cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ZDDP-Additive-Catalyst Interactions in Engine Oil

The phosphorous content in engine oil is found to be the major cause of the poisoning of Catalytic converters in automobiles, hence environmental regulations limiting the phosphorous level in GF4 and GF5 oils have been introduced. Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) being the only major source of phosphorous in current engine oils, is also an indispensable component of the additive package in these oils for it has been the primary anti wear — as well as anti oxidant — additive for over fifty years. Efforts are made to replace the ZDDP with other materials with the same properties which would not be harmful to the environment and also an economically feasible substitute. Another solution to this problem is to reduce the amount of ZDDP used while improving its antiwear performance. Anti-wear action of ZDDP, involves its break down reaction with the steel surface by Zn Fe ion exchange and subsequent formation of an amorphous chemisorbed film containing zinc, phosphorus, oxygen and sulfur and also iron in the form of polyphosphates and sulfates of zinc and iron. The efficiency of this mechanism is reduced by parallel reactions between ZDDP and other additives as well as their antagonistic effects. Introduction of a material with catalytic properties which would reduce the negative effects of the presence of the other additives on the anti wear properties of ZDDP is an option that was explored in this paper. Both triboligical wear tests (Ball on cylinder lubricity evaluation tests) as well as mechanism studies (DSC, FT-IR and NMR) were used to evaluate the performance of ZDDP in the presence of the most common additives (i.e. Anti-oxidants, Detergents and Dispersant). Iron Fluoride is also introduced as a potential additive to improve the efficiency of wear protection mechanism of ZDDP. The improvements observed in the presence of the Iron Fluoride will allow further reducing the amount of ZDDP in engine oils containing this material as an additive [1].Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Comparison of Hip Simulator Wear of 2 Different Highly Cross-linked Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Acetabular Components Using Both 32- and 38-mm Femoral Heads

Much evidence suggests that ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) irradiated to 9.5 Mrad has lower wear than UHMWP given 5 Mrad. Curiously, highly cross-linked polyethylenes gain weight during hip simulator testing. We postulated that (a) UHMWP irradiated to 9.5 Mrad would wear less than UHMWP irradiated to 5 Mrad UHMWP, (b) articulation against 38-mm heads would accentuate this difference, and (c) weight gain of highly cross-linked material reflects the inadequacy of load soak controls. We compared 9.5 versus 5 Mrad polyethylene in hip simulator wear tests, with both load soak corrections and with novel "motion soak" corrections. The 9.5-Mrad material wore less than 5-Mrad material for 32- and 38-mm heads. Motion soak corrections were more accurate than load soak corrections.
EMS call volume predictions: A comparative study

The demand for ambulances fluctuates throughout the week, depending on the day of week and, even more so, the time of day. Many emergency medical services (EMS) managers adjust the number of ambulances deployed using various demand pattern analyses, including moving averages. Simply forecasting the number of expected calls for an entire region does not allow managers to deploy their often-limited resources effectively so that emergency response time is minimized. In order for deployment plans, or even sophisticated optimization models, to be more effective, emergency call forecasts must be accurate for both time and location. For purposes of this study, we consider forecasts accurate for a 4x4sq.mile region if they are within +/-0.25 of actual calls for hourly forecasts and within +/-0.5 of actual calls for 3-h forecasts. An artificial neural network (ANN) designed to forecast demand volume of specific areas during different times of the day is compared to current industry practice for accuracy of prediction. Our study shows that both methods produce accurate forecasts for certain levels of time and space granularity. Results also suggest that the high level of space and time details in forecasts desired by EMS managers may be difficult to obtain regardless of which method is used.
OXYGEN UPTAKE BY TRYPANOSOMA LEWISI COMPLEX CELLS--I. L ISOLATE.

Abstract 1. 1. Standard Warburg techniques were employed to determine the oxygen uptake of two isolates ( C and L ) of Trypanosoma lewisi (Costa Rican and the U.S.). The C cell developed greater parasitemias in rat tail blood during the first 2 weeks after inoculation. 2. 2. Oxygen uptake of both isolates progressively increased with time and was not related to rise in trypanosome populations in hosts. The C form (recently isolated) consumed 36 per cent more oxygen endogenously, 20 per cent more in glucose and 16 per cent more in serum than the L . 3. 3. The metabolic capacity (Max./initial Q O 2 ) of the C cell was greater endogenously and in glucose; the L was superior in serum. Efficiency (substrate Q O 2 ratios) of the L cell was superior.
Uveal involvement in systemic angiotropic large cell lymphoma. Microscopic and immunohistochemical studies.

