cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular simulation study of water interactions with oligo (ethylene glycol)-terminated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers.

Molecular simulations were performed to study a system consisting of protein (e.g., lysozyme) and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) terminating with different chemical groups in the presence of explicit water molecules and ions. Mixed SAMs of oligo (ethylene glycol) [S(CH2)4(OCH2CH2)4OH, (OEG)] and hydroxyl-terminated SAMs [S(CH2)4OH] with a mole fraction of OEG at χOEG = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 were used in this study. In addition, methyl-terminated SAMs [S(CH2)11CH3] were also studied for comparison. The structural and dynamic behavior of hydration water, the flexibility and conformation state of SAMs, and the orientation and conformation of protein were examined. Simulation results were compared with those of experiments. It appears that there is a correlation between OEG surface resistance to protein adsorption and the surface density of OEG chains, which leads to a large number of tightly bound water molecules around OEG chains and the rapid mobility of hydrated SAM chains.
Declining Morbidity and Mortality Rates in the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Necrosis

Surgical management of patients with pancreatic necrosis (PN) has evolved over the last two decades to include prophylactic antibiotics, initial medical management, and delayed surgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to identify changes in morbidity and mortality rates as our methods of surgical management have evolved. One hundred two consecutive patients (59 males and 43 females, mean age 53 +/- 16 years) with PN managed surgically were classified as group I (1993-2001), after the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics (N = 55), and group II (2002-2005), after the use of International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) guidelines for intervention (N = 47). Age, sex, etiology of pancreatitis, percent of necrosis, infected necrosis, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores were similar between groups. Despite a significant worsening of Balthazar computed tomography scoring in group II patients (p < 0.0001), operative morbidity (49 [89%] vs 34 [72%], p = 0.03), mortality (10 [18%] vs 2 [4%], p = 0.03), and hospital length of stay (38 +/- 33 days vs 26 +/- 23 days, p = 0.04) were significantly less in group II patients. Current methods of surgical management utilizing IAP guidelines have resulted in a decreased operative morbidity, mortality, and hospital length of stay in patients with PN.
Individual differences in situation awareness: validation of the situationism scale.

ABSTRACT.This article concerns the construct of lay situationism—an individual’s belief in the importance of a behavior’s context. Study 1 identified a 13-item Situationism Scale, which demonstrated good reliability and validity. In particular, higher situationism was associated with greater situation-control (strategies to manipulate the environment in order to avoid temptation). Subsequent laboratory studies indicated that people higher on the situationism subscales used greater situation-control by sitting farther from junk food (Study 2) and choosing to drink non-alcoholic beverages before a cognitive task (Study 3). Overall, findings provide preliminary support for the psychometric validity and predictive utility of the Situationism Scale and offer this individual difference construct as a means to expand self-regulation theory.
Picturing Space for Lesbian Nonsexualities: Rethinking Sex-Normative Commitments through The Kids Are All Right (2010)

This article examines representations of lesbian nonsexuality in the film The Kids Are All Right and in responses to the film by feminist and queer scholars. In some moments, the film offers a limited endorsement of lesbian nonsexuality, placing pressure on the category lesbian to include nonsexuality and asexuality. However, in their responses to the film, many feminist and queer scholars rejected nonsexuality as an aspect of lesbian experience, placing pressure on the category lesbian to exclude nonsexual and asexual women. Asexual activism challenges scholars to question their sex-normative commitments and to keep the category lesbian open and flexible.
In Situ Raman Microscopy of a Single Graphite Microflake Electrode in a Li(+)-containing Electrolyte

Highly detailed Raman spectra from a single KS-44 graphite microflake electrode as a function of the applied potential have been collected in situ using a Raman microscope and a sealed spectroelectrochemical cell isolated from the laboratory environment. Correlations were found between the Raman spectral features and the various Li(+) intercalation stages while recording in real time Raman spectra during a linear potential scan from 0.7 down ca. 0.0V vs Li/Li(+) at a rate of 0.1 mV/s in a 1M LiClO4 solution in a 1:l (by volume) ethylene carbonate (EC):diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixture. In particular, clearly defined isosbestic points were observed for data collected in the potential range where the transition between dilute phase 1 and phase 4 of lithiated graphite is known to occur, i.e. 0.157 < E < 0.215 vs Li/Li(+). Statistical analysis of the spectroscopic data within this region made it possible to determine independently the fraction of each of the two phases present as a function of potential without relying on coulometric information and then predict, based on the proposed stoichiometry for the transition, a spectrally-derived voltammetric feature.
Assessing Apparently Equivalent Translations in the News Media

