cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular interactions of the intrinsic activation complex of coagulation: binding of native and activated human factors IX and X to defined phospholipid vesicles

Abstract The assembly of proteins of the intrinsic activation complex has been partially elucidated. In the present study we examine the association of gamma-carboxylated serine proteinase zymogens factors IX and X, and their proteolytically activated counterparts factors IXa and Xa to unilamellar lipid vesicles of defined composition using three types of physical measurement. Utilizing relative light scatter to estimate the dissociation constants for binding in the presence of calcium ions, it appears that factor IXa (0.93 ± 0.37 μ M) may preferentially associate with phospholipids relative to factor IX (0.35 ± 0.08 μ M). In contrast, factor X (0.34 ± 0.14 μ M), the substrate for factor IXa, appears to bind to phospholipid with a higher affinity than factor Xa (0.58 ± 0.13 μ M). These observations are compatible with the hypothesized dynamics where the forward ‘traffic’ is facilitated by favoring the association of factor IXa with factor X. The dissociation constants were estimated by molecular exclusion chromatography (1.1–2.5 μM) and do not reflect these relative and ordered differences in association with lipid vesicles. Quasi-elastic light scatter analyses indicate that each protein appears to saturate the same vesicle surface, consistent with competition for similar surface lipids, although the molecular shell formed by factor Xa (36 A) is smaller, suggesting that it has a different packing on the phospholipid surface that the other proteins (64–79 A). The pattern of preferential affinities for phospholipid is consistent with a kinetically functional forward traffic through the reaction precursors to products, and suggests that these preferential affinities may assist in the ordering of the four proteins in the intrinsic activation complex.
Studies on tungsten (WHfC) filament-reinforced NbAl3-base alloy

Abstract Hafnium carbide dispersion strengthened tungsten (WHfC) filaments were used as a ductile phase reinforcement to improve the low temperature toughness of an oxidation resistant NbAl3-base alloy with Cr, Y and W additions. The WHfC/NbAlCrYW composite was prepared by the powder cloth technique. The composite specimens were thermally cycled between 500 and 1300 K to examine the influence of CTE mismatch on matrix cracking. The thermal stability was assessed by annealing at 1500 K in argon for up to 100 h. The mechanical properties of the monolithic NbAlCrYW and the WHfC/NbAlCrYW composite were measured from bend tests between 300 and 1300 K in as-fabricated, thermally cycled and annealed conditions. The composite was significantly tougher and stronger than the monolithic NbAlCrYW alloy at all temperatures and in all conditions. The ultimate bend strength and work-of-fracture of the composite decreased with increasing temperature. Thermal cycling up to 1000 times resulted in severe cracking of the matrix due to the CTE mismatch. Interfacial reactions at 1500 K between the NbAlCrYW matrix and the WHfC filament formed a complex phase rich in Cr, Al and W. The thickness of the reaction zone exhibited parabolic growth. The formation of this phase resulted in significant degradation in toughness and strength after annealing at 1500 K for 100 h.
Consistent Compliance with Guidelines for Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) Reduces the Risk of Administering a Mother's Potentially Infected Breastmilk to Another Infant in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

ISSUE: Inconsistent confirmation of infant's identity before feeding has been associated with increase incidence of incorrect administration of EBM. Our Epidemiology and Infection Control Department set out to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission to infant's from incorrect EBM feedings and develop guidelines for screening the donor mother in the event of EBM exposure. PROJECT: A Breastmilk Exposure Task Force was organized to evaluate the current EBM infection control and exposure guidelines and devised a plan to prevent further incidence of incorrect EBM administration in our 80-bed Level III NICU. A key intervention was the development of an EBM Audit Tool. This tool was used to verify that two Registered Nurse's (RN's) confirmed infant's identity with EBM identification. Both RN signatures were required similar to procedure used for blood transfusion verification prior to administration. We established a breastfeeding subcommittee to assist with weekly auditing and provided positive reinforcement and timely feedback to nursing staff. RESULTS: EBM audits began in May of 2005, which resulted in a compliance rate of 100% with the newly revised, evidence-based EBM guidelines. During the months of July and August 2005 there was a noticeable decrease in compliance to 80%. These results lead to aggressive auditing and staff education by infection control, NICU management and the lactation consultant. Weekly audits by breastfeeding subcommittee volunteers, monthly auditing by the Infection Control Practitioner, in-services and counseling by NICU Supervisor for failure to comply with guidelines have proved to increase compliance rates to 100%. Since applying these interventions there had been one EBM exposure in the month of September 2005 and none reported for the months of October, November, and December 2005. This multifaceted team approach was designed to reduce incidence of transmitting infectious diseases to neonates and provide guidelines for the nurse to follow in the event an infant receives the incorrect EBM. LESSONS LEARNED: Consistent compliance with guidelines for Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) reduces the risk of administering a mothers' potentially infected breastmilk to another infant. Development of a Breastfeeding Task Force was crucial to identifying the need for process improvement. Utilizing a standard audit tool to assess nurse's compliance with EBM guidelines provides the team with the information needed to make necessary changes in the practice of verifying infant's identity before feeding EBM. Due to the success of the interventions, auditing for compliance with EBM guidelines will continue to be a part of the NICU patient safety and quality improvement activities.
The importance of morphology in the evolutionary synthesis as demonstrated by the contributions of the Oxford group: Goodrich, Huxley, and de Beer

