cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The distribution and comparison of "genetic loads" under heterotic selection and simple frequency-dependent selection in finite populations.

Abstract The effects of random genetic drift and stochastic disturbance in allele frequencies were considered in connection with segregational and mutational genetic loads in finite populations of varying sizes. The modes of selection studied were heterotic selection with constant fitness values and simple frequency-dependent selection proposed earlier by this author. The latter model was based upon the existence of an optimal allele frequency for each locus. In the first study, the total genetic load was divided into three categories: one due to segregating populations, another due to populations fixed with A allele, and the last due to populations fixed with a allele. In most populations (effective size of a few hundred), there were essentially no genetic loads in any of the three categories under frequency-dependent selection, but the heterosis model produced 10 to 100 times more genetic load, most of it coming from segregating populations. In very small populations there was no difference in such a comparison. The second comparison was the pseudo-segregational load comparison, when the allele frequency was shifted from the point of equilibrium in a given population of finite size. The third comparison was the ratio of expected segregational loads due to sampling errors. The last two comparisons of segregational loads under the heterotic and frequency-dependent selection modes were limited to one generation of various finite-size populations. The concept of frequency-dependent selection was discussed as the most likely mode of natural selection for maintaining balanced polymorphisms.
Infectious etiologies of childhood leukemia: plausibility and challenges to proof.

Infections as well as environmental exposures are proposed determinants of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly common precursor B-cell ALL (cALL). Lines of investigation test hypotheses that cALL is a rarer result of common infection, that it results from uncommon infection, or that it ensues from abnormal immune development; perhaps it requires a preceding prenatal or early childhood insult. Ideally, studies should document that particular infections precede leukemia and induce malignant transformation. However, limited detection studies have not directly linked specific human or nonhuman infectious agents with ALL or cALL. Primarily based on surrogate markers of infectious exposure, indirect evidence from ecologic and epidemiologic studies varies widely, but some suggest that infancy or early childhood infectious exposures might protect against childhood ALL or cALL. Several others suggest that maternal infection during pregnancy might increase risk or that certain breast-feeding practices decrease risk. To date, evidence cannot confirm or refute whether at least one infection induces or is a major co-factor for developing ALL or cALL, or perhaps actually protects against disease. Differences in methodology and populations studied may explain some inconsistencies. Other challenges to proof include the likely time lag between infection and diagnosis, the ubiquity of many infections, the influence of age at infection, and the limitations in laboratory assays; small numbers of cases, inaccurate background leukemia rates, and difficulty tracking mobile populations further affect cluster investigations. Nevertheless, existing evidence partially supports plausibility and warrants further investigation into potential infectious determinants of ALL and cALL, particularly in the context of multifactorial or complex systems.
eCloudRFID - A mobile software framework architecture for pervasive RFID-based applications

In the last few years, RFID technology has become a stimulating and rapidly expanding area of research and development. The technology's ability to precisely identify objects at low cost and without line of sight creates new and emerging opportunities for RFID applications that could become an integral part of our daily lives. Mobile RFID services for the Internet of Things can be created using RFID as an enabling technology in mobile devices. This pervasiveness enables embedded systems to interact with the user continuously, providing data from their sensors and responding to requests from the users too. Humans, devices and things are both the content providers and users of these mobile services. Mobile RFID services can be either provided on mobile devices applications as stand-alone services or combined with legacy and end-to-end systems. However, to develop and deploy this kind of system, it is necessary for an effective software development infrastructure to be able to deal with the restrictions and limitations imposed by related business areas, RFID and pervasive applications. This work presents a software framework architecture for mobile devices that aims to facilitate the development process of embedded RFID applications and the integration process of business applications and EPC Network instances. The framework provides for applications a common communication interface to abstract different devices and reading protocols as well as functions to process and distribute data.
Electrochemical oxidation of tryptophan

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of tryptophan at graphite electrodes has been studied in aqueous solutions over a wide pH range. The single voltammetric oxidation peak of tryptophan is due to an irreversible 2 e− reaction giving an extremely reactive methylene-imine intermediate. This intermediate, being highly electrophilic, is attacked by nucleophiles present in the reaction solution. Nucleophilic attack by water leads to two more intermediates which can be detected by thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry and cyclic voltammetry. Further chemical and/or electrochemical reactions of these intermediates lead to formation of two isomers of 2-carboxy-3a-hydroxy-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydropyrrolo-(2,3b)-indole, oxindolylalanine, dioxindolylalanine and kynurenine. Mechanisms rationalizing the formation of these products are proposed. Two other products appear to be oligomeric or polymeric compounds.
The effects of matrix microcracking on the oxidation behaviour of carbon-fibre/glass-matrix composites

