ca2+]i signaling in activated T cells and that RyR may serve as a potential target for immunosuppression. Supported by AHA Grant-in-Aid 0755086Y to A.F.F.
The large sample distribution of the Shapiro—Wilk statistic and its variants under Type I or Type II censoring

Abstract The original Shapiro—Wilk statistic is extended for testing normality when the observations are Type I or Type II censored. We determine its large sample limit distribution under Type I or Type II censoring. This censored data limit distribution has an interesting relation to the complete sample solution and is obtained from it by replacing each Hermite polynomial with a censored data form. The same limit distribution also applies to several variants of the Shapiro—Wilk statistic which are related to the correlation coefficient associated with a normal probability plot.
Student-Parent Agreement on Socioeconomic Indicators: A Research Note from Manila

CURRENT RESEARCH on the Philippines suggests that while traditional norms dictate courteousness and hospitality toward strangers, other cultural values at work within the society tend to inhibit frankness with individuals outside the family and kinship group (Hollnsteiner, 1964; Lynch, 1964). Rather than risk being shamed or offending a stranger who may be powerful or have powerful allies, Filipinos will frequently respond to queries in a way deemed acceptable to the stranger without revealing sensitive, personal information about themselves or their families (Bulatao, 1964). The employment of distance-producing social mechanisms to deal with strangers raises questions about the reliability of survey research techniques to gather data on the Filipino family, particularly when such techniques rely on the reports of a single individual. The question examined in this paper is the degree to which students and parents in Manila agree on family socioeconomic indicators obtained from survey questionnaires. More precisely, the analysis attempts to determine whether patterns of agreement are similar to those found in comparable research conducted in the United States.
A review of research in audience reaction

(1938). A review of research in audience reaction. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 464-483.
Destruction of bacterial endotoxin pyrogenicity by hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract The early development of oxypolygelatin as a plasma substitute was hampered by the presence in gelatin of pyrogenic bacterial endotoxins, which are complex lipopolysaccharides known also as Boivin antigens. Heat-sterilization reduced but did not eliminate the pyrogenicity. Campbell's observation that gelatin solutions oxidized with hydrogen peroxide were nonpyrogenic provided a safe, simple resolution of the problem. The peroxide technique also destroyed the pyrogenicity of potent crude bacterial endotoxins. The procedure was successfully applied to the large-scale production of oxypolygelatin for clinical use and has since been extended to solutions of sodium chloride and dextrose, and to other applications.
Value change and the recall of earlier values

Several laboratory experiments have shown that when people change their opinions they tend to distort their initial positions so as to make them consistent with their final positions. The present study attempted to demonstrate this phenomenon for naturally occurring attitude changes. Thirty subjects who had completed the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values scale 7 months earlier completed it a second time and attempted to duplicate their prior responses. Fifteen stated their current opinions first and then tried to duplicate their original responses, while the other 15 subjects proceeded in the reverse order. Subjects were unable to recall earlier values accurately and thus perceived less change than had actually occurred. There were high correlations between final and recall value scores regardless of the order of measurement.
Prevalence of lower extremity diseases associated with normal glucose levels, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes among U.S. adults aged 40 or older.

Abstract Background Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy (PN) are serious complications of diabetes, but early detection and intervention may reduce this morbidity. The degree to which PAD and PN develop before diabetes diagnosis has not been established among a representative sample of U.S. adults. Objective To compare the prevalence of lower extremity diseases (LEDs) among U.S. adults aged 40 or older with previously diagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and normal glucose levels. Research design and methods We analyzed cross-sectional data of a nationally representative sample of 3607 U.S. adults from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Subjects were divided into four groups on the basis of their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and interview responses: normal glucose levels (FPG Results The prevalence of PN was lowest among persons with normal glucose (10.5%) and IFG (11.9%) and highest among those with undiagnosed (16.6%) and diagnosed diabetes (19.4%). PAD prevalence was also lowest among persons with normal glucose (3.9%), similar among those with IFG (5.4%), and significantly higher among those with undiagnosed (9.2%) and diagnosed diabetes (7.5%). Any LED was present in about 27% of persons with both undiagnosed diabetes and diagnosed diabetes. Conclusions LED prevalence was nearly as high among persons with previously undiagnosed diabetes as among those with diagnosed diabetes, but it was not appreciably higher among persons with impaired fasting glucose than among those with normal glucose levels. These results suggest that LED detection efforts should be focused on persons with diabetes, including those with undiagnosed diabetes.
Elastic properties of model two-phase continuous composites

