cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Veteran resilience following combat-related amputation

Introduction: Amputation following combat-related injury places substantial stress on survivors and their spouses. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of combat-related amputat...
The terrestrial example: Natural disasters as model for planetary defense planning

Abstract Imminent threats draw more attention and resources than the less immediate ones and defense against them is based on the assessment of prospective human and economic tolls. This appraisal allows the development of means for eliminating or reducing said tolls and insuring against the remaining risk. A newly recognized class of threats that has become more apparent in the last few decades are those posed by asteroids and comets. Impacts by sizable natural objects are exceedingly rare but are likely more catastrophic than most terrestrial threats. Lack of immediacy makes the parallel methodology to defend against such threats complex and reliant on developing technologies and untested techniques. Does this paradigm require a different discourse to facilitate an improved defense of increasingly integrated global economies and societies? Experience with common natural disasters and risks are examined to elucidate the question and point to options, while gradual development of technological solutions is appraised for its risk and damage reduction value. It is suggested that to defend against short-term warnings – less than a few years – a degree of readiness must be in place in advance of detection of a possible asteroid or comet impactor. Alternate methods of planetary defense technology that could broaden its value but require risk-informed appraisal, such as nuclear explosive devices, are also considered.
13 – SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS

Publisher Summary Presentations at professional meetings and elsewhere are extremely important for scientific communication and individual reputation. Scientists build on the discoveries of others through communication, and their own speaking ability may mean the difference in getting a job or a promotion. This chapter illustrates the importance of communication skills in scientific presentation. Valuable experience can be gained by attending presentations either as a speaker or a listener. Whether it is a departmental seminar, participation in a national meeting, an informal or formal speech, or a job interview, a scientist must perform well when “on stage” to become recognized as competent and articulate, two qualities almost essential to be a successful scientist. Whether it is evident or not, professors evaluate research and communication skills of a student any time they make a presentation in a class or in a departmental seminar session. Seminars present a means for uncovering errors, picking up new perspectives, and strengthening research. Communication at scientific meetings transpires through both the spoken word and body language used formally and informally. The best information from meetings often comes from casual conversations. The importance of chance encounters and casual conversations should not be underestimated, and some preparation should be made for these exchanges. Scientific presentations can take numerous other forms such as departmental seminars, professional meetings, and job interviews.
Understanding the Barriers to Pediatric Oncologist Engagement and Accrual to Clinical Trials in National Cancer Institute–Designated Community Oncology Research Programs

Purpose Clinical trial participation leads to progress in cancer care. Principal investigators (PIs) and clinical research associates (CRAs) play key roles in the provision and maintenance of clinical trial portfolios at their sites. Previous studies have evaluated the educational and resource needs of adult oncology providers, but nothing to date has focused on providers of pediatric oncology care. We aimed to identify the educational needs and clinical trial participation barriers at National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Children's Oncology Group (COG) sites to improve the quality of site investigator engagement. Methods Quality improvement surveys of pediatric clinical research staff at NCORP sites were performed. The first was a web-based inquiry of NCORP COG PIs and lead CRAs to assess their general understanding of NCORP organizational structure and needs. The second survey of COG PIs was conducted by one-on-one telephone interviews aimed at identifying specific barriers to physician engagement and patient enrollment in clinical trial research. Results The majority of NCORP COG PIs and CRAs (63%) reported an incomplete understanding of NCORP structure, with approximately half expressing interest in developing stronger collaborations and engagement. Most NCORP COG PIs reported at least one shared barrier to clinical trial enrollment (78%), with inadequate protected time and research support (39% each) being the most frequently cited barriers. Conclusions Contributions to pediatric cancer clinical research at COG NCORP sites could be enhanced through improved education, resources, and time allocation.
Carnivoran intraspecific tooth-size variation shows heterogeneity along the tooth row and among species

Developing morphological diagnoses for fossil mammals requires an understanding of intraspecific variation in the anatomical elements under study. Dental traits along with tooth size can be informative of taxonomic identify for extinct species. However, it is unclear what selective or developmental processes are responsible for documented patterns in tooth-size variation making application to the fossil record difficult. We assessed combined species tooth-type variation and intraspecific tooth-size variation for 19 species to evaluate whether developmental controls or occlusion-driven functional demands influence carnivoran tooth-size variation. We also estimated phylogenetic signal for the coefficient of variation (CV). Combined species tooth-size variation separated by tooth type shows that canines are more variable than molars and lower premolars. We found intraspecific tooth-size variation patterns differ between species. However, comparisons of the CVs did not support the hypotheses that developmental controls or functional demands of occlusion constrain size variation in mammal teeth. Our results suggest that a combination of factors influence carnivoran tooth-size variation, such as differences in ontogeny, diet, sexual dimorphism, and evolutionary history. Patterns of carnivoran intraspecific tooth-size variation suggest a better understanding of dental size variation in extant species is essential for accurate morphological studies of fossil taxa.
Barriers to Dissemination of Local Health Data Faced by US State Agencies: Survey Study of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Coordinators.

