cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mössbauer spectroscopy studies of photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R-26

57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements on reaction centers differing in ubiquinone content, detergent, oxidation state, or the presence of o-phenanthroline all show a single quadrupole doublet of similar splitting (ΔEQ), center shift (δ) and temperature dependence. The results are indicative of high-spin Fe2+ with an approximately invariant first coordination sphere. A crystal field model with strong electron delocalization can account for the temperature dependence of ΔEQ, but further data are needed to achieve a unique parameterization.
Mechanism of anionic ring-opening polymerization of silacyclopent-3-enes

Anionic ring-opening polymerization of silacyclopent-3-enes has characteristics which are different from those of anionic living polymerizations of 1,3-dienes. High molcular weights are obtained in most cases but generally with most probable molecular weight distributions Mw/Mn ≅ 2. The polymerization is stereospecific. Poly(1-sila-cis-pent-3-enes) are obtained. Ring opening polymerization of 1,1,3-trimethyl-1-sila cyclopent-3-ene is found to be regioselective at −78°C to yield a polymer in which cis-1,4-isoprene units are joined to dimethylsilylene units almost exclusively in a head to tail orientation. Finally, anionic polymerization of 1-methyl-1-silacyclopent-3-ene is found to yield poly(1-methyl-1-sila-cis-pent-3-ene) of low molecular weight. This permits end group analysis by 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, signals are observed which are consistent with the presence of 1-methyl-1-silacyclopent-3-ene rings. These are probably end groups. A mechanism consistent with the above is discussed.
Interactions at the NH2-terminal interface of cardiac troponin I modulate myofilament activation.

Abstract Received 23 October 1998; accepted in revised form 23 October 1998Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is an essential element in activation of myofilaments by Ca2+binding to cardiac troponin C (cTnC). Yet, its role in transduction of the Ca2+binding signal to cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and tropomyosin-actin remain poorly understood. We have recently discovered that regions of cTnI C-terminal to a previously defined inhibitory peptide are essential for full inhibitory activity and Ca2+-sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments (Raricket al1997). However, apart from its role in structural binding to cTnC, there is little knowledge concerning the role of the N-terminus of cTnI in the activation and regulation of cardiac myofilaments. To address this question, we generated wild-type mouse cardiac TnI (WT-cTnI; 211 residues) and two N-terminal deletion mutants of mouse cTnI, cTnI54–211(missing 53 residues), and cTnI80–211(missing 79 residues). The cTnI54–211mutant retained the ability to bind to cTnT, but lost the ability to bind to cTnC, whereas the cTnI80–211mutant lost the ability to bind to cTnT, but bound weakly to cTnC. Both mutants bound to F-actin. In the absence of Ca2+, cTnI54–211was able to inhibit the unregulated MgATPase activity of myofibrils lacking endogenous cTnI-cTnC to the same extent as WT-cTnI, whereas cTnI80–211had some impairment of its inhibitory capability. Reconstitution with cTnI54–211/cTnC complex did not restore Ca2+-activation of myofibrillar MgATPase activity at all, however, the cTnI80–211/cTnC complex restored Ca2+-activation to nearly 50% of that obtained with WT-cTnI/cTnC. These data provide the first evidence of a significant function of a cTnT-binding domain on cTnI. They also indicate that the structural cTnC binding site on cTnI is required for Ca2+-dependent activation of cardiac myofilaments, and that cTnT binding to the N-terminus of cTnI is a negative regulator of activation.
Regulation of the putative TRPV1t salt taste receptor by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.

Regulation of the putative amiloride and benzamil (Bz)-insensitive TRPV1t salt taste receptor by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) was studied by monitoring chorda tympani (CT) taste ner...
Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine or repeated amphetamine treatment on mesencephalic mRNA levels for AMPA glutamate receptor subunits in the rat.

Abstract Expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) subunit mRNAs were assayed in the ventral mesencephalon of rats that received either a unilateral microinjection of the dopamine neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; Experiment 1) or repeated treatment with amphetamine (Experiment 2). GluR2 levels were decreased 1 and 3 days after the lesion, and GluR1 and GluR3 levels also showed a transient decrease at 1 day after the lesion. Repeated amphetamine treatment did not significantly alter GluR1–4 levels measured 30 min after the third or tenth amphetamine injection, even though locomotor sensitization was obtained. Thus, while the present results indicate that AMPA receptor subunits are associated with dopamine-containing cell bodies in the ventral mesencephalon, these transcripts may not be responsible for the development of amphetamine sensitization.
Blunt Trauma to the Abdomen

