cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gaussian beam analysis of multiple beam reflector antennas

The design and performance analysis of multiple beam antennas (MBAs) is quite tedious requiring several iterations of first computing the radiation patterns of reflector antennas for all the beams using the physical optics method and then performing minimum coverage area directivity and copolar isolation evaluations for each beam. The whole process typically takes a few weeks to arrive at an optimal MBA design. The objective of this paper is to present a simplified analysis such that the complete design and performance analysis can be performed very efficiently using hand calculators. The analysis is based on approximating both the primary and secondary patterns as Gaussian beams and deriving simplified equations for the MBA design and performance evaluations. The results of the analysis presented agree well with the computations using the rigorous physical optics analysis of reflector antennas.
Shared health characteristics in Hispanic colorectal cancer patients and their primary social support person following primary diagnosis.

Purpose The aim of this paper was to determine individual and shared levels of psychosocial, behavioral, and symptomological health characteristics among Hispanics with recent history of cancer and their primary social support person (PSSP) in the years following diagnosis. Patients and Methods Recruited from a population-based cohort study were 409 Hispanic patients with a previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Forty-seven patients identified a PSSP, who assists with medical decision-making and health-related matters, who also participated in the study. Current behavioral (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and complementary and alternative medicine use), psychosocial (stress and mindfulness), and physical symptom (fatigue) data were obtained using validated instruments. Analyses tested the individual and shared (between patients and PSSPs) variance in these health measures. Results The sample was diagnosed on average 3.1 years (standard deviation = 1.7) prior to assessment. PSSPs were mainly spouses/partners (63%) or children (28%) of patients. Among patients, stress was positively associated with being a current smoker (p < 0.01) and with fatigue (r = 0.45, p < 0.001); stress was negatively correlated with mindfulness (r = −0.41, p < 0.001); mindfulness was negatively associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumption (OR = 0.83, p < 0.05); the inverse relationship between mindfulness and fatigue was partially mediated through lower levels of stress (β = −0.17, p < 0.001). Similar patterns were observed among PSSPs. Patient mindfulness was negatively correlated with PSSP stress (r = −0.45, p < 0.01). Complementary and alternative medicine use showed interdependence between patients and PSSPs for use of herbal remedies (OR = 6.2; p < 0.01) and bodywork (OR = 8.3, p < 0.05). Conclusion Hispanic colorectal cancer patients and their PSSP share a common health milieu in the years following a cancer diagnosis, offering opportunities for advancing interpersonal intervention approaches in cancer care. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reagentless electrochemical biosensor based on a protein scaffold

Apo-myoglobin, labeled with the environmentally sensitive redox probe RuII(NH3)4(1,10-phenanthroline-5-maleimide)2+, was immobilized onto gold electrodes modified with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and subsequently labeled with biotin; avidin binding to the immobilized biotin was specifically and quantitatively detected by a change in cyclic voltammetry of the co-immobilized probe.
TEACHING SELF-CONTROL WITH QUALITATIVELY DIFFERENT REINFORCERS

This study examined the effectiveness of using qualitatively different reinforcers to teach self-control to an adolescent boy who had been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. First, he was instructed to engage in an activity without programmed reinforcement. Next, he was instructed to engage in the activity under a two-choice fixed-duration schedule of reinforcement. Finally, he was exposed to self-control training, during which the delay to a more preferred reinforcer was initially short and then increased incrementally relative to the delay to a less preferred reinforcer. Self-control training effectively increased time on task to earn the delayed reinforcer.
Movement of Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from a Grove to Traps and Sentinel Plants in Adjacent Land

Male Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) were captured in pheromone- baited traps in pastureland 1.2 km west of an infested citrus grove. Capture of males was correlated with northeast wind blowing from the groves, which suggests males were transported passively on wind currents from groves before orienting to pheromone traps. Female P. citrella located and oviposited on 75% of sentinel citrus plants placed 1.2 km west of the groves by 6 weeks. Movement of this species as far as 1.2 km suggests that groves treated with pheromone components for mating disruption will be vulnerable to damage caused by mated females arriving from neighboring groves within 1.2 km. Treated groves may be particularly susceptible to influx of moths carried on wind. Machos del minador de hojas Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) fueron capturados en trampas de feromonas en pastizales hasta 1.2 kilometros al oeste de un huerto de citricos. El numero de los machos capturados en el pastizal disminuyo con el aumento de distancia de los huertos. La captura de machos fue correlacionada con un viento del noreste que soplo desde los huertos. Esto sugiere que los machos fueron transportados pasivamente por las corrientes de viento de los huertos antes de navegar en contra el viento hacia las trampas de feromonas. Las plantas de citricos centinales colocadas 1.2 kilometros al oeste de los huertos se infesto en 6 semanas. Estos datos sugieren que la eficacia de perturbacion sexual en P. citrella puede ser dependiente de la escala, con mejores resultados donde se trata en areas mas grandes. View this article in BioOne
Soliton analysis of the electro-optical response of blue bronze