Background: Angiotropic large cell lymphoma is a rare, generally fatal disease characterized by multifocal proliferation of neoplastic mononuclear cells within the lumens of blood vessels. Methods: The authors report the clinical and immunohistochemical features of four patients with angiotropic large cell lymphoma. Results: All patients presented with central nervous system symptoms, and three of the four had fever of unknown origin and anemia. The diagnosis was established by postmortem examination of the eyes in four patients and additionally by autopsy in three of the four patients. Two of the three autopsied patients had rare foci of extravascular involvement. One patient had erythrophagocytosis. Immunohistochemical stains on paraffin-embedded sections confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma in all four patients. Conclusion: The results of this study support the B-cell lymphocyte origin of angiotropic large cell lymphoma.
Knowledge-Based Interval Modeling Method for Efficient Global Optimization

Abstract A Knowledge-Based Interval Modeling (KBIM) Method is introduced for empirical search of the global optimum. The method takes advantage of the a priori knowledge of the system in terms of the linear/nonlinear, monotonic/nonmonotonic, sensitivity information between the objective function/constraints and the system variables and incorporates it in an interval model. This enables the KBIM Method to uniquely interleave model-building and model-refinement in the optimal search process, which makes it ideally suited to cases where exact input-output relationship is not defined. The efficiency of the KBIM Method is enhanced by an on-line learning scheme which improves the accuracy of the interval model after each search iteration by comparing the estimated range of its outputs with the actual outputs. The KBIM method has several advantages over conventional empirical search methods: (1) the interval model provides a generic form of representation for linear and nonlinear problems alike; therefore, there...
MicroRNA-21 Blocks Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development and Nicotine-Augmented Expansion

Identification and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains among the most prominent challenges in vascular medicine. MicroRNAs are crucial regulators of cardiovascular pathology and represent possible targets for the inhibition of AAA expansion. We identified microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a key modulator of proliferation and apoptosis of vascular wall smooth muscle cells during development of AAA in two established murine models. In both models (AAA induced by porcine pancreatic elastase or infusion of angiotensin II), miR-21 expression increased as AAA developed. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-21 induced cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis in the aortic wall, with protective effects on aneurysm expansion. miR-21 overexpression substantially decreased expression of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein, leading to increased phosphorylation and activation of AKT, a component of a pro-proliferative and antiapoptotic pathway. Systemic injection of a locked nucleic acid-modified antagomir targeting miR-21 diminished the pro-proliferative impact of down-regulated PTEN, leading to a marked increase in the size of AAA. Similar results were seen in mice with AAA augmented by nicotine and in human aortic tissue samples from patients undergoing surgical repair of AAA (with more pronounced effects observed in smokers). Modulation of miR-21 expression shows potential as a new therapeutic option to limit AAA expansion and vascular disease progression.
Phylogenetic Invariants and Geometry

The method of invariants is an important approach in biology for determining phylogenetic information which avoids the problems involving long branch lengths that plague some other methods. In this paper, we present a geometric framework underlying the method of invariants. This perspective sheds new lights on problems in the field. It has recently enabled the solution of questions on the number and structure of phylogenetic invariants and suggests possible avenues for future empirical and theoretical research.
Apology and Pardon: Learning From Japan

The author seeks to investigate particular elements of Japanese culture that may have contributed to the country's success in reducing crime rates since World War II. In particular, he argues that the fundamental importance of apology and pardon helps to explain this phenomenon. But despite the apparently unique role of apology and repentance in Japanese culture, the author argues that these concepts, although perhaps more readily evident in Japan, are also present to a degree in American communities. He believes that through a consideration of Japan, the United States can learn to incorporate these ideas into American criminal justice. Finally, the author points out the preliminary success of experimental programs in the United States that seek to incorporate the ideas of apology and pardon.
A Microtiter Plate Technique for the Agglutination Typing of Diplococcus pneumoniae

The serotypes of Diplococcus pneumoniae are usually determined by the easily recognizable quellung reaction, although type differentiation is also possible by precipitation and agglutination [1]. Lund [2] suggests that both homologous quellung and agglutination titers should be determined in the production control of pneumococcal diagnostic serum, and Lund and Munksgaard [3] used these techniques to describe the eighty-third pneumococcal type, 12 A. As a part of the Infectious Disease Program at North Carolina Memorial Hospital, it was desirable to monitor the serotypes of pneumococci isolated by the hospital laboratory. Preliminary trials revealed that the quellung reaction and the available agglutination procedure for typing pneumococci required a considerable expenditure of time that would seriously limit the number of strains of pneumococci that could be typed by our busy microbiology laboratory. Therefore, we investigated the possibility that an easily performed, reliable, and standardized agglutination test could be developed for simultaneously typing many strains of D. pneumoniae. This report describes an agglutination typing technique performed in a microtiter plate in which a young formalinized broth culture is tested against 46 type-specific sera for grossly visible agglutination by a single antiserum.
A convenient synthesis of deuterium labelled diphenylhydantoin

A simple, inexpensive method for the synthesis of deuterated diphenylhydantoin is described. Ten deuterium atoms are introduced to the 5,5-diphenyl moiety of the diphenylhydantoin molecule.
A system for interactive film analysis.

