cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D stress waves in anisotropic elastic and piezoelectric media due to triangle-shaped impulsive sources

Exact line-integral representations for transient dynamic stresses induced in anisotropic elastic and piezoelectric bodies due to electro-mechanical sources of arbitrary shape are derived according to a methodology already established by the authors. A numerical example involving piezoelectric ceramics is provided to show the behavior of stresses due to applied forces.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Microfluidic Amperometric Sensor for Analysis of Nitric Oxide in Whole Blood

Standard photolithographic techniques and a nitric oxide (NO) selective xerogel polymer were utilized to fabricate an amperometric NO microfluidic sensor with low background noise and the ability to analyze NO levels in small sample volumes (~250 μL). The sensor exhibited excellent analytical performance in phosphate buffered saline, including a NO sensitivity of 1.4 pA nM(-1), a limit of detection (LOD) of 840 pM, and selectivity over nitrite, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, uric acid, hydrogen sulfide, ammonium, ammonia, and both protonated and deprotonated peroxynitrite (selectivity coefficients of -5.3, -4.2, -4.0, -5.0, -6.0, -5.8, -3.8, -1.5, and -4.0, respectively). To demonstrate the utility of the microfluidic NO sensor for biomedical analysis, the device was used to monitor changes in blood NO levels during the onset of sepsis in a murine pneumonia model.
Computer control of fermentation processes

Abstract A review of computer control of fermentation processes is presented. Hardware and software technologies that have been used to implement computer control are discussed. This includes instrumentation, interfacing techniques, computer hardware configurations, data logging and documentation, displays and man-machine interaction, low-level control, back-up and error detection and programming techniques. Advanced control of fermentation processes with the utilization of modern control techniques is also presented. This topic is divided into steady state optimization and dynamic optimization. Finally, on-line estimation of bioreactor parameters for feedback control is presented.
Developmental changes in catecholamines in organs and brain regions of genetically hypertensive rats

Abstract 1. Developmental changes in catecholamine concentrations were determined in genetically hypertensive (GH) and normotensive rats. 2. Changes in catecholamine concentrations and organ weights differed in relation to age, organ and brain region. 3. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) contents of adrenal glands were greater in 11- and 16-week-old GH rats than in corresponding controls, the difference in adrenal NE concentration being greater in the younger animals ( P 4. A significant decrease ( P
Coupling reverse osmosis with electrodialysis to isolate natural organic matter from fresh waters.

Abstract Reverse osmosis (RO) has proven to be an effective method for the concentration of natural organic matter (NOM) from fresh waters, but an undesirable consequence of this process is the co-concentration of some inorganic solutes. Accordingly, current practice yields solutions of NOM that, upon desalting and freeze-drying, are converted into dry solids containing finely dispersed sulfuric acid and silicic acid (H 4 SiO 4 ). These acids will contribute to the apparent carboxylic and phenolic contents of NOM, leading to an overestimation of both. NOM may also be chemically altered by sulfuric acid, which reacts strongly with many classes of organic compounds. The sulfur content and ash content of NOM will be elevated in the presence of sulfuric acid and H 4 SiO 4 . The goal of this study is to develop and test a method in which the removal of water by RO is coupled with the removal of salts by electrodialysis (ED). Like RO, ED is a relatively mild treatment that enables the desalting of NOM solutions without subjecting those samples to conditions of extremely high or low pH. The end product of the coupled process is a desalted, concentrated liquid sample from which low-ash NOM can be obtained as a freeze-dried solid material. In this study, the efficacy of ED for desalting NOM is evaluated using concentrated synthetic river waters and actual concentrated (by RO) river waters. Under optimal operating conditions, both sulfate and silica can be largely removed from RO-concentrated solutions of riverine NOM with only an average loss of 3% of total organic carbon.
The effect of vapor phase chemicals on head/disk interface tribology©

