cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, properties, and reactivity of a series of non-heme {FeNO}(7/8) complexes: implications for Fe-nitroxyl coordination.

The biochemical properties of nitroxyl (HNO/NO − ) are distinct from nitric oxide (NO). Metal centers, particularly Fe, appear as suitable sites of HNO activity, both for generation and targeting. Furthermore, reduced Fe–NO − /Fe–HNO or {FeNO} 8 (Enemark–Feltham notation) species offer unique bonding profiles that are of fundamental importance. Given the unique chemical properties of {FeNO} 8 systems, we describe herein the synthesis and properties of {FeNO} 7 and {FeNO} 8 non-heme complexes containing pyrrole donors that display heme-like properties, namely [Fe(LN 4 R )(NO)] (R = C 6 H 4 or Ph for 3 ; and R = 4,5-Cl 2 C 6 H 2 or PhCl for 4 ) and K[Fe(LN 4 R )(NO)] (R = Ph for 5 ; R = PhCl for 6 ). X-ray crystallography establishes that the Fe–N–O angle is ~ 155° for 3 , which is atypical for low-spin square-pyramidal {FeNO} 7 species. Both 3 and 4 display ν NO at ~ 1700 cm − 1 in the IR and reversible diffusion-controlled cyclic voltammograms (CVs) (E 1/2 = ~− 1.20 V vs. Fc/Fc + (ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple) in MeCN) suggesting that the {FeNO} 8 compounds 5 and 6 are stable on the CV timescale. Reduction of 3 and 4 with stoichiometric KC 8 provided the {FeNO} 8 compounds 5 and 6 in near quantitative yield, which were characterized by the shift in ν NO to 1667 and ~ 1580 cm − 1 , respectively. While the ν NO for 6 is consistent with FeNO reduction, the ν NO for 5 appears more indicative of ligand-based reduction. Additionally, 5 and 6 engage in HNO-like chemistry in their reactions with ferric porphyrins [Fe III (TPP)X] (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin; X = Cl − , OTf − (trifluoromethanesulfonate anion or CF 3 SO 3 − )) to form [Fe(TPP)NO] in stoichiometric yield via reductive nitrosylation.
An approach to enhanced definition video coding using adaptive warping

Adaptive warping methods for motion estimation and reconstruction at the receiver side have been considered recently for low-bit rate video coding. Such approaches are attractive because they are compatible with the existing MPEG and H.264/AVC standards. This paper follows in that path, introducing an improved method for low bit rate coding of video in which a forward-backward warping algorithm is employed. The base algorithm involves an integration of low and high spatial resolution frames where the low resolution frames are dense in time while the high resolution frames are sparse in time. The forward-backward warping algorithm presented in this paper improves the robustness of the original warping algorithm. Since conventional H.264/AVC is based on macroblocks, block artifacts often surface at low bit rates. The proposed approach tends to eliminate this problem at low bit rates, resulting in improved subjective quality and improved PSNR performance relative to H.264/AVC.
Conditional deletion of calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand causes deafness in mice

Calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand (Caml) is a ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic protein that is involved in multiple signaling and developmental path- ways. An observation in our laboratory of a protein-protein interaction between Caml and the cytoplasmic region of Cadherin23 led us to speculate that Caml might be important in the inner ear and play a role in the develop- ment and/or function of hair cells. To address this question, we generated a mouse line in which Caml expression was eliminated in Atoh1-expressing cells of the inner ear upon administration of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was administered immediately after birth to neonates to assess the effect of loss of Caml in the inner ear during postnatal development. Hearing in treated animals was tested by auditory brain stem response (ABR) analysis and cochlear pathology was evaluated by light microscopy. Lack of Caml expression in the inner ear leads to severe loss of cochlear hair cells and complete deafness. Elucidating the role of Caml in the inner ear will aid our understanding of the molecular pathways important for auditory development and function.
Expression of type 1 (interferon gamma) and type 2 (interleukin-13, interleukin-5) cytokines at distinct stages of natural killer cell differentiation from progenitor cells.

To determine whether production of type 1 and type 2 cytokines defines discrete stages of natural killer (NK) cell differentiation, cytokine expression was analyzed in human NK cells generated in vitro in the presence of interleukin-15 (IL-15) and/or IL-2 from umbilical cord blood hematopoietic progenitors. Like peripheral NK cells, the CD161+/CD56+ NK cells from these cultures contained a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)+/granulocyte macrophage–colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)+ subset, an interferon gamma (IFN-γ)+ subset, mostly included within the former, and very few IFN-γ−/IL-13+ cells. Instead, most immature CD161+/CD56− NK cells, detectable only in the cultures with IL-2, produced IL-13, TNF-α, and GM-CSF, but not IFN-γ, and contained an IL-5+ subset. In short-term cultures with IL-12 and feeder cells, a proportion of the immature cells acquired the ability to produce IFN-γ. Part of these produced both IFN-γ and IL-13, irrespective of induced CD56 expression. These in vitro data indicate that ability to produce the type 2 cytokines IL-13 and IL-5 defines CD161+ NK cells at intermediate stages of differentiation, and is lost upon terminal functional differentiation, concomitant with acquired ability to produce IFN-γ.
Synthetic circuits integrating logic and memory in living cells

