cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Stroke Presentation at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Background: COVID-19 has impacted healthcare in many ways, including presentation of acute stroke. Since time-sensitive thrombolysis is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in acute stroke, any delays due to the pandemic can have serious consequences. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke at a comprehensive stroke center in March-April 2020 (the early months of COVID-19) and compared to the same time period in 2019. Stroke metrics such as incidence, time to arrival, and immediate outcomes were assessed. Results: There were 48 acute ischemic strokes (of which 7 were transfers) in March-April 2020 compared to 64 (of which 12 were transfers) in 2019. The average last known well to arrival time (±SD) for stroke codes was 1,041 (±1682.1) min in 2020 and 554 (±604.9) min in 2019. Of the patients presenting directly to the ED with a known last known well time, 27.8% (10/36) presented in the first 4.5 h in 2020, in contrast to 40.5% (15/37) in 2019. Patients who died comprised 10.4% of the stroke cohort in 2020 (5/48) compared to 6.3% in 2019 (4/64). Conclusions: During the first 2 months of COVID-19, there were fewer overall stroke cases who presented to our hospital, and of these cases, there was delayed presentation in comparison to the same time period in 2019. Recognizing how stroke presentation may be affected by COVID-19 would allow for optimization of established stroke triage algorithms in order to ensure safe and timely delivery of stroke care during a pandemic.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Chemistry Instruction at a Large Public University in the Midwest: Challenges Met, (Some) Obstacles Overcome, and Lessons Learned

This communication presents a partial historical summary of some of Iowa State University’s Chemistry Department teaching response to the shift to online course delivery caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The observations reflect discussions between and informal surveys of an instructor cohort that impacted roughly 1200 undergraduate students. These students were enrolled in general chemistry I, organic chemistry II, inorganic chemistry, quantum mechanics, and chemistry for non-physical-science majors. The paper highlights the challenges faced and describes how faculty and students met them.
Cholesterol-Induced Phenotypic Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cells to Macrophage/Fibroblast-like Cells Is Driven by an Unfolded Protein Response.

Objective: Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiate and initiate expression of macrophage markers with cholesterol exposure. This phenotypic switching is dependent on the transcription f...
Moving Borders and Dancing in Place: Son Jarocho's Speaking Bodies at the Fandango Fronterizo

The annual Fandango Fronterizo is a binational performance gathering where the US-Mexico border meets the ocean. Fandanguerxs enact a performative, political gesture that interrupts the discursive ...
Gender Disparity in 2013-2018 Industry Payments to Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND The gender pay gap in medicine has been under intense scrutiny in recent years; female plastic surgeons reportedly earn 11% less than their male peers. "Hidden" pay in the form of industry-based transfers exposes compensation disparity not captured by traditional wage-gap estimations. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to reveal the sex distribution of industry payments to board-certified plastic surgeons across all years covered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment Database (CMS OPD). METHODS We obtained the National Provider Identifier (NPI) for each surgeon in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member directory to record gender. Next, "General Payments" data points from annual files for all years present in the CMS OPD, 2013 to 2018, were aggregated and joined to provider details by Physician Profile ID before quantitative analysis was performed. RESULTS Of 4840 ASPS surgeons, 3864 (79.8%) reporting ≥1 industry payment were included with 3220 male (83.3%) and 644 female (16.7%). Over 2013 to 2018, females received mean [standard deviation] 56.01 [2.51] payments totaling $11,530.67 [$1461.45] each vs 65.70 [1.80] payments totaling $25,469.05 [$5412.60] for males. The yearly ratio of male-to-female payments in dollars was 2.36 in 2013, 2.69 in 2014, 2.53 in 2015, 2.31 in 2016, 1.72 in 2017, and most recently 1.96 in 2018. CONCLUSIONS Individual male plastic surgeons received over twice the payment dollars given to their female counterparts, accepting both more frequent and higher-value transfers from industry partners. Payment inequity slightly declined in recent years, which may indicate shifting industry engagement gender preferences.
How Family Defender Offices in New York City Are Able to Safely Reduce the Time Children Spend in Foster Care

This is the third in a series of articles discussing the results of child welfare cases in which parents in New York City were represented by a new form of legal services provision: family defender offices whose staff include social workers, parent advocates, and lawyers. The first article, published in 2019, described the results of a multiyear study in New York City that compared the outcomes of child welfare cases in which parents were represented by multidisciplinary family defender offices with cases in which parents were represented by solo practitioners assigned from a rotating panel of lawyers. The outcomes were dramatically better in cases handled by these offices, as measured by the reduced amount of time children were kept from their parents’ custody as compared with parents whose lawyers were solo practitioners. The second article, published in 202, was a qualitative analysis that described the interviews conducted of a wide group of professionals and former clients who work closely with the two different kinds of legal representation models that were compared. That article revealed the opinions of a broad range of professionals working in the courts on what distinguishes the family defender offices’ practice from the work done by panel lawyers. This Article serves to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of how the family defender offices actually do their work, in order to better explain how they achieve the results found by the quantitative study.
Therapeutic Stalemate in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract The findings of randomized trials of neurohormonal modulation have been neutral in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and consistently positive in heart failure with reduced ej...
ILC Upgrades to 3 TeV

