cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Academic Librarians: Perceptions of the acculturation process

AbstractThis project is not intended to be part of the debate concerning faculty status for academic librarians, but rather is an investigation of librarians in an institution where faculty status is the norm. The purpose was to identify factors in the actual experiences of faculty librarians in a particular environment. A qualitative research design was used to illicit personal experiences and understandings from individuals. Insights from these real people might serve to improve the environments within which librarians function. Through the analysis of extended individual and focus group interviews common factors and perceptions emerged. The experiences and perceptions of a dozen librarians, tenured and not-yet-tenured, provided a framework within which to make recommendations concerning specific ways that library administrators and individual librarians might actively contribute to the acculturation of new faculty librarians. The naturalistic research design provided a positive forum for discussion and...
Synthesis of multicyclic pyrrolidines via copper(I) catalyzed photobicyclization of ethyl N,N-diallyl carbamates

Ultraviolet irradiation of ethyl N,N-diallylcarbamates in the presence of copper(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate (CuOTf) catalyst results in photobicyclization to give bi or tricyclic pyrrolidines incorporating the N-carboethoxy-3-azabicyclo [3.2.0] heptane moiety.
Tetradentate bis-phosphine ligands (P2N2 and P2S2) and their Rh(III), Ni(II) and 105Rh Complexes: X-ray crystal structures of trans-[RhCl2(L2)]PF6, [Ni(L2)](PF6)2 and μ-O2SO2-[Ni(L5)]2(PF6)2

Abstract Introduction Tetradentate acyclic and macrocyclic diphosphine ligands (P 2 N 2 and P 2 S 2 ) have been synthesized and characterized as potential chelates for Rh(III). Methods The coordination complexes [RhCl 2 ( L1 )]Cl, trans -[RhCl 2 ( L2 )]PF 6 , [Ni( L2 )](PF 6 ) 2 , [Ni( L3 )](PF 6 ) 2 , [RhCl 2 ( L4 )]PF 6 and [RhCl 2 ( L5 )]PF 6 have been synthesized and characterized. In addition, radiochemistry studies of the 105 Rh complexes with the ligands N , N ′-bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]-1,3-diaminopropane ( L1 ), 4,8-diphenyl-1,11-diaza-4,8-diphosphaundecane ( L2 ), 5,9-diphenyl-5,9-diphospha-2,12-dithiatridecane ( L3 ) and 1,4,8,11-tetraphenyl-4,8-diphospha-1,11-dithiaundecane ( L4 ) are reported, including normal mouse biodistributions of 105 Rh– L2 . Results trans -[RhCl 2 ( L2 )]PF 6 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 /c with a =9.9353(5) A, b =9.0929(5) A, c =28.689(1) A, β= 93.1400(10) deg, Z =4, R =0.037 and R w =0.053. [Ni( L2 )](PF 6 ) 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 /c with a= 11.9665(6) A, b =14.8903(7) A, c =31.148(1) A, β= 91.587(1) deg, Z =8, R =0.056 and R w =0.083. μ-O 2 SO 2 -[Ni( L5 )] 2 (PF 6 ) 2 , an unusual sulfate-bridged Ni(II) dimer, crystallized in the triclinic space group P 1 bar with a =15.179(2) A, b =15.514(2) A, c =16.128(2) A, α =105.280(7) deg, β= 113.074(6) deg, γ =101.657(8) deg, Z =2, R =0.050 and R w =0.072. Conclusions Phosphine-containing ligands allowed for lower temperatures and lower ethanol concentrations in the formulations for 105 Rh(L) complexation, but at the expense of higher ligand concentrations.
The fracture mechanics of slit-like cracks in anisotropic elastic media

Abstract U sing the method of continuously distributed dislocations, the problem of a slit-like crack in an arbitrarily-anisotropic linear elastic medium stressed uniformly at infinity is formulated and solved. The crack faces may be either freely-slipping or loaded by arbitrary equal and opposite tractions. If there is no net dislocation content in the crack, then the tractions and stress concentrations on the plane of the crack are independent of the elastic constants and the anisotropy; the same is true of the elastic stress intensity factors. The crack extension force depends on anisotropy only through the inverse matrix elements Kmg−1, where [K] is the pre-logarithmic energy factor matrix for a single dislocation parallel to the crack front. Numerical results for crack extension forces are presented for three media of cubic symmetry.
Effects of long-chain mono- and dicarboxylic acids on the pteridine requirement of Crithidia.

Abstract A mixture of the fatty acids isolated from Crithidia, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid show marked sparing of the unconjugated pteridine requirement of Crithidia fasciculata, while α-linolenic acid is less active in this respect. Palmitoleic acid is inhibitory, and the inhibition can be reversed by either l -neopterin or oleic acid. Dicarboxylates of 16 or 20 carbons also show marked pteridine sparing. It is suggested that the formation of unsaturated fatty acids from saturated fatty acids and the omega oxidation of long-chain saturated fatty acids proceed by initial hydroxylation reactions (requiring a pteridine co-factor) followed by dehydration in the first case and dehydrogenation in the second. The data also suggest a vital role for the dicarboxylates.
A synthesis of C(16),C(18)-bis-epi-cytochalasin D via Reformatsky cyclization.

