cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mm-Sized Wirelessly Powered and Remotely Controlled Locomotive Implant

A wirelessly powered and controlled implantable device capable of locomotion in a fluid medium is presented. Two scalable low-power propulsion methods are described that achieve roughly an order of magnitude better performance than existing methods in terms of thrust conversion efficiency. The wireless prototype occupies 0.6 mm × 1 mm in 65 nm CMOS with an external 2 mm × 2 mm receive antenna. The IC consists of a matching network, a rectifier, a bandgap reference, a regulator, a demodulator, a digital controller, and high-current drivers that interface directly with the propulsion system. It receives 500 μW from a 2 W 1.86 GHz power signal at a distance of 5 cm. Asynchronous pulse-width modulation on the carrier allows for data rates from 2.5-25 Mbps with energy efficiency of 0.5 pJ/b at 10 Mbps. The received data configures the propulsion system drivers, which are capable of driving up to 2 mA at 0.2 V and can achieve speed of 0.53 cm/sec in a 0.06 T magnetic field.
Influence of induced delayed parturition on fetal survival in pigs

Abstract Pregnancy was prolonged as long as 23 days in gilts receiving daily oral 6-methyl-17 acetoxy-progesterone (MAP) at a level of 0.27–0.41 mg/kg body weight. These levels of progestin did not effect fetal welfare if administered throughout gestation and did not interfere with normal parturition and live litter size if treatment was terminated at the calculated term date which corresponded with the day of milk let-down. The initiation of milk let-down was not effected by treatment. Severe fetal death occurred in all gilts delivering young naturally during prolonged pregnancy and in gilts whose litters were delivered surgically 12 days or more after milk let-down. Mean live litter size was normal in gilts whose young were delivered surgically within 11 days of milk let-down. Fetal death at 12 days or more of prolonged pregnancy was attributed to placental insufficiency. The reproductive parameters studied were unaffected by the addition of 0.001 to 0.013 mg/kg body weight of diethylstilbestrol (DES) to the progestin treatment or the use of this agent alone.
Improved method for recovery of enteric viruses from wastewater sludges

Abstract Various parameters involved in recovering indigenous enteric viruses from wastewater sludges aided by buffered beef extract elution and subsequent organic flocculation concentration were examined. A statistically significant (P=0.03) reciprocal correlation was found to exist between the ratio of eluant to sludge solids content used during the elution step, and the efficiency of subsequently concentrating viruses from the produced sludge eluates by means of organic flocculation. A hypothesis is proposed by which to explain the concentration of viruses during beef extract-induced organic flocculation.
Imaginary companions in young children: relationships with intelligence, creativity and waiting ability.

SUMMARY Previous investigators have identified several intellective and personality variables thought to be related to imaginary companion phenomena in young children. In the current study, the presence or absence of imaginary companions was assessed and related to intelligence, several creativity measures, and waiting ability in 84 preschool children comprised equally of boys and girls. No significant differences were found for these major variables between those children who had imaginary companions and those who did not. The findings arc compared with previous descriptive, and empirical literature on imaginary companions. Directions for future research on imaginary companion phenomena are briefly discussed.
Social assemblages and mating relationships in prairie dogs: a DNA fingerprint analysis

Mating system characterizations have been hindered by difficulties in accurately assigning parentage to offspring. We investigated the relationship between social assemblages and mating relationships in a territorial harem polygynous mammal, the Gunnison's prairie dog, using a combination of behavioral and molecular analyses. We demonstrate multiple paternity and an extraordinarily high incidence of extraterritorial fertilizations (i.e., 61% of all progeny), in combination with the existence of female kin groups. On this basis, we conclude that social assemblages alone provide a poor description of the Gunnison's prairie dog mating system, and suggest several potential reasons for the maintenance of territoriality in this species.
Self-reported weight loss practices in professional mixed martial artists – preliminary findings

Background Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physiologically demanding sport that requires athletes to compete in weight restricted classes. As a result, it is a common practice for many athletes competing in this sport to undergo weight loss prior to competition. These practices included various dieting strategies to lose weight over a period of days to weeks as well as mild to severe losses of body water in close proximity to the official “weigh ins.” The purpose of this ongoing study is to examine self-reported weight loss strategies among professional mixed martial artists.
Surveillance and control of rubella in the republic of Korea from 2001 to 2009: the necessity for enhanced surveillance to monitor congenital rubella syndrome.

