cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular orbitals for components of adenosine triphosphate

Energies and charge distribution properties are obtained for ortho-, pyro-, and tri-phosphoric acids, and for adenine, D-ribose, adenosine, and adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AM P). Results are based upon a molecular orbital method in which all electrons are included and in which the Hamiltonian matrix elements are approximated by reference to exact SCF matrix elements for the model compounds, PO, HCOOH, C2H4, C2H6, and hypothetical H2CNH. Conclusions are in agreement with extended Huckel results on the charge distribution in the pyrophosphate bonds and on the participation of P 3d orbitals in the hybridization at P.
Prediction of silica scale formation in RO systems

Abstract The prediction of silica scale formation in reverse osmosis (RO) systems has been based on the solubility of amorphous silica at equilibrium. Recommendations for preventing scaling by silica have required maintaining the concentration of silica in the brine stream below its maximum solubility. Because the precipitation of silica from solution occurs by the polymerization of the soluble monomeric form, however, the reaction is one of finite kinetics. In a RO device, silica is at its maximum brine concentration for a very short time. Therefore, the rate of polymerization at the prevailing conditions of temperature, pH, and concentration, is the controlling factor determining whether silica scale will form, rather than the equilibrium solubility. A complicating factor, however, is the presence of nucleating agents, such as suspended polyvalent metallic oxides, which adsorb monomeric silica from solution. Scaling under such conditions is dependent on neither polymerization kinetics nor equilibrium solubility. This paper presents the results of experiments with hollow fiber permeators where brine silica concentrations were in excess of solubility limits, yet no scaling occurred. The paper also discusses the effect of suspended metal oxides and the necessity for their rigorous exclusion in the prevention of silica scale formation.
Evolutionary history versus current causal role in the definition of disorder: reply to McNally

The harmful dysfunction (HD) analysis (Wakefield, American Psychologist 47 (1992a) 373) asserts that "disorder" means "harmful dysfunction", where "harm" is a value concept anchored in social values and "dysfunction" is a factual concept referring to failure of a mechanism to perform a natural function. Additionally, the HD analysis claims that a mechanism's natural functions are its naturally selected effects. McNally (Behaviour Research and Therapy (2000) pp. 309-314) argues to the contrary that "dysfunction" is a value concept referring to negative failures of function, that "function" refers to current causal roles and not evolutionarily designed causal roles, and that "disorder" consequently means "harmful failure of a mechanism to perform a valued current causal role." I reply by showing that McNally's proposals lack the HD analysis's power to explain common judgments about function, dysfunction, and disorder. "Dysfunction" cannot be a negative value concept because many dysfunctions are positive or neutral; "function" cannot refer to current causal roles because many current causal roles are not functions and some functions are not current causal roles; and "disorder" cannot refer to harmful failures of current causal roles because that definition allows almost any negative condition whatever to be a disorder and thus fails to explain the distinctions we make between disorder and non-disorder.
Exon/intron discrimination using the finite induction pattern matching technique

DNA sequence analysis involves precise discrimination of two of the sequence's most important components: exons and introns. Exons encode the proteins that are responsible for almost all the functions in a living organism. Introns interrupt the sequence coding for a protein and must be removed from primary RNA transcripts before translation to protein can occur. A pattern recognition technique called Finite Induction (FI) is utilized to study the language of exons and introns. FI is especially suited for analyzing and classifying large amounts of data representing sequences of interest. It requires no biological information and employs no statistical functions. Finite Induction is applied to the exon and intron components of DNA by building a collection of rules based upon what it finds in the sequences it examines. It then attempts to match the known rule patterns with new rules formed as a result of analyzing a new sequence. A high number of matches predict a probable close relationship between the two sequences; a low number of matches signifies a large amount of difference between the two. This research demonstrates FI to be a viable tool for measurement when known patterns are available for the formation of rule sets.
Research on Green Taxation Policy for Promoting Low-Carbon Economy

China will more firmly embrace green and low-carbon development ideals and step up efforts in saving resources and protecting the ecological environment. Therefore, the green taxation policy is just part of a portfolio of possible policy changes. Under this background, this article summarizes many countries' green taxation policy, and explains the objective of polluter pays principle and the mechanism of internalize the externalities. Detailed conceptual design for preferential taxation and environmental taxes to help China move to a low-carbon economy.
Estimation of the depth of origin of basic magmas: A modified thermodynamic approach and a comparison with experimental melting studies

Thermodynamic calculations, modified after Nicholls et al. (1971), which relate the activity of silica in a lava to the temperature and pressure conditions at which the lava could be in equilibrium with a mantle mineral assemblage, have been extended to H2O-bearing magmas by using published experimental data to derive the dependence of \(a_{{\text{SiO}}_{\text{2}} }\) on the weight fraction of H2O dissolved in a magma. A petrogenetic grid has been calculated which gives the P-T conditions under which a magma with a given \(a_{{\text{SiO}}_{\text{2}} }\) at its liquidus at 1 atm could equilibrate with a mantle mineral assemblage containing olivine (ol) and orthopyroxene (opx) for different amounts of H2O in the magma at its source. This grid is in good agreement with the results of experimental studies as summarized by Green (1971) and Brey and Green (1975). The results show that the pressure at which a given magma composition can equilibrate with ol + opx increases for increasing amounts of H2O dissolved in the magma at depth.
Do's and Don'ts of Cryo-electron Microscopy: A Primer on Sample Preparation and High Quality Data Collection for Macromolecular 3D Reconstruction

