cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional Functioning in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Comparison to Borderline Personality Disorder and Healthy Controls.

Few studies have investigated emotional functioning in obsessivecompulsive personality disorder (OCPD). To explore the nature and extent of emotion difficulties in OCPD, the authors examined four domains of self- reported emotional functioning—negative affectivity, anger, emotion regulation, and emotion expressivity—in women with OCPD and compared them to a borderline personality disorder (BPD) group and a healthy control group. Data were collected as part of a larger psychophysiological experimental study on emotion regulation and personality. Compared to healthy controls, participants with OCPD reported significantly higher levels of negative affectivity, trait anger, emotional intensity, and emotion regulation difficulties. Emotion regulation difficulties included lack of emotional clarity, nonacceptance of emotional responses, and limited access to effective emotion regulation strategies. Participants with OCPD scored similarly to participants with BPD on only one variable, namely, problems engaging in goal- directed behavior when upset. Results suggest that OCPD may be characterized by notable difficulties in several emotional domains.
STUDENTS IN COMPENSATORY EDUCATION PROGRAMS-ANALYSIS OF SCORES ON PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE IOWA TEST OF BASIC SKILLS

Analysis of Mathematics and Language Arts scores for 11,438 fourth- and 8,972 seventh-grade students in compensatory education programs on the performance assessments for the Iowa Test of Basic Skills indicated the students performed poorly, particularly in mathematics.
A co-simulation framework for design of time-triggered automotive cyber physical systems

Abstract Designing cyber-physical systems (CPS) is challenging due to the tight interactions between software, network/platform, and physical components. Automotive control system is a typical CPS example and often designed based on a time-triggered paradigm. In this paper, a co-simulation framework that considers interacting CPS components for assisting time-triggered automotive CPS design is proposed. Virtual prototyping of automotive vehicles is the core of this framework, which uses SystemC to model the cyber components and integrates CarSim to model the vehicle dynamics. A network/platform model in SystemC forms the backbone of the virtual prototyping. The network/platform model consists of processing elements abstracted by real-time operating systems, communication systems, sensors, and actuators. The framework is also integrated with a model-based design tool to enable rapid prototyping. The framework is validated by comparing simulation results with the results from a hardware-in-the-loop automotive simulator. The framework is also used for design space exploration (DSE).
Alliances, Preferential Trading Arrangements, and International Trade

We analyze the effects of alliances and preferential trading arrangements on bilateral trade flows. Both factors are likely to promote trade among members, but we argue that the interaction between them is central to explaining patterns of commerce. The combination of an alliance, which creates political incentives for participants to engage in trade, and a commercial institution, which liberalizes trade among members, is expected to provide a considerable impetus to commerce among parties to both. The results of our quantitative analyses support these arguments. Both alliances and preferential trading arrangements strongly affected trade from 1960 to 1990, and allies that included a major power conducted considerably more trade than their nonmajor-power counterparts. Moreover, the interaction between alliances and preferential trading arrangements is fundamental to explaining patterns of bilateral commerce: Parties to a common preferential trading arrangement and a common alliance engage in markedly greater trade than do members of either type of institution but not both.
Privacy-preserving revocation checking

Digital certificates signed by trusted certification authorities (CAs) are used for multiple purposes, most commonly for secure binding of public keys to names and other attributes of their owners. Although a certificate usually includes an expiration time, it is not uncommon that a certificate needs to be revoked prematurely. For this reason, whenever a client (user or program) needs to assert the validity of another party’s certificate, it performs a certificate revocation check. There are several revocation techniques varying in both the operational model and underlying data structures. One common feature is that a client typically contacts some third party (whether trusted, untrusted or semi-trusted) and obtains some evidence of either revocation or validity (non-revocation) for the certificate in question. While useful, revocation checking can leak sensitive information. In particular, third parties of dubious trustworthiness can discover the identity of the party performing the revocation check, as well as the target of the check. The former can be easily remedied with techniques such as onion routing or anonymous web browsing. Whereas, hiding the target of the query is not obvious. This paper focuses on the privacy in revocation checking, explores the loss of privacy in current revocation checking techniques and proposes simple and efficient privacy-preserving techniques for two well-known revocation methods.
Tonotopic map of potassium currents in chick auditory hair cells using an intact basilar papilla

The avian basilar papilla is tonotopically organized such that hair cells along the sensory epithelium respond best to acoustic stimulation at differing frequencies. This specificity arises due to the mechanics of the cochlea itself and intrinsic electrical properties of the hair cells. Tall hair cells show membrane voltage oscillations in response to step current injection that may allow cells to act as electrical resonators, boosting the response at the resonant frequency. These oscillations and the underlying currents have been studied in enzymatically isolated cells. This study uses a whole chick (Gallus domesticus) basilar papilla preparation where the entire epithelium and its afferent connections are intact. With this preparation, a map of changes in potassium currents of tall hair cells was produced. All cells recorded from expressed two K+ currents, a calcium-activated K+ current, IK(Ca), and a voltage-activated K+ current, IK. Also, apical cells expressed an inward rectifier K+ current, IIR. The amplitude of total outward current increases in a gradient along the tonotopic axis. Pharmacological blockers were used to separate the outward K+ currents. These experiments showed that both currents individually increase in magnitude along a gradient from apex to base. Finally, measurements of oscillation frequency in response to current steps suggest a discontinuous change in the electrical resonances at about 33% from the apex. This study demonstrates a new preparation to study the electrical properties of hair cells in more detail along the tonotopic axis of the chick basilar papilla.
0.73–1.03-GHz Tunable Bandpass Filter With a Reconfigurable 2/3/4-Pole Response