We consider several ILC energy upgrade paths beyond 1 TeV depending on the needs of high energy physics. Parameters for four scenarios will be pre-sented and challenges discussed. 1. From 1 TeV to 2 TeV based on: A. Gradient advances of Nb cavities to 55 MV/m antici-pated from on-going SRF R&D on Nb structures. B. Radically new travelling wave (TW) superconducting structures optimized for effective gradients of 70+ MV/m, along with 100% increase in R/Q (discussed in more detail in paper WEOCAV04 at this confer-ence. The large gain in R/Q has a major beneficial impact on the refrigerator heat load, the RF power, and the AC operating power. OR 2. From 1 TeV to 3 TeV based on: A. Radically new travelling wave (TW) superconducting structures optimized for effective gradients of 70+ MV/m, along with 100% increase in R/Q. The large gain in R/Q has a major beneficial impact on heat load, RF power, and the AC operating power. B. 80 MV/m gradient potential for Nb3Sn with Q of 1x1010, based on extrapolations from high power pulsed measurements on single cell Nb3Sn cavities. Further, the operating temperature is 4.2 K instead of 2K due to the high Tc of Nb3Sn.
Transmission of Pruriceptive Signals

In this chapter we discuss the many recent discoveries of the mechanisms by which itch is transmitted: the neurotransmitters and the responses they trigger, the mechanisms by which specific neuronal targets are activated, and the specificity of the pathways. Current data reveal that DRG neurons and spinal cord cells use a remarkably selective set of transmitters to convey pruritic information from the periphery to the brain: glutamate and Nppb are released from primary itch-sensory cells; these molecules activate secondary spinal cord pruriceptive-specific neurons, which in turn utilize Grp to activate tertiary pruriceptive-selective neurons. Intersecting this basic linear excitatory pathway, inhibitory input from dynorphin and neurons that express the somatostatin receptor modify itch sensation. Cumulatively, these studies paint an elegantly simple picture of how itch signals are transformed and integrated in the spinal cord and open new avenues for research efforts aimed at understanding and better treating itch.
Evaluating Infant Positioning for Lumbar Puncture Using Sonographic Measurements

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:215–218 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Hypoxia has been observed when infants undergo lumbar puncture in a tight flexed lateral recumbent position. This study used sonographic measurements of lumbar interspinous spaces to investigate the anatomic necessity and advantage derived from this tight flexed positioning in infants. Methods: This was a brief, prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of patients. Twenty-one healthy infants under 1 month of age were scanned in two positions: prone in a spine-neutral position and lateral recumbent with their knees bent into their chest and their neck flexed. In each position, a 5- to 10-MHz linear array transducer was used to scan midline along the lumbar spinous processes in the sagittal plane. The distances between the spinous processes were measured near the ligamentum flavum using the ultrasound machine’s calipers. Pulse oximetry was monitored on all infants during flexed positioning. Results: In the spine-neutral position, all studied interspinous spaces were much wider than a 22-gauge spinal needle (diameter 0.072 cm). The mean (±SD) interspinous spaces for L3–4, L4–5, and L5–S1 in a spine-neutral position were 0.42 (±0.07), 0.37 (±0.06), and 0.36 (±0.11) cm, respectively. Flexing the infants increased the mean lumbar interspinous spaces at L3–4, L4–5, and L5–S1 by 31, 51, and 44%, respectively. Conclusions: This study verified that tight, lateral flexed positioning substantially enhances the space between the lumbar spinous processes and that a spine-neutral position also allows for a large enough anatomic interspinous space to perform lumbar puncture. However, further clinical research is required to establish the feasibility of lumbar puncture in a spine-neutral position.
Genghis Khan: Treasures from Inner Mongolia at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Genghis Khan: Treasures from Inner Mongolia. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (March 6-August 14, 1994), American Museum of Natural History, New York (September 10-November 27, 1994), Tennessee State Museum, Nashville (December 17, 1994-March 5, 1995), Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria (March 25- September 10, 1995).
Multimodal signal analysis of prosody and hand motion: Temporal correlation of speech and gestures

This paper is concerned with the processing and analysis of signals pertaining to two communicative modalities, speech and gestures, and investigating the nature of their temporal relationship. Two hypotheses have been proposed about the activation of the gestural system during speech production: the inhibitory hypothesis and the excitatory hypothesis. The validation of either one of these hypotheses necessitates the processing of large amounts of data by experts. The work described here is an effort to develop valuable signal processing tools to facilitate the multi-modal analysis, at least partially, in an automated manner. In this work algorithms are developed to determine points of emphasis in each of the modalities of speech and gesture data using prosody and hand motion traces obtained from two experiments. The results agree with the excitatory hypothesis: if we compare the temporal locations of the speech focal points with the temporal locations of the gesture focal points, they co-occur in more than 90% of the locations.
Nucleoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles of rat liver. I. Selective degradation by nuclear nucleases.

