cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The isolation and partial structural characterization of some ocular gangliosides.

Abstract Bovine lens and iris and human normal and cataractous lens were examined for ganglioside content. All four tissues contained a ganglioside composed of sialic acid, glucose, galactose and ceramide in the molar ratio of 1:1:1:1. The human lens contained, in addition, a second component containing sialic acid, glucose, galactose, galactosamine and ceramide in the molar ratio of 1:1:2:1:1. The lipid bases from gangliosides of human origin were predominantly sphinganine, while those of beef origin were the more typical unsaturated bases. Ganglioside content was highest in the human lens which contained 83 times that in the beef lens. The ganglioside concentration in beef iris was about half that of the human lens. No differences were detected between the ganglioside composition of the normal and cataractous human lens.
The Ncd tail domain promotes microtubule assembly and stability.

Non-claret disjunctional (Ncd) is aDrosophilakinesin-like motor required for spindle assembly and maintenance in oocytes and early embryos. Ncd has an ATP-independent microtubule binding site in the N-terminal tail domain as well as an ATP-dependent microtubule binding site in the C-terminal motor domain. The Ncd tail domain shares many properties with the microtubule-associated proteins that regulate microtubule assembly, including microtubule binding and bundling activity and an abundance of basic and proline residues. Given these similarities, we examined the ability of Ncd tail domain proteins to promote MT assembly and stability. The results indicate that the Ncd tail domain can promote MT assembly and stabilize MTs against conditions that induce MT disassembly, and suggest that Ncd may influence MT dynamics within the spindle.
Halo Scalp Ring: A Form of Localized Scalp Injury Associated with Caput Succedanum

: Caput succedaneum is a common birth injury attributed to cervical, uterine, or vaginal pressure on the fetal presenting part. It usually consists of diffuse soft tissue swelling and bruising, which resolve in a few days without sequelae. We have seen two patients who had an unusual alopecic “halo” ring on the scalp associated with a caput succedaneum.
Enhanced transfer of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis with Lewis rat lymph node cells.

Abstract Lewis rat lymph node cells (LNC) are greatly enhanced in their ability to transfer experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) after culture with myelin basic protein (BP). As few as 10 6 LNC transfer disease after culture with antigen. In contrast to spleen cells, enhanced transfer with LNC is not seen after culture with concanavalin A. Neither cell homogenates nor culture supernatants were capable of transferring EAE. Removal of B-cells had LO adverse effect on disease transfer. LNC capable of enhanced transfer were found in rats after recovery from, as well as at the height of, clinical disease.
Permanent Deformation Predictive Equations Applicable to Mechanistic-Empirical Flexible Pavement Design

AbstractFlexible pavement design is increasingly utilizing mechanistic-empirical (M-E) based design methods. To date, research has resulted in the development of two primary prediction models for permanent deformation on the basis of two different mechanistic-behavioral theories. An axially based model assumes that deformation is the result of axial compression, whereas a shear-based model assumes shear stresses within the asphalt layer are the primary cause of deformation. Permanent deformation is likely described by a model that incorporates both theories; however, little research exists in this area. The objective of this paper is to investigate numerous permanent deformation predictive models under the hypothesis that a model that combines both mechanistic theories reduces model form error. Improvement in the accuracy of performance predictions will allow designers to investigate novel mix designs, perform accurate reliability analyses, perform precise design optimization, and provide cost-effective d...
The emergence of shear bands in plane strain

Abstract In this paper, we examine the effect of a slight material imperfection on the deformation field in an otherwise homogeneous body subjected to a plane bi-axial stretch at infinity. Both hyper-elastic and hypo-elastic materials are considered, with the constitutive equations assumed to be such that the governing equilibrium equations lose ellipticity at some strain level. A straightforward regular perturbation analysis is performed and attention is focussed on the features of the first order terms. It is found that the effect of the imperfection is negligible at small values of the applied load. As the load increases, the imperfection more or less abruptly gets “activated” and causes a rapid concentration of strain within certain narrow bands—shear bands—passing through the imperfection. In order to estimate the accuracy of the linearized analysis, a finite element solution of the nonlinear problem is also carried out and results are compared.
Solid-state NMR structural studies of peptides immobilized on gold nanoparticles.

In this paper we describe solid-state NMR experiments that provide information on the structures of surface-immobilized peptides. The peptides are covalently bound to alkanethiolates that are self-...
User Requirements for Information Technology to Support Alternative Transportation in the National Parks

Because of crowding, overuse, and pollution, the National Park Service is conducting a major effort to develop alternative forms of transportation in the national parks. A new generation of busses and trams will provide features that motivate visitors to leave their private automobiles in favor of public transportation. One such feature might be an interactive computer-based information system that would provide riders with various kinds of interpretive and visit planning information. A series of surveys and focus groups explored visitors' motivations and expectations when visiting Yellowstone National Park. They also documented the features and the kinds of information visitors would like to have available during a trip through the park using an alternative vehicle system. These studies culminated in the functional design of a prototype visit enhancement system. This paper presents the results and implications of these user requirements studies.
Evaluating the roles of thrombin and calcium in the activation of coagulation factor XIII using H/D exchange and MALDI-TOF MS.

