cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Amide II Band in the cis-Amide 1-Methyluracil, in Poly(U), and in Poly(A)·Poly(U)

The amide II band, extensively studied in secondary trans-amides but generally reported to be absent in the infrared spectra of cis-amides, has been identified at 1417 cm-1 in the cyclic cis-amide 1-methyluracil. Specific isotopic substitution (2H, 18O, 15N) provides unambiguous evidence that the mode is an N—H bending vibration extensively coupled to CO and CC stretching modes. The amide II band of poly(U) occurs at 1423 cm-1. In the two-stranded helix poly(A)·poly(U) this band exhibits a large increase in frequency (Δv = 25 cm-1) from the unperturbed value. The temperature profiles of absorbance at the frequency characteristic of either the helix or the coil are sharp sigmoid curves having the correct transition temperature for the complex. This is the first time it has been possible to use a clearly identified vibration of a hydrogen-bonded proton to monitor a polynucleotide helix-coil transition in aqueous solution.
Shock Formation in Small-data Solutions to 3d Quasilinear Wave Equations

In his 2007 monograph, D. Christodoulou proved a breakthrough result giving a detailed description of the formation of shocks in solutions to the relativistic Euler equations in three spatial dimensions. He assumed that the data have small $H^N$ norm, where $N$ is a sufficiently large integer. To deduce the shock formation, he also assumed that the data verify a signed integral inequality. In the present monograph, we extend Christodoulou's framework and use it to prove that shock singularities often develop in initially small, regular solutions to two important classes of quasilinear wave equations in three spatial dimensions. Our work also generalizes and unifies earlier work on singularity formation initiated by F. John in the 1970's and continued by L. Hormander, S. Alinhac, and many others. Specifically, we study $\mbox{i)}$ covariant scalar wave equations of the form $\square_{g(\Psi)} \Psi = 0$ and $\mbox{ii)}$ non-covariant scalar wave equations of the form $(h^{-1})^{\alpha \beta}(\partial \Phi) \partial_{\alpha} \partial_{\beta} \Phi = 0.$ Our main result shows that whenever the nonlinear terms fail Klainerman's classic null condition, shocks develop in solutions arising from an open set of small data. Hence, within the classes $\mbox{i)}$ and $\mbox{ii)}$, our work can be viewed as a sharp converse to the well-known result of Christodoulou and Klainerman, which showed that when the classic null condition is verified, small-data global existence holds.
Crevicular fluid osteocalcin and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) as markers of rapid bone turnover in periodontitis. A pilot study in beagle dogs

The objective of this study was to correlate the levels of 2 putative markers of bone metabolism, namely osteocalcin and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), to the progression of experimental alveolar bone loss in the beagle dog. 36 control sites and 36 experimental sites in 2 beagle dogs were assessed longitudinally at 2-week intervals for gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) osteocalcin and ICTP levels during a 6-month observation period. Analysis of osteocalcin and ICTP in GCF was performed by RIA. During the study, bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical uptake (BSRU) of 99mTc-MDP was assessed monthly; standardized radiographs were taken at 2-week intervals. The results showed osteocalcin and ICTP levels in GCF increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 2 weeks following initiation of disease. This increase preceded significant increases in BSRU by 2 weeks and radiographic evidence of bone loss by 4 weeks. BSRU was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at experimental sites as compared to controls at 4 and 8 weeks post-disease initiation. Osteocalcin in GCF peaked 8 and 10 weeks after ligature placement in experimental sites at levels nearly 10-fold greater than contralateral paired control sites. ICTP levels in GCF remained elevated throughout the entire disease progression phase. Following the removal of ligatures, both GCF osteocalcin and ICTP levels dropped precipitously approaching control values. Osteocalcin revealed overall a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for future bone loss during disease progression of 0.87 and 0.34, respectively, while ICTP showed both high PPV and NPV of 0.87 and 0.91 respectively. Results from this study in the dog model indicate that osteocalcin and especially ICTP relate to indices of active periodontal bony destruction and suggest that these molecules may serve as predictive markers for future alveolar bone loss.
Adaptive Procedures for the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney Test: Seven Decades of Advances

The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test has dominated non parametric analyses in behavioral sciences for the past seven decades. Its widespread use masks the fact that there exist simple “adaptive” procedures which use data-dependent statistical decision rules to select an optimal non parametric test. This paper discusses key adaptive approaches for testing differences in locations in two-sample environments. Our Monte Carlo analysis shows that adaptive procedures often perform substantially better than t-tests, even with moderately sized samples (80 observations). We illustrate adaptive approaches using data from Gneezy and Smorodinsky (2006), and offer a Stata package to researchers interested in taking advantage of these techniques.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Signaling Is Required for Lung Protection during Pneumonia

