cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evidence-based review of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction:: part I, presentations with “objective” biliary findings (types I and II)

The term sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is reserved for a seemingly heterogeneous group of clinical pain syndromes attributed to benign static or dynamic abnormalities in the human sphincter of Oddi. A variety of terms have been applied to the syndrome(s) ascribed to SOD, including papillitis, papillary stenosis, papillary spasm, tachyoddia, biliary dyskinesia, and post-cholecystectomy syndrome. 1-8 Patient presentations attributed to SOD invariably include some form of truncal pain, with or without dilation of the biliary or pancreatic duct or elevations in serum enzyme levels. Some presentations are replete with objective signs or laboratory evidence of biliary or pancreatic disease, whereas, others have no substantiating clinical evidence beyond the primary complaint of pain. There are numerous review articles, 1-8 editorials, 9,10 status evaluations, 11,12 and consensus statements 13,14 summarizing relatively limited clinical data. Given the paucity of controlled data for most forms of SOD and the incomplete response to therapy even in the best of trials, it is understandable that this diagnosis has generated significant controversy and debate over the past 25 years. 9 The pain commonly accepted as consistent with ‘‘biliary type’’ SOD is episodic, lasts more than 45 minutes but not more than several hours, and is located in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant, analogous to that associated with biliary stone disease. 2 That of ‘‘pancreatic type’’ SOD typically is described as post-prandial, episodic, and prolonged but not continuous pain in the mid to upper abdomen or back. Alternative etiologies for biliary or pancreatic diseases, particularly retained or recurrent
The electronic structure and band gap of LiFePO4 and LiMnPO4

Abstract Materials with the olivine Li x MPO 4 structure form an important new class of materials for rechargeable Li batteries. There is significant interest in their electronic properties because of the importance of electronic conductivity in batteries for high-rate applications. The density of states of Li x MPO 4 ( x =0, 1 and M=Fe, Mn) has been determined with the ab initio generalized gradient approximation (GGA)+ U method, appropriate for these correlated electron systems. Computed results are compared with the optical gap of LiFePO 4 , as measured using UV–Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results obtained from experiment (3.8–4.0 eV) and GGA+ U computations (3.7 eV) are in very good agreement. However, standard GGA, without the same level of treatment of electron correlation, is shown to make large errors in predicting the electronic structure. It is argued that olivines are likely to be polaronic conductors with extrinsically determined carrier levels and that their electronic conductivity is therefore not simply related to the band gap.
Educator Study Groups: A Professional Development Tool to Enhance Inclusion.

Professional development can take many forms. The most effective development includes individual educators in the formation and planning process. Educator study groups are one form of professional development that allows major stakeholders in the education process the autonomy to develop individual and group goals. This often translates into an improved ability to read research and translate it effectively in the classroom. This article focuses on the organization and planning process needed to create study groups with the focus of improving the inclusion of students with diverse needs in the general education classroom.
A wzt Mutant Burkholderia mallei Is Attenuated and Partially Protects CD1 Mice against Glanders

Burkholderia mallei is the etiologic agent of glanders in solipeds and humans. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of cell envelop of this pathogen. O-antigen, the most external component of LPS, is a virulence factor and a protective antigen in many pathogenic bacteria. Two putative proteins named Wzm (integral membrane protein) and Wzt (hydrophilic ATP-binding protein) are believed to make up an ABC-2 transporter of B. mallei that facilitates transport of components of O-antigen from cytosol to outer-membrane. We studied the importance of wzt (encoding Wzt) to growth, LPS O-antigen profile, and pathogenicity of B. mallei. A wzt mutant strain was generated by deleting a portion of the wzt in B. mallei wild type strain ATCC 23344 by gene replacement. Compared to the wild type strain, the wzt mutant displayed slower growth in vitro and less lethality in CD1 mice when inoculated intraperitoneally. The 50% lethal doses (LD50) of the wild type and the wzt mutant strains were 5.9 × 105 and 9.1 × 105 cfu, respectively. CD1 mice inoculated with a non-lethal dose of the wzt mutant produced specific serum immunoglobulins IgG1 and IgG2a and were partially protected against challenge with 11.2 times LD50 of the wild type strain. These findings suggest that the wzt is required for optimal in vitro growth and pathogenesis of B. mallei, and a wzt mutant protects CD1 mice against glanders.
Management of the gastrointestinal tract and nutrition in patients with cloacal exstrophy

