cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antimitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed our experience with patients who had biochemical and histological features of primary biliary cirrhosis in the absence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) to better understand this variant of the syndrome. METHODS: During the period between 1976 to 1992, 597 patients with clinical and histological features of primary biliary cirrhosis were seen at the Mayo Clinic. Thirty-five (5.8%) of these patients were negative for antimitochondrial antibody and had normal cholangiographic studies. The records of these patients were reviewed for this study. RESULTS: No difference was found between the two groups with respect to age, gender, or biochemical features. IgM and gamma-globulin levels were higher in the antimitochondrial antibody-positive than the antimitochondrial antibody-negative patients. What is more important, 96% of the AMA-negative patients who could be tested were positive for antinuclear antibody or anti-smooth-muscle antibodies. These tests were positive in only 56% of the antimitochondrial antibody-positive group (p < 0.05). The response of five of these patients to ursodeoxycholic acid appeared comparable to the response seen in antimitochondrial antibody-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with histological features of primary biliary cirrhosis, whether antimitochondrial antibody positive or negative, are quite comparable with respect to clinical and biochemical features. Other autoantibodies, such as antinuclear or anti-smooth-muscle antibodies, are more common in the antimitochondrial antibody-negative group. These two conditions might be part of a spectrum that has been termed "autoimmune cholangitis" and that is characterized by chronic cholestasis, histological features of chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis, and the presence of any of a variety of serum autoantibodies.
Modeling and Fabrication of a Multi-Axial Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Based on a Metamaterial-Inspired Structure

Due to the limited availability and high depletion rates of nonrenewable energy sources as well as environmental concerns, the scientific community is urged to explore and harness alternative, clean energy sources. In this paper, a novel piezoelectric energy harvester based on a metamaterial structure is proposed, which is capable of scavenging energy from low-frequency, multi-axial ambient vibrations. The proposed energy harvester is based on a mass-in-mass phononic crystal structure and is comprised of a spherical heavy core resonator and piezoelectric wafers, encapsulated in a cylindrical rubber matrix, and encased in a rigid cubic frame. The proposed cell behaves effectively such as a negative mass in the vicinity of its resonance frequencies and entraps the vibration energy as dynamic strain. The captured kinetic energy is then transformed to electric potential using three lead–zentrale–Teichmann wafers, optimally embedded in the cell’s soft constituent. In this paper, the proposed energy harvester cell is analytically modeled, numerically simulated via COMSOL Multiphysics software, and experimentally validated using a variety of uni- and multi-axial vibration excitations.
The In Vitro Evaluation of Povidone-Iodine Against Multiple Ocular Adenoviral Types

Abstract Purpose: Povidone-iodine (P-I) is being touted as a topical antiviral treatment for eye infections caused by adenovirus (Ad). This study evaluated the in vitro antiviral activity of the se...
Association Between Preoperative Narcotic Use with Perioperative Complication Rates, Patient Reported Pain Scores, and Ambulatory Status After Complex Spinal Fusion (≥5 Levels) for Adult Deformity Correction

Objective The widespread over-use of narcotics has been increasing. However, whether narcotic use impacts surgical outcomes after complex spinal fusion remains understudied. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between preoperative narcotic use with perioperative complication rates, patient-reported pain scores, and ambulatory status after complex spinal fusions. Methods The medical records of 134 adult (age ≥18 years) patients with spinal deformity undergoing elective, primary complex spinal fusion (≥5 levels) for deformity correction in a major academic institution from 2005–2015 were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, pain scores, and ambulatory status were collected for each patient. Results Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between both cohorts, except that the Narcotic-User cohort had a greater mean age (57.5 years vs. 50.7 years; P = 0.045) and prevalence of depression (39.4% vs. 16.2%; P = 0.003). Complication rates were similar between both cohorts. The Narcotic-User cohort had significantly higher pain scores at baseline (6.7 ± 2.4 vs. 4.0 ± 3.4; P Conclusions Our study suggests that the preoperative use of narcotics may impact patient perception of pain and improvement after complex spinal fusions (≥5 levels). Consideration of patients' narcotic status preoperatively may facilitate tailored pain management and physical therapy regimens.
Curcumin in Neurological Disorders: An Overview

Abstract Curcumin has an extensive history of medicinal use in different acute and chronic pathological conditions of the body. This polyphenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities, which might play a vital role in its beneficial effects in neurological disorders. Nevertheless, it has poor brain availability due to its faster metabolism by the liver and excretion by the kidneys. However, with the use of recent technology, its brain penetrability and effectiveness could be enhanced. Curcumin is safe to be administered at clinically relevant doses. However, there are not enough clinical studies to evaluate its effectiveness in neurological disorders. The clinical studies associated with the use of curcumin in Alzheimer’s disease have mixed outcomes. The present article outlines the effect of curcumin in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and migraine. Although not very potent, this naturally obtained molecule might be beneficial as an add-on therapy or in preventive care for neurological disorders.
Torque-Vectoring-Based Backup Steering Strategy for Steer-by-Wire Autonomous Vehicles With Vehicle Stability Control