Abstract In recent measurements on the charge-density-wave (CDW) conductor blue bronze (K 0.3 MoO 3 ), the electro-transmittance and electro-reflectance spectra were searched for intragap states that could be associated with solitons created by injection of electrons into the CDW at the current contacts [Eur. Phys. J. B16 (2000), 295; Eur. Phys. J. B35 (2003) 233]. In this work, we adapt the model of soliton absorption in dimerized polyacetylene to the blue bronze results, to obtain the (order of magnitude) estimate that current induced solitons occur on less than ∼10% of the conducting chains. We discuss the implications of these results on models of soliton lifetimes and motion of CDW phase dislocations.
Molecular characterization of L class genome segments of a newly isolated turkey arthritis reovirus

Seven strains of turkey arthritis reovirus (TARV) isolated from cases of turkey arthritis were characterized on the basis of their L class genome segment sequences, which were then compared with those of turkey enteric reovirus (TERV) and chicken reovirus (CRV). All three L class gene segments of TARVs and TERVs and their encoded proteins λA, λB, and λC were similar in size to those of CRV reference strain S1133. The conserved motifs such as C2H2 zinc-binding motif and conserved polymerase region were present in λA and λB, respectively. A conserved motif for ATP/GTP-binding site and an S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM)-binding pocket for methyltransferase were observed in λC protein of TARVs and TERVs with only one substitution as compared to that in CRV. We propose a new genotype classification system for avian reoviruses (ARVs) based on the nt identity cut-off value for each of the L class. Based on this new genotype classification, all ARVs were divided into six, seven and eight genotypes in L1, L2 and L3 genes, respectively. Interestingly TARVs and TERVs grouped with three CRVs (two arthritic strains from Taiwan and one enteritic strain from Japan) in genotype L1-I and formed a different genotypes (L2-I, L3-I) from CRVs in L2 and L3 genes. The maximum nucleotide divergence was observed in genotypes of L1 and L2 genes but less at amino acid level indicates mostly changes were synonymous type. Compared to L1 and L2 genes, the nonsynonymous changes were more in L3 gene. Point mutations and possible reassortments among TARVs, TERVs and CRVs were also observed.
An infinite expansion for non-linear filtering

Abstract An abstract filtering equation is derived for a partially observed system. An infinite series expansion is obtained for the best mean square estimate in terms of the iterated Ito integrals with respect to the innovation process.
Self-consistent analysis of wiggler imperfections in free-electron lasers

A self-consistent analysis of weight field errors in free-electron lasers is described using the 3D simulation code WIGGLIN. The 3D wiggler field model chosen is able to treat gradients in the wiggler amplitude since both the divergence of the field as well as the axial component of the curl vanish identically while the transverse components of the curl are small. Hence, the field model is well-suited to the treatment of small imperfections in the wiggler amplitude. In order to describe the wiggler imperfections, a random variation is chosen to determine the pole-to-pole variations in the wiggler amplitude and a continuous map is used between the pole faces. The specific parameters chosen for study correspond to the high-power 35-GHz free- electron laser experiment conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; however, the fundamental physics issues are relevant to the entire range of free-electron laser experiments.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Series- or Parallel-Connected Composite Amplifiers

Power amplifiers based on combining two power stages where one supplies the bulk of the load power and the other ensures high output signal quality are discussed. The entire class of such combinations is described with particular attention given to a unique parallel topology. Experimental and theoretical results show that this topology has high performance without large efficiency or hardware penalties.
ACCUMULATION OF ACETOIN BY MYO-INOSITOL-DEFICIENT YEAST.

MYO-INOSITOL deficient cultures of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis strain 4228 (A.T.C.C. 9080) have been reported to grow both at a diminished rate and in abnormal cellular aggregates1,2. A comparison of the composition of deficient and normal cells revealed that myo-inositol deficiency led to an accumulation of glucans in cell walls2. This communication discusses another biochemical abnormality in myo-inositol deficiency resulting in the accumulation of enhanced amount of acetoin in S. carlsbergensis culture medium deficient in myo-inositol.
Structure of pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase type 1. Insight into mechanism of action and inhibition during lead poisoning.

Eukaryotic pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase type 1 (P5N-1) catalyzes dephosphorylation of pyrimidine 5′-mononucleotides. Deficiency of P5N-1 activity in red blood cells results in nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. The enzyme deficiency is either familial or can be acquired through lead poisoning. We present the crystal structure of mouse P5N-1 refined to 2.35A resolution. The mouse P5N-1 has a 92% sequence identity to its human counterpart. The structure revealed that P5N-1 adopts a fold similar to enzymes of the haloacid dehydrogenase superfamily. The active site of this enzyme is structurally highly similar to those of phosphoserine phosphatases. We propose a catalytic mechanism for P5N-1 that is also similar to that of phosphoserine phosphatases and provide experimental evidence for the mechanism in the form of structures of several reaction cycle states, including: 1) P5N-1 with bound Mg(II) at 2.25A, 2) phosphoenzyme intermediate analog at 2.30A, 3) product-transition complex analog at 2.35A, and 4) product complex at 2.1A resolution with phosphate bound in the active site. Furthermore the structure of Pb(II)-inhibited P5N-1 (at 2.35A) revealed that Pb(II) binds within the active site in a way that compromises function of the cationic cavity, which is required for the recognition and binding of the phosphate group of nucleotides.
Thermodynamics of DNA hybridization on gold nanoparticles.

