cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in prepubertal boys with Klinefelter syndrome.

Aims: To investigate risk factors for metabolic syndrome in prepubertal boys with Klinefelter syndrome. Methods: Eighty-nine boys with Klinefelter syndrome, ages 4―12.9 years, and 34 age-matched control boys had height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure measured and their parents completed a questionnaire about physical activity. The boys with Klinefelter syndrome also had measurement of lipids, fasting glucose and insulin. Insulin-glucose homeostasis model assessment was calculated, and the boys were evaluated for childhood metabolic syndrome. Results: The Klinefelter syndrome and control groups were similar ages (7.5 ± 2.4 vs. 8.1 ± 2.3 years). Body mass index measurements were similar, but waist circumference was >90 percentile in 30% of boys with Klinefelter syndrome versus 21 % of controls. The mean daily time spent running was 42 min less in the Klinefelter syndrome versus control groups (p < 0.01 ). About 37% of the boys with Klinefelter syndrome had elevated LDL cholesterol, 24% had insulin resistance, and 7% met the three criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Truncal obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are present in boys as young as 4―12 years with Klinefelter syndrome, and these occur in association with reduced running-type activity.
Analysis of yeast retrotransposon Ty insertions at the CAN1 locus

The target site distribution for 55 independent Ty insertions that inactivate the function of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CAN1 gene is reported. Under some selection conditions Ty elements inserted preferentially into the promoter and exhibited an orientation bias. In contrast, under other conditions no insertions were detected in the promoter region and transposition appeared to occur randomly throughout the CAN1 coding sequence. These results show that the target site distribution for Ty insertions may be a function of the selection conditions.
Reactions of the nitrosodisulfonate anion radical with s2 reducing centers

The nitrosodisulfonate anion radical, ˙NO(SO3)22−, a single electron oxidant, reacts rapidly with the 2e− metal-based reductants, Sn(II) and Ge(II) (k = 104–105 M−1 s−1), less rapidly with sulfite (k = 0.24 M−1 s−1) and very slowly (10−3–10−2 M−1 s−1) with the nonmetal-based donors, H2AsO3−, SbIII(tartrate), hyponitrite, and hypophosphite. Reductions yield the product HON(SO3)22−. Kinetic profiles exhibit no irregularities attributable to generation or loss of a transient on a time scale comparable to the principal conversion, indicating that rates are determined by the original 1e− transfer and that the “follow-up” step is rapid. Reductions by sulfite (pH 4.2–8.6) are retarded by partial conversion to HSO3−, whereas those by Sn(II) and Ge(II) (in 0.1–1.0 M H+) are accelerated by H+. Rates for Sn(II) are markedly enhanced by chloride, suggesting stabilization of intervening chloro-ligated Sn(III).
Spatial Foundations of Science Education: The Illustrative Case of Instruction on Introductory Geological Concepts

To study the role of spatial concepts in science learning, 125 college students with high, medium, or low scores on a horizontality (water-level) spatial task were given information about geological strike and dip using existing educational materials. Participants mapped an outcrop's strike and dip, a rod's orientation, pointed to a distant building and north, and completed 3-dimensional horizontality and verticality tasks. Many students, particularly those with low water-level scores, experienced difficulty on both field and laboratory tasks and failed to use good field-observation strategies. Error patterns implicated roles of cognitive regularization of the environment, embodied spatial cognition, and map experience. Data relating performance to participants’ spatial skills, gender, self-reported confidence in responses, spatial awareness, and strategy use suggest a range of instructional approaches.
Homo- and heterodimeric interactions between the gene products of PKD1 and PKD2.

PKD1 and PKD2 are two recently identified genes that are responsible for the vast majority of autosomal polycystic kidney disease, a common inherited disease that causes progressive renal failure. PKD1 encodes polycystin, a large glycoprotein that contains several extracellular motifs indicative of a role in cell–cell or cell–matrix interactions, and the PKD2 encodes a protein with homology to a voltage-activated calcium channel and to PKD1. It is currently unknown how mutations of either protein functionally cause autosomal polycystic kidney disease. We show that PKD1 and PKD2 interact through their C-terminal cytoplasmic tails. This interaction resulted in an up-regulation of PKD1 but not PKD2. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic tail of PKD2 but not PKD1 formed homodimers through a coiled–coil domain distinct from the region required for interaction with PKD1. These interactions suggest that PKD1 and PKD2 may function through a common signaling pathway that is necessary for normal tubulogenesis and that PKD1 may require the presence of PKD2 for stable expression.
Extracranial complications of cerebrospinal fluid shunt function in childhood hydrocephalus