Lung infections represent a tremendous disease burden and a leading cause of acute lung injury. STAT3 signaling is essential for controlling lung injury during pneumonia. We previously identified LIF as a prominent STAT3-activating cytokine expressed in the airspaces of pneumonic lungs, but its physiological significance in this setting has never been explored. To do so, Escherichia coli was intratracheally instilled into C57BL/6 mice in the presence of neutralizing anti-LIF IgG or control IgG. Anti-LIF completely eliminated lung LIF detection and markedly exacerbated lung injury compared with control mice as evidenced by airspace albumin content, lung liquid accumulation, and histological analysis. Although lung bacteriology was equivalent between groups, bacteremia was more prevalent with anti-LIF treatment, suggestive of compromised barrier function rather than impaired antibacterial defense as the cause of dissemination. Inflammatory cytokine expression was also exaggerated in anti-LIF-treated lungs, albeit after injury had ensued. Interestingly, alveolar neutrophil recruitment was modestly but significantly reduced compared with control mice despite elevated cytokine levels, indicating that inflammatory injury was not a consequence of excessive neutrophilic alveolitis. Lastly, the lung transcriptome was dramatically remodeled during pneumonia, but far more so following LIF neutralization, with gene changes implicating cell death and epithelial homeostasis among other processes relevant to tissue injury. From these findings, we conclude that endogenous LIF facilitates tissue protection during pneumonia. The LIF-STAT3 axis is identified in this study as a critical determinant of lung injury with clinical implications for pneumonia patients.
Disregulated RhoGTPases and Actin Cytoskeleton Contribute to the Migration Defect in Lis1-Deficient Neurons

Lissencephaly is a severe brain malformation caused by impaired neuronal migration. Lis1, a causative gene, functions in an evolutionarily conserved nuclear translocation pathway regulating dynein motor and microtubule dynamics. Whereas microtubule contributions to neuronal motility are incompletely understood, the actin cytoskeleton is essential for crawling cell movement of all cell types investigated. Lis1 haploinsufficiency is shown here to also result in reduced filamentous actin at the leading edge of migrating neurons, associated with upregulation of RhoA and downregulation of Rac1 and Cdc42 activity. Disruption of RhoA function through pharmacological inhibition of its effector kinase, p160ROCK, restores normal Rac1 and Cdc42 activity and rescues the motility defect in Lis1+/- neurons. These data indicate a previously unrecognized role for Lis1 protein in neuronal motility by promoting actin polymerization through the regulation of Rho GTPase activity. This effect of Lis1 on GTPases does not appear to occur through direct Lis1 binding of Rho, but could involve Lis1 effects on Rho modulatory proteins or on microtubule dynamics.
Radiosurgery for melanoma brain metastases in the ipilimumab era and the possibility of longer survival

Object. A prospectively collected cohort of 77 patients who underwent definitive radiosurgery between 2002 and 2010 for melanoma brain metastases was retrospectively reviewed to assess the impact of ipilimumab use and other clinical variables on survival. Methods. The authors conducted an institutional review board–approved chart review to assess patient age at the time of brain metastasis diagnosis, sex, primary disease location, initial radiosurgery date, number of metastases treated, performance status, systemic therapy and ipilimumab history, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) use, follow-up duration, and survival at the last follow-up. The Diagnosis-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DSGPA) score was calculated for each patient based on performance status and the number of brain metastases treated. Results. Thirty-five percent of the patients received ipilimumab. The median survival in this group was 21.3 months, as compared with 4.9 months in patients who did not receive ipilimumab. The 2-year survival rate was 47.2% in the ipilimumab group compared with 19.7% in the nonipilimumab group. The DS-GPA score was the most significant predictor of overall survival, and ipilimumab therapy was also independently associated with an improvement in the hazard for death (p = 0.03). Conclusions. The survival of patients with melanoma brain metastases managed with ipilimumab and definitive radiosurgery can exceed the commonly anticipated 4–6 months. Using ipilimumab in a supportive treatment paradigm of radiosurgery for brain oligometastases was associated with an increased median survival from 4.9 to 21.3 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 19.7% versus 47.2%. This association between ipilimumab and prolonged survival remains significant even after adjustment for performance status without an increased need for salvage WBRT.
Mercury and Other Trace Elements in Sediment Cores from Central Texas Lakes

Metals released during fossil fuel use are important atmospheric pollutants. Mercury and other trace metals can be transferred to an aquatic environment through atmospheric deposition. In the work reported here, a number of sediment cores were retrieved from central Texas lakes in the proximity of a coal-fired power plant in search of local anthropogenic effects. Cores were collected along a transient parallel to the prevailing wind direction (S-SE) in the area. Trace element concentrations in the lignite and in effluents from the power plant showed that some elements remained constant (Al, Cu) throughout the different lignite combustion and power production processes. Some (like Cd and Se) showed an affinity for the smaller particles, whereas others (Hg) showed very low concentrations in all the solid wastes, indicating that they probably escaped with the flue gases. Sediment cores from a lake next to the power plant showed higher trace metal concentration in the upper part of the cores (more recent sediment). For example, there was as much as a tenfold increase in Hg concentration between the core bottom (10 ng/g), where the sediment was approximately 100 years old and the surface (100 ng/g). Cd and Se at surface sediments were also found to be as high as 1.6 and 3.45 µg/g, respectively. The excess metal inventory was higher for the lakes located next to the power plant than for two lakes about 30 km away.
A simple source of fluorescent x rays for the study of radiographic imaging systems

