cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anemia is associated with metabolic distress and brain tissue hypoxia after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Anemia is frequently encountered in critically ill patients and adversely affects cerebral oxygen delivery and brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2). The objective of this study is to assess whether there is an association between anemia and metabolic distress or brain tissue hypoxia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Retrospective study was conducted in a neurological intensive care unit in a university hospital. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage that underwent multimodality monitoring with intracranial pressure, PbtO2 and microdialysis were analyzed. The relationships between hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and brain tissue hypoxia (PbtO2 ≤ 15 mmHg) and metabolic distress (lactate/pyruvate ratio ≥40) were analyzed with general linear models of logistic function for dichotomized outcomes utilizing generalized estimating equations. A total of 359 matched neuromonitoring hours and Hb measurements were analyzed from 34 consecutive patients. The median hemoglobin was 9.7 g/dl (interquartile range 8.8–10.5). After adjusting for significant covariates, reduced hemoglobin concentration was associated with a progressively increased risk of brain tissue hypoxia (adjusted OR 1.7 [1.1–2.4]; P = 0.01 for every unit decrease). Also after adjusting for significant covariates, hemoglobin concentrations below 9 g/dl and between 9.1 and 10 g/dl were associated with an increased risk of metabolic distress as compared to concentrations between 10.1 and 11 g/dl (adjusted OR 3.7 [1.5–9.4]; P = 0.004 for Hb ≤ 9 g/dl and adjusted OR 1.9 [1.1–3.3]; P = 0.03 for Hb 9.1–10 g/dl). Anemia is associated with a progressively increased risk of cerebral metabolic distress and brain tissue hypoxia after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
An exploration of spectacular consumption: Gangsta rap as cultural commodity

Gangsta rap narratives are treated as testimonials that provoke conflicted strategies for constituting urban African American male identity and social intercourse. I argue that hard‐core rap artistry participates in a complex and fluid set of economic exchange relations among the lived experiences of artists, the operations of a consumer culture, and the dictates of rap music industry. The concept of “spectacular consumption” is posited as a discursive template for understanding how rhetorical strategies of self‐promotion in gangsta rap artistry alter and are altered by the sophisticated interdependence among private, public, and economic spheres.
Normal fasting plasma glucose and risk of type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Abstract Purpose The study compares the risk of incident diabetes associated with fasting plasma glucose levels in the normal range, controlling for other risk factors. Methods We identified 46,578 members of Kaiser Permanente Northwest who had fasting plasma glucose levels less than 100 mg/dL between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2000, and who did not previously have diabetes or impaired fasting glucose. After assigning subjects to 1 of 4 categories ( Results Subjects developed diabetes at a rate of less than 1% per year during a mean follow-up of 81.0 months. Each milligram per deciliter of fasting plasma glucose increased diabetes risk by 6% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.07, P Conclusions The strong independent association between the level of normal fasting plasma glucose and the incidence of diabetes after controlling for other risk factors suggests that diabetes risk increases as fasting plasma glucose levels increase, even within the currently accepted normal range.
Removal of PCR error products and unincorporated primers by metal-chelate affinity chromatography

Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) has been used for decades to purify proteins on the basis of amino acid content, especially surface-exposed histidines and “histidine tags” genetically added to recombinant proteins. We and others have extended the use of IMAC to purification of nucleic acids via interactions with the nucleotide bases, especially purines, of single-stranded RNA and DNA. We also have demonstrated the purification of plasmid DNA from contaminating genomic DNA by IMAC capture of selectively-denatured genomic DNA. Here we describe an efficient method of purifying PCR products by specifically removing error products, excess primers, and unincorporated dNTPs from PCR product mixtures using flow-through metal-chelate affinity adsorption. By flowing a PCR product mixture through a Cu2+-iminodiacetic acid (IDA) agarose spin column, 94–99% of the dNTPs and nearly all the primers can be removed. Many of the error products commonly formed by Taq polymerase also are removed. Sequencing of the IMAC-processed PCR product gave base-calling accuracy comparable to that obtained with a commercial PCR product purification method. The results show that IMAC matrices (specifically Cu2+-IDA agarose) can be used for the purification of PCR products. Due to the generality of the base-specific mechanism of adsorption, IMAC matrices may also be used in the purification of oligonucleotides, cDNA, mRNA and micro RNAs.
Diminished omega-3 fatty acids are associated with carotid plaques from neurologically symptomatic patients: Implications for carotid interventions☆

