cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Salmonella enteritidis serotype Agona from eutrophic regions of a freshwater lake.

Abstract Salmonella enteritidis serotype Agona, which is associated with animal feeds containing fish meal, was isolated consistently from waters influenced by sewage containing poultry processing wastes.
Results from Lunar Laser Ranging Data Analysis

The lunar laser range data taken at McDonald Observatory between August 1969 and May 1980 has been analyzed. The simple rms residual for the 2954 ranges is 31 cm. Results of the analysis include GMearth = 398600.45 ± 0.02 km3/sec2 and a secular acceleration of the lunar orbital mean longitude of \(\dot n = - 23.8 \pm 1.5''\)/century2 which yields a Q of 12.3 at semidiurnal frequencies. The lunar harmonic C30 is (−8.7 ± 1.1) × 10−6 and the lunar rotational dissipation k2mT = (4.7 ± 0.5) × 10−3 day. Also resulting from the solution are geocentric coordinates of McDonald accurate to 30 cm, including the first value for the longitude with the new IAU constants and a dynamical equinox.
Quantum neural computation of entanglement is robust to noise and decoherence

Abstract Measurement and witnesses of entanglement remain an important issue in quantum computing. Most witnesses will work for only a very restricted class of states, while measurements commonly require lengthy procedures. Quantum neural entanglement indicators are both more general and easier to implement. The neural network entanglement indicator can be used for a pure or a mixed state, and the system need not be “close” to any particular state; moreover, as the size of the system grows, the amount of additional training necessary diminishes. Here we show that the indicator is stable to noise and decoherence.
Interference resistant mutants of phage f1.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized a type of viable mutant (IR) of bacteriophage f1 that is resistant to interference by DI particles. Two mutations in a gene (II) that controls phage replication are required for the full IR phenotype. One of these mutations by itself confers a semi-IR character; the other amplifies its phenotype but is unstable in wild-type background. The double mutant is stable. The difference between wild-type f1 and IR can be ascribed to their differential in helping DI DNA synthesis.
A TIME‐SERIES TEST OF THE NATURAL‐RATE HYPOTHESIS

. This paper develops a test of the natural-rate hypothesis that does not require strong assumptions about the structure of the economy or how the public anticipates inflation. The paper then applies this test to U.S. data, finding that one cannot reject the natural-rate hypothesis.
A Hermite spectral method for the computation of homoclinic orbits and associated functionals

We present a spectral method for the computation of homoclinic orbits in ordinary differential equations. The method is based on Hermite-Fourier expansions of the complete homoclinic solution and exhibits exponential convergence. In addition, our method can be used to approximate nonlinear functionals which depend on the complete homoclinic solution. This is demonstrated using examples from phase separation dynamics and metastability.
Effects of racemic epinephrine inhalation on cardiopulmonary function in normal man and in patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema.

Epinephrine inhalation is now widely used to provide bronchodilator therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema. In this study a variety of cardiorespiratory effects following epinephrine inhalation have been examined to compare responses in normal and emphysematous subjects, and to evaluate possible differences between inhalational and parenteral usage of the drug. Since previous studies on the effects of epinephrine in emphysematous patients have been largely concerned with the respiratory apparatus, particular attention here has been directed toward the pulmonary circulation.
Synthesis and Surface Functionalization under Cold-plasma Conditions.

Controlled, plasma-mediated, surface modification of various substrates including inorganic and organic polymers is essential for the creation of miniaturized advanced materials. Many of these approaches have focused on the surface-implantation of specific chemical groups which can be employed for subsequent chemical reactions where molecular recognition plays a significant role (e, g, immobilization of biomolecules; preparation of catalysts, etc.). The deposition of predesigned-structure thin macromolecular layers on various substrate surfaces is another branch of surface modification processes. By creating high specificity surface layers (e. g. chemically inert films, electrically insulating layers, etc.) on commodity materials will open up routes for the development of economical future technologies. In this contribution some of the recent results, generated at the Center for Plasma-Aided Manufacturing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the field of RF-plasma-mediated surface deposition and functionalization processes are discussed.
Relations Between Rotational Diffusion nd Frequency Sepctra of Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract A critical analysis of the frequency regime which contributes to rotational diffusion in nematic liquid cryatals is made utilizing a rigorous molecular description and a requencey dependent friction constant. The equation of motion of a molecule is written in tensor form, since nematic liquids are anisotropic, and is t hat of a damped harmonic librator assuming a delta function external torque. A set of relaxation times is assumed and the role of different frequency regimes is analysed critically. The analysis shows that a high frequency cutoff in the hydrodynamic regime is inconsistent with experimental diffusion times. This result shows that high or intermediate frequencies are more significant than low frequency hydrodynamic modes in diffusion in nematics. The zero sound regime of frequencies, modified by molecular collisions, is found to be closer than the hydrodynamic regime to the predominant frequencies in rotational diffusion in nematics, which are in the range of 1011 to 1012 Hz-a freque...
Prevalence of myocardial viability in dysfunctional areas by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with coronary artery disease

