cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers to medication adherence in asthma: The importance of culture and context.

Abstract Objective Significant disparities exist in asthma outcomes. Racial and ethnic minorities have lower controller medication adherence, which may contribute to differences in asthma morbidity between minority and non-minority groups. The objective of this review is to identify individual, patient–provider communication, and systems issues that contribute to this pattern of medication underuse and to discuss potential strategies for intervention. Data Sources Data were gathered from numerous sources, including reports of pharmacy and medical records, observational studies, and trials. Study Selections Studies analyzed factors contributing to patterns of asthma medication adherence that differ by race and ethnicity. Results There is clear evidence of underuse of asthma controller medications among racial and ethnic minorities in prescription receipt, prescription initiation, and medication use once obtained. Individual factors such as medication beliefs and depressive symptoms play a role. Provider communication is also relevant, including limited discussion of complementary and alternative medicine use, difficulties communicating with patients and caregivers with limited English proficiency, and implicit biases regarding cultural differences. Systems issues (eg, insurance status, cost) and social context factors (eg, exposure to violence) also present challenges. Culturally informed strategies that capitalize on patient strengths and training providers in culturally informed communication strategies hold promise as intervention approaches. Conclusion Disparities in controller medication use are pervasive. Identifying the sources of these disparities is a critical step toward generating intervention approaches to enhance disease management among the groups that bear the greatest asthma burden.
Automatic detection of macrophages/foam cells in coronary atherosclerotic plaques based on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) (Conference Presentation)

Atherosclerosis is a progressive asymptomatic disease that has the highest rate of death and morbidity in the United States. High macrophage infiltration and thin cap fibroatheromas are known to be the precursor lesions of plaque rupture. Lipid-laden macrophages called foam cells are formed by the uptake of lipids within the plaque. These foam cells eventually die forming a necrotic core. Ruptured plaques are characterized by a necrotic core with an overlying thin-ruptured cap highly infiltrated by macrophages. Imaging modalities capable of identifying macrophage clusters in atherosclerotic plaques could be used for plaque vulnerability assessment. In this study, Multispectral Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) is used to retrieve information of biochemical markers present in atherosclerotic tissue. Here, we present a computational methodology that makes use of FLIM-based biochemical plaque features in order to identify macrophage/foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In the proposed methodology, the FLIM lifetime map obtained from a spectral channel of 494 ± 20.5 nm provides information about the accumulation of macrophages, which produce long lifetimes (>6 ns). This methodology was validated against histopathological assessment (CD68 staining specific for macrophages) in terms of statistical correlation, a 10-fold cross validation (sensitivity = 88.45%; specificity= 91.21%), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC AUC = 0.91) analyses.
MRI-based three-dimensional modeling and assessment of epicardial adipose tissue

The fat that accumulates between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium is called epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). When volume is increased, the EAT can secrete chemicals that influence the development of coronary disease. Volumetric assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can quantify EAT, but volume alone gives no information about its distribution across the myocardial surface. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) modeling technique is developed and used to quantify the distribution of the EAT across the surface of the heart. Dixon MRI scans, which produce a registered 3D set of fat-only and water-only images, were acquired in 11 subjects for a study on exercise intervention. A previously developed segmentation algorithm was used to identify the heart and EAT in six of the scans. Contours were extracted from the labeled images and imported into NX 10, where 3D models of both surfaces were created. Procrustes analysis was used to register the heart models and create an average heart surface. An iterative closest point algorithm was used to register and align the EAT models for calculation of EAT thickness. Rays were cast in directions specified by a spherical parameterization of elevation and azimuthal angles, and intersections of the ray with the EAT surface were used to calculate the thickness at each location. The thickness maps were averaged and then “painted” onto the average heart model, creating a single, integrated model representing the average EAT thickness across the surface of the myocardium.
Op-Amp Filters

Operational amplifiers—as the name suggests—amplify most commonly difference in voltage between two input nodes. An ideal amp has infinite gain and has zero output impedance; in essence it acts as voltage-controlled voltage source (similar to controlled sources we dealt with in the Feedback chapter). Most often op-amp circuits employ feedback. Feedback can be partial or total, and most often is frequency dependent (depending on the feedback loop). Op-amp circuits pose as classic examples for spectral (and convolution) techniques. We can construct for example inverting amps, differentiators, integrators, and the list goes on. For each case we get the performance in the frequency domain and we can go back to the time domain via inverse transform. We next covered the small signal model of the differential amp where we employed the small signal of transistors (as studied in the MOSFET chapter). Next we covered some aspect of the nonideal amp, mostly the finite gain and finite output impedance. We examined output impedance open loop, with full feedback, partial feedback, and with low-pass feedback filter. We then examined impact of load cap on output impedance. Finally we made some notes on the underlying principles behind feedback and ran a simple intuitive example demonstrating the mechanism of feedback.
The Karate Kid Method of Problem Based Learning