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) entails flash-freezing a thin layer of sample on a support, and then visualizing the sample in its frozen hydrated state by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This can be achieved with very low quantity of protein and in the buffer of choice, without the use of any stain, which is very useful to determine structure-function correlations of macromolecules. When combined with single-particle image processing, the technique has found widespread usefulness for 3D structural determination of purified macromolecules. The protocol presented here explains how to perform cryoEM and examines the causes of most commonly encountered problems for rational troubleshooting; following all these steps should lead to acquisition of high quality cryoEM images. The technique requires access to the electron microscope instrument and to a vitrification device. Knowledge of the 3D reconstruction concepts and software is also needed for computerized image processing. Importantly, high quality results depend on finding the right purification conditions leading to a uniform population of structurally intact macromolecules. The ability of cryoEM to visualize macromolecules combined with the versatility of single particle image processing has proven very successful for structural determination of large proteins and macromolecular machines in their near-native state, identification of their multiple components by 3D difference mapping, and creation of pseudo-atomic structures by docking of x-ray structures. The relentless development of cryoEM instrumentation and image processing techniques for the last 30 years has resulted in the possibility to generate de novo 3D reconstructions at atomic resolution level.
Alternative translation initiation generates a novel isoform of insulin-degrading enzyme targeted to mitochondria.

IDE (insulin-degrading enzyme) is a widely expressed zinc-metallopeptidase that has been shown to regulate both cerebral amyloid β-peptide and plasma insulin levels in vivo . Genetic linkage and allelic association have been reported between the IDE gene locus and both late-onset Alzheimer's disease and Type II diabetes mellitus, suggesting that altered IDE function may contribute to some cases of these highly prevalent disorders. Despite the potentially great importance of this peptidase to health and disease, many fundamental aspects of IDE biology remain unresolved. Here we identify a previously undescribed mitochondrial isoform of IDE generated by translation at an in-frame initiation codon 123 nucleotides upstream of the canonical translation start site, which results in the addition of a 41-amino-acid N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. Fusion of this sequence to the N-terminus of green fluorescent protein directed this normally cytosolic protein to mitochondria, and full-length IDE constructs containing this sequence were also directed to mitochondria, as revealed by immuno-electron microscopy. Endogenous IDE protein was detected in purified mitochondria, where it was protected from digestion by trypsin and migrated at a size consistent with the predicted removal of the N-terminal targeting sequence upon transport into the mitochondrion. Functionally, we provide evidence that IDE can degrade cleaved mitochondrial targeting sequences. Our results identify new mechanisms regulating the subcellular localization of IDE and suggest previously unrecognized roles for IDE within mitochondria. Abbreviations: Aβ, amyloid β-protein; AD, Alzheimer's disease; CHO, Chinese hamster ovary; DMII, Type II diabetes mellitus; EGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein; HA, haemagglutinin; IDE, insulin-degrading enzyme; Met1-IDE, and Met42-IDE, IDE isoforms beginning at Met1 and Met42 respectively; MPP, mitochondrial processing peptidase; NRDC, N-arginine dibasic convertase
Degradable Dextran Particles for Gene Delivery Applications

Successful gene therapy depends both on the effective transport and the stable expression of therapeutic genes to produce and regulate disease related proteins. In this context, non-viral gene delivery vehicles are regarded as one of the most promising approaches for the efficient and safe transport of genetic material to and into the target cells. This short review describes the development of novel particulate delivery vehicles based on the biopolymer dextran. This multifunctional platform was designed to safely transport genetic material across cell membranes, followed by an acid triggered release that causes overall high transfection efficiency. The biocompatibility and its unique tunability differentiate this new carrier system from previous particle systems, showing high potential for the treatment of several disease models in RNA interference related applications.
An experimental investigation of prestige-suggestion for two types of literary material.