Abstract The omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are prevalent in fish oil and their cardioprotective effects are thought to be mediated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study is to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids are associated with carotid plaques from neurologically symptomatic patients. Plaques were obtained from 41 patients (mean age 62 [44–84]; 24-asymptomatic, 17-symptomatic). Intra-plaque lipids were assessed with mass spectrometry. Compared to asymptomatic patients, significantly diminished omega-3 fatty acids DHA (545.8 ± 98 ng/g vs. 270.7 ± 19.6 ng/g, p = 0.0096) and EPA (385.9 ± 68 ng/g vs. 216.4 ± 17.6 ng/g, p = 0.0189) were found in carotid plaques from neurologically symptomatic patients. However, no differences were found in the levels of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (p = 0.2003). Immunohistochemistry and ELISA analysis (CD68+ cells, 0.461 ± 0.04 vs. 0.312 ± 0.03, p = 0.003) demonstrated an increased inflammatory infiltrate in plaques from neurologically symptomatic, compared to asymptomatic, patients. Carotid plaques from neurologically symptomatic patients are inflammatory and have decreased intra-plaque levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Future trials will determine whether interventions that increase omega-3 fatty acid incorporation into carotid plaques prevent stroke and improve the safety of carotid interventions.
The influence of laser parameter configurations at 9.3 μm on incisional and collateral effects in soft tissue

These investigations were performed to determine histologic and incisional consequences of varying pulse duration, duty cycle, and average powers during laser incision at 9.3 microns in soft tissue. In 19 fresh pigs' jaws six standardized incisions 3 cm long were made per parameter with a template and motorized jig. Laser parameters investigated were average power: 1 to 9 W, duty cycle: 10% to 80%, and pulse duration: 1 to 200 msec. The gated Cw mode was used. Incision width and depth and collateral tissue effects were assessed statistically with general linear procedures. Multiple factors were found to influence the outcome of laser irradiation. Depth of incision correlated positively with average power. Tissue damage correlated strongly and negatively with all three variables. These results demonstrate that a wide range of surgical and collateral effects can be achieved with one specific laser device depending on the parameter configuration selected.
Growth and water relations of Liquidambar styraciflua L. in an urban park and plaza

Growth and water relations of 10-year-old sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) street trees were studied in sites with low and high potential evapotranspiration to determine how these differences are integrated by growth and water relations over time. The trees were located in the parking strip between the curb and sidewalk at a partially vegetated urban park and an urban plaza in Seattle, Washington. Crown size, and seasonal and diurnal stomatal conductance and water potential, as well as diurnal air temperature and humidity, were measured over 2 growing seasons. Yearly trunk growth since transplanting was measured from increment cores. Vapor pressure deficits and air temperatures averaged 18% greater at the plaza, but whole-tree water loss appeared to be much lower than the park trees due to more restricted stomatal conductance and crown size. In addition, yearly diameter increment declined progressively once the plaza trees were established in the existing soil several years after transplanting. Lower water potential in the plaza trees indicated greater internal moisture deficits than the park trees, and tissue analysis revealed lower nutritional status, particularly nitrogen. A manipulative study of water and fertilizer to several additional plaza trees showed an interaction between water and nutrient deficiencies in the coarse and shallow soil that apparently limited growth. Furthermore, soil limitations probably interacted with paved surface conditions over time by reducing nutrient recycling from leaf litter, and generating higher vapor pressure deficits that would contribute to prolonged stomatal closure. Restricted growth and water relations status of the plaza trees represented an equilibrium between chronic high-resource demand above ground and limited below ground.
Numerical Analysis of the Gas-Lubricated Spiral-Groove Thrust Bearing-Compressor

The isothermal Reynolds differential equation of gas film lubrication is written in finite-difference form for numerical analysis of the pressure distribution within spiral-groove thrust bearings and compressors. Appropriate jump equations are presented which provide flow continuity at the land-to-groove interfaces. Gas flow, load support, static stiffness, power consumption, and compressor efficiency are computed and theoretical performance curves are presented for this device. Agreement between computed data and experiment is discussed and presented in graphical form.
Closed femoral fractures: why not simple traction?

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the result of treating closed fractures of the femoral shaft by simple traction in a busy General Hospital with a view to reducing some of the complications experienced in conventional traction splintage devices and to obtaining early discharge from hospital. Functional bracing was used when possible for fractures in the middle of the shaft. Over a two-year-period 45 patients were studied. The preliminary findings indicate that simple skeletal traction applied to fractures of the shaft of the femur gives satisfactory results, reduces the complications of conventional management in a Thomas's splint and shortens the time in hospital. Supplementary functional bracing applied between the fourth and seventh weeks allows this earlier discharge.
Acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation in the forearm circulation of patients with heart failure: indirect evidence for the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Abstract Vasomotor responses to intraarterial administration of acetylcholine are mediated by release of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and an unidentified hyperpolarizing factor from vascular endothelial cells. The contribution of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to the vasodilatory response to acetylcholine in the skeletal muscle circulation of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been previously characterized. Accordingly, to specifically assess the role of EDHF, the regional vascular effects of sequential administration of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin in the brachial artery were determined in the forearm circulation with strain-gauge venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with CHF and in normal subjects during combined systemic inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity with indomethacin and regional inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity with l-N G -monomethylarginine (l-NMMA). After administration of indomethacin, infusion of l-NMMA significantly decreased the forearm blood flow response to acetylcholine in normal subjects (5.4 ± 1.2 to 3.5 ± 0.6 ml/min/100 ml, p
Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture.

