cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bifunctional cyclopropyl reagents: a total synthesis of 7-E,9-Z methyl trisporate B

Abstract 2-Hydroxymethylcyclopropyl phenyl sulfide combined with sulfenylation-dehydrosulfenylation permits a stereo- and chemoselective approach to trisporic acids.
945 HIGH DOSE STEROIUS (HDS) IN CHILDHOOD ACUTE IDICPATHIC THROMBOCYIOPENIA PURPURA

The use of steroids in childhood ITP is ccntroversial. High dose intravenous gammegloblin (IVG) has become an accepted treatment in ITP. HDS in children with ITP has also been proposed; we utilized a regimen incorporating HDS (prednisone 4-8 mgAg/d) rased en initial platelet count in nine newly diagnosed untreated children with ITP severely thrombocytopenic (nean platelets 5 × 109/L)- All cases had positive iiminolcgic evidence of ITP (platelet associated antibodies, serum antiplatelet antibodies), bone marrow compatible with ITP and no clinical or laboratory evidence of other disease. All patients are presently in remission; none require treatment. For the total group it took 1.9 days (range 1-3) to reach a platelet count of 20 × 109/L and 7.1 days (range 2-23) to reach 100 × 109/L. Only one case had a relapse (platelet count 18 × 109/L). This happened en day 14 of therapy while en 2 mg/kg/d prednisone and respondad to an increase to 4 mg/kg/d within 5 days. No serious toxicity was observed except for weight gain ranging fron 3-10% (mean 8%) and 5/9 patients showed periods of hyperactivity and poor discipline. HDS is effective in severely thromoytopenic children with acute ITP, carries few side effects, influences the natural course of the disease, and is at least as effective as IVG and comparatively more cost effective.
Characterization of Oxidation Products of TNT Metabolism in Aquatic Phytoremediation Systems of Myriophyllum aquaticum

TNT transformation processes in sediment-free, “natural”, aquatic phytoremediation systems of Myriophyllum aquaticum were investigated with specific interest in oxidation products. Extraction procedures combining liquid−liquid extractions and solid-phase extractions were developed for the isolation of the mostly acidic, oxidized TNT metabolites. Six compounds unique from the reduction products of TNT were isolated and characterized by UV−vis, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, by mass spectroscopy, and by chemical synthesis where feasible. These compounds include 2-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzoic acid, 2,4-dinitro-6-hydroxy-benzyl alcohol, 2-N-acetoxyamino-4,6-dinitrobenzaldehyde, 2,4-dinitro-6-hydroxytoluene, and two binuclear metabolites unique from the customary azoxytetranitrotoluenes. The monoaryl compounds show clear evidence of oxidative transformations, methyl oxidation and/or aromatic hydroxylation. It is possible that oxidative transformation(s) preceded nitro reduction since studies on exposure of M. aquat...
Demonstration of human leukocyte degranulation induced by sera from homozygotes and heterozygotes for cystic fibrosis.

Extract: The ability of eamino caproic acid (EACA)-treated normal serum and of cystic fibrosis (CF)-affected and carrier sera to promote the release of lysosomal enzymes from sensitized human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was assessed through the measurement of β-glucuronidase and myeloperoxidase acitivity after exposure of these cells to the various test sera. This study was initiated to extend the analogies between preciliary dyskinesia factor (pre-CDF), separated from the cell-free media of cultures derived from CF homozygous and heterozygous individuals, and C3a anaphylatoxin. The extent of lysosomal degranulation of human PMN exposed to fresh untreated sera of each of five controls, seven CF homozygotes, and eight heterozygotes, as expressed by the amount of β-glucuronidase released, was 7.84% (± 0.934) for control sera, 14.01% (±1.79) for CF-affected sera, and 10.61% (±1.43) for heterozygous sera. The difference between CF homozygotes and control subjects is significant (P <0.001), as is the difference between CF-affected and carrier individuals (0.001 < P < 0.005) and between control subjects and carriers (0.001 < P < 0.005), when β-glucuronidase release is measured. Analogously, values of myeloperoxidase released by the three groups studied reflect differences similar to those of β-glucuronidase. However, the differences between control subjects and CF heterozygous individuals are not significant. Treatment of these sera with 1 M EACA gave values for β-glucuronidase and myeloperoxidase release which are slightly reduced when compared with those obtained with fresh, untreated samples. EACA apparently reduces the activity of β-glucuronidase released from PMN. Amicon filtration studies of these serum samples demonstrated that degranulating ability and the presence of ciliary dyskinesia, as assessed by rabbit tracheal bioassay, are not always associated. Therefore, the relationship between pre-CDF and the degranulator activity in native CF-affected and carrier sera is unclear, in part because of the limitations inherent in the test systems employed. Speculation: The pathophysiology of CF can be explained by excessive degranulation of exocrine glandular cells, resulting in inspissation of their ducts. The finding of degranulator molecules in CF sera allows for a test of this hypothesis. The possibility exists that this degranulating activity, as well as the molecules responsible for ciliary dyskinesia, whether they are the same or different molecular species, may represent an excess of normal products. These molecules, related to C3a anaphylatoxin and/or kinins, are present in excess in CF because of the deficiency of an enzyme which normally controls their level by inactivation.
Deforestation and Increased Flooding of the Upper Amazon