This essay represents a preliminary attempt to devise a method for examining words and their apparently equivalent translations as they appear in the news media. Taking Walter Benjamin’s essay on the task of the translator as a starting point and drawing on Edmund Husserl’s phenomenology and Antoine Culioli’s and Paul Laurendeau’s enunciative linguistics, the author argues that this appearance of equivalence is deceptive, for at least two reasons: first, because differing, culturally specific assumptions underlie the interpretations of these words and their translations; and second, because as the implications of these words and their translations are reported upon and contested (by political actors, by reporters, by editorialists), their meanings effectively change.
Incremental drawing for controlling synthetic fiber structure, properties, and productivity

The “Incremental Draw Process” (“IDP”) is a newly commercialized technique that controls stress and temperature profiles during high speed drawing of synthetic polymer fibers. Fiber is drawn on a single pair of shaped rolls through a large number of small draw increments within a compact space. Draw zone length and residence time are increased substantially, allowing time for morphological change. Stress relaxation between draw increments and adjustment of temperature, tension, and rate of deformation (draw) at each draw increment more effectively control stress induced crystal growth and amorphous orientation. Ultra-orientation, improved tensile modules high tenacity, low break elongation, and low boil-off shrinkage have been produced. Because rates of plastic deformation during drawing are drastically reduced, high fiber throughput speeds are possible, allowing direct coupling to high speed spinning lines. Commercial applications include both textile and ultra-high strength industrial fiber production. Limited drawing of liquid crystal fibers has been demonstrated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermal stability of static coronal loops. I. Effects of boundary conditions

The linear stability of static coronal-loop models undergoing thermal perturbations was investigated. The effect of conditions at the loop base on the stability properties of the models was considered in detail. The question of appropriate boundary conditions at the loop base was considered and it was concluded that the most physical assumptions are that the temperature and density (or pressure) perturbations vanish there. However, if the base is taken to be sufficiently deep in the chromosphere, either several chromospheric scale heights or several coronal loop lengths in depth, then the effect of the boundary conditions on loop stability becomes negligible so that all physically acceptable conditions are equally appropriate. For example, one could as well assume that the velocity vanishes at the base. The growth rates and eigenmodes of static models in which gravity is neglected and in which the coronal heating is a relatively simple function, either constant per-unit mass or per-unit volume were calculated. It was found that all such models are unstable with a growth rate of the order of the coronal cooling time. The physical implications of these results for the solar corona and transition region are discussed.
Looking Like Developed: Aesthetics and Ethics in Rwandan Housing Projects

This article examines the relationship between “modern” aesthetics and ethics in the context of Rwandan architecture and urbanism. In Rwanda, global capital and the general desire for an improved life manifest in the built environment, and both urban high-rises and rural villages attempt to look like “modern” buildings from the northern hemisphere. The “modern” aesthetics take on the difficult task of dealing with memories of the past violence as an integral process of development. Using Rwandan housing projects as a case study, this article investigates the meanings, expectations, and possibilities for modern aesthetics.
Quantifying Effects of Plaque Structure and Material Properties on Stress Distributions in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques Using 3D FSI Models

Background Atherosclerotic plaques may rupture without warning and cause acute cardiovascular syndromes such as heart attack and stroke. Methods to assess plaque vulnerability noninvasively and predict possible plaque rupture are urgently needed.
The number of cut-vertices in a graph of given minimum degree

Abstract A graph with n vertices and minimum degree k ⩾2 can contain no more than (2k−2)n (k 2 −2) cut vertices. This bound is asymptotically tight.
Increasing phantom limb pain as a symptom of cancer recurrence

Previous studies have shown that phantom limb pain following major amputation reaches its greatest severity 2 to 3 weeks following amputation; it then gradually diminishes over subsequent months and years. Transient episodes of severe phantom limb pain are sometimes temporally related to specific activities such as urination, sexual intercourse, or local pressure applied to the amputation stump. Also, neuroma formation may be associated with transient episodes of increased discomfort usually associated with the application of local pressure. Phantom limb pain progressively increasing over an extended period of time has not been previously reported. The authors observed phantom limb pain of increasing severity to be associated with locally recurrent extremity sarcoma in two patients, In both patients increasing phantom limb pain was the first indication of recurrent cancer and led to radiologic studies and biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of recurrent disease. It is suggested that phantom limb pain of progressive increasing severity may be a symptom of locally recurrent cancer in an amputation stump. Cancer 54:373-375, 1984. HANTOM LIMB PAINS and sensations are common P sequellae to amputations for cancer in both the upper and lower extremity. Roth and Sugarbaker have shown in a retrospective study of 63 patients that the incidence and severity of phantom limb pain increases as the level of the extremity through which an amputation is made becomes more proximal.' These studies showed that the incidence of clinically significant phantom limb pain approached 70% in patients receiving hemipelvectomy. A second characteristic of phantom limb pains was the gradually progressive decrease in the intensity, the frequency and duration of pain episodes that occurred over time, or the plateauing to a steady-state level of clinical significance in all patients. Patients repeatedly reported discomfort increasing in the first and second postoperative weeks to a peak at 3 to 4 weeks. Following this peak, pain episodes gradually decreased in intensity, frequency, and duration. The rate at which symptoms diminished was extremely variable; patients with high amputations frequently had persistent discomfort for months and even years postoperatively. However, pain of decreasing or plateaued seventy was reported by all patients. In this study, we report increasing phantom limb pain as a
Effects of habitual diet on ethnic differences in serum total ghrelin

Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, may be involved in the etiology of obesity. African Americans (AA) experience higher obesity rates than European Americans (EA), but it is unclear whether ghrelin differs with ethnicity. This study was designed to compare ghrelin concentrations between overweight AA and EA adults in a post absorptive state, in response to a standard meal, and after 8-week habituation to diets of differing macronutrient profiles. Sixty-one overweight men and women (31 EA and 30 AA) were assigned to either a higher-carbohydrate/lower-fat diet (55 % CHO, 18 % PRO, 27 % FAT) or a lower-carbohydrate/higher-fat diet (43 % CHO, 18 % PRO, 39 % FAT) for 8 weeks. At baseline and week 8, participants ingested a standard liquid mixed meal. Blood was sampled before the meal and serially after ingestion to measure total ghrelin and insulin. Hunger was assessed with a visual analog scale. Composite scores for ghrelin, insulin, and hunger were calculated as area under the curve (AUC), and ghrelin suppression was calculated as the change from fasting concentration. Fasting ghrelin and ghrelin AUC were higher among EA at baseline and week 8 (p < 0.001), and these differences were not affected by diet habituation. Despite greater postprandial ghrelin suppression, EA displayed greater hunger immediately following the test meal (p < 0.05). Overweight EA displayed higher circulating ghrelin and greater ghrelin suppression compared to AA. Further study is warranted to explore the physiological basis for these ethnic differences and to determine whether they may relate to higher obesity rates among AA.
Glutamate decarboxylase isoforms in thalamic nuclei in lethargic mouse model of absence seizures.

To test the hypothesis that altered GABA synthesis within nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) neurons regulates absence seizures, we analyzed and quantitated the distribution of GAD(67) and GAD(65), the rate-limiting enzymes of GABA synthesis, in thalamic nuclei from the Cacnb4lh model of absence seizures and non-epileptic (+/+) controls. In situ hybridization and Western blot results indicate a significant increase in GAD(67) expression (mRNA and protein) per cell but no change in GAD(65) in Cacnb4lh mice. These data suggest that GABA-synthesis is maintained or increased in NRT neurons in the Cacnb4lh mouse model.
Engaging Faculty in Scholarly Communication Change: A Learning Community Approach

INTRODUCTION As the landscape of scholarly communication and open access continues to shift, it remains important for academic librarians to continue educating campus stakeholders about these issues, as well as to create faculty advocates on campus. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM Three librarians at Miami University created a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) on Scholarly Communication to accomplish this. The FLC, composed of faculty, graduate students, staff, and librarians, met throughout the academic year to read and discuss topics such as open access, journal economics, predatory publishing, alternative metrics (altmetrics), open data, open peer review, etc. NEXT STEPS The members of the FLC provided positive evaluations about the community and the topics about which they learned, leading the co-facilitators to run the FLC for a second year. The library’s Scholarly Communication Committee is creating and implementing a scholarly communication website utilizing the structure and content identified by the 2012-2013 FLC.
Intramolecular amidofuran cycloadditions across an indole pi-bond: an efficient approach to the aspidosperma and strychnos ABCE core.

The intramolecular Diels−Alder reaction between an amidofuran moiety tethered onto an indole component was examined as a strategy for the synthesis of Aspidosperma and Strychnos alkaloids. Furanyl carbamate 13 was acylated using the mixed anhydride 16 to provide amidofuran 12 in 68% yield. Further N-acylation of this indole furnished 17 in 88% yield. Cyclization precursors were prepared by removing the carbamate moiety followed by N-alkylation with the appropriate alkyl halides. Thermolysis of 25 provided the novel tetracyclic ketone 26 in 74% yield.
Motivating faculty through transactional and transformational leadership strategies

The use of both transactional and transformational leadership strategies can have a tremendous impact on the dynamics of organizational agility and subsequent competitive advantage. For educational institutions, organizational agility refers to the ability of administration and faculty to identify, acknowledge, and adapt to factors important to academic quality, quality of instruction, and overall learning experiences. When it comes to motivating faculty performance, both transactional and transformational leadership styles are important. From a transactional perspective, faculty appreciate administrators who clearly communicate both university and departmental goals. For true motivation, administrators must seek to affect faculty on an intrinsic level where personal efficacy is raised through the successful accomplishment of objectives. A model for college steering committees and a specific faculty training program for sharper instructional focus are presented.
Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum) burial in estuaries: Acoustic telemetry triumph and tribulation