(1949). An Experimental Investigation of Prestige-Suggestion for Two Types of Literary Material. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 303-323.
Absolute flux calibrations of stars

Absolute stellar photometry is based on 1970s terrestrial measurements of the star Vega calibrated by using the Planck radiance from a Cu fixed-point blackbody. Significant advances in absolute radiometry have been made in the last 30 years that offer the potential to improve both terrestrial and space-based absolute stellar photometry. These advances include new high-temperature blackbody standards, absolute cryogenic radiometry, solid-state optical radiation sources, improved atmospheric transmittance modeling, and laser-based radiometric calibration. We describe the possible use of these new technologies for ground-based calibration of standard stars and their impact on stellar photometry, including present efforts to achieve highly accurate measurements from the ultraviolet to the near infrared for cosmological applications.
Visualizing the ai5γ group IIB intron

It has become apparent that much of cellular metabolism is controlled by large well-folded noncoding RNA molecules. In addition to crystallographic approaches, computational methods are needed for visualizing the 3D structure of large RNAs. Here, we modeled the molecular structure of the ai5γ group IIB intron from yeast using the crystal structure of a bacterial group IIC homolog. This was accomplished by adapting strategies for homology and de novo modeling, and creating a new computational tool for RNA refinement. The resulting model was validated experimentally using a combination of structure-guided mutagenesis and RNA structure probing. The model provides major insights into the mechanism and regulation of splicing, such as the position of the branch-site before and after the second step of splicing, and the location of subdomains that control target specificity, underscoring the feasibility of modeling large functional RNA molecules.
Decay distribution of high-transverse-momentum rho mesons.

The exclusive process π−p→ρ−p has been measured at 90° c.m. with an incident pion momentum of 9.9 GeV/c. We present data on the angular dependence of the decay ρ−→π−π0. We observe a strong azimuthal dependence in the decay in the c.m. helicity frame of the ρ. Such an azimuthal dependence is not compatible with SU(6) valence-quark perturbation calculations.
Square-roots, internal symmetries, and fermion field quantization

It is observed that the complex square-root of the hermitian matrix σμpμ associated with a physical four-momentum admits Lorentz-independent unitary transformations that may be related to the internal symmetries of hadrons. An operator-valued square-root of the Hilbert space inner product in relativistic one-electron theory brings in fermion field quantization conditions as a direct concomitant of its linearity and hermicity properties.
Wired for Interdependency: Push Girls and cyborg sexuality

Feminist readings of cyborgs have analyzed at length the socially constructed nature and socio-political consequences of gender, race, class, and sexuality, but not many have lingered on their apti...
Regulation of body temperature by the bluefin tuna

Abstract Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus) can control the temperature of their bodies (25–30°C) so that the warmest portion of the muscle mass varies only 5°C over a 10°C–30°C range of water temperature.
Solution structure of a mutant of transcription factor 1: implications for enhanced DNA binding.

Abstract An NMR solution structure of a mutant of the homodimer protein transcription factor 1, TF1-G15/I32 (22 kDa), has been solved to atomic resolution, with 23 final structures that converge to an r.m.s.d. of 0.78 A. The overall shape of TF1-G15/I32 remains similar to that of the wild-type protein and other type II DNA-binding proteins. Each monomer has two N-terminal α-helices separated by a short loop, followed by a three-stranded β-sheet, whose extension between the second and third β-strands forms an antiparallel β-ribbon arm, leading to a C-terminal third α-helix that is severely kinked in the middle. Close examination of the structure of TF1-G15/I32 reveals why it is more stable and binds DNA more tightly than does its wild-type counterpart. The dimeric core, consisting of the N-terminal helices and the β-sheets, is more tightly packed, and this might be responsible for its increased thermal stability. The DNA-binding domain, composed of the top face of the β-sheet, the β-ribbon arms and the C-terminal helices, is little changed from wild-type TF1. Rather, the enhancement in DNA affinity must be due almost exclusively to the creation of an additional DNA-binding site at the side of the dimer by changes affecting helices 1 and 2: helix 2 of TF1-G15/I32 is one residue longer than helix 2 of the wild-type protein, bends inward, and is both translationally and rotationally displaced relative to helix 1. This rearrangement creates a longer, narrower fissure between the V-shaped N-terminal helices and exposes additional positively charged surface at each side of the dimer.
Lateral Stability of High Wing Configurations

Existing approximations for the effect of wing height on lateral stability are examined and found to be inadequate for configurations with a large ratio of body diameter to wing span. A closed form expression for elliptically loaded wings is developed that matches prior approximations for conventional configurations while also giving the correct trends for the large body configurations. The method compares favorably with results from a recently completed wind tunnel test. Nomenclature A = Aspect ratio b = Wing span c = Wing chord cl = Airfoil section lift curve slope CL = Wing lift curve slope Cl = Rolling moment coefficient Cl = Rate of change of rolling moment with sideslip (lateral stability) d = Body diameter or diameter of equivalent circular cross-section h = Body height w = Body width z = Height of wing above body centerline
Myofascial and Visceral Pain Syndromes: Visceral-Somatic Pain Representations

SUMMARY. Objective: To describe the relationship between viscerosomatic pain syndromes and myofascial pain syndromes [MPS]. Findings: Myofascial pain syndromes can be primary conditions or secondary. When they are secondary, they occur as a manifestation of another disorder. A regional pain referral from a visceral disorder can induce secondary MPS. Visceral disorders induce central sensitization with hypersensitivity and expansion in the number and size of receptive fields. Central sensitization is topographically organized in the spinal cord, being segmentally predominant at the level of the affected viscera. The associated MPS tend to be regional, but are related to the segmental innervation of the affected viscera. Regional MPS in turn can mimic visceral disease, or be the diagnostic sign of visceral disease. Cardiac disease, gastrointestinal disorders, hepatic and biliary disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis are some of the conditions in which MPS can occur secondarily or mimic. Conclusion: Myofascial pain syndromes can occur as a result of visceral disorders, but can also mimic visceral disease. Visceral disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of regional MPS. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: 2002 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
Imaging and mapping heparin-binding sites on single fibronectin molecules with atomic force microscopy.

