cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Stock Price Prediction using Machine Learning

The stock market is mainly an aggregation of different sellers and buyers of stock. “A stock (also known as shares more commonly) in general represents ownership claims on business by a particular individual or a group of people”. The effort to find out the upcoming stock market value is recognized as a stock market prediction. The forecast is anticipated to be efficient, accurate and robust. The system should function based on the real-life circumstances and it have to be well-matched to realistic surroundings. The system is also expected to consider the entire constraints, which may have an effect on the stock's value and performance. In stock market the selection of stock is very important for trading and investment, if fundamentally the stock is good but if the sector of that stock is down then ultimately the one will lose its trade for buy position. That's why there is need to continuously know the updated knowledge of current situation, News that has direct or indirect impact on stock or sector. The recent example is due to covid-19 pandemic the auto sector was underperforming as the sell-value of vehicles are dropped down and the pharmacy sector is performing well due to covid-19 medicine. During past years many researchers have given contribution in this field but there is still a need to do the research for stock selection based on fundamental and technical analysis, this provides strong motivation for a system that can efficiently extract data from different web sources can be done using web crawling and capable of prediction of stock price, which would be helpful for individual for selection of stock for trading and investment. Research gaps and challenges between existing techniques are listed and detailed, which helps researchers to upgrade future works. Here, this paper provides an overview of the applications of machine learning in stock market forecasting to determine what can be done in the future.
Scalable and selective β-hydroxy-α-amino acid synthesis catalyzed by promiscuous L-threonine transaldolase ObiH

Enzymes from secondary metabolic pathways possess broad potential for the selective synthesis of complex bioactive molecules. However, the practical application of these enzymes for organic synthesis is dependent on the development of efficient, economical, operationally-simple and well-characterized systems for preparative scale reactions. We sought to bridge this knowledge gap for the selective biocatalytic synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids, which are important synthetic building blocks. To achieve this goal, we demonstrated the ability of ObiH, an L-threonine transaldolase, to achieve selective gram-scale synthesis of a diverse array of non-standard amino acids (nsAAs) using a scalable whole cell platform. We show how the initial selectivity of the catalyst is high and how the diastereomeric ratio of products decreases at high conversion due to product re-entry into the catalytic cycle. ObiH-catalyzed reactions with a variety of aromatic, aliphatic and heterocyclic aldehydes selectively generated a panel of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids possessing broad functional-group diversity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ObiH-generated β-hydroxy-α-amino acids could be modified through additional transformations to access important motifs, such as β-chloro-α-amino acids and substituted α-keto acids.
DeepLINK: Deep learning inference using knockoffs with applications to genomics

We propose a deep learning-based knockoffs inference framework, DeepLINK, that guarantees the false discovery rate (FDR) control in high-dimensional settings. DeepLINK is applicable to a broad class of covariate distributions described by the possibly nonlinear latent factor models. It consists of two major parts: an autoencoder network for the knockoff variable construction and a multilayer perceptron network for feature selection with the FDR control. The empirical performance of DeepLINK is investigated through extensive simulation studies, where it is shown to achieve FDR control in feature selection with both high selection power and high prediction accuracy. We also apply DeepLINK to three real data applications to demonstrate its practical utility.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Oxygen Transport Problems in Fetal Systems — Introductory Paper

Adequate understanding of oxygen supply to the microenvironments of the neonatal system is dependent on the ability to make reliable measurements and the ability to accurately interpret the measurements. Experimental measurements in the placenta and fetal system range from overall measurements designed to produce clinical guidelines to detailed microscopic measurements designed to obtain a more basic understanding of fundamental processes. Both the planning and interpretation of measurements vary in scope from intuition based on observation to the beginnings of the mathematics of systems analysis.
Static and Dynamic Behavior of Helium-Gas Thermometers Below 77° K

Temperature measurements below 100°K are generally accomplished using one of four basic sensing elements—thermocouples, resistance thermometers, semiconductors, and gas thermometers. The first three devices depend on the conversion of an output voltage to the desired temperature information. They are, therefore, basically electrical in nature, The latter, depending only on the unique temperature-pressure relationship of a pure gas, is inherently thermodynamic in character.
Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has become very popular because it offers a wide range of computing services to a large group of businesses and individuals. Businesses have many choices to select a cloud service provider. The process of selecting and deploying the cloud service requires careful thinking on the part of the business to weigh the benefits against the possible drawbacks such as lack of control over the computing resources, applications and data storage. In this chapter we discuss in detail the many benefits and drawbacks of this service. Small and medium sized businesses tend to benefit from cloud computing because they are able to use sophisticated computing services without a large cash outlay. Individuals benefit from the ability to store and share information using the cloud. It is important for businesses to evaluate the various cloud service providers against their offerings and their fit with the business. The analysis in this chapter highlights the things that a business should look for in contracting with a cloud service provider. Even though cloud services are known for their high reliability and availability, over the past 5 years there have been several well-publicized outages. Because of the outages several other niche service providers who depended on other major cloud service providers were unable to deliver their service. We conclude this chapter with a detailed analysis of several cloud outages over the past 5 years that have eroded the confidence of businesses on the availability aspects of cloud computing as a 24 × 7 service. This discussion highlights the importance of service availability to build trust.
Determinants of seat belt use: A regression analysis with FARS data corrected for self-selection.

