cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some functional effects of sectioning the cerebral commissures in man.

It has been possible in studies of callosum-sectioned cats and monkeys in recent years to obtain consistent demonstration of a variety of interhemispheric integrational functions mediated by the corpus callosum.(1,2) These animal findings stand in marked contrast to the apparent lack of corresponding functional deficits produced by similar surgery in human patients.(3-9) The general picture of callosal functions based on the animal studies tends to be supported in current early testing of a 48-year-old male war veteran with recent complete section of the corpus callosum, anterior and hippocampal commissures.
A spatial model for studying the effects of climatic change on the structure of landscapes subject to large disturbances

Global warming may have many consequences for natural ecosystems, including a change in disturbance regimes. No current model of landscapes subject to disturbance incorporates the effect of climatic change on disturbances on decade to century time scales, or addresses quantitative changes in landscape structure as disturbances occur. A new computer simulation model, DISPATCH, which makes use of a geographical information system for managing spatial data, has been developed for these purposes. The concept and structure of the DISPATCH model are described here, and a hypothetical example of its use is illustrated, but the model requires refinement before it can be used to predict the effects of global warming on specific landscapes. The model includes provisions for (1) temporally varying weather conditions and their effect on disturbance sizes, and (2) the effect of spatial variation in vegetation condition and physical setting on the probability of disturbance initiation and spread. The potential use of the model is illustrated with a hypothetical example in which the age structure of disturbance patches is monitored for a 250-year period as weather fluctuates. The model run suggests that landscape structure fluctuates even if a disturbance regime remains constant.
Military deployment toxicology: a program manager's perspective.

The Persian Gulf War drew attention to the potential hazards of chemicals that personnel may encounter during military operations and deployments overseas. During the War, the oil well fires of Kuwait highlighted the military threat of industrial chemicals in the area of operations. Following the War, the occurrence of Gulf War Illnesses brought home concerns and suspicions regarding “low level” and “mixed” exposures to chemicals. The public's concern and attention resulted in numerous institutional responses to the real and perceived problems of health risks during military deployments. These institutional responses ranged in scope from a Presidential Review Directive to the initiative known as the Deployment Toxicology Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program. Most institutions, however, seem to agree that additional research is needed to assess the health risks from chemical exposures during military deployments.Establishing and managing an effective RDT&E program in risk assessmen...
Selecting Activities in the Arts for Early Childhood Education

(1993). Selecting Activities in the Arts for Early Childhood Education. Arts Education Policy Review: Vol. 94, No. 6, pp. 11-17.
Four possible types of pulses for self-induced transparency

Four types of steady-state solutions were derived for the coupled Maxwell-Bloch equations which describe highly intense pulse propagation in a resonant medium. Essential in the derivation procedures is the replacement of the usual slowly varying envelope approximation with an alternative procedure, the omission of possible nonresonant losses, and the assumption that the relaxation times are infinite.
THE LICHEN COLLECTION OF DEPAUW UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLED BY WINONA WELCH, COMPLETE CRYPTOGAMIST

Winona Welch's contributions to lichenology are reviewed. An index of the collectors of lichens represented in the DePauw University Herbarium (DPU), now at the New York Botanical Garden (NY), and lists of the Indiana lichen records included are presented. The gift of a few lichens from Wabash, College (WAB) is noted.
Reduction in fitness limits the useful duration of supplementary rearing in an endangered salmon population

Supplementation programs based on captive breeding and rearing are increasingly being used in recovery planning for endangered or threatened salmonid populations. However, it is largely unknown if increased abundance from these programs can offset deleterious genetic changes from the captive environment and lead to viable populations in the wild. In this paper, we developed a life-history-based population viability analysis that explicitly incorporates declines in fitness attributable to captive breeding and rearing using the breeder's equation as part of the projection model. Using endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon as a case study (a population assemblage for which supplementation is a major component for the recovery plan), we evaluated how genetic changes influence abundance trajectories and extinction risk. Based on the population projections, continual supplementation enables the population to build from critically low abundance levels, even under high rates of fitness loss. However, beyond 4–6 generations, loss of fitness (>15%) outweighs any increase in abundance and causes the population projection to start to decline. For the majority of the scenarios, abundances were predicted to increase and remain in excess of the current population size for 10 to upward of 30 years, albeit at progressively lower population-level fitness as compared to current values. Although the captive breeding and rearing program does prevent extinction in the short term in this case study, associated fitness costs limit the population's overall probability of recovery, as well as increase the length of time to recovery. Under the assumption of interbreeding between wild and captive-reared individuals, declines greater than 10% in relative fitness at a population level are sufficient to counter abundance increases resulting from supplementation. Although extinction risk over the short term can be reduced by increasing the proportion of the population that is reared in captivity, this comes at a cost to the probability of recovery for the population over the longer term, particularly as environmental conditions change. Generalizing from this case study, the useful duration of supplementation programs may be limited to short-term population increase (i.e., to prevent extinction) and may not be a workable strategy for longer term recovery planning.
Response to: “A comment on J. Akin et al., ‘The determinants of breastfeeding in Sri Lanka’”

