cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Midtrimester abortion by dilatation and evacuation versus intra-amniotic instillation of prostaglandin F2α: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract To compare the safety and feasibility of midtrimester abortion by outpatient dilatation and evacuation (D-E) versus inpatient intra-amniotic instillation of prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ), we performed a randomized clinical trial with 100 subjects estimated to be 13 to 18 menstrual weeks' pregnant. Subjects undergoing D-E abortion had significantly better compliance with the assigned treatment (100% vs. 88%, p 2α had a relative risk of sustaining a complication 5.7 times that of subjects undergoing D-E (95% confidence interval 2.1–15.3, p 2α also had significantly higher rates of vomiting and diarrhea (p 2α .
Effect of venous compliance on left ventricular stroke work at different heart rates

Effect of the venous compliance amplitude on left ventricular work, especially during systemic or pulmonary chronic edema, was studied in this paper via a computer model. The model contains three parts: the left ventricle (LV), preload equivalent and afterload equivalent. Based on continuity, it was assumed that the aortic blood flow must, on average, equal the venous return. The modeling results show that for constant contractile function, higher venous compliance shifts the maximum of LV stroke work per beat to a higher heart rate. It was concluded that venous compliance alters the heart rate at which the power output of the left ventricle is a maximum.
A Review of Adjustable Continence Devices for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence with Neurogenic Etiology

Midurethral slings may lose their effectiveness due to changes in urethral compression over time in patients with urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency and neurogenic bladder. Adjustable continence devices offer potential solutions. We reviewed the current literature regarding six adjustable continence devices for male and female patients suffering from incontinence. We reviewed the following devices: Adjustable Continence Therapy® (Uromedica, Irvine, CA), Pro-Adjustable Continence Therapy® for men (Uromedica, Irvine, CA), TRT Remeex (Neomedic, Barcelona, Spain) for females, MRS II Remeex (Neomedic, Barelona, Spain) for men, Argus ®, and Phorbas® adjustable continence therapy for men (Promedon SA, Cordoba, Argentina). Based on the reviewed studies, adjustable continence devices offer similar, if not less, risk than traditional stress urinary incontinence (SUI) procedures with greater outcomes as reported by patients. Adjustable continence devices allow clinicians to adjust urethral tension post-operatively if necessary without secondary procedures and general anesthesia. Adjustable devices are particularly well-suited to SUI with a neurogenic etiology as these devices allow for post-operative adjustments to sphincter pressure from a clinical setting.
Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Remodeling in Chronic Mitral Regurgitation

Abstract Mechanisms of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) are not well understood. Vasodilator therapy in other forms of LV dysfunction reduces LV wall stress and improves LV function; however, studies in isolated MR show no beneficial effect on LV remodeling using vasodilator drugs or renin-angiotensin system blockade. Therefore, the search for new therapies that improve LV remodeling and function in isolated MR is clinically significant. Recent work in the authors’ laboratory has demonstrated increased oxidants from a number of sources including the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) in the LV of patients with isolated MR. In addition to being a major source of reactive oxygen species, XO is linked to bioenergetic dysfunction because its substrates derive from adenosine triphosphate catabolism. Correspondingly, there was also evidence of aggregates of small mitochondria in cardiomyocytes, which is generally considered a response to bioenergetic deficit in cells. Future studies are required to determine whether XO and persistent oxidative stress are causative in maladaptive LV remodeling and offer potential therapeutic targets in ameliorating LV damage in patients with isolated MR.
The effect of brand class on perceived fairness of revenue management

The purpose of this survey-based research was to determine whether brand class influences the perceived fairness of hotel revenue management (RM) pricing strategies. We found that brand class does not impact perceptions of fairness of RM pricing practice strategies when controlling for familiarity and the provision of information. The implication is that managers should not base RM pricing practice decisions on brand class, but rather should focus on raising customer familiarity of their pricing strategies.
Chronic Nonparoxysmal Junctional Tachycardia

We describe an adult with chronic (three years' duration) acquired nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia, a previously undescribed rhythm. Ambulatory monitoring revealed junctional rates ranging from 75 to 110 beats/min. Electrophysiologic studies demonstrated intact atrioventricular and ventriculoatrial conduction with a normal H-V interval (43 msec) and narrow QRS. Underlying sinus node function appeared to be normal (recovery time of 900 msec). Junctional rate increased with administration of atropine and isoproterenol, suggesting that the junctional pacemaker was located in the proximal His bundle. Electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic observations suggested that this case of chronic nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia was benign, not necessitating therapy.
German dominance in the EMS: evidence from interest rates

Abstract The paper presents an empirical analysis of German dominance and asymmetries in the EMS based on a dynamic system of equations explaining national money market interest rates. The hypothesis of strict German dominance of the EMS is rejected. However, there are some noticeable asymmetries in the EMS. Germany is a relatively strong player and has been the least dependent country in the early phase of the system. Since 1983, German independence has diminished. In contrast, France throughout and Italy in the early phase of the EMS have been relatively weak players in the system.
Transecting the gustatory branches of the facial nerve impairs NH4Cl vs. KCl discrimination in rats