Methods We analyzed 181 patients from the DEfibrillators To REduce Risk by MagnetIc ResoNance Imaging Evaluation Trial. All patients underwent cine and contrastenhanced (CE) CMR. Cine and CE studies were scored on a 17-segment model by the consensus of two readers. Cine images were scored for wall motion (WM): 0 = normal, 1 = mild hypokinesis, 2 = moderate to severe hypokinesis, 3 = akinesis, 4 = dyskinesis. CE images were scored for hyperenhanced (HE) infarct transmurality: 0 = none, 1 = 1-25% HE, 2 = 26-50% HE, 3 = 51-75% HE, 4 = 76-100% HE. Manually planimetered, quantitative analysis was also performed to obtain LV ejection fraction (EF) and infarct size using QMass MR 7.2 (Medis, Leiden, the Netherlands). DV-Myo segments were defined as having WM score ≥ 2 and HE score ≤ 1. DVMyo involving 2-4 of 17 segments (12-24% of LV) was considered prognostically significant only. DV-Myo involving ≥ 5 of 17 segments (≥ 29% of LV) was considered functionally significant. Results Baseline characteristics included male sex (84%) and mean age 61.5 ± 11.2 (31-88). Patients were on standard medical therapy, including beta-blockers (93%), ACE inhibitor/ARB (82%), anti-platelet (100%) and lipid lowering agents (94%). The population had a mean EF of 38.9 ± 11.6% (range 11.4 69.1%) and infarct size 17.3 ± 10.3% of LV (range 0 59.5%). A total of 3077 segments were evaluated, of which 442 (14%) segments met criteria for DV-Myo. Prognostically significant DV-Myo was present in 49/181 patients (27.1%). These patients had a mean of 2.7 ± 0.7 affected segments and a mean EF of 34.4 ± 7.7%. Functionally significant DV-Myo was present in an additional 33/181 patients (18.2%). These patients had a mean of 8.1 ± 3.0 affected segments and a mean EF of 26.2 ± 8.5%.
Cytochrome P450 genes are differentially expressed in female and male hepatocyte retinoid X receptor α-deficient mice

To study the functional role of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha) in hepatocytes, hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice have been established. Characterization has been performed on male mice. In this paper, we show that the expression of CYP450 genes is differentially expressed in male and female hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice; male mice have reduced expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) CYP4A, CYP3A, and CYP2B mRNAs, but females do not exhibit such phenotypes. To examine the hormonal effects on this sexual dimorphic phenotype, male and female mice were subjected to 17beta-estradiol and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment, respectively, and then the expression of the CYP450 genes was studied. Estradiol had no effect on protecting the hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice from reduced expression of the CYP450 genes. In contrast, DHT induced hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient female mice, but not wild-type female mice, to have the reduced expression of CYP450 mRNAs. In addition, castration prevented the mutant male mice from exhibiting reduced expression of CYP450 mRNAs. wild-type and mutant mouse livers from both genders express androgen receptors (ARs). By transient transfection, DHT-AR could inhibit RXRalpha-mediated transcription. Furthermore, by transfection and coimmunoprecipitation, RXR can interact with AR in vivo. These data suggest that testosterone has a negative impact on retinoid signaling when the level of RXRalpha is low, which may in turn reduce the expression of the CYP450 genes.
Response to Ding and Lin

To the Editor: In Chung et al.,1 we reported simulation results showing that when a large fraction of families are missing parental genotypes, XMCPDT2 can exhibit an inflated type I error rate. Ding and Lin dismiss the fraction of missing parental genotypes as an explanation for excess type I error and instead attribute our observation to violation of a sampling assumption of XMCPDT. They point out that our simulations condition on a fixed number of affected and unaffected offspring and note that this violates the XMCPDT assumption that family structure is random with respect to the number of affected offspring.
Update on basic research and clinical experience with metaiodobenzylguanidine

I 131-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is an aralkylguanidine with certain structural similarities to norepinephrine (NE). It is concentrated, stored, and released from chromaffin granules in a manner almost identical with that of NE. It will image the enlarged adrenal medullae of adrenal medullary hyperplasia when the CAT and NMR scans are normal. It is more sensitive in detecting extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas than CAT and NMR imaging. Because 46% of our 176 patients with histopathologically proved “benign” pheochromocytomas (pheos) have developed demonstrable metastases, with or without elevated plasma and urinary catecholamines, we now image all patients with “benign” pheos yearly. As of January 22, 1986 we had treated 28 patients with malignant pheos 71 times with MIBG. As of July 24, 1986, we had given 34 neuroblastoma patients 55 tracer closes. In some cases MIBG demonstrates more neuroblastoma than all other imaging modalities and this is helpful in staging. We have had 30-50% objective regressions in neuroblastoma tumor mass in 3 out of the first 12 patients treated. These three patients had slower-growing tumors and a lower body burden than the nonresponders. We also record the sensitivity of MIBG imaging of neuroendocrine tumors other than pheos and neuroblastomas.
EVIDENCE FOR A NEW INTERMEDIATE STATE OF THE VIRAL CHROMOSOME DURING COOPERATIVE INFECTION BY HOST-MODIFIED LAMBDA PHAGE.