Objectives The aim of this study was to review the epidemiologic data of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) supplied by surveillance systems from 2001 to 2009 and to propose measures to improve the quality of the surveillance system in the Republic of Korea.
Multiple longshore sand bars in the upper Chesapeake Bay

Abstract In the upper Chesapeake Bay (Maryland, U.S.A.) field surveys were conducted at 18 multiple longshore sand bar sites. The multiple bar systems were found in water depths less than approximately 2 m (mean sea level), and exhibited mild bottom slopes of 0·0052 or less. The number of bars composing each system ranged from four to 17 and the spacing between the crests typically increased in the offshore direction, ranging from 12 to 70 m. Bar height also typically increased with distance offshore and ranged from 0·03 to 0·61 m. A grain size analysis of crest and trough sediment did not reveal any significant differences and the sediment was categorized as ‘fine sand’. A review of the literature data indicated that the Chesapeake Bay multiple bars possessed similar characteristics to those found in Gelding Bay (Baltic Sea); similarities in fetch, wave height and tidal range between the two bays may account for this finding. The surf-scaling parameter indicated that the multiple bar systems were extremely dissipative with regard to wave energy, and wave height appeared to be an important factor in controlling bar spacing and bar height. A multiple wave break point hypothesis was discussed as a possible mechanism for the formation of Chesapeake Bay multiple longshore bars, and limited observational evidence appeared to support such a mechanism.
CHARMM-GUI Ligand Binder for Absolute Binding Free Energy Calculations and Its Application

Advanced free energy perturbation molecular dynamics (FEP/MD) simulation methods are available to accurately calculate absolute binding free energies of protein–ligand complexes. However, these methods rely on several sophisticated command scripts implementing various biasing energy restraints to enhance the convergence of the FEP/MD calculations, which must all be handled properly to yield correct results. Here, we present a user-friendly Web interface, CHARMM-GUI Ligand Binder (http://www.charmm-gui.org/input/gbinding), to provide standardized CHARMM input files for calculations of absolute binding free energies using the FEP/MD simulations. A number of features are implemented to conveniently set up the FEP/MD simulations in highly customizable manners, thereby permitting an accelerated throughput of this important class of computations while decreasing the possibility of human errors. The interface and a series of input files generated by the interface are tested with illustrative calculations of abso...
Movement patterns of yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus): Sex differences in juvenile development toward adult patterns

Age-sex differences in the sociospatial positioning of progressing baboon troops have been postulated as an important, protective aspect of baboon adaptation to a terrestrial existence. The protection theory is an ultimate hypothesis which can be disproven by showing that the postulated age-sex positioning fails to occur. Alternatively, confidence in the protection theory can be increased if the postulated positioning persists across several troops despite significant opportunities for variation, and if progression order is shown to be linked to biological phenomena such as sex differences in physical maturation. Data from 73 individually identified, free-ranging juveniles of both sexes were compared with previous findings. Small juveniles of several troops were more centrally located than large juveniles. Large juveniles males were more toward the front than were large juvenile females. As male walking infants and juveniles aged, a change in positioning (i.e., location) occurred: males were located increasingly toward the front of progressions. Comparable data from females suggest that the adult female pattern had begun to form among large juveniles. Data are consistent with an ultimate protection theory.
Microconservative Restorations for Approximal Carious Lesions

The availability o f new restorative materials such as glass ionomers, which have an anticaries action, prompts a reevaluation of some o f the basic principles of restorative dentistry. It seems that conventional methods of treating the approximal carious lesion are too radical and that microconservative techniques offer a simpler, more effective solution when correctly applied.
Development and results of a kidney disease knowledge survey given to patients with CKD.

Background Little is known about disease-specific knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We developed and examined the results of a survey to characterize kidney disease knowledge. Design Survey about kidney disease knowledge, with questions developed by experts. Setting & Participants 401 adult patients with CKD (stages 1-5) attending a nephrology clinic from April-October 2009. Outcomes & Measurements We calculated survey reliability using the Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient and established construct validity by testing a priori hypotheses of associations between survey results and patient characteristics. We descriptively analyzed survey responses and applied linear regression analyses to evaluate associations with patient characteristics. Health literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine. Results Participants' median age was 58 (25th-75th percentile, 46-68) years, 83% were white, 18% had limited literacy, and 77% had CKD stages 3-5. The 28-question knowledge survey had good reliability (Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient=0.72), and mean knowledge score was 66% ± 15% (SD). In support of the construct validity of our knowledge survey, bivariate analysis shows that scores were associated with age (β = −0.01/10 years; 95% CI, −0.02 to −0.005; P = 0.003), formal education (β = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.15; P = 0.004), health literacy (β = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03-0.10; P = 0.001), kidney education class participation (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.09; P = 0.009), knowing someone else with CKD (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.08; P = 0.001), and awareness of one's own CKD diagnosis (β = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.04-0.10; P Limitations Recruitment from 1 clinic limits generalizability of findings. Conclusions For patients with CKD, this Kidney Knowledge Survey (KiKS) is reliable and valid and identifies areas of and risk factors for poor kidney knowledge. Further study is needed to determine the impact of CKD knowledge on self-care behaviors and clinical outcomes.
Topics of general interest, session II