The traditional introduction to computer programming course delivers lectures that meticulously describe language components and the way they work combined with homework and laboratory drills. The challenge of teaching introductory programming courses is: the students do not know enough to work on interesting and challenging projects. As a result, they are assigned small structured (toy) problems that do not engage their curiosity and allow them to try on their own. This results in little motivation and poor learning. Large numbers of students fail, drop, or complete courses without learning to program. In contrast, this introductory class enables students to learn programming languages by designing and implementing a computer game. Two obstacles must be overcome to make this work. The first is the students’ anxiety when faced with a complex task they cannot do. The second issue is the menial and tedious practices they must undergo to master the tools required by the task. Imbedding structured problems within the requirements of a complex unstructured project helps resolve these issues. We describe this version of PBL using the pedagogical metaphor of the popular movie, the Karate Kid.
Helium-Cadmium Laser (325 nm) Irradiation of Pigmented and Unpigmented Mammalian Skin: Electron Microscopic Effects on Dermal Nerve Fibers

The application of lasers to dermatologic research and clinical practice has been the subject of intensive investigation and has clearly been shown to have great promise [1, 2]. Particularly, the pioneering work of GOLDMAN [1–7] has convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of the clinical use of lasers in dermatology.
Risk Factors Associated With the Development of Chronic Lung Disease in Children

By better understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that predispose children to chronic lung disease, strategies to prevent its development can be proposed. This article addresses conditions, such as bronchiolitis, croup, hyaline membrane disease, hydrocarbon ingestion, and near-drowning, that have been found to result in long-term changes in lung physiology. Also considered are the possible relationships of common respiratory infection, asthma, smoking, and air pollution to the development of chronic respiratory infection.
Behavioral Based Trust Metrics and the Smart Grid

To ensure reliable and predictable service in the electrical grid it is important to gauge the level of trust present within critical components and substations. Although trust throughout a smart grid is temporal and dynamically varies according to measured states, it is possible to accurately formulate communications and service level strategies based on such trust measurements. Utilizing an effective set of machine learning and statistical methods, it is shown that establishment of trust levels between substations using behavioral pattern analysis is possible. It is also shown that the establishment of such trust can facilitate simple secure communications routing between substations.
Novel Cumulative Degradation Approach to Predict Components Failure Rates

This paper describes a novel approach for predicting failure rates for components and hardware systems. A physics-of-failure-based methodology is provided to predict the degradation rate of a population using a Monte Carlo approach. The methodology relies on an empirical equation describing the degradation of a performance metric, a degradation consistency condition and a technique to account for cumulative degradation across multiple temperatures. Two case studies are given to illustrate the methodology.
Optical Properties of Semiconductors

In previous chapters, we introduced the reader to the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, band structure, and semiconductor physics. In this chapter we have the opportunity to apply this acquired knowledge of the electronic structure of solids to understand the optical properties. We do this by modeling the optical response properties, in particular the permittivity of the solid. We present the formalism which allows one to calculate the permittivity and then study how this permittivity affects the light penetrating the solid. We shall demonstrate how band structure and free electrons determine the permittivity, and therefore the way light propagates in a solid, and how much of this light gets absorbed. We shall investigate under what circumstances the lattice can couple to photons and how this coupling can affect the velocity of light in a medium. But we shall see in the next chapters that band structure depends on the dimensionality of the system, and we have already seen in Chaps. 8 and 9 that carriers can be added or neutralized in semiconductors. So it turns out that just in the same way that the energy bands can be engineered, so can the optical properties. Atom by atom growth and miniaturization are modern key engineering tools, but so is the application of external electric and magnetic fields. In the last sections of this chapter, we therefore investigate how an electric or a magnetic field modifies the band structure and how this reflects on the optical properties. The fundamental concepts developed in this chapter are a necessary prerequisite to understand the way optical methods can be used to characterize the electronic structure of semiconductors as is described in Chap. 15.
Effects of Complex DNA and MVs with GTF Extracted from Streptococcus mutans on the Oral Biofilm

Streptococcus mutans is one of the principal pathogens for the development of dental caries. Oral biofilms formed by S. mutans are constructed of insoluble glucan formation induced by the principal enzymes, GTF-I and GTF-SI, in sucrose-containing conditions. However, as another means of biofilm formation, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and membrane vesicles (MVs) are also contributors. To explore the roles of eDNA and MVs for biofilm formation, short and whole size pure DNAs, two types of sub-purified DNAs and MVs were extracted from S. mutans by beads destruction, treatment of proteinase K, and ultracentrifugation of culture supernatant, and applied into the biofilm formation assay using the S. mutans UA159 gtfBC mutant, which lost GTF-I and GTF-SI, on a human saliva-coated 96 well microtiter plate in sucrose-containing conditions. Sub-purified DNAs after cell lysis by beads destruction for total 90 and 180 s showed a complex form of short-size DNA with various proteins and MVs associated with GTF-I and GTF-SI, and induced significantly higher biofilm formation of the S. mutans UA159.gtfBC mutant than no sample (p < 0.05). Short-size pure DNA without proteins induced biofilm formation but whole-size pure DNA did not. Moreover, the complex form of MV associated with GTFs and short-size DNA showed significantly higher biofilm formation of initial colonizers on the human tooth surface such as Streptococcus mitis than no sample (p < 0.05). The short-size DNAs associated with MVs and GTFs are important contributors to the biofilm formation and may be one of additional targets for the prevention of oral biofilm-associated diseases.
Helmet use and bicycle-related trauma injury outcomes