Abstract Nucleoplasm isolated from non-growing rat livers contains a complex mixture of ribonucleoprotein particles, none of them mature ribosomes, polysomes or poly-somal-like structures. Approx. 35% of the rapidly labeled RNA was found in these particles, while the rest remained bound to the chromatin. These particles contain approx. 80% protein, 20% RNA and less than 1% DNA. The buoyant densities range between 1.38 and 1.41 g/cm 3 in CsCl. In a sucrose gradient fractionation three broad peaks are obtained with average S values of 60, 80 and 110. The two more rapidly sedimenting peaks are selectively digested by nuclear nucleases and pancreatic ribonuclease. RNA-DNA hybridization experiments with competition suggest that the 60-S peak is transferred to the cytoplasm.
Resilience and Adversity

Resilience research involves the study of processes predicting better-than-expected adjustment following exposure to adversity, with the central goal of informing effective interventions. This chapter presents a review of accumulated research findings on salient risk-modifiers across the realms of family, community, and individual characteristics. Cumulatively, findings highlight the power of proximal relationships, particularly with primary caregivers in the family, and with teachers, mentors, and peers in the community. Forces inimical to psychological and physical survival (such as maltreatment and violence) are much more powerful than positive influences (such as affection or support). Children's own “protective attributes” such as self-efficacy are themselves continually shaped by salient socializing influences. Future research aimed at fostering childhood resilience—and future interventions—must prioritize attention to risk-modifiers that are broadly deterministic (with large effect sizes, and generative of other assets); to gender-specific patterns; and to developmental contexts (mores, needs, and existing resources). Understanding the processes underlying salutary salient relationships, and systematically harnessing these in large-scale, community-based interventions, is the best hope in maximizing the yield of science on resilience in childhood, adolescence, and subsequently in development. Keywords: adjustment; adversity; caregivers; competence; interventions; maltreatment; prevention; protective processes; resilience; risk; vulnerability
Visualizing gene co-expression as google maps

We visualize gene co-regulation patterns by creating 2D embeddings from microarray data corresponding to complete gene sets from the mouse genome, across large numbers of cell types. We use google maps and client-side graphics to disseminate pre-rendered such visualizations with a small but intuitive set of interactions. We conduct an anecdotal evaluation with domain specialists and demonstrate that biologists appreciate this approach because it facilitates low-overhead access to readily analyzable perspectives of unfamiliar datasets and because it offers a convenient way of disseminating large datasets in visual form.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Multidrug Resistance Gene Expression Inversely Correlates with the Status of the F0Component of the Mitochondrial ATPase

Loss of the mitochondrial genome (ρ0 cell) or elimination of the mitochondrial inner membrane protein Oxa1p causes a dramatic increase in expression of the ATP binding cassette transporter-encoding gene PDR5 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This increase in gene expression occurs via activation of the function of the Cys6-Zn(II)2 cluster transcription factor Pdr3p, which in turn autoregulates expression of its structural gene. Surprisingly, the acquisition of PDR5-dependent multidrug resistance occurs at a very high frequency, consistent with the appearance of ρ− cells in a fermentatively growing culture (∼2%). The degree of activation of Pdr3p target genes was found to vary considerably and to be influenced by the presence of the homologous protein, Pdr1p. Mutagenesis and overexpression studies provided evidence that the control of Pdr3p expression was the major control point of this transcription factor by mitochondrial retrograde signaling. Because both ρ0 and oxa1 mutant cells have multiple defects including loss of normal respiratory chain function and oxidative phosphorylation, a series of mutant strains with more selective defects in mitochondrial function was employed to identify the molecular signal that triggersPDR5 transcriptional activation. Only mutations that influenced the functional status of the F0 subunit of the mitochondrial ATPase were found to lead to activation ofPDR5 expression.
Fatal amniotic fluid embolism in Dade County: An unusual incidence☆

Abstract Analysis of 6 maternal deaths due to amniotic fluid embolism revealed no satisfactory explanation for the increased incidence, but it did reinforce the need for more detailed study of each case, especially the hematologic changes in this condition to confirm the role of anticoagulant therapy as part of management. Improved mechanisms for notification and follow-up are urgently required in addition to accurate record keeping to facilitate study of all maternal deaths.
International migration, population structure and economic development in American Samoa