Carbon-fibre/glass-matrix composites were fabricated using Fortafil fibres and two different glass matrices: a sodium-borosilicate glass (CGW 7740), and a calcium-aluminosilicate glass (CGW 1723). Upon cooling from the hot-pressing temperature used to fabricate the composites (approximately 1250°C), the glass matrices cracked due to differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the fibres and the matrix. At elevated temperatures these cracks serve as short-circuit diffusion paths for oxygen transport, and the majority of the weight loss from the cracked samples was caused by oxygen diffusing along these microcracks and reacting with the fibres. Because of the relatively large diameter of these cracks compared to the mean free path for diffusing oxygen, traditional gas kinetics can be applied to the various transport processes occurring in the oxidation reactions, and there is no need to allow for capillary size or to apply Knudsen diffusion. The composites made of 1723 glass exhibited linear relationships between specific-mass loss (Δ mass/initial exposed surface area of carbon fibres) and time at all oxidation temperatures (450, 500, 550 and 600 °C). With the 7740 composites, a parabolic relationship between specific-mass loss and time was obtained. As the oxidation temperature approached or exceeded the glass-transition temperature, Tg, for the 7740 composites (560 °C), this parabolic relationship became more pronounced. Microstructural evidence revealed that at temperatures near or exceeding the Tg for the 7740 glass the microcracks in the matrix heal, thereby decreasing the amount of fibre surface area available for chemical reaction. Because the rate of oxidation is directly proportional to the amount of available fibre-surface area, the weight-loss data appear parabolic with time. Additionally, the mechanism for the oxidation of the carbon fibres does not appear to change once the fibres are placed in a glass matrix. The apparent activation energy for oxidation remained constant at approximately 174 kJ mol−1.
A random element method for a thermal boundary layer

Abstract A new grid-free method for approximating incompressible thermal boundary layers is introduced. The computational elements are segments of vortex sheets which are heated. The method solves the general Prandtl boundary layer equations. More efficient methods of treating the diffusion and source terms are incorporated. The method is applied to the parallel flow past a heated horizontal flat plate and a flow created entirely by buoyancy forces (free-convection flow) on a heated vertical flat plate.
Addition reactions to cyclopolyolefin transition metal π complexes

Abstract The non-coordinated double bonds of (η4-1,2,3,4-cycloheptatriene)Fe(CO)3 and (η4-1,2,5,6-cyclooctatetraene)Co(η5-C5H5) add methylene generated from the Simmons-Smith reaction to yield (η4-2,3,4,5-bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,4-diene)Fe(CO)3 and (η4-2,3,7,8-tricyclo[7.1.0.04,6]deca-2,7-diene)Co(η5-C5H5). An analogous reaction of (η4-1,2,3,4-cyclooctatetraene)Fe(CO)3 yields (η4-6,7,8,9-tricyclo[8.1.0.03,5]undeca-6,8-diene)Fe(CO)3, a product of the addition of three equivalents of methylene in which a cyclopropyl ring opening is proposed to occur. Dichlorocatbene, generated from C6H5HgCCl2Br, would not react in a similar fashion. A BH3 · THF solution would react with these starting materials but unusual products were produced.
IN VITRO STUDIES ON HOMOGRAFT SENSITIVITY.

THE migration of cells from capillary tubes in tissue culture chambers has proved valuable in studies on delayed hypersensitivity in guinea-pigs1,2. Using this technique, it was observed that inhibition of migration of peritoneal cells from guinea-pigs with delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin and other protein antigens occurs only in the presence of the specific antigen. On the other hand, peritoneal cells from guinea-pigs producing circulating antibody were not inhibited by the corresponding antigens.
The Association Between In Vitro Propiconazole Sensitivity and Field Efficacy of Five New England Sclerotinia homoeocarpa Populations

Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) is a major turfgrass disease requiring fungicide application to maintain acceptable conditions for golf. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine the association between field efficacy of propiconazole and in vitro fungicide sensitivity of isolates from five S. homoeocarpa populations. Four golf courses with prior propiconazole exposure (Hartford Golf Club, Hickory Ridge Country Club, Shuttle Meadow Country Club, and Wintonbury Hills Golf Club), and a baseline site with no prior propiconazole exposure (Joseph Troll Turf Research Facility) were chosen as field sites. Experimental plots at each site received the following treatments at 21-day intervals: untreated, propiconazole (0.44, 0.88, 1.32, and 1.76 kg a.i. ha-1), and chlorothalonil (8.18 kg a.i. ha-1). S. homoeocarpa isolates were sampled at three time points during 2009 and 2010: initial (directly before fungicide treatment), 7 days after treatment (DAT), and 21 days after the last treatment. Isolates sampled from dollar spot infection centers at 7 DAT (2009 and 2010) were considered to exhibit "practical field resistance". In parallel, S. homoeocarpa isolates from each site were assayed for in vitro sensitivity to propiconazole by determining relative mycelium growth percentages (RMG%) on potato dextrose agar amended with propiconazole at a discriminatory concentration of 0.1 μg a.i. ml-1. S. homoeocarpa isolates from the four exposed populations displayed significantly higher RMG% values than the baseline population. In general, field efficacy at all propiconazole rates tested was lower at the four locations with prior propiconazole exposure when compared with the baseline population. Increased RMG% values on the propiconazole discriminatory concentration 0.1 μg a.i. ml-1 were associated with decreased relative control values for all propiconazole rates in 2009 and 2010. Results suggest RMG values above 50% at the propiconazole discriminatory concentration of 0.1 μg a.i. ml-1 may be a suitable threshold for detection of S. homoeocarpa isolates that cause practical DMI field resistance.
Spherical manifolds for adaptive resolution surface modeling

