cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
D-xylose absorption as a measurement of malabsorption in poult enteritis and mortality syndrome

Abstract Severe wasting of body tissues, diarrhea, high morbidity and mortality, and stunting are all characteristics of poult enteritis and mortality syndrome (PEMS). The wasting of musculature and loss of nearly all adipose tissue suggested that even though the PEMS-infected poults were eating some feed, nutrient intake was not sufficient to meet body requirements for maintenance and growth. Because epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract appeared to be a target of the undefined etiological agent (or agents) that causes PEMS, a study was conducted in which PEMS-infected poults were evaluated for malabsorption through 3 wk of age. D-Xylose, a poorly metabolized pentose, was given per os as a bolus, and blood samples were obtained from the ulnar vein in the wing of control and PEMS-infected poults over a 3-h period to estimate intestinal absorption. D-Xylose absorption in control poults peaked 30 to 60 min after the oral treatment, similar to results reported earlier. The PEMS-infected poults did not show a peak in absorption. The PEMS-infected poults showed significant delays in D-xylose absorption at 4, 7, and 11 d after PEMS challenge. The severe malabsorption and metabolic deficiency problem associated with PEMS was postulated to be a direct effect of the undefined infectious agent or agents that cause the disease.
Review of The Social Conquest of Earth by Edward O. Wilson

The Social Conquest of Earth , by Edward O. Wilson, New York, Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2012, 352 pp., $27.95 (hardback), ISBN 13: 978-0871404138 When Watson and Crick (1953) proposed a str...
Thermodynamic View of Activation Energies of Proton Transfer in Various Gramicidin A Channels

Abstract The temperature dependencies (range: 5–45°C) of single-channel proton conductances ( g H ) in native gramicidin A (gA) and in two diastereoisomers (SS and RR) of the dioxolane-linked gA channels were measured in glycerylmonooleate/decane (GMO) and diphytanoylphosphatidylcholine/decane (DiPhPC) bilayers. Linear Arrhenius plots (ln ( g H ) versus K −1 ) were obtained for the native gA and RR channels in both types of bilayers, and for the SS channel in GMO bilayers only. The Arrhenius plot for proton transfer in the SS channel in DiPhPC bilayers had a break in linearity around 20°C. This break seems to occur only when protons are the permeating cations in the SS channel. The activation energies ( E a ) for proton transfer in various gA channels (∼15kJ/mol) are consistent with the rate-limiting step being in the channel and/or at the membrane-channel/solution interface, and not in bulk solution. E a values for proton transfer in gA channels are considerably smaller than for the permeation of nonproton currents in gA as well as in various other ion channels. The E a values for proton transfer in native gA channels are nearly the same in both GMO and DiPhPC bilayers. In contrast, for the dioxolane linked gA dimers, E a values were strongly modulated by the lipid environment. The Gibbs activation free energies ( Δ G o # ) for protons in various gA channels are within the range of 27–29kJ/mol in GMO bilayers and of 20–22kJ/mol in DiPhPC bilayers. The largest difference between Δ G o # for proton currents occurs between native gA (or SS channels) and the RR channel. In general, the activation entropy ( Δ S o # ) is mostly responsible for the differences between g H values in various gA channels, and also in distinct bilayers. However, significant differences between the activation enthalpies ( Δ H o # ) for proton transfer in the SS and RR channels occur in distinct membranes.
Effective Electron Mass in CdTe

Measurements of the infrared Faraday effect and infrared reflectance of CdTe crystals are reported. Comparison of data on pure and on $n$-type doped crystals gave the free-carrier contributions to the Faraday rotation and to the dielectric constant, which, in turn, yielded the electron effective mass and carrier concentration in the doped crystals. The electron effective-mass ratio was found to be $\frac{{m}^{*}}{m}=0.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$, independent of the carrier concentration up to $N=1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Comparison of the optically measured carrier concentrations with Hall effect data on the same samples determined the Hall scattering constant, $r$, which changed from 1.5 to 1.2 in the transition from nearly classical to nearly degenerate electron statistics.
Percy W. Bridgman's second century

Percy Williams Bridgman's impact on science began in 1909 with his first three experimental papers. These publications on high pressure calibration, techniques, and compressibility, together with the many articles that followed, established his influence on the course of modern high pressure research. Grounded in classical thermodynamics and practical mechanics, his developments showed how the variable of pressure leads to myriad transformations in materials. Studies carried out under a broader range of conditions now provide unprecedented insights into chemical and physical properties at multimegabar pressures and temperatures from millikelvins to thousands of degrees, where novel electronic, magnetic, and superconducting phases are now being discovered. With careful attention to experimental techniques and material performance, Bridgman extended the available pressure range that could be achieved in the laboratory with the development of new devices. We are now witness to continued refinement of static ...
Present position of the former topographic surface of Appalachia (from seismic evidence)