International migration from small populations may have long-term cultural and social consequences. American Samoa (AS) is a small island territory whose scale (N = 55,519; 77 mi2, 2010) offers a magnified view of how migration impacts a population via interconnected economies. This article examines effects of international migration on population growth, population distribution and age structure in AS. American Samoa’s population continues to increase but at a fraction of the rate predicted by natural increase; furthermore, without heavy out-migration, AS could have an unsustainable population density of nearly 1000 individuals/mi2. It is argued international migration has reduced population pressure and contributed to maintenance of normally unsustainably high birth rates while also being a negative influence on internal development.
Understanding tissue context influences on intratumour heterogeneity.

Although human cancers exhibit intratumour heterogeneity, the influence of the tumour environment on this property is unclear. Single basal-like mammary epithelial cells are now shown to engage a dynamic TGFBR3–JUND signalling circuit in an extracellular-matrix-dependent manner. Cell transition between the distinct gene expression states underlying this circuit alters their properties and may modulate their propensity to malignancy.
A Direct Solution of the Spherical Harmonics Approximation to the Radiative Transfer Equation for an Arbitrary Solar Elevation. Part I: Theory

Abstract The spherical harmonics approximation to the transfer equation for an azimuth-dependent component of intensity of scattered radiation is reduced by finite differences to a block algebraic system of particularly simple structure. This algebraic system can be solved numerically for homogenous or nonhomogenous models of a plane-parallel atmosphere, using the finite-differences analogue of the simple-shooting technique based on initial-value problems or the multiple-shooting technique for the solution of two-point boundary-value problems.
A sensitivity analysis of a (ti , Si) inventory policy with increasing demand

The inventory model with a (t"i, S"i) policy with increasing demand is common in many practical applications. Under this model the inventory system operates only during a prescribed period of time. It also corresponds to the classical deterministic, stationary demand model with no shortages. This present sensitivity analysis reveals that there is a strong relationship among the optimal number of replenishments, the total demand, the planning horizon, and the optimal cost.
Renewing vision and strategic priorities for an academic unit

Concepts of organizational change can be used to develop a renewed vision and strategic goals within an academic unit. In response to a thorough assessment of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration at Ohio State University, a Vision and Strategy Group was formed, composed of junior and senior faculty members and a human resources consultant. The group used Kotter's 8 steps for organizational change to develop a renewed vision and strategic goals and objectives, as well as 1-year and 5-year action steps which were then approved by the faculty. Senior faculty members were appointed to lead the strategic areas of focus in collaboration with the division chair and other faculty members to achieve the vision and goals. Progress of specific goals and objectives was documented. The focused work of the group, use of the 8-step process for transforming organizations, and the assistance of a human resources consultant, led to the changes needed in an academic unit.
Influence of visual enrichment on infants' visual preferences.

An attempt was made to assess the role of differential carly visual experience on neonates' visual preferences 30 neonates were exposed to either vari-colored, grey or no mobiles fot the first 2 days of life, and preferences were obtained on the third day Males fixated more than females, and patterned stimuli were preferred to monochromatic ones. The effect of treatment was not significant, although Ss exposed to colorful mobiles showed stronger preferences.
BNDPKG. A package of programs for the calculation of electronic energy bands by the LCGO method

Abstract Title of program : BNDPKG Catalogue number : ACXZ Program obtainable from : CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland (see application form in this issue) Computer : IBM 360/65; Installation : Systems Network Computer Centre Louisiana State University, Baton Range, Louisiana 70803, USA Operating system : OS/360 Program language used : FORTRAN IV High speed storage required : words 238 000 bytes + 176 000 bytes extended. No. of bits in a byte : 8 Overlay structure : none No. of magnetic tapes required : none Other peripherals used : card reader, line printer, scratch disc, permanent disc No. of cards in combined program and test deck : 8373 Card punching code : EBCDIC CPC Library subprograms used : none Reference to other published version of this program : none
Magnetization curves with competing anisotropies

Abstract In standard coercivity theory, formulas derived for homogeneous material are applied to inhomogeneous situations. The model considered here contains inherent inhomogeneity in the form of competing volume and surface anisotropies. Its coercivity never exceeds half the Stoner-Wohlfarth value, decreases with particle size, and vanishes at a finite critical size.
Component replacement policies for re workable assemblies

In an assembly process, test operations are often introduced to ensure product quality. After having been rejected by a test operation due to a bad component, a product may be sent to a rework station for component replacement. Some products, however, may have two or more identical components for better reliability or higher capacity. For example, a rack holds a number of identical magnetic storage devices or a computer has multiple processors. Under this situation, different replacement policies may be considered. Bad components can be replaced by either untested ones or known good ones. In the latter case, the assembly line must keep an inventory of good components. Contingent on the condition of replacement components and the method of inventory replenishment, three different policies are identified. Under the first policy, all bad components will be replaced by untested ones, and therefore, the product must be retested. The second policy will replace all bad components with good ones if available. In ...
Self-calibrating parallel imaging with automatic coil sensitivity extraction.

