cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview of Ventricular Assist Devices and the Total Artificial Heart.

Background Patients with isolated left ventricular failure may have positive outcomes after being implanted with a left ventricular assist device. Unfortunately, almost half of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction also have evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. For a subset of this population with severe biventricular failure, or those who develop right ventricular dysfunction after left ventricular assist device implantation, patients may necessitate biventricular assist devices or the total artificial heart. Objectives This overview of mechanical circulatory support devices will enhance nurses' ability to differentiate criteria for implantation, current practice, and outcomes with a focus on durable ventricular assist devices and the total artificial heart. Methods A review of the literature involved searching CINAHL and PubMed databases using keywords biventricular assist devices, total artificial heart, and durable mechanical circulatory support. Results were narrowed to articles based on adults, 18 years or older. Seventy-eight relevant articles were identified, and 8 articles compared the durable biventricular assist devices. Results Similar patient outcomes were found when comparing the use of left ventricular assist devices as biventricular support versus the total artificial heart. Discussion The decision to implant the appropriate durable mechanical circulatory support for a patient in biventricular failure is complex and dependent on patient factors.
Relating nitrogen use efficiency to nitrogen nutrition index for evaluation of agronomic and environmental outcomes in potato

Abstract Maximizing nitrogen (N) use efficiency [NUE] is commonly identified as a key strategy to improve both agronomic and environmental outcomes; however, interpretation of NUE requires explicit consideration of crop N status. In this study, we derived a set of novel theoretical relationships between the nitrogen nutrition index [NNI] and NUE used to better interpret values for nitrogen uptake efficiency [NUpE] and nitrogen utilization efficiency [NUtE]. A small-plot trial for potato [Solanum tuberosum (L.) ‘Russet Burbank’] was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Central Minnesota, USA, on a Hubbard loamy sand with six N rate, source, and timing treatments and two irrigation rate treatments. Impacts of treatments on NNI, NUpE, NUtE, NUE, biomass, harvest index, and potential N losses were interpreted within the context of a theoretical quantitative relationship between NUE and NNI. We found that for a constant NNI value, NUtE values increased non-linearly as biomass increased; at an NNI value of 1.0, this relationship defines the critical N utilization efficiency curve. As N rate increased from 40 to 270 kg N ha−1, NUtE significantly decreased from 109.8–69.7 g g−1 N, corresponding with a significant increase in both biomass (from 12.0–17.8 Mg ha−1) and in NNI (from 0.520 to 0.973), respectively. Additionally, we found that potential N losses (e.g., leaching) decreased as NUpE increased, or as total N inputs decreased. Potential N loss was lower in 2016 than 2017 (135 and 187 kg N ha−1, respectively) due to both greater NUpE and lower total N input from all sources in 2016 (0.602 g N g-1 N and 339 kg N ha-1, respectively) than in 2017 (0.526 g N g-1 N and 395 kg N ha-1, respectively). Interpreting NUE to evaluate agronomic and environmental outcomes requires separate consideration of its constituent factors (e.g., NUpE, NUtE, and HI) and explicit consideration of both NNI and biomass.
Visual Dysfunction after Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Mouse Model and Ramifications on Behavioral Metrics.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with a poorly understood pathophysiology. Animal models have been increasingly utilized to better understand mTBI and ...
“Pulsating Wrongfully”: Critique, Cliché, and The Secret Agent

This chapter explores how The Secret Agent invites its reader to consider cliched language and thought first through what might be called Conrad’s paranoid characters, his anarchists, and then through his sympathetic characters, the novel’s central family. There is no systematic theory of cliche achieved in the end for the critic to discover and summarize, only figurations in highly wrought scenes whose operations are more important for their affective result than for an explicit critical proposition. Conrad’s novel both demands and surpasses essentially suspicious preconditions: it invites a reader who is at once both suspicious (even paranoid) like its characters and for the sake of its spy-thriller plot, and who is also made deeply empathic by its human tragedies. Cliche is also considered from the perspective of previous postcritical thought, and through the work of Hannah Arendt.
Methylation analysis of HNF3β/FoxA2 and cellular localization of C/EBPβ in thyroid cancer cells.

