cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep and organ/space infections in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery: incidence and impact on hospital length of stay and costs

Abstract Background The reported incidence of infection complicating elective colorectal surgery (ECS) is 11% to 26%. We evaluated length of stay (LOS) and expense associated with such infections, which heretofore remain unexplored. Methods We reviewed 1127 ECS procedures from October 2005 to may 2007 to identify infected case subjects (n = 46). Data were obtained by way of chart abstraction and administrative database review. A case-control study evaluated LOS and actual accounting costs for case subjects versus uninfected control subjects (n = 46). Logistic regression determined risk factors for infection. Results Infection incidence was 4.1%. Mean ± SD LOS and costs were greater for case than control subjects: 21 ± 15 days compared with 6 ± 4 days (P Comments Infection development after ECS is infrequent in our population, but it results in significantly poorer outcomes. Vigilant adherence to preventive guidelines, including those for antibiotic prophylaxis, is warranted.
Effects of environmental factors on carrageenan from Gymnogongrus griffithsiae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

The effects of environmental factors on substratum coverage, thallus length, production of iota carrageenan and gelling behavior were investigated in field populations of the red algaGymnogongrus griffithsiae (Turner) Martius. Irradiance and water temperature affected thallus substratum coverage and water gel strength of the carrageenan. The significant monthly differences in thallus length, carrageenan content and carrageenan gelling properties were not attributable to seasonal variations in irradiance and water temperature. The effect of temperature and N loading on biomass productivity, carrageenan yield and gelling characteristics were also investigated using cultures. N-enriched cultures showed decreased gel yields, higher viscosities and higher water gel strengths in the carrageenans extracted from these cultures. Milk reactivity tests were correlated with thallus nitrogen and water dessert gel strength, but neither culture temperature nor N loading showed a significant effect. The field and culture studies indicate how temperature, irradiance and N availability affect growth and hydrocolloid production.
Variation in mating system and group structure in two populations of swift foxes, Vulpes velox

Abstract We studied 26 reproductive groups of swift foxes, Vulpes velox, from both high- and low-density areas during three field seasons in northwestern Texas, U.S.A., to examine whether differences in population density affect mating system and group structure. Although high- and low-density populations were only separated by 40 km and vegetation and diets were similar between sites, polygynous groups, communal denning and nonbreeding females occurred in the area of high density, whereas only monogamous pairs occurred in the area of low density. Annual survival of adult swift foxes was 66% in the area of high density, but 44% in the area of low density. Predation from coyotes, Canis latrans, was the only mortality factor that differed (P=0.01) between sites and contributed most to differences in survival. Although previous research indicated that variation in social systems among canids is related to bottom–up forces (i.e. food, habitat), the results of our study indicate that variation in social systems can also be related to top–down forces (i.e. predation, displacement by larger competitor).
Analytical stress modeling for TSVs in 3D packaging

Physically meaningful and easy-to-use analytical solutions are obtained, using analytical modeling and theory-of-elasticity approach, for thermal stresses in typical through-silicon-via (TSV) packages of 3D IC devices. The case when the package is heated up from the room temperature to an elevated temperature is considered. Two extreme cases of the TSV geometry are addressed: disc-like vias, with height/thickness-to-diameter ratio is below 0.25, when plane-stress approximation in the 2D elasticity theory can be used, and rodlike vias, with height-to-diameter ratios above 2.5, when plane strain approximation is applicable. The following objectives have been pursued in the analysis: 1) evaluation of the elastic stability of a disc-like via subjected to the thermal "hoop" pressure caused by the thermal expansion mismatch of the copper (Cu) and silicon (Si) materials; 2) assessment of the thermally induced circumferential stresses in the Si wafer; and 3) the evaluation of the expected relief in the longitudinal (in the TSV axial direction) interfacial shearing stresses due to the application of a "surrogate" buffering material, i.e., a material not needed from the standpoint of the functional performance of the design. While the pressure at the Cu/Si interface determines the reliability of the Si material, the longitudinal interfacial shearing stress is critical from the standpoint of the adhesive and cohesive strength of the TSV structure. The numerical example is carried out for different radii of the opening in Si and for the case when Indium is considered as a suitable buffering material. The calculated data indicate that larger openings in Si result in lower pressures on Si and in lower longitudinal interfacial shearing stresses, especially if disc-like vias are employed. The computed data indicate particularly that a 1 μm thick layer of Indium resultes in about 39% reduction in the induced pressure at the Cu/Si boundary for a disc-like TSV and by about 14% - for a rod-like via. As to the longitudinal interfacial shearing stress, the reductions are even greater: about 69% - for a disc-like TSV and about 41% for a rod-like via. Thus, there seems to be an incentive for employing disc-like TSV designs for lower thermal stresses. In the absence of the strain buffer, the pressure in the disc-like TSV design was only about 58% of the pressure in the rod-like via, and the maximum value of the longitudinal shearing stress was about half the stress in the rod-like TSV. The "bad news" is, however, that while the elastic stability of a rod-like via is never a problem, a disc-like via might buckle under the action of the thermally induced "hoop" stresses, and therefore the elastic stability of a disc-like via should always be evaluated and assured. Our analysis starts, for this reason, with the evaluation of the critical (Euler) pressure for a disc-like TSV.
Fabry-Perot interference peaks in the critical current for ballistic superconductor-normal-metal-superconductor Josephson junctions.