Steer-by-wire (SBW) systems provide significant benefits to classical vehicles, and are indispensable for fully autonomous vehicles (AVs). A backup (emergency) strategy is needed to steer an AV equipped with SBW to safety if its steering actuator fails completely. Differential drive assisted steering (DDAS), which uses torque vectoring(TV) to steer a vehicle in the absence of a steering actuator, has been proposed as a backup strategy for SBW systems. However, vehicle stability control (VSC) – a required feature in most modern vehicles – also relies on TV to assist vehicles in maintaining stability. In this paper, it is shown through stability analyses on a linearized vehicle model that VSC enhances the stability of an AV equipped with a fully functional SBW system. Conversely, when combined with DDAS as a backup steering strategy for a failed SBW system, VSC typically deteriorates stability. Thus, the benefits of VSC in ensuring stability cannot be taken for granted for AVs, e.g., by designing it as a decoupled controller added on to DDAS. Instead, VSC and DDAS must be designed in an integrated manner to guarantee stability. To support this finding, simulations are conducted where a nonlinear AV model with either SBW or DDAS – both combined with VSC and implemented via model predictive control – are used to carry out an ISO-standard double lane change test at 80 km/h. Using the SBW system, the AV passes the test, both with VSC decoupled from and integrated with the SBW system. However, in the case of SBW failure, the AV with VSC decoupled from DDAS fails the test, while that with VSC integrated with DDAS completes the test successfully.
Development of Nerve Connections with Muscles and Peripheral Sense Organs

We have considered the growth of knowledge about out growth of nerve fibers (Section 5.1) and note here only the historical origins and early evolution of ideas about peripheral nerve endings. The history of ideas about the modes of termination of peripheral nerve fibers parallels that of ideas about endings of nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). Until the 1860s it was generally believed that the peripheral nerves end by anastomosing with one another to form plexuses in the skin and muscles. It was also thought that sensoI) nerve fibers branch and anastomose in the skin and mucous membranes and then recombine to form ijbers that return to the CNS (Beale, 1860, 1862). The concept of anastomosis between the processes of nerve cells in the CNS was supported by the evidence available at that time (see Sections 5.1 and 6.1). Both central and peripheral nervous systems were believed to be organized on the principle of nerve networks. Microscopes could not resolve individual fine unmyelinated nerve fibers in the peripheral nerves. They revealed fascicles which were mistaken for single nerve fibers. Interlacing of such fascicles was misconstrued as true anastomoses between fibers. As we shall see later , this misconception persisted until Ranson (1911) showed that peripheral nerves contain large numbers of unmyelinated fibers and proved that they are sensoI) (Ranson, 1913, 1914, 1915).
Consumer reactions to price discounts across online shopping experiences

Abstract Consumers generally encounter a multitude of price discounts during a single visit to a retailers’ website, yet past research has predominantly examined price discounts in a singular manner. We examine how the influence of a price discount’s magnitude on consumer purchase intentions evolves during an online shopping trip. In doing so, we demonstrate that a price discount’s magnitude is less predictive of consumers’ purchase intentions earlier, but it becomes more predictive later, during an online shopping trip. Thus, placing shallow price discounts early in a shopping visit may enhance the effectiveness of a firm’s portfolio of price discounts.
Novel Preparations of Glucagon for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Purpose of Review New more stable formulations of glucagon have recently become available, and these provide an opportunity to expand the clinical roles of this hormone in the prevention and management of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. This is applicable in type 1 diabetes, hyperinsulinism, and alimentary hypoglycemia. The aim of this review is to describe these new formulations of glucagon and to provide an overview of current and future therapeutic opportunities that these may provide.
Transdimensional photonic lattices with Mie-resonant nanoantennas

Planar optical elements with efficient light control at the nanoscale can be designed based on transdimensional photonic lattices that include 3D-engineered nanoantennas supporting multipole Mie resonances and arranged in the 2D arrays to harness collective effects in the nanostructure. Periodic arrays of nanoparticles have gained special attention because of extraordinary lattice resonances in proximity to the wavelength of diffraction, the so-called wavelength of Rayleigh anomaly. We show the possibility of exciting strong periodic nanoparticle resonances not only in plasmonic arrays but also in the nanoparticle lattices with the high refractive index. We perform the calculation for tungsten disulfides, which belongs to the families of van der Waals materials and transition metal dichalcogenides. Nanoparticles arrangement in a periodic array plays a crucial role resulting in collective array resonances and pronounces features in spectra.
Elevated Temperature Corrosion Resistance of Additive Manufactured Single Phase AlCoFeNiTiV0.9Sm0.1 and AlCoFeNiV0.9Sm0.1 HEAs in a simulated Syngas Atmosphere