Abstract An interactive, minicomputer system has been constructed for analyzing dynamic phenomena recorded on movie film in a developmental biology laboratory. The minicomputer interfaces a stop-motion, variable speed projector, a digitizing pen, and real-time graphics display equipment. An analyst uses the pen to digitize features in a film, e.g. by following a cell. A computer-generated animation portraying all data entered is superimposed on the film image and synchronized with it. Noteworthy system features include: image overlays on a large screen, data entry with the projector running, large data capacity, computer control of the projector, and convenient data entry tools.
Comparative properties of mammalian and insect carbonic anhydrases: effects of potassium and chloride on the rate of carbon dioxide hydration.

Abstract 1. 1. Carbonic anhydrase (E.C.4.2.1.1) catalysed CO2 hydration was studied with enzymes from mammalian and insect sources at CO2 concentrations of 7.6–30.8 mM. 2. 2. At 0.01–0.15 M, potassium chloride (KCl) or choline chloride (ChCl) markedly inhibited all 8 mammalian enzymes studied. 3. 3. Inhibition by KCl is always greater than that associated with ChCl. 4. 4. KCl non-competitively inhibits and choline chloride competitively inhibits bovine carbonic anhydrase. 5. 5. Carbonic anhydrase obtained from fat body, integumentary epithelium and midgut tissues of larval tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta, is greatly stimulated by KCl and slightly inhibited by ChCl. 6. 6. We propose that the effect of K+ on mammalian and insect carbonic anhydrases if fundamentally different.
Solubilization of fatty acid synthetase, acyl-CoA reductase, and fatty acyl-CoA alcohol transacylase from the microsomes of Euglena gracilis

Abstract The enzymes involved in the de novo synthesis of wax esters were solubilized from the microsomes of dark-grown Euglena gracilis by the use of deoxycholate or high concentration of sodium chloride. Solubilization with deoxycholate provided a preparation which catalyzed only the synthesis of fatty acids and this activity was stimulated by addition of phospholipids while the fatty acid synthetase from the soluble cytoplasm was not affected by the addition of phospholipids. Detergent Solubilization did not provide active soluble acyl-CoA reductase. Solubilization of the microsomal fatty acid synthetase together with acyl-CoA reductase and acyl-CoA hexadecanol transacylase was achieved upon treatment of the membranes with 3 m sodium chloride. Removal of sodium chloride by dialysis resulted in turbidity and the insoluble material recovered from this turbid solution by centrifugation at 105,000 g contained the bulk of the acyl-CoA reductase activity while the supernatant contained the major portion of the fatty acid synthetase. This aggregation of the reductase and its high detergent sensitivity suggest that this enzyme is highly hydrophobic and probably buried in the membrane matrix. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the NaCl solubilized preparation in the presence of 3 m sodium chloride resulted in the resolution of fatty acid synthetase from the acyl-CoA reductase and the transacylase.
Public Input/Elite Privilege: The Use of Participatory Planning to Reinforce Urban Geographies of Power in Seattle

This article begins to address why cities continue to use public participation-based planning processes to shape their public spaces, notwithstanding three decades of criticisms of such approaches. Based on ethnographic, activist participant research into Seattle Washington's planning for public skateboard parks, I argue that the mobilization of two ostensibly incompatible paradigms for planning—one vesting discretionary authority in experts, the other using the planner to develop consensus through inclusive public input processes—are popular precisely because they can be used together to frustrate truly democratic urban planning. This case study demonstrates how elites used the public input garnered by planners as a form of "shadow referendum," determining in advance whether there were any powerful actors that might oppose proposed policies. And by shifting between or combining the two planning models these elites could justify adhering to the demands of powerful neighborhoods, while discarding input fro...
Mechanotransduction: The Missing Link in the Facial Aging Puzzle?

Background Craniofacial bony remodeling has been recognized as an important contributor to the facial aging process. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant craniofacial skeletal changes with age. However, no review has assembled this information in a concise, cogent fashion. Furthermore, the etiology of these skeletal changes has not been elucidated. This information is important for understanding the mechanisms of facial aging and for further development of facial rejuvenation.
Dual-Purpose Offline LED Driver for Illumination and Visible Light Communication

This paper presents a dual-purpose offline LED driver with illumination control and visible light communications (VLC). LEDs, due to their nonlinear $I$ – $V$ characteristics, are driven by constant current sources. The proposed dual-purpose offline LED driver realizes a constant current source by a buck converter without a capacitor using average current mode control. VLC is implemented through variable pulse position modulation scheme using a shunt switch in parallel to LED string. Conventional LED drivers are typically designed to perform illumination control with pulsewidth modulation (PWM) dimming at low frequencies ( $ 20 kHz), which results in audible noise due to the mechanical vibrations of inductors and piezoelectric properties of ceramic capacitors. The proposed converter presents an illumination control with PWM dimming frequencies above the audible range. The detailed control and modeling of the proposed dual-purpose LED driver using high-frequency model of LED string is discussed. The effects of the phosphor on phosphor-based white LEDs for VLC are reported. The proposed driver is experimentally evaluated on 110/120 ac mains with 450-lm output. The linear characteristics of PWM dimming for data transfer of 2 Mb/s are demonstrated. Detailed simulation and experimental results to validate the operation of the proposed converter are presented.
Phospholipid patterns of Periplaneta americana during embryogenesis.