Factor XIII catalyzes the formation of isopeptide bonds between noncovalently associated fibrin monomers in the final stages of the blood coagulation cascade. This results in a rigid, covalently linked network that is much more resistant to proteolytic degradation. Calcium ion is critical to this process, and its continued presence after activation aids in maintenance of Factor XIII activity. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments were conducted on recombinant Factor XIII a2 using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The method revealed changes in the structure of Factor XIII a2 localized to different areas of the protein that were related to the manner in which the enzyme was activated and the calcium environment in which it was maintained. A possible substrate recognition region in the catalytic core (220−230) shows an increase in deuteration upon activation. The degree of deuteration varies depending on the calcium environment in which the active enzyme is main...
Microwave spectrum and structure of Cl3PO

Abstract The rotational spectrum of Cl3PO has been investigated in the region 18.0–40.0 GHz. Transitions of the two asymmetric rotors, 35Cl237ClPO and 35Cl37Cl2PO, have been identified and assigned. The determined rotational constants are: A = 2012.68 ± 0.05, B = 1962.22 ± 0.05, C = 1462.34 ± 3.25 for 35Cl237ClPO and A = 1984.83 ± 0.07, B = 1934.92 ± 0.06, C = 1424.49 ± 3.72 for 35Cl37Cl2PO. With these rotational constants along with those for the two symmetric tops the following structural parameters have been obtained: r(PO) = 1.455 ± 0.005 A, r(PCl) = 1.989 ± 0.002 A and ∠ ClPCl = 103.7 ± 0.2°.
Walter Pater and the Rhetorical Tradition: Finding Common Sense in the Particular

(2001). Walter Pater and the Rhetorical Tradition: Finding Common Sense in the Particular. Advances in the History of Rhetoric: Vol. 4, A Collection of Selected Papers Presented at ASHR Conferences in 1999, pp. 37-45.
Vaginal Adenosarcoma Arising from Endometriosis

Abstract Objective. Malignant transformation of endometriosis has been well documented. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy to occur in this setting, although other carcinomas and rarely stromal tumors can be seen. We present the first case in the literature of adenosarcoma, a rare mixed mullerian or mesodermal tumor, arising in extrauterine vaginal endometriosis. Case. A 42-year-old woman underwent multiple medical therapies and surgeries for aggressive endometriosis. A pelvic exenteration was abandoned secondary to severe fibrosis, and low-dose radiotherapy was used to control bleeding from vaginal endometriosis. The pathologic diagnosis of recurrent endometriosis was confirmed multiple times over her 4-year course. Excision of a recurrent vaginal mass revealed adenosarcoma with heterologous elements. Conclusion. It is important to biopsy or excise recurrent endometriosis, as malignant transformation can occur, giving rise to epithelial, stromal, or mixed epithelial–mesenchymal tumors.
Effect of a single dose of anti-LH-serum at proestrus on the rat estrous cycle.

Previous studies have shown that pentobarbital administration at 2 p.m. of proestrus in the rat blocks ovulation and the drop in pituitary LH content normally seen at estrus; these data were interpreted as indicating that the drug acted by blocking LH release. Signs of prolongation of estrogen secretion were seen in these rats and, in the absence of further treatment, ovulation occurred 24 hours later. In the present study a single dose of anti-ovine-LH-serum administered at 1 p.m. of proestrus also blocked ovulation, but did not prevent the drop in pituitary content on the moring of “estrus.” Therefore, one may conclude that this blockade was the result of preventing the peripheral effects of LH on the ovary. The antiserum blockade did not produce prolongation of estrogen secretion and no rat ovulated within the next four days. During this time pituitary LH content was normal, as were ovarian and uterine weight, although large follicles, rather than recent corpora lutea, were seen in the ovary. Six rats were followed until the next vaginal cornification (by 6 days); only three of the six had ovulated by day seven. The contrast between the sequelae of pentobarbital and antiserum blockade is interpreted in the light of a new theory of regulation of reproductive cyclicity in the rat.
Relationship among low cholesterol levels, depressive symptoms, aggression, hostility, and cynicism

Background Treatment guidelines for lipids have become increasingly more aggressive. However, naturally low or therapeutically reduced cholesterol levels may be associated with adverse psychological health symptoms, including depression, aggression, and hostility. Objective To examine relationships between low total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and measures of psychosocial status among middle-aged adults. Methods A total of 1995 subjects enrolled in the Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation study with data on TC, LDL cholesterol, and self-reported ratings of psychological health were evaluated. To quantify ratings of depression, aggression, cynicism, and hostility, psychological measures included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Cook-Medley Hostility Inventory. Results Of 1995 participants, 25.1% were taking a lipid-lowering agent at baseline. Mean CES-D scores were similar between participants with low ( Conclusions Our data indicate mixed evidence for independent relationships between low total and LDL cholesterol levels and impaired psychological health.
Threefold Cation−π Bonding in Trimethylsilylated Allyl Complexes

Reaction of zinc triflate with the lithium, sodium, and potassium salts of the bis(1,3-trimethylsilyl)allyl anion, M[A‘] (A‘ = [1,3-(SiMe3)2C3H3]), produces the triallylzincates Li[ZnA‘3] (1), Na[ZnA‘3] (2), and K[ZnA‘3] (3) rather than the inititially expected neutral ZnA‘2. The molecules are fluxional in solution, and the chemical shifts of the molecules in C6D6 are different for the three molecules, indicating that the cations remain associated with the triallylzinc anion. Single-crystal X-ray structures of 2 and 3 reveal that the three allyl ligands are bound to the zinc in an arrangement with approximate C3 symmetry, with the alkali-metal cations situated between the double bonds of the allyl ligands. The distances are consistent with noncovalent cation−π interactions. The structure of the lithium derivative 1 is similar to those of 2 and 3, but the asymmetry in the metal−carbon distances suggests that some Li−C σ-bonding is involved. Density functional theory calculations were performed on [M(C6H6)]...
The design and implementation of a next generation name service for the internet

Name services are critical for mapping logical resource names to physical resources in large-scale distributed systems. The Domain Name System (DNS) used on the Internet, however, is slow, vulnerable to denial of service attacks, and does not support fast updates. These problems stem fundamentally from the structure of the legacy DNS.This paper describes the design and implementation of the Cooperative Domain Name System (CoDoNS), a novel name service, which provides high lookup performance through proactive caching, resilience to denial of service attacks through automatic load-balancing, and fast propagation of updates. CoDoNS derives its scalability, decentralization, self-organization, and failure resilience from peer-to-peer overlays, while it achieves high performance using the Beehive replication framework. Cryptographic delegation, instead of host-based physical delegation, limits potential malfeasance by namespace operators and creates a competitive market for namespace management. Backwards compatibility with existing protocols and wire formats enables CoDoNS to serve as a backup for legacy DNS, as well as a complete replacement. Performance measurements from a real-life deployment of the system in PlanetLab shows that CoDoNS provides fast lookups, automatically reconfigures around faults without manual involvement and thwarts distributed denial of service attacks by promptly redistributing load across nodes.
Adriamycin versus methotrexate in five-drug combination chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer: a randomized trial.

Adriamycin is of noteworthy efficacy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Its role in combination regimens is under investigation. One hundred seventy-five women with advanced breast cancer were entered into a prospectively randomized trial comparing two five-drug regimens. Regimen CMFVP consisted of cyclophosphamide (C), methotrexate (M), 5-fluorouracil (F), vincristine (V), and prednisone (P). Regimen CAFVP was identical but substituted Adriamycin (A) for methotrexate. Twenty-seven patients were disqualified; 148 were evaluable. With CMFVP the complete response rate (CR) was 11%, and the partial response rate (PR) was 46%; with CAFVP, CR was 13% and PR was 45%. Duration of response tended to be slightly longer for patients on the Adriamycin arm. The median survival for CR and PR patients with CMFVP was 20.2 months, which was shorter (p = .07) than the 33 month median survival with CAFVP. Although statistical significance was not reached at the 5% level, the increased survival of responders on the Adriamycin regimen supports the data of other studies which suggest that first line combination chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer should include Adriamycin.
Acute cardiovascular effects of intravenous methanol in the anesthetized dog.

Abstract The hemodynamic effects of successive intravenous infusions of 20% methanol in anesthetized, mechanically ventilated dogs were assessed against any spontaneous changes occurring during saline infusions. Preinfusion parameters, including pentobarbital-induced tachycardia and reduced stroke volume, were similar for test and control groups, which both maintained normal blood gases and pH during subsequent infusions. Systemic blood pressures of control dogs fell 10–20% during the saline-infusion regimen. Methanol quickly distributed in total body water. Clinical (130–200 mg/100 ml) and higher blood alcohol concentrations progressively decreased stroke volume and cardiac output, systemic blood pressure, and flow through femoral and common carotid arteries, while total peripheral resistance increased. Death by cardiac arrest occurred at blood concentrations exceeding 400 mg/100 ml. Other studies suggest that the dose-related decreased stroke volume, bradycardia, and elevated total peripheral resistance may be direct alcohol effects.
The Twilight of Westminster? Electoral Reform and its Consequences