Outgassing from disk drive materials can adversely affect head/disk tribological performance. The reliability risk of out-gassed contamination continues to rise as storage capacity demands force reductions in head flying heights and disk surface roughness. A tribochemical test method was previously described and applied to study the effects of outgassing from pressure sensitive adhesives on tribological performance. The authors have used this technique to evaluate the effects of pure chemicals on stiction, fly stiction, durability, and head smearing for five chemicals that are commonly used in the formulation of adhesives and other drive materials. Acrylic acid vapors caused significant increases in stiction, fly stiction and head smearing. Benzothiazole affected stiction rise and fly stiction but did not affect head smearing while tributylamine vapors affected fly stiction and head smearing. Acetic acid and diethylhexylphthalate did not significantly affect head/disk interface performance. No obvious rel...
Cytogenetics in adult acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Recurring clonal cytogenetic abnormalities are well described in adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Six recent studies have considered their prognostic significance in large groups of patients. 3, 10, 20, 23, 24, 26 Data from these studies suggest that cytogenetic analysis should continue to be performed at diagnosis in all adult ALL patients and that karyotype should be an important consideration in the assignment of treatment in adult ALL. This article concentrates on the six recent studies correlating cytogenetic findings with outcome. A total of 1352 patients were included in these studies. Four studies were multi-institutional, 3, 20, 23, 26 and the other two were from single institutions. 10, 24 Central review of karyotype was performed in three of the four multi-institutional studies. 3, 23, 26 (Patients with t(8;14)(q24;q32), Burkitt's leukemia are not discussed in this article.) Treatments administered in the different studies varied considerably. In two studies, patients were accrued to a single intensive treatment regimen. 20, 24 In another study, half the patients received intensive treatment regimens, including autologous or allogeneic transplantation in first complete remission (CR), 23 whereas the other half received a variety of treatment regimens. In the fourth study, 78% of the patients were treated with several treatment protocols, all with similar intensive backbones but with minor modifications. 26 The other two studies included patients receiving a variety of treatment regimens. 3, 10 In this article, patients are grouped by recurring cytogenetic findings, and groups are classified as having unfavorable, intermediate, or favorable prognosis based on the probability of either continuous CR at 5 years 26 or disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years, 20, 23 depending on which data are available (Table 1). Cytogenetic abnormalities are discussed as primary and as secondary abnormalities. Primary cytogenetic abnormalities are those that have been shown to contribute to the creation of the malignant clone, for example, chromosomal translocations such as t(9;22), t(4;11), t(1;19), and t(10;14) that result in an oncogenic fusion protein that can transform hematopoietic cells. Secondary cytogenetic abnormalities represent either additional events in the transformation process or genetic instability. To understand the clinical relevance of secondary cytogenetic abnormalities better, data from previous series which have concentrated on secondary cytogenetic abnormalities are also reviewed here.
The Cost of Intraoperative Plastic Surgery Education

Purpose Within the surgical community, it is commonly accepted that the length and cost of a surgical case increase when a resident physician participates. Many accountable care organizations, however, believe the opposite, that is, resident assistance enhances efficiency and diminishes operative time. The purpose of this study is to determine the opportunity cost to the attending surgeon for intraoperative teaching during index plastic surgery cases. Methods A single senior surgeon's experience over a 7-year period was evaluated retrospectively for Current Procedural Terminology codes 40700 (repair of primary, unilateral cleft lip) and 42200 (palatoplasty). Variables collected include operative time, the presence or absence of a physician learner, and postgraduate year level. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test using the S+ programming language. A cost analysis was performed to quantify the effect of longer operative times in terms of relative value units (RVUs) lost. Results During the study period, a total of 45 patients had primary, unilateral cleft lip repair; 70 patients had cleft palate repair. Of those cases, 39 (87%) cleft lip repairs and 60 (86%) cleft palate repairs were performed with a resident or fellow present. There was a statistically significant difference in the amount of time required to perform either surgery with a physician learner than without, with operative times being 60% (p = 0.020) longer for cleft lip repair and 65% (p = 0.0016) longer for cleft palate repair. The results were further stratified based on level of training, with craniofacial fellows and plastic surgery residents (independent and integrated) compared separately. Cases where a craniofacial fellow was present required the longest operative times: 103% (p = 0.0012) longer for cleft lip repairs and 104% (p Conclusions Resident involvement in the operating room is crucial to the education of independent surgeons. This involvement, however, comes at a significant opportunity cost to the attending surgeon. As an incentive to retain academic surgeons and uphold a quality academic environment in the OR, compensation should be offered for intraoperative teaching.
Absorption Characteristics of Protons and Photons in Tissue