Commenting on the authors paper "The Determinants of Breastfeeding in Sri Lanka" Smith reanalyzed the World Fertility Survey (WFS) data for Sri Lanka using different estimation procedures variables and sample sizes. The results agree with respect to the impacts of parity education and residence on breastfeeding duration. Smith stated that the only variables for which results differed were working away from home contraceptive use and mothers age. He did however think that the authors results on working away from home were better because of use of a more sensitive indicator. The authors examined the use of pills on breastfeeding finding generally significant and negative results at each age cutoff. Smith on the other hand included other modern birth control methods and so it is irrelavant to compare the results in contraceptive use. The authors are in some disagreement with Smiths argument regarding the effect of mothers age on breastfeeding. That both parity and mothers age are positively related to breastfeeding in simple 1-to-1 relationships certainly does not indicate that both are positively related to the outcome variable in a correctly specified complex relationship. In the opinion of the authors the 1 major objective of multivariate analysis is to sort out which simple correlations are spurious and which hold up in a fully specified model. Smiths argument appears to be that multivariate results are to be ignored if independent variables are at all correlated with each other (multicollinear). He argued that multicollinearity causes the authors variable both to change signs and to become statistically significant in the wrong sign. Smith used inappropriate methodology to test the significance of variables in proportional hazards model. Despite the differences in the methodologies variable definitions and sample sizes there is a great degree of similarity.
MEASUREMENT OF ORGANIC CARBON IN SEA WATER1

An apparatus and procedure for precise measurement of organic carbon in sea water is described. The method, sensitive at < 1 mg/L, entails wet combustion of 200-ml samples of sea water and infrared CO2 analysis.
Wisconsin card sorting test and Halstead Category Test performances of children and adolescents who exhibit the syndrome of nonverbal learning disabilities

Abstract Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Halstead Category Test (HCT) performances of 15 children/adolescents (age range 9 to 17 years) diagnosed with the syndrome of nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) and 15 age-, gender-, and FSIQ-matched verbal learning-disabled (VLD) controls were examined. The VLD group made significantly fewer errors on the HCT than did the NLD group. In addition, the VLD controls significantly outperformed the NLD participants on seven of the nine WCST index scores (all except failure to maintain set and learning to learn scores). Consistent with the adult literature, the common variance between the HCT and WCST was modest, indicating that these two neuropsychological measures gauge different domains of functioning. It is suggested that the HCT assesses conceptualization/higher order reasoning abilities, whereas the WCST taps dimensions of executive functioning.
The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine to neonatal rats.

Abstract 5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine was administered intracerebroventricularly to neonatal rats on days 3 and 6 (25, 50, 75 or 100 μg) or on day 12 (50, 75 or 100 μg) after birth. Administration on days 3 and 6 increased serotonin (5-HT) in the diencephalon, decreased it in the telencephalon and produced variable results in the brainstem. The dose of 100 μg eliminated the peak in locomotor activity that normally occurs at day 15. Administration on day 12 produced increased 5-HT levels in the diencephalon and the brainstem. The dose of 100 μg delayed the decrease in activity after the peak. Administration on days 3 and 6 or on day 12 produced non-specific damage throughout the brain, although dopamine levels were normal. The behavioral effects did not correspond with the neurochemical effects and probably were due to the pronounced non-specific effects of the treatment.
Modeling Adoption Attitudes: Recalled Maternal Warmth, Affection for Children, and Parenting Motivation

We tested a model for predicting adoption attitudes: that remembered parental warmth is associated with more positive attitudes toward adoption and that this relationship is mediated by motivation to parent and liking of children. One hundred and eighty-seven university students participated in the study. Controlling for participant gender and adoption experience, the model was supported for maternal warmth, but not for paternal warmth. Specifically, the relationship between recalled maternal warmth and more positive attitudes toward adoption was mediated positively by liking of children and negatively by motivation to parent. The results implicate both childhood experiences and contemporary motives and preferences in adoption attitudes.
A Polymeric Membrane Reactor for Biodegradation of Phenol in Wastewater

Microorganisms from activated sludge were immobilized by at tachment to microporous plastic sheets [MPS™]. Biodegradation of phenol was accomplished by pumping a phenol solution through a reactor containing microorganisms attached to the MPS™ sheet. Biodegradation was the pri mary removal mechanism, with only 5% removal by abiotic means. Experi ments were conducted in batch recirculation flow and continuous flow con figurations. In batch mode biodegradation rates showed a strong dependency on recirculation flow rates. In continuous mode, a residence time of 1.4 hours was needed for 50% conversion at steady state. Consumption of phenol and dis solved oxygen showed parallel trends throughout the experiments.
Ca(2+) calmodulin kinase and calcineurin mediate IGF-1-induced skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor alpha(1S) transcription.

The skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel or dihydropyridine(DHP)-sensitive receptor is a key molecule involved in membrane voltage-sensing, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, and muscle contraction. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increases skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel or dihydropyridine-sensitive receptor DHPRα1S transcriptional activity by acting on the cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) element of the promoter region; however, the cellular signaling mediating this process is not known. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathway whereby IGF-1 enhances the expression of DHPRα1S in C2C12 myotubes, using a molecular, pharmacological and electrophysiological approach. We found that inhibition of the Ca2+/Calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase or calcineurin, influenced IGF-1-induced increase in DHPRα1S expression, as detected by recording the luminescence of the DHPRα1S promoter–luciferase fusion construct and by immunoblot analysis of the DHPR α1 subunit. IGF-1 significantly increased CaM kinase and calcineurin activity and the cellular levels of phosphorylated CREB in a time-dependent manner. The role of CaM kinase and calcineurin in DHPRα1S expression was confirmed by functional recording of the effects of the inhibition of the kinase and phosphatase on IGF-1-mediated enhancement of charge movement. These results support the conclusion that IGF-1 controls CREB phosphorylation by activating a phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cascade, which ultimately modulates the DHPRα1S gene transcription.
Damköhler-Number Ratio Asymptotics of the Zeldovich-Liñán Model

Abstract A new asymptotics exploiting the disparity of the orders of magnitude of Damkohler numbers is uncovered in complex kinetics. In contrast to the conventional activation energy asymptotics where the non-dimensional activation energy 0 is algebraically large, the new asymptotics here only requires 0 to be logarithmically large, and is therefore a more appropriate approach for the analysis of problems where the activation energy 0 is not very large. The two-step Zeldovich-Linan model with a chain-branching and a chain-breaking step is chosen to demonstrate the use of this new asymptotics.
Behavioral inhibition and triallelic genotyping of the serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism

Abstract To examine the genetic bases of the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and the behavioral approach system (BAS), we evaluated the association between the BIS, the BAS, and a functional length polymorphism in the promoter of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) in an unscreened sample of undergraduates ( N = 211); analyses were conducted using a two-variant (i.e., biallelic) genotyping and three-variant (i.e., triallelic) genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. People with one or two copies of the low-expressing alleles reported stronger endorsement of the BIS than people who were homozygous for the high-expressing alleles; this association was found for triallelic but not biallelic genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. There was no association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the BAS scales.
Models of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney diseases result from recurrent or progressive injuries in glomeruli, tubules, interstitium and/or vasculature. To study pathogenesis, mechanisms and effects of interventions, many animal models have been developed, including spontaneous, genetic and induced models. However, these models do not exactly simulate human diseases, and most of them are strain, gender or age dependent. We review key information on various rodent models of chronic kidney diseases.
USE OF THE DYE HOECHST 33258 TO INCREASE THE PHOTOSENSITIVITY OF BROMODEOXYURIDINE‐CONTAINING CELLULAR SLIME MOLDS

The photosensitivity of amoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum to near-ultraviolet light (near-UV; 365 nm peak) was investigated following growth in 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and treatment with the dye Hoeschst 33258. Cell killing was studied as a function of dye-treatment time and concentration, and BrdUrd incorporation time and concentration. For example, cells grown for 13 h in 50 μg BrdUrd/ml and then treated for 1 h in 10 μg dye/ml were reduced to 10% survival by a near-UV exposure of 0.8 min. Combinations of any two of the three factors (BrdUrd, dye, near-UV) were ineffective for killing. The sensitivity of the cells to near-UV decreased rapidly as the holding time between the end of the dye treatment and the start of the UV exposure was increased.
New and unusual aspects of ovarian germ cell tumors.

Ovarian germ cell tumors are reviewed with emphasis on recent developments. In the primitive germ cell tumor group the recently recognized subtypes of yolk sac tumor, the hepatoid and glandular variants are described. Hepatoid tumors, which resemble hepatocellular carcinomas, are usually admixed with other patterns of yolk sac neoplasia but when the hepatoid component predominates, distinction from metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma may be difficult. Glandular yolk sac tumors include those with a cribriform pattern as well as tumors that may be confused with endometrioid carcinoma. Within the teratoma category, a recent paper exploring the occasional relation between immature teratomas and dermoid cysts is reviewed. Problems caused by some of the monodermal teratomas are also highlighted
Formation of ordered nanocluster arrays by self-assembly on nanopatterned Si(100) surfaces