The properties of a simple source of fluorescent x rays were investigated with regard to its suitability for the study of radiographic imaging systems. The source, consisting of a diagnostic x‐ray tube, fluorescent targets, and filters, was found to yield highly monoenergetic x‐ray fluxes with intensity sufficient to allow the speed of medium‐ and high‐speed screen–film systems to be studied as a function of x‐ray energy.
Orbital Myositis Posing as Cluster Headache

Objective To describe the case of a patient with recurrent orbital myositis who was thought to have cluster headaches for 6 years. Design and Setting Case report in an outpatient neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Patient A 24-year-old man developed unilateral supraorbital pain, lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia, nasal congestion, proptosis, and painful eye movements. The pain intensity varied over the course of each day and disappeared after 1 month. He had multiple attacks responsive to prednisone that were separated by months over the ensuing 6 years. Neuroimaging revealed an enlarged extraocular muscle. Conclusions Overlap in symptoms between recurrent orbital myositis and cluster headache delayed the diagnosis in this patient. Orbital myositis should be considered in patients with atypical cluster headache characterized by proptosis, painful eye movements, and pain that does not completely resolve after 3 hours.
Prospective blinded trial comparing 45-mL and 90-mL doses of oral sodium phosphate for bowel preparation before computed tomographic colonography.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) bowel preparation using single- (45 mL) versus double-dose sodium phosphate. Materials and Methods: A hundred consecutive patients undergoing screening CTC were randomly assigned with either single (45 mL) or double dose of sodium phosphate. Stool/fluid tagging remained constant. Two radiologists with extensive CTC experience, blinded to the groups, prospectively scored the colon for residual stool and fluid by using a 4-point scale. Results: There was an excellent cleansing in both groups characterized by low stool/fluid scores. A stool score of 1 or 2 (indicating a stool-free segment or only minimal particles <5 mm) was seen in 90.3% (271/300) of segments in the single-dose group and 87% (261/300) in the double-dose group. Similarly, there was minimal residual fluid with a score of 1 or 2 (indicating <25% of lumen occupied by fluid) in 82% (488/600) of segments in the single-dose group and 87% (522/600) in the double-dose group. Overall, no significant associations were noted between the sodium phosphate regimens and residual stool/fluid in most colonic segments. In addition, no significant differences were seen in the stool or fluid tagging. Conclusions: Both single- and double-dose sodium phosphate resulted in excellent colonic cleansing without any significant differences. Tagging of residual stool and fluid was equally excellent for both groups. These findings indicate that a single 45-mL dose of oral sodium phosphate, in conjunction with stool and fluid tagging, results in high-quality CTC bowel preparation that is comparable to the clinically proven double-dose regimen.
Computational fluid dynamics endpoints for assessment of adenotonsillectomy outcome in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Background Improvements in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity may be associated with improved pharyngeal fluid mechanics following adenotonsillectomy (AT). The study objective is to use image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model changes in pharyngeal pressures after AT, in obese children with OSAS and adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
An After-School Evaluation System for Middle and High School Programs

This article introduces an evaluation system that will enable after-school programs for middle and high school students to monitor and reflect on their program progress and to improve on the quality of program implementation. Key indicators of quality and success are identified and an indicator system is designed, which focuses on four main components of after-school programs: environment, program organization, instructional features, and student outcomes. By using this system, educators can analyze their program’s strengths and weaknesses and plan for improvement.
Incorporating hardware trust mechanisms in Apache Hadoop: To improve the integrity and confidentiality of data in a distributed Apache Hadoop file system: An information technology infrastructure and software approach

Pairing Apache Hadoop distributed file storage with hardware based trusted computing mechanisms has the potential to reduce the risk of data compromise. With the growing use of Hadoop to tackle big data analytics involving sensitive data, a Hadoop cluster could be a target for data exfiltration, corruption, or modification. By implementing open standards based Trusted Computing technology at the infrastructure and application levels; a novel and robust security posture and protection is presented. An overview of the technologies involved, description of the proposed infrastructure, and potential software integrations are discussed.
Set of Comparable Carbon Footprints for Highway Travel in Metropolitan America

The writers describe the development of a set of carbon dioxide emissions estimates for highway travel by automobile, truck, bus, and other public transit vehicle movements within the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas in calendar year 2005. Considerable variability is found to exist across metropolitan areas when these greenhouse gas emissions are measured on a per capita and a per gross metropolitan product (GMP) basis. Least square and spatial error regression modeling show a relationship among emissions per capita and per GMP with truck traffic share, transit share, employment density, population dispersion within the metro area, and GMP per capita. As a result, many of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas tend to have lower CO2 emissions per capita and per GMP than smaller and more recently developed metro areas.
Methanol in Orion A: Simultaneous observations of corresponding rotational transitions in the ground and torsionally excited states

We have detected the 2/sub -/1-1/sub -/1E and 2/sub 0/-1/sub 0/A/sup +/ and partially resolved the 2/sub 1/-1/sub 1/E and 2/sub 0/-1/sub 0/E transitions of torsionlly excited methanol in Orion while simultaneously observing the same transitions in the ground state. These observations suggest that the ground-state transitions come from a 90 K region, while the torsionally excited transitions may come from a 200 K region.
Severe Hypokalemia in a Patient With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disorder in the intensive care unit. Its cause often is complex, involving both potassium losses from the body and shifts of potassium into cells. We present a case of severe hypokalemia of sudden onset in a patient being treated for subarachnoid hemorrhage in the surgical intensive care unit in order to illustrate the diagnosis and management of severe hypokalemia of unclear cause. Our patient received agents that promote renal potassium losses and treatments associated with a shift of potassium into cells. We outline the steps in diagnosis and management, focusing on the factors regulating the transcellular distribution of potassium in the body.
Establishing the need and identifying goals for a curriculum in medical business ethics: a survey of students and residents at two medical centers in Missouri.

Background In recent years, issues in medical business ethics (MBE), such as conflicts of interest (COI), Medicare fraud and abuse, and the structure and functioning of reimbursement systems, have received significant attention from the media and professional associations in the United States. As a result of highly publicized instances of financial interests altering physician decision-making, major professional organizations and government bodies have produced reports and guidelines to encourage self-regulation and impose rules to limit physician relationships with for-profit entities. Nevertheless, no published curricula exist in the area of MBE. This study aimed to establish a baseline level of knowledge and the educational goals medical students and residents prioritize in the area of MBE.
Thermomechanical Properties of Porous NiTi Alloy Produced by SHS

Samples obtained from relatively large powders (<150 µm), with total porosity in the range 30-68%, were characterized mainly from a morphological point of view. Total porosity, as well as pore size, shape and distribution, was analyzed. Sample microstructure was also investigated, indicating that the main phase produced during the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction is Ti reach NiTi phase, as confirmed by calorimetric analyses. Moreover, the presence of secondary phases, suggested by the low transformation enthalpy, was confirmed by SEM observations. In fact, EDS microanalyses and EBSD mapping helped in the identification of such secondary phases, such as Ni3Ti, Ti2Ni and Ti4Ni2Ox. Other samples were successively produced starting from the same powders but introducing a different powder compression methodology and operating conditions. In this way, the obtained samples showed higher porosity featured by more uniform size, shape and distribution while, from a micro-structural point of view, no significant differences were observed. Mechanical compression tests were carried out at room temperature and, on selected samples, also above Af in order to highlight the influence of pore shape and distribution. Results obtained at room temperature show that the mechanical properties decrease with the porosity augmentation. For higher temperatures, the samples presented a pseudoelastic behavior. Dilatometric tests were also performed and the results well indicated the martensite to austenite transformation at the same temperature showed by the DSC analyses. Thermal analysis was completed by evaluating the thermal diffusivity temperature and porosity dependence using an experimental-numerical approach especially developed.
Regulation of phytochrome mRNA abundance in green oat leaves

Abstract.Avena sativa L. (oat) seedings were grown 4 d in continuous white light followed by 3 d in darkness. Probes derived from an oat phytochrome cDNA clone (pAP 3.2) were used in slot blot analyses to measure the abundance of phytochrome mRNA in the distinct etiolated and green portions of the leaves produced by these seedlings. Both the green and etiolated portions accumulated phytochrome mRNA to a level of about 85% of the etiolated seedling level. Subsequent experiments with similar seedlings showed that both the green and etiolated portions were capable of inducing a dramatic decline in phytochrome mRNA abundance in response to a saturating red light pulse. Despite the ability of green portions of oat leaves to accumulate phytochrome mRNA and to down-regulate phytochrome mRNA abundance in response to light, no substantial variation in phytochrome mRNA abundance was observed in green oat seedlings maintained on a 12-h day/12-h night cycle. In the same oat seedlings, the abundance of chlorophyll a/b binding protein mRNA fluctuated dramatically during the day/night cycle.
Ultrasonic-generated fluid velocity with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse and continuous phacoemulsification.

