cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerated noncontrast-enhanced pulmonary vein MRA with distributed compressed sensing

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of distributed compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate free-breathing, electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered noncontrast pulmonary vein (PV) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Materials and Methods: Fully sampled ECG-triggered noncontrast PV MRA, using a spatially selective slab inversion preparation sequence, was acquired on seven healthy adult subjects (27 ± 17 years, range: 19–65 years, 4 women). The k-space data were retrospectively randomly undersampled by factors of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 and then reconstructed using distributed CS and coil-by-coil CS methods. The reconstructed images were evaluated by two blinded readers in consensus for assessment of major PV branches as well as the presence of artifacts in left atrium (LA) and elsewhere. Diameters of right inferior and right superior PV branches were measured. Additionally, mean square errors (MSE) of the reconstructions were calculated. Results: Both CS methods resulted in image quality scores similar to the fully sampled reference images at undersampling factors up to 6-fold for distributed CS and 4-fold for coil-by-coil CS reconstructions. There was no difference in the presence of artifacts in LA and freedom from important artifacts elsewhere between the two techniques up to undersampling factors of 10 compared to the fully sampled reconstruction. For the PV diameters, no systematic variation between the reference and the reconstructions were observed for either technique. There were no significant differences in MSE between the two methods when compared at a given rate, but the difference was significant when compared across all rates. Conclusion: The sparsity of noncontrast PV MRA and the joint sparsity of different coil images allow imaging at high undersampling factors (up to 6-fold) when distributed CS is used. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:1248–1255. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interferon production in patients with thermal injuries

Abstract Thermal injuries are usually accompanied by profound alterations in patient cellular immune response, resulting in an increased risk of sepsis. We have studied post-injury immune suppression and feel that there is now significant evidence that interferon plays a role in these effects. We therefore present both circumstantial evidence and the results of VSV plaque inhibition tests for antiviral activity of burn patient sera which indicate interferon induction in burn patients, particularly as the result of Candida albicans infection.
Stereospecific hydrogenations III: Palladium-on-poly-γ-benzyl-S-glutamate and Palladium-on-Poly-β-benzyl-S-aspartate

Stereospecific hydrogenations were demonstrated using palladium-on-poly-γ-benzyl-S-glutamate and palladium-on-poly-β-benzyl-S-aspartate. The results of the hydrogenation experiments indicate that the helical conformations of the poly-S-amino acid carriers influence the asymmetric induction observed. Hydrogenations using palladium-on-poly-γ-benzyl-S-glutamate produced R(–) -dihydro-α-methylcinnamic acid and S(–)-phenylalanine (after hydrolysis of the hydrogenation product) when α- methylcinnamic acid and α-acetamidocinnamic acid, respectively, were used as substrates. When hydrogenations were carried out using palladium-on-poly-β-benzyl-S-aspartate as the catalyst and the same substrates, S(+)-dihydro-α-methylcinnamic acid or R(+)-phenylalanine (after hydrolysis of the hydrogenation product were produced).
Measuring the Impacts of Bike-to-Work Day Events and Identifying Barriers to Increased Commuter Cycling

AbstractDespite much enthusiasm among practitioners to spur rates of bicycle commuting via promotional measures such as community rides or commuter incentive programs, there is little research regarding their impact. Using data from one such event, Bike-to-Work Day (BTWD), this paper aims to understand the following: (1) who attends BTWD; (2) the impacts of these event-based promotional strategies across different groups; and (3) lessons for increasing commuter cycling in general. The authors assess these research questions by examining motives to participate, behavior change, and influences of the event using over 1,000 surveys collected in the Denver region. Using an ordered logit model, the authors then identify significant factors for grouping cyclists’ by behavior category. The results suggest that event attendees vary widely, from those who only bicycle on BTWD to those who report year-round bicycling, while reasons for participation and impacts of participation vary across bicycling behavior groups...
A Spectral Test for Observability and Reachability of Time-Varying Systems

A spectral test for the observability and reachability of linear time-invariant systems---the Popov--Belevitch--Hautus test---is well known and serves as a powerful characterization of these properties. In this paper it is shown that similar tests exist for linear time-varying systems. The test presented here involves a check over a subset of the spectrum of the weighted block shift known as the set of almost eigenvalues.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 12q15-q23 and peripheral corneal abnormalities.