Logic and memory are essential functions of circuits that generate complex, state-dependent responses. Here we describe a strategy for efficiently assembling synthetic genetic circuits that use recombinases to implement Boolean logic functions with stable DNA-encoded memory of events. Application of this strategy allowed us to create all 16 two-input Boolean logic functions in living Escherichia coli cells without requiring cascades comprising multiple logic gates. We demonstrate long-term maintenance of memory for at least 90 cell generations and the ability to interrogate the states of these synthetic devices with fluorescent reporters and PCR. Using this approach we created two-bit digital-to-analog converters, which should be useful in biotechnology applications for encoding multiple stable gene expression outputs using transient inputs of inducers. We envision that this integrated logic and memory system will enable the implementation of complex cellular state machines, behaviors and pathways for therapeutic, diagnostic and basic science applications.
Formation of 5-hydroxytryptophan from tryptophan by Chromobacterium violaceum.

PREVIOUS reports from this laboratory have established tryptophan as the dietary precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine1. The demonstration of the widespread occurrence of a specific decarboxylase for 5-hydroxytryptophan2 suggested that this hitherto unknown amino-acid was the intermediate, and that tryptophan was hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan in a manner analogous to the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Although experiments with carbon-14 tryptophan resulted in slight labelling of added carrier 5-hydroxytryptophan, the conversion in mammalian and invertebrate tissues was too small for definite identification. The recent identification of violacein, the pigment of Chromobacterium violaceum, as a 5-hydroxyindole derivative3 led us to investigate the metabolism of tryptophan by this organism.
Isothermal calorimetric observations of the effect of welding on compatibility of stainless steels with high-test hydrogen peroxide propellant

Compatibility is determined by the surface area, the chemical constituency and the surface finish of a material. In this investigation exposed area is obviously not a factor as the welded samples had a slightly smaller surface than the unwelded, but were more reactive. The chemical makeup of welded CRES 316L and welded CRES 304L have been observed in the literature to change from the parent material as chromium and iron are segregated in zones. In particular, the ratio of chromium to iron in CRES 316L increased from 0.260 to 0.79 in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the weld and to 1.52 in the weld bead itself. In CRES 304L the ratio of chromium to iron increased from 0.280 to 0.44 in the HAZ and to 0.33 in the weld bead. It is possible that the increased reactivity of the welded samples and of those welded without purge gas is due to this segregation phenomenon. Likewise the reactivity increased in keeping with the greater roughness of the welded and welded without purge gas samples. Therefore enhanced roughness may also be responsible for the increased reactivity.
Successful management of acute myocarditis with biventricular assist devices and cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Acute, fulminant myocarditis invariably culminating in death within hours to days has been reported in humans. 1,2 This report describes a patient who presented with acute fulminant myocarditis and circulatory collapse; she required support for 23 days with circulatory mechanical assist devices followed by cardiac transplantation. This unique clinical experience enabled us to study the histologic course of fulminant myocarditis in humans, to compare and apply laboratory data derived from the murine myocarditis model to patient care and to evolve recommendations for the management of this devastating condition.
MICROFINANCE IN CULTURES OF NON-REPAYMENT

The microfinance industry seeks to alleviate poverty by providing business loans and related financial services to clients who are too small to be served profitably through the formal financial sector. Microbusiness lending is considered to be among the most powerful tools available for promoting entrepreneurial activity and economic development. However, a significant number of current and potential entrepreneurs remain untouched by microfinance. They live in regions considered to have cultures of non-repayment, which render them "unbankable." By better understanding non-repayment cultures and developing management strategies attuned to the unique attributes of these regions, the microfinance industry can effectively and profitably support these underserved entrepreneurs.
Total Transvenous Approach to Pacing and Defibrillation After Ebstein's Anomaly

We describe the successful use of a percutaneous, transvenous endocardial approach to atrioventricular pacing and cardiac defibrillation in an adult born with Ebstein's anomaly who had undergone tricuspid valve repair. The patient has systolic left ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and sinus node dysfunction. Ventricular pacing and sensing was obtained with a bipolar lead placed in the inferolateral cardiac vein; atrial pacing was obtained at the low interatrial septum. Internal cardiac defibrillation was achieved with a coil lead placed in the middle cardiac vein and the active can in the left retro mammary pre-pectoral position. With this approach, we avoided a thoracotomy and epicardial patch in a patient whose previous tricuspid valve surgery precluded an endocardial right ventricular lead position.
Energy Implications of Product Leasing

