cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C and End-stage Liver Disease

Cirrhosis secondary to infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of end-stage liver disease worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that about 3% of the world population is chronically infected with HCV, with about 4 million infected individuals in the United States. Despite the declining US incidence of HCV, the complications of chronic HCV infection are rising rapidly. The cirrhosis can be classified as compensated or decompensated based on clinical complications. Compensated HCV-related cirrhosis can be treated safely per American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines. Treatment of decompensated HCV-related cirrhosis is challenging secondary to increased risk of complications and adverse effects during the course of antiviral therapy. The recommended treatment is the low, but accelerating dose regimen. HCV-related cirrhosis is associated with complications including ascites, variceal bleeding, renal insufficiency, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of its poor prognosis, liver transplantation is the only definitive therapy for decompensated cirrhosis.
Simulation of Neutron Pulse Height Distributions with a Response Matrix Method

A response matrix method (RMM) is applied to Monte Carlo simulations to efficiently compute neutron pulse height distributions (PHDs) in organic scintillation detectors. The PHD calculations and th...
Chromatic numbers of competition graphs

Abstract : Previous work on competition graphs has emphasized characterization, not only of the competition graphs themselves but also of those graphs whose competition graphs are chordal or interval. The latter sort of characterization is of interest when a competition graph that is easily colorable would be useful, e.g. in a scheduling or assignment problem. This leads naturally to the following question: Given a graph F, does the structure of G tell us anything about the chromatic number X of the competition graph C(G)? We show that in some cases we can calculate this chromatic number exactly, while in others we can place tight bounds on the chromatic number.
The Grand Theory of Everything: what man-made systems are, and why they fail

The Grand Theory of Everything (tGToE) is a powerful, elegant and unique Model which may be used towards the Understanding and Development of Man-Made Systems. This Model may be used to Identify, Explore, and Predict Faults of Systems-Making, and Faults in Systems and Faults in Systems-Use. Although the tGToE Model provides an Understanding of Systems and Choices, it may not necessarily identify Best Choices or Practical Solutions as that requires Judgment. As all Models are Abstractions, the Possibility of oversimplification that applies to Models applies equally to tGToE. Refinement of this Model has led the Author to several Curious Observations on Paradoxes in Systems and Observations on the Use of Power in Organizations. Depending on the Ethics of the Reader, the application of tGToE may be used to solve Great Problems or to cause Great Mischief and Harm.
The Necessity for β-Carotene in the 518 Nanometer Absorbance Change

The identity of the pigment responsible for the light-induced 518 nanometer absorbance change was investigated by extraction and reconstitution of spinach chloroplasts. Heptane extraction of carotene and quinones from lyophilized chloroplasts removes absorbance changes at 518 and 475 nanometers activated by both laser flash and continuous illumination. Some electron transport activity is always present, even in carotene- and quinone-depleted chloroplasts, but the light-induced pH increase disappears following the first extraction step. Readdition of pure β-carotene partially restores the 518 and 475 nanometer absorbance changes.
Quantitation of Ethacrynic Acid by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

AbstractA stability-indicating assay method for ethacrynic acid based on high pressure liquid chromatography was developed. The method developed is sensitive, accurate and precise (standard deviation based on 6 readings was ± 1.5%). It was used to study the stability of ethacrynic acid in various aqueous systems. The stability tests were conducted at room temperature as well as at 65°, at various pH values and using different vehicles. The data were treated mathematically to estimate various K values. It has been shown that ammonium ion causes a fast reversible decomposition of ethacrynic acid. Formaldehyde appeared to be one of the products of decomposition.
Studies on multilayer film coextrusion I. The rheology of flat film coextrusion

Multilayer blown film coextrusion was studied, both experimentally and theoretically. For the experimental study, an annular die with a feed-port system was designed and multilayer blown films were produced by rotating the inner mandrel with a one horsepower variable-speed drive at speeds from nearly 2 to 6 rpm, and by inflating the tubular molten film with air. The die has 16 feed slots and melt pressure transducers are mounted along the axial direction of the outer wall of the annular flow channel. The transducers were used to determine the pressure gradient in the annular flow channel, which then permitted determination of the reduction in pressure drop when different combinations of two polymer systems were coextruded. Polymers used for b own film coextrusion were: (1) low-density polyethylene with ethylene-vinyl acetate; (2) low-density polyethylene with high-density polyethylene; (3) low-density polyethylene with polypropylene; (4) high-density polyethylene with ethylene-vinyl acetate. For the theoretical study, stratified helical flow was analyzed using a power-law non-Newtonian model. A computational procedure was developed to predict the number of layers, layer thickness, and the volumetric flow rate as functions of certain processing variables (namely, the pressure drop in the die, and the angular speed of rotation of the inner mandrel of the die) and the rheological parameters of the individual polymers concerned. Comparison was made of the theoretical prediction of volumetric flow rate with experimental ones. Some representative results are presented of the theoretically predicted axial and angular velocity distributions, shear stress profiles, and shear rate profiles.
Simulated acid rain effects on yield response of two corn cultivars