Abstract Measuring the reliance of adult spawning winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum) on estuarine habitat is problematic and may require acoustic telemetry. Efforts in various estuaries over several years have been hampered by sporadic results in detection of telemetered fish, possibly due to burial. After confirming that captive winter flounder in ambient temperature flow-through enclosures buried often and sometimes deeply, especially during low temperatures, we analyzed the effect of burial on tag signal (76.8 kHz, 5 s repeat rate) during periodic visitation of a grid of listening stations, vessel-towed and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) searches, and continuous 3-D tracking through a synchronized multiple-hydrophone positioning array. Controlled tests of tag burial in situ resulted in complete signal loss with burial at all of the tested depths. The difference between tag detection and decoding was demonstrated to be very important. Water column depth during mobile telemetry positively affected reception of tags lying on the sediment surface. Signal strength of tags on fish at liberty as recorded by an AUV-mounted hydrophone was similar during daytime and subsequent nighttime transects, as were mean counts of decoded signals per tag. However, variance was highly skewed with some tags being heard much more often at night, an expected consequence of nighttime emergence from burial, despite windier (noisier conditions) at night. Meter-scale tracking by multi-hydrophone trilateration over periods of days to weeks determined burial by timeline disruption for individual fish. The use of Markov Models, reference tags, and environmental conditions presents an opportunity to correct for biases in tag detection rates due to burial post facto. In addition, telemetry should consider nighttime efforts during the spawning season and continuous mobile (e.g. towed transect) or more frequent listening stations in search grids and closer moored hydrophone spacing than suggested by reference tags. These approaches may be relevant to other flatfishes and other fishes that bury or use benthic shelters.
Library orientation and instruction—1993

The following is an annotated list of materials dealing with information literacy including instruction in the use of information resources, research, and computer skills related to retrieving, using, and evaluating information. This review, the twentieth to be published in Reference Services Review, includes items in English published in 1993. A few are not annotated because the compiler could not obtain copies of them for this review.
Navigation Planning Using Quadtrees

An algorithm is presented for planning a 2-D collision-free path for a mobile robot in an unstructured work environment. The algorithm assumes the existence of a pixel map of all or part of the environment, where each pixel is either on (implying blocked) or off (implying clear). The goal is to compute a "reasonable path" between two points in a minimal amount of time, and this is achieved through a "compressed" representation of the pixel map using a modified quadtree data structure and a procedure for smoothing the resulting path. The algorithm has been coded in the C programming language to facilitate portability, and the results of tests made on "realistic" indoor environments are presented. A discussion on how the environmental maps were obtained is also included.
Questioning the "big assumptions". Part I: addressing personal contradictions that impede professional development.

Background The ultimate success of recent medical curriculum reforms is, in large part, dependent upon the faculty's ability to adopt and sustain new attitudes and behaviors. However, like many New Year's resolutions, sincere intent to change may be short lived and followed by a discouraging return to old behaviors. Failure to sustain the initial resolve to change can be misinterpreted as a lack of commitment to one's original goals and eventually lead to greater effort expended in rationalizing the status quo rather than changing it. Objective The present article outlines how a transformative process that has proven to be effective in managing personal change, Questioning the Big Assumptions, was successfully used in an international faculty development program for medical educators to enhance individual personal satisfaction and professional effectiveness. This process systematically encouraged participants to explore and proactively address currently operative mechanisms that could stall their attempts to change at the professional level. Conclusions The applications of the Big Assumptions process in faculty development helped individuals to recognize and subsequently utilize unchallenged and deep rooted personal beliefs to overcome unconscious resistance to change. This approach systematically led participants away from circular griping about what was not right in their current situation to identifying the actions that they needed to take to realize their individual goals. By thoughtful testing of personal Big Assumptions, participants designed behavioral changes that could be broadly supported and, most importantly, sustained.
Influence of Yearly Variability of Agricultural Products on Calibration Process: A Triticale Example

ABSTRACT Many elements can influence the calibration process for near-infrared spectroscopy: variability within the population of interest, environmental effects, hardware instability, and others. This study evaluated two techniques to develop prediction models for triticale grain moisture and protein. The spectral addition strategy added new samples to the calibration set year after year. The spectral adaptation strategy selected only the spectral variability needed to successfully apply the model to new material. Triticale was a good study material because it was undergoing genetic change through the study period and is very responsive to climate variability. The two calibration techniques were significantly different from each other in terms of precision and accuracy. Spectral adaptation was the best technique with a relative predictive determinant (RPD) of 4.33 and a bias of 0.17% versus RPD of 3.50 and a bias of –0.52% for spectral addition. These results are contradictory to common practices that te...
INHIBITION OF THE RNASE H ACTIVITY OF HIV REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE BY AZIDOTHYMIDYLATE