Historians of biology have sometimes failed to recognize the important contfibution of morphology to the evolutionary synthesis of the 1930s and 1940s' because of widespread prejudices against descriptive work. This bias against morphology can be traced to the 1880s, when experimental interests began to prevail in biology.2 The preference for analytical over descriptive-morphological work has become so ingrained in the scientific community that few scientists are even conscious of their prejudices. In fact, until a few years ago, the editors of the Journal of Cell Biology wrote in their "information for contributors" section that "the Journal prefers not to publish manuscripts presenting strictly morphological findings."3 And when historians identified the various contributors to the evolutionary synthesis, they usually rejected those from the field of morphology. Morphology is best defined as the science of animal and plant form.4 Broadly, "morphology includes anatomy, histology, organo-
Spatial summation in human cone mechanisms from 0° to 20° in the superior retina

The maximum area of complete spatial summation (i.e., Ricco’s area) for human short-wavelength-sensitive- (S-) and long-wavelength-sensitive- (L-) cone mechanisms was measured psychophysically at the fovea and at 1.5°, 4°, 8°, and 20° along the vertical meridian in the superior retina. Increment thresholds were measured for three observers by a temporal two-alternative forced-choice procedure. Test stimuli ranging from -0.36 to 4.61 log area (min2) were presented on concentric 12.3° adapting and auxiliary fields, which isolated either an S- or an L-cone mechanism on the plateau of its respective threshold versus intensity function. Test flash durations were 50 and 10 ms for the S- and L-cone mechanisms, respectively. The data indicate that, from 0° to 20°, Ricco’s area increases monotonically for the L-cone mechanism, is variable for the S-cone mechanism, and is larger for the S-cone mechanism than for the L-cone mechanism for essentially all retinal locations. This pattern of results most likely reflects differences in ganglion cell density and changes in neural convergence with retinal eccentricity.
Structure of the Siz/PIAS SUMO E3 ligase Siz1 and determinants required for SUMO modification of PCNA.

Summary Siz1 is a founding member of the Siz/PIAS RING family of SUMO E3 ligases. The X-ray structure of an active Siz1 ligase revealed an elongated tripartite architecture comprised of an N-terminal PINIT domain, a central zinc-containing RING-like SP-RING domain, and a C-terminal domain we term the SP-CTD. Structure-based mutational analysis and biochemical studies show that the SP-RING and SP-CTD are required for activation of the E2∼SUMO thioester, while the PINIT domain is essential for redirecting SUMO conjugation to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) at lysine 164, a nonconsensus lysine residue that is not modified by the SUMO E2 in the absence of Siz1. Mutational analysis of Siz1 and PCNA revealed surfaces on both proteins that are required for efficient SUMO modification of PCNA in vitro and in vivo.
Medial Prefrontal Administration of MK-801 Impairs T-maze Discrimination Reversal Learning in Weanling Rats

Abstract Several executive functions rely on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the rat. Aspiration and neurotoxic lesions of the mPFC impair reversal learning in adult rats. Systemic administration of MK-801, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, impairs T-maze reversal learning in weanling rats but the role of mPFC NMDA-receptor antagonism in this effect is not known in either adult or young animals. This set of studies showed that mPFC NMDA receptors are specifically involved in T-maze discrimination reversal in weanling rats. In Experiment 1, 26-day-old rats (P26) demonstrated a dose-dependent impairment following bilateral mPFC administration of either 2.5 or 5.0 μg MK-801 or saline (vehicle) during the reversal training phase only. In Experiment 2, P26 rats were trained on the same task, but four groups of rats received bilateral mPFC infusions during acquisition only (MK–SAL), reversal only (SAL–MK), both phases (MK–MK), or neither phase (SAL–SAL). MK-801 impaired performance only when infused during reversal. This suggests that NMDA-receptor antagonism in the mPFC is selectively involved in reversal learning during development and this may account for the previously reported effects of systemic MK-801 on T-maze discrimination reversal in weanling rats.
Effects of single-ventricle physiology with aortopulmonary shunt on regional myocardial blood flow in a piglet model.