The foregoing paper by Professor Nelson [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] has traced the evolution of the sub-Cretaceous land-surface of Appalachia and has cited the geologic evidence indicative of both the rate of (seaward) slope, and the nature of the topographic relief characterizing this former continental surface. In the present paper, I will present a geophysical continuation of Dr. Nelson's geologic story and will describe how the seismic method of geophysical exploration has been, and may be, used in the further mapping of the buried Appalachian land-surface— both within the area of the present Atlantic Coastal Plain, and within the western part of the Atlantic. Seismic explorations within these areas have not, it is true, as yet passed beyond the reconnaissance-stage; but, even so, the results already obtained have led to positive conclusions and have justified the formulation of much more extensive exploratory projects. The latter are even now getting under way, and presage both extensive and intensive seismic exploration of coastal areas from New England to Florida.
Putting a Hex on blood and endothelium

Homeobox genes are a large family of transcriptional regulators that confer positional identity along the anterior-posterior body axis. Several homeobox genes play roles in blood cell proliferation and in leukemogenesis. Hex is a homeobox gene that has previously been shown to be an early marker of
Distribution of Na+ pump sites in the frog gallbladder.

THE energy-dependent transport of fluid across epithelia has been best explained by the three-compartment conception of Curran and MacIntosh1. This model couples the active ‘pumping’ of solute with the elaboration of an absorbate of specific tonicity by postulation of local osmosis within the epithelium. This reasoning has been extended in the ‘standing-gradient’ hypothesis2, which accounts for isotonic or hypertonic fluid transport by means of epithelial geometry and the specific transport properties of the cell membrane. The hypothesis depends upon a quantitative assessment of several parameters (membrane hydraulic conductivity, solute-pump distribution and dimensions of epithelial intercellular spaces)3. For example, the model best explains isotonic reabsorption by the gallbladder when it is assumed that the solute-input region (the site of energy-dependent Na+ pumping) is confined to the apical portion of the lateral intercellular space2. To test this important assumption, we studied the distribution of Na+ pumps in frog gallbladders with radioautography of 3H-ouabain binding sites5. This is a specific procedure for identifying the site of the enzyme, Na+-K+ ATPase6,7, which in this tissue4, as well as others, is equated with the Na+ pump. We find that Na+ pumps are present only on the basal–lateral surface of the epithelial cells, consistent with their providing solute to the intercellular spaces as the site for local osmosis. However, since the pumps are not limited to the apical portion of the intercellular space, the results do not support the ‘standing-gradient’ view of isotonic fluid transport.
Use of Computer Technology to Enhance Immigrant Families' Adaptation

Purpose: To summarize how computer technology influenced immigrant families' adaptation to life in the United States. Design: Critical ethnography. Methods: Data were collected from 1998 to 2000 from 13 parents and 16 children from nine Taiwanese immigrant families using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. Narrative analysis was used with interview data. Findings: Participants faced the demands of language proficiency, economic survival, loss of social networks, and social disconnection during resettlement. Computer technology provided participants with new occupational opportunities and strategies to overcome the barriers and stress created by resettlement. Internet and E-mail access greatly facilitated these participant families' adaptation. Conclusions: Study findings warrant further exploration to assess how new computer technology promotes immigrant families' adaptation and alleviates stress associated with resettlement, including information about their health and health care.
Statistical Analyses of Radioiodine and Protein-Bound Iodine Test Results on Arkansas Thyroid Patients

ABSTRACT. Results of tests of thyroid function in Arkansas patients have been analyzed with the aid of a digital computer. Included in the series were 467 patients unaffected by prior medication. Tests included early clearance rate (k1) of I131, 24-hr accumulation of I131 and protein-bound iodine. The effects of thyroidal status, the presence or absence of goiter or cardiac disease, and the patient's age, sex and menstrual status have been examined, enabling statistical diagnostic limits to be set for each test for the different categories of patients. Precise diagnosis can be achieved with an early I131 clearance test, combined with PBI and triiodothyronine suppression in some cases. About 1.6 tests per patient, in those unaffected by medication, should allow only minimal diagnostic errors. The uptake rates for euthyroid subjects in Arkansas are about ⅓ the values found in Australia. Hyperthyroid patients have about the same range in both places.
Lysine, Arginine and Methionine Balance of Diets for Turkeys to 24 Weeks of Age

Abstract THE National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (1960) states that the lysine requirement of the poult in the starting period is 1.5% of the diet; that of arginine 1.6% and that of methionine 0.52%. No recommendations are set for the concentrations of these amino acids in the diet beyond the age of 8 weeks. However, the studies of Almquist (1949), Grau and Kamei (1950) and, more recently, the work of Nelson et al. (1960) all show that the needs of poultry for specific amino acids, when expressed as percentages of the dietary protein, tend to remain constant. Almquist (1952), Balloun and Phillips (1957) and Waibel (1959) have adequately reviewed the work with lysine and methionine supplementation of rations for turkey poults. Waibel’s work indicates that increasing dietary protein from 28 to 32 percent was not effective in producing faster growth in either Broad Breasted Bronze or White turkey poults …
Extrapolation of Proton Electromagnetic Form Factor

We extrapolate the proton form factors to time-like momentum transfers to determine the spectral functions. We compare our extrapolations with preliminary measurements of the cross section for proton-antiproton annihilation into an electron-positron pair, for a time-like momentum transfer of 172 ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. This comparison determines an otherwise orbitrary parameter used in our conformal-transformation procedure of extrapolation. We also apply the constraint that electric and magnetic form factors are equal at time-like momentum transfer of $4{M}^{2}$. We find spectral functions with a peak around 625 MeV, a zero around 1050 MeV, and a minimum around 1500 MeV.
Effective field theory of gravity for extended objects

Using effective field theory (EFT) methods we present a Lagrangian formalism which describes the dynamics of nonrelativistic extended objects coupled to gravity. The formalism is relevant to understanding the gravitational radiation power spectra emitted by binary star systems, an important class of candidate signals for gravitational wave observatories such as LIGO or VIRGO. The EFT allows for a clean separation of the three relevant scales: ${r}_{s}$, the size of the compact objects, $r$, the orbital radius, and $r/v$, the wavelength of the physical radiation (where the velocity $v$ is the expansion parameter). In the EFT, radiation is systematically included in the $v$ expansion without the need to separate integrals into near zones and radiation zones. Using the EFT, we show that the renormalization of ultraviolet divergences which arise at ${v}^{6}$ in post-Newtonian (PN) calculations requires the presence of two nonminimal worldline gravitational couplings linear in the Ricci curvature. However, these operators can be removed by a redefinition of the metric tensor, so that the divergences arising at ${v}^{6}$ have no physically observable effect. Because in the EFT finite size features are encoded in the coefficients of nonminimal couplings, this implies a simple proof of the decoupling of internal structure for spinless objects to at least order ${v}^{6}$. Neglecting absorptive effects, we find that the power counting rules of the EFT indicate that the next set of short distance operators, which are quadratic in the curvature and are associated with tidal deformations, does not play a role until order ${v}^{10}$. These operators, which encapsulate finite size properties of the sources, have coefficients that can be fixed by a matching calculation. By including the most general set of such operators, the EFT allows one to work within a point-particle theory to arbitrary orders in $v$.
Tailoring defect microstructures for better magnetic flux pinning in YBa2Cu3O7−δ films using quench annealing

Abstract Strong magnetic flux pinning is required in many power-related applications of high-temperature superconductors. This has motivated us to explore a simple, robust way of tailoring defect microstructures in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO) films fabricated in situ using pulsed laser deposition. In this paper, we demonstrate that the defect microstructure in YBCO films can be greatly altered by quenching the film from the deposition temperature typically in the range of 700–800 °C to temperatures below the phase transition from the tetragonal to orthorhombic structures. The quench annealing has resulted in significantly improved magnetic flux pinning in YBCO films and is viable for large scale applications.
DNase-seq predicts regions of rotational nucleosome stability across diverse human cell types

DNase-seq is primarily used to identify nucleosome-depleted DNase I hypersensitive (DHS) sites genome-wide that correspond to active regulatory elements. However, ≈ 40 yr ago it was demonstrated that DNase I also digests with a ≈ 10-bp periodicity around nucleosomes matching the exposure of the DNA minor groove as it wraps around histones. Here, we use DNase-seq data from 49 samples representing diverse cell types to reveal this digestion pattern at individual loci and predict genomic locations where nucleosome rotational positioning, the orientation of DNA with respect to the histone surface, is stably maintained. We call these regions DNase I annotated regions of nucleosome stability (DARNS). Compared to MNase-seq experiments, we show DARNS correspond well to annotated nucleosomes. Interestingly, many DARNS are positioned over only one side of annotated nucleosomes, suggesting that the periodic digestion pattern attenuates over the nucleosome dyad. DARNS reproduce the arrangement of nucleosomes around transcription start sites and are depleted at ubiquitous DHS sites. We also generated DARNS from multiple lymphoblast cell line (LCL) samples. We found that LCL DARNS were enriched at DHS sites present in most of the original 49 samples but absent in LCLs, while multi-cell-type DARNS were enriched at LCL-specific DHS sites. This indicates that variably open DHS sites are often occupied by rotationally stable nucleosomes in cell types where the DHS site is closed. DARNS provide additional information about precise DNA orientation within individual nucleosomes not available from other nucleosome positioning assays and contribute to understanding the role of chromatin in gene regulation.
BOLIVIA 2012: ENTRE BUENAS Y MALAS NOTICIAS

El 2012 estuvo caracterizado por positivos avances economicos pero con una conflictiva agenda social en Bolivia. Entre los temas algidos estuvieron el conflicto sobre la construccion de una carretera en territorio indigena (conocido como TIPNIS), la huelga general del sector salud y los enfrentamientos entre mineros cooperativistas y asalariados del gobierno. Si bien la administracion de Morales logro dar respuesta a algunos de estos temas, adoptando un rol conciliador ante una creciente fragmentacion social, otros permanecen en la agenda, como el TIPNIS, donde la batalla se trasladara de las calles al campo constitucional. En la agenda internacional primaron el conflicto con Chile por el acceso al mar y la todavia conflictiva relacion de este pais con los Estados Unidos. En general fue un ano de buenas y malas noticias.
Linkage and association between insulin–dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) susceptibility and markers near the glucokinase gene on chromosome 7

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is characterized by autoimmune destruction of the insulin secreting beta-cells of the pancreas and subsequent disruption of glucose metabolism. The tendency of IDDM to cluster in families and the modest (36%) concordance rate in monozygotic twins indicates that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to IDDM susceptibility. Recent genome-wide searches using the affected sib-pair (ASP) approach have provided evidence for novel loci, in addition to HLA (IDDM1) and insulin (IDDM2), which show evidence of linkage to IDDM (P < 0.05). We have evaluated 35 microsatellite marker loci on human chromosome 7 for linkage to IDDM in 339 affected sib-pair families. Increased sharing of parental haplotypes in affected sib-pairs was detected for two microsatellite markers flanking glucokinase (GCK). Preferential transmission of alleles to affected offspring was observed at one of these marker loci, GCK3, indicating linkage disequilibrium between the marker and a disease susceptibility locus. This combination of linkage and disease association suggests that glucokinase, or a gene in the vicinity, plays an important part in IDDM susceptibility.
Low-Distortion and High-Output Optical Power Amplifier for Analog Transmission Employing Hybrid Erbium-Doped Fiber Configuration

Abstract We have proposed a novel configuration of erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) which realizes both a flat spectral gain and high output power for analog transmission. This EDFA uses hybrid EDF which consists of serially cascaded EDFs with different glass compositions, based on the fact that EDFs with certain glass compositions exhibit gain tilt of opposite signs in the wavelength range of interest. It is theoretically shown that, in the hybrid EDFA, the gain flattening under any required optical input/output conditions is possible without sacrificing output power by optimizing the constituent EDF lengths. By using thus designed hybrid EDFAs, 50-channel amplitude-modulated vestigial-sideband signals were successfully amplified in four stages with no significant degradation of signal distortions.
Mechanical factors direct mouse aortic remodelling during early maturation.

Numerous diseases have been linked to genetic mutations that lead to reduced amounts or disorganization of arterial elastic fibres. Previous work has shown that mice with reduced amounts of elastin (Eln+/−) are able to live a normal lifespan through cardiovascular adaptations, including changes in haemodynamic stresses, arterial geometry and arterial wall mechanics. It is not known if the timeline and presence of these adaptations are consistent in other mouse models of elastic fibre disease, such as those caused by the absence of fibulin-5 expression (Fbln5−/−). Adult Fbln5−/− mice have disorganized elastic fibres, decreased arterial compliance and high blood pressure. We examined mechanical behaviour of the aorta in Fbln5−/− mice through early maturation when the elastic fibres are being assembled. We found that the physiologic circumferential stretch, stress and modulus of Fbln5−/− aorta are maintained near wild-type levels. Constitutive modelling suggests that elastin contributions to the total stress are decreased, whereas collagen contributions are increased. Understanding how collagen fibre structure and mechanics compensate for defective elastic fibres to meet the mechanical requirements of the maturing aorta may help to better understand arterial remodelling in human elastinopathies.
On the coexistence of stereopsis and binocular rivalry

Dichoptically viewed complex texture stereograms with correlated spatial frequency information can yield stable depth perception, implying cooperative interaction between the two eyes. Dichoptically viewed dissimilar texture pairs may yield competition in the form of binocular rivalry. To study whether stereopsis and rivalry can spatially coexist when stimulus conditions for both are present, we had observers dichoptically view spatial frequency filtered random-dot patterns. The left eye viewed one half-image of an RDS; the right eye viewed the superimposition of the other RDS half-image (which when paired alone with the left-eye RDS yielded stereoscopic depth) and a noise target (which on its own engaged in rivalry with the right eye target). Observers judged the quality of depth and the rate of rivalry for these stereo-pairs. When the contrast of the noise component was low, observers experienced stereopsis and stable single vision that included the noise. At intermediate noise contrasts, local regions were seen either in rivalry or in stereoscopic depth, but rivalry and depth were not experienced at the same spatial location simultaneously. At high noise contrasts, the right eye target dominated almost exclusively, with little hint of stereopsis. Essentially the same pattern of results was obtained in forced-choice experiments in which observers judged the direction of stereoscopic tilt from vertical cosine gratings differing slightly in spatial frequency. Considered together, these results are inconsistent with theories positing that rivalry and stereopsis coexist at the same spatial location because they occur within independent, parallel pathways.
Basal septa of broken trichomes in Nicotiana as possible infection sites for tobacco mosaic virus.

Abstract Autoradiographic studies were made on the initial steps in infection following mechanical inoculation (brush and Carborundum) of Nicotiana glutinosa and N. tabacum leaves with purified, C 14 -labeled, tobacco mosaic virus. Accumulations of β-tracks (virus) were found regularly on the basal septa of broken trichomes immediately after inoculation. Very few tracks were found elsewhere on the leaf surface. Young necrotic lesions which developed later on these inoculated leaves, consistently contained such masses of tracks near their centers. Leaves inoculated with virus inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation showed a distribution of tracks similar to that seen on leaves inoculated with infectious virus. On the basis of these observations the following hypothesis is advanced: When the trichome is broken during mechanical inoculation virus is deposited on the basal septum which is coated with remnants of the trichome cytoplasm. This cytoplasm is in direct contact with the cytoplasm of the living foot cell through the many plasmodesmata in the basal septum. Thus entry into an uninjured host cell is provided for the virus and infection results.
Energy demand and conservation in US residential and commercial buildings Impact of the US national energy plan

Abstract This paper evaluates the impact of the US National Energy Plan on energy demand in US commercial and residential buildings. Following a brief historical review of energy use patterns in US buildings, estimates are presented of how the National Energy Plan would affect the sector in terms of fuel expenditures and investment in energy using equipment and structures. The analysis is based on economic-engineering models of energy demand which are currently being used by the US Department of Energy to evaluate conservation programmes. The demand models incorporate behavioural as well as technological determinants and are sufficiently disaggregated to allow consideration of individual components of the National Energy Plan.
NEUTRON TRANSFER REACTIONS WITH VERY HEAVY IONS

Abstract We have studied neutron transfer reactions induced by 132Xe on three rare-earth targets at E V C ∼ 1.1 . By using particle-particle-γ coincidence techniques we were able to identify final products and states populated in the one- and two-neutron reactions. The dependence of the transfer probabilities on the distance of closest approach is discussed in terms of effective penetration factors. The results seem to indicate the importance in two-neutron transfer of intermediate states with ≳ 6 MeV of excitation energy. The effect of excitation energy on the enhancement of the two-neutron transfer is discussed. A qualitative interpretation of the spin dependence of the one-neutron γ-ray yields in terms of the spatial localization of the wave functions involved is given.
Enhanced image quality in black-blood MRI using the improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE) sequence.

Purpose To propose an improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE) pulse sequence to enhance the tissue signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while maintaining the same flow suppression capability in black-blood carotid artery MRI.
Citizen sensing for collaborative construction of accessibility maps

In this demo we present IBM Sidewalks, a mobile application designed to facilitate the identification of accessibility issues in a city via crowdsourcing. This application connects to our Citizen Sensing platform, providing to city administrators an integrated view about issues in the city, such as sidewalks that are obstructed or in bad condition. If a representative amount of data is collected through people engagement, a significant number of issues will be registered, and analytics tools can be used to identify the impact these issues have on people with disabilities' lives. Consequently, we can use such information to build accessibility maps, and possibly to define an appropriate action plan to address the issues, optimizing resource allocation.
Progress in the operative management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism over 34 years.

The past 34 years have seen major advances in the operative management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (SPHPT). The widespread use of biochemical autoanalyzers helped call early attention to serum calcium imbalances that, if left unresolved, were associated with severe bone and kidney diseases. Surgeons called on to treat these patients expanded the operative indications to manage this disease in a much earlier state. In asymptomatic patients without demonstrable defects in the main target organs, the diagnosis of SPHPT was often challenging and occasionally resulted in unsuccessful parathyroidectomy with the patient remaining either hypercalcemic or experiencing permanent tetany. A major advance in diagnostic accuracy of SPHPT occurred in 1968 when Reiss and Canterbury1 first described a parathyroid hormone (PTH) antibody that had good affinity for the hormone in humans and could be measured with an immunoradiometric PTH assay. Diagnostic ability improved, but this early assay measured only a part of the parathormone molecule, which limited its usefulness. In 1988, Nussbaum et al.2 described a new method for measuring the intact (1–84) parathyroid hormone molecule (iPTH) by using a 2-site antibody technique that proved to be more sensitive and specific. Ten years ago, this assay changed from radionuclear to immunochemiluminescent technology using a light source for measurement of the hormone. This made the assay practical for intraoperative, point-of-care use. Another major advance in the management of SPHPT was seen in preoperative localization of abnormal glands. Although several invasive and noninvasive methods have been tried, the 2 most useful are ultrasonography, which is operator-dependent, and nuclear scanning, which has the advantage of allowing visualization of cervical and thoracic images easily taken to the operating room for anatomic review during parathyroidectomy.3 Progress in operative guidance has been seen with the use of a rapid intraoperative iPTH assay (QPTH), which confirms the complete excision of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue or alerts the surgeon of an incomplete excision, indicating the need for further exploration to achieve a successful parathyroidectomy. Since first described in 1991, rapid intraoperative iPTH assay became commercially available in 1996 and is now used as a surgical adjunct in over 100 institutions around the world.4,5 The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of consecutive patients with SPHPT undergoing 2 different operative approaches to parathyroidectomy over a 34-year period in a single institution.
Contribution of Autolysin and Sortase A during Enterococcus faecalis DNA-Dependent Biofilm Development