Calibration of the spatial sensitivity functions of coil arrays is a crucial element in parallel magnetic resonance imaging (PMRI). The most common approach has been to measure coil sensitivities directly using one or more low-resolution images acquired before or after accelerated data acquisition. However, since it is difficult to ensure that the patient and coil array will be in exactly the same positions during both calibration scans and accelerated imaging, this approach can introduce sensitivity miscalibration errors into PMRI reconstructions. This work shows that it is possible to extract sensitivity calibration images directly from a fully sampled central region of a variable-density k-space acquisition. These images have all the features of traditional PMRI sensitivity calibrations and therefore may be used for any PMRI reconstruction technique without modification. Because these calibration data are acquired simultaneously with the data to be reconstructed, errors due to sensitivity miscalibration are eliminated. In vivo implementations of self-calibrating parallel imaging using a flexible coil array are demonstrated in abdominal imaging and in real-time cardiac imaging studies.
Chorioamnionitis: the association between clinical and histological diagnosis.

Abstract Objective: To determine the association between clinical and histological diagnoses of chorioamnionitis. Methods: A retrospective 9-year review of hospital records for all perinatal deaths (N = 804) occurring at a Western New York regional perinatal center between 1988 and 1996 was conducted. Information concerning clinical indicators of chorioamnionitis were recorded including: maternal fever, leukocytosis, uterine tenderness, foul smelling discharge, and fetal tachycardia. Histological examination of the placenta was conducted in 797 of 804 perinatal deaths and staged by a standardized method. Type and number of clinical signs and symptoms were correlated with severity of histologic grade to determine their relation. Results: Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed either clinically or histologically in 243 (30.5%) of 797 perinatal deaths. Of these, 72 cases (23.5%) occurred in the 307 fetal deaths and 171 (34.9%) occurred in the 490 neonatal deaths. Five cases were diagnosed only on autopsy. In 51 of 243 cases (21%) there was histologic confirmation of chorioamnionitis without any clinical indicators present. In 13 of 243 cases (5.4%) there were 1 or more clinical indicators of chorioamnionitis without histologic confirmation. Sensitivity and specificity for 1 or more clinical indicators was 77.8% and 97.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Chorioamnionitis was present in 30.5% of perinatal deaths in this cohort. Identification of one or more clinical signs or symptoms was found to be both a sensitive and specific screening method for a presumptive diagnosis of chorioamnionitis when using histologic confirmation as the gold standard.
The seeded growth of calcium phosphates. The effect of solid/solution ratio in controlling the nature of the growth phase

Abstract The nature of the calcium phosphate phases which grow on hydroxyapatite seed crystals when these are added to stable supersaturated solutions of calcium phosphate is shown to be markedly influenced by the supersaturation and pH. At a supersaturation close to the physiological level, the addition of relatively low concentrations of inoculating seed (24 mg HAP/liter, pH = 5.6, 37°C) results in the exclusive formation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. At higher seed concentrations of about 230 mg/liter this phase is absent and a more basic calcium phosphate is formed. The dependence of the growth phase on the solid/solution ratio is explained by the competition between the development of the more basic calcium phosphate on the growth sites of the seed crystals and the surface nucleation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. The rate of nucleation of DCPD is markedly dependent on the degree of supersaturation with respect to DCPD, decreasing rapidly as the supersaturation decreases. The marked dependence of growth phase on the concentration of seed crystals is highly significant and may explain many of the discrepancies in the literature dealing with calcium phosphate mineralization. Furthermore, the technique may be used in general crystallization processes as a method for controlling the nature of the growth phase.
Understanding pain sufferers: the role of cognitive processes.