A growing number of advocates have argued that leasing is a "greener" form of business transactions than selling. Leasing internalizes the costs of process wastes and product disposal, placing the burden on the OEMs, who gain from reducing these costs. Product leasing results in closed material loops, promotes remanufacturing or recycling, and sometimes leads to shorter life cycles. This paper provides two case studies to quantitatively test these claims for two distinct product categories. Life cycle optimization and scenario analysis are applied, respectively, to the household appliance and computer industries to determine the effect that life spans have on energy usage and to what extent leasing the product versus selling it may influence the usage life span. The results show that products with high use impacts and improving technology can benefit from reduced life cycles (achieved through product leases), whereas products with high manufacturing impacts and no improving technology do not.
From Faith to Skepticsm; A Note on Three Apologetics

The transition from faith to skepticism is perhaps the most agonizing of paths along which a man can move. A universe of discourse he once understood becomes a universe he ceases to know. His assurance that the burden of the mystery of life has been made understandable is somehow lost. He has no longer the inner conviction that the vast concourse about him has a final meaning within whose terms he has the right of consolation. He now pits his puny-reason against the powerful tradition of ecclesiastical authority which, over centuries, has given men comfort in what, otherwise, they can hardly fail to regard as a massive desolation. On all sides he is surrounded by men, institutions, conventions, which call him back to the path he would leave and warn him of the awful retributions of desertion. He experiences the poignant anxiety of the Christian who feels his faith slip from him. He may insist, as did Renan in his revolt against the Jesuits, that he needs what he termed an atmosphere of moral feeling. He may demand, as did Pascal, that there be what he termed a silent opinion at the back of our mind which is the secret standard of all things. Yet, even as he thus states his claim against authority, he feels an inescapable weight of sorrow: the inability of friends to understand, the grief of loved ones, the fear that the new world he enters may not be sufficiently receptive to the apostate of the old. To some, the change he makes brings with it an agony that nothing can comfort. To others, it is the proof of a sin in which intellectual vanity has overthrown that humility which should be the proper attitude of mankind before the terrible mystery of life. To others, again, especially the guardians of the established, the change symbolizes a challenge the artificer of which must be broken lest his example poison the faith of others. And perhaps most grievous of all is the agony his relapse causes to those he loves, whose faith is a deep-seated emotion so powerful in its roots that it is scandalized by the mere claim of reason to examine its logical presuppositions.
Formation of Tubules by a Polymerizable Surfactant

Abstract The 1, 2-bis(10, 12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, in which both fatty acyl chains contain polymerizable diacetylenic units, has been studied with regard to its behavior in aqueous dispersion before and after polymerization. The monomeric lipid may be dispersed in distilled water above its chain melting transition temperature, but, contrary to previous reports, it does not stay in liposomal form on subsequent reduction of the temperature. Microscopic observation shows formation of structures resembling so-called cochleate cylinders, except that these cylinders are water-filled. These "tubules" reversibly convert to liposomal form on heating above the monomer chain melting temperature. However, on polymerization with ultraviolet light, the cylinders are “locked in” and no morphological changes are observed on heating. These unique structures may represent a new class of orientable polymers.
Experimental early-stage coalification of a peat sample and a peatified wood sample from Indonesia

Abstract Experimental coalification of a peat sample and a buried wood sample from domed peat deposits in Indonesia was carried out to examine chemical structural changes in organic matter during early-stage coalification. The experiment (125°C, 408 atm lithostatic pressure, and 177 atm fluid pressure for 75 days) was designed to maintain both lithostatic and fluid pressure on the sample, but allow by-products that may retard coalification to escape. We refer to this design as a geologically open system. Changes in the elemental composition, and 13 C NMR and FTIR spectra of the peat and wood after experimental coalification suggest preferential thermal decomposition of O-containing aliphatic organic compounds (probably cellulose) during early-stage coalification. The elemental compositions and 13 C NMR spectra of the experimentally coalified peat and wood were generally similar to those of Miocene coal and coalified wood samples from Indonesia. Yields of lignin phenols in the peat and wood samples decreased following experimental coalification; the wood sample exhibited a larger change. Lignin phenol yields from the experimentally coalified peat and wood were comparable to yields of lignin phenols from Miocene Indoesian lignite and coalified wood. Changes in syringyl/vanillyl and p -hydroxy/vanillyl ratios suggest direct demethoxylation as a secondary process to demethylation of methoxyl groups during early coalification, and changes in lignin phenol yields and acid/aldehyde ratios point to a coupling between demethoxylation processes and reactions in the alkyl side chain bonds of the α-carbon in lignin phenols.
Prefrontal cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation does not change local diffusion: A magnetic resonance imaging study in patients with depression