The effects of AZTMP and other nucleoside 5'-monophosphates on the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and RNase H activities of a recombinant HIV reverse transcriptase have been investigated. Both activities are sensitive to inhibition by millimolar concentrations of AZTMP with MgCl2 as divalent cation activator. Substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ markedly potentiates the inhibition of RNase H activity by AZTMP, reducing the IC50 from 5 to 0.05 mM. In contrast, Mn2+ does not alter the sensitivity of the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity to inhibition by AZTMP. The inhibition of RNase H activity by AZTMP can be reversed by increasing concentrations of the substrate poly(A)/poly(dT), suggesting that AZTMP may compete with the substrate for binding at the active site of RNase H. Other nucleoside 5'-monophosphates do not inhibit RNase H in the presence of Mg2+. However, in the presence of Mn2+, deoxy- and dideoxynucleoside 5'-monophosphates that are complementary to the DNA strand of the heteroduplex substrate are somewhat inhibitory. The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity is a slightly inhibited by AZTMP and ddTMP in either Mg2+ or Mn2+, and substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ results in inhibition by ddAMP as well. Naturally occurring ribo- or deoxyribonucleoside 5'-monophosphates are not inhibitory at concentrations up to 5 mM. Since AZTTP inhibits the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of HIV reverse transcriptase at nanomolar concentrations, it is unlikely that the inhibition of this activity by AZTMP plays a significant role in the antiviral effect of AZT. However, the inhibition of the RNase H activity by AZTMP, which can reach millimolar concentrations in vivo, may account for part of the sensitivity of the virus to AZT.
Tailoring morphology in free-standing anodic aluminium oxide: Control of barrier layer opening down to the sub-10 nm diameter

Free-standing, highly ordered porous aluminium oxide templates were fabricated by three-step anodization in oxalic, sulfuric or phosphoric acid solutions, followed by dissolution of the aluminium substrate in HgCl2. Opening of the pore bottoms on the barrier layer side of these templates was carried out by using chemical or ion beam etching. Chemical etching is capable of achieving full pore opening, but partial pore opening occurs inhomogeneously. On the contrary, ion beam etching enables homogeneous and reproducible partial pore opening, with the pore size controlled through the etching time. By this method, pore openings as small as 5 nm can reliably be obtained.
Coordinated community response components for victims of intimate partner violence: A review of the literature

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious problem throughout the world. Each year a substantial number of women experience psychological, physical, and sexual aggression from an intimate partner, with many women experiencing serious mental and physical health outcomes as a result of their victimization. A number of services are available to women who sustain IPV (e.g., shelters, advocacy, legal protection), and the combination of these services has been termed a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) to IPV. The purpose of the present manuscript is to review the individual components of CCRs for IPV victims, examine the extant literature on a number of the individual CCR components, and suggest directions for future research on CCRs for IPV victims. Our review demonstrates that there is a significant lack of research on various CCR components, that research on the integration of CCR services is limited, and that theoretical guidance for CCR programs is almost non-existent. Directions for improving research on CCR components are suggested.
Endogenous heparin activity deficiency: the ‘Missing Link’ in atherogenesis?

This paper reviews published studies since 1995 dealing with many atherogenic mechanisms where exogenous heparin was beneficial. In these areas endogenous heparin deficiency is likely to be harmful. Mechanisms included inflammatory factors, lower endogenous plasma heparin levels, lipoprotein lipase, chemokines, APOE e4, lipoprotein(a), among others. Demonstrated reduction of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) and of endogenous plasma heparin was reviewed.
A computational method to predict elastic-plastic fracture

Abstract This paper presents a computational method for predicting specimen fracture behavior requiring only material stress-strain data. The specimen behavior is simulated numerically using the finite element technique. Nonlinear behavior of the finite element model is caused by boundary changes, elastic-plastic material properties, and an updated Dugdale-type cohesive stress zone. This fracture predictive method relies on a 5% offset criterion to determine crack initiation. Crack growth predictions are based on critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) which is computed during the fracture simulation process. Several validation examples under Mode I fracture condition are discussed. For both brittle and ductile fracture cases, the calculated maximum loads were within 6% of experimental values.
Conformational Isomerization of 5-Phenyl-1-pentene Probed by SEP-Population Transfer Spectroscopy