During the past few decades, there has been an explosion of knowledge regarding the underlying neuroanatomical pathways and the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in the complex experience of pain. As a consequence, there have been significant advances in the development of pharmacological, surgical and neuroaugmentative treatment approaches. Despite the accumulating knowledge and experience, a large number of patients find that their pain is recalcitrant to all available treatments. For example, the results of the published literature suggest that long-term treatment with opioids, anticonvulsants and antidepressants reduces pain by on average approximately 30% to 40% [1]; many patients who have surgery to alleviate pain continue to experience pain long after the surgery [2–4], and even after repeat surgeries [5,6]; and even when patients are carefully selected for implantable drug administration system and spinal cord stimulators it is rarely the case that pain is adequately controlled for many patients [7]. Pain that persists for months and years, chronic pain, will impact on all aspects of a person’s functioning— emotional, interpersonal, social, as well as physical. Consequently, successfully treating patients with chronic pain requires attention not only to the organic basis of the symptoms but also to the range of factors that modulate nociception and moderate the pain experience, adaptation and related disability. Research evidence has implicated the central role that psychological factors, in particular cognitive processes (thoughts, beliefs, appraisals and expectations), play in understanding chronic pain, disability, adaptation to chronic pain and response to treatment [e.g., [8]]. Evidence has been accumulating that demonstrates that psychological factors have an important role in the transition from acute to chronic pain and related disability [e.g., [9,10]]. In this es-
3′-Terminal Sequence in Poliovirus Negative-Strand Templates Is the Primary cis-Acting Element Required for VPgpUpU-Primed Positive-Strand Initiation

The 5' cloverleaf in poliovirus RNA has a direct role in regulating the stability, translation, and replication of viral RNA. In this study, we investigated the role of stem a in the 5' cloverleaf in regulating the stability and replication of poliovirus RNA in HeLa S10 translation-replication reactions. Our results showed that disrupting the duplex structure of stem a destabilized viral RNA and inhibited efficient negative-strand synthesis. Surprisingly, the duplex structure of stem a was not required for positive-strand synthesis. In contrast, altering the primary sequence at the 5'-terminal end of stem a had little or no effect on negative-strand synthesis but dramatically reduced positive-strand initiation and the formation of infectious virus. The inhibition of positive-strand synthesis observed in these reactions was most likely a consequence of nucleotide alterations in the conserved sequence at the 3' ends of negative-strand RNA templates. Previous studies suggested that VPgpUpU synthesized on the cre(2C) hairpin was required for positive-strand synthesis. Therefore, these results are consistent with a model in which preformed VPgpUpU serves as the primer for positive-strand initiation on the 3'AAUUUUGUC5' sequence at the 3' ends of negative-strand templates. Our results suggest that this sequence is the primary cis-acting element that is required for efficient VPgpUpU-primed positive-strand initiation.
Ubiquitin dependence of selective protein degradation demonstrated in the mammalian cell cycle mutant ts85

We have shown that covalent conjugation of ubiquitin to proteins is temperature-sensitive in the mouse cell cycle mutant ts85 due to a specifically thermolabile ubiquitin-activating enzyme (accompanying paper). We show here that degradation of short-lived proteins is also temperature sensitive in ts85 , in contrast to wild-type and revertant cells. While more than 70% of the prelabeled abnormal proteins (containing amino acid analogs) or puromycyl peptides are degraded within 4 hr at the permissive temperature in both ts85 and wild-type cells, less than 15% are degraded in ts85 cells at the nonpermissive temperature. Degradation of abnormal proteins and puromycyl peptides in both ts85 cells and wild-type cells is nonlysosomal and ATP-dependent. Immunochemical analysis shows a strong and specific reduction in the levels of in vivo labeled ubiquitin-protein conjugates at the nonpermissive temperature in ts85 cells. Degradation of normal, short-lived proteins is also specifically temperature sensitive in ts85 . We suggest that the contribution of ubiquitin-independent pathways to the degradation of short-lived proteins in this higher eucaryotic cell is no more than 10%, and possibly less.
A within-S test of the response specificity of the PRE

Sixty-four male albino rats were trained to leverpress in an operant chamber and to run a straight runway. Half of Ss were trained on a continuous reinforcement schedule (CRF), and the other half on a partial reinforcement schedule (PR). Upon completion of acquisition, the groups were subdivided and given acquisition training in the other apparatus, half under conditions of CRF and the other half under conditions of PR. Upon completion of acquisition on both pieces of apparatus, half of Ss in each subgroup were extinguished in the runway, and the other half were extinguished in the operant chamber. Results showed that resistance to extinction of either response was a function only of the training reinforcement for that response, and was independent of the schedule of reinforcement received in training of the other response. Results were discussed in terms of the response specificity of the partial reinforcement effect (PRE).
A plasma process for the synthesis of cubic-shaped silicon nanocrystals for nanoelectronic devices