Biofilm production is a major attribute of Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates. Although some factors, such as sortases, autolysin, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), have been associated with E. faecalis biofilm production, the mechanisms underlying the contributions of these factors to this process have not been completely elucidated yet. In this study we define important roles for the major E. faecalis autolysin (Atn), eDNA, and sortase A (SrtA) during the developmental stages of biofilm formation under static and hydrodynamic conditions. Deletion of srtA affects the attachment stage and results in a deficiency in biofilm production. Atn-deficient mutants are delayed in biofilm development due to defects in primary adherence and DNA release, which we show to be particularly important during the accumulative phase for maturation and architectural stability of biofilms. Confocal laser scanning and freeze-dry electron microscopy of biofilms grown under hydrodynamic conditions revealed that E. faecalis produces a DNase I-sensitive fibrous network, which is important for biofilm stability and is absent in atn-deficient mutant biofilms. This study establishes the stage-specific requirements for SrtA and Atn and demonstrates a role for Atn in the pathway leading to DNA release during biofilm development in E. faecalis.
Dimensionality and content of optimism-pessimism analyzed in terms of the pad temperament model

Abstract Optimism-pessimism (assessed with the Revised Life Orientation Test, LOTR) was analyzed using the Pleasure-Arousability-Dominance (PAD) Temperament Model. Correlation between opposite (optimism vs. pessimism) poles, when corrected for attenuation, was −0.82. Factor analysis of the LOTR yielded a single factor. Also, opposing poles of the LOTR yielded nearly identical, but opposite, that is, mirror-image sets of PAD components: Optimism consisted primarily of pleasantness and, secondarily, of dominance; pessimism included unpleasantness and submissiveness. The high negative inter-pole correlation and mirror-image contents of the two poles showed the LOTR to be unidimensional and bi-polar. The entire LOTR, when scored negatively (for “pessimism”) differed from measures of Trait Anxiety, Neuroticism, and Depression. The anxious were more arousable and less dominant than pessimists; neurotics were more arousable than pessimists; the depressed were less dominant than pessimists. When scored positively (for “optimism”) the LOTR differed from Extraversion: extraverts were more dominant and more arousable than optimists. Overall, findings illustrated uses of the PAD Temperament Model for comparing and contrasting personality scales and indicated its possible uses for studies of individual reactions to stress or illness.
A STUDY OF BARSTAR FOLDING EVENTS USING BOUNDARY VALUE SIMULATIONS

Abstract From extensive biophysical studies of protein folding, two competing mechanisms emerged: hydrophobic collapse and the framework model. Our protein of choice is Barstar—a barnase inhibitor. The approximation algorithm we used to study Barstar folding trajectories is called SDEL—stochastic difference equation in length. Using the native structure as the final boundary value and a collection of unfolded structures as the varying initial boundary value, SDEL calculates an ensemble of least action pathways between these boundaries. The results are atomically detailed folding pathways, with as many intermediate structures as you request in the input. We generated 12 pathways, starting from a structurally wide selection of unfolded conformations. Using the protein's radius of gyration as our primary reaction coordinate, we tracked H-bonds, dihedral angles, native and non-native contacts, and energy along the folding pathways. This paper will follow our findings, with special emphasis on pinpointing hydrophobic collapse as a more appropriate mechanism for Barstar. Comparison with pathway predictions for Barstar using experimental techniques will also be discussed.
Direct refinement against proton-proton dipolar couplings in NMR structure determination of macromolecules.

