cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substitution of DNA-contacting amino acids with functional variants in the Gata-1 zinc finger: A structurally and phylogenetically guided mutagenesis

DNA-binding functionality among transcription factor proteins is afforded by a number of structural motifs, such as the helix-turn-helix, helix-loop-helix, and zinc finger domains. The common thread among these diverse structures is their sequence-specific binding to essential promoter or other genetic regulatory sequences with high selectivity and affinity. One such motif, present in a wide range of organisms from bacteria to vertebrates, is the Gata-type zinc finger. This family of DNA-binding proteins is characterized by the presence of one or two (Cys)(4) metal binding sites which recognize the protein's eponymous binding site, GATA. Unlike other conserved DNA-binding domains, Gata proteins appear to be restricted to binding consensus GATA sequences, or near variations, in DNA. Since the architecture of the Gata finger seems built around recognizing this particular sequence, we set out to define the allowable range of amino acid substitutions along the DNA-binding surface of a Gata finger that could continue to support sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. Accordingly, we set up a one-hybrid screen in yeast based on the chicken Gata-1 C-terminal zinc finger. Mutant libraries were generated at five amino acids identified in the Gata-DNA structure as likely to mediate sequence-specific contacts between the Gata finger and DNA. These libraries were designed to give as exhaustive amino acid coverage as possible such that almost all alternative amino acids were screened at each of the five probed positions. Screening and characterization of these libraries revealed several functional amino acid substitutions at two leucines which contact the DNA at the 3' and 5' flanks of the GATA binding site, but no functional substituents for amino acids near the core of the binding site. This pattern is consistent with amino acid sequences of known DNA-binding Gata fingers.
Association of hospital participation in a quality reporting program with surgical outcomes and expenditures for Medicare beneficiaries.

Importance The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) provides feedback to hospitals on risk-adjusted outcomes. It is not known if participation in the program improves outcomes and reduces costs relative to nonparticipating hospitals. Objective To evaluate the association of enrollment and participation in the ACS NSQIP with outcomes and Medicare payments compared with control hospitals that did not participate in the program. Design, Setting, and Participants Quasi-experimental study using national Medicare data (2003-2012) for a total of 1 226 479 patients undergoing general and vascular surgery at 263 hospitals participating in ACS NSQIP and 526 nonparticipating hospitals. A difference-in-differences analytic approach was used to evaluate whether participation in ACS NSQIP was associated with improved outcomes and reduced Medicare payments compared with nonparticipating hospitals that were otherwise similar. Control hospitals were selected using propensity score matching (2 control hospitals for each ACS NSQIP hospital). Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day mortality, serious complications (eg, pneumonia, myocardial infarction, or acute renal failure and a length of stay >75th percentile), reoperation, and readmission within 30 days. Hospital costs were assessed using price-standardized Medicare payments during hospitalization and 30 days after discharge. Results After accounting for patient factors and preexisting time trends toward improved outcomes, there were no statistically significant improvements in outcomes at 1, 2, or 3 years after (vs before) enrollment in ACS NSQIP. For example, in analyses comparing outcomes at 3 years after (vs before) enrollment, there were no statistically significant differences in risk-adjusted 30-day mortality (4.3% after enrollment vs 4.5% before enrollment; relative risk [RR], 0.96 [95% CI, 0.89 to 1.03]), serious complications (11.1% after enrollment vs 11.0% before enrollment; RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.91 to 1.00]), reoperations (0.49% after enrollment vs 0.45% before enrollment; RR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.16]), or readmissions (13.3% after enrollment vs 12.8% before enrollment; RR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.96 to 1.03]). There were also no differences at 3 years after (vs before) enrollment in mean total Medicare payments ($40 [95% CI, −$268 to $348]), or payments for the index admission (−$11 [95% CI, −$278 to $257]), hospital readmission ($245 [95% CI, −$231 to $721]), or outliers (−$86 [95% CI, −$1666 to $1495]). Conclusions and Relevance With time, hospitals had progressively better surgical outcomes but enrollment in a national quality reporting program was not associated with the improved outcomes or lower Medicare payments among surgical patients. Feedback on outcomes alone may not be sufficient to improve surgical outcomes.
Thermodynamics of lattice disorder of the CsCl-type intermetallic phases at non-stoichiometric compositions and the thermodynamic properties of β′-AuCd and β′-AgMg phases