The UK political system has long exemplified ‘majoritarian’ or ‘Westminster’ government, a type subsequently exported to many Commonwealth countries. The primary advantage of this system, proponents since Bagehot have argued, lie in its ability to combine accountability with effective governance. Yet under the Blair administration, this system has undergone a series of major constitutional reforms, perhaps producing the twilight of the pure Westminster model. After conceptualizing the process of constitutional reform, this paper discusses two important claims made by those who favor retaining the current electoral system for Westminster, namely that single-member districts promote strong voter-member linkages and generate greater satisfaction with the political system. Evidence testing these claims is examined from comparative data covering 19 nations, drawing on the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems. The study finds that member-voter linkages are stronger in single member than in pure multimember districts, but that combined districts such as MMP preserve these virtues. Concerning claims of greater public satisfaction under majoritarian systems, the study establishes some support for this contention, although the evidence remains limited. The conclusion considers the implications of the findings for debates about electoral reform and for the future of the Westminster political system.
WOCE Working Group on Numerical Modeling

A U.S. WOCE (World Ocean Circulation Experiment) Working Group on Numerical Modeling has been established to serve as a forum for the discussion of progress in numerical general circulation modeling and its relationship to WOCE design and data analysis and as an advisory body on resource and manpower requirements for large-scale ocean modeling. The first meeting of this working group was held at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., on Monday, December 10, 1984. The working group members who attended were K. Bryan, Y.-J. Han, D. Haidvogel (chairman), W. Holland, H. Hurlburt, J. O'Brien, A. Robinson, B. Semtner, and J. Sarmiento. Observers included F. Bretherton, A. Colin de Verdiere, C. Collins, L. Hua, P. Rizzoli, T. Spence, R. Wall, and S. Wilson.
Toward secure and private service discovery anywhere anytime

With the advances in and convergence of Internet technologies, embedded computers, and wireless communication, computing devices have become part of our daily life. Hand-held devices and sensors with wireless connections create opportunities for many new nomadic applications. Service discovery is an essential component for cognitive science to discover existing network services just-in-time. Unlike many other approaches, we propose a service discovery model supporting nomadic users and services in public environments. Our model emphasizes secure and private service discovery in such environments. Location sensing is integrated for location dependent service discovery and is used to lessen service discovery network infrastructure requirements. We analyze the system performance and show our formal verification of the protocols. Our implementation shows that our model is feasible.
A Fast and Stable Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for the Ratio-Cut Partitioning Problem on Hypergraphs

A genetic algorithm (GA) for partitioning a hypergraph into two disjoint graphs of least ratio-cut is presented. Two notable features of this algorithm are: (i) a fast local optimizer, and (ii) a preprocessing step. Some supporting combinatorial arguments for the preprocessing heuristic are also provided. Experimental results on industrial benchmarks circuits are favorable when compared with recently published algorithms [25], [26], [19].
Optimal L2 Error Estimates for the Interior Penalty DG Method for Maxwell’s Equations in Cold Plasma

In this paper, we consider an interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for the time-dependent Maxwell's equations in cold plasma. In Huang and Li (J. Sci. Comput., 42 (2009), 321-340), for both semi and fully discrete DG schemes, we proved error estimates which are optimal in the energy norm, but sub-optimal in the L 2 -norm. Here by filling this gap, we show that these schemes are optimally conver- gent in the L 2 -norm on quasi-uniform tetrahedral meshes if the solution is sufficiently smooth.
Thermolability of glycolysis enzymes from a psychrophilic marine bacterium

Cell extracts ofVibrio marinus MP-1 grown at 15°C and suspended in either tris-HCl buffer or NaCl were compared for heat lability of hexokinase, glucose phosphate isomerase, and aldolase. In tris buffer glucose phosphate isomerase and aldolase lost 50 per cent activity after one hour at low thermal exposures of 34°C and 28°C, respectively. Complete loss of enzyme activity occurred at 36°C and 34°C, respectively. Hexokinase suspended in tris buffer lost all activity above 17°C. The cell extracts suspended in 3.6 per cent NaCl were more heat stable and the enzymes lost 50 per cent activity after exposure between 31°C and 35°C. The enzymes lost all activity on thermal exposure of 33°C to 38°C in the presence of NaCl.
Comparing energetic and dynamic descriptions of a single food web linkage

Food webs are a unifying concept that spans population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Yet there is a fundamental dissonance between dynamic food webs, which derive from community ecology and characterize the effect of one species upon another, and energetic-based food webs, which have their roots in ecosystem ecology and characterize the flow of energy and matter among species and trophic levels. Here, we present a framework that explicitly defines food web linkage strength in terms of two key factors: the type of data (energetic vs dynamic), and the trophic perspective (whether the interaction is viewed from the perspective of the consumer or the resource). As a case study, we applied this framework to the well-studied trophic interaction between rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax and cisco Coregonus artedii in Sparkling Lake, Wisconsin, USA. Energetic and dynamic metrics gave different descriptions of the linkage strength from the perspective of either species. This was particularly true from the cisco perspective: the dynamic metric indicated a strong linkage because smelt extirpated cisco, but the energetic metric indicated a weak linkage because smelt prey on cisco larvae and the flux from cisco to smelt was therefore a small fraction of cisco production. Our approach highlights the need for more careful consideration of how food web linkages and their importance are characterized. Furthermore, it can provide the basis for translating energetic data to an understanding of food web dynamics.
In-Ear Microphone Speech Data Segmentation and Recognition using Neural Networks