Abstract The computational tools necessary for making use of 1 H– 1 H dipolar couplings in macromolecular structure refinement are presented. Potentials are described for direct refinement against 1 H– 1 H dipolar couplings of known sign as well as of unknown sign. In addition, a multiple potential is developed for prochiral protons whose stereospecific assignments are unknown. The utility of direct 1 H– 1 H dipolar coupling refinement is illustrated using the small protein ubiquitin. It is shown that direct 1 H– 1 H dipolar coupling refinement leads to improvements in the precision, accuracy, and quality of the resulting structures.
Observations of interplanetary shocks - Recent progress

Interplanetary shock observations since the prior Solar Terrestrial Physics Symposium in 1978 are reviewed. Since the interval coincides with the recent solar maximum, emphasis is placed on shocks associated with transient solar phenomena, including coronal transients and eruptive prominences as well as flares. A good correlation between shocks and Storm Sudden Commencements has persisted into the recent maximum. Shocks have been identified that are associated with disappearing filaments and coronal transients rather than with flares. Significant progress has been made in the indirect observation of shocks near the Sun as a result of radio wave measurements in interplanetary space and measurement of the scintillation and spectral broadening of spacecraft radio transmissions. Preliminary results regarding the thickness of interplanetary shocks have appeared. Several quasi-parallel shocks propagating more nearly along, rather than across, the magnetic field have been identified. The plasma drivers accompanying interplanetary shocks have received increased attention and distinctive features have been found in electron, ion and magnetic field data.
Separation of light gas mixtures using SAPO-34 membranes

Continuous SAPO-34 membranes were prepared on porous alumina tubular supports, and shown to be useful for light gas separations at low and high temperatures. Single-gas permeances of CO2, N2 and CH4 decreased with increasing kinetic diameter. For the best membrane at 300 K, the He and H2 permeances were less than that of CO2, because He, H2, and CO2 were small compared to the SAPO-34 pore, and differences in the heat of adsorption determined the permeance order. The smaller component permeated the fastest in CO2/CH4, CO2/N2, N2/CH4, H2/CH4 and H2/N2 mixtures between 300 and 470 K. For H2/CO2 mixtures, which were separated by competitive adsorption at room temperature, the larger component permeated faster below 400 K. The CO2/CH4 selectivity at room temperature was 36 and decreased with temperature. The H2/CH4 mixture selectivity was 8 and constant with temperature up to 480 K. Calcination, slow temperature cycles, and exposure to water vapor had no permanent effect on membrane performance, but temperature changes of approximately 30 K/min decreased the membrane's effectiveness.
Variation of microwave dielectric properties of hydrocolloids with moisture content, temperature and stoichiometric charge

Abstract Models were derived for the prediction of dielectric constants (∈′ r ) and loss factors (∈″ r ) for hydrocolloids in the powdered state from knowledge of the moisture content, stoichiometric charge-to-mass ratio and temperature. All three variables were significant in the two models with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) of 0.91 and 0.92, respectively. Both ∈′ r and ∈″ r were positively correlated to moisture and temperature. However, moisture was the most important determinant. In contrast, the dielectric properties decreased with increasing charge on the hydrocolloid. This finding is consistent with an effect of charge on the availability of water in a water limiting system.
Design Parameters and Practical Considerations in the Two-Phase Forced-Convection Cooling of Multi-Chip Modules

Forced-convection boiling was investigated with a dielectric coolant (FC-72) in order to address some of the practical issues related to the two-phase cooling of multi-chip modules. The module used in the present study featured a linear array of nine, 10 × 10 mm2 , simulated microelectronic chips which were flush-mounted along a 20-mm wide side of a rectangular channel. Experiments were performed with a 5-mm channel gap (distance between the chip surface and the opposing channel wall) at eight orientations spaced 45 degrees apart. Two other channel gaps, 2 and 10 mm, were tested in the vertical up flow configuration. For all these configurations, the velocity and subcooling of the liquid were varied from 13 to 400 cm/s and 3 to 36°C, respectively. Changes in orientation did not affect single-phase or nucleate boiling characteristics, but did have a major impact on CHF. Upflow conditions were found to be the best configuration for the design of two-phase cooling modules because of its inherently stable flow and relatively high CHF values. The CHF value for the most upstream chip in vertical upflow agreed well with a previous correlation for an isolated chip. Combined with the relatively small spread in CHF values for all chips in the array, this correlation was found to be attractive for design purposes in predicting CHF for a multi-chip array. To achieve a given CHF value, it is shown how the strong CHF dependence on velocity rather than flow area allows for a reduction in the required flow rate with the 2-mm, as compared to the 5-mm gap, which also required a smaller flow rate than the 10-mm gap. This reduction inflow rate was significant only with subcooled conditions corresponding to high CHF values.
Vinylidene (3B2): an active intermediate in the photolysis of ethylene

Abstract Triplet vinylidene has been observed, by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy, as an intermediate in the vacuum UV flash photolysis of ethylene. The several primary photochemical processes are discussed. Rate constants for the interaction of both protonated and deuterated vinylidene species with C 2 H 4 and C 2 D 4 have been obtained. They are 1.4 × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 and 1.4 × 10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 respectively. The nature of the interaction between triplet vinylidene and ethylene is discussed.
Mapping of atrial tachycardias after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: use of bi-atrial activation patterns to facilitate recognition of origin.