Previous anti-inflammatory strategies against sepsis, a leading cause of death in hospitals, had limited efficacy in clinical trials, in part because they targeted single cytokines and the experimental models failed to mimic clinical settings [1-3]. Neuronal networks represent physiological mechanisms, selected by evolution to control inflammation, that can be exploited for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious disorders [3].
Dissolution, transport, and fate of lead on a shooting range in the Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg, VA, USA

Samples taken from a shooting range near Blacksburg, VA, USA provide information about the reservoirs and pathways of lead at shooting ranges in an upland setting and humid environment. The metallic lead shot corrodes rapidly and develops a coating of hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2). Hydrocerussite dissolution releases soluble lead at concentrations ranging from 2 ppb to 2 ppm depending the soil pH values at this site. This soluble lead is captured by the Fe and Mn oxides and carbonates soil fractions. The highest concentration of extractable lead contained in the soil was directly correlated with the highest concentration of lead shot and bullets measured on the shotgun range surface. Eh-pH and hydrolysis diagrams provide a useful geochemical framework for understanding the corrosion process, recognizing the corrosion product(s), understanding their solubility, and identifying the geochemical barriers to lead migration that provides a basis for selecting best management practices for this and other shooting range.
Classification of the eisenberg and similar events

Tile ex i s tence of a m e t a s t a b l e pa r t icle or f r a g m e n t wh ich decays i n to a n e g a t i v e K m e s o n seems to be w e l l e s t ab l i shed b y t h e E i s e n b e r g (1) and Wiscons in (2,~) cosmic ray even t s . Fo r reasons of e n e r g y conse rva t ion , these c a n n o t be i n t e r p r e t e d as a m a n i f e s t a t i o n of a n y of t h e w e l l k n o w n h y p e r o n s w i t h o u t d ropp ing t he genera l ly accep ted pr inc ip le of h e a v y pa r t i c l e conse rva t ion . I n one a t t e m p t (4) to des ign a su i t ab le classif icat ion for these even ts , i t was f o u n d t h a t two new par t ic les were needed, one to descr ibe t he E i senbe rg e v e n t a n d the o ther , t he Wiscons in even ts . The pu rpose of th i s no te is to show t h a t , in the f r a m e w o r k of a r ecen t l y p roposed class i f icat ion scheme (4), all t h ree even t s can be descr ibed in t e r m s of a single p a r t i c l e p r o v i d e d we re l ax t he <~ odd-even ~ rule r e l a t i ng t he isotopic spin to t he a t t r i b u t e of t he par t ic le .
Reprint of: Negative carbon cluster ion beams: New evidence for the special nature of C60

Abstract Cold carbon cluster negative ions are formed by supersonic expansion of a plasma created at the nozzle of a supersonic cluster beam source by an excimer laser pulse. The observed distribution of mass peaks for the C n - ions for n > 40 demonstrates that the evidence previously given for the special stability of neutral C 60 and the existence of spheroidal carbon shells cannot be an artifact of the ionization conditions.
Acceleration-invariance of hyperbolic frequency modulated pulse compression

It is well known that hyperbolic frequency modulated waveform is Doppler-invariant. However it suffers severe distortion when the velocity of the target is not constant. In this paper we demonstrate that the acceleration of the target results in a frequency shift which is the source of the signal distortion under the assumption that the acceleration is constant and along the direction of the velocity. Therefore the frequency-shifted version of the matched filter can be applied to eliminate the mismatch between the reflected signal and the matched filter caused by the acceleration of the target. An example of rectangular envelope hyperbolic frequency modulated pulse is presented to illustrate the effect of the acceleration on signal distortion and a bank of filters with selected value of frequency shift are applied to the distorted waveform to improve the compression of the pulse. The simulation also illustrates that the noise performance of the pulse compression is not affected by the frequency shift scheme.
The emergence and evolution of collective action: Lessons from watershed management in Haiti

Abstract The practice and theory of collective action is constrained by a dearth of rigorous empirical tests of why and how such institutions emerge and evolve, and under what conditions they can be successful. Empirical analyses of cooperative watershed management in Haiti reveal that, given a conducive environment and political leadership, groups will emerge and survive where a “critical mass” of individuals have practical knowledge of the potential gains from action. Emergence can be constrained in the short run by: 1. (a)landscape factors that affect the potential net economic gain, and 2. (b)sociocultural factors that affect the cost of constructing the new institution.
The recession and Austrian business cycle theory: An empirical perspective

How well is Austrian business cycle theory corroborated by empirical evidence? This question is addressed by examining the contraction of 1990–1991 and the expansion leading up to it. An overview of the Austrian theory of the business cycle permits the identification of several empirical propositions implied by the theory. Empirical data for several economic variables are examined for consistency with the patterns suggested by the theory. The evidence suggests a muted Austrian cyclical process at work in conjunction with other factors during the time period studied.
An unusual etiology of infective endocarditis: Enterobacter cloacae