Fibronectin is composed of multiple homologous repeats and contains many functional domains. Two major heparin-binding domains have previously been identified: the Hep I site near the amino terminus and the Hep II site near the carboxyl terminus. The Hep II site has been considered the high-affinity heparin-binding site based on studies of fibronectin fragments. However, few studies have been carried out on heparin binding by intact fibronectin. We imaged single fibronectin molecules as well as heparin-coated gold particles bound to whole dimeric plasma fibronectin molecules with tapping mode atomic force microscopy. We observed heparin−gold particles preferentially bound at two locations that correspond to the Hep I and Hep II sites. Quantitative analysis of images of individual fibronectin−heparin−gold complexes showed that almost twice as many heparin−gold particles bound to the N-terminal Hep I site compared to the Hep II site. In contrast to previous findings with fibronectin fragments, these result...
The coagulopathy of acute liver failure and implications for intracranial pressure monitoring.

The development of coagulopathy in acute liver failure (ALF) is universal. The severity of the coagulopathy is often assessed by determination of the prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). In more than 1,000 ALF cases, the severity of the coagulopathy was moderate in 81% (INR 1.5–5.0), severe in 14% (INR 5.0–10.0), and very severe in 5% (INR > 10.0). Certain etiologies were associated with more severe coagulopathy, whereas ALF caused by fatty liver of pregnancy had the least severe coagulopathy. Management consisted of transfusions of FFP in 92%. Overall, FFP administered during the first week of admission amounted to 13.7 ± 15 units. Patients who received an ICP monitor had significantly more FFP transfused than those managed without ICP monitor (22.7 ± 2.4 vs. 12.3 ± 0.8 units FFP; P < 0.001). Only a minority of patients developed gastrointestinal bleeding or had an intracranial pressure monitor installed. Further research is necessary to explore the reasons clinicians transfuse ALF patients with large amounts of FFP in the absence of active bleeding or invasive procedures.
Electrochemically stimulated release of luteinizing hormone and ovulation after surgical interruption of lateral hypothalamic connections in the rat.

Summary Plasma LH and FSH were studied in adult female rats following bilateral electrochemical stimulation (ECS) of the medial preoptic area (MPOA). By stereotaxic surgery frontal (FC) and frontal-lateral (LFC) retrochiasmatic “deafferenting” cuts were made with a Halasz knife (1.5 mm radius). At 3 and 10 weeks after surgery rats were given pentobarbital (32 mg/kg, i.p.) at 13:30 h and stimulated at 15:00 h with anodal direct current (20 μA for 60 sec) via concentric bipolar steel electrodes placed bilaterally 0.9 mm from the midline. Stimulation at 3 weeks after FC increased plasma LH from a prestimulation level of 95 ± 22ng/ml to 227 ± 51ng/ml 80 min after ECS, from which it fell to 111 ± 29ng/ml at 160 min, with 2 of 7 animals ovulating the next day. LFC females had similar pre-ECS plasma LH levels 3 weeks after surgery (71 ± 10ng/ml), but LH concentrations at 80 min (104 ± 21ng/ml) and 160 min post-ECS were significantly lower than those of FC rats, and 0 of 5 rats ovulated. Following a similar protocol 10 weeks after surgery, stimulating the MPOA resulted in comparable elevations in plasma LH and 4 of 10 FC animals ovulated; however, the LFC group still retained a significant blocking effect on ovulation (only 1 of 12 ovulated) when compared with controls the next day. Plasma FSH concentrations were not significantly altered by MPOA stimulation at the parameters employed, either before or after deafferentation. However, LFC resulted in reduced ovarian and uterine weights when compared with controls at both 3 and 10 weeks, whereas FC exerted no observable effect on these organs at these intervals of study. The results of these studies suggest that lateral input to the medial basal hypothalamus contributes to MPOA mediated release of LH and ovulation as well as to tonic maintenance of ovarian and uterine function.
Adiabatic addition of the Chern-Simons flux, pair correlations, and particle statistics in two-dimensional electron systems

Adiabatic introduction of Chern-Simons flux into a two-dimensional electron gas leads automatically to Laughlin correlations. In contrast to the mean-field composite fermion picture, only a single energy scale, the Coulomb scale, appears at the large values of the applied magnetic field. The Laughlin correlations partition the spectrum into bands separated by gaps that depend on pseudopotential coefficients V(L 1 2 ) of the Coulomb interaction. The adiabatic approach also suggests a simple intuitive picture for why the Jain wave functions are excellent trial functions for condensed states belonging to the Jain sequence.
Histological determination of probe tip penetration into gingival sulcus of humans using an electronic pressure-sensitive probe