Objective To determine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex produces pathologic changes or leakage of the blood-brain barrier in patients with depression by using apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging. Background Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a new technology for noninvasively stimulating the brain. It appears to be a relatively safe technique, with some important exceptions. Its neurobiologic mechanisms of action are poorly understood. One theory to explain its apparent antidepressant effects involves a potential change in local blood-brain barrier settings, allowing passage of peripheral substances directly into brain parenchyma. Knowing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation changes local brain diffusion is important as well from a safety perspective. To test whether transcranial magnetic stimulation changes local brain diffusion, we used apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging in depressed patients undergoing interleaved transcranial magnetic stimulation/functional magnetic resonance imaging over the left prefrontal cortex. Methods Within a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner, 14 depressed patients were stimulated with a figure-eight transcranial magnetic stimulation coil over the left prefrontal cortex. Apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging was acquired before, and immediately after, 1 Hertz transcranial magnetic stimulation (147 stimuli) intermittently delivered at a motor threshold of more than 7.35 minutes. Phase maps of the transcranial magnetic stimulation magnetic fields were used to guide region-of-interest placement. Results No significant qualitative apparent diffusion coefficient differences were observed before and after 1 Hertz transcranial magnetic stimulation underneath the coil. Conclusions One Hertz transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as applied in this study did not result in pathologic changes or leakage of the blood-brain barrier in patients with depression. If prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation at these usage parameters changes local diffusion, it is not an obvious or large effect.
Method Development and Analysis of Free HS and HS in Proteoglycans from Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Evidence for Biosynthetic Pathway Changes in Sulfotransferase and Sulfatase Enzymes

Heparan sulfate (HS) is one of the most complex and informative biopolymers found on the cell surface or in the extracellular matrix as either free HS fragments or constituents of HS proteoglycans (HSPGs). Analysis of free HS and HSPG sugar chains in human serum at the disaccharide level has great potential for early disease diagnosis and prognosis; however, the low concentration of HS in human serum, together with the complexity of the serum matrix, limits the information on HS. In this study, we present and validate the development of a new sensitive method for in-depth compositional analysis of free HS and HSPG sugar chains. This protocol involved several steps including weak anion exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration, and solid-phase extraction for enhanced detection prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. Using this protocol, a total of 51 serum samples from 26 premenopausal and 25 postmenopausal women were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in heparin/HS disaccharide profiles were observed. The...
Successful Stimulation Techniques in a Low Permeability Shallow Sandstone Reservoir

Recently, many of the producing wells in the Newberg field have been successfully stimulated using high viscosity fracturing fluids. Matrix acidizing techniques also have been successful in treating low capacity wells and wells that previously had communicated with the water sand. In cases where water breakthrough did occur, an excellent method of source detection and water shut-off has been found. A differential temperature survey has been used to locate the source of water entry and a squeeze treatment consisting of a long chain polymer fluid followed by low water loss cement has been successful in obtaining water shut-off. Results of these stimulation treatments to date show that a low-permeability sandstone in close proximity to water can be successfully stimulated using the latest industry technology.
Gender comparisons of medical students' psychosocial profiles

Objectives This study was designed to compare male and female medical students on selected personality attributes that could influence their academic attainment and personal success. Design Participants were 1157 medical students (743 men, 414 women) who completed a set of psychosocial questionnaires measuring intensity and chronicity of loneliness, general anxiety, test anxiety, neuroticism, depression, extraversion, self-esteem, locus of control, perceptions of parents, general health and appraisals of stressful life events. Data were analysed by employing multivariate and univariate analysis of variance and chi-square analysis. Setting Jefferson Medical College. Subjects Medical students. Results Men scored significantly higher on the intensity of loneliness, and women scored higher on general anxiety, test anxiety and neuroticism scales, but the magnitudes of the effect size estimates were not large. No significant gender difference was observed on measures of chronicity of loneliness, depression, extraversion, self-esteem, external locus of control, perception of general health and perceptions of the mother and the father. Women who experienced stressful life events, such as death in the family or personal illness, appraised these events more negatively than did their male counterparts. Conclusions Implications of the findings for medical education and practice are discussed.
Two mechanisms that account for major histocompatibility complex restriction of T cells

In recent studies, two distinct mechanisms have been proposed to account for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction of T-cell activity: (a) evolution-driven interactions between T-cell receptor (TCR) variable regions and MHC, and (b) a requirement for CD4 or CD8 binding to MHC to initiate signalling through the TCR complex. Both mechanisms are likely to be essential, but for different reasons.
Fore-period effect and stop-signal reaction time

The effect of response readiness on the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) in a stop-signal task was examined, with the stop-signal delay updated following a staircase procedure. We computed SSRT on the basis of a horse race model. A fore-period effect was computed, which described subjects' readiness to respond to the GO signal. The results showed that the fore-period effect correlated positively with SSRT, providing evidence of the effect of response prepotency on stop signal processing. This finding suggests that response readiness needs to be accounted for in examining response inhibition in a stop-signal task.
Olive fruit fly adult response to attract-and-kill bait stations in greenhouse cages with weathered bait spray and a commercial table olive orchard