Abstract A precisely ordered and precisely located array of 5 nm diameter nanoclusters has been fabricated by first etching into the substrate an array of holes with diameters comparable with the size of nanoclusters sought and then depositing adatoms on the substrate. The severely restricted diffusion field defined by the holes dominates nucleation and growth to produce a single nanocluster in each etched hole. Using low energy electron enhanced etching in a DC hydrogen plasma, we transferred an hexagonal array of 18 nm diameter holes with a 22 nm lattice constant from a biologically derived mask into Si(100). After etching, the mask was removed, and the patterned surface was intentionally oxidized in an oxygen plasma. Deposition of 1.2 nm of Ti on the oxidized surface produced an ordered array of 5 nm diameter metal nanoclusters positioned at the etched hole sites. Our methods achieved massively parallel processing at the key fabrication steps of pattern generation, pattern transfer, and nanocluster formation. Therefore, our methods enable rapid fabrication of arrays for fundamental studies and provide a route to manufacturability of nanostructure arrays for technological purposes.
The inheritance of pigmented-paddle (du2) in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

Pigmented-paddle ( du2 ), a fully penetrant, autosomal recessive, occurred spontaneously in a laboratory strain of Culex pipiens . It darkens the cuticle of the mosquito, and most obvious where the cuticle is thickened, as in the mid-rib of the pupal paddle. It is in linkage group II, about 3.7 crossover units from yellow-larva ( y ) and 27.5 units from ruby-eye ( ru ). Variation in frequency of recombination was large, especially in the y-ru segment. Substantially less recombination was observed in heterozygous males than in heterozygous females. No significant sex difference in recombination was noted in the du2-y segment.
Kinetics of the homogeneous catalytic hydroformylation of 1-octene in supercritical carbon dioxide with HRh(CO)[P(p-CF3C6H4)3]3

The first kinetic study of the rhodium-catalyzed homogeneous hydroformylation of olefins in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is reported. The hydroformylation of 1-octene using HRh(CO)[P(p-CF3C6H4)3]3 (1) in scCO2 was investigated at 50 °C and 273 atm. A kinetic rate expression was developed to represent the experimental data, having the form r1-octene = kA0.48C0.84D0.50/(1 + KBB2.2), where A = [H2], B = [CO], C = [1], and D = [1-octene]. The observed kinetic behavior differs significantly from behavior of conventional systems employing the nonfluorinated analogue of 1, HRh(CO)(PPh3)3, in organic solvents. Most notable are the ∼0.5 order H2 dependence of the reaction rate, the lack of substrate inhibition, and the absence of a critical catalyst concentration. The altered kinetic behavior relative to conventional systems may be due to scCO2 solvent effects, the modified phosphine ligand, or the high concentrations of reactant gases in the system. This study also illustrates the usefulness of scCO2 as a...
Modeling of the Co2+saturable absorber Q-switch for the Er:Yb:glass laser (1.534 um)

We have modeled the passive Q-switch performance of divalent cobalt and its spectroscopic parameters in various host media for the Er:Yb:Glass laser that operates near 1.534 micrometers . Our method involves the use of rate equations that assume a three-level gain medium and a four-level absorber medium including excited-state absorption. Numerical integration techniques are used where analytical functions are unobtainable to describe the dynamics within the systems that we have examined. Input into the rate equations is obtained from experimental data that include Co2+ ion concentrations, cross-sections, and lifetimes obtained by time-resolved spectroscopy. The calculated laser output in terms of pulse energies and pulsewidths in ns is compared with experimental results based on different Co2+ absorber host matricies and different cavity designs.
An optimal method of shape control for deformable structures with an application to a mechanically reconfigurable reflector antenna

An unconstrained shape error minimization problem is formed for a flexible deformable structure and its solution is obtained analytically. Shape error minimization for deformable structures is encountered in many performance-enhancing shape control problems. Using finite element modeling, the deformation of the structure is expressed in terms of actuation values of a set of actuators. Then, minimization of the shape error between a desired shape and an actual shape of the structure is mathematically analyzed. Using the necessary condition for the existence of an extremum, optimal actuation values for the minimum shape error are obtained. The validity of the optimal solution is verified by applying the result to a simple longitudinally actuated one-dimensional bar. Then, the same method is applied to a mechanically deformable reflector antenna structure. For this complex structure, both the uniqueness of the optimal solution and the effect of increasing the number of actuators are graphically illustrated as well as quantitatively evaluated.
Two adrenal gland cytochrome P-450 entities evidenced by metyrapone-induced spectra.

Abstract 1. Marked diminution in the metyrapone-induced 425-nm difference spectrum occurs when 17-hydroxyprogesterone is added to microsomal preparations, but only a low magnitude response is observed when this steroid is introduced into mitochondrial fractions exhibiting metyrapone spectra. Deoxycorticosterone induces spectra in both acellular fractions, but does not influence the magnitude of metyrapone spectrum. 2. Diminution of the microsomal metyrapone absorption peak after addition of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, appears to be primarily due to summation of the 420-nm absorption minimum induced by 17-hydroxyprogesterone and the 425-nm absorption maximum induced with metyrapone. 3. Metyrapone cancels deoxycorticosterone-induced spectra occurring either in microsomes or mitochondria and attains a magnitude identical to that attained in the absence of deoxycorticosterone. 4. Addition of metyrapone to microsomal preparations containing deoxycorticosterone results in the same difference spectrum as that manifest by metyrapone alone, suggesting complete displacement of the spectral inducing elements of deoxycorticosterone in preference to those of metyrapone. Such a manifestation, however, does not occur in respect to 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The spectral shift which occurs when metyrapone is added to preparations containing 17-hydroxyprogesterone is distinct from metyrapone alone. When metyrapone is added to the reference cuvette, the sample cuvette reveals the 17-hydroxyprogesterone spectrum; when 17-hydroxyprogesterone is added to the reference cuvette the metyrapone spectrum is revealed indicating independence of the two substrates in inducing their respective difference spectra.
Cryptococcal urease promotes the accumulation of immature dendritic cells and a non-protective T2 immune response within the lung.