Gram-negative microorganisms are rarely implicated in causing infective endocarditis (IE). Although the traditionally identified risk factor for Gram-negative endocarditis has been intravenous drug abuse, recent studies have revealed that healthcare contact and the presence of prosthetic cardiac devices are primary risk factors for IE secondary to non-HACEK Gram-negative bacteria. We present a case of Enterobacter endocarditis in a patient with no prior history of valvular heart disease, implanted endovascular device, or intravenous drug abuse. The patient was treated successfully with carbapenem monotherapy. We have reviewed 43 cases of Enterobacter endocarditis reported in the literature to date. Clinical summary and management of IE secondary to Enterobacter based on all the published cases is outlined.
Perlapine and dopamine metabolism: Prediction of antipsychotic efficacy

Abstract A model for the prediction of antipsychotic efficacy based on the dose-dependent increase in levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the striatum and tuberculum olfactorium of the rat is presented. The effect of perlapine, a sleep-promoting and sedative agent reported to lack antipsychotic efficacy, was compared in this system to haloperidol, chlorpromazine and clozapine. All four drugs produced a dose-dependent increase in DOPAC in the two dopamine-rich structures. The potency of perlapine was similar to that of chlorpromazine. Dopamine, assayed in the striatum and tuberculum olfactorium by a new chromatographic procedure was not altered by perlapine. The time-action curces for perlapine and clozapine were virtually identical both in the striatum and in the tuberculum olfactorium. All four drugs also elevated homovanillic acid to a similar extent. These results indicate that perlapine should be re-evaluated clinically. We predict that such trials will reveal that perlapine does posses antipsychotic efficacy.
Multiple-Reaction Monitoring Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry for Monosaccharide Compositional Analysis of Glycoproteins

A simple, sensitive, and rapid quantitative LC-MS/MS assay was designed for the simultaneous quantification of free and glycoprotein bound monosaccharides using a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach. This study represents the first example of using LC-MS/MS methods to simultaneously quantify all common glycoprotein monosaccharides, including neutral and acidic monosaccharides. Sialic acids and reduced forms of neutral monosaccharides are efficiently separated using a porous graphitized carbon column. Neutral monosaccharide molecules are detected as their alditol acetate anion adducts [M + CH3CO2]− using electrospray ionization in negative ion MRM mode, while sialic acids are detected as deprotonated ions [M − H]−. The new method exhibits very high sensitivity to carbohydrates with limits of detection as low as 1 pg for glucose, galactose, and mannose, and below 10 pg for other monosaccharides. The linearity of the described approach spans over three orders of magnitudes (pg to ng). The method effectively quantified monosaccharides originating from as little as 1 µg of fetuin, ribonuclease B, peroxidase, and α1-acid glycoprotein human (AGP) with results consistent with literature values and with independent CE-LIF measurements. The method is robust, rapid, and highly sensitive. It does not require derivatization or postcolumn addition of reagents.
Secure Access Control for Location-Based Applications in WLAN Systems

Location-based service provisioning is of great interests to wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) to deliver attractive value-added services, such as service advertisements, product marketing, to the special network users according to their geographic coordinates, along with Internet access benefits. It is usually the case that the basic location information is derived from direct interactions between the infrastructure network and the wireless mobile devices. Unfortunately, the Internet access service easily becomes the target of free-riders and attackers by exploiting the location authentication protocols, and collusively forging their location claims. We propose a location authentication and authorization protocol, LBAC (Location-Based network Access Control), to securely authenticate the location claims of mobile wireless users, and to securely distribute the shared keys for data encryption purposes. In LBAC, location areas are defined by the shared points of multiple wireless access points. The fact that a mobile node is located at certain places is authenticated by the mobile node collecting all the key information from the corresponding access points. Using Diffe-Hellman algorithm, LBAC authenticates location claims, and derives the keys for each mobile node and access point pair. LBAC eliminates the dependence on Global Positioning System (GPS) or ultrasonic devices in order to localize the mobile devices. We enumerate possible attacks to the system and analyze their countermeasures. The computational, communicational, and the memory requirement are also evaluated.
Stopped hyperfinite filtrations

Abstract In this paper we extend Stroyan (1986) work regarding hyperfinite filtrations to the case of stopped σ-algebras.
Testing a Multi-wavelength, Multi-distance fNIR Probe as a Measure of Cerebral Oxygen Saturation for Use in a Feedback Titrated Oxygen Delivery System

This project aims to demonstrate that the multi-wavelength, multi-distance fNIR probe can function as a reliable measure of cerebral oxygen saturation. The probe will then be used in a project to create a feedback titrated system of oxygen delivery. Current treatment methods for patients receiving supplemental oxygen do not respond dynamically to the patient's lifestyle, but rather give a fixed dose of oxygen. Our project proposes to develop a system that bases the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient on the oxygen saturation of his or her own blood. This should improve patient care helping to personalize oxygen therapy.
Cardiac tamponade in dogs with normal coronary arteries. II. Myocardial flow and metabolism with moderate and severe hemodynamic impairment