Purpose To describe the ocular features of a patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 12 and to determine the molecular boundaries of the deletion. Design Observational case report and laboratory investigation. Methods A patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 12 was clinically examined for ocular abnormalities. DNA samples were used for molecular studies to define the deletion boundaries. Results Ocular examination showed abnormalities of the anterior segment consistent with a diagnosis of cornea plana. Molecular analyses showed the deletion included the KERA gene, the SLRP (small leucine repeat protein) gene cluster, the genetic loci for autosomal-dominant (CNA1) and autosomal-recessive (CNA2) cornea plana, and a portion of the mapped locus for high myopia (MYP3). Conclusions These results, combined with previous genetic linkage studies, identifies a 3-cM region located between microsatellite markers D12S82 and D12S351 that is likely to contain a gene responsible for CNA1.
QFD: VALIDATING ROBUSTNESS

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a simple total quality management tool used to disseminate the customer's view of quality from early phases of the design cycle and throughout the product's entire life cycle. This article uses sensitivity analysis t..
Substituted rod‐like aromatic polyamides: Synthesis and structure‐property relations

The synthesis and structure-property relations of a number of novel substituted paralinked aromatic homopolyamides and copolyamides are described. The synthesis of the polyamides was carried out by polycondensation of activated N,N'-bis-(trimethylsilyl) substitued aromatic diamines and aromatic diacid chlorides. In order to improve the solubility and to lower melting temperatures, novel arylsubstituted terephthalic acids moieties, such as p-terphenyl-2,5-dicarboxylic acid and o-terphenyl-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, were used in combination with substituted and noncoplanar diamines. Depending on the chemical structure, polyamides with very high solubility (up to 40% w/w) in polar aprotic solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide without the addition of inorganic salts were obtained. Lyotropic liquid crystalline behavior was observed for the first time in polyamides which contain noncoplanar biphenylene units.
Strategic brand alliances

Brand names are being conjoined, commingled and combined with other brand names in record numbers. The ubiquity of this phenomenon has not gone unnoticed amongst academics and managers, who are beginning to study the antecedents and consequences of such ‘alliances’. Managers contemplating a brand alliance should recognise that it is one of several strategic responses available to the firm. This paper offers a template for analysing the brand alliance decision as one possible strategic response of the firm, and discusses implications for ally selection and relationship maintenance.
A theoretical framework for convergence and continuous dependence of estimates in inverse problems for distributed parameter systems

Numerical techniques for parameter identification in distributed-parameter systems are developed analytically. A general convergence and stability framework (for continuous dependence on observations) is derived for first-order systems on the basis of (1) a weak formulation in terms of sesquilinear forms and (2) the resolvent convergence form of the Trotter-Kato approximation. The extension of this framework to second-order systems is considered.
The Functional Properties and Bacterial Content of Pasteurized and Frozen Whole Eggs

Abstract THE production of frozen egg products has increased rapidly in recent years, due mainly to progress in refrigeration and because they are preferred to shell eggs by bakers and by salad, mayonnaise and candy manufacturers. Different lots of frozen egg products sometimes produce different results when used for baking cakes and in the preparation of other food products. One of the most common causes of the variations encountered is probably the kind and amount of bacteria present. McFarlane, Watson and Goresline (1945), Winter, Stewart, McFarlane and Solowey (1946), Gibbons, Fulton and Reid (1946), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (1948) and others have shown that liquid egg products may be pasteurized in much the same manner as milk. The benefits of pasteurization are: great reduction in viable bacteria content, destruction of possible pathogenic bacteria, and improvement in keeping quality. Nielsen and Garnatz (1940), Schneiter, Bartram, and Lepper (1943), Winter and . . .
Flotation of dolomitic impurities from Jhamarkotra (India) phosphorites

Abstract Flotation separation of dolomite from Jhamarkotra phosphorite ore deposit in India, has been achieved using the two-stage conditioning process. An alternate process using a proprietary reagent scheme has also shown considerable promise in removal of dolomitic impurities. Hallimond cell flotation of the 65 × 100 mesh size fraction using sodium oleate as the collector yielded concentrates containing 35% P 2 O 5 and 0.9% MgO with phosphate recoveries in the range of 80–90%. Further bench scale studies on 35 × 65 mesh size fraction of the ore resulted in apatite concentrates analyzing 32–36% P 2 O 5 at a recovery of 85%. The above-mentioned processes have also been determined to be equally effective in separating dolomitic impurities from sedimentary Florida phosphate rocks. The mechanism of selectivity for the two-stage conditioning process has been attributed to the higher collector adsorption on calcareous ore during the first stage of conditioning and changes in the chemical nature of the adsorbed species upon reconditioning at a lower pH.
Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents

Primary hypertension in children is increasing in prevalence with many cases likely going undiagnosed. The prevalence is currently estimated at between 3%–5% in the United States and may be higher in certain ethnic groups. Primary hypertension, once felt to be rare in children, is now considered to be about five times more common than secondary hypertension. This review provides information to guide physicians through an organized approach to: 1) screening children and adolescents for hypertension during routine visits; 2) using normative percentile data for diagnosis and classification; 3) performing a clinical evaluation to identify the presence of co-morbidities; 4) initiating a plan of care including subsequent follow-up blood pressure measurements, therapeutic lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapies.
Block by external calcium and magnesium of the cyclic-nucleotide-activated current in olfactory cilia.