The dynamic elastic moduli were measured on macroscopic models simulating two-phase microstructures where the second phase was present as a continuous, isotropic network. Using open-pore polymer foams with higher-moduli, infiltrating matrices, the composite moduli were found to be linear with volume fraction of the network phase. Variations of network cell size or surface area indicated that the moduli increased with increasing interfacial area, but only when interphase wetting was present and matrix contraction upon solidification occurred. Metallic foams with a lower moduli matrix produced moduli that were compatible with existing bounding theories for composites.
CYP2C subfamily, primarily CYP2C9, catalyses the enantioselective demethylation of the endocrine disruptor pesticide methoxychlor in human liver microsomes: use of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies in P450 identification.

1. The endocrine disruptor pesticide methoxychlor undergoes O-demethylation by mammalian liver microsomes forming chiral mono-phenolic (1,1,1-trichloro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane, i.e. mono-OH-M) and achiral bis-phenolic oestrogenic metabolites. Human liver microsomes (HLM) generated primarily the S-mono-OH-M.2. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (MAb) identified those P450s catalysing the enantioselective O-demethylation of methoxychlor. In HLM, O-demethylation was inhibited by MAb anti-2C9 (30–40%), diminishing the per cent of S-mono-OH-M from about 80 to 55–60%. MAb anti-CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 did not affect the demethylation rate in HLM. Nevertheless, MAb anti-CYP1A2 decreased the formation of R-mono-OH-M from 21–23 to 10–17%, indicating that CYP1A2 exhibits a role in generating the R-enantiomer.3. Among cDNA-expressed human P450s (supersomes), CYP2C19 was the most active in demethylation, but in HLM, CYP2C19 appeared inactive (no inhibition by MAb anti-CYP2C19). The...
An atypical Bronze Age mandible from Żerniki Górne, Poland†

The unusual anatomical features of a Bronze Age mandible are described. Of particular interest were the shelf-like ridges which were located approximately midway along the rami. These ridges probably formed the insertion areas for the masseter muscles. Of two possible explanations presented to account for the unusual morphological variations, the more likely is the congenital absence of the superficial portions of the masseter muscles. However, an alternative explanation is presented suggesting the presence of shortened superficial portions of the masseter muscle which could explain the contour of the shelf.
A new example of anti-Lan and two families with Lan-negative members.

An example of anti-Lan developed after a single unit transfusion. Blood from two male siblings, and one unit out of 407 random donors were found to be compatible. The patient developed two additional antibodies, one of which was anti-E, after transfusion with cells from the random donor and siblings. The Lan antigen is not closely linked to ABO, Rh, Duffy, Kidd or P systems.
Rotary transformer design

A high power rotary transformer (1 k W ) was considered as a replacement for slip-rings in a future satellite. A study was done to determine the best electrical design taking into account mechanical limitations while maximizing efficiency. Ferrite was used in a configuration which can be ground by any good machine shop. A design procedure is described which provides the engineer with a rough estimate of size and weight of a near optimum transformer given the power level, frequency of operation, and material to be used. The electrical circuit used should be considered during the transformer design. In the widely used voltage controlled push-pull square wave converter there is the problem of transistor storage and fall time. Usually one transistor is turned on before the other is off. The latter transistor then traverses through a high power dissipation region, the peak power being twice the input voltage times input current. Transistors picked for low saturation voltage are usually slower devices aggravating the turn-off dissipation problem. An operating procedure which minimizes these turn-off losses and prevents excursion through high instantaneous dissipation regions has been devised. It allowed the construction of a 1000 watt converter (dc-dc rotary transformer) which runs at a 92% efficiency (including rectifier losses) with just a total of 10 watts of transistor dissipation. Operating levels are 24 volts, 50 amps in and out.
Midgut malfixation in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: What is the risk of midgut volvulus?