Speech collected through a microphone placed in front of the mouth has been the primary source of data collection for speech recognition. However, this set-up also picks up any ambient noise present at the same time. As a result, locations which may provide shielding from surrounding noise have also been considered. This study considers an ear-insert microphone which collects speech from the ear canal to take advantage of the ear canal noise shielding properties to operate in noisy environments. Speech segmentation is achieved using short-time signal magnitude and short-time energy-entropy features. Cepstral coefficients extracted from each segmented utterance are used as input features to a back-propagation neural network for the seven isolated word recognizer implemented. Results show that a backpropagation neural network configuration may be a viable choice for this recognition task and that the best average recognition rate (94.73%) is obtained with mel-frequency cepstral coefficients for a two-layer network.
Distinct functions for Rho1 in maintaining adherens junctions and apical tension in remodeling epithelia

Maintenance and remodeling of adherens junctions (AJs) and cell shape in epithelia are necessary for the development of functional epithelia and are commonly altered during cancer progression/metastasis. Although formation of nascent AJs has received much attention, whether shared mechanisms are responsible for the maintenance and remodeling of AJs in dynamic epithelia, particularly in vivo, is not clear. Using clonal analysis in the postmitotic Drosophila melanogaster pupal eye epithelium, we demonstrate that Rho1 is required to maintain AJ integrity independent of its role in sustaining apical cell tension. Rho1 depletion in a remodeling postmitotic epithelium disrupts AJs but only when depleted in adjacent cells. Surprisingly, neither of the Rho effectors, Rok or Dia, is necessary downstream of Rho1 to maintain AJs; instead, Rho1 maintains AJs by inhibiting Drosophila epithelial cadherin endocytosis in a Cdc42/Par6-dependent manner. In contrast, depletion of Rho1 in single cells decreases apical tension, and Rok and myosin are necessary, while Dia function also contributes, downstream of Rho1 to sustain apical cell tension.
Kidney Disease and Multiple Myeloma

Kidney injury is a common complication of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias, and it is associated with increased mortality. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms can contribute to kidney injury in the patient with myeloma, some of which are the result of nephrotoxic monoclonal Ig and some of which are independent of paraprotein deposition. The pathogenic mechanisms that underlie paraprotein-related kidney disease are increasingly well understood. A novel assay allowing the quantification of free light chains in the serum has aided the diagnosis of new onset disease and allowed for the earlier detection of relapse. Novel myeloma agents have shown considerable promise in reversing renal failure in some patients and improving outcomes. Stem cell transplantation remains a mainstay of management for younger patients with myeloma who are suitable candidates for intensive therapy, whereas the role of new drugs, plasma exchange, and kidney transplantation continues to evolve.
Long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy: can the past be used to predict the future?

See related article, p 1273. Unless based on an immutable causal relationship, predicting the future based on past events will always entail at least some degree of uncertainty. van Lammeren et al1 developed a prognostic score aimed at stratifying an individual's long-term (average 2.3 years) risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Both the reported results and the premises of this well-conducted analysis are worthy of careful consideration. Risk stratification can be an important guide for the choice and intensity of primary stroke preventive interventions.2 One of the primary assumptions underlying the van Lammeren et al1 analysis is that the same would be true for patients having a CEA. Based on longitudinal follow-up of 1138 patients having a CEA between 2002 to 2009 at 2 hospitals in The Netherlands, the derived predictive score classified patients into four 3-year major adverse cardiovascular event risk strata (low risk, <7%; moderate risk, 7 to <14%; high risk, 14% to <27%; very high risk, ≥27%).1 The model C statistic (a measure of the capacity of the model to correctly classify …
Implementation of cycled lighting in a single-room neonatal ICU.

“In Our Unit” highlights unique practices, innovations, research, or resourceful solutions to commonly encountered problems in critical care areas and settings where critically ill patients are cared for. If you have an idea for an upcoming “In Our Unit,” send it to Critical Care Nurse, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; fax, (949) 362-2049; e-mail, ccn@aacn.org. The NICU’s mission is to bring the baby back within the family’s embrace by nurturing the family’s role as caregivers. The practice of nursery lighting has changed over the past several decades. In the 1970s, the most prevalent strategy was to continually dim the lights in the entire patient care area or cover the infants’ incubators, on the theory that dim lighting was appropriate for premature infants because it was similar to the environment in utero. Research has shown that constant dimness deprives infants of the light stimulation needed to reset their biological clock every 24 hours. Lack of light impedes growth because less cortisol is produced. Exposure of premature infants to low-intensity cycled lighting induces distinct patterns of rest/activity that are apparent within 1 week after discharge. Infants exposed to early cycled light (at birth and 32 weeks postmenstrual age [PMA]) gain weight faster than infants who do not receive cycled lighting until 36 weeks PMA.
Electronic Records of Adverse Drug Reactions: Should They Be Pooled?