Cloacal exstrophy is a rare condition in which there is a complex set of congenital anomalies that affect multiple-organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty-six patients with cloacal exstrophy have been treated at the authors' institution during the last 20 years. Gastrointestinal features usually included omphalocele, exstrophy of an everted cecal plate, a short blind-ending distal colon, imperforate anus, and, occasionally, a shortened small bowel. Additional gastrointestinal anomalies included four cases of colonic duplication, one duodenal web, and one malrotation. The average time until the initiation of enteral feeding after initial surgery was 15.6 days, and the time until discontinuation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was 36 days. One patient with short bowel syndrome died of TPN-associated liver failure. Five other patients exhibited short bowel physiology, but ultimately each was weaned from supplemental intravenous hyperalimentation. Four patients have undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, and one has had perineal anoplasty. Of these patients, two are continent and one is free of soilage on a bowel management program. In the authors' experience with management of the gastrointestinal tract and nutrition in patients born with cloacal exstrophy, many patients initially exhibited short bowel physiology, although most eventually adapted. However, very few patients have been able to achieve bowel control.
Respiratory Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Quantitative Fit Test Outcomes for Five Type N95 Filtering-Facepiece Respirators

In preparing to fit test a large workforce, a respirator program manager needs to initially choose respirators that will fit the greatest proportion of employees and achieve the best fits. This article discusses our strategy in selecting respirators from an initial array of seven NIOSH-certified Type N95 filtering-facepiece devices for a respiratory protection program against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) aerosol. The seven respirators were screened based on manufacturer-provided fit test data, comfort, and cost. From these 7 devices, 5 were chosen for quantitative fit testing on 40 subjects who were a convenience sample from a cohort of approximately 30,000 workers scheduled to undergo fit testing. Across the five brands, medium/regular-size respirators fit from 8% to 95% of the subjects; providing another size of the same brand improved the pass rates slightly. Gender was not found to significantly affect fit test pass rates for any respirator brand. Among test panel members, an Aearo Corporation r...
Pullorum Disease Studies in Turkeys I. Antibody Production Following Intravenous and Oral Infection, Relative Value of Tube and Whole-Blood Plate Agglutination Tests, Pen Contagion and Duration of Carrier State

Abstract THIS work was undertaken with the hope of supplying answers to the following questions: (1) How soon after intravenous and oral administration of living Salmonella pullorum cultures can antibodies be detected? (2) How much does the antibody titer vary during the course of infection? (3) How long does appreciable antibody production continue? (4) What is the relative value of the standard tube and the whole-blood plate agglutination tests? (5) Does pullorum disease spread among adult turkeys by pen contact and (6) How long may the pullorum carrier state continue? Hinshaw et al. (1940) reported having made 7,714 tests of which 467 were positive to either one or both tests. One hundred forty-eight (31.7%) were positive to both tests. Two hundred forty-eight (53.1%) were positive to the tube test only and 71 (15.2%) were positive to the whole-blood test only. If the combined test results were considered equivalent to 100, the . . .
Antioxidative activity of α-tocopherol in cooked and uncooked ground pork.

Abstract The effect of α-tocopherol (0, 100, 200 ppm) on lipid oxidation either in cooked or uncooked ground pork was studied during aerobic storage at 4°C and −20°C. Lipid oxidation was measured using the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method and rancidity development was scored by a trained sensory panel. Alpha-tocopherol slowed the rate of oxidation in cooked ground pork stored at either 4°C or −20°C and uncooked samples refrigerated for extended periods of time (12 days). In cooked product stored at 4°C where oxidation development was intense and off-flavors were strong, panelists did not detect flavor differences due to treatments. But in cooked product stored at −20°C sensory results were consistent with TBA analysis. Pre-rigor grinding, known to induce a high pH and inhibit lipid oxidation in uncooked fresh pork, had no protective effect on lipid oxidation as measured by TBA values in cooked ground pork, regardless of storage condition. TBA numbers increased during storage of cooked product at 4°C with an increase in internal cooking temperature between 50°C and 80°C. Internal cooking temperatures of 70°C or higher induced a rapid rate of oxidation when stored at 4°C.
Terrible Triad Injuries of the Elbow: Does the Coronoid Always Need to Be Fixed?

Background The “terrible triad” of the elbow is a complex injury that can lead to pain, stiffness, and posttraumatic arthritis if not appropriately treated. The primary goal of surgery for these injuries is to restore stability of the joint sufficient to permit early motion. Although most reports recommend repair and/or replacement of all coronoid and radial head fractures when possible, a recent cadaveric study demonstrated that type II coronoid fractures are stable unless the radial head is removed and not replaced.
Ground-to-ground communications for mission support

The objective of the NASA Communications Division is to provide operational communications in support of NASA projects and mission activities. Nascom is a generic term referring collectively to a global system of circuits and switching and terminal facilities established and operated by NASA to provide longhaul operational communications support for all NASA projects. Aspects of network evolution are discussed, taking into account the integrated Nascom network. A description is presented of the present Nascom network, giving attention to the Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN), the Deep Space Network (DSN), the voice network, and the Teletypewriter (TTY) Network. Concepts and techniques for the 1980's are also considered. It is pointed out that the Nascom Network will extend the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) forward- and return-link services to users of the TDRSS by providing ground-to-ground data communications links between the NASA Ground Terminal at White Sands, New Mexico, and major user spacecraft control centers and data capture/data processing facilities.
From Slavery to Hate Crime Laws: The Emergence of Race and Status-Based Protection in American Criminal Law

