cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is compaction a factor in organic diagenesis

Compaction was measured in six drill-core samples of marls from the Wilkins Peak and Tipton Shale Members of the Eocene Green River Formation, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, by the degree of preferred orientation of clay mineral grains. The preferred orientation was measured with an x-ray goniometer, and the compaction was calculated by application of the theory of March (1932), in which one assumes that the clay grains were originally oriented at random. Associated organic materials were exhaustively extracted by solvents and were identified by gas and thin-layer chromatography. The amount of solvent-soluble organic compounds increases with depth. The proportional share of alkanes is approximately constant. Odd-carbon dominance of the nC 17 alkane decreases rapidly and monotonically with depth, while the ratio of nC 16 plus nC 18 alkanes to alkenes increases in a reciprocal fashion. The carbon preference index of alkanes of higher molecular weight is fairly constant at a value of 2 except in one sample (CPI = 3.2), which is much less compacted than all the others. There appears to be a correlation between compaction and the content of pristane relative to the Nc 17 alkane, superposed on a general decrease of pristane concentration with depth. Phytane, on the other hand, is concentrated in shallow and deep samples, with a minimum in between, and it shows no correlation with compaction. The phytane content reflects either the nature of contributing biotas or possible early alteration of organic detritus, whereas pristane seems to respond to later, gradual alteration, possibly governed by catalysis on sediment grain surfaces. This catalysis could be enhanced by mechanical scraping and breaking of grains during compaction. Attenuation of the odd-carbon preference of the freshly deposited organic compounds may be similarly affected by catalytic processes.
Zhuangzi on Skepticism, Skill, and the Ineffable Dao

Zhuangzi partage la conception selon laquelle les mots ne peuvent suffire a decrire le Dao (chemin). Il etait fondamentalement sceptique sur le langage en general. L'A. demontre que Zhuangzi n'est pas un sceptique idemontable ou un relativiste. Selon l'A., Zhuangzi pense que personne ne peut parler directement de ce qu'est le Dao, mais il croit qu'on peut parler des exemples des sages agissant en accord avec lui
Calculation of Mercury’s Effects on Neurodevelopment: Bellinger Responds

In my paper (Bellinger 2012), I noted among the limitations that the calculations are only as valid as the data on which they are based. My hope was that those with a special interest in a particular risk factor would be stimulated to provide stronger data on either the exposure distribution or the dose–response relationship so that the calculations could be refined. I am therefore grateful to Grandjean et al. for providing an updated estimate of the dose–response relationship for pre-natal methyl-mercury, the use of which suggests that the total Full-Scale IQ loss among U.S. children is considerably larger than my initial estimate. All of the estimates listed in Table 2 of my paper (Bellinger 2012) should be considered provisional and should be updated when more precise data become available.
State and input estimation for a class of uncertain systems

We consider here the problem of state and input estimation for a class of uncertain systems which consist of a nominally linear part and an uncertain/nonlinear/time-varying part which can be regarded as a state-dependent/time-varying input. We obtain a Lyapunov-type characterization of the assumptions commonly found in the literature on this problem. Using this characterization, we obtain estimators which, using only a measured output, can asymptotically estimate to any desired accuracy the system state and the input.
Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Psychotic Symptoms in Dementia

This article proposes an initial nomenclature and systematic approach for the nonpharmacologic understanding and treatment of psychotic symptoms in dementia. An analysis of delusions and hallucinations must examine alternative etiologies, including misdiagnosis and misunderstanding, the misinterpretation of reality because of cognitive losses, sensory deprivation and vision loss, ambiguous sensations, and delirium and medical causes. Nonpharmacologic treatments frequently follow directly from etiology, such as improving sensory function via hearing aids or eyeglasses, providing stimulation, changing antecedents prone to misinterpretation (eg, reflections in windows), or circumventing misinterpretations (eg, ensuring that an equivalent object is available so there is no sense of loss or theft). Given the differences between psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and those in other diseases, the term psychosis should be abandoned for most dementia patients, and assessments of etiology should be developed. Future research should clarify what proportion of symptoms currently identified as psychotic are attributable to related etiologies.
Practice patterns of in-hospital surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia from 1988 to 2010.

Abstract Objective Neurosurgeons have a variety of procedures to offer when treating medically intractable trigeminal neuralgia (TN). We reviewed the national trends in procedural volume for in-hospital treatment of TN. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1988–2010) provided data on patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of TN and a related principal procedure. We categorized principal procedures as open, other, percutaneous, or radiosurgery. Results We identified 13,466 relevant hospital admissions. The volume for open procedures and radiosurgery remained relatively constant, whereas percutaneous procedures decreased. Mean age of patients undergoing percutaneous and radiosurgery procedures (67.9 and 69.5 years) was higher than open and other procedures (60.4 and 63.4 years) (p-value Conclusions Patients who undergo an open procedure to treat TN are younger than those who undergo a percutaneous or a radiosurgery procedure. The perceived risk of open surgery in older patients may drive offering percutaneous or radiosurgical procedures. In addition, the in-hospital inflation-adjusted charges for all procedures increased over time, with radiosurgery being higher than those of open procedures.
Trajectory dependences of charge neutralization in keV ion/surface scattering