Abstract Orr's treatment, which extends the thermodynamic model of Wagner and Schottky for CsCl-phases to large departure from stoichiometry, is presented. In this model, a composition-dependent disorder parameter z is obtained by minimizing the Gibbs free energy of the alloys. Since z is a complicated and implicit function of χ and α with χ being the difference between the concentration of the alloy and that of the stoichiometric alloy and α a basic parameter of the theoretical model, several approximations are introduced to describe the concentration dependence of z . For small values of α, the one-and-half approximation adequately describes the composition dependence of z even at relatively large departure from stoichiometry. Using this approximation, equations describing the activities and partial entropies of the component elements are derived. It is found that the activity data of Olander for β′-AuCd are in excellent agreement with theoretical values using α = 0.0026 and ln a Cd , o = −3.46. Moreover, partial entropies are found to be in good accord with the theoretical values calculated on the basis of α = 0.0026. For β'-AgMg, activity and partial entropy data of Trzebiatowski and Terpilowski also agree well with theoretical values utilizing α = 0.014 and ln a Mg , o = −5.14. It is also found that the α-function is not necessarily a suitable function for evaluating and assessing data of ordered intermetallic phases. Rather data of this kind should be evaluated and assessed in light of the theoretical model presented in this paper. The disorder parameter z is related to the long-range order parameter S which is then used to discuss the transition of the lattice from a substantially ordered state to a substantially disordered one at some critical concentration, χ c .
Thymosin-induced leukocyte histamine release reaction in an infant with DiGeorge syndrome

Abstract A limited number of T-cell responses but no change in clinical condition were recorded in a patient with complete DiGeorge syndrome treated with thymosin for a 59-day period. A striking rise in IgE was observed, probably reflecting the appearance of reaginic antibodies to some constituent of thymosin. Although no local or systemic anaphylactic reactions were observed, the patient's serum caused a significant increase in histamine release from normal leukocytes in the presence of thymosin. Thus, allergic reactions to thymosin may complicate therapy of thymic deficiency diseases.
Moyer integrals for estimating shielding of high-energy accelerators

Abstract Integrals of the form ∫ π 0 exp (−βθ) exp (−l cosec θ) d θ often arise in the calculation of shielding for high-energy accelerators. These integrals have been named “Moyer Integrals” and numerically evaluated in the region of practical interest. Examples are given to show how these integrals may be used to estimate shielding in practical situations.
Reduction in myocardial acidosis using blood cardioplegia.

The composition of the ideal cardioplegic solution is controversial. Blood cardioplegia is an attractive alternative to standard crystalloid solutions, though its superiority in preserving myocardial metabolism has not been demonstrated. Using a new pH electrode system, this study contrasts the effects of blood and crystalloid solutions upon the generation of myocardial acidosis during global ischemia. Thirty-eight mongrel dogs underwent a 120-min period of aortic cross clamping using systemic hypothermia. To maintain myocardial temperature below 15°C, 19 dogs received multiple doses of a bicarbonate containing crystalloid cardioplegic solution (Group I), while 19 dogs received multiple doses of blood cardioplegia (Group II). Myocardial pH and temperature were continuously monitored in the subendocardial region of the left ventricle. There was no difference in baseline pH between Group I (7.13 ± 0.05) and Group II (7.17 ± 0.05, P:NS). With systemic cooling and the initial bolus of cardioplegia, myocardial pH rose to 7.42 ± 0.04 in Group I and 7.42 ± 0.06 in Group II (P:NS). After 120 min of global ischemia, myocardial pH decreased to 6.61 ± 0.05 in Group I and 7.07 ± 0.05 in Group II (P < 0.001). Blood cardioplegia was most effective during the first hour of aortic cross clamp when myocardial pH rose by 0.13 ± 0.04 pH units. In contrast, myocardial pH in Group I during the first hour of global ischemia fell −0.35 ± 0.08 pH units (P < 0.001 compared to Group II). During the second hour of cross clamp, myocardial pH declined both in Group I (0.26 ± 0.03 pH units) and in Group II (0.24 ± 0.05 pH units, P:NS). However, the accumulation of hydrogen ion during the second hour was significantly greater in Group I (+128.0 ± 21.4 nm/liter) than in Group II (+36.6 ± 9.0 nm/liter, P < 0.001). Thus, myocardial acidosis was reduced during the administration of blood cardioplegia when compared to a bicarbonate-buffered crystalloid solution. The salutary effects of blood cardioplegia on myocardial metabolism stem from blood's significant buffering capacity and its ability to deliver oxygen.
Detecting Prion Protein Gene Mutations by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

Mutations of the prion protein (PrP) gene are present in patients with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS), familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and fatal familial insomnia (FFI). We developed a denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) strategy that readily identifies point mutations in the PrP coding sequence. By comparison with appropriate controls, haplotypes often may be deduced. This method permits samples from many patients with GSS, CJD, as well as patients with unusual degenerative neurologic disorders, to be screened rapidly, sensitively, and inexpensively for the presence of known and novel PrP mutations. We illustrate the sensitivity of this approach by reporting 2 novel polymorphisms in the PrP coding sequence.
Declining inter-industry wage dispersion in the US