Solving the Bogoliubov\char21{}de Gennes equations for a one-dimensional mesoscopic superconductor-normal-metal-superconductor junction at zero temperature, we show that the interference of particles within the normal-metal region drastically alters the behavior of the critical current through the junction. As a function of the normal-metal carrier density, this interference yields striking resonances in the critical current corresponding to the Fabry-Perot interference criteria. The origin and nature of these resonances are analyzed in detail. Their functional form differs markedly from those found in nonsuperconducting mesoscopic structures. We note that the resultant behavior has the potential for interesting device properties.
Using Economics Podcasts to Engage Students of Different Learning Styles

Preliminary results from an assessment of the use of economics-themed podcast listening in introductory economic courses indicate that students with auditory/verbal learning styles improve their understanding and application of economic concepts more than students with other learning styles. Literature has considered the role of student learning styles in student performance in introductory courses in various disciplines (e.g. Thomas et al., SIGCSE Bull, 2002). Others have considered in a nondiscipline-specific context the impact of teaching style compared to student learning style on student performance (e.g. Lopus and Hoff, The Journal of Private Enterprise, 2009). Recent research focuses on the use of podcasts to enhance online learning (Bollinger, Supanakorn & Boggs, Computers & Education, 2010; Caladine, Enhancing e-learning with media-rich content and interactions, 2008) and on the use of podcasts of instructors’ live lectures to supplement online and real time courses (Copley, Innovation in Education and Teaching International, 2007; McKinney, Dyck and Luber, Computers & Education, 2009). The podcasts utilized in this paper are not the recorded lectures often discussed in recent literature, but publicly available economic-themed audio-only podcasts focusing on economics related current and cultural events that are used as required instructional element for introductory economics courses. Listening to economic-themed podcasts outside of class along with traditional textbook reading reinforces concepts by presenting them across a variety of instructional methods. Podcasts also provide a method to bring economic content to students with a variety of learning styles. Required podcast assignments may be particularly useful for auditory learners, who learn and remember best by listening (Bozorgmanesh et al., Nature and Science, 2011; Taylor, Journal of Political Science Education, 2009). While it is common to integrate strategies for auditory, visual (those who learn Int Adv Econ Res (2013) 19:201–202 DOI 10.1007/s11294-013-9396-1
Quantitative and graphic acoustic analysis of phonatory modulations: the modulogram.

A method is presented for analyzing phonatory instabilities that occur as modulations of fundamental frequency (f0) and sound pressure level (SPL) on the order of 0.2 to 20 cycles per second. Such ...
Vitamin C enhances the development of carcinomas in the hamster buccal pouch experimental model

Abstract Forty young adult male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were divided into four groups of 10 animals. The animals in group 1 (tumor control) had the right buccal pouches painted three times a week with a 0.5% solution of 7, 12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in heavy mineral oil USP with the use of a number 4 sable brush. The animals in group 2 (experimental group) had the right buccal pouches painted with the same solution as group 1. In addition, they received 1 mg ascorbic acid in 0.5 ml mineral oil three times a week on days alternating with the other application. The ascorbic acid was administered by mouth with the use of a pipette. The animals in group 3 received 1 mg ascorbic acid in 0.5 ml mineral oil three times weekly, and the animals in group 4 were untreated controls. The animals were killed after 14 weeks. Tumors were counted and measured. Both right and left (control) pouches were photographed, excised, fixed in formalin, sectioned in paraffin, and studied histologically. The animals that received the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) had significantly larger tumors in the right buccal pouch, although actual numbers of gross tumors were only slightly increased. The figures for tumor burden in the animals in group 1 and 2 were 364 versus 648 mm3. Histologic study revealed that the animals in group 2 had more anaplastic tumors and a significantly greater number of areas of dysplastic leukoplakia than the animals in group 1.
Parastomal Hernia Repair

Parastomal herniation is a common clinical occurrence. Historically, there has been a high recurrence rate after repair, and conservative management is usually recommended for patients with mild symptoms. When operative intervention is warranted, we opt for a laparoscopic mesh sublay over the fascial defect and lateralization of the stoma limb, or the Sugarbaker technique. In patients who are considered poor risk for laparoscopy/laparotomy requiring repair, we perform a fascial onlay with mesh utilizing an anterior circumstomal approach.
Telecommuting and the Demand for Urban Living: A Preliminary Look at White-collar Workers