To determine the effects of cardiac tamponade on myocardial blood flow and its distribution, dogs were prepared with indwelling pericardial catheters. Hemodynamic, myocardial blood flow, and myocardial metabolic data were collected in 5 closed-chest, spontaneously breathing animals with normal blood volumes and hemoglobin concentrations and 6 with acute anemia. Instillation of an average of 89.0±14.9 ml of modified Normosol® into the pericardial space in dogs with normal hemoglobin levels produced mild tamponade with a modest decline in aortic pressure (119.5±14.3 to 96.8±12.1 mm Hg) and significant rises in left and right atrial and pericardial pressures to 7–8 mm Hg. Increasing the pericardial volume to 124.0±13.6 ml produced hypotension (mean aortic pressure 86.2±10.5 mm Hg) and rises in the left and right ventricular filling pressures and pericardial pressure to 10–11 mm Hg. Total myocardial blood flow fell from 1.19±0.18 to 0.73±0.17 ml/min/g (p<0.02) during mild tamponade, and fell further to 0.56±0.17 ml/min/g (p<0.05) with more severe tamponade. Despite these declines, the left ventricular wall inner/outer flow ratio and left ventricular flow as a proportion of total cardiac output were unchanged. In dogs with anemia more severe tamponade was created, with consequently more marked hemodynamic abnormalities. However, the relative changes in myocardial blood flow and inner/outer flow ratio were similar. Myocardial metabolic parameters could be evaluated only in the dogs with less severe tamponade. The coronary arteriovenous oxygen difference changed little during induced tamponade, and, therefore, quantitated myocardial oxygen consumption declined in proportion to the fall in myocardial flow. Furthermore, myocardial lactate extraction and the lactate/pyruvate ratio were not affected by cardiac tamponade. Thus, these experiments cannot support the hypothesis that myocardial ischemia is a pathophysiologic factor in the production of abnormal hemodynamics in cardiac tamponade.
Morphological transformation in vivo of human uterine cervix with papillomavirus from condylomata acuminata

Carcinoma of the human uterine cervix has been associated with several infectious agents including papillomavirus. Papillomavirus group-specific antigen (GSA) and viral particles have been demonstrated in human condylomata acuminata (CA) and flat warts of the uterine cervix. Cell alterations consisting of nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, irregularity, binucleation and cytoplasmic clearing (koilocytosis) are often interpreted as mild to moderate dysplasia. Present evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the development of these lesions relies on the association of GSA and virus particles in the affected tissue, fulfilling the first two of Koch's postulates. Direct proof of an aetiological relationship, however, requires induction of the CA change in normal, human uterine cervix after exposure to papillomavirus. Infecting human subjects with HPV is ethically unacceptable and no satisfactory alternative systems have been defined. Also, human cell cultures do not support growth or transformation by HPV. Here we report the first demonstration of the morphological transformation of human tissues with a human papillomavirus under controlled, experimental conditions. 'Transformation' is used here in its literal sense to refer to a heritable morphological alteration in the appearance of the cells. The use of this term does not indicate that the changes described are neoplastic, but they are identical to the dysplastic changes found in biopsies of uterine cervical CA. Our results demonstrate the direct involvement of CA virus in dysplastic change of human cervical tissue and indicate that the experimental system described may be useful in elucidating the contribution of human papillomaviruses to the pathogenesis of human cervical cancer.
Mechanisms of synergistic toxicity of the radioprotective agent, WR2721, and 6-hydroxydopamine.

Abstract WR2721 is a “prodrug” for a radioprotective thiol which has been proposed for adjunctive use as a free radical scavenger in cancer chemotherapy. When used adjunctively with oxygen radical generating chemotherapeutic agents in mice, however, WR2721 produces synergistic toxicity rather than attenuation of the toxic effects of such agents. The present paper discusses potential mechanisms for such synergistic toxicity. The pathway for glutathione synthesis appeared to be inactivated in mice treated with WR2721. The disulfide metabolite of WR2721 was a potent inactivator of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis. The inactivation of the enzyme by this compound was similar to that reported for cystamine, a compound known to form a mixed disulfide with a cysteine residue near the glutamic acid binding site of the enzyme. Oxygen radicals not only inactivated the synthetase, as well, but hastened the oxidation of the free thiol metabolite of WR2721 to its corresponding disulfide.
Asymptotic behavior of the gravitational field and the nature of singularities in gowdy spacetimes

Abstract In this work, we present results which support the Strong Cosmic Censorship Conjecture and some of the ideas of Belinskii, Khalatnikov, and Lifschitz. The results concern the behavior of the gravitational field in the neighborhood of singularities in the polarized Gowdy spacetimes. We rigorously show (using certain “energy” estimates) that as one approaches the singularity, the metric field of any of these vacuum solutions of Einstein's equations asymptotically approaches a solution of a truncated system of equations in which spatial curvature terms have been dropped. Hence, the gravitational fields, in a sense, spatially decouple near the singularity. Based on this asymptotic behavior, we also show that only in a very small subclass of the polarized Gowdy spacetimes is the curvature bounded near the singularity. Hence, the generic polarized Gowdy spacetime cannot be extended across a Cauchy horizon.
Time-resolved recombination luminescence spectra from “hot” and “cold” carriers in electron-hole droplets in stressed Ge☆