Stimulated emission pumping-population transfer (SEP-PT) spectroscopy is used to experimentally determine upper and lower bounds on the energy thresholds to conformational isomerization between 14 X→Y reactant−product conformer pairs of isolated 5-phenyl-1-pentene (5PPene). This work builds directly on the spectroscopic assignments of the five observed conformers of 5PPene in the preceding paper. The observed thresholds fall into two energy ranges: near 600 cm−1 for isomerization processes that involve only reorientation of the terminal vinyl group, and in the 1200−1374 cm−1 range for barriers that involve hindered rotation about the alkyl chain carbon−carbon bonds. As a result, this latter threshold opens up much of the conformational phase space to exploration, with multiple isomerization pathways connecting any two of the conformational minima.
STUDIES ON ULTRACENTRIFUGE FRACTIONS OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE1

Subcellular fractions from the anterior pituitary lobe obtained by ultraccntrifugation were analyzed for purity by chemical, enzymatic, and physical tests. After separation of particles was established each fraction was analyzed by a three-dose response method for the hormones present. The hormones of the anterior pituitary occur in separate subcellular fragments; LH and STH in the secretory granules, TSH in the mitochondria, and ACTH in the microsomes and supernatant. FSH is scattered over several fractions. Treatment of the fractions with acid has little effect on STH while alkali destroys this hormone. TSH activity is destroyed by both acid and alkaline treatment. Acid treatment of the fractions augments FSH activity while it destroys LH activity. Alkaline treatment decreases the activity of the gonadotrophins. ACTH activity is potentiated by acid treatment, while alkaline treatment decreases the activity of ACTH slightly. Analysis of the fractions for hormone content indicates that ACTH comprises 1%, ...
Brown fat fuel utilization and thermogenesis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy as heat to maintain optimal thermogenesis and to contribute to energy expenditure in rodents and possibly humans. The energetic processes executed by BAT require a readily-available fuel supply, which includes glucose and fatty acids (FAs). FAs become available by cellular uptake, de novo lipogenesis, and multilocular lipid droplets in brown adipocytes. BAT also possesses a great capacity for glucose uptake and metabolism, and an ability to regulate insulin sensitivity. These properties make BAT an appealing target for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Recent research has provided a better understanding of the processes of fuel utilization carried out by brown adipocytes, which is the focus of the current review.
Reflection and transmission by a vertically inhomogeneous planetary atmosphere

Abstract By appealing to the reciprocity principle simple expressions are derived for the plane albedo and the transmissivity of a vertically inhomogeneous, plane parallel atmosphere. The plane albedo is shown to equal the angular distribution of the reflected intensity for isotropie Illumination of unit intensity incident at the top of the atmosphere, while the transmissivity equals the angular distribution of the transmitted intensity for isotropie illumination of unit Intensity incident at the bottom of the atmosphere. Chandrasekhar's solution of the planetary problem (including a Lambert reflecting lower boundary) in terms of the solution to the standard problem (no reflecting ground) is extended to apply to an inhomogeneous atmosphere resting on a surface that reflects radiation anisotropically but with no dependence on the direction of incidence (anisotropic Lambert reflector). The computational aspects are discussed and a procedure for computing the planetary albedo and transmissivity Is outlined for a vertically inhomogeneous, anisotropically scattering atmosphere overlying a partially reflecting surface. Numerical verification and illustration are also provided and it is shown that the assumed vertical variation of the single scattering albedo strongly affects the plane albedo but only weakly the transmissivity.
The great US liquidity trap of 2009–2011: are we stuck pushing on strings?

After the onset of the Great Recession in 2008, commercial banks in the United States began accumulating huge cash reserves in their accounts at the Federal Reserve. By the middle of 2011, reserves had reached $1.6 trillion, more than 10 percent of US GDP, an order of magnitude for commercial bank cash holdings that is without precedent. The key factor allowing banks to accumulate huge cash hoards was that the Federal Reserve had pushed the federal funds rate to near zero by the end of 2008, and held it there through 2011 and beyond. Over this same period, the non-corporate business sector obtained zero net credit. This overall pattern represents the most recent variant of reaching a â€˜liquidity trapâ€™ and trying to â€˜push on a string.â€™ Under such circumstances, conventional central bank open-market operations are greatly weakened as an expansionary policy tool. This paper examines the experience of the liquidity trap in the United States since the Great Recession began and considers policy approaches for escaping the trap. I provide a critical review of various proposals for escaping liquidity traps, including raising the inflation target, depreciating the currency, and targeting long-term interest rates directly. I also propose two key innovative policies, an excess reserve tax for commercial banks and a major expansion in the federal loan guarantee program for smaller businesses.
Finger-Thumb Interdomain Interactions Influence ASIC1a Proton Activation