There were 112 separate hospital evaluations in 84 patients for suspected shunt malfunction: 96 evaluations were of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, 13 were of ventriculoatrial shunts, and three were of both types of shunts. In 45 (47%) of 96 ventriculoperitoneal shunts, complications eventually led to surgical revision; 20 (44%) of these were problems of the peritoneal end and therefore peculiar to this type of shunt. Peritoneal end problems included tubing disconnection, bowel obstruction, perforation, and abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst. Of the 13 ventriculoatrial shunts, 10 (79%) required revision; eight (61%) of these were due to problems of the atrial end. These problems included relative shortening of the tubing due to patient growth, superior vena cava thrombosis, and disconnection. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts were used most frequently and had a lower complication rate (47%). Ventriculoatrial shunts were used less often and had a higher complication rate (79%) and more serious problems.
Testing of PV module efficiency in naval conditions

The research paper presents the results of testing PV module efficiency on-board of a ship, in voyage and stationary, during one month. For future developments, in the field of PV energy used in naval domain, a starting point could be the real PV module testing results. The experiment assumes a data acquisition system from LabView - National Instruments and a 10W mono-crystalline PV panel, installed on-board of ship "NS Mircea". The data base obtained is also processed by LabView.
Resources, Methods, and Effort Associated with ESI Mapping of the Bahamian Archipelago for Great Exuma, Bahamas

Sealey, K.S. and Patus, J., 2015. Resources, methods, and effort associated with ESI mapping of the Bahamian archipelago for Great Exuma, Bahamas. Journal of Coastal Research, 31(4), 1014–1022. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. With the expanding exploration and transportation of petroleum products through Bahamian waters, a growing gap in coastal protection is an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping dataset of the entire archipelago. The resources required for coastal classification, ranking, and GIS mapping for one island, Great Exuma, are documented as a costeffective methodology to protect all Bahamian shorelines. The ESI mapping follows international conventions for oil spill response planning, but because of the lack of a national coastal management structure, a relational database was developed to bring together field photographs, geology, and wildlife occurrence information to initiate the mapping process. The final product for Great Exuma was 13 ESI maps for one island environs, each map covering about 120 square km. The ESI mapping requires three types of expertise: (1) GIS (ESRI ArcMap 10.2) and relational database (Microsoft Access) expertise; (2) coastal ecology and geomorphology expertise; and (3) local resource management and natural history expertise. After initial field work of 14 days on the island, the GIS and coastal classification datasets required about 5 weeks for compilation. The datasets are dynamic and can be updated as new information becomes available. The ESI maps and coastal classification database are easily shared and revised moving forward. The process could be facilitated by the participation of citizen scientists to contribute photographs and local reports on status and changes to coastal resources. The overall ESI mapping product can provide a valuable management tool not only for oil spill response but for better integrated coastal zone management.
Probing the effect of MODY mutations near the co-activator-binding pocket of HNF4α

HNF4α (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) is a culprit gene product for a monogenic and dominantly inherited form of diabetes, referred to as MODY (maturity onset diabetes of the young). As a member of the NR (nuclear receptor) superfamily, HNF4α recruits transcriptional co-activators such as SRC-1α (steroid receptor co-activator-1α) and PGC-1α (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α) through the LXXLL-binding motifs for its transactivation, and our recent crystal structures of the complex provided the molecular details and the mechanistic insights into these co-activator recruitments. Several mutations have been identified from the MODY patients and, among these, point mutations can be very instructive site-specific measures of protein function and structure. Thus, in the present study, we probed the functional effects of the two MODY point mutations (D206Y and M364R) found directly near the LXXLL motif-binding site by conducting a series of experiments on their structural integrity and specific functional roles such as overall transcription, ligand selectivity, target gene recognition and co-activator recruitment. While the D206Y mutation has a subtle effect, the M364R mutation significantly impaired the overall transactivation by HNF4α. These functional disruptions are mainly due to their reduced ability to recruit co-activators and lowered protein stability (only with M364R mutation), while their DNA-binding activities and ligand selectivities are preserved. These results confirmed our structural predictions and proved that MODY mutations are loss-of-function mutations leading to impaired β-cell function. These findings should help target selective residues for correcting mutational defects or modulating the overall activity of HNF4α as a means of therapeutic intervention.
Strain effects on exciton saturation in quantum-well optical modulator devices

A calculation of the dependence of the saturation intensity in quantum wells on lattice-mismatch-induced biaxial strain, including valence-band-mixing effects, excitons, and screening within a quasi-static single-plasmon-pole approximation, is presented. The model is shown to compare well with experiment. It is found that for decoupled light-hole and heavy-hole bands the saturation intensity is generally linear in proportion to the strain and dramatically increases for strains at which the heavy-hole and the light-hole bands are degenerate.
FISH CONTROL THEIR ROTATION

![Figure][1] Michael Triantafyllou, Dick Yue and colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been studying mechanical and computational models of swimming fish for the last 10 years. With Qiang Zhu, in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics in October, they described how their 3D
Microvascular anastomosis using a photochemical tissue bonding technique.