Serious injuries remain the number one cause of death among American children. Major trauma is responsible for more than 50% of the mortality in children between the ages of 1 and 14 years. The majority of these life-threatening injuries result from blunt trauma rather than from penetrating injuries, which are much more common in adults. The most common causes of blunt trauma to children are: motor vehicle crashes when a child is either a pedestrian, bicycle rider, or automobile occupant; falls from windows or farm buildings and machinery; and house fires. Children die in motor vehicle crashes as a result of multiple systems injuries, of which the most serious is to the head. Major blunt trauma to the abdomen frequently is associated with this series of injuries. This is a difficult injury to evaluate because often there are few signs of external damage to reflect the life-threatening trauma to internal abdominal organs. In addition, as noted previously, children commonly have associated head injuries and are unconscious at the time of evaluation, which makes early diagnosis and definitive treatment even more difficult, often resulting in disastrous delays in specific treatment. The pathophysiology of blunt injuries to the abdomen results from energy transfer of compression and crush forces or from rapid deceleration/acceleration forces, which cause shearing stresses within the abdomen.
Complete versus culprit only revascularization in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis.

Background: Current guidelines recommend against the revascularization of noninfarct related artery (complete revascularization [CR]) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and no hemodynamic compromise, though level of evidence is C. Aim: Our aim was to examine the available evidence to determine any advantage of CR over culprit only revascularization (COR). Methods: We systematically searched medline using key words—“culprit coronary revascularization,” “complete revascularization myocardial infarction,” and “multivessel STEMI” for studies reporting outcomes after COR versus CR during primary procedure or index hospitalization published in English language and indexed before February 2010. A random effect or fixed effect meta-analysis, as applicable, was performed using RevMan 5 (Cochrane Center, Denmark). Results: Nine eligible nonrandomized studies amounting to 4,530 patients in CR and 27,323 patients in COR group were included. In addition, two small randomized trials were reviewed and included in secondary analysis. Majority of patients were hemodynamically stable. Major adverse cardiovascular events (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, 95% CI 0.47–1.90) and long term mortality (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.76–1.59) were similar. The marginal increased odds of in-hospital mortality was derived from a single study with no difference found after sensitivity and cumulative analysis (OR = 1.21 95% CI 0.85–1.73). Conclusion: Current analysis of heterogeneous studies did not reveal any benefit of CR over COR in patients with STEMI. However, also provide no conclusive evidence of increased in hospital mortality after CR. A randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings and recognize any subgroup which might benefit from CR. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Political Equilibria with Social Security

Abstract We model pay-as-you-go social security systems as the outcome of majority voting within a overlapping generations model with production. When voting, individuals make two choices, pay the elderly their pensions or default, which amount to promise themselves next period. Under general circumstances, there exist equilibria where pensions are voted into existence and maintained. Our analysis uncovers two reasons for this. The traditional one relies on intergenerational trade and occurs at inefficient equilibria. A second reason relies on the monopoly power of the median voter. It occurs when a reduction in current saving induces a large enough increase in future return on capital to compensate for the negative effect of the tax. We characterize the steady state and dynamic properties of these equilibria and study their welfare properties. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72, C78,
Industrial Perspective on Reliability of VLSI Devices

The reliability of silicon integrated circuits (ICs) has improved significantly in the last decade. The complexity of ICs continues to increase. The semiconductor industry is actively working to a) improve the reliability of very large scale (VLSI) ICs, and b) reduce the failure rates to a value closer to 0.1 FIT by the year 2000. This paper summarizes the current status of quality and reliability of ICs. Some of the reliability limiting factors are described. Inadequacy of conventional accelerated test methods to verify the reliability of VLSI devices is highlighted. A challenging VLSI reliability goal with a failure rate approaching 0.1 FIT requires a) an understanding of the root causes of failure mechanisms, b) a translation of the lessons learned into a set of design rules for the circuit designers, c) appropriate materials and process specifications consistent with manufacturing capabilities, and d) in-process reliability test structures and test procedures. A VLSI failure rate goal of 0.1 FIT presents an exciting challenge for the materials scientists.
Hoping Someday Never Comes: Deferring Ethical Thinking About Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Background: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a new prenatal screening technology that became commercially available in the United States in 2011. NIPT's increased accuracy and low false positive rate compared to previous screening methods enable many women to avoid invasive diagnostic testing and receive much desired reassurance. NIPT has received much attention for both its benefits and drawbacks. Methods: Observation of genetic counseling sessions and qualitative interviews with women offered NIPT at a large academic medical center were conducted. Two ethnographic cases studies derived from the overall data set are used to illustrate the study findings. Results: Many fundamental ethical questions about prenatal screening, such as abortion or the value of disabled children, often do not emerge during clinical sessions, enabling most women to defer thinking about these issues until the future, when and if the need should arise. It may only be in the rare case when a woman receives a positive test re...
Reactions of Terphenylbismuth Dihalides with KSi(SiMe3)3, K2Si2(SiMe3)4 and Na2[Fe(CO)]4: Reduction vs. Metathesis (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 16/2008)