Abstract The changing patterns of the phospholipids from oothecae of P. americana (L.) have been studied both qualitatively and quantitatively at successive stages of embryonic development. The phospholipids were separated by column chromatography and the component fractions identified and quantitated by thin layer chromatography. 1. 1. The phospholipids were composed of three major fractions, namely, sphingomyelin 6 per cent, lecithin 60 per cent and cephalin 34 per cent, while other minor constituents identified were lysolecithin, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidic acid and cerebrosides. 2. 2. During embryonicdevelopment the qualitative composition of the phospolipds did not change appreciably. 3. 3. The phosphilipid content of the oothecae increased fourfold during embryonic development (i.e. from 6 per cent to 24 per cent of total extractable lipid). 4. 4. All the major phospholipid constituents increased. Sphingomyelin and cephalin trebled in weight and lecithin doubled. 5. 5. During emergence there was a rapid increase in all the fractions. 6. 6. The phospholipid content and quantitative composition changed throughout the life cycle.
Ipratropium bromide plus nebulized albuterol for the treatment of hospitalized children with acute asthma

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the addition of repeated doses of nebulized ipratropium bromide (IB) to a standardized inpatient asthma care algorithm (ACA) for children with status asthmaticus improves clinical outcome. Study design: Children with acute asthma (N = 210) age 1 to 18 years admitted to the ACA were assigned to the intervention or placebo group in randomized double-blind fashion. Both groups received nebulized albuterol, systemic corticosteroids, and oxygen according to the ACA. The intervention group received 250 μg IB combined with 2.5 mg albuterol by jet nebulization in a dosing schedule determined by the ACA phase. The placebo group received isotonic saline solution substituted for IB. Progression through each ACA phase occurred based on assessments of oxygenation, air exchange, wheezing, accessory muscle use, and respiratory rate performed at prescribed intervals. Results: No significant differences were observed between treatment groups in hospital length of stay ( P =.46), asthma carepath progression ( P =.37), requirement for additional therapy, or adverse effects. Children >6 years (N = 70) treated with IB had shorter mean hospital length of stay ( P =.03) and more rapid mean asthma carepath progression ( P =.02) than children in the placebo group. However, after adjustment was done for baseline group differences, the observed benefit of IB therapy in older children no longer reached statistical significance. Conclusion: The routine addition of repeated doses of nebulized IB to a standardized regimen of systemic corticosteroids and frequently administered β-2 agonists confers no significant enhancement of clinical outcome for the treatment of hospitalized children with status asthmaticus. (J Pediatr 2001;138:51-8)
Altered cytokine activity in adjuvant inhibition of autoimmune diabetes.

Abstract The destructive insulitis that develops in disease-prone NOD mice is characterized by a high frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells in the lesion. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) challenge of young, disease-prone animals inhibits the development of diabetes but does not alter the frequency with which pancreatic insulitis develops. However, the non-destructive lesions that develop in syngeneic islets transplanted to the kidney capsule of NOD mice following CFA therapy differ in cytokine production from the destructive lesions that develop in control animals transplanted with NOD islets. Non-destructive lesions are characterized by a high frequency of IL4-producing cells and a relatively low frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells.
Optical Limiters, Switches, And Filters Based On Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals

We present results of our recent research in the implementation of optical modulation devices utilizing polymer dispersed liquid crystal materials. Optical bistability, power limiting, self-pulsations, and optical deflection (diffraction) have been observed in these devices. Experimental results and potential applications are discussed.
Population redistribution induced by multiphoton processes

The effects of relaxation rates, dipole-matrix elements, level degeneracies, and detunings on the population redistribution induced by multiphoton processes have been studied theoretically in three- and four-level systems It is shown that a population inversion can always be established if the pumps have sufficiently high intensity Longitudinal relaxations and detunings appear to play more important roles in controlling the population distribution. The qualitative understanding achieved here can be extended to n levels with n-photon pumping.
In vitro biochemical monitoring with fiber-optic-based surface plasmon resonance sensors

An in vitro sensor to detect cardiac markers at less than 2ng/mL and in less than 5 minutes has been achieved. This fiber optic based Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensor is being applied to detect myoglobin and cardiac Troponin I. Early detection of the onset of myocardial infarction (MI) will greatly enhance the patient care. Myoglobin (MG) and cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) are two biological markers released after a MI. The detection at biologically relevant levels can be diagnostic of MI. Antibodies specific to the antigen of interest are attached to a carboxymethylated dextran (CM-dextran) gold SPR surface. With the method developed, the detection limit for MG is lower than 5ng/mL when detected at 25°C. For cTnI, a detection limit of less than 2ng/mL was achieved in the preliminary tests. For MG, the reaction conditions for antibody attachment of pH 5-6 and a temperature of 37°C gave the highest sensitivity to MG. At pH 6 and 37°C reaction conditions for the antibody attachment were optimal for cTnI. The CM-dextran chain length also influences the antibody loading on the surface: longer CM-dextran chain gives a higher sensitivity to cTnI. The sensor fouls when in contact with serum. Replacing CM-dextran with different biocompatible polymers greatly improve the sensor performance in serum.
Spectroscopic differences between human cancer and normal lung and breast tissues