Acid rain is a documented phenomenon over much of the eastern and midwestern United States, including major portions of the Corn Belt. However, few studies report the effect of acid rain on yield of corn (L.). Field experiments were conducted in 1983 and 1984 on a Flanagan silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aquic Argiudoll) soil at Urbana, IL. Two corn cultivars (Pioneer 3377 and B73✕Mol7) were protected from ambient rain by two automated movable rain exclusion shelters and were exposed to one of six simulated rain acidities ranging from pH 5.6 to 3.0. Analysis of the effect of rainfall pH on grain yield showed no significant linear or quadratic trend (=0.10) for either cultivar in individual years or with both years combined. Comparisons among treatments for both cultivars showed rain simulants with no added acid (pH 5.6) resulted in grain yields that were not significantly different from the average grain yields of the other five pH treatments. For B73✕Mol7, the 2-yr combined yield for the pH 3.0 treatment was significantly lower (5.7%) than the average yield for the other five treatments. This same contrast was not significant for Pioneer 3377. These results imply that under normal environmental conditions and agronomic practices, rainfall at its present levels of acidity has little if any effect on corn yields.
Characterization and modeling of the A- and B-granule starches of wheat, triticale, and barley

Abstract Wheat, triticale, and barley starches have large, disc-shaped A-granules and small, spherical B-granules. In this study, A- and B-granules of these three starches were separated, and their structures and properties were analyzed. Absolute amylose contents of wheat, triticale, and barley A-granules were 30.9%, 28.2%, and 28.1%, respectively, and that of the B-granules were 25.5%, 19.7%, and 23.0%, respectively. High-performance anion-exchange chromatography, equipped with an on-line amyloglucosidase reactor and a pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC-ENZ-PAD), of debranched amylopectins showed that the A-granules had more B2 chains and lesser short chains (A and B1 chains) than did the B-granule counterparts. Structure models of the amylopectins of the A- and B-granule starches were proposed, and the relationships between the structures of amylopectin and the shapes of starch granules were discussed. The B-granules displayed higher peak gelatinization temperatures and broader gelatinization temperature ranges than did the A-granules. The retrogradation rates of the B-granules after being stored at 4 °C for 7 days were less than that of the A-granules. The B-granules had higher pasting temperatures, less peak, breakdown, and setback viscosity than did the A-granule counterparts. The pasting properties of reconstitute wheat starch consisting of different proportions of the A- and the B-granules showed that the chemical composition and structure of the starch, instead of the size of the starch granules, controlled the pasting properties of the starch. The differences in the structure of the A- and B-granules suggested that biosynthesis of the two granules differed.
Correlation Study of Energetic Ion Induced Optical Absorption and Thermoluminescence in Crystalline LiF and CaF2

The parallel effect of step-wise annealing on induced absorption and thermoluminescence in crystalline LiF and CaF2 irradiated with gamma rays and He+ ions is investigated. The thermoluminescence centers are found to correlate to the entire absorption spectrum rather than to isolated bands. The results also indicate a preferential production of centers of higher thermal stability by the energetic ions, and the possible existence of reservoirs of trapped species resistant to common annealing practices.
Perioperative characteristics associated with preterm birth in twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser surgery.

Objective To identify perioperative risk factors for preterm delivery (PTD) in laser-treated patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Study Design Twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients who underwent laser surgery were followed prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify gestational and surgical characteristics associated with preterm delivery. Results Of 318 eligible patients, the mean (SD) gestational age of delivery was 32.8 (4.2) weeks. The number of days from laser surgery to delivery had a bimodal distribution; group I delivered within 21 days and group II delivered after 21 days of surgery. Eighteen patients (5.7%) were in group I and demonstrated the following risk factors for delivery within 21 days: incomplete laser surgery suspected (odds ratio [OR], 11.14; P = .0106), preoperative subchorionic hematoma (OR, 7.92, P = .0361), preoperative cervical length P = .0117), and recipient's maximum vertical pocket ≥14 cm (OR, 3.23; P = .0335). In group II, 92 of 300 patients (30.7%) delivered P = .0506); incidental septostomy (OR, 4.4; P = .0009); triplet gestation (OR, 2.6; P = .0689); postoperative membrane detachment (OR, 2.4; P = .0393); and nonposterior placental location (OR, 1.8; P = .0282). Conclusion Timing of delivery after laser for twin-twin transfusion syndrome has a bimodal distribution with distinct gestational and surgical risk factors. This information may be useful in counseling patients and in directing future avenues of research.
Improved Treatment of Scattering Using the Discrete Ordinates Method