With recent advances in communications technology, telecommuting appears to be an increasingly viable option for many workers. For urban researchers, the key question is whether this growing ability to telecommute is altering residential location decisions and leading households to live in smaller, lower-density and more remote locations. Using the Work Schedules supplement from the 1997 Current Population Study, this paper explores this question. Specifically, it examines the prevalence of telecommuting, explores the relationship between telecommuting and the residential choices of white-collar workers and, finally, speculates about future impacts on residential patterns and urban form.
Electronic structure of the Si(001)2 × 1:H surface and pathway for H2 desorption

Abstract Electronic structures for the hydrogen-passivated Si(001)2 × 1 surface are calculated using a first-principles method with planar basis functions constructed from two-dimensional (2D) plane waves and one-dimensional (1D) Gaussian functions. Hydrogen passivation causes the surface bands in the fundamental energy gap of a clean Si(001)2 × 1 surface to move deeply into the Si valence bands. A pathway was found for the desorption of H 2 molecules from the Si(001)2 × 1 surface in which the activation energy barrier is negligible and the desorption energy is approximately 60 kcal/mol, in agreement with experimental findings. The effect on desorption of the hydrogen-induced relaxation of the dimer bonds between surface Si atoms (from 2.44 to 2.23 A) was found to be quite small.
Cerebellar Degeneration in a Mature Staffordshire Terrier

A 5-year-old Staffordshire terrier exhibited slowly progressive signs of cerebellar disease, including nystagmus and dysmetria. After a 30-month course, the dog was euthanized. Grossly, the cerebellum was small and comprised only 5% of the brain weight. Histopathological examination of the brain documented diffuse degeneration. Purkinje cells were most depleted, but granular cells and the molecular layer of cerebellum were also depleted. The history and necropsy examination were evidence of late-onset primary cerebellar degeneration.
The role of salivary cytokine biomarkers in tongue cancer invasion and mortality.

Summary Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (TSCC) has one of the poorest prognoses of head and neck cancers. This study aims to improve early detection of the disease by identifying salivary biomarkers that can identify a spectrum of patients progressing from high-risk to TSCC. We also examine the mortality of exophytic and endophytic TSCC, expecting the elevated cytokine levels in endophytic patients to be associated with a shorter survival. Saliva was collected from patients with TSCC and controls and cytokine protein levels were measured. Specimens were collected from the Los Angeles County (LAC) + University of Southern California (USC) and USC University Hospital clinics. A convenience sample of patients with TSCC was divided into endophytic ( n = 10) and exophytic ( n = 8) cancer by physician diagnosis. Controls were divided into 4 groups of 14 based on their high-risk smoking and drinking behaviors. Main outcome measures: The levels of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-a and TNF-α in saliva were measured using quantitative ELISA and compared using two-way ANOVA. All five cytokines were elevated in the endophytic TSCC group compared to other groups, which correlated with the decreased survival rate (10.4 months) in this group compared to exophytic TSCC (24 months). IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF were also elevated in the exophytic TSCC group compared to smoking–drinking controls. Salivary levels of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-a and TNF-α can identify the progression of TSCC from high-risk to neoplasm, serving as potential biomarkers for cancer screening and early detection. The correlation with survival implies a prognostic benefit and could serve as a tool for management decisions and future treatment targets.
EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF MODELS WITH CONDITIONAL MOMENT RESTRICTIONS CONTAINING UNKNOWN FUNCTIONS

(iii) the estimator for the asymptotic covariance of the 0 estimator is consistent and easy to compute; and (iv) the optimally weighted minimum distance estimator of 0 attains the semiparametric efficiency bound. We illustrate our results with two examples: a partially linear regression with an endogenous nonparametric part, and a partially additive IV regression with a link function.
Security, emotionality, and parental depression: A commentary.

New studes suggest that changes in family environments due to parental depression increase children's risk for spychopathology. However, some aspects of family and child functioning may not be adversely affected. Future derections include (a) more precise definition of the response processes that are at risk in children and (b) differentiation of response processes linked with different dysfunctional family processes (e.g., parenting, marital conflict). Lottle elaboration of conceptual models has occurred in response to recent findings. Emotional security provides an explanatory construct for how certain family environments assocated with parntal depression increase children's risk for psychopathology. New derections are outlined for the study of relations between family environments associated with parental depression and children's emotional security
A direct assay for collagen synthesis based on the estimation of collagenase-derived N-glycyl peptides.