This presentation reviews the radiation quality of protons and other energetic ion beams, where radiation quality refers to those relevant physical properties other than the dose of the different types of radiations that can contribute to differences in the absorption characteristics in various tissues and the corresponding clinical outcomes. Prior to initiation of clinical trials with protons, neutrons, pions, and heavy ions, it was generally believed that such particles might have a therapeutic advantage resulting from their greater relative biological effectiveness (RBE). Potential clinical advantages resulting from a greater biological effectiveness, however, have generally been overshadowed during the last three decades by improved controls or reduced complications resulting primarily from the better dose delivery and localization that was possible with these heavier particles in conjunction with improved imaging. The successes both in delivery and in the clinical responses with protons and other light ions resulting from improved dose localization have arguably led the way in stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and tomotherapy, stimulating improved methods with conventional radiations as well. Protons or light ions differ significantly in comparison with photon or electron beams in how they interact with the tissue atoms and molecules, and in how they transfer energy to those tissues. Microscopically, the heavier particles tend to travel in straight lines and produce long tracks with the energy concentrated closer to the track of the primary particle, while photons or electrons tend to scatter more easily and produce a more uniform distribution of energy transfers. Because they are hadrons, i.e., nuclear particles, protons and ions are more likely to produce long-range nuclear secondaries with higher masses. This higher concentration of energy associated with the heavier particle beams and the more massive secondaries results in differences in dose localization, clinically and microscopically, and therefore potential differences in short-term and long-term chemical and biological processes. Protons tend to have the least differences in clinical response in comparison with photons and electrons, the radiations used conventionally in therapy, but biological differences have been observed for these particles; it behooves us, therefore, to understand these different mechanisms if we are to take full advantage of their benefits. This article reviews the physical properties of these different particles in terms of microdosimetric distributions of energy deposition in order to compare protons with photons and heavy ions.
Annual arrival cycle of Atlantic tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico throughout the year. This paper statistically quantifies their annual arrival cycle. A Poisson process with a periodic time-varying intensity function is used to model the annual cycle of storm arrivals. The kernel method is used to estimate the time-varying intensity function. A data set that contains storm occurrence dates for the 120-year period 1871–1990 inclusive is analyzed. The estimated intensity function indicates that the peak of the hurricane season is around 12 September and that the true intensity function may be multi-modal. Adjustments are made in the analysis to account for storms that occurred but went unrecorded over the earlier years of the data record.
Nitrogen fertilizer affects the severity of anthracnose crown rot disease of greenhouse grown strawberries.

The influence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the severity of anthracnose crown rot was evaluated in three greenhouse studies. Strawberry plants were fertilized three times weekly with a modified Hoagland's Nutrient Solution containing the treatments and inoculated eight weeks after treatment applications began with a conidial suspension of the causal pathogen, Colletotrichum fragariae. Disease severity was rated 30 days later on a scale of 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (plant dead). In the first study, the effect of N, P, and K levels was evaluated using 16 treatments: eight N levels with either low P and K or high P and K. Disease severity ratings and percent foliar N increased as N level increased but were not influenced by the level of P and K. In two other experiments, seven N sources were each evaluated at three levels. Plants receiving 160 ppm N had higher disease severity ratings than plants receiving 0 or 40 ppm N. Among plants receiving 160 ppm N, those treated with Ca(NO₃)₂ had the least disease. When N fertilizer is applied to strawberry plants as Ca(NO₃)₂, anthracnose crown rot severity should be less severe than when N is applied in ammonium forms.
Complications of diverticular disease of the colon in young people

Diverticular disease of the colon in patients under the age of 40 years is uncommon. Between 1975 and 1985, 58 patients (31 men and 27 women) were admitted for pathologically or radiographically proven acute diverticulitis. Seventeen (29.3 percent) were younger than 40 years. Fifteen of the 17 (88.2 percent) required urgent or emergent surgery for complications of diverticular disease. This represents a significantly (P<0.02) larger proportion of that age group than those patients older than the age of 40 (17/41 or 41.5 percent). Twelve of the patients younger than age 40 (70.6 percent) had had their symptoms for 72 hours or less, and in 13, surgery was required during the first attack. Indications for surgery included abscess, perforation, and persistence of symptoms. Six patients required surgery in less than 24 hours. In young people, the initial attack of colonic diverticulitis is frequently severe, often requiring an urgent operation for complications. Excellent results with few complications can be obtained when the index of suspicion is high, an early diagnosis is made, and timely surgical intervention is employed.
Systems of covariance in quantum probability

Symmetry groups and systems of covariance are investigated in the framework of quantum probability theory. It is shown that a measurementX can be represented by a positive operator-valued measure\(\hat X^S\) on a sectorS of the amplitude space. Moreover,\(\hat X^S\) provides a generalized system of covariance for the generalized unitary representation of a symmetry group.
A ChIP-seq-Defined Genome-Wide Map of MEF2C Binding Reveals Inflammatory Pathways Associated with Its Role in Bone Density Determination

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have demonstrated that genetic variation at the MADS box transcription enhancer factor 2, polypeptide C (MEF2C) locus is robustly associated with bone mineral density, primarily at the femoral neck. MEF2C is a transcription factor known to operate via the Wnt signaling pathway. Our hypothesis was that MEF2C regulates the expression of a set of molecular pathways critical to skeletal function. Drawing on our laboratory and bioinformatic experience with ChIP-seq, we analyzed ChIP-seq data for MEF2C available via the ENCODE project to gain insight in to its global genomic binding pattern. We aligned the ChIP-seq data generated for GM12878 (an established lymphoblastoid cell line) and, using the analysis package HOMER, a total of 17,611 binding sites corresponding to 8,118 known genes were observed. We then performed a pathway analysis of the gene list using Ingenuity. At 5 kb, the gene list yielded ‘EIF2 Signaling’ as the most significant annotation, with a P value of 5.01 × 10−26. Moving further out, this category remained the top pathway at 50 and 100 kb, then dropped to just second place at 500 kb and beyond by ‘Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer’. In addition, at 50 kb and beyond ‘RANK Signaling in Osteoclasts’ was a consistent feature and resonates with the main general finding from GWAS of bone density. We also observed that MEF2C binding sites were significantly enriched primarily near inflammation associated genes identified from GWAS; indeed, a similar enrichment for inflammation genes has been reported previously using a similar approach for the vitamin D receptor, an established key regulator of bone turnover. Our analyses point to known connective tissue and skeletal processes but also provide novel insights in to networks involved in skeletal regulation. The fact that a specific GWAS category is enriched points to a possible role of inflammation through which it impacts bone mineral density.
Cyclooxygenases in reproductive medicine and biology.