Abstract Olfactory transduction occurs on the cilia of olfactory receptor neurons, which are in close proximity to the external environment. Transduction is mediated by cyclic AMP, which directly gates channels in the ciliary membrane. Previous evidence indicates that one environmental influence, the level of divalent cations in the mucus, may strongly influence olfactory transduction by blocking the cyclic-AMP-gated channels. In this report the effects of external calcium and magnesium on the ciliary macroscopic current activated by cytoplasmic cyclic AMP were measured. External calcium and magnesium each reduced the cyclic-AMP-activated current at both negative and positive potentials. At the neuronal resting potential (−50 mV), half-maximal inhibition of the current was produced by 250 μM calcium or 1.3 mM magnesium. Reduction in current by external calcium was strongly voltage-dependent, with larger effects at negative potentials. Reduction by magnesium was weaker and less voltage-dependent. Block of the cyclic-AMP-activated current by divalent cations in the mucus may be one element of a system that increases the signal-to-noise ratio for detection of odorants.
Spatial working memory deficits in male rats following neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injury can be attenuated by task modifications.

Hypoxia-ischemia (HI; reduction in blood/oxygen supply) is common in infants with serious birth complications, such as prolonged labor and cord prolapse, as well as in infants born prematurely (<37 weeks gestational age; GA). Most often, HI can lead to brain injury in the form of cortical and subcortical damage, as well as later cognitive/behavioral deficits. A common domain of impairment is working memory, which can be associated with heightened incidence of developmental disorders. To further characterize these clinical issues, the current investigation describes data from a rodent model of HI induced on postnatal (P)7, an age comparable to a term (GA 36–38) human. Specifically, we sought to assess working memory using an eight-arm radial water maze paradigm. Study 1 used a modified version of the paradigm, which requires a step-wise change in spatial memory via progressively more difficult tasks, as well as multiple daily trials for extra learning opportunity. Results were surprising and revealed a small HI deficit only for the final and most difficult condition, when a delay before test trial was introduced. Study 2 again used the modified radial arm maze, but presented the most difficult condition from the start, and only one daily test trial. Here, results were expected and revealed a robust and consistent HI deficit across all weeks. Combined results indicate that male HI rats can learn a difficult spatial working memory task if it is presented in a graded multi-trial format, but performance is poor and does not appear to remediate if the task is presented with high initial memory demand. Male HI rats in both studies displayed impulsive characteristics throughout testing evidenced as reduced choice latencies despite more errors. This aspect of behavioral results is consistent with impulsiveness as a core symptom of ADHD—a diagnosis common in children with HI insult. Overall findings suggest that task specific behavioral modifications are crucial to accommodating memory deficits in children suffering from cognitive impairments following neonatal HI.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Flow Properties of Supersonic Helium-Air Jets

Heated high speed subsonic and supersonic jets operating on- or off-design are a source of noise that is not yet fully understood. Helium-air mixtures can be used in the correct ratio to simulate the total temperature ratio of heated air jets and hence have the potential to provide inexpensive and reliable flow and acoustic measurements. This study presents a combination of flow measurements of helium-air high speed jets and numerical simulations of similar helium-air mixture and heated air jets. Jets issuing from axisymmetric convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles are investigated, and the results show very strong similarity with heated air jet measurements found in the literature. This demonstrates the validity of simulating heated high speed jets with helium-air in the laboratory, together with the excellent agreement obtained in the presented data between the numerical predictions and the experiments. The very close match between the numerical and experimental data also validates the frozen chemistry model used in the numerical simulation.
A phase study of the niobium-tellurium system in the composition range from Nb3Te7 to Te

Abstract The vapor pressures of various compositions in the tellurium-rich region of the niobium-tellurium phase system were determined at temperatures from 362.5 ° to 700 °C, using the Knudsen effusion method. In the composition range from Nb 3 Te 7 to elemental Te, three solid solutions and the compounds Nb 3 Te 7 , Nb 3 Te 8 , and NbTe 3 were found. The values of ΔH ° and ΔS ° for the different phase transformations are tabulated.
Propranolol and the morning increase in sudden cardiac death: (The beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial Experience)

Abstract To provide insight into the protective effect of propranolol on mortality after myocardial infarction observed in the β-Blocker Heart Attack Trial, the time of occurrence of sudden cardiac death was examined in this population. Between 5 A.M. and 11 A.M., 25 of the 56 total deaths (38%) occurred in the placebo patients compared with 11 of 45 (24%) in the propranolol patients. Excluding this period, there were nearly equal numbers of sudden cardiac deaths in the propranolol and placebo groups. This retrospective analysis suggests that β blockade is protective during the morning hours when a surge of sympathetic activity may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.
L-Tyrosine-based backbone-modified poly(amino acids)