Criminal laws that punish discriminatory "hate crime" offenses relating to race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and other status characteristics trace their roots back to the nation's founding. Unlike today, in early America, status distinctions in law, particularly racial ones, were intended to restrict the exercise of civil rights. Today's hate crime laws are the refined modern progeny of an important class of remedial post-Civil War laws and constitutional amendments. Although the Supreme Court has vigorously upheld enhanced punishment for hate crimes over the last decade, it has also established restrictions on the government's authority to punish bigoted conduct and expression. This article examines, through an analysis of historic cases, laws, and constitutional changes, the legal evolution that culminated in the passage of modern hate crime laws.
An unexpectedly high degree of specialization and a widespread involvement in sterol metabolism among the C. elegans putative aminophospholipid translocases

P-type ATPases in subfamily IV are exclusively eukaryotic transmembrane proteins that have been proposed to directly translocate the aminophospholipids phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine from the exofacial to the cytofacial monolayer of the plasma membrane. Eukaryotic genomes contain many genes encoding members of this subfamily. At present it is unclear why there are so many genes of this kind per organism or what individual roles these genes perform in organism development. We have systematically investigated expression and developmental function of the six, tat-1 through 6, subfamily IV P-type ATPase genes encoded in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. tat-5 is the only ubiquitously-expressed essential gene in the group. tat-6 is a poorly-transcribed recent duplicate of tat-5. tat-2 through 4 exhibit tissue-specific developmentally-regulated expression patterns. Strong expression of both tat-2 and tat-4 occurs in the intestine and certain other cells of the alimentary system. The two are also expressed in the uterus, during spermatogenesis and in the fully-formed spermatheca. tat-2 alone is expressed in the pharyngeal gland cells, the excretory system and a few cells of the developing vulva. The expression pattern of tat-3 is almost completely different from those of tat-2 and tat-4. tat-3 expression is detectable in the steroidogenic tissues: the hypodermis and the XXX cells, as well as in most cells of the pharynx (except gland), various tissues of the reproductive system (except uterus and spermatheca) and seam cells. Deletion of tat-1 through 4 individually interferes little or not at all with the regular progression of organism growth and development under normal conditions. However, tat-2 through 4 become essential for reproductive growth during sterol starvation. tat-5 likely encodes a housekeeping protein that performs the proposed aminophospholipid translocase function routinely. Although individually dispensable, tat-1 through 4 seem to be at most only partly redundant. Expression patterns and the sterol deprivation hypersensitivity deletion phenotype of tat-2 through 4 suggest that these genes carry out subtle metabolic functions, such as fine-tuning sterol metabolism in digestive or steroidogenic tissues. These findings uncover an unexpectedly high degree of specialization and a widespread involvement in sterol metabolism among the genes encoding the putative aminophospholipid translocases.
Optimal Chain Architectures for the Molecular Design of Functional Polymer Surfaces

The Scheutjens−Fleer self-consistent mean-field theory is used to calculate the surface segregation of various chemical functional moieties located on functional polymers of different architectures. Our results demonstrate the importance of the number and location of functional groups and their surface preference relative to polymer backbone segments in determining surface segregation. In general, we conclude that adjacency of similar functional groups is the most effective means for enhancing surface segregation of functional groups and that having two functional groups of similar character is always preferable to having two functional groups of opposite character, the Pushmi-Pullyu architecture, where one group prefers the surface while the other is repelled from it. The calculations demonstrate that the optimal architecture for producing a low-energy release surface is a functional polymer with adjacent low-energy functional groups located at one chain end. In this situation, both enthalpic and entropi...
Structural factors that determine selectivity of a high fidelity DNA polymerase for deoxy-, dideoxy-, and ribonucleotides.

In addition to discriminating against base pair mismatches, DNA polymerases exhibit a high degree of selectivity for deoxyribonucleotides over ribo- or dideoxynucleotides. It has been proposed that a single active site residue (steric gate) blocks productive binding of nucleotides containing 2′-hydroxyls. Although this steric gate plays a role in sugar moiety discrimination, its interactions do not account fully for the observed behavior of mutants. Here we present 10 high resolution crystal structures and enzyme kinetic analyses of Bacillus DNA polymerase I large fragment variants complexed with deoxy-, ribo-, and dideoxynucleotides and a DNA substrate. Taken together, these data present a more nuanced and general mechanism for nucleotide discrimination in which ensembles of intermediate conformations in the active site trap non-cognate substrates. It is known that the active site O-helix transitions from an open state in the absence of nucleotide substrates to a ternary complex closed state in which the reactive groups are aligned for catalysis. Substrate misalignment in the closed state plays a fundamental part in preventing non-cognate nucleotide misincorpation. The structures presented here show that additional O-helix conformations intermediate between the open and closed state extremes create an ensemble of binding sites that trap and misalign non-cognate nucleotides. Water-mediated interactions, absent in the fully closed state, play an important role in formation of these binding sites and can be remodeled to accommodate different non-cognate substrates. This mechanism may extend also to base pair discrimination.
Beneficial effects of nitric oxide on outcomes after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hypothermia-treated mice.

Background:Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Although nitric oxide prevents organ injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion, role of nitric oxide during TH after CPR remains unclear. In this article, the au
A HEURISTIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING IN-PROCESS INVENTORIES

Most prior studies that examine in-process inventory requirements associated with a manufacturing facility employ an optimizing algorithm; this article proposes a heuristic procedure for determining such requirements. A procedure is given for determining “active” and “banked” work-in-process requirements. The two are combined to give total in-process requirements. A key factor presented in the paper is the relationship between in-process inventory requirements and the “balancing” of a production facility. Most prior researchers examine these problems independently. It will be shown that both problems can be resolved concurrently. The concepts are applicable to both an existing as well as a new manufacturing facility.
Technical Note-An Algorithm for a Class of Discrete Maximum Entropy Problems

This note presents an exact method for solving a class of maximum entropy problems used in a decision making context. These exact solutions should prove valuable for benchmark testing of the numerical nonlinear programming methods normally applied to a large class of problems that includes those studied here. The finite algorithm developed has a complexity of order On for a problem with 2n + 1 constraints. An example involving the selection of best equipment for an oil spill problem is presented.
Nanoporosity-induced effects on Ag-based metallic nano-inks for non-lithographic fabrication

The mechanical response of a thermally cured Ag nano-ink comprising silver nanoparticles of 3–7 nm diameter was evaluated and compared to a fully dense electron-beam-evaporated Ag film. Curing the nano-ink for 60 min at 250 °C resulted in a 78% dense structure. Nanoindentation of the partially dense nano-ink yielded Young's modulus, Enp = 54.8 ± 2.2 GPa, consistent with theoretical models predicting the modulus of metallic foams and hardness of H = 1.37 ± 0.08 GPa. Cross-sectional analysis of individual indents was also performed via focused ion beam milling.
The interfacial structure and habit plane of proeutectoid cementite plates

Abstract Three groups of previous investigators independently reported the anomalous result that the austenite habit plane of proeutectoid cementite plates, as determined with optical microscopy, is not unique. The present investigation utilized transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study the interfacial structure and habit plane of proeutectoid cementite plates in a matrix of retained austenite in an Fe-0.81% C-12.3% Mn alloy in order to explain this unusual result. The broad faces of cementite plates were found to contain two types of structural feature: (1) large, kinked ledges with heights (h) of about 7 nm and spacings (λ) between 30 and 100 nm, and (2) a finely spaced set of straight ledges, with h ≈ nm or less and λ ≈ 4–6 nm, whose direction is nearly [110]A ||[010]C. Matching of atom spacings showed this to be a direction of good fit between the austenite and cementite lattices. The apparent habit plane, measured with conventional TEM techniques, was always less than 10° (and in most cases less than 5°) from (113)A ||(101)C. Atom matching studies also demonstrated that this pair of planes exhibits superior matching, and is thus likely to provide the conjugate atomic habit planes of the teraces of ledges. Thus, the non-uniqueness of the “optical microscopy apparent habit plane” of proeutectoid cementite plates appears to arise from the presence of arrays of ledges, combined with the sympathetic nucleation of new plates, on their broad faces.
Heterosis for Brain Cerebroside Synthesis in Mice

The (C57BL/6J x DBA/2J) F1or B6D2F1 hybrid mice are known to exhibit a transitory hypermyelinating activity compared with their parental strains B6 and D2. These mice exhibit an
Patterns of cell proliferation in gastrointestinal disease.

Recent analyses have revealed abnormalities in the renewal pattern of proliferating gastrointestinal cells. In polyps, villous adenomas, hyperplasia of mucosa, and in histologically normal tissue near these lesions, an abnormal location of proliferating cells was observed. The displaced zone of actively proliferating cells may be the earliest sign of hyperplastic activity and future polyp development. Abnormalities in the proliferative cell cycle of carcinoma cells and normal cells adjacent to a carcinoma were also found. In intestinalized atrophic gastric mucosa, rapid epithelial cell proliferation was seen. Inhibition of the proliferation of epithelial cells in gastric mucosa contributed to the development of experimental stress erosions. These findings point to alterations in biochemical events, within proliferating cells and possibly in the surrounding environment, that have specific roles in the causation of these diseases of the mucosa.
Estrogen enhances the retention of spatial reference memory in the open field tower task, but disrupts the expression of spatial memory following a novel start position