INTRODUCTION: We develop a methodology to use FARS data as an alternative to NOPUS in estimating seat belt usage. The advantages of using FARS over NOPUS are that (i) FARS is broader because it contains more variables relevant for policy analysis, (ii) FARS allows for easy multivariate regression analysis, and finally, (iii) FARS data is more cost-effective. METHODOLOGY: We apply a binary logit model in our analysis to determine the likelihood of seat belt usage given various occupant, vehicle, and built environment characteristics. Using FARS data, we derive coefficient estimates for categories such as vehicle occupants' age and night time seat belt use that observational surveys like NOPUS cannot easily provide. RESULTS: Our results indicate that policies should focus on passengers (as opposed to drivers), male and young vehicle occupants, and that law enforcement should focus on pick-up trucks, rural roads, and nights. We find evidence that primary seat belt laws are effective. CONCLUSIONS: Although this is primarily a methodological paper, we present and discuss our results in the context of public policy so that our findings are relevant for road safety practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. Language: en
The Perils of Presidentialism Reconsidered

Presidential Institutions and Democratic Politics: Comparing Regional and National Contexts edited by Kurt Von Mettenheim
Combinatorial Phage Antibody Libraries

Evolutionary pressure has driven the need for immune systems of considerable complexity and finesse. Indeed, to function efficiently, host immunity must be equal to the diversity and ingenuity of organisms that threaten the well-being of the animal. Antibody-mediated immune defense plays a pivotal role in this process. This article discusses the development and application of combinatorial antibody libraries, an approach to the generation of human monoclonal antibodies that began in the early 1990s and has generated increasing interest, both academic and commercial, ever since. Keywords: Antibody Repertoire; Combinatorial Antibody Library; Panning; Phage Display
Preparing to Benchmark

Abstract Four hospital and three academic libraries in a Health Science Library consortium in eastern Washington and northern Idaho used the CHLA Benchmarking Tool Kit to survey users and compare libraries. Members determined the importance of, and satisfaction with, many library services. They compared service-per-FTE of primary users for themselves and the CHLA pilot libraries. They began changes to improve library services. Hospital members gained experience with benchmarking, and initiated use of the information with their administrations. Comparable data, timing, determining survey sample size, and dealing with human subjects' protection was found important. A great deal of data was found “missing” or very difficult to collect.
Bicuculline antagonizes 5-HT3A and α2 glycine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Abstract The present study examined the effects of bicuculline on the mouse 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A receptor (5-HT 3A receptor and the human α2 subunit of the glycine receptor. Bicuculline antagonized both the 5-HT 3A receptor (IC 50 =20.12±0.39 μM) and the α2 glycine receptor (IC 50 =169.40±1.73 μM). A competitive form of antagonism by bicuculline was suggested by experiments in which the EC 50 s for 5-HT and glycine were increased in the 5-HT 3A and α2 glycine receptors, respectively, as bicuculline concentrations were increased. A competitive nature of antagonism by bicuculline at the 5-HT 3A receptor was also suggested by displacement of the competitive antagonist, [ 3 H]GR65630 in SF21 insect cells expressing the 5-HT 3A receptor ( K i =19.01±0.71 μ M). Our data and that of others reveal that bicuculline, a purported selective antagonist of the GABA A receptor, antagonizes at least one receptor subclass in every member of the superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels.
TU-CD-BRA-10: Hybridized Deformable Registration Framework for Contrast-Enhanced Dedicated Breast CT