Tyrosine-based pseudo-peptide polymers, first introduced in 1987 by Kohn and Langer, have been identified for potential biomaterial applications. These materials combine the desired polypeptide properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity with good processing properties including solubility, thermal stability, and moldability which arise from alternating non-amide bonds along the polymer backbone. This paper focuses on the analysis of two such polymers based on the natural amino acid L-tyrosine. Starting from L-tyrosine and its deaminated analogue, 3-(4-para-hydroxy)-phenylpropionic acid, a diphenolic structure containing an amide linkage, was synthesized following standard procedures of peptide synthesis. This diphenolic structure was then used as a monomer to synthesize a polyiminocarbonate using a cyanogen bromide-initiated reaction and a polycarbonate using a triphosgene-initiated reaction. The polyiminocarbonate has iminocarbonate linkages and the polycarbona...
Successful Administration of Intranasal Glucagon in the Out-of-Hospital Environment

We present a case of successful prehospital treatment of hypoglycemia with intranasal (IN) glucagon. Episodes of hypoglycemia can be of varying severity and often requires quick reversal to prevent alteration in mental status or hypoglycemic coma. Glucagon has been shown to be as effective as glucose for the treatment of hypoglycemia. The inability to obtain intravenous (IV) access often impairs delivery of this peptide and is therefore frequently given via the intramuscular (IM) route. Intranasal administration of glucagon has been shown to be as effective as the IV route and may be used for rapid correction of hypoglycemic episodes where IV access is difficult or unavailable and IM administration is undesirable. We describe the first documentation in the peer-reviewed literature of the successful treatment and reversal of an insulin-induced hypoglycemic episode with IN glucagon in the prehospital setting. We also present a review of the literature regarding this novel medication administration route.
A comparison of binocular depth mechanisms in areas 17 and 18 of the cat visual cortex

1. The retinal disparity sensitivity of neurones in areas 17 and 18 of the cat visual cortex was examined. The response of each cell to an optimally oriented slit was measured as disparity was varied orthogonally to the receptive field orientation. Eye movements were monitored with a binocular reference cell simultaneously recorded in area 17 (Hubel & Wiesel, 1970). 2. Two types of disparity-sensitive cells were found, similar to those observed in the monkey by Poggio & Fischer (1977). The first type, tuned excitatory cells, were usually binocular and had a sharp peak in their disparity—response curve. They responded maximally at the disparity that brought their receptive fields into superposition on the tangent screen. This disparity closely coincided with the disparity at which the reference cell's receptive fields were also superimposed. By analogy with the monkey this point was taken to be the fixation point, or 0°. The second type, near and far cells, were most often monocular. They gave their weakest response (which was usually no response at all) at 0°. On one side of 0° the response grew linearly for up to 4° and then remained at the maximum. On the other side of zero, it remained at the minimum for up to several degrees before rising towards the maximum. 3. The receptive field organization of several disparity-sensitive cells was examined using the activity profile method of Henry, Bishop & Coombs (1969). The size and strength of the discrete excitatory and inhibitory regions of the receptive fields of a cell could quantitatively account for the shape of its disparity—response curve. 4. The laminar distribution of disparity sensitivity as well as of several other receptive field properties in areas 17 and 18 was studied. The organization of the two areas was remarkably similar in many respects. There was a difference, however, in the proportions of the two types of disparity-sensitive cells in the two areas. Area 17 contained many more tuned excitatory cells than near and far cells, while area 18 had the reverse distribution. In addition, the cells in area 18 were sensitive to a much broader range of disparities. While both areas contain disparity-sensitive neurones, these differences suggest that they play different roles in depth vision. 5. Recent psychophysical and neurophysiological evidence has led to a new model of stereopsis in which depth is signalled by the pooled activity of large groups of cells (Richards, 1971). The current results are consistent with this model.
Dietary calcium decreases blood pressure without decreasing renal vascular resistance or altering the response to NO blockade

Abstract Many vasoactive elements are involved in the elevation of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Elevated dietary calcium has been observed to reduce blood pressure in SHR. This study investigates interactions among dietary calcium, renal vascular resistance (RVR), elevation of blood pressure and effects of norepinephrine and nitric oxide synthesis. We completed a series of experiments on two groups each (fed low, 0.1% and high, 2.0% dietary calcium, respectively) of 9-week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY), 9-week-old and 6-week-old SHR. Although 9-week-old SHR had elevated baseline blood pressure compared to 9-week-old WKY and also compared to 6 week-old SHR, there was no corresponding elevation in baseline RVR. All SHR fed high calcium diets had lower blood pressure compared to low calcium diets, and there was no corresponding reduction in RVR. WKY controls' blood pressure and RVR were unaffected by dietary calcium levels. In all hypertensive rats the blood pressure and renal vascular resistance were elevated by NG-nitro- l -arginine methylester ( l -NAME), but the dietary differences were sustained. Blood pressure of WKY was unaffected by the low dose of l -NAME. The increase in RVR to l -NAME was greater in SHR than in controls. The renal vascular response to norepinephrine was related to diet in older SHR, but smaller and unrelated to diet in younger SHR. Following l -NAME, WKY had greater responses to norepinephrine than 9-week-old SHR. We conclude that noradrenergic vasoconstriction is enhanced in the adult SHR, especially in the absence of high calcium diet. Alterations in NO synthesis may effect the norepinephrine response.
Reputation and Cooperation in Voluntary Exchanges: Comparing Local and Central Institutions