Abstract The synthesis of glycine-labeled collagen can be followed by a sensitive assay that detects radioactivity in glycine phenylthiohydantoin produced from N -glycyl peptides generated by clostridial collagenase. The assay is sensitive and highly specific for the direct measurement of collagen synthesis. Many commonly used assays are indirect, in that they measure the difference in TCA-precipitable radio activity before and after collagenase treatment. In addition, the new assay is less affected by nonspecific proteases, which contaminate many commercial collagenase preparations and lead to erroncously high estimates of collagen by the indirect assay.
Limitations of iterative least squares methods in phase shifting interferometry in presence of vibrations

Least square (LS) methods are an alternate approach to phase shifting interferometry algorithms for object shape measurement in the presence of unequal phase steps. One of the sources of unequal steps is vibrations. We study the influence of vibrations on intensity data and compare the obtained results with a LS and classic PSI algorithms. We find that in the case when no vibrations are present, both methods give similar results, while when vibrations are present LS methods generated slightly better results than the PSI algorithm. The results for both methods worsen significantly as the amplitude of the vibrations increases. We also show that a different set of phase steps than those found by LS method, while not generating minimal error function, can yield a better phase result with no residual phase error.
TREE SPECIES AND MYCORRHIZAL ASSOCIATIONS INFLUENCE THE MAGNITUDE OF RHIZOSPHERE EFFECTS

Previous research on the effects of tree species on soil processes has focused primarily on the role of leaf litter inputs. We quantified the extent to which arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree species influence soil microbial activity and nutrient availability through rhizosphere effects. Rhizosphere soil, bulk soil, and fine roots were collected from 12 monospecifc plots (six AM and six ECM tree species) planted on a common soil at the Turkey Hill Plantations in Dryden, New York. Rhizosphere effects were estimated by the percentage difference between rhizosphere and bulk soil samples for several assays. Rhizosphere effects on soil microbes and their activities were significant for ECM species but in only a few cases for AM species. In AM tree species, microbial biomass, net N mineralization, and phosphatase enzyme activity in the rhizosphere were 10-12% greater than in bulk soil. In ECM tree species, rhizosphere effects for microbial biomass, C mineralization rates, net N mineralization, and phosphatase activity were 25-30% greater than bulk soil, and significantly greater than AM rhizosphere effects. The magnitude of rhizosphere effects was negatively correlated with the degree of mycorrhizal colonization in AM tree species (r = -0.83) and with fine root biomass (r = -0.88) in ECM tree species, suggesting that different factors influence rhizosphere effects in tree species forming different mycorrhizal associations. Rhizosphere effects on net N mineralization and phosphatase activity were also much greater in soils with pH < 4.3 for both AM and ECM tree species, suggesting that soil pH and its relation to nutrient availability may also influence the magnitude of rhizosphere effects. Our results support the idea that tree roots stimulate nutrient availability in the rhizosphere, and that systematic differences between AM and ECM may result in distinctive rhizosphere effects for C, N, and P cycling between AM and ECM tree species.
The Effects of Neutron Radiation on Second Breakdown and Thermal Behavior of Silicon Transistors

A method of measuring and the subsequent analysis of this data has indicated that the "thermal time constant" of silicon diffused transistors decreases with increasing neutron dosage. Emperically, it was noted that thermal time constant degradation constants, Ko, can be assigned to all devices examined. For the silicon planar devices studied, degradation constants varied from 2.6 × 10-13cm2/neut for the radiation resistant devices, to 1.4 × 10-12 cm2/neut for other devices examined. By examining previous data for single diffused transistors the thermal time constant degradation factor was 2 × 10-11 cm2/neut. The conclusion of this report is that the "thermal time constant, which is related to second breakdown, effectively degrades upon exposure to neutron radiation, thereby decreasing the safe operating area of the device. However, the extent of degradation per dose may be predictable by data presented in the text.
Effect on Serum Lipid Levels of Switching Dose of Ezetimibe from 10 to 5 mg

Although during its initial development, lower doses of ezetimibe reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly, ezetimibe is available only in 10-mg form. Compliant patients receiving ezetimibe 10 mg were randomized in a blinded fashion to continue therapy with ezetimibe 10 mg or to convert to a split-tablet 5-mg dose. Lipid panels were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of therapy. The impact of the 2 ezetimibe dosing strategies on LDL and the achievement of the Adult Treatment Panel III LDL goal was evaluated. One hundred thirty patients receiving ezetimibe 10 mg were screened for eligibility. Thirty-nine of the 130 patients were randomized; 36 patients successfully completed the study. All patients who had achieved their Adult Treatment Panel III LDL goals at baseline remained at their LDL goals after conversion to 5 mg. In conclusion, conversion to the lower dose of ezetimibe did not result in any clinically meaningful or statistically significant changes in any lipid parameter.
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Sexed Bodies: Rethinking Abstinence in Light of the African AIDS Pandemic

As churches, non-profits, and governments look for solutions to end the African AIDS pandemic, abstinence has provided a seemingly quick and easy answer that is thought to carry moral weight. Yet abstinence, as it is preached and practised, is often an immoral option because it does not first consider the full agency of women. In asking why abstinence has been so readily embraced as a response to the African pandemic, assumptions of black sexuality must be brought into question. The tendency to focus on sexual morality rather than on the economic, gender, and social inequalities that cause the spread of AIDS must also be questioned. Through employing a postcolonial critique of abstinence, I argue that when abstinence as morality and abstinence as prevention collapse into one another, there is no space for women to find agency in abstinence. Instead, abstinence must be defined as "space" rather than "prohibition" in order for it to contribute to human flourishing.
Long range forces and limits on unparticle interactions