Objectives In single-ventricle physiology with aortopulmonary connection, diastolic hypotension could alter regional myocardial blood flow. Also, afterload increases could impair myocardial blood flow by increased wall tension and relative subendocardial malperfusion. This study explores the effects of acute single-ventricle physiology on regional myocardial blood flow distribution and investigates the consequences of moderate afterload augmentation on myocardial blood flow. Methods Single-ventricle physiology was created in 8 piglets without using bypass, and 8 animals served as a sham control group. Aortopulmonary shunt, echo-guided atrial septostomy, tricuspid valve avulsion, and pulmonary artery occlusion allowed the left ventricle to support systemic and pulmonary circulations. Afterload augmentation was produced by aortic balloon inflation. Physiologic recordings and stable-isotope microsphere determination of myocardial blood flow to the subepicardium and subendocardium were obtained at baseline and during single-ventricle physiology (at 30 minutes, 120 minutes, and afterload increase). Results Arterial oxygen content, diastolic pressure, and coronary perfusion pressure declined after creation of single-ventricle physiology (P Conclusions Our study demonstrates that, in acute single-ventricle physiology with aortopulmonary shunt, myocardial blood flow is maintained by lower coronary perfusion pressure. Further, single-ventricle physiology results in less favorable myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance, although normal transmural myocardial blood flow distribution is maintained. Avoidance of diastolic runoff (ventricle-pulmonary conduit) could improve coronary reserve. In our study, moderate afterload augmentation did not induce relative subendocardial malperfusion, nor did it worsen oxygen supply/demand balance.
Multicolor 4- to 20-um InP-based quantum well infrared photodetectors

In order to tune the wavelength of lattice-matched QWIP detectors over the range from 4 - 20 microns, new designs are demonstrated for the first time which combine InGaAlAs and InGaAsP layers lattice-matched to InP and grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. We demonstrate the first long- wavelength quantum well infrared photodetectors using the lattice-matched n-doped InGaAlAs/InP materials system. Samples with AlAs mole fractions of 0.0, 0.1, and 0.15 result in cutoff wavelengths of 8.5, 13.3, and 19.4 micrometer, respectively. A 45 degree facet coupled illumination responsivity of R equals 0.37 A/W and detectivity of D*(lambda ) equals 1 X 109 cm (root)Hz W-1 at T equals 77 K, for a cutoff wavelength (lambda) c equals 13.3 micrometer have been achieved. Based on the measured intersubband photoresponse wavelength, a null conduction band offset is expected for In0.52Ga0.21Al0.27As/InP heterojunctions. We also report quantum well infrared photodetector structures of In0.53Ga0.47As/Al0.48In0.52As grown on InP substrate with photoresponse at 4 micrometer suitable for mid-wavelength infrared detectors. These detectors exhibit a constant peak responsivity of 30 mA/W independent of temperature in the range from T equals 77 K to T equals 200 K. Combining these two materials, we report the first multispectral detectors that combine lattice-matched quantum wells of InGaAs/InAlAs and InGaAs/InP. Utilizing two contacts, a voltage tunable detector with (lambda) p equals 8 micrometer at a bias of V equals 5 V and (lambda) p equals 4 micrometer at V equals 10 V is demonstrated.
Retroviral rebound syndrome after cessation of suppressive antiretroviral therapy in three patients with chronic HIV infection.

A retroviral rebound syndrome similar to that seen in primary HIV syndrome can occur in patients with chronic HIV infection after cessation of suppressive antiretroviral therapy.
Genetic components of ethanol responses.

Abstract A powerful technique for determining the role of a particular neurotransmitter in mediating a response to ethanol (EtOH) is the analysis of selectively bred lines of animals. Lines selected for sensitivity and resistance to an EtOH effect differ principally in gene frequencies for genes affecting the selected response. Hence, other differences between the lines are likely due to pleiotropic actions of those genes. We discuss behavioral pharmacological experiments in two sets of selected lines. Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and -Resistant(WSR) mouse lines were selected for severe and minimal handling-induced convulsions (HIC), respectively, after withdrawal from chronic EtOH inhalation. The HIC is also elevated after acute administration of low doses of convulsant drugs. WSP mice were found to be more sensitive than WSR mice to many such drugs. There was no apparent specificity of such effects to any particular neurotransmitter system. Thus, genetic determination of a behavioral response to EtOH in this case cannot be traced to the influence of a single neurotransmitter system. COLD and HOT mice were selectively bred to show severe and mild hypothermia, respectively, after acute EtOH administration. COLD mice are also more sensitive to a number of other alcohols, barbiturates, and other general central nervous system depressants. When tested for sensitivity to a number of drugs with specific effects on neurotransmitter systems, COLD and HOT mice did not differ in sensitivity to drugs affecting dopaminergic, α-adrenergic, or nicotinic acetylcholinergic systems, COLD mice were more sensitive, however, to opioid and serotonergic drugs. Thus, analysis of these selected lines was successful in identifying particular neurotransmitters which may be important in EtOH-induced hypothermia.
DNA base and strand damage in X-irradiated monkey CV-1 cells : influence of pretreatment using small doses of radiation