4502 Thyroid cancer cells often do not express thyroid-related genes including sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroperoxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG) and thyrotrophin-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR); therefore, these cells are thought to be a poorly differentiated population. Analysis of up-stream regulator(s) of these genes is one of the strategies for investigating abnormalities of thyroid cancer. Database analysis revealed that the promoter region of NIS, TPO, TG and TSHR genes contain common transcription factor binding sites including HNF3β/FoxA2, C/EBP, Pax-8, TTF-1 and PPARγ. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of HNF3β/FoxA2, C/EBPβ, and TTF-1 was markedly decreased in five thyroid cancer cell lines compared to normal thyroid cells; the expression levels of HNF3β/FoxA2, C/EBPβ, and TTF-1 in normal thyroid cells were 12.3-fold, 1.9-fold and 21.3-fold higher than thyroid cancer cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, the HNF3β/FoxA2 gene has a CpG island in its promoter region; therefore, we analyzed the methylation status in the region. Sodium bisulfate conversion of genomic DNA followed by PCR analysis showed that the gene is methylated in the BHP 2-7 papillary thyroid cancer cell line but not in the normal thyroid cells. In addition, the expression of HNF3β/FoxA2 mRNA was induced in the cells after their treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase. These results suggest that the HNF3β/FoxA2 gene is methylated and silenced in some thyroid cancers. We also examined the cellular localization of C/EBPβ; to behave as a transcription factor, it requires nuclear localization. Immunohistochemical staining showed that it is localized in the nucleus in normal thyroid cells; in contrast, the protein is detected in the cytoplasm in papillary thyroid cancer cells. Subcellular fractionation of BHP 2-7 papillary thyroid cancer cell line followed by Western blot analysis showed high level of expression of C/EBPβ in the cytoplasm, suggesting that a large proportion of C/EBPβ protein cannot translocate into the nucleus and function as a transcription factor in papillary thyroid cancer cells. Taken together, these observations indicate two clear abnormalities of transcription factors in thyroid cancer cells: abnormal methylation of HNF3β/FoxA2 and inappropriate cellular localization of C/EBPβ.
Medical Savings Accounts: Windfalls for the Healthy, Wealthy & Wise

This article analyzes the Medical Savings Account (MSA) program, and critiques its impact on the retirement and health care systems. The MSA program is an experimental health care program created by The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The program allows a limited number of small employers and self-employed individuals to establish MSAs during an experimental period. MSA funds may be used for medical expenses, or carried forward and accumulated tax-free as retirement savings. The underlying purpose of the MSA program is to reduce the cost of medical care by providing consumers greater incentives to be sensitive to health care costs than traditional insurance provides. Based upon the outcome of the MSA experiment, in 2000 Congress will decide whether to abolish or expand the program. On its face the MSA program appears to be an efficacious method of tackling both the overwhelming problem of health care financing, and the increasing need for retirement income security. However, this article demonstrates that the MSA program is a questionable response to these concerns because its underlying policy runs counter to existing retirement income and health care goals. Furthermore, the article shows that the MSA program raises serious issues of fairness as it benefits only relatively few, namely, the healthiest, wealthiest, and most informed members in society. The article acknowledges that the program's failure to deliver health benefits and savings opportunities to all Americans would not render it void of value, or its cost unjustifiable, if it were successful in curbing rising health care costs. However, using health care consumption trends, a comparative analysis, and MSA participation rates the article determines that the MSA program is unlikely to significantly impact medical care costs.
Monumental Failure: The Navajo Tribe and Radiotoxic Wastes

Uranium has a troubled history in the Navajo Nation, a history born of lack of representation, lack of interest, and ultimately, lack of regard for human life. The United States government failed to carry out its obligation to protect the health and economic well-being of the Navajo people during the period of the uranium mining boom. This was done not of malice but through willful neglect. Numerous opportunities presented themselves where the Atomic Energy Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and even the U.S. Congress could have inserted their authority and perhaps prevented this tragedy but, for various reasons, chose not to do so.
Utilization of a labeled tracking oligonucleotide for visualization and quality control of spotted 70-mer arrays

Spotted 70-mer oligonucleotide arrays offer potentially greater specificity and an alternative to expensive cDNA library maintenance and amplification. Since microarray fabrication is a considerable source of data variance, we previously directly tagged cDNA probes with a third fluorophore for prehybridization quality control. Fluorescently modifying oligonucleotide sets is cost prohibitive, therefore, a co-spotted Staphylococcus aureus-specific fluorescein-labeled "tracking" oligonucleotide is described to monitor fabrication variables of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis oligonucleotide microarray. Significantly (p < 0.01) improved DNA retention was achieved printing in 15% DMSO/1.5 M betaine compared to the vendor recommended buffers. Introduction of tracking oligonucleotide did not effect hybridization efficiency or introduce ratio measurement bias in hybridizations between M. tuberculosis H37Rv and M. tuberculosis mprA. Linearity between the mean log Cy3/Cy5 ratios of genes differentially expressed from arrays either possessing or lacking the tracking oligonucleotide was observed (R2 = 0.90, p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences in Pearson's correlation coefficients of ratio data between replicates possessing (0.72 ± 0.07), replicates lacking (0.74 ± 0.10), or replicates with and without (0.70 ± 0.04) the tracking oligonucleotide. ANOVA analysis confirmed the tracking oligonucleotide introduced no bias. Titrating target-specific oligonucleotide (40 μM to 0.78 μM) in the presence of 0.5 μM tracking oligonucleotide, revealed a fluorescein fluorescence inversely related to target-specific oligonucleotide molarity, making tracking oligonucleotide signal useful for quality control measurements and differentiating false negatives (synthesis failures and mechanical misses) from true negatives (no gene expression). This novel approach enables prehybridization array visualization for spotted oligonucleotide arrays and sets the stage for more sophisticated slide qualification and data filtering applications.
African Americans' Perceived Sociocultural Determinants of Suicide: Afrocentric Implications for Public Health Inequalities