Couplings between standard model particles and unparticles from a nontrivial scale invariant sector can lead to long range forces. If the forces couple to quantities such as baryon or lepton (electron) number, stringent limits result from tests of the gravitational inverse square law. These limits are much stronger than from collider phenomenology and astrophysics.
Electrophysiologic properties and antiarrhythmic mechanisms of intravenous N-acetylprocainamide in patients with ventricular dysrhythmias

Abstract To define electrophysiologic properties and antiarrhythmic mechanisms of N -acetylprocainamide (NAPA), we studied 16 patients with symptomatic ventricular dysrhythmias. Electrophysiologic studies were performed before and after intravenous infusion of NAPA at 20 mg/kg over 20 minutes, achieving plasma concentrations of 24 ± 3.2 to 35.5 ± 4.5 μg/ml. NAPA did not significantly change sinus cycle length or atrioventricular (AV) conduction times (PA, AH, HV, and QRS), but it lengthened the QTc interval ( p
Energy-coupling mechanisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in autotrophically grown Pseudomonas saccharophila.

Abstract The cell-free preparations from autotrophieally grown Pseudomonas saccharophila catalyzed the process of electron transport from H 2 or various other organic electron donors to either O 2 or NO 3 − with concomitant ATP generation. The respective P O ratios with H 2 and NADH were 0.63 and 0.73, the respective P NO 3 − ratios were 0.57 and 0.54. In contrast, the P O and P NO 3 − ratios with succinate were 0.18 and 0.11, respectively. ATP formation coupled to the oxidation of ascorbate, in the absence or presence of added N,N,N′,N′ -tetramethyl- p -phenylenediamine or cytochrome c , could not be detected. Various uncouplers inhibited phosphorylation with either O 2 or NO 3 − as terminal electron acceptors without affecting the oxidation of H 2 or other substrates. The NADH oxidation at the expense of O 2 or NO 3 − reduction as well as the associated phosphorylation were inhibited by rotenone and amytal. The aerobic and anaerobic H 2 oxidation and coupled ATP synthesis, on the other hand, was unaffected by the flavoprotein inhibitors as well as by the NADH trapping system. The NADH, H 2 , and succinate-linked electron transport to O 2 or NO 3 − and the associated phosphorylations were sensitive, however, to antimycin A or 2- n -nonyl-4-hydroxyquino-line- N -oxide, and cyanide or azide. The data indicated that although the phosphorylation sites 1 and II were associated with NADH oxidation by O 2 or NO 3 − , the energy conservation coupled to H 2 oxidation under aerobic or anaerobic conditions appeared to involve site II only.
Infection of bovine fetuses at 120 days' gestation with virulent and avirulent strains of bluetongue virus serotype 11

Bluetongue virus infection in sheep and cattle during fetal development causes neuropathology. Two strains of bluetongue virus serotype 11 designated as UC-2 and UC-8 have different virulence patterns in newborn mice. These viruses have distinctly different electropherotype patterns on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicating a genetic difference in these two viruses of the same serotype. Four bovine fetuses each were inoculated intramuscularly with either UC-2 or UC-8, and one fetus was inoculated with placebo. The inoculation was made intramuscularly through the uterine wall at 120 days' gestation, and the bovine fetuses were recovered by cesarean section 12 or 20 days after inoculation. Fetal blood was collected for virus isolation and serology. Virus was reisolated from brain, blood, lung and liver. Both strains, UC-2 and UC-8, cause severe lesions in the 120 day fetuses. The encephalomalacic lesions occurred earlier and were more severe in fetuses inoculated with UC-8 as compared to those inoculated with UC-2. The subtle differences observed in the fetuses inoculated with the two different strains suggest that there is a difference in pathogenic potential of the two viruses. These differences do not appear to be completely dependent upon the host species.
Confronting Well-Learned Lessons in Supervision and Evaluation:

Supervision is supposed to improve classroom teaching by enhancing teacher thinking, rejection, and understanding of teaching. Evaluation systems are supposed to increase effective teaching behaviors and enhance teacher professionalism. Through the lens of symbolic interaction, we learn that "supposed to" does not matter. In a context of increased accountability-based evaluation systems of all kinds, principals and teachers need to Practice supervision and evaluation that facilitates meaningful adult learning.
Criteria for Asymptotic Supersonic Two-Dimensional Turbulent Wakes

Indicators used to determine the fully developed mean flow for two dimensional turbulent supersonic wakes are examined. The similarity variables for velocity temperature and the transverse coordinate used by Demetriades (1969) and Wagner (1972) are shown not to adequately distinguish transition from developed turbulent flows. The growth rate of the two dimensional turbulent wake as the wake develops from laminar to turbulent are shown to be low in the laminar region, increase at transition, and level off as fully developed turbulence is attained, demonstrating that wake growth rates are better indicators of a fully developed mean flow than are similarity variables.
Role of Metal Ions in Catalysis by Enolase: An Ordered Kinetic Mechanism for a Single Substrate Enzyme†