Purpose To evaluate and compare ultrasonic turbulence created by conventional and micropulse ultrasound technology. Setting Sonora Medical Systems, Longmont, Colorado, USA. Methods A high-resolution digital ultrasound probe imaged the zone around a phacoemulsification tip. Doppler analysis allowed determination of flow. The fluid velocity was measured at 4 levels of ultrasound power at a constant flow, comparing the ultrasonic conditions of continuous energy to WhiteStar micropulses. Results In addition to the normal baseline irrigation and aspiration, fluid movement was detected directly below the phaco tip, produced by a nonlinear effect known as acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming increased with increased phacoemulsification power for both conditions. At each of the 4 levels of power, fluid velocity away from the tip was less with micropulse technology than with continuous phacoemulsification. Conclusions The demonstrated decrease in acoustic streaming flow away from the phaco tip with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse technology compared to conventional ultrasound provides an objective explanation for clinical observations of increased stability of nuclear fragments at the tip and less turbulence in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification. This methodology can be used to examine and compare fluid flow and turbulence under a variety of clinically relevant conditions.
Gaps between integers with the same prime factors

We give numerical and theoretical evidence in support of the conjecture of Dressler that between any two positive integers having the same prime factors there is a prime. In particular, it is shown that the abc conjecture implies that the gap between two consecutive such numbers a > a 1/2- ∈ , and it is shown that this lower bound is best possible. Dressler's conjecture is verified for values of a and c up to 7. 10 13 .
Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate and α-Actinin: Two-Component Hinge for the NMDA Receptor

Membrane ion channels are regulated through tightly coupled signaling complexes/microdomains that often include the channels themselves and membrane phospholipids. In many cases, scaffolding proteins, cytoskeletal components, and phospholipids together provide structural backbones supporting a small
Distress and aggression during dating conflict: A test of the coercion hypothesis

Research with clinically depressed and maritally discordant couples suggests that women's distressed behaviors function to suppress their partners' subsequent aggressive responses. We applied this coercion hypothesis to a nonclinical sample of dating couples (N = 288). We further examined whether these effects were gender-specific, and whether distressed and aggressive behaviors differ within physically violent versus nonviolent relationships. Women but not men reported engaging in elevated rates of distress in response to partner aggression during past dating conflicts. However, both women and men expected distressed behavior to suppress partner aggression during future conflicts. Expectations about the functional effects of distressed behavior did not differ for participants with physically violent partners versus nonviolent partners. However, participants in violent relationships reported enacting more distressed behaviors and had greater expectations for partner verbal aggression during future conflicts than did participants in nonviolent relationships. Future research may identify the early onset of dysfunctional interaction patterns in couples and concomitant psychological distress.
A model of the consecutive structural phase transitions in La2-xBaxCuO4

Abstract A simple lattice-dynamical model is constructed with the parameters chosen to fit the energy surface of the superconducting La 2- x Ba x CuO 4 , x ∼0.1, derived from first-principles calculations. The model possesses many of the features occuring in the consecutive structural phase transitions in solids with the layered perovskite structure. We find that the anharmonicity in the model causes a vibrational-entropy-driven first-order phase transition from the LTT to the LTO structure at low temperatures. The high-temperature LTO to HTT transition is found to be of the order-disorder type and is continuous.
Parameter Estimation of a Plant Uptake Model for Cyanide: Application to Hydroponic Data

A plant uptake model is applied to describe free cyanide and ferrocyanide transport and fate in willow (Salix eriocephala var. Michaux) grown in hydroponics. The model is applied to experimental data to determine best-fit parameter values, their associated uncertainty, and their relative importance to field-scale phytoremediation applications. The fitted model results, using least-squares optimization of the observed log concentrations, indicate that free cyanide volatilization from leaf tissue and free cyanide cell wall adsorption were negligible. The free cyanide maximum uptake rate and assimilate (noncyanide 15N) first-order leaf loss rate were the only coefficients that significantly affected the model goodness of fit and were concurrently sensitive to data uncertainty in the parameter optimization. Saturation kinetics may be applicable for free cyanide uptake into plants, but not for ferrocyanide uptake, which may occur via preferential protein-mediated or inefficient transpiration stream uptake. Wit...
Treatment of recurrent allograft dysfunction with intravenous hematin after liver transplantation for erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disorder of the heme biosynthetic pathway in which toxic levels of protoporphyrins often precipitate in the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and the need for liver transplantation (OLT). Because the underlying enzyme defect in EPP is bone marrow derived, the risk for recurrent EPP allograft dysfunction is high. Although plasmapheresis may ameliorate acute allograft disease, strategies to maintain disease remission are needed. A 59-year-old man who underwent OLT for hepatic EPP experienced increased bilirubin and aminotransferases on postoperative day 700. Allograft biopsy demonstrated recurrent EPP. He was managed initially with plasmapheresis, hypertransfusion, and infusions of i.v. hematin. After normalization of liver tests, the hematin infusions have been given intermittently, are well tolerated, and associated with normal allograft function for nearly 2 years. This is the first case of the use of hematin given post-OLT to help achieve and maintain remission of allograft EPP disease.
Radiation Response Of Optical Fibers And Selfoc Microlenses At 1.3 μm