Background: It is essential to identify factors that predict helmet use, so as to mitigate the injury and mortality from bicycle accidents.Objective: To examine the relationship between helmet use and the bicycle-related trauma injury outcomes among bicyclists with head/neck injury in the US.Methods: Data from the 2002-2012 National Trauma Data Bank were used, including all trauma bicycle riders involved in bicycle-related accidents whose primary reason for the hospital or Intensive Care Unit stay was head or neck injury. Using multiple logistic regression, the association between helmet use, Injury severity score (ISS), length of stay in hospital (HLOS) and Intensive Care Unit (ICULOS), and mortality was examined.Results: Of the 76,032 bicyclists with head/neck injury, 22% worn helmets. The lowest was among Blacks, Hispanics, and <17 years old. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces injury severity, HLOS, ICULOS, and mortality (i.e total and in-hospital). Males had a severe injury, longer HLOS, ICULOS, and higher mortality than female. Blacks and Hispanics had longer HLOS and ICULOS and higher total mortality than Whites, but had a similar chance for in-hospital mortality.Conclusions: More effort is needed to enhance helmet use among at-risk bicycle riders, which may reduce injury severity, HLOS, ICULOS, and mortality.
Acoustic wave confinement by chiral waveguide made of Helmholtz resonators

Confining sound and controlling acoustic wave propagation is of significant importance for efficient energy harvesting. We propose an acoustic waveguide that exists at the interface between two metamaterials consist of unit cells based on Helmholtz resonators arranged in opposite chirality, which gives good confinement of sound wave in the air for frequencies within the bulk band gap of the metamaterial. The amplitude of pressure attenuates by 3 dB within 1/3 of the lattice constant. This waveguide is shown to be robust to frequency and spatial disorders in the system, as long as the edge mode is situated in the bandgap. An acoustic circuit was formed by introducing disorders at sharp corners. Our simulations demonstrate that the acoustic impedance at the interface, as defined by the ratio of the local pressure to the sound velocity, is 3 orders of magnitude smaller than the bulk impedance of the metamaterial for the frequency of interest, giving rise to confinement of the sound wave.
A Marked Point Process Filtering Approach for Tracking Sympathetic Arousal From Skin Conductance

Human emotion represents a complex neural process within the brain. The ability to automatically recognize emotions from physiological signals has the potential to impact humanity in multiple ways through applications in human-machine interaction, remote health monitoring, smart living environments and entertainment. We present a marked point process-based Bayesian filtering approach to track sympathetic arousal from skin conductance features. The rate at which individual skin conductance responses (SCRs) occur and their respective amplitudes encode important information regarding an individual's psychological arousal level. We develop a state-space model relating a latent neuropsychological arousal state to the rate at which neural impulses underlying SCRs occur and the impulse amplitudes. We simultaneously estimate both arousal and the state-space model parameters within an expectation-maximization framework. We evaluate our method on both simulated and experimental data. Results on simulated data indicate the method's ability to accurately estimate an unobserved state from marked point process observations. The experimental data include studies involving mental stress artificially-induced in laboratory environments, real-world driver stress and Pavlovian fear conditioning. Results on experimental data outperform previous Bayesian filtering approaches in terms of a lower sensitivity to small impulses and avoiding overfitting. The filter is thus able to estimate emotional arousal from skin conductance features and is a promising approach for everyday emotion recognition applications.
Systemic Immune-Inflammation (SII) index predicts poor outcome after spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Abstract Background and Aims In experimental models, enhanced inflammation contributes to secondary brain injury in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Several inflammatory markers have investigated in humans with inconclusive results. Here, we report the relationship between Systemic Immune-Inflammation (SII) Index and outcome. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 239 supratentorial spontaneous ICH patients. Patients were dichotomized based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge in good (mRS 0-3) and poor (mRS 4-6) outcome. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging data at admission were compared for both groups. SII index was calculated as [(Platelet counts x Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC)/Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC))/1000]. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between markers of inflammation (ANC, ALC, Platelets, SII index) and outcome adjusting for baseline differences. Results Sixty-two percent of patients had poor outcome (median [IQR] age= 60 [52-71] years). Patients with poor outcome had lower Glasgow coma scale, larger hematoma volumes, and higher incidence of diabetes and intraventricular extension (p Conclusions In patients with supratentorial spontaneous ICH early SII index is an independent predictor of poor outcome at time of hospital discharge.
Heat Flux Analysis From IR Imaging on Proto-MPEX

The Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) is a linear device used to develop the source and heating concept for MPEX, an experiment to study plasma–material interactions for future fusion reactors. This article will highlight recent analysis and results on Proto-MPEX using an infrared (IR) camera, a key tool for imaging heat fluxes measured at the material target. The target heat fluxes are crucial to understanding the source and heating concepts. The recent analysis includes the application of homography and 3-D finite-element methods to provide between-shot measurements of the 2-D target heat flux profile. The IR camera inferred heat flux is shown to correlate with Langmuir probe inferred heat fluxes for a range of parameters in helicon only and helicon + electron cyclotron heated discharges. Results show both desirable central and undesirable edge heat flux for helicon source and electron heating on the target. These heat flux measurements are shown to be important for better understanding of the source and heating physics.
Overview of bariatric and metabolic endoscopy interventions.

The rise of endoscopic techniques allowing weight loss offers an attractive alternative to surgical interventions in Western countries where the obesity epidemic has risen dramatically. Endoscopist...
Comments on Yoram Hazony, The Virtue of Nationalism

Yoram Hazony’s The Virtue of Nationalism is an important, timely book that nonetheless suffers from fundamental difficulties, philosophical and practical. While Hazony persuasively argues the super...
Myths and realities of endurance time analysis: Discussion/Comments Regarding “Seismic assessment of deep water bridges in reservoir considering hydrodynamic effects using endurance time analysis” by Yutao Pang, Li Cai, Wei He, and Li Wu; Ocean Engineering, 2020, 198:106846

Abstract This discussion is based on the paper by Pang et al. (2020) (hereafter identified as “the original authors” and “the original paper” or “the reference paper”). The original authors employed the endurance time analysis (ETA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) techniques to investigate the probabilistic response of a deep water bridge in a reservoir. They derived multiple fragility curves using both techniques. Derivation of ETA-based fragility functions in the original paper is not fully consistent with the nature of seismic fragility curves. The underpinning concept of fragility curves is tied with ground motion record-to-record (RTR) variability, while the conventional ETA does not offer such an ability. We discussed several underlying assumptions in the ETA method, as well as different sources of ground motion RTR variability (from IDA technique) which may affect the logarithmic dispersion in a fragility curve (and it is unseen in conventional ETA method).
Do as I Do: Physician- and Learner-Led Mind-Body Medicine Group Visits.

Introduction Care of patients with chronic medical and mental health conditions can be a source of frustration for primary care clinicians and may present a challenge in modeling effective interventions for medical learners. Mind-body medicine (MBM) interventions have shown success for a variety of conditions, and training in MBM has been associated with decreased burnout and improved professional satisfaction.8 We piloted MBM collaborative visits led by faculty physicians and facilitated by medical learners. We then assessed their efficacy treating patients with complex needs. Methods We conducted a series of eight weekly 2.5-hour MBM interventions for groups of five to eight participants (52 in total) with chronic health conditions. Matched-pair hypothesis t tests analyzed nine health indicators measured pre- and postintervention: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as well as participants' perceived mental and physical health, stress and stress coping, agency, and capacity to connect with others. We made conservative calculations of effect size using Hedges' g. Results Participants showed significant, large improvements in their PHQ-9 scores ( P<.005, g=0.807), and moderate improvements in ability to cope with stress (P<.005, g=0.502), sense of control over their diagnoses (P<.05, g=0.413), and perceived overall mental health (P<.05, g=0.424). Other outcomes were nonsignificant, including a small improvement in participants' perceived overall health ( P=.071, g=0.286). Conclusions Patients completing the intervention enjoyed largely improved outcomes despite unchanged stress at work and home. Physician-led MBM collaborative visits comprise a feasible, reproducible, and reimbursable treatment option for improving patient care. They also immerse medical learners in an evidence-based practice model supportive of professional satisfaction.
Six-Month Post-Transplant Outcomes in Patients Bridged to Heart Transplantation with IABP or Impella Following 2018 UNOS Allocation Policy Change