Abstract Attract-and-kill bait stations and olive foliage sprayed with insecticidal bait spray and exposed to 0–4 weeks of weather were evaluated for efficacy by olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), adult mortality. Mortality in greenhouse cage tests was significantly higher after three days than one day of exposure to non-weathered bait spray on bait stations and foliage, and on bait stations exposed to weather for three weeks. Mortality increased with an increase in insect exposure time, and decreased as bait spray weather exposure increased. Mortality was higher on bait stations than on olive foliage, and treated foliage showed little toxicity after 4 weeks in weather. In a commercial orchard, bait station efficacy was determined by captures of adults on yellow panel traps. Day temperatures were slightly higher on the underside of the station than top from 2 May to 10 July, similar on the top and underside 11 July to 7 August, and slightly lower on the underside from 8 August to 4 September. Fruit length increased from 0.4 on 16 May to 3 cm on 24 September and on 30 May attained 1 cm, the minimum size to produce one adult. No larvae or adults emerged from collected fruit. More adults were captured in an untreated row than a row with bait stations until 22 August and significantly so for the period ending on 11 July. Maximum adult captures occurred during 2 weeks prior to 19 September. Attract-and-kill bait stations would help reduce insecticidal applications and table olive production costs.
A note on the global stability in dynamical economic systems

Abstract A simple set of sufficient conditions is given for utility functions to satisfy the Q -matrix condition of Brock and Scheinkman. Utility functions must be sufficiently concave but not excessively concave compared with the discount rate.
Juvenile Glaucoma Associated with Goniodysgenesis

Clinicopathologic studies, including electron microscopy, of trabeculectomy and peripheral iridectomy specimens from three patients with "juvenile" glaucoma revealed varying forms of maldevlopment of the chamber angle in all cases. A 20-year-old white woman (Case 1) had associated iridogoniodysgenesis with a pseudopolycoria-like iris pattern. In a 39-year-old white woman (Case 2), goniodysgenesis was associated with degenerated cell remnants in the angle "cleavage" area. A 15-year-old mentally retarded white boy (Case 3) displayed features of juvenile pigmentary glaucoma with associated goniodysgenesis and megalocornea.
School crowding, year-round schooling, and mobile classroom use: Evidence from North Carolina

Abstract This study exploits a unique policy environment and a large panel dataset to evaluate the impact of school crowding on student achievement in Wake County, NC. We also estimate the effects of two education policy initiatives that are often used to address crowding: multi-track year-round calendars and mobile classrooms. We estimate a multi-level fixed effects model to identify effects that are not confounded by other school, family, and individual characteristics. Results suggest that severely crowded schools have a negative impact on reading achievement but have no discernable impact on math achievement. Both mobile classrooms and year-round calendars are found to have a small negative impact on achievement in the absence of crowding, but a positive impact in crowded schools, though these policies are only able to partially offset the negative impact of crowding.
Routine management of stricture after gastric bypass and predictors of subsequent weight loss.

Gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture is the most commonly occurring short-term complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Endoscopic balloon dilation is the first-line treatment for stricture. However, an optimal dilation protocol has not been identified. This study aimed to document routine management of stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass and its impact on postoperative weight loss. Charts of patients who underwent gastric bypass from 2000 to 2006 were reviewed using a standardized abstraction form. Patients with stricture were matched with control subjects based on age ±5 years, gender, and preoperative body mass index (BMI ± 5). Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up assessment were included in the study. Of the 113 patients included in the study, 20% were male, 26% black, 19% Hispanic, and 51% white. Their mean age was 42 ± 10 years (range, 22–66 years). The mean preoperative BMI was 47.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2 for the case group and 46.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2 for the control group (p = 0.3). After adjustment for patient characteristics, using a larger balloon was associated with reduced odds of stricture recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.85; p = 0.02). All the patients were without signs or symptoms of stricture at the last follow-up visit (20 ± 17 months). Weight loss was similar between the two groups. The percentage of estimated weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months postoperatively was 66% for the study participants and 67% for the control subjects (p = 0.5). Baseline alcohol use and higher preoperative BMI were associated with a higher BMI 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Initial dilation with a larger balloon is safe and may prevent stricture recurrence. Further study of modifiable risk factors for reduced weight loss after surgery, such as alcohol use, may improve patient outcomes.
Selenium content of foods purchased in North Dakota

Selenium (Se) concentrations in foods are highly variable, and may reflect Se concentration and availability from the soil in which they were grown. In the present study, Se concentrations were determined for a number of foods and dietary ingredients purchased in North Dakota, an area with high soil Se content. Most foods tended to be high in Se, but many, especially corn products, were highly variable. Selenium in beef from North Dakota was much higher than in beef from low Se areas. These results show that average reported values for Se in foodstuffs are unreliable and if an accurate determination of Se intake is needed, Se concentration should be determined for foods consumed.
Multicenter evaluation of temporomandibular joint Proplast-Teflon disk implant