A finite volume method (FVM) is presented in this article. This procedure can be used to model transparent, absorbing, emitting, and anisotropically scattering media. A procedure to capture collimated beam is also presented. The FVM is applied to six test problems, and the results compared favorably against other published results. The test problems include two- and three-dimensional enclosures with participating media, collimated incidence, and heat generation. The efficiency of the FVM procedure is also investigated using a three-dimensional test problem.
Ultrastructure of terminally differentiated adult rat cardiac muscle cells in culture

Ventricular cardiac muscle cells isolated from adult rats were maintained in culture for 28 to 60 days and examined by transmission electron microscopy. In order to elucidate the detailed ultrastructure of the cultured myocytes, several different electron-dense stains were used. These included tannic acid, osmium ferrocyanide, osmium tetroxide (applied as a primary fixative), and lanthanum chloride, as well as more widely used stains such as osmium tetroxide, uranyl acetate, and lead citrate. Our results show that, compared to cultured neonatal rat myocytes, cultured myocytes derived from adult rats more closely resemble in vivo adult ventricular cells. The cultured adult myocytes contained typically distributed organelles such as nuclei, mitochondria, and elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Myofilaments were well organized, and typical intercalated disks were observed between adjacent cells. Unlike cultured neonatal myocytes, the adult cells contained numerous residual bodies and a relatively well developed transverse tubular system. The transverse tubular system was identified by its continuity with the extracellular space (as indicated by the penetration of electron-dense extracellular tracers), location at or near the Z line, large lumenal diameter, and frequent participation in couplings with elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Finite-Depth Seepage below Flat Aprons with Equal End Cutoffs

Closed-form theoretical solutions for steady seepage below a horizontal impervious apron with equal end cutoffs are obtained using Schwarz-Christoffel transformation. The resulting implicit equations involving elliptic integrals are used to obtain various seepage characteristics in nondimensional floor-profile ratios. These ratios are further expressed in the form of design charts and as algebraic equations. The results have been validated by comparing the solutions with the available exact solutions for infinite-depth cases.
Motor nerve terminals of cat nuclear chain fibers studied by the cholinesterase technique

Abstract Muscle spindles were traced in serial transverse sections of freshly frozen cat tenuissimus muscles. Adenosine triphosphatase histochemical staining was used to identify nuclear bag 1 , nuclear bag 2 and nuclear chain intrafusal muscle fibers. Unlike typical nuclear chain fibers, the long nuclear chain fibers extended for more than 1000 μm beyond the termination of the spindle capsule. Both simple ‘rim’ and more elaborate ‘plate’ type motor nerve terminals were demonstrated along the poles of the typical nuclear chain fibers by staining for cholinesterases. Most of the long nuclear chain fibers and the majority of nuclear bag fibers had motor innervation limited to ‘plate’-type endings as identified by staining for cholinesterases. These histochemical observations are discussed with regard to the current concepts of the functional organization of motor innervation of the mammalian muscle spindle.
Rolling contact fatigue life of finish hard machined surfaces: Part 1. Model development☆

Abstract This research presents a methodology for modeling the rolling contact fatigue life of finish hard machined surfaces. Part 1 of two companion papers presents the development of a life model; Part 2 presents an experimental verification of the life model. A crack initiation life model and a crack propagation life model have been developed to put forward a rolling contact fatigue life model. The crack initiation life model was developed by using a local stress–life curve. The crack propagation life model was developed by the stress intensity factor range at the leading tip and the modified Paris’ formula. The effect of residual stresses and micro-hardness on the rolling contact fatigue life has been investigated by the developed life model. Both residual stresses and micro-hardness are shown to affect the rolling contact fatigue life, while the effect of residual stresses is shown to be more significant than that of micro-hardness in the proposed conditions.
Simple ICP Spatial Profiles: Optimization of Observation Position

It is well known that the emission intensities of different elements exhibit different spatial patterns in the ICP. Even for a single element, the ionic and atomic emission transitions exhibit different spatial patterns. Usually a single compromise viewing position is chosen for most determinations of concentration. The commercial availability of fast sequential monochromators has made sequential-element determinations an important analytical tool. In contrast to simultaneous multielement measurements, the fast sequential measurements offer the theoretical possibility of optimization of all parameters affecting emission. With proper computer control, parameters such as power level, argon flow rate, sample introduction rate, and observation region in the plasma can be optimized and the settings reproduced for each element prior to measurement. Several authors have utilized multivariate (simplex) techniques in optimization studies. This paper focuses on a single aspect of optimization, observation position, presents a simple method for obtaining emission profile data, and compares results of compromise viewing position vs. individual element optimized viewing position on signal-to-background ratios.
Solution structure of the K-turn and Specifier Loop domains from the Bacillus subtilis tyrS T box leader RNA