This review focuses on the role of cyclooxygenases in reproductive medicine and biology. The cyclooxygenase enzymes catalysis the role-limiting reactions for prostaglandins and thromboxame synthesis. Two separate isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, are present, and differences in their roles are discussed in the context of inflammation and parturition.
A Proteasome Inhibitor-stimulated Nrf1 Protein-dependent Compensatory Increase in Proteasome Subunit Gene Expression Reduces Polycomb Group Protein Level

The polycomb group (PcG) proteins, Bmi-1 and Ezh2, are important epigenetic regulators that enhance skin cancer cell survival. We recently showed that Bmi-1 and Ezh2 protein level is reduced by treatment with the dietary chemopreventive agents, sulforaphane and green tea polyphenol, and that this reduction involves ubiquitination of Bmi-1 and Ezh2, suggesting a key role of the proteasome. In the present study, we observe a surprising outcome that Bmi-1 and Ezh2 levels are reduced by treatment with the proteasome inhibitor, MG132. We show that this is associated with a compensatory increase in the level of mRNA encoding proteasome protein subunits in response to MG132 treatment and an increase in proteasome activity. The increase in proteasome subunit level is associated with increased Nrf1 and Nrf2 level. Moreover, knockdown of Nrf1 attenuates the MG132-dependent increase in proteasome subunit expression and restores Bmi-1 and Ezh2 expression. The MG132-dependent loss of Bmi-1 and Ezh2 is associated with reduced cell proliferation, accumulation of cells in G2, and increased apoptosis. These effects are attenuated by forced expression of Bmi-1, suggesting that PcG proteins, consistent with a prosurvival action, may antagonize the action of MG132. These studies describe a compensatory Nrf1-dependent, and to a lesser extent Nrf2-dependent, increase in proteasome subunit level in proteasome inhibitor-treated cells and confirm that PcG protein levels are regulated by proteasome activity.
Sensory Quality Evaluation of Market-Grade-Sized Red Testa Seed Associated With TSWV Infection from Peanut Genotypes of Varying Resistance Levels1

Abstract With the increasing impact of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) on peanut production, concerns have been voiced by peanut processors that this disease has a negative impact on roasted peanut flavor quality. A descriptive sensory panel evaluated selected TSWV-resistant [Florida MDR 98, C-99R, UF97318] and susceptible (Florunner) genotypes for sensory quality differences by comparing market-grade sized (jumbo, medium, and No. 1 runner) red testa and normal seed from plants grown at two sites—Lewiston, NC and Marianna, FL. The triangle difference test and descriptive evaluation were performed on roasted peanut paste samples. Panelists were able to discern differences between pastes from normal and red testa seeds which most often were discerned in UF97318. Discernment became more pronounced as the market-grade size decreased from jumbo to medium to No. 1. Intensity of roasted peanut and sweet attributes was highest in Florida MDR 98 and lowest in UF97318. It was more difficult to achieve a const...
Double trouble? Potential for hyperexcitability following both channelopathic up- and downregulation of Ih in epilepsy

Studies of pathological ion channel regulation as an underlying mechanism of epilepsy have revealed alterations of the h-current in several animal models. While prior reports indicate that downregulation of the h-current is pro-excitatory on the single neuron level, we recently found an upregulation of Ih in hyperexcitable CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites following experimental febrile seizures. In addition, in several CA1 pyramidal neuron computational models of different complexity, h-current upregulation has been shown to lead to pro-excitable effects. This focused review examines the complex impact of altered h-current on neuronal resting membrane potential (RMP) and input resistance (Rin), as well as reported interactions with other ionic conductances.
Strategies of Constitutional Scholarship

At roughly the same time that economics made its way into legal scholarship, it also entered political science, to which it introduced the powerful metaphor of the political market in which laws and other government actions are goods that are bought and sold like any other commodity. A number of ideas followed. Individuals bound together by interest and circumstance overcome the free-rider problem and form interest groups that disproportionately influence legislation at the expense of the unorganized public. Officeholders maximize their chances of reelection by designing political institutions-congressional committees, voting rules, courts, agencies, parties-that shield incumbents against challengers. Candidates for public office compete for votes by adopting positions as close as possible to the attitudes of the median voter. These and related insights make up the scholarship known variously as public choice, positive political theory, and political economy. Law and politics have a deep and intricate relationship, and for that reason one might have predicted that the economic analysis of politics and the economic analysis of law would converge. Instead, the two fields of scholarship have traveled on separate paths, usually parallel and rarely intersecting. Political scientists have focused on how the power and preferences of constituents and the political environment determine political outcomes-legislative deals, agency projects, and other government actions.
Nonuniform coordinate scaling requirements for exchange-correlation energy.