Abstract High entropy alloys have attracted great interest due to their great stability and exceptional mechanical properties. Due to growing demand of novel engineering materials, which can endure harsh corrosive atmospheres, HEAs have been studied extensively to meet the demands of challenging industrial environments. Current manufacturing techniques of HEAs include arc-melting or spark plasma sintering, which are limited by factors such as high energy, grain refinement, alloying, and size limitations. In this study we report elevated temperature corrosion behavior of two new HEAs AlCoFeNiTiV0.9Sm0.1 and AlCoFeNiV0.9Sm0.1, produced by laser-based additive manufacturing, which offers high freedom of design, fast prototyping, and rapid quenching rates that are ideal for many industrial applications. These alloys were tested in corrosive syngas atmosphere at elevated temperatures to explore their applicability in such harsh environments. Phase analysis results indicated the presence of a single FCC phase in these HEAs with no major surface cracks after enduring such corrosive atmospheres. These alloys exhibited good corrosion resistance as revealed by electrochemical testing methods. CALPHAD and DFT simulations were also performed to reveal the phase stability and crystal structures to further corroborate our experimental results.
The leaf miner Phyllocnistis populiella negatively impacts water relations in aspen.

Within the North American boreal forest, a widespread outbreak of the epidermal leaf miner Phyllocnistis populiella Cham. has damaged quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) for nearly 20 years. In a series of experiments, we tested the effects of feeding damage by P. populiella on leaf water relations and gas exchange. Relative to insecticide-treated trees, the leaves of naturally mined trees had lower photosynthesis, stomatal conductance to water vapor, transpiration, water-use efficiency, predawn water potential and water content, as well as more enriched foliar δ13C. The magnitude of the difference between naturally mined and insecticide-treated trees did not change significantly throughout the growing season, suggesting that the effect is not caused by accumulation of incidental damage to mined portions of the epidermis over time. The contributions of mining-related stomatal malfunction and cuticular transpiration to these overall effects were investigated by restricting mining damage to stomatous abaxial and astomatous adaxial leaf surfaces. Mining of the abaxial epidermis decreased photosynthesis and enriched leaf δ13C, while increasing leaf water potential and water content relative to unmined leaves, effects consistent with stomatal closure due to disfunction of mined guard cells. Mining of the adaxial epidermis also reduced photosynthesis but had different effects on water relations, reducing midday leaf water potential and water content relative to unmined leaves, and did not affect δ13C. In the laboratory, extent of mining damage to the adaxial surface was positively related to the rate of water loss by leaves treated to prevent water loss through stomata. We conclude that overall, despite water savings due to closure of mined stomata, natural levels of damage by P. populiella negatively impact water relations due to increased cuticular permeability to water vapor across the mined portions of the epidermis. Leaf mining by P. populiella could exacerbate the negative effects of climate warming and water deficit in interior Alaska.
Traumatic brain injury in older adults: shining light on a growing public health crisis

The population distribution in the United States is changing from a broad base of younger individuals with few individuals living to older adulthood to a much more even distribution throughout the ...
Neurosurgical implants and interactions of airport metal detectors: A review

Intracranial and spinal implants are increasingly prevalent around the world, placed for a wide range of neurosurgical conditions. Patients with these devices, like many individuals, may have travel plans involving passage through metal detectors and other security screening devise. However, there are virtually no studies in the currently literature evaluating the safety and interaction of neurosurgical implants with these machines. This review of manufacturer information and existing literature serves as a compilation of this information, and our pre-travel recommendations for affected patients.
Polyps, Pneumonia and Poor Weight Gain, Oh My!

Introduction: A 35-year-old man was referred to the Rhode Island Cystic Fibrosis Center following urology evaluation for infertility. The patient described decades of symptoms suggestive of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) without prior workup, and on further testing was confirmed to have severe systemic disease with Pseudomonas colonization. This case report describes hallmark characteristics of CF and highlights the importance of adult providers maintaining a degree of suspicion for this disease. This patient’s significant disease burden at the time of diagnosis may have been avoided, or at least delayed, by earlier identification and initiation of …
Peridynamic simulation of finite elastic deformation and rupture in polymers