Abstract Estrogen’s (E) involvement in cognition has been difficult to characterize; numerous studies show that E can both enhance and impair learning and memory. One difficulty may be that experimental paradigms often examine only a single aspect of E’s involvement in cognition, for example, the role E plays in the expression of memory after learning has taken place. In addition, the effect of aversive and/or stressful features inherent to many cognitive tests may contribute to the contradictory findings. The present experiment aims to examine the effect of estradiol (E2) on several elements of cognition in a specific experimental setting. We investigated the within-subject effects of long-term E2 replacement in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats on the acquisition and retention of a hippocampal–mediated spatial reference memory task in a familiar non-threatening environment. Results show that E2-replaced rats and OVX sham-replaced rats acquired the ability to navigate an open-field tower maze in order to obtain a food reward at the same rate. Subsequent to acquisition, both E2-replaced and OVX rats performed the task at comparable levels. However, following a 21-day retention interval, non-replaced rats exhibited a significant impairment in spatial memory when returned to the maze environment, while E2-replaced rats exhibited no change in maze performance. When the OVX group was performing once again at asymptote, test trials were administered during which the rats were placed in a non-experienced start location within the maze. This novel condition significantly reduced correct responses in E2-replaced females whereas OVX controls remained unaffected. These results suggest that while the presence of E2 is not important for acquisition of spatial memory in a safe familiar environment, it improves retention of spatial memory. Data further suggests that E2 disrupts the expression of spatial reference memory following an alteration of the test conditions sustaining a habitual response, possibly by the induced emotionally-arousing state of stress.
Psychosocial Consequences of Agricultural Transformation: The Farm Crisis and Depression1

The recent farm financial crisis has resulted in a rapid and dramatic economic decline for many farmers. Although researchers have long observed that economic crisis and vulnerability contribute to social-psychological depression, few studies have examined the links between farm restructuring and the depression process. We address this issue using a sample of 503 Ohio farmers from 1987. We hypothesize 1) that sociodemographic and farm structural characteristics are related to economic vulnerability, 2) that economic vulnerability is related to feelings of economic hardship and perceived stress, and 3) that these, in turn, are related to depression. The findings generally support the hypotheses and help clarify the depression process: beyond economic vulnerability, a negative cognitive appraisal of one's situation and ineffective coping mechanisms are related to more severe depression.
Seasonal Abundance of the American Lobster, Homarus americanus, in the Boothbay Region of Maine

Abstract Estimates of the abundance of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, in the inshore fishing grounds of Maine were made at monthly intervals by diver biologists from August 1965 through August 1967. Pairs of divers searched 540 m2of ocean bottom at the 6-12-m and 18-24-m depth intervals at two stations in the Boothbay Region of Maine. Comparative estimates of lobster abundance were made at adjacent depths of 30-60 m from the research submersibles PC-8 and Deep Diver. The relatively constant estimates of lobster abundance shoaler than 24 m suggest that large scale seasonal movements into and out of the shallow onshore fishing grounds does not occur. Size structure and sex ratio of the lobster population shoaler than 24 m was defined from collections made by the divers during periods of maximum (September) and minimum (February) bottom water temperatures. Mean carapace lengths by sex are similar for the September and February samples. Males and females range in size from 5-90 mm. A 50:50 sex rati...
The Poetics of Experience

Poetry is a suitably subtle medium for expressing and exploring the vagaries of human experience, echoing themes that resonate through constructivist writing. In this selection of my own poems, I offer a sample of verse that reflects a consistent concern with the quest for meaning in the face of life transitions, coupled with an invitation to readers to co-construct its significance by drawing on their own interpretations and feeling their way into the subjectivities of each work's characters, as well as that of its author.
A scalable and high performance elliptic curve processor with resistance to timing attacks

This paper presents a high performance and scalable elliptic curve processor which is designed to be resistant against timing attacks. The point multiplication algorithm (double-add-subtract) is modified so that the processor performs the same operations for every 3 bits of the scalar k independent of the bit pattern of the 3 bits. Therefore, it is not possible to extract the key pattern using a timing attack. The data flow graph of the modified algorithm is derived and the underlying Galois field operators are scheduled so that the point multiplication delay is minimized. The architecture of this processor is based on the Galois field of GF(2n) and the bit-serial field multiplier and squarer are designed. The processor is configurable for any value of n and the delay of point multiplication is [18(n+3) + (n+3)/2 + 1]/spl times/(n/3) clock cycles. For the case of GF(2/sup 163/) the point multiplication delay is 165888 clock cycles.
Public goods provision by asymmetric agents: experimental evidence

Economic theory predicts that individuals will free-ride, providing sub-optimal Nash equilibrium quantities of public goods. However, 25 years of experimental evidence indicates that individuals’ behavior often differs from the Nash prediction. This experiment examines provision in the context of asymmetric benefits and asymmetric costs of providing a public good with declining marginal benefits and increasing marginal costs. The design eliminates the coordination problem at the individual level inherent in previous declining marginal benefit experiments. Yet, even with the improved theoretical design, over-contribution persists, suggesting that it is a behavioral phenomenon rather than a design artifact. Analysis of individual contributions indicates that subjects’ responses to asymmetry match the theoretical prediction in 3 out of 4 single asymmetry cases. Thus, although over-contribution remains, the theoretical role of asymmetry is confirmed.
Synthesis, characterization and formation mechanism of SiC/spinel nanocomposite