The purpose of this investigation was to determine histologically the depth of probe tip penetration into the clinically healthy gingival sulcus of humans using a controlled inserton pressure of 25 g. The midfacial gingival units of 22 maxillary and mandibular incisor, canine and premolar teeth, displaying no visual signs of inflammation, were used for probing determinations. An electronic pressure-sensitive probe, with a terminal probe tip diameter of 0.35 mm, was used to standardize insertion pressures. After insertion of the probe into the sulcus, it was then aligned on the facial surface of the gingiva with the tip corresponding to the depth and location of probe insertion. A horizontal reference incision was made on the facial gingival surface which corresponded to the depth of the sulcus probed. This incision served as a histologic landmark of probe tip generation. Gingival biopsies were taken, and step-serial sections analyzed histologically and histometrically. Probe tip penetration was coronal to the apical end of the junctional epithelium in all cases (mean = 0.25 mm). In addition, probe tip penetration was always apical to the coronal end of the junctional epithelium (mean = 0.70 mm).
Microanalysis of cholesterol, phospholipid, and medium- and long-chain fatty acids in biologic materials.

Abstract We have developed a procedure for the microanalysis of the cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations and the fatty acid (including medium-chain fatty acids) composition of total lipid and phospholipid. One-milligram lipid samples were extracted from jejunal brush border membranes isolated from rats fed a diet containing 14% medium-chain triglycerides. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography using an autosampler. We were able to identify 17 fatty acids in the total lipid and in the phospholipid fractions. The cholesterol and phospholipid contents of the membranes were 270 ± 21 and 298 ± 35 nmol · mg protein−1, respectively; thus the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was 0.92 ± 0.05, a value typically reported for the rat. Medium-chain fatty acids were not detected in the brush border membranes. Therefore, to demonstrate that medium-chain fatty acids were not lost during analysis, we analyzed the rat diet, and brush border membrane samples to which medium-chain triglycerides had been added. Recovery of medium-chain fatty acids from brush border membrane samples was 95.7 ± 2.6%. The percentage of medium-chain fatty acids detected in the diet was not significantly different from the percentage when the diet was prepared. In summary, our procedure enabled a complete lipid analysis of very small biologic specimens.
Child psychiatric ward rounds on pediatrics.

Abstract The aUlhor describes lhe child psychialric rounds on Pedialrics and lheir major educalional goals: lo leach a developmental approach lo evalualion and lrealment planning of somalopsychic reaclions and emotional problems common in pedialrics; lO promole early recognilion of management problems; lo assisl lhe professional maluration of lhe pedialricians in lraining. The paper iIluslrales lhe use of family interviews during lhe ward rounds; lhe diagnoslic and lrealment lopics discussed wilh lhe ward slaff regarding lhe firsl 125 palients presented; and common concerns of lhe young pedialricians relaled lo lheir lrainee slalus and laxing palient care.
Intussusception in traditional pediatric, nontraditional pediatric, and adult patients

Abstract Study objectives We sought to determine the rate of intussusception in 3 age groups (traditional pediatric-age [T], nontraditional pediatric-age [N], and adult-age [A]) and to compare group characteristics. Methods We conducted a retrospective records review for patients discharged with diagnosis of intussusception between October 1999 and June 2008. Results Ninety-five cases of intussusception were diagnosed as follows: 61 T (64%), 12 N (13%), and 22 A (23%). Bloody stool was more common in T patients ( P = .016). Air contrast enema (36%) and ultrasound (33%) were the most common diagnostic tests in T, whereas computed tomography was most common in N (83%) and A (68%) patients. Bowel resection occurred more often in older (T) patients ( P = .001). The most frequent causative pathologic conditions were adenitis (T), Peutz-Jeghers polyp (N), and carcinoma (A) and prior gastric bypass in 10 A patients. Conclusions The incidence of intussusception is substantially higher in nontraditional age groups than previously reported. Symptoms, management strategies, and causative pathologic conditions varied with age. All adults with intussusception require definitive diagnostic testing to determine the cause, given the concerning list of possibilities we observed.
‘Don’t Leave Me, Celia!’ Salsera Homosociality and Pan-Latina Corporealities

This article theorizes pan-latinidad in action and the classed, racialized codes of femininity that emerge in Los Angeles salsa clubs. Through choreography-based ethnographic analyses, the author reflects on the conditions and possibilities of salsera homosociality–not on the dance floor, but in decentralized spaces such as the bar, the bathroom and cyberspace.
Momentum profitability: the pre-CRSP evidence

There is tremendous interest and research on the existence and sources of momentum profitability. This article is the first to examine momentum strategy in the pre-Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) era. The results show that momentum is profitable during the period of 1815 to 1925. Moreover, the profits are negative in January and positive in non-January months.
A prospective study of pulmonary function and gas exchange following liver transplantation.