Background: Advances in information technology have paved the way to facilitate accessibility to population-level health data through web-based data query systems (WDQSs). Despite these advances in technology, US state agencies face many challenges related to the dissemination of their local health data. It is essential for the public to have access to high-quality data that are easy to interpret, reliable, and trusted. These challenges have been at the forefront throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the most significant challenges faced by state agencies, from the perspective of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) coordinator from each state, and to assess if the coordinators from states with a WDQS perceive these challenges differently. Methods: We surveyed BRFSS coordinators (N=43) across all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. We surveyed the participants about contextual factors and asked them to rate system aspects and challenges they faced with their health data system on a Likert scale. We used two-sample t tests to compare the means of the ratings by participants from states with and without a WDQS. Results: Overall, 41/43 states (95%) make health data available over the internet, while 65% (28/43) employ a WDQS. States with a WDQS reported greater challenges (P=.01) related to the cost of hardware and software (mean score 3.44/4, 95% CI 3.09-3.78) than states without a WDQS (mean score 2.63/4, 95% CI 2.25-3.00). The system aspect of standardization of vocabulary scored more favorably (P=.01) in states with a WDQS (mean score 3.32/5, 95% CI 2.94-3.69) than in states without a WDQS (mean score 2.85/5, 95% CI 2.47-3.22). Conclusions: Securing of adequate resources and commitment to standardization are vital in the dissemination of local-level health data. Factors such as receiving data in a timely manner, privacy, and political opposition are less significant barriers than anticipated.
Insertion of Impella 5.5 via the Axillary Artery Graft Under Fluoroscopic Guidance

The Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) is a percutaneous, continuous micro-axial left ventricular assist device. The Impella 5.5 provides systemic end-organ perfusion by moving blood from the left ventricle (LV) into the aorta, thereby unloading the ventricle. The pump has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for short-term, LV support. The insertion of an Impella 5.0 or 5.5 device requires surgical and endovascular skillsets to properly expose the axillary artery, suture a graft in a chimney fashion, and ensure the endovascular delivery of the device over a wire across the aortic valve into the LV under flouroscopic guidance. In this article, we detail a step-by-step guide to implant the Impella 5.5 device via the open surgical approach and including the endovascular technique. Anticipated pitfalls and safeguard measures are highlighted and detailed.
Sports Haematology

While the crucial role of haemoglobin in aerobic exercise has been well accepted, there is still a great deal of controversy about the optimal haematological parameters in the athletic population. The initial part of this review will examine the question of anaemia in athletes. The most common finding in athletes is a dilutional pseudoanaemia that is caused by a plasma volume expansion, rather than an actual blood loss. It is not a pathological state and normalizes with training cessation in 3 to 5 days. This entity should be distinguished from conditions associated with lowered blood counts, such as intravascular haemolysis or iron deficiency anaemia. The evaluation of true anaemia states in the athlete must take into account not only blood losses secondary to exercise, such as foot strike haemolysis or iron losses through sweat, but non-athletic causes as well. Depending on the age and sex of the athlete, consideration must be given to evaluation of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems for blood loss. Finally, a comprehensive nutritional history must be taken, as athletes, especially women, are frequently not consuming adequate dietary iron.
Cooperative Principles and Fair Labor Standards: Volunteering for Food Co-Ops

Across the U.S. groceries are leaving the urban core and contributing to the food insecurity with which approximately 40 million people struggle. Food cooperatives, which are owned by members of the community, can help fill this void. Often to serve the community, the owners volunteer their time working at the food co-op. The Department of Labor indicates this practice is unlawful because volunteers must work only for non-profits and must perform only public service tasks. In this article, we argue that food cooperatives located in food deserts do not violate the Fair Labor Standards Act when the owners volunteer to work without compensation. The applicable court precedent indicates that in certain cases volunteers may work for for-profits, and working for a food cooperative in a food desert is one such instance. In any event, when considering the nature and mission of a food cooperative, one located in a food desert is properly characterized as a non-profit for FLSA purposes. Whether the food co-op operates as a for-profit, non-profit, or not-for-profit, owners should be able to volunteer for humanitarian tasks like assisting the elderly and disabled with transportation and shopping, teaching cooking classes, and providing child care.
Optimal turning climb-out and descent of commercial jet aircraft