Triene 5 has been prepared by the E-selective olefination of aldehyde 12 with the ylide 11. Several alternative syntheses of 12 were evaluated, and the successful route involved conversion of 22 into the vinyl ether 23 by Petasis olefination, followed by Claisen rearrangement. Diels−Alder cycloaddition of 5 with 4 gave the adduct 6 in 77% yield, and Reformatsky cyclization under dilution conditions afforded 10 (67%). After conversion to enol silane 32, oxidation with dimethyldioxirane produced 34. Conversion to a key intermediate 38 using electrophilic selenenylation and selenoxide rearrangement, followed by enolate alkylation and deprotection, gave 43. The X-ray crystal structure of 43 was determined to prove the stereochemistry.
Poster: Visualizing Large Scale Scientific Data Provenance

Visualization increases the understanding of scientific data by facilitating exploration and explanation of the data. Provenance contributes to data understanding by exposing contributing factors that went in to producing a particular research result. However, provenance of scientific data can grow voluminous quickly because of the large amount of (intermediate) data and ever-increasing complexity. While previous research on visualizing provenance data focuses on small to medium sized provenance data, we develop visualization techniques for exploration and explanation of large scale provenance, including layout algorithm, visual style, graph abstraction techniques, graph matching algorithm, and temporal representation technique to deal with the high complexity.
Biological energy-coupling in terms of irreversible thermodynamics

Abstract Irreversible thermodynamics provides an apt description of bioenergetic processes, of which oxidative phosphorylation is taken as an example.
Memory depending on an intimate relationship

Accumulating evidence suggests a critical role for interleukin-15 (IL-15) in the development and maintenance of CD8 memory T cells. Nevertheless, there are some unsolved issues as to how IL-15 acts on target cells. Based on in vitro studies, it was postulated that nonlymphoid cells secrete IL-15,
Colorectal cancer and the elderly.

Colorectal cancer and precancerous adenomas disproportionately affect the elderly, necessitating the need for screening and surveillance in this group. However, screening and surveillance decisions in the elderly can be challenging. Special considerations such as comorbid medical conditions, functional status, and cognitive ability play a role in one�s decisions regarding the utility of screening and surveillance as well as the success and safety of various screening modalities. This article explores the evidence for screening and surveillance in the elderly, and addresses key challenges unique to this population.
The effect of overlearning on rate of extinction of the eyelid CR

Human Ss were given either 50 or 150 eyelid conditioning trials in the context of a probability learning task. No difference was found in the subsequent extinction rate of the two groups. This finding contrasts sharply with the effects of similar overlearning on the rate of extinction of the instrumental runway responses. The results are interpreted as further evidence that the bases of inhibition are different in aversive and appetitionally motivated learning.
Genetic drift and the loss of alleles versus heterozygosity

Most studies of the loss of genetic variation caused by bottlenecks in population size have used heterozygosity as a measure of genetic variation. In this paper, I compare the effects of bottlenecks on the loss of alleles, as well as the reduction in heterozygosity. Population bottlenecks of short duration will have little effect on heterozygosity but are expected to reduce severely the number of alleles present. Heterozygosity provides a good measure of the capability of a population to respond to selection immediately following a bottleneck. However, the number of alleles remaining is important for the long-term response to selection and survival of populations and species.
Workshops, in-service teacher education, and the Eight-Year Study

Abstract This essay explores the origins and practice of the “workshop” as a form of in-service teacher education developed during the Eight-Year Study (1933–1941) 1 sponsored by the Progressive Education Association. The Eight-Year Study workshops offer important lessons for current educational reform as the authors call for greater attention to the history of teacher education.
Diotic listening in young children.

120 children, preschool through third grade, were given a diotic competing message task. The competing auditory messages were prerecorded and presented free field via loudspeaker. The messages consisted of a Signal message and a Distraction message varied systematically in relative intensity and content. The results indicated that errors on the competing message task: varied inversely with age, increased with changes toward more unfavorable Signal to Distraction levels for the younger children, and were directly influenced by the content of the distraction message for all ages.
Lophotoxin: selective blockade of nicotinic transmission in autonomic ganglia by a coral neurotoxin.

Abstract Lophotoxin is a diterpene lactone isolated from gorgonian corals. The toxin has previously been shown to bind with high affinity to an acetylcholine recognition site located on skeletal muscle nicotinic receptors, producing an essentially irreversible blockade of neuromuscular transmission. Lophotoxin has also been shown to block nicotinic transmission in autonomie ganglia of the frog and in ileal strips of guinea pig and rabbit. The effects of lophotoxin have now been examined on neuronal nicotinic receptors in autonomie ganglia of the chick and rat. Low concentrations of lophotoxin (1 μM) produce a blockade of neuronal nicotinic transmission which is partially reversed by 3–5 h of washing out the toxin. The blockade produced by higher concentrations of lophotoxin (up to 32μM) is not reversed during a similar washout period. Prior exposure tod-tubocurarine, a competitive nicotinic antagonist, can partially protect ganglia against exposure to lophotoxin. In contrast the local anesthetic QX-314, a noncompetitive nicotinic antagonist, does not protect ganglia against lophotoxin exposure. Lophotoxin binds to a site in ganglia identified by [ 125 I]κ-bungarotoxin which appears to be on the neuronal nicotinic receptor. Intracellular recordings reveal that lophotoxin has no effect on either muscarinic responses or on responses to γ-aminobutyrate in autonomic ganglia. Passive and active membrane properties of the neurons are unaffected by lophotoxin except for the blockade of nicotinic responses. It is concluded that lophotoxin is a selective, high-affinity antagonist at the neuronal nicotinic receptor. The long-term nature of the blockade with lophotoxin suggests that the toxin will be of considerable value as a probe for characterizing the ganglionic nicotinic receptor.
Quantum optics: A shift on a chip

The Lamb shift, a minute change in certain energy levels of quantum systems that was first measured in atomic hydrogen some 60 years ago, has now been observed in a solid-state superconducting system.
Prolonged fever associated with inhalation of multiple pyrolysis products

A case of smoke inhalation with a self-limited but prolonged febrile course, including headaches and chills, is reported. A final diagnosis of polymer fume fever was made, although the duration of fever was longer than generally has been reported with this syndrome. Pyrolysis products involved included those of polyurethane, methylene chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene ("Teflon"). The results of toxicological testing are reported and discussed.
SU‐GG‐J‐73: Dose Distribution Improvements for Prostate Cancer Patients Using Hybrid Image Guidance Systems

Purpose: Daily setup variations may compromise the precision of dose delivery, tumorcontrol and normal tissue avoidance. This study analyzed the setup variations predicted by kilo‐voltage Cone Beam CT(CBCT) combined with 3D Ultrasoundimage guidance. The overall integrity of prostate dose distribution was considered to define an offset threshold above which image guidance becomes crucial for dose delivery. Method and Materials: Initial immobilization was performed using three‐point in‐room lasers. The residual positional errors were assessed using CBCT from Varian Trilogy™ and Ultrasound guidance by Sonarray™ system. Superposition of offset vectors on the initial prostate plans enabled detailed evaluation of resultant changes in dosimetric and biological aspects for target and organs at risk. On‐line CBCTimages were used for calculation. Dose volume histograms (DVH), Gamma Index (GI), equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and tumorcontrol probability (TCP) were calculated. Other indices such as mean total dose (mTd) and maximal total dose (MTD) for normal structures were also considered in defining the threshold. Results and Conclusion: After initial laser alignment, the mean vector of residual displacements over all prostate patients is 6.2mm with a 5.0mm standard deviation. The decrease in EUD for defined tumor volumes was up to 66% when the largest offset was applied and 10% in the composite plan which incorporated overall offset histories. Results show that if patient's offsets were smaller than the applied PTV margin (5mm), unappreciable changes in dose coverage and tumorcontrol were revealed. However, if offsets were larger than the PTV margin, tumorcontrol and normal tissue sparing can be significantly compromised if proper couch shifts are not made under the imaging guidance system. In this situation, special attention is needed especially on organs at risk and even the adaptive radiotherapy might be necessary.
Painful arm after fall

Un jeune garcon presente une douleur de l'avant-bras apres 1 chute. L'article souligne l'importance des cliches radiographiques comparatifs des deux membres pour visualiser le foyer de fracture
Neurologic Sequelae Associated With Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Abstract Background . Earlier studies of the incidence of neurologic disturbances after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest produced conflicting results. This article reviews the results of the Boston Circulatory Arrest Study, and another study undertaken to compare neurologic outcome in infants after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest using alpha-stat and pH-stat strategies. Methods . The study population in the Boston Circulatory Arrest Study consisted of 171 infants less than 3 months of age. Neurologic outcomes were evaluated perioperatively, at 1 year, and at 4 years. The study population in the alpha-stat versus pH-stat study consisted of 182 infants no older than 9 months of age. Patients were evaluated for postoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) and clinical seizures, recovery time to first EEG activity, and postoperative mortality and morbidity. Results . After about 30 minutes of circulatory arrest there was increasing probability of perioperative clinical seizures, EEG seizures, and increased time to recovery of EEG activity. One-year evaluations showed a significant relation of duration of circulatory arrest to lowered psychomotor developmental index and increased neurologic abnormalities. Four-year evaluations showed no difference between low-flow and circulatory-arrest patients in results of neurologic examination or in full-scale general IQ, although there was an effect of circulatory arrest duration on various subscores of cognitive function. Compared with the pH-stat strategy, the alpha-stat strategy tended to be associated with more EEG seizures and higher postoperative morbidity and mortality, and was significantly associated with longer recovery time to first EEG activity. Conclusions . These studies strongly suggest that in infants undergoing open heart operations for complex congenital heart defects, low-flow bypass is associated with better neurologic outcome than is circulatory arrest and that the pH-stat strategy is associated with a better outcome than the alpha-stat strategy when circulatory arrest is used.
Coordinated Inventory Planning For New And Old Products Under Warranty

In this article we study a firm that is facing demand from two sources: demand for new items and demand to replace failed items under warranty. We model this setting as a multiperiod single-product inventory problem where the demands for new items in different periods are independent and the demands for replacing failed items depend on the number of the items under warranty. We consider backlogging and emergency supply cases and study both discounted-cost and average-cost criteria. We prove the optimality of the w-dependent base stock ordering policy, where the base stock level is a function of w, the number of items currently under warranty. For the special case where the demand for new products is stationary, we prove the optimality of a stationary w-dependent base stock policy for the finite-horizon discounted-cost and the infinite-horizon discounted- and average-cost cases. We compare the integrated inventory policy with the one that neglects demands from items under warranty.
Compton suppression gamma-counting: The effect of count rate

Abstract Past research has shown that anti-coincidence shielded Ge(Li) spectrometers enhanced the signal-to-background ratios for gamma-photopeaks, which are situated on high Compton backgrounds. Ordinarily, an anti- or non-coincidence spectrum (A) and a coincidence spectrum (C) are collected simultaneously with these systems. To be useful in neutron activation analysis (NAA), the fractions of the photopeak counts routed to the two spectra must be constant from sample to sample to variations must be corrected quantitatively. Most Compton suppression counting has been done at low count rate, but in NAA applications, count rates may be much higher. To operate over the wider dynamic range, the effect of count rate on the ratio of the photopeak counts in the two spectra (A/C) was studied. It was found that as the count rate increases, A/C decreases for gammas not coincident with other gammas from the same decay. For gammas coincident with other gammas, A/C increases to a maximum and then decreases. These results suggest that calibration curves are required to correct photopeak areas so quantitative data can be obtained at higher count rates.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treatment Guidelines: New Answers and Even More Questions

FINANCIAL/NONFINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: The author has reported to CHEST the following conflicts of interest: Dr Hemnes has served as a consultant to Bayer, Pfizer Inc, and United Therapeutics Corp. She has received research funding from United Therapeutics Corp and the National Institutes of Health. Reproduction of this article is prohibited without written permission from the American College of Chest Physicians. See online for more details.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 198

Abstract Nuclear structure information available to April 1977 has been reviewed. The level properties obtained from various reaction and decay experiments are shown in the drawings. Experimental methods, references, and comments are given in the text. Proton-neutron configurations are associated with a number of levels in odd—odd nuclei.
Do Deposit Rates Cause Mortgage Loan Rates?: The Evidence from Causality Tests

This paper applies two familiar causality detection techniques to the issue of whether it is costs that determine prices or vice versa in the mortgage loan market. The question is posed in terms of causal priority: Are savings and loan deposit rates causally prior to mortgage loan rates or is it the other way around? For the time period prior to the onset of deposit interest rate deregulation, the evidence that emerges is consistent with the view that lenders raised their loan rates in response to higher deposit rates of interest. However, for the more recent period of deregulation, the evidence is not consistent with this view.
Model of leptons from SO(3) → A4

The lepton sector masses and mixing angles can be explained in models based on A 4 symmetry. A 4 is a non-Abelian discrete group. Therefore, one issue in constructing models based on it is explaining the origin of A 4. A plausible mechanism is that A 4 is an unbroken subgroup of a continuous group that is broken spontaneously. We construct a model of leptons where the A 4 symmetry is obtained by spontaneous symmetry breaking of SO(3).
Using Family Sculptures in the Family Science Classroom

Abstract Since it was first used in the classroom (Wedemeyer & Grotevant, 1982), the family sculpture assignment has assisted students in learning systems theory concepts, such as structure, process, emotions, paradigms, and boundaries. Using images, shapes, and drawings, students create a collage to represent their family and then describe the sculpture and reasoning behind the images, spacing, color, and motivation for their inclusion. This creative assignment has been modified based upon classroom use at Brigham Young University to more effectively teach students system theory concepts. The original assignment has been divided into two separate sculptures to help students separate the beliefs and emotions of the family. Examples of this assignment are presented along with suggestions for evaluating and grading the assignment. Also, the ethical implications for the use of the family sculpture assignment are explored and recommendations are offered.
Sers-Active Ag Films from Photoreduction of Ag+ on TiO2:

Because of the tremendous information content, single-molecule detection with a vibrational spectroscopic technique is a goal well worth pursuing. The vibrational technique most suitable for single-molecule detection is surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). For example, Kneipp et al. recently demonstrated detection of 100 molecules of rhodamine 6G using surface-enhanced resonance Raman. Van Duyne and co-workers have recently detected just 10 molecules of pyridine using SERS and Raman microscopy. The key to sensitive detection using SERS lies in optimization of the enhancing surface. For excitation with easily accessible wavelengths, as well as ease of preparation and nearly ideal surface characteristics, Ag is often the metal of choice. SERS-active Ag has been prepared in a variety of ways, such as Ag colloids, vapor-deposited thin films, electrochemically roughened electrodes, nitric-acid-etched foils, thin films from the Tollens reaction, lithographically produced islands on Si posts, and, recently, vapor-deposition of Ag over a monolayer (or double layer) of nanospheres, followed by removal of the nanospheres. Each of the methods mentioned for the generation of SERS-active surfaces has advantages and limitations; i.e., there is still room for improvement and optimization of SERS-active surfaces.
A hypothetical synaptic-neural-behavioral model of operant learning.

1. General biological theories of learning are mentioned. The importance of developing more specific formulations is argued. 2. A neural-behavioral model of operant learning is presented. The model shows hypothesized, functional connections among various neurons and the muscles which control behavior. The operation and role of various neurons are described in detail. This model demonstrates the necessary condition that the physiological changes which result from an organism's reinforcement and feedback reaction to its response are able to account for the increased probability of correct response observed behaviorally when an organism is retested following training. Proposed changes occur only at those neurons which are instrumental in establishing response. Therefore fortuitous changes are avoided. 3. A synaptic-neural model is proposed as part of the neural-behavioral model in order to explain how changes in learning may be physically realized. This model involves the interaction of transmitter molecules but only to a significant extent when two adjacent synapses of the neural-behavioral model are concurrently highly active. The suggested result of the transmitter interaction is a blockage of postsynaptic receptor sites. A kinetic description is proposed for these reactions and solved numerically by computer techniques. With suitably selected values for the rate constants, this model is shown to yield a formulation consistent with the requirements of the neural-behavioral model. 4. The features and assumptions of the model presented and of several other biological models are discussed. More experimental investigations into the interaction of presynaptic terminals on the same neuron during paired excitation are encouraged. Some predictions about behavior are derived from the model. Comparison with behavioral data is made. The goals of hypothetical modeling are stated.
The Stevensons: A Biography of an American Family

In this major work of American biography and history, Jean Baker tells the compelling story of four generations of Stevensons, from the earliest Scotch Irish settlers to the present, framed by the life and career of the icon of liberal politics, Adlai E. Stevenson II. In an early appeal for party support, Adlai Stevenson once confessed to "a bad case of hereditary politics." He revealed more than he knew. From the family dinners in the Stevenson home in Bloomington, Illinois, when Grandfather - an inveterate pol - held forth on his life in Democratic politics and young Adlai flipped butterballs at the ceiling, to Adlai's unstable upbringing by an overbearing mother and an absent father, the Stevenson family shaped its favorite son. The political stance for which Stevenson is remembered, a searching, high-minded independence, communicated with striking eloquence, drew on the history his family transmitted to him and the emotions it forged. In Jean Baker's hands, the Stevenson story is an American saga. It is the story of Scotch Irish immigrants scratching out a farm existence first in Pennsylvania, then Virginia, Kentucky, and finally Illinois, where they rose to social and political prominence. In the ways they bore, raised, and educated their children, worshiped in their churches, married in their communities, built their houses, followed the paths of women and men, and moved from country to town to city over four generations, we see the ways of Americans over the life of this country.
Effect of Mono and Mixed Culture of Tall Fescue and Birdsfoot Trefoil on Yield and Quality

(...) The objective of this research was to examine herbage yield and quality of mixed cultures of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) genotypes and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) cultivars with contrasting growth habits. High (HLAER) and low (LLAER) leaf-area-expansion-rate tall fescue populations and prostrate (Dawn') and upright (Viking') birdsfoot trefoil cultivars were used. Eight treatments comprising monocultures of the four entries (HLAER, LLAER, Dawn, Viking) and 1:1 mixed cultures of each possible interspecific combination of the entries were transplanted into field plots in june 1983 and harvested at a 3- or 6-wk frequency in 1984 and 1985 (...)
Mild hyperhomocyst(e)inemia: a possible risk factor for cervical artery dissection.

Background and Purpose—The pathogenesis of cervical artery dissection (CAD) remains unknown in most cases. Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia [hyperH(e)], an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease...
Using body mass index Z-score among severely obese adolescents: a cautionary note.