Spectroscopic and kinetic methods have been used to explore the roles of divalent metal ions in the enolase-catalyzed dehydration of 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PGA). Enolase requires 2 equiv of metal ion per active site for maximal activity. Previous crystallographic studies [Larsen, T. M., Wedekind, J. E., Rayment, I., and Reed, G. H. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 4349−4358] showed that both magnesium ions coordinated to the carboxylate group of the substrate/producta scheme consistent with metal ion assistance in formation of the enolate intermediate. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data with 17O-labeled forms of phosphoenolpyruvate show that Mn2+, bound at the lower affinity site, coordinates to one carboxylate oxygen and one phosphate oxygen of the substrate. These observations are fully consistent with the crystallographic data. Plots of activity versus log [metal ion] are bell-shaped, and the inhibitory phases of the profiles have been previously attributed to binding of metal ions at ancillary sites on ...
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of pilocarpine in plasma.

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure requiring neither derivatization nor complex sample work-up is reported for reproducibly and sensitively determining pilocarpine in plasma. Following stabilization of pilocarpine against in vitro hydrolysis using sodium fluoride, plasma samples were extracted and the extracts chromatographed on a 5-μm, low-carbon-load (6%) C 18 reversed-phase column. The assay was linear between 10 and 300 ng/ml ( r = 0.998). It had sufficient sensitivity to quantitate pilocarpine at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml (signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 4) using a 500-μl sample. The assay appears to be the first published specifically for plasma determinations and has proven capable of supporting pharmacokinetics studies of pilocarpine disposition in the anesthetized dog.
Protein and ribonucleic acid synthesis in a chloramphenicol-inhibited system.

Abstract Part of the amino acid requirement for RNA synthesis in protoplasts of Bacillus megaterium (even in the presence of chloramphenicol) can be attributed to the synthesis thesis of a special protein fraction, low in sulphur, which is kinetically related to and physically associated with RNA. About half of the proteins synthesized in the presence of chloramphenicol were found to be soluble in mineral acid. All incorporation of amino acids into protein can be eliminated by high levels of chloramphenicol (400 μg/ml) without seriously affecting RNA formation. The kinetics and cellular location of the RNA thus formed was indistinguishable from RNA synthesized at lower levels of the antibiotic. The elimination of protein synthesis by the high levels of chloramphenicol resulted in the complete disappearance of the dependence of RNA synthesis on external supplementation with required amino acids.
The wheels of a command economy: allocating Soviet vehicles

and the control of economic decision making by a dictatorship. The Soviet command system spread to eastern Europe, China, and Cuba. An investigation of the way in which it worked, therefore, may yield instructive lessons for economies that combine some of its features, such as political dictatorship, state ownership, or administrative planning. At its peak, the Soviet system created the world's second largest military power and produced relatively high rates of growth from the late 1920s to the mid-1960s, but these achievements were accompanied by excess mortality, declining real consumption, industrial development which was heavily skewed towards military production, and the use of penal labour-these all being costs which the dictator accepted to secure the regime against internal and external threats. These apparent sacrifices of economic rationality have been widely discussed in the literature. This article contrasts the theory and the reality of the Soviet administrative-command system by using the recently opened records of the Soviet state and party archives. In theory, the system had three key characteristics.2 First, all capital and natural resources were claimed (owned) by the state to ensure that the economy catered to the interests of the dictator. Second, and for the first time in economic history, a central planning apparatus replaced the market to command the allocation of major commodities. Finally, the dictator exerted control of the resource allocation process by issuing to subordinates orders which were universally obeyed. This 'scientific planning' stereotype pictured a highly centralized allocation process in which planners, following the party's instructions, planned outputs and used 'scientific' norms to construct a consistent distribution plan for key industrial commodities from input requests of non-opportunistic ministries and regional administrations, who distributed them according to economic criteria among their subordinate organizations.3
Eccrine sweat gland disorders

I. Classification and diagnostic approaches 1. Following is a tentative classification of eccrine sweat disorders according to the pathogenesis and the size of the involved area. It is intended solely as a guide for evaluation of sweating di .so. rders in patients. Our knowledge of normal and abnormal eccrine sweat gland physiology is still in its infancy. Because the basic physiology and the disorders of ecerine sweating have been recently reviewed in references F and G (see p. 1013), reference citation for individual diseases will not be repeated in this synopsis. A. Hyperkidrosis (HI-I) (I) Generalized or HH of relatively large area a. Associated with a past history of spinal cord injuries i. HH caused by autonomic dysreflexia ii. HH with orthostatic hypotension iii. HH caused by posttraumatic syringomyelia b. Associated with peripheral neuropathies i. HH in familial dysautonomia (Riley-Day syndrome) ii. HH caused by congenital autonomic dysfunction with universal pain lo6s iii. HH on exposure to cold e. Associated with probable brain lesions i. Episodic HH with hypothermia (Hines-Bannick syndrome) ii. Episodic HH without hypothermia
Study of Channeling and Self-Sputtering Effects of Ion Implantation - Data and Modeling