Abstract We have measured the charged fraction of scattered Ne during the 170° scattering of kilovolt Ne+ by a two-dimensional lattice of arsenic atoms grown on a Si(111) surface template. We found that the charged fraction increases with the incident energy to reach values above 0.25 which is significantly higher than that for He+ scattered from As. The charged fraction is not sensitive to the azimuthal direction of incidence, but it is strongly dependent on the elevation angle with respect to the sample surface. We found that the collisions between the Ne+ ions and the As atoms are not purely atomic in nature. Our result directly indicates the importance of the delocalized valence band electrons in the charge exchange process.
Regulatory issues in the management of developmentally disabled patients

Abstract Superimposed on the interplay of assessment and surgical and pharmacological treatment of epilepsy—intertwined with behavioral, psychiatric, and neurological conditions—are the fiduciary responsibilities and regulatory supervision necessary to protect the rights of developmentally disabled patients. Federal law, state regulations, interpretative material, and legal precedents contribute to a cumbersome, confusing, and frequently demoralizing guide to psychiatric care of mentally ill and developmentally disabled individuals. The Code of Federal Regulation governs people living in long-term residential facilities. Using examples from Wisconsin law, clinical and legal concepts are illustrated. Annual seizure graphs are used for frequent monitoring, better trend analysis, and reduced polypharmacy. An experienced board-certified psychiatrist ensures that an initial comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, and quarterly treatment plan update—essential items for the Department of Justice’s CRIPA review—are conducted. Most states have legislation designed to provide guidelines for the use of psychotropic medications to minimize abuse.
Randomized controlled trial of early parenteral nutrition cycling to prevent cholestasis in very low birth weight infants.

Objectives To compare the incidence of cholestasis in very low birth weight infants receiving cycled versus continuous parenteral nutrition, and to determine factors that predispose to parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis (PNAC). Study design Preterm infants weighing ≤1250 g (n = 70) at birth were randomly assigned within the first 5 postnatal days to either cycle (n = 34) or continuous (n = 36) parenteral nutrition. Liver function tests were obtained at baseline, and sequentially thereafter. Cholestasis was defined as direct bilirubin >2 mg/dL. Infants with major congenital anomalies, congenital hepatic disease, clinically apparent congenital viral infection, and those who required major abdominal surgery were excluded. Results The incidence of PNAC was similar in the 2 groups (cycle 32% vs continuous 31%; P = 1.0). Bilirubin and transaminases were similar in both groups by repeated measures of ANOVA. Gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores were significantly lower, and Clinical Risk Index for Babies II scores were significantly higher in infants who developed PNAC. Using backward selection logistic regression, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, duration of parenteral nutrition, and days to full enteral nutrition emerged as factors independently associated with PNAC. Conclusions Early prophylactic parenteral nutrition cycling in very low birth weight infants in this study did not reduce cholestasis. Time to full feedings is a significant predictor for PNAC in very low birth weight infants. Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia are more likely to have PNAC as a comorbidity. The Clinical Risk Index for Babies II score may help identify those preterm infants who might benefit from future prospective prevention trials.
Distribution of aliphatic and aromatic carbons in H-Coal liquids by quantitative 13C FT-n.m.r. spectroscopy☆

Three H-Coal liquids, ASO, ASB, and VSO, have been characterized by quantitative FT-n.m.r. spectroscopy. FT-parameters were chosen to allow determination of aromatic:aliphatic carbon ratios to within 1% and 2% error of the theoretical and the absolute number of aromatic and aliphatic carbons in a simulated coal liquid, respectively. The aromaticity, fa, the Car:Cal ratio and, the absolute number of both the aromatic and the aliphatic carbons on a per mol basis, have been derived for each H-Coal liquid using c.m.r. in combination with other physical data. By analysis of the chemical shifts of the c.m.r. spectra, the carbon distributions in the H-Coal liquids have been estimated and compared in terms of six structural types. The molecular parameters thus derived are reasonable correlated with the average molecular structures proposed as working hypothesis for the molecular characterization of the three H-Coal liquids.
ANKLE ARTHRODESIS : RESULTS AFTER THE MINIARTHROTOMY TECHNIQUE

Of 34 ankle fusions (34 patients) performed at our institution between June 1992 and June 1993, 15 utilized a miniarthrotomy technique. This technique involves two 1.5-cm incisions, one medial and one anterolateral, through which the ankle joint cartilage and synovium are debrided. Subchondral bone resection is completed with a high-speed cutting tool, creating a "slurry" that is saved for local bone graft. The ankle is then appropriately positioned (5 degrees of valgus, 0 degree of dorsiflexion, and neutral rotation), cannulated screws are inserted, the position is checked fluoroscopically, and the wound is closed. The patient receives a short leg cast at 2 weeks and a walking cast at 3 to 5 weeks until there is radiographic and clinical evidence of solid arthrodesis. In our 15 patients, follow-up ranged from 12 to 19 months after surgery and arthrodesis was radiographically evident at a mean of 6.0 weeks (range, 3-15 weeks). Complications were limited to a transient synovitis in 7/15 patients, which lasted approximately 3 weeks and was possibly related to the bone slurry. Although ankle joints with marked malalignment require a more extensive open arthrodesis procedure, this miniarthrotomy technique offers decreased soft-tissue insult, decreased bone stripping, easy application, and rapid healing time for the treatment of severe degenerative changes of the ankle with minimal deformity.
The influence of finite width interfaces on mixed mode stress intensity factors