This paper presents a tunable bandpass filter with a reconfigurable-pole response. 2-, 3-, and 4-pole states can be obtained based on employing series resonators with RF switches. The synthesis for the proposed filter is established, and the bandwidth for each pole state can be selected based on theory. The filter is built on a Duroid substrate with er=10.2 and h=25 mil. The tuning for the center frequency is done using Schottky diodes, and the selection of the filter poles is achieved using RF microelectromechanical systems switches. A tuning of 0.73-1.03 GHz is achieved with a 1-dB fractional bandwidth of 3.9%-5.2%. The rejection levels at 200-MHz offset frequency of 2-, 3-, and 4-pole states are 28, 36, and 45 dB, respectively. This filter topology can find applications in reconfigurable radios with dynamic rejection levels.
Group technology classification and coding system design: considerations and extension to robotic end-of-arm-tooling

Abstract This paper discusses a number of the basic notions associated with the development and implementation of group technology oriented classification and coding systems. As well, an example system, designed to performed design retrieval and reference for a subset of tooling required for manufacture, is presented. In particular, this system was developed for retrieving and referencing the database of robotic end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) designs. The discussion includes the overall code development strategy, the template for the interactive graphical user interface, and the details of the proposed EOAT classification and code structure. The graphics interface and the overall retrieval system were implemented on the INTERGRAPH MicroStation environment. These modules were written in the C programming language, with prototype development accomplished on a microcomputer. Finally, examples are used to demonstrate the capabilities of the system, and discussion concerning implementation issues is included.
Synthesis and Characterization of Di-and Trihydroxylated Metabolites of 3-Nitrofluoranthene

Abstract In previous studies of the metabolism of the ubiquitous air pollutant 3-nitrofluoranthene (3-NF) in this laboratory, the major urinary metabolites seen 8–24 hours after administration of radiolabelled 3-NF to the rat have been tentatively identified by 1H-NMR as 3-amino-4,8-dihydroxyfluoranthene, 3-amino-4,9-dihydroxy-fluoranthene, and 3-amino-4,8,9-trihydroxyfluoranthene. In order to definitively identify and characterize the metabolites, each of the possible metabolites was synthesized. The dihydroxy substitution pattern must be established on fluoranthene prior to nitration, due to the deactivating effects of nitro groups. The 4,8-dihydroxy substitution pattern was established by Friedel-Crafts reaction, followed by oxidation and hydrolysis. The 8,9-dihydroxy and 4,8,9-trihydroxy substitution patterns were established by acetylation of 8-methoxyfluoranthene, followed by replacement of the methyl group with an acetyl group and oxidation of the acetyl functions. The 4,9-dihydroxy substitution pa...
Monetary Policy in an Inside-Money, Open Economy: Reply

Kapur's analysis of the role of bank equity in my original model raises some important issues, that, unfortunately, Kapur treats inadequately. To keep my reply short, I shall focus on three propositions: (i) the elimination of the effectiveness of the required reserve ratio in Kapur's theoretical structure follows not from the inclusion of bank equity markets but rather from the unrealistic assumption that the domestic authorities allow unrestricted entry into the domestic financial system by domestic and foreign nationals; (ii) the assumption of unrestricted entry in Kapur's model creates the possibility of a banking system of indeterminant (and possibly infinite) size; and (iii) the solution to this indeterminacy problem only enhances the view that changes in the reserve ratio can have a substantial impact on a repressed financial system even with a fixed exchange rate and perfect capital mobility. While Kapur is quite correct in arguing that bank equity should be explicitly introduced as a portfolio asset, the existence of this asset does not, by itself, eliminate the effectiveness of the required reserve ratio. In the typical repressed financial system, the authorities normally combine a high required reserve ratio and ceilings on nominal interest rates with severe restrictions on bank ownership and entry into the financial system. When foreign ownership of domestic banks is limited, bank equity is much closer to a nontraded financial asset. In this situation, the rate of return on bank equity is determined in domestic financial markets, and changes in this rate of return naturally affect all other portfolio demands and supplies. A change in the required reserve ratio would then clearly have a major impact on real portfolio holdings via its effect on return on bank equity. By making bank equity a traded financial asset, Kapur has implicitly created a hybrid financial system with a strange mix of regulatory restrictions. While the authorities are assumed to limit deposit rates and impose required reserve ratios, they also allow unrestricted foreign ownership of domestic banking institutions. In particular, since bank equity is a source of loanable funds, banks are assumed to be free to substitute bank equity for domestic deposits as a source of funds whenever the required reserve ratio is increased. Thus, it is not surprising that under such a structure the effectiveness of the required reserve ratio is eliminