cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of cobalt containing ZSM-5

Abstract Cobalt-ZSM-5 is prepared by addition of various cobalt containing substrates to ZSM-5 synthesis gels. The existence and homogeneity of intrazeolitic cobalt is established from XPS and electron microprobe analyses. Variations in the synthesis gel composition were found to influence the amount of intrazeolitic cobalt in the ZSM-5. In at least one preparation, the ion exchange data are consistent with cobalt occupying framework sites. Cobalt-ZSM-5 exposure to 3 atm. H2 at 470°C and 21 atm. rsol|CO/H2 (1:1) at temperatures to 470°C did not reduce the cobalt to the zero-valent state and did not cause the cobalt to migrate to the outer surface of the ZSM-5.
Intermittent cyclic therapy with etidronate prevents corticosteroid-induced bone loss: two years of follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent cyclic therapy (ICT) with etidronate in preventing the loss of lumbar vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) in patients taking corticosteroids. The study population was a cohort of patients taking corticosteroids for at least two years for polymyalgia rheumatica, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or other conditions.A tertiary care university teaching hospital-affiliated rheumatology office practice. Inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded eighty-eight patients taking corticosteroids for at least two years who had not taken estrogen or fluoride and had no causes of secondary osteoporosis.Changes relative to baseline in individual vertebral (L2-L4) BMD measurements after one and two years were compared between patients who had taken ICT with etidronate (n=42) and those who had not (n=46). We found that BMD in the lumbar spine increased significantly over baseline in patients who had taken ICT with etidronate, by...
Lack of crucial role of mast cells in pathogenesis of experimental colitis in mice.

Mast cell alterations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). We studied the effect of mast cell deficiency on the severity of inflammation in a murine model of colitis. Colitis was induced in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Mast-cell-deficient mice (WBB6F1/J-W/Wv;N=17) and normal littermates (WBB6F1/J-+/+;N=17) were administered DSS 4% w/v for seven days, then water alone for one week, followed by 5% DSS for six days. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the protocol. Segments of proximal, mid-, and distal colon of each animal were processed for histopathological examination. Mortality and morbidity (diarrhea and weight loss) for each group were assessed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in either their clinical parameters (mortality and morbidity) or the severity of colitis as graded histopathologically. Our findings suggest that mast cells are not crucial for the development of DSS-induced colitis.
Evaluation of certain biological control agents of the sugarcane borer in Louisiana.

Field experiments were conducted during 1966 and 1967 in the Bayou Sec area of Assumption Parish near Napoleonville, La., to (1) evaluate, quantitatively, the relative importance of arthropod predators of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) by correlation between numbers of these predators and the degree of egg and larval mortality of the borers; (2) obtain qualitative evidence of predation through frequent and widespread field observations; and (3) study the feeding behavior and habits of the predators concerned. Average percent egg predation was higher during August and September than during June and July. Percent eggs destroyed by sucking predators was significantly higher than those destroyed by chewing predators. More predation was recorded during the night than during the day. Positive correlation coefficients were found between total numbers of predators (ant and spider populations) and percent egg predation. Spiders were found to be more closely associated with percent egg predation than ants. Percent recovery of sugarcane borer larvae was significantly higher in July than in June. Numbers of predators and percentages of hatchability had a more significant effect on percentages of larval recovery than numbers of sugarcane plants per stool. Predators that were observed feeding on the different stages of the sugarcane borer belong to the following taxa: Formicidae, Carabidae, Forficulidae, Elateridae, Chrysopidae, and Araneida.
A carbon nanotube-based composite for the thermal control of heat loads

Abstract Design optimization of an encapsulated carbon composite thermal control (TC) system is presented. The composite TC system consists of multiple phase change materials (PCM) doped with carbon nanotubes and enclosed in a casing of carbon/carbon composite sheets. Using the concept of global thermal resistance an analytical model was formulated to predict the transient temperature distribution through the composite system. The temperature data was then used to estimate maximum energy storage and heat dissipation rates. A substantial reduction in weight and size of the TC composite was observed corresponding to the optimized design. The use of carbon nanotubes both as additives with optimal loading and as a thermal interface material significantly reduced the maximum junction temperatures for different constant power loads for the multiple PCM composite as compared to its original size used for the experimental work. The optimized composite minimized the total thermal resistance through the composite sample and thereby increased its thermal response as indicated by approximately 4 times increase in the heat dissipation rate.
Integration-free projection of a sampled signal on a multiresolution analysis ladder space via approximation theory

Let Hs be the Sobolev space of exponent s >= 0. Let Vi, i (epsilon) Z,...Vi is contained in Vi-1 is contained in ..., be the ladder spaces of a multiresolution analysis (MRA) in L2(R) associated with a compactly supported scaling function (phi) (epsilon) H(sigma ) which verifies supp(phi) equals [ 0, L-1 ], L (epsilon) N, (sigma) > 1/2. Let f (epsilon) L2(R) be compactly supported with countable many discontinuity points and verifying suppf equals [ t1, t2 ], where 0 < (mu) (suppf) < (infinity) and, for i equals 1,2 and some integer m$_0), ti equals ni(m0)2mo with ni(m0) (epsilon) Z. The goal is to approximate f by a function in Vm which approaches f in some sense as the scale becomes finer, reproduces the values of f at certain equally spaced, arbitrarily close points and is not necessarily the orthogonal projection of f on Vm. Such non-orthogonal projections can be used to start the pyramid algorithm or to approximate f, as an alternative which is better than using the samples themselves in place of the true inner products and faster than integrating for the inner products. The almost uniform convergence feature allows interactive control on the selection of an initial sampling rate that is capable of preserving details down to a desired resolution.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of terahertz metamaterial perfect absorber by using a novel qausi-static RLC circuit model

Here we present a novel qausi-static dynamic RLC model for terahertz perfect absorbers. The model fits perfectly to both simulation and measurement data for our designed absorber. By using this model we analyze our simulated and fabricated perfect absorber to figure out operational mechanism behind these kinds of absorbers. The model can explain well the physical principle behind these kinds of absorbers based on interference theory of reflected waves.
Operative management of symptomatic duodenal diverticula.

Abstract Background Duodenal diverticula are common but rarely cause symptoms that require operative intervention. Methods The charts of 34 patients who underwent a laparotomy at a single institution for complications of a duodenal diverticulum between the years of 1969 and 2001 were reviewed. Results The indications for operation included perforation (n = 10), gastrointestinal bleeding (7), intractable pain (6), biliary or pancreatic obstruction (4), gastrointestinal obstruction (2), steatorrhea (2), questionable malignancy (2), and cholecystodiverticular fistula (1). The operation consisted of diverticulectomy in 27 patients, duodenal resection in 4, diverticular inversion in 2, and a controlled duodenal fistula in 1. An additional drainage procedure was performed in 7 patients. Perioperative mortality rate was 3%. Early (15%) and late (12%) morbidity rates were significant. Conclusions Operative treatment of duodenal diverticula is safe but should be reserved for those with emergent presentations or intractable symptoms.
Self-assembly of gold nanoparticles through tandem hydrogen bonding and polyoligosilsequioxane (POSS)-POSS recognition processes

Diaminopyridine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes (POSS-DAP) self-assemble with complementary thymine-functionalized Au nanoparticles (Thy-Au) into well-defined spherical aggregates, providing highly structured nanocomposites.
Contemporary Shellfish Gathering Strategies among the Meriam of the Torres Strait Islands, Australia: Testing Predictions of a Central Place Foraging Model

This paper explores a central place foraging model with data on Meriam intertidal shellfish gathering strategies, field processing practices, patterns of resource transport, and consequences of these factors for introducing variability in shell assemblage composition among these Islanders of the eastern Torres Strait, Australia. As a result of differential field processing and shell material transport, we show that some species are likely to be consistently over-represented in shell assemblages while others are likely to be under-represented relative to their actual dietary importance. Explanations for this behavior are tested with the predictions of a central place forging model derived from behavioral ecology. We find consistent relationships between the anticipated and observed patterns of transport for five species. These results have implications for current thought about the relationship between faunal assemblages and transport behavior in a wide array of contexts, interpretations of site function and settlement patterns, and arguments about role of shellfish in prehistoric diets.
A prospective study of cardiovascular risk factors and incident hearing loss in men

Objective Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in the US, afflicting over 36 million people. Cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with hearing loss risk in cross-sectional studies, but prospective data are currently lacking.
THE IMPACT OF ANCHOR TEST LENGTH ON EQUATING RESULTS IN A NONEQUIVALENT GROUPS DESIGN

This study explored the effects of external anchor test length on final equating results of several equating methods, including equipercentile (frequency estimation), chained equipercentile, kernel equating (KE) poststratification PSE with optimal bandwidths, and KE PSE linear (large bandwidths) when using the nonequivalent groups anchor test (NEAT) design. This study used pseudotests constructed of item responses from a real operational test. The equating methods were evaluated using an equating criterion. Conditional differences between the criterion scores and equated scores, and root mean square error of the differences (RMSE) were used as measures to compare the methods to the criterion equating, which in this study is an equivalent groups (EG) equipercentile equating function. The results indicate that bias tended to increase in the conversions as the anchor test length decreased, but the KE PSE with optimal bandwidths and equipercentile (frequency estimation) methods were less sensitive to this change than the other methods. The KE PSE linear method with large bandwidths performed poorly compared to the criterion across all anchor test lengths.
Peasant Household Behaviour with Missing Markets: Some Paradoxes Explained.

A model of peasant household behavior, under varying degrees of household-specific food and labor market failures, is constructed to show that these structural features can explain several well known patterns of peasant response which have often been attributed to peculiar motives, presumed specific to peasants. The model explains sluggish response to cash crops prices and high instability in perceived food and labor scarcities; the key role of manufactured consumer goods prices in stimulating peasants' effort in cash crops production; the effectiveness of taxation as opposed to incentives in stimulating cash crops production; and the key role of technological change in food production to enhance cash crop production. Results are obtained analytically in the case of one market failure and by numerical simulation with more than one.
Experience-dependent structural plasticity in cortex heterotopic to focal sensorimotor cortical damage.

Structural plasticity following focal neocortical damage in adult rats has recently been found to be sensitive to postinjury rehabilitative training. Experience on a complex motor skills task, the acrobatic task, after unilateral lesions of the forelimb representation region of the sensorimotor cortex (FLsmc) enhanced synaptic structural changes in the cortex contralateral and homotopic to the lesions. Using tissue from this previous study, the present study examined whether a heterotopic region of the sensorimotor cortex of either hemisphere, the hindlimb representation area (HLsmc), would undergo structural changes following unilateral FLsmc lesions and whether these changes would also be sensitive to postinjury training on the acrobatic task. Stereological methods for light and electron microscopy were used to assess structural changes in lesion or sham-operated rats following 28 days of postoperative acrobatic training or simple repetitive exercise (motor controls). In the HLsmc contralateral to the lesions of rats receiving acrobatic training, there was a subtle, but significant, increase in cortical volume and in layer II/III neuropil and dendritic volume per neuron in comparison to shams. In rats receiving simple exercise after the lesions, these changes were not significantly different from shams. Acrobatic training also prevented a loss of cortical volume in the HLsmc adjacent to the lesion in comparison to shams. These data suggest that behavioral training following cortical injury facilitates structural plasticity in behaviorally relevant areas of the neocortex other than the homotopic cortex contralateral to the lesion. This structural plasticity might be relevant to the development of behavioral compensation after cortical injury.
Acoustic wave liquid-phase-based microsensors

Abstract The responses of acoustic wave liquid-phase-based microsensors can be expressed in terms of the mass sensitivity, viscoelastic stiffening effect, and the sensitivity of the sensing nodes to electrical loading. Two examples of sensitivity studies for two acoustic modes used for sensing in liquids are presented. A theoretical calculation of the mass sensitivity of a pseudo surface acoustic wave-acoustic plate mode (PSAW-APM) on ZX -LiNbO 3 obtained by the perturbation method is presented. The results are used to derive design guidelines for practical sensors in liquid environments based on mass loading. In a second example, the sensitivity to electrical loading of a quartz-crystal resonator (QCR) in conductive liquid media is analyzed. By modifying the size and/or shape of the grounded electrode (the electrode in contact with the solution) relative to the 'hot' electrode, it is shown that, in addition to being a well-known mass and viscosity detector, a QCR can be used as an effective detector of conductivity and permittivity in liquid environments. Applications are suggested.
SURFACE RESTRUCTURING OF W(111) INDUCED BY SULFUR OVERLAYERS

The restructuring of S/W(111) surfaces has been studied using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Dosing W(111) with a saturation coverage of H2S followed by annealing to >800 K causes the substrate to reconstruct, forming a structure with (4× 4) periodicity. In addition, the terrace-step configurations restructure and form triangular domains with a preferential orientation. These domains coalesce and enlarge, and also form multiple steps when the surface is heated to T>1000 K. The low reactivity of sulfided W(111) to high exposures of oxygen demonstrates that the surface is passivated by sulfur. Adsorption of S onto a faceted Pd/W(111) surface causes the facets to disappear, restoring the surface's planar form upon annealing. The resulting features are dominated by a (2× 2) structure. A size-mismatch mechanism, based on charge transfer between S/W and coadsorbed Pd/S on W, has been proposed to explain the formation of (4× 4) and (2× 2) structures, as well as the transition between these structures.
Self-organized criticality near the bean critical state: A power-law behavior of flux motion

Abstract The characteristics of the self-organized criticality (SOC) theory have been investigated in high-Tc superconductors (single crystals of Bi2SrCa2Cu2Ox and YBa2Cu3Ox) near the Bean critical state. Using the SOC framework, we develop a power-law relation 1 − j j c = ( t ψτ ) ψ that describes the dynamical behavior of the vortex state. We experimentally show that the vortex state is a temporally and spatially extended SOC system.
Blockade of purinergic 2 receptors attenuates the mechanoreceptor component of the exercise pressor reflex

The finding that pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonic acid (PPADS), a P2 antagonist, attenuated the pressor response to calcaneal tendon stretch, a purely mechanical stimulus, raises the p...
The glass transition temperature of lithium borosilicate glasses related to atomic arrangements

Abstract The glass transition temperatures, Tg, of a large number of lithium borosilicate glasses were measured over an exceptionally wide range of alkali oxide to boron oxide ratios, R, for several fixed silica to boron oxide ratios, K. In addition, Tgs were measured in the JLi2O · SiO2 system over the range 0
Form and function of the mammalian inner ear

The inner ear of mammals consists of the cochlea, which is involved with the sense of hearing, and the vestibule and three semicircular canals, which are involved with the sense of balance. Although different regions of the inner ear contribute to different functions, the bony chambers and membranous ducts are morphologically continuous. The gross anatomy of the cochlea that has been related to auditory physiologies includes overall size of the structure, including volume and total spiral length, development of internal cochlear structures, including the primary and secondary bony laminae, morphology of the spiral nerve ganglion, and the nature of cochlear coiling, including total number of turns completed by the cochlear canal and the relative diameters of the basal and apical turns. The overall sizes, shapes, and orientations of the semicircular canals are related to sensitivity to head rotations and possibly locomotor behaviors. Intraspecific variation, primarily in the shape and orientation of the semicircular canals, may provide additional clues to help us better understand form and function of the inner ear.
Attempted synthesis of (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub X/ (SnTe)/sub Y/ misfit layer compounds

We have targeted the synthesis of a series of (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub X/(SnTe)/sub Y/ misfit layer compounds to study their potential as thermoelectric materials. Misfit layer compounds generally contain interwoven blocks of compounds (typically dichalcogenides) with a rock salt structure; an example is (PbSe)/sub 1.10/(NbSe/sub 2/). The lattice mismatch between the alternating layers is expected to decrease lattice thermal conductivity by increasing phonon scattering. Attempted misfit layer compounds of (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub X/(SnTe)/sub Y/ have been prepared with 2<X<10 and 2<Y<11 using the modulated elemental reactant method. The misfit layer structure was not formed, however, due to interdiffusion of layers occurring faster than crystallization on annealing at 200/spl deg/C.
Bacteriophage P1 genes involved in the recognition and cleavage of the phage packaging site (pac).

Abstract The packaging of bacteriophage P1 DNA is initiated by cleavage of the viral DNA at a specific site, designated pac . The proteins necessary for that cleavage, and the genes that encode those proteins, are described in this report. By sequencing wild-type P1 DNA and DNA derived from various P1 amber mutants that are deficient in pac cleavage, two distinct genes, referred to as pacA and pacB , were identified. These genes appear to be co-ordinately transcribed with an upstream P1 gene that encodes a regulator of late P1 gene expression (gene 10). pacA is located upstream from pacB and contains the 161 base-pair pac cleavage site. The predicted sizes of the PacA and PacB proteins are 45 kDa and 56 kDa, respectively. These proteins have been identified on SDS-polyacrylamide gels using extracts derived from Escherichia coli cells that express these genes under the control of a bacteriophage T7 promoter. Extracts prepared from cells expressing both PacA and PacB are proficient for site-specific cleavage of the P1 packaging site, whereas those lacking either protein are not. However, the two defective extracts can complement each other to restore functional pac cleavage activity. Thus, PacA and PacB are two essential bacteriophage proteins required for recognition and cleavage of the P1 packaging site. PacB extracts also contain a second P1 protein that is encoded within the pacB gene. We have identified this protein on SDS-polyacrylamide gels and have shown that it is translated in the same reading frame as is PacB. Its role, if any, in pac cleavage is yet to be determined.
Net-X: a multichannel multi-interface wireless mesh implementation

The use of multiple wireless channels has been advocated as one approach for enhancing network capacity. In many scenarios, hosts will be equipped with fewer radio interfaces than available channels. Under these scenarios, several protocols, which require interfaces to switch frequently, have been proposed. However, implementing protocols which require frequent interface switching in existing operating systems is non-trivial. In this paper, we identify the features needed in the operating system kernel for supporting frequent interface switching. We present a new channel abstraction module to support frequent interface switching. We identify modifications to interface device drivers to reduce switching delay. The channel abstraction module and an example multichannel protocol that uses the module have been implemented in a multichannel multi-interface testbed. Our implementation efforts are part of the Net-X project which is aimed at developing operating system support for exploiting various forms of diversity available in a wireless network in the form of multiple channels, interfaces, transmission rates, transmission power-levels, etc.
Hyperglycaemia complicating haemolytic uraemic syndrome