Optimal turning climb-out and descent flight-paths from and to runway headings are derived to provide the missing elements of a complete flight-path optimization for minimum fuel consumption. The paths are derived by generating a field of extremals, using the necessary conditions of optimal control. Results show that the speed profiles for straight and turning flight are essentially identical, except for the final horizontal accelerating or decelerating turn. The optimal turns, which require no abrupt maneuvers, could easily be integrated with present climb-cruise-descent fuel-optimization algorithms.
Stress, the Aging Brain, and the Mechanisms of Neuron Death

Part 1 The glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis: the stress-response and the emergence of stress-related disease an introduction to the adrenocortical axis glucocorticoid concentrations in the aged rat - a problem of hypersecretion the problem of receptor loss the hippocampus as a mediator of glucocorticoid feedback regulation glucocorticoid neurotoxicity. Part 2 How does a neuron die?: glucocorticoids endanger hippocampal neurons a brief interlude - programmed cell death metabolic chaos 1 - the mediators of necrotic neuronal injury, metabolic chaos 2 - the role of energy failure in necrotic neuronal injury how do glucocorticoids endanger the hippocampal neuron?. Part 3 How depressing is all of this?: individual differences and adrenocortical function - why do some individuals secrete more glucocorticoids than others? interventions at the time of neurological insults is this relevant to the human?
IN VITRO CONVERSION OF HISTOPLASMA CAPSULATUM

Northey, W. T. (Arizona State University, Tempe) and L. D. Brooks. In vitro conversion of Histoplasma capsulatum. J. Bacteriol. 84:577–580. 1962.—The in vitro fungus-yeast conversion of the diphasic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, has been accomplished using enzymatic digests of casein. Of these casein digests, the most rapid and complete conversion was found when Ferm-Amine Types I, II, and III were used. Technical grades of these products were found to stimulate conversion to a greater extent than the reagent grades. The use of these media as research and diagnostic aids is suggested.
The Influence of The Galilean Satellites on Radio Emissions From The Jovian System

The Galilean satellites influence radio emissions from the Jovian system in a variety of ways. The best and most familiar example of these is the Io control of decametric radiation discovered in 1964 by Bigg. Voyager observations of broadband kilometric radiation revealed a low-latitude shadow zone cast by the Io torus at frequencies between a few tens of kHz and about 1 MHz. Voyager also discovered narrowband kilometric radio emissions emanating from the outer edge of the torus. In this paper we will discuss expansions in the suite of satellite influences based on new observations by Galileo. These include the discovery of Ganymede's magnetosphere and evidence of radio emissions generated via mode conversion from upper hybrid waves in the frequency range of about 20 - 100 kHz. There is evidence that Ganymede may control some of the hectometric or low-frequency decametric radio emissions based on occultation measurements and statistical studies of radio emission occurrence as a function of Ganymede phase. Direction-finding measurements in the vicinity of Io suggest that a portion of the hectometric emissions may be generated near the lo L-shell. A rotationally modulated attenuation band in the hectometric emission appears to be the result of scattering at or near the Io L-shell where the waves propagate nearly parallel to the magnetic field. There is even a tantalizing hint of a Europa connection to the source of narrowband kilometric radiation.
Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapies for the Treatment of Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a very aggressive cancer with poor outcome if left untreated, but it is also one of the most chemotherapy responsive cancers. Overall it has a very poor prognosis especially if it is chemotherapy resistant to first line treatment. Second line chemotherapy has not been very beneficial in SCLC as opposed to breast cancer and lymphoma. In the last few years topotecan is the only drug that has been approved by the food and drug administration (FDA) for the second line treatment of SCLC but in Japan another drug, amrubicin is approved. There are many combinations of different chemotherapies available in moderate to high intensity, in this difficult to treat patient to overcome the chemo resistance, but many of these studies are small or phase II trials. In this article we have reviewed single agent and multidrug regimens that were studied in both chemo sensitive and refractory setting, including the most recent clinical trials.
Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis using phonophoresis

Abstract Sarcoidosis is a multiple-system disorder of unknown origin characterized histologically by epithelioid granulomas with little or no necrosis. We describe a 32-year-old female patient with a history of systemic sarcoidosis and common variable immunodeficiency with recurrent, multiple, soft, erythematous and violaceous nodules on the back of her left hand. Her lesions responded to phonophoresis after unsuccessful treatment with topical and intralesional corticosteroids. However, nodules appeared on other parts of her body after phonophoresis was stopped, which suggests that phonophoresis had a localized rather than systemic effect. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:767-9.)
The exchange program with the People’s Republic of China at the East Asiatic Library, University of California at Berkeley

(1987). The exchange program with the People’s Republic of China at the East Asiatic Library, University of California at Berkeley. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 341-345.
The keys to healthy family child care homes intervention: Study design and rationale