Consider the nonuniformly scaled electron density ${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{x}}$(x,y,z)=\ensuremath{\lambda}n(\ensuremath{\lambda}x,y,z), with analogous definitions for ${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{y}}$ and ${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{z}}$. It is shown that it is generally true that ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{xc}}$[${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{x}}$]\ensuremath{\ne}${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{xc}}$[${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{y}}$]\ensuremath{\ne}${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{xc}}$[${\mathit{n}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\mathit{z}}$], where ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{xc}}$ is the exact exchange-correlation energy. A corresponding inequality also holds for the correlation component of ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{xc}}$ when the correlation component is defined in one of the meaningful ways. In contrast, equalities always hold for the local-density approximations to these exact functionals. In other words, the local-density approximations for exchange correlation and for correlation alone do not distinguish between nonuniform scaling along different coordinates.
Mutagenicity of aminoazobenzene dyes and related structures: a QSAR/QPAR investigation

Abstract Quantitative structure–activity/property–activity relationships (QSAR/QPARs) are developed that correlate the observed mutagenic activity of 43 aminoazobenzene derivatives with a variety of molecular descriptors calculated using quantum-chemical semiempirical methodology. Models based on multilinear regression techniques and artificial neural networks are presented that account for more than 80% of the variation in the reported relative mutagenicity of these compounds.
Synthesis of vitamin B6 derivatives. III. 3- (4-formyl-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-pyridyl)propionic acid, an analog of pyridoxal phosphate†

The preparation and properties of a new analog of pyridoxal phosphate, 3- (4-formyl-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-pyridyl)propionic acid and of the corresponding 4-aminomethyl compound are described. The n.m.r. spectrum of the new aldehyde is compared with those of 5-deoxypyridoxal and pyridoxal phosphate. The broad aldehyde proton peak of 5-deoxypyridoxal is sharpened by heating, suggesting an equilibrium between two geometrical isomers. Mass spectra of the new aldehyde and of 5-deoxypyridoxal are analyzed. The electronic absorption spectrum is nearly the same as that of 5-deoxypyridoxal. The new aldehyde undergoes rapid transamination with amino acids, and the corresponding aminomethyl compound can be reoxidized to the aldehyde by heating with glyoxylic acid in aqueous solution.
Sensor design for water hardness detection

A new sensor design for detecting water hardness using complexometric and colorimetric concepts has been presented in this paper. Calmagite, a metal ion indicator, changes color of a solution to wine red in presence of calcium (Ca2002B;) and magnesium (Mg2002B;) ions at pH 10. When Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is added to the solution, it displaces the indicator from the metal-indicator complex and turns the solution blue. A red solution is transparent to a red light whereas nontransparent to a blue light and vice versa. If a photodiode is placed across the solution, the voltage (V) across the diode will vary based on how much of red or blue light passes through the solution and strikes the photodiode. Finally, based on visual inspection of color change of a water sample and voltage change, around 30% and 13% in average for blue light and 6% and 74% in average for red light, hardness of the sample is detected.
Theory of combined TOSS-multiple-pulse-scaling experiments

Abstract The theory of hybrid experiments which combine TOSS-type sequences with multiple-pulse-scaling sequences to efficiently eliminate rotational sidebands is described. The analysis relies on the magnetization vector model of magic-angle spinning NMR and leads to a simple derivation of the equations which govern the experiments. New pulse sequences are given for a wide range of experimental conditions.
The Use and Validation of Preintervention Diagnostic Tools in Organizational Behavior Management

Functional analyses and assessments have become the accepted gold standards in many applied areas of behavior analysis, including Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), in recent years. Despite their acceptance, OBM data on such tools have been largely absent. There are several assessment alternatives in OBM (e.g., ABC, PIC/NIC, Behavior Engineering Model), but two assessment approaches most common in the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management are Behavioral Systems Analysis (BSA) and the Performance Diagnostic Checklist (PDC). To date there have been no comprehensive reviews of BSA or the PDC from which one might draw ideas for application, research, and the advancement of the field. The goals of this paper are to (a) provide a review of the BSA and PDC literature within the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM), (b) discuss the implications of the results of the review, and (c) provide suggestions for future research utilizing BSA and the PDC.
Clinical Library Services: Outreach to Enhance Patient Care