Our experimental study compares the effectiveness of three reputation mechanisms believed to enhance cooperation. Groups of 14 subjects repeatedly select partners, play two-person prisoner's dilemmas, and rely only on individual experience to find trustworthy exchange partners in the baseline condition. The local condition represents emergent, bottom-up networks that allow partners to voluntarily share recommendations. The central condition represents designed, top-down institutions that allow wide dissemination of recommendations provided voluntarily. Surprisingly, the greater provision and use of information in the local condition supports the highest level of cooperation, suggesting an unrecognized advantage of exchange networks over centralized institutions in credibility and information provision.
Crossing shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions

Three-dimensional interactions between crossing shock waves generated by symmetric sharp fins and a turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate are investigated experimentally and theoretically at Mach number 2.95 and freestream unit Reynolds number 1.96 x 10 to the 7th/ft. The incoming boundary layer has a thickness of 4 mm at the location of the fin leading edges. A comparison of experimental and computational results for two sets of fin angles (11 x 11 and 9 x 9 deg) shows general agreement with regard to surface pressure measurements and surface streamline patterns. The principal feature of the streamline structure is a collision of counterrotating vortical structures emanating from near the fin leading edges and meeting at the geometric centerline of the interaction.
Evidence for broader autism phenotype characteristics in parents from multiple‐incidence autism families

The broader autism phenotype (BAP) was assessed in parents who have two or more children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (multiplex (MPX) autism), parents who have no more than one child with ASD (simplex autism), parents who have a child with developmental delay without ASD, and parents who have typically developing children. Clinicians, naive to parent group membership status, rated BAP characteristics from videotaped administration of the Broader Autism Phenotype Symptom Scale (BPASS). Differences among groups in BPASS scores in the four assessed domains (social motivation, conversational skills, expressiveness, and restricted interests) were examined using multivariate ANOVA and post hoc comparisons. Further, ratings of videotapes by observers naive to family status were compared with live, non-naive ratings by observers who were aware of family status (non-naive). Findings demonstrate that the BPASS is an instrument resistant to rater bias. Parents from MPX autism families showed significantly more autism phenotype characteristics than the parents in the other groups. Moreover, the parents from simplex autism families did not differ from the parents of children with developmental delay or typical development. Finally, no differences between live, non-naive ratings and videotaped, naive ratings were observed. These findings suggest that characteristics of the BAP, specifically in the social and communication domains, are present in MPX autism parents to a greater degree than simplex autism and control parents. Further, the results provide support for the notion that genetic transmission mechanisms may differ between families with more than one child with autism and families with only one child with autism.
19F NMR Studies of Fluorine-Labeled Chromatium vinosum High-Potential Iron Protein†

Fluorine-labeled analogues of Chromatium vinosum high-potential iron protein have been investigated by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Fluorine-19 resonances have been assigned, and chemical shift variations, relaxation times, and temperature dependencies have been determined. Observed changes in fluorine chemical shifts and relaxation times following oxidation of the [Fe4S4] cofactor appear to reflect structural perturbation of the protein backbone and side chains, rather than variations in the paramagnetism of the cluster. Fluorine-19 NMR provides a probe of redox-dependent conformational change in electron-transfer proteins, which may also be of value for structural characterization of mutants. Evaluation of H2O/D2O solvent isotope effects on 19F chemical shifts reflects solvent accessibility to various protein domains, while measurement of 19F relaxation times affords a convenient test of the relative contribution of cross-relaxation to magnetization decay. For HiPIP, the results reported herein indicate that t...
The rapidly growing mycobacteria: saprophytes and parasites

Rapidly growing mycobacteria are widespread saprophytes, but approximately one-third of identified species are also opportunistic pathogens in humans and animals, associated with skin, soft tissue, bone, and pulmonary infections as well as disseminated disease. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates a major role for the cell-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of infection.
Cracks at the edge of an elliptic hole in out of plane shear

Abstract In this paper integral transform techniques are used to find the mode III stress intensity factors for cracks at the edge of an elliptic hole in an infinite elastic solid.
The Nirvana fallacy and the return of results.

Gliwa and Berkman (2013) approach the question of return of results from genomic testing research studies from an ancillary care framework. They analyze three components of this framework, namely, ...
Modifications in neutrino counting due to additional gauge bosons.