Abstract Time-resolved measurements are presented which further support the presence of “hot” electrons in electron-hole droplets in Ge under 〉111〈 stress. The results are used to discuss the decay mechanisms of “hot” electrons and the possibility of phase separation of “hot” and “cold” electrons in an electron-hole droplet.
Reactivation of Herpesvirus in Neurosurgical Patients

The authors are presenting seven patients who had operations between July 1984 and July 1985 and who developed herpes infections postoperatively. Four of the patients developed their infections in a dermatomal distribution that correlated with the nerve roots manipulated at operation. A spectrum of localized herpes reactivation is demonstrated in this series. The use of corticosteroids and other associated variables are discussed. Like reactivation of herpes simplex after trigeminal nerve operation, we believe reactivation of herpes simplex and herpes zoster can occur in operation of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine.
Silver/silver-oxide composite coating for intrinsically adaptive thermal regulation

A concept for an automatic thermal regulation system using the changes in surface properties associated with the oxidation of silver and the reduction of silver oxide at a critical temperature has been evaluated. The change in thermal transfer properties between silver and silver oxide are favorable for thermal regulation if the incident radiation is in the infrared range. However, while the reduction of silver oxide occurs rapidly, the oxidation of silver occurs slowly, so a silver/silver-oxide composite coating will not likely produce reversible adaptive thermal regulation. However, thermal regulation at higher temperatures, where the oxidation and reduction reactions are more rapid, may be possible using other materials. The criteria for selection of potential metal/metal-oxide composite coatings for adaptive thermal regulation are discussed.
Review Essay: Between Deleuze and Derrida, Editors, Paul Patton & John Protevi

Gilles Deleuze and Jacques Derrida have each made significant contributions to philosophies of difference and yet few have tackled the difficult task of studying the connection between the two. In their forthcoming book, Between Deleuze and Derrida, editors Paul Patton and John Protevi do exactly this. What emerges is a fascinating study of the similarities and differences between the two philosophers and in particular the ethical and political threads underlying their connection.
Screening combinatorial libraries for optimal enzyme substrates by mass spectrometry

A method has been developed for the rapid identification of optimal enzyme substrates from combinatorial libraries. This methodology was validated by screening a 361-member N-terminally formylated tripeptide library, f-XXR (X = 19 different amino acids), for optimal substrates of Escherichia coli peptide deformylase (PDF). The library was synthesized on a solid phase via the split-pool synthesis method. The N-terminal formyl group was added by treating the resin with a 1:1 (mol/mol) mixture of HCO2H and DCO2D in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. In a mass spectrum, each member of the library produced a doublet peak (separated by 1.0063 Da). Limited treatment of this library with E. coli PDF resulted in the deformylation of those peptides that are the most efficient substrates of the enzyme. The deformylated products, due to loss of the mass-degenerate formyl group, each generated a singlet peak in the mass spectrum. Thus, the PDF product peaks were readily identified and sequenced via tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that PDF strongly prefers a norleucine and, to a lesser extent, a phenylalanine as the N-terminal residue, whereas it has little selectivity at the penultimate position. This result is in excellent agreement with the literature data and therefore demonstrates the methodology as an effective approach to the identification of optimal enzyme substrates. This method should be generally applicable to other enzymes as well as synthetic catalysts. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectrophotometric determination of platinum with o-phenylenediamine.

Abstract Platinum(IV or II) reacts with o-phenylenediamine, at pH 6·5, to form light blue solutions having maximum absorption at 703 nm. The reaction, slow at room temperature, is complete in 3–4 min at temperatures near 100°. Use of dimethylformamide in the solution prevents precipitation of the reaction product. The colour is stable for at least 24 hr. Effects of heating temperature and time, pH, reagent concentration, and other variables have been studied. The system conforms to Beer's law over the concentration range investigated. Optimum concentration range for measurement in 10-mm cells is 0·4–1·4 ppm of platinum; the molar absorptivity is 9·83 × 103 l. mole−1. mm−1. Interference from foreign ions has been evaluated, and methods for removal or masking of interferences have been tested. In the colour-forming reaction, platinum(IV) is reduced by the organic reagent to platinum(II), which is then complexed with the reagent. The metal : ligand ratio of 1 : 2 was indicated by solution spectrophotometric measurements, and was confirmed on the solid reaction product by elemental analysis and by mass spectrometric examination.
Interpretation of seismic reflection records: Direct calculation of interval velocities and layer thicknesses from travel times

In reflection surveys and velocity analysis, calculations of interval velocities and layer-thicknesses of a multilayered horizontal structure are often based on Dix's equation which requires the travel times at zero offsets and a prior estimate of the root mean squared velocities.
An exfoliation and enrichment strategy results in improved transcriptional profiles when compared to matched formalin fixed samples.