Dynamic light scattering is used as a sensitive probe of hybridization on DNA-functionalized colloidal gold nanoparticles. When a target DNA strand possesses an 8 base “dangling end”, duplex formation on the surface of the nanoparticles leads to an increase in hydrodynamic radius. Duplex melting is manifested in a drop in hydrodynamic radius with increasing temperature, and the concentration dependence of the melting temperature provides a measure of the thermodynamics of binding. The hybridization thermodynamics are found to be significantly lower at higher hybridization densities than those previously reported for initial hybridization events. The pronounced deviation from Langmuir adsorption behavior is greater for longer duplexes, and it is, therefore, consistent with electrostatic repulsion between densely packed oligonucleotides. The results have implications for sensing and DNA-directed nanoparticle assembly.
Types of Flatidae (Homoptera) xxiii. lectotype designations and taxonomic notes on Melichar species in the Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic

Abstract Type materials of 93 species of Flatidae from the personal collection of Melichar in the Moravian Museum were examined. Valid recognition was given to holotypes of 16 species, lectotypes of 20 species and paralectotypes of 56 species. Type status was denied to one specimen of one species.
The relation of atherosclerotic lesions to antemortem and postmortem lipid levels: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Although postmortem lipid levels have been used as surrogates for levels during life, it is uncertain whether atherosclerotic lesions are related similarly to antemortem and postmortem lipid values. In a sample of 23 children and young adults who had been examined for cardiovascular disease risk factors and subsequently died from violent causes, we examined the relation of (a) postmortem lipid levels to values obtained 1 to 14 years earlier, and (b) atherosclerotic lesions to antemortem and postmortem lipid levels. Postmortem levels of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC) were higher than levels during life, but postmortem levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were related to antemortem levels (rs > 0.40). After excluding eight persons who likely received large volumes of intravenous fluids before death, the within-person variability between antemortem and postmortem levels of LDLC and HDLC was similar to the antemortem variability. Furthermore, the relation of atherosclerotic lesions to antemortem and postmortem lipid levels differed only slightly for TC, LDLC and HDLC. In contrast, lesions in the coronary arteries showed the strongest association with antemortem VLDLC levels, but were not associated with postmortem VLDLC levels. Despite the very small number of subjects, our results suggest that if intravenous fluids are not administered before death, postmortem levels of TC, LDLC and HDLC are fairly representative of levels during life. Postmortem levels of VLDLC or triglycerides, however, should not be used as surrogates for antemortem levels.
Change in sexual activity after a cardiac event: the role of medications, comorbidity, and psychosocial factors.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to examine change in sexual activity before and after cardiac diagnosis in men and women by medication class. Background Decline in sexual activity after cardiac diagnosis frequently occurs, with adverse effects of medications believed to play a role, although literature by subclass of drugs are conflicting. Methods Mixed methods approach was used to evaluate cardiac patients' ( N =211) self-reported medications and changes in sexual activity before and after cardiac diagnosis via mailed survey. Chi square, logistic regression, and thematic analysis were used. Results First and third generation beta blockers, class 1 calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, diuretics, and loop diuretics adversely affected sexual activity. Significant predictors of change in sexual activity were number of medications, education level, and income; the overall model predicted 25.7% of the variance in sexual activity. Conclusions Sexual assessment and discussion of sexual concerns and side effects of medications by nurses are important to support sexual function.
Model describes stratospheric condensation nuclei layer