Purpose: Utilization of contrast enhancement in dedicated breast CT (bCT) has been reported to be a reliable metric in determining the conspicuity of malignant breast lesions. In this study, we have designed and developed a framework of image segmentation and registration to align the structure of pre- and post-contrast breast CT image. Methods: An iterative two-means clustering method was used in image segmentation. The image segmentation algorithm results in segmenting the breast CT image to skin, adipose, fibroglandular and contrast-enhanced lesions. These results are used in image registration method. A deformable image registration method code-named Intensity Difference Adaptive Demons (IDAD) was developed based on the Demons image registration. Within the developed framework, the deformation field forces are calculated considering the contrast enhancement levels in the bCT image voxels. The performance of the developed framework was evaluated using mathematical simulations and patient breast CT images. Results: The proposed method outperformed conventional affine and other Demons variations for serial pre-contrast and post-contrast breast CT image alignment. In simulation studies, IDAD exhibited 1–11% improvement in Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC) compared to the conventional Demons approach with the improvement increasing with lesion size and contrast enhancement levels. Registration error measured by Target Registration Error (TRE) shows only submillimeter mismatches between the concordant anatomical target points in all patient studies. The implementation of the presented hybridized framework was implemented based on a parallel processing architecture, resulting in rapid execution time for the iterative segmentation and intensity-adaptive registration techniques. Conclusion: Characterization of contrast-enhanced lesions is improved using IDAD. Spatial subtraction of the aligned images yields useful diagnostic information with respect to lesion morphology.
Performance improvement of dry cooled advanced concentrating solar power plants using daytime radiative cooling

In this study, utilization of daytime radiative cooling to enhance the performance of air-cooled concentrating solar thermal power plants is investigated. Water scarcity and environmental concerns are the driving forces for solar thermal power plants to use dry cooling systems. In order to overcome the energy conversion efficiency penalties associated with using air cooled technologies various supplemental cooling techniques have been proposed. Recent advancements in manufacturing structures with selective radiative properties have made the daytime radiative cooling to the cold outer space practical. In this work, the efficiency improvement of the air-cooled advanced supercritical carbon dioxide power cycles coupled with a radiative cooler is explored. It is shown that for the simple supercritical carbon dioxide cycle operating at hot source temperature equal 550 °C by employing 14.02 m2/kWe radiative cooler, it is possible to overcome the efficiency losses due to air cooling and the net output of the cycle improves by 5.0%. At hot source temperature equal 800 °C, the required radiative cooler area is 4.38 m2/kWe and respective performance improvement is equal 3.1%. For the recompression supercritical carbon dioxide cycle operating at hot source temperature equal 550 °C by employing 18.26 m2/kWe radiative cooler, it is possible to overcome the efficiency losses due to air cooling and the net output of the cycle improves by 7.5%. At hot source temperature equal 800 °C, the required radiative cooler area is 10.46 m2/kWe and respective performance improvement is equal 4.9%.
Rigidification of homotopy algebras over finite product sketches

Abstract Multi-sorted algebraic theories provide a formalism for describing various structures on spaces that are of interest in homotopy theory. The results of Badzioch (2002) [1] and Bergner (2006) [4] showed that an interesting feature of this formalism is the following rigidification property. Every multi-sorted algebraic theory defines a category of homotopy algebras, i.e. a category of spaces equipped with certain structure that is to some extent homotopy invariant. Each such homotopy algebra can be replaced by a weakly equivalent strict algebra which is a purely algebraic structure on a space. The equivalence between the homotopy categories of loop spaces and topological groups is a special instance of this result. In this paper we will introduce the notion of a finite product sketch which is a useful generalization of a multi-sorted algebraic theory. We will show that in the setting of finite product sketches we can still obtain results paralleling these of Badzioch and Bergner, although a rigidification of a homotopy algebra over a finite product sketch is given by a strict algebra over an associated simplicial multi-sorted algebraic theory.
Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Their Downstream Signaling with Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cells

Cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) intracellular delivery of receptor signaling motifs provides an opportunity to regulate specific receptor tyrosine kinase signal transductions. We targeted tyrosine residues Y740 and Y751 of the PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ) and Y1175 of the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The Y740 and Y751 motifs activated ERK and Akt, while the Y1175 motif activated ERK. Targeting either Y740 or Y751 of the PDGFRβ in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) effectively inhibited PDGF activation of ERK or Akt. Interfering with the Y751 region of the PDGFRβ proved more effective than targeting the Y740 region. The phosphorylation of Y751 of the CPP and the length and exact sequence of the mimicking peptide proved crucial. On the other hand, in human pulmonary artery endothelial cell phosphorylation of the VEGFR2 Y1175 CPP was not a determinant in blockage of ERK activation. Likewise, the length of the peptide mimic was not crucial with a very small sequence containing the Y1175 remaining effective. Physiologic proof of concept for the effectiveness of the CPP was confirmed by blockage of HPASMC migration in response to PDGF following culture injury. Thus targeted blockage of tyrosine kinase receptor signaling can be very effective.
CMU-WEB: a conceptual model for designing usable web applications