To the panel Dr. Sidney 0. Stephens. Will each of the discussants estimate as briefly as possible the unit cost of the main unit that you were talking about (if you have a number of them, kindly confine it to the one that you most want to talk about), and tube replacement cost, if there is such a thing in the unit you are talking about. Dr. Lawrence Cranberg. I estimate that, for an initial trial unit, with dual accelerators, the cost would be about $1 M. The cost for operating the machine, that is, replacement of the depletable material (tritium) I estimate at $23 for a full course of treatment. This is to be compared with Dr. Parker’s estimate, at the very beginning of the conference, of about $2400 for the overall cost of the treatment. Dr. Guenter Reinhold. The cost of the Haefely generator, depending on the options, is around $800,000. The cost for the replacement tube is between $20,000 and $25,000. The tubes are guaranteed for a lifetime of 399 hr. Mr. B. P. Ofermann. The neutron therapy unit would cost about $900,000 depending on the options, and the replacement cost for a target is about $2000. Dr. J. D. Hepburn. I would like to point out the costs I quoted are what it would cost to build a research machine in a research laboratory. Dr. C. H. Gill. The unit itself is, depending on the options, around $800,000. Tube replacement costs around $15,000 with a 200 hr guarantee. Dr. Johan .I. Broerse. The figure I have in mind for the Phillips machine is about $1 M for the machine, and on the order of $20,000 to $25,000 for the replacement of the tube.
Optimization of separation and detection conditions for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography--time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans.

Abstract The 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are among the most toxic compounds known, and several sources of exposure to these chemicals should be monitored to protect human and environmental health. The current predominant method of analysis is too expensive and cumbersome, and comprehensive two-dimensional GC coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOF-MS) has the potential to lower the costs and speed analysis of PCDD/Fs. In this study, GC × GC–TOF parameters were evaluated and optimized to yield complete separation of the 17 most important PCDD/F congeners from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) interferences, and to attain the lowest detection limits. The optimization study entailed evaluation of oven temperature programs, column flow rates, ion source temperatures, electron ionization energy, data acquisition rate, and various GC × GC parameters, including modulation period, modulator temperature offset and hot pulse duration. After optimization, all 17 PCDD/Fs were separated in
The effects of oyster shell dredging on an estuarine benthic community

This paper describes the extent and nature of the effects on the benthos of physical disruptions associated with dredging fossil oyster shell. Two dredged areas and one undisturbed control area in Tampa Bay, Florida, were quantitatively sampled before dredging and for one year after dredging. The immediate effects of dredging on the soft-bottom community were reductions in numbers of species (40% loss), densities of macroinfauna (65% loss), and total biomass of invertebrates (90% loss). During months 6–12 after dredging, the analysis used (Mann-Whitney U Test, α=0·05) showed no difference between dredged and control areas in number of species, densities, or biomass (except E 1 ). Community overlap (Czeckanowski's coefficient) between dredged and control areas was reduced directly after dredging, but after 6 months the pre-dredging level of similarity was regained.
The Rise of Financial Capitalism: International Capital Markets in the Age of Reason

1. Historical background for the rise of financial capitalism: commercial revolution, rise of nation states, and capital markets 2. The development of an information network and the international capital markets of London and Amsterdam 3. The early capital markets of London and Amsterdam 4. The Banque Royale and the South Sea Company: how the bubbles began 4. Appendix: were the Mississippi and south sea bubbles rational? 5. The Bank of England and the South Sea Company: how the bubbles ended 6. The English and Dutch East India Companies: how the west was won 7. The integration of the English and Dutch capital markets in peace and war 8. The English and Dutch capital markets in panics 9. The capital markets during revolutions, war and peace 10. A tale of two revolutions: international capital flows 1792-1819 11. The London and Amsterdam stock markets, 1800-1825.
The risk for mild kidney function decline associated with illicit drug use among hypertensive men.

Abstract Background: Few studies have examined the deleterious effect of illicit drug use on kidney function. Methods: Six hundred forty-seven patients enrolled in the Hypertension Clinic of the Veterans Administration Medical Center of New Orleans, LA, were interviewed regarding illicit drug use and followed up for a median of 7 years to determine the incidence of mild kidney function decline (increase in serum creatinine level ≥ 0.6 mg/dL [≥53.0 μmol/L]) between 1977 and 1999. Results: Twenty-three percent of study participants reported the use of illicit drugs: 22.7%, marijuana; 6.7%, cocaine or crack; 9.3%, amphetamines; 3.1%, psychedelics; and 4.3%, heroin. After adjustment for age, race, education, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medications, body mass index, and history of diabetes and dyslipidemia, relative risk for mild kidney function decline associated with any drug use was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 5.1). After similar adjustments, risks for mild kidney function decline were 3.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 8.0) and 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 14.4) times greater among persons who had used cocaine and psychedelics, respectively. Use of marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, and other drugs was associated with elevated, but not statistically significant, risks for mild kidney function decline. Conclusion: Our study documented a significant, positive, and independent association between illicit drug use and risk for mild kidney function decline. This finding indicates that interventions aimed at helping patients discontinue illicit drug use and maintain a drug-free lifestyle may have an important role in delaying and/or preventing the onset of kidney disease in hypertensive men.
Internal ribosome-binding site directs expression of parathyroid hormone analogue (8-84) in Escherichia coli.