Abstract In the λ (C/K) system of host-controlled variation, the cooperative infection of restricting cells by host-modified phage occurs at high multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.). This was prevented by an initial exposure of the infected complexes to an anaerobic environment for 3 minutes. Subsequent exposure to air did not restore cooperative infection. If the infected complexes were initially formed under aerobic conditions for approximately 3 minutes they were no longer sensitive to anaerobiosis. The occasional infection that occurs when host-modified λ is added to a restricting population at multiplicities less than 1 was insensitive to a brief period of anaerobiosis, as were all infections that did not involve host-controlled variation. These results distinguish the two possible modes of infection of restricting cell populations by host-modified phage: overcoming the restriction barrier by cooperation at high m.o.i.; and the infection at low m.o.i. of rare cells that are unable to restrict. The indifference to anaerobiosis which develops in the first 3 minutes suggests the early conversion of the incoming λ·C chromosome to a new form. The yield of successful infections obtained after sequential infection by host-modified phages, the results of marker rescue from modified phage by unmodified phage, and the recombination data obtained in crosses between genetically marked modified phages indicate that this initial event in cooperative infection is the conversion of λ·C to a new form of the λ chromosome (λ·Cx). The new type of chromosome is distinguished from λ·C by its indifference to anaerobiosis, and from λ·K by its behavior during marker rescue and its dependence upon a cooperative process for subsequent replication. After sequential infection of Escherichia coli K by λ·C it was found that the secondary phage not only underwent cooperation with the primary phage and increased the number of cells yielding that phage, but unexpectedly acted to suppress the average burst size of the primary phage. It is concluded from the recombination data that cooperation represents a physiological complementation among the essential functions required to initiate phage replication. No evidence was obtained for the loss of any appreciable amount of genetic material from host-modified phage in successfully infected cells.
Study of Pre-Hispanic Metallic Objects Found in Cuba

A study of 12 pre-Hispanic metal objects found in Cuba has been made using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Certain of these objects may represent evidence of pre-Columbian trade between cultures in eastern Cuba and the Central American region; others bear testimony to early Spanish-American contacts. The objects were found near the sea in the provinces of Holguan, Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba. The objects found at the southern sites were found to be native gold, brass and a gold-silver-copper alloy (guanan or tumbaga). The brass objects, worked and shaped in traditional Indian forms, are evidence of early Spanish-American contacts. A plate with an unusual nickel enriched surface was also found among the objects from the southern coast. The more elaborate objects found at the site near Holguan are tumbagas (guanan) which are stylistically similar to Central American examples. They are evidence of trade between Cuba and Mesoamerica before or shortly after the arrival of the Spaniards.
On the phenomenon of nuclei enhancement during the evaporative stage of a cloud

Abstract The number of nuclei observed just after a cloud evaporates is classically equal to the sum of the number of interstitial nuclei plus the droplet number density. There are occasional reports of more nuclei produced in the vicinity of evaporating cloud droplets than the classical amount. The purpose of our paper is to provide an overview of the phenomenon of nonclassical nuclei production, with the ultimate purpose of laying the foundation for future efforts designed to formalize the mechanism that explains this phenomenon. The available literature is discussed in conjunction with field and laboratory measurements and suggests that a nonclassical generation of particles depends on the (i) relative humidity of the air surrounding the droplets, RH, and (ii) the physical and chemical characteristics of the evaporating clouds. Implicit within the available literature is the importance of the temporal and spatial resolution of sampling during the final stage of a cloud cycle and shortly thereafter. A possible explanatory mechanism is presented and is `naturally' preliminary.
A developmental study of acid phosphatase-1 in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The developmental profile of acid phosphatase-1 activity in Drosophila melanogaster indicates that this lysosomal gene-enzyme system ( Acph-1 , 3–101.1) is responsible for ca. 90% of the low-pH nucleotidase activity throughout development. The enzyme is present at particularly high levels during embryogenesis. It is shown with electrophoretic variants and null mutants of acid phosphatase-1 that virtually all of the embryonic enzyme is maternal in origin and is made during oogenesis. The enzyme exists in several isozymic forms at fertilization, and all but one of these forms disappear during early embryogenesis. Detectable maternal enzyme persists until the third larval instar stage. Crosses between females homozygous for a null allele and wild-type males show the zygotic Acph-1 gene activation occurs by at least 9 hr after oviposition.
Continuous flow infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Continuous flow infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (CF IR MALDESI) mass spectrometry was demonstrated for the on-line analysis of liquid samples. Samples in aqueous solution were flowed through a 50 mm i.d. fused-silica capillary at a flow rate of 1-6 mL/min. As analyte aqueous solution flowed through the capillary, a liquid sample bead formed at the capillary tip. A pulsed infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser with wavelength of 2.94 mm and a 20 Hz repetition rate was focused onto the capillary tip for sample desorption and ablation. The plume of ejected sample was entrained in an electrospray to form ions by MALDESI. The resulting ions were sampled into an ion trap mass spectrometer for analysis. Using CF IR MALDESI, several chemical and biochemical reactions were monitored on-line: the chelation of 1,10-phenanthroline with iron(II), insulin denaturation with 1,4-dithiothreitol, and tryptic digestion of cytochrome c. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization of Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) to a Gene Cluster on Chromosome 17q