Over 17% of US children aged 12–19 years are obese, leading to new issues in differentiating weight status among severely obese adolescents. Using the CDC 2000 growth curves and published equations, this study highlights the pitfalls of using body mass index (BMI) Z-score as an outcome measure in clinical research involving severely obese adolescents. Above BMIs of 40, which are typical for adolescent treatment programs, a wide range of BMI translates to a very narrow range of BMI Z-scores, and BMI Z-scores exhibit an upper limit similar to BMI percentiles. At this level, the correspondence between BMI and BMI Z-score differs by age, sex and starting BMI. Thus, a stable high BMI during adolescence results in increasing BMI Z-scores for boys and decreasing BMI Z-scores in girls. A new supplemental BMI reference may be needed specifically for severely obese adolescents to improve measurement and evaluation of treatment success in this group.
An adaptive hardware machine architecture and compiler for dynamic processor reconfiguration

Substantial gains can be achieved by allowing the configuration and fundamental operations of a processor to adapt to a user's program. A method is presented for improving the performance of many computationally intensive tasks by extracting information at compile-time to synthesize new operations that augment the functionality of a core processor. The newly synthesized operations are targeted to RAM-based reconfigurable logic located within the processor. A proof-of-concept system called PLADO, consisting of a C configuration compiler and a hardware platform, is presented. Computation and performance results confirm the concept viability, and demonstrate significant speed-up. >
2-O-Methylation of Fucosyl Residues of a Rhizobial Lipopolysaccharide Is Increased in Response to Host Exudate and Is Eliminated in a Symbiotically Defective Mutant

When Rhizobium etli CE3 was grown in the presence of Phaseolus vulgaris seed extracts containing anthocyanins, its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sugar composition was changed in two ways: greatly decreased content of what is normally the terminal residue of the LPS, di-O-methylfucose, and a doubling of the 2-O-methylation of other fucose residues in the LPS O antigen. R. etli strain CE395 was isolated after Tn5 mutagenesis of strain CE3 by screening for mutant colonies that did not change antigenically in the presence of seed extract. The LPS of this strain completely lacked 2-O-methylfucose, regardless of whether anthocyanins were present during growth. The mutant gave only pseudonodules in association with P. vulgaris. Interpretation of this phenotype was complicated by a second LPS defect exhibited by the mutant: its LPS population had only about 50% of the normal amount of O-antigen-containing LPS (LPS I). The latter defect could be suppressed genetically such that the resulting strain (CE395 alpha 395) synthesized the normal amount of an LPS I that still lacked 2-O-methylfucose residues. Strain CE395 alpha 395 did not elicit pseudonodules but resulted in significantly slower nodule development, fewer nodules, and less nitrogenase activity than lps(+) strains. The relative symbiotic deficiency was more severe when seeds were planted and inoculated with bacteria before they germinated. These results support previous conclusions that the relative amount of LPS I on the bacterial surface is crucial in symbiosis, but LPS structural features, such as 2-O-methylation of fucose, also may facilitate symbiotic interactions.
Strategies to Protect the Brain During Cardiac Surgery

Despite significant advances in cardiopulmonary by pass (CPB) technology, surgical techniques, and anes thetic management, central nervous system (CNS) com plications remain a common and costly problem after CPB. Stroke is often considered a rare and unprevent able complication of cardiac surgery. Recent studies have shown that through the use of echocardiography and historical risk stratification strategies, we can de fine which patients are at substantially greater risk for CNS injury. Through enhanced understanding of the etiology of stroke and perioperative factors, which are associated with potential for neuroprotection or injury extension, there now exists a greater potential than ever to substantially reduce neurological injury associ ated with cardiac surgery. Strategies and theories of stratifying patients at risk and secondarily reducing that risk are described, as well as consideration for early postoperative assessment to allow treatment when events occur.
Symmetry-Adapted Bases of Matrix Spaces Applied to Quantum Chemistry

Generalized normalized irreducible tensorial matrices (GNITM) are obtained by symmetry-adapting the matrix basis of a matrix space that is invariant to reducible representations of a unitary group. Like previously defined normalized irreducible tensorial matrices (NITM), the GNITM are orthonormal under the trace and transform irreducibly under G. The GNITM are useful for constructing matrices having specific behavior under G. In particular, an Hamiltonian matrix is invariant under the symmetry group of the corresponding physical system and is expressed as a linear combination of invariant GNITM. The orbital model of ammonia is treated as an example.
Cross-flow lamellar settlers for microbial cells

The potential for using lamellar sedimentation with microbial cells, and the problems of resuspending cells in the inlet or exit steams have been discussed previously. We have experimented with a cross-flow design that practically eliminates inlet and outlet interferences. The test system was a suspension of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae because success with such individual cells would bode well for systems with agglomerated or flocculated cells that have much more rapid settling rates. Laboratory studies with a settler having only one plate showed that yeast cells could be collected in two hours with over 90% efficiency. Inclination exceeding 30% caused the yeast cells to slide down the plate. With mixtures of bacteria and yeast, the settler showed excellent collection of yeast while essentially all the bacteria escaped. This would be advantageous for a recycle process where contaminating bacteria are undesirable. The cross-flow settler consists of a stack of parallel plates inclined so that collected particles slide down into a hopper. The feed is distributed to the entire cross section of one end, and the suspension flows independently through each element. Baffles in the collection hopper prevent flow from short circuiting the plates. This design has almost no interference of themore » flow to or from one element with the cells from another element.« less
Scaling Law of Earthquake Source Time-Function