Abstract Industrial effects have long been significant factors in wage inequality. Previous research indicates that wage differentials across industries were increasing through the mid 1980s. Using more recent data, however, we find that the level of inter-industry wage dispersion declined by 36% from 1986 to 2002 despite the continued trend towards increasing inequality in the labor force. This decline in inter-industry wage dispersion is evident across gender and educational groups. Using multilevel growth curve models, our multivariate results indicate that the decline is only weakly related to industrial changes in education, occupation or even productivity despite the fact that the latter variable had been a critical factor in the prior period. Indicators of globalization and downsizing also do not appear to explain this decline. For the more recent period, the most important factors associated with the narrowing of inter-industry wage dispersion are reduced unionization rates and the higher proportion of casual workers. We interpret these results as suggesting that firms may now be less economically obliged to pass on a portion of their rents to broad groups of workers and may instead be engaged in more idiosyncratic processes of negotiation with individual workers based on micro-level sources of bargaining power.
Closing a heat budget: effect of internal waves

Abstract Based on the accuracy and noise levels of today's moored instrument technology, it appears that we can estimate the vertical heat flux and its divergence in (or into) the ocean if we measure the horizontal heat fluxes. However, we do not know the effect of oceanographic noise (e.g. internal waves) on the calculation of horizontal heat fluxes and their divergence. In this study, the magnitude of the error in a horizontal flux calculation for a control volume due to the presence of internal waves is investigated. We used a simple internal wave model ( W. Munk , in Evolution of physical oceanography , MIT Press, pp. 264–291, 1981) to generate time series of velocity and temperature data representative of those from moorings and a simple method to determine the mean horizontal heat flux divergence. The size of the control volume and averaging time for the heat flux calculation were varied. Our results imply that a vertical heat flux difference greater than 25 W m −2 between the top and bottom of a control volume 40 km × 40 km × 40 m could be determined for averaging periods greater than 48h. We found that the magnitude of the error in the horizontal heat flux divergence, presented in terms of a vertical heat flux per unit area, increased linearly with the vertical extent of the control volume and decreased linearly with the horizontal size of the control volume. The magnitude of the error decreased with the averaging time, δQ H ∞ (t avg ) − 1 2 .
On the Conformation of UDPG, a Sugar Nucleotide

Abstract UDPG [uridine 5′-(∝-D-glucopyranosyl pyrophosphate)] has a folded conformation in solution in which the glucose and uracil rings lie, approximately, in the same plane with the 2′- & 3′- hydroxyl groups facing the 5- & 6- hydrogens of the uracil ring.
Binding of Imidazole to the Heme of Cytochrome c1 and Inhibition of the bc1 Complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides: II. KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF BINDING *

The kinetics of imidazole (Im) and N-methylimidazole (MeIm) binding to oxidized cytochrome (cyt) c1 of detergent-solubilized bc1 complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides are described. The rate of formation of the cyt c1-Im complex exhibited three separated regions of dependence on the concentration of imidazole: (i) below 8 mm Im, the rate increased with concentration in a parabolic manner; (ii) above 20 mm, the rate leveled off, indicating a rate-limiting conformational step with lifetime ∼1 s; and (iii) at Im concentrations above 100 mm, the rate substantially increased again, also parabolically. In contrast, binding of MeIm followed a simple hyperbolic concentration dependence. The temperature dependences of the binding and release kinetics of Im and MeIm were also measured and revealed very large activation parameters for all reactions. The complex concentration dependence of the Im binding rate is not consistent with the popular model for soluble c-type cytochromes in which exogenous ligand binding is preceded by spontaneous opening of the heme cleft, which becomes rate-limiting at high ligand concentrations. Instead, binding of ligand to the heme is explained by a model in which an initial and superficial binding facilitates access to the heme by disruption of hydrogen-bonded structures in the heme domain. For imidazole, two separate pathways of heme access are indicated by the distinct kinetics at low and high concentration. The structural basis for ligand entry to the heme cleft is discussed.
Des-Asp1-angiotensin I: a metabolite of angiotensin I in the perfused feline adrenal.

Abstract The administration of radioactive angiotensin I to the retrogradely perfused feline adrenal gland caused a brisk discharge of catecholamines. Recovery of the labelled decapeptide and metabolites in the adrenal effluent fluid was complete in 5 min. Radioimmunoassay of this perfusate revealed that most of the peptide remained as angiotensin I, but chromatographic and electrophoretic evaluation indicated that > 68% of the peptide had been metabolized to des-asp 1 -angiotensin I. The absence of des-asp 1 -angiotensin II, angiotensin II or his- 3 H-leu in adrenal effluent fluid suggested minimal dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase activity in this preparation. In addition, the profile of angiotensin I metabolites from the perfused adrenal was not altered by treatment with a converting enzyme inhibitor B. jararaca nonapeptide. The des-asp 1 -angiotensin I peptide was a very weak secretagogue in the adrenal medulla. If metabolism of the decapeptide to the nonapeptide occurs in the medulla, this may represent a pathway to limit the secretory action of angiotensin I. These results suggest a high degree of adrenal aminopeptidase activity which may be primarily localized in the adrenal cortex.
Single cell level detection of Escherichia coli in microfluidic device.