Steady-state spectra, time-resolved spectroscopic, and excitation spectra from human cancer and normal tissues have been measured. Spectroscopic differences between normal and cancerous tissues have been found that could be used as a basis for an instrument for the early detection of cancer.
Application of point-matching method to low-frequency scattering by conducting cylinders

Point matching method applied to E-polarized LF SCATTERING of plane wave by conducting cylinder
Core Biopsies Can Be Used to Distinguish Differences in Expression Profiling by cDNA Microarrays

The primary focus of this work was to determine the feasibility of obtaining representative expression array profiles from clinical core biopsies. For this purpose we performed six 16-gauge needle core biopsies and an excision biopsy on each of two different human xenografts, one from an Ewing's sarcoma cell line and the second from neuroblastoma cell line grown in Beige-Scid mice. Three of the six core biopsies were processed separately and the remaining three were pooled and processed together. As the initial RNA material isolated from the core biopsies was not sufficient for microarray analysis, an amplification procedure using a modified Eberwine protocol was performed, and the amplified products applied onto a 6000-feature human cDNA microarray. Comparisons of the array results from core biopsies (amplified RNA) and surgical specimens (non-amplified RNA) showed maintenance of the expression profile as assessed by hierarchical clustering. Gene expression profiles obtained from microarray analysis clearly differentiated the Ewing's sarcoma from the neuroblastoma with both core and excisional biopsies as starting material. Pooling the core biopsies did not improve the concordance with excisional biopsies. In conclusion, our results suggest that core biopsies can be used as a suitable and reliable material for the determination of tumor genetic profiles.
Scaled Gromov Four-Point Condition for Network Graph Curvature Computation

In this paper, we extend the concept of scaled Gromov hyperbolic graph, originally developed for the thin triangle condition (TTC), to the computationally simplified, but less intuitive, four-point condition (FPC). The original motivation was that for a large but finite network graph to enjoy some of the typical properties to be expected in negatively curved Riemannian manifolds, the delta measuring the thinness of a triangle scaled by its diameter must be below a certain threshold all across the graph. Here we develop various ways of scaling the 4-point delta, and develop upper bounds for the scaled 4-point delta in various spaces. A significant theoretical advantage of the TTC over the FPC is that the latter allows for a Gromov-like characterization of Ptolemaic spaces. As a major network application, it is shown that scale-free networks tend to be scaled Gromov hyperbolic, while small-world networks are rather scaled positively curved.
ON RNA AND MEMORY: TRANSFER OF LEARNED BEHAVIOR BY INJECTIONS OF RNA?'

St~mmary.-Two experiments were conducted in the attempt to replicate the finding that learned behavior can be transferred co naive animals via RNA extracted from the brains of trained rats. The resulrs failed to support this conclusion. Slightly less than a decade of research has passed since Hyden (1959) suggested that memory might be mediated by alterations in brain ribonucleic acid (RNA). Evidence in support of this hypothesis has come from a variecy of manipulations and measures of RNA. The most intriguing and controversial findings to arise from this literature were reported recently by Babich, Jacobson, Bubash, and Jacobson (1965) and Jacobson, Babich, Bubash, and Jacobson ( 1965 ) . These experiments demonstrated that the transfer of learned behavior co~~ld be affected by injecting RNA extracted from the brains of trained donor rats into naive recipient ra:s. The implication and importance of these findings is obvious. RNA extracted from trained animals carries the coded experience to animals that have not been so trained. S~ich evidence is very strong support for the hypothesis that the RNA molecule is responsible in some way for encoding experience as a "memory." The purpose of the experiments described below was to replicate, in as exact detail as possible, the experiments reported by Babich, et al. ( 1965) and Jacobson, et al. ( 1965). METHOD Ss were 50- to 60-day old Sprague-Dawley albino rats, weighing approximately 250 gm. The animals received training in a standard Grason-Stadler Skinner box. The floor area of the box was 670 cm" with the food cup located ar one corner. A triangular area measuring 63 cm" was demarcated in the corner where the food cup was located. This area represented the approach area. Powdered food was sprinkled lightly over the floor of the Skinner box prior to all tests. Experimental groups in all experiments consisted of eight animals each. The training procedure for the donor animals was as follows: 48 hr. prior to the beginning of training the animals were deprived of food but maintained ad libitum water in the home cage. On the initial trials Ss were placed in the Skinner box and allowed to eat two 45-mg. Noyes pellets from the food cup. While S was investigating the food cup a Gerbrands pellet dispenser was operated. This produced a click which served as a discriminative stimulus and delivered a 'This work was supported by grants from the National Insticute of Mental Health (MH12786) and the Graduate School of Vanderbilt University.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Hemodynamic Effects of Chronic Aortic Insufficiency with Observations on Left Ventricular Performance