SummaryBase damage in αDNA from irradiated monkey CV-1 cells was determined by measuring release of 5′-32P-end labelled DNA fragments after digestion with endonuclease III of E. coli. The frequency and base sequence locations of the enzyme-sensitive sites were determined. Fragments were released from irradiated DNA at sequence sites of pyrimidines and guanines. The time for repair of half the single strand breaks was approximately 1·5 h. Repair of base damage as judged from loss of enzyme-sensitive sites in DNA was slower, with more than half of the damaged bases still detectable after 4 h of repair. Two important changes in the pattern of fragment release from DNA were produced when small radiation doses preceded the large ones needed to produce measurable DNA strand breaks and base damage. 5 Gy to cells incubated several hours before 320 Gy increased by five-fold the abundance of small DNA fragments with 3′-phosphoryl termini detected in high-resolution denaturing gels. These increases were detectable w...
A saddlepoint theorem for self-dual linear systems

Abstract Let A be a skew matrix of order n over an ordered field. There is a finite class of skew matrices Ā such that XA = Y and X A = Y have the same solution sets, where x i = Y i and Y i = x i for some indices i (perhaps none) and x i = x i , Y i = Y i for the remaining i . We show that for each index h , 1 ⩽ h ⩽ n , there exists an Ā such that ā hj ≧0 for all j . There are a variety of applications to matrix games, linear programs and related topics.
Cross-sectional Echocardiographic Characterization of Atelectatic Lung Segments: Differentiation from Extracardiac Tumors

This report describes a unique series of patients who, during routine cross-sectional echocardiographic examination, were each noted to have a large echo-dense extracardiac mass adherent to the lateral aspect of the left ventricle. While this echo-dense mass was considered initially to represent an extracardiac tumor, this mass was shown subsequently to be an atelectatic segment of the left lower lobe of the lung. The salient echocardiographic findings that were considered to be helpful in terms of differentiating these adherent pulmonary atelectatic lung segments were that the lung segments always occurred in the presence of a moderate to large left pleural effusion; in real-time examination, the atelectatic lung masses generally appeared solid, as opposed to cystic, with a characteristic brightly reflective ground-glass appearance; there was never any evidence of extrinsic compression of the heart by the lung mass. (Chest 1990; 97:404–06)
Inflation in an open universe

Motivated by observational indications of low cosmological mass density, we study a spatially open inflation modified hot big bang model whose evolutionary history is divided into three epochs: an early scalar field inflation epoch and the usual radiation and baryon (nonrelativistic matter) epochs. Generalizing techniques previously developed, we derive general solutions of the relativistic linear peturbation equations in each epoch. The constants of integration in the inflation epoch solutions are determined from quantum-mechanical initial conditions under the assumption that the perturbations are in the ground state at early times. The constants of integration in the radiation and baryon epoch solutions are determined from joining conditions derived by requiring that the linear perturbation equations remain nonsingular at the transitions between epochs. Expressions are derived for a number of baryon-epoch statistics which characterize large-scale structure, including the fractional mass, peculiar velocity, and gravitational potential perturbation two-point correlation functions, and the mean square value of the fractional mass and peculiar velocity perturbations. The Sachs-Wolfe relation is generalized to the open model and an expression for the angular fluctuation spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation temperature anisotropy is derived; we also determine the dipole velocity perturbation two-point correlation function and mean square value.The fractional energy density perturbation power spectrum is not a power law; on small scales we find the usual n=+1 scale-invariant flat model law, while on large scales we discover a n=-1 spectrum. The small-scale part of the fractional mass perturbation two-point correlation function agrees with what one finds in the n=+1 scale-invariant flat case, but it has a second zero and at large scales the fractional mass perturbations are weakly positively correlated. Once again, given the form of the fractional mass perturbations are weakly positively correlated. Once again, given the form of the fractional energy density perturbation power spectrum in this model, we find that the slope of the inflation epoch scalar field potential cannot be unduly constrained by observational data.
Pericardial Tamponade Associated with Pacemaker Catheter Manipulation

Three patients developed cardiac tamponade following postpacemaker catheter manipulation. Although regarded as a rare complication, this entity has to be recognized immediately on clinical grounds and confirmed by echocardiography. Prompt recognition and urgent pericardial drainage is lifesaving in this acute cardiac emergency.
Transitional knowledge in the acquisition of concepts

These studies explore children’s conceptual knowledge as it is expressed through their verbal and gestural explanations of concepts. We build on previous work that has shown that children who produce a large proportion of gestures that do not match their verbal explanations are in transition with respect to the concept they are explaining. This gesture/speech mismatch has been called “discordance.” Previous work discovered this phenomenon with respect to 5- to 7-yearold children’s explanations of conservation problems. Study 1 shows: (I) that older children (IO to 11 years old) exhibit gesture/speech discordance with respect to another concept, understanding the equivalence relationship in mathematical equations, and; (2) that children who produce many discordant responses in their explanations of mathematical equivalence are more likely to benefit from instruction in the concept than are children who produce few such responses. Studies 2 and 3 explore the properties and usefulness of discordance as an index of transitional knowledge in a child’s acquisition of mathematical equivalence. Under any circumstance in which new concepts are acquired, there exists a mental bridge connecting the old knowledge state to the new. The studies reported here suggest that the combination of gesture and speech may be an easily observable and significantly interpretable reflection of knowledge states, both static and in flux.
Modification of phencyclidine intoxification and biodisposition by charcoal and other treatments.