Abstract Detection of Escherichia coli K-12 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was demonstrated in a Y-channel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device through optical fiber monitoring of latex immunoagglutination. The latex immunoagglutination assay was performed for serially diluted E. coli solutions using 0.92-μm highly carboxylated polystyrene particles conjugated with polyclonal anti- E. coli . Pre-treatments such as cell lysis or culturing to enhance the signal were not used. Proximity optical fibers around the view cell of the device were used to quantify the increase in 45° forward light scattering of the immunoagglutinated particles. In order to reduce false positive signals caused by antibodies binding to non-viable E. coli cells or free antigens in solution, target solutions were washed three times, and then the results were compared to non-washing treatments. The detection limit was found to be less than 10 cfu ml −1 (1 cfu per device) without PBS washing (thus detecting non-viable cells and free antigens), or less than 40 cfu ml −1 (4 cfu per device) with PBS washing (thus detecting viable E. coli cells only).
Strain energy release rates of a pressure sensitive adhesive measured by the shaft-loaded blister test

The elastic solution to the shaft-loaded blister test (SLBT) was adopted to measure the applied strain energy release rate ( G ) of Kapton® pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape bonded to a rigid substrate. The substrates used were either aluminum or Teflon®, a high-energy surface and low-energy surface, respectively. The values of G were calculated from three different equations: (1) load-based, (2) hybrid, and (3) displacement-based. An experimental compliance calibration was utilized to measure the film's effective tensile rigidity, ( Eh ) eff , the results of which are presented in an appendix. Plastic deformation at the contact area of the shaft tip and adhesive results in an overestimated displacement ( w 0 ) (relative to the elastic model), leading to disagreement among the values of G calculated. Estimation of the effective membrane stress in the film, ( N eff ), as well as the reasonable agreement between the value of ( Eh ) determined from a stress-strain experiment and the compliance calibrati...
“I Was Born in the Hood”: Fear of Crime, Outdoor Recreation and Physical Activity Among Mexican-American Urban Adolescents

The study examines how perceptions of crime affect outdoor recreation and physical activity among Mexican-American youth of different ages and how Mexican-American youth negotiate constraints related to fear of crime. Theories of environmental stress and human territorial functioning theory are used to frame the findings of the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Mexican-American adolescents ages 11–18 residing in Chicago, Illinois. The findings show that crime prevents youth from visiting parks or places that require crossing gang boundaries, and that fear restricts participation in outdoor recreation. Activities that take place in the vicinity of homes and on school property during school hours, as well as activities that are organized and supervised by adults, are considered safer than unorganized and unsupervised activities. Adolescents use negotiation strategies to foster their participation in outdoor recreation and physical activity.
Influence of solvent size on the mechanical properties and rheology of polydimethylsiloxane-based polymeric gels

Abstract Soft polymeric gels have utility in a broad range of medical, industrial, and military applications, which has led to an extensive research investment over the past several decades. While most gel research exploits a cross-linked polymer network swollen with small molecule solvents, this article systematically investigates the impact of the solvent molecular weight on the resulting gel mechanical properties. The model polymer gel was composed of a chemically cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) network loaded with a non-reactive PDMS solvent. In addition to investigating the impact of solvent loading, the solvent molecular weight was varied from 423,000 g/mol to 1250 g/mol, broadly spanning the molecular weight of entanglement for PDMS (MW ENT ∼29,000 g/mol). The gels exhibited a strong frequency dependent mechanical response when the solvent molecular weight >MW ENT . In addition, scaling factors of shear storage modulus versus solvent loading displayed a distinct decrease from the theoretical value for networks formed in a theta solvent of 2.3 with increasing measurement frequency and solvent molecular weight. The frequency dependent shear storage modulus could be shifted by the ratio of solvent molecular weights to the 3.4 power to form a master curve at a particular solvent loading indicating that mobility of entangled solvent plays a critical role for the mechanical response. In addition, the incorporation of entangled solvent can increase the toughness of the PDMS gels.
Perceptual fusion of polyphonic pitch in cochlear implant users

In music, multiple pitches often occur simultaneously, an essential feature of harmony. In the present study, the authors assessed the ability of cochlear implant (CI) users to perceive polyphonic pitch. Acoustically presented stimuli consisted of one, two, or three superposed tones with different fundamental frequencies (f(0)). The normal hearing control group obtained significantly higher mean scores than the CI group. CI users performed near chance levels in recognizing two- and three-pitch stimuli, and demonstrated perceptual fusion of multiple pitches as single-pitch units. These results suggest that limitations in polyphonic pitch perception may significantly impair music perception in CI users.
Role of fracture localization in arch formation, Arches National Park, Utah