We examine the possible influence of additional heavy neutral gauge bosons (Z/sub 1//sup 0/) on attempts at neutrino counting in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation below the Z/sub 1//sup 0/ (approx. =93 GeV) resonance. A large class of two-Z/sup 0/-boson models is examined. We find that the apparent shift in the number of neutrinos, N/sub ..nu../, due to the extra Z/sup 0/ boson in these models is never larger than approx. =0.4 if N/sub ..nu../ = 3 and somewhat smaller if N/sub ..nu../ = 4. Thus we should not expect a large ''error'' in neutrino counting to result in these extensions of the standard model.
Covering Castro: Rise and Decline of Cuba's Communist Dictator

A good account of the vicissitudes, fascination, and dangers of covering Fidel Castro; author says, in the end, 'it has been highly satisfying.' Book contains good material on Cuba's foreign adventures, its espionage network, behind-the-scenes accounts of major decisions, and other information--Ha
Attaching analytes in the proximity of the active site of enzymes

A trifunctional compound, incorporating a photolabel, a coenzyme, and an analyte of interest, is synthesized and used to prepare an enzyme reagent that had been modified near its active site.
Optimizing the Zel'dovich approximation

We have recently learned that the Zeldovich approximation can be successfully used for a far wider range of gravitational instability scenarios than formerly proposed; we study here how to extend this range. In previous work we studied the accuracy of several analytic approximations to gravitational clustering in the mildly nonlinear regime. We found that the ``truncated Zel'dovich approximation" (TZA) was better than any other (except in one case the ordinary Zeldovich approximation) over a wide range from linear to mildly nonlinear ($\sigma \sim 3$) regimes. TZA sets Fourier amplitudes equal to zero for {\it all} wavenumbers greater than $k_{n\ell}$, where $k_{n\ell}$ marks the transition to the nonlinear regime. Here, we study crosscorrelation of generalized TZA with a group of $n$--body simulations for three shapes of window function: sharp $k$--truncation (as in CMS), tophat in coordinate space, or a Gaussian. We also study the crosscorrelation as a function of initial scale within each window type. We find $k$--truncation, which was so much better than other things tried in CMS, is the {it worst} of these three window shapes. We find that a Gaussian window $e^{-k^2/2k_G^2}$ applied to the intial Fourier amplitudes is the best choice. It produces a greatly improved crosscorrelation all cases we studied. The optimum choice of $k_G$ for the Gaussian window is (spectrum-- dependent) 1--1.5 times $k_{n\ell}$, with $k_{n\ell}$ defined by (3). Although all three windows produce similar power spectra and density distribution functions after application of the Zeldovich approximation, phase agreement with the $n$--body simulation is better for the Gaussian window. We ascribe Gaussian window success to its superior treatment of phase evolution.
Phosphatidylcholine Synthesis by Peritoneal Mesothelium: Its Implications for Peritoneal Dialysis

This study investigated the possibility that the peritoneum is capable of synthesizing phosphatidylcholine (PC), a lubricant surfactant, in an amount similar to that produced by pulmonary alveoli. The synthesis of PC by rat lung (positive control), liver (negative control), and transparent mesentery (test tissue) was determined by in vitro incubation of these tissues in the presence of (methyl- 14 C) choline chloride for three hours at 37°C in Warburg flasks. All lipid material present in tissue and incubation media was extracted by the Folch technique. Carrier egg PC was added to each sample and total PC was isolated using high performance thin-layer chromatography. The PC fractions were counted for total radioactivity. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean radioactive value for mesenteric tissue compared with lung tissue. The mean radioactive value for liver when compared with mesenteric and lung tissue was significantly lower ( P Index Words
Optimizing the intracameral dilation regimen for cataract surgery: prospective randomized comparison of 2 solutions.

Purpose To compare the efficacy of epi-Shugarcaine solution (epinephrine 0.025% and lidocaine 0.75% in fortified balanced salt solution [BSS Plus]) (epi-S) and Lundberg and Behndig's intracameral dilation solution (cyclopentolate 0.1%, phenylephrine 1.5%, and lidocaine 1%) (LB) for intracameral dilation for cataract surgery. Setting Private clinic, Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA. Methods In this paired-eye single-masked prospective study, the first eye scheduled for surgery was randomized to receive LB solution or epi-S solution intracamerally at the time of cataract surgery; the second eye to have surgery received the alternative solution. Each eye received 1 drop of tropicamide 1% at least 20 minutes before the start of surgery. Pupil measurements were made before the incision was created, 1 minute after intracameral solution injection, after the anterior chamber was filled with an ophthalmic viscosurgical device, and at the conclusion of the case. Pupil size was objectively graded via software operated by a video technician who was masked to which solution was used. Results Eighty-four eyes of 42 patients were enrolled in the study. At each time point after instillation, the pupil was statistically significantly larger with epi-S solution than with LB solution, averaging 0.528 mm larger 1 minute after instillation (mean 7.183 versus 6.665 mm) to 0.34 mm larger (mean 7.381 versus 7.040 mm) by the end of the case. Conclusion When combined with 1 drop of tropicamide 1% preoperatively, both formulations provided safe and effective intracameral dilation for cataract surgery; however, the epi-S solution was the more efficacious at each step of the procedure.
Systematic study of diamond film deposition in an atmospheric-pressure stagnation-flow flame reactor