With the ubiquitous availability of browsers and internet access, the last few years have seen a tremendous growth in the number of applications being developed on the world wide web (WWW). Models for analyzing and designing these applications are only just beginning to emerge. In this work, we propose a 3-dimensional classification space for WWW applications, consisting of a degree of structure of pages dimension, a degree of support for interrelated events dimension and a location of processing dimension. Next, we propose usability design metrics for WWW applications along the structure of pages dimension. To measure these ,we propose CMU-WEB: a conceptual model that can be used to design WWW applications, such that its schemas provide values for the design metrics. This work represents the first effort, to the best of our knowledge, to provide a conceptual model that measures quantifiable metrics that can be used for the design of more usable web applications, and that can also be used to compare the usability of existing web applications, without empirical testing.
Enabling an all-guided-wave mid-IR laser source

An all guided-wave multi-spectral laser source emitting watts to tens-of-watts of mid-infrared power would impact a broad range of airborne and space applications. As compared with a free-space solid-state laser source, a guided-wave design, composed of coupled lasing and nonlinear optical components, offers potential advantages in size, weight, efficiency, and mechanical robustness while retaining high beam quality for single-mode designs. New material options under development by the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) enable new approaches to achieving such a source.
The importance of collaboration among physicians.

T he Original Investigation titled “Referral and Consultation Communication Between Primary Care and Specialist Physicians: Finding Common Ground” in the January 10, 2011, issue of the Archives lends solid data to a phenomenon that physicians have long recognized. The broken links between primary care and specialty practitioners have an impact on our ability to ensure that quality is sustained throughout patient interactions; this sends a negative ripple effect throughout the health care system. One of the major causes of this problem, not mentioned in the study, is the separate professional education of specialists and general physicians. Continuing education courses, often provided by specialty medical societies, perpetuate the niche approach to medicine that prevents physicians from speaking to each other about the same kinds of patients. Indeed, the continuing education of physicians provides a ready vehicle to foster a new approach to physicianto-physician communication. The mere step of educating primary care physicians in the same venue alongside specialist physicians would promote the kind of communication-friendly systematic structure change that the study authors reference. Curricula should then extend far beyond disease states and treatment methods to examine practical matters in patient management, highlighting not only when and how to refer a patient but also how best to ensure continuity of care after referral. Collaboration is an important approach for increasing patient adherence, improving patient outcomes, and promoting better quality of care throughout the health care system. Physicians who have long worked within a single type of education system can be taught how to engage in better communication, the foundation of more effective patient care.
The effects of public's cognitive appraisal of emotions in crises on crisis coping and strategy assessment

Abstract This study tested a cognitive appraisal model that examines the variance in publics’ emotional responses, strategies of coping with crises, and acceptance of different organizational crisis responses, as a function of publics’ appraisal of crisis predictability and controllability. A within-subjects experiment was designed to induce participants’ primary negative emotions (i.e., anger, sadness, and fright, and anxiety), which were found to have differential influences on publics’ coping strategy preference and organizational crisis strategy acceptance.
Identification of StARD3 as a lutein-binding protein in the macula of the primate retina.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and their metabolites are the xanthophyll carotenoids that form the macular pigment of the human retina. Epidemiological evidence suggests that high levels of these carotenoids ...
Speechreading and speechreading tests : A survey of rehabilitative audiologists

Members of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology were surveyed to determine their views on speechreading and speechreading tests. Although a minority of those surveyed were providing speechreading training, most considered speechreading important but were concerned about the validity and usefulness of speechreading tests. Audiologists felt a need for new speechreading tests in all age groups, ranging from preschool to older adults. Thus, there is a need for new speechreading tests to go along with the new methods of training, such as speech tracking.
Flap closure of postpneumonectomy empyema.