Abstract Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has been regionally localized to a gene cluster on human chromosome 17q. Genetic mapping through CEPH reference families demonstrated that GIP was tightly linked to NME1 and PPY and fully linked to HOXB6 and NGFR. High-resolution radiation hybrid mapping resolved the gene order as cen-PPY-HOXB6-NGFR-GIP-NME1-tel. GIP maps distal to NGFR with an estimated distance of 250 kh.
Phorbol esters increase insulin binding in astrocytic glial but not neuronal cells in primary culture from the brain

In this study we used differential culturing techniques to study the effects of phorbol esters on insulin receptors on neuronal and astrocytic glial cells in primary culture from the brain. 12-O-Tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent activator of protein kinase C (PKC), increased [125I]insulin binding in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with a maximally effective dose of 50 nM TPA for 2 h in glial cells. Treatment with TPA did not affect [125I]insulin binding in neuronal cells. The TPA effect on glial [125I]insulin binding was specific as evidenced by the observation that potencies of phorbol ester analogs to increase [125I]insulin binding were similar to their abilities to stimulate PKC. Competitive-inhibition experiments indicated that this effect of TPA was due primarily to an increase in the number of high affinity insulin binding sites on glial cells. Removal of the TPA after pretreatment resulted in a recovery from its effects within 6 h. The increase in glial insulin binding was not accompanied by an increase in insulin-sensitive glucose uptake, suggesting that TPA inactivates the glial cell receptors as it increases their numbers.
The brain hallucinates and gets caught in the web

In the past year, we had a remarkable glimpse of brain activity during hallucination in a patient with schizophrenia (Silbersweig; figure). In his typical hallucination, a patient saw moving, coloured scenes with rolling, disembodied heads, which were giving him instructions. 150 positron emission tomography and an image-analysis protocol, designed to image transient subjective experiences, illustrated which areas had increased regional cerebral blood flow during the hallucinations. Increased brain activity was noted in visual and auditory-associated cortices, as well as paralimbic and subcortical areas. Such studies provide clues to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and to the neural substrate of conscious perceptual experience. Fascinating new clues to schizophrenia also emerged on the genetics/epidemiology front. Gorwood and colleagues tested the hypothesis that the age of onset of schizophrenia decreases in successive generations. This inheritance pattern, "anticipation", results from unstable trinucleotide repeat DNA sequences at the disease locus. The study took place on an island in the Indian Ocean and was based on 97 patients with schizophrenia belonging to 24 families with at least two generations of patients. In the younger generation, the age of onset was significantly less than the expected age of onset based on the data from the older generation. This evidence could accelerate the search for pathological genetic processes implicated in schizophrenia. Psychiatrists are concerned about the potential iatrogenic effects of typical antipsychotics, which are linked to tardive dyskinesia. These effects may be relieved by the findings of McCreadie and colleagues. Dyskinesia was assessed in four groups of elderly individuals including normal people, relatives of schizophrenics, nevermedicated patients with schizophrenia, and medicated patients. The prevalence of dyskinesia was similar in never-medicated and medicated patients (about 40%), and was significantly higher than that in first-degree relatives and normal controls (15%). McCreadie reported that never-medicated patients had "classic tardive dysthinesia", including chewing movements, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, and writhing. The researchers conclude that it is the illness per se that is associated with dyskinesias in elderly schizophrenic patients. However, psychiatrists may be chagrined by the work of Mojtabai and Nicholson. These researchers evaluated the inter-rater reliability of ratings of delusions and bizarre hallucinations among 50 psychiatrists selected randomly from the American Psychiatry Association Membership Directory. The inter-rater reliability estimates were quite low (K about 0-40), and call into question the adequacy of psychiatric training.
Mechanism of TMPD photolysis in alcohols. Spin-dependent ion recombination and photoconductivity

Photolysis of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (TMPD) in liquid alcohols was studied by means of a time-resolved transient conductivity technique and the influence of an external magnetic field. We have shown that no single-photon ionization of TMPD occurs at energies up to 5.5 eV. Instead, the observed photocurrent is a result of diffusion assisted ion pair formation ia quenching of excited 3TMPD* molecules in their triplet state by electron-accepting solutes. Quenching of the singlet excited state 1TMPD*, on the other hand, leads to fast recombining singlet ion pairs with no resulting free ion current. Competition between the two processes is affected by the external magnetic field and is observed as a magnetic field effect on the photocurrent. The rate constants of quenching of the singlet and triplet excited states of TMPD* by acetone in isopropanol were found to be 3.2 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 2.5 × 108 M−1 s−1, respectively. The quantum yield of free ions originating from the 3TMPD* precursor is close to 80% in the absence of magnetic field, while the yield from the 1TMPD* precursor is negligibly small.
Isochoric (p, ϱn, T) measurements on (0.2005H2 + 0.7995CH4) at temperatures from 140 to 273.15 K and pressures to 70 MPa