Abstract Background Obesity is a major public health problem for which early preventive interventions are needed. Large numbers of young children are enrolled in some form of child care program, making these facilities influential environments in children's development. Family child care homes (FCCH) are a specific type of child care in which children are cared for within the provider's own residence. FCCHs serve approximately 1.5 million children in the U.S.; however, research to date has overlooked FCCH providers and their potential to positively influence children's health-related behaviors. Methods Keys to Healthy Family Child Care Homes (Keys) is a cluster-randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of an intervention designed to help providers become healthy role models, provide quality food- and physical activity-supportive FCCH environments, and implement effective business practices. The intervention is delivered through workshops, home visits, tailored coaching calls, and educational toolkits. Primary outcomes are child physical activity measured via accelerometry data and dietary intake data collected using direct observation at the FCCH. Secondary outcomes include child body mass index, provider weight-related behaviors, and observed obesogenic environmental characteristics. Conclusion Keys is an innovative approach to promoting healthy eating and physical activity in young children. The intervention operates in a novel setting, targets children during a key developmental period, and addresses both provider and child behaviors to synergistically promote health.
Intron Delays and Transcriptional Timing during Development

The time taken to transcribe most metazoan genes is significant because of the substantial length of introns. Developmentally regulated gene networks, where timing and dynamic patterns of expression are critical, may be particularly sensitive to intron delays. We revisit and comment on a perspective last presented by Thummel 16 years ago: transcriptional delays may contribute to timing mechanisms during development. We discuss the presence of intron delays in genetic networks. We consider how delays can impact particular moments during development, which mechanistic attributes of transcription can influence them, how they can be modeled, and how they can be studied using recent technological advances as well as classical genetics.
Centriole deciliation associated with the early response of 3T3 cells to growth factors but not to SV40

Abstract BALB/c-3T3 cells which are growth-arrested by high cell density or low serum have ciliated, unduplicated centrioles. Stimulation of these quiescent cells by serum is associated with a rapid (within 1–2 hr) deciliation of the centriole, followed by reciliation within 6–10 hr. This transient deciliation of the centriole is induced by the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) component of serum. The cells treated with PDGF became competent to replicate their DNA; most PDGF treated cells, however, did not progress from Go toward S phase unless they were incubated with the platelet-poor plasma component of serum. Addition of CaCl 2 or Fibroblast Growth Factor to the media mimicked PDGF by producing both centriole deciliation and competence to replicate DNA. In fact, over a range of concentrations of each of these factors, only doses which produced centriole deciliation were capable of producing competence for DNA synthesis. Plasma alone or factors such as Multiplication Stimulating Activity produced neither centriole deciliation nor competence; these agents were, however, required for the optimum progression of competent cells into DNA synthesis. In contrast, infection with SV40 induced host cell DNA synthesis without an initial transient deciliation of the centriole. Thus while growth factors may have to induce centriole deciliation for 3T3 cells to synthesize DNA, abortive transformation by SV40 overrides this requirement.
Circadian rhythms of the spontaneous meal pattern, macronutrient intake, and mood of humans

Circadian (24-hour) rhythms in the feeding behavior of humans were investigated using diary self-reports of spontaneous food intake. Eight male and 30 female undergraduate students recorded what they ate, when they ate it, and their mood at the time of ingestion in a diary over a consecutive nine day period. Self-ratings of depression, energy, and anxiety were made at the beginning of each meal on three seven-point scales. The total amount of food energy in each meal as well as the amount of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, the intervals prior to and following the meals, and the satiety and deprivation ratios were calculated. The food energy contained in the stomach at the beginning and end of each meal was estimated with a mathematical model. These variables were evaluated in relation to the time of meal occurrence during the day. Fluctuations in the levels of self-rated energy and anxiety, but not depression, were detected during the day. Clear 24-hour rhythms were identified for the amount eaten and the macronutrients ingested during the day with decreases for males and increases for females. The amount eaten per meal and the meal's content of carbohydrate or fat, but not protein, varied over the day with peaks at the lunch and dinner periods. A clear sex difference without circadian variation was apparent with the deprivation ratios. This suggests that males eat larger meals than females because of a heightened responsivity to deprivation and not to a smaller response to the satiating properties of food. Preprandial correlations were found for meals occurring either during the breakfast or the dinner periods. No postprandial correlations were found. These data demonstrate that the preprandial correlations are not an artifact produced by the 24-hour rhythm and suggests that they reflect a basic regulatory strategy employed by humans. As the day progressed, postmeal intervals and satiety ratios decreased, while premeal intervals increased. This suggests that humans obtain less satiety from a given amount of food later in the day than earlier. It is postulated that this represents eating which anticipates the overnight fast. These data clearly demonstrate the efficacy of the approach and the orderly, analyzable nature of the spontaneous eating behavior of humans.
Stock Frost or Ground Ice