The cover picture shows a bismuth crystal that has a similar shape to the molecular structure of the (dibismuthene)iron complex [Fe(CO)4(Bi2Ar′2)] [Ar′ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)], the first compound with a three-membered Bi2Fe ring. The new complex was obtained from the 1:1 reaction of Na2[Fe(CO)4] and Ar′BiCl2. In a similar vein, the double-bonded dibismuthene Ar′2Bi2 and the single-bonded dibismuthane Ar′2Bi2Cl2 were isolated from attempted metathesis reactions of Ar′BiCl2 with K2Si2(SiMe3)4 and KSi(SiMe3)3, respectively. Details are presented in the article by P. P. Power et al. on p. 2515 ff. We thank the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Austrian Fonds zur Forderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung, and the Max Kade Foundation for financial support of this work; Dr. J. Chris Slootweg is acknowledged for providing the picture of the bismuth crystal.
Mitogenic response to colony-stimulating factor 1

The proliferative effects of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) on cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage are mediated by the CSF-1 receptor tyrosine kinase, which triggers intracellular signal transduction through multiple second messenger pathways. CSF-1 is required throughout G1 to stimulate both immediate- and delayed-early responses that ensure entry of macrophages into S phase. Because CSF-1 induces the expression of different sets of cellular genes during early and late G1, products of the immediate-early response might modulate the effects of ensuing receptor signals to facilitate G1 progression. Targets of the delayed-early response include novel cyclin genes that may play a role in S phase commitment.
Toxic species evolution from Guayule fireplace logs

Abstract Gaseous products of combustion, adsorbed condensates on smoke particulates, and smoke mass were determined for controlled combustion of guayule fireplace logs. The objective was to determine whether any unusually toxic species were present which could preclude the use of guayule bagasse in a commercial product such as an extruded fireplace log. An Arapahoe smoke chamber was used to generate pyrolysis products using a modified version of the standard method given in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-4100. Additional studies included physical and chemical fuel analyses for sulfur, carbon, hydrogen, ash, and heating value. Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy was used to identify gaseous and adsorbed condensate species. Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), a food-grade preservative, was found in both the gaseous and adsorbed condensate phase of the smoke. No other unusual or highly toxic species were indicated or identified for flaming and smoldering combustion conditions. The smoke mass produced by burning guayule fireplace log samples was greater than that produced by burning wood samples of equal sizes. Smoke mass was less than cellulose fiberboard and considerably less than that produced by burning a synthetic plastic sample such as polyvinyl chloride.
REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES AND OOCYTE AGING: ROLE OF SUPEROXIDE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND HYPOCHLOROUS ACID

Aging of the unfertilized oocyte inevitably occurs following ovulation, limiting its fertilizable life span. However, the mechanisms that regulate oocyte aging are still unclear. We hypothesize that reactive oxygen species such as superoxide (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are likely candidates that may initiate these changes in the oocyte. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated direct effects of O2- [hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system generating 0.12 (n=42) and 0.25 (n=45) microM O2-/min], H2O2 (20 or 100 microM, n=60), and HOCl, (1, 10, and 100 microM, n=50) on freshly ovulated or relatively old mouse oocytes, while their sibling oocytes were fixed immediately or cultured under physiological conditions (n=96). The aging process was assessed by the zona pellucida dissolution time (ZPDT), ooplasm microtubule dynamics (OMD), and cortical granule (CG) status. The ZPDT increased 2-fold in relatively old, compared to young, untreated oocytes (P<0.0001). Exposure to O2- increased it even further (P<0.0001). Similarly, more O2- exposed oocytes exhibited increased OMD and major CG loss, with fewer having normal OMD and intact CG compared to untreated controls. Interestingly, young oocytes resisted "aging," when exposed to 20 microM H2O2, while the same enhanced the aging phenomena in relatively old oocytes (P<0.05). Exposure to even very low levels of HOCl induced the aging phenomena in young and relatively old oocytes, and higher concentrations of HOCl compromised oocyte viability. Overall, O2-, H2O2, and HOCl each augment oocyte aging, more so in relatively old oocytes, suggesting compromised antioxidant capacity in aging oocytes.
Neuromelanins isolated from different regions of the human brain exhibit a common surface photoionization threshold.