Ammonium and potassium chloride share a common taste quality and an amiloride-insensitive route of transduction. An amiloride-sensitive pathway might also be partially activated by these salts, alt...
Thin layer flow cell with a rotating disk electrode

Abstract A channel-type electrochemical flow cell with a rotating disk electrode has been constructed and characterized. The work shows that the effect of rotation is to enhance the rate of mass transport. At rotation speeds higher than 900 rpm the response becomes independent of the flow rate and channel thickness. As a result, low flow rates can be used without sacrificing the sensitivity. Analytical advantages are demonstrated using liquid chromatography, stripping analysis, stopped rotation voltammetry and flow injection analysis.
Lack of hypocretin attenuates behavioral changes produced by glutamatergic activation of the perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area.

Study objectives The hypocretins (HCRTs) are two hypothalamic peptides predominantly localized to neurons in the perifornical, dorsomedial, and lateral hypothalamic area (PF-LHA). Evidence suggests that HCRT signaling is critical for the promotion and stabilization of active-arousal and its loss or malfunction leads to symptoms of narcolepsy. In the PF-LHA, HCRT neurons are intermingled with glutamate-expressing neurons and also co-express glutamate. Evidence suggests that HCRT-glutamate interactions within the PF-LHA may play a critical role in maintaining behavioral arousal. However, the relative contributions of the glutamate and HCRT in sleep-wake regulation are not known. Design We determined whether a lack of HCRT signaling in the prepro-orexin-knockout (HCRT-KO) mouse attenuates/compromises the wake-promoting ability of glutamatergic activation of the PF-LHA region. We used reverse microdialysis to deliver N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) into the HCRT zone of the PF-LHA in HCRT-KO and wild-type (WT) mice to evaluate the contributions of glutamatergic vs. HCRT signaling in sleep-wake regulation. Measurements and results As compared to respective controls, local perfusion of NMDA into the PF-LHA, dose-dependently increased active-waking with concomitant reductions in nonREM and REM sleep in spontaneously sleeping WT as well as HCRT-KO mice. However, compared to WT, the NMDA-induced behavioral changes in HCRT-KO mice were significantly attenuated, as evidenced by the higher dose of NMDA needed and lower magnitude of changes induced in sleep-wake parameters. Although not observed in WT mice, the number of cataplectic events increased significantly during NMDA-induced behavioral arousal in HCRT-KO mice. Conclusions The findings of this study are consistent with a hypothesis that synergistic interactions between hypocretin and glutamatergic mechanisms within the perifornical, dorsomedial, and lateral hypothalamic area are critical for maintaining behavioral arousal, especially arousal involving elevated muscle tone.
Conservative management of the retroperitoneum for stages I and II nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

Recent advances in the therapy of disseminated, nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis have prompted the consideration of less aggressive management of those patients with locoregional disease. In order to avoid the morbidity of staging retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, protocols of surveillance alone following radical orchiectomy have demonstrated that approximately 70% of clinical stage I patients have a long-term cancer-free survival without further therapy. Recognition of risk factors for relapse has enabled a more selective and discriminating use of adjunctive therapy such as retroperitoneal node dissection. For patients who present with clinical evidence of metastasis in the retroperitoneum (stage II), primary chemotherapy is a suitable alternative to retroperitoneal node dissection in selected patients. The objective of modern integrated therapy is to ensure long-term cancer-free survival with minimal and the least morbid therapy.
Screening digital relay data to detect power-network fault-response anomalies

An important part of power line protection system maintenance is the retrospective analysis of fault data to verify that all elements of the protection system were set properly and operated as they should have. In this paper, we describe an automated approach to detecting anomalies using data from microprocessor-based digital protective relays. At present, the systems are specific to the ABB Relay Division MDAR relay family. However, the techniques used are generalizable to other types and brands of digital relay.
Binding of water and electrolytes to proteins. An equilibrium dialysis study

The technique of equilibrium dialysis has been used to study water and salt binding to egg albumin, to human carbon monoxide hemoglobin, and to bovine serum albumin. The salts used were CsCl, KCl, NaCl, LiCl, Gu·HCl, NaBr, Cs2SO4, K2SO4, Na2SO4, Li2SO4, and Gu2SO4. The amount of water bound by proteins depends on the probe being used. Sulfates tend to bind to proteins and they also increase the water binding. At saturation, about 41 and 140 mol Gu·HCl bind to 1 mol egg albumin and to 1 mol carbon monoxide hemoglobin, respectively. Both proteins are dehydrated by Gu·HCl. The hydrodynamic hydration of egg albumin as determined by viscosity appers to increase as the relative viscosity of the medium increases.
Supernova 1987A from 1 keV to 10 MeV: The status as of 1990