The incremental loss induced at 1.3 μm in multimode and single mode optical fiber waveguides has been studied at 23 C and -55 C in situ as a function of time after high dose rate (9000 rads/min) steady state exposure and as a function of dose during low dose rate (- 1 rad/day) irradiation. Undoped and binary Ge-doped silica core fibers have demonstrated the lower radiation responses and better recoveries at 23 C; the induced losses substantially increase by factors of 8-18 when exposed at -55 C. Selective P doping on the fiber centerline or in the cladding has been found to reduce this temperature dependence, but increased damage and less recovery at 23 C have been noted. Measurements of the radiation response of Selfoc Microlenses have shown that the induced loss in a single lens at 1.3 I'm is only - 1 dB after an exposure of 2 x 104 rads; the SLS lenses are more radiation sensitive than the SLW lenses.
An Examination of Personality Traits and Television Viewing Motives Using Patterns of Interrelation and Quadratic Analysis

For more than three decades, the uses and gratifications framework has been used to examine viewer's motivations for watching television. With the introduction of new media, consumers are provided with alternatives for attaining their media use requirements. Remaining consistent over time, personality traits are an accepted means in which individual differences can be compared. This analysis examines uses and gratifications found in past television studies while also considering uses and gratifications results of new media studies. Using quadratic regression and analysis of interrelations, patterns linear regression alone cannot detect were identified. Results of this analysis found Extraversion to negatively predict certain television uses, differing from previous studies in which no relationship was present. Consistent with past studies, Neuroticism positively predicted several media uses. Analysis also suggested that the understanding of traits can be improved by undertaking an analysis of interrelatio...
Response from Jeffrey I. Gordon "et al.": Commensal bacteria make a difference

The importance of the gut microbiota has been recognized since the days of Pasteur. What makes today different from yesterday, and tomorrow so exciting, is that we now have the tools to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate assembly of the microbiota and determine how its components affect postnatal mammalian development and adult physiology.
T2-Imaging of the ischemic area-at-risk predicts recovery of cardiac function after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background T2-weighted edema imaging identifies the ischemic area at risk during acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial salvage occurs in the area at risk without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The degree of myocardial salvage is prognostically important, but its effect on recovery of left ventricular (LV) function is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine if the degree of myocardial salvage predicts recovery of function after an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods We assessed patients with no known prior CAD postSTEMI. Imaging was performed within 72 hours of the acute event and was then repeated 6-12 weeks postinfarction. The degree of myocardial salvage was obtained by subtracting the percentage LGE from the T2 area at risk. The degree of salvage was compared to the percentage improvement in LVEF by nonparametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient analysis. Results Twenty-three patients were recruited for the study. One patient refused a second study, 2 had technical difficulties, and 5 had a baseline LV ejection fraction (EF) of ≥50%, leaving a final study population of 15 subjects. The mean age of the sample was 59.3 ± 11.7 years; 86.7% were male and 93.3% were Caucasian. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco use was present in 40.0%, 73.3%, and 46.7%, respectively. The mean BMI was 30.8 ± 4.1, and 9/15 (60%) had a BMI ≥30. The mean LDL was 118.7 ± 33.0, and the mean HgA1c was 6.7 ± 1.8. The baseline mean LVEF was 42.1 ± 6.6%, and increased to 45.1 ± 9.8%, a mean increase of 3.0%. The mean percentage T2 enhancement was 41.2 ± 17.4%, and the mean burden of LGE was 23.5 ± 14.0%, giving a percentage myocardial salvage of 17.7%. The degree of myocardial salvage correlated moderately with an improvement of LVEF from the acute to recovery CMR, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.59 (p= 0.020). Conclusions
Far infrared spectra, conformational equilibria, vibrational assignments, ab initio calculations and structural parameters for 2-bromoethanol

Abstract The far infrared spectrum from 370 to 50 cm −1 of gaseous 2-bromoethanol, BrCH 2 CH 2 OH, was recorded at a resolution of 0.10 cm −1 . The fundamental O–H torsion of the more stable gauche ( Gg ′) conformer, where the capital G refers to internal rotation around the C–C bond and the lower case g to the internal rotation around the C–O bond, was observed as a series of Q-branch transitions beginning at 340 cm −1 . The corresponding O–H torsional modes were observed for two of the other high energy conformers, Tg (285 cm −1 ) and Tt (234 cm −1 ). The heavy atom asymmetric torsion (rotation around C–C bond) for the Gg ′ conformer has been observed at 140 cm −1 . Variable temperature (−63 to −100°C) studies of the infrared spectra (4000–400 cm −1 ) of the sample dissolved in liquid xenon have been recorded. From these data the enthalpy differences have been determined to be 411±40 cm −1 (4.92±0.48 kJ/mol) for the Gg ′/ Tt and 315±40 cm −1 (3.76±0.48 kJ/mol) for the Gg ′/ Tg , with the Gg ′ conformer the most stable form. Additionally, the infrared spectrum of the gas, and Raman spectrum of the liquid phase are reported. The structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation and fundamental frequencies have been obtained from ab initio calculations utilizing different basis sets at the restricted Hartree–Fock or with full electron correlation by the perturbation method to second order. The theoretical results are compared to the experimental results when appropriate. Combining the ab initio calculations with the microwave rotational constants, r 0 adjusted parameters have been obtained for the three 2-haloethanols (F, Cl and Br) for the Gg ′ conformers.
Rhetoric as Balance: A Dialectical Feminist Perspective