Clinical library services (CLS) are offered by academic, hospital, and other health professional librarians. The literature documents many academic programs but there are few hospital librarians describing their experiences with CLS services in the literature. Hospital librarians considering these services need an overview of services that could be offered using this powerful marketing tool. This article will provide an overview of CLS and provide comments from individuals currently providing CLS on the benefits and concerns on this type of outreach. Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Julia Esparza (E-mail: jesparza@lsuhsc.edu) or Kristin Young (E-mail: you.kris@gmail.com).
Politics with style: Identity formation in prehispanic southeastern mesoamerica

Those seeking to ensconce themselves at the pinnacles of emerging sociopolitical hierarchies must forge alliances with both their immediate subordinates and distant peers. In the first case, allegiance to a polity that transcends extant and emerging sectarian affiliations must be achieved if the realm is to survive the passing of individual charismatic rulers. Cooperation with foreign leaders, in turn, guarantees a steady supply of political valuables useful in ensnaring clients within dependency relations that undergird sociopolitical hierarchy. Achievement of these objectives requires creation and propagation of at least two distinct social identities, one linking rulers and ruled within a polity and the other uniting paramounts in a network covering vast territorial expanses. In this article, we examine Late Classic (A.D. 600-950) material patterns from the Naco valley, northwestern Honduras, for the light they shed on the proposed integration of political and cultural processes within developing complex polities. The strategic manipulation of material symbols to fashion new affiliations and the implications of these identities for social change are also considered, [social identity, Mesoamerican archaeology, ideology, political contests, symbols]
Low Reynolds Number Film Flow Down a Three-Dimensional Bumpy Surface

The slow film flow down a doubly periodic bumpy surface is studied for the first time. Perturbations on the primary variables and the complex boundary conditions lead to a system of successive equations. The secondary flow and the free surface shape depend on the wavelength of the bumps and a surface tension-inclination parameter. There exists an optimum aspect ratio of the protuberances for maximal flow rate.
Aldehyde‐induced platelet aggregation

Summary. Formaldehyde, acctaldehyde, malondialdehyde, glutaraldehyde and paraldehyde, when added in vitro to platelet-rich plasma, generate a similar distinct platelet aggregation response which is dose dependent when measured with a manual visual microscopic technique and by computerized image analysis, ‘computerized platelet aggregation analysis’. Light transmission aggregometry did not measure this aggregation in a reliable manner. The aggregating reaction was specific to the aldehyde group and was not seen when the aldehyde was replaced by an alcohol, ketone, or acetate group in the case of acetaldehyde. The maximal aggregating effect of these aldehydes was directly proportional to the number of aldehyde groups per molecule. Aggregation was found to require the presence of plasma, but not von Willebrand's factor.
Characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase among Chinese.

VARIATIONS in the physico-chemical characteristics of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) have been described both in individuals with normal1–4 and deficient5–11 enzyme activity. Recently, Kirkman, McCurdy and Naiman12 have reported on the characteristics in three unrelated Chinese males with G-6-PD deficiency. They found that the G-6-PD migrated slightly faster than normal G-6-PD but the migration was not quite as fast as that of (A–) G-6-PD observed in Negroes. The enzyme had slightly more thermolability, a bimodal pH optimum curve similar to that of the Mediterranean variant, abnormally low Kms for G-6-P and TPN and relatively greater utilization of G-6-P analogues.
A new class of floating-point data formats with applications to 16-bit digital-signal processing systems

Sixteen-bit, programmable, digital-signal processors suffer from inadequate dynamic range and noise performance due in part to the use of standard data formats with few bits available for numeric precision. A solution to this problem is developed that involves the use of irregular data formats. A new class of irregular floating-point formats is developed. A specific format is derived from this class that provides greater dynamic range and improved noise performance for 16-bit DSP applications. An experiment with one of the new formats is conducted and analyzed, and improved performance is verified. The importance of our work and its potential applications are discussed.
Novel nuclear and heavy quark phenomena in QCD

A central focus of QCD studies is the non-perturbative structure of hadron wavefunctions, not only bound-state valence quark distributions, but also the intrinsic gluon and heavy quark distributions associated with higher Fock states. In this talk I discuss how the production of heavy quark systems and the use of nuclear targets can help to identify and separate the various components of hadron wavefunctions.
Human Sexual Development is Subject to Critical-Period Learning: Paradigm-Shifting Implications for Sexual Therapy and for Child-Rearing

ABSTRACT. Objectives: Our study was designed to study the origins of the variation in sexual interest in normal adult human beings. Methods: Retrospective data were entered anonymously by 2,201 female participants and 1,242 male participants using computer-assisted self-interview. Results: In both sexes, participants who began sexual behaviors before age 13 had the highest interest in sex as adults as measured by frequencies of masturbation and partner sex. Our findings were consistent with learning to function sexually being subject to critical-period learning. Conclusions: Critical-period learning provided a theoretical basis for understanding variation in interest in sex among adult individuals of both sexes. These results have implications for understanding the origins of hypoactive sexual desire, and they also have implications for child-rearing practices.
Constructing Near-Perfect Phylogenies with multiple homoplasy events