Spectacular rock fins on the flanks of Salt Valley anticline in southeast Utah are formed by erosion along zones of joints. Within a rock fin, arches form where intense fracturing is localized. Fracture localization is controlled by shear displacement along existing horizontal or vertical discontinuities. Horizontal discontinuities may be shale layers, shale lenses, or bedding planes, whereas vertical discontinuities are usually preexisting joint segments. The roof and overall shape of an arch is controlled by existing shale layers, interfaces between sandstones of different properties, or secondary fractures due to shear on vertical joints. Joints that bound rock fins are related to the formation of the diapir-cored Salt Valley anticline. Shear displacement along existing discontinuities, which localizes intense fracturing, is probably related to the growth of Salt Valley anticline and its subsequent collapse due to dissolution of the anticlines salt core.
Inhibition of macrophage nitric oxide production by tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo and in vitro

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 10 gg) was administered intraperitoneally to thioglycollate-treated mice. After 18 h, peritoneal macrophages were harvested and nitric oxide (NO·) production was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/ml) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ, 0.1–10 U/ml). Macrophages from THC-treated mice produced about half as much NO· as controls. THC (1 μg/ml) added in vitro caused further inhibition. Greater inhibition was observed at the lower (0.1-0.3 U/ml) IFN-γ concentrations. The results suggest that the use of THC can reduce NO· production and thereby affect host defense mechanisms, inflammation and autoimmune responses.
Roger Scruton: The Philosopher on Dover Beach

Mark Dooley’s book provides a comprehensive introduction to Roger Scruton’s philosophy. It aspires to accomplish a difficult task of weaving together the diverse but interrelated facets of Scruton’...
Reducing Inflammation: Statins or Lifestyle?

An elevated C-reactive protein level is an inflammatory marker associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular disease. Regular long-term exercise, a cholesterol-lowering diet (a diet low in sa...
Performance Evaluation of Travel-Time Estimation Methods for Real-Time Traffic Applications

Travel time for an itinerary constitutes one of the most relevant roadway traffic metrics. Numerous studies have been conducted to estimate travel times on the basis of data from loop detectors. This article focuses on evaluating the performance of a set of estimation methods—algorithms that estimate route travel times using specific speed data from dual loop detectors for real-time applications, such as displaying travel times on changeable message signs. The travel-time estimates are evaluated against probe vehicle data obtained from FasTrak in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine the accuracy of the estimates. The study reveals that (a) the dispersion of travel time is often larger in off-peak periods than in peak periods for heavily congested freeways; (b) assessed against the same set of speed data, the evaluated algorithms have similar performance; (c) the accuracy of travel-time estimates on the basis of loop-detector data is better in off-peak periods than in peak periods; (d) lane-by-lane spee...
Phylogeny of Cas9 determines functional exchangeability of dual-RNA and Cas9 among orthologous type II CRISPR-Cas systems

The CRISPR-Cas-derived RNA-guided Cas9 endonuclease is the key element of an emerging promising technology for genome engineering in a broad range of cells and organisms. The DNA-targeting mechanism of the type II CRISPR-Cas system involves maturation of tracrRNA:crRNA duplex (dual-RNA), which directs Cas9 to cleave invading DNA in a sequence-specific manner, dependent on the presence of a Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) on the target. We show that evolution of dual-RNA and Cas9 in bacteria produced remarkable sequence diversity. We selected eight representatives of phylogenetically defined type II CRISPR-Cas groups to analyze possible coevolution of Cas9 and dual-RNA. We demonstrate that these two components are interchangeable only between closely related type II systems when the PAM sequence is adjusted to the investigated Cas9 protein. Comparison of the taxonomy of bacterial species that harbor type II CRISPR-Cas systems with the Cas9 phylogeny corroborates horizontal transfer of the CRISPR-Cas loci. The reported collection of dual-RNA:Cas9 with associated PAMs expands the possibilities for multiplex genome editing and could provide means to improve the specificity of the RNA-programmable Cas9 tool.
Minor Element Composition of Ferromanganese Nodules

Mineralogical and chemical analyses performed on 67 ferromanganese nodules from widely varying locations and depths within the marine environment indicate that the minor element composition is controlled by the mineralogy, and that the formation of the mineral phases is depth dependent.
The role of opsonins in phagocytosis by coelomocytes of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris.