Urease, a major virulence factor for Cryptococcus neoformans, promotes lethal meningitis/encephalitis in mice. The effect of urease within the lung, the primary site of most invasive fungal infections, is unknown. An established model of murine infection that utilizes either urease-producing (wt and ure1::URE1) or urease-deficient (ure1) strains (H99) of C. neoformans was used to characterize fungal clearance and the resultant immune response evoked by these strains within the lung. Results indicate that mice infected with urease-producing strains of C. neoformans demonstrate a 100-fold increase in fungal burden beginning 2 weeks post–infection (as compared with mice infected with urease-deficient organisms). Infection with urease-producing C. neoformans was associated with a highly polarized T2 immune response as evidenced by increases in the following: 1) pulmonary eosinophils, 2) serum IgE levels, 3) T2 cytokines (interleukin-4, -13, and -4 to interferon-gamma ratio), and 4) alternatively activated macrophages. Furthermore, the percentage and total numbers of immature dendritic cells within the lung-associated lymph nodes was markedly increased in mice infected with urease-producing C. neoformans. Collectively, these data define cryptococcal urease as a pulmonary virulence factor that promotes immature dendritic cell accumulation and a potent, yet non-protective, T2 immune response. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms by which microbial factors contribute to the immunopathology associated with invasive fungal disease.
Understanding lead dysfunction: managing lead failure grief.

In two prior editorials, I considered the vulnerabilities of implantable devices and their leads. I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made in dealing with implantable devices, largely due to the collaboration of multiple medical societies, regulatory and governmental authorities, device manufacturers, physicians, scientists, and allied professionals. Unfortunately, the response of the medical and scientific community has been uneven and at times surreal, taking on a life of its own, sometimes defying the mandate not to do harm. As we continue to experience the “less than perfect” paradigm, an increasingly clear concept has come into focus; management of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) follows broad themes but requires individualization. Not only must we treat each patient as an individual with unique clinical and personal characteristics, but in this case we need to individualize each patient based on the specific lead involved. Although obvious to some, clarity has not been conspicuously manifest in the medical community’s evaluation of each condition or the development of specific care strategies. Useful classifications have been developed, completely dependent upon specific circumstances. In 1969, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described a useful framework that continues to facilitate grief management. In On Death and Dying, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are concepts that not only appear to apply to people in respect to death, but seem to resonate with our experience with implantable devices and, in particular, ICD leads. My earlier editorials related largely to denial exhibited in the medical and scientific community, the general public, the press, and the patients. We unrealistically expected something much different. Subsequently, many of us exhibited anger, bargaining, and depression. It is time to develop a more specific framework to work through the process of acceptance in the least damaging way possible. I propose that we step back and consider a strategic approach to the evaluation of vulnerable ICD therapies. In this issue of HeartRhythm, Cheung et al describe the mechanisms, predictors, and trends of electrical failure of the Riata family of leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA) using retrospective observational methods. I want to be clear; I am not suggesting that the authors have not been careful in their analysis, but I am suggesting that we should consider the broad situation and produce a specific strategic analytical
Volatile Concentration and Flavor of Beef as Influenced by Diet

Yearling steers (48) were finished on one of three intense pasture rotation systems: (1) Tifleaf pearl millet; (2) millet with restricted grain; or (3) millet followed by grain ad libitum in the feedlot. In both 20% fat ground beef and subcutaneous fat, gamey/stale off-flavor decreased and roasted beef flavor increased when steers were fed grain. Compounds (59) including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, diterpenoids, hydrocarbons, and lactones, were identified in the purge-and-trap volatiles. Lactones positively correlated with roasted beef flavor and negatively correlated with gamey/stale off-flavor, whereas diterpenoids positively correlated with gamey/stale off-flavor and negatively correlated with roasted beef flavor.
Review of combination therapy with mTOR inhibitors and tacrolimus minimization after transplantation.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive regimens containing a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor with tacrolimus (TAC) minimization therapy in solid organ transplant recipients. A PubMed search was conducted using the terms (mTOR OR sirolimus OR everolimus) AND tacrolimus AND renal AND (low OR reduced OR reduction OR minimization) AND transplant*; limited to title/abstract and English-language articles published from January 1, 2003, through January 28, 2013. Twenty-one relevant studies of TAC minimization therapy were identified and evaluated in the context of known concerns associated with immunosuppressive therapy. Review of these studies suggests that immunosuppressive regimens including an mTOR inhibitor and TAC minimization therapy better preserve renal function versus standard-dose TAC, without significant changes in patient survival or graft rejection rates. Among patients treated with an mTOR inhibitor plus TAC minimization therapy in 12 randomized controlled trials (n = 856 kidney, n = 190 heart, n = 108 lung, n = 719 liver patients), reported rates of infection (BK, cytomegalovirus, or Epstein–Barr virus) and malignancy were low (0% to 7%). Other adverse events were more commonly reported including dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia in up to two thirds of patients, new-onset diabetes mellitus in up to 38%, wound complications in up to 22%, and hypertension in up to 17%.
Plasma cardiotrophin-1 levels are associated with hypertensive heart disease: a meta-analysis.