Abstract The problem of a crack approaching a finite width interface is investigated using finite elements. The crack is inclined to the interface and a condition of mixed mode fracture exists. The influence of a finite width bond line interface is considered for one representative material pair combination (E2/E1 = 0.10). The stress intensity factors for an inclined crack at various distances from the interface are established as a function of interface width. Maximum cleavage stress and probable angles of crack extension are presented as a function of crack inclination and interface width. Circumferential variations of σrr, σθθ, and αrθ are also presented as functions of crack inclination and interface width.
Why do we hiccup

See article on page 590 Considering the fact that almost everyone experiences hiccups at one time or another, remarkably little is known about them. The name itself is onomatopoeic, which is appropriate considering that the only common understanding of the hiccup is of the characteristic sound. Hiccups can be predictably elicited in some individuals by overindulgence of food, alcohol, or both, sometimes providing evidence of such behaviour and making them a common object of humour. There are, however, instances in which hiccups become intractable (singultus) causing insomnia, wasting, exhaustion, and even death, prompting scientific scrutiny of this otherwise harmless curiosity.1In this issue Fass et al (see page 590) present original investigative work on the afferent limb of the hiccup reflex. Fass et al used a barostat to characterise the parameters of oesophageal distention that could elicit hiccups in normal volunteers. They report that rapid phasic distension of the proximal, but not distal, oesophagus could reproducibly induce hiccups in four of 10 subjects. Hiccups occurred during rapid inflation of the barostat bag and immediately resolved with deflation, strongly implicating oesophageal mechanoreceptors as the critical …
Appeals and strategies of negative political advertising

An experiment was conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of different types of negative political advertising appeals and of various strategies for responding to the appeals. Results supported the prediction that, when attack commercials are followed by a response from the target, issue‐attack commercials are more effective than image‐attack commercials. Findings for response strategies were mixed. Although viewers evaluated a negative‐response commercial less favorably than a positive‐response commercial, the negative response was more effective in discouraging voting for the attacking candidate.
Optical polarization from magnetized cataclysmic variables

L'absence de rayonnement polarise optiquement pour certaines variables cataclysmiques a ete interprete, par de nombreux auteurs, comme impliquant que le champ magnetique des naines blanches est plus faible (<10 7 G) que dans les binaires de type AM Her. On montre ici que cette interpretation est en general incorrecte
Translational and rotational spacecraft maneuvers via shape change actuators

This paper treats the simultaneous control of spacecraft translational and rotational maneuvers in a fixed plane using linear proof mass actuators. A crucial assumption is that the total linear and angular momenta are zero. We first study a fully actuated spacecraft using three actuators and then we study an underactuated spacecraft using two actuators. In both cases, appropriate equations of motion axe derived. For the fully actuated case, it is shown that feedback linearization can be used to achieve arbitrary base body maneuvers under a mild geometric assumption on the three slots. For the underactuated case, nonlinear control theory is used to show that the base body translation and rotation is controllable via two independent proof mass actuators; an open loop maneuver strategy is developed. Examples are given to demonstrate several planar maneuvers.
Performance of laser Doppler velocimeter with polydisperse seed particles in high-speed flows

The flowfield behind an oblique shock wave, where the LDV measured velocities are seed particle size dependent, was used to investigate the effects of LDV system parameters on the range of detectable polydisperse seed particles. The parameters included frequency shifting, laser power, scattered signal amplification level, and number of required fringe crossings. The results showed that with polydisperse seed particles ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 microns available in the flow, the average diameter of the detected particles could change from 0.2 to 3.0 microns by changing different LDV system parameters. The effects of this shift in the range of detectable particles on the frequency response of LDV was discussed.
Dose perturbation of a novel cobalt chromium coronary stent on 32P intravascular brachytherapy: a monte carlo study.