Twenty-four patients with repaired diaphragmatic hernia had upper gastrointestinal series to assess the rotation and fixation of the bowel. A spectrum of rotational abnormalities was present in almost all patients, although those with repaired right-sided hernias demonstrated a more obvious anomaly of rotation than those with repaired left-sided hernias. No patient developed a midgut volvulus despite the presence of malfixation. Postoperative adhesions likely limit the occurrence of volvulus.
Capital for college: Parental assets and postsecondary schooling

This article argues that traditional models of educational attainment have neglected a substantial portion of the economic resources available to parents to facilitate their children's success in schooling: wealth. In multigenerational analyses of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, it demonstrates that parental wealth, as measured by net worth, has a strong, nonlinear effect on the postsecondary schooling of offspring-net of income and other measures of socioeconomic background. Logistic regression models show that parental wealth is a strong predictor of enrollment in college and may affect the completion of college (attaining a bachelor's degree) but is not significant for the transition to graduate school. A comparison of models in which wealth is converted into an income stream and then added to annual income and models in which the effects of parental income and net worth are estimated separately indicates that wealth has properties that are analytically distinct from income
Retention of optical activity during conversion of Λ-[Ru(1,10-phenanthroline)3]2+ to Λ-[Ru(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)3]2+ and Λ-[Ru(dipyrido[a:3,2-h:2′,3′-c-]-phenazine)3]2+

Abstract Complete retention of stereochemistry about the metal center is observed during the oxidation of Λ-[Ru(phen)3]2+ in sulfuric acid–nitric acid–bromide mixture to Λ-[Ru(phendione)3]2+ (Λ-1) and subsequent conversion to Λ-[Ru(dppz)3]2+ (Λ-2) (where dppz=dipyrido[a:3,2-h:2′,3′-c-]-phenazine) as determined by NMR in the presence of Eu((+)tfc)3 in CD2Cl2. The solubility of the complex cations in the CD2Cl2 is increased dramatically by prior addition of the chiral lanthanide shift reagent which increases the overall sensitivity of the test. Under these conditions, the optical purities of doped samples of chiral [Ru(phen)3]Cl2 containing 5% of the minor enantiomer could be determined to within 2% by integration. However, samples doped with 3% of the minor isomer did not show a discernable minor isomer peak — establishing the limits of the test. Also reported is an improved synthesis of 1 which consistently gives pure product in 80% yield. UV–Vis and CD data for all three complexes in H2O and acetonitrile are presented.
Cosmological models with variable gravitational and cosmological “constants”

We consider the Einstein field equations with perfect fluid source and variable Λ andG for the Robertson-Walker metric. When conservation of energy momentum is postulated and the deceleration parameter is assumed constant, we find perfect gas equation of state models in the Euclidean and non-Euclidean cases. The resulting models offer an alternative to the inflationary scenario; they also explain the huge value of the cosmological term in the early universe.
Piecewise linear system modeling based on a continuous threshold decomposition

The continuous threshold decomposition is a segmentation operator used to split a signal into a set of multilevel components. This decomposition method can be used to represent continuous multivariate piecewise linear (PWL) functions and, therefore, can be employed to describe PWL systems defined over a rectangular lattice. The resulting filters are canonical and have a multichannel structure that can be exploited for the development of rapidly convergent algorithms. The optimum design of the class of PWL filters introduced in this paper can be postulated as a least squares problem whose variables separate into a linear and a nonlinear part. Based on this feature, parameter estimation algorithms are developed. First, a block data processing algorithm that combines linear least-squares with grid localization through recursive partitioning is introduced. Second, a time-adaptive method based on the combination of an RLS algorithm for coefficient updating and a signed gradient descent module for threshold adaptation is proposed and analyzed. A system identification problem for wave propagation through a nonlinear multilayer channel serves as a comparative example where the concepts introduced are tested against the linear, Volterra, and neural network alternatives.
Expression of an Arabidopsis phosphoglycerate mutase homologue is localized to apical meristems, regulated by hormones, and induced by sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes

We previously isolated a partial soybean cDNA clone whose transcript abundance is increased upon infection by the sedentary, endoparasitic soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines. We now isolated the corresponding full-length cDNA and determined that the predicted gene product was similar to the group of cofactor-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase/bisphosphoglycerate mutase enzymes (PGM/bPGM; EC 5.4.2.1/5.4.2.4). We designated the corresponding soybean gene GmPGM. PGM and bPGM are key catalysts of glycolysis that have been well characterized in animals but not plants. Using the GmPGM cDNA sequence, we identified a homologous Arabidopsis thaliana gene, which we designatedAtPGM. Histochemical GUS analyses of transgenic Arabidopsis plants containing theAtPGM promoter::GUS construct revealed that the AtPGM promoter directs GUS expression in uninfected plants only to the shoot and root apical meristems. In infected plants, GUS staining also is evident in the nematode feeding structures induced by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii and by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Furthermore, we discovered that the AtPGM promoter was down-regulated by abscisic acid and hydroxyurea, whereas it was induced by sucrose, oryzalin, and auxin, thereby revealing expression characteristics typical of genes with roles in meristematic cells. Assessment of the auxin-inducible AUX1 gene promoter (a gene coding for a polar auxin transport protein) similarly revealed feeding cell and meristem expression, suggesting that auxin may be responsible for the observed tissue specificity of the AtPGM promoter. These results provide first insight into the possible roles of PGM/bPGM in plant physiology and in plant-pathogen interactions.
Climate change and economic growth enigma: An investment suggestion from Wall Street

Abstract A unique opportunity to deal with climate change and stimulate faster economic growth exists today because of the 2007–2009 financial crisis coincidence with secular structural changes in the global economy. A massive investment shift from fossil to non-fossil fuels could offset sub-par economic growth and high unemployment in the developed economies caused by the financial crisis and aggravated by demographic trends and the shift of economic dynamism to emerging markets. The 2008 and dot.com crises demonstrate that our financial system is inherently unstable and that “bubbles” are not only inevitable but occur at shorter intervals and inhibit long-term investment. Financing massive investment in non-fossil fuels could be done, however, with long-term securities whose rate of return, based on exergy efficiency improvement, would attract global institutional investors with long-term investment needs. Such a massive new securities market would reduce the volatility and systemic risks inherent in today's Wall Street-with-Wall Street markets.
Molecular dynamic simulations of eicosanoic acid and 18-methyleicosanoic acid langmuir monolayers.

The conformational and dynamical properties of Langmuir monolayers of 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) and the parent material, eicosanoic acid (EA), are compared using molecular dynamics simulations. The effects on various properties, including film thickness, tilt angle, and order parameter, of the methyl group at the 18 position in 18-MEA were investigated as a function of film-packing density. NVT simulations were run as a function of decreasing areal-packing density similar to experimental Langmuir−Blodgett film compressions and expansions. We find that the order parameters and film thickness for 18-MEA monolayers were markedly different from those of EA. The order parameters for methylene groups for both 18-MEA and EA are greater in the middle region of the chain than at the ends in high-density films. This trend becomes reversed in lower density films. Significantly, our simulations show that the order parameters for methylene groups near the CH3 and carboxyl termini in 18-MEA are comparatively in...
Classroom use of replaceable parts in a multiprogramming system

A multiprogramming operating system for the TI980A permits replacement of system primitives by a programmer familiar with the system's design and data structures. This paper describes the hardware features available; the method of use of the replaceable parts facility; typical student assignments for an operating systems course (e.g. ACM Curriculum '68 I4); and student reaction to the projects.
Heterozygosity: an expanding role in proteomics.

The human genome sequence provides the framework for understanding the biology of human cell function. The next step is to intensify the investigation of protein function in the context of complex biological systems. Cellular functions are carried out by molecular complexes acting in concert rather than by single molecules or single reactions. Parallels have been drawn between scale-free nonbiologic networks and functionally interconnected metabolic pathways in the cell. Modeling of metabolic networks, in which functional modules or subnetworks represent individual related pathways, will lead to the prediction of protein function in the larger context of a complex system. Depending on the robustness of these metabolic networks, single-gene defects alone or in combination with other gene defects and the environment have the potential for invoking a spectrum of alterations in the integrity of a given network. The overall purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of simple heterozygosity for one pathogenic mutation or combinatorial heterozygosity for two or more mutations within or between individual genes in altering the stability of metabolic networks. Several forms of heterozygosity are considered, e.g., intra- and interallelic heterozygosity and double heterozygosity. The concepts of synergistic heterozygosity, loss of heterozygosity, and mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy also are discussed in relation to the quantitative effects of coexisting mutations on the phenotypic expression of disease.
Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and agmatine synthesis in macrophages and astrocytes.