Abstract The effects of coelomic fluid factors on phagocytosis of yeast by coelomocytes of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris , were studied in vitro, examining both whole coelomocyte populations and specific coelomocyte types. Phagocytosis by basophils, the predominant coelomocyte type, and by granular cells (acidophils, granulocytes and chloragogen cells) was not enhanced by coelomic fluid factors. Neutrophils, however, exhibit enhanced phagocytosis in diluted coelomic fluid or after pre-opsonizing yeast with coelomic fluid. Undiluted coelomic fluid exerts a partial inhibiting effect on both phagocytosis and adherence by all coelomocyte types. Measurements of phagocytosis in whole coelomocyte populations show little evidence of opsonization by coelomic fluid, probably because of the relatively small numbers of neutrophils in the coelomocyte population.
A remark on semilinear perturbations of abstract parabolic equations

Abstract : Abstract results are given which apply to semilinear parabolic equations. Simple examples are provided by initial-value problems for semilinear equation like u sub t = delta u + f(u). As applied to this situation, the results show that for suitable f and t greater than 0 the solution u(t,phi) of the problem with the initial-value phi varies continuously together with its space derivatives as phi varied in a weaker sense - e.g. small perturbations of phi in some L sub P-norms cause small changes in u(t,phi) in the space on continuously differentiable functions. (Author)
Regional and local ionospheric models based on Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar data

[1] Local and regional statistical models to describe Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar observations of electron density, electron temperature and ion temperature since 1976 are developed using a bin-fit technique. The local models generate ionospheric variations with local time, day number, and altitude from 150–1000 km. The prior day's F107 and the Ap index from the previous 3 hour period are keyed inputs to specify solar and geomagnetic activity. The regional models have a latitude coverage of 32–55° geodetic and an altitude coverage of 200–600 km. These climatology models are capable of reproducing primary ionospheric variation features seen in previous studies as well as several newly revealed features, such as the semiannual variation of electron density. They are accessible through the World Wide Web at the URL http://www.openmadrigal.org.
Atenolol gastrointestinal therapeutic system: optimization of formulation variables using response surface methodology

Abstract Osmotically controlled drug delivery systems are of interest for the maintenance of constant drug levels in essential hypertension. The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate an optimized, osmotically controlled formulation of a model drug, atenolol. Preparation involved the fabrication of biconvex, bilayered tablets containing drug, an osmotic agent and other additives. Earlier studies on the screening of several variables have revealed that orifice size, coating level and the amount of Carbopol® 934P have pronounced effects on the in-vitro release kinetics of atenolol. Therefore, for formulation optimization, a three-factor, three level Box-Behnken design was employed with independent variables of orifice size (X1), coating level (X2), and the amount of Carbopol® 934P (X3). The response variable was cumulative percent of atenolol released with constraints on time for 10, 25, 50 and 75% release. Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate independent variables with percent released in 24 h (Y5). The regression equation generated was Y5=19.38+2875.60X1+26.96X2+0.52X3−2410.0X1X2+49.68X1X3+0.11X2X3−130 729X12+2.24X22−0.01X32. The optimization model predicted >90% drug release with X1, X2 and X3 levels of 0.017, 2 and 163.3 respectively. Preparation and testing of the optimized formulation showed a good correlation between predicted and observed values.
The effects of acute and chronic alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) on cardiovascular dynamics in conscious rats

Abstract Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) has been demonstrated to have regulatory functions in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). αMSH plays a central role in the regulation of metabolic balance such as decreasing food intake, increasing sympathetic outflow and hypothalamic/pituitary function. Our laboratory has investigated the actions of αMSH on sympathetic and cardiovascular dynamics using anesthetized animals. In this study we determined both the acute and chronic effects of αMSH on cardiovascular and metabolic dynamics in conscious unrestrained rats. Animals were each implanted with a radio-telemetry transmitter for recording of cardiovascular parameters and subsequently instrumented with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannulas. The acute ICV administration of αMSH significantly increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) when compared to artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) controls. On the other hand chronic αMSH infusion resulted in an initial increase in MAP and HR lasting for 2 days followed by a decrease in MAP. Chronic αMSH administration decreased physical activity and food intake but not weight gain. We conclude that in the conscious unrestrained animal the acute administration of αMSH increased MAP and HR, however, chronic infusion is associated with decreased MAP, physical activity and food intake.
Weinberg’s Higgs portal confronting recent LUX and LHC results together with upper limits on $B^+$ and $K^+$ decay into invisibles

We discuss a number of experimental constraints on Weinberg's Higgs portal model. In this framework, the standard model (SM) particle spectrum is extended to include one complex scalar field $S$ and one Dirac fermion $\ensuremath{\psi}$. These new fields are singlets under the SM gauge group and are charged under a global $U(1)$ symmetry. Breaking of this $U(1)$ symmetry results in a massless Goldstone boson $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and a massive $CP$-even scalar $r$ and splits the Dirac fermion into two new mass-eigenstates ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, corresponding to Majorana fermions. The interest on such a minimal SM extension is twofold. On the one hand, if the Goldstone bosons are in thermal equilibrium with SM particles until the era of muon annihilation, their contribution to the effective number of neutrino species can explain the hints from cosmological observations of extra relativistic degrees of freedom at the epoch of last scattering. On the other hand, the lightest Majorana fermion ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ provides a plausible dark matter candidate. Mixing of $r$ with the Higgs doublet $\ensuremath{\phi}$ is characterized by the mass of hidden scalar ${m}_{h}$ and the mixing angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$. We constrain this parameter space using a variety of experimental data, including heavy meson decays with missing energy, the invisible Higgs width, and direct dark matter searches. We show that different experimental results compress the allowed parameter space in complementary ways, covering a large range of ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ masses ($5\ensuremath{\lesssim}{m}_{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$). Though current results narrow the parameter space significantly (for the mass range of interest, $\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$), there is still room for discovery ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decoupling at the muon annihilation era requires $\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$). In the near future, measurements from ATLAS, CMS, LHCb, NA62, XENON1T, LUX, and CDMSlite will probe nearly the full parameter space.
Focus on quality: Managing pain and PONV in day surgery