Expression of the human parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene in E. coli yielded intact PTH and PTH-(8–84). To determine if PTH-(8–84) is the result of a competing translation initiated from methionine codon-8 or degradation of the intact PTH, twelve new gene constructs with or without an internal ribosome-binding site (iRBS) in the PTH-(1–5) region were prepared via substitution with degenerate codons. Expression of constructs without iRBS produced only intact PTH. Constructs with weak iRBS, including one that resembles the cDNA sequence, yielded PTH-(8–84) as a minor product. In contrast, constructs with strong iRBS produced predominantly or exclusively this shorter analogue.
Never Good Enough: The Educational Journey of a Vietnamese American Woman

It was just recently, when in an attempt to praise my academic achievements, a co-worker of mine revealed that she had gushed to her son about me being so young and in a doctoral program. She told ...
Correlation Between Impulse and Compliance Based Methods in Rigid Body Collisions

Impact problems arise in many practical applications. The need of obtaining an accurate model for the inelastic impact is a challenging problem. In general, two approaches are common in solving the impact problems: the impulse-momentum and the compliance based methods. The former approach included the coefficient of restitution which provides a mechanism to solve the problem explicitly. While the compliance methods are generally tailored to solve elastic problems, researchers in the field have proposed several mechanisms to include inelastic losses. In this paper, we present a correlation between the coefficient of restitution in the impulse-momentum based method and the contact stiffness in the compliance methods. We conducted numerical analysis to show that the resulting solutions are indeed identical for a wide range of impact conditions. The numerical results showed that, the two methods can produce similar outcomes if they satisfied a set of end conditions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Fault Forecast for Discrete Event Systems Using Probabilistic Automata

This paper proposes an effective way for forecast malfunction risk criterion for discrete event systems (DESs). This work is based on the probabilistic Automata (PA) model and risk decision-making technique, thanks to decision-making can be for the uncertainty. It provides logistical unite maintenance materials procurement to decision-making, reduces costs and creates supply chain greater profits.
Effect of Thyroid Hormones on Metabolism of d,l-Norepinephrine by Isolated Rat Liver

The effect of thyroid hormones and antithyroid agents on the hepatic metabolism of exogenous d,l-norepinephrine-7-14C (NE) was studied in isolated perfused livers. No direct effect of l-thyroxine could be demonstrated. However, mild hyperthyroidism in the liver-donor rats led to increased metabolism of administered NE, with increased excretion of normetanephrine glucuronide (NMET-G) in the bile and accumulation of this metabolite in the blood, indicating increased activities of catechol O-methyl transferase (COMT) and glucuronyl transferase. Mild hypothyroidism, induced in liver donors with propylthiouracil or radioiodine, led to decreased metabolism of administered NE and slight decreases in the production of NMET-G and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol sulfate (MHPG-S) and decreased excretion of these metabolites in bile, indicating possible decreases i n the activities of COMT and monoamine oxi-dase (MAO) as well as in conjugating enzymes. Propylthiouracil appeared to inhibit conjugation, as shown by the...
A computer system for analysis and design: CANDICE

Abstract A computer system consisting of a series of codes for analysis and design in (civil) engineering is described. Salient details of the system are followed by lists of available codes and codes under development.
Fractional occupation numbers and density functional energy gradients within the linear combination of Gaussian-type orbitals approach

Abstract Gradients of the total energy with respect to nuclear displacements using fractionally occupied orbitals within a linear combination of Gaussian-type orbitals density-functional theoretical appraoch are discussed. Expressions for the gradient in the fractional occupation number solution as well as for Fermi and Gaussian broadening are presented and related to previously described methods.
Effect of Glyphosate Application on Foliar Diseases in Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa

Samac, D. A., and Foster-Hartnett, D. 2012. Effect of glyphosate application on foliar diseases in glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa. Plant Dis. 96:11041110. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, inhibits 5enol-pyruvyl shikimate 3-phophate synthase (EPSPS), an enzyme found in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Plants engineered for glyphosate tolerance with a glyphosate-insensitive EPSPS take up and translocate the herbicide throughout the plant. In greenhouse experiments, we found that application of glyphosate at the recommended field application rate completely controlled alfalfa rust (Uromyces striatus) on 4week-old plants inoculated with the fungus 3 days after glyphosate treatment. Control was effective in all seven cultivars tested. The level of protection declined with time after application, indicating that control is transitory and protection declined with time after inoculation, suggesting that protective treatments have fungistatic activity. Complete control of rust was obtained when glyphosate was applied up to 10 days after inoculation with rust spores, indicating that the herbicide also has curative activity. Treatment increased protection from anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum trifolii, a hemibiotrophic pathogen, and reduced symptom severity for spring black stem and leaf spot, caused by Phoma medicaginis, a necrotrophic pathogen. These results indicate that glyphosate could be used to help manage foliar diseases in glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa.
Exodus to the real world? Assessing the impact of offline meetups on community participation and social capital:

Despite the increasing popularity of offline “meetups” among online community participants, little is known about their effect on the health and function of these communities. Using longitudinal network data of both public and private communications among participants of an online community for science fiction fans, this study represents one of the first systematic assessments of the impact of meetups on community participation and members’ bridging and bonding social capital. Results showed that meetups would enhance attendees’ bonding social capital, but that increase would come at the expense of bridging social capital, reducing the opportunity for new members to join and find acceptance in the community. The effect of meetup on community participation was mixed.
Flavonoid activation of nodulation genes in Rhizobium reversed by other compounds present in plants

Bacteria of the genus Rhizobium specifically recognize and infect legume plants, resulting in a complex morphological and bio-chemical differentiation into nitrogen-fixing root nodules. In R. leguminosarum, whose host plant is the pea, and several other Rhizobium species, groups of linked plasmid-borne genes are involved in nitrogen fixation (nif genes) and nodulation (nod genes)1,2. The nod genes are organized in several transcription units on the symbiotic plasmid pRL1JI of R. leguminosarum; these comprise nodABCIJ, nodD and nodFE3–6 with nodD being a positively acting regulatory gene whose product activates transcription of the other two operons which contain genes essential for the nodulation process5,7. Although the precise biochemical functions of most of the pRL1JI nod genes are unknown, it has recently been discovered that their expression requires not only the product of the regulatory nodD gene, but also a factor (or factors) present in pea root exudate5,7, and similar results have been reported for Rhizobium meliloti8 and Rhizobium trifolii9. The finding of plant-produced products that ‘signal’ the Rhizobium offers the possibility of identifying one of the key biochemical reactions required for the infection process. Here we describe the characteristics of several plant-specified compounds that activate the transcription of the pRL1JI nodABCIJ and nodFE genes and present a novel phenomenon, namely that other, naturally occurring compounds can antagonize this induction.
All Change - Repositioning Information Professionals and End-Users: ICC’s Response to the Business Information Resources Survey 2003

Offers a number of comments and observations on the Business Information Resources Survey 2003 from the viewpoint of the work and experience of ICC. It is argued that the Survey’s conclusion, that there are growing initiatives to improve the information literacy of end-users, should be seen as being good news for both information professionals and end-users. The results of the survey and feedback from the market indicate that fears of a disenfranchisement of the knowledge professional, as users by-pass formal information systems, leading to a decline in enquiries, may be overdone. The general picture suggests that rather than declining, requests are in fact merely changing and that information professionals are as much in demand as ever before. It is concluded that the growing initiatives to improve the information literacy of end-users will fact have a very positive impact on both the end-users and on librarians/information professionals. The changes will allow end-users to contribute to and share in the...
Results of a Study to Increase Savoring the Moment: Differential Impact on Positive and Negative Outcomes

Positive psychology has been increasingly moving towards testing interventions to increase positive outcomes and decrease negative outcomes. One of these possible interventions involves increasing savoring the moment. During savoring the moment, one focuses on positive events while they occur to increase, intensify, or prolong positive emotions in the present. This study tested a group savoring the moment intervention to increase positive outcomes and decrease negative outcomes over 2 weeks. The sample consisted of 193 undergraduate students who completed both sessions (94 intervention and 99 control condition). The intervention group experienced significant decreases in self-reported depressive symptoms and negative affect when compared to the control group. However, positive affect did not differ between the groups. Clinical and research implications are explored.
Imiquimod use in the treatment of lentigo maligna

Dialogues in Dermatology, a monthly audio program from the American Academy of Dermatology, contains discussions between dermatologists on timely topics. Commentaries from Dialogues Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline M. Junkins-Hopkins, MD, are provided after each discussion as a topic summary and are provided here as a special service to readers of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology .
Effect of Carbon-4 and Carbon-5 Volatile Fatty Acids on Digestion of Plant Cell Wall In Vitro