Background and Objectives Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) combines photoactive dyes with visible light to create fluid-tight seals between tissue surfaces without causing collateral thermal damage. The potential of PTB to improve outcomes over standard of care microsurgical reanastomoses of blood vessels in ex vivo and in vivo models was evaluated. Study Design The mechanical strength and integrity of PTB and standard microsurgical suture repairs in ex vivo porcine brachial arteries (n = 10) were compared using hydrostatic testing of leak point pressure (LPP). Femoral artery repair in vivo was measured in Sprague–Dawley rats using either standard microvascular sutures (n = 20) or PTB (n = 20). Patency was evaluated at 6 hours (n = 10) and 8 weeks post-repair (n = 10) for each group. Results PTB produced significantly higher LPPs (1,100± 150 mmHg) than suture repair (350±40 mmHg, P<0.001) in an ex vivo study. In an in vivo study all femoral arteries in both suture and PTB repair groups were patent at 6 hours post-repair. At 8 weeks post-repair the patency rate was 80% for both groups. No evidence of aneurysm formation was seen in either group and bleeding was absent from the repair site in the PTB-treated vessels, in contrast to the suture repair group. Conclusion PTB is a feasible microvascular repair technique that results in an immediate, mechanically robust bond with short- and long-term patency rates equal to those for standard suture repair. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:716–722, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computation of viscoelastic fluid flows using continuation methods

The numerical simulation of viscoelastic fluid flow becomes more difficult as a physical parameter, the Weissenberg number, increases. Specifically, at a Weissenberg number larger than a critical value, the iterative nonlinear solver fails to converge, a phenomenon known as the high Weissenberg number problem. In this work we describe the application and implementation of continuation methods to the nonlinear Johnson-Segalman model for steady-state viscoelastic flows. Simple, natural, and pseudo-arclength continuation approaches in Weissenberg number are investigated for a discontinuous Galerkin finite element discretization of the equations. Computations are performed for a benchmark contraction flow and, several aspects of the performance of the continuation methods including high Weissenberg number limits, are discussed.
Enteral and parenteral nutrition for critically ill patients: A logical combination to optimize nutritional support

Malnutrition is a common and serious problem in intensive care units. Negative energy balance has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The increased incidence of complications attributable to malnutrition correlates with increased length of hospital stay and overall health care costs. Although early enteral nutrition is the preferred method of feeding critically ill patients, enteral nutrition alone often fails to supply adequate calories and nutrients to critically ill patients, who are frequently hypermetabolic. Supplementation of insufficient enteral nutrition with parenteral nutrition may optimize nutritional support and avert negative energy balance in critically ill patients, thereby improving outcomes.
Competence-building in adolescents, Part I: A self-help nursing intervention.

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a self-help nursing intervention on adolescent psychosocial competence. A community sample of 139 adolescents was assigned to three conditions (intervention, delayed intervention, and control) within a pretest-posttest design. The self-help nursing intervention was a 9-page, 14-step self-help workbook for use by adolescents in dealing with upsetting situations in day-to-day living. After a self-assessment of coping, subsequent workbook steps aided adolescents in developing alternate coping responses and generating other ways to deal with the upsetting situation. Adolescents in the three conditions did not differ on pretest measures of psychosocial competence: problem-solving appraisal, adolescent self-perception, and general self-efficacy. After statistically controlling for pretest scores, gender, and age, the intervention group showed more favorable self-perceptions in scholastic competence, social acceptance, and conduct/morality compared with the co...
Translational research models and novel adjunctive therapies for neuroAIDS.

The goal of this component of the meeting was to discuss novel therapeutics that attenuate inflammatory pathways, enhance drug delivery into the brain and/or bypass the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Presentations included discussions of (i) antiretroviral drugs packaged into nanoparticles by Howard Gendelman, (ii) how to engage the nasal epithelium and its closely associated neural fibers as a route for drug entry to the brain, by William H. Frey and Lynn Pulliam, and (iii) antioxidant gene delivery to neurons using vector systems that can protect neurons against HIV-associated toxicity, by David Strayer. The session was capped by active discourse among leaders in the field of adjunctive therapies in a broad range of scientific disciplines.
Optimal measurement of factors affecting crop production: maximum likelihood methods

The authors use maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) rather than least squares to model changes in crop yield due to air pollutants and other covariates. The MLE methods are more efficient and simpler to compute as a means of estimating agricultural response functions. These methods easily incorporate censoring to avoid bias due to economic or weather factors, and can explain the relationship between the productive life and environmental change. The latter capability appears particularly important when modeling the responses of perennials, where chronic effects over multiple growing seasons may shorten economic lives. 10 references, 1 table.
Satellite measurement of mass of Sahara dust in the atmosphere

Landsat 1 measurements of nadir radiance are used to obtain the mass of particulates in a vertical column of dust from the Sahara Desert. A radiative transfer model, constructed with knowledge of a few values of optical parameters measured from a ship, is developed to account for the measured radiance values. Measurement and model accuracies are discussed. It is found that the mass of particulates with smaller than a 10 micron radius in a vertical column is 1.6 g/sq m.
Effects of ephedrine enantiomers on conditioned taste aversion and kaolin intake in rats.