We present a surface modeling technique that supports adaptive resolution and hierarchical editing for surfaces of spherical topology. The resulting surface is analytic, Ck, and has a continuous local parameterization defined at every point. To manipulate these surfaces we describe a user-interface based on multiple, overlapping subdivision-style meshes.
In search of the wetland boundary

Implementation of Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 and the “swampbuster” provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 require identification and delineation of wetlands in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations. While a considerable amount of work has gone into characterizing wetlands, very little has gone toward delineating the boundary between unregulated uplands and regulated wetlands. We attempted to delineate this boundary in a tidal saltmarsh and a wooded swamp and along an intermittent stream in North Carolina. Comparisons were based on contour maps of wetland index values. The locations of boundaries derived from Corps of Engineers and Soil Conservation Service indices differed little. However, inclusion of “facultative” species within the aggregate of wetland plants produced a much larger area of “wetland” than hydrographic or soils indicators. Elimination of facultative species brought the three indicators into much closer agreement. The procedures described are appropriate for calibrating and verifying boundaries determined by professional judgment and in situations where the high cost is otherwise warranted, but are not suitable for routine boundary determinations.
The role of state specificity in unimolecular rate theory

Abstract Molecules with isolated compound state resonances decompose with state specific unimolecular rate constants. In some cases, this state specificity can also be identified as mode specific decomposition. Mode specificity means there are exceptionally large or small state specific rate constants depending on which internal modes are excited in forming the resonance state. The ability to establish the modes excited requires that the energies, for resonance states yielding mode specific behavior, can be predicted by finding patterns in the positions of these states in the spectrum. Such patterns allow a zero-order Hamiltonian and basis set to be used to assign quantum numbers to the resonances and to define the type of mode specificity. A situation contrary to one where all the resonance states exhibit mode specificity is statistical state specificity. For this case there are no patterns in the positions of the resonances in the spectrum, so that all the resonance states are intrinsically unassignable. Small and large fluctuations of the state specific rate constants are simply random occurrences, and cannot be associated with any pattern. Statistical inaccuracies make it difficult to identify mode specificity from a distribution of nearest neighbor energy levels. For all types of state specificity (including mode specificity and statistical state specificity), a microcanonical ensemble of compound state resonances will usually not decay exponentially. However, a corresponding result is often not obtained by classical mechanical simulations. The nonexponential decay of a microcanonical ensemble of resonance states results in monoenergetic chemical activation and thermal Lindemann-Hinshelwood rate constants which deviate from those of RRKM theory.
THE REDUCTION TO THE ROTATION FOR PLANAR PERTURBED KEPLERIAN SYSTEMS

After the mean anomaly has been removed from the perturbations, the reduced Hamiltonian becomes a function over the Lie algebra determined by the infinitesimal generators associated with the dynamical symmetries of an unperturbed Keplerian system. The phase space being now the group SO(3), average motions consist of rotations, and the normalized Hamiltonian serves as a Morse function whose critical points determine the intrinsic topology of the perturbed system.
Leakage of disposable breathing circuits.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the sites and rates of the leakage of disposable breathing circuits. Design: Nonclinical, experimental study. Setting: Experimental laboratory. Interventions: To identify in vitro the leakage sites by bubble test and to measure the leakage rate by the increased oxygen (O 2 ) flow needed to maintain the circuit pressure provided by an anesthesia machine previously verified to have no leaks. Breathing circuit pressures measured with a sphygmomanometer of 30, 50, 70, and 100 mmHg were studied. Measurements and Main Results: Ninety-seven disposable and three reusable breathing circuits from seven manufacturers were investigated for leakage. There was a linear relationship between the circuit pressure and O 2 fl ow at which leaks occurred. No leakage was detected in reusable circuits at 30 mmHg of circuit pressure. Leakage was found in two of the six junctions between the patient adapter and the corrugated tubing in the reusable breathing circuits at a circuit pressure of 100 mmHg. In 90% of the disposable circuits tested, the leakage rate was less than 75 ml/min at 30 mmHg of circuit pressure, but there was a wide variation in the amount of leakage among the circuits of different companies. Almost all the leakage sites were located at connections in the circuit and not in the corrugated tubing. The most common site of leakage in the disposable circuits was the junction between the patient adapter end and the corrugated tubing (57%) rather than the swivel piece (40%). Conclusions: Most disposable breathing circuits can be used safely for closed-circuit anesthesia, as the leakage volume is too small to be of clinical importance. The variation in the leakage rates stresses the importance of quality control of the connector seals.
A case for two late Proterozoic–earliest Cambrian faunal province loci