In Gram-positive bacteria, the RNA transcripts of many amino acid biosynthetic and aminoacyl tRNA synthetase genes contain 5' untranslated regions, or leader RNAs, that function as riboswitches. These T-box riboswitches bind cognate tRNA molecules and regulate gene expression by a transcription attenuation mechanism. The Specifier Loop domain of the leader RNA contains nucleotides that pair with nucleotides in the tRNA anticodon loop and is flanked on one side by a kink-turn (K-turn), or GA, sequence motif. We have determined the solution NMR structure of the K-turn sequence element within the context of the Specifier Loop domain. The K-turn sequence motif has several noncanonical base pairs typical of K-turn structures but adopts an extended conformation. The Specifier Loop domain contains a loop E structural motif, and the single-strand Specifier nucleotides stack with their Watson-Crick edges displaced toward the minor groove. Mg(2+) leads to a significant bending of the helix axis at the base of the Specifier Loop domain, but does not alter the K-turn. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicates that the K-turn sequence causes a small enhancement of the interaction between the tRNA anticodon arm and the Specifier Loop domain. One possibility is that the K-turn structure is formed and stabilized when tRNA binds the T-box riboswitch and interacts with Stem I and the antiterminator helix. This motif in turn anchors the orientation of Stem I relative to the 3' half of the leader RNA, further stabilizing the tRNA-T box complex.
Transition radiation response over large ranges of Lorentz factor

We examine the application of transition radiation detectors for precision measurements in cosmic-ray astrophysics. In particular, we discuss designs for achieving high saturation Lorentz factors and show measurements of prototypes built to test these designs.
Police Image: An Exploratory Study

In this study interviews were used to discover the effect of four variables on police image: race, sex, age, and type of communication with policemen. It was found that white subjects, subjects who reported that their images of police were based on personal contact, and subjects who reported no arrest record had significantly more favorable images of police than did their counterparts.
Tropical Rain Induced by a Small Natural Heat Source

Abstract The possibility of rainfall enhancement by asphalt ground coatings is analysed by means of observations of natural cloud formations over the small flat island of Anegada. Anegada is comparable in size to the contemplated artificial asphalt coatings and probably produces smaller effective differential heating. A case study using the Woods Hole instrumented aircraft data is made on a day in which the Anegada cloud street produced rain. Heated island theory is used to estimate the “equivalent heat mountain” and updraft associated with the island warming. These results are compared with the aircraft temperature and moisture cross sections and cloud maps made from time-lapse photographs. The study indicates that the asphalt coating method is sufficiently promising to warrant intensified investigation, for which specific means are suggested.
Superconductivity and metal-insulator transition in zinc-substituted La1.85Sr0.15CuO4

When Zn is substituted for Cu in La 1.85 Sr 0.15 CuO 4 , T c goes to zero near 3 at %. The metal-insulator transition occurs at a higher concentration, so that there is a non-superconducting but metallic range of impurity concentration.
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia in young African‐American adults

We have identified five African-American patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) diagnosed at a young age (ages 35, 38, 38, 40, 51; 4 males, 1 female). All had a history of intravenous heroin abuse and four also used cocaine. Their manner of presentation and clinical course were typical. Three of three patients tested for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) were positive and three of three patients tested were HIV negative. The potential relationship between intravenous drug abuse and/or HCV to development of WM in this group of young patients is provocative, especially since a polyclonal increase in serum IgM is commonly seen in chronic intravenous heroin addicts. More recently, the contribution of HCV is being evaluated in lymphoproliferative disorders. Although WM is typically a disease of older people, it should also be considered in the differential in a young patient with a suggestive clinical picture.
Gene activity patterns and cellular differentiation.