Intravascular brachytherapy has been adopted for the indication of in-stent restenosis on the basis of results of clinical trials using mainly stainless steel stents. Recently, a new stent made of cobalt-chromium L-605 alloy (CoCr, {rho}=9.22 g/cm{sup 3}) (MULTI-LINK VISION{sup TM}) was introduced as an alternative to the 316L stainless steel stent design (SS, {rho}=7.87 g/cm{sup 3}) (MULTI-LINK PENTA{sup TM}). In this work, we used the Monte Carlo code MCNPX to compare the dose distribution for the {sup 32}P GALILEO{sup TM} source in CoCr and SS 8 mm stent models. The dose perturbation factor (DPF), defined as the ratio of the dose in water with the presence of a stent to the dose without a stent, was used to compare results. Both stent designs were virtually expanded to diameters of 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm using finite element models. The complicated strut shapes of both the CoCr and SS stents were simplified using circular rings with an effective width to yield a metal-to-tissue ratio identical to that of the actual stents. The mean DPF at a 1 mm tissue depth, over the entire stented length of 8 mm, was 0.935 for the CoCr stent and 0.911 for the SS stent. Themore » mean DPF at the intima (0.05 mm radial distance from the strut outer surface), over the entire stented length of 8 mm, was 0.950 for CoCr, and 0.926 for SS. The maximum DPFs directly behind the CoCr and SS struts were 0.689 and 0.644, respectively. All DPF estimates have a standard deviation of {+-}0.6%(k=2), approximating the 95% confidence interval. Although the CoCr stent has a higher effective atomic number and greater density than the SS stent, the DPFs for the two stents are similar, probably because the metal-to-tissue ratio and strut thickness of the CoCr stent are lower than those of the SS stent.« less
Nanoparticles squeezing across the blood-endothelial barrier via caveolae.

Financial & competing interests disclosure Z Wang acknowledges support from 11SDG7490013 (American Heart Association) and K25HL111157 (NIH) and AB Malik acknowledges support from NIH grants P01HL060678, P01HL077806, and R01HL045638. AB Malik is also the president of the company Cell Biologics with interest in drug delivery via caveolae. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript Ther Deliv. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 May 21.
Effect of vibrissal amputation or anesthesia on rearing behavior in rats

Open-field rearing behavior was observed in rats following vibrissal amputation or anesthesia. Vibrissal anesthesia produced striking changes in the form of open-field behavior and increased the frequency of grooming bouts but neither treatment reliably affected rearing behavior.
Hepatic radiofrequency ablation at low frequencies preferentially heats tumour tissue

Purpose: Radiofrequency ablation is a clinically accepted treatment modality for liver cancer. There are significant differences in dielectric properties between normal and cancer tissue in the liver, which are particularly pronounced at frequencies below 100 kHz. This study performed computer simulations to determine whether radiofrequency (RF) ablation at lower frequencies than currently employed (450–500 kHz) can take advantage of this difference to preferentially deposit energy within the tumour.Materials and methods: Finite Element Method computer models were created for a cooled needle electrode and a multi-tine RF electrode inserted into a 2 cm diameter tumour. RF ablation was simulated and current density as well as tissue temperature distribution determined. In vivo data were used on electrical conductivity of normal and cancer tissue in the models to simulate RF ablation in liver at the currently used frequency of 500 kHz and at 10 kHz.Results: At 500 kHz there was little difference in RF curren...
A map for wear mechanisms in aluminium alloys

A quantitative wear map for aluminium and its alloys has been constructed using normalized test variables and the physical modelling approach proposed by Lim and Ashby for steels. New model equations based on a different state-of-stress criterion suitable for aluminium alloys have been developed and found to match well with reported experimental wear data on aluminium alloys. The field boundaries between various interfacing wear mechanisms were constructed by using critical values of experimental wear data which manifest themselves in discontinuities in the slope of wear curves. However, within a given wear regime, the model equations developed here agreed fairly well with the reported wear data. The wear mechanisms successfully modelled here include oxidation dominated wear, delamination wear, severe plastic deformation wear, and melt wear.
Well-posedness of two-phase Darcy flow in 3D

We prove the well-posedness, locally in time, of the motion of two fluids flowing according to Darcy's law, separated by a sharp interface in the absence of surface tension. We first reformulate the problem using favorable variables and coordinates. This results in a quasilinear parabolic system. Energy estimates are performed, and these estimates imply that the motion is well-posed for a short time with data in a Sobolev space, as long as a condition is satisfied. This condition essentially says that the more viscous fluid must displace the less viscous fluid. It should be true that small solutions exist for all time; however, this question is not addressed in the present work.
Surface characterization of the TiClx/MgCl2 model Ziegler-Natta polymerization catalysts: Adsorption site studies using mesitylene thermal desorption

Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of physisorbed mesitylene molecules has been used as a nondestructive surface probe to distinguish the surface adsorption sites of model Ziegler−Natta polymerization catalysts. A MgCl2-supported titanium chloride film (TiClx/MgCl2) was fabricated on an inert gold substrate by codeposition of Mg metal and TiCl4 from the gas phase. The mesitylene TPD probe revealed two types of surface adsorption sites. The dominant site was attributed to the basal plane of these halide crystallites. The minor site could be tentatively attributed to a defective structure at the basal plane boundaries or other crystal planes. Due to the chlorine termination nature of the catalyst surface, the metal ions under the chlorine layer could not be differentiated directly with the physisorbed mesitylene molecules. However, the mesitylene TPD profile was able to monitor compositional changes in the outermost chlorine layer accompanying the reaction of the catalyst film with the triethylaluminum...
Prophylactic ribavirin treatment of dengue type 1 infection in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract The prophylactic efficacy of the broad-spectrum antiviral nucleoside analog ribavirin against flavivirus infection in non-human primates was investigated in a blinded, placebo-controlled study of rhesus monkeys infected with dengue virus. Both placebo- and ribavirin-treated monkeys developed viremia, as measured by direct plaque assay on Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells. Peak viremia occurred between days 3 and 9 after infection. No significant differences in time of onset, duration, or level of viremia were observed between placebo- and ribavirin-treated monkeys. Ribavirin induced predictable and reversible anemia and thrombocytosis. Serum ribavirin reached maximum levels of 30 μM by day 4, which approximates the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration for dengue virus. Ribavirin appeared ineffective as a prophylactic drug for dengue type 1 viral infection, as evaluated by the magnitude of viremia in this monkey model.
Forward rapidity hadron production in deuteron–gold collisions from valence quarks

Abstract We consider hadron production in deuteron–gold collisions at RHIC in the forward rapidity region. Treating the target nucleus as a color glass condensate and the projectile deuteron as a dilute system of valence quarks, we obtain good agreement with the BRAHMS minimum bias data on charged hadron production in the forward rapidity ( y = 3.2 ) and low p t region. We provide predictions for neutral pion production in minimum bias deuteron–gold collisions in the forward rapidity region, y = 3.8 , measured by the STAR Collaboration at RHIC.
Distribution of galanin messenger RNA-expressing cells in murine brain and their regulation by leptin in regions of the hypothalamus.

Abstract Galanin is widely distributed throughout the mammalian brain and has been implicated in the regulation of food intake, metabolism and reproduction—functions that are also thought to be under the control of leptin. To investigate the possible role of galanin in mediating the physiological effects of leptin in the mouse, we had three experimental objectives: first, to map the distribution of galanin messenger RNA-expressing cells in the brain of the mouse; second, to assess the effects of leptin on galanin gene expression in areas of the brain thought to be involved in the regulation of body weight and reproduction; and third, to determine whether galanin neurons in these regions express leptin receptor messenger RNA. We found the pattern of galanin messenger RNA expression in the mouse brain to be similar, but not identical, to that in the rat. Leptin treatment (2 μg/g for six days) significantly reduced cellular levels of galanin messenger RNA in the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus of leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice ( P P >0.05). These results demonstrate that galanin distribution patterns in the mouse brain are comparable to other species and, yet, possess unique features. In addition, galanin-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus are targets for regulation by leptin; however, the effect of leptin on galanin gene expression is likely to be mediated indirectly, perhaps through either proopiomelanocortin- or neuropeptide Y-expressing cells in the hypothalamus.
Disposition and intracellular levels of moxifloxacin in human THP-1 monocytes in unstimulated and stimulated conditions

Moxifloxacin uptake by human THP-1 monocytes was passive and initially linear and reached equilibrium after ∼4 h. High intracellular concentrations were achieved and intracellular/extracellular [I/E] ratios were between 1925 and 4575 for the lowest concentration of 0.004 μg/ml at pH 7.4 and 6.9. The uptake of moxifloxacin was reduced by sodium fluoride, -azide, -cyanide, low temperature and low pH. However, the uptake was not affected by any of the ion channel blockers. Adenosine demonstrated marginal competition with moxifloxacin for uptake suggesting a nucleoside transporter may be involved. The sodium-ATPase pump when blocked, also retarded moxifloxacin uptake at 2 and 4 h. This I/E ratio was high compared with other macrolides and indicateed that the monocyte may contain sufficient moxifloxacin levels to conduct the antibiotic throughout systemic circulation to infection sites. Efflux from THP-monocytes was essentially complete after 2 h indicating no long term sequestering of the antibiotic occurred. Disposition of the antibiotic within the THP-1 monocytes showed large amounts present in the nucleus and cytoplasm in stimulated and unstimulated cells. Increased amounts of the drug were found in the THP-1 monocytes as well as the endoplasmic reticulum and the isolated phagosomes after stimulation by zymogen A, Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Economic Assessment of Electric-Drive Vehicle Operation in California and Other U.S. Regions

This study examines the relative economics of electric vehicle operation in the context of current electricity rates in specific utility service territories. The authors examined 14 utility territories offering electric vehicle (EV) rates, focusing on California but also including other regions of theUnited States. The consumer costs of EV charging were examined in comparison with gasoline price data, geographic location, and during three highly variable gasoline price periods of July 2008, January 2009, and July 2009. In a switch from a conventional 23 mile per gallon (10.2liters/100 kilometers) vehicle to a 300 watt-hours/mile electric vehicle driven 10,000 miles (16,100 km) per year, the study finds that savings in fuel costs ranged from approximately $100US to $1,800US annually, with considerable geographic variation and with higher-endvalues mostly in Summer 2008 when gasoline prices were relatively high. Charging off-peak instead of during peak periods saves an average of only a few hundred dollars US per year, rendering the incentive to charge off-peak a relatively small one except perhaps during somesummer months when the on-peak prices are especially high. Gasoline price variances have a larger effect and switching from a low fuel economy conventional vehicle to the reference EV (compared with a switch from an already efficient vehicle) presents the highest savings level. The West and Midwest are generally the most favorable regions for EV economics, when EVcharging rates and gasoline prices are considered together.
Newborn bloodspot screening for lysosomal storage disorders.

apparent at birth, but newborn infants with absent or minimal enzyme activity will usually have symptoms in infancy or childhood. Early detection offers the best opportunity for therapeutic intervention to prevent irreversible damage to affected organ systems. High throughput methods to detect LSD by newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) have been developed for Pompe, Fabry, Gaucher, Neimann-Pick A/B, Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) and Krabbe disorders. 2-4 Recent interest in NBS-LSD in the United States and several other countries has been driven by public advocacy, laboratory advances, and increasing therapeutic options. Currently, three states in the United States are engaged in some type of NBS-LSD, and three other states have passed legislation requiring it. Globally, programs in Austria and Taiwan are conducting NBS-LSD, and laboratory evaluations are ongoing in several other countries. Laboratory development of an NBS test for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a peroxisomal storage disorder, is also underway. Lysosomal Storage Disorders These disorders result from deficient enzyme function, which may be due to defects in lysosomal hydrolases, transporter
The Dynamic Effects of Nicotine on the Developing Brain

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate critical aspects of brain maturation during the prenatal, early postnatal, and adolescent periods. During these developmental windows, nAChRs are often transiently upregulated or change subunit composition in those neural structures that are undergoing major phases of differentiation and synaptogenesis, and are sensitive to environmental stimuli. Nicotine exposure, most often via tobacco smoke, but increasingly via nicotine replacement therapy, has been shown to have unique effects on the developing human brain. Consistent with a dynamic developmental role for acetylcholine, exogenous nicotine produces effects that are unique to the period of exposure and that impact the developing structures regulated by acetylcholine at that time. Here we present a review of the evidence, available from both the clinical literature and preclinical animal models, which suggests that the diverse effects of nicotine exposure are best evaluated in the context of regional and temporal expression patterns of nAChRs during sensitive maturational periods, and disruption of the normal developmental influences of acetylcholine. We present evidence that nicotine interferes with catecholamine and brainstem autonomic nuclei development during the prenatal period of the rodent (equivalent to first and second trimester of the human), alters the neocortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum during the early postnatal period (third trimester of the human), and influences limbic system and late monoamine maturation during adolescence.
Effect of heat acclimation (32°c) on rat liver and brain substrate levels

Abstract 1. 1. Experiments were carried out to determine liver and brain enzyme, coenzyme, substrate and lipid levels in 3-month-old female rats exposed to ambient temperatures of 25° C or 32° C for 35 days. Food and water intake was observed during the acclimation period. In two male rats voluntary physical activity was also recorded during control and heat acclimation at 32° C. 2. 2. Food intake and voluntary physical activity were significantly decreased and water intake was significantly increased in the heat-acclimated group. 3. 3. Liver glutamic dehydrogenase increased and lactic dehydrogenase decreased in the acclimated group. No other metabolic changes were observed. 4. 4. The tissue changes found in this study and reported by others may be secondary to changes in dietary and physical activity patterns rather than the direct result of heat exposure.
Convulsant activity of pyridoxal sulphate and phosphonoethyl pyridoxal: antagonism by GABA and its synthetic analogues.

Pyridoxal phosphate and its synthetic analogues--pyridoxal 5'-sulphate and the 5-phosphonoethyl analogue of pyridoxal (phosphonoethyl pyridoxal) in doses of 0.125-0.250 (mumol/10 microliters/i.c.v./rat), caused epileptic seizures characterized by running fits, vocalization, muscular fasciculation and tonic-clonic convulsions. These effects were specific and could not be demonstrated with 5'-deoxypyridoxal, N-methylpyridoxal phosphate or the 5-trans-carboxyethenyl analogue of pyridoxal phosphate (carboxyethenyl pyridoxal). Structure-activity relationships of these analogues indicated that the presence of a CHO in position 4 of the pyridine ring was essential, since its conversion to CH2NH2 or CH2OH abolished activity. The presence of an unsubstituted N was essential, since convulsions did not occur with N-methylpyridoxal phosphate. The presence of the hydroxyl group in position 5' was essential since 5'-deoxypyridoxal was inactive. The convulsive activity was potentiated in the presence of both CHO and PO4, CHO and CH2--CH2PO2-4 but especially CHO and --OSO23-- groups. This seizure activity was prevented, attenuated or reversed by intracerebroventricular administration of 20 microliter of GABA (1 mumol), muscimol (0.025 mumol), trans-4-aminocrotonic acid (0.25 mumol), isoguvacine (0.25 mumol) or THIP (0.25 mumol), but not by biogenic amines. An understanding of the mechanism of pyridoxal phosphate-related seizures may provide additional insights not only about GABA receptor sites but also about the biochemical manifestation and expression of epilepsy.
The Jewish Dark Continent: life and death in the Russian Pale of Settlement

This book really needs the names of two authors: Nathanial Deutsch, as well as Semyon (Shimon) An-sky. After all, Deutsch's book is built around An-sky's 2000+ questions that compose his “Jewish Et...
State As Process: The Effect of Party and Class on Citizen Participation in Japanese Local Government

Attempts to redistribute the power of the state, such as through greater citizen participation in policy decision-making, usually end in failure. Scholars attribute that failure to a variety of causes: the clumsiness or self-interestedness of bureaucracy, an elitist official culture, demand overload, or pressure from a dominant class. These explanations see the state in static terms, as possessed of certain fixed attributes. This paper examines two cases of grassroots citizen participation in Japanese local government occurring under different political conditions. Close investigation of the process of policy formation revealed that the main constraints on participation come from the local conservative political party and its supporting classes. These constraints manifested as process, not as constant structure.
The Role of Student Mentors in a Precollege Engineering Program

Precollege Initiative for Minorities in Engineering (PRIME) is a precollege program designed to encourage African American college-bound high school graduates to pursue engineering as a career. The Tennessee Technological University program serves as a transition from high school to college life. Components of the program involve academic courses in mathematics and introductory engineering, seminars, tours, and tutorial periods. The key component of the PRIME program involves the use of undergraduate engineering students as mentors and role models for the participating students. The impact of these individuals on their younger peers plays a significant role in the success of the PRIME program.
Alternatives to the use of agricultural drainage wells

: A large number of agricultural drainage wells (ADWs) are located in north-central Iowa. These wells permit sediments, pesticides, nitrate, and bacteria in surface and subsurface drainage water to enter regional aquifers that are currently being used for drinking-water supplies, mostly by rural families and communities. This paper reports some possible alternatives to control the entry of surface and subsurface drainage waters into groundwater systems, and describes a methodology to make comprehensive economic feasibility studies of alternative drainage outlets. The estimated cost of providing main subsurface drains varied from $220 to $960 per hectare. If the use of ADWs was completely eliminated without providing alternative drainage, it is estimated that the average annual loss to the farmers of the area would be at least $270 per hectare in reduced crop yields. Of course, losses would be weather dependent and highly variable. Management practices to reduce the pollutant load in water draining to ADWs are also discussed.
The P2 protein of bovine root myelin: partial chemical characterization.

— The P2 protein of bovine root myelin has chemical characteristics which differentiate it from other myelin basic proteins. The tryptic peptide map of the bovine P2 protein is distinctly different from the map of either the rabbit PI protein or the bovine CNS myelin basic protein. The tryptic peptides of the P2 protein show no overlap in either map positions or amino acid content with the peptides of the CNS myelin basic protein. Analysis of the individual peptides in the P2 map accounted for all of the amino acids present in the analysis of the whole protein. The P2 protein has a blocked NH2-terminus, lysine at its COOH-terminus and no hexosamine. CD studies revealed that the P2 protein has a very stable β-structure in aqueous solution at neutral or basic pH and retains much of this structure in acid and in 8 M urea. It is suggested that these structural properties are relevant to the dual role of the P2 protein as a membrane constituent and as an antigen.
A comparison of the effectiveness of MMPI indices in the discrimination of brain-damaged and schizophrenic patients.

Assessed the effectiveness of 22 published MMPI procedures to differentiate organic brain syndrome (OBS) from schizophrenic (Sc) patients. Generally, each procedure previously has been suggested to have some effectiveness in making this differentiation. When assessed across studies, however, the S groups have differed on so many relevant variables (age, sex, clinical setting, etc.) that direct comparisons of their relative effectiveness cannot be made. In the current study the accuracy rates are presented for each of the 22 discrimination procedures with a sample matched on age, education, and IQ and also with an unmatched sample, all selected from the patient population at a neuropsychiatric setting. With the matched sample the Hs-Pt Index (Watson, Plemel , & Jacobs, 1978) and the Sc-O Scale, Unweighted Long form (Watson, 1971) reached statistical significance (p less than .10). With the unmatched sample both of the above procedures plus the OBS Signs procedure ( Markowitz , 1973) and P-O Scale (Watson & Plemel , 1978) reached statistical significance (p less than .10). Overall accuracy rates of those procedures found to be statistically significant ranged from 61.5 to 70.0%. These accuracy rates compare favorably to those obtained with more complex and time-consuming neuropsychiatric batteries.
Alternative models for two crystal structures of bovine rhodopsin

The space-group symmetry of two crystal forms of rhodopsin (PDB codes 1gzm and 2j4y; space group P31) can be re-interpreted as hexagonal (space group P64). Two molecules of the G protein-coupled receptor are present in the asymmetric unit in the trigonal models. However, the noncrystallographic twofold axes parallel to the c axis can be treated as crystallographic symmetry operations in the hexagonal space group. This halves the asymmetric unit and makes all of the protein molecules equivalent in these structures. Corrections for merohedral twinning were also applied in the refinement in the higher symmetry space group for one of the structures (2j4y).
Glycopeptide prescribing in an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital.

Objective: To assess the extent and appropriateness of glycopeptide use in a tertiary Australian Paediatric hospital.Methodology: A retrospective analysis of prescriptions during a six-month period between July 1999 and January 2000. Medical records were examined and prescribing practices compared with the recommendations of the Hospital Infectious Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).Results: Fifty-one patients were identified who received a total of 98 glycopeptide prescriptions. The Haematology/ Oncology unit prescribed 71/98 (72.4%). 68/98 (69.4%) patients received vancomycin, 9/98 (9.2%) received teicoplanin and 21/98 (21.4%) a combination of both. 81/98 (82.7%) had central venous catheters and 69/98 (70.4%) were immunocompromised. 48/98 (49%) prescriptions were for empiric treatment with 38/98 (38.8%) for prophylaxis and 11/98 (12.2%) therapeutic. 19/98 (19.4%) prescriptions were deemed appropriate, 6 (6.1%) by HICPAC criteria, and a further 13 (13.3%) by IDSA or other criteria. Of 19 prescriptions started appropriately, only 7/17 (41.1%) were continued appropriately beyond 48 h. Appropriate cultures were taken before prescription in 93.3% of cases. Dose was appropriate in 91/98 (92.9%) and frequency appropriate in all cases. The cost of inappropriate prescribing was approximately $9500.Discussion: A high rate of inappropriate glycopeptide prescribing was evident in this paediatric population. Inappropriate prescribing existed across all subspecialties. Use was primarily for empiric therapy and prophylaxis in young children with an oncology diagnosis. A number of situations existed where glycopeptide prescription was felt appropriate despite not being included in HICPAC/IDSA guidelines. Areas with high rates of inappropriate prescribing were identified and will be targeted for education and intervention. Audit of practice continues.
Proto-RET is rearranged in the new human papillary thyroid cancer cell line PTC-1113A

The receptor tyrosine kinase proto-RET is believed to contribute to thyroid oncogenesis by activation of its tyrosine kinase either by point mutation or rearrangement. The papillary thyroid cancer cell lines PTC-1113A, L, and R were established from a recurrent thyroid cancer and its metastases. The rearrangement of the proto-ret oncogene in the cell line PTC-1113A is demonstrated by Southern analysis utilizing the probe for rearranged ret that encodes the fusion protein H4/tyrosine kinase. In contrast, rearranged ret alleles were not found in the cell lines that developed from metastases, nor in DNA isolated from the recurrent tumor. The cell line PTC-1113A may represent a population of tumor cells that gained a growth advantage due to rearranged ret. This is the second human thyroid cancer cell line harboring rearranged ret, and may serve to study the function of ret activation in thyroid cancers.
Hemiarch and Total Arch Surgery in Patients With Previous Repair of Acute Type I Aortic Dissection

Background We examined our contemporary experience with hemiarch and total arch replacement in patients with previous acute type I aortic dissection. Methods Over an 8.5-year period, 137 consecutive patients (median age 58 years, interquartile range, 50 to 67) underwent hemiarch or total transverse aortic arch replacement a median of 7.7 years (range, 67 days to 32 years; interquartile range, 2.8 to 12.3 years) after previous acute type I aortic dissection repair. Interventions involving only the aortic root, aortic valve, descending aorta, or thoracoabdominal aorta were excluded. Multivariate analysis of 20 potential preoperative and intraoperative risk factors was performed to examine early death, neurologic deficit, composite endpoint (operative death, permanent neurologic deficit, or hemodialysis at discharge), and long-term mortality. Results Total arch replacement was performed in 103 patients (75.2%), hemiarch replacement in 34 (24.8%), and elephant trunk procedures in 77 (56.2%). Thirty-one repairs (22.6%) were emergent or urgent. There were 16 operative deaths (11.7%), 4 permanent strokes (3.6%), and 21 (15.3%) instances of the composite endpoint. In the multivariate analysis, congestive heart failure and cardiopulmonary bypass time independently predicted operative mortality ( p = 0.0027, p = 0.018). Emergency operation approached significance for stroke ( p = 0.088). Predictors of long-term mortality (during a median follow-up period of 5.1 years, 95% confidence interval: 4.4 to 5.8) were female sex ( p = 0.0036), congestive heart failure ( p = 0.0045), and circulatory arrest time ( p = 0.0013); preoperative pulmonary disease approached significance ( p = 0.074). Five-year survival was 73.2%. Conclusions In patients with previous acute type I aortic dissection repair, hemiarch and total arch operations have respectable morbidity and survival rates. Congestive heart failure predicts operative death, long-term mortality, and our adverse event endpoint. Cardiopulmonary bypass time predicts operative mortality, and female sex and circulatory arrest time predict long-term mortality.
Improved Method for the Isolation of Biosurfactant Glycolipids from Rhodococcus sp. Strain H13A

Rhodococcus sp. strain H13A (previously name Arthrobacter sp. strain H13A) degrades haxadecane and produces exocellular glycolipids, one or more of which are biosurfactants. An improved method for the isolation of the biosurfactant glycolipids by using XM 50 diafiltration and isopropanol precipitation was devised. This procedure was advantageous since it removes protein coisolated when the glycolipids are obtained by organic extraction and silicic acid chromatography. The protein apparently does not contribute any biosurfactant characteristics to the glycolipids. The deacylated glycolipid backbone included only a disaccharide.