Abstract This study concerns the finite elastic deformation and rupture in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheets under quasi-static loading conditions. The weak form of peridynamic (PD) equilibrium equation is derived based on Anand’s model and Talamini-Mao-Anand (TMA) model for polymers with slight compressibility. The nonlocal deformation gradient tensor is computed in a bond-associated domain of interaction using the PD differential operator. This approach is free of oscillations and spurious zero energy modes that are commonly observed in the PD correspondence models. Also, it permits the direct imposition of natural and essential boundary conditions. The fidelity of this PD model for predicting large deformation, progressive damage and rupture is established by comparison with experimental measurements and previous simulations of SBR and PDMS sheets with defects under displacement controlled tensile loading.
In-frame fusion of SUMO1 enhances βarrestin2's association with activated GPCRs as well as with nuclear pore complexes

Small ubiquitin like modifier (SUMO) conjugation or SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its association with the clathrin adaptor protein AP2 and facilitates rapid β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) internalization. However, disruption of the consensus SUMOylation site in βarrestin2, did not prevent βarrestin2's association with activated β2ARs, dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs), angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT1aRs) and V2 vasopressin receptors (V2Rs). To address the role of SUMOylation in the trafficking of βarrestin and GPCR complexes, we generated and characterized a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) tagged βarrestin2-SUMO1 chimeric protein, which is resistant to de-SUMOylation. In HEK-293 cells, YFP-SUMO1 predominantly localized in the nucleus, whereas YFP-βarrestin2 is cytoplasmic. YFP-βarrestin2-SUMO1 in addition to being cytoplasmic, is localized at the nuclear membrane. Nonetheless, βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated robustly with agonist-activated β2ARs as evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated strongly with the D2R, which forms transient complexes with βarrestin2. But, βarrestin2-SUMO1 and βarrestin2 showed equivalent binding with the V2R, which forms stable complexes with βarrestin2. βarrestin2 expression level directly correlated with the steady state levels of the unmodified form of RanGAP1, which upon SUMOylation associates with nuclear membrane. On the other hand, βarrestin2-SUMO1 not only localized at the nuclear membrane, but also formed a macromolecular complex with RanGAP1. Taken together, our data suggest that SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its protein interactions at both cell and nuclear membranes. Furthermore, βarrestin2-SUMO1 presents as a useful tool to characterize βarrestin2 recruitment to GPCRs, which form transient and unstable complex with βarrestin2.
Discursive burdens: negotiating difference in an education movement

Recent efforts to opt out of assessments have focused attention on the role that testing plays in accountability reforms in the United States. While opt-out activists often invoke the disproportion...
Transient Gamma Ray Spectrometer Observations of Gamma-Ray Lines from Novae. I. Limits on the Positron Annihilation Line in Five Individual Novae

The Transient Gamma Ray Spectrometer (TGRS) on board the Wind spacecraft has spent most of the interval 1995-1997 in a high-altitude orbit where γ-ray backgrounds are low. Its high-resolution Ge spectrometer is thus able to detect weak lines that are slightly offset from stronger background features. One such line is predicted from nucleosynthesis in classical novae, where β decays on a timescale of a few hours in an expanding envelope produce positrons that annihilate to generate a line that is blueshifted by a few keV away from the background annihilation line at 511 keV. The broad TGRS field of view contained five known Galactic novae during 1995 January-1997 June, and we have searched the spectra taken around the times of these events for the blueshifted nova annihilation line. Although no definite detections were made, the method is shown to be sensitive enough to detect novae occurring on ONeMg-rich white dwarfs out to about 2.5 kpc.
Modeling and inferring human trust in automation based on real- time eye tracking data:

Trust miscalibration remains a major challenge for human-machine interaction. It can lead to misuse or disuse of automated systems. To date, most trust research has relied on subjective ratings and...
Application of failure mode and effects analysis to reduce microplastic emissions

A complete understanding of the occurrence of microplastics and the methods to eliminate their sources is an urgent necessity to minimize the pollution caused by microplastics. The use of plastics in any form releases microplastics to the environment. Existing policy instruments are insufficient to address microplastics pollution and regulatory measures have focussed only on the microbeads and single-use plastics. Fees on the use of plastic products may possibly reduce their usage, but effective management of plastic products at their end-of-life is lacking. Therefore, in this study, the microplastic-failure mode and effect analysis (MP-FMEA) methodology, which is a semi-qualitative approach capable of identifying the causes and proposing solutions for the issue of microplastics pollution, has been proposed. The innovative feature of MP-FMEA is that it has a pre-defined failure mode, that is, the release of microplastics to air, water and soil (depending on the process) or the occurrence of microplastics in the final product. Moreover, a theoretical recycling plant case study was used to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of this method. The results revealed that MP-FMEA is an easy and heuristic technique to understand the failure-effect-causes and solutions for reduction of microplastics and can be applied by researchers working in different domains apart from those relating to microplastics. Future studies can include the evaluation of the use of MP-FMEA methodology along with quantitative methods for effective reduction in the release of microplastics.
Effect of meteorological factors and lunar phases on occurrence of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Abstract Background Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) lack the abnormal electrographical discharges in electroencephalogram seen in epileptic seizures. The notion of the effects of meteorological factors and lunar phases on occurrence of seizures in patients with PNES has been the subject of very few research studies and the available evidence in the literature is equivocal. In this study, we aimed to study the influence of lunar phases and meteorological factors on the frequency of PNES and its semiological categories. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients discharged with a diagnosis of PNES from our epilepsy monitoring unit in a 3-year period. The 119 patients who met the inclusion criteria were categorized into hypermotor, hypomotor, or intact sensorium based on semiology of their seizures. The occurrence of PNES, in total and in each semiological category, was correlated with the daily average temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the 4 lunar phases. Results There were 31.8% and 11.1% more-than-expected captured seizures when the average daily atmospheric pressure was lower or higher, respectively, of what is generally considered a comfortable atmospheric pressure. No consistent relation was found between the full moon phases and occurrence of PNES. Conclusion A significant association between atmospheric pressure and the occurrence of nonepileptic seizures was found, whereas no consistent increase in PNES was observed during the full moon phases. There is still an open debate about the effect of the lunar phases on human behavior and neurological disorders such as PNES.
Genetic trade-offs underlie divergent life history strategies for local adaptation in white clover.

Local adaptation is common in plants, yet characterization of its underlying genetic basis is rare in herbaceous perennials. Moreover, while many plant species exhibit intraspecific chemical defence polymorphisms, their importance for local adaptation remains poorly understood. We examined the genetic architecture of local adaptation in a perennial, obligately-outcrossing herbaceous legume, white clover (Trifolium repens). This widespread species displays a well-studied chemical defence polymorphism for cyanogenesis (HCN release following tissue damage) and has evolved climate-associated cyanogenesis clines throughout its range. Two biparental F2 mapping populations, derived from three parents collected in environments spanning the U.S. latitudinal species range (Duluth, MN, St. Louis, MO and Gainesville, FL), were grown in triplicate for two years in reciprocal common garden experiments in the parental environments (6,012 total plants). Vegetative growth and reproductive fitness traits displayed trade-offs across reciprocal environments, indicating local adaptation. Genetic mapping of fitness traits revealed a genetic architecture characterized by allelic trade-offs between environments, with 100% and 80% of fitness QTL in the two mapping populations showing significant QTL×E interactions, consistent with antagonistic pleiotropy. Across the genome there were three hotspots of QTL colocalization. Unexpectedly, we found little evidence that the cyanogenesis polymorphism contributes to local adaptation. Instead, divergent life history strategies in reciprocal environments were major fitness determinants: selection favoured early investment in flowering at the cost of multiyear survival in the southernmost site versus delayed flowering and multiyear persistence in the northern environments. Our findings demonstrate that multilocus genetic trade-offs contribute to contrasting life history characteristics that allow for local adaptation in this outcrossing herbaceous perennial.
A Biological Method for Freeing Walker Tumor No. 256 from Contaminating Bacteria

Transplantable rat tumors readily become contaminated with bacteria which are pathogenic for this host, through ulceration, by way of the blood stream, or in the course of transfer, especially subcutaneous implantation by the trocar method. Such contamination interferes with the number of successful takes and may lead to a false interpretation of experimental results. Sterile, highly malignant neoplasms giving rise to progressive growth in a high percentage of cases are desirable in most work on transplantable tumors. In order to obtain highly malignant tissue we adopted the intramuscular implantation method of Earle and Voegtlin (3), using macerated tumor tissue suspended in Earle solution (1), Tyrode solution, or beef infusion broth. Schrek (7) has reported that suspension of the Walker tumor and the Flexner-Jobling tumor tends to clear them of accidental contamination when small inocula are injected subcutaneously. This would seem to be true, also, of Walker tumor 256 at its peak of proliferative vigor, since no failure or contaminated growth occurred in a series involving 550 rats through 55 generations. At the 56th generation, however, presumably through the inadvertent use of an excess of phosphate in Tyrode solution, the tumor showed a loss of proliferative vigor following suspension in any of the physiological solutions used. Although repeated failures occurred with suspended inocula, the tumors proved to be sterile aerobically and anaerobically after ten days' incubation. The resultant growth from subcutaneous implants decreased very little, large tumors being obtained in 96 of 106 animals implanted. While the tumor was at this low ebb of proliferative power as regards suspension, a contamination was observed in our series of stock tumors. This contaminant proved to be a Gram-negative motile rod, fulfilling all the requirements of B. enteritidis , including agglutination tests. That the organism is pathogenic for rat tissue was obvious from the fact that it was present in each of 23 subcutaneous generation transfers originating with a deliberately contaminated tumor. In this series, in which 227 animals were inoculated, 135 tumors were obtained, all of which were contaminated. Since sterile tumors were essential to a problem at hand we repeated certain experiments in which a series of tumors was freed of a like contaminant three years before by the production of sterile metastases.
Squint (Strabismus): Mechanisms and Significance