Puffing in giant chromosomes ot Diptera is considered to reflect the pattern of active gene loci in these chromosomes. In any one tissue only a relatively small portion of the total bands (about 10 to 20%) have been observed to form a puff at some time or another in larval development. These patterns of “potentially active” loci are tissue specific, though greatly overlapping. The actual rate of activity at these loci is controlled independently of each other and independently in each tissue by factors of the extranuclear metabolism. Puffing at some loci seems to be related to specific cellular functions, such as secretion of the salivary glands. The activity of others may be related to more basic metabolic processes. In relation to larval development, puffing patterns may change with changing cell functions or with developmental processes in the cells themselves. In salivary glands of Chironomus activity of DNAase and of acid phosphatase seems to change in relation to cell breakdown at the end of the pupal molt. Changes of acid phosphatase activity begin early in the last larval ins tar, but the enzyme is bound to lysosomes until metamorphosis. This suggests that the genes specifically active during metamorphosis have to interact with a longterm control-system of development. The induction of metamorphosis is a sequential process, gene activations being among the first steps in this sequence. The activation of these genes by ecdysone is independent of protein synthesis. It is only the reaction of these genes that leads to the subsequent events in the cell, including the subsequent puff activations. This is shown by the fact that they depend on early RNA synthesis as well as on protein synthesis. These results on puffing are discussed with regard to the general problem of the relationships between patterns of gene activity and differentiation.
Climate change and philosophy in Latin America

This paper aims at surveying the current philosophical issues concerning the climate change crisis in Latin America. The work attempts to analyze some central policies, particularly those that fostered economic progress in the region at the expense of human and environmental depletion. Historically, Latin America remained at the periphery of philosophical inquiry following the long standing multiple manifestations of colonialism. As a result, the systematic philosophical reflections about climate change in the region have been scarce at best. Here, I have addressed three main topics: political ecology, economic development, and indigenous issues. Latin American political ecology generally seeks to identify the ontological schemes necessary to mitigate, cope, and adapt to the climatic crisis. In addition, developmentalism played a significant role in exacerbating the state of Latin American political, economic, and ecological systems. Environmentalists all throughout the region strive to find alternatives ...
Glandular pubescence, glycoalkaloid composition, and resistance to the green peach aphid, potato leafhopper, and potato fleabeetle inSolanum berthaultii

Fifteen accessions ofSolarium berthaultii Hawkes andS. berthaultii xS. tarijense Hawkes were assessed for resistance to field infestations of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae (Harris), and potato fleabeetle,Epitrix cucumeris (Harris). Accessions bearing both Type A and Type B glandular trichomes were much more resistant to the green peach aphid and potato leafhopper than accessions bearing Type A hairs alone. All accessions had significantly smaller populations of these 3 pests than S.tuberosum cultivars. Total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content of foliage and tubers was not correlated with insect populations. Foliar TGA levels of field-grown plants varied among accessions, ranging from < 2–240 mg/100 g fresh wt. Solasonine and solamargine were the major foliar glycoalkaloids while solamarines predominated in tubers.
Circulatory support in infants and children

Although the last decade has brought dramatic improvement in patient selection and postoperative management of adults and children undergoing advanced mechanical circulatory support, technological advances have been largely limited to the adult population. Intraaortic balloon pumps are technically feasible, but their efficacy has been questioned and their use has been limited in children. Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has become the most commonly used method of mechanical circulatory support in children who have severe cardiac failure after cardiac operations. Additionally, a small number of infants and children have been supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or as temporary support during reversible myocardial failure due to lesions such as viral myocarditis. More recently, a small number of pediatric patients have been supported with centrifugal and pneumatic devices, particularly after cardiac operations. Surprisingly, many of these patients did well with left ventricular support only. The overall children's survival rates in the myocardial recovery group are better than those in adults. However, current pediatric devices do not provide support for greater than a few weeks, making bridging to transplantation less feasible than in adults.
An intelligent decision support system for editors

so on. For these people, computerized systems represent powerful tools for assisting them in the performance of their work. The problems derive f rom the increasing ability of these systems to take over much of the work now performed by manufacturing, clerical, and service workers. Solutions will not be simple. Elements leading towards acceptable solutions must include human considerations in the direction and pace of change; shortening individual work time to spread available jobs around more widely; and creation of new products and services both to create additional jobs and to meet social needs.
Temporal capture and sequence reconstruction for evaluation of display systems and video content

It is being increasingly recognized that temporal measures are an extremely important addition to conventional measures such as brightness, color, and contrast. In addition to flicker, color breakup, and visible flashes, inaccuracies in the portrayal of motion can greatly affect user acceptance of a system. The project team has previously reported on the use of image capture systems that can capture many images of the display for analysis to determine image characteristics and to reconstruct the temporal behavior of the display. This paper will describe how this technique can be extended to produce useful observation of multi-frame sequences. Issues for proper use of this technique include: 1) frame identification by cues in the frame image or other means, 2) externally generated image timestamps for both intra-frame and inter-frame timing, 3) tying image capture to the display's pixel transition timing to avoid erroneous measure taken during pixel transitions, 4) formatting test material to ensure repeatable display performance, and 5) proper sequence reconstruction and analysis to ensure that the reconstructed sequence is accurately representative of system behavior. Finally, the paper will discuss ways in which measurements taken using these techniques can be calibrated by comparison using human subjects and conventional measures.
SPS Adsorption and Desorption during Copper Electrodeposition and Its Impact on PEG Adsorption