Summary The management of pain, nausea and vomiting after day surgery remains a challenge, especially once the patient has been discharged back to their own home. Optimum pain relief requires a variety of measures, including appropriate patient preparation and a multi-modal analgesia strategy combining local anaesthesia with non-opioid analgesia. Pain relief should be administered prophylactically such that patients should rarely awaken in severe pain. The use of peri-operative opioids should be minimised, since these agents increase nausea and sedation and do not add worthwhile additional analgesia if all other measures have been taken. However, intermediate-acting opioids do have a role in providing "rescue" analgesia in a minority of cases. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a common problem after day surgery, which can compromise recovery and even discharge in extreme cases. PONV has multiple causes and also multiple therapies, none of which are entirely effective. Many of the risk factors for PONV are predictable and measures should be taken to minimise PONV in all patients, with additional prophylaxis given selectively to the more susceptible, including combination therapy for those at the highest risk. Following discharge, patients are best able to manage their own symptoms of pain and PONV if they are provided with take-home medication and clear written information about available treatments, their side effects and where to obtain further supplies and advice, if needed.
Dispersion of Ostwald-de Waele Fluid in Laminar Flow Through a Cylindrical Tube

Extension of Taylor's work for dispersion of Newtonian fluids to include non-Newtonian Ostwald-de Waele fluids is presented. Following his approach two situations are considered. They are fluid dispersion in the absence of molecular diffusion and fluid dispersion due to the combined action of convection and radial molecular diffusion. All the results of this study reduce to those obtained by Taylor.
The accuracy of measurements of three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of linear measurements obtained from three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) scans. Materials and Methods Ten rectangular acrylic blocks were prepared with titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) markers spaced from 1 to 10 mm, respectively. A plastic sphere was prepared with 10 sets of TMA markers spaced at variable intervals of 1 to 10 mm. Each object was scanned three times at 3-mm slice thicknesses and 1.5 mm with 0.5 mm overlap slice thicknesses, as well as positioned in the CT scanner in two different directions (perpendicular and parallel) to the scanning beam. Intermarker distances of the reconstructed objects were then measured using the measurement tool of the MediCAD software and compared with measurements taken by hand with a vernier caliper. Results Using the 3-mm cut protocol, the data indicated that inconsistency exists between intermarker distance in the scans when the rectangular objects were scanned parallel to the scanning beam. This finding was not seen using the 1.5-mm with 0.5-mm overlap slice thickness protocol. The intermarker distances for objects scanned perpendicular to the scanning beam were consistent but subject to demagnification in the range of 17% to 20% for both scanning protocols. Conclusion The orientation of the object to the scanning beam and slice thickness protocol appear to have an impact on the accuracy and variability of linear measurements taken in the x, y, z axes.
Tacking Between Black and White: Race Relations in Gilded Age Philadelphia

Despite the growing interest in archaeological studies of race there have been no investigations clearly negotiating race and/or racism in Philadelphia during the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. This reality is perplexing, given the prevalence of race and racism in the past and present. Though this article does not explicitly discuss recovered artifacts it does situate scientific racism at the University of Pennsylvania, White violence in response to Black male enfranchisement and the popularity of blackface minstrel shows as everyday practices used to facilitate racial hierarchies and, thus influence identities and relationships. Although these practices lack salient archaeological materiality the purpose of this article is to convey the bombardment of dehumanizing tactics endured by Black Philadelphians as measures to contextualize the unavoidable dynamics of racial and class oriented repression unto the archaeological record.
Effect of Ultrasonics on the Heat Conduction in Metals

This paper gives the results of an investigation in which ultrasound was introduced into three different crystal structures: (1) hexagonal, (2) face centered cube, and (3) body centered cubic. Metal rods were used which had one end attached to the ultrasonic horn with the other end being placed in a temperature-controlled furnace. An ultrasonic frequency of 20 KHz was used with a power input up to 75 watts. The temperature along the rod was measured with a radiation thermometer.
Producing Three-Dimensional Shapes by Laser Milling