Abstract Comprehensive (p, ϱn, T) measurements have been made on (0.2005H2 + 0.7995CH4) at temperatures from 140 to 273.15 K and at pressures to 70 MPa. Measurements of p(T) were made on samples of constant mass contained by a sample holder of nearly constant volume resulting in nine amount-of-substance densities from 1.62 to 20.05 mol·dm−3. Densities were established at 273.15 K from published Burnett p(ϱ) values within ±0.05 per cent. A unique isochore equation was fitted to values from each run and yielded points on the isochoric inflection locus defined by { ∂ 2 Z ∂( 1 T ) 2 } ϱ = 0 . The p(T) profile of the (hydrogen + methane) isochoric inflection locus resembles the profile of hydrogen due to the decreasing solubility of hydrogen with decreasing temperature. An equation of state was fitted to our (p, ϱn, T) surface, giving a ±0.019 per cent root-mean-square deviation of calculated compression factors from experimental results.
Phytanic acid α-oxidation in human cultured skin fibroblasts

We studied the oxidation of [1-14C]phytanic acid, 3-methyl substituted fatty acid, to pristanic acid and 14CO2 in human skin fibroblasts. The specific activity for alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid in peroxisomes was 29- and 124-fold higher than mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. This finding demonstrates for the first time the presence of fatty acid alpha-oxidation enzyme system in peroxisomes.
Long-range icosahedral orientational order and quasicrystals.

It is shown that a quartic orientational free energy leads to long-range icosahedral bond-orientational order which, through a coupling with a translational order parameter, stabilizes the icosahedral quasicrystalline phase. The bond-orientational order selects the wave vectors which point into vertices or faces of an icosahedron.
The Boundary Structure in the Analysis of Reversibly Interacting Systems by Sedimentation Velocity

Sedimentation velocity (SV) experiments of heterogeneous interacting systems exhibit characteristic boundary structures that can usually be very easily recognized and quantified. For slowly interacting systems, the boundaries represent concentrations of macromolecular species sedimenting at different rates, and they can be interpreted directly with population models based solely on the mass action law. For fast reactions, migration and chemical reactions are coupled, and different, but equally easily discernable boundary structures appear. However, these features have not been commonly utilized for data analysis, for the lack of an intuitive and computationally simple model. The recently introduced effective particle theory (EPT) provides a suitable framework. Here, we review the motivation and theoretical basis of EPT, and explore practical aspects for its application. We introduce an EPT-based design tool for SV experiments of heterogeneous interactions in the software SEDPHAT. As a practical tool for the first step of data analysis, we describe how the boundary resolution of the sedimentation coefficient distribution c(s) can be further improved with a Bayesian adjustment of maximum entropy regularization to the case of heterogeneous interactions between molecules that have been previously studied separately. This can facilitate extracting the characteristic boundary features by integration of c(s). In a second step, these are assembled into isotherms as a function of total loading concentrations and fitted with EPT. Methods for addressing concentration errors in isotherms are discussed. Finally, in an experimental model system of alpha-chymotrypsin interacting with soybean trypsin inhibitor, we show that EPT provides an excellent description of the experimental sedimentation boundary structure of fast interacting systems.
TOWARD A NEO-DARWINIAN SOCIOLOGY: Its Nomological Principles and Some Illustrative Applications

In a thought-provoking appraisal of the state of macrosociological theory, Gerhard Lenski argues that its shortcomings can be rectified, in part, by reference to nomological reasoning. Moreover, developments in behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and population genetics offer interesting insights into analyses of social behavior across time and space and, in the process, reveal some useful hints about the manner in which sociocultural theorists might proceed in developing more elegant theoretical statements. With these considerations in mind, the argument elaborated in this essay suggests: (1) that contemporary sociocultural science has much to contribute to the development of a general theory of social behavior, (2) that theory refinement in the sociocultural sciences can be enhanced significantly by reference to general principles (specifically, an amended version of the “maximization principle”) developed in recent years in the evolutionary behavioral sciences; and (3) that reliance on such gener...
Redesigning surgical decision making for high-risk patients.