Abstract When mixed ruminal bacteria were incubated in an artificial medium with isolated plant cell walls, cell wall digestion and ammonia utilization were increased by low concentrations ( M ) of carbon-4 and carbon-5vol.tile fatty acids (isobutyric, isovaleric, valeric, and 2-methylbutyric). Carbon-4 and carbon-5 acid supplementation also increased cell wall digestion of intact forages. No pattern was observed between protein content of the feed and response to carbon-4 and carbon-5vol.tile fatty acids. Only the branch-chain acids (isovaleric, isobutyric, and 2-methylbutyric) stimulated bacterial growth and plant cell wall digestion. No synergisms were observed among the branched-chain acids, and they could replace each other. Valeric acid, a straight chain compound, was without effect, and phenylpropionic and phenylacetic acids likewise did not improve digestibility. The peptide source, Trypticase, enhanced cell wall digestion more than carbon-4 and carbon-5vol.tile fatty acids alone, and this observation suggested that fiber digesting bacteria may be stimulated directly by amino acids or peptides.
Scalarane Sesterterpenoids: Semisynthesis and Biological Activity

Aiming to improve the potency and selectivity of scalarane sesterterpenoids, a series of natural and semisynthetic analogues, derived from the cytotoxic naturally abundant sesterterpene heteronemin (1), were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. The new sesterterpenes 16-O-methylsesterstatin 4 (6c), 17, 24-dihydroheteronemin (7a), 16, 25-deacetoxy-17, 24-dihydroheteronemin (7b), and 16-deacetoxy-25-methoxy-17, 24-dihydroheteronemin (7c) were structurally defined via physical data analyses. Scalarane sesterterpenes possessing an unsaturated 1,4-dialdehyde moiety showed potent inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations that are not significantly cytotoxic to mammalian cells. The structural features for the cytotoxicity of scalarane sesterterpenoids are discussed.
An experimental and theoretical study of alkali metal cation/methionine interactions

Abstract The interactions of alkali metal cations (M + = Li + , Na + , K + ) with the amino acid methionine (Met) are examined in detail. Experimentally, the bond energies are determined using threshold collision-induced dissociation of the M + (Met) complexes with xenon in a guided ion beam mass spectrometer. Analyses of the energy dependent cross sections provide 0 K bond energies of 3.03 ± 0.13 eV, 2.09 ± 0.11 eV, and 1.47 ± 0.11 eV for complexes of Met with Li + , Na + , and K + , respectively. All bond energy determinations include consideration of unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-molecule collisions. Ab initio calculations at the MP2(full)/6-311 + G(2d,2p), B3LYP/6-311 + G(2d,2p), and B3P86/6-311 + G(2d,2p) levels with geometries and zero point energies calculated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level show good agreement with the experimental bond energies, especially for the sodium and potassium complexes. Ground state conformers are tridentate for Li + and Na + , and subtle changes in the Met side-chain orientation are found to cause noticeable changes in the alkali metal binding energy. For K + , tridentate and zwitterionic structures are nearly isoenergetic, with different levels of theory predicting different ground conformers. The combination of this series of experiments and calculations allows the influence of the functional groups of Met on the overall binding strength to be thoroughly explored.
Micromechanical modeling of material damping in discontinuous fiber three-phase polymer composites

Abstract Three micromechanical models for estimating complex viscoelastic moduli in aligned short fiber reinforced three-phase polymer composites have been developed. A number of geometrical and material parameters have been identified. The effects of the fiber aspect ratio, and damping and stiffness properties of fiber, matrix and interphase (a distinctive third phase in between the fibers and the bulk matrix with its own viscoelastic properties) on the composite damping and stiffness are analyzed and discussed.
Clinical utility of a rapid diagnostic test series for elderly psychiatric outpatients.

: Psychiatric evaluation of the elderly is especially difficult for several reasons, e.g., the presence of organic impairment, the effects of multiple drug therapy, and the tendency to confuse the normal concomitants of aging with neurotic symptoms. The authors have developed and evaluated a brief series of self-report assessment tests (GRDB) designed to assist the psychiatrist in the process of diagnosis. Coefficients of the internal consistency of the seven scales are presented. A comparison was made between 28 psychiatric patients attending a geriatric clinic and 48 well-functioning elderly persons matched for age and sex, and living in the same community. Results showed that the geriatric outpatients functioned at a lower level of adaptation than did the control group, on all seven scales—depression, daily living skills, social interaction, cognitive skills, number of illnesses, number of life problems, and the use of drugs and alcohol. These findings provide a measure of discriminant validity. The advantages of this brief assessment instrument are discussed.
Origin of RHEED intensity oscillations during the growth of (Y,Dy)Ba2Cu3O7-x thin films.