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a member of the interleukin 6 cytokine superfamily. Plasma CT-1 levels have been associated with heart failure and hypertension in small independent studies. Whether plasma CT-1 levels are associated with progression of hypertensive heart disease is poorly understood. The authors carried out a meta-analysis using published studies and electronic databases. Relevant data were extracted using standardized algorithms. Additional data were obtained directly from investigators when indicated. A total of 18 studies were included that reported on association between CT-1 level and hypertension (n=8), cardiac hypertrophy (n=9), and heart failure (HF) (n=10). The serum levels of CT-1 were significantly higher in patients with hypertension (standard mean difference [SMD], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–1.06 fmol/mL), left ventricular hypertrophy (SMD, 0.88; 95% CI 0.60–1.17 fmol/mL), or HF (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51–0.80 fmol/mL) compared with controls. Subgroup analysis revealed CT-1 levels to be highest in patients with hypertension-induced hypertrophy with HF, followed by patients with hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy without HF (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30–0.75 fmol/mL), patients with hypertension without left ventricular hypertrophy (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.88 fmol/mL) as compared with normotensive patients (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 10.45–1.04 fmol/mL). Increased plasma CT-1 levels are associated with risk for HF in hypertensive patients. CT-1 may serve as a novel biomarker in determining prognosis in hypertensive patients.
Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis for a Patient With Type 1 Hyperoxaluria

Type 1 primary hyperoxaluria is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of the liver-specific peroxisomal enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase. This enzyme deficiency leads to excess oxalate production and deposition of calcium oxalate salts, resulting in kidney failure and systemic oxalosis. Aside from combined liver/kidney transplantation, no curative treatment exists. Various strategies for optimizing dialysis treatment have been evaluated, but neither conventional hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis can keep pace with oxalate production in this patient population. In this report, we describe a patient with end-stage renal disease from type 1 primary hyperoxaluria managed with nocturnal home hemodialysis. Performing hemodialysis 8-10 hours each night with blood flow of 350 mL/min and total dialysate volume of 60 L, she has maintained pre- and postdialysis serum oxalate levels at or below the level of supersaturation. We also review published literature regarding oxalate removal in various modalities of dialysis in patients with type 1 primary hyperoxaluria. In our patient, nocturnal hemodialysis has controlled serum oxalate levels better than conventional hemodialysis therapies. Home nocturnal hemodialysis should be considered an option for management of patients with end-stage renal disease from type 1 hyperoxaluria who are awaiting transplantation.
A novel reagentless sensing system for measuring glucose based on the galactose/glucose-binding protein

The galactose/glucose-binding protein (GBP) is synthesized in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli in a precursor form and exported into the periplasmic space upon cleavage of a 23-amino-acid leader sequence. GBP binds galactose and glucose in a highly specific manner. The ligand induces a hinge motion in GBP and the resultant protein conformational change constitutes the basis of the sensing system. The mglB gene, which codes for GBP, was isolated from the chromosome of E. coli using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Since wild-type GBP lacks cysteines in its structure, introducing this amino acid by site-directed mutagenesis ensures single-label attachment at specific sites with a sulfhydro-specific fluorescent probe. Site-directed mutagenesis by overlap extension PCR was performed to prepare three different mutants to introduce a single cysteine residue at positions 148, 152, and 182. Since these residues are not involved in ligand binding and since they are located at the edge of the binding cleft, they experience a significant change in environment upon binding of galactose or glucose. The sensing system strategy is based on the fluorescence changes of the probe as the protein undergoes a structural change on binding. In this work a reagentless sensing system has been rationally designed that can detect submicromolar concentrations of glucose. The calibration plots have a linear working range of three orders of magnitude. Although the system can sense galactose as well, this epimer is not a potential interfering substance since its concentration in blood is negligible. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.
Integration of radio-frequency transmission and radar in general software for multimodal battlefield signal modeling