DURING the recent frosty weather the subject of what is locally called “stock frost” has been much to the front in this neighbourhood. This phenomenon is known to the scientific world, I believe, as “ground ice,” and the circumstances in which it appears and disappears present to the ordinary observer a very great many puzzling features.
Simulated and NMR-derived backbone dynamics of a protein with significant flexibility: A comparison of spectral densities for the βARK1 PH domain

A 7.6 ns molecular dynamics trajectory of the βARK1 PH domain in explicit water with appropriate ions was calculated at 300 K. Spectral densities at ω = 0, ωN, and 0.87ωH and the model-free parameters were evaluated from the experimental as well as the simulated data, taking the anisotropic overall motion of the protein into account. Experimental and simulated spectral densities are in reasonable general agreement for NH bond vectors, where the corresponding motions have converged within the simulation time. A sufficient sampling of the motions for NH bonds within flexible parts of the protein requires a longer simulation time. The simulated spectral densities J(0) and J(ωN) are, on average, 4.5% and 16% lower than the experimental data; the corresponding numbers for the core residues are about 6%; the high-frequency spectral densities J(0.87ωH) are lower by, on average, 16% (21% for the core). The simulated order parameters, S2, are also lower, although the overall disagreement between the simulation and...
Mechanisms of Protein Delivery to Melanosomes in Pigment Cells

Vertebrate pigment cells in the eye and skin are useful models for cell types that use specialized endosomal trafficking pathways to partition cargo proteins to unique lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes. This review describes current models of protein trafficking required for melanosome biogenesis in mammalian melanocytes.
Some genetic considerations in cystic fibrosis. A study of nail and sweat sodium in two sibships.

Summary The rationale for studying tissue that stores sodium as it occurs in nails is presented. The results of our studies on the concentration of sodium in 242 patients with C.F., 63 healthy children, 171 parents of children with C.F., 51 healthy adults and 184 siblings of patients with cystic fibrosis are presented. The elevated nail sodium concentration was detected in over 95 % of the patients with C.F. and in no patient with C.F. was the value less than 80 mEq/Kg. Seven out of 8 children born to parents, one of whom had C.F., showed elevated nail sodium. By definition these healthy children are the only presently recognized heterozygotes in infancy. The sibling group showed a wide range of values suggesting the possibility of indicating the heterozygote. The nail and sweat sodium results in three generations of two selected sibships is shown in graphic form. Variations are noted which indicate that this type of study does not select the heterozygote for the gene of cystic fibrosis. The usefulness of the measurement of nail sodium is stated. It is hoped that this report will stimulate others to seek other methods for detecting the heterozygote.
Peptide YY inhibition of rat gastric enterochromaffin-like cell function

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The cellular target for peptide YY (PYY) inhibition of gastric acid secretion is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether PYY inhibits histamine release from isolated enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells by stimulation of a selective Y receptor. METHODS: Isolated rat gastric ECL cells were analyzed in short-term culture for histamine release and for changes in intracellular calcium concentration using video imaging. RESULTS: Gastrin-stimulated histamine release was inhibited with a 50% inhibiting concentration of 2.10(-9) mol/L. Inhibition of histamine release and of calcium entry by PYY and [Pro34]PYY and no effect of PYY(3-36) characterizes an inhibitory Y1 receptor subtype. Reverse- transcription polymerase chain reaction of ECL cell RNA showed that the receptor was the nontruncated Y1 isoform. The inhibitory action of PYY and related peptides on gastrin-stimulated histamine release and calcium signaling was eliminated by pretreatment with 200 ng/mL pertussis toxin. Additive but not synergistic inhibitory effects of PYY and somatostatin on gastrin-stimulated histamine release were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of a Y1 inhibitory receptor subtype present on the gastric ECL cell that inhibits gastrin-induced ECL cell histamine release and Ca2+ entry by activation of a Gi or G(o) class of protein may account for inhibition of gastric acid secretion by PYY released from the small intestine. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jan;112(1):127-35)
Postnatal development of the cerebellum and the CNS adrenergic system is independent of norepinephrine and epinephrine.