The cultural values of African Americans have not been adequately incorporated as a theoretical base to develop new public health models. The major objectives of this study were to explore, with a purposive sample, via seven focus groups, 40 African American college students, the following: How do (a) ethnic culture and (b) a "minoritized" status influence perceptions of sociocultural determinants in explaining increases in the incidence of suicide among African Americans? Thematic results of focus group discussions including the following: (a) racism, discrimination, and stereotyping; (b) U.S. individualism; (c) integration and cultural assimilation; and, (d) the prison industrial complex.
Parallel kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of two-dimensional island coarsening

The results of parallel kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations of island coarsening based on a bond-counting model are presented. Our simulations were carried out both as a test of and as an application of the recently developed semirigorous synchronous sublattice (SL) algorithm. By carrying out simulations over long times and for large system sizes the asymptotic coarsening behavior and scaled island-size distribution (ISD) were determined. Our results indicate that while cluster diffusion and coalescence play a role at early and intermediate times, at late times the coarsening proceeds via Ostwald ripening. In addition, we find that the asymptotic scaled ISD is significantly narrower and more sharply peaked than the mean-field theory prediction. The dependence of the scaled ISD on coverage is also studied. Our results demonstrate that parallel KMC simulations can be used to effectively extend the time scale over which realistic coarsening simulations can be carried out. In particular, for simulations of the late stages of coarsening with system size L=1600 and eight processors, a parallel efficiency larger than 80% was obtained. These results suggest that the SL algorithm is likely to be useful in the future in parallel KMC simulations of more complicated models of coarsening.
Design and testing of an aerosol/sheath inlet for high resolution measurements with a DMA

Abstract A modified aerosol/sheath inlet was designed for a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) for high resolution measurements based on field model calculations which include fluid flow, electric field, and convective/diffusive transport. To avoid the predicted flow recirculation for the current inlet design at an aerosol-to-sheath flow ratio of 0.05, the slit width is reduced and aerodynamically shaped so that the sheath velocity and aerosol velocity more nearly match. Numerical results are presented comparing the fluid flow of the old and new inlet. Problems associated with the old inlet include: flow unsteadiness at a flow ratio of 0.025, voltage shift at the peak particle concentration as a function of the flow ratio, and the historical observation that, while performing tandem differential mobility analyzer measurements (TDMA), the voltage applied on the second DMA for the peak particle concentration is higher than that for the first. Measurements demonstrate that all these problems are reduced or eliminated with the new inlet design. The TDMA measurements include flow ratios of 0.1, 0.05, 0.025 and 0.0125 at sheath flows of 166 and 333 cm 3 s -1 (10 and 20 l min -1 ). The challenge of performing measurements at these low flow ratios will be discussed including flow calibration, flow matching, and pressure monitoring. The new inlet is applied to the measurement of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 0.1 μ m Standard Reference Material 1963, and it is shown that the DMA can accurately measure the standard deviation of this narrowly distributed aerosol ( σ / D p =0.02).
An experimental study measuring the effects of a tarsus-mounted tracking device on the behaviour of a small pursuit-diving seabird

Miniaturized tracking devices are taking a rapidly increasing role in studies measuring animal movement and other aspects of behaviour, especially for wide-ranging species such as seabirds that are difficult to observe otherwise. A crucial, but questionable criterion of such migration research is assuming that effects of tracking devices on animal behaviour are negligible, to ensure results of tracking studies are biologically relevant. To address this concern, we experimentally quantified effects of a 2 g (ca. 1.1% of body mass) geolocation device on crested auklet (Aethia cristatella) behaviour, including return rate, activity on the colony surface, and measures of reproductive performance in a two-year, two-part field study. In experiment 1, we fitted tracking devices (or identical dummy devices) to one mate of a breeding pair in nesting crevices, to quantify effects on reproductive performance and nest fidelity. In experiment 2, we assigned dummy devices to birds captured at the colony site surface, to quantify effects on social activity, return rate and provisioning behaviour. For birds tagged in crevices, we detected no effect on fledging success, or chick growth rate (mass and wing length). However, mass at fledging age of chicks provisioned with one tagged parent was significantly lower than control, and low nest site fidelity (compared to control birds) was observed for tagged birds. Individuals tagged on the colony surface showed significantly reduced colony surface activity, return rates and provisioning behaviour. This study shows strong ‘observer effects’ of an attached device well below the recommended size limit for wildlife tagging. Future studies should both quantify effects of attached devices and consider the biological relevance of measures of the behaviour of interest.
Religious Liberty and Abortion Policy: Casey as “Catch-22”