Seven oral and maxillofacial surgeons from all U.S. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons districts participated in a retrospective study of Proplast II Teflon interpositional implants that were placed after meniscectomy in 680 TMJs (465 patients) and followed from 6 to 76 months. At longest follow-up a relatively high number (85.9%) 584 of 680 implants were in place with an average weighted follow-up of nearly 32 months. Of these 584 joints, a very high number, 540, (92.4%) were asymptomatic, however, 224 asymptomatic and 25 symptomatic joints with the implants in place exhibited some degree of condyle resorption that included 45 with malocclusion. In the worst case scenario, if condylar resorption is indicative of a worn Proplast II Teflon interpositional implant, then 364 (54%) of the 680 implants may fail. Failure rates per year range from Vitek's reported 3% to an average 18% clinician report in the literature. Higher rates are reported by individual clinicians, and our recent in vitro wear tests of Proplast II Teflon interpositional implants suggest an in vivo service life of only 3 years. Because no one has reported follow-up beyond 5 years, the long term performance and survival of any of these implants is doubtful. Asymptomatic patients should be evaluated yearly with tomography, CT, or MRI. Symptomatic patients should be evaluated every 4 to 6 months. Implant removal should be recommended if occlusal changes or condyle/fossa articular bone changes are active past the time of expected remodeling from surgery. This report summarizes the success/failure incidence from the literature and makes recommendations on follow-up, removal, and repair surgery.
Changes in membrane-bound and soluble molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase in mouse hippocampus after cholinergic denervation.

Abstract In order to observe acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its distribution into soluble and membrane-bound molecular forms in cholinergically denervated hippocampus, AChE was analyzed in the hippocampus of adult mice with and without bilateral fornix lesions made by stereotactically positioned knife cuts. Homogenates from lesioned mice contained an average of 3% of choline acetyltransferase-specific activity, 12% of AChE-specific activity and 98% of protein compared to homogenates from controls. After lesioning, the relative proportion of membrane-bound G4 decreased from 77% to 56% of total AChE while soluble G4, membrane-bound G1–G2, and soluble G1–G2 each increased in relative abundance.
Application of natural laminar flow to a supersonic transport concept

Results are presented of a preliminary investigation into an application of supersonic natural laminar flow (NLF) technology for a high speed civil transport (HSCT) configuration. This study focuses on natural laminar flow without regard to suction devices which are required for laminar flow control (LFC) or hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC). An HSCT design is presented with a 70 deg inboard leading-edge sweep and a 20 deg leading-edge outboard crank to obtain NLF over the outboard crank section. This configuration takes advantage of improved subsonic performance and NLF on the low-sweep portion of the wing while minimizing the wave drag and induced drag penalties associated with low-sweep supersonic cruise aircraft. In order to assess the benefits of increasing natural laminar flow wetted area, the outboard low-sweep wing area is parametrically increased. Using a range of supersonic natural laminar flow transition Reynolds numbers, these aircraft are then optimized and sized for minimum take-off gross weight (TOGW) subject to mission constraints. Results from this study indicate reductions in TOGW for the NLF concepts, due mainly to reductions in wing area and total wing weight. Furthermore, significant reductions in block fuel are calculated throughout the range of transition Reynolds numbers considered. Observations are made on the benefits of unsweeping the wingtips with all turbulent flow.
THE NEED FOR FOLLOWUP OF FAMILIES WHO EXPERIENCE APERINATAL DEATH

We conducted a retrospective study by telephone interview (12-24 months later) of 26 families who had experienced perinatal death (7 stillborn, 19 neonatal). 14/26 had had subsequent pregnancies. 6/26 had a prolonged grief reaction (12-20 months). Those mothers with a surviving twin or subsequent pregnancy 6 months later (p < .01). 12/26 families obtained information about the cause of death and risk of recurrence only during hospitalization; subsequent contact, weeks to months later, provided additional information in 14/26 (by phone in 5, in person in 9). 22/26 mothers met predetermined criteria for having adequate understanding of cause of death and/or risk of recurrence; 4/26 knew neither. Understanding was significantly related to followup contact by phone or in person. 15/22 with adequate understanding were partially or totally dissatisfied with the information they received or the way they received it. Families who received no in person followup contact were more likely to be dissatisfied (p < .05). In summary, the presence of a surviving twin or early subsequent pregnancy may be associated with a prolonged maternal grief reaction following perinatal death. Followup by phone or in person resulted in better understanding of the cause of death and risk of recurrence but only in person followup was associated with satisfaction with the information.
Exergy analysis of latent heat thermal energy storage for solar power generation accounting for constraints imposed by long-term operation and the solar day