Empyema continues to be an uncommon, frustrating, and potentially lethal complication of pneumonectomy. Between 1990 and 1994 we treated 16 cases of recalcitrant postpneumonectomy (partial or total) empyema with combinations of pulse lavage, sharp debridement, muscle flaps, myodermal flaps, and thoracoplasty. We performed 11 pectoralis muscle flaps, 6 serratus anterior muscle flaps, 9 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, 6 rectus abdominis muscle flaps, and 1 trapezius muscle flap for an average of 2.1 muscle flaps per patient. There was 1 omental flap. Of these flaps, 2 were free and the rest pedicled. Ten of the muscle flaps carried deepithelialized cutaneous paddles, and 6 were larger than 150 cm 3 . Thoracoplasty was done in 11 patients to decrease the volume of the postpneumonectomy empyema cavity. Of 16 patients, 4 failed initially because of persistent bronchopleural fistula or infection but resolved after one additional procedure. There was I perioperative death, 3 reoperations for bleeding, 1 patient with upper extremity deep vein thromboses, 1 seroma, and 1 patient with significant postoperative pain syndrome. In order to determine the efficacy of different operative approaches, patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to the number of operations using flaps needed to resolve their postpneumonectomy empyema. Group A required only one operation using flaps to eliminate the postpneumonectomy empyema. Group B required two operations using flaps to remedy the postpneumonectomy empyema. Group B operations were further classified into B 1 , for the first operation, and B 2 , for the second operation. No patient needed more than two operations using flaps. Three significant variables were identified, the number of muscle flaps, the number of ribs in any thoracoplasty, and the preoperative serum albumin level. The A and B 2 groups had significantly more muscle flaps transposed (p = 0.006) and ribs resected (p = 0.0002) than the B 1 group. These findings suggest that filling the postpneumonectomy empyema space with muscle and collapsing any remaining space by thoracoplasty were the most successful strategy. The B 2 group's average albumin level was significantly higher (p = 0.03) than that in either the A or the BE group, suggesting that improved nutrition may have played a role in the lack of recurrence. Our goals of single-stage closure and decontamination of empyema cavities were best achieved by following these principles: removal of infected and necrotic tissue using sharp debridement and pulsed lavage, repair of bronchopleural fistulas with muscle flaps, and minimization of the dead space with combinations of muscle flaps and thoracoplasty.
1030-10 The Severity of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy is Greater in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Due to Malignant Mutations

Genotype-phenotype correlation studies have shown that β myosin heavy chain (βMHC) mutations are determinants of frognosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). While Arg719Trp mutation is associated with a high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and an average life expectancy of 38 years, the Val606Met mutation is associated with a near normal life expectancy in the families studied here. However, it is unknown whether the prognostic significance of HCM mutations correlates with the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) associated with each mutation. Accordingly, we determined the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and the extent of LVH in 12 patients with the Arg719Trp mutation and five patients with the Val606Met mutation. Left ventricular mass was derived by the arealength method using 2-D echocardiograms and indexed for body surface area (BSA). Extent of LVH was determined using a semi-quantitative point score method that takes into account the extent of involvement of the septum, apex, and lateral wall of the left ventricle. The mean LVMI was 147.0 ± 36 g/m2 in patients with the Arg719Trp mutation and 111.7 ± 19 g/m2 in patients with the Val606 Met mutation (p = 0.020). Similarly the extent of hypertrophywas greater in patients with the Arg719Trp mutation than in those with the Val606Met mutation (5.92 ± 2.3 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5, respectively, p = 0.015). The mean septal thickness was also greater in patients with the Arg719Trp mutation than in those with the Val60 Met mutation, however, this was not statistically significant (2.03 ± 0.7 vs. 1.62 ± 0.26, p = 0.095). There was no difference in the mean BSA, age, or gender among the two groups of patients. In conclusion, HCM patients, due to a malignant mutation such as the Arg719Trp, have greater LVH than patients with a benign mutation such as the VaI606Met. These results indicate the grave prognosis of HCM mutations are associated with expression of greater hypertrophy. This provides an easily detectable clinical parameter to further stratify patients at risk of sudden death that are candidates for invasive interventions such as implantation of cardiac defibrillators.
Entropy minimization in micro-scale evaporating thin liquid film in capillary tubes

An analysis has been provided for the entropy generated for the micro/nano scale heat and mass transfer in a capillary tube in terms of the gradients of velocity, temperature and concentration as well as the physical properties of the fluid. The heat and mass transfer rates are assumed to be uniform on the surface of the capillary tube. The optimum tube diameter that corresponds to the minimization of entropy generated and minimization of fluid flow resistance is about 1 mm. We have applied the method of thermodynamic optimization to capillary driven systems. The objective was to identify the geometric configuration that maximized performance by minimizing the entropy generated when the flow rate is prescribed.
Effect of sodium dodecylsulfate monomers and micelles on the stability of aqueous dispersions of titanium dioxide pigment nanoparticles against agglomeration and sedimentation