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine whether single or combination treatments of charcoal, paraffin, cholestyramine, and/or ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), would alter the rotarod-measured motor dysfunction induced by 10 to 90 mg/kg of phencyclidene (PCP). Additionally, the effect of NH4Cl/charcoal treatment of the biodisposition of 50 mg/kg PCP was evaluated in order to assess whether amelioration of behavioral effects could be correlated to alterations in brain levels, plasma levels, and/or the renal clearance of PCP and metabolites. NH4Cl/charcoal treatment proved more effective at reducing intoxication than either treatment singly, though effectiveness was reduced by larger doses of PCP. NH4Cl/charcoal treatment reduced intoxification by 40, 16, and 21% at PCP doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg. However, the reduction in motor dysfunction observed at 25 and 50 mg/kg PCP was greater than the sum of the individual treatments. In contrasts, the effect of combined NH4Cl and charcoal treatment on the biodisposition of 50 mg/kg PCP is not synergistic, but appears instead to be due simply to the additive effects of the individual treatments. Thus the amelioration of PCP intoxication cannot be fully explained by alterations in PCP biodisposition.
Comparison of Typical Thoracic Curves and Atypical Thoracic Curves Within the Lenke 1 Classification.

Abstract Study Design Retrospective study. Objectives To examine the characteristics of Lenke type 1 curves based on the level of the apical vertebra. Summary of Background Data The Lenke classification is the most used system for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, with approximately 50% of the curves falling into the Lenke 1 curve type category. Methods A total of 611 Lenke 1 curves in a prospectively collected multicenter adolescent idiopathic scoliosis study were analyzed. Minimum follow-up was ≥ 2 years. Curves were subdivided into 3 groups according to their apex: the typical Lenke 1 curve group included apices from T7/8 to T10 (511 patients), the proximal group included apices from T4 to T7 (45 patients), and the distal group included apices from T10/11 to T11/12 (50 patients). Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared among the 3 groups. Results The proximal and distal groups included significantly more left thoracic curves (proximal: 29%; typical: 1.8%; distal: 19%; p Conclusions Curves categorized as Lenke 1 curves were less homogeneous than expected. Using only the Lenke type 1 designation to define a study population may introduce unintended bias to the study design.
A Teaching Framework for Transformative Multicultural Social Work Education

Abstract A major challenge in multicultural social work education is fostering meaningful learning experiences for students by matching educational methods and content to students' individual learning needs and characteristics. Building upon transformative learning theory developed by Jack Mezirow, this paper proposes a teaching framework for transformative multicultural social work education that addresses students' individual learning needs and characteristics. This framework uses the dimensions of cultural knowledge and cultural sensitivity to represent four potential stances of cross-cultural learning in students. The paper provides a detail discussion regarding the learning needs and learning foci of students at each stance, and useful teaching strategies and activities that enhance students' transformative learning process so that they develop integrative knowledge about self and others in a dynamic multicultural society from multiple perspectives.
Ultraspectral sounder data compression using error-detecting reversible variable-length coding

Nonreversible variable-length codes (e.g. Huffman coding, Golomb-Rice coding, and arithmetic coding) have been used in source coding to achieve efficient compression. However, a single bit error during noisy transmission can cause many codewords to be misinterpreted by the decoder. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the design of reversible variable-length codes (RVLCs) for better data transmission in error-prone environments. RVLCs allow instantaneous decoding in both directions, which affords better detection of bit errors due to synchronization losses over a noisy channel. RVLCs have been adopted in emerging video coding standards--H.263+ and MPEG-4--to enhance their error-resilience capabilities. Given the large volume of three-dimensional data that will be generated by future space-borne ultraspectral sounders (e.g. IASI, CrIS, and HES), the use of error-robust data compression techniques will be beneficial to satellite data transmission. In this paper, we investigate a reversible variable-length code for ultraspectral sounder data compression, and present its numerical experiments on error propagation for the ultraspectral sounder data. The results show that the RVLC performs significantly better error containment than JPEG2000 Part 2.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variations in the magnitude of attentional capture: Testing a two-process model

Although large variations in the magnitude of attentional capture have been evidenced across a wide range of studies and paradigms (see Burnham, 2007, for a review), the nature of these variations is unclear. In the present study, we used a modified spatial cuing task to address two related issues. In the first experiment, we explored the hypothesis that the magnitude of attentional capture varies systematically as a function of cue-target similarity. Targets of a particular color were preceded by uninformative peripheral cues carrying varying percentages of the target color. As was predicted, the magnitude of attentional capture varied directly with the similarity between cue and target. In the second experiment, we explored whether these similarity effects reflect a mixture of trials on which attention is fully captured and trials on which attention is not captured at all (i.e., a two-process model). A mixture analysis conducted on obtained reaction time distributions proved inconsistent with a two-process model.
Free Energy of Water Transfer into a Hydrophobic Medium: Effect of Polyunsaturation