Comparison of the geographic ranges of certain benthic members of the Ediacaran fauna and the earliest shelly metazoan assemblages suggests that the benthic Ediacaran fauna and the first shelly faunas inhabited different parts of the late Proterozoic world. Although Ediacaran cnidarians seem to have been cosmopolitan, the benthic Ediacaran fauna appears to have been restricted to Proto-Gondwana (Baltica and Gondwana), and remained isolated from Proto-Laurasia (Siberia, China, and North America), where shelly metazoans first appeared. Late Proterozoic rifting events and continental motions, perhaps corresponding to fragmentation of a Proterozoic supercontinent, provide a mechanism for isolation of Proto-Gondwana and Proto-Laurasia and resulting benthic metazoan provincialization.
OPTICAL IMAGING OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ACUTE LUNG INJURY FROM HYPEROXIA AND SEPSIS

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic pulmonary disorders such as acute lung injury (ALI) in adults and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Bacterial infection and oxygen toxicity, which result in pulmonary vascular endothelial injury, contribute to impaired vascular growth and alveolar simplification seen in the lungs of premature infants with BPD. Hyperoxia induces ALI, reduces cell proliferation, causes DNA damage and promotes cell death by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to use an optical imaging technique to evaluate the variations in fluorescence intensities of the auto-fluorescent mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes, NADH and FAD in four different groups of rats. The ratio of these fluorescence signals (NADH/FAD), referred to as NADH redox ratio (NADH RR) has been used as an indicator of tissue metabolism in injuries. Here, we investigated whether the changes in metabolic state can be used as a marker of oxidative stress caused by hyperoxia and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in neonatal rat lungs. We examined the tissue redox states of lungs from four groups of rat pups: normoxic (21% O2) pups, hyperoxic (90% O2) pups, pups treated with LPS (normoxic + LPS), and pups treated with LPS and hyperoxia (hyperoxic + LPS). Our results show that hyperoxia oxidized the respiratory chain as reflected by a ~31% decrease in lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic lungs. LPS treatment alone or with hyperoxia had no significant effect on lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic or hyperoxic lungs, respectively. Thus, NADH RR serves as a quantitative marker of oxidative stress level in lung injury caused by two clinically important conditions: hyperoxia and LPS exposure.
The Practice Set: A New Spin on an Old Idea

Abstract In this article, the authors describe their experience in extending a manual practice set to accounting software. The Systems Understanding Aid by Arens and Ward (2001) has been used for some time in the authors' Accounting Information Systems course. The extension involved requiring students to redo the project using Peachtree Complete Accounting© software. The manual project gives students an appreciation of the work required in a business. The computer extension exposes students to the use of general ledger software for a project that they already have completed; thus they know what results the software should produce.
Individual distance in crustacea: IV. Distance and dominance hierarchies in Pagurus pollicaris

The agonistic acts and distances separating interacting individuals when acts occurred were recorded for specimens of the hermit crab Pagurus pollicaris. Individuals were observed in groups of six under several conditions (during a snail predation, with food in the aquarium, and nothing in the aquarium except the crabs before and after the crabs had access to empty gastropod shells). The pattern of agonistic interactions within the groups showed a high degree of order, but the lack of changes in behavior over time indicated these crabs have an aggressive order rather than a dominance hierarchy. The distances separating crabs when acts were executed were significantly affected by (1) the act being executed, (2) the act executed previously by the other crab, (3) the size of the acting crab, (4) the relative size difference of the two interactants, (5) the individual crabs’ identities, and (6) the condition of observation. The individual crab effects on distance were present when crab size was controlled and...
Toad tadpole kin recognition: recognition of half siblings and the role of maternal cues

In laboratory experiments, western toad (Bufo boreas) tadpoles preferentially associated with full siblings over paternal half siblings and with maternal half siblings over non-siblings. Tadpoles did not distinguish between full siblings and maternal half siblings or between paternal half siblings and non-siblings. These results suggest a maternal component to kin recognition. However, maternal half siblings were not preferred over paternal half siblings. Therefore, the effect of maternal cues may be complex. B. boreas tadpoles can probably use both direct and indirect familiarity to discriminate between kin classes.
Right coronary artery—Pulmonary artery arteriovenous fistula secondary to open heart surgery

A patient is described who underwent atrial septal defect repair at age 12 and presented 16 years later with angina. Coronary angiography revealed a right coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula that had developed at the site of the previous thoracotomy. This is the first report of an acquired fistula of this type developing secondary to trauma associated with open heart surgery. Diagnosis, shunt quantification and treatment are discussed.
Zinc-mediated helix capping in a triple-helical protein.