The height of the annual flood crest of the Amazon at Iquitos has increased markedly in the last decade. During this same period, there has been greatly increased deforestation in the upper parts of the Amazon watershed in Peru and Ecuador, but no significant changes in regional patterns of precipitation. The change in Amazonian water balance during the last decade appears to be the result of increased runoff due to deforestation. If so, the long-predicted regional climatic and hydrological changes that would be the expected result of Amazonian deforestation may already be beginning.
Risk analysis of closING loop operation based on the main and distribution network integration

Risk analysis of closing loop operation based on the main and distribution network integration is presented in this paper. The main network provides the service to calculate the equivalent model of the high voltage grid, and the distribution network calculates close loop current and estimates its influence. After calculations, low-voltage network of electromagnetic loop to be equivalent in distribution network, the main network analyzes and estimates the effects of close loop operation of distribution network on secure operation of the main network. The method of calculation and analysis is based on real-time data in this paper. The accurately equivalent real-time model of medium and high voltage side of network is obtained, the detailed calculation and analysis of close loop current is achieved, and the comprehensive security assessment of power grid after close loop operation is conducted. Field tests verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method, which could provide significant reference to the operation and dispatching of actual power network.
Bounds on the overall elastic and instantaneous elastoplastic moduli of periodic composites

Abstract Bounds on the overall elastic and instantaneous elastoplastic moduli of composites with periodic microstructures are found using the extremum principles of Hashin and Shtrikman (1962) and the analytic solution of Nemat-Nasser et al. (1982). The bounds contain terms which depend on the geometric properties of the constituent materials and the corresponding interaction effects. Examples are presented for composites whose constituents are elastically isotropic having isotropic and kinematic plastic hardening responses.
Attenuated, Streptomycin-Dependent Salmonella typhi Oral Vaccine: Potential Deleterious Effects of Lyophilization

Four studies were done with streptomycin-dependent Salmonella typhi as an oral, attenuated vaccine. Studies 1 and 3 employed freshly harvested vaccine, whereas studies 2 and 4 involved lyophilized vaccine. Five to eight doses (3 x 10(10)-10(11) organisms/dose) were given; oral streptomycin (1.0 g) was administered concomitantly in studies 2 and 3, with only two of the doses of vaccine in study 1, and was not given in study 4. No adverse reactions were encountered in 179 vaccinated men, and 94% of the men excreted the vaccine. In challenge studies (which included the control groups) with 10(5) virulent S. typhi organisms (Quailes strain), the fresh vaccine was highly protective (66%-78% efficacy), while lyophilized vaccine gave no clinical protection. Fresh vaccine also interfered significantly with intestinal proliferation of virulent S. typhi; only 17% of the vaccinees excreted organisms as compared with 75% of the controls. Studies of protection in mice showed no difference between immunogen content of the fresh and the lyophilized vaccines. Field trials with streptomycin-dependent, oral typhoid vaccine must await development of a lyophilized product that will retain the protective properties of the vaccine.
Skin temperature biofeedback for multiple sessions with monetary incentives.

Summary.-This study evaluated the relative effectiveness of two incentive contingencies in learning biofeedback-assisted control of peripheral skin temperature: positive versus positive/negative monetary incentives. Both incentive groups of 10 participated in six sessions, including pre- and postuaining voluntary control sessions, and four intervening sessions with visual feedback and monetary contingencies. Each session consisted of adaptation, resting baseline, feedback or voluntary control, and a final resting baseline. The results indicated no significant difference in response control between groups and an over-all decline in temperature within sessions. Self-control was evidenced by the slower rate of decline in temperature for the first as compared to the last session, and feedback control by the attenuation in the rate of decline in the last thee training sessions. Based on data from other physiological responses, these findings are not likely due to habituation effects. It was concluded that response control should not necessarily be defined in terms of increasing temperature but rather by reference to an appropriate comparison condition. Motivational effects should be further investigated with alternative incentive contingencies. Biofeedback-assisted control of peripheral skin temperature, and other measures of blood flow, is of interest because it has possible clinical utility in the treatment of migraine headache and Raynaud's disease and as a paradigm for the study of autonomic learning. Basic research studies on biofeedback control of peripheral skin temperature, as reviewed by King and Montgomery ( 198Oa), have generally shown small-magnitude control, greater ease of decreasing than increasing, and large interstudy and individual differences in response control. To learn through biofeedback, subjects must be sufficiently motivated to attend to the information. A lack of sustained motivation may underlie several phenomena in the thermal biofeedback literature: (a) small-magnitude control; (b) atypical learning curves, viz., early within-session asymptote or U-shaped function (Freedman & Ianni, 1983; Kluger, Jamner, & Tursky, 1985);
Priors for Bayesian adaptive spline smoothing