Abstract A combined heat transfer and exergy analysis is developed and used to quantify the performance of a latent heat thermal energy storage system (LHTES) for solar power generation taking into account two practical constraints. First, for long-term operation the thermal energy stored must equal the thermal energy recovered. The second constraint is imposed by the 24 h day. To maximize the second-law performance of a particular latent heat storage system associated with a specific charging temperature, it is shown that a specific phase change temperature must be used in conjunction with a specific heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature during the discharge process, and a specific charging time. The second-law performance of the storage system can be improved, and potentially impractical operating conditions needed to maximize the second-law performance of the LHTES system can be avoided by modifying the heat transfer design of the energy storage system. Quantitatively, increasing the surface area of the phase change material (PCM) side by a factor of 10 results in a six-fold increase in the exergy extracted from the LHTES system. For a typical salt phase change material, the optimal phase change temperatures corresponding to charging HTF inlet temperatures of 560 °C and 800 °C are 475 °C and 715 °C, respectively.
Performance of generalized eigensystem and truncated singular value decomposition methods for the inverse problem of electrocardiography

Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Generalized Eigensystem (GES) inverse techniques are compared for their ability to solve the inverse problem of electrocardiography. In the inverse problem of electrocardiography, electrical potential data for numerous locations on the body (torso) surface is used to infer the electrical potentials on the heart surface, while the governing equation and material properties are assumed known. This paper addresses two areas. First, the previously observed improved performance of GES compared to SVD is explained in terms of the unique nature of the GES vectors. Second, epicardial data from six in-vitro rabbit heart experiments are used to project body surface data for six different geometries, and inverse solutions are computed both with and without added noise. For concentric geometries, GES outperformed SVD in all instances. For eccentric heart/body geometries, GES outperformed SVD when the inverse errors themselves were small. In all cases, GES was less sensitive to a...
Universal estimation of entropy and divergence via block sorting

In this paper, we present a new algorithm to estimate both entropy and divergence of two finite-alphabet, finite-memory tree sources, using only information provided by a realization from each of the two sources. Our algorithm outperforms a previous LZ-based method. It is motivated by data compression based on the Burrows-Wheeler block sorting transform, using the fact that if the input is a finite-memory tree source, then the divergence between the output distribution and a piecewise stationary memoryless distribution vanishes as the length of the input sequence goes to infinity.
A 76 x 77mm/sup 2/, 16.85 Million Pixel CMOS APS Image Sensor

A 16.85 million pixel (4,096 times 4,114), single die (76mm times 77mm) CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) image sensor with 1.35Me- pixel well-depth was designed, fabricated, and tested in a 0.5mum CMOS process with a stitching option. A hybrid photodiode-photogate (HPDPG) APS pixel technology was developed. Pixel pitch was 18mum. The developed image sensor was the world's largest single-die CMOS image sensor fabricated on a 6-inch silicon wafer
Pharmacological Characterization of the Allosteric Modulator Desformylflustrabromine and Its Interaction with α4β2 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Orthosteric Ligands

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of the Cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels. nAChRs are involved in modulating nicotinic-based signal transmission in the central nervous system and are implicated in a range of disorders. Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr) is a positive allosteric modulator that potentiates α4β2 nAChRs. It has been reported that dFBr is selective for the α4β2 receptor relative to other common nAChR subtypes (Neurosci Lett 373:144–149, 2005). Coapplication of dFBr with acetylcholine (ACh) produces a bell-shaped dose–response curve with a peak potentiation of more than 265% (Bioorg Med Chem Lett 17:4855–4860, 2007) at dFBr concentrations 10 μM. The potentiation and inhibition components of dFBr-modulated responses were examined by using two-electrode voltage clamp and human α4β2 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Currents to both partial and full agonists were potentiated by dFBr. Responses to low-efficacy agonists were potentiated significantly more than responses to high-efficacy agonists. Antagonist pIC50 values were unaffected by coapplication of dFBr. In addition to its potentiating effects, dFBr was able to induce current spikes when applied to desensitized receptors, suggestive of a shift in equilibrium from the desensitized to open conformation. In contrast to potentiation, inhibition of ACh responses by dFBr depends on membrane potential and is probably the result of open-channel block by dFBr and ACh. Our data indicate distinct mechanisms for the potentiation and inhibition components of dFBr action. dFBr could prove useful for therapeutic enhancement of responses at α4β2-containing synapses.
Efficient enumeration of most probable states for systems with dependent failures and multimode components

ORDER-c, an algorithm for enumerating, in order of nonincreasing probability, the states of systems with dependent failures and multimode components is presented. The dependencies and degradations are modeled by the cause-based multimode model, which is reviewed. The ORDER-b algorithm is also reviewed, and the ORDER-b and ORDER-c algorithms are compared. The ORDER-algorithm is shown to be more flexible than the ORDER-b algorithm because it can be based on any state enumeration algorithm for independent failures and multimode components. Experimental results show that the ORDER-c algorithm requires less memory and runs faster. >
Initial Validation of a Brief Individual Readiness for Change Scale (BIRCS) for Use With Addiction Program Staff Practitioners