Motivation: We explore the problem of constructing near-perfect phylogenies on bi-allelic haplotypes, where the deviation from perfect phylogeny is entirely due to homoplasy events. We present polynomial-time algorithms for restricted versions of the problem. We show that these algorithms can be extended to genotype data, in which case the problem is called the near-perfect phylogeny haplotyping (NPPH) problem. We present a near-optimal algorithm for the H1-NPPH problem, which is to determine if a given set of genotypes admit a phylogeny with a single homoplasy event. The time-complexity of our algorithm for the H1-NPPH problem is O(m2(n + m)), where n is the number of genotypes and m is the number of SNP sites. This is a significant improvement over the earlier O(n4) algorithm. We also introduce generalized versions of the problem. The H(1, q)-NPPH problem is to determine if a given set of genotypes admit a phylogeny with q homoplasy events, so that all the homoplasy events occur in a single site. We present an O(mq+1(n + m)) algorithm for the H(1,q)-NPPH problem. Results: We present results on simulated data, which demonstrate that the accuracy of our algorithm for the H1-NPPH problem is comparable to that of the existing methods, while being orders of magnitude faster. Availability: The implementation of our algorithm for the H1-NPPH problem is available upon request. Contact: [email protected]
ASSIGN: context-specific genomic profiling of multiple heterogeneous biological pathways

Motivation: Although gene-expression signature-based biomarkers are often developed for clinical diagnosis, many promising signatures fail to replicate during validation. One major challenge is that biological samples used to generate and validate the signature are often from heterogeneous biological contexts—controlled or in vitro samples may be used to generate the signature, but patient samples may be used for validation. In addition, systematic technical biases from multiple genome-profiling platforms often mask true biological variation. Addressing such challenges will enable us to better elucidate disease mechanisms and provide improved guidance for personalized therapeutics. Results: Here, we present a pathway profiling toolkit, Adaptive Signature Selection and InteGratioN (ASSIGN), which enables robust and context-specific pathway analyses by efficiently capturing pathway activity in heterogeneous sets of samples and across profiling technologies. The ASSIGN framework is based on a flexible Bayesian factor analysis approach that allows for simultaneous profiling of multiple correlated pathways and for the adaptation of pathway signatures into specific disease. We demonstrate the robustness and versatility of ASSIGN in estimating pathway activity in simulated data, cell lines perturbed pathways and in primary tissues samples including The Cancer Genome Atlas breast carcinoma samples and liver samples exposed to genotoxic carcinogens. Availability and implementation: Software for our approach is available for download at: http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/ASSIGN.html and https://github.com/wevanjohnson/ASSIGN. Contact: ude.hatu.sciteneg@baerdna or ude.ub@jew Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Stationary-Sources and Rotating-Detectors Computed Tomography Architecture for Higher Temporal Resolution and Lower Radiation Dose

In current computed tomography (CT) architecture, both X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors are rotated mechanically around an object to collect a sufficient number of projections. This architecture has been shown to not be fast enough for patients with high or irregular heart rates. Furthermore, both X-ray beams and detectors of the current architecture are made wide enough, so that the entire object is covered in the lateral direction without data truncation. Although novel acquisition protocols have recently been developed to reduce a radiation exposure, the high radiation dose from CT imaging remains a heightened public concern (especially for cardiac CT). The current CT architecture is a major bottleneck to further increase the temporal resolution and reduce the radiation dose. To overcome these problems, we present an innovative stationary-sources rotating-detectors CT (SSRD-CT) architecture based on the three stationary distributed X-ray sources and three smaller rotating X-ray detectors. Each distributed X-ray source has ~ 100 distinctive X-ray focal spots, and each detector has a narrower width compared with the conventional CT detectors. The SSRD-CT will have a field-of-view of 200 mm in diameter at isocenter, which is large enough to image many internal organs, including hearts. X-rays from the distributed sources are activated electronically to simulate the mechanical spinning of conventional single-beam X-ray sources with a high speed. The activation of individual X-ray beam will be synchronized to the corresponding rotating detector at the opposite end. Three source-detector chains can work in parallel to acquire three projections simultaneously and improve temporal resolution. Lower full-body radiation dose is expected for the proposed SSRD-CT because X-rays are restricted to irradiate a local smaller region. Taken together, the proposed SSRD-CT architecture will enable ≤50-ms temporal resolution and reduce radiation dose significantly.
Phase-Amplitude Monopulse System