Abstract This paper reports the successful synthesis of SiC/spinel (MgAl2O4) nanocomposite from talc, aluminum and graphite powders. The initial powders were mixed to obtain stoichiometric spinel containing 27.26 wt.% SiC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were utilized to characterize the synthesized powders. SiC/spinel nanocomposite was obtained after 6 h ball milling of initial materials in argon atmosphere with subsequent annealing at 1200 °C for 1 h in vacuum. The obtained nanocomposite had crystallites size between 1 and 15 nm with the mean diameter of 9 nm. The SiC/spinel composite formation mechanism was scrutinized. The results showed that SiC/spinel nanocomposite was not produced directly and the formation of some intermediate compounds is unavoidable during the synthesis procedure. The SiC/spinel nanocomposite powder may be a potential nanocomposite for high temperature applications with self-crack-healing capability.
Moshinsky's shutter problem: an initial-value problem for the Klein–Gordon equation

Moshinsky's problem is formulated and solved as a convolution integral. The initial data are discontinuous, giving the possibility of non-uniqueness. Asymptotic properties of the solution are deduced, using variants of the method of stationary phase. Comparisons are made with solutions of analogous problems for the one-dimensional wave equation and the Schrodinger equation.
Evaluation of the Wells fault, northeastern Nevada and northwestern Utah

Apparent offsets of various Paleozoic sedimentary facies belts and the frontal margins of two allochthons in northeastern Nevada and northwestern Utah have been explained by Stewart and Poole by 120 km of oroflexural bending, and by Thorman and Ketner as the result of displacement of about 65 km on a presumed Mesozoic, right-slip fault (Wells fault). Evaluation of stratigraphic data in this region, however, indicates large differences in the amount of offset of sedimentary facies of different ages, a pattern not easily explained by postdepositional tectonism. An alternative interpretation is that original depositional trends were influenced by a major, east-trending flaw in the crust, perhaps a bight in the continental margin, along which vertical movement occurred several times during Paleozoic time. The apparent offset of the frontal margins of allochthons composed of eugeoclinal rock is considered compatible with this interpretation.
Velocity Field in Turbulent Subcooled Boiling Flow

The velocity field was measured in turbulent subcooled boiling flow of Refrigerant-113 through a vertical annular channel whose inner wall was heated. A two-component laser Doppler velocimeter was used. Measurements are reported for two fluid mass velocities and four wall heat fluxes in the boiling layer adjacent to the inner wall as well as in the outer all-liquid layer. The turbulence was found to be inhomogeneous and anisotropic and the turbulent kinetic energy significantly higher than in single-phase liquid flow at the same mass velocity. The axial Reynolds shear stress in the liquid phase was observed to increase sharply near the inner wall. The near-wall velocity field appeared to be quite different from that in single-phase flow. It remains a challenge to separate the contributions of wall turbulence and bubble-induced pseudo-turbulence from the measurements which possibly represent a complicated interaction between the two.
Genomically and biochemically accurate metabolic reconstruction of Methanosarcina barkeri Fusaro, iMG746

Methanosarcina barkeri is an Archaeon that produces methane anaerobically as the primary byproduct of its metabolism. M. barkeri can utilize several substrates for ATP and biomass production including methanol, acetate, methyl amines, and a combination of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. In 2006, a metabolic reconstruction of M. barkeri, iAF692, was generated based on a draft genome annotation. The iAF692 reconstruction enabled the first genome-Scale simulations for Archaea. Since the publication of the first metabolic reconstruction of M. barkeri, additional genomic, biochemical, and phenotypic data have clarified several metabolic pathways. We have used this newly available data to improve the M. barkeri metabolic reconstruction. Modeling simulations using the updated model, iMG746, have led to increased accuracy in predicting gene knockout phenotypes and simulations of batch growth behavior. We used the model to examine knockout lethality data and make predictions about metabolic regulation under different growth conditions. Thus, the updated metabolic reconstruction of M. barkeri metabolism is a useful tool for predicting cellular behavior, studying the methanogenic lifestyle, guiding experimental studies, and making predictions relevant to metabolic engineering applications.
Inhibition of guanylate cyclase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase by cholera toxin.