Like the hapless Yossarian and his fellow GI's in the closing days of World War II, women facing abortion regulations face a frustrating and often humiliating "Catch-22."1 The movie version of the novel made the phrase an unforgettable and telling part of the American vocabu lary. Joseph Heller movingly portrayed the trap of the permission/de nial syndrome—what is given with one order is taken away with another—in a way that every woman facing an abortion can under stand. Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding abortion have left women facing the classic dilemma captured so memorably by Hel ler's anti-heroes. The dilemma goes to the heart of First Amendment concerns regarding abortion and public policy. For years, two arguments about religious liberty have formed a sig nificant part of the abortion debate. The first—that public policy should not be based upon narrowly-construed sectarian perspectives— reflects the concern that First Amendment protections be safeguarded by policymakers. The second—that no group should seek to impose its own moral/theological beliefs upon others who hold differing beliefs regarded as equally personal and sacred—requests that religious com munities and/or leaders be faithful to the social contract of tolerance.
The effects of copper exposures on cellular responses in oysters

Copper is an essential and toxic trace metal that can adversely affect metal-requiring enzymes and proteins, and cause oxidative damage. Oysters, Crassostrea virginica, bioconcentrate Cu from environments contaminated by a variety of point and non-point sources. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate a suite of cellular parameters (lysosomal destabilization, glutathione concentrations, lipid peroxidation, and metallothioneins) in Cu-exposed oysters (5 to 80 μgl−1 for two weeks) in order to distinguish between exposure and stress responses. Copper exposures caused increased lysosomal destabilization, increased lipid peroxidation, and induction of Cu metallothioneins, but no effects on glutathione were observed. Experiments were also conducted in which BSO was used to deplete glutathione to consider how other environmental factors that affect amelioration responses may potentiate Cu toxicity. Lysosomal destabilization rates were significantly higher in glutathione-depleted oysters. Lipid peroxidation was higher initially during the first four days of Cu exposures, but then the levels declined to control levels. This amelioration was associated with the increased expression of metallothioneins. During the first four days of Cu exposure, no significant increases in MTs were observed, but subsequent induction of MTs was associated with reduced lipid peroxidation. Some cellular responses to Cu exposures represent normal compensatory mechanisms that may effectively ameliorate the insult. Therefore, it is important to appreciate the significance of the response or use a suite of responses to determine when effects have progressed from an exposure response to really being a signal of stress.
Synthetic multisensor database generation and validation

The availability of validated, synthetic multisensor databases is crucial for the development, testing, and evaluation of advanced Automatic Target Recognition algorithms. Real multisensor scene combinations reflecting operational requirements, missions, and targets are in many cases unavailable and economically difficult to obtain in the variety and quantity needed. This per describes the Texas Instruments (TI's) Synthetic Multisensor (IR, TV, Laser Radar) Image Generation System which has been developed to address this database problem and the procedures used to validate the synthetic imagery. The system generates single frames or image sequences which are based upon scenarios derived directly from DMA digital map data. A user interface designed to allow the user to control the operation of the synthetic image generation system, and to create, modify, and control the associated scenario is described along with the sensor models, atmospheric environment models, and scene rendering software utilized. In addition, validation of the synthetic imagery with respect to real imagery using a feature based methodology is addressed.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sarcoidosis of the female genital tract: a case presentation and survey of the world literature

Sarcoidosis of the female genital tract is a rare clinical entity with only 20 cases reported in the world literature to date. An additional case is presented with a review of the previously reported cases. The diagnostic and histologic aspects of the disease are also discussed. The presence of granulomatous diseases in the female genital tract should initiate a thorough investigation for potential etiologies by both the pathologist and clinician. Etiologies of granuloma fraction must include coccidiomycosis, foreign body reactions, lymphogranuloma inguinale, and tuberculosis. Bacteriologic proof is essential to differentiate these from sarcoidosis.
Changes in the expression of transcription factors ATF-2 and Fra-2 after axotomy and during regeneration in rat retinal ganglion cells

The expression of one member of the bZip superfamily of transcription factors, c-Jun, is known to be induced by axotomy in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and is associated with axonal regrowth. This study used immunohistochemistry combined with retrograde labeling to examine the expression of two additional bZip transcription factors (ATF-2 and Fra-2) in identified adult rat RGCs under favorable and unfavorable conditions for axonal regrowth. For unfavorable regrowth conditions, ganglion cell axons within the optic nerve were cut close to the eye. For favorable conditions, the optic nerve was replaced with an autologous peripheral nerve graft to allow axonal regrowth. At regular intervals after axotomy alone or in conjunction with graft placement, the expression of these transcription factors was examined in retinal wholemounts using protein-specific antibodies. The strong cytoplasmic expression of Fra-2 seen in unaxotomized RGCs was reduced beginning 24 h after axotomy. Similarly, the strong nuclear expression of ATF-2 seen prior to axotomy was also reduced after axotomy. These reductions persisted in surviving ganglion cells throughout the 3 week study period. One to 6 months after axotomy and peripheral nerve graft placement, identified RGCs with regrown axons showed strong ATF-2 and Fra-2 expression, suggesting a return to basal conditions. These findings support roles for ATF-2 and Fra-2 in the survival and regeneration processes of these central nervous system neurons after axotomy.
Finite element analysis of diffusion with reaction at a moving boundary