Twelve patients with aortic insufficiency (AI) were investigated by echocardiographic methods using reflected ultrasound. No patients with associated mitral valvular disease were included. Estimates of each patient's aortic valvular total flow (QAt) as computed from left ventricular cavity minor-axis dimension changes at end-diastole (Dd) and end-systole (Ds) were compared with their respective mitral valvular flows (QM) as estimated from the opening velocity of the anterior mitral leaflet. The arithmetic difference of the two valvular flows permitted calculation of the aortic regurgitant flow (QAr) as QAt-QM=QAr. In this series of patients QAt varied from 5.2 to 12.9 liters/min, QM from 3.3 to 7.3 liters/min, QAr from 1.1 to 6.5 liters/min, ejection fraction (EF) from 0.37 to 0.60 and regurgitant fraction (QAr/QAt) from 0.15 to 0.58. A statistically significant difference of QAt and QM was not evident in a series of 20 patients without AI. Left ventricular performance in the patients with AI was estimate...
Taxonomic classes of sets

Abstract A taxonomic class is a family of nonempty sets such that either every two of its sets are disjoint or one is contained in the other. A complete taxonomic class is one in which every set is the union of the minimal sets contained in it. A connected taxonomic class has exactly one maximal set. The main results are exact and asymptotic formulas for the number of these classes and maximal taxonomic classes.
Lineated valley fill (LVF) and lobate debris aprons (LDA) in the Deuteronilus Mensae northern dichotomy boundary region, Mars: Constraints on the extent, age and episodicity of Amazonian glacial events

Abstract In order to assess the nature, degradational processes and history of the dichotomy boundary on Mars, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis of a 70,000 km 2 region of its northern portion (north-central Deuteronilus Mensae, south of Lyot, in the vicinity of Sinton Crater). This region is characterized by the distinctive sinuous ∼2 km-high plateau scarp boundary, outlying massifs to the north, and extensive fretted valleys dissecting the plateau to the south. These features represent the first-order modification and retreat of the dichotomy boundary, and are further modified by processes that form lineated valley fill (LVF) in the fretted valleys, and lobate debris aprons (LDA) along the dichotomy scarp and surrounding the outlying massifs. We use new high-resolution image and topography data to examine the nature and origin of LVF and LDA and to investigate the climatic and accompanying degradational history of the escarpment. On the basis of our analysis, we conclude that: (1) LVF and LDA deposits within the study region are comprised of the same material, show integrated flow patterns, and originate as debris-covered valley glaciers; a significant amount of ice (hundreds of meters) is likely to remain today beneath a thin cover of sublimation till. (2) There is depositional evidence to suggest glacial highstands at least 800 m above the present level, implying previous conditions in which the distribution of ice was much more widespread; this is supported by similar deposits within many other areas across the dichotomy boundary. (3) The timing of the most recent large-scale activity of the LDA/LVF in this area is about 100–500 million years ago, similar to ages reported elsewhere along the dichotomy boundary. (4) There is evidence for a secondary, but significantly limited phase of glaciation; the deposits of which are limited to the vicinity of the alcoves; similar later phases have also been reported elsewhere along the dichotomy boundary. (5) Modification of the fretted valleys of the dichotomy boundary has been substantial locally, but we find no evidence that the Amazonian glacial epochs caused retreat of the dichotomy boundary of the scale of tens to hundreds of kilometers. Our findings support the results of an analysis just to the east of the study region and of studies carried out elsewhere along the dichotomy boundary that find further evidence for the remnants of debris-covered glaciers and extensive valley glacial land systems.
Revisiting the relevance of the social model of disability.

The authors of “Ashley Revisited: A Response to the Critics,” Diekema and Fost (2010) attempt to address so many arguments that they are simply unable to fully grapple with some of the more signifi...
Crafting Semiconductor Organic−Inorganic Nanocomposites via Placing Conjugated Polymers in Intimate Contact with Nanocrystals for Hybrid Solar Cells

Semiconductor organic − inorganic hybrid solar cells incorporating conjugated polymers (CPs) and nanocrystals (NCs) offer the potential to deliver effi cient energy conversion with low-cost fabrication. The CP-based photovoltaic devices are complimented by an extensive set of advantageous characteristics from CPs and NCs, such as lightweight, fl exibility, and solution-processability of CPs, combined with high electron mobility and size-dependent optical properties of NCs. Recent research has witnessed rapid advances in an emerging fi eld of directly tethering CPs on the NC surface to yield an intimately contacted CP − NC nanocomposite possessing a well-defi ned interface that markedly promotes the dispersion of NCs within the CP matrix, facilitates the photoinduced charge transfer between these two semiconductor components, and provides an effective platform for studying the interfacial charge separation and transport. In this Review, we aim to highlight the recent developments in CP − NC nanocomposite materials, critically examine the viable preparative strategies geared to craft intimate CP − NC nanocomposites and their photovoltaic performance in hybrid solar cells, and fi nally provide an outlook for future directions of this extraordinarily rich fi eld.
Isolation by distance, linguistic similarity, and the genetic structure on Bougainville Island