Satellite, rocket, and balloon borne instruments have obtained a wealth of high-energy data from SN 1987A. These have added significantly to our understanding of Type II supernovae. Besides the exciting direct detection of just-synthesized radioactivity via γ-ray line observations, the light curves of the lines and the extremely hard continuum which results from them have provided clues to the structure of the newly disrupted star. Mysteries still remain. We do not yet understand how the radioactive matter reached low depths in the envelope at such early times. We have not yet identified the mechanism which produced the softest observed X-ray emission. We do not know how much of other radioactive species were produced. This could help us begin to understand in detail the nuclear burning and mass ejection processes. We have not yet seen the signature of the compact remnant of the collapse. At this point we have great hope that some of these questions will be answered with the state-of-the-art experiments already flying and scheduled for launch soon.
The mechanisms of DNA topoisomerases

Recent structural and mechanistic studies, as well as the discovery of new enzymes in the DNA topoisomerase family, allow these enzymes to be classified into three groups. Each group reflects the evolution of three different mechanistic strategies to manipulate DNA topology.
GROWTH REGULATION BY ETHYLENE IN FERN GAMETOPHYTES. IV. INVOLVEMENT OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN OVERCOMING ETHYLENE INHIBITION OF SPORE GERMINATION

The inhibitory effects of ethylene on spore germination were investigated. In darkness spore germination was completely inhibited by 10 kl 1l ethylene. Light partially overcame this inhibition, and the effect of continuous irradiation with white fluorescent light saturated at about 450 W W cm-2. Monochromatic red, blue and far-red light were effective in overcoming ethylene inhibition, whereas green was not. Short periodic exposures to red or far-red light were not sufficient to overcome ethylene inhibition. This suggested that phytochrome was not involved. The photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU blocked the effect of light. Infrared gas analysis showed that photosynthesis saturated at about 450 W * cm-2 in white light. Red, blue and far-red light were more efficient photosynthetically than green light; DCMU blocked photosynthesis. Normalized curves of photosynthesis and germination vs. light intensity showed a similar dependence on light energy. It was concluded that light appears to overcome the inhibitory effects of ethylene through some process dependent on photosynthesis.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins 3 and 5 Are Overexpressed in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Contribute to Extracellular Matrix Deposition

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic disease of unknown etiology that results in significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of IPF is not completely understood. Because recent studies have implicated insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, we examined the expression and function of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP)-3 and -5 in IPF. IGFBP-3 and -5 levels were increased in vivo in IPF lung tissues and in vitro in fibroblasts cultured from IPF lung. The IGFBPs secreted by IPF fibroblasts are functionally active and can bind IGF-I, and IGFBPs secreted by primary fibroblasts bind extracellular matrix components. Our results also suggest that IGFBPs may be involved in the initiation and/or perpetuation of fibrosis by virtue of their ability to induce the production of extracellular matrix components such as collagen type I and fibronectin in normal primary adult lung fibroblasts. Although transforming growth factor-β increased IGFBP-3 production by primary fibroblasts in a time-dependent manner, IGFBP-5 levels were not increased by transforming growth factor-β. Taken together, our results suggest that IGFBPs play an important role in the development of fibrosis in IPF.
Energy savings in sea bass swimming in a school : measurements of tail beat frequency and oxygen consumption at different swimming speeds

Tail beat frequency of sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) (23.5 ± 0·5 cm, LT), swimming at the front of a school was significantly higher than when swimming at the rear, for all water velocities tested from 14·8 to 32 cm s−1. The logarithm of oxygen consumption rate, and the tail beat frequency of solitary swimming sea bass (28·8 ± 0·4 cm, LT), were each correlated linearly with swimming speed, and also with one another. The tail beat frequency of individual fish was 9–14% lower when at the rear of a school than when at the front, corresponding to a 9–23% reduction in oxygen consumption rate.
Parental Actions When Children Are Sick: The Role of Belief in Divine Influence

The role of beliefs in divine influence on parents' responses to simulated episodes of illness in their children was examined. Seventy-two parents representing six different religious denominations were presented with written vignettes describing hypothetical illness episodes in their children and were asked to report the likelihood of performing certain actions in response to each episode. Parents' beliefs in divine intervention were assessed by the Divine Influence scale of the Child Improvement Locus of Control (CILC) Scales. The results show that the stronger the belief in divine influence, the more likely parents of a symptomatic child were to endorse seeking spiritual guidance as well as help from physicians, friends, and relatives. The four other CILC scales also helped explain parents' anticipated behavior. The findings suggest that study of these types of control beliefs could help us to better understand parents' health care utilization behavior on behalf of their symptomatic children.
NMF revisited: New uniqueness results and algorithms

Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) has found numerous applications, due to its ability to provide interpretable decompositions. Perhaps surprisingly, existing results regarding its uniqueness properties are rather limited, and there is much room for improvement in terms of algorithms as well. Uniqueness and computational aspects of NMF are revisited here from a geometrical point of view. Both symmetric and asymmetric NMF are considered, the former being tantamount to element-wise non-negative square-root factorization of positive semidefinite matrices. New and insightful uniqueness results are derived, e.g., it is shown that a sufficient condition for uniqueness is that the conic hull of the latent factors is a superset of a particular second-order cone. Checking this is shown to be NP-complete; yet it offers insights on latent sparsity, as is also shown in a new necessary condition, to a smaller extent. On the computational side, a new efficient algorithm for symmetric NMF is proposed which uses Procrustes rotations. Simulation results show promising performance with respect to the state-of-art. The new algorithm is also applied to a clustering problem for co-authorship data, yielding meaningful and interpretable results.
Designing artificial intelligence applications in law: A systemic view

Artificial intelligence applications development in law has historically focused on formal legal reasoning. Most of the systems are rule-based and none has yet become a fully functional prototype or commercially viable. The attempts to build large-scale systems without examining the intrinsic systemic nature of the legal process has resulted in limited operational success. The legal function, another area of legal activity, has emerged rapidly offering potential for artificial intelligence-based applications. This paper discusses the systemic differences between legal reasoning and legal function and suggests that different design methodologies be used in the two domains. Legal reasoning requires a holistic approach such as the blackboard model incorporating the properties of softness, openness, complexity, flexibility, and generality of legal systems, while traditional rule-based approaches are sufficient for legal function applications.
Simulation of litter residence times of young gypsy moth larvae and implications for predation by ants

The length of the time young gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), larvae remain in litter after failing from trees would help in understanding the impact of predation by ants, as ants appear to be important predators of gypsy moths only in litter. To obtain information on caterpillar litter residence times, visual activity of larvae was investigated in the laboratory by presenting them with vertical dark silhouettes of various widths in a 1 m wide cylindrical arena. Their limit of angular resolution was about 1°. This value helped to determine distances to trees caterpillars could be expected to orient toward from randomly-located points in a forest. These data were used with results on litter crawling speed of instars 1, 2, and 3 in a simulation model that generated litter residence times averaging several hours. By combining results with a previously-developed model of ant predation in forest litter, it was estimated that about half of unfed first instars falling into the litter would survive, whereas only about 10% of 2nd and 3rd instars would. The implications these results have for control of the gypsy moth are discussed. Resume Simulation du temps de presence des jeunes chenilles de Lymantria dispar dans la litiere et consequences sur leur predation par les fourmis La predation par les fourmis du genre Formica spp. a une influence importante sur les premiers stades de L. dispar (Lepido., Lymantriidae) en Amerique du Nord. La duree du temps passe dans la litiere par les jeunes chenilles apres etre tombees des arbres doit permettre de comprendre l'impact de la predation par les fourmis. Pour connaitre le temps de sejour des chenilles dans la litiere, l'acuite visuelle des chenilles a ete examinee au laboratoire en leur presentant des silhouettes noires verticales de differentes largeurs dans une arene circulaire de 1 m de diametre. La limite de leur angle de resolution etait d'environ 1 °. Cette valeur a ete utilisee pour determiner les distances (jusqu'a 5 m) quelles que soient les orientations dans la foret, d'arbres supposes susceptibles d'orienter les chenilles. Les arbres aux silhouettes acceptables etaient distribues uniformement entre 1 et 5 m. Les vitesses de deplacement dans la litiere des stades 1, 2 et 3 ont ete mesurees par observation directe dans la foret (elles variaient de 0,9 a 1,54 cm/min). La distance des arbres et la vitesse de deplacement ont servi a construire un modele de simulation qui a donne un temps moyen de sejour de plusieurs heures. En combinant ces resultats avec un modele precedemment publie de la predation par les fourmis dans la litiere de la foret, qui utilisait le temps de contact des chenilles avec les fourmis et les taux de captures victorieuses pour estimer la mortalite, nous avons determine que la moitie environ des chenilles non alimentees de premier stade tombees dans la litiere pourraient survivre, tandis que la survie pour le second et le troisieme stade ne serait que de 10%. La discussion porte sur l'importance de ces resultats dans la lutte contre L. dispar.
Relation between plasma glucose levels of mother and fetus during maternal hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and fasting in the rat.