Pulmonary function and gas exchange were prospectively studied in 95 patients before and 9 to 15 months following liver transplantation. Pretransplant, the most common PF abnormality was impaired efficiency of gas exchange as measured by Dss. As a group, the mean Dss was 78.0 ± 16.6 percent predicted and was found to be less than $0 percent predicted in 50 patients. As a group, patients with the most severe liver diseases clinically (Child's C classification) had the lowest mean Dss pretransplant. Posttransplant, three findings were of clinical importance: PaCO 2 significantly improved posttransplantation, suggesting a resolution of pretransplant respiratory alkalosis. Expiratory airflow obstruction, measured by a change in the FEV 1 /FVC, was extremely uncommon posttransplant. Mean Dss improved significantly in patients with Child's C severity of liver disease. The most frequent deteriorations in Dss statistically were associated with posttransplant thoracotomy, ARDS, nonspecific pneumonitis, significant pleural effusions and hepatic retransplantation.
trans-3-Benzyl-4-hydroxy-7-chromanylbenzoic acid derivatives as antagonists of the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor.

Abstract The SAR of a series of 2-(7-chromanyl)benzoic acids has been investigated with the aim of identifying potent and selective LTB 4 receptor antagonists that maintain potency in complex biological fluids. We found optimal activity in derivatives with electron-withdrawing groups in the benzoic acid ring and with an unsubstituted C-3 benzyl group on the chromanol nucleus. While compounds containing a 3-(4-phenyl)benzyl chromanol substituent were potent LTB 4 receptor antagonists, the increased lipophilicity imparted by the additional phenyl substituent led to decreased potency in the presence of plasma proteins. From among the potent compounds identified, CP-195543, the 5′-trifluoromethyl 3-benzyl chromanol, was selected for development.
Promoting more effective communication of stories in the data

Practitioners in engineering education, in studying and presenting their quantitative data, typically seek meaning — an inherently rhetorical activity. Data displays are an important part of this discourse. Visual conventions (pie charts, bar charts, and line charts, for example) can help or hinder the discovery of meaning in a data set. Our work concerns the visual rhetoric of this community: we assess current conventions and promote contemporary approaches to more effectively discover and communicate stories in the data. In this work in progress, we present three data displays from the Journal of Engineering Education representing commonly encountered, conventional designs. We assess the rhetorical merits and shortcomings of the displays, redesign them using principles and practices from the data visualization community, and discuss the results. We conclude that intentional design of data displays can help researchers explore their data, discover questions that might not have arisen otherwise, and convey compelling messages to their audiences.
Resonant coupling analysis for a two-coil wireless power transfer system

Inductive or non-radiative wireless power transfer (WPT) is a popular short range power delivery mechanism for transcutaneous biomedical implants. In this work, the relative performance of a two-coil WPT system is analyzed with each of the coils in series or parallel resonance. This analysis helps in choosing the optimum resonance configuration for a given pair of coils that can maximize the efficiency of the WPT system. The analysis described in this work shows that for a given pair of coils at a fixed distance apart and with the transmitter coil driven by a source with significant impedance, choosing parallel resonance configuration at the transmitter and receiver coils can offer up to 20dB and 25dB higher efficiencies respectively when compared to the series configurations. Thus, there is scope for improving the WPT efficiency with a simple rearrangement of the circuit components.
3D integral imaging with unknown sensor positions

Integral imaging is a 3D sensing and imaging technique. Conventional 3D integral imaging systems require that all the sensor positions in the image capture stage are known. But in certain image pick up geometries, it may be difficult to obtain accurate measurement of sensor positions such as sensors on moving platforms and/or randomly distributed sensors. In this paper, we present a 3D integral imaging method with unknown sensor positions. In the proposed method, all the sensors are randomly distributed on a plane with parallel optical axes. More, only the relative position of any two sensors is needed whereas all other sensor positions are unknown. We combine image correspondences extraction, camera perspective model, two view geometry and computational integral imaging 3D reconstruction techniques to estimate the unknown sensor positions and reconstruct 3D images. The experiment results executed both in lab and outside show the feasibility of the proposed method in 3D integral imaging. Furthermore, the experiments indicate that the quality of reconstructed images by using the proposed sensor position estimation algorithm can be improved compared to the ones by using the physical measurements of the sensor positions.
Usefulness of Clopidogrel in Abolishing the Increased Risk of Reinfarction Associated With Higher Platelet Counts in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Results from CLARITY-TIMI 28)