: Agmatine is a novel endogenous guanido amine synthesized from arginine by arginine decarboxylase. Among several biologic effects, the ability of agmatine to protect against ischemic injury and chronic neuropathic pain is particularly interesting. Because inflammation is a common contributor to these conditions, we sought to determine if agmatine acts by decreasing the production of proinflammatory molecules such as nitric oxide and if agmatine synthesis is regulated by inflammatory stimuli. We tested whether agmatine affects astroglial and macrophage (RAW 264.7 cell line) nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) expression. NOS-2 was induced in these cells by incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus three cytokines for astrocytes and LPS alone for RAW 264.7 cells in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of agmatine. NOS-2 activity was assessed after 24 hours by nitrite accumulation in the culture media. Agmatine dose-dependently inhibited nitrite accumulation, and shorter incubation with agmatine (1 and 4 hours) also caused significant reduction. Agmatine decreased the expression of NOS-2 activity and NOS-2 protein as determined by immunoblot analysis. Incubation of astrocytes and RAW 264.7 cells with LPS/cytokines for 2 hours resulted in an increase in arginine decarboxylase (ADC) activity, whereas longer-term incubation (12–17 hours) lowered ADC activity. Agmatine levels in these cells are increased after 6-hour incubation with LPS/cytokines. These results show that agmatine inhibits the production of nitric oxide by decreasing the activity of NOS-2 in macrophages and astroglial cells by decreasing the levels of NOS-2 protein. These findings provide a molecular basis for the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions of agmatine.
Vectorization of a particle simulation method for hypersonic rarefied flow

An efficient particle simulation technique for hypersonic rarefied flows is presented at an algorithmic and implementation level. The implementation is for a vector computer architecture, specifically the Cray-2. The method models an ideal diatomic Maxwell molecule with three translational and two rotational degrees of freedom. Algorithms are designed specifically for compatibility with fine grain parallelism by reducing the number of data dependencies in the computation. By insisting on this compatibility, the method is capable of performing simulation on a much larger scale than previously possible. A two-dimensional simulation of supersonic flow over a wedge is carried out for the near-continuum limit where the gas is in equilibrium and the ideal solution can be used as a check on the accuracy of the gas model employed in the method. Also, a three-dimensional, Mach 8, rarefied flow about a finite-span flat plate at a 45 degree angle of attack was simulated. It utilized over 10 to the 7th particles carried through 400 discrete time steps in less than one hour of Cray-2 CPU time. This problem was chosen to exhibit the capability of the method in handling a large number of particles and a true three-dimensional geometry.
Surfaces of zero velocity in the restricted problem of three bodies

Recent uses of computer graphics allow the representation of the three-dimensional surfaces of zero velocity, also known as Hill's or the Jacobian surfaces. The purpose of this paper is to show the actual surfaces rather than their projections which are available in the standard literature. The analytical properties of the surfaces are also available; therefore, this paper offers the pertinent references rather than the derivations.
Initial development of a system-wide maternal-fetal outcomes assessment program

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to develop a comprehensive risk-assessment approach capable of evaluating maternal and fetal outcomes. Study Design: Data from 10,984 women and 11,066 infants delivered at 79 military treatment facilities in the United States from 1995 to 1997 were used to develop two individual but complementary risk-adjustment models for maternal and, separately, fetal outcomes. A range of maternal and delivery-related risk variables and clinically important outcomes were identified by expert opinion and selected and weighted with ordinal logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the maternal and fetal models were determined. Variation across the facilities in risk-adjusted performance was also evaluated. Results: Risk factors and poor outcomes were rare for both mothers and infants, with 96.9% of infants and 97.7% of mothers having good or excellent outcomes (0.7% mortality and 0.01% mortality, respectively). Despite the low frequency of poor outcomes both models performed well, with receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.75 for maternal outcomes and 0.78 for infant outcomes. When the models were applied to the military treatment facilities, there were significant differences among facilities in risk-adjusted outcomes. Twenty-four of the facilities in the study (30%) had outcomes odds ratios that were significantly >1 or significantly P Conclusion: Complementary risk models for maternal and infant outcomes were developed that had satisfactory discriminatory power across a variety of facilities within a large health system. With further development and refinement this approach holds promise of being able to detect variations in risk-adjusted performance that could be used to identify best practices. The results might also be used to help coordinate and improve the quality of care for the entire conception-to-delivery process. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183: 291-300.)
Quality Quandaries: Practical Time Series Modeling II

﻿A series of articles on how to analyze time series data from industrial processes is continued. Time series analysis requires practical experience that can only be gained by analyzing many data sets. The time series considered here consists of 197 cons..