Relation Between Plasma Glucose Levels of Mother and Fetus During Maternal Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia, and Fasting in the Rat
Safety and Cost of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin as Bridging Anticoagulant Therapy in Subacute Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose—Anticoagulation with intravenous unfractionated heparin (IVUH) while awaiting therapeutic oral anticoagulant levels is a common practice in patients with acute and subacute cerebral ischemia. A promising alternative strategy is to use bridging subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), which may have a favorable risk-benefit profile compared with IVUH and may permit earlier discharge with completion of transition to warfarin therapy as an outpatient. Methods—A LMWH, enoxaparin 1 mg/kg BID, was used as bridging anticoagulation therapy in 24 consecutive patients admitted to a university stroke center in whom the treatment plan included transition from acute to chronic anticoagulation. The LMWH group was contrasted with the preceding 24 patients transitioned to warfarin with IVUH at the same center. Results—Fewer patients in the LMWH bridging therapy group experienced neurological worsening than in the IVUH bridging therapy group (2/24 versus 8/24; P=0.033). Fewer total adverse ...
New model for microsurgical training and skills maintenance.

PracticeRat® (Sharpoint, Reading PA) is a system containing a simulation vein, artery and nerve, designed as an alternative to live animal use in microsurgical training. We find PracticeRat® to be more expensive than living models. However, it does decrease animal usage and provides a very convenient opportunity to practice microsurgical techniques and procedures in a fairly realistic manner. Trainees can practice anytime, for any length of time, wherever microscopes are available. In this regard we find PracticeRat® to be a useful addition to microsurgical training programs and an excellent tool for skills maintenance. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Foot orthotic devices to modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics

Excessive foot pronation has been speculated to be a cause of leg and foot problems among runners. Foot orthotic devices are often used to modify this condition. Examination of the records of 180 patients treated for various running injuries showed that 83 individuals (46%) were prescribed orthotic devices and that 65 of these runners (78%) were able to return to their previous running programs. In order to assess further the effects of this type of orthotic device, six runners were selected from this group and filmed using two cameras (200 frames/sec) under three conditions: (1) barefoot, (2) regular shoe, and (3) regular shoe plus orthotic device. Both the period of pronation and the amount of maximum pronation were significantly reduced by using the foot orthotic device. The data support the conclusion that foot orthotic devices can be successfully used to modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics during the support phase of running.
How accurate are the extremely small P-values used in genomic research: An evaluation of numerical libraries

In the fields of genomics and high-dimensional biology (HDB), massive multiple testing prompts the use of extremely small significance levels. Because tail areas of statistical distributions are needed for hypothesis testing, the accuracy of these areas is important to confidently make scientific judgments. Previous work on accuracy was primarily focused on evaluating professionally written statistical software, like SAS, on the Statistical Reference Datasets (StRD) provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and on the accuracy of tail areas in statistical distributions. The goal of this paper is to provide guidance to investigators, who are developing their own custom scientific software built upon numerical libraries written by others. Specifically, we evaluate the accuracy of small tail areas from cumulative distribution functions (CDF) of the Chi-square and t-distribution by comparing several open-source, free, or commercially licensed numerical libraries in Java, C, and R to widely accepted standards of comparison like ELV and DCDFLIB. In our evaluation, the C libraries and R functions are consistently accurate up to six significant digits. Amongst the evaluated Java libraries, Colt is the most accurate. These languages and libraries are popular choices among programmers developing scientific software, so the results herein can be useful to programmers in choosing libraries for CDF accuracy.
TS: an optimizing compiler for smalltalk

TS (Typed Smalltalk) is a portable optimizing compiler that produces native machine code for a typed variant of Smalltalk, making Smalltalk programs much faster. This paper describes the structure of TS, the kinds of optimizations that it performs, the constraints that it places upon Smalltalk, the constraints placed upon it by an interactive programming environment, and its performance.
Interaction of nitric oxide with 2-thio-5-nitrobenzoic acid: implications for the determination of free sulfhydryl groups by Ellman's reagent

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) in an aerobic environment, reacts with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins to form nitroso thiols. Ellman's reagent, 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), DTNB, is widely used for the determination of −SH groups. In this procedure, DTNB, a symmetric aryl disulfide, reacts with the free thiol to give a mixed disulfide plus 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid (TNB) which is quantified by its absorbance at 412 nm. We observed that the presence of NO during the determination of SH groups in a reaction system containing glutathione (GSH) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) plus DTNB resulted in an inhibition in the detection of TNB. Addition of NO donors or NO gas after TNB was already formed led to the bleaching of yellow color and loss of absorbance at 412 nm. These interactions did not occur under anaerobic conditions. Decreased formation of TNB therefore appeared to be due not only to destruction of SH groups of BSA or GSH by NO ( S -nitrosation) and consequently to lower TNB formation, but also to direct reaction of NO/O 2 with TNB. The mechanism(s) of inhibition of accumulation of TNB by NO was evaluated. NO generated by DEA/NO, SNAP, or spermine/NO, as well as gaseous NO or BSA-NO, directly interacted with TNB, followed by decreased absorbance at 412 nm in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Kinetics of NO/O 2 interaction with TNB were dependent on the ability of the NO donors to release NO as the donors with a short half-life bleached the yellow color of TNB faster. The requirement for O 2 suggests that nitrogen oxide or higher oxides of NO x are responsible for interaction with TNB. The UV/VIS spectrum of the final product formed during the interaction of NO with TNB was identical to that of DTNB. These results suggest that interaction of NO (NO x ) with TNB resulted in the formation of an unstable nitrosothiol, followed by oxidation and dimerization back to the corresponding disulfide, DTNB. Therefore, determination of SH groups in proteins by Ellman's reagent after or in the presence of NO treatment is complicated since the reduced form of DTNB, TNB, can be reoxidized by NO back to DTNB, with subsequent loss of absorbance at 412 nm.
Rectification of Nanopores at Surfaces