Adaptive smoothing has been proposed for curve-fitting problems where the underlying function is spatially inhomogeneous. Two Bayesian adaptive smoothing models, Bayesian adaptive smoothing splines on a lattice and Bayesian adaptive P-splines, are studied in this paper. Estimation is fully Bayesian and carried out by efficient Gibbs sampling. Choice of prior is critical in any Bayesian non-parametric regression method. We use objective priors on the first level parameters where feasible, specifically independent Jeffreys priors (right Haar priors) on the implied base linear model and error variance, and we derive sufficient conditions on higher level components to ensure that the posterior is proper. Through simulation, we demonstrate that the common practice of approximating improper priors by proper but diffuse priors may lead to invalid inference, and we show how appropriate choices of proper but only weakly informative priors yields satisfactory inference.
Frequent Psychiatric Visitors to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Emergency Care Unit

Objective: The study examined characteristics of patients who made repeat visits to the psychiatric emergency service of a Veterans Affairs medical center. Methods: Computer records of patients who visited the emergency service were retrospectively examined for a one-year period after their index visit. Patients were divided into three groups according to the number of visits; nonrepeaters had only one visit, occasional repeaters had two or three visits, and frequent repeaters had four or more visits. Results: Of I, 144 patients who visited the emergency service during the one-year study period, 26 percent were occasional repeaters and 8 percent were frequent repeaters; the latter group accounted for 24 percent of all visits. Schizophrenic patients were overrepresented among frequent repeaters. Compared with nonrepeaters, repeat visitors were admitted to the hospital more often and were less likely to be referred to an outpatient clinic for followup. Frequent repeaters were more likely than occasional rep...
Single-particle correlated time-of-flight velocimeter for remote wind-speed measurement

A new technique of single-particle correlation for wind-speed measurement by determining aerosol time of flight is discussed. Using this technique, single-ended remote measurement of atmospheric wind speeds has been demonstrated at ranges up to 100 m under natural aerosol conditions with less than 0.2-W continuous-wave laser power with a measurement time of approximately 1 sec.
Lipophilic Character and Biological Activity of Drugs II: The Parabolic Case

In the first part of this review (l), examples were considered in which there was a linear relationship between the response to drug action and the relative lipophilic character of the drug. Relative drug response was defined in terms of log 1/C (pC), where C is the molar concentration of drug producing a standard response; relative lipophilic character was defined by log P, where P is the octanol-water partition coefficient. The present review extends this survey to the more general problem of the nonlinear relationship between pC and log P. The term “drug” is difficult to define. In these discussions it is employed in the widest sense possible. A drug is considered to be any chemical capable of causing a biochemical or biological response. A better term might be pharmacon, which has been employed by Ariens (2). Ever since Meyer (3) and Overton (4) discovered that the narcotic potency of the members of a set of congeners tends to increase as their oil-water partition coefficients increase, there has been interest in defining “lipophilic character” and its role in the activity of drugs. The analyses in this review are all based on the operational definition of lipophilic character by log P from the octanol-water system. There is, of course, great advantage in using a single reference system. The reasons behind the choice of octanol-water were discussed previously (1, 5) . It is possible to compare work in other solvent systems with that obtained in octanol-water oiu Eq. 1 :
Carbamylation decreases the cytotoxicity but not the drug-carrier properties of polylysines.

AbstractThe charge density of Poly(D-lysine) was reduced by the carbamylation of the lysyl residues with potassium cyanate. A decrease in the charge density of poly(D-lysine) by 25% and 50% reduced the cytotoxicity of the ligand to cultured L929 cells by a 5-, and a 20 to 25-fold level, respectively, as estimated by using either the viability or the protein assay. The uptake of cyanate-modified poly(D-lysine) ligands in cultured L929 cells was not reduced, while the uptake of poly(D-lysine)/Heparin complex was reduced by 80%, as compared to that of unmodified poly(D-lysine). The in vivo biodistribution of cyanate-modified poly(D-lysine) ligands in the lungs and the liver of mice was not altered in comparison to that of unmodified poly(D-lysine), whereas the poly(D-lysine)/Heparin complex was only accumulated in the liver but not in the lungs. The data in this paper indicate that a 50% decrease in the positive charge density of poly(D-lysine) reduces the toxicity, but not the carrier potential of this poly...
Summer off-peak performance enhancement for rows of fixed solar thermal collectors using flat reflective surfaces