Summary Further evidences support the scaling law of far-field seismic spectrum based upon the ω-square model (Aki) for earthquakes with MS > 6 and for periods T > 10s. Recent observations, however, unequivocally require the modification of the above law for periods T < 10s. Unfortunately, the presently available data are not sufficient for a unique revision of the scaling law. We propose two alternatives and discuss their implications and consequences. In either case, we have to conclude that a large earthquake and a small one are substantially different. One interesting feature of the ω-square model appears to be unaffected by the required revision; that is, the spectral density of the fault-slip time-function for periods T < 5s takes the same absolute value, independent of magnitude, for earthquakes greater than Ms= 65. This result has important consequences in earthquake engineering because the seismic motion in the vicinity of an earthquake fault will scale as the fault-slip motion.
The Holotype Skull of Llistrofus pricei Carroll and Gaskill, 1978 (Microsauria: Hapsidopareiontidae)

Abstract The Hapsidopareiontidae are microsaurian amphibians known only from the Lower Permian of the U.S. The hapsidopareiontid skull has a large temporal embayment that occupies most of the area of the cheek, in which the quadratojugal is either absent (Hapsidopareion) or present and greatly reduced (Llistrofus). The unique holotype skull of Llistrofus pricei is well preserved in soft clay. It was originally prepared and described in dorsal view only, but has now been prepared completely free of the matrix. This permitted the first description of the palate, occiput and mandible along with a redescription of the rest of the skull, resulting in substantial emendation of previously published descriptions. Comparison with the eight known complete and partial skulls of Hapsidopareion lepton demonstrates that the two genera are much more similar than had been recognized earlier. Their continued separation is advocated, however, based on size difference, a small number of osteological differences, and the dif...
Effect of Dietary Gluten Upon Neomycin-Induced Malabsorption

Summary The role of dietary gluten in the pathogenesis of neomycin-induced malabsorption was investigated in 10 healthy volunteers receiving daily oral administration of 2 or 12 g of neomycin during weekly study periods. Neomycin, at both dosages, with the gluten-free diet or the gluten diet, induced significant and reversible depressions of plasma free fatty acids, serum cholesterol and carotene, and urinary d -xylose excretion. Diarrhea, weight loss, and steatorrhea developed only with the 12-g dose. During control, experimental, and recovery periods of 1 week each, with dietary gluten restriction or supplementation, no alterations were observed in the histology of the normal jejunal mucosa or in the bacteriology of the jejunum, which remained sterile. The data indicate that the presence or absence of gluten in the diet failed to influence the development or extent of the malabsorption produced by administration of neomycin for 1 week.
Mathematical Modeling of Air-to-Ground Target Acquisition

Six principal models of air-to-ground target acquisition modeling and prediction are described in a common format and are compared in terms of structure, types of submodels, unique features, and ev...
The response of cultured gonadotrophs to inhibin: the role of calcium mobilization

The role of calcium mobilization and calmodulin activation in the induction of the selective suppression of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the gonadal protein inhibin was assessed employing a rat gonadotroph monolayer culture system. Inhibin, in porcine follicular fluid (60 ul/ml), did inhibit FSH release in the face of GnRH stimulation. Antagonism of calcium mobilization with verapamil (10-4M) and dantrolene (10-4M) failed to restore the FSH response when administered with GnRH and inhibin. Trifluoperazine (10-4M), a calmodulin antagonist acted similarly. Cellular calmodulin content increased in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), as did the concentration of cGMP, while both responses were prevented by the administration of inhibin. Trifluoperazine suppressed cGMP concentration to levels below baseline. These data suggest that while calmodulin and the cyclic nucleotides do not mediate the cellular response to inhibin, they may play a role in the control of gonadotropin synth...
Drop-out rates of patients with hepatocellular cancer listed for liver transplantation: Outcome with chemoembolization

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are assigned model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores to provide access to liver transplantation (LT). An equitable policy would equate HCC progression beyond acceptable transplantation criteria with death on the waiting list. However, limited information is available regarding this issue. Thus, our aim was to analyze drop-out rates on the waiting list for patients with HCC. Between January 1994 and August 2001, 54 patients with HCC were listed for LT. Patients underwent chemoembolization prior to LT, and were assessed every three months for disease progression until LT. Two patients were stage T1, 45 patients were stage T2, and 7 patients were stage T3 at time of first chemoembolization. Median time was 211 days (range 28–1099 days) for patients that were eventually transplanted. Eight patients were removed from the list. Cumulative probability of drop out on the waiting list, assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, was 15% and 25% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no significant differences in age, gender, initial tumor stage, or serum AFP levels in those who eventually underwent LT vs. those who dropped out. In conclusion, neoadjuvant chemoembolization for patients with HCC has a drop-out rate of 15% over 6 months. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:449–455.)
Switching of mesodermal and endodermal properties in hTERT-modified and expanded fetal human pancreatic progenitor cells