Shared decision making in surgical care requires a culture shift. For patients at high risk for adverse events after surgery, or in cases with an equivocal risk–benefit balance, evidence-based decision making may require input from a multidisciplinary group of experts.
Vibrational spectroscopy of functional group chemistry and arsenate coordination in ettringite

The functional group chemistry and coordination of AsO43−-sorption complexes in ettringite [Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O] were evaluated as a function of sorption type (adsorption, coprecipitation) and pH using Raman and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. The reactive functional groups of ettringite, ≡Al-OH, ≡Ca-OH2, and ≡Ca2-OH exhibit broad overlapping OH bands in the range 3600–3200 cm−1, prohibiting separation of component vibrational bands. The SO42− polyhedra of the channels are present in three crystallographically different sites and exhibit weakly split S-O asymmetric stretch at 1136 cm−1 (with several components) and symmetric stretch at 1016, 1008, and 989 cm−1. During AsO43− adsorption, the vibrational spectra of SO42− were least affected, and the OH stretching intensities around 3600 cm−1 decreased with an increase in AsO43− sorption. In contrast, the S-O symmetric stretch at 1016 and 1008 cm−1 were almost completely removed, and the OH vibrations were relatively unaffected during AsO43−-coprecipitation. The As-O asymmetric stretch of sorbed AsO43− are split and occur as overlapping peaks around 870 cm−1. The As-Ocomplexed stretching vibrations are at ∼800 cm−1. The low pH samples (pH = 10.3–11.0) exhibit distinct As-OH stretching vibrations at 748 cm−1, indicating that some of the sorbed AsO43− ions are protonated. These spectral features demonstrate that AsO43− directly interacts with ettringite surface sites during adsorption and substitute inside the channels during coprecipitation (preferentially for two of the three sites). The energy position of the As-O symmetric stretch vibrations suggest that the AsO43− polyhedra interacts predominantly with ≡Ca-OH2 and ≡Ca2-OH sites rather than with ≡Al-OH sites. Sorption of more than one type of As species was evident in low pH (<11.0) samples.
EEG stages predict treatment response in experimental status epilepticus

Progression of severity in experimental status epilepticus (SE), defined as refractoriness to first- and second-line abortive agents, may be related to a five-stage progression of electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. This was tested in the lithium-pilocarpine rat SE model. Abortive treatment with diazepam and phenobarbital was given at EEG stages I, III, and V. In stage I, the combination therapy resulted in 100% SE termination. However, stage III corresponded to high treatment resistance (0% abortion) and stage V to an intermediate response (63%). Comparisons of time-to-treatment durations showed overlap between stage I and stage III, despite having markedly different response rates to abortive medications. Therefore, EEG patterns reflect the dynamic pathophysiology of SE and can be used as reliable and specific markers to distinguish treatment-responsive from treatment-refractory SE more accurately than time alone.
Infection control implications of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production by Klebsiellae and other Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms have been detected in Australian hospitals over the last 10 years. They are mostly encountered in very sick patients who have been hospitalised for long periods, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Use of invasive medical devices and broad spectrum antibiotics predispose to colonisation and infection with these organisms. Control of epidemic or endemic ESBL producing organisms is possible using a multidisciplinary approach utilising the resources of routine clinical microbiology laboratories, molecular epidemiology laboratories and clinical infection control practitioners. Many hospitals can control ESBL producing organisms using a combination of classical infection control interventions such as contact isolation and modification of antibiotic prescribing practices, in particular restriction of use of third generation cephalosporins.
Crop coefficients and water use for cowpea in the San Joaquin Valley of California

Abstract To improve irrigation planning and management, a modified soil water balance method was used to determine the crop coefficients and water use for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in an area with a semi-arid climate. A sandy 0.8-ha field was irrigated with a subsurface drip irrigation system, and the soil moisture was closely monitored for two full seasons. The procedure used was one developed for cotton by DeTar [DeTar, W.R., 2004. Using a subsurface drip irrigation system to measure crop water use. Irrig. Sci. 23, 111–122]. Using a test and validate procedure, we first developed a double sigmoidal model to fit the data from the first season, and then we determined how well the data from the second season fit this model. One of the results of this procedure was that during the early part of the season, the crop coefficients were more closely related to days-after-planting (DAP) than to growing-degree-days (GDDs). For the full season, there was little difference in correlations for the various models using DAP and GDD. When the data from the two seasons were merged, the average value for the crop coefficient during the mid-season plateau was 0.986 for the coefficient used with pan evaporation, and it was 1.211 for the coefficient used with a modified Penman equation for ET0 from the California Irrigation Management and Information System (CIMIS). For the Penman–Monteith (P–M) equation, the coefficient was 1.223. These coefficients are about 11% higher than for cotton in the same field with the same irrigation system. A model was developed for the merged data, and when it was combined with the normal weather data for this area, it was possible to predict normal water use on a weekly, monthly and seasonal basis. The normal seasonal water use for cowpea in this area was 669 mm. One of the main findings was that the water use by the cowpea was more closely correlated with pan evaporation than it was with the reference ET from CIMIS or P–M.
Banning Corporal Punishment of Children: An ACEI Position Paper

(2007). Banning Corporal Punishment of Children: An ACEI Position Paper. Childhood Education: Vol. 83, International Focus Issue 2007, pp. 410-413.
IRMER regulations: compliance rate of radiograph reporting by non-radiology clinicians