Low pressure silane plasmas are known for their ability to synthesize silicon nanoparticles via gas phase nucleation. While in the past this particle formation has often been considered from the viewpoint of a contamination problem in semiconductor processing, we here describe a silane low pressure plasma that enables the synthesis of highly oriented, cubic-shaped silicon nanocrystals with a rather monodisperse size distribution. These silicon nanocubes have successfully been used in the manufacture of single nanoparticle vertical transistors. We discuss the advantages of this new paradigm of building nanoelectronic devices. The plasma synthesis process is characterized in more detail than in prior work. The particle nucleation, growth and shape evolution are studied. Results indicate that the process provides two spatially distinct zones: a diffuse plasma for particle growth and a constricted plasma zone for particle annealing. Measurements of the plasma ion density using a capacitive probe suggest that the plasma density in the constricted region of the plasma is about an order of magnitude higher than in the diffuse region, likely aiding the formation of cubic silicon nanocrystals. The process of particle extraction from the plasma reactor is discussed based on the balance of various forces acting on the particles. It is found that the use of a critical orifice for particle extraction enables the detrapping of particles which carry as many as 35 elementary charges.
Synthesis and SAR studies of 1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane phenyl carbamates ― subtype selective, high affinity α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists

The synthesis and SAR studies about the bicyclic amine, carbamate linker and aromatic ring of a 1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane phenyl carbamate series of alpha7 nAChR agonists is described. The development of the medicinal chemistry strategy and SAR which led to the identification of 5 and 7aa as subtype selective, high affinity alpha7 agonists as excellent leads for further evaluation is discussed, along with key physicochemical and pharmacokinetic data highlighting their lead potential.
The impact of socioeconomic status on teenage mothers and children who received early intervention

Abstract To determine the early school age effects of an intervention program for low SES, black teenage mothers and their term and preterm infants, a subsample of 61 mother-child dyads was assessed when the children were 5 to 8 years of age. The mothers and children were videotaped in a storytelling interaction together and then interviewed and tested. The child interviews included the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Wide Range Achievement Test, and the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test. The maternal interviews included a demographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, the Parenting Stress Index, and the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses of variance yielded no intervention effects and no effects of prematurity on any of the child or mother measures. Correlation analysis, however, yielded a number of significant relations between socioeconomic status and child and maternal outcome measures. These findings suggest that the effects of intervention may be short-term for this population, and that low socioeconomic status (SES) may override the effects of early intervention and prematurity by the time children reach school age.
The roles of calcium in excitation-contraction coupling in various muscles of the frog, mouse, and barnacle.

In rectus abdominis muscles of the frog the active shortening provoked by 15–40 mM K was supported by Ca, Sr, and Ba, but not by Ni, Co, Mn, Cd, or Zn ions. Addition of the latter cations to a solution containing Ca decreased the responses in a manner suggesting competitive inhibition. The shortening of the rectus muscle found in divalent cation-free, low K solutions is abolished by Ni, Co, Mn, and Mg. In rat muscles a transient increase in the contractural responses to elevated potassium was observed when Ni was applied following partial washout of Ca. In single muscle fibers of the barnacle, development of tension was supported by Ca and Sr, and the other divalent cations were without effect. Retention of Ca45 in barnacle resting muscle fibers soaked in solutions containing 10 mM Ca for 2 min and subsequently washed for 10 min was 60 ± 3.1 mμM Ca/g, whereas retention of Ca45 in contracting muscles similarly exposed to Ca45 was 156 + 17 mμM Ca/g of fresh muscle. The results are compatible with the idea that activation of contraction in some types of muscles is due to entry of extracellular Ca.
A comparison of the Digital Biometric Ruler-300 and Echo-oculometer-3000: A report of two hundred cases

Axial length measurements in 200 patients were performed with the Digital Biometric Ruler (DBR) and the Echo-oculometer with (Echo-osc) and without an oscilloscope (Echo). Measurements taken with the DBR and Echo-osc correlated better with each other than either did with the Echo measurements. In 32% of cases, the DBR and Echo-osc measurements differed by 0.4 mm or more, corresponding to a difference in predicted implant power of 1 diopter (D) or more. In 8% of cases, the measurements differed by 0.8 mm or more, corresponding to a difference in predicted implant power of 2D or more. In spite of these differences in axial length measurement in individual patients, intraocular lens implant power using the SRKTM formula, could be accurately predicted to within 1D of spectacle correction in 75% to 82% of cases, and to within 2D of spectacle correction in 94% to 98% of cases using either the DBR or Echo-osc measurements. Based on the poor correlation of the Echo axial length measurements to the other two, and the poorer implant power prediction accuracy, we do not recommend the use of the Echo-oculometer without an oscilloscope.
Promise Keepers and Racism: Frame Resonance as an Indicator of Organizational Vitality

Based on data gathered from three years of participant-observation and an internet survey of men active in Promise Keepers (PK), this article describes the diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames of PK leaders and PK participants in relation to racism. It also examines the degree of frame resonance between leaders and participants on this issue. PK leaders and participants tend to view racism as a spiritual problem among individuals that can best be overcome when men form relationships with other men from different racial groups. This article concludes that while there is generally a high degree of resonance, some differences do exist between the diagnostic and prognostic frames of PK leaders and PK participants .
Twists and turns in the business of gonadal stem cells.