Specific sequence signals at α-helix termini can assist protein folding by punctuating and cueing secondary structural elements in the final native conformation. Here we report the crystallization of a 56-residue alanine-containing peptide, denoted Ala-10 5 6 , in the presence of Zn 2 + . The 1.7 A crystal structure shows that Ala-10 5 6 forms a parallel trimeric coiled coil with three zinc ions anchoring distinct capping conformations at the amino-terminal ends of the three helices. In each polypeptide chain, the free α-amino nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen of the amino-terminal Ser residue coordinate to a Zn 2 + ion to form a five-membered chelate, and the syn-unidentate interaction of the Asp7 side chain with the Zn 2 + cation leads to the formation of a unique docking arrangement for helix capping. Moreover, the coordination of the zinc ion involves a neighboring trimer molecule in the crystal. Consequently, the crystal contacts are stabilized by carboxylate-Zn 2 + interactions between four Ala-10 5 6 trimers in the crystal lattice. The observed synergy between the protein-zinc ion recognition and the helix-packing arrangements would contribute to the conformational specificity of the Ala-10 5 6 trimer.
Changing Social Networks Among Homeless Individuals: A Prospective Evaluation of a Job- and Life-Skills Training Program

Social networks play important roles in mental and physical health among the general population. Building healthier social networks might contribute to the development of self-sufficiency among people struggling to overcome homelessness and substance use disorders. In this study of homeless adults completing a job- and life-skills program (i.e., the Moving Ahead Program at St. Francis House, Boston), we prospectively examined changes in social network quality, size, and composition. Among the sample of participants (n = 150), we observed positive changes in social network quality over time. However, social network size and composition did not change among the full sample. The subset of participants who reported abstaining from alcohol during the months before starting the program reported healthy changes in their social networks; specifically, while completing the program, they re-structured their social networks such that fewer members of their network used alcohol to intoxication. We discuss practical implications of these findings.
A functional-morphometric analysis of forelimbs in bipedal and quadrupedal heteromyid rodents

The rodent family Heteromyidae contains bipedal hoppers and quadrupedal runners. The possibility that bipedalism is associated with forelimb specialization for nonlocomotory functions, such as burrowing and seed-gathering, motivated a static functional-morphometric and interspecific allometric analysis of 18 metric characters of the forelimb skeleton. A principal-components analysis, across 28 species in six genera, showed that lengths of proximal (scapula, humerus) and distal (ulna, radius, metacarpal) elements were negatively allometric, and widths were positively allometric. Quadrupedal and bipedal species groups showed qualitatively similar allometric patterns, except that scapula width anterior to the spine was positively allometric in quadrupeds and negatively allometric in bipeds; scapula width posterior to the spine was positively allometric in bipeds and isometric in quadrupeds; and olecranon length was isometric in bipeds and positively allometric in quadrupeds. Most morphometric characters varied significantly among species within genera, even when effects of size variation were reduced by reconstructing all species to a common general size (as indicated by their score on the first principal component). These shape differences caused species to vary in the mechanical advantage of the forelimb, of possible importance for digging and seed-harvesting performance. Relative to quadrupeds, bipedal species tended to have greater mechanical advantage for proximal forelimb elements and smaller mechanical advantage for distal forelimb elements, but only the distal pattern remained in reconstructed forms, and no functional character was significantly different when tested over variation among genera nested within locomotion type. Cluster analysis confirmed that forelimb characters related to digging or seed-harvest are not coincident with mode of locomotion. Forelimb characters were, however, associated with digging or seed-harvest performance. Mechanical advantage of the proximal forelimb was positively related to an index of the compaction of soils with which 26 desert-dwelling species are associated, and also to relative use of heavy vs. light soils by nine species in the laboratory. Across 10 species, deviations in seed-harvest rate from expected allometric values were negatively correlated with mechanical advantage of the distal forelimb.
Concentration Profiling in Rat Tissue by High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy: Investigation of a Model Drug