The occurrence of hyperglycaemia and insulin deficiency in a young child receiving peritoneal dialysis during the course of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is described. This unusual complication may have been due to microvascular disease involving the pancreas. Plasma glucose should be monitored during HUS, particularly if dialysis with fluids containing high dextrose concentrations is required.
Osteopontin is proinflammatory in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Purpose Osteopontin (OPN) has been implicated in inflammatory and wound-healing processes. Increased OPN mRNA levels have been reported in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), but the function of OPN in the inflamed eye is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of OPN in the pathogenesis of EAU. Methods EAU was induced in OPN-null and wild-type (WT) mice by immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). Immunofluorescence experiments were performed to identify OPN-positive cells in WT mice. Disease incidence, serum IRBP antibody levels, vitreous infiltrates, retinal granulomas, and lymphocyte proliferation were assessed in OPN-null and WT mice. To determine whether OPN could induce an EAU-like condition, purified OPN and OPN fragments were injected intraocularly into WT mice and vitreous infiltrates were characterized and quantified. Results In WT EAU-positive eyes, cell types with increased OPN immunoreactivity were identified as F4/80-positive macrophages/microglia and CD4-positive T cells. OPN-null mice manifested attenuated disease with decreased vitreous infiltrates, fewer granulomas, less lymphocyte proliferation, and lower serum IRBP antibody levels. Exogenous full-length OPN, as well as N- and C-terminal fragments, induced leukocyte infiltration and retinal folding, with some similarities to EAU. Conclusions The results demonstrate that OPN is proinflammatory in EAU and may be important for recruitment and activation of leukocytes in retinal inflammation.
Effects of amino acid substitutions outside an antigenic site on protein binding to monoclonal antibodies of predetermined specificity obtained by peptide immunization: demonstration with region 94-100 (antigenic site 3) of myoglobin.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of predetermined specificity were prepared by immunizing with a free (i.e., not conjugated to any carrier) synthetic peptide representing region 15–22 (site 1) of sperm whale myoglobin (SpMb). The cross-reactions of Mb variants with three mAbs were studied in order to determine whether such interactions are influenced by substitutions outsde the site. Finback whale Mb, which has no substitutions within region 15–22, showed lower cross-reactivity and relative binding affinity than the reference antigen, SpMb. Bottle-nose Atlantic dolphin myoglobin (BdMb) and badger myoglobin (BgMb), although they have identical substitutions within region 15–22 (Ala-15 to Gly and Val-21 to Leu), showed very different binding properties. The cross-reaction of BdMb was quite comparable to that of SpMb, while that of BgMb was much lower. Since the two proteins have identical structures in regions 15–22, the differences in their cross-reactivities are readily attributed to the effects of substitutions outside this region. Another pair of myoglobins, horse myoglobins (HsMb) and chicken myoglobin (ChMb), also have two identical substitutions (Ala-15 to Gly and Val-21 to Ile) within region 15–22, but possessed different cross-reactivity. The results indicate that the reaction of mAbs, whose specificity is precisely known and predetermined by the immunizing free peptide, can be markedly affected by substitutions outside the indicated binding region on the protein.
Family therapy as a rite of passage: play's the thing

Although there is a considerable literature about the nature of family problems and techniques of therapeutic change, little is known about how change in the family therapy setting can be maintained over time. The current paper suggests that important insights into the nature of family therapy can be gleaned by comparison with "naturally occurring" rites of passage. Anthropological analysis of these rites suggests several concepts that may guide the family therapist. These include: (a) the idea of a "therapeutic frame" that marks off the therapy setting; (b) the role of symbolic process and flexibility; (c) the concepts of liminal play and flow as explanations of therapeutic technique and potential; and (d) the relationship between the family in treatment and a wider community. Rites of passage can serve as an important source of comparison and insight into the nature of change in the family therapy setting.
An analysis of student performance with podcasting and active learning in a pharmacotherapy module

Abstract Objectives The objective was to determine the effect of podcasting, with resultant increased in-class active learning time, on student performance. Methods In an effort to increase in-class active learning time and improve understanding of the material in a third-year pharmacotherapy course, podcasts were developed to cover specific topics and were made available outside-of-class for students in 2010. Students in the same course in the year 2009 had received identical in-class didactic instruction for these topics. End-of-course exam scores were adjusted using analysis of covariance and compared using the t -test. Results The class averages on the end-of-course exams were significantly higher at 77.5 ± 1.2 ( n = 65) for the class of 2009 compared to 72.9 ± 1.5 ( n = 71) for the class of 2010 ( p = 0.019). This difference remained significant after adjusting the 2009 and 2010 classes for the covariates. The difference between the classes was further magnified when using the covariate of GPA, 78.3 ± 1.2 compared to 72.2 ± 1.1 ( p n = 34, 2009 class) compared to 65.8 ± 1.9 ( n = 34, 2010 class), p = 0.004. No significant differences were noted between the two classes for those students in the upper 50th percentile. Conclusion Increased in-class active learning time led to decreased examination scores for the lower 50th percentile of students in the 2010 cohort. One potential explanation is that students were not held accountable for completing the out-of-class preparatory exercises.
Guest–Host Frameworks of the Anionic Metal Complex [Fe(ox)3]3- and Cationic Bipyridinium-Based Linkers Bonded by Charge-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds

Reported is the synthesis and characterization of guest-free and guest-included frameworks assembled from the anionic metal complex [Fe(ox)3]3- and the cationic diprotonated 4,4′-bipyridinium2+ (H2bpy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridinium)ethylene2+ (H2bpye) linkers, where the complex and linkers are bonded by multiple charge-assisted hydrogen bonds. In some of the compounds additional barium cations serve as bridges between the anionic metal complexes forming −{[Fe(ox)33-]2[Ba2+]}∞– anionic infinite chains. Aromatic guest molecules of 4-methoxyphenol (mp), 1,6-dimethoxynaphtalene (dmn), and 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene (dhn) were successfully incorporated in the cavities of the frameworks. The π–π interactions between the pillars and the guests in the resulting guest-included frameworks were confirmed spectroscopically. The magnetic properties of the frameworks were measured as well.
Effect of hypotension due to spinal anesthesia on coronary blood flow and myocardial metabolism in man.

The induction of spinal anesthesia resulted in hypotension and decreased coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption. At the same time the myocardial extraction coefficient of oxygen was not increased, indicating myocardial oxygenation to be adequate for the lower work load. This does not imply that local ischemia might not occur in the presence of coronary artery sclerosis. The coronary arteriovenous differences of glucose, lactate and pyruvate were not changed during the period of hypotension.
Reconstructing the kinematic evolution of curved mountain belts: Internal strain patterns in the Wyoming salient, Sevier thrust belt, U.S.A.

Analyses of mesoscopic structural and strain patterns in red beds of the Triassic Ankareh Formation and limestones of the Jurassic Twin Creek Formation, in concert with complementary paleomagnetic studies, constrain the three-dimensional kinematic evolution of curved fold-and-thrust systems in the Wyoming salient of the Sevier thrust belt. Spaced cleavage, fracture and vein networks, minor folds, and minor faults in limestones and red beds accommodated early layer-parallel shortening (LPS) concentrated in front of the growing thrust wedge, along with minor strike-parallel extension and wrench shear related to the development of orogenic curvature. Strain, estimated using mass balance relations for cleavage seams, crinoid ossicles in bioclastic limestone, and reduction spots in red beds, displays systematic regional patterns. Principal shortening directions are subperpendicular to structural trend around the salient, reflecting a combination of primary curvature and secondary rotation of early LPS fabrics. LPS magnitudes vary from <5% in central parts of the frontal Hogsback thrust system, where cleavage is absent, to 10%–30% in the more interior Crawford thrust system, where cleavage intensity is moderate to strong; strain also increases toward the salient ends. Internal strain is a significant component of total deformation and should be considered when restoring cross sections. Strain patterns are consistent with a kinematic model involving curved fault slip and differential shortening that produced progressive secondary curvature during thrusting.
Association of gut microbiota with post-operative clinical course in Crohn's disease

The gut microbiome is altered in Crohn’s disease. Although individual taxa have been correlated with post-operative clinical course, global trends in microbial diversity have not been described in this context. We collected mucosal biopsies from the terminal ileum and ascending colon during surgery and post-operative colonoscopy in 6 Crohn’s patients undergoing ileocolic resection (and 40 additional Crohn’s and healthy control patients undergoing either surgery or colonoscopy). Using next-generation sequencing technology, we profiled the gut microbiota in order to identify changes associated with remission or recurrence of inflammation. We performed 16S ribosomal profiling using 101 base-pair single-end sequencing on the Illumina GAIIx platform with deep coverage, at an average depth of 1.3 million high quality reads per sample. At the time of surgery, Crohn’s patients who would remain in remission were more similar to controls and more species-rich than Crohn’s patients with subsequent recurrence. Patients remaining in remission also exhibited greater stability of the microbiota through time. These observations permitted an association of gut microbial profiles with probability of recurrence in this limited single-center study. These results suggest that profiling the gut microbiota may be useful in guiding treatment of Crohn’s patients undergoing surgery.
An actin-mediated two-step mechanism is required for ventral enclosure of the C. elegans hypodermis

The epiboly of the Caenorhabditis elegans hypodermis involves the bilateral spreading of a thin epithelial sheet from the dorsal side around the embryo to meet at the ventral midline in a process known as ventral enclosure. We present evidence that ventral enclosure occurs in two major steps. The initial migration of the hypodermis is led by a quartet of cells, which exhibit protrusive activity at their medial tips and are required to pull the hypodermis around the equator of the embryo. These cells display actin-rich filopodia and treatment with cytochalasin D immediately halts ventral enclosure, as does laser inactivation of all four cells. Once the quartet of cells has migrated around the equator of the embryo and approaches the ventral midline, the remainder of the leading edge becomes visible on the ventral surface and exhibits a localization of actin microfilaments along the free edges of the cells, forming an actin ring. Cytochalasin D and laser inactivation block ventral enclosure at this later stage as well and, based upon phalloidin staining, we propose that the second half of enclosure is dependent upon a purse string mechanism, in which the actin ring contracts and pulls together the edges of the hypodermal sheet at the ventral midline. The ventral cells then form junctions with their contralateral neighbors to complete ventral enclosure.
Doctor Assisted Suicide: An Analysis of Public Opinion of Michigan Adults:

Michigan public opinion on Doctor Assisted Suicide (DAS) was assessed in January 1997 (N = 603). Asked if they would consider DAS for themselves, two-thirds would if being kept alive by a machine or were experiencing chronic pain; one-half would if they experienced a loss in mobility or independence, became a burden to others, or were diagnosed with a terminal disease; and one-third would if they were incontinent or going to a nursing home. A series of demographic and attitudinal comparisons were made for support for the concept of DAS and as a hypothetical consideration for oneself. The highest support for the concept of DAS was found among the following: men eighteen to twenty-four years old, some college education, $35–60,000/year income, Caucasian, Democrat, liberal, Protestant, and frequent church attendee. The highest self-consideration of DAS was found among the following: men, fifty to fifty-five years old, post-graduate education, $35–60,000/year income, Caucasian, Democrat, liberal, Protestant, ...
Bayesian assembly of 3D axially symmetric shapes from fragments

We present a complete system for the purpose of automatically assembling 3D pots given 3D measurements of their fragments commonly called sherds. A Bayesian approach is formulated which, at present, models the data given a set of sherd geometric parameters. Dense sherd measurement data is obtained by scanning the outside surface of each sherd with a laser scanner. Mathematical models, specified by a set of geometric parameters, represent the sherd outer surface and break curves on the outer surface (where two sherds have broken apart). Optimal alignment of assemblies of sherds, called configurations, is implemented as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of the surface and break curve parameters given the measured sherd data for all sherds in a configuration. The assembly process starts with a fast clustering scheme which approximates the MLE solution for all sherd pairs, i.e., configurations of size 2, using a subspace of the geometric parameters, i.e., the sherd break curves. More accurate MLE values based on all parameters, i.e., sherd alignments, are computed when sherd pairs are merged with other sherd configurations. Merges take place in order of constant probability starting at the most probable configuration. This method is robust to missing sherds or groups of sherds which contain sherds from more than one pot. The system represents at least three significant advances over previous 3D puzzle solving approaches : (1) a Bayesian framework which allows for easily combining diverse types of information extracted from each sherd, (2) a search which reduces comparisons on unlikely configurations, and (3) a robust computationally reasonable method for aligning break curves and sherd outer surfaces simultaneously. In addition, a number of insights are given which have not previously been discussed and significantly reduce computation. Methods proposed for (1),(2), and (3) represent important contributions to the field of puzzle assembly, 3D geometry learning, and dataset alignment and are critical to making 3D puzzle solutions tractable to compute. Results are presented which include assembling a 13 sherd pot where only an incomplete set of 10 sherds is available.
Uranium-series dating of fossil corals from marine sediments of southeastern United States Atlantic Coastal Plain

Extensive low-lying marine deposits border the southeastern United States Atlantic Coastal Plain. Some units are fossiliferous and contain corals as isolated fragments in sediments of a detrital character. These corals are subject to alteration processes such that suites of related samples must be examined to determine the suitability of these coral samples for reliable uranium-series dating. With the exception of those from one location, most samples appear to have remained closed systems with respect to the isotopes of uranium and thorium throughout their geologic history. Extraneous 230Th has been detected in some of the corals due to incorporation of some detrital materials into their skeletons. For these samples, different methods are applied to correct for the initial 230Th contamination. Continued sampling and analyses have resulted in 55 individual uranium-thorium determinations. The average 230Th ages of samples from the Norfolk Formation, and from later- and earlier-deposited sediments of the Wando Formation are ∼71,000, 87,000, and 129,000 yr, and they appear to correlate with oxygen isotope substages 5a, 5c, and 5e, respectively. The average 230Th age of samples from beds of the Rappahannock River, Ponzer, and Ten Mile Hill localities is ∼212,000 yr, and they correlate with oxygen isotope stage 7. The sediment of the Canepatch Formation is ∼460,000, yr old, and it is tentatively correlated with oxygen isotope stage 11. There is general agreement between uranium-series and uranium-trend dates and between the quantitative trends of the amino acid data and uranium-series dates. The amino acid values, however, ure unacceptably high in at least two groups of samples, those from localities near Charleston, South Carolina, and from central Virginia.
Self-training cognitive preview control for autonomous vehicle path navigation

A description is given of a cognitive preview control strategy for autonomous-vehicle steering and cruise guidance by combining optimal preview control theory with rule-based perceptive cruise command generation. The authors also propose a self-training cognition procedure for determining a suitable perceptive schedule for cognitive cruise and steering control. The control yields humanlike driving action in path navigation. It is an intelligent control that decides the cruising speed, plans its control action, and learns the limitation of its steering control. The strategy is being simulated and tested on an autonomous robotic vehicle testbed which is designed for intelligent control experimentation. >
High-frequency narrow-band single-mode fiber-optic transversal filters