Strabismus, or squint, is a misalignment of the eyes. As strabismus may result in lifelong patterns of defective vision, early detection and treatment are of great importance. Keywords: esotropia; exotropia; motility; accommodation; fusion
COURTS Minors: Provide for Parental Notification of Abortion

The Act amends the code to grant juvenile courts jurisdiction over proceedings concerning a minor's right to waive notice to her parents of her abortion and adds a new article which requires the unemancipated minor seeking an abortion to be accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult must either be her parent or guardian and sign an affidavit to that effect, or sign an affidavit that the parent has been notified about the abortion, or that there is no parent or legal guardian and that the person who stands in loco parentis for this minor has been notified. Further, the minor must sign the affidavit and must also sign a consent form stating that she seeks the abortion freely and without coercion. A judicial bypass procedure is created whereby the minor can obtain a waiver of the notice requirement from the judicial court. July 1, 1987
Future intensification of irrigated rice systems

By 2020, average irrigated rice yields must rise by 30% to about 7 t ha–1. This increase appears achievable, but requires that improved germplasm with a yield potential of 12 t ha–1 in the dry season and 8–91 ha–1 in the wet season become available within the next 10 years. Moreover, significant improvements in soil and crop management are necessary, particularly nutrient and pest management, to lift average farm yields to about 70% of the yield potential. All this must be achieved in an environment where changes in crop management practices will occur, mainly triggered and driven by socioeconomic changes and competition for natural and human resources. Beyond 2020, further yield increases will probably require germplasm with greater radiation-use efficiency approaching that of plants with C4 photosynthesis.
Cell surface expression and orientation in membranes of the 44-amino-acid SH protein of simian virus 5.

Abstract Antiserum was raised against a synthetic peptide containing the N-terminal hydrophilic domain of the small hydrophobic protein (SH) of simian virus 5 (SV5) and used to characterize properties of the SH protein. SH demonstrated properties of an integral membrane protein. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments showed that the protein is involved in the exocytotic pathway, and isolation of plasma membranes from SV5-infected cells showed an enrichment of SH, indicating that SH is transported to the infected-cell surface. Biochemical analysis of the orientation of SH in membranes by proteolysis of intact SV5-infected cell surfaces and intracellular microsomal vesicles indicated that SH is oriented in membranes with its N-terminal hydrophilic domain exposed on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane and the C terminus of approximately five amino acid residues exposed at the cell surface. These data are discussed with respect to positive-acting signals being necessary in the ectodomain of SH for cell surface expression.
CONGENITAL ANOMALIES IN THE RAT PRODUCED BY EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF VITAMIN A DURING PREGNANCY

Excessive intake of vitamin A during pregnancy in the rat results in a marked litter failure. However, when litters are carried to term a variety of gross congenital anomalies are produced which include: encephaly, eye malformations, cleft palate, shortening of the mandible and maxilla, spina bifida with meningocele and hydrocephalus. Of 148 offspring of vitamin A-fed maternal rats, 77 exhibited gross malformations (an anomaly rate of 52%). There were no congenital anomalies observed in 1201 control young. The 7th to 10th day of gestation was found to be the period critically susceptible to the teratogenic effect of vitamin A excess. The stage specificity of various environmental agents and the possible mechanism of action of the teratogenic effect of maternal vitamin A excess are discussed.
Electron Microscopy at Scale.

The essential details of cellular interactions at synaptic level in the brain are still largely unknown. In this issue, Kasthuri et al. report new experimental and computational technologies for large-scale electron microscopy data collection and analysis, and through saturated reconstruction uncover synaptic connectional specificity that cannot be predicted by simple axonal-dendritic proximity.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Slab Flooring as a Barrier to Soil Gas and Radon Infiltration

Experimental studies on the entry of soil gas and radon into slab-on-grade buildings have been carried out in instrumented, single-zone test structures. This work, as part of the Florida Radon Research Program, focused on the effectiveness of slab flooring variants as barriers to soil gas/radon entry. A second objective was the study of the role of subslab fill soil as both a potential source of and barrier to radon entry. Studies were made in well-sealed ({approximately} 600 mm{sup 2} ELA) unoccupied test buildings placed on well-characterized, radium-bearing sandy fill soil. The buildings were instrumented with data acquisition systems to continuously monitor indoor radon concentrations, differential pressures at several subsurface locations, weather conditions, and soil moisture. The response of the structures to mechanical depressurization as well as natural driving forces was measured. Limited measurements were made regarding direct diffusive transport of radon through apparently intact concrete slabs, as well as transport through cracks in the floor structure.
Eye muscle surgery for recurrent nystagmus related to head tilt after prior torsional surgery.