Modern computer and communications technologies tempt us to seek new insights into the safety of drugs by pooling data bases on spontaneously reported adverse drug reactions at the international level. The validity of such approaches is severely restricted by myriad differences on how such data are gathered, interpreted and reported from different environments. Available resources will best be used for efforts such as electronic record linkage and understanding of mechanisms of drug effects.
Simulation of digital earthquake accelerograms using the inverse discrete Fourier transform

Acceleration time histories of horizontal earthquake ground motion are obtained by inverting the discrete Fourier transform, which is defined by modelling the probability distribution of the Fourier phase differences conditional on the Fourier amplitude. The Fourier amplitude spectrum is modelled as a scaled, lognormal probability density function. Three parameters are necessary to define the Fourier amplitude spectrum. They are the total energy of the accelerogram, the central frequency, and the spectral bandwidth. The Fourier phase differences are simulated conditional on the Fourier amplitudes. The amplitudes are classified into three categories: small, intermediate and large. For each amplitude category, a beta distribution or a combination of a beta distribution and a uniform distribution are defined for the phase differences. Seven parameters are needed to completely define the phase difference distributions: two for each of the three beta distributions, and the weight of the uniform distribution for phase differences corresponding to small Fourier amplitudes. Approximately 300 uniformly processed horizontal ground motion records from recent California earthquakes are used to develop prediction formulas for the model parameters, as well as to validate the simulation model. The moment magnitude of the earthquakes ranges from 5.8 to 7.3. The source to site distance for all the records is less than 100 km. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two-pole circuit model for VLSI high-speed interconnection

A high-speed VLSI interconnection is modeled by using a generic distributed-RLC tree. Through a detailed analysis of the distributed-RLC tree a two-pole approximation system is established. Relating the solution of the two-pole approximation to the interconnection geometric parameters, a VLSI performance-driven layout problem is formulated which reveals the interplay between the interconnection performance and its geometrical parameters. >
Infarct haemorrhage detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: are we seeing the latest culprit in adverse left ventricular remodelling?

> The force of the heart decreases … as the greater number of its parts become tendinous instead of fleshy. De sedibus et causus morborum > > G. B. Morgagni, 1761 All myocardial infarctions are not equal, and those that produce more extensive left ventricular topographical alterations are much more likely to result in premature morbidity and mortality. The advent of non-invasive cardiac imaging, particularly echocardiography, provided a temporal window to evaluate the dynamics of the structural alterations produced by a myocardial infarction. In the late 1970s, infarct expansion was defined as an acute dilatation and thinning of the infarcted region leading to an elongation of that segment which was not accounted for by further necrosis.1 This early change in ventricular contour often leading to an aneurysm identified patients at higher risk for early mortality and other infarct complications. In animal models, it became apparent that the early distortion of ventricular architecture in response to an extensive loss of myocytes was part of a more insidious progressive process of ventricular enlargement which involved the viable segment as well as the infarcted region. This architectural-modifying process termed ‘ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction’ results in a larger ventricular chamber.2 Although the early enlargement may provide some compensation by restoring stroke volume despite a reduced ejection fraction, the alterations in left ventricular architecture create a chronic imbalance in loading conditions that leads to further topographic changes which augment risks for adverse events. Larger infarct size is the major factor promoting adverse left ventricular remodelling, and myocardial reperfusion performed during the myocyte salvage period remains the most definitive therapeutic modality to reduce adverse ventricular remodelling. Early studies also indicated that re-establishing coronary perfusion just outside of the window of salvage could still favourably attenuate some of the adverse structural changes by promoting prompter healing in the infarcted region.3 The complementary … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 617 732 5500, Fax: +1 617 732 5291, E-mail: mapfeffer{at}bics.bwh.harvard.edu or mpfeffer{at}rics.bwh.harvard.edu
“Are you joking or are you sleeping?” Cultural beliefs and practices in Italian and U.S. teachers’ mistake-handling strategies

Abstract This study investigates the role of cultural beliefs and practices in teaching. The focus is the process of socialization by which students learn to deal with mistakes. Analyzed are teacher–student interactions surrounding mistakes videotaped in 30 Italian and 30 U.S. eighth-grade mathematics lessons. These are complemented by interviews with teachers and students and videotapes of elementary-school classes. The study combines discourse analytic approaches with quantification of some aspects of the interactions observed. Italian and U.S. students have different experiences with mistakes that largely depend on how teachers organize instructional activities and frame classroom participant roles. Mistakes are discussed publicly in Italy twice as often as in the United States. U.S. teachers mitigate their responses; Italian teachers aggravate them. Mistake-handling activities may be understood as culturally specific interplays of beliefs and practices. The complexity of these interplays is suggested here as a significant obstacle to effective teaching innovation.
Virtual operating room for team training in surgery