We propose a mechanism for the origin of RHEED intensity oscillations during the growth of (Y,Dy)${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ thin films. Surface relaxation and RHEED intensity recovery observed during the growth of these materials are ascribed predominantly to the diffusion of already formed (Y,Dy)${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ units rather than to the chemical reaction of the constituents to form a unit cell. The validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing the surface step densities determined from results of Monte Carlo simulations with RHEED intensity oscillations observed during pulsed laser deposition.
Adsorption of CO on clean {100} nickel☆

Abstract LEED experiments on the adsorption of CO on {100} nickel have been repeated with the addition of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The results confirm earlier observations that CO does adsorb on this clean surface and further indicate that such a surface cannot be cleaned by heating alone. CO adsorption on the surface subsequent to prolonged heat treatment is greatly reduced due to diffusion of contamination from the bulk.
Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis for comparative proteomics profiling.

Quantitative proteomics is the workhorse of the modern proteomics initiative. The gel-based and MuDPIT approaches have facilitated vital advances in the measurement of protein expression alterations in normal and disease phenotypic states. The methodological advance in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) has been the multiplexing fluorescent two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). 2D-DIGE is based on direct labeling of lysine groups on proteins with cyanine CyDye DIGE Fluor minimal dyes before isoelectric focusing, enabling the labeling of 2–3 samples with different dyes and electrophoresis of all the samples on the same 2D gel. This capability minimizes spot pattern variability and the number of gels in an experiment while providing simple, accurate and reproducible spot matching. This protocol can be completed in 3–5 weeks depending on the sample size of the experiment and the level of expertise of the investigator.
Where You Live and Who You Know Political Environments, Social Pressures, and Partisan Stability

Do the social pressures individuals encounter from the political environments they reside in affect the stability of their partisanship? Are some citizens able to insulate themselves from such pressure through the composition of their discussion networks? While partisanship is widely regarded as stable, I consider whether it is influenced by such factors. I use panel data from the 1992-1996 and 2000-2004 American National Election Studies to address this, constructing a measure of partisan context at the county level. I find that those residing in a partisan minority county are more likely to change their party identification and that as the degree of incongruence rises, individuals become increasingly likely to change their identification across panel waves. These findings demonstrate the powerful effect of contextual social forces on an otherwise stable and enduring attachment such as partisanship and suggest that partisan socialization is a process that extends beyond an individual’s childhood.
Right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: The Washington Hospital Center experience

Abstract Objectives To review 167 consecutive laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies performed at the Washington Hospital Center to determine whether the side of extraction, right versus left, affects the operative outcomes. Methods From January 2003 to June 2005, 167 consecutive patients (127 left and 40 right) underwent laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy. The right-sided and left-sided procedures were compared in the following categories: operative time, warm ischemia time, length of stay, and complications. Results The mean operative time for a right donor nephrectomy was 220 minutes versus 228 minutes for a left. The mean estimated blood loss was 115 mL for right donor nephrectomy versus 106 mL for the left. The corresponding mean warm ischemia times were 5.32 minutes and 4.91 minutes. The median length of stay was 3 days in both groups. Five minor and three major complications occurred, including 2 patients with recognized bowel injuries and 1 patient who required reoperation for a bladder injury. Conclusions Historically, laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy has been performed solely on the left side because of the increased length of the left renal vein. However, in our experience, the operative parameters and postoperative results were equivalent in the right and left laparoscopic donor nephrectomy groups. Therefore, we recommend removal of the more appropriate kidney, regardless of side.
Information systems planning and the challenge of shifting priorities

Abstract Establishing and maintaining priorities for information systems (IS) development is a challenge that has made IS planning an enduring issue. During structured interviews, senior IS executives from 20 diverse organizations discussed reasons why it is difficult to establish and maintain priorities. The executives also discussed the ways they are attempting to overcome such problems. An analysis of the interviews provides IS practitioners with insight into the difficulty and some possible actions to deal with it.
Mechanisms of transgenerational inheritance of addictive-like behaviors

Genetic factors are implicated in the heritability of drug abuse. However, even with advances in current technology no specific genes have been identified that are critical for the transmission of drug-induced phenotypes to subsequent generations. It is now evident that epigenetic factors contribute to disease heritability and represent a link between genes and the environment. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to underlie drug-induced structural, synaptic, and behavioral plasticity by coordinating the expression of gene networks within the brain. Therefore, the epigenome provides a direct mechanism for drugs of abuse to influence the genetic events involved in the development of addiction as well as its heritability to subsequent generations. In this review we discuss the mechanisms underlying intergenerational epigenetic transmission, highlight studies that demonstrate this phenomenon with particular attention to the field of addiction, and identify gaps for future studies.
Influence of cementitious additions on rheological and mechanical properties of reactive powder concretes