Abstract The ephedrine (EPH) enantiomers, (−)-EPH and (+)-EPH, have different biological activity in the rat, with the (−)-EPH enantiomer exerting a greater impact on suppression of feeding, induction of locomotion, and activation of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Recent studies document that (−)-EPH treatment produces an alteration of extracellular dopamine in the brain, an effect that is consistent with the locomotor-stimulating and reinforcing effects of this drug. Whether the EPH enantiomers exert aversive actions in the rat is unknown. Experiment 1 examined the impact of systemically administered (+)-EPH (0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) or (−)-EPH (0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) on conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in adult male rats relative to the effect of 32 mg/kg lithium chloride (LiCl). No dose of either enantiomer produced CTA, whereas strong CTA was evident for LiCl. In Experiment 2, consumption of kaolin (a nonnutritive clay) over a 24-h period was used to assess drug toxicity. Rats treated with either 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg (+)-EPH or 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg (−)-EPH did not exhibit alteration of kaolin intake. In contrast, systematic increases in kaolin intake were observed in rats after systemic administration of LiCl (0, 16, 32, 64, and 96 mg/kg). These findings suggest that the enantiomers of EPH do not exert aversive effects at behaviorally relevant doses.
Morning changes in number of circulating eosinophils in infants.

SummaryMorning changes in number of eosinophils were studied in 2 age groups of infants, in the absence of stimulation other than daily routine. Endogenous morning eosopenia, which is one of several physiological periodicities exhibiting 24-hour spacing in maturity, is not revealed in early infancy by tests employing the 06:30-09:30 sampling. By contrast, most infants older than 15 months show a marked decrease in number of eosinophils from 06:30 to 09:30 of the same morning. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Preservice elementary school teachers' conceptual change about projectile motion: Refutation text, demonstration, affective factors, and relevance

This study investigates changes in preservice teachers' conceptions about projectile motion brought about by a combination of reading and demonstration and an appeal to usefulness. Participants were either told in advance they were expected to teach a videotaped lesson on projectile motion or that information was withheld. In addition, teachers either participated in a combined demonstration-text or in a text-only group. We randomly assigned 73 preservice teachers with nonscientific conceptions to one of four groups comprised of the two levels of the two conditions (Told/Not Told, Demo-Text/Text only) and documented conceptual change through short-answer, true/false, and application tasks. Additional data were obtained from an interview questionnaire to determine the influence of preservice teachers' attitudes and experiences on conceptual change. Furthermore, the videotapes and transcriptions of 16 videotaped lessons and postlesson, structured interviews were analyzed to provide information about the interaction of variables producing change and to track the changes in thinking that were made. The results indicated the effectiveness of a combined Demo-Text condition on immediate posttests and effectiveness of text in producing long-term change. Descriptive and qualitative analyses indicated an interaction of instructional, motivational, and knowledge factors; provided evidence that conceptual change proceeds in a piecemeal fashion; and documented that restructuring of knowledge may lead to new nonscientific conceptions. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 81:1–27, 1997.
In Situ Formation of Blends by Photopolymerization of Poly(ethylene glycol) Dimethacrylate and Polylactide

Blends of cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) were prepared by mixing photoactive PEGDMA (molecular mass: 875 g/mol) and PLA, and subsequently photopolymerizing the mixture with visible light. The effects of PLA molecular mass and mass fraction on the rheological properties of the PEGDMA/PLA mixtures, and on the degree of methacrylate vinyl conversion (DC), as well as blend miscibility, microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro swelling behavior, and cell responses were studied. PLA-2K (molecular mass: 2096 g/mol) and PLA-63K (molecular mass: 63 000 g/mol) formed miscible and partially miscible blends with cross-linked PEGDMA, respectively. The addition of the PLA-2K did not affect the immediate or post-cure (>24 h) DC of the PEGDMA upon photopolymerization. However, the addition of PLA-63K decreased the immediate DC of the PEGDMA, which can be increased through extending the curing time or post-curing period. Compared to the cross-linked neat PEGDMA and PLA-2K/PEGDMA blends, PLA-63K/PEGDMA blends were significantly stronger, stiffer, and tougher. Both types of blends and the cross-linked PEGDMA swelled when soaked in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. The attachment and spreading of MCT3-E1 cells increased with increasing PLA-63K content in the blends. The facile and rapid formation of PEGDMA/PLA blends by photopolymerization represents a simple and efficient approach to a class of biomaterials with a broad spectrum of properties.
Generalized generalized gradient approximation:An improved density-functional theory for accurate orbital eigenvalues