Abstract We consider the model problem of mass transport by diffusion with chemical reaction at a moving boundary. The objective is to model the chemical process by predicting the location of the boundary as the reaction proceeds in time. A finite element analysis is formulated in one dimension using moving elements to follow the boundary motion, and an iterative linearization method is developed to uncouple and solve the diffusion and reaction equations. The semidiscrete system for the transport process is integrated using a predictor-corrector scheme and its accuracy and stability are examined in numerical experiments. Numerical results are compared with an analytic solution for the quasi-steady case in which diffusion is very rapid in comparison to reaction and to a perturbation solution for the unsteady case. Other supporting numerical studies are made to examine the sensitivity of the solution and boundary motion to changes in diffusion and reaction rate for both linear and nonlinear reactions.
Confusion-limited galaxy fields. I. Simulated optical and near-infrared images

Techniques for simulating images of galaxy fields are presented that extend to high redshifts and a surface density of galaxies high enough to produce overlapping images. The observed properties of galaxies and galaxy-ensembles in the 'local' universe are extrapolated to high redshifts using reasonable scenarios for the evolution of galaxies and their spatial distribution. This theoretical framework is then employed with Monte Carlo techniques to create fairly realistic two-dimensional distributions of galaxies plus optical and near-infrared sky images in a variety of model universes, using the appropriate density, luminosity, and angular size versus redshift relations.
Identification of a 34 kDa protein specific to synaptic vesicles

In this study, we used synaptic vesicles purified from the electric organ of marine electric rays to search for novel molecules which have important functions in synaptic transmission. Proteins that copurified with synaptic vesicles were used to immunize rats, and the resulting antisera were then used to further characterize the vesicle proteins. One of the antisera recognizes a protein of 34 kDa, p34, that has several characteristics which suggest it is a synaptic vesicle specific protein: (1) it copurifies exclusively with the synaptic vesicle peak during permeation chromatography on a controlled pore glass beads column, (2) it can be immunoprecipitated with intact synaptic vesicles and (3) it is specifically localized to the nervous system. The results suggest that p34 is a synaptic vesicle specific protein with a widespread distribution in the nervous system.
Optimization and stabilization of Rho small GTPase proteins for solution NMR studies: The case of Rnd1

Rho GTPases of the Ras superfamily have important roles in regulating the organization of the actin filament system, morphogenesis and migration of cells. Structural details for these proteins are still emerging, and information on their dynamics in solution is much needed to understand the mechanisms underlying their signaling functions. This report reviews conditions for solution NMR studies of Rho GTPases and describes our optimization and stabilization of Rnd1 for such experiments. Rnd1 belongs to the Rnd protein subfamily branch of Rho small GTPases and functions in neurite outgrowth, dendrite development and in axon guidance. However, as we report here, solution NMR studies of this protein are challenging. Multiple methods have been employed to enhance the stability of Rnd1, including by cleavage of an N-terminal His expression tag and by addition of non-hydrolysable GMPPNP (β: γ-imidoguanosine 5'-triphosphate) nucleotide. Further stabilization of Rnd1 against aggregation was achieved through a structure informed point mutation while maintaining its conformation and binding affinity for a partner protein. The NMR spectrum of the optimized protein reveals significant improvement in NMR signal dispersion and intensity. This work paves the way for structural and protein-protein/protein-ligand interaction studies of Rnd1 by solution NMR and also provides a guide for optimization and stabilization of other Rho GTPases.
An automotive transmission for automotive gas turbine power plants

A joint government-industry program was initiated to investigate the two-shaft gas turbine concept as an alternative to present-day automotive powerplants. Both were examined, compared and evaluated on the basis of the federal automotive driving cycle in terms of specific fuel/power/speed characteristics of the engine and the efficiency and performance of the transmission. The results showed that an optimum match of vehicle, gas turbine engine, and conventional automatic transmission is capable of a significant improvement in fuel economy. This system offers many advantages that should lead to its wide acceptance in future vehicles.
Extraction efficiency of extracellular MRI contrast agents and its model-dependent effects on estimates of myocardial blood flow

In their recent study, Cullen et al. [(1)][1] report on the highly relevant determination of a perfusion reserve index with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with coronary artery disease. Without wanting to detract from the fact that theirs is a valuable study, we take issue with the
A spectral interpretation for the explicit formula in the theory of prime numbers

A spectral interpretation for the poles and zeros of the L-function of algebraic number fields is given by Meyer. As Meyer works with Schwartz spaces which are not Hilbert spaces, the information on the location of zeros of the L-function is lost. In 1999, A. Connes gave a spectral interpretation for the critical zeros the Riemann zeta function. He works with Hilbert spaces. In this paper, we show that a variant of Connes’ trace formula is essentially equal to the explicit formula of A. Weil.
Application of secondary neutral mass spectrometry in low-energy sputtering yield measurements