Abstract Collectors for building-scale solar thermal systems are generally fixed, so that energy capture is optimized over the course of a year, but is generally not optimal on any given day. In particular, abundant sunlight available during summer mornings and late afternoons is not captured. Moreover, ancillary systems (pumps, piping, etc.) are designed to operate at peak, meaning that they are underutilized for the majority of the time. In this study, reflective surfaces are used to reflect morning sunlight onto fixed collectors. The orientation of the reflectors is optimized using simulation. The simulation results are corroborated by experimental data from a 150 kWt system located on the roof of the University of New Mexico’s Mechanical Engineering system in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The study also considers economic and performance benefits deriving from using reflectors in combination with fixed collectors. It is found that the simulation correctly predicts system performance, and that a reduction in the cost of solar cooling of approximately 20% can be obtained by installation of the mirrors, without adding any extra components to the system. Perhaps the most important outcome of this study is that performance of booster mirrors is extremely sensitive to local climatic conditions and to the constraints placed on the positioning and orientation of the booster reflectors, making it impossible to generalize findings for one particular location. Thus, computer simulation is essential for designing and optimizing thermal systems with booster reflectors.
The W-defense

There has been a great deal of critical discussion of Harry Frankfurt’s argument against the Principle of Alternative Possibilities (PAP), almost all of which has focused on whether the Frankfurt-style examples, which are designed to be counterexamples to PAP, can be given a coherent formulation. Recently, however, David Widerker has argued that even if Frankfurt-style examples can be given a coherent formulation, there is reason to believe that an agent in those examples could never be morally blameworthy for what she has done. Therefore, such examples do not undermine a version of PAP restricted to blameworthiness. Widerker refers to his argument for this claim as the W-defense. I examine the W-defense in some detail, along with three recent replies to it by defenders of Frankfurt’s argument. I contend that each of these replies is problematic and, indeed, that two of them play directly into the hands of those seeking to defend PAP. I then develop my own reply to the W-defense by calling into question an assumption which is at the heart of that argument regarding the nature of moral blame.
Clinical manifestations and survival rates among patients with saccular intracranial aneurysms: population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1965 to 1995.

OBJECTIVE: To report presenting clinical symptoms, previous medical history, and survival rates for people with saccular intracranial aneurysms (IAs), in a defined population. METHODS: The medical records of all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with possible IAs were reviewed. Clinical manifestations at the time of diagnosis, previous medical history, demographic factors, and survival rates after diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: Of 270 people with IAs detected between 1965 and 1995, 188 exhibited symptoms at the time of diagnosis, including 74% of women and 63% of men (P = 0.054). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was the most common presenting symptom (60% of all patients and 86% of patients who exhibited symptoms), followed by cranial nerve palsy, transient ischemic attacks, and seizures. Survival rates after detection (with the exclusion of cases that were first detected during autopsies) were dependent on the occurrence of ICH; 23% of patients who presented with ICH died by 1 day after diagnosis, compared with 5% of those who did not exhibit symptoms or exhibited symptoms but without ICH at presentation. At 5 years, 44.7% of patients with hemorrhage had died, compared with 29.4% of patients with symptoms other than hemorrhage. After the first 24 hours after detection, survival rates did not differ significantly for those presenting with or without hemorrhage. Predictors of better survival rates also included lower age and later calendar year of presentation. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first data on aneurysm characteristics, clinical symptoms, and survival rates among people with IAs in a defined population. During the study period, most aneurysms were detected in the context of an aneurysm-related symptom (particularly among women), with a large proportion of patients presenting with ICH. After the acute phase of hemorrhage, long-term survival rates among people with IAs were similar for those presenting with or without ICH.
Efficient methods for attachment of thiol specific probes to the 3′-ends of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides

Methodology is described for the synthesis of DNA oligomers containing a free 3'-thiol group which can be selectively crosslinked with a wide variety of probes. This chemistry is compatible with both phosphotriester and phosphoramidite solid phase chemistry. Moreover, the sulphydryl group is introduced into the 3'-nucleoside solid support linkage prior to oligonucleotide synthesis. Consequently, no additional coupling steps are required after oligonucleotide synthesis, and isolation of the 3'-thiol oligonucleotide requires only one additional deprotection step. Cross-linking of the thiol-containing oligonucleotide to a fluorescent probe was carried out with high selectivity, in high yield, and under mild conditions.
Papilloedema and hypertrichosis: the varied and harried manifestations of POEMS syndrome.

A Hispanic man presented with a 3-month history of progressive weakness of the arms and legs. Exam was remarkable for bilateral papilloedema (fig 1), hypertrichosis and thickened skin of the arms and hands (fig 2), diminished deep tendon reflexes, splenomegaly and anasarca. Investigations revealed a homogenous band in the …
High efficiency free-electron laser operation in a symmetrical confocal resonator

Abstract A tapered wiggler is used in a free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator to improve the saturation efficiency. During signal buildup the tapered wiggler does not provide optimum phase synchronism between the electron beam and the electromagnetic wave, resulting in an appreciable loss in small-signal gain. This problem can be ameliorated by using a multicomponent wiggler, which is a combination of a uniform wiggler and a tapered section. During buildup, gain is primarily contributed by the linear element, and at high power levels the gain and efficiency are enhanced by the taper. Ideally, one would like to have the optical waist location near the linear section at small-signal levels and near the tapered section at high power levels. Placing the FEL in a symmetrical confocal resonator approaches this desired effect automatically since it has the unique characteristic that a stable mode exists for all locations of the waist of a Gaussian beam along the axis of the interferometer.
3GHz, 74mW 2-level Karatsuba 64b Galois field multiplier for public-key encryption acceleration in 45nm CMOS