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are trimeric proton-gated cation-selective channels expressed in the nervous system. Each monomer consists of two transmembrane helices, short cytoplasmic tails and a large extracellular region organized in distinct domains named the thumb, finger, knuckle, β-ball, and palm. Despite the structural information available for ASIC1, there is limited understanding of the molecular mechanism that allows these channels to sense and respond to drops in extracellular pH. Here, we employed the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) and site-directed mutagenesis to identify molecular determinants for proton activation in the extracellular region of mouse ASIC1a. We mutated individually residues in the acidic pocket of ASIC1a to Cys and proved its reactivity toward MTSET. We found that the modification of Cys residues at positions 238 and 345 by MTSET reduced apparent proton affinity for activation. Glu238 and Asp345 reside in the finger and thumb domains, respectively. In the desensitized conformation these residues are positioned in closed proximity to each other. Surprisingly, D345K and D345R mutants, as well as D345C channels treated with MTSEA, displayed biphasic dose-response activation curves. In contrast, E238K and D345N channels showed monophasic dose-response curves with apparent proton affinities for activation similar to those from the controls. Together, these results suggest that finger-thumb interactions indirectly affect the function of a proton-binding site. To examine conformational movements in the thumb domain associated with activation, we mutated the residues in the alpha-helix 5 to Cys and assessed their reactivity toward MTSET. The modification by MTSET of A344C, L348C, L351C and V352C channels reduced the response to extracellular acidification. These residues are located on the same side of the alpha-helix 5 facing the finger domain. In conclusion, our results indicate that extracellular acidification drives conformation movements in the finger and thumb domains of ASIC1a.
State And Local E-Government: Prospects and Challenges

This article presents a self-contained yet comprehensive discussion of the prospects of state and local electronic government (e-government), the status of its development across the states and local communities, and the difficult challenges faced in making it a reality. In taking a very broad approach to e-government, the hope is that the analysis helps to bring perspective to the issue and to synthesize a literature that is increasingly becoming a series of disconnected case studies. Although the prospects at all levels of government for improving public services, reducing costs, and enhancing the democratic process are high, e-government has been penetrating state government much more rapidly than local government. The most salient obstacles to full penetration of e-government seem to be proper marketing, privacy issues, equity, and financing.
Inference methods for a pseudo-boolean satisfiability solver

We describe two methods of doing inference during search for a pseudo-Boolean version of the RELSAT method. One inference method is the pseudo-Boolean equivalent of learning. A new constraint is learned in response to a contradiction with the purpose of eliminating the set of assignments that caused the contradiction. We show that the obvious way of extending learning to pseudo-Boolean is inadequate and describe a better solution. We also describe a second inference method used by the Operations Research community. The method cannot be applied to the standard resolution-based AI algorithms, but is useful for pseudo-Boolean versions of the same AI algorithms. We give experimental results showing that the pseudo-Boolean version of RELSAT outperforms its clausal counterpart on problems from the planning domain.
In vitro cellular and cytokine responses to mycobacterial antigens: application to diagnosis of tuberculosis infection and assessment of response to mycobacterial vaccines.

Abstract Mycobacterial infection leads to the development of specific cell-mediated immune responses that have been measured clinically by assessing delayed-type hypersensitivity with Mantoux skin testing. Several characteristics of Mantoux skin testing for tuberculosis infection can make the procedure inaccurate, inconvenient, and sometimes misleading. 1t is also a poor predictor of immunity to tuberculosis in bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccinees, yet decisions to revaccinate often are based on skin test responses after initial immunization. Skin testing with other mycobacterial antigens has similar limitations. In vitro assessment of cellular immunity to mycobacteria offers multiple, potential advantages over skin testing and has become technically feasible in recent years. Measurement of the effector functions that comprise cell-mediated immunity (eg, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity) rather than cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses is more likely to reflect meaningfully specific mycobacterial immunity and, therefore, provide a means for determining mycobacterial immunity after immunization. Eliminating the variability in placement and interpretation inherent in skin testing could provide a more stable foundation for comparative studies in populations and improve decision making for individuals. Finally, in vitro testing permits the use of discrete mycobacterial antigens instead of crude protein preparations, allowing greater specificity in the detection of infection as well as assessment of responses to defined candidate vaccine antigens. Several studies have compared skin testing with in vitro proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated by mycobacterial antigens for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Preliminary veterinary and human studies suggest that in vitro assessment of y-interferon production in response to mycobacterial antigens can be used to detect prior infection with organisms of the M tuberculosis complex. Streamlined techniques for in vitro testing of cellular immunity may allow its practical adoption in the clinical setting and lead to its use as a replacement for Mantoux skin testing.
Stochastic gradient boosting

Gradient boosting constructs additive regression models by sequentially fitting a simple parameterized function (base learner) to current "pseudo'-residuals by least squares at each iteration. The pseudo-residuals are the gradient of the loss functional being minimized, with respect to the model values at each training data point evaluated at the current step. It is shown that both the approximation accuracy and execution speed of gradient boosting can be substantially improved by incorporating randomization into the procedure. Specifically, at each iteration a subsample of the training data is drawn at random (without replacement) from the full training data set. This randomly selected subsample is then used in place of the full sample to fit the base learner and compute the model update for the current iteration. This randomized approach also increases robustness against overcapacity of the base learner.
RAPID PETERMINATION OF IgM USING LATEX REAGENT IN NEONATES