The Environmental Awareness for Sensor and Emitter Employment (EASEE) software, being developed by the U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), provides a general platform for predicting sensor performance and optimizing sensor selection and placement in complex terrain and weather conditions. It incorporates an extensive library of target signatures, signal propagation models, and sensor systems. A flexible object-oriented design supports efficient integration and simulation of diverse signal modalities. This paper describes the integration of modeling capabilities for radio-frequency (RF) transmission and radar systems from the U. S. Navy Electromagnetic Propagation Integrated Resource Environment (EMPIRE), which contains nearly twenty different realistic RF propagation models. The integration utilizes an XML-based interface between EASEE and EMPIRE to set inputs for and run propagation models. To accommodate radars, fundamental improvements to the EASEE software architecture were made to support active-sensing scenarios with forward and backward propagation of the RF signals between the radar and target. Models for reflecting targets were defined to apply a target-specific, directionally dependent reflection coefficient (i.e., scattering cross section) to the incident wavefields.
Hypothermia in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: A 5-Year Experience at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Neuro NICU

We found TH to be safe and effective in improving survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes following HIE in term children. Additionally, the use of a multidisciplinary team involved with these complex patients and the use of advanced monitoring techniques will likely assist in identifying second insults (ie, seizures), leading to more rapidly instituted treatments. Our study, however, had the limitation of including only retrospective data from patients in whom TH was provided. This makes it difficult to identify the specific sources for the improved outcomes and/or the presence of complications.
Discrimination of ventricular tachycardia from sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation in a tiered-therapy cardioverter-defibrillator

Abstract Objectives. This study was conducted to evaluate criteria for discrimination of ventricular tachycardia from atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia in a tiered-therapy cardioverterdefibrillator (Medtronic PCD). Background. Interval stability algorithms discriminate ventricular tachycardia from atrial fibrillation. Onset algorithms discriminate ventricular tachycardia from sinus tachycardia. Neither has been validated clinically. Methods. The stability criterion requires that a ventricular tachycardia interval not vary fron any of the three previous intervals by more than the programmable stability value. The onset criterion detects initiation of ventricular tachycardia only if the ratio of an interval to the mean of four previous intervals is less than a programmed onset ratio andeither the second or third preceding interval exceeds the ventricular tachycardia detection interval. We evaluated these criteria in 100 patients at electrophysiologic study and exercise testing (65 patients) and during a mean (±SD) follow-up of 16.2 ± 7.9 months. The PCDs were programmed to tiered therapy in 54 patients. In the remaining 46 patients, the PCD9s memory for detected ventricular tachycardia was used to study the specificity of the chosen onset criterion for rejecting sinus tachycardia. We used stored intervals preceding appropriate (n = 99) and inappropriate (n = 54) detections to test a new onset criterion that was less sensitive to a single index interval. Results. Programmed stability of 40 ms decreased detection of induced atrial fibrillation by 95% (20 patients), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by 95% (6 patients) and chronic atrial fibrillation by 99% (9 patients); all episodes of spontaneous (n = 877) and induced (n = 339) ventricular tachycardia were detected. A programmed onset ratio of 87% rejected sinus acceleration (98%) but caned underdetection of 0.5% of ventricular tachycardias. The onset criterion permitted inappropriate detection of premature ventricular complexes during sinus tachycardia, but the new criterion reduced these inappropriate detections by 98%. Conclusions: The PCD9s onset and stabillty criteria reduced inappropriate detection of atrial fibrillation and sinus acceleration while detecting 99.5% of ventricular tachycardias.
A-V Nodal parasystole☆

Abstract Four instances of parasystole with the ectopic center in the upper portion of the A-V node are described, and several similar observations were collected from the literature. The astonishing fact is stressed that the automaticity of the ectopic center is slow in most of these observations. Unlike ventricular parasystole this form seems to appear in persons with healthy hearts.
American Strategic Minerals

American Strategic Minerals is a collection of six papers that were presented in December 1982 at a conference organized by the Center for the Study of Marine Policy at the University of Delaware. According to editor Gerard J. Mangone, director of the center, the papers were commissioned “to investigate not only the objective resource situation, but also past United States policy on strategic minerals and future options open to Washington.” The authors and their chapter titles are John C. Kraft, University of Delaware: “Strategic minerals and world stability”; V. Anthony Cammarota, Jr., U.S. Bureau of Mines: “America's dependence on strategic minerals”; John D. Morgan, U.S. Bureau of Mines: “Future demands of the United States for strategic minerals”; J. Robert Moore, University of Texas: “Alternative sources of strategic minerals from the seabed”; Allan I. Mendelowitz and John E. Watson, U.S. General Accounting Office: “U.S. mining investments in developing countries”; and James W. Curlin, Nautilus Press: “The political dimensions of strategic minerals.”
Radial junction nanopillar arrays textured n-type silicon solar cells