Aim To assess compliance with regulation 7(8) of Ionizing Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations (IRMER) 2000 legislation amongst non-radiologists reporting radiographs in a large district general hospital. Materials and methods A prospective review of 100 consecutive radiography request cards from five different departments undertaking their specialty radiograph reporting were collected over 4 weeks. The requests were then traced to their respective case notes to assess documentation of radiographs. The five departments included chest, maxillo-facial, rheumatology, orthopaedics, and inpatients. Twenty-two case notes were gathered from chest clinics, 21 from maxillo-facial, 15 from rheumatology, 23 from orthopaedics fracture clinics, and 19 were taken from inpatients. Results Only 53% of radiographs undertaken by non-radiologists had a documented report. The specialty most compliant with IRMER was orthopaedics 17/23 (74%) and the specialty least compliant was maxilla-facial 8/21 (38%). Of the documented radiographs, the consultant grade was the largest group of doctors [36% (19/53)] that undertook documentation, and for the undocumented radiographs, they were also the largest group of clinicians that did not document radiographs [77% (36/47)]. All radiographs that were documented in the notes also had documented interpretation of the radiograph. Conclusion Only 53% of plain radiographs were documented and reported by non-radiology clinicians even though IRMER legislation applies to all clinicians undertaking radiograph interpretation. All clinicians undertaking interpretation of radiographs should be made aware of this legislation and the responsibility to document their findings.
The Empirical Distribution of The Fourier Coefficients of a Sequence of Independent, Identically Distributed Long-Tailed Random Variables

Suppose X 1, X 2,... are independent, identically distributed random variables, and suppose n −1/α(X1+...+Xn) converges in distribution to a symmetric stable law of index α<2. For s=1, ..., n, set $${\text{Y}}_{ns} = n^{ - 1/\alpha } \sum\limits_{j = 1}^n {X_j } {\text{ cos(2}}\pi js/n{\text{)}}$$ . Let Μ n be the empirical distribution of {Y ns∶ s=1, ..., n}. Then Μ n converges in distribution, but not in probability.
STUDIES OF LIGNIN BIOSYNTHESIS USING ISOTOPIC CARBON: XII. THE BIOSYNTHESIS AND METABOLISM OF SINAPIC ACID

Sinapic acid-2-C14 is converted by 25-day-old wheat plants to sinapyl lignin 6 times as efficiently as to coniferyl lignin. This factor rises to 16 in heading wheat, indicating lessened ability to ...
Reversal of Refractory Hypotension in Septic Shock by Inhibitor of Nitric Oxide Synthase

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that results from exposure to bacterial endotoxin. It is mediated by the release of cytokines. Some of these cytokines cause the release of vasoactive substances. We report the case of a 62-year-old male patient who received redo operation for replacement of the degenerative porcine aortic and mitral prostheses. High cardiac output shock developed on the seventh postoperative day with severe metabolic acidosis and oliguria. Systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure elevated within 5 min and stabilized 60 min after the start of a single dose of intravenous administration of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (50 mg), a potent and selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. These findings indicate that nitric oxide overproduction is an important contributor to refractory hypotension in high cardiac output septic shock. Our findings suggested the utilization of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in the treatment of septic shock in humans.
Hole centers in γ-irradiated, oxidized Al2O3☆

Abstract ESR observations of centers with S = 1 2 , g ≅ 2, S = 1, g ≅ 2 have been made at 77 K on oxidized Al2O3 after γ-irradiation at 30°C. From the radiation growth data, it is shown that the S = 1 2 centers are precursors of the S = 1 centers. In addition, when the S = 1 centers anneal out at about 110°C, the S = 1 2 centers reappear and eventually anneal out at about 260°C. Previously Gamble and Cox, respectively, observed S = 1 2 and S = 1 paramagnetic centers in electron-irradiated nominally pure Al2O3 and γ-irradiated, oxidized, titanium-doped Al2O3. The models proposed for these centers were one hole and two holes trapped on oxygen ions adjacent to Al3+ vacancies. Our results further substantiate these models.
Delivery of dietary components to larval shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) by means of complex microcapsules

Efficient delivery of nutrients is necessary for the successful study of aquatic larval nutrition. Conventional artificial food particles for larval shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) have poor water stability and poor nutrient retention or both. We developed a novel food particle type that retained low-molecular weight, water-soluble nutrients (vitamins and glucose) within lipid-wall microcapsules embedded with dietary ingredients in particles of gelled alginate-gelatin. The combination of lipid-wall microcapsules (LWMs) embedded in gelled food particles was termed complex microcapsules (CXMs). Eighty-five percent of 14C-activity associated with encapsulated 14C-glucose was retained by CXMs (after 18 h of suspension in seawater). Bioavailability of CXM-encapsulated molecules was demonstrated by release of encapsulated dye marker into the gut lumen of larval shrimp, and by uptake of 14C from encapsulated 14C-glucose. Minimum ingestion rates, calculated from 14C-uptake for larval shrimp (Mysis-1 through Postlarva-2) fed CXMs, ranged from 48 to 99 μg dry wt larva-1 d-1, and were similar to literature values reported for ingestion of live rotifers by penaeid larvae. Complex microcapsules described in this study will be a valuable new tool for studying nutrition of suspension-feeders in that both micro-and macronutrients can be delivered to these animals by one particle type.
Sequential Objective Linear Programming for Generation Planning