The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange functional in conjunction with accurate expressions for the correlation functional have led to numerous applications in which density-functional theory (DFT) provides structures, bond energies, and reaction activation energies in excellent agreement with the most accurate ab initio calculations and with the experiment. However, the orbital energies that arise from the Kohn-Sham auxiliary equations of DFT may differ by a factor of 2 from the ionization potentials, indicating that excitation energies and properties involving sums over excited states (nonlinear-optical properties, van der Waals attraction) may be in serious error.mWe propose herein a generalization of the GGA in which the changes in the functionals due to virtual changes in the orbitals are allowed to differ from the functional used to map the exact density onto the exact energy. Using the simplest version of this generalized GGA we show that orbital energies are within ∼5% of the correct values and the long-range behavior has the correct form.
Fatty acid composition of dock-fat from lambs grazing alfalfa, sainfoin, and wheatgrass.

We investigated the effects of three forage species on fatty acid composition of lamb (Ovis aries L.) subcutaneous dock-fat. For 93 days, lambs grazed replicated pastures of irrigated ‘Cimarron’ alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), ‘Renumex’ sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), or ‘Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass [Thinopyron intermedium subsp. barbulatum (Schur) Barkw. and D.R. Dewey]. Dock-fat from lambs grazing sainfoin and alfalfa were similar (P>.01) in fatty acid composition, but differed (P .10) in the level of saturated (48.4%) or unsaturated (51.6%) fatty acids was found among lambs from the forages. Octadecanoic acid (C18:0) constituted 49% of the saturated fatty acid composition. Health concerns may arise from the remaining (25% of total fatty acids) potentially harmful saturated fatty acids.
Molecular morphology in semicrystalline polymers

The rapidity of crystal growth from undercooled polymer melts precludes transformation of the randomly coiled macromolecules to the regularly folded morphology generally ascribed to semicrystalline polymers. The topology of the copiously interspersed chains in the liquid state must be largely conserved during the process of crystallisation, preexisting entanglements being concentrated in the non-crystalline regions
A fast asynchronous algorithm for linear feature extraction on IBM SP-2

We present a fast parallel implementation of linear feature extraction on IBM SP-2. We first analyze the machine features and the problem characteristics to understand the overheads in parallel solutions to the problem. Based on these, we propose an asynchronous algorithm which enhances processor utilization and overlaps communication with computation by maintaining algorithmic threads in each processing node. Our implementation shows that, given a 512/spl times/512 image, the linear feature extraction task can be performed in 0.065 seconds on a SP-2 having 64 processing nodes. A serial implementation takes 3.45 seconds on a single processing node of SP-2. A previous implementation on CM-5 takes 0.1 second on a partition of 512 processing nodes. Experimental results on various sizes of images using 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 processing nodes are also reported.
V-Scope extendable intubation stylet

The V-Scope extendable intubation stylet is designed to be used in conjunction with video laryngoscopy. It has both flexion and extension properties which facilitate tracheal intubation.
Conditioning hyperpolarization reveals a property of the light-sensitive current in photoreceptors that is modified by cGMP and EGTA

In the dark, an ionic current flows into the outer segments of retinal rods. The absorption of photons by rhodopsin leads to a graded suppression or inactivation of this inward 'light-sensitive' current. The present study shows that following a conditioning hyperpolarization of the rod membrane in the dark, there was a transient increase in total inward current which could no longer be completely suppressed or inactivated by a bright light. The increased inward current following a hyperpolarization had the same reversal potential as the normal inward current but was apparently less sensitive to light. Thus the chain of events between light stimulation and the subsequent membrane current response can be influenced by voltage. Previously, it has been shown that the light-sensitive current is modulated by cGMP and Ca2+, both of which have been proposed as internal messengers that link the absorption of photons to the change in inward membrane current. In the present study, intracellular injection of cGMP or EGTA produced an additional increase in inward current following a conditioning hyperpolarization. On the other hand, these substances antagonized the effect of voltage by permitting complete inactivation of the total inward current by light after a hyperpolarizing step. These results indicate that cyclic nucleotides and calcium can modify the inactivation of an ionic current following a conditioning hyperpolarization. A simple model suggests that these findings are consistent with the notion that this inward conductance in rods has two open states, one sensitive to light and the other insensitive. cGMP or low Ca2+ appears to favor the open state that can be inactivated by light.
Is the failing heart energy depleted

A simple question, yet one that is of great practical importance, is whether the failing heart is in an energy-starved state. Knowledge of the energetics of the failing heart would, for example, help clinicians to decide whether increasing myocardial energy expenditure using positive inotropic drugs is indicated in the management of this chronic condition or whether treatment of these patients should include negative inotropic drugs to reduce energy demands. As it is now clear that improving long-term prognosis is a major goal in the management of the growing number of heart failure patients, the role of energy starvation in the progressive deterioration of the failing myocardium has become a critical issue. Despite more than 50 years of research, it is only recently that this question appears to have been answered and a consensus reached that energy starvation is likely to be a major factor in the pathophysiology of this condition. This article views this question in three different ways. A brief historical overview introduces this issue and points out problems in both models and methods. Current information regarding the energetic state of the failing heart is examined, focusing mainly on the denominator of the ratio between energy utilization and energy production, which defines the heart's energy balance. Finally, the mechanistic and therapeutic implications of a defect in energy production are described.
Structural styles in Mesozoic and Cenozoic mélanges in the western Cordillera of North America