Neuromelanin isolated from the premotor cortex, cerebellum, putamen, globus pallidus and corpus callosum of the human brain is studied by scanning probe and photoelectron emission microscopies and the results are compared with previously published work on neuromelanin from the substantia nigra. Scanning electron microscopy reveals common structure for all neuromelanins. All exhibit spherical entities of diameters between 200 and 400 nm, composed of smaller spherical substructures, ∼30 nm in diameter. These features are similar to that observed for many melanin systems including Sepia cuttlefish, bovine eye, and human eye and hair melanosomes. Photoelectron microscopy images were collected for all neuromelanins at specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light between 248 and 413 nm, using the spontaneous emission output from the Duke free electron laser. Analysis of the data establishes a common threshold photoionization potential for neuromelanins of 4.7 ± 0.2 eV, corresponding to an oxidation potential of −0.3 ± 0.2 V vs the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE). These results are consistent with previously reported potentials for neuromelanin from the substantia nigra of 4.5 ± 0.2 eV (−0.1 ± 0.2 V vs NHE). All neuromelanins exhibit a common low surface oxidation potential, reflecting their eumelanic component and their inability to trigger redox processes with neurotoxic effect.
Insight into subvolcanic magma plumbing systems

The Island of Hawaii, which is among the best-studied volcanic islands on Earth, provides lush ground for debates in volcanology that focus on how magmatic systems evolve in space and time. Hawaiian volcanoes evolve through four eruptive stages that are characterized by distinct composition, magma
Direct dynamics determination of the reaction pathways for decomposition of the cross-linked epoxy resin constituent CH3NHCHCHCH3

Abstract Direct dynamics simulations at the MP2/6-31+G ∗ level of theory were performed to study the unimolecular decomposition of the epoxy resin constituent CH 3 NH CH CH CH 3 for the hyperthermal temperatures of 3500–5500 K. At these temperatures 33 different primary decomposition pathways were found, with C N bond dissociation to form CH 3 + NH CH CH CH 3 the most important path. In addition, during the 5.1 ps integration time of the simulations, an additional 15 secondary decomposition pathways were observed. The unimolecular products of the simulations are in qualitative agreement with those observed in the high temperature decomposition of a cross-linked epoxy resin for which CH 3 NH CH CH CH 3 is a constituent.
Juvenile hormone activity of substituted aryl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenyl ethers in the stable fly and house fly.

Abstract Tests of substituted aryl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenyl ethers and their epoxidized analogues produced a juvenile hormone (JH) mimic that was active against both the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans , and the house fly, Musca domestica . The criterion of activity in the JH bioassays was the formation of pupal-adult intermediates within the puparia.
Quantum transport in magneto-optical double-potential wells

We review the quantum transport of ultra-cold alkali atoms trapped in a one-dimensional optical lattice of double-potential wells, engineered through a combination of ac-Stark shifts and Zeeman interactions. The system is modelled numerically through analysis of the bandstructure and integration of the time-dependent Schr¨ odinger equation. By these means we simulate coherent control of the atomic wavepackets. We present results from ongoing experiments on laser-cooled caesium, including the demonstration of quantum state preparation and preliminary evidence for coherent tunnelling. Entanglement between the internal and motional degrees of freedom allows us to access the tunnelling dynamics by Stern-Gerlach measurements of the ground state magnetic populations. A scheme to extend this into a full reconstruction of the density matrix for the ground state angular momentum is presented. We further consider the classical dynamics of our system, which displays deterministic chaos. This has important implications for the distinction between classical and quantum mechanical transport.
Histologic Findings in Alcoholic Liver Disease

The necessity of the liver being the organ responsible for metabolism of alcohol exposes it to many untoward toxic side effects. In the first instance of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis may occur indolently over years, slowly converting a greasy, steatotic liver into a cirrhotic liver. In the case of alcoholic hepatitis, brisk sinusoidal fibrosis may lead to more rapid development of cirrhosis, with the liver extensively subdivided by sublobular fibrous septa developing in the midst of extensive ongoing inflammation and hepatocellular destruction. Continued destruction of the parenchyma after cirrhosis has developed may produce a densely fibrotic organ with little remaining parenchyma.
Demonstrative induction, old and new evidence and the accuracy of the electrostatic inverse square law

Maxwell claimed that the electrostatic inverse square law could be deduced from Cavendish's spherical condenser experiment. This is true only if the accuracy claims made by Cavendish and Maxwell are ignored, for both used the inverse square law as a premise in their analyses of experimental accuracy. By so doing, they assumed the very law the accuracy of which the Cavendish experiment was supposed to test. This paper attempts to make rational sense of this apparently circular procedure and to relate it to some variants of traditional problems concerning old and new evidence.
Visualization of photon propagation and abnormality detection

An approach to computer assisted imaging diagnosis is introduced for tumor detection in tissues, using softer light sources and detection from both transmission and reflection. A 3D model, described by the diffusion equation, is developed to simulate the photon propagation inside human tissue to detect the tumor or other inclusions. The inclusion is modeled with a different absorption coefficient form that of the otherwise homogeneous media. The ADI algorithm is used to solve the diffusion equation on each spatial grid at each time instance in an interactive manner. The data on a cut section of the model at a certain moment is visualized to be a picture according to the photon intensity value. Pictures of different moments can be linked to construct a dynamic movie for the presentation of the photon propagation procedure on a specific cut-plane. The movies show that in the homogeneous model the photon density has a symmetric concentric distribution on the plane opposite the source. When an off-center inclusion is introduced inside the model, a clear asymmetry appears. The shadow of the inclusion is determined by both the size and the location of the inclusion. If the inclusion is moved to the center, the symmetry is restored, though different from the original image. To reach a more precise result, the derivative of the intensity, with respect to the distance from the light source is computed. From the dynamic derivative curves, the size of the inclusion can be estimated. Experiments verify the conclusion on inclusions of arbitrary dimensions which are larger than 5 mm. A scanning search strategy is proposed for unknown inclusions.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intra-lesional steriod for the management of symptomatic Infantile Digital Fibromatosis