A fundamental question in the formation of the nervous system is the extent to which a neurotransmitter contributes to the development of the neurons that synthesize and release it. A complementary question is whether neurotransmitter signaling contributes to the development of postsynaptic targets. Prior studies have suggested that adrenergic signaling may promote adrenergic neuronal proliferation or survival and may be critical for the postnatal development of the cerebellum. To test these possibilities genetically, we studied mice that are unable to synthesize norepinephrine and epinephrine (NE/E), the endogenous adrenergic receptor ligands, due to a disruption the gene for dopamine β-hydroxylase. These mice develop postnatally in the absence of NE/E. Here we report that the adrenergic neurons of these mutant mice are present in normal numbers and locations and exhibit typical innervation patterns throughout the central nervous system (CNS), as assessed by immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and the NE transporter. Furthermore, cerebellar cortical development (size, foliation, layering, cell number, and position), which proceeds to a large degree postnatally, is unaltered in the mutants. These results indicate that the fate and innervation pattern of the adrenergic neurons, as well as the development of the cerebellum, do not depend on postnatal signaling by NE/E. The results also suggest that when restoration of adrenergic signaling is performed in this mutant mouse model (by administering a synthetic precursor of NE), reversal of phenotypes is due to the synthesis and release of NE/E from adrenergic terminals that are distributed normally within the CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:300–309, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Wavelet signal processing applied to laser beam diagnostics

In measuring the width of a laser beam, the scale of the object to be measured is much smaller than the measuring device. With a wavelet transform, on the other hand, the scale can be progressively reduced, since scale is part of the mathematics of wavelets. Wavelet signal processing (noise reduction, edge detection and multiscale feature detection) will be applied to laser beam diagnostics (focal point, divergence, and collimation).
Applications of a Low Cost, Digital Light Ophthalmoscope

A low cost, digital light ophthalmoscope is presented, having and a variety of applications. This digital retinal camera has hybrid confocal imaging fluorescence imaging modes, for use with non-mydriatic imaging and mydriatic imaging at high magnification.
Industrial Robot Forward Calibration Method and Results

Methode d'etalonnage d'un robot industriel et resultats (les coordonnees de l'outil sont obtenues a partir des valeurs des codeurs situes aux articulations)
Does methylphenidate normalize the classroom performance of children with attention deficit disorder

The present study examined the degree to which methylphenidate (MPH) normalized the classroom behavior and academic functioning of 31 children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Subjects with ADD participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which children received each of four doses (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg) of MPH and a placebo following baseline measures. Children with ADD were compared with a group of 25 normal control children on teacher ratings of social conduct, direct observations of on-task behavior, and academic efficiency. At a group level of analysis, MPH exerted a significant effect on classroom measures of attention and academic efficiency to a point where they were no longer statistically deviant from scores obtained by normal control children. Nevertheless, when examined at the individual level, 25% of the sample failed to show normalized levels of classroom performance, thus implying the need for ancillary school-based interventions.
Studies on the NADH and NADPH: riboflavin 5'-phosphate (FMN) oxidoreductases from Beneckea harveyi: characterization of the FMN binding sites.

Abstract Various flavin analogs were used as alternate substrates or competitive inhibitors to characterize the FMN binding sites of the NADH- and NADPH-specific FMN oxidoreductases from Beneckea harveyi . Several polyhydroxyl compounds were found to be poor competitive inhibitors for the FMN sites of these enzymes. The FMN binding sites of the two enzymes were found to be quite similar. The NADH:FMN oxidoreductase binds FMN exclusively through the isoalloxazine ring. The methyl groups at positions 7 and 8 contribute significantly to this binding. Utilizing lumichrome as a competitive inhibitor of the FMN binding site and AMP as a competitive inhibitor of the NADH binding site, we were able to determine that the NADH:FMN oxidoreductase forms an active ternary complex with NADH binding first in an ordered mechanism. The NADPH oxidoreductase also binds FMN primarily through the isoalloxazine ring. Unlike their participation in reaction with the NADH-specfic enzyme, the methyl groups at positions 7 and 8 are not involved in binding. There was no significant binding of the ribityl phosphate moiety with either enzyme. Both enzymes have lower K m values for lumiflavin than FMN.
Hydrophobic effects of sulfur and xanthate on metal and mineral surfaces

Abstract The hydrophobic character of a variety of base-metal sulfides and gold has been examined in the presence of sodium hydrosulfide and potassium ethylxanthate. The degree of hydrophobicity induced by electrodeposition of sulfur and by electrochemical reaction between the minerals and ethylxanthate were determined by contact-angle measurements on polished surfaces and by flotation of mineral particles. During flotation, mineral—reagent interactions were followed by monitoring the solution composition spectrophotometrically. Results have shown that on gold and chalcopyrite, the oxidation of hydrosulfide to molecular sulfur and the oxidation of ethylxanthate to dixanthogen produced hydrophobic surfaces; on pyrite, sulfur deposition was more effective than dixanthogen in producing a hydrophobic surface. Chalcocite, in contrast to gold, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, was found to react directly with ethylxanthate and hydrosulfide, but only the metal xanthate product was hydrophobic.
Biomarkers of therapeutic response in primary nephrotic syndrome.