The term “melange” is currently used to describe several different kinds of mudstone-rich rocks that are broadly characterized by an obscure stratigraphy, stratal disruption, or a chaotic, “block-in-matrix” fabric. Four types of melange, which can be defined in outcrop on the basis of mesoscopic fabric and lithologic composition, are particularly widespread and distinctive. Type I includes sequences of originally interbedded sandstone and mudstone that record incipient to thorough disruption and fragmentation of strata accomplished largely by layer-parallel extension. Type II consists of similarly deformed, thin layers of green tuff, radiolarian ribbon chert, and minor sandstone originally interbedded with black mudstone. Disruption in both types I and II, which probably occurred while the sediments were incompletely consolidated, has been ascribed to either imbricate faulting in accretionary wedges or gravitationally driven deformation. Type III comprises inclusions of diverse shapes, sizes, and compositions enveloped in a locally scaly, pelitic matrix. The ultimate source of fragments is obscure, because the majority were not derived by either the progressive disruption of interbedded sediments or in situ tectonic plucking and abrasion of adjacent rocks. Although some type III melanges may have originated deep within accretionary prisms, final emplacement as olistostromes (muddy debris-flow deposits) or mud diapirs seems likely. Type III melanges are mechanically analogous to scaly, “sheared” serpentinites; many probably have been tectonically remobilized or even intruded into shallow-level fault zones. Type IV consists of lenticular inclusions bounded by an anastomosing network of subparallel faults. Their fabric records progressive slicing in brittle fault zones. Each of the four types of melange described here could, in theory, have formed in a variety of settings on or within an accretionary wedge at an active convergent margin; none can yet be singled out as a uniquely diagnostic “subduction melange.”
ETS IV: Sequential dynamical systems: fixed points, invertibility and equivalence

Sequential dynamical systems (SDSs) are discrete dynamical systems that are obtained from the following data: (a) a finite (labeled) graph Y with vertex set {1,...,n} where each vertex has a binary state, (b) a vertex labeled sequence of functions (F"i","Y:F"2^n->F"2^n)"i and (c) a permutation @[email protected]?S"n. The function F"i","Y updates the binary state of vertex i as a function of the states of vertex i and its Y-neighbors and leaves the states of all other vertices fixed. The permutation @p represents a Y-vertex ordering according to which the functions F"i","Y are applied. By composing the functions F"i","Y in the order given by @p we obtain the SDSF"Y,@[email protected]?"i"="1^nF"@p"("i")","Y:F"2^n->F"2^n.In this paper we will generalize a class of results on SDS that have been proven for symmetric Boolean (local) functions to quasi-symmetric local functions. Further, we completely classify invertible SDS and investigate fixed points of sequential and parallel cellular automata (CA). Finally, we show sharpness of a combinatorial upper bound for the number of non-equivalent SDS that can be obtained through rescheduling for a certain class of graphs.
Fractionation of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) Through a Narrowing of Particle Size Distribution Followed by Aspiration

Distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) may have more value and utility if they can be separated into high protein and high fiber fractions. A variety of such separation processes have been proposed; two of the most promising processes involve three screening and three air classification unit operations. In the present study, an alternative process involving fewer unit operations is demonstrated. DDGS are subjected to a single screening, and the oversize particles are processed in a mill setup so that it narrows the particle size distribution of the oversize fraction. The milled DDGS is then processed in an air classification device known as an aspirator, which separates it into high and low terminal velocity fractions. The combination of the undersize fraction and the low terminal velocity fraction were substantially enriched in protein. The separation achieved by this process compares favorably to other reported processes while being less complex.
The salinity tolerance of forty-six marine phytoplankton isolates

Abstract The acclimated reproduction rates of 46 marine phytoplankton isolates were measured in six salinities ranging from 0 to 45%. Estuarine species tolerated low salinity better than the oceanic species, coastal species being intermediate in their tolerance. The estuarine and oceanic species had salinity tolerances appropriate for their environments, but most of the coastal species tolerated salinity much lower than that from which they were isolated. This characteristic of coastal species may be a relict of selection pressure during the most recent glaciation or the result of gene flow being dependent upon central genetic populations located in bays and estuaries.
Cyclic nucleotide modulation of Na+ and K+ currents in the isolated node of Ranvier.