Aerosol particles in the stratosphere, including the small particles known as condensation nuclei, affect atmospheric chemistry as well as how the atmosphere absorbs and scatters sunlight, making them a key component in Earth's climate. A new study by Campbell et al. provides the first global three-dimensional model of the source regions of condensation nuclei in the stratosphere.
Purification and characterization of serine-glyoxylate aminotransferase from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Abstract 1. 1. Homogenates of kidney bean leaves were shown to catalyse aminotransferase reactions between the following compounds; serine:glyoxylate, alanine:glyoxylate, glutamic acid:glyoxylate and serine:pyruvate. A 100-fold purification of serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase yielded a preparation essentially free of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase and glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase; however, there was co-purification of serine:pyruvate aminotransferase. 2. 2. For serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase and serine:pyruvate aminotransferase double-reciprocal plots of the velocity of the reaction against one variable substrate at a series of fixed concentrations of the second substrate yielded sets of parallel lines and indicated a ping-pong reaction mechanism. The K M for glyoxylate and serine in the serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase reaction were 6·10 −4 M and 7.1·10 −4 M, respectively; and for pyruvate and serine in the serine:pyruvate aminotransferase reaction were 3.8·10 −2 M and 3.9·10 −4 M, respectively. 3. 3. Serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase and serine:pyruvate aminotransferase activities were inhibited by low concentrations of hydroxylamine but were less sensitive to N -ethylmaleimide and p -chloromercuribenzoate. Serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activity was specifically inhibited by NH 4 − , the inhibition was linear competitive with serine and non-linear non-competitive with glyoxylate, the mechanism of HN 4 + inhibition is discussed. In contrast, serine:pyruvate amino-transferase activity was not inhibited by NH 4 + .
Progress in Cancer Care: The Hope, the Hype, and the Gap Between Reality and Perception

Many of the recent advances that have been made in cancer care have been, although arguably important, relatively modest. Sometimes, however, these modest, incremental advances have been presented, discussed, or at least perceived by medical and lay audiences alike, as major advances or so-called breakthroughs. Discussions of the actual data and frank delineation of the limits of the true contribution of a new agent are often met with responses such as “Is that all it does?” or “Why did I think it did so much more?” Why are perceptions and reality so frequently disparate? One important, and correctable, reason is a widely accepted use of terminology that inadvertently facilitates, and at times even encourages, an overly optimistic interpretation of stated results. Although adopted with the best of intentions to instill optimism into a difficult situation, to provide for gentle and compassionate communication of devastating news, or to provide statistical and technical accuracy, still the effect in too many cases has been, in the long run, exactly the opposite of what was originally intended. Under the guise of scientific or statistical rigor, the use of certain terms in fact serves to regularly permit us to hear, whether said or not, an overstatement of accomplishments. The terms are technically correct, and an expert in the field will have no problem accurately understanding what is being stated. However, when these terms are used to communicate the same information to a less specialized medical audience, or, even more so, to the public, misunderstandings frequently occur. We are not discussing here the objective results of the trials, nor the relative merits of various metrics used to report those trials but, rather, the subjective interpretations and common misinterpretations of those data, based not on what the numbers said, but on what was said about the numbers. This article does not represent a systematic review of publications to address the frequency of specific concerns, but rather offers some general qualitative observations for consideration. Outlined herein are several examples of such terminologies with potential for ambiguity and recommendations for modifications of these terms that would diminish these opportunities for misunderstanding. Such changes would encourage a more direct accounting of our successes and failures and would facilitate more rational expectations on the part of patients, more accurate understanding on the part of clinicians, and more accurate representation of the relative benefits of a therapy versus its costs and its risks. SUBSTANTIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUBSTANTIAL AND SIGNIFICANT
Bound states and local moment in a 1-d interacting spin-1/2 Fermi system in the presence of an external potential

Abstract A spin- 1 2 Fermi system interacting via a δ-function potential is considered. The chosen boundary conditions correspond to a finite string with a δ-function like attractive potential at one end. The problem is solved by a Bethe ansatz. The bound states and the structure of the excitations are described. It is found that while in the ground state the spins of bound particles are screened, excitations with localized moment can be created.
Morphological and ecological similarities : wood-boring beetles associated with novel xylose-fermenting yeasts, Spathaspora passalidarum gen. sp. nov. and Candida jeffriesii sp. nov

Ascomycete yeasts that both ferment and assimilate xylose were reported previously as associates of insects living in woody substrates. Most notable have been reports of Pichia stipitis-like yeasts that are widely associated with the wood-boring beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus (Coleoptera: Passalidae), in the eastern United States. Our continuing investigation of insect gut yeasts has lead to the discovery of two new xylose-fermenting yeasts that phylogenetic analysis places as sister taxa. The beetle hosts, O. disjunctus and Phrenapates bennetti (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), are similar in habitat and appearance, and the presence of similar gut yeasts is an additional common feature between them. Here we describe the new yeast genus Spathaspora, the type species S. passalidarum, and its sister taxon Candida jeffriesii and discuss their natural history, including a comparison with Pichia stipitis, another member of a guild of xylose-fermenting yeasts with similar metabolic traits. In addition a morphologically distinct yeast ascospore type is described for Spathaspora.
Structural Proteins of Three Viruses in the Potyviridae Adhere Only to Their Homologous Cylindrical Inclusions in Mixed Infections

Immunoelectron microscopy of serial sections of leaf cells of wheat doubly infected by wheat streak mosaic virus and Agropyron mosaic virus or wheat spindle streak mosaic virus showed that structural proteins or virions associated only with homologous cylindrical inclusions (CI) or with self in aggregates. CI protein of WSMV was seen firmly attached to, and extended through, a plasmodesma. Based on CI protein similarities with transport protein families, membrane-associated secretion proteins, other transport proteins in the GTPase superfamily, and the here reported findings, it is suggested that CI proteins could serve as cell-to-cell movement proteins in the Potyviridae.
Dimerization kinetics of aqueous gallium(III) perchlorate