Previous research has revealed extensive genetic variation among villages on Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands. Using previously published gene frequency data for seven loci, the role of isolation by distance in structuring genetic variation on Bougainville was reanalyzed. Newer methods of kinship estimation show that earlier estimates of the isolation by distance parameters were low. The fit of the model is highly significant (R2 = 0.409; P less than 0.001), and the parameter estimates indicate high isolation: a = 0.0538, b = 0.1978, L = -0.0057. Several methods of residual analysis were applied in order to determine factors affecting the fit of the model. Linguistic similarity has a significant effect on genetic variation once the effects of geographic distance are taken into account. Population-specific deviations from the expected model may be explained, in part, in terms of population history. Compared to other human populations, Bougainville Island shows an even greater among-group variation than has been suggested previously.
A Chinese semantic lexicon of senses and roles

We describe a Chinese lexical semantic resource that consists of 11,765 predicates (mostly verbs and their nominalizations) analyzed with coarse-grained senses and semantic roles. We show that distinguishing senses at a coarse-grained level is a necessary part of specifying the semantic roles and describe our strategies for sense determination for purposes of predicate-argument structure specification. The semantic roles are postulated to account for syntactic variations, the different ways in which the semantic roles of a predicate are realized. The immediate purpose for this lexical semantic resource is to support the annotation of the Chinese PropBank, but we believe it can also serve as stepping stone for higher-level semantic generalizations.
Mechanism of the action of palladium in reducing chloride interference in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Interference by sodium chloride on the determination of thallium occurs through the condensed phase formation of thallium chloride during the pyrolysis stage of the electrothermal atomization cycle. This leads to loss of volatile thallium chloride during the pyrolysis and atomization stages. Palladium stabilizes the analyte and reduces this interference, but stabilization is only partially successful when palladium is premixed with the analyte and sodium chloride. Stabilization is much more effective if, prior to the atomization stage, palladium is first pre-pyrolyzed on the furnace platform at 900°C, the analyte in the sodium chloride matrix is introduced, and this is pyrolyzed at 1100°C. In this way, 1 ng of thallium can be determined in the presence of 200 μg of sodium chloride without interference. Stabilization occurs through adsorption of the analyte by underpotential deposition on the pre-pyrolyzed palladium deposit. The analyte remains adsorbed on palladium until the sodium chloride has volatilized during the 1100°C pyrolysis stage. On further heating, thallium then becomes embedded in molten palladium and diffuses out during the atomization stage. The addition of magnesium to the palladium improves the recovery of thallium.
Transforming Genomes Using MOD Files with Applications

Next generation sequencing techniques have enabled new methods of DNA and RNA quantification. Many of these methods require a step of aligning short reads to some reference genome. If the target organism differs significantly from this reference, alignment errors can lead to significant errors in downstream analysis. Various attempts have been tried to integrate known genetic variants into the reference genome so as to construct sample-specific genomes to improve read alignments. However, many hurdles in generating and annotating such genomes remain unsolved. In this paper, we propose a general framework for mapping back and forth between genomes. It employs a new format, MOD, to represent known variants between genomes, and a set of tools that facilitate genome manipulation and mapping. We demonstrate the utility of this framework using three inbred mouse strains. We built pseudogenomes from the mm9 mouse reference genome for three highly divergent mouse strains based on MOD files and used them to map the gene annotations to these new genomes. We observe that a large fraction of genes have their positions or ranges altered. Finally, using RNA-seq and DNA-seq short reads from these strains, we demonstrate that mapping to the new genomes yields a better alignment result than mapping to the standard reference. The MOD files for the 17 mouse strains sequenced in the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute's Mouse Genomes Project can be found at http://www.csbio.unc.edu/CCstatus/index.py?run=Pseudo The auxiliary tools (i.e. MODtools and Lapels), written in Python, are available at http://code.google.com/p/modtools/ and http://code.google.com/p/lapels/.
A Histochemical Method for the Demonstration of Leucocyte Naphthylamidase Using Two Substrates: Alanyl‐ and Methionyl‐4‐Methoxy‐2‐Naphthylamide