Abstract The application of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (d-cAMP) to an isolated, voltage clamped node of Ranvier resulted in an increase in the peak inward and steady-state outward current amplitudes. Blocking K + channels with TEA abolished the effects of d-cAMP on Na + currents. Blocking Na + channels with TTX revealed an increase in K + current amplitude in response to d-cAMP. Application of a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, SQ20009, reproduced the effects of d-cAMP in the intact node, but with a latency in onset. These results suggest a physiological role for cAMP in the modulation of Na + and K + currents in myelinated peripheral nerve.
Interleukin‐1β increases leukemia inhibitory factor mRNA levels through transient stimulation of transcription rate

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) induces leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) expression in a number of cell types including non-neuronal cells of the sympathetic superior cervical ganglion (SCG). Upregulation of LIF by inflammatory cytokines is usually associated with injury response. We characterized the molecular mechanism of LIF mRNA regulation by IL-1 beta in explanted neonatal rat SCG and a Schwann cell line. IL-1 beta increases LIF mRNA levels by interacting with IL-1 receptors in SCG, since this induction could be diminished by inclusion of either soluble IL-1 receptors or IL-1 receptor antagonist. The antiinflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone also inhibits LIF mRNA induction by IL-1 beta. LIF mRNA encodes a 3' AU-rich mRNA stability control sequence, but IL-1 beta does not appear to regulate the decay of LIF mRNA by this mechanism. IL-1 beta does not raise LIF gene transcription rate in cultured SCG 6 or 24 h after addition of IL-1 beta as measured by nuclear run-on assays. LIF gene transcription is induced repidly and transiently in an immortalized Schwann cell line, returning to uninduced rates by 1 h after induction. These results suggest that the IL-1 beta induction of LIF gene expression is at least partially transcriptional, but that LIF mRNA increases to a greater extent than LIF transcription, suggesting the possibility of posttranscriptional regulation as well.
Temperature‐dependent absorption cross sections for hydrogen peroxide vapor

Relative absorption cross sections for hydrogen peroxide vapor were measured over the temperature ranges 285-381 K for lambda = 230 nm-295 nm and 300-381 K for lambda = 193 nm-350 nm. The well established 298 K cross sections at 202.6 and 228.8 nm were used as an absolute calibration. A significant temperature dependence was observed at the important tropospheric photolysis wavelengths lambda over 300 nm. Measured cross sections were extrapolated to lower temperatures, using a simple model which attributes the observed temperature dependence to enhanced absorption by molecules possessing one quantum of O-O stretch vibrational excitation. Upper tropospheric photodissociation rates calculated using the extrapolated cross sections are about 25 percent lower than those calculated using currently recommended 298 K cross sections.
Special issue: nanotechnology and disease.

The present issue is dedicated to an area of science known as bionanotechnology, which has developed quickly over the last decade. With the recent breakthroughs in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and functionalization, as well as the integration of nanomaterials into more complex structural arrangements, the desire to use these unique systems to aid in the understanding or visualization of complex biological processes is understandable, especially since these materials can enhance accuracy and resolution as compared to classical methods. These technological developments give great hope that such amazing structures can be integrated into tools that could be used to diagnose and treat diseases, regenerate large portions of lost tissue in a controllable manner, elucidate molecular interactions within cells, and overall, increase the quality of human life. One specific area of bionanotechnology that is expected to provide great benefits for patients in the future is the development of new, more effective drugdelivery systems that have the potential to deliver biochemically active agents to a single cell. It is already accepted that, once perfected, such new systems of drug delivery will result in fewer side effects, require less drug to be administered, be customizable to individual patients and therefore, be more effective than traditional drug therapy. As with all new technologies, an ever-growing interest has developed possible undesired effects that these nanomaterials could have on biological systems at various levels, from genetic to systemic. In traditional pharmacology, toxicity is most associated with the dose and chemical composition of the materials; with nanomaterials, a new aspect becomes extremely relevant (i.e. size). The size of a nanomaterial enables these structures to interact with the most fundamental components of biological systems, such as DNA and cellular membranes, and induce changes in normal cellular activity. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the complex impact that nanomaterials can have on cells, tissues, organisms, and the environment. Despite this, the authors of this issue believe that the almost limitless potential of these nanomaterials to bring significant benefit to human health and wellbeing makes the study of bionanotechnology a most valuable undertaking.
A simple hand corer for shallow water sampling

A simple, inexpensive 2″ Hand Corer has been developed for efficiently sampling most types of shallow water sediments. The corer consists of a Lexan plastic core tube, 1-1/2″-check valve unit, and polyvinyl chloride tube handle. The 2″ Hand Corer consistently collected higher mean densities of organisms than did the Mackin Corer, resulting in more precise estimates of the mean densities of the collected taxa. Undisturbed sediment samples for pesticide, oil and grease, and heavy metals analysis also were collected.
Statistical analysis of joint short-term and long-term survival in resuscitation research