Abstract Results of cholera toxin exposure in rabbit small intestinal epithelial cells, following 4 to 6 hours of incubation, indicate that there is simultaneous dose-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase and deactivation of guanylate cyclase. In addition, cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity is repressed. These data indicate that cholera toxin interacts with a binding site of dissociation constant Kd=3.8±1.3 × 10−9M to produce multiple coordinated events in the cells.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Aligning IRBs and Research Practice

In recent years, there has been increased discussion and even debate about how to reconcile a commitment to the ethical conduct of research in the social and behavioral sciences with a regulatory apparatus for the protection of human subjects that seems too often to fall short of its own aspirations and ideals. The gap between regulations and their implementation whether at the federal, state, or local levels is typically grist for the mill in political science. When, however, the issues are more in our own backyard—in our academic and research institutions—insight, interventions, and even empirical study are harder to come by. The purpose of this essay is neither to applaud what is right nor to decry what is wrong with the current system for the protection of human subjects as practiced. Our goal is to help further catalyze through this PS symposium a conversation about the need to produce system reform, illustrate some readily doable steps for doing so, and entice social science colleagues to work at their own institutions and at a national level for system change.
Evaluation of a catalytic reduction technique for the measurement of total reactive odd-nitrogen NOy in the atmosphere

A catalytic reduction technique for the measurement of total reactive odd-nitrogen NO y in the atmosphere was evaluated in laboratory and field tests. NO y component species include NO, NO2, NO3, HNO3, N2O5, CH3COO2NO2(PAN), and particulate nitrate. The technique utilizes the reduction of the higher oxides to NO in reaction with CO on a metal catalyst and the subsequent detection of NO by chemiluminescence produced in reaction with O3. The efficiency and linearity of the conversion of the principal NO y species were examined for mixing ratios in the range of 0.1 to 100 parts per billion by volume (ppbv). Results of tests with Au, Ni, and stainless steel as the catalyst in the temperature range of 25–500°C showed Au to be the preferred catalyst. NH3, HCN, N2O, CH4, and various chlorine and sulfur compounds were checked as possible sources of NO y interference with the Au catalyst. The effects of pressure, O3, and H2O on NO y conversion were also examined. The results of the checks and tests in the laboratory showed the technique to be suitable for initial NO y measurements in the atmosphere. The technique was subsequently tested in ambient air at a remote ground-based field site located near Niwot Ridge, Colorado. The results of conversion and inlet tests made in the field and a summary of the NO y data are included in the discussion.
SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF PROSTATE CANCER AT A GIVEN PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVEL

Purpose: Prostate specific antigen is used for prostate cancer screening but its specificity is limited. Specificity might be increased by considering genotype associated prostate specific antigen levels.Materials and Methods: We examined associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosomes 10 and 19 (previously shown to be associated with prostate specific antigen) with prostate specific antigen and prostate cancer in 505 men from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.Results: In a model with age and date the risk ratio for prostate cancer was 1.18 (95% CI 1.13–1.23) per unit increase in prostate specific antigen. Including the interaction between alleles and prostate specific antigen significantly altered the risk ratio for prostate cancer (Cox proportional hazards p <0.001). Specifically prostate cancer risk per unit increase in prostate specific antigen was significantly different in carriers than in noncarriers of a minor allele (1.28 vs 1.10, respectively, Cox proportional hazards...
Lack of association between mitral valve prolapse and history of rheumatic fever

To determine whether rheumatic fever is associated with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) diagnosed by echocardiography, records from 561 subjects participating in a prospective family study were reviewed. The prevalence of a history of rheumatic fever by modified Jones criteria was determined in 92 probands and 112 affected relatives or spouses with M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic findings of MVP, accompanied in most instances by classic auscultatory findings, and in 357 family members without MVP. The prevalence of rheumatic fever was 5.4% in both MVP sub-groups and 2.2% in the family members without MVP (p<0.05 vs the combined MVP group). However, people with a history of rheumatic fever were older than the remaining subjects (48 +/- 17 vs 36 +/- 20 years, p<0.01) as expected because of the decline in rheumatic fever in the twentieth century, and subjects with MVP were older than subjects without MVP (39 +/- 16 vs 34 +/- 22 years, p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that after the independent relation of older age with a positive history of rheumatic fever (p<0.01) was taken into account, there was a trend toward a lower likelihood of previous rheumatic fever associated with MVP (odds ration 0.42, p=0.07). These results do not support either a true association or a causal role of rheumatic fever in the pattern of mitral leaflet motion and auscultatory abnormalities in adults, for which the term MVP is generally used.
Perforations of the tympanic membrane and their effects upon middle-ear transmission.

This series of experiments concerns the basis for losses in low-frequency sensitivity accompanying a perforation in the tympanic membrane. 1. A series of experiments with a model of the tympanic membrane and middleear cavity was performed. These experiments apply to the general function of a vibrating membrane facing a cavity. They were used as an aid in drawing up experimental procedures for the animal experiments. 2. When the middle-ear cavity is in its normal unopened condition, then perforation losses for the cat are shown to increase inversely with frequency below about 1,000 Hz. The slope of the loss function is −10.2 dB per octave. 3. It is suggested that this graded low-frequency loss is caused by direct admittance of sound pressures into the middle-ear cavity, through the aperture at the site of perforation. In support of this conclusion, the presence of a perforation has been shown to affect the normal ratio of sound pressures in front and in back of the tympanic membrane, during stimulation by air-conducted tones. In addition, it is demonstrated that admittance of sound to this cavity through an opening in its outer wall also causes a graded low-frequency loss. 4. Data relevant to the effects of location of a perforation have also been presented.
Kinetic Theory of Space-Charge I: Cut-off Character of the Static Magnetron†