Abstract Background We proposed to develop a novel virtual reality (VR) team training system. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of creating a VR operating room to simulate a surgical crisis scenario and evaluate the simulator for construct and face validity. Methods We modified ICE STORM (Integrated Clinical Environment; Systems, Training, Operations, Research, Methods), a VR-based system capable of modeling a variety of health care personnel and environments. ICE STORM was used to simulate a standardized surgical crisis scenario, whereby participants needed to correct 4 elements responsible for loss of laparoscopic visualization. The construct and face validity of the environment were measured. Results Thirty-three participants completed the VR simulation. Attendings completed the simulation in less time than trainees (271 vs 201 seconds, P = .032). Participants felt the training environment was realistic and had a favorable impression of the simulation. All participants felt the workload of the simulation was low. Conclusions Creation of a VR-based operating room for team training in surgery is feasible and can afford a realistic team training environment.
The Genetical Structure of Populations and Developmental Time

I N quantitative genetic theory a population is specified by genotypic frequencies and genotypic values. The genotypic values are numbers assigned to the genotypes under discussion and the subsequent analysis of the population examines the variation of these values. Since the concept of genotypic value is central to quantitative theory, it is the objective of this communication to express the genotypic values as a function of developmental time and hence present a more comprehensive, workable system of population dynamics. Genotypic value in the classical sense (FISHER 1918) is a number that reflects the cumulative effects of a genotype at the time in the life cycle it is assigned. Inferences concerning the genetic structure of the population are necessarily restricted to the time the genotypic values were assigned or experimentally when the genotypes were measured (see ROBERTSON 1967 for recent comment). To remove this limitation oine must describe the association between the value of a genotype and time. There is no universal mathematical function for all organisms that can fulfill this requirement; however, this need not deter one from exploring the concept of developmental time as it influences the genetic structure of populations. A preliminary report of this work was given by COSTANTINO (1967a).
A New Player in the Spermiogenesis Pathway of Caenorhabditis elegans

Precise timing of sperm activation ensures the greatest likelihood of fertilization. Precision in Caenorhabditis elegans sperm activation is ensured by external signaling, which induces the spherical spermatid to reorganize and extend a pseudopod for motility. Spermatid activation, also called spermiogenesis, is prevented from occurring prematurely by the activity of SPE-6 and perhaps other proteins, termed "the brake model." Here, we identify the spe-47 gene from the hc198 mutation that causes premature spermiogenesis. The mutation was isolated in a suppressor screen of spe-27(it132ts), which normally renders worms sterile, due to defective transduction of the activation signal. In a spe-27(+) background, spe-47(hc198) causes a temperature-sensitive reduction of fertility, and in addition to premature spermiogenesis, many mutant sperm fail to activate altogether. The hc198 mutation is semidominant, inducing a more severe loss of fertility than do null alleles generated by CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology. The hc198 mutation affects an major sperm protein (MSP) domain, altering a conserved amino acid residue in a β-strand that mediates MSP-MSP dimerization. Both N- and C-terminal SPE-47 reporters associate with the forming fibrous body (FB)-membranous organelle, a specialized sperm organelle that packages MSP and other components during spermatogenesis. Once the FB is fully formed, the SPE-47 reporters dissociate and disappear. SPE-47 reporter localization is not altered by either the hc198 mutation or a C-terminal truncation deleting the MSP domain. The disappearance of SPE-47 reporters prior to the formation of spermatids requires a reevaluation of the brake model for prevention of premature spermatid activation.
Half Oaks, Half Willows: Degree, Not Direction, of Handedness Underlies Both Stable Prevalence in the Human Population and Species-Beneficial Variations in Cognitive Flexibility

A classification of humans into a near 50-50 split of inconsistent- versus consistent-handers is more consistent with behavioral, genetic, and evolutionary considerations than the traditional classification of 90 % right-handed and 10 % left-handed. In addition, inconsistent- versus consistent-handedness is associated with more flexible versus rigid cognitive styles, respectively, and it is argued that this heterogeneity of cognitive styles provided by the inconsistent-handed “willows” versus the consistent-handed “oaks” gives human society a beneficial blend of adaptive flexibility and stability.
Molecular distances determined with resonant vibrational energy transfers.