Temperature jump relaxation times between 5 and 10 msec observed in pH 3·6 aqueous ∼10−2M gallium(III) perchlorate solutions are ascribed to the equilibrium 2 GAOH2+⇌kaGa2(OH)24+. The specific rate of dimerization at 25° and 0·5 M ionic strength is found to be k3 = 3·4 ± 0·6 × 103 M−1 sec−1. The first order rate constant k0 = 2·7 × 105 sec−1 for the rate determining step in the dimerization of GaOH2+ (deduced from the k3 assuming an ion contact distance of 5 A) is considerably larger than k0∗ = 1·2 × 103 sec−1 reported for inner coordination sphere water loss from GaOH2+ in the course of complexation by SO42−. Thus unlike the cases of FeOH2+ and VOOH+ dimerzation persuasive evidence is lacking for rate determining inner coordination sphere water loss in the dimerization of aqueous GaOH2+.
Improved electron density measurements at Jicamarca

[1] Taking into account the effects of electron Coulomb collisions, incoherent scatter (IS) radar cross sections for probing angles close to perpendicular to the magnetic field have been calculated and used to correct backscattered power profiles measured with the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar so that they accurately represent the height variation of the ionospheric electron density. The corrected power profiles are compared with simultaneous Faraday rotation measurements of electron density. The profiles agree within the measurements uncertainties. This result improves electron density measurements at Jicamarca, since power measurements are less sensitive to clutter and interference than Faraday rotation measurements. The results can be used to correct Jicamarca long-term IS power measurements.
(Re) Claiming Native Youth Knowledge: Engaging in Socio-culturally Responsive Teaching and Relationships

This article reveals Native youth perspectives on socio-culturally responsive education. The authors draw on two studies conducted in the Southwest among Navajo and Pueblo students. Youth convey the importance of meaningful, reciprocal, and transformative learning experiences and relationships at school. The article ends with suggestions for creating a socio-culturally responsive school environment.
Galaxy secular mass flow rate determination using the potential-density phase shift approach: Application to six nearby spiral galaxies

Abstract Using the potential-density phase shift approach developed by the present authors in earlier publications, we estimate the magnitude of radial mass accretion/excretion rates across the disks of six nearby spiral galaxies (NGC 628, NGC 3351, NGC 3627, NGC 4321, NGC 4736, and NGC 5194) having a range of Hubble types. Our goal is to examine these rates in the context of bulge building and secular morphological evolution along the Hubble sequence. Stellar surface density maps of the sample galaxies are derived from SINGS 3.6 μm and SDSS i-band images using colors as an indicator of mass-to-light ratios. Corresponding molecular and atomic gas surface densities are derived from published CO (1-0) and HI interferometric observations of the BIMA SONG, THINGS, and VIVA surveys. The mass flow rate calculations utilize a volume-type torque integral to calculate the angular momentum exchange rate between the basic state disk matter and what we assume to be density wave modes in the observed galaxies. This volume-type integral contains the contributions from both the gravitational surface torque couple and the advective surface torque couple at the nonlinear, quasi-steady state of the wave modes, in sharp contrast to its behavior in the linear regime, where it contains only the contribution from the gravitational surface torque couple used by Lynden-Bell & Kalnajs in 1972. The potential-density phase shift approach yields angular momentum transport rates several times higher than those estimated using the Lynden-Bell and Kalnajs approach. And unlike Lynden-Bell and Kalnajs, whose approach predicts zero mass redistribution across the majority of the disk surface (apart from the isolated locations of wave-particle resonances) for quasi-steady waves, the current approach leads to predictions of significant mass redistribution induced by the quasi-steady density wave modes, enough for the morphological types of disks to evolve substantially within its lifetime. This difference with the earlier conclusions of Lynden-Bell and Kalnajs reflects the dominant role played by collisionless shocks in the secular evolution of galaxies containing extremely non-linear, quasi-steady density wave modes, thus enabling significant morphological transformation along the Hubble sequence during a Hubble time. We show for the first time also, using observational data, that stellar mass accretion/excretion is just as important, and oftentimes much more important, than the corresponding accretion/excretion processes in the gaseous component, with the latter being what had been emphasized in most of the previous secular evolution studies.
Overestimation of paravalvular leak with Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

An 88-year-old woman with a history of severe aortic stenosis presented for a transaortic valve replacement (TAVR). A pre-TAVR computed tomography angiogram showed an aortic annular area of 385 mm2 and an average diameter of 22.1 mm ([Figure 1A][1]). The patient underwent an uncomplicated
Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase suppresses increases in collagen accumulation induced by culture of mesangial cells in high-media glucose