Summary Background Infantile Digital Fibromatosis (IDF) is a benign, often asymptomatic nodular proliferation of fibrous tissue occurring almost exclusively on the extremities. Conventional treatment has included radical surgery but this is associated with a high level of recurrence. Whilst some authors suggest a strictly conservative approach, this is unacceptable when lesions become symptomatic from pain, contracture formation or functional deformity Methods We present a retrospective analysis of 12 symptomatic lesions of which 7 were treated with a novel technique of intra-lesional steroid. From 2004–2009, a total of ten patients received treatment for symptomatic IDFs. Patients were followed-up for an average of 5 years 9 months (range 8–131 months). Results Corticosteroid was well tolerated with no significant complications and was associated with lower morbidity that compared with surgery. There was no significance difference between rate of recurrence (1/7 vs. 5/10) for those treated with corticosteroid than compared to those patients who underwent surgery ( p =0.3) but the study is underpowered. Conclusions This is the first ever study to look at the role of intra-lesional steroid in the management of IDF. Whilst the majority of asymptomatic Infantile Digital Fibromatoses can be safely observed until natural resolution, intra-lesional corticosteroid is a safe and well-tolerated alternative to surgery for all symptomatic digital fibromatoses of infancy. We suggest it replaces surgery as first-line treatment but look forward to a large multicentre trial to allow comparison.
A method for eliminating error due to phase imperfection in NOE measurements

Abstract Several schemes for estimating peak areas and their associated errors in nuclear Overhauser effect studies are investigated. The performance of these schemes is considered from the point of view of minimizing effects of errors due to phase. The assumptions made are (1) that random instrumental and digital noise are the only sources of error and (2) that adequate signal to noise to measure peak heights and linewidths can be attained. For the conditions considered it is found that taking the product of peak height times the width of the peak at one-half peak height is an efficient procedure for minimizing effects of phase error.
Mass transfer in separation devices with reactive hollow fibers

Abstract Fully developed, laminart flow mass transfer in separation devices containing reactive hollow fibers is analyzed. Mass transfer in inert, membrane-based, separation devices can be limited by solute transport through the hollow fiber membrane. The introduction of a mobile carrier species, which reacts rapidly and reversibly with the solute species, into the membrane can enhance the solute mass transfer rate. The effect of diffusion and reaction parameters on the separation in hollow fiber devices in investigated. The advantage of a carrier-facilitated system is shown to depend on the wall Sherwood number. When the wall Sherwood number is below ten, the presence of a carrier-facilitated system is desirable.
Vesicle targeting: timed release and specificity for leukocytes in mice by subcutaneous injection

When unilamellar vesicles were administered subcutaneously in mice, the half-time for the destruction of the vesicles varied from 12 to 600 hours, depending on their composition. The vesicles tested consisted of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and certain sugar and amino-sugar derivatives of cholesterol. Vesicle with amino-sugar derivatives showed the greatest longevity and became localized with high specificity in aggregates of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. A substantial delay between the time that the vesicles broke open and the time that labels contained in the vesicles were excreted suggests that the vesicles undergo endocytosis before destruction.
A recovery algorithm for a high-performance memory-resident database system

With memory prices dropping and memory sizes increasing accordingly, a number of researchers are addressing the problem of designing high-performance database systems for managing memory-resident data. In this paper we address the recovery problem in the context of such a system. We argue that existing database recovery schemes fall short of meeting the requirements of such a system, and we present a new recovery mechanism which is designed to overcome their shortcomings. The proposed mechanism takes advantage of a few megabytes of reliable memory in order to organize recovery information on a per “object” basis. As a result, it is able to amortize the cost of checkpoints over a controllable number of updates, and it is also able to separate post-crash recovery into two phases—high-speed recovery of data which is needed immediately by transactions, and background recovery of the remaining portions of the database. A simple performance analysis is undertaken, and the results suggest our mechanism should perform well in a high-performance, memory-resident database environment.
Renal pseudoenlargement due to masses in posterior pararenal space.