The utility of high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR for studying drug delivery in whole tissues was explored by dosing female Sprague–Dawley rats with topical or injectable benzoic acid (BA). In principle, HR-MAS NMR permits the detection of both intra- and extracellular compounds. This is an advantage over the previous detection of topically applied BA using microdialysis coupled to HPLC/UV as microdialysis samples only the extracellular space. Skin and muscle samples were analyzed by 1 H HR-MAS NMR, and BA levels were determined using an external standard solution added to the sample rotor. One to two percent of the BA topical dose was detected in the muscle, showing that BA penetrated through the dermal and subcutaneous layers. Since BA was not detected in the muscle in the microdialysis studies, the NMR spectra revealed the intracellular localization of BA. The amount of BA detected in muscle after subcutaneous injection correlated with the distance from the dosing site. Overall, the results suggest that HR-MAS NMR can distinguish differences in the local concentration of BA varying with tissue type, dosage method, and tissue proximity to the dosing site. The results illustrate the potential of this technique for quantitative analysis of drug delivery and distribution and the challenges to be addressed as the method is refined. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has played a significant role in the growth of metabonomics, an area of clinical research that aims to measure the total metabolic response of an organism to a stimulus such as a drug or toxicant or a physiological change such as a disease state. 1–3 The effects of the stimulus can be evaluated by measuring levels of specific analytes or through pattern recognition to permit the identification of a fingerprint of efficacy or toxicity. 1–3 Spectral analysis of the individual components that comprise the fingerprint reveals the identity of drug metabolites 4 and disease biomarkers. 5,6 The major advantages of
Specificity of meal pattern analysis as an animal model of determining temporomandibular joint inflammation/pain

Analyzing feeding behavior, and in particular meal duration, can be used as a biological marker for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation/pain. The present study determined the specificity of meal duration as a measure of TMJ inflammation/pain in a rodent model. The model was also used to test the efficacy of dexamethasone (DEX) as a treatment for TMJ inflammation/pain that was induced by TMJ injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). In the first study, anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats housed in computerized feeding modules received bilateral intra-articular knee injections of CFA or saline. The next day, CFA-injected rats had significant knee swelling and impaired mobility. Food intake in the CFA-injected group was reduced over the next two days and this was due to reduced meal number with no change in meal size. Notably, meal duration was normal in both the CFA and saline knee-injected groups. In the second study, male rats were assigned to one of four groups: Group 1, no CFA and no DEX treatment; Group 2, no CFA and treatment with DEX (0.4 mg/kg i.m. once daily); Group 3, bilateral TMJ CFA injection and no DEX treatment; and Group 4, bilateral TMJ CFA injection and treatment with DEX. CFA significantly increased TMJ swelling and stress-induced chromodacryorrhea in Group 3, but treatment with DEX attenuated these effects in Group 4. Compared to the controls, meal duration was significantly lengthened 24 and 48 h post-CFA injection in Group 3, whereas DEX treatment attenuated TMJ swelling, chromodacryorrhea and normalized meal duration. The data demonstrate that meal pattern analysis, and in particular meal duration, can be used as a non-invasive specific measure of TMJ inflammation/pain and can be used as a marker of DEX treatment efficacy.
Modification of ventricular-to-pulmonary shunt to minimize proximal conduit obstruction after stage I Norwood reconstruction.

The use of right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit improved postoperative hemodynamics and survival in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients. Proximal conduit anastomosis obstruction prompts hypercyanosis and early bidirectional Glenn connection. We describe modification of the proximal right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit anastomosis to eliminate this complication. Outcomes after Norwood operation using standard Sano (group II) versus modified (group I) right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit anastomosis were evaluated. Group II patients had more hospital readmissions for cyanosis (19 vs 1; p ≤ 0.05), the Glenn operation at younger age (4.4 vs 5.6 months), and more proximal stenosis (3 [20%] vs zero; p ≤ 0.05) than group I. This modification may eliminate progressive proximal stenosis.
A proposed smart-card solution for Australian health services : the problems encountered

This case study describes the experience of a state government health department in evaluating the use of smart card technology to redesign health benefits programs for the disabled in Australia. The social and political context of the system is explained in detail, and the potential benefits and risks accruing to the government, health care intermediaries and the community are examined.
Preparation and characterization of an alkaline anion exchange membrane from chlorinated poly(propylene) aminated with branched poly(ethyleneimine)

Abstract A new randomly crosslinked polymer is investigated for use as an ion-exchange membrane. The polymer was produced through amination of chlorinated poly(propylene) (PP) with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and quaternized with iodoethane. The synthesis of the new polymer is confirmed by FTIR 1 H and 13 C NMR. The microstructure of the polymer consists of aggregates on the order of 1 μm. Environmentally controlled small and wide angle X-ray analysis showed a relatively featureless amorphous morphology over length scales less than 105 nm through a full range of humidity environments. Little physical swelling of the films were observed, but very high internal water uptake was observed with λ = 50. The highest in-plane ionic conductivity with chloride as the counter ion observed was 0.29 mS cm −1 at 90 °C and 95% relative humidity. Infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the relatively rapid rate of counter-ion reaction of hydroxide with ambient CO 2 to form a mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate when exposed to air.
A modified frontal–nasal–orbital approach to midline lesions of the anterior cranial fossa and skull base: technical note with case illustrations