Abstract An experimental study of diamond-film deposition is reported that utilized a scaled-up, stagnation-flow flame reactor. Films were deposited using highly strained premixed acetylene–oxygen–hydrogen flames. The roles of flame stoichiometry, deposition temperature, and the use of nitrogen and argon diluents are evaluated. The experimental growth results are analyzed based on the participation of methyl and hydrogen radicals in the diamond growth process. The deposition results, both growth rates and film quality based on Raman and SEM analysis, correlated well with recent calculations of the predicted methyl radical to atomic hydrogen ratios. Flame temperature was found to have a pronounced effect on diamond deposition that is likely coupled to the delivery of methyl radicals and hydrogen atoms to the substrate surface. Overall, the atmospheric-pressure reactor performed well, demonstrating successful scale-up, but flame stability and other engineering controls were necessary for achieving uniform diamond deposition and high growth rates.
Conductance Scaling of Molecular Wires in Parallel

Charge transport across a metal−molecule−metal junction consisting of π-conjugated molecular wires in a densely packed monolayer is studied as a function of junction area. The current−voltage characteristics, measured using a crossed-wire junction at different contact forces, scale onto a single curve. The integer scaling factors, ranging from 1 to 1119, are dictated by the number of molecules contacted in each measurement. These results demonstrate that the electronic conductance of an ensemble of molecules scales directly with the number of molecules in the junction. Our results, which also imply that molecular wires connected in parallel are not strongly coupled along their molecular backbone, should aid in the future development of molecular electronic devices.
Studies of the Translocation Mechanism of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase with Computationally Mutant Constructs

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 helicase unwinds double-stranded polynucleotide for HCV genome replication. Biochemical and single molecule studies have examined its enzymatic activity in depth, while the detailed translocation mechanism is still unclear. Our previous work has identified a list of hot-spot residues for its dynamic couplings and translocation by using an elastic network model (ENM). To further pinpoint key residues important for the polynucleotide movement, we used molecular dynamic (MD) simulation to study the conformational dynamics of NS3 helicase with computationally mutant constructs H293A, T324A, V432A and R461A. These mutations have been shown critical to the function of NS3 helicase by both experimental studies and ENM. We also simulated mutant constructs, T448A and P230A, which have only been predicted by ENM without experimental tests. Our results were consistent with experimental observations and suggested other important residues for polynucleotide translocation. Moreover, we have identified key hydrogen bond interactions between NS3 helicase and the polynucleotide for future experimental verification.
Plague—Past and present

Abstract Humans are not the primary host for Y. pestis ; therefore, it is unlikely that plague will ever be eradicated from the United States or the world. It is thus important for clinicians to be educated about the disease and consider the possibility of plague in febrile patients who have a history of a flea bite or exposure to small mammals and who live in or have travelled to a plague-endemic area. Prompt use of appropriate antibiotics is essential for successful treatment of the disease; that requires rapid recognition of the symptoms by the clinician and rapid detection of the organism by the microbiologist. In the future, development of a safe and effective vaccine may offer the possibility of preventing plague in populations at risk for the disease.
Staining porcelain veneer restorations

This article discusses basic principles and their application for the staining of porcelain veneer restorations. This procedure can be performed in the dentist's office and minimizes patient office visits.
Industrial Combination as Surveyed in Recent Literature

Introduction, 345.—Jones, 347.—Jenks and Clark, 348.—Watkins, 350.—Seager and Gulick, 355.—Levy, 360.—Fitzgerald, 361.—National Industrial Conference Board publications: Mergers in Industry, 363;—Mergers and the Law, 366.—Alsberg, 369.—Toulmin, 370.—Javits, 370.—Frederick, 371.—Conclusions: "the trust problem" a misnomer, 372; many questions still unanswered, 373.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Association Between Symptoms of Depression and Self-rated Mental Health Among Older Adults

The study examined racial/ethnic differences in the association between symptoms of depression and self-rated mental health among older adults. Data came from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a population-based study of non-institutionalized older adults aged 57 to 85. The sample consisted of non-Hispanic Whites (n = 2,110), Blacks (n = 509), and Hispanics (n = 304). The association between symptoms of depression and self-rated mental health was weaker among minority groups than that among non-Hispanic Whites. Tests of interaction effects showed that the predictability of depressive symptoms to self-rated mental health was substantially weakened among Blacks of advanced ages and Hispanics with multiple chronic conditions. The study explored potential sources of racial/ethnic differences in subjective reports of mental health and called attention to older minorities with advanced ages and cormorbid conditions in mental health services and interventions.
Time series forecasts and extra-model information