Background Mapping and ablation of atrial tachycardias (ATs) secondary to catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is often challenging due to the complex atrial substrate, different AT mechanisms, and potential origin not only in the left atrium (LA) but also from the right atrium (RA) and the adjacent thoracic veins. Objective This study sought to develop an algorithm to facilitate localization of successful ablation regions based on limited activation data from simultaneous RA and coronary sinus (CS) recordings acquired from a single 20-pole catheter. Methods Simultaneous lateral RA and CS atrial activation patterns (AAPs) from a 20-electrode catheter were analyzed for 155 successfully ablated ATs in 133 patients (age 58 ± 9.6 years; 104 male [78.2%]) with prior ablation for AF. The first 125 ATs in 109 patients were analyzed retrospectively to define specific AAPs related to the location of critical AT sites as defined by effective ablation in 1 of 3 atrial regions. A classification algorithm was developed and tested retrospectively in a second blinded evaluation of the 125 previously analyzed ATs. The accuracy of the algorithm was then prospectively tested in 30 ATs in 24 patients. Results Seven different lateral RA–CS activation patterns were identified as indicating AT origin from the left lateral atrium, septum, roof, or RA, with the pattern for some regions dependent on whether conduction block was present in common atrial flutter isthmuses. The algorithm derived identified the region of effective ablation with a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 97%, and a positive predictive value of 80% in the blinded analysis. In the prospective series, overall accuracy was 96%. Conclusion Simultaneous assessment of RA and CS activation patterns from a single RA catheter suggests the likely region of origin of ATs that emerge after AF ablation, and may therefore facilitate ablation of these complex arrhythmias.
Bases, spanning sets, and the axiom of choice

Two theorems are proved: First that the statement “there exists a field F such that for every vector space over F, every generating set contains a basis” implies the axiom of choice. This generalizes theorems of Halpern, Blass, and Keremedis. Secondly, we prove that the assertion that every vector space over ℤ2 has a basis implies that every well-ordered collection of two-element sets has a choice function. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A physics-based compact model for FETs from diffusive to ballistic carrier transport regimes

This paper discusses a new emission-diffusion-based compact model for FETs to describe carrier transport in both short and long channel devices. The new model provides a description of the current at any drain bias without empirical fitting and predicts the injection velocity (device on-current). The new model is fully consistent with the widely used virtual-source model for describing transport in quasi-ballistic transistors. The accuracy of the new model is demonstrated by comparison with measured I–V data of III–V HEMTs and ETSOI silicon MOSFETs.
Live HeLa Cells Preconcentrate and Differentiate Inorganic Arsenic Species

Live HeLa cells immobilized on Sephadex G-50 beads were used as a medium for the preconcentration and speciation of inorganic arsenic. The sorption of arsenic species by live HeLa cells involves both surface uptake and bioaccumulation within the cells. At pH 3.0, the cells accumulate arsenate with high specificity over arsenite: 83.0 ± 1.3% of the arsenate was sorbed while the retention of arsenite was negligible at 2.1 ± 0.6%. The speciation of inorganic arsenic could thus be performed by direct determination of arsenate followed by quantifying total inorganic arsenic after conversion of arsenite to arsenate. We formed a disposable live cell preconcentration microcolumn with the live HeLa cells immobilized on Sephadex G-50 beads. After the sample was passed through the column for sorption to occur, the cells and any retained arsenate were stripped with 2 M HNO3. The arsenic in the 30 μL eluate was directly measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A new microcolumn was used for each sa...
Zoonotic parapoxviruses detected in symptomatic cattle in Bangladesh.

Background: Application of molecular diagnostic methods to the determination of etiology in suspected poxvirus-associated infections of bovines is important both for the diagnosis of the individual case and to form a more complete understanding of patterns of strain occurrence and spread. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize bovine-associated zoonotic poxviruses in Bangladesh which are relevant to animal and human health. Findings: Investigators from the International Center Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bangladesh Department of Livestock Services traveled to three districts in Bangladesh—Siranjganj, Rangpur and Bhola–to collect diagnostic specimens from dairy cattle and buffalo that had symptoms consistent with poxvirus-associated infections. Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) DNA was obtained from lesion material (teat) and an oral swab collected from an adult cow and calf (respectively) from a dairy production farm in Siranjganj. Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) DNA signatures were obtained from a scab and oral swab collected from a second dairy cow and her calf from Rangpur. Conclusions: We report the first detection of zoonotic poxviruses from Bangladesh and show phylogenetic comparisons between the Bangladesh viruses and reference strains based on analyses of the B2L and J6R loci (vaccinia orthologs). Understanding the range and diversity of different species and strains of parapoxvirus will help to spotlight unusual patterns of occurrence that could signal events of significance to the agricultural and public health sectors.