We report the radial p-n junction nanopillar arrays textured n-type silicon solar cells, passivated by ALD deposited Al2O3. Low cost solution processible metal assisted chemical etching (MACE) and spin on dopant (SOD) techniques were used for the fabrication of proposed solar cells. The nanopillar arrays textured surface exhibits the excellent broadband omnidirectional antireflection properties, leading to AM1.5G spectrum weighted reflectivity as low as 4.37%. Despite having the high surface to volume ratio of the nanopillar arrays textured surface, we observed an open circuit voltage (VOC) and the short circuit current density (JSC) as high as 572mV and 29.9mA/cm2 respectively, which leads to the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in excess of 11.30%, for the optimized structure of the solar cells described herein. External quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements conforms the photocurrent enhancement contributed by the enhanced optical absorption in the optimized nanopillar arrays textured surface.
EPIMOD: exposing students to health care decision-making and societal problems

The use of the computer in education has expanded exponentially in the past quarter of a century. And the use of computer simulation models has proven highly successful as a mode for individual student experimentation. EPIMOD - an epidemic simulation model - was created by the author to provide the scenario to expose health science students (as well as computer science majors) to decision-making techniques and to the analysis of many of the societal problems related to health care services.
A Simple Conductimetric CO2 Analyzer with Automatic Recalibration: II. Factors Affecting Calibration

Conductimetric CO 2 analyzers provide an economical means of monitoring and controlling carbon dioxide concentration ([CO 2 ]) in enclosed plant growth cabinets. They rely on dissolving CO 2 from an air sample in demineralized water and measuring the resulting change in electrical conductivity. Regressing the analog output from the conductivity meter against [CO 2 ] values over the range 200 to 1000 μL L -1 yields a quadratic response. Calibration curves for conductimetric CO 2 analyzers are affected primarily by temperature and air and water (low rates. Air and water (low rates are relatively fixed, whereas temperature varies over time in normal operation. A covariate anlysis for a three-way treatment structure in a randomized complete block design determined how the intercept (B 0 ) and the linear and quadratic parameter estimates (B 1 and B 2 ) varied with temperatures of 10, 20, 30, and 40 o C, air (low rates of 540, 1880, and 3700 mm 3 s -1 , and water (low rates of 1.0, 0.66, and 0.33 mL s -1 . Temperature effects were greatest, with air (low rate causing minor changes, while water (low rate had no effect. Temperature and air (low rate significantly altered B 0 , with only minor changes in B 1 and B 2 . Variations in B 0 were sufficient enough to alter the [CO 2 ] around the desired set point by 70 μL L -1 for all treatments evaluated. Deviations in [CO 2 ] control due to variation in B 1 and B 2 were within 10 to 15 μL L -1 ; only the adjustment in B 0 must be made every sampling period (every 900 s) to maintain [CO 2 ] control within 10 to 15 μL L -1 of the set point
Growth retarding effects of the herbicide difenzoquat

The growth-regulating properties of the herbicide Difenzoquat (1,2-dimethyl-3,5-diphenyl-1-H-pyrazolium methyl sulfate) were investigated in seedlings and cell suspension cultures of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Application of 10 μg or more Difenzoquat to the apex of seedlings resulted in a transient inhibition of internode elongation. Application of GA3 to treated seedlings resulted in enhanced internode elongation but did not reverse the degree of growth inhibition elicited by Difenzoquat. Endogenous gibberellin levels were estimated by bioassay and were qualitatively and quantitatively similar in extracts from control and treated seedlings. Treatment of suspension cultures of sunflower cells with 1 μM or more Difenzoquat resulted in an inhibition of cell division (dry-matter accumulation). Neither GA3 nor a mixture of sterols (cholesterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol) alone or in combination was able to overcome this inhibition of cell division. It was concluded that the growth-retarding activity of Difenzoquat was the result of its action at the cellular level and was not mediated by inhibition of gibberellin biosynthesis.
Metabolic effects of sleeve gastrectomy in female rat model of diet-induced obesity.

Abstract Background Although women disproportionately undergo bariatric surgery, the rodent models investigating the mechanisms of bariatric surgery have been limited to males. Female rodent models can also potentially allow us to understand the effects of surgical intervention on future generations of offspring. Sleeve gastrectomy is an attractive weight loss procedure for reproductive-age female patients because it avoids the malabsorption associated with intestinal bypass. We sought to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on young female rats with diet-induced obesity at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine. Methods Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed a 60% high-fat diet. At 12 weeks of age, the rats underwent either sleeve gastrectomy or sham surgery. The rats were killed 4 weeks after surgery. A chemistry panel was performed, and the serum adipokines and gut hormones were assayed. The homeostasis model assessment score was calculated. The liver histologic findings were graded for steatosis. The 2-sample t test was used to compare the results between the 2 groups. Results Sleeve gastrectomy was associated with significant weight loss (5% ± 6% versus −4% ± 6%; P P P Conclusion Sleeve gastrectomy appears to result in weight loss and improvements in adiponectin and leptin by way of mechanisms independent of ghrelin levels in a female model of diet-induced obesity.