To the Editors,The recent retrospective study from Bennett et al. [1]inwhich they report thatmeasurementof urinary concentrationof NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) ena-bles discrimination of children with steroid-responsive fromsteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome is potentially of greatvalue in nephrology practice. In general, elevated urinaryexcretion of NGAL indicated the presence of steroid-resistant disease caused by biopsy-confirmed focal segmen-tal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in most of the cases. Theauthors claim that their findings represent the first descrip-tion of a simple urine test that could differentiate betweenthese two clinical categories of glomerular disease. Howev-er, over 15 years ago, we described significantly higherurinary nitrite excretion in children with presumed minimalchange nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) (n048) compared tochildren with FSGS (n010) [2]. The higher levels of nitritein the urine were documented in children with MCNSregardless of whether they were in remission or relapse(n010) and were unaffected by concomitant therapy withcorticosteroids or diuretics. These observations suggest thatthere are probably several urinary biomarkers that mayenable distinction between steroid-responsive and steroid-resistant disease in children with new-onset nephrotic syn-drome. No single biomarker is likely to be totally effectivein all patient groups.However, following the lead of Devarajan and others [3]who have pioneered the use of urinary biomarkers in thediagnosis of acute kidney injury, I would suggest that inves-tigators work together to develop a panel of suitable bio-markers that can be combined in an array and testedsimultaneously in a single assay to enhance the sensitivityand specificity of these analytes in patients with new-onsetprimary nephrotic syndrome. Such an approach would be awelcome addition to the management of children and ado-lescents with this important clinical problem.References
The role of aromatic residues in the hydrophobic core of the villin headpiece subdomain

Small autonomously folding proteins are of interest as model systems to study protein folding, as the same molecule can be used for both experimental and computational approaches. The question remains as to how well these minimized peptide model systems represent larger native proteins. For example, is the core of a minimized protein tolerant to mutation like larger proteins are? Also, do minimized proteins use special strategies for specifying and stabilizing their folded structure? Here we examine these questions in the 35-residue autonomously folding villin headpiece subdomain (VHP subdomain). Specifically, we focus on a cluster of three conserved phenylalanine (F) residues F47, F51, and F58, that form most of the hydrophobic core. These three residues are oriented such that they may provide stabilizing aromatic–aromatic interactions that could be critical for specifying the fold. Circular dichroism and 1D-NMR spectroscopy show that point mutations that individually replace any of these three residues with leucine were destabilized, but retained the native VHP subdomain fold. In pair-wise replacements, the double mutant that retains F58 can adopt the native fold, while the two double mutants that lack F58 cannot. The folding of the double mutant that retains F58 demonstrates that aromatic–aromatic interactions within the aromatic cluster are not essential for specifying the VHP subdomain fold. The ability of the VHP subdomain to tolerate mutations within its hydrophobic core indicates that the information specifying the three dimensional structure is distributed throughout the sequence, as observed in larger proteins. Thus, the VHP subdomain is a legitimate model for larger, native proteins.
Recovery of Discontinuous Signals Using Group Sparse Higher Degree Total Variation

We introduce a family of novel regularization penalties to enable the recovery of discrete discontinuous piecewise polynomial signals from undersampled or degraded linear measurements. The penalties promote the group sparsity of the signal analyzed under a $n$ th order derivative. We introduce an efficient alternating minimization algorithm to solve linear inverse problems regularized with the proposed penalties. Our experiments show that promoting group sparsity of derivatives enhances the compressed sensing recovery of discontinuous piecewise linear signals compared with an unstructured sparse prior. We also propose an extension to 2-D, which can be viewed as a group sparse version of higher degree total variation, and illustrate its effectiveness in denoising experiments.
Joint Charging and Rate Allocation for Utility Maximization in Sustainable Sensor Networks

A sensor network deployed for long-term monitoring shall sustain meanwhile provide as much useful sensory information (i.e., as high network utility) as possible. We propose a JCRA (Joint Charging and Rate Allocation) scheme to maximize the network utility while satisfying the network sustainability requirement. JCRA is designed based on the observation that the energy repository of a sensor node is co-affected by three factors: uncontrollable ambient energy harvesting, controllable wireless charging, and controllable sensory data generation. It jointly controls the charging, communication, and sensing activities while guaranteeing non-empty energy repositories at all sensor nodes. JCRA is a low-cost solution, as neighbor sensor nodes collaborate with each other to adjust their data generation rates in a distributed manner, based on the status of ambient energy supply and the wireless charging schedule planned by the base station. Extensive simulations have verified the effectiveness of JCRA in achieving the stated goals: JCRA can always guarantee network sustainability, while the achieved network utility is close to that by a centralized (1− e) approximate solution to the same optimization problem, in most simulation settings.
Antibiotic Production in the Dacrymycetaceae