The adsorption and activation of bis (3-sulfopropyl)-disulfide (SPS) has been studied using a microfluidic electrochemical device. The device provides for accurate transitioning of solution over the working electrode allowing for addition or removal of additives from a base plating electrolyte. The transition from a Cl - plating bath to a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/SPS/Cl - bath shows a quick ( < 2 s) suppression of copper deposition similar to that seen with a PEG/Cl - bath. Acceleration at longer times, presumably by the activation of adsorbed SPS species, is a function of SPS concentration and applied cathodic potential. When copper is plated in the presence of SPS and Cl - for times around 100 s before the introduction of PEG, the activated SPS appears to inhibit the adsorption of PEG to the surface. System response to chloride ion addition or removal is relatively fast. Desorption of an activated SPS/PEG/Cl - layer occurs slowly, even at high cathodic potentials of -0.275 V, where current densities are over 50 mA cm -2 . Numerical simulations show that the time needed for PEG to saturate the bottom of a sub-100 nm feature is small relative to SPS activation times.
Dissolved organic carbon fluxes in the Shetucket River of eastern Connecticut, U.S.A.*

SUMMARY. Seasonal changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were monitored biweekly for 1 year at seven stations in the Shetucket River watershed in eastern Connecticut, U.S.A. Nine monthly diurnal studies revealed 24-h fluctuations of up to 53% of the seasonal range of 250–2200 μm DOC. Net DOC removal along a 1.9-km stretch below a secondary sewage treatment plant (activated sludge effluent diluted to a final average volume of 1.4% in the river) ranged from 0 to 1600 and averaged 68 ± 64 mmol m−2 day−1. Removal of DOC further downstream could only be observed during a severe 3-h October storm when net uptake ranged from 16 to 92 mmol m−2 h−1, using upstream-downstream techniques. Oxygen respiration could account for about half of the net DOC removal during the October storm. Even though net uptake was somewhat greater than reported in other lotic studies, about 97% of the DOC potentially available to benthic heterotrophs was exported further downstream.
Photodynamic therapy enhancement of anti-tumor immunity

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved modality for the treatment of early-stage disease and palliation of late-stage disease. Pre-clinical studies using mouse models and clinical studies in patients have demonstrated that PDT is capable of influencing the immune system. The effect of PDT on the generation of anti-tumor immunity is regimen-dependent and is tightly linked to the degree and nature of inflammation induced by PDT. However, the precise mechanism underlying PDT-regulated adaptive anti-tumor immunity remains unclear. This review will focus on the current knowledge of immune regulation by PDT.
Time-varying spectral analysis of non-stationary signals based on combined wavelet and Fourier transforms

The wavelet transform (WT) has received attention in recent years in the analysis of non-stationary signals. Studies have shown that the WT provides very good resolution in the time direction and comparatively poor resolution in the frequency direction for broadband signals. On the other hand, the Fourier transform (FT) provides better resolution in the frequency direction, but it is not suitable for the analysis of transients. A new algorithm is presented to analyse non-stationary signals efficiently. It is based on combined wavelet and Fourier transforms. This algorithm makes use of the WT to display the time domain signal components and the FT to display their spectral components. Further a new method is suggested to eliminate the interference terms between the different scales in wavelet analysis. The algorithm is applied to computer simulation and real data examples. Results suggest that it provides comparable temporal and frequency resolution of transients.
Dynamic Theory of Noise in a Magneto-plasma

ABSTRACT The characteristic equation describing the stability of a magneto-plasma in the realm where collisions play a dominant role has been found. Instability ordinarily associated with collective plasma oscillations cannot manifest itself. However, instability is nonetheless mirrored in the characteristic equation by the possible occurrence of complex roots. This variety of instability associated with complex transit times is believed to be noise and is ruled out in the cold plasma limit: not only are collisions needed to bring on noise, but also the thermal velocity must dominate over the directed electronic motion. In such an environment, a magnetic field can act to suppress or favour noise output. Where stable operation is in effect at sufficiently high anode voltages, imposition of a magnetic field can bring on noise.
Investigation of deep-level luminescence in In0.07Ga0.93N:Mg

Deep-level defects formed in InGaN:Mg have been investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Undoped In0.07Ga0.93N exhibits strong bandedge emission at 3.05 eV. Upon Mg doping the bandedge emission quenches and a 2.45 eV green band with a full-width at half-maximum of 800 meV dominates the room temperature PL spectrum. This band is attributed to donor–acceptor pair (DAP) recombination involving Mg acceptors and nitrogen vacancy donors. A decrease in the DAP emission bandwidth and an S-shaped emission shift with increasing temperature were observed and attributed to compositional fluctuations. In order to decrease the fluctuations, InGaN:Mg epilayers with a GaN capping layer were annealed at high temperature. As a result of the fluctuation reduction a fine structure related to phonon replicas was resolved. The measured phonon energy and the Huang–Rhys factor were 105 meV and 6.3, respectively, indicating strong electron–phonon coupling is responsible for the large width of the green band.
EPR and magnetic quantum tunneling studies of the mixed valent [Mn4(anca)4(Hedea)2(edea)2]·2CHCl3, EtOH single-molecule magnet

Abstract High-frequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Quantum Tunneling of Magnetization (QTM) measurements have been carried out on single-crystal samples of a mixed-valent Mn 2 II Mn 2 III single-molecule magnet (SMM). Frequency, temperature and field-oriented studies reveal an S = 9 spin ground state with low-lying excited spin states. Numerical simulations were performed via exact diagonalization of a multi-spin Hamiltonian, in which the anisotropy of the molecule is based on the anisotropy of the individual ions and their couplings. We found that the EPR and QTM spectra may adequately be explained with two s = 5/2 MnII ions weakly coupled to a rigid s = 4 spin, formed by the two ferromagnetically coupled MnIII ions.
Real-time implementation of biofidelic SA1 model for tactile feedback

In order for the functionality of an upper-limb prosthesis to approach that of a real limb it must be able to, accurately and intuitively, convey sensory feedback to the limb user. This paper presents results of the real-time implementation of a ‘biofidelic’ model that describes mechanotransduction in Slowly Adapting Type 1 (SA1) afferent fibers. The model accurately predicts the timing of action potentials for arbitrary force or displacement stimuli and its output can be used as stimulation times for peripheral nerve stimulation by a neuroprosthetic device. The model performance was verified by comparing the predicted action potential (or spike) outputs against measured spike outputs for different vibratory stimuli. Furthermore experiments were conducted to show that, like real SA1 fibers, the model's spike rate varies according to input pressure and that a periodic ‘tapping’ stimulus evokes periodic spike outputs.
Limitations of existing theory in explaining state‐dependent performance of rats on the maier three‐table reasoning problem

The three-table reasoning problem was developed by Norman Maier in 1929 to test the ability of rats to combine the essentials of two isolated experiences to reach a goal. The purpose of this paper is to describe the test situation and the performance of rats that were given each experience in a different chemical state prior to testing. Rats given morphine, methadone, or naloxone for both experiences and the test performed well on this task, whereas rats given the first experience in an undrugged or saline condition and given the second experience in a morphine, methadone, or naloxone condition performed poorly. Similarly, rats given experience 1 in a undrugged condition, experience 2 in a morphine or methadone condition, and the test in a naloxone condition performed poorly. Although these results cannot be explained by most theories of state-dependent learning, an interpretation is presented, with suggestions for further research.
Proton-coupled gating in chloride channels

The physiologically indispensable chloride channel (CLC) family is split into two classes of membrane proteins: chloride channels and chloride/proton antiporters. In this article we focus on the relationship between these two groups and specifically review the role of protons in chloride-channel gating. Moreover, we discuss the evidence for proton transport through the chloride channels and explore the possible pathways that the protons could take through the chloride channels. We present results of a mutagenesis study, suggesting the feasibility of one of the pathways, which is closely related to the proton pathway proposed previously for the chloride/proton antiporters. We conclude that the two groups of CLC proteins, although in principle very different, employ similar mechanisms and pathways for ion transport.
Introduction: the era of cardiac biointerventions.

The past half-decade has seen significant progress in the experimental development and clinical validation of new “biointervention” strategies for the treatment of heart disease. The goal of such therapies is to intervene in cardiac disorders with biologic agents or systems that can potentially enhance or correct derangements in cardiac structure and function. These therapies offer fascinating potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. These new therapies are also needed for the estimated 10% to 12% of individuals with coronary disease for whom conventional therapies are not indicated because of the severity of their disease. The biointerventions described in this issue may be of critical importance for these estimated 100,000 ‐200,000 “no-option” patients for whom current medical and interventional therapies are of limited utility. Importantly, the gene and cell biointerventions described herein are no longer medical science fiction—many are in clinical trials today.
The business of Service Learning

Service Learning is a program where students utilize skills gained in coursework to benefit members of the community. Students gain practical experience, and those being served gain valuable assistance. Service Learning programs range from volunteer hours added as a requirement to a traditional course to semester or yearlong classes dedicated to Service Learning. Each model has pros and cons and the effectiveness of a particular model can vary based on the characteristics of and resources available at the individual university. This paper presents the evolving model of a year-long course dedicated to Service Learning and housed in the Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences department of Point Loma Nazarene University. PLNU is a relatively small liberal arts university without an administrative department overseeing Service Learning. The course is one of three options for gaining practical experience. Hence, the program must be flexible enough to provide a good experience for any number of students and combination of majors, and must be self-contained. We have chosen to run our Service Learning course using a business model where student resources can be realigned as necessary to meet project needs. In addition to project assignments, students cover administrative tasks and provide training to other students.
All in the family: the BTB/POZ, KRAB, and SCAN domains.