Summary Objective To develop statistical tools that use combined initial survival data and post-resuscitation survival data to test the null hypothesis that true, population-wide outcomes following experimental CPR interventions are not different from control. Method A new test statistic, d 2 , for evaluating Type 1 error is derived from a bivariate, two-dimensional analysis of categorical initial resuscitation and post-resuscitation survival data, which are statistically independent because they are obtained during non-overlapping periods of time. The d 2 test statistic, which is distributed as a chi-squared distribution, is derived from first principles and validated using Monte Carlo methods of computer simulation for thousands of clinical trials. Results Under the null hypothesis, the normalized difference in the proportions of patients surviving the initial resuscitation period and the normalized difference in the proportions of such short-term survivors that also survive the post-resuscitation period are jointly distributed in a two-dimensional space as a bivariate standard normal distribution, against which observed intervention and control outcomes can be compared in a test of statistical significance. Typically this two-dimensional approach has greater statistical power to detect true differences, compared to conventional one-dimensional tests. Smaller group sizes ( N s) are usually required to reach statistical significance when both initial survival and post-resuscitation survival are considered together. Such two-dimensional analysis is easily extended to meta-analysis of multiple trials. Conclusions A straightforward, easy-to-use bivariate test for Type I errors in statistical inference can be done for resuscitation studies reporting both short-term and long-term survival data. Acceptance of such two-dimensional tests of the null hypothesis, as proposed by Hallstrom, can save time, money, effort, and disappointment in the difficult and sometimes frustrating field of resuscitation research.
Potential biomarkers of human salivary function: a modified proteomic approach.

Abstract Objective In previous studies, we defined groups of subjects with opposite salivary function. Group membership was associated with clinically relevant outcomes. High aggregation-adherence (HAA) groups showed lower levels of caries, supragingival plaque, total streptococci, and Tannerella forsythensis than low high aggregation-adherence (LAA) groups. In this study, we used a proteomic approach to search for biomarkers which could be useful as risk indicators for those outcomes. Design Clarified resting whole saliva from each of 41 HAA and LAA subjects was separated by preparative isoelectric focusing. Fractions showing the most distinctive protein profiles were pooled into four sets (p I 3–3.5, p I 4–4.7, p I 5.7–7.7, p I 10–11.5). Each pool then was compared by SDS–PAGE. Image analysis software was used to quantify matched bands. Partial least squares analysis (PLS) was used to determine which of the 65 bands from all four pools were the best predictors of group membership, caries, total plaque, total streptococci, and T. forsythensis counts. Those bands were identified by mass spectroscopy (MS-MS). Results Two bands consistently were strong predictors in separate PLS analyses of each outcome variable. In follow-up univariate analyses, those bands showed the strongest significant differences between the HAA and LAA groups. They also showed significant inverse correlations with caries and all the microbiological variables. MSMS identified those bands as statherin, and a truncated cystatin S missing the first eight N-terminal amino acids. Conclusions Levels of statherin and truncated cystatin S may be potential risk indicators for the development of caries and other oral diseases.
Far-Infrared Absorption Spectra of Thick Superconducting Films

We have examined the absorption spectra of thick evaporated films of Pb, Sn, In, V, Ta, and Nb in the superconductive energy-gap region by a calorimetric detection technique. The intensity available from our far-infrared monochromator, together with the improved sensitivity of the detection system, made it possible to employ modulation techniques to obtain the derivatives of the absorption spectra of our samples. Multiple energy gaps were found for a Sn film and two thick Pb films, while a thinner Pb film and the other samples had single gaps. We suggest that these are the first far-infrared measurements to reveal multiple absorption edges in films. The energy gaps found for the two thick Pb films were $(4.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)k{T}_{c}$ and $(4.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)k{T}_{c}$ for one, and $(4.28\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)k{T}_{c}$ and $(4.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)k{T}_{c}$ for the other. For the Sn film, the gaps were $(3.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02)k{T}_{c}$ and $(3.86\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)k{T}_{c}$. The gaps found for the other samples, in units of $k{T}_{c}$, were: for the thin Pb film, 4.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02; for In, 3.69\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04; for V, 3.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1; for Ta, 3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2; and for Nb, 3.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2. These values are more precise than the earlier far-infrared results; in addition, the anomalously low values of $\ensuremath{\sim}3k{T}_{c}$ obtained in previous far-infrared experiments for the Ta and Nb gaps are not reproduced in this work. The observed absorption edges are steeper than those predicted by either the extreme local or extreme anomalous limits of skin-effect theory. The energy gap of a thick Pb sample was measured as a function of magnetic field, this being the first such measurement by far-infrared calorimetric techniques. The gap was found to decrease by approximately 7% in going from zero field to the critical field for the bulk material (${H}_{\mathrm{cb}}$), in fair agreement with the Ginzburg-Landau theory. No gap was observed above ${H}_{\mathrm{cb}}$, in agreement with previous observations on the superconducting surface sheath.