Via molecular dynamics computer simulations, we have studied the free energy of water transfer into alkyl interfaces having varying levels of unsaturation. The chain length and hydrophobic slab thickness were chosen to model lipid bilayers where polyunsaturation has been observed experimentally to affect numerous structural and permeation properties of the membrane. The polyunsaturated alkyl chains follow a pattern of two successive single bonds separating vinyl groups, mimicking the pattern found in polyunsaturated lipids. The calculated free energies of transferring a single water molecule through n-hexadecane, 8-hexadecene, 5,8,11-hexadecatriene, and 2,5,8,11,14-hexadecapentaene are 7.4, 7.1, 6.7, and 6.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The decreasing transfer free energy with increasing level of unsaturation is consistent with experimentally measured permeation rates.
Threshold and Receptor Reserve in the Action of Neurohypophyseal Peptides : A study of synergists and antagonists of the hydroosmotic response of the toad urinary bladder

The interrelationship of several physiological receptors which influence the hydroosmotic response of the toad urinary bladder was studied employing neurohypophyseal peptides, prostaglandin E1, theophylline, and cyclic nucleotides. The binding property of agonists (pD2), synergists (pS2), competitive antagonists (pA2), and noncompetitive antagonists (pD2') was determined after a suitable methodology had been developed. A series of neurohypophyseal peptides was examined in detail for their catalytic activity. It was found that the replacement of the hydroxy radical of the tyrosine residue in oxytocin by a methoxy and then by an ethoxy radical led to a progressive decline in the catalytic activity of the hormone—corresponding to a change from agonist to partial agonist to competitive antagonist. [4-Leucine]-mesotocin behaved as a competitive antagonist of oxytocin. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was found to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of neurohypophyseal peptides and theophylline; whereas the maximal hydroosmotic response of the bladder to [2-O-methyltyrosine]-oxytocin and theophylline was greatly depressed by PGE1, the response to saturating concentrations of oxytocin was only slightly diminished—a finding which reveals a "receptor reserve" for oxytocin. Saturating concentrations of [2-O-ethyltyrosine]-oxytocin, inactive per se, potentiate theophylline—disclosing a "threshold phenomenon" for the mediation of neurohypophyseal hormone action. It is concluded that neurohypophyseal peptides are capable of producing graded effects on adenyl cyclase both below and above the range of enzyme activity which evokes graded changes in membrane permeability.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in the presence of portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) may not be an absolute contraindication for hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Although the data are sparse, PVT is commonly considered a contraindication to RFA. PVT has actually been described as a complication following RFA. RFA was used to treat a 3.9 x 2.9 cm primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a patient with concomitant PVT without complication. RFA can be safely performed in this setting but further studies could clarify this issue.
Branched Chain Fatty Acid Content of United States Retail Cow’s Milk and Implications for Dietary Intake

Branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) have recently been shown to be a major component of the normal human newborn gastrointestinal tract and have long been known to be a component of human milk. Ruminant food products are major sources of fat in the American diet, but there are no studies of milkfat BCFA content in retail milk. We report here the profile and concentrations of BCFA in a representative sampling of retail milk in the 48 contiguous United States (US), and their estimated intake in the American diet. Conventionally produced whole fluid milk samples were obtained from 56 processing plants across the contiguous 48 states. Retail milk samples contain exclusively iso- and anteiso-BCFA with 14–18 carbons. BCFA were 2.05 ± 0.14%, w/w of milkfat fatty acids (mean ± SD), and anteiso-BCFA comprised more than half this total. Based on these data and USDA food availability data, the average per capita BCFA intake of Americans is estimated to be about 220 mg/d from dairy; if current dietary recommendations were followed, BCFA intake would be about 400 mg/d. Adding intake from beef consumption, these estimates rise to approximately 400 and 575 mg/d, respectively. These results indicate that BCFA intake is a substantial fraction of daily fat intake, in amounts exceeding those of many bioactive fatty acids.
Direct determination of μ(R) from μij - a simple DVR approach

Abstract A simple direct inversion procedure to determine the dipole function, μ( R ), of diatomic molecules from limited numbers of dipole matrix elements, μ ij , is presented. The inversion is based on the discrete variable representation (DVR) corresponding to the vibrational eigenstates of the diatomic molecule. The procedure is shown to be simple and accurate using experimental information on HF. Model calculations on a Morse oscillator show the flexibility of the method in using various sets of dipole matrix elements as input for the inversion.
Optimizing the results of balloon coronary angioplasty of nonideal lesions.