Purpose We sought to compare six-month post transplantation survival among patients with Impella Devices versus intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) while on the waitlist during the year that followed the 2018 UNOS Allocation Policy change. We also compared waitlist outcomes at six months between the two groups. Methods All adult patients who were listed for heart transplantation for one year after the UNOS 2018 allocation policy change who had an IABP (n=682) or Impella device (n=65) were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed on patients who received heart transplantation. Baseline characteristics were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test as appropriate. Competing outcomes analysis was performed to compare heart transplantation or recovery, death or deterioration, or continuation on the waitlist at six months between the two cohorts. Results At 180 days, patients with an Impella while listed for transplantation had lower median waitlist times than patients with an IABP (median+IQR) (8.0 days[4.0, 18.0] vs. 11 days[6.0, 28.0], p = 0.013) and a greater proportion received heart transplant or achieved recovery (76.8% vs. 68.0%, p = 0.005). There was no difference in survival at 180 days post transplantation (Impella 92% [86%, 99%] vs. IABP 94% [91%,95%]), death or deterioration prior to transplant (10.7% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.943), or continuation on the waitlist (12.5% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.185). Conclusion In the year following the 2018 UNOS allocation policy change there was no difference in six month survival post heart transplantation between patients with IABP or Impella devices while waiting. Though there was a larger proportion of patients who recovered or were transplanted in the Impella cohort at six months, incidence of death or deterioration prior to transplant, or continuation on waitlist between Impella and IABP cohorts were not significantly different. Further study is warranted to understand the implications of these approaches in the context of the policy change.
A Solitary Sigmoid Perineurioma in an Otherwise Healthy 30-Year-Old Male.

Colorectal perineuriomas are rare benign fibroblastic polyps of the colon found on colonoscopy and usually present as a sessile polyp distal to the splenic flexure. We report a case of sessile sigmoid perineurioma in a young healthy male. He presented with chronic constipation and underwent colonoscopy, which showed a 3-4 mm sessile polyp in the sigmoid colon. Biopsy results were significant for a perineurioma. These polyps are peripheral nerve sheath tumors composed of bland spindle cells with ovoid nuclei in a whorling appearance. The differential diagnosis of these nerve sheath tumors includes ganglioneuromas, schwannomas, neuromas, neurofibroma, or Schwann cell hamartomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While these polyps are regarded as benign, it is prudent to rule out other tumors that have malignant potential.
On the Mutations of the Concept: Phenomenology, Conceptual Change, and the Persistence of Hegel in Merleau-Ponty’s Thought

This chapter will be devoted to the itinerary of classical German thought, and especially Hegel, in Merleau-Ponty’s thought. I begin by examining Merleau-Ponty’s initial use of Hegel’s systematic and metaphysical ideas in phenomenological analyses of behavior (comportement) and perception. Next, I examine Merleau-Ponty’s role in controversies regarding the existentialists’ interpretation and objections to Hegel’s system. I trace his attempts to surmount antinomies between subjectivity and system that emerged in the existentialist’s anthropological reading of Hegel. Here Merleau-Ponty focused on linguistics and more general analyses of institution and expression. Finally, I will view the renewed role that classical German philosophy, including Schelling and Hegel, played in his final works. Still reflecting these interests, his writings and lectures engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue with contemporary aesthetics, science, and philosophy, culminating in an attempt to formulate a new ontology.
Novel beam scanning technique for circularly-polarized reflector antennas

This paper introduces a new technique for scanning circularly-polarized (CP) beams in reflector antennas. The technique explores the intrinsic properties associated with crosspolarization (XPOL) and beam squint in offset parabolic reflectors. Furthermore the beams are scanned while keeping the whole reflector system focused throughout the scanning process, thus reducing degradations commonly encountered in other procedures. Preliminary numerical results indicate the viability of the proposed procedure over limited scan regions (e.g., /spl plusmn/2/spl deg/), which suggests its use in space applications.
Change Comes with Time: Interpreting the Substantive Impact of Non-Proportional Hazards in Event History Analysis

While political methodologists have provided us ample notice of both the problem of non-proportional hazards and the means of correcting for them, less attention has been paid to the post-estimation consequences. The inclusion of time interactions in our models is more than a statistical fix: these corrections alter the substantive meaning and interpretation of results. Framing the issue as a specific case of multiplicative modeling, I provide detailed discussion of the problem of non-proportional hazards and present an appropriate means of interpreting both the substantive impact and the significance of variables whose impact may change over time.An updated version of this paper has now been published in Political Analysis, as "Change Comes with Time: Substantive Interpretation of Non-Proportional Hazards in Event History Analysis." Please refer to the published version for procedures which are both more accurate and more streamlined, and for more examples.
Bias and Measurement Error in Discretionary Accrual Models

This paper examines bias and measurement error in discretionary accrual models. This is important because the empirical evidence supporting the conclusions from many earnings management studies is based entirely on estimates from these models. Models of discretionary accruals are actually models of expected and unexpected accruals. Therefore for most earnings management studies, unexpected accruals that arise for reasons other than managerial discretion over financial reporting represent measurement error in discretionary accruals. This study proposes that unexpected accruals will arise from large structural changes such as acquisitions and divestitures. Since most earnings management studies examine managerial discretion over financial reporting these unexpected accruals represent measurement error. I find that structural changes are associated with the direction and magnitude of discretionary accrual estimates. Also, the measurement error associated with these structural changes is correlated with the level of earnings. Since the level of earnings is often used by researchers to partition earnings management incentives (or is correlated with the partitioning variable). This suggests that the empirical results from many earnings management studies are biased.
The pH Dependence of the Individual Steps in the Glucose Oxidase Reaction