Purpose To describe the usefulness of anterior nasal transposition of the inferior oblique muscle in the fixing eye to treat nystagmus-mediated head tilt recurring after prior torsional surgery. Methods The medical records of patients who underwent anterior nasal transposition of the inferior oblique muscle in the fixing eye to treat recurrence of head tilt after prior successful torsional surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Results Three patients met inclusion criteria. In all 3 patients head tilt was eliminated after inferior oblique anterior nasal transposition with 2, 5, and 9.5 years’ follow-up. In no case did surgery result in any further intorsion of the eye. We postulate that the surgery was successful by stabilizing the normal compensatory and anticompensatory torsional movements that occur with head tilt. Conclusions Anterior nasal transposition of the inferior oblique muscle effectively treats a recurrent nystagmus-mediated head tilt after prior successful torsional surgery. It does not, however, intort the eye further in this clinical setting and must work via a different mechanism.
Effect of Early Nutrition on Serum Cholesterol Levels in Adult Rats Challenged with High Fat Diet

Early exposure to cholesterol-enriched, high fat diets has been reported to affect serum cholesterol levels in adult rats. In this study, we investigated the role of dietary fat alone, without cholesterol, by feeding to pregnant rats (from day 18 of gestation) experimental diets containing either high fat (corn oil), low sucrose (HF) or low fat, high sucrose (HS). After birth, mothers and pups were fed the diets until weaning (30 days), when serum cholesterol levels were the same in both groups of pups. Animals were fed stock diet until 7 months. At that time, half the animals from each original group (HF or HS) were challenged with HF diet for 3 days; the other half were fed stock diet. There was no significant difference in serum cholesterol between HF and HS animals fed stock diet: HF, 73 +/- 7 mg/dl (n = 11); HS, 80 +/- 19 (6); P greater than 0.25. Animals originally fed HF diet significantly raised serum cholesterol in response to late HF challenge (140 +/- 31 mg/dl, n = 10, P less than 0.001 vs. stock fed); the original HS-fed group did not (93 +/- 7 mg/dl, n = 5, P greater than 0.19). Early exposure to HF diet, even without cholesterol, could evoke a hypercholesterolemic response in adulthood following challenge by brief exposure to HF diet.
Decreased expression of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate in transformed BALBc 3T3 mouse fibroblasts

Expression of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate was studied in the untransformed A31 and the transformed BPA31, DA31 and KA31 BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines. The MARCKS transcript was markedly reduced in the three transformed cell lines. Southern analysis revealed similar gene copy number and no apparent DNA rearrangement. In the untransformed A31 cells, the MARCKS mRNA was constitutive in the cell cycle.
COLICIN 15: POSSIBLY A DEFECTIVE BACTERIOPHAGE.

COLICINS, bactericidal agents elaborated by many strains of the Enterobacteriaceae, have been classified as antibiotics1. Purified preparations of four colicins have been identified as lipocarbohydrate proteins2–5; a fifth apparently lacks the lipid component6. This communication presents evidence that an inducible colicin from Escherichia coli, WT15 (ref. 7), may be a defective bacteriophage.
Experimental Designs for Computer Simulation Experiments

Experimental designs have found widespread application in the biological and physical sciences. The purpose in using these designs is not only that they are economical in terms of the number of experimental trials required, but more importantly, they provide a structure for the investigator's learning process. Experimental designs are available for 1 investigating the relationship of the response to the factors in order to determine the underlying mechanisms governing the process under study and 2 finding the combination of factor levels at which the response variable is optimized. Since a computer simulation experiment is indeed an experiment, it follows that one should give careful attention to experimental design questions prior to conducting a simulation experiment. Within the context of two simulation experiments with an inventory model, this paper discusses factorial, fractional factorial, rotatable, and response surface designs. We conclude by outlining a number of possible pitfalls and contingencies.
Photoresponse of Tb3+ doped phosphosilicate thin films

Abstract Phosphosilicate ceramic was doped with Tb 3+ using sol-gel technique to prepare thin films. The films were prepared by spin coating the phosphosilicate sols on SiO x /indium-tin-oxide/glass substrates. The photocurrent of the films at 355 nm laser excitation was observed. The photoresponse as a function of applied field and laser energy was linear and showed no sign of saturation. The films exhibited very stable photoresponse under a very high number of laser shots.
Intensity Variations in the Spectrum of a Perseid Meteor

Density measurements of the spectrum of a Perseid meteor reveal an increase in the strength of the K line of ionized calcium with respect to the neutral iron-magnesium blend at 3830 A., particularly during bursts. The greater strengthening of high-excitation lines relative to low-excitation lines during bursts appears to be fairly general thruout the spectrum. Effective-temperature determinations, based upon the relative intensities of certain iron multiplets, however, indicate lower excitation of iron vapor during bursts than between them. The effective-temperature difference is of the order of 20° to 30° C.
Equatorial refuge amid tropical warming