Abstract An experimental study was initiated to measure low-energy (150 to 600 eV) sputtering yields of molybdenum with xenon ions using a Secondary Neutral Mass Spectrometer (SNMS). An ion gun was used to generate the ion beam. The ion current density at the target surface was approximately 30 μA/cm 2 . The SNMS spectra obtained at 50° incident angle were converted to sputtering yields for perpendicular incidence by normalizing SNMS spectral data at 500 eV with the yield measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Sputtering yields as well as the shape of the yield-energy curve obtained in this manner are in reasonable agreement with those measured by other researchers using different techniques. Sputtering yields calculated by using two semi-empirical formulations agree reasonably well with the measured data.
A matrix exponential spatial specification

We introduce the matrix exponential as a way of modelling spatially dependent data. The matrix exponential spatial specification (MESS) simplifies the log-likelihood allowing a closed form solution to the problem of maximum-likelihood estimation, and greatly simplifies the Bayesian estimation of the model. The MESS can produce estimates and inferences similar to those from conventional spatial autoregressive models, but has analytical, computational, and interpretive advantages. We present maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches to the estimation of this spatial model specification along with methods of model comparisons over different explanatory variables and spatial specifications.
Force constants and geometries of matrix isolated rare-earth trifluorides

Abstract Vibrational spectra of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Yb, and Lu trifluorides matrix isolated in neon, argon and nitrogen matrices have been observed. All but ScF 3 are shown to be nonplanar by the appearance of the v 1 frequency. The stretch frequencies, v 1 and v 3 , vary in a regular manner through the lanthanide series such that accurate predictions of frequencies can be made for those elements of the series not studied. The low frequency modes, v 3 and v 4 , were observed for all but YF 3 .
Next level of Immunosuppression: Drug/Immune monitoring

Key Points 1. Current immunological monitoring relies heavily on clinical judgment and therapeutic drug levels and does not adequately assess the functional or donor-specific immunosuppression (IS) status of recipients of liver transplantation (LT). 2. Trough levels of drugs are arbitrary and are more clinically relevant for preventing supratherapeutic or subtherapeutic dosing and blood concentrations and for more closely monitoring at-risk populations (children, the elderly, and patients with organ dysfunction). The AUC or the post-dose levels may be more precise, but they have not been used extensively by transplant centers. 3. Data on drug/immune monitoring specific to LT are fairly limited; therefore, clinical practice is often borrowed from experiences with nonhepatic transplantation (mainly renal transplantation). 4. The monitoring of drug levels in patients taking generic immunosuppressants is challenging because the formulations may change with each prescription. The monitoring of drug or antibody levels is not yet clinically available for biological therapies (induction, lymphocyte-depleting, and maintenance agents). 5. Polymorphisms in drug metabolism (cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein) may be useful in selecting the initial and maintenance dosages of immunosuppressants and in preventing complications from over or underimmunosuppression. 6. Future immune monitoring assays should be focused on genomic or immunological predispositions and on specific reactivities to donor antigens to guide the appropriate dosing and minimization of IS after LT. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Diacylglycerol downregulates junctional membrane permeability. TMB-8 blocks this effect.

We tested the question whether junctional cell-to-cell communication is regulated by the diacylglycerol branch of the phosphoinositide transmembrane signal pathway. Cultured epithelial rat liver cells were treated with the synthetic diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol, while their junctional permeability was probed with the microinjected 443-dalton fluorescent tracer Lucifer Yellow. The treatment reduced junctional permeability (without affecting Lucifer permeability of nonjunctional cell membrane). The effect was dose dependent, with a threshold of about 25 μg diacylglycerol/ml in sparse cultures and about 50 μg/ml in confluent cultures. The reduction of junctional permeability began within 3 min of diacylglycerol application, peaked within 20 min, and reversed spontaneously within 90 min. The phorbol ester TPA mimicked the diacylglycerol effect, but the (spontaneous) reversal was slower. We propose that cell-to-cell communication is under dual physiological control: an upregulatory one, as exerted by the cyclic AMP signal route (Loewenstein, W.R., 1985,Biochem. Soc. Symp. London,50: 43–58), and a downregulatory one, by the diacylglycerol signal route.
A history of images or an image of history? Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones:

First published in France in 2006, Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones (2009) has re-sparked an ongoing debate regarding the Holocaust and the limits of representation. A fictional memoir written from the point of view of a German perpetrator, The Kindly Ones recounts a quasi-odyssey through Europe during the Second World War, thereby vividly exposing the atrocities committed in Eastern Poland and the Ukraine. The object of significant praise, including two prestigious French literary prizes, The Kindly Ones has nonetheless met the objection of many who have reduced Littell’s representation of the Holocaust to a pornography of violence. Wishing to counter this particular reading of The Kindly Ones, this article examines the signification of a representation of the human body as an image forever tainted by the atrocities.
Extranodal follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: clinical, pathologic, and histogenetic characteristics of an underrecognized disease entity