Abstract The kinetics of oxidation of d-mannose, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, and d-glucose by glucose oxidase from Penicillium notatum has been studied in the pH range from 3 to 8 at 25°, in the presence of 0.2 m KCl. The pH dependence of the individual steps in the catalytic mechanism was determined by stopped flow spectrophotometric measurements of each half-reaction, in conjunction with conventional steady state kinetic measurements of the over-all reaction. The following scheme, originally deduced by Gibson, Swoboda, and Massey (J. Biol. Chem., 239, 3927 (1964)) for the enzyme from Aspergillus niger at pH 5.6 and 25°, was found to accommodate the results at any value of pH in the range examined. [see PDF for equation] where Eo, Er, S, and P are, respectively, oxidized enzyme, reduced enzyme, substrate, and product. The pH dependence and other characteristics of each step in turn are as follows. 1. The pH profile for k1 is sigmoid, and indicates that the combination of substrate with Eo is dependent upon a basic group (pK1 = 5.00 for mannose and glucose; pK1 = 5.35 for 2-deoxyglucose) in the enzyme. There is a small solvent deuterium isotope effect on k1. Halides have a specific effect on pK1, causing it to increase markedly, but have no effect on k1. 2. Flavin reduction, controlled by k2 and measured with 2-deoxyglucose, is relatively insensitive to pH in the range from 3 to 8. Halides also specifically decrease the rate of flavin reduction. 3. The pH profile for k4 is sigmoid and indicates that the combination of O2 with Er is dependent upon an acidic group (pK4 = 6.90) in the enzyme. 4. The pH profile for k5 is bell shaped and indicates that this terminal, first order process (which may consist of more than one step) is dependent upon an acidic (pK'5 = 7.40) and a basic (pK5 = 4.10) group in the enzyme. Based on these findings, a kinetic scheme is presented which accounts for the pH dependence of the steady state velocity of oxidation of the three sugars in the pH range from 3 to 8. Analogue simulation of the partition of the enzyme between oxidized and reduced forms during turnover at different values of pH, with experimentally determined values of acid dissociation and rate constants, agreed with turnover patterns obtained in stopped flow spectrophotometric experiments at 450 mµ.
Uterine microvascular sensitivity to nanomaterial inhalation: An in vivo assessment.

Abstract With the tremendous number and diverse applications of engineered nanomaterials incorporated in daily human activity, exposure can no longer be solely confined to occupational exposures of healthy male models. Cardiovascular and endothelial cell dysfunction have been established using in vitro and in situ preparations, but the translation to intact in vivo models is limited. Intravital microscopy has been used extensively to understand microvascular physiology while maintaining in vivo neurogenic, humoral, and myogenic control. However, a tissue specific model to assess the influences of nanomaterial exposure on female reproductive health has not been fully elucidated. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to nano-TiO2 aerosols (171 ± 6 nm, 10.1 ± 0.39 mg/m3, 5 h) 24-hours prior to experimentation, leading to a calculated deposition of 42.0 ± 1.65 μg. After verifying estrus status, vital signs were monitored and the right horn of the uterus was exteriorized, gently secured over an optical pedestal, and enclosed in a warmed tissue bath using intravital microscopy techniques. After equilibration, significantly higher leukocyte-endothelium interactions were recorded in the exposed group. Arteriolar responsiveness was assessed using ionophoretically applied agents: muscarinic agonist acetylcholine (0.025 M; ACh; 20, 40, 100, and 200 nA), and nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (0.05 M; SNP; 20, 40, and 100 nA), or adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (0.05 M; PE; 20, 40, and 100 nA) using glass micropipettes. Passive diameter was established by tissue superfusion with 10− 4 M adenosine. Similar to male counterparts, female SD rats present systemic microvascular dysfunction; however the ramifications associated with female health and reproduction have yet to be elucidated.
Benchmarking and analysis of architectures for CAD applications

The SPEC benchmark system has traditionally been used for evaluating computer architectures. However, this system is too general and does not accurately reflect the performance of architectures on domain-specific applications. Moreover the CPU95 benchmark suite used in the SPEC system is compute-intensive, while many important domains of applications have memory intensive algorithms. In this work, we present a benchmarking methodology for such an application domain-CAD for VLSI design. We have created a benchmark suite consisting of CAD applications from each stage in a typical VLSI design flow. To exercise the memory organization, each application is run on a sequence of input designs of increasing size. We observed that increasing the input size causes non-monotonic variations in the performance of different machines. We simulate the caches of the benchmarked architectures to assess the effect of memory organization on performance.
Preprothyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA and TRH are present in the rat heart