At the nanoscale, methods to measure surface charge can prove challenging. Herein we describe a general method to report surface charge through the measurement of ion current rectification of a nanopipette brought in close proximity to a charged substrate. This method is able to discriminate between charged cationic and anionic substrates when the nanopipette is brought within distances from ten to hundreds of nanometers from the surface. Further studies of the pH dependence on the observed rectification support a surface-induced mechanism and demonstrate the ability to further discriminate between cationic and nominally uncharged surfaces. This method could find application in measurement and mapping of heterogeneous surface charges and is particularly attractive for future biological measurements, where noninvasive, noncontact probing of surface charge will prove valuable.
Flaw dynamics and vibrothermographic-thermoelastic nondestructive evaluation of advanced composite materials

In the present study we discuss two thermal methods, namely vibrothermography and thermoelastic emission (SPATE), for NDE of composite materials. Both methods take advantage of 'local resonance', i.e., independent flaw dynamics, to detect and evaluate damage. Complementary information about the flaw position, size and depth can also be obtained. These methods are fast, practical, and can be performed 'in situ'. The SPATE system can also reveal delaminations in relatively thick structural components.
Listening to Customers

While most practitioners are familiar with traditional customer satisfaction surveys, research findings suggest that best practice companies use multiple tools to bring the voice of the customer inside the organization. The purpose of this study is to examine how best practice companies use various tools to listen to customers. The primary contribution of this article is in discussing a variety of different customer listening tools used by practitioners, along with introducing new customer listening tools to the literature. Furthermore, this article puts forth a framework that captures essential characteristics of each tool, depicting when their use is most appropriate. Finally, this article depicts how customer listening tools are linked together and synthesized into a customer performance model.
Noodling Down the Internet: Or, One Foot in the Fast Lane, the Other Stuck in the Trenches.

Some of the problems created by the introduction of the Internet to library services are discussed. These include problems with the structure of the Internet, library staff issues, an analysis of the preparedness of current users for the Internet, and bibliographic instruction impact.
Rupture of single receptor–ligand bonds: A new insight into probability distribution function

Single molecule force spectroscopy is widely used to determine kinetic parameters of dissociation by analyzing bond rupture data obtained via applying mechanical force to cells, capsules, and beads that are attached to an intermolecular bond. The current analysis assumes that the intermolecular bond force is equal to the externally applied mechanical force. We confirm that viscous drag alone or in combination with cellular deformation resulting in viscoelasticity modulates bond force so that the instantaneous intermolecular bond force is not equivalent to the applied force. The bond force modulation leads to bond rupture time and force histograms that differ from those predicted by probability distribution function (PDF) using the current approach. A new methodology that accounts for bond force modulation in obtaining PDF is presented. The predicted histograms from the new methodology are in excellent agreement with the respective histograms obtained from Monte Carlo simulation.
Marginal likelihoods based on Cox's regression and life model

SUMMARY Marginal likelihoods are obtained for the regression parameters in the model presented by Cox (1972). If no ties occur in the recording of failure time data the results of Cox are given a straightforward justification. If ties occur in the data, results different from those suggested by Cox are obtained. Some Monte-Carlo comparisons of these competing results are made. A discrete model is developed for grouped data from Cox's model and estimates of the survivor function are given for both continuous and grouped data.
Segmented filamentous bacteria in the bovine small intestine

Summary Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) were observed in a 28-day-old calf, attached to the absorptive villi. Morphologically, they were similar to SFB described in other animal species. Because these organisms cannot be cultured, further characterization was not possible. The organisms were confined to the upper third of the absorptive villi and were not seen attached to the follicle-associated epithelium of the Peyer's patch, or observed in the caecum or colon. Although they were often associated with minor lesions, their pathological significance was doubtful. With this report, segmented filamentous bacteria have now been described in virtually all the commercially important livestock and poultry species, in other domestic animals, and in man.
KINETIC STUDIES OF CHLORINE ATOM REACTIONS USING THE TURBULENT FLOW TUBE TECHNIQUE