In general, intermolecular distances in condensed phases at the angstrom scale are difficult to measure. We were able to do so by using the vibrational energy transfer method, an ultrafast vibrational analogue of Forster resonance energy transfer. The distances among SCN– anions in KSCN crystals and ion clusters of KSCN aqueous solutions were determined with the method. In the crystalline samples, the closest anion distance was determined to be 3.9 ± 0.3 A, consistent with the XRD result. In the 1.8 and 1 M KSCN aqueous solutions, the anion distances in the ion clusters were determined to be 4.4 ± 0.4 A. The clustered anion distances in aqueous solutions are very similar to the closest anion distance in the KSCN crystal but significantly shorter than the average anion distance (0.94–1.17 nm) in the aqueous solutions if ion clustering did not occur. The result suggests that ions in the strong electrolyte aqueous solutions can form clusters inside of which they have direct contact with each other.
Phosphorus in the river corridor

River corridor protection has been adopted by government agencies and non-governmental organizations to try to control nonpoint nutrient loading to rivers. Yet, river corridor protection and modeling strategies developed on a national basis may not fully account for dynamics that have proven to be important controls on phosphorus in river corridors. These sources of uncertainty may have economic and environmental costs, yet we know of no previous works that have proposed a broad conceptual model of phosphorus dynamics in river corridors. In this review, we develop a conceptual model of phosphorus in the river corridor under natural conditions based on existing research by: (i) evaluating how processes and controls vary among distinct landscape characteristics and among distinct segments within river networks (e.g., in confined channels versus wide valleys); and (ii) determining whether some processes and controls are generally more dominant for some landscape types and river reaches. Finally, we provide an example application of the conceptual model, and identify key areas for future research. The review suggests that phosphorus dynamics in the river corridor, and their controls, may vary substantially across different landscape types and river reaches. However, the conceptual model outlined here illustrates how certain characteristics of landscape type, and abundance, transport, and transformation of phosphorus and reactive compounds, may help to predict important river corridor phosphorus dynamics. Use of this conceptual model can better inform numerical modeling of phosphorus dynamics and management of river corridors.
The challenges of deep impact autonomous navigation: Research Articles

On July 4, 2005 at 05:44:34 UTC the Impactor spacecraft (s/c) impacted comet 9P/Tempel 1 with a relative speed of more than 10 km/s. The Flyby s/c captured the impact event, using both the medium resolution imager and the high resolution imager, and tracked the impact site for the entire observing period following impact. The objective of the Impactor s/c was to impact in an illuminated area viewable from the Flyby s/c and telemeter high-resolution context images of the impact site prior to impact. The Flyby s/c had two primary objectives: (1) capture the impact event in order to observe the ejecta plume expansion dynamics and (2) track the impact site for at least 800 s to observe the crater formation and capture high-resolution images of the fully developed crater. All of these objectives were met by estimating the trajectory of each spacecraft relative to 9P/Tempel 1 using the autonomous navigation system, precise attitude information from the attitude determination and control subsystem, and allowing each spacecraft to independently select the same impact site. This paper describes the challenges of targeting and tracking comet 9P/Tempel 1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three-year Effectiveness of Improving Stove and Health Education on Controlling Burning Coal Pollution Endemic Fluorine Disease in Longhui County

Objective To explore the effect of improving stove accompanied with health education and intervention on controlling burning coal pollution endemic fluorine disease. Methods Three-year health education,intervention,and improving stove were conducted at two pilot villages for controlling endemic fluorine disease. Questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the changes in the knowledge and behaviors after implementation of the intervention,the fluorine content in corn and chili pepper was determined by fluorine ion selective electrode method. Results After three-year intervention,the awareness rate of fluorine knowledge increased to 81.9% from original 29.6%,the rate of correctly using the improved stove increased to 97.3% from original 32.9%,the rate of baking food dropped down to 22.3% from 79.6% of beginning,and the content of fluoride in corn and chili pepper decreased significantly (P0.01). Conclusions Improving stove accompanied with health education and intervention for three years is an effective and feasible way to control burning coal pollution endemic fluorine disease.
A simple method for closure of a ventriculotomy incision using pericardium

Technique de fermeture d'une incision. La ventriculotomie apres resection d'un anevrysme ventriculaire gauche et/ou thrombectomie
β decay of deformed r -process nuclei near A=80 and A=160 , including odd- A and odd-odd nuclei, with the Skyrme finite-amplitude method

After identifying the nuclei in the $A\ensuremath{\simeq}80$ and $A\ensuremath{\simeq}160$ regions for which $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay rates have the greatest effect on weak and main $r$-process abundance patterns, we apply the finite-amplitude method (FAM) with Skyrme energy-density functionals (EDFs) to calculate $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives of those nuclei in the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA). We use the equal filling approximation to extend our implementation of the charge-changing FAM, which incorporates pairing correlations and allows axially symmetric deformation, to odd-$A$ and odd-odd nuclei. Repeated calculations with $A\ensuremath{\simeq}160$ nuclei and multiple EDFs show a spread of 1.9--3.3 in $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives, with differences in calculated $Q$ values playing an important role. We compare our results with those of previous work and investigate their implications for $r$-process simulations.