PreproTRH mRNA has been identified in rat cardiac tissues by Northern analyses and RNase protection assays with a specific rat 32P-TRH cRNA probe. Densitometric analyses revealed that atrial ppTRH mRNA concentrations were approximately five-fold greater than those of the ventricles. TRH concentrations (RIA), by contrast, were two-fold higher in ventricles. These data suggest that TRH and TRH mRNA are present in the rat heart, but their concentrations are dissociated, possibly because of differential post-transcriptional or post-translational processing. TRH is postulated to play an autocrine or paracrine role in cardiac physiology.
Applying object-oriented software engineering at the BaBar collaboration

Abstract The BaBar experiment at SLAC will start taking data in 1999. We are attempting to build its reconstruction software using good software engineering practices, including the use of object-oriented technology. We summarize our experience to date with analysis and design activities, training, CASE and documentation tools, C++ programming practice and similar topics. The emphasis is on the practical issues of simultaneously introducing new techniques to a large collaboration while under a deadline for system delivery.
Production of prostacyclin in mice following intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid, phenylbenzoquinone and zymosan: Its role in the writhing response

Abstract The magnitude and temporal production of PGI2, PGE2 and LTB4 were measure in the mouse peritoneal cavity for a 15 min period following the intraperitoneal injection of either acetic acid, phenyl-p-benzoquinone (PBQ) or zymosan. For each algogenic substance, PGI2 (assayed as the stable metabolite, 6-keto-PGE1α) represented the major eicosanoid with lower levels of PGE2 also detected. Zymosan induced the greatest 6-keto-PGF1α production among the three algogenic agents, but only a weak writhing response was observed. LTB4 was detected in the peritoneal lavage only after zymosan. The magnitude of eicosanoid production did not correlate with the writhing response induced by the algogenic agents, even though the inhibition of both 6-keto-PGF1α and writhing by several peripheral analgesics was positively correlated. PGI2, (100 ng), 6-keto-PGF1α (1 μg) and PGE2 (100 ng) did not induce writhing. However, only PGI2 acted synergistically with acetic acid to produce writhing. Presumbly due to the short biological lifetime of PGI2, this synergism was notes only when PGI2 was administered after the acetic acid. These results suggest that PGI2 acts to sensitize the animal for the writhing response.
The uptake of LDL-IC by human macrophages : Predominant involvement of the FcγRI receptor

The incubation of human macrophages with antigen antibody complexes prepared with rabbit anti-LDL and human LDL (LDL-IC) is followed by ingestion of those immune complexes (IC), massive cholesterol ester accumulation, cytokine release and overexpression of the LDL receptor. The massive accumulation of cholesterol esters and overexpression of the native LDL receptor are specifically induced by immune complexes containing native or modified LDL, but not by any other type of IC. We report the results of a series of experiments aimed at defining the receptor preferentially involved in LDL-IC uptake. Flow cytometry studies using CD16, CD32 and CD64 monoclonal antibodies showed a sharp reduction on the expression of CD64 (Fc gamma RI) both by human monocyte-derived macrophages and THP-1 cells after incubation with LDL-IC, suggesting preferential engagement of this type of Fc receptor. Blocking experiments with aggregate-free IgG1 and CD32 monoclonal antibody confirmed that blocking Fc gamma RI prevented both LDL-IC uptake and the upregulation of LDL receptors on THP-1 cells. In contrast, blocking Fc gamma RII did not affect either the uptake of LDL-IC or the expression of LDL receptors on the same cells. The preferential engagement of Fc gamma R-I by LDL-IC suggests a biological difference of LDL-IC relative to other types of IC and opsonized particles. The precise molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the paradoxical upregulation of LDL receptor after the uptake of LDL-IC remain to be elucidated.
The design and calibration of a low speed windtunnel for studying the foliar deposition and uptake of aerosols.

A 2.75 m-long (9 ft) windtunnel facility to deliver highly toxic aerosols to the foliage of terrestrial plants under safe and well-characterized conditions is described. Flow velocities of 0.1 to 25 cm/sec in the 930 cm$sup 2$ (1 ft$sup 2$) cross-section experimental area are attainable. Calibration of this facility using a $sup 198$Au-labelled colloidal gold aerosol is presented. (auth)
Accurate Borane Sequential Bond Dissociation Energies by High-Level ab Initio Computational Methods

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations at the G-2 and CBS-4 compound levels of theory were used to determine the sequential homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDE's) for a series of B−H, B−C, and B−F bonds in a variety of cyclic and acyclic boranes. The calculated average BDE's agreed very well with the limited experimental data available. However, the first sequential BDE's, which are the most relevant for understanding borane reactivity, were substantially higher than the average BDE's. In general, first BDE's were found to be larger for B−C and B−H bonds in organoboranes than for C−C and C−H bonds in hydrocarbons, even though average B−H and B−C BDE's are lower than average C−H and C−C BDE's. In all the boron substitution patterns examined, B−H and B−C bonds were found to be of almost identical strength, while B−F bonds were found to be much stronger. Moreover, the strengths of B−H and B−C bonds were found to be essentially independent of the electronegativity, π-donating ability, and conjugative ...
A PARTIAL REPLICATION OF LIPPIN (1990) USING THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR WITH A SAMPLE OF FEMALE PRISONERS