Understanding the mechanisms by which specific genes are expressed in a temporal or tissue-specific manner is a central problem in biology. Transcription factors play a key role in this process. These proteins are modular and can be classified based on the structure of the domain that binds DNA. One type of DNA binding domain is defined by its requirement for zinc and has been designated a zinc finger motif (reviewed in reference 28). In this group, the C 2H2 zinc fingers represent one of the most common types of DNA binding domains. The motif frequently occurs in tandem repeats and is defined by two cysteine and two histidine residues that coordinate a zinc ion and fold the domain into a finger-like projection that can interact with DNA (28). There are approximately 600 to 700 genes in the human genome encoding C 2H2 motifs (7, 48a), suggesting that this class of transcription factors represents a substantial portion of the genes in the human genome. Accompanying the zinc finger elements in the C 2H2 class of zinc finger transcription factors are a variety of extended sequence motifs. These structural modules regulate subcellular localization, DNA binding, and gene expression by controlling selective association of the transcription factors with each other or with other cellular components. In the C 2H2 class of zinc fingers, these associated modules include the poxvirus and zinc finger (POZ) domain (5), which is also known as the BTB domain (Broad-Complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-a-brac), the Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) (7), and the newly defined SCAN domain (51). These domains define subgroups and may provide insights into the functions of the members of this large family of zinc finger transcription factors. Here each of these domains will be introduced and representative members of the BTB/POZ and KRAB domain families will be used to place the more recently described SCAN domain family of transcription factors in perspective.
Relationships between sleep quality and glucose regulation in normal humans

To define the effects of sleep on glucose regulation, we analyzed plasma glucose levels, insulin secretion rates (ISR), and plasma growth hormone and cortisol levels in normal subjects receiving a constant glucose infusion during nocturnal sleep, nocturnal sleep deprivation, and daytime recovery sleep. Plasma glucose and ISR markedly increased during early nocturnal sleep and returned to presleep levels during late sleep. These changes in glucose and ISR appeared to reflect the predominance of slow-wave (SW) stages in early sleep and of rapid-eye-movement and wake stages in late sleep. Major differences in glucose and ISR profiles were observed during sleep deprivation as glucose and ISR remained essentially stable during the first part of the night and then decreased significantly, despite the persistence of bed rest and constant glucose infusion. During daytime recovery sleep, SW stages were increased, glucose levels peaked earlier than during nocturnal sleep, and the decreases of glucose and ISR in late sleep were reduced by one-half. Thus sleep has important effects on brain and tissue glucose utilization, suggesting that sleep disturbances may adversely affect glucose tolerance.
The male perineal sling: assessment and prediction of outcome.

Purpose: The male perineal sling has become an option for treating male stress incontinence. We evaluated its overall efficacy and determined preoperative parameters that could predict success. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 men with stress incontinence were prospectively evaluated and underwent a male perineal sling. Preoperatively 24-hour pad weight, urodynamics and a number of validated incontinence questionnaires were completed. At a minimum of 3 months of followup 24-hour pad weight and questionnaires were repeated. Success was assessed using the 1 question Patient Global Impression of Improvement. The Patient Global Impression of Improvement was compared to a number of other subjective and objective measures of outcome. Finally, preoperative parameters were evaluated to determine predictors of outcome. Results: As determined by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, the success rate was 58%. The only preoperative factor predictive of success was 24-hour pad weight. An individual had a 71% chance of successful surgery if preoperative pad weight was less than 423 gm. There was a statistically significant difference between successes and failures in terms of postoperative pad weight and certain questionnaires, including the UCLA/RAND Prostate Cancer Index urinary function score, International Consultation on Incontinence short form, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Index and International Prostate Symptom Score. The overall complication rate was 21% and the reoperation rate was 14.5%. Conclusions: The male perineal sling can be an effective surgical treatment for stress incontinence in the appropriate patient. The procedure is most successful in patients with lesser objective degrees of incontinence. The Patient Global Impression of Improvement is an effective tool for assessing outcome for this population.
Status of the MIT-Bates South Hall Ring commissioning

This work discusses commissioning of the injection line, the Energy Compression System and the South Hall Ring. Future plans are considered. >