A cascade synthesis procedure for constructing high frequency narrow-band (or high quality factor) single-mode optical fiber transversal filters using j \times j (j \geq 2) bidirectional couplers is reported. Design and analysis of the cascade filters are described. Experimental results of many fabricated cascade filters with tap numbers up to 256 and the first-order passband frequencies up to 3.25 GHz are consistent with the mathematical analysis.
Rigorous derivation of electromagnetic self-force

During the past century, there has been considerable discussion and analysis of the motion of a point charge in an external electromagnetic field in special relativity, taking into account ``self-force'' effects due to the particle's own electromagnetic field. We analyze the issue of ``particle motion'' in classical electromagnetism in a rigorous and systematic way by considering a one-parameter family of solutions to the coupled Maxwell and matter equations corresponding to having a body whose charge-current density ${J}^{a}(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ and stress-energy tensor ${T}_{ab}(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ scale to zero size in an asymptotically self-similar manner about a worldline $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ as $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. In this limit, the charge, $q$, and total mass, $m$, of the body go to zero, and $q/m$ goes to a well-defined limit. The Maxwell field ${F}_{ab}(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ is assumed to be the retarded solution associated with ${J}^{a}(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ plus a homogeneous solution (the ``external field'') that varies smoothly with $\ensuremath{\lambda}$. We prove that the worldline $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ must be a solution to the Lorentz force equations of motion in the external field ${F}_{ab}(\ensuremath{\lambda}=0)$. We then obtain self-force, dipole forces, and spin force as first-order perturbative corrections to the center-of-mass motion of the body. We believe that this is the first rigorous derivation of the complete first-order correction to Lorentz force motion. We also address the issue of obtaining a self-consistent perturbative equation of motion associated with our perturbative result, and argue that the self-force equations of motion that have previously been written down in conjunction with the ``reduction of order'' procedure should provide accurate equations of motion for a sufficiently small charged body with negligible dipole moments and spin. (There is no corresponding justification for the non-reduced-order equations.) We restrict consideration in this paper to classical electrodynamics in flat spacetime, but there should be no difficulty in extending our results to the motion of a charged body in an arbitrary globally hyperbolic curved spacetime.
Analysis and optimization of power grids

As the complexity of power and ground networks increases, methods for efficient analysis and aggressive optimization of these networks become essential. Here, the authors describe efficient hierarchical methods for analyzing distribution networks. To optimize the networks, the authors call for techniques that reduce noise on the power grid, including topology selection, wire widening, and decoupling-capacitance insertion, combined with supply, signal, and clock network codesign.
Requirement for age-specific peak cortisol responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in children.

Objective: Based on adult data, a peak cortisol response R500 nmol/l to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia constitutes a normal. Age-specific reference ranges for basal morning cortisol have been developed for clinical use in the paediatric population. Such reference ranges are not clearly established for peak cortisol responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia despite limited data suggesting an effect of age on peak cortisol. The aims of this study were to assess factors affecting the cortisol response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in children and to determine whether the peak cortisol response was related to age. Design: The present study was a retrospective cohort study. Methods: Retrospective analysis of children and adolescents aged %18 years undergoing the insulin tolerance test with adequate hypoglycaemia was undertaken. Patients with hypopituitarism or severe hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis impairment (peak cortisol value !400 nmol/l) or using systemic glucocorticoids were excluded. Results: Two hundred and twenty-three tests were analysed. Peak cortisol responses R500 nmol/l occurred in 183 (82%) tests. Age was negatively associated with peak cortisol responses (rZK0.15, PZ0.03). A peak cortisol response !500 nmol/l was significantly less common in patients aged !12 years (9/97 (9%) vs 31/126 (25%); PZ0.004). In children aged !12 years, the median (5th–95th centiles) peak cortisol values were 610 (480–806) nmol/l compared with 574 (442–789) nmol/l in children aged R12 years (P!0.004). Similarly, median cortisol increment was significantly higher in younger patients (301 nmol/l compared with 226 nmol/l (PZ0.0004)). Conclusions: Use of a single peak cortisol threshold in children of all ages is not appropriate and will result in overdiagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in adolescents.
Characterization of a three-dimensional photonic crystal with point defects at near-infrared wavelengths

A 3D photonic band gap was verified with FTIR microscopy at near-infrared wavelengths for a recently fabricated 3D photonic crystal. For the first time, point-defect states in a 3D photonic crystal were experimentally observed
Tuberculosis: Autophagy is not the answer.

The cellular process of autophagy has been proposed to help kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. But although the autophagy gene Atg5 is key to host immunity, other autophagy genes do not affect the outcome of tuberculosis. See Letter p.565