This article uses Condit's “Gender Diversity,” and Foss, Griffin, and Foss's “Feminist Reconstruction” essays as starting points to argue for “dialectical feminism” as a viable perspective on the relationship between gender and rhetoric. Dialectical theory, as evidenced by trends in communication and rhetorical studies, can be used to chart the interdependence indigenous to gender relations, and rhetoric can be viewed as a functional way to balance power or to mediate between diverse or discordant gendered realities.
Isolation and characterization of viable deletion mutants of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPO2

Abstract Spontaneous deletion mutants of the bacteriophage SPO2, which are viable and retain their temperate character, were isolated using a heat-EDTA enrichment step. They were identified by endonuclease digestion and agarosegel electrophoresis of phage DNA. Two of the nine mutants were characterized in detail. Both mutants have a 2.3 Md deletion removing the single BglII site and two of the XbaI fragments. The deletion extends 1.0 Md to one side of the former BglII site and 1.3 Md on the other side. This region of the SPO2 genome is non-essential for either lysogeny or viable phage production and thus is a suitable region for the insertion of exogenous DNA fragments.
Three-dimensional imaging and visualization of camouflaged objects by use of axially distributed sensing method

In this paper, we present an overview of three-dimensional imaging and visualization of camouflaged objects using axially distributed sensing. The axially distributed sensing method collects three-dimensional information for a camouflaged object. Using the corrected elemental images, three-dimensional slice images are visualized using the digital reconstruction algorithm based on inverse ray projection model. In addition, we introduce the analysis of the depth resolution in our axially distributed sensing structure. The optical experiments are performed to capture longitudinal elemental images of a camouflaged object and to visualize the three-dimensional slice images with digital reconstruction.
Effects of cytochalasin D on the distribution of actin and ACTH-induced steroidogenesis in cultured embryonic adrenal gland cells from the Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

Cultured steroidogenic cells derived from the adrenal glands of duck embryos were used to study changes in the distribution of actin associated with the corticotropic responsiveness. Actin-containing components were identified by rhodamine-phalloidin staining. The actin in most of the unstimulated cells occurred as stress fibers that either ran parallel throughout the cell or were present as domains of parallel fibers at angles to one another. When incubated in Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 1–24 ACTH, the cells released approximately equal amounts of corticosterone and aldosterone. Incubation of the cells in buffer containing cytochalasin D caused the cells to lose their stress fibers, and the actin became distributed at the periphery in what appeared to be fragments of stress fibers and clumps of fibrous material in the central cytoplasm. Although cytochalasin D did not affect the basal output of corticosterone and aldosterone, the 1–24 ACTH-induced rates of both hormones were suppressed significantly. After the cells had been washed in unadulterated buffer, the normal distribution of actin stress fibers was restored and the cells responded normally when incubated in buffer containing 1–24 ACTH. These results suggest that the actin components of the cytoskeleton are important determinants of corticotropin-induced steroidogenic responsiveness.
Characterization of rigid rod poly(pyridinium salt)s by conformational analysis, molecular dynamics, and steady-state and time resolved fluorescence

Abstract Poly(4,4′-p-phenylenebis[2,6-diphenyl]pyridinium-alt-bisparaphenylene ditetrafluoroborate) and a model compound exhibit fluorescence emission from dilute solutions in dimethylformamide and vitrified samples dispersed in glassy poly(methyl methacrylate). The excitation and emission spectra, excitation polarization spectra and quantum yields for fluorescence were characterized in the dilute solution limit in dimethylformamide. Strong depolarization of the fluorescence was observed in dilute solution. The time-dependent decays of the intensity of the fluorescence were analysed to determine the lifetimes of the singlet excitation. In order to assist in the interpretation of the experiments, the conformations and molecular dynamics were investigated for an isolated dimer in the electronic ground state. The minimum energy conformations were found to be similar to those populated by other ortho-phenyl substituted para-phenylene structures in the solid state. The molecule experiences frequent transitions between rotational isomers that involve changes in dihedral angles in the main chain and between the main chain and pendant phenyl groups. The trajectory shows that there are correlations in these conformational transitions. The depolarization is attributed to an intramolecular non-radiative energy transfer mechanism coupled with frequent conformational changes in the main chain and pendant group torsional angles during the lifetime of the singlet excited state.
Development of an in-vivo PLS calibration model for the noninvasive measurement of blood hematocrit using NIR spectroscopy

Near infrared spectra and hematocrit reference measurements were collected from 37 cardiac and vascular surgery patients and calibration models developed using partial least squares analysis. Factors which influence the development of accurate models are discussed.
Interactive effects of parity and pup stress on the maternal behavior of Rattus norvegicus.