ABSTRACT Collisional damping in the equations of motion for electrons in the magnetron space-charge is shown to lead to rather complex behaviour. The strong scattering limit manifests a current-voltage dependence which not only can account for departures from Child's Law, but also for failure of extant theories of the magnetron to predict the long puzzling observation of a smeared cut-off. While a Boltzmann transport refinement may provide a more rigorous approach to the problem, it is believed that the mystery of the cut-off phenomenon is essentially dissipated by the phenomenological development.
Evaluation of supplemental testing with the Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test and APTIMA HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay to resolve specimens with indeterminate or negative HIV-1 Western blots

Abstract Background The use of Western blot (WB) as a supplemental test after reactive sensitive initial assays can lead to inconclusive or misclassified HIV test results, delaying diagnosis. Objective To determine the proportion of specimens reactive by immunoassay (IA) but indeterminate or negative by WB that could be resolved by alternative supplemental tests recommended under a new HIV diagnostic testing algorithm. Study design Remnant HIV diagnostic specimens that were reactive on 3rd generation HIV-1/2 IA and either negative or indeterminate by HIV-1 WB from 11 health departments were tested with the Bio-Rad Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test (Multispot) and the Gen-Probe APTIMA HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay (APTIMA). Results According to the new testing algorithm, 512 (89.8%) specimens were HIV-negative, 55 (9.6%) were HIV-1 positive (including 19 [3.3%] that were acute HIV-1 and 9 [1.6%] that were positive for HIV-1 by Multispot but APTIMA-negative), 2 (0.4%) were HIV-2 positive, and 1 (0.2%) was HIV-positive, type undifferentiated. 47 (21.4%) of the 220 WB-indeterminate and 8 (2.3%) of the 350 WB-negative specimens were HIV-1 positive. Conclusion Applying the new HIV diagnostic algorithm retrospectively to WB-negative and indeterminate specimens, the HIV infection status could be established for nearly all of the specimens. IA-reactive HIV-infected persons with WB-negative results had been previously misclassified as uninfected, and HIV diagnosis was delayed for those with WB-indeterminate specimens. These findings underscore the limitations of the WB to confirm HIV infection after reactive results from contemporary 3rd or 4th generation IAs that can detect HIV antibodies several weeks sooner than the WB.
Reaction of OH with Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS). 1. Equilibrium Constant for OH + DMS Reaction and the Kinetics of the OH·DMS + O2 Reaction

The formation of a weakly bound adduct in the reaction of OH with DMS-d6 was observed between 217 and 240 K using the technique of pulsed laser photolysis/pulsed laser-induced fluorescence. The equilibrium constant for this process, OH + DMS-d6 ↔ OH·DMS-d6, was measured as a function of temperature. The bond strength of this adduct was determined to be 10.7 ± 2.5 kcal mol-1. The weakly bound adduct was observed to react rapidly with O2. The rate constant for the reaction OH·DMS-d6 + O2 → products was determined to be (1.00 ± 0.33) × 10-12 cm3 molecules-1 s-1, independent of pressure and temperature. The atmospheric implications of the formation of this adduct and its reaction with O2 to the mechanism of DMS oxidation in the atmosphere are discussed.
The anatomist Andreas Vesalius at 500 years old.

December 31, 2014 marked 500 years since the birth of Andreas Vesalius. Praised by contemporaries and lauded by generations since as the most important anatomist in western history, he fundamentally reshaped the discipline, made numerous anatomical discoveries, and most importantly, advanced the trajectory of modern medicine by rejecting textual dependence in favor of personal observation. This article, commemorating Andreas Vesalius and his accomplishments on the 500th anniversary of his birth, will first provide a brief biography of the man. It then discusses his role as the “Father of Anatomy” and his influence in transforming the study of the human body. Finally, it highlights Vesalius’ specific contributions to vascular anatomy and physiology.
SPONTANEOUS SYMMETRY BREAKING OF ACCEPTORS IN BLUE DIAMONDS

The electronic Raman transition between the lower 1s(p{sub 3/2}) and the higher 1s(p{sub 1/2}) state of a hole bound to a boron acceptor in diamond, examined under the high resolution of a Fabry-Perot interferometer, reveals a doublet separated by (0.81{+-}0.15) cm{sup -1} , indicative of a spontaneous symmetry breaking of the fourfold degenerate ground state. The direct transition between the levels into which 1s(p{sub 3/2}) :{gamma}{sub 8} resolves, with a Raman shift of (0.80{+-}0.04) cm{sup -1} , provides a remarkable confirmation of the symmetry lowering shown to arise from a static Jahn-Teller distortion. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.