Abstract Hypothesis As more sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) monomers adsorb at the water/titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles interface, the particles become more stable against agglomeration and sediment more slowly. SDS micelles are not expected to adsorb on the particles and affect the stability against agglomeration or sedimentation. Since micelles are smaller than the 300 nm TiO 2 nanoparticles studied, they may introduce depletion forces which may affect the dispersion stability. Experiments and models Sedimentation times were measured in water and in 100 mM NaCl for SDS concentrations from 0.1 to 200 mM. Adsorption densities of SDS and zeta potentials of particles were measured. Dynamic light scattering was used to measure average diameters of particles or particle agglomerates. Modeling of sedimentation/diffusion was done to predict sedimentation times of particles. Modeling of agglomeration rates was done to help predict sedimentation rates of clusters. Findings At SDS concentrations close to or above the cmc, up to 60 mM in water or 115 mM in 100 mM NaCl, the nanoparticles sediment most slowly without any agglomeration. At higher micelle concentration, SDS micelle depletion forces are very strong, causing fast flocculation, without coagulation. Then sedimentation occurs much faster. The effective micelle depletant size includes about 4 Debye lengths of the charged micelles or particles.
Fiber-optic rf bandpass filter

The use of noncoherent optics in signal processing applications can potentially provide high SNR and wide dynamic range operation. The filter described here operates on intensity modulated light to isolate a specific modulation frequency. In an rf spectrum analysis application, theory predicts that a dynamic range exceeding 60 dB (electrical) in a 10-MHz bandwidth is feasible.
Encephalopathy after Bladder Irrigation with Alum: Case Report and Literature Review

A 70-year-old man with advanced obstructive nephropathy began to hemorrhage from the bladder after decompression with a Foley catheter. Manifestations of encephalopathy appeared after continuous irrigation with 1% alum for 2 days and were associated with elevated serum aluminum concentrations. Repeated treatments with deferoxamine and hemodialysis accomplished some aluminum removal, but the patient succumbed to bronchopneumonia. Brain aluminum content was not excessive at autopsy. A literature review suggests that intact renal function is essential to rapid disposal of a parenteral aluminum load and indicates that most reported instances of encephalopathy after alum irrigation have occurred in patients with compromised renal function. We conclude that alum should not be employed as a bladder irrigant in patients with acute or chronic renal failure.
Mitochondria uncoupling effect of halothane dependent on magnesium.

Abstract Halothane accelerates the respiration of beef heart mitochondria (HBHM) in metabolic state four in the presence of succinate as the substrate. This effect is dependent on the presence of magnesium ions in the medium and is also related to an increase of ATPase activity and a decrease of ATP available for the cytosol. The anesthetic also inhibits energy dependent processes, i.e. valinomycin induced mitochondrial swelling and potassium accumulation.
Regulation of Starch Biosynthesis in Plant Leaves: Activation and Inhibition of ADPglucose Pyrophosphorylase

The ADPglucose pyrophosphorylases of 7 plant-leaf tissues were partially purified and characterized. In all cases the enzymes showed stability to heat treatment at 65° for 5 minutes in the presence of 0.02 m phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The leaf ADPglucose pyrophosphorylases were activated 5 to 15-fold by 3-phosphoglycerate. Fructose-6-phosphate and fructose 1, 6-diphosphate stimulated ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase to lesser extents. The A 0.5 (conc of activator required to give 50% of the observed maximal activation) of 3-phosphoglycerate for the barley enzyme was 7 × 10 −6 m while for the sorghum enzyme it was 3.7 × 10 −4 m. Inorganic phosphate proved to be an effective inhibitor of ADPglucose synthesis. The I 0.5 (conc of inhibitor that gave 50% inhibition of activity for the various leaf enzymes varied from 2 × 10 −5 m (barley) to 1.9 × 10 −4 m (sorghum). This inhibition was reversed or antagonized by the activator 3-phosphoglycerate. These results form the basis for an hypothesis of the regulation of leaf starch biosynthesis.
Sesquiterpene lactones of Artemisia carruthii

Abstract Artemisia carruthii Wood ( A. vulgaris wrightii ) contains a guaianolide, ludartin, which is I accompanied by the corresponding 11,13-dihydro compound, II.
Saccharine and H2O consumption as a function of H2O deprivation

In a saccharine H2O choice, H2O deprived rats consumed more H2O than saccharine during the first 90 min. The opposite was true of undeprived Ss. By 48 h deprived and undeprived Ss consumed more saccharine.
A Conformational Switch Controls the DNA Cleavage Activity of λ Integrase

The bacteriophage lambda integrase protein (lambda Int) belongs to a family of tyrosine recombinases that catalyze DNA rearrangements. We have determined a crystal structure of lambda Int complexed with a cleaved DNA substrate through a covalent phosphotyrosine bond. In comparison to an earlier unliganded structure, we observe a drastic conformational change in DNA-bound lambda Int that brings Tyr342 into the active site for cleavage of the DNA in cis. A flexible linker connects the central and the catalytic domains, allowing the protein to encircle the DNA. Binding specificity is achieved through direct interactions with the DNA and indirect readout of the flexibility of the att site. The conformational switch that activates lambda Int for DNA cleavage exposes the C-terminal 8 residues for interactions with a neighboring Int molecule. The protein interactions mediated by lambda Int's C-terminal tail offer a mechanism for the allosteric control of cleavage activity in higher order lambda Int complexes.
Numb-deficient satellite cells have regeneration and proliferation defects