UP to the present time only four species of Dacrymycetaceae have been tested for antibiotic activity against bacteria1–2. Using sporophore extracts, Wilkens and Harris found no activity against Bacterium (Escherichia) coli or Staphylococcus aureus by Femsjonia luteoalba Fr., Calocera cornea (Batch.) Fr., Calocera viscosa (Pers.) Fr. or Dacrymyces deliquescens (Bull.) Duby. The present investigation was undertaken after a zone of inhibition produced by a culture of Dacrymyces palmatus (Schw.) Bres. was pointed out to me by Dr. R. H. Petersen.
A natural experiment in styles of capitalism: Professional sports

Abstract This study compares two professional sports-baseball and basketball. In organization professional baseball comes closer to a US style individualistic capitalism system, with relatively free competition for players and a relatively weak commissioner. Professional basketball, on the other hand, comes much closer to a Japanese style communitarian capitalism system, with limited amounts that clubs can spend on players and with a strong commissioner. While the basketball system protects the economics of small market clubs better, as might be expected, it does not protect their winning records better. Surprisingly, the small market clubs win more in the individualistic system of baseball.
MISSISSIPPI EMBAYMENT AQUIFER SYSTEM IN MISSISSIPPI: GEOHYDROLOGIC DATA COMPILATION FOR FLOW MODEL SIMULATION.

ABSTRACT: As part of the Gulf Coast Regional Aquifer System Analysis (GC RASA) study, data from 184 geophysical well logs were used to define the geohydrologic framework of the Mississippi embayment aquifer system in Mississippi for flow model simulation. Five major aquifers of Eocene and Paleocene age were defined within this aquifer system in Mississippi. A computer data storage system was established to assimilate the information obtained from the geophysical logs. Computer programs were developed to manipulate the data to construct geologic sections and structure maps. Data from the storage system will be input to a five-layer, three-dimensional, finite-difference digital computer model that is used to simulate the flow dynamics in the five major aquifers of the Mississippi embayment aquifer system.
Economic Role and Community Involvement of Business Executives

mining their degree of involvement in local community affairs? Studies of social class and social participation, of community decision-making processes, and more general analyses of the economic institution in modem society all have suggested that as one ascends the corporate pyramid he becomes more involved in the organizational life of the local community.' Explanations for this association between economic position and community involvement have been of two general kinds. The first emphasizes the structural position of local economic dominants in community affairs and the second focuses upon the concept of "corporate social responsibility"2 and the attendant role conceptions of business executives. While there are many claims as to the primacy of the economic role in community involvement of executives, there have been few empirical attempts to ascertain the degree of local involvement actually explained by the economic role. Certainly businessmen are active in the local community. But how important is their economic role as compared to their other sociodemographic characteristics in accounting for variations in their activity? It is the purpose of this paper to discover the degree of local community participation explained by both the structural dimensions of the economic role and the executive-community role conception based on a national sample of business executives.
Violence and Aggression Directed toward Human Service Workers: An Exploratory Study:

This study examined the type and extent of psychological aggression and physical violence experienced by 171 human service workers in four Midwestern rural communities and an in urban children services agency. Worker interviewing skills were also studied since the authors believed that appropriate interviewing skills could influence worker-client relationships in a positive manner, thus reducing the potential for violence. Data showed that there were some differences in the amount and intensity of client violence between rural and urban settings, although all workers were routinely subjected to psychological aggression. In addition, some workers were physically assaulted. In spite of constant threats, workers displayed professional demeanor that may diminish threats and reduce violence. Implications for policy and training concerning workplace violence in social service agencies are discussed.
812. Cellular Delivery of Gene Therapy Vectors

To achieve targeted, truly systemic therapeutic gene delivery to tumors, we exploited the observation that infection by a retrovirus proceeds initially through a non-specific adsorption stage prior to envelope-receptor recognition/internalization. Antigen specific, primary murine OT-1 T cells can be incubated in vitro with retroviral stocks which adhere to the cell surface. In vitro, virus can be handed off to target cells upon co-culture with the T cells, dependent upon cell contact, envelope/receptor interactions and local heparanase expression as provided by T cell activation upon encounter of antigen (ovalbumin) by the OT-1 T cells. Retroviral particles, pre-adsorbed to the surface of OT-1 T cells in vitro, were available for hand off in vivo to B16ova tumors distant from the site of T cell injection at high enough concentrations for therapeutic levels of gene transfer to occur. We have now delivered a variety of therapeutic genes to tumors, including HSVtk, IL-12 and the chemokine CCL-21. Pre- adsorption of vectors encoding each of these genes has led to therapeutic benefits in terms of direct local cell killing (HSVtk in combination with lymphodepletion), generation of potent immunizing activity (IL-12) and significant enhancement of the efficacy of subsequent doses of adoptively transferred, unmodified T cells (CCL-21).