Two patients presenting with acute flank pain had unilateral smooth enlargement of a kidney on excretory urography with associated attenuation of the collecting system. This presentation suggested intrinsic renal disease, but sonography showed the urographic findings to be due in each case to a mass in the posterior pararenal space. By displacing the kidney anteriorly and away from the x-ray film, such masses will result in radiographic enlargement of the renal outline, i.e., renal pseudoenlargement. The distinction between true renal enlargement and pseudoenlargement may be made by sonography.
Development of a new endosseous dental implant. Part II: Human studies.

Abstract The development of an endosseous implant has followed a logical and formal plan. 1. Extensive experiments with animals provided preliminary statistics of successful function, extensive histologic studies, evaluation of biocompatibility, and a preliminary assessment of contraindications. 2. Carefully developed and controlled clinical study of human subjects with frequent examinations and detailed records of both successes and failures again provided new bases for contraindications. The statistics on the clinical study are satisfactory in their results, although they should be regarded as having a somewhat conservative slant. This is because implant failures became a learning base for improved procedures. The program so far has been limited to a single implant design that, with size variants, will serve most applications. However, it is not feasible to modify the design in terms of dimensions for application in the anterior portion of the mouth. A design for this purpose is established on paper and will become a future additional development.
Semiparametric Bayesian analysis of survival data

Abstract This review article investigates the potential of Bayes methods for the analysis of survival data using semiparametric models based on either the hazard or the intensity function. The nonparametric part of every model is assumed to be a realization of a stochastic process. The parametric part, which may include a regression parameter or a parameter quantifying the heterogeneity of a population, is assumed to have a prior distribution with possibly unknown hyperparameters. Careful applications of some recently popular computational tools, including sampling-based algorithms, are used to find posterior estimates of several quantities of interest even when dealing with complex models and unusual data structures. The methodologies developed herein are motivated and aimed at analyzing some common types of survival data from different medical studies; here we focus on univariate survival data in the presence of fixed and time-dependent covariates, multiple event-time data for repeated nonfatal events, ...
A Simple Diffraction Calculation of Magneto-optical Disc Systems

Abstract A simple diffraction calculation method for magneto-optical disc systems is described. It is based on the extended scalar theory introduced in this paper. Some calculated results are shown for optical systems with different conditions. This method has a role, especially in the system design.
ENZYMES OF NUCLEIC ACID METABOLISM IN THE BRAINS OF YOUNG AND ADULT RATS

A number of precursors of RNA are incorporated several-fold more readily into the RNA of brain slices from 10-day-old rats than into RNA of slices from adult animals. The brains of the young animals show moderately higher levels of some of the anabolic enzymes of RNA metabolism including RNA polymerase (nucleosidetriphosphate: RNA nucleotidyltransferase; EC 2.7.7.6) and substantially lower levels of the degradative enzymes, the nucleoside phosphorylases. The data suggest that all the enzymes work in a concerted fashion to produce an increased rate of synthesis in young animals rather than that any single controlling enzymic event is responsible.
Performance of ultrasonic speckle tracking in various tissues

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of ultrasound speckle tracking in various tissues. Results from two-dimensional tissue speckle tracking in liver, muscle, fat, and sponge samples are presented, while keeping other speckle tracking parameters constant. Speckle tracking performance was characterized both in terms of the magnitude of tracking errors and in terms of the percentage of correctly tracked displacement vectors. Speckle tracking in muscle tissue, which contains myofibrils and significant tissue microstructure, produced the highest percentage of correctly tracked vectors and smallest tracking errors relative to other tissues.
Development of an optimal rechargeable cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract While many rechargeable pacers, including a commercial unit have been developed using nickel-cadmium cells, they are in general limited by low cell capacity, short life without recharging, the need for frequent recharging, indirect monitoring of battery voltage by stimulation rate changes and gradually falling cell capacity with each cycle at body temperature. We have developed a low-drain rechargeable pacemaker, hermetically sealed in a seamless container, that will stimulate continuously for 4 yr without recharging. Our battery is a silver modified 1000 mA hr rechargeable version of the mercury-zinc cell proven by years of use in over 95% of pacers used clinically to date. It has functioned for over 6 yr in real time tests and in 120 accelerated tests has always simulated over 50 yr of pacing. Our pacer is small and thin, with less than one-half the displacement of current nonrechargeable units. Electromagnetic recharging energy is painlessly transmitted through the intact skin by a tuned coil, using a unique system unaffected by variations in implant depth. A telemetry oscillator permits noninvasive monitoring and telephone transmission of cell voltage, stimulation rate, implant depth, and optimal recharging coil location. Six animal and 3 clinical implants continue perfect function after up to 2.5 and 1 yr, respectively. A 6 yr life is proven and a greater than 20 yr life is anticipated.
An instruction-based high-throughput lossless decompression algorithm for e-beam direct-write system