It has been more than 10 years since follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma was first reported to occur in extranodal sites, yet extranodal FDC sarcoma still appears underrecognized, and its clinical and pathological characteristics remain to be defined. This study analyzed the clinical and pathological findings of three such cases that the authors encountered recently and 43 previously reported cases identified in the literature. Assessment of all 46 cases showed a slight female predominance (1.2:1) with a median age of 41.5 years. One-third of the cases were misdiagnosed at initial evaluation mainly because the possibility of FDC sarcoma was not considered. When considered, this disease had distinct pathological characteristics that allowed an accurate diagnosis. Staining for FDC markers, CD21, CD35, and clusterin was particularly helpful. The pathogenesis of the disease appeared heterogeneous, and associated factors included Epstein–Barr virus infection (in hepatic cases) and inflammatory pseudotumor-like conditions. Treatment modality varied widely although surgical resection was often included. With a median follow-up of 18 months, 43% of the cases recurred and 7% died of disease. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 27.4%. From data available at the current time, we were not able to identify prognostically significant pathologic factors.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional suppression of P450IIC11 and P450IIC12 by inflammation

Induction of inflammation in rats by treatment with endotoxin or turpentine is known to suppress levels of hepatic mRNAs for P450IIC11 and P450IIC12. We report that transcription of CYP2C12 in female rats is not significantly reduced from control levels; suppression of this gene during inflammation appears to be mediated post-transcriptionally. In contrast, transcription of CYP2C11 in male rats is reduced to 23% and to 5% of control levels by turpentine and by endotoxin, respectively. Sex-specificity of CYP2C11 expression is also regulated transcriptionally, whereas sex-specificity of CYP2C12 expression appears to be regulated by a post-transcriptional mechanism.
Cost operator algorithms for the transportation problem

A primal transportation algorithm is devised via post-optimization on the costs of a modified problem. The procedure involves altering the costs corresponding to the basic cells of the initial (primal feasible) solution so that it is dual feasible as well. The altered costs are then successively restored to their true values with appropriate changes in the "optimal" solution by the application of cell or area cost operators discussed elsewhere. The cell cost operator algorithm converges to optimum within (2T ź 1) steps for primal nondegenerate transportation problems and [(2T + 1) ź min (m, n)] ź 1 steps for primal degenerate transportation problems, whereT is the sum of the (integer) warehouse availabilities (also the sum of the (integer) market requirements) andm andn denote the number of warehouses and markets respectively. For the area cost operator algorithm the corresponding bounds on the number of steps areT and (T + 1) ź min (m, n) respectively.
Monitoring insecticide resistance with insect pheromones

A novel pheromone-baited sticky trap laced with insecticides proved to be a simple and effective means of monitoring insecticide resistance in the pink bollworm moth. Adult males from fields treated frequently with pyrethroid insecticides showed up to 20-fold resistance to permethrin and up to 14.5-fold resistance to fenvalerate.
Has sexual behaviour really changed with time

SummarySexual behaviour is probably extremely stable. What changes from time to time is the degree of social pressure to conform to a particular public image. It is therefore impossible to judge the actual range of private behaviour in the past from written sources. Our generation is possibly the first able to assess this range by surveys. It is important for medicine to be aware of the prevailing diversity both for epidemiological reasons and to avoid nonsensical prescriptions such as those which attributed mental disorder to masturbation. Our growing awareness of the natural history of human sexual behaviour is an important therapeutic and prophylactic asset.
Iron-responsive miR-485-3p regulates cellular iron homeostasis by targeting ferroportin.

Ferroportin (FPN) is the only known cellular iron exporter in mammalian cells and plays a critical role in the maintenance of both cellular and systemic iron balance. During iron deprivation, the translation of FPN is repressed by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), which bind to the 5′ untranslated region (UTR), to reduce iron export and preserve cellular iron. Here, we report a novel iron-responsive mechanism for the post-transcriptional regulation of FPN, mediated by miR-485-3p, which is induced during iron deficiency and represses FPN expression by directly targeting the FPN 3′UTR. The overexpression of miR-485-3p represses FPN expression and leads to increased cellular ferritin levels, consistent with increased cellular iron. Conversely, both inhibition of miR-485-3p activity and mutation of the miR-485-3p target sites on the FPN 3′UTR are able to relieve FPN repression and lead to decreased cellular iron levels. Together, these findings support a model that includes both IRPs and microRNAs as iron-responsive post-transcriptional regulators of FPN. The involvement of microRNA in the iron-responsive regulation of FPN offers additional stability and fine-tuning of iron homeostasis within different cellular contexts. MiR-485-3p-mediated repression of FPN may also offer a novel potential therapeutic mechanism for circumventing hepcidin-resistant mechanisms responsible for some iron overload diseases.
Evidence for a chronic loss of inhibition in the hippocampus after kindling: biochemical studies