The ability to expand organ-specific stem/progenitor cells is critical for translational applications, although uncertainties often arise in identifying the lineage of expanded cells. Therefore, superior insights into lineage maintenance mechanisms will be helpful for cell/gene therapy. We studied epithelial cells isolated from fetal human pancreas to assess their proliferation potential, changes in lineage markers during culture, and capacity for generating insulin-expressing beta cells. Cells were isolated by immunomagnetic sorting for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and characterized for islet-associated transcription factors, hormones, and ductal markers. Further studies were performed after modification of cells with the catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Fetal pancreatic progenitor cells efficiently formed primary cultures, although their replication capacity was limited. This was overcome by introduction and expression of hTERT with a retroviral vector, which greatly enhanced cellular replication in vitro. However, we found that during culture hTERT-modified pancreatic progenitor cells switched their phenotype with gain of additional mesodermal properties. This phenotypic switching was inhibited when a pancreas-duodenal homeobox (Pdx)-1 transgene was expressed in hTERT-modified cells with a lentiviral vector, along with inductive signaling through activin A and serum deprivation. This restored endocrine properties of hTERT-modified cells in vitro. Moreover, transplantation studies in immunodeficient mice verified the capacity of these cells for expressing insulin in vivo. Limited replication capacity of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells was overcome by the hTERT mechanism, which should facilitate further studies of such cells, although mechanisms regulating switches between meso-endodermal fates of expanded cells will need to be controlled for developing specific applications. The availability of hTERT-expanded fetal pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells will be helpful for studying and recapitulating stage-specific beta lineage advancement in pluripotent stem cells.
Why offense is reduced when rats are tested in a strange cage

Abstract Tests of isolation-induced fighting and competitive fighting of rats in various conditions were used to evaluate the hypothesis that there is more offense in a familiar than in a strange cage because of the operation of an “olfactory comparator.” The hypothesis was rejected. Although there was more offense in a familiar than in a strange cage, there was not, as predicted, more offense when Petri dishes containing familiar scent-markings were put in the strange test cage, and there was not, as predicted, a difference in the effect between isolation-induced fighting and competitive fighting. The data were consistent with either one or both of two alternative hypotheses: 1) that the strange cage produces fear (neophobia) that reduces offense; or 2) that the strange cage activates exploratory and scent-marking behaviors that compete with offense. The first of these two alternative hypotheses was also consistent with a finding that handling the test animal prior to a test reduces subsequent offense.
NAD-Dependent DNA-Binding Activity of the Bifunctional NadR Regulator of Salmonella typhimurium

NadR is a 45-kDa bifunctional regulator protein. In vivo genetic studies indicate that NadR represses three genes involved in the biosynthesis of NAD. It also participates with an integral membrane protein (PnuC) in the import of nicotinamide mononucleotide, an NAD precursor. NadR was overexpressed and purified as a His-tagged fusion in order to study its DNA-binding properties. The protein bound to DNA fragments containing NAD box consensus sequences. NAD proved to be the relevant in vivo corepressor, but full NAD dependence of repressor activity required nucleotide triphosphates. DNA footprint analysis and gel shift assays suggest that NadR binds as a multimer to adjacent NAD boxes. The DNA-repressor complex would sequester a potential RNA polymerase binding site and thereby decrease expression of the nad regulon.
The Role of Cellular and Extracellular Matrix Adhesion Proteins in Organ Transplantation

The specific adhesion of cells to other cells or to particular tissue microenvironments is a basic function of cell migration and recognition, and underlines many biologic processes including embryogenesis, repair and immunity. Leukocytes express an array of surface receptors broadly known as "accessory adhesion molecules." which mediate most cell-cell interactions, direct lymphocyte traffic between anatomical compartments, and facilitate cellular adhesion to the inflammation or alloantigenic sites (Springer 1990). In addition, adhesion molecules are involved in the process of antigen recognition, and may costimulate cell activation and transformation. These proteins are thought to affect the very early antigen independent events between host leukocytes and vascular endothelium. Because of these activities, the subject of adhesion molecules is gaining interest in the field of organ transplantation, in both conceptualization and development of novel therapeutic strategies (de Sousa et al. 1991, Kupiec-Weglinski et al. 1993a, Heemann et al. 1993).
A Eulogy to My Father's Generation

My father, Omar Rabbat, passed away in November 2013, before the revolution that became a civil war in Syria had completed its third year. He died outside his beloved country and was buried in a small village in Lebanon, less than 20 miles from the Syrian border. Toward the end of his life, his anguish had become more poignant, and he expressed it in ever more desperate ways. The stroke that finally killed him paralyzed half his body and slurred his speech. “What is hurting you most?” a visiting cardiologist asked him at one point. “The crisis in Syria,” he replied, in a faint voice.
Redescribing the Resurrection: Beyond the Methodological Impasse?:

The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of the Christian faith. It is what makes Christianity a distinctive, perhaps even unique religion—the claim that “God raised Jesus from the dead.” Tha...