About 13-Terabyte data for Massive e-beam direct-write lithography (MEBDW) system, a potential solution for highvolume manufacturing (HVM) of 10-nm and beyond technology nodes in a 26 mm x 33 mm field of layout, is required. Therefore cost reduction on data storage and transmission through development of high compression rate of lossless data and high throughput real time decompression algorithms is necessary. In this paper, an instruction-based hybrid method (IBHM) is proposed. It is an asymmetric scheme to hybrid simple compression methods. The decompression is achieved by instruction-based decoding. The input layout image is partitioned into different fragments, compressed and encoded into instructions. On the MEBDW system side, the encoded bit-stream is decoded by the IBHM decoder. The function of this decoder is to execute only a minimal number of simple instructions, thus the decoder can be implemented with low gate-count on ASIC. Simulation results show that a single IBHM decoder is capable of providing an output data rate as high as ~50 Gbps in various masking layers.
Image object classification using saccadic search, spatio-temporal pattern encoding and self-organisation

Abstract A method for extracting features from photographic images is investigated. The input image is through a saccadic search algorithm divided into a set of sub-images, segmented and coded by a spatio-temporal encoding engine. The input image is thus represented by a set of characteristic pattern signatures, well suited for classification by an unsupervised neural network. A strategy using multiple self-organising feature maps (SOM) in a hierarchical manner is used. With this approach, using a certain degree of user selection, a database of sub-images is grouped according to similarities in signature space.
Comparative responses of four Pseudacteon phorid fly species to host fire ant alarm pheromone and analogs

Several species of Pseudacteon phorid flies, including Pseudacteon cultellatus, P. curvatus, P. obtusus, and P. tricuspis, have been introduced in the southern United States for biological control of imported fire ants, Solenopsis spp. Previous studies showed that Pseudacteon flies use the alarm pheromone and venom alkaloids of fire ants to locate host ant workers. A recent study by our group demonstrated attraction of one of the species, P. tricuspis, to certain alkylpyrazine analogs of fire ant alarm pheromone. If effective, alkylpyrazine analogs of fire ant alarm pheromone may provide cost-efficient alternatives as phorid fly attractants. To test the hypothesis that other phorid fly species are attracted to alkylpyrazine analogs of fire ant alarm pheromone, we compared electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral responses of four Pseudacteon species, P. cultellatus, P. curvatus, P. obtusus, and P. tricuspis, to the commercially available alarm pheromone isomer (2-ethyl-3,6(or 5)-dimethyl pyrazine) and six structurally related alkylpyrazine analogs at physiologically relevant doses (ranging from picogram to 10 µg). The alarm pheromone isomer and two analogs, 2,3-diethyl-5-methyl pyrazine and 2 ethyl-3,5 + 6 methyl pyrazine, elicited the strongest EAG activity in all four species at all tested doses. Results from four-choice olfactometer bioassays testing the above three EAG-active compounds showed that all four species were strongly attracted to the alarm pheromone isomer at doses ranging from 0.001 to 1 µg. The flies also showed significant attraction to the two analogs (2,3-diethyl-5-methyl pyrazine and 2 ethyl-3,5 + 6 methyl pyrazine) compared to the solvent control but not as strong as the attraction elicited by the alarm pheromone isomer. These results confirm that multiple species of phorid flies use fire ant alarm pheromone as a host location cue. However, the flies are not strongly attracted to the tested alkylpyrazine analogs of the alarm pheromone.
The efficacy of dimethoate as a systemic acaricide for the control of chiggers (Acarina: Trombiculidae).

Dimethoate was utilized as a systemic acaricide for the control of trombiculid larvae (chiggers) in lalang and oil palm habitats in Peninsular Malaysia. Significant control was demonstrated within 3 months following application of a rodent bait consisting of 0.2% technical grade dimethoate with a 1:1 mixture of cracked corn and ground milo.
Effects of thermal energy deposition on material ejection in poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract The effects of absorption of 7.9 and 5.0 eV photons by the polymer poly(methyl methacrylate) are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. By rapidly depositing a critical amount of thermal energy in the surface region (greater than 0.03 eV A−3), a pressure wave is formed which causes spallation of the substrate. If there is only one photon absorbed per monomer unit of the polymer, the 7.9 eV photons can supply sufficient energy density to initiate ejection.
The effect of radiofrequency energy on the ultrastructure of joint capsular collagen

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of radiofrequency energy on the histological and ultrastructural appearance of joint capsular collagen. Femoropatellar joint capsular specimens from adult sheep were treated with one of three treatment temperatures (45 degrees C, 65 degrees C, and 85 degrees C) with a radiofrequency generator or served as control in a randomized block design. Twenty-four specimens (n = 6) were processed for histological examination as well as ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy. A computer-based area determination program was used to calculate the area affected in histological samples. Histological changes consisted of thermal tissue damage characterized by collagen fiber fusion and fibroblastic nuclear pyknosis at all application temperatures with clear demarcations between treated and untreated tissue. Mean tissue affected ranged from 50.4% for 85 degrees C to 22.5% for 45 degrees C. There was a strong correlation between treatment temperature and percent area affected ( P 2 = .65). Ultrastructural alterations included a general increase in cross-sectional fibril diameter and loss of fibril size variation with increasing treatment temperature. Longitudinal sections of collagen fibrils showed increased fibril diameter and the loss of cross-striations in the treated groups. Thermally induced ultrastructural collagen fibril alteration is likely the predominant mechanism of tissue shrinkage caused by application of radiofrequency energy. Arthroscopy 1998 Jul-Aug;14(5):495-501
Evidence of an endogenous forebrain GABAergic system capable of inhibiting baroreceptor-mediated vasopressin release.