Channeling effect factor (CEF), self-sputtering effect, and amorphous (a-Si) layer thickness data as a function of ion mass (AMU) were measured and quantified by SIMS measurements, SRIM simulations, and HR-TEM measurements. Least squares fitting algorithm is used to fit measurement data. Good agreements between the modeling fitting curve and the measurement data are demonstrated. CEF is a logarithm function of the ion AMU. Self-sputtering is independent on the ion AMU for constant implant energy and dose. Amorphous (a-Si) layer thickness is a linear function of the ion AMU.
First Report of Embellisia hyacinthi Causing a Leaf Spot and Bulb Skin Spot Disease on Scilla peruviana in California

The genus Scilla (Hyacinthaceae) includes more than 50 species of perennial, flowering bulbs grown in landscapes worldwide. In December 2000 and May 2009, an unknown leaf spot disease on Scilla per...
Approximations of the Dispersion Relationship of Water Waves

ABSTRACTA simple explicit formula is presented here to approximate the dispersion relationship of linear water waves, which allows direct and accurate calculation of wavenumber k for a given frequency ω. This formula is valid for all water depths, having an accuracy of the maximum error being 0.33% compared with the true solution (which is typically obtained by iterations or other root-finding numerical algorithms). It can easily be realized on a simple hand calculator (e.g., approved calculators for the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exams), and does not need any iteration, appealing in particular for practical engineering and pedagogical purposes. Another explicit formula, with still higher accuracy but slightly less simple form, is also discussed.
Gender, Weight Concerns, and Adolescent Smoking

This study examined the beliefs that adolescents' hold regarding smoking and weight. In particular, this study examined the relationship between smoking status and self-perceptions of body weight. In addition, it examined gender and age differences in adolescent male and female smokers' beliefs about smoking and weight control. Analyses were conducted on the telephone interview responses of 1,200 adolescent smokers and nonsmokers between the ages of 12 and 17. Chi-square analyses were utilized for univariate comparisons, and logistic regression for multivariate comparisons. Results revealed gender and age differences in perceptions of body weight. In addition, female smokers were more likely than male smokers to adhere to the belief that smoking controlled weight. While no relationship was observed between males' perceived weight and their smoking status, females who perceived themselves to be either overweight or underweight were more likely to smoke. Findings suggest a gender bias in processing social/environmental cues linking smoking and weight control.
Pedodontic Oral Rehabilitation: Dental and Anesthetic Considerations

Most children, even those who are handicapped, can receive adequate dental care with or without local anesthesia and sedation. In extreme instances when general anesthesia is deemed necessary, new anesthetic agents and techniques make it possible to perform all necessary procedures in one operation. Consequently, emotionally or physically handicapped children can receive the necessary dental treatment.
Technology Choice and Water Consumption for Coal Electricity Production With Carbon Capture and Storage

Water consumption is an important consideration when evaluating technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS). It may in fact become a critical factor in certain regions where water is increasingly a source of conflict. For this reason, water consumption has the potential to become a challenging obstacle to adoption of CCS technologies. This analysis seeks to improve understanding of relative water costs of different CCS technology options. It also helps to identify areas where water use may in fact become a challenge and reveal opportunities for technological improvements that can help minimize these challenges.A life cycle assessment approach was utilized to analyze both the water consumption from carbon capture and storage projects. While there have been previous analyses that have looked at the direct water consumption for some capture processes, there have been few studies that have taken a detailed look at water consumption throughout the complete life cycle of the of electricity production with CCS. This effort expands the system boundaries beyond those of previous analysis while evaluating a range of system configurations to facilitate technology comparison.The range of system configurations considered in this analysis included both pre and post combustion capture systems and multiple sequestration scenarios. The system boundaries for the analysis include fuel production, fuel transport, combustion, capture, CO2 transport, and storage. Water consumption for conventional fossil fuel systems are also calculated for comparison purposes.The results show that while all carbon capture technology pathways result in a net increase in water consumption relative to conventional coal generation, the choice of technology, especially capture technology, can play a significant role in minimizing the increase in water consumption. Integrated gasification combined cycle coal plants with carbon capture were found to be significantly more water efficient than either conventional power plants with post combustion capture or plants utilizing oxy-combustion processes. Also, while other stages of the life cycle do consume water, the volumes were small relative to the power plant operations and capture stages.© 2014 ASME
Adrenal Disorders in Rheumatology

Understanding adrenal disorders, whether endogenous or related to glucocorticoid use is important to the day-to-day care of patients with rheumatologic disease.
Dependence of ductile crack formation in tensile tests on stress triaxiality, stress and strain ratios