Background Identifying the influence formalin fixation has on RNA integrity and recovery from clinical tissue specimens is integral to determining the utility of using archival tissue blocks in future molecular studies. For clinical material, the current gold standard is unfixed tissue that has been snap frozen. Fixed and frozen tissue however, both require laser capture microdissection to select for a specific cell population to study. The recent development of a sampling method capable of obtaining a viable, enriched cell population represents an alternative option in procuring cells from clinical material for molecular research purposes. The expression profiles of cells obtained by using this procurement approach, in conjunction with the profiles from cells laser capture microdissected from frozen tissue sections, were compared to the expression profiles from formalin fixed cells to determine the influence fixation has on expression profiles in clinical material.
Nonreciprocity in photonic crystals: indirect photonic band gaps, unidirectional superprisms, and negative refraction

We have theoretically investigated wave propagation in nonreciprocal photonic crystals (PC), which break simultaneously space-inversion and time-reversal symmetries. We identify a remarkable set of properties that are consequences of simply imposing the two symmetry constraints (independent of material choices, dimensionality, etc.). The model material system that we have investigated is a 1D periodic, lossless dielectric helical medium with magnetooptic activity for which we obtained both analytic and numerical solutions of the dispersion relations. We show that nonreciprocal PC display indirect photonic band gaps (band edges are not aligned in k-space, by analogy with the electronic case) even in the 1D case. Furthermore, we find that these PC support backward wave eigenmodes (opposite group and phase velocities). By analyzing the isofrequency contour diagrams, we show that it is also possible to obtain negative refraction at the interface between air and the photonic crystal, that nonlinearities of the photonic bands allow for superprism effects which differ from the known case by being unidirectional (i.e. not present if the light path is reversed), and that the propagation direction of light waves inside the nonreciprocal PC can be laterally deflected by perpendicular magnetic fields.
Nernst effect, quasiparticles, and d -density waves in cuprates

We examine the possibility that the large Nernst signal observed in the pseudogap regime of hole-doped cuprates originates from quasiparticle transport in a state with $d$-density wave (DDW) order, proposed by S. Chakravarty et al. [Phys. Rev. B 63, 094503 (2001)]. We find that the Nernst coefficient can be moderately enhanced in magnitude by DDW order, and is generally of negative sign. Thus, the quasiparticles of the DDW state cannot account for the large and positive Nernst signal observed in the pseudogap phase of the cuprates. However, the general considerations outlined in this paper may be of broader relevance, in particular to the recent measurements of Bel et al. in ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{CeCoIn}}_{5}$ [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 066602 (2003); Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 217002 (2004)].
Retention of avoidance running

Resistance to extinction of avoidance running was studied at four retention intervals. Resistance to extinction decreased from 1 min to 4 h, held steady at 24 h, then decreased again to 144 h. Running times increased for the delayed-retention Ss.
Visual confrontation naming outcome after standard left anterior temporal lobectomy with sparing versus resection of the superior temporal gyrus: a randomized prospective clinical trial.

Summary: Purpose: Intraoperative mapping of eloquent cortex during left (speech dominant) anterior temporal lobectomy has shown a significant proportion of patients to have sites on the anterior superior temporal gyrus at which visual confrontation naming can be disrupted by electrical stimulation. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a randomized clinical trial to determine whether sparing versus resection of the superior temporal gyrus affected visual confrontation naming outcome after standard left anterior temporal lobectomy. Also examined was the degree to which inherent patient characteristics were associated with language outcome regardless of surgical technique. Methods: Thirty patients with intractable left temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing standard anterior temporal lobectomy were randomized in regard to whether the superior temporal gyrus was resected or spared. Patients were tested preoperatively and 6–8 months postoperatively by using two conventional tests of visual confrontation naming ability. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in either confrontation naming or surgical outcome. Postoperative decline in nominal speech was most closely associated with later age at onset of epilepsy/absence of hippocampal sclerosis. Conclusions: It appears that specific types of localization-related temporal lobe epilepsy are more closely associated with the risk of adverse language outcome after anterior temporal lobectomy than with the surgical variations investigated in this study.
Electronic and optical properties of yttria.

The electronic structure and bonding in the ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ crystal is completely elucidated by first-principles self-consistent band-structure and optical calculations. Results agree well with experiments. The unique type of bonding in ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is emphasized; it does not support the fully ionic picture and is best descibed as ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}^{+2.16}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1.44}$.
Escherichia coli enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) supports efficient operation of a functional reversal of the β-oxidation cycle