The adaptor protein Numb has been implicated in the switch between cell proliferation and differentiation made by satellite cells during muscle repair. Using two genetic approaches to ablate Numb, we determined that, in its absence, muscle regeneration in response to injury was impaired. Single myofiber cultures demonstrated a lack of satellite cell proliferation in the absence of Numb, and the proliferation defect was confirmed in satellite cell cultures. Quantitative RT-PCR from Numb-deficient satellite cells demonstrated highly up-regulated expression of p21 and Myostatin, both inhibitors of myoblast proliferation. Transfection with Myostatin-specific siRNA rescued the proliferation defect of Numb-deficient satellite cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Numb in satellite cells inhibited Myostatin expression. These data indicate a unique function for Numb during the initial activation and proliferation of satellite cells in response to muscle injury.
Brain neurotransmitter turnover rates during rat intravenous cocaine self-administration

The turnover rates of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, aspartate, glutamate and GABA were measured in 27 brain regions of rats self-administering cocaine and in yoked cocaine- and yoked vehicle-infused controls using radioactive pulse-labeling procedures to identify brain neuronal systems underlying self-administration. Changes in the activity of heretofore unrecognized dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamate and GABA innervations of the forebrain specific to cocaine self-administration were found. This included innervations of the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, lateral hypothalamus and the anterior and posterior cingulate, entorhinal-subicular and visual cortices. Turnover rates also were calculated using metabolite/neurotransmitter ratios which were inconsistent with the pulse-label technologies indicating that ratio procedures are not accurate measures of neurotransmitter utilization. Results with the pulse-label technique provide evidence of the involvement of neuronal systems in cocaine self-administration not previously known, some of which may have a broader role in brain reinforcement processes for natural reinforcers (i.e. food, water, etc.) since drugs of abuse are thought to produce reinforcing effects by modulating activity in these endogenous systems.
Outpatient calcium-channel blockers and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage: a cohort study.

Objective To determine whether outpatient exposure to calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) at the time of delivery is associated with an increased risk for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Design Cohort study. Setting United States of America. Population or sample Medicaid beneficiaries. Methods We identified a cohort of 9750 patients with outpatient prescriptions for CCBs, methyldopa, or labetalol for pre-existing or gestational hypertension whose days of supply overlapped with delivery; 1226 were exposed to CCBs. The risk of PPH was compared in those exposed to CCBs to those exposed to methyldopa or labetalol. Propensity score matching and stratification were used to address potential confounding. Main outcome measures The occurrence of PPH during the delivery hospitalisation. Results There were 27 patients exposed to CCBs (2.2%) and 232 patients exposed to methyldopa or labetalol (2.7%) who experienced PPH. After accounting for confounders, there was no meaningful association between CCB exposure and PPH in the propensity score matched (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.50–1.18) or stratified (odds ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.53–1.19) analyses. Similar results were obtained across multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusions The outpatient use of CCBs in late pregnancy for the treatment of hypertension does not increase the risk of PPH.
Interventional angiography for treatment of hemorrhage in pelvic trauma

Death related to pelvic trauma is often due to uncontrolled hemorrhage. Traditional surgical repairs have had limited success. Anatomic and clinical studies indicate that arterial bleeding is significant in hemodynamically unstable patients who do not respond to initial resuscitation. Successful management requires coordination between multiple services and the continuation of resuscitative procedures in the angiography suite. Transcatheter techniques provide direct identification of sources of bleeding and permit control of retroperitoneal vessels without release of the tamponade provided by intact tissue planes. Selective catheterization and flow-directed particulate emboli can control bleeding from small arteries at sites of injury. The development of stent-graft technology enlarges the scope of interventional therapy to include the rapid and definitive repair of conduit vessel injury.
The Application of an Adaptive Speech Perception Procedure to Older Listeners.

This investigation was conducted to examine whether adaptive, up-down, speech perception procedures predicted the level yielding 50% correct response as well for older listeners as for younger list...
Space plasma and its origin at the sun

This paper provides a concise review of the large picture of space plasmas, concentrating on the heliosphere and the origin of the x‐ray corona and coronal hole at the sun. It is tentatively suggested that the active x‐ray corona is heated primarily by the dissipation of magnetic energy at the spontaneous tangential discontinuities (current sheets) in the confining bipolar magnetic fields of active regions. The discontinuities arise because of the continuous mapping of the footpoints of the field by the photospheric convection. The coronal holes appear to be heated by a combination of Alfven waves, providing the high‐speed streams in the solar wind, and the microflaring in the small‐scale network fields.
Health outcomes in recipients of blood transfusion - observational studies versus randomized clinical trials.