It has now been over a decade since the curative potential of stem cells was first offered for public consumption. The making of human embryonic stem cells had been established by a handful of centers around the world, and the dawning of regenerative medicine was formally announced by the likes of media coverage rivalling that associated with the birth of Dolly the sheep. What has driven the mindset for this heralded branch of contemporary biomedical research?
Electromotive phenomena in partition of erythrocytes in aqueous polymer two phase systems.

Measurement was made of the electrical potential between the two phases formed in an aqueous solution containing 5% dextran, 4% polyethylene glycol and varying concentrations of sodium chloride and sodium phosphate. Partition of the polycation DEAE-dextran-glycyltyrosine-125I in such systems containing varying salt composition could be correlated with the measured electrical potential. Partion of human erythrocytes which have a negative surface charge was also correlated related with the measured electrical potential. Binding of DEAE-dextran-glycyltyrosine-125I to human erythrocytes had less effect on their partitioning than might be expected from the number of positive charges bound to their surface.
Graduate acoustics at Brigham Young University

Graduate studies in acoustics at Brigham Young University prepare students for jobs in industry, research, and academia by complementing in-depth coursework with publishable research. In the classroom, a series of five graduate‐level core courses provides students with a solid foundation in core acoustics principles and practices. The associated lab work is substantial and provides hands-on experience in diverse areas of acoustics: calibration, directivity, scattering, absorption, Doppler vibrometry, lumped-element mechanical systems, equivalent circuit modeling, arrays, filters, room acoustics measurements, active noise control, and near-field acoustical holography. In addition to coursework, graduate students complete independent research projects with faculty members. Recent thesis and dissertation topics have included active noise control, directivity of acoustic sources, room acoustics, radiation and directivity of musical instruments, energy-based acoustics, aeroacoustics, propagation modeling, nonlinear propagation, and high-amplitude noise analysis. In addition to their individual projects, graduate students often serve as peer mentors to undergraduate students on related projects and often participate in field experiments to gain additional experience. Students are expected to develop their communication skills, present their research at multiple professional meetings, and publish it in peer-reviewed acoustics journals. In the past five years, nearly all graduate students have published at least one refereed paper.
Notes on Adult Morphology and Larval Development of Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), Based on in vivo and Scanning Electron Microscopic Examinations of Specimens from Bermuda1

Kirsteuer, E. (Department of Fossil and Living Invertebrates, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y. 10024, USA). Notes on adult morphology and larval development of Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), based on in vivo and scanning electron microscopic examinations of specimens from Bermuda. Zool. Scr. 5 (6): 239–255, 1976.—Observations are reported on morphology of adults of both sexes and of several larval forms. The latter are separated into four groups due to differences exhibited inter alia in the lorica length and in the number of scalids, neck folds and tubuli. The larvae are compared with those previously described from Curacao and Barbados, and it is concluded that at present six larval stages of Tubiluchus corallicola can be distinguished. The functional significance of certain structures in adults and larvae is discussed and a few observations on the behavior of the animals are noted. Most of the details described are illustrated with photomicrographs and the pharyngeal armature in larvae is also documented with scanning electron micrographs.
The Economics of World War I – By Stephen Broadberry and Mark Harrison

This book gathers together a group of well‐informed country specialists to survey the role of economics in the prosecution, impact, and consequences of the war. In addition to the seven major belli...
Progress in transgenic pigs for xenotransplantation.

Background. To prevent the central role played by complement activation in the hyperacute rejection of pig organs transplanted into primates, pigs transgenic for human decay-accelerating factor (HDAF) have recently been produced. The data presented here extend previous immunohistochemical findings by documenting the immunological characterization and the levels of expression of HDAF in these transgenic pigs. Methods. Animals from 30 independently derived lines were included in this study. HDAF expression was characterized by immunoprecipitation and epitope mapping. Quantitative analysis was performed by radiometric assays followed by Scatchard analysis and by double-determinant radioimmunoassay. DNA slotblot analysis and densitometric scanning were used to evaluate HDAF transgene copy number. Results. The integrity of HDAF expressed by these transgenic pigs could be demonstrated. HDAF was present in 72% of the organs analyzed, although considerable variation in expression occurred, both between animals and within the same pig. High levels of HDAF on porcine aortic, endothelial cells resulted in iC3b deposition at levels as low as that detected on human endothelial cells. Twenty-six organs expressed levels of HDAF greater than those observed in the equivalent human tissue. HDAF expression did not correlate with the number of copies of the transgene incorporated into the porcine genome. Conclusions. Transgenic pigs, which express levels of functional HDAF even greater than those observed in humans, have successfully been produced. Pigs transgenic for human complement inhibiting molecules could represent a source of organs for future clinical xenotransplantation.