Abstract Following needs of concrete market and the economic and ecological needs, several researchers, all over the world, studied the beneficial effect which the incorporation of the mineral additions in Portland cement industry can bring. It was shown that the incorporation of local mineral additions can decrease the consumption of crushing energy of cements, and reduce the CO 2 emission. Siliceous additions, moreover their physical role of filling, play a chemical role pozzolanic. They contribute to improving concrete performances and thus their durability. The abundance of dunes sand and blast furnace slag in Algeria led us to study their effect like cementitious additions. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of the incorporation of dunes sand and slag, finely ground on rheological and mechanical properties of reactive powder concretes containing ternary binders.
Numerical Modeling of the Central Spin Problem Using the Spin-Coherent-State P Representation

In this work, we consider decoherence of a central spin by a spin bath. In order to study the nonperturbative decoherence regimes, we develop an efficient mean-field-based method for modeling the spin-bath decoherence, based on the $P$ representation of the central spin density matrix. The method can be applied to longitudinal and transverse relaxation at different external fields. In particular, by modeling large-size quantum systems (up to 16 000 bath spins), we make controlled predictions for the slow long-time decoherence of the central spin.
TANDEM HEART – PERCUTANEUOUS LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE TREATMENT FOR SEVERE REFRACTORY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK: THE DEBAKEY VA EXPERIENCE

We examined the effectiveness of the Tandem Heart ventricular assist device (Cardiac Assist Inc., Pittsburgh, PA) in patients with severe refractory cardiogenic shock (SRCS). In-hospital mortality of cardiogenic shock remains high, ranging from 45 to 60%. The TandemHeart is a percutaneously
The human CAN protein, a putative oncogene product associated with myeloid leukemogenesis, is a nuclear pore complex protein that faces the cytoplasm.

Abstract We have carried out partial amino acid sequence analysis of a putative nuclear pore complex protein (nucleoporin) of rat that reacts with wheat germ agglutinin and with the polyspecific monoclonal antibody 414. Surprisingly, these partial amino acid sequence data revealed a high degree of similarity with the human CAN protein, the complete cDNA-derived primary structure of which was reported by Von Lindern et al. [Von Lindern, M., Fornerod, M., van Baal, S., Jaegle, M., de Wit, T., Buijs, A. & Grosveld, G. (1992) Mol. Cell. Biol. 12, 1687-1697]. The CAN protein has been proposed to be a putative oncogene product associated with myeloid leukemogenesis. Its subcellular localization was not established. To confirm that the putative rat nucleoporin is indeed a homolog of the human CAN protein and to determine its subcellular localization, we expressed a 39-kDa internal segment of the 213,790-Da human CAN protein in Escherichia coli and raised monospecific antibodies, which reacted with the putative rat nucleoporin. Immunofluorescence microscopy of HeLa cells gave a punctate nuclear surface staining pattern characteristic of nucleoporins, and immunoelectron microscopy yielded specific decoration of the cytoplasmic side of the nuclear pore complex. This suggests that the protein is part of the short fibers that emanate from the cytoplasmic aspect of the nuclear pore complex. In agreement with previously proposed nomenclature for nucleoporins, we propose the alternative term nup214 (nucleoporin of 214 kDa) for the CAN protein.
Investigations of the Molecular Mechanism of Metal-Induced Aβ (1−40) Amyloidogenesis†

Transition-metal ions (Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ) play critical roles in the A‚ plaque formation. However, precise roles of the metal ions in the A‚ amyloidogenesis have been controversial. In this study, the molecular mechanism of the metal-induced A‚ oligomerization was investigated with extensive metal ion titration NMR experiments. Upon additions of the metal ions, the N-terminal region (1-16) of the A‚ (1-40) peptide was selectively perturbed. In particular, polar residues 4 -8 and 13-15 were more strongly affected by the metal ions, suggesting that those regions may be the major binding sites of the metal ions. The NMR signal changes of the N-terminal region were dependent on the peptide concentrations (higher peptide concentrations resulted in stronger signal changes), suggesting that the metal ions facilitate the intermolecular contact between the A‚ peptides. The A‚ (1-40) peptides (>30 IM) were eventually oligomerized even at low temperature (3 °C), where the A‚ peptides are stable as monomeric forms without the metal ions. The real-time oligomerization process was monitored by 1 H/ 15 N HSQC NMR experiments, which provided the first residue-specific structural transition information. Hydrophobic residues 12-21 initially underwent conformational changes due to the intermolecular interactions. After the initial structural rearrangements, the C-terminal residues (32-40) readjusted their conformations presumably for effective oligomerization. Similar structural changes of the metal-free A ‚ (1-40) peptides were also observed in the presence of the preformed oligomers, suggesting that the conformational transitions may be the general molecular mechanism of the A‚ (1-40) amyloidogenesis.