There is good evidence that blood transfusion practice varies by time and geography, and often departs from evidence-based guidelines. On the other hand, interventions to change physician practice around the ordering of blood transfusions can be successful. The challenge is therefore to develop reliable evidence to support rational transfusion practice. Both observational studies and randomized clinical trials have strengths and limitations. Observational studies are cheaper and usually larger with concomitant improved statistical power, and may be more representative by including a wide range of patients and hospitals in the routine setting unaffected by a research protocol. Weakness of observational studies include confounding by unmeasured factors; indication bias, namely overestimation of adverse outcomes by the fact that transfused patients tend to be sicker than similar patients who did not receive transfusion; and the fact that available data may not suit the research question. Randomized clinical trials have the advantage of minimizing the effects of confounding and bias by virtue of the randomization process. Limitations of randomized trials include their expense which reserves them for specific research questions and may limit statistical power; and ethical problems in study design such as inability to utilize a placebo by withholding transfusion. Finally, inclusion and exclusion criteria can limit the generalizability of conclusions by restricting enrollment to a set of patients that differ from those seen in general medical practice. In this review, I shall attempt to illustrate the complementary contributions and limitations of observational epidemiological studies and randomized clinical trials in understanding several transfusion-related adverse outcomes: mortality; TRALI; TACO; and the RBC storage lesion. I conclude that evidence for the efficacy and adverse outcomes of blood transfusion needs to be obtained from a balanced combination of observational studies and clinical trials.
315. Identification and Control of Bacterial Contamination in an Academic Good Manufacturing Practice Facility

An ongoing monitoring program is an essential component of operating a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility. To support manufacture of clinical grade viral gene transfer vectors, the Belfer Gene Therapy Core Facility has a Class 100,000 GMP facility with three production laboratories, in which all open operations of production are conducted in Class 100 biological safety cabinets. The routine monitoring program measures viable and non-viable particles weekly and temporal trending is assessed to identify emerging problems. In July 2005, a series of vector batches were found to be contaminated by slow growing bacteria, necessitating an extensive investigation. Among the questions posed were: Are our environmental monitoring protocols adequate for detecting contamination? What are the sources of contamination? Do our cleaning protocols/products remove it? Can our production methods be improved to reduce the risk of contamination? The routine viable particle testing uses tryptic soy agar plates and contact slides, which we suspected may not support growth of certain bacteria that could grow in the DMEM medium (with 10% serum) used to culture HEK 293 cells for vector production. We created a semi-solid medium by addition of agar to cell culture medium and found that multiple samples that tested negative by the routine method now showed bacterial growth, including an occasional production contaminant later identified as Methylobacterium organophilum. Monitoring was repeated using this improved medium and several locations yielded bacteria upon swabbing, particularly the insides of cell culture incubators and water from incubator humidifiers. To identify the species and possible sources, 16S rRNA genes were PCR-amplified from bacterial isolates and, based on the sequence of the PCR product, the bacterium was identified. The most common contaminants were Bacillis licheniformis, Paenibacillus favisporus and Pseudomonas marginalis. Only one typical human flora, Staphylococcus epidermidis, was identified, in the access corridor where approved personnel enter without gowning. The data suggest that environmental bacteria, brought in inadvertently on materials, were the major contamination source. A complete cleaning of incubators was initiated, including flushing the water reservoirs and humidity chambers with a sporicidal cleaner, followed by normal rotation detergents. A complete facility cleaning followed the incubator cleaning and then another environmental monitoring round. Cycles of cleaning and expanded environmental monitoring continued until no contamination was detectable, at which point production resumed. The production process since has been contamination-free. Expanded cleaning and monitoring has been added to the routine facility maintenance, and procedures have been added to increase wipe down of materials entering the facility and during production. Modifications in monitoring and production resulting from the investigation represent improvements in our overall GMP quality assurance program.
How, When, and Why to Use Digital Experimental Virtual Environments to Study Social Behavior

Over the last decade, researchers have begun using immersive virtual environment technology (IVET; commonly known as virtual reality) to create digital experimental virtual environments (DEVEs) to investigate social psychological processes. Researchers increasingly recognize that IVET provides powerful and cost-effective ways to manipulate theoretical variables and to measure a host of outcome variables, while providing a remarkable level of experimental control and ecological realism. In this article, we discuss IVET, the nature of social influence within DEVEs, and the use of DEVEs to study social behavior.