A Karatsuba-based 64b Galois field multiplier for on-die acceleration of public-key encryption is fabricated in 1.1V, 45nm CMOS and occupies 0.021mm2. 2-level Karatsuba design using interleaved 32b multipliers and folded datapath organization results in single-cycle latency at 3GHz operation with total power consumption of 74mW and 32% area reduction over conventional multipliers, resulting in 3.2x speedup of Diffie-Helman key exchange workloads.
Contribution to elastic scattering from inelastic processes: Application to high-energy electron scattering from hydrogen and deuterium

An expression is derived in first Born approximation for the correction to high-energy elastic electron-nucleus scattering arising from the existence of non-radiative inelastic processes. The magnitude of this correction is estimated for electron-proton and electron-deuteron scattering and is shown to be a very small but rapidly increasing function of energy over the range of incident electron energies from 150 to 450 MeV. The correction to electron-deuteron scattering also shows a marked angular dependence increasing with increasing scattering angle.
Volcanic Eruptions at East Pacific Rise Near 9°50'N

Evidence for recent volcanic eruptions along the fast spreading East Pacific Rise (EPR) crest near 9°50′N spanning about 4 to 5 months of activity was discovered in April and May 2006 as a result of studies related to the U.S. National Science Foundation' (NSF) Ridge2000 (R2K) program. In April, during routine recovery and redeployment of ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) at the EPR R2K Integrated Study Site (ISS) near 9°50′N, eight of 12 OBS could not be recovered [Tolstoy et al, 2006]. Anomalous turbidity and temperature structure in the water column along the ridge axis confirmed scientists' suspicions that the OBS were trapped by a new lava flow. A resurgence in magmatism recently had been postulated, based on temporal changes observed over the past few years in hydrothermal vent fluid chemistry and temperatures [Von Damm et al, 2004] and increasing microseismicity [Tolstoy et al, 2006].
Meperidine and normeperidine metabolism in the rhesus monkey

Meperidine and its principle metabolite, normeperidine, were given intravenously to four non-human primates prior to cesarean delivery in an equivalent dose for human parturients. The status of the infants regarding neonatal depression was assessed at delivery. Repeated blood samples from both the mother and the neonate were obtained over a period of 4 days. The levels of meperidine and normeperidine were analyzed. The results showed that the metabolism of meperidine and normeperidine in the non-human primate was essentially the same as that observed in the human parturient. In addition, normeperidine appeared to be more toxic than meperidine to the neonate. Finally, there does not appear to be an evidence for neonatal metabolism of meperidine to normeperidine.
An illness–death stochastic model in the analysis of longitudinal dementia data

A significant source of missing data in longitudinal epidemiological studies on elderly individuals is death. Subjects in large scale community-based longitudinal dementia studies are usually evaluated for disease status in study waves, not under continuous surveillance as in traditional cohort studies. Therefore, for the deceased subjects, disease status prior to death cannot be ascertained. Statistical methods assuming deceased subjects to be missing at random may not be realistic in dementia studies and may lead to biased results. We propose a stochastic model approach to simultaneously estimate disease incidence and mortality rates. We set up a Markov chain model consisting of three states, non-diseased, diseased and dead, and estimate the transition hazard parameters using the maximum likelihood approach. Simulation results are presented indicating adequate performance of the proposed approach.
Volatiles H 2 O, CO 2 , and Cl in a subduction related basalt

The products of the 1974 eruption of Fuego, a subduction zone volcano in Guatemala, have been investigated through study of silicate melt inclusions in olivine. The melt inclusions sampled liquids in regions where olivine, plagioclase, magnetite, and augite were precipitating. Comparisons of the erupted ash, groundmass, and melt inclusion compositions suggest that the inclusions represent samples of liquids present in a thermal boundary layer of the magma body. The concentrations of H2O and CO2 in glass inclusions were determined by a vacuum fusion manometric technique using individual olivine crystals (Fo77 to Fo71) with glass inclusion compositions that ranged from high-alumina basalt to basaltic andesite. Water, Cl, and K2O concentrations increased by a factor of two as the olivine crystals became more iron-rich (Fo77 to Fo71) and as the glass inclusions increased in SiO2 from 51 to 54 wt.% SiO2. The concentration of H2O in the melt increased from 1.6 wt.% in the least differentiated liquid to about 3.5% in a more differentiated liquid. Carbon dioxide is about an order of magnitude less abundant than H2O in these inclusions. The gas saturation pressures for pure H2O in equilibrium with the melt inclusions, which were calculated from the glass inclusion compositions using the solubility model of Burnham (1979), are given approximately by P(H2O)(Pa)=(SiO2−48.5 wt.%) × 1.45 × 107. The concentrations of water in the melt and the gas saturation pressures increased from about 1.5% to 3.5% and from 300 to 850 bars, respectively, during pre-eruption crystallization.
Introducing the New Editor in Chief

IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications editor in chief Gabriel Taubin welcomes the magazine's incoming EIC Miguel Encarnacao and bids farewell to editorial-board members David Kasik, Kari Pulli, and Diego Gutierrez.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide innervation of the mudpuppy cardiac ganglion

The presence and potential origin of the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was determined in cardiac ganglia of the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus. Although PACAP has been implicated in the regulation of cardiac function in several mammalian species, the presence of this peptide in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of other species is unclear. Thus, this study is the first to characterize this highly conserved peptide in the ANS of a non-mammalian species. PACAP-immunoreactivity was observed in nerve fibers throughout the mudpuppy cardiac ganglia and often was co-localized with the sensory neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Removal of all extrinsic inputs to the ganglia by organ culture eliminated PACAP-immunoreactivity in the cardiac ganglia, whereas bilateral vagotomies only partially reduced PACAP-labeling. PACAP-immunoreactive neurons were observed in both high thoracic dorsal root ganglia and in vagal sensory ganglia. While no PACAP-positive neurons were observed in caudal medulla brainstem regions, PACAP-containing nerve fibers were found in the region of the nucleus solitarius. These results suggest that, in the mudpuppy, PACAP is found primarily in visceral afferent fibers, originating from cells in either the dorsal root ganglia or vagal sensory ganglia. Based on their anatomic localization, these afferent fibers may function to transmit important sensory information to cardiovascular centers in the brain as well as serving as local reflex inputs to modulate postganglionic parasympathetic output within the cardiac ganglion itself.
Occluding clot in the left main coronary artery with survival long enough to develop massive left ventricular wall necrosis

Abstract Total occlusion of the left main (LM) coronary artery is rare in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We found published reports describing 5 patients with AMI who by angiography during the first day of presentation had total occlusion of the LM coronary artery. 1–3 . All 5, each of whom had presented with cardiogenic shock, had early intracoronary thrombolytic therapy with opening of the lumen of the LM coronary artery and all survived. Additionally, another reported patient with AMI had total occlusion of the LM coronary artery by angiogram at day 15—but no coronary angiogram or thrombolytic therapy earlier—and this patient was alive 1 year later. 4 The present report was prompted by study at necropsy of a patient who survived 54 hours after onset of AMI and who had total occlusion of the LM coronary artery by clot superimposed on atherosclerotic plaque.
4D-CT for Preoperative Localization of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands in Patients with Hyperparathyroidism: Accuracy and Ability to Stratify Patients by Unilateral versus Bilateral Disease in Surgery-Naive and Re-Exploration Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 4D-CT is an emerging technique that uses high-resolution images, multiplanar reformats, and perfusion characteristics to identify abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism. This study evaluates the accuracy of 4D-CT for localization and lateralization of abnormal parathyroid glands in preoperative planning for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy vs bilateral neck exploration at a tertiary referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiology, pathology, and operative reports were retrospectively reviewed for 208 patients with hyperparathyroidism who underwent 4D-CT and parathyroid surgery between May 2008 and January 2012. 4D-CT performance in localizing side and site was determined by use of surgical and pathologic findings as a reference. RESULTS: Of 208 patients, 155 underwent initial surgery and 53 underwent re-exploration parathyroid surgery. No lesions were found in 8 patients (3.8%). A total of 284 lesions were found in 200 patients; 233 were correctly localized by 4D-CT (82.0%). Of the 200 patients with parathyroid lesions, 146 underwent unilateral and 54 bilateral neck exploration. 4D-CT correctly identified unilateral vs bilateral disease in 179 (89.5%) of 200. 4D-CT correctly localized parathyroid lesions in 126 of the unilateral cases (86.3%). In the re-exploration cohort, 4D-CT correctly identified unilateral vs bilateral disease in 46 (95.8%) of 48. There was no statistically significant difference in subgroups stratified by surgery type (primary or subsequent) and number of scan phases (3 or 4) ( P > .56). CONCLUSIONS: 4D-CT leverages modern high-resolution CT scanning and dynamic contrast enhancement to localize abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism of any cause and can be used for planning minimally invasive parathyroidectomy vs bilateral neck exploration.
Overview of ordinal optimization

Concerns optimisation in the general sense of making things better, the principal driver behind all of prescriptive scientific and engineering endeavor. In particular, discrete-event dynamic systems are considered. The approach followed is based on the principles that much computation can be shared in the case of structurally similar systems; that easing the strict requirement of optimality can make an intractable problem tractable; and that for a given performance distribution it is possible to estimate various statistical measures of this distribution via sampling. >
Wallowing Behavior of American Bison (Bos Bison) in Tallgrass Prairie: An Examination of Alternate Explanations