Generation planning usually involves finding a generation expansion and operating policy that minimizes present worth cost while meeting projected demands and other imposed constraints. However, the planning process is becoming increasingly complex with a number of objectives becoming increasingly desirable. In addition to minimum revenue requirements, other possible objectives include minization of new power plant construction, maximization of reliability, minimization of public health hazard (e.g. via emitted pollutants), and minimization of environmental hazards (e.g. via heat rejected to bodies of water).
Peritoneovenous shunts in malignant ascites.

A 51-year-old woman with malignant ascites secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma had a peritoneovenous (Le Veen) shunt inserted with effective control of ascites and amelioration of symptoms. The results of 12 recent series evaluating the efficacy of peritoneovenous shunts in the treatment of 198 patients with malignant ascites were reviewed. Peritoneovenous shunts effectively controlled malignant ascites in 77% of patients. Complications occurred in 25%, although the majority of these were related to shunt occlusion and transient congestive heart failure.
Transmission-zero bounds for large space structures, with applications

Many large space structure control problems lead quite naturally to the application of an optimal regulator, so the transmission zeros of the open-loop system give fundamental information about the speed of response achievable by the closed-loop system. Despite the importance of this and other well-known zeros properties, little attention has been given to the transmission zeros of large space structures, except for the special case of a rigid spacecraft with flexible appendages. The object of this paper is to remedy this deficiency. In particular, it is proved that the zeros of a structure with colocated sensors and actuators must lie in a region of the complex plane that is defined by its natural frequencies and damping ratios. This generic result, a consequence of the special form of the equations of motion of structural dynamics, admits a very simple graphical interpretation: it is the generalization of the classical pole-zero interlacing property of undamped single-input/single-output structures. The number of sensor/actuator pairs, and their locations, specify where in the permissible region transmission zeros actually lie, thus quantifying the effect of sensor/actuator placement on closed-loop system performance. These points are illustrated by simple examples.
Blood metabolite changes and live weight loss following brown seaweed extract supplementation in goats subjected to stress

Abstract Brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract supplementation has been reported to have several beneficial effects in farm animals, but its effects during stressful situations have not been adequately studied. Female Spanish (S) (mean body weight 40.1 ± 5.9 kg) and Boer × Spanish (BS) (mean weight 38.5 ± 4.5 kg) goats (8 to 10 months; n = 20/breed) were housed in pens (5 does/pen) and fed an alfalfa pelleted diet plus a pellet supplement (marketed as Tasco) - with or without seaweed extract (treatment) for 3 weeks. The supplement was given at 40% of daily intake to allow for 2% of seaweed extract in the diet. The animals were weighed immediately before and after a 6 h-transportation period, as well as after overnight holding, to assess live weight loss as a percentage of the initial body weight. Blood samples were collected following 0, 2, and 6 h of transportation, and after holding (24 h) to assess the stress responses. The goats were kept on their respective diets for one week following the transportation trial, and rumen fluid samples collected to analyze VFA's, pH and ammonia content. Live weight loss was greater in BS does than in the S does due to transportation (P
Apnea Frequently Persists Beyond Term Gestation in Infants Delivered at 24 to 28 Weeks

Background Apnea of prematurity remains among the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit and may prolong hospital stays in some infants. Because survival of extremely premature infants has improved markedly, the natural history of apnea in this population needs to be reassessed. Objective To document the natural history of recurrent apnea and/or bradycardia events in infants delivered at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. Methods Medical records of all infants delivered at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation admitted to the Brigham and Women's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit between January 1989 and March 1994 were reviewed to document the clinical course of apnea of prematurity. Subjects were included in the study sample if they were discharged home from the Brigham and Women's Hospital or after transfer to an affiliated hospital. Recordings of apnea and/or bradycardia events were based on nursing observations of monitor alarms and assessment of the infant's condition. Results Of 457 eligible infants, 226 were included in the study sample and stratified by gestational age at birth assigned by the attending neonatologist. The time to resolution of recurrent apnea/bradycardia events was longer with lower gestational age at birth. Apnea/bradycardia events were frequently observed beyond 36 weeks' postconceptional age in all gestational age groups. The incidence of apnea persisting beyond 38 weeks postconceptional age was significantly higher in the 24- to 27-week infants combined compared with the 28-week infants. Conclusions Apnea of prematurity frequently persists beyond term gestation in infants delivered at 24 to 28 weeks' gestational age. These persistent apnea and/or bradycardia events may contribute to prolonged hospitalization. Programs to promote earlier discharge of premature infants should take into account the variability in resolution of apnea and specifically address management of persistent apnea.