This article details an approach to common angioplasty questions, problems, and attempted solutions. It does not consider other aspects, such as patient selection ore care, because these have been addressed elsewhere
Trophic Status of Southeastern Lake Michigan Based on the Chironomidae (Diptera)

Abstract Chironomids and oligochaetes were identified from a total of 2,432 samples collected at depths 1.50 (Type 2). A trophic index based on the chironomid fauna was generated for year, depth intervals, and combinations of years and depths. When averaged over all years, the trophic index at the 8- to 24-m depth interval was 1.26, indicating mesotrophic conditions in this portion of the littoral and sublittoral of southeastern Lake Michigan. Similarly, at depths >28 m the trophic index value was 0.41, suggesting oligotrophic conditions in the profundal. No annual trophic status trends were evident.
African American Mothers with Deaf Children: A Womanist Conceptual Framework:

Although the incidence of disability is more prevalent among African Americans than any other ethnic group in the United States, empirically based guidelines grounded in the unique history and experiences of African American caretakers of children with disabilities are limited. A qualitative, exploratory design consisting of in-depth thematic interviews with 12 non deaf African American female caretakers of deaf children was used to identify unique responses and approaches incorporated in raising deaf children of African descent. The data analysis plan entailed a modified grounded theory approach. Womanism was used inductively and deductively in organizing emerging themes as an explanatory model.
On the construction of gauge independent transition amplitudes

Abstract The conventional time dependent transition amplitude between a state ψ A ( t ), in the presence of an external electromagnetic field described by the four-potential A μ , and an eigenfunction of the field-free hamiltonian H 0 has been shown to depend on the gauge used to describe the fields. This is a serious flaw, and may underlie the continuing difficulties with the interpretation of Lamb shift measurements recently discussed by Low and Lundeen et al. Aharonov and Au have demonstrated the connection between gauge changes and the corresponding changes in the representation of the field-free hamiltonian. We complete the explicit proof of the existence of gauge independent transition amplitudes by an explicit construction of the field-free hamiltonian as a functional of the four potential used to describe the fields. This construction clarifies the procedure suggested by Aharonov and Au, assures the gauge independence of the transition amplitudes, and avoids the introduction of a preferred gauge advocated by Yang and collaborators.
PET imaging studies of dopamine D2 receptors: comparison of [18F]N-methylspiperone and the benzamide analogues [18F]MABN and [18F]MBP in baboon brain.

A series of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies was conducted in a baboon with the benzamide derivatives [18F]2,3-dimethoxy N-9-(4-fluorobenzyl)-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3β-yl]benzamide ([18F]MABN) and [18F]2,3-dimethoxy-N-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl]benzamide ([18F]MBP). Studies were also conducted with the butyrophenone [18F]N-methylspiperone (NMSP) for comparison. Tissue-time activity curves of [18F]MABN are similar to those of [18F]NMSP since both compounds displayed approximately the same uptake in the basal ganglia and displayed irreversible binding kinetics in vivo. However, the rapid rate of clearance from the cerebellum and high basal ganglia: cerebellum ratio of [18F]MABN indicate that this compound has a much lower amount of nonspecific binding than [18F]NMSP. [18F]MBP displayed a higher uptake in the basal ganglia relative to [18F]NMSP and [18F]MABN and exhibited reversible binding kinetics in vivo. This property of [18F]MBP is desirable since the uptake of radioactivity in D2-rich ligands is less likely to be influenced by changes in cerebral blood flow. The current data suggest that both [18F]MABN and [18F]MBP are promising ligands for studying dopamine D2 receptors with PET. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Precambrian Para-Gneisses of Southern Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

IN an earlier paper a description of certain dolomites and calc-magnesian silicate rocks of the oldest group recognized in southern Eyre Peninsula—the Hutchison series—has been given.
Fate of trace organics during land application of municipal wastewater

Recent developments in analytical techniques have provided a better characterization of trace organics in municipal wastewater and have increased public awareness concerning potential health risks of renovated waters. Although renovation of wastewater by land application is an economical alternative to conventional treatment processes and can provide comparable treatment with respect to standard water quality parameters, there have been few quantitative studies on the fate of trace organics in these systems. This review evaluates the potential for trace organic removal by abiotic and biotic processes during rapid infiltration, irrigation, and overland flow of municipal wastewater. Special emphasis is directed towards rapid infiltration because this method of land application has the greatest potential for affecting associated groundwaters. Many trace organics which are present in municipal wastewater are transported to groundwater during rapid infiltration, although concentrations of most compounds are at...
Creating Defensible Space in the Wildland–Urban Interface: The Influence of Values on Perceptions and Behavior

We examined the effect that value orientation to forests and wildland fire management has on an individual’s decision to create defensible space around his or her residence in the wildland–urban interface. Using data from a mail-back questionnaire, respondents in north central Minnesota were clustered by basic value–laden beliefs toward forest and wildland fire management and compared across a number of perceptions and behaviors related to creating defensible space around residences. Value orientation groups differed in attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control toward creating defensible space. In addition, relative effects of these perceptions on intention to create defensible space differed across groups. Implications lie in (a) understanding differences in motivations and reasons for support of strategies for managing fires near the wildland–urban interface, (b) developing information designed to address the perspectives of different groups related to creating defensible space, and (c) contributing to an improved integration of land management and public concerns and interests.
Preliminary analysis of four numerical models for calculating the mesoscale transport of Kr-85