Superoxide has been implicated in the cellular signalling pathways, which regulate growth of mesangial cells (MC) and vascular smooth muscle cells. Manganese (Mn)(2+)-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD-2) is primarily responsible for metabolism of superoxide produced in mitochondria by respiratory chain activity during aerobic metabolism of glucose and other substrates. In the current studies, we examined the role of superoxide in the stimulation of collagen accumulation induced in MC by culture in media containing a high concentration of glucose. Aconitase, an iron sulfur enzyme whose activity is inhibited by superoxide, was used as an index of cellular superoxide production and action. SV-40-transformed mouse MC were cultured in media containing 100 (low) or 500 (high) mg/dL D-glucose and infected with a recombinant adenoviral (Ad) vector encoding either human mitochondrial Mn(2+) SOD-2 or green fluorescent protein (GFP). In cells infected with SOD-2 (SOD-2-Ad) and cultured in low glucose, SOD-2 activity was 5-fold higher than in cells infected with GFP (GFP-Ad), whereas Cu(2+)/Zn(2+) cytoplasmic SOD (SOD-1) did not differ; culture in high-glucose media did not alter SOD-2 or SOD-1 activity in either GFD-Ad or SOD-2-Ad. In GFP-Ad, high glucose suppressed aconitase activity and increased collagen accumulation compared with corresponding values in low glucose. In SOD-2-Ad, high glucose failed to suppress aconitase activity or increase collagen accumulation. Addition of exogenous (presumably extracellular) SOD to GFP-Ad had no effect on the stimulation of collagen accumulation by high glucose. Analogous to the effects of SOD-2-Ad, diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a nonspecific inhibitor of the production of superoxide by mitochondrial respiration and other nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD)(P)H oxidase activities, reduced collagen accumulation in GFP-Ad cultured in low glucose and blocked stimulation of collagen accumulation induced by culture in high glucose. These results support a role for increased cellular superoxide production derived from NAD(P)H oxidase activity in the stimulation of collagen accumulation induced in MC by high glucose and demonstrate that an increase in mitochondrial SOD-2 activity suppresses this response.
An Elastic Contact Model for the Prediction of Workpiece-Fixture Contact Forces in Clamping

The design and evaluation of machining fixture performance requires accurate knowledge of workpiece-fixture contact forces since they strongly impact workpiece accuracy during clamping and machining. This paper presents an elastic contact model for the prediction of workpiece-fixture contact forces due to clamping. The fixture and workpiece are considered to be elastic bodies in the vicinity of the contact region. The model is formulated as a constrained quadratic program by applying the principle of minimum total complementary energy. The model predicts the normal force, and the magnitude and direction of the tangential (friction) force at each workpiece-fixture contact due to clamping forces. Experimental verification of the model under different clamping loads shows good agreement between predicted and measured normal and tangential contact forces. The model can be used to analyze fixture performance in terms of the contact forces and contact region deformation.
On: ``Stratigraphic filter theory: Combined effects of parallel bedding and random inhomogeneities'' by I. Lerche (GEOPHYSICS, 51, 1531 1537, August 1986).

In the paper by Lerche (hereafter referred to as Lerche 86), the author compared his formula of effective attenuation (42) based on the mean field attenuation with formula (41), attributed to Wu (1982a), and claimed that Wu’s formula “explicitly assumed that the Born approximation is valid (i.e., that the scattering by the randomly sited centers is from the unperturbed incident wave with no modification to the wave from previous scattering),” while in his result “the modification to the incident wave is taken into account through the statistically sharp mean field” and therefore is “more correct.” However, neither the statement about the validity condition of Wu’s formula not the author’s formula (42) from the mean field approach is correct. In fact, the mean field formalism, when improperly applied to amplitude attenuation, can generate physically meaningless results. The impotence and fallacy of the mean field formalism in dealing with amplitude attenuation in 3-D random media have been recognized since...
A fuzzy-based optimal reactive power control

A mathematical formulation of the optimal reactive power control problem using fuzzy set theory is presented. The objectives are to minimize real power losses and improve the voltage profile of a given system. Transmission losses are expressed in terms of voltage increments by relating the control variables to the voltage increments in a modified Jacobian matrix. This formulation does not require Jacobian matrix inversion, and hence it will save computation time and memory space. The objective function and the constraints are modeled by fuzzy sets. Linear membership functions of the fuzzy sets are defined and the fuzzy linear optimization problem is formulated. The solution space is defined as the intersection of the fuzzy sets describing the constraints and the objective functions. Each solution is characterized by a parameter that determines the degree of satisfaction with the solution. The optimal solution is the one with the maximum value for the satisfaction parameter. Results for test systems reveal the advantages of the approach. >
Use of massive doses of vitamin A in the treatment of hyperthyroidism: a preliminary report.