The Brief Individual Readiness for Change Scale is a rapid assessment tool for use with addiction program staff practitioners and social workers. Technology transfer and research-to-practice readiness are essential to programs and practitioners faced with implementing evidence-based practice techniques and showing positive outcomes. The focus of scale development to date has been global assessment of organizational readiness for change. A crucial, although frequently overlooked, element of technology transfer success is readiness for change of individual practitioners who are relied on to implement the new techniques. The ability to identify and ameliorate points of practitioner resistance prior to implementation of these techniques is a key to avoiding frustration, low staff morale, and poor outcomes. This study attempts to establish initial psychometrics of a brief scale to screen for practitioner's readiness for change. It is based on a sample of 594 addiction practitioners in 2 Southern states.
Coordination Implications of Software Architecture in a Global Software Development Project

In this paper, we report on our experience assessing the relationship between the dependency structure of a software architecture and the coordination needs among distributed development teams. We use as a case study for global software development the Global Studio Project Version 3.0, where matrix models were used to represent both architectural dependencies and the coordination structure among the team members. Analysis of data gathered during the Global Studio Project Version 3.0 revealed that design structure matrix (DSM) models representing the modular structure of the software architecture are highly consistent with the social network matrix models that represent the actual coordination structure. We conclude that DSM modeling can help guide the task assignments in global software development projects.
Intestinal β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase activity is markedly enhanced in copper-deficient rats fed on high-iron diets and fructose

The purpose of the present work was to examine effects of the Cu-Fe interaction on intestinal beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity when a wide range of dietary Fe (deficiency to excess) was used in relation to Cu status of rats. The effect of dietary carbohydrates was also examined since they play a role in the Cu-Fe interaction in vivo. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats (n 72) were divided into twelve dietary groups, which were fed on either low-, normal-, or high-Fe levels (0.9, 9.0, and 90.0 mmol Fe/kg diet respectively) combined with Cu-adequate or -deficient levels (0.94 and 0.09 mmol Cu/kg diet respectively) and with starch or fructose in the diets. The data showed that both Fe concentration and beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity in small intestinal mucosa were enhanced with increasing dietary Fe and with Cu deficiency v. Cu adequacy. Dietary fructose did not aggravate the Fe-enhancement, related to Cu deficiency, in the small intestine; however, fructose increased the intestinal dioxygenase activity in rats fed on normal- or high-Fe diets when compared with starch controls. Thus, the highest intestinal dioxygenase activity associated with the lowest hepatic retinol (total) concentration was found in rats fed on the Cu-deficient, high-Fe, fructose-based diet. Finally, a positive linear relationship was found between the dioxygenase activity and Fe concentration in intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, the data indicate that beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity requires Fe as cofactor in vivo and the enzyme is modulated by the three dietary components: Cu, Fe, and fructose.
Some time-saving methods for the digital simulation of highway vehicles:

Simulation has been used extensively as a tool for the solution of vehicle-dynamics problems. To handle nonlinear simulations of increasing size and complexity, both digital and hybrid methods have...
Geophysical logs from the Toa Baja Scientific Drillhole, Puerto Rico

Geophysical logs from the Toa Baja drillhole on the north central coast of Puerto Rico are used to distinguish the variation in physical properties with depth in this non-volcanic island arc massif. A marked unconformity separates shallow Oligocene to Miocene limestones with considerable permeability contrast from a deeper sequence of volcaniclastic rocks with decreasing shaliness. A volcanic sill or flow overlying a strongly mineralized zone is found to cause the impedance contrast responsible for the strong seismic reflection anomaly (bright spot) that was the exploration target.
P-wave velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Iceland from local earthquake tomography

The structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath Iceland, the keys to understanding the magma plumbing system of the hotspot and hotspot–ridge interaction, was poorly constrained in previous seismological investigations. Here we develop a three-dimensional P-wave velocity model of the Icelandic crust and uppermost mantle from tomographic inversion of over 3500 first-arrivals from local earthquakes recorded in Iceland. The model shows a broad low-velocity anomaly in the middle and lower crust underlying a high velocity body in the shallow crust in central Iceland. With seismic rays traversing below the crust, the inversion also reveals a pronounced P-wave velocity reduction, about 5% or 1.4–2 times that in the 100–400 km depth range imaged by teleseismic tomography, in the uppermost mantle beneath central Iceland. The large velocity reduction requires an excess temperature of up to 500 degrees or, more likely, a combination of excess temperature and partial melt. The localized nature of the region of low velocity beneath central Iceland and the lack of comparable velocity reduction along the volcanic zones suggest a relatively focused melt supply of the hotspot. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.