Histochemical methods for the demonstration of naphthylamidase* in tissues were based on the coupling properties of 2-naphthylamine (Burstone and Folk, 1956; Nachlas, Crawford and Seligman, 1957) after enzymatic release from amino acid naphthylamides. But significant diffusion of the amine and the lack of a suitable diazonium salt to achieve a sufficiently prompt capture reaction to form an insoluble dye as well as prolonged incubation prevented adequate histochemical localization. When the coupling rate of 2-naphthylamine was found to be significantly enhanced by the presence of a methoxy group in the 4-position (Nachlas, Goldstein, Rosenblatt, Kirsch and Seligman, 1959), l-leucyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide (Rosenblatt, Nachlas and Seligman, 1958) was synthesized and found to serve as a more satisfactory substrate for naphthylamidase demonstration (Nachlas, Morris, Rosenblatt and Seligman, 1960). Replacement of the leucyl group in leucyl-2-naphthylamide by alanyl or methionyl groups resulted in a more rapid hydrolysis by naphthylamidase (Nachlas, Goldstein and Seligman, 1962; Smith, Kaufman and Rutenburg, 1965; Monis, Wasserkrug and Seligman, 1965). It therefore appeared likely that the substrates alanyl- and methionyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamides would yield further improvement of localization of enzymatic sites and would be potentially useful for the demonstration of naphthylamidase in tissues such as white cells which are known to have a low content of this enzyme. In this report we present the data on the use of both substrates for the demonstration of naphthylamidase in human leucocytes.
Alkali-promoted alumina catalysts: I. Chemisorption and oxygen exchange of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on potassium-promoted alumina catalysts☆

Some potassium-promoted alumina catalysts were prepared by impregnating alumina with K2CO3 solutions. The catalysts were calcined at 620 °C before use. K2CO3 decomposed completely during calcination, but no potassium oxides or aluminates were formed on the surface. Oxygen exchange between those catalysts and C18O2 and C18O was measured over a wide temperature range between 50 and 600 °C and compared with results obtained with alumina used as the support. It was found that potassium not only increased the number of exchangeable oxygens on the surface but also weakened the bond between these oxygens and the surface. The chemisorption of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide was also investigated mainly by infrared spectroscopy. On the present K2CO3Al2O3 catalysts both gases showed distinctive ir bands, a pair of bands at 1590 and 1320 cm−1 and another pair of bands at 1570 and 1320 cm−1 depending on the temperature. The former pair was assigned to a CO2− ion and the latter pair to a bidentate carbonate both attached on the potassium ion. The present results of oxygen exchange on K2CO3Al2O3 were successfully explained by assuming that the surface species assigned above are the intermediates of the exchange reaction with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, respectively.
Analyses of dust coma morphology of Comet Hyakutake (1996 B2) near perigee: outburst behavior, jet motion, source region locations, and nucleus pole orientation

Abstract We present inner-coma dust imaging of Comet Hyakutake (1996 B2) obtained on 11 consecutive nights in late March 1996, an interval including a major outburst and the comet’s closest approach to Earth. The evolution of the outburst morphology is followed, along with the motion along the tail of several outburst fragments. Two spiral dust jets—a primary jet, along with a much weaker secondary jet—are visible throughout the interval and are produced by two source regions on a rotating nucleus. These are examined as a function of rotational phase and viewing geometry, with their appearance changing from a nearly face-on view on March 18 to side-on by March 28. The dust outflow velocity as a function of distance from the nucleus is derived, with the dust continuing to accelerate to a distance of 4000 km or more and reaching an average outflow velocity of 0.38 km s −1 between 3000 and 8000 km. We present details of our Monte Carlo modeling of the jets and our methodology of fitting the model to the images. The modeling yields the pole orientation of the nucleus, with an obliquity of approximately 108°, corresponding to an RA of 13 h 41 m and a Dec of −1.1°. For an assumed spherical nucleus, the primary active region is centered at approximately −66° latitude, has a radius of about 56°, and therefore covers about 22% of the surface. The source of the secondary jet is at a latitude of −28°, has a radius of about 16°, and is located at a longitude nearly 180° away from the primary source. Estimated uncertainties for the pole orientation and the source locations and sizes are each about 3°. This solution for the nucleus orientation and source locations explains the strong asymmetry in measured production rates before and after perihelion in radio observations (Biver et al., 1999 , Astron. J. 118, 1850–1872). The modeling also tightly constrains the sidereal rotation period as 0.2618 ± 0.0001 day, completely consistent with the expected +0.0003 day difference from the observed solar rotation period of 0.2614 ± 0.0004 day determined by Schleicher and Osip (2002 , Icarus 159, 210–233), given the pole orientation and position of the comet in its orbit.
Gadolinium-DTPA transplacental transfer and distribution in fetal tissue in rabbits.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors assessed to what extent the commonly used the magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, gadopentetate dimeglumine, crosses the placenta. METHODS: Eight pregnant rabbits in the third trimester were injected with 0.1 mmol/kg of gadopentetate dimeglumine, and killed 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes after injection. Placental and fetal tissues were analyzed for gadolinium content. RESULTS: Placental concentrations of gadolinium were initially high (16.6 +/- 3.4 micrograms/gram) and then declined with a biexponential pattern. Initial gadolinium levels in the fetal organs were low and remained so except for the fetal kidneys, which showed increased levels of gadolinium from 4.3 +/- 1.1 micrograms/gram at 5 minutes to 6.8 +/- 1.8 micrograms/gram at 60 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that gadolinium does cross the rabbit placenta, and that concentrations in the placenta and the fetal urinary tract are sufficient for imaging as well as possible fetal toxicity.