INVESTIGATIVE work during the last decade and a half has established the close interrelationships existing between hormones and vitamins in their effects on the same organs of the body (19). Of considerable interest is the relationship between thyroxine and vitamin A, concerning which an extensive literature has developed abroad but strangely enough comparatively little in this country. The antagonism between the thyroid hormone and vitamin A was first suggested a half century ago (39) and confirmed between 1930 and 1939 by extensive experimental work in animals. For the present report the effects of massive doses of vitamin A (200,000 to 400,000 i.u. daily) in hyperthyroidism were tested in two patients. One was a woman with menopausal exophthalmic goiter of moderate severity complicated by essential hypertension; the second, a rather severely toxic hyperthyroid woman. Routine studies such as urinalysis, blood count, blood sugar and electrocardiogram were performed in both patients; the metabolic rate an...
Impacts of vegetative manipulations on Common Tern nest success at Lime Island, Michigan

Abstract Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) typically favor nest sites with 10–30% vegetative cover, and cover >30% may decrease nest success. Vegetation manipulations were performed in summer 1998 on Lime Island, Michigan, to determine if vegetative structure affects nest success of Common Terns. Three treatments (partial and complete herbicide and a control) were randomly assigned to 5 × 5-m plots. Our results suggest that Common Terns on Lime Island have the greatest nest success in areas that contain moderate amounts (about 40%) of total standing vegetation cover and litter cover (about 50%) that were associated with the partial herbicide areas. Although the greatest number of Common Tern nests were located in areas with 10–30% standing cover and >65% litter cover (complete herbicide), those areas had the lowest nest success. Researchers should not disregard the importance of areas that typically support fewer nests in greater amounts of standing vegetation cover when evaluating the nest success of Common ...
The modified V-Y dorsal metacarpal flap for repair of syndactyly without skin graft.

Background: Syndactyly repairs that use full-thickness skin grafts risk graft-related complications. The dorsal V-Y advancement flap offers a method of syndactyly release that can eliminate the need for full-thickness skin grafts in some cases of simple syndactyly. Methods: A retrospective case series of all patients undergoing syndactyly release without skin grafting performed by the senior author (B.C.) between 1998 and 2007 was conducted. All outpatient and inpatient charts were reviewed for pertinent patient demographics and clinical outcomes, including the incidence of web creep, hypertrophic scarring, flexion contracture, infection, angulation deformity, limited range of motion, ischemia, and need for reoperation. Results: A total of 28 syndactylies were included in the study: 25 simple incomplete and three simple complete. Mean follow-up time was 4.2 years. Mean operative time was 68 minutes. Two patients (7.1 percent) experienced postoperative complications; both were corrected by subsequent revision. Conclusion: The dorsal V-Y advancement flap without skin graft is an effective method of repair primarily in simple incomplete syndactyly.
A multicomplex of partially edge-rooted forests

A coned graph [email protected]? is the union of a finite graph G and a star on its vertices. In this paper, we show that the h-vector of the cycle matroid of [email protected]? is the f-vector of a pure multicomplex constructed from the partially edge-rooted forests in G. This result proves a conjecture by Stanley (1996) [6] in the case of the cycle matroid of coned graphs.
Longitudinal assessment of cognitive performance in Holocaust survivors with and without PTSD.

Background There are currently no longitudinal studies of cognitive performance in older patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is therefore unclear whether relationships between memory and symptoms differ over time among older persons with and without PTSD. Methods Twenty-eight Holocaust survivors and nineteen comparison subjects were evaluated 5 years after they had received a memory assessment including paired-associates learning and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Results While Holocaust survivors with PTSD showed a diminution in symptom severity ( t = 2.99, df = 12, p = .011), they still manifested a decline in paired associates learning, suggesting an acceleration in age-related memory impairment (related word pairs: t = 2.87, df = 13, p = .013; unrelated word pairs: t = 2.06, df = 13, p = .060). The survivors with PTSD showed improvements on several CVLT measures over time. These improvements correlated with symptom improvements, such that group differences at the follow-up were no longer detected. Conclusions The discrepancy in the pattern of performance on these two tests of memory following symptom improvement suggests possible differentiation between of aspects of memory functions associated with aging and trauma exposure and those associated with the severity of PTSD symptoms. Performance on the CVLT appeared related to clinical symptom severity while paired associate learning worsened over time in Holocaust survivors with PTSD, consistent with earlier cross-sectional findings.
The Fertility of Bovine Semen in Extenders Containing Sulfanilamide, Penicillin, Streptomycin and Polymyxin

Summary By use of the split sample technique the fertility of bovine semen extended in 3.6 per cent citrate-yolk containing no antibacterial agent, sulfanilamide, penicillin, streptomycin, polymyxin or a combination of these four antibacterial agents was studied. Semen was used from bulls with histories of low fertility, as well as from bulls with histories of high fertility. The per cent 60- to 90-day non-returns to first and second service cows for the treatments, no antibacterial agent, sulfanilamide, penicillin, streptomycin, polymyxin, and sulfanilamide plus penicillin plus streptomycin plus polymyxin were, respectively, for the high fertility bulls, 63, 64, 70, 69, 68, and 67; for the low fertility bulls, 58, 60, 67, 66, 59, and 69 and for both the high fertility and the low fertility bulls combined, 61, 62, 68, 68, 64, and 68. On the bases of these results and those reported by other workers, it is concluded that the addition of penicillin, streptomycin or a combination of these plus polymyxin and sulfanilamide to present day extenders may be expected to increase the over-all fertility level of bovine semen used for artificial breeding.
Regional trends in terrestrial carbon exchange and their seasonal signatures