We recently used a synthetic/bottom-up approach to establish the identity of the four enzymes composing an engineered functional reversal of the -oxidation cycle for fuel and chemical production in Escherichia coli (J. M. Clomburg, J. E. Vick, M. D. Blankschien, M. Rodriguez-Moya, and R. Gonzalez, ACS Synth Biol 1:541–554, 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/sb3000782).While native enzymes that catalyze the first three steps of the pathway were identified, the identity of the native enzyme(s) acting as the trans-enoyl coenzyme A (CoA) reductase(s) remained unknown, limiting the amount of product that could be synthesized (e.g., 0.34 g/liter butyrate) and requiring the overexpression of a foreign enzyme (the Euglena gracilis trans-enoyl-CoA reductase [EgTER]) to achieve high titers (e.g., 3.4 g/liter butyrate). Here, we examine several native E. coli enzymes hypothesized to catalyze the reduction of enoyl-CoAs to acyl-CoAs. Our results indicate that FabI, the native enoyl-acyl carrier protein (enoyl-ACP) reductase (ENR) from type II fatty acid biosynthesis, possesses sufficient NADH-dependent TER activity to support the efficient operation of a -oxidation reversal. Overexpression of FabI proved as effective as EgTER for the production of butyrate and longer-chain carboxylic acids. Given the essential nature of fabI, we investigated whether bacterial ENRs from other families were able to complement a fabI deletion without promiscuous reduction of crotonyl-CoA. These characteristics from Bacillus subtilis FabL enabled deltaffabI complementation experiments that conclusively established that FabI encodes a native enoyl-CoA reductase activity that supports the β-oxidation reversal in E. coli.
Ich und die Vögel: Subjekt und Raum in vier Gedichten

In diesem Aufsatz wird die raumliche Beziehung zwischen dem dichtenden Subjekt und dem Vogel in vier bekannten Gedichten analysiert: Goethes “Ein gleiches,” Holderlins “Halfte des Lebens,” Eichendorffs “Mondnacht” und Rilkes “Es winkt zu Fuhlung.” Aus der Analyse geht hervor, dass die Beziehung zwischen Ich und Vogel in den Gedichten jeweils dem Verhaltnis zwischen Subjekt und Natur im philosophischen Denken bzw. in der asthetischen Auffassung der Zeit genau entspricht. So lassen sich deutliche Parallelen feststellen: einerseits etwa zur Kunst von Claude Lorrain, Caspar David Friedrich, Philipp Otto Runge und den Expressionisten; sowie andererseits zur Objektivitat der Aufklarung, zum Fichte'schen Gegenuber von Ich und Nicht-Ich, zu Schellings Identitatsphilosophie und zum Raum-Zeit-Kontinuum der nach-Einstein'schen Physik. Die vier Gedichte enthullen sich letzten Endes als adaquate Seismographen der Geistesgeschichte.
Larger Tonic Pupil Size in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been suggested to manifest from atypical functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), leading to altered arousal and atypical processing of salient stimuli. Coherent with this, persons with ASD show heightened autonomic activity, sleep difficulties, and structural and neurochemical alterations within the ANS. Recently, we observed decreased pupil responses to human faces in children with ASD. In the current study, we found differences in baseline (tonic) pupil size, with the ASD group exhibiting a larger pupil size than age-matched controls. Pupil responses are sensitive and reliable measures of ANS functioning, thus, this finding highlights the role of the ANS, and may provide clues about underlying neuropathology.
Calcium changes in ovules and embryo sacs of Plumbago zeylanica L

Calcium was localized in ovules of Plumbago zeylanica from 1 day before anthesis to 3 days after anthesis using potassium antimonate and transmission electron microscopy in pollinated and emasculated flowers. At 1 day before anthesis, embryo sacs (containing an egg cell, a central cell and zero to three accessory cells) appear mature and contain abundant calcium precipitates (ppts), in contrast to nucellar cells. At anthesis, the vacuoles of nucellar cells have enlarged, and micropylar cells, in particular, are heavily labeled with calcium ppts. As pollen tubes elongate through ovular tissues, ppts diminish in ovular cells and become concentrated in the pollen tube cell wall. After fertilization, the calcium ppts sharply diminish in fertilized ovules; in unfertilized ovules, calcium ppts remain abundant up to 3 days after anthesis (when unfertilized ovules are shed). The distribution of calcium in the ovule changes in apparent response to fertilization, suggesting that calcium content may be related to the attraction and receipt of the pollen tube. In contrast with conventionally-organized embryo sacs with synergids, Plumbago accumulates calcium in the egg cell.
A 5.6-GHz CMOS doubly balanced sub-harmonic mixer for direct conversion -zero IF receiver

A new low power 5.6 GHz doubly balanced sub-harmonic mixer for industrial scientific medical (ISM) band direct conversion - zero IF receiver in 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS is presented. The mixer uses a power efficient LO frequency generation scheme to overcome the LO self-mixing problems common in conventional direct conversion receivers (DCR). Simulated with 1% gm mismatch, 0.5% load mismatch and 2/spl deg/ LO phase error, the mixer is able to achieve 55 dBm of IIP2, -6.5 dBm of IIP3 and voltage conversion gain of 8 dB while consuming less than 1.75 mA from a single 3 V supply. The mixer also achieves input compression of -12 dBm and an overall double side band noise figure of 5.96 dB. The proposed mixer takes up less than 1 mm/sup 2/ of silicon real estate.