Chronic intrauterine infection commonly results in increased levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM). It is recognized that elevated levels of IgM are non-specific, but useful as a screening test. This is particularly true in infants with intrauterine growth retardation. In many hospitals IgM testing is done infrequently (e.g., twice weekly). The use of a rapid method for determination was tested for reliability by doing paired determinations of IgM by a latex method and an immunoelectrophoretic method. Samples were obtained from babies being investigated for possible bacterial or viral infection. The “positive” on the latex method is currently set at 30 mg% or more. The results were: When the false negatives (5) and false positives (3) were examined, only 1 false positive fell outside the ± 5 mg% range and was within 10 mg%. Introduction of another reagent set at 20 mg% could eliminate this error, in conjunction with the present reagent. The latex IgM method is easily performed, rapid (within 10 minutes) and inexpensive. A positive test could influence further investigatipns (e.g., viral cultures, long-bone x-rays, etc.).
Dosimetry of first clinical prototype of DentoCAT® cone-beam computed tomography

dibular joint (TMJ) is closely related to flattening of the articular eminence, deformity of the condyle, and change in the tissue of the posterior disk attachment. However, there have been few reports that evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the articular disk in patients with TMJ luxation. Objective. This study evaluated the configuration and location of the articular disk in patients with TMJ luxation on MRI. Methods and materials. Seventy-four TMJs of 57 patients with a chief complaint of TMJ luxation (M/F 21/36, mean 32 yrs, range 15-71 yrs) examined by MRI at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Dental Hospital between 1997 and 2001 were included in this study. In all patients, oblique sagittal and coronal proton densityweighted images in the closed-mouth position and oblique sagittal proton density-weighted images in the open-mouth position were obtained. Three oral radiologists evaluated the configuration and location of the disk of TMJ on MRI. Results. All joints were classified into 2 categories based on MRI findings of the disk in the closed-mouth position: Type I, showing normal disk position (biconcave disk located superior to the condyle), and Type II, showing posterior disk displacement. Furthermore, based on MRI in the open-mouth position, Type I was subclassified into 2 categories: Type IA, showing normal disk position, and Type IB, which showed the disk located posterior to the condyle. Thirty-six of 74 joints (49%) were classified as Type IA, 17 joints (23%) were Type IB, and 21 joints (28%) were Type II. According to the classification of posterior disk displacement by Westesson et al,1 17 of 21 Type II joints were the thin flat disk type, and the remaining 4 were the perforated disk type. The grossly posteriorly displaced disk type was not encountered in our series. Medial or lateral disk displacement was found in 7 of 53 Type I joints (13%) but in only 1 of 21 Type II joints (5%). Conclusions. In 28% of joints with a history of luxation, posterior disk displacement was found on MRI in both the closedand the open-mouth positions. In addition, 23% of those joints showed a posteriorly located disk in the open-mouth position, although normal findings were shown in the closed-position. Our study confirmed that the TMJ luxation was closely related to posterior disk displacement.
Cold-insoluble globulin (fibronectin, LETS protein) in normal and diseased human glomeruli: papain-sensitive attachment to normal glomeruli and deposition in crescents.

Abstract Cold-insoluble globulin (Clg, fibronectin, LETS protein) is a major plasma protein of unkown function. Its ability to interact with collagen, fibrin, and cell surfaces has prompted this study of Cig in normal and diseased human kidneys. CIg was detected by indirect immunoflorescence in the normal glomerular mesangium and basement membrane, in the tubular basement membrane, in vessel walls, and in the interstitium. Isolated glomerular matrix was able to absorb anti-CIg antibodies, even when treated with 8 M urea, 3 M KSCN, nonionic detergents, EDTA, and dithiothreitol. In contrast, papain was able to remove CIg from glomerular matrix, but did not remove CIg linked to Sepharose. CIg was also released by complete solubilization of glomerular matrix with collagenase and detected by gel diffusion. These results indicate that CIg is strongly attached to the normal human glomerulus, probably by covalent nonsulfhydryl bonds. In the 27 cases of renal diseases examined, mesangial CIg was increased in all 8 of those with increased mesangial matrix (diabetes mellitus, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I, IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schonlein purpura). CIg was not a component of amyloid deposits (2 cases). Eleven cases of glomerulonephritis with crescents were studied. Each had prominent deposition of CIg between the proliferating cells in the crescents in association with fibrin/fibrinogen. Because CIg is known to bind to fibrin and to cells as well as to collagen, we suggest that CIg may play a pathogenetic role in the formation of cellular crescents and their subsequent evolution into fibrous scars.