The trends of terrestrial carbon exchange and their mechanistic drivers are key components in understanding how carbon reservoirs will respond to climate change. Here we show trends in seasonal non-fossil land–atmosphere carbon exchange from 1980 to 2008 using atmospheric CO 2 inversion results. Four indices were analysed: growing-season net flux (GSNF), dormant-season net flux (DSNF), amplitude and annual net carbon flux (NCF). We find that the global land carbon sink is intensifying at −0.057 ± 0.01 PgC yr -2 , resulting in −1.65 ± 0.29 PgC of additional uptake over the period examined. This increased total land uptake is driven by a decline in the DSNF (−0.04 ± 0.01 PgC yr -2 ) and intensification of the GSNF (−0.02 ± 0.008 PgC yr -2 ). Regional analysis shows the dominant role of the southern half of the African continent; intensification of the GSNF (−0.02 ± 0.005 PgC yr -2 ) and a decline in the DSNF (−0.013 ± 0.004 PgC yr -2 ) imply that Africa has shifted from a net carbon source in the 1980s to near-neutral emissions. By contrast, a weakening of the GSNF is found in temperate North America (0.015 ± 0.007 PgC yr -2 ) and tropical America (0.01 ± 0.005 PgC yr -2 ). DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2011.00534.x
Effect of 5-methylcytosine as a neighboring base on methylation of DNA guanine by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

Effects on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) mediated methylation of the N7 position of guanine were compared in defined sequences of DNA containing cytosine or 5-methylcytosine (5mC) using a Maxam-Gilbert sequencing technique. Cytosine methylation in 5'-CpG-3' pairs within a subcloned fragment of the 5' region of the human HPRT gene was generated with SssI methylase and S-adenosylmethionine. Cytosine methylation was demonstrated by both the inhibition of DNA restriction by methylation sensitive endonucleases and the lack of cleavage at 5-methylcytosines by hydrazine. MNU-dependent methylation of the N7 position of guanine was inhibited up to 18% when 5mC was a 5' neighboring base to guanine and was inhibited up to 36% in an alternating CpG region in which both 5' and 3' neighboring bases of guanine were enzymatically altered to 5mC. It can be concluded that 5-methylcytosine has discernible effects on MNU methylation of the N7 position of specific guanine bases in DNA.
Does inflation targeting make a difference in developing countries

We evaluate the treatment effect of inflation targeting in thirteen developing countries that have adopted this policy by the end of 2004. Using a variety of propensity score matching methods, we show that, on average, inflation targeting has large and significant effects on lowering both inflation and inflation variability in these thirteen countries. However, the effectiveness of inflation targeting on lowering inflation is found to be quite heterogeneous. The performance of a given inflation targeting regime can be affected by country characteristics such as government's fiscal position, central bank's desire to limit the movements of exchange rate, its willingness to meet the preconditions of policy adoption, and the time length since the policy adoption.
Humanoid balancing on unstable terrain using whole-body momentum control and series elastic actuation

This video presents early results for dynamic balancing on unstable terrain using THOR, a 34-DoF torque-controlled humanoid. The proposed stance controller stabilizes the centroidal dynamics by regulating the Divergent Component of Motion (DCM) using whole-body momentum control. A quadratic program (QP) is used to compute optimal joint torques given desired task-space objectives and frictional contact constraints. Joint setpoints are tracked using "simple" impedance control to enable compliant balancing on uneven and non-stationary surfaces. High fidelity force control is made possible through the use of low impedance series elastic actuators in the lower body. We test THOR's ability to recover from disturbance forces and track desired DCM reference trajectories during stance. We also demonstrate balancing on unstable terrain using a platform that rotates and translates about a pivot.
A functional view of the entrances of L-type Ca2+ channels: estimates of the size and surface potential at the pore mouths

At extreme membrane potentials, the unitary inward and outward currents through L-type Ca2+ channels become diffusion controlled and saturate. The magnitudes of these currents indicate that the pore entrances are asymmetric, with the external mouth being much larger than the internal one. On the other hand, negative surface potentials at the two ends of the pore are rather similar. Both would be significant only when the ambient ionic strength is 110 mM or less. We conclude that the surface charges will not help much in concentrating the channel's favorite divalent cations in the physiological condition. However, the pore does possess an external mouth large enough to make the important inward Ca2+ flow not limited by diffusion, even with only 1 mM external Ca2+.