Often a forecaster has supplementary information (e.g. field reports or forecasts from another source) that cannot be included directly in a time series model. Especially interesting are cases where this information is given at time intervals that are different from those of the time series model forecasts. Previous authors have considered a numerical and a model-based statistical method for combining extra-model information of this type with ARIMA model forecasts. This paper extends both methods to vector ARMA model forecasts and dynamic regression (transfer function) model forecasts. It is also shown that a Lagrange multiplier numerical procedure arises as a special case of the model-based procedure. An empirical example is given.
Preparation of the carbonates of the rare earths from some of their organic acid salts

For over 50 years different workers have investlgated various methods for preparing the pure carbonates of the rare earths. The conventional methods of treating rare earth salts with alkali or ,,m~ulum carbonates and bicarbonates and aqueous suspensions of the hydroxides with C02 gas result in some cases in double or basic carbonates which are often cont-mln-ted with the foreign cation of the reactant. (i) In 1950 Salutsk~ and Quit1 (2) described a method whereby the sesquicarbonates of La, Nd, and Sm were prepared by the hot h~xlrolysis of trichloroacetic acid solutions of the respective rare earths. For Sm the method produced a carbonate which was deficient in CO2. Head and Holley (3,~) prepared the sesquicarbonates of Y and all of the rare earths except Pro, which was not studied, by carrying out the hydrolysis of the trichloroacetates under C02 pressure. Several attempts to prepare Sc sesquicarbonate by this method resulted at best in basic carbonate with a C02 to SceOs ratio of onl~ 2.0. The conditions of this reaction are determined largely by the irreversible decomposition of the trichloroacetate ion in the relatively narrow temperature range of about 55 to 85eC. These and other considerations led to the search for a new carbonate reaction system which utilized reasonable reaction times, a wider temperature range extending to lower temperatures, and easil~ prepsred, stable reactants. Experiments showed that rare earth sesquicarbonates were obtained from the application of CO2 under pressure to aqueous solutions of salts of the lower molecular weight organic acids, e.g., formates, acetates, propionates, and butyrates. Because of the very low yields obta_i~ed from the formates and the insolubility of the butyrates in water only the acetates and propionates are discussed here.
Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis: II. Operative Treatment and the Results of Pre- and Postoperative Hemodynamic Evaluations

In 10 of 64 patients with IHSS, operations designed to relieve obstruction were performed. The pertinent preoperative clinical and hemodynamic findings in these patients, the operative methods employed, and the results of operation are presented in the present report. Eight of the patients were males, 2 were females, and at the time of operation their ages ranged from 10 to 54 years. All of the patients were symptomatic and all but 2 were in functional classes III and IV. In each patient left heart catheterization proved the presence of left ventricular outflow obstruction and the peak systolic gradients between the left ventricle and a systemic artery ranged from 68 to 175 mm. Hg (average 110 mm. Hg). The effective orifice areas ranged from 0.44 to 0.99 cm.2 (average 0.61 cm.2). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 2 patients. In 5 patients simple left ventriculomyotomy was performed, and in the other 5 ventriculomyotomy was combined with resection of a portion of the hypertrophied interventricular sept...
Nitrogen fertilization timing effect on wheat production, nitrogen uptake efficiency, and residual soil nitrogen

Split fertilizer N application has been proposed for improving N uptake efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems, but results have been inconsistent. In this held study, 75 and 150 kg N ha −1 was applied either all preplant or in two, three, or four split applications based on wheat growth stage (GS) to determine N timing effect on wheat yield and apparent fertilizer N recovery. Vegetative samples were also collected at Feekes GS 4, 6, and 10 to determine treatment effects on tissue N concentration during the growing season. Soil samples were collected after harvest to evaluate residual N quantity and movement in soil relative to N rate and time of application [...]
Using hyperpolarized 3He MRI to evaluate treatment efficacy in cystic fibrosis patients

Purpose: To use hyperpolarized (HP) 3He MR imaging to assess functional lung ventilation in subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF) before and after treatment. Materials and Methods: We performed HP 3He static ventilation MRI scans on three subjects, using a Philips 3.0 Tesla (T) Achieva MRI scanner, before and after 11 days of in-patient treatment with combined intravenous and inhaled therapies for pulmonary exacerbations of CF. We also collected spirometry data. We quantified pulmonary ventilation volume measured with HP 3He MRI using an advanced semi-automated analysis technique. Results: Following 11 days of treatment with intravenous antibiotics, hypertonic saline, and rhDNase, HP 3He MR images in one subject displayed a 25% increase in total ventilation volume. Total ventilation volume in the other two subjects slightly decreased. All three subjects showed increases in FEV1 and FVC following treatment. Conclusion: In all subjects, the HP 3He MR images provided detailed information on precisely where in the lungs gas was reaching. These data provide additional support for the conclusion that HP noble gas MRI can be a powerful tool for evaluating lung ventilation in patients with cystic fibrosis, but also raise important questions about the correlation between spirometry and HP gas MRI measurements. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.