The frontal–nasal–orbital craniotomy has been utilized for craniofacial abnormalities and resection of tumors involving the anterior skull base. We describe modifications of this technique to approach extra-axial and intradural midline lesions of the anterior fossa with or without involvement of the skull base. A craniotomy was planned with an endoscope and image guidance. A modified frontal–nasal–orbital craniotomy encompassing the entire frontal sinus complex was performed in conjunction with osteotomies incorporating the bilateral superior orbital ridges and nasal septum. Removal of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus was completed if necessary. Dural repair and final reconstruction are detailed. Our initial experience using this approach in five patients harboring lesions of the anterior skull base resulted in adequate exposure of the targeted pathology. There were no complications of the procedure. Cosmetic results were acceptable. We present a detailed account of this procedure via photographs and a video. The frontal–nasal–orbital craniotomy provides access to the floor of the anterior fossa while avoiding excessive brain retraction associated with facial incisions. In addition, this approach is associated with a lower incidence of complications, such as CSF leak, brain retraction edema, or infection. The frontal–nasal–orbital craniotomy is a useful technique for midline lesions of the anterior skull base, and it should be in the armamentarium of neurological surgeons.
Intermolecular Electron-Transfer Catalyzed on Nanoparticle Surfaces

Surface-functionalized nanoparticles enhance the rate of electron transfer (ET) between Cyt c(Fe(2+)) and Co(phen)(3)(3+) by a factor of 10(5) through simultaneous electrostatic binding of an ET donor and acceptor.
Computational Chemistry for Molecular Electronics

We present a synergetic effort of a group of theorists to characterize a molecular electronics device through a multiscale modeling approach. We combine electronic-structure calculations with molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations to predict the structure of self-assembled molecular monolayers on a metal surface. We also develop a novel insight into molecular conductance, with a particular resolution of its fundamental channels, which stresses the importance of a complete molecular structure description of all components of the system, including the leads, the molecule, and their contacts. Both molecular dynamics and electron transport simulations imply that knowledge of detailed molecular structure and system geometry are critical for successful comparison with carefully performed experiments. We illustrate our findings with benzenedithiolate molecules in contact with gold.
Outcomes in Cochlear Implantation: Variables Affecting Performance in Adults and Children

This article highlights variables that affect cochlear implant performance, emerging factors warranting consideration, and variables shown not to affect performance. Research on the outcomes following cochlear implantation has identified a wide spectrum of variables known to affect pos0timplantation performance. These variables relate to the device itself as well as individual patient characteristics. Factors believed to affect spiral ganglion cell survival and function have been shown to influence postoperative performance. Binaural hearing affects performance. Social and educational factors also affect postoperative performance. Novel variables capable of affecting performance continue to emerge with increased understanding of auditory pathway development and neural plasticity.
Fields generated by homogeneous and by quasi-homogeneous planar secondary sources

Abstract Some properties of fields that are generated by homogeneus and also by quasi-homogeneous planar sources are derived. In particular, the angular correlation functions of such fields are shown to have certain properties that distinguish them from angular correlation functions of fields produced by other types of sources. Several new theorems are formulated relating to fields that are produced by sources of these two types.
The elimination of turnaround time in routine ECG processing.

Summary By the Fall of 1970, the new three channel ECG system had been fully implemented at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The department was effectively processing an increased work load of approximately 15,000 ECGs per year, with a staff of five persons. The $12,000 investment in new equipment has already been more than offset by the savings in labor costs of approximately $15,000 per year made possible by the new system. The department currently projects a personnel increase of two technician days per week (2/5 full time technician), in order to provide proper coverage for the still expanding ECG load on a seven day per week basis. In short, it is clear that the objective of achieving a more efficient department at a lower operating cost has been more than realized.
Bioelectric Phenomena in Dental Decay

A new theory is presented on possible inclusion of electric forces in dental decay. The dental plaque acting as a fuel cell produces a definite measurable EMF of 15 to 500 mv. Voltages are considerably increased by carbohydrate and are the result of bacterial activity.
Optical implementation of the least-squares linear mapping technique for image classification

Utilizing the phase-coded optical processor, the least-squares linear mapping technique (LSLMT) has been optically implemented to classify large-dimensional images. The LSLMT is useful for performing a transform from large-dimensional observation or feature space to small-dimensional decision space for separating multiple image classes by maximizing the interclass differences while minimizing the intraclass variations. As an example, the classifier designed for handwritten letters was studied. The performance of the LSLMT was compared also with those of a matched filter and an average filter.
Mass-selective ion accumulation and fragmentation in a linear octopole ion trap external to a fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