Abstract A performance study of four numerical algorithms for multi-dimensional advection-diffusion prediction on mesoscale grids has been made. Dispersion from point and distributed sources and a simulation of a continuous source are compared with analytical solutions to assess relative accuracy. Model predictions are then compared with actual measurements of Kr-85 emitted from the Savannah River Plant (SRP). The particle-in-cell and method of moments algorithms exhibit superior accuracy in modeling single source releases. For modeling distributed sources, algorithms based on the pseudospectral and finite element interpolation concepts exhibit comparable accuracy. The method of moments is felt to be the best overall performer, although all the models appear to be relatively close in accuracy.
DYNAMIC ENERGY MODELING OF AN EXPERIMENTAL BUILDING EQUIPPED WITH AN UNDERFLOOR AIR DISTRIBUTION (UFAD) SYSTEM

In this study, experimental and simulation studies were performed in a building equipped with an UFAD system in order to investigate the applicability of a new approach designed for prediction of the energy consumption of a residential building with an UFAD system. In this approach, a zonal model, Pressurized zOnal Model with the Air diffuser (POMA), was coupled with a thermal jet model and integrated into a traditional multizone thermal model. The coupled model was verified experimentally. This integrated model has the ability to take into account the characteristics of an UFAD system and thus accurately simulate its energy consumption. A case study was carried out using both approaches: Multi-zone approach and the new developed integrated zonal/jet/multizone model. A quantitative comparison, in terms of energy demand of a building with an UFAD system, shows that the difference can reach 14% and thus indicates that the traditional multizone modeling approach is not appropriate to use for UFAD system in the building energy prediction.
The effect of vocal and demographic traits on speech intelligibility over bone conduction

Bone conduction (BC) communication systems provide benefits over air conduction systems but are not in widespread use, partly due to problems with speech intelligibility. Contributing factors like device location and background noise have been explored, but little attention has been paid to the role of individual user differences. Because BC signals travel through an individual's skull and facial tissues, demographic factors such as user age, sex, race, or regional origin may influence sound transmission. Vocal traits such as pitch, spectral tilt, jitter, and shimmer may also play a role. Along with microphone placement and background noise, these factors can affect BC speech intelligibility. Eight diverse talkers were recorded with bone microphones on two different skull locations and in different background noise conditions. Twenty-four diverse listeners listened to these samples over BC and completed Modified Rhyme Tests for speech intelligibility. Forehead bone recordings were more intelligible than condyle recordings. In condyle recordings, female talkers, talkers with high fundamental frequency, and talkers in background noise were understood better, as were communications between talkers and listeners of the same regional origin. Listeners' individual traits had no significant effects. Thoughtful application of this knowledge can help improve BC communication for diverse users.
ANALYSIS OF THE SERVICE SECTOR

This composite paper focuses on the Service Sector and its growing importance. Some of the characterizations made of the Service Sector using a simple analysis of data bases derived elsewhere are indicated. Discussion of the distinction between the role of intellectual property in the Goods Sector and the Service Sector is made.
Hidden in-game intelligence in NBA players' tweets

Sentiment analysis helps detect NBA players' pre-game moods from their tweets and predict their on-court performance.
Peri‑procedural povidone‑iodine rectal preparation reduces microorganism counts and infectious complications following ultrasound‑guided needle biopsy of the prostate

The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether a peri-procedural povidone-iodine rectal preparation (PIRP) prior to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS PNB) can reduce microorganism colony counts and infectious complications. Our institutional TRUS PNB database was reviewed to identify infectious post-biopsy complications (defined as fever >38.5 °C with positive culture). The last 570 biopsy patients were divided into those administered only preoperative oral and/or parenteral antibiotics (n = 456; chronologically cohorts A–D) versus men receiving peri-procedural PIRP in conjunction with standard preoperative antibiotics (n = 114; cohort E). Rectal cultures were obtained in the PIRP cohort to quantify changes in microorganism colony counts. Mean baseline PSA for patients was 11.6 ng/ml, 63 % were undergoing an initial biopsy, and 17 % had documented use of antibiotic therapy within the previous 6 months. A reduction in infectious complications was observed when comparing the conventional antibiotic (cohorts A–D) versus PIRP (cohort E) group (1.8 vs. 0 %), with the largest magnitude of decline occurring in the concurrent contemporary cohorts (cohort D—5.3 % vs. cohort E—0 %, p = 0.03). Rectal cultures obtained in 92 men before and after PIRP administration noted a 97 % reduction in microorganism colonies (2.1 × 105 vs. 6.3 × 103 CFU/ml, p < 0.001). No adverse reactions to the PIRP were reported by patients 7 days post-biopsy. Peri-procedural PIRP decreased microorganism colony counts and effectively reduced infectious complications following TRUS PNB. This safe, cheap, and simple strategy may be a reasonable alternative to systemic or targeted antibiotic therapy to reduce post-biopsy infections.