Litters of primiparous and multiparous rat mothers received 0, 2, or 5 min of cold stress for the 1st 5 days postpartum. Primiparae showed increasing maternal responsiveness over the treatment period. Multiparae were initially maternally responsive to moderate stress cues from pups, but habituated to them over days. From Days 6 to 20, when pups were not stressed, lactation behavior of stressed groups declined in primiparous mothers but not in multiparous mothers.
Parametric study of a Mach 1.3 cold jet excited by the flapping mode using plasma actuators

Abstract This paper describes an investigation into numerical and physical parameters influencing an ideally-expanded Mach 1.3 jet excited by the m = ±1 flapping mode. The nozzle exit properties of the perfectly expanded jet include: ρ jet = 1.576 kg/(m 3 ), T jet = 224 K, Re = 1.1 × 10 6 , and T 0 jet = T ambient = 300 K . The excitation is imposed by eight Localized Arc Filament Plasma Actuators (LAFPA) placed around the periphery of the circular nozzle exit. The reference controlled case considers the most amplified (jet column mode) frequency corresponding to a Strouhal number of 0.3 based on the diameter of the nozzle and jet velocity, with an actuator-imposed temperature of 1500 K and a duty cycle of 20%. Relative to this reference, the effects of changing frequency, duty cycle and actuator model temperature are explored and results are compared with experimental data where available. The results are analyzed with several different quantitative and qualitative metrics, including time-averaged centerline decay and jet half-width as well as phase-averaged coherent structures. Raising the frequency affects the dynamics in several ways; the number of features observed in the phase-averaged data increases and the rate of decay of the centerline velocity is reduced. The alternating vortex ring interactions observed in the reference case are not distinct but are rather replaced by smaller structures, trends which are also observed in experiment. Lowering the Strouhal number increases mixing until a reversal occurs at St = 0.1. The higher duty cycle exhibits strengthened coherent structures and slightly higher jet growth along the flapping plane, but the overall dynamics remain the same. The response of the jet is relatively insensitive to actuator temperature model within reasonable limits. The latter two studies, with different duty cycles and actuator temperatures, are consistent with previous analyses demonstrating that instability manipulation, rather than heat deposition is the primary mechanism of control.
The distribution of carnosine and related dipeptides in rat and human tissues.

Carnosine and anserine are present in high concentrations in most skeletal muscles. In addition, carnosine and homocarnosine have been detected in brain and cardiac muscle. Other tissues have been found to be devoid of these histidine-containing dipeptides. However, Flancbaum et al. [5] reported that carnosine was present in every rodent and human tissue analyzed. These authors postulated that carnosine serves as a non-mast cell reservoir for histidine which becomes available for histamine synthesis during periods of physiological stress. We have analyzed many rat and human tissues using an immunohistochemical procedure. Carnosine and related dipeptides were detected in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain, but not in kidney, liver, lung or several other organs. These negative results seem valid since the immunoassay gave positive staining in the tissues generally known to contain carnosine.
Diagenetic changes associated with foraminiferal remains in Texas Gulf Coast sediments

Backscattered electron microscopy, in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, was used to record diagenetic changes associated with foraminiferal remains from wells along the Texas Gulf Coast. Foraminiferal tests are found at all depths in these wells, which penetrate the relatively underformed Miocene Anahuac and Oligocene Frio Formations to depths of over six kilometers. Mineralogical changes are shown to be greatest when they occurred in direct association with foraminiferal remains. During progressive recrystallization, the intergranular and intragranular carbonate cements nucleated first on foraminiferal tests, then increased in size, formed complex zoned rhombs, and eventually fossil ghosts. Other changes associated with foraminiferal remains include the formation of large, individual hopper-shaped pyrite crystals and pyrite framboids, test fillings of chlorite and interlayered illite/chlorite, and lowered porosity.
Interactive methods for the study and operation of material requirements planning (MRP)

Abstract An operational, interactive MRP system can be used for the study of the impact of suboptimizing models on the economics of production as well as pretesting the effects of the inevitable changes caused by engineering revisions, vendor delays, production interruptions or customer demand and schedule changes. Both optimizing techniques and common hueristics applied to a modest Master Production Schedule can be treated with the simulation model incorporated in the MRP program. Since the advent of computer based MRP systems, managers have had the visibility to anticipate shortages through the planned availability displays of MRP exception reports. However, the economics of a decision are difficult to test in a real environment but with an MRP simulation model, the alternatives of expediting, de-expediting, lot size changes and Master Schedule changes can be costed particularly with respect to inventory investment.