Abstract Electrosprayed protein ions are accumulated and mass selected in an external linear octopole trap before injection into a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. Mass selection is performed by application of superimposed rf and dc octopole electric potentials during ion accumulation. Ion trajectory stability and mass selection in the octopole field are explained qualitatively by analogy to a quadrupole mass filter. Accumulation of ions from a selected m/z range is demonstrated experimentally for 7 and 9.4 T electrospray ionization (ESI) FTICR mass spectrometers. Ion fragmentation in the octopole may occur under certain operating conditions.
Seasonality of demand

Fluctuation in demand is a troublesome area for managers in the service economy (Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry 1985). Over the annual cycle, the greatest fluctuation in demand for tourism occurs due to changes in the seasons (Sasser 1976). Such fluctuations have been termed seasonality of demand (SOD). For many firms competing successfully in tourism, SOD constrains profitability, while for other firms it may determine their survival. Consequently, understanding and adjusting to SOD dominates many of the decisions made by tourism managers (Soesilo and Mings 1987). This study reports on the seasonality of demand faced by tourism businesses in Alaska. First, the investigation examines the level of SOD confronted by these tourism businesses. Currently the literature does not provide an empirical assessment of the level of SOD found for a cross section of firms in a tourism region. Secondly, organizational, environmental, and demand structure variables of the firms are correlated with the level of SOD. This portion of the analysis endeavors to describe which factors relate to levels of SOD. Data and Method. Travel businesses within the state of Alaska comprised the universe for the study. The marketing manager or owner of a tourism business was contacted by telephone during normal business hours in March 1987. Out of the 187 firms participating in the study, 179 provided sufficient information for the study. In the survey, the level of SOD for each firm was measured using the percent of revenue generated during the peak summer months. The three major types of independent variables (organizational, environmental, and demand structures) were measured either as dummy variables or as continuous variables. Findings. Table 1 shows the frequency distribution which monitors the level
A variant in the promoter of MUC5B and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

In this study, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the mucus-forming gene MUC5B was strongly associated with the presence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These results replicate the findings of other investigators, also published in this issue.
Heat capacities of linear aliphatic polyesters

Abstract Heat capacities of solid polypentadecanolactone, polytridecanolactone, polyundecanolactone, polycaprolactone, polyvalerolactone, polybutyrolactone, polypropiolactone, polyglycolide, poly(ethylene oxalate), poly(butylene adipate) and poly(ethylene sebacate) were analysed using an approximate group vibration spectrum and fitting of the skeletal heat capacity to a Tarasov function. All polyesters have the same Θ 1 (513.6 ± 19 K) and Θ 3 varies less than would be expected with the variations due to crystallinity for polyethylene, and can be represented by a quadratic function of COO CH 2 . An addition scheme is proposed that is capable of predicting heat capacities of the polyesters with a precision close to experimental accuracy.
Presacral tumors: how do they compare in pediatric and adult patients?

UNLABELLED Presacral tumors are rare with few published studies in the literature. It is unknown whether the course of the disease and the required treatment differs between pediatric and adult patients. The aim of the study was to compare presenting symptoms, surgical treatment, pathology, and recurrence rates of presacral tumors in these two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS An IRB-approved chart review was conducted for patients diagnosed with a presacral tumor at the Cleveland Clinic between 1981 and 2011. Symptoms, physical exam, surgical details, tumor histology, and outcomes were collected as part of the review. Patients were divided into two groups: pediatric (< 18 years n=14) and adult (≥ 18 years n=50). RESULTS The most common symptom was a mass in pediatric and pain in adult patients. The most common pediatric primary tumor was a teratoma (n=5, 36%) versus Hamartoma/tailgut cyst (n=17, 34%) in adult patients. Three pediatric and nine adult patients developed tumor recurrences, and 2/14 (14%) pediatric and 4/50 (8%) adult patients developed metastases. CONCLUSIONS This study summarizes the presentation, evaluation and management of pediatric and adult presacral tumors at tertiary referral center. The presentation, histology, and management of presacral tumors vary depending upon whether they occur in pediatric or adult patients and recognition of potential differences may influence management.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as determinants of cell death/survival in stroke.

Abstract: Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Their primary physiological function is to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain. Reactive oxygen radicals generated from mitochondria have been implicated in acute brain injuries, like stroke and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrially formed oxidants are mediators of molecular signaling and have implicated mitochondria-dependent apoptosis involving pro- and antiapoptotic protein binding, the release of cytochrome c and Smac, the activation of downstream caspase-9 and -3, and the fragmentation of DNA. Oxidative stress and the redox state are also implicated in the survival signaling pathway that involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt and downstream signaling molecular bindings like Bad/Bcl-XL and phosphorylated Bad/14-3-3. Genetically modified mice (SOD1, SOD2) or rats that overexpress or are deficient in superoxide dismutase have provided strong evidence in support of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as determinants of neuronal death/survival after stroke and neurodegeneration.