An experimental and numerical study on ductile crack formation in tensile tests was conducted. Five different specimens including flat specimens, smooth round bars, notched bars (two types) and flat-grooved plates were investigated. Von Mises equivalent strain to crack formation, stress triaxiality, and stress and strain ratios at critical locations, were obtained. Accuracy of the Bridgman formulas for stresses in necked round bars, and McClintock's model for flat-grooved plates, were studied. A relationship between the stress triaxiality and equivalent strain to crack formation was determined in a high stress triaxiality range for Al 2024-T351. More importantly, it was found that equivalent strain and stress triaxiality are the two most important factors governing crack formation, while stress and strain ratios cause secondary effects. It appears possible to make a good prediction of crack formation with equivalent strain and stress triaxiality.
Latina Mothers' Perceptions of Mental Health and Mental Health Promotion

Latina mothers' perceptions of mental health and factors that promote/restore mental health were explored in this qualitative study. Participants discussed the importance of community, safety, and financial stability in addition to conventional factors that are related to mental health. Implications for working with urban Latinas and their families are discussed. En este estudio cualitativo se exploraron las percepciones de las madres Latinas sobre Salud Mental y los factores que la fomentan/restablecen. Las participantes discutieron acerca de la importancia de la comunidad, la seguridad y la estabilidad financiera ademas de otros factores convencionales relacionados con la salud mental. Se discuten las implicaciones para el trabajo con Latinas residentes en nucleos urbanos y sus familias.
Characterization of NIR InGaAs imager arrays for the JDEM SNAP mission concept

We present the results of a study of the performance of InGaAs detectors conducted for the SuperNova Acceleration Probe (SNAP) dark energy mission concept. Low temperature data from a nominal 1.7um cut-off wavelength 1kx1k InGaAs photodiode array, hybridized to a Rockwell H1RG multiplexer suggest that InGaAs detector performance is comparable to those of existing 1.7um cut-off HgCdTe arrays. Advances in 1.7um HgCdTe dark current and noise initiated by the SNAP detector research and development program makes it the baseline detector technology for SNAP. However, the results presented herein suggest that existing InGaAs technology is a suitable alternative for other future astronomy applications.
Circle cue enhances detection of simulated masses on mammogram backgrounds

Tumor detection on chest images is improved when image sites that receive prolonged visual attention are identified by eye-position recording and physically circled on the image. Missed lesions on mammograms can also be identified by eye- position recording but there is no data about whether site identification and subsequent re-evaluation improves performance. The goal of this work it to determine if a circle cue improves the detectability of a mass on a mammogram independently of indicating high yield sites. Simulated masses were added to the exact center of one of a pair of 7.7 multiplied by 7.7 cm patches of either Gaussian noise or mammogram parenchyma displayed on a 2000 by 2000 pixel Tektronix monitor. The mammogram parenchyma patches were selected from a set of 10 digitized mammograms by first randomly selecting a mammogram and then randomly selecting a point within the mammogram to locate the center of the patch. On about half of the trials a 6.4 cm diameter circle was drawn about the center of both patches. The mass was always centered in the patch and in the circle. The subject had to indicate which side contained a mass on each trial. Five levels of mass contrast were used. In this 2 AFC task, each of three subjects saw each contrast level 200 times in the circle and no-circle condition and with a Gaussian noise and mammogram background for a total of 4000 trials per subject. The index of detectability, d', was calculated and the results were analyzed using an analysis of variance with pooling of the d' values over subjects. As would be expected the d' for the detection of the masses increase linearly with SNR under all conditions. The d' for detection increased for all subjects and at all signal levels when the mass was physically circled on the image. The increase was not statistically significant for the noise background (p equals. 19) but was statistically significant for the mammographic background (p equals .001). Regression analysis showed an increase in d' of .41 for the Gaussian noise background and .54 for the mammogram. Cues like arrows, circles, and luminance pedestals are thought to act by reducing uncertainty about the exact location of a target. The experimental situation used here where the tumor was always in the exact center of a square suggests that an additional perceptual mechanism is operating. The circle may limit the area over which the retina has to integrate image noise or it may improve retinal contrast sensitivity by providing a fiducial marker to help stabilize the fine eye movements.
Pathways of elimination of C14-labeled thyroxine in the rat.

introduction TAUROG, Briggs, and Chaikoff (1951) using I131-L-thyroxine demonstrated the presence of an unknown metabolic product, in addition to thyroxine, in the bile of rats. These investigators (1952) then reported that the thyroxine-containing derivative may be a glucuronide, but not a peptide. They further concluded that the conjugate is the primary metabolic product of endogenous thyroxine, and that the bile is the chief pathway of elimination for this hormone. The present study is concerned with the elimination of DL-thyroxine-1-C14 in the bile, urine, and expired air. Further analysis of the bile has indicated that the thyroxine conjugate is not a peptide. methods DL-thyroxine-1-C14 used was that synthesized by Wang, Hummel, and Winnick (1952)4 Its specific activity was 5.3 μc per mg. In all radioactivity measurements, the observed counts per minute were converted into equivalent μgm. of thyroxine, by reference to the known specific activity of the administered C14-thyroxine.