By combining satellite observations with global climate models, this study provides evidence that a few key equatorial islands and coral atolls could be spared the brunt of previously predicted tropical ocean warming and productivity decline, potentially providing crucial refuges for marine biodiversity amid global climate change.
Mode control on short-pulse FELs using a Michelson-mirror resonator

Abstract We have studied the effects of a Michelson-mirror resonator on the axial optical mode structure of short-pulse FELs driven by an rf linac. By providing an extra delay of one rf period in the secondary arm of the interferometer, successive micropulse in the macropulse can be coupled via the beam splitter and be made to build up from noise with a definite phase relationship. We describe one-dimensional simulations of the FEL interaction with Gaussian resonator modes, including both shot noise and quantum noise, for practical resonator configurations, and derive a linear analysis which accurately predicts the evolution of the axial mode structure. Finally, we discuss applications to high-resolution spectroscopy and describe preliminary experimental results using the Mark III FEL.
Origin of the Terms Pnictogen and Pnictide

The origin and etymology of the terms pnictogen (also spelled pnigogen or pnicogen) and pnictide are traced to a suggestion of Dutch chemist Anton Eduard van Arkel (1893–1976) in the early 1950s. The words are derived from the Greek root pnikta, “suffocated things”, in allusion to the German name for nitrogen, Stickstoff, or “suffocating substance”. The terms thus mean, loosely, “suffocator maker”.
Abstract A19: Identification of epigenetic hits can predict breast cancer risk

Abstracts: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research 2008 A19 RARB2 is a master tumor suppressor that mediates the growth-inhibitory action of retinoic acid (RA). Homozygosis for epigenetically silent RARB2 alleles, which results into loss of RARB2 tumor suppressor activity, leads to RA-resistance, and apparently precedes the acquisition of morphological transformation of breast epithelial cells (Bistulfi et al., Cancer Research, 2006). RARB2 epigenetic silencing is marked by chromatin repressive changes, including DNA methylation of the RARB2 CpG island (Sirchia et al., Oncogene, 2000). In a mechanistic study, we demonstrated that methylation arises at a specific epicenter in the RARB2 CpG island, which we call the RARB2 methylation epicenter (RME) (Ren et al., MCB, 2005). Here we show that RME methylation is detectable in both benign and ductal carcinoma in situ within the same patient tissue sample. This finding implies sequential epigenetic silencing of RARB2 alleles. Timely identification of the first epigenetic hit in breast tissue of women at risk of breast cancer could prevent progression to RME methylation homozygosity, the consequent loss of RARB2-mediated tumor suppressor function, RA-resistance, and morphological epithelial cell transformation. This work was supported by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Award (NS), the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (NS), the Susan Komen Foundation (SR). Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A19.
Firm orientation, community of practice, and Internet-enabled interfirm communication: Evidence from Chinese firms

What motivates firms to develop Internet-enabled interfirm communication? We draw upon the work of Alavi et al. (2005-2006) and propose that the use of the Internet in interfirm communication is influenced by a firm's firm orientation and its internal communities of practice. Based on data collected from 307 international trade firms in the Beijing area, we find that Internet-enabled interfirm communication is directly driven by internal community of practices and customer orientation, and indirectly by competitor orientation and learning orientation. The internal community of practice is affected by learning orientation and competitor orientation, but not by customer orientation. The present study contributes to the literature by providing empirical investigation on firm's strategic communications from the perspective of firm orientations, delineating how different firm orientations vary in impacting firm's strategic communications, and exploring the bridging effect of communities of practices on the influences of firm orientations on knowledge management initiatives.
An Empirical Examination of Market Orientation in Saudi Arabian Manufacturing Companies

Abstract The author examines the applicability of Kohli and Jaworski (1990) and Jaworski and Kohli’s (1993) market orientation model in Saudi Arabia, a developing country market. To this end, a sample of 115 Saudi Arabian manufacturing companies have been investigated. The properties of the scales pertaining to the constructs in the market orientation model have been reexamined in Saudi Arabia. Further, the market orientation model has been examined both by the traditional methods as were used by Jaworski and Kohli and by a structural equations model in LISREL. The results, produced by the former methodology, are mostly consistent with the findings of Jaworski and Kohli, whereas the findings unveiled by the latter method are not consistent with the hypotheses. In the latter case, the market orientation model does not appear to fit satisfactorily. Also, the scale of market orientation and most other scales do not seem to be applicable in Saudi Arabia. Finally, only when the model is respecified, the fit measures improve and provide support for some hypothesized relationships.