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between increased baseline platelet counts and poorer clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that antiplatelet therapy would mitigate the effect of high baseline platelet counts on clinical outcomes. Data were obtained from 3,491 patients with STEMI in the CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on their baseline platelet counts: 300 x 10(3)/microl (group 3). Among placebo-treated patients, reinfarction rates increased in a stepwise fashion as platelet counts increased (3.6%, 5.4%, and 9.0%, respectively, p for trend = 0.0025). When confounders of high platelet counts and correlates of reinfarction were adjusted for in a multivariate model, high platelet counts remained independently associated with increased rates of reinfarction at 30 days in placebo-treated patients; using group 1 as a reference group, multivariate odds ratios were 1.45 (95% confidence interval 0.91 to 2.31, p = 0.119) for patients in group 2 and 1.78 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.08, p = 0.038) for patients in group 3. In contrast, among clopidogrel-treated patients, there was no increase in the risk of reinfarction as the platelet count increased (3.2%, 4.1%, and 3.3%, respectively; p for trend = 0.9073, p for interaction=0.064). In conclusion, among patients with STEMI who are treated with aspirin and a fibrinolytic agent, high platelet counts on presentation are independently associated with increased rates of reinfarction. Clopidogrel therapy abolishes this increase in the risk of reinfarction as platelet counts increase. These data are consistent with a putative role of platelets in reinfarction.
Factor Analysis Applied to Paired Preferences Among Four Grape Juices

SUMMARY Four grape juices differing in amount of added citric acid were examined by paired comparison by 72 tasters. Some judges preferred sweet and some preferred acid juices, causing pronounced and progressive changes in the frequency distributions of the preference ratings. The correlation coefficient between variances and acid differences was 0.98. The direction and degree of preference was much more consistent for larger differences in acid. Mathematical models developed by other authors for analysis of paired comparison data are of doubtful validity or awkward in application to the present data.
The interface between glial progenitors and gliomas

The mammalian brain and spinal cord contain heterogeneous populations of cycling, immature cells. These include cells with stem cell-like properties as well as progenitors in various stages of early glial differentiation. This latter population is distributed widely throughout gray and white matter and numerically represents an extremely large cell pool. In this review, we discuss the possibility that the glial progenitors that populate the adult CNS are one source of gliomas. Indeed, the marker phenotypes, morphologies, and migratory properties of cells in gliomas strongly resemble glial progenitors in many ways. We review briefly some salient features of normal glial development and then examine the similarities and differences between normal progenitors and cells in gliomas, focusing on the phenotypic plasticity of glial progenitors and the responses to growth factors in promoting proliferation and migration of normal and glioma cells, and discussing known mutational changes in gliomas in the context of how these might affect the proliferative and migratory behaviors of progenitors. Finally, we will discuss the “cancer stem cell” hypothesis in light of the possibility that glial progenitors can generate gliomas.
Far Infrared Imaging Techniques For Law Enforcement Applications

The far infrared (FIR) spectral region offers unique, new possibilities for the detection of concealed weapons. Initial results are described and advanced systems are discussed.
Effect of the rate of progesterone decline at luteolysis on the ovulatory follicles and subsequent estrous cycle length in ewes

Follicular and interestrous characteristics were examined in 34 ewes after experiencing either a rapid decline in plasma concentrations of progesterone at luteolysis [prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced] or a slow rate of decline, lasting over 72 h. All ewes were given PGF2α on day 10 (day 0 = estrus). A slow rate of decline was established in 17 ewes by the intravenous infusion of progesterone initially at 72 ml h−1, delivering 4.5 mg progesterone h−1, then decreasing the infusion rate by 1 ml h−1 for the next three days. Seventeen additional ewes, predestined to experience a rapid decline in progesterone, were infused with vehicle. In Experiment 1, after infusion, ewes (6 ewes/group) were necropsied at the onset of estrus and follicle diameter was determined, follicular fluid was aspirated and the remaining follicular wall was microscopically examined to determine the number of granulosa cell layers. In Experiment 2, the interestrous interval, after infusion, was observed in both groups of ewes (11 ewes/group). Ewes experiencing a rapid rate of progesterone decline at luteolysis had no differences in follicle diameter nor follicular concentration of progesterone or estradiol but their ovulatory follicles contained fewer (P < 0.01) granulosa cell layers and the resulting estrous cycle was longer (P < 0.05) than ewes experiencing a slow rate of progesterone decline.
Tattoos and body piercings in the United States: A national data set

Background Little is known about the prevalence and consequences of body art application. Objective Our aim was to provide US tattooing and body piercing prevalence, societal distribution, and medical and social consequence data. Methods Random digit dialing technology was used to obtain a national probability sample of 253 women and 247 men who were 18 to 50 years of age. Results Of our respondents, 24% had tattoos and 14% had body piercings. Tattooing was equally common in both sexes, but body piercing was more common among women. Other associations were a lack of religious affiliation, extended jail time, previous drinking, and recreational drug use. Local medical complications, including broken teeth, were present in one third of those with body piercings. The prevalence of jewelry allergy increased with the number of piercings. Of those with tattoos, 17% were considering removal but none had had a tattoo removed. Limitations This was a self-reported data set with a 33% response rate. Conclusion Tattooing and body piercing are associated with risk-taking activities. Body piercing has a high incidence of medical complications.
Analysis of the ν6(A″2) band of cyclopropane-d6 recorded under high resolution