Phase monopulse, amplitude monopulse, and phase-amplitude monopulse are compared. The latter uses only two antenna feeds and by controlling the aperture illumination from these feeds has a separation of the illumination phase centers in one axis and opposed tilts of the phase fronts, or squint, in the other axis. It is described as more fundamental or less redundant than four-horn or other multihorn monopulse designs. In lacking redundancy it is less complex, but has fewer degrees of freedom to optimize performance. The earliest example of phase-amplitude monopulse, the AN/APG-25 (XN-2), is described and its performance given.
Single-Particle Imaging of Macromolecules by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

▪ Abstract Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of biological molecules in single-particle (i.e., unordered, nonaggregated) form is a new approach to the study of molecular assemblies, which are often too large and flexible to be amenable to X-ray crystallography. New insights into biological function on the molecular level are expected from cryo-EM applied to the study of such complexes “trapped” at different stages of their conformational changes and dynamical interactions. Important molecular machines involved in the fundamental processes of transcription, mRNA splicing, and translation are examples for successful applications of the new technique, combined with structural knowledge gained by conventional techniques of structure determination, such as X-ray crystallography and NMR.
Measurement of weak optical transition moments through two-pathway coherent control

We present a full description of the (ω, 2ω) two-pathway coherent control interference technique for measurement of weak, highly forbidden optical transitions. We have recently applied this technique to the measurement of the magnetic dipole transition moment M1 of the 6s 2S1/2 → 7s 2S1/2 transition in atomic cesium. We also demonstrate detailed methods by which this technique may be used for measurement of the electroweak-induced parity nonconserving amplitude in atomic cesium. The principal benefits of this technique include reduced systematic errors related to field reversals often encountered in related measurements, reduced interference from adjacent, noninterfering transitions, and the absence of electric quadrupole transitions. We present a critical evaluation of the effects induced by stray fields and other systematic effects.
A Study of the Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Cellulose Dissolved in Ionic Liquids and the Factors Influencing the Dehydration of Glucose and the Formation of Humins

An investigation was carried out into the hydrolysis of cellulose dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) catalyzed by mineral acids. Glucose, cellobiose, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) were observed as the primary reaction products. The initial rate of glucose formation was determined to be of first order in the concentrations of dissolved glucan and protons and of zero order in the concentration of water. The absence of a dependence on water concentration suggests that cleavage of the β-1,4-glycosidic linkages near chain ends is irreversible. The apparent activation energy for glucose formation is 96 kJ mol(-1). The absence of oligosaccharides longer than cellobiose suggests that cleavage of interior glycosidic bonds is reversible due to the slow diffusional separation of cleaved chains in the highly viscous glucan/ionic liquid solution. Progressive addition of water during the course of glucan hydrolysis inhibited the rate of glucose dehydration to 5-HMF and the formation of humins. The inhibition of glucose dehydration is attributed to stronger interaction of protons with water than the 2-OH atom of the pyranose ring of glucose, the critical step in the proposed mechanism for the formation of 5-HMF. The reduction in humin formation associated with water addition is ascribed to the lowered concentration of 5-HMF, since the formation of humins is suggested to proceed through the condensation polymerization of 5-HMF with glucose.
Leptin-induced increase in sympathetic nervous and cardiovascular tone is mediated by proopiomelanocortin (POMC) products.

Abstract The mechanism underlying the leptin-induced increased sympathetic nerve activity and cardiovascular tone was investigated in normal rats. The melanocortin (MC) peptides and other fragments derived from proopiomelancortin (POMC) have a diverse array of biological activities and have been implicated in mediating the feeding behavioral responses to leptin. In this study we evaluated the possible involvement of two major products of POMC, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and β-endorphin, in mediating the effects of leptin on sympathetic activity and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normal rats. Intraventricular (i.c.v.) cannulas were implanted in normal rats and allowed to recover. On the day of the study the animals were anesthetized with urethane α-chloralose and instrumented for the recording of MAP, lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (LSNA), and heart rate (HR). To determine the correlation between the leptin response and the POMC products, α-MSH and β-endorphins were also injected into the lateral ventricle. α-MSH acted to increase MAP and LSNA while β-endorphin decreased these parameters. Leptin administration by i.c.v. cannula increased the MAP and LSNA in normal rats. The i.c.v. administration of agouti protein, an α-MSH receptor antagonist, prior to leptin infusion blocked this response. Likewise, pretreatment with naloxone a β-endorphin receptor antagonist also blocked the response to leptin. From these studies we conclude that the acute increased LSNA and MAP in response to i.c.v. leptin may be mediated by increased POMC and its subsequent production of breakdown product α-MSH and/or β-endorphin and it is the subsequent action of α-MSH that increases MAP and LSNA by activation of the MC 4 receptor. The naloxone antagonism of the leptin response is likely due to the blockade of presynaptic opioid inhibition of the MC 4 receptor-mediated pressor response.