A sample of 108 women incarcerated in a state prison who volunteered to participate in an employment seminar were given the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Comparison of the distribution of types here and in Myers and McCaulley's 1985 sample using a Selection Ratio Type Table for analysis indicated an overrepresentation of ISTJ, ISFJ, and ISTP. The ESFP and ESFJ types were underrepresented. Further analysis of the types and the relationship to criminal offense was not significant. Results are compared with those of Lippin from 1990.
The Dynamical Influence of a Planet at Semimajor Axis 3.4 A on the Dust around Epsilon Eridani

Precise Doppler experiments suggest that a massive (m sin i = 0.86MJ) planet orbits at semimajor axis a = 3.4 AU around Eri, a nearby star with a massive debris disk. The dynamical perturbations from such a planet would mold the distribution of dust around this star. We numerically integrated the orbits of dust grains in this system to predict the central dust-cloud structure. For a supply of grains that begin in low-inclination, low-eccentricity orbits at 15 AU, the primary feature of the dust distribution is a pair of dense clumps containing dust particles trapped in mean-motion resonances of the form n : 1. These clumps appear to revolve around the star once every two planet revolutions. Future observations with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer, the Submillimeter Array (SMA), or the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) could detect these clumps, confirming the existence of the planet and revealing its location.
Skin friction and Reynolds stress measurements for a turbulent boundary layer following manipulation using flat plates

Research has been undertaken to experimentally study the alterations in turbulent boundary-layer properties due to turbulence manipulation using thin flat plates. Plate geometry and placement within the boundary layer were selected to coincide with recent studies. Direct, local measurements of skin friction and Reynolds stresses were made within the boundary layer downstream of the manipulator devices for cases with an approach momentum thickness Reynolds number of 3700. A strong tendency for recovery of the Reynolds stresses was observed, accompanied by local skin-friction reductions of up to 15 percent. The mean velocity profile in the manipulated flow displayed the same similarity shape in the logarithmic region as a natural boundary layer, but had an enhanced wake component. The results indicate that the plate wake plays an important role in the boundary layer response to this sort of manipulation.
Differential processing of metacognitive evaluation and the neural circuitry of the self and others in schizophrenia: A pilot study

Background Impaired awareness of the self and others (i.e., metacognitive evaluations) are seen in schizophrenia. We compared patterns of activation in schizophrenia (SZ) and nonclinical subjects during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task of metacognitive evaluations that has been demonstrated to engage the neural circuitry of the self in healthy subjects. Methods Eleven SZ subjects (7 males, mean age 26.6 ± 8) and 10 healthy control subjects (4 males, mean age 29.6 ± 8.4) were enrolled. Participants completed two runs of a metacognitive evaluation task (self vs. other vs. word meaning). fMRI data was obtained using a full body Bruker MedSped 4.0 Tesla system. Group contrasts were performed using an uncorrected p < 0.005 with a 50 voxel extent threshold. Results We observed a significant hypoactivation in the left superior temporal sulcus (STS) during metacognitive evaluations of others (OE) vs. semantic positivity evaluations (SPE) and a trend toward significant hypoactivation in the OE vs. self evaluations (SE) in the SZ group. Significant hypoactivation was also seen in the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) in the OE vs. SE contrasts in the SZ group. A trendworthy hypoactivation was seen in the SZ group in the right middle frontal gyrus and pole of the left STS during OE vs. SPE and SE contrasts respectively. Conclusions These results extend previous findings of impaired metacognitive evaluative processes in schizophrenia to aberrations of the neural circuitry implicated in self/other awareness among SZ patients. Greater understanding of the neural basis of deficits of self/other awareness in early schizophrenia may contribute to improvements in the identification and treatment of individuals at risk for the illness.
Polyoxometalate-Graphene Nanocomposite Modified Electrode for Electrocatalytic Detection of Ascorbic Acid

Phosphomolybdate functionalized graphene nanocomposite (PMo12-GS) has been successfully formed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The obtained PMo12-GS modified GCE, was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electro- chemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron mi- croscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and compared with GCE, GS modified GCE, and PMo12 modified GCE. It shows an increased current and a decrease in over-potential of ~ 210 mV. The amperometric signals are linearly proportional to the AA concentration in a wide concentration range from 1 � 10 6 Mt o 8 � 10 3 M, with a detection limit of 0.5 � 10 6 M. The PMo12-GS modified electrode was employed for the determination of the AA level in vitamin C tab- lets, with recoveries between 96.3 and 100.8 %.