Abstract Wallowing is a common behavior of American bison (Bos bison). Past explanations and current hypotheses suggested for wallowing behavior include grooming behavior associated with shedding, male-male interaction (typically rutting behavior), social behavior for group cohesion, play behavior, relief from skin irritation due to biting insects, reduction of ectoparasite (tick and lice) load and thermoregulation. We monitored circannual and circadian patterns of wallowing frequency by American bison during 1996–1997 in the tallgrass prairie region of eastern Kansas. Wallowing activity increased from April to late June or July (during 1996 and 1997, respectively), decreased during midsummer, peaked again in September, decreased from September to October and then remained low from November to March. Diurnally, wallowing was low in early morning, increased to a peak in early afternoon and then decreased during mid afternoon and evening. Within the herd adult males wallowed more frequently than adult femal...
Ethics and the new genetics.

Summary Recent developments in recombinant DNA technology have resulted in a rapidly expanding range of new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for families with inherited disorders. They are also beginning to impinge on society as a whole as progressively more is learned about the human genome, as the community becomes more aware of the role of genes in disease, and as we start to consider the implications of being able to define individual susceptibility to both monogenic and multifactorial disorders. As we implement the new technologies, careful consideration must be given to the ethical issues which arise so that maximum benefit can be obtained by individuals and the wider community.
Biology and Colonization of the Winter Tick in the Laboratory

Stanchioned bovines were infested with larvae of Dermacentor albipictus (Packard), and the engorged females of this 1-host species were collected 22–36 days post infestation. The average yield of engorged females obtained from larvae was 9%. Thereafter, these engorged females (avg weight 0.420 g, range 0.341–0.547 g), were held at 27°C and 80% RH, and the eggs laid each day were removed and counted or weighed. The preoviposition period averaged 11.3 days, the oviposition period was 16–33 days, and the average number of eggs laid was 3864 (range 2942–4914). With these females and other females not disturbed daily, there was a statistically significant correlation (r = +0.92, 0.93, respectively) between weight of female and number of eggs laid. Average incubation period was 25.7 days (range 24–27 days).
Modeling and simulation of an unconventional traffic circle

This paper deals with the development of a credible and valid simulation model of Collingwood circle in New Jersey for the afternoon peak period. The circle is modeled in PARAMICS simulation software. PARAMICS is amongst the limited number of off-the-shelf simulation softwares that can model unconventional traffic circles. However it is demonstrated in this paper that the default capabilities of PARAMICS are not sufficient to develop a valid simulation model of unconventional circles and roundabouts. It is also shown that the application programming interface (API) feature of PARAMICS is required for a statistically valid simulation model of the study circle. Gap acceptance/ rejection of drivers is modeled using binary probit model in STATA statistical software based on field data. The probit model is then implemented in the simulation using PARAMICS API.
Degrading fault model for WSI interconnection lines

A new fault model is proposed which accounts for both degrading and catastrophic fault types, which exist in WSI/VLSI designs. Fault degrading is the result of a defect mechanism which has no effect on the logical behavior of the circuit, but rather causes performance degradation to the circuit. This degradation is manifested in poor signal propagation delays, and weak noise immunity. However, there are no testing techniques and no fault models that are capable of handling the testing of the degrading fault by using digital fault simulation. A defect model that is capable of mapping degrading defects syndrome into a Boolean behavior (syndrome) would make it possible to use higher speed digital fault simulation techniques, rather than analog parametric testing. This approach for testing is more reliable and would cover both degrading and fatal (catastrophic) faults in the system. >
Free Will and Scientiphicalism

It's been agreed for decades that not only does Determinism pose a big problem for our choosing from available alternatives, but its denial seems to pose a bit of a problem, too. It's argued here that only Determinism, and not its denial, means no real choice for us. But, what explains the appeal of the thought that, where things aren't fully determined, to that extent they're just a matter of chance? It's the dominance of metaphysical suppositions that, together, comprise Scientiphicalism: Wholly composed of such mindless physical parts as electrons, you are a being whose powers are all physical powers, physically deriving from the powers of your parts and their physical arrangements. Scientiphicalism conflicts with your having real choice. Some fairly conservative alternatives to Scientiphicalism may allow for choice. Two are briefly discussed: On the further-fetched, you are a Cartesian mental being, a nonphysical being in powerful interaction with physical things. On the more conservative approach, you are wholly composed of physical parts, but some of your powers are radically emergent, including your power to choose. Finally, it's argued that, if you choose, you must be, to some extent, exempt from natural laws.
Effect of fluence on the discoloration of marble cleaned with UV lasers

The effect of fluence level on the discoloration of marble surfaces after the removal of the encrustation by 355 nm laser pulses is comparatively studied. Considering the thermochemical reaction possibly occurring in the encrustation during laser irradiation, the mechanism responsible for the discoloration of the cleaned marble surface is analyzed. The reduction of iron oxides by graphite plays a key role in determining the final color of the cleaned marble surface. A two-dimensional laser ablative cleaning model including the reaction heat is applied to calculate the temperature distribution during laser heating. The kinetics of the thermochemical reaction is estimated based on the simulated temperature field. The occurrence of the thermochemical reaction is also verified indirectly with experiments. The marble surfaces before and after laser irradiation are characterized in terms of the chemical components through surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The surface color is measured with a chromameter using a 1976 CIE L*a*b* color system. The proposed mechanism is also applied to numerically analyze the severe discoloration of marble cleaned with laser pulses at 1064 nm.
Evaluation of catheter infection rates in converted dialysis catheters versus de novo placement in the setting of chlorhexidine use

PurposePrior studies have reported infection rates of converting non-tunneled dialysis catheters (NTDCs) to tunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs) versus de novo placement of TDCs using povidone-iodine...
Climatic benefits of black carbon emission reduction when India adopts the US on-road emission level

India is known to emit large amounts of black carbon (BC) particles, and the existing estimates of the BC emission from the transport sector in the country widely range from 72 ~ 456 Gg/year (for the 2000’s). First, we reduce the uncertainty range by constraining the existing estimates by credible isotope analysis results. The revised estimate is from 74 ~ 254 Gg/year. Second, we derive our own BC estimate of the transport section in order to gain a new insight into the mitigation strategy and value. Our estimate shows that the transport section BC emission would be reduced by about 69 % by adopting the US standards. The highest emission reduction comes from the vehicles in the 5–10 year old age group. The minimum emission reduction would be achieved from the vehicles in the 15–20 year old age category since their population is comparatively small in comparison to other age categories. The 69 % of 74 ~ 254 Gg/year is 51 ~ 175 Gg/year, which is the estimated BC emission reduction by switching to the US on-road emission standard. Assuming that global BC radiative forcing is 0.88 Wm−2 for 17.8 Tg/year of BC emission, we find that the reduced BC emission translates into −0.0025 ~ −0.0087 W m−2 in global forcing. In addition, we find that 51 ~ 175 Gg of BC emission reduction amounts to 0.046 – 0.159 B carbon credits which are valued at 0.56 – 1.92 B US dollars (using today’s carbon credit price). In a nutshell, India could potentially earn billions of dollars per year by switching from the current on-road emission levels to the US levels.
Mechanistic insights into transient severe mitral regurgitation

Acute mitral regurgitation (AMR), a known complication of acute coronary syndromes, is usually associated with posterior papillary muscle dysfunction/rupture. In severe cases, management of AMR requires surgical intervention. Reversible severe AMR in patients in the absence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and coronary artery stenosis may result from processes which cause transient subendocardial ischemia, such as intermittent episodes of hypotension or coronary artery vasospasm. We present two cases of reversible transient AMR due to subendocardial and/or endocardial ischemia, both of which offer insight into the mechanism of transient severe AMR.
A new reportable disease is born: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control's response to emerging Zika virus infection

Zika virus infection, usually a mild disease transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitos, has been reported to be possibly associated with microcephaly and neurologic complications. Taiwan's first imported case of Zika virus infection was found through fever screening at airport entry in January 2016. No virus was isolated from patient's blood taken during acute illness; however, PCR products showed that the virus was of Asian lineage closely related to virus from Cambodia. To prevent Zika virus from spreading in Taiwan, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has strengthened efforts in quarantine and surveillance, increased Zika virus infection diagnostic capacity, implemented healthcare system preparedness plans, and enhanced vector control program through community mobilization and education. Besides the first imported case, no additional cases of Zika virus infection have been identified. Furthermore, no significant increase in the number of microcephaly or Guillain- Barre Syndrome has been observed in Taiwan. To date, there have been no autochthonous transmissions of Zika virus infection.
Molecular Clusters of 3D and Lower Magnetic Dimensionality

Controlled polymerization of iron leads to the synthesis of molecular clusters of ever-increasing size, tending to extended structures. Polymerization of oxo-bridged octahedrally coordinated iron leads to clusters with 3D magnetic interactions between iron ions, while sulfide- and selenide-bridged tetrahedrally coordinated iron ions produce clusters of lower magnetic dimensionality. The magnetic properties of the resulting large molecular clusters with N ≥ 17 (where N = the number of iron ions in the cluster) are being investigated for the presence of collective magnetic correlations associated with the solid state.
When Worlds Collide: Politics, Religion, and Media at the 1970 East Tennessee Billy Graham Crusade

Th e mixing of religion and politics is nothing new, but the debate has grown in the twentieth century with the use of mass media to fur ther political and religious ends. Television pastor Jerry Falwell is credited with creating an alliance through the Moral Majority that gave Ronald Reagan two-thirds of the white, evangelical Christian vote.1 More recently, the Christian Coalition is known as an organization launched by religious broadcaster and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson. Some observers consider the Coalition the most pow erful interest group within the Republican party, and give it considera ble credit for the 1994 GOP victories.2