A laser milling process employing a pulsed, carbon dioxide laser has been investigated using graphite as a model material. Material is removed by scanning the focused beam across the surface of the workpiece leaving behind a series of narrow, parallel, overlapping grooves. These grooves, together, constitute the removal of a thin layer of uniform thickness lying parallel to a layer plane. In order to remove layers bounded at the edge by upright walls perpendicular to the layer plane, the laser beam must be tilted with respect to the layer plane. Using this approach, it is possible to produce perpendicular steps and cylindrical surfaces.
Experiment to obtain optical turbulence information along a 2.33 km free-space laser propagation path from measurements of scintillation and focal spot displacement

Optical turbulence research contributes to improved laser communications and adaptive optics systems. This paper presents experimental measurements of scintillation and focal spot displacement to obtain optical turbulence information along a near-horizontal 2.33 km free-space laser propagation path. Calculated values for optical turbulence intensity (C 2 n ) and Fried parameter (r 0 ) are compared to scintillometer-based measurements for several cases in winter and spring. Scintillation index estimates from recorded signal intensities were corrected to account for aperture averaging. Optical measurements provided better estimates for C 2 n and r 0 when a more incoherent laser source was used during the second part of the experiment (λ= 808 nm) in comparison to a more coherent laser source (λ= 1064 nm) used for the first part. Apparently, an calculation criterion for this kind of laser signal analysis is that the propagating light beacon be partially incoherent and uniformly illuminated across the transmitting aperture. Similarly, estimates of C 2 n and r 0 based on focal spot displacement analysis were improved using the more incoherent laser source, particularly in strong turbulence conditions.
Resistance or inaction? Protecting ayurvedic medical knowledge and problems of agency

Through an examination of reactions by practitioners of ayurvedic medicine to India's new WTO-mandated Patents Act, this article problematizes approaches to agency, resistance, and the intelligibility of systems of power in social theory. The coming together of law, science, and different practices of medicine in this case is challenging to decipher in terms of its potential effects on India's ayurvedic medical system, and ayurvedic medical practitioners have very divergent positions about how to protect their knowledge from misappropriation—ranging from organized resistance to deliberate inaction—and disagree over whether the new laws present a threat. I present theoretical approaches, largely from science and technology studies, that decenter the role of human agency and consider inaction an informed reaction to power in an effort to begin to focus more fully on problems of agency and intelligibility that social analysts have only peripherally acknowledged in their considerations of power and resistance.
Pesticides and Bees

Alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata (F.), and alkali bees, Nomia melanderi Cockerell, are inherently more tolerant than honey bees, Apis mellifera L., to most insecticides. However, their greater surface-to-volume ratios cause them to be more susceptible to most field-weathered residues. Insecticides are minimally hazardous to all bees through nectar contamination, and to the alfalfa leafcutting bee via contamination of pollen-nectar stores and leaf pieces. Both acidifiers and acaricides can increase the hazard of insecticide combinations to all three species of bees. Most herbicides and all fungicides are essentially nontoxic to bees. Wild bees often exhibit different poisoning symptoms than honey bees. This is especially notable with exposure to carbaryl.
Psychological Screening/Phenotyping as Predictors for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is becoming a widely used treatment for a number of pain conditions and is frequently considered as a pain management option when conservative or less invasive techniques have proven to be ineffective. Potential indications for SCS include complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), postherpetic neuralgia, traumatic nerve injury, failed back surgery syndrome, refractory angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathic pain, and visceral pain (Guttman et al. Pain Pract. 9:308–11, 2009). While research on SCS is in its infancy, it is clear that substantial variation exists in the degree of benefit obtained from SCS, and the procedure does not come without risks; thus focused patient selection is becoming very important. Psychological characteristics play an important role in shaping individual differences in the pain experience and may influence responses to SCS, as well as a variety of other pain treatments (Doleys Neurosurg Focus 21:E1, 2006). In addition to psychological assessment, quantitative sensory testing (QST) procedures offer another valuable resource in forecasting who may benefit most from SCS and may also shed light on mechanisms underlying the individual characteristics promoting the effectiveness of such procedures (Eisenberg et al. Pain Pract. 6:161–165, 2006). Here, we present a brief overview of recent studies examining these factors in their relationship with SCS outcomes.
Orthogonality of binary codes derived from Reed-Solomon codes

The author provides a simple method for determining the orthogonality of binary codes derived from Reed-Solomon codes and other cyclic codes of length 2/sup m/-1 over GF(2/sup m/) for m bits. Depending on the spectra of the codes, it is sufficient to test a small number of single-frequency pairs for orthogonality, and a pair of bases may be tested in each case simply by summing the appropriate powers of elements of the dual bases. This simple test can be used to find self-orthogonal codes. For even values of m, the author presents a technique that can be used to choose a basis that produces a self-orthogonal, doubly-even code in certain cases, particularly when m is highly composite. If m is a power of 2, this technique can be used to find self-dual bases for GF(2/sup m/). Although the primary emphasis is on testing for self orthogonality, the fundamental theorems presented apply also to the orthogonality of two different codes. >