In conscious rats, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a GABA-uptake inhibitor (nipecotic acid), and artificial CSF (aCSF) were restricted to forebrain regions and their effect on baroreceptor-mediated arginine-vasopressin (AVP) release was studied. AVP release was stimulated by the hypotension resulting from combined treatment with a converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) and chlorisondamine (CHLOR), a ganglionic blocking agent.CEI+CHLOR reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) from118±2to63±2mm Hg, but pressure then rose to a compensated level of78±1mm Hg. The compensation in MAP was shown to be AVP-dependent at the end of the experiment since the vascular AVP antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, reduced MAP from78±1to63±1mm Hg. While AVP was contributing to MAP maintenance, GABA (15, 50 and 150 μg) caused dose-related reductions in MAP (5±1,7±1and11±2mm Hg, respectively). Nipecotic acid (3–350 μg) also caused dose-related reductions in MAP (from3±1to15±2mm Hg), while aCSF had no effect on MAP. Pretreatment with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, antagonized completely the depressor effects of GABA and nipecotic acid. In other rats, blood samples were taken to measure the changes in plasma AVP concentrations (pAVP) induced byCEI+CHLOR and subsequent treatment with aCSF or nipecotic acid (175 μg). Hypotension induced byCEI+CHLOR caused a significant increase in pAVP. Forebrain-restricted nipecotic acid significantly suppressed pAVP (61 ± 8%reduction; P < 0.05vs aCSF). These data provide evidence of an endogenous forebrain GABAergic system which, when activated, can inhibit baroreceptor-mediated AVP release.
Context-specific intellectual capital—The next link in the knowledge chain

Intellectual capital reuse and sharing in the specialized domain of project planning and execution are the focus of this paper. The key expansion beyond ordinary intellectual capital is pairing a context-specific intellectual capital structure with a matching context-specific intellectual capital management process. Beyond the fundamentals of gathering, archiving, indexing, and subsequently retrieving the appropriate intellectual capital, we explore both the context-specific structure and the related context-specific process specifically tailored to project planning and project execution. This tailored structure and process allow intellectual capital from multiple, different projects to be artfully blended, combined, and shared among multiple organizations and project teams.
Effect of End Groups on the Thermotropic Behavior of Linear Poly[11-(4`-cyanophenyl-4``-phenoxy)undecyl acrylate]s Prepared by ATRP and Their Topological Blends

Linear poly[11-(4‘-cyanophenyl-4‘ ‘-phenoxy)undecyl acrylate]s with 9−77 (GPC relative to linear polystyrene) or 7−101 (GPCLS) repeat units were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization ...
Hypothyroidism after sunitinib treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

The authors prospectively monitored thyroid function in a series of imatinib-resistant patients treated with sunitinib for gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Thirty-six percent developed hypothyroidi...
Care Following Neurointerventional Procedures

Postoperative management following interventional procedures is equally as important as the procedure itself Postprocedural management must be coordinated with intraoperative management to optimize outcomes and avoid complications
The impact of DM on MHC class II–restricted antigen presentation can be altered by manipulation of MHC–peptide kinetic stability

DM edits the peptide repertoire presented by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules by professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), favoring presentation of some peptides over others. Despite considerable research by many laboratories, there is still significant uncertainty regarding the biochemical attributes of class II–peptide complexes that govern their susceptibility to DM editing. Here, using APCs that either do or do not express DM and a set of unrelated antigens, we found that the intrinsic kinetic stability of class II–peptide complexes is tightly correlated with the effects of DM editing within APCs. Furthermore, through the use of kinetic stability variants of three independent peptides, we demonstrate that increasing or decreasing the kinetic stability of class II–peptide complexes causes a corresponding alteration in DM editing. Finally, we show that the spontaneous kinetic stability of class II complexes correlates directly with the efficiency of presentation by DM+ APCs and the immunodominance of that class II–peptide complex during an immune response. Collectively, these results suggest that the pattern of DM editing in APCs can be intentionally changed by modifying class II–peptide interactions, leading to the desired hierarchy of presentation on APCs, thereby promoting recruitment of CD4 T cells specific for the preferred peptides during an immune response.