Brain tissue from kindled animals prepared 1 month after their last seizure was compared to tissue from matched surgical control animals. Quantitative film autoradiography was used to study muscimol binding in the CA1 region and 3 other brain areas (dentate gyrus, cerebral cortex, and thalamus). The Kd values so obtained were constant from region to region and comparable to those published by others. Bmax values varied; of the 4 regions studied CA1 had the lowest value of Bmax. There were no differences in either Kd or Bmax values in any region studied between kindled and surgical control rats. The release of GABA from nerve terminals was assessed with hippocampal tissue maintained in vitro and perfused with different solutions in which the concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ were varied. This allowed the examination of K+-induced depolarization release and the Ca2+ dependence of this process. K+-induced, Ca2+-dependent release of GABA from hippocampus derived from kindled animals was significantly less than that from hippocampus derived from controls. The biochemical studies reported here provide additional support for the hypothesis that there is a chronic decrease in GABA-mediated inhibition in the hippocampus associated with kindling. The data point to a dysfunction at the presynaptic level, within the GABAergic interneuron, but do not exclude changes at a level postsynaptic to the GABAergic interneuron not detected with the methods employed.
Fitting atomic scattering factors to molecular charge distributions

Abstract Spherical pseudoatoms are defined by a least squares fit to a molecular charge distribution. Results are given for the water molecule. X-ray scattering factor curves and density difference maps are used to compare the hydrogen and oxygen pseudoatoms with Hartree—Fork isolated atoms.
Preparation and properties of some mixed ferrocene/ferricinium salts

Abstract Ferrocene-ferricinium bromide-MEK complex, (I), ferrocene-tris[ferricinium tetrabromoferrate(III) hydrate], (II), were prepared as new compounds and compared with ferricinium tetrabromoferrate(III). The complexes were prepared by crystallization from ferrocene rich polar solutions. (I) decomposed at 217°, (II) melted reversibly at 187°, while ferricinium tetrabromoferrate(III) decomposed at 244°. When placed in water FcH + FeBr 4 4 dissolves completely, but both (I) and (II) yield insoluble ferrocene. The amount of ferrocene thus obtained from (II) agreed with the calculated amount of ferrocene in the complex. IR and visible spectrum comparisons were inconclusive in detection of ferrocene in the compounds. The compounds were further characterized by their X-ray powder patterns and optical microscopic observations.
Omnidirectional reflector using guided-mode resonance in a subwavelength silicon grating under TE polarization

A very simple omnidirectional reflector based on guided-mode resonance is reported. This one-dimensional subwavelength silicon grating has an angle-averaged omnidirectional reflectivity of >95% across a ~50 nm band under TE polarization.
Field tests of adaptive modulation and coding for underwater acoustic OFDM

Adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) technique can be applied in underwater acoustic communications to improve the system data rate as well as the robustness in varying channel conditions. In this paper, we demonstrate an OFDM based AMC operation using a number of transmission modes with different data rates. We propose to use the effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computed after channel estimation and channel decoding as performance indicator for mode switching, instead of input SNR and pilot SNR. Real time AMC tests have been conducted in a recent sea experiment.
Progressive propaganda critics and the magic bullet myth

The standard account of the beginnings of American mass communication research holds that the propaganda critic between the world wars adopted the European concept of the mass audience, treating messages as “magic bullets”; directly and powerfully infused into passive receivers. Such a mythical account overlooks the progressive reformist mission of propaganda analysis to help an essentially competent public against the new co‐option of communication channels by powerful institutions. The magic bullet myth emerged after 1940 when social scientists turned from domestic to extra‐hemispheric threats to democracy and sought a consensus that propaganda was democracy's servant against fascism and communism.
Automatic detection and operant reinforcement of slow potential shifts.

Abstract A technique for the automatic detection and operant reinforcement of slow potential (SP) changes is described. The SP shift detection device contains 3 inhibit channels to control sources of potential artifact including: vertical EOG, horizontal EOG and high voltage EEG transients. Two EEG SP shift detection circuits allow the simultaneous analysis of positive and negative shifts. The operation and potential uses of the device are discussed.
Adoption of the International Residential Code in a High Natural Hazards Region—An Overview

South Carolina was among the first jurisdictions to adopt the 2000 International Residential Code (IRC). The adoption of this statewide building code met with significant opposition and resulted in moratoria being placed on all seismic design and wind-borne debris provisions in the code. A study was conducted to determine how well the IRC has been adopted by coastal South Carolina communities, with the discovery that most plan preparers and building departments are not following the IRC. This paper documents some of the activities and observations made during this process. The observations are troubling and point to a significant need for ongoing professional education. The findings also demonstrate the need for greater resources to be allocated not only to educational needs, but also to code enforcement.