The turbulent flow tube technique has been used to determine the reaction rate constants of chlorine atoms with nitrogen dioxide, methane, and ozone. The Cl + NO2 → ClNO2 reaction was studied at pressures between 50 and 250 Torr. The room temperature rate constant was determined to be (7.2 ± 0.4) × 10-31 cm6 molecule-2 s-1 with Ar as a third body. The Cl + CH4 → HCl + CH3 reaction was studied at temperatures between 181 and 291 K; the experimentally determined Arrhenius expression is given by k = (7.0 ± 1.6) × 10-12 exp[−(1270 ± 60)/T] cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The Cl + O3 → ClO + O2 reaction was studied at temperatures between 206 and 296 K; the resulting Arrhenius expression is given by k = (1.63 ± 0.34) × 10-11 exp[−(91 ± 61)/T] cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The stated uncertainties for the values of rate constants and Arrhenius parameters are reported at the one standard deviation level and represent only the precision of the data. In each case the experimentally determined rate constant is in good agreement with ear...
Cannabinoid Neuromodulation in the Adult Early Visual Cortex

Sensory processing is an active process involving the interaction of ongoing cortical activity with incoming stimulus information. However, the modulators and circuits involved in this interaction are incompletely understood. One potential candidate is the cannabinoid-signaling system, which is known to modulate the dynamics of cortical networks. Here, we show that in the primate primary and secondary visual cortices, the cannabinoid CP55940 modulates not only population dynamics but also influences the dynamics of the stimulus-response relationship of individual neurons. At the population level, CP55940 decreases EEG power, LFP power, and LFP coherence. At the single-neuron level, intrinsic spike train dynamics appear relatively unchanged, but visual receptive fields are altered: CP55940 induced an overall delay and broadening of the temporal component of V1 and V2 spatiotemporal receptive fields. Our findings provide neurophysiologic evidence for a link between cannabinoid-signaling, network dynamics and the function of a canonical cortical circuit.
Catalytic coal gasification: use of calcium versus potassium☆

Abstract A comparative study is made of the relative catalytic effects of potassium and calcium on the gasification in air and 3.1 kPa steam of North Dakota lignitic chars prepared under slow and rapid pyrolysis conditions. It is indicated that potassium achieves relatively high catalytic activity by chemical interaction with the carbonaceous support, no matter how it is added to the lignite or its char. Deactivation of the catalytic potassium is brought about by interaction with inherent aluminosilicates. However, deactivation of calcium is related to its sintering via crystallite growth.
Endotoxin and TNFα directly stimulate nitric oxide formation in cultured rat hepatocytes from chronically endotoxemic rats

We examined the effects of endotoxin on nitric oxide formation in isolated rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Endotoxin was administered either in vivo, by continuous infusion for 30 or 3 h, or in vitro, on cultured cells. The spontaneous production of nitrites in hepatocytes from in vivo ET-infused rats was lower than equivalent saline controls in the absence of added stimuli. However in vitro addition of endotoxin in culture to hepatocytes from 30 h ET-infused rats greatly enhanced production relative to saline controls. This effect was mimicked by TNFα, and activators of protein kinase C (PMA and Ca 2+ ionophore A23187). The effects of ET were blocked by NMMA, dexamethasone and protein synthesis inhibitors Actinomycin D and cycloheximide. No in vitro effect of ET was observed in the 3 h infusion model. The results show that chronic exposure to sub-lethal levels of ET primes liver parenchymal cells for the production of nitric oxide, when exposed in vitro to ET or TNFα.
Incoming plate faulting in the Northern and Western Pacific and implications for subduction zone water budgets

Abstract The greatest uncertainty in the amount of water input into the Earth at subduction zones results from poor constraints on the degree of mantle serpentinization in the incoming plate. Recent studies suggest that the depth of serpentinization within the incoming plate mantle is likely controlled by the depth of extensional faulting caused by lithospheric bending at the outer rise and trench. We explore the maximum depth of extension within the incoming plate at Northwestern Pacific subduction zones in order to estimate the depth limit of serpentinization and to identify any significant variation between subduction zone segments. We relocate trench earthquakes to identify which events occurred within the incoming plate and determine accurate depths for 63 incoming plate earthquakes occurring during 1988–2011 by inverting teleseismic broadband P and SH waveforms. We observe that the top 10–15 km of the incoming plate mantle experiences extensional faulting at all of the subduction zones with a reasonable sample of earthquakes; 60% of the total number of extensional earthquakes occur at crustal depths or within the top 5 km of the incoming plate mantle, 80% occur above 10 km within the mantle, and 95% occur above 15 km. There is evidence for variation throughout the different regions of study, for example extensional earthquakes occur down to 20 km below the crust in the western Aleutians and Izu–Bonin. We propose that the incoming plate mantle is most strongly hydrated in the upper 5 km, and that partial serpentinization exists regionally within the incoming plate mantle to ∼15 km. Making reasonable assumptions about the degree of serpentinization and incorporating previous estimates of crustal water, we calculate that the total water carried into the Northern and Western Pacific subduction zones is generally higher than previous estimates, and is approximately 4 – 6 × 10 8 Tg / Myr , or ∼ 45 – 70 × 10 3 Tg / Myr per kilometer of subduction zone.
Atomic-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope

SUMMARY Recent developments in the dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) now permit probe sizes of atomic dimensions to be obtained (0·22 nm FWHM at 100 kV). When coupled with an efficient parallel detector for electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), there now exists the potential to obtain EELS with atomic resolution. This potential is further enhanced by the Z-contrast imaging technique in the STEM, which can produce incoherent, atomic-resolution images of crystalline structures. The Z-contrast image, being formed from only the high-angle thermal diffuse scattering, can thus be acquired simultaneously with the energy-loss spectrum and used to position the probe with atomic precision. However, to obtain an atomic-resolution energy-loss spectrum the range of the inelastic scattering must be less than the atomic spacing. Additionally, to enable a direct correlation between the spectrum and the Z-contrast image, i.e. a description of the spatial resolution of the spectrum in terms of a convolution of a probe intensity profile and an object function, we need to determine the conditions for incoherent imaging with inelastically scattered electrons. In this paper, a theorem for the spatial resolution of the inelastic signal first proposed by Ritchie and Howie and a hydrogenic model for the object function developed by Maslen and Rossouw are combined to calculate the object functions for several characteristic K-edges. More generally, the collection conditions, energy range and detectability for atomic-resolution spectra are discussed. Finally, atomic-resolution spectroscopy is demonstrated with a cobalt L-edge profile of an atomically abrupt CoSi2/Si (111) interface.
Isolation of a New Clathrin Heavy Chain Gene with Muscle-Specific Expression from the Region Commonly Deleted in Velo-cardio-facial Syndrome

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) and DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) are developmental disorders characterized by a spectrum of phenotypes including velopharyngeal insufficiency, conotruncal heart defects and facial dysmorphology among others. Eighty to eighty-five percent of VCFS/DGS patients are hemizygous for a portion of chromosome 22. It is likely that the genes encoded by this region play a role in the etiology of the phenotypes associated with the disorders. Using a cDNA selection protocol, we isolated a novel clathrin heavy chain cDNA (CLTD) from the VCFS/DGS minimally deleted interval. The cDNA encodes a protein of 1638 amino acids. CLTD shares significant homology, but is not identical to the ubiquitously expressed clathrin heavy chain gene. The CLTD gene also shows a unique pattern of expression, having its maximal level of expression in skeletal muscle. Velopharyngeal insufficiency and muscle weakness are common features of VCFS patients. Based on the location and expression pattern of CLTD, we suggest hemizygosity at this locus may play a role in the etiology of one of the VCFS-associated phenotypes.
An assay for local quality in cryo-electron micrographs of single particles.

Abstract High quality of the cryo-electron micrographs is of crucial importance for the success of single particle three-dimensional reconstruction methods. In analyzing some micrographs from cryo-electron microscopy specimens, we found an extraordinary variability, within the same micrograph, in the appearance of particles. We developed a method for analyzing the variability of local image quality, using correspondence analysis of local power spectra. With this technique, we discovered a strong systematic variation of the envelope modulating an otherwise unchanged contrast transfer function. The underlying causes may be uncontrollable effects, such as variations in the thickness of ice, instability of the holey carbon, and charging. The method of assaying, resulting in “local quality maps”, may be useful as a general tool for screening micrographs used as input for reconstructions.
Modeling and Measured Verification of Stored Energy and Loss in MEMS Toroidal Inductors

This paper presents the derivation and verification of a sinusoidal steady-state equivalent-circuit model for microfabricated inductors developed for use in integrated power electronics. These inductors have a low profile, a toroidal air core, and a single-layer winding fabricated via high-aspect-ratio molding and electroplating. Such inductors inevitably have a significant gap between winding turns. This makes the equivalent resistance more difficult to model. The low profile increases the significance of the energy that is stored in the winding, which together with the winding gap makes the equivalent inductance more difficult to model. The models presented here account for these effects. Finally, the models are verified against results from 2-D and 3-D finite-element analysis (2-D FEA and 3-D FEA) direct measurement, and from in-circuit experimentation. In all cases, the equivalent-circuit model is observed to be accurate to within several percentage.
A novel sensitive nitrite reagent to be used in the clinical microbiology laboratory

Abstract We have discovered that a simple chemical compound, viz., 2-aminothiazolemethoxyimino acetic acid (ATMAA) is a specific nitrite reagent. In acidified aqueous milieu, it develops a purple or cherry-red color with sodium nitrite. A spectrophotometric method for the quantitative measurement of nitrite was developed and showed that a linear relationship exists between the intensity of red color and the concentration of nitrite. The method is sensitive, rapid and simple to perform. It was adopted for the detection, directly in the culture media, of nitrite produced from nitrate by bacterial nitrate-reductase. This new method was compared with current techniques for the species identification of microbial isolates such as mycobacteria, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and dermatophytes.