Abstract The parallel band ν 6 ( A ″ 2 ) of C 3 D 6 near 2336 cm −1 has been studied with high resolution (Δ ν = 0.020 – 0.024 cm −1 ) in the infrared. The band has been analyzed using standard techniques and the following parameters have been determined: B ″ = 0.461388(20) cm −1 , D ″ J = 3.83(17) × 10 −7 cm −1 , ν 0 = 2336.764(2) cm −1 , α B = ( B ″ − B ′) = 8.823(12) × 10 −4 cm −1 , β J = ( D ″ J − D ′ J ) = 0, and α C = ( C ″ − C ′) = 4.5(5) × 10 −4 cm −1 .
Correction energy of water and hydrogen fluoride

We wish to study the correction energy of water and hydrogen fluoride (HF) using the recently developed canonical sequence method (CSM) which is a calculational cousin of the connected moments expansion (CMX) of Cioslowski. Comparisons are then made with other methods [for example, P.J. Knowles, Chem. Phys. Lett. 134 (1987) 512].
Generalized periarticular myositis ossificans as a complication of pharmacologically induced paralysis

To our knowledge, no previous direct associations have been made between generalized myositis ossificans and pharmacological therapy. We report a case of generalized periarticular myositis ossificans associated with the use of curare and diazepam. The previously reported associations of myositis ossificans with tetanus and burns may be misleading. It is possible that it is not the disease process itself (e.g., tetanus, severe burn) that precipitates heterotopic ossification, but the treatment of these ailments. These observations suggest the importance of early mobilization and restrained use of immobilizing drugs. Further investigation is warranted with regard to the predisposing factors of generalized myositis ossificans and to its prevention.
Parkinson’s Disease Is Associated with Oxidative Damage to Cytoplasmic DNA and RNA in Substantia Nigra Neurons

Oxidative damage, including modification of nucleic acids, may contribute to dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To investigate the extent and distribution of nucleic acid oxidative damage in these vulnerable dopaminergic neurons, we immunohistochemically characterized a common product of nucleic acid oxidation, 8-hydroxyguanosine (8OHG). In PD patients, cytoplasmic 8OHG immunoreactivity was intense in neurons of the SN, and present to a lesser extent in neurons of the nucleus raphe dorsalis and oculomotor nucleus, and occasionally in glia. The proportion of 8OHG immunoreactive SN neurons was significantly greater in PD patients compared to age-matched controls. Midbrain sections from patients with multiple system atrophy-Parkinsonian type (MSA-P) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) also were examined. These showed increased cytoplasmic 8OHG immunoreactivity in SN neurons in both MSA-P and DLB compared to controls; however, the proportion of positive neurons was significantly less than in PD patients. The regional distribution of 8OHG immunoreactive neurons within the SN corresponded to the distribution of neurodegeneration for these three diseases. Nuclear 8OHG immunoreactivity was not observed in any individual. The type of cytoplasmic nucleic acid responsible for 8OHG immunoreactivity was analyzed by preincubating midbrain sections from PD patients with RNase, DNase, or both enzymes. 8OHG immunoreactivity was substantially diminished by either RNase or DNase, and completely ablated by both enzymes. These results suggest that oxidative damage to cytoplasmic nucleic acid is selectively increased in midbrain, especially the SN, of PD patients and much less so in MSA-P and DLB patients. Moreover, oxidative damage to nucleic acid is largely restricted to cytoplasm with both RNA and mitochondrial DNA as targets.
Is Resection of an Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticulum Always Necessary in the Setting of Achalasia

Esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum (ED) is usually secondary to a primary esophageal motility disorder, such as achalasia. Whereas the recommended surgical treatment includes esophageal myotomy and diverticulectomy, the outcome of patients in whom a myotomy without ED resection is performed is not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of ED patients who underwent ED resection and myotomy and those of ED patients who had a myotomy only. Retrospective review of a prospective database. Thirteen ED patients had symptom evaluation, barium swallow, endoscopy, and esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM). All patients underwent laparoscopic myotomy and Dor fundoplication. In six patients, the ED was resected (excised ED group), whereas in seven it was left in place (nonexcised ED group): in three because it was small and in four for technical reasons. Preoperatively all patients had dysphagia and 85 % had regurgitation. The mean preoperative Eckardt score was 6.5 ± 2.1 in excised ED group and 6.6 ± 3.3 in nonexcised ED group (p = 0.95). HRM showed type II esophageal achalasia in 85 % of patients. One excised ED group patient had a staple line leak (17 %). At a median follow-up of 2 years, the Eckardt score was 0 in excised ED group and 0.1 in nonexcised ED group (p = 0.56). The results of this study showed that patients in whom a myotomy without ED resection was performed had resolution of their symptoms. These findings suggest that in patients with achalasia and ED the underlying motility disorder rather than the ED may be the cause of symptoms. Studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up will determine the validity of this approach.
ELAEOPHOROSIS IN WHITE-TAILED DEER OF THE SOUTHEASTERN U.S.A.: CASE REPORT AND DISTRIBUTION*

Impaired function of the mylo-hyoideus muscles was associated with and possibly caused by arterial worm, Elaeophora schneideri, infection in an aged white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Subsequent to this observation, E. schneideri was found in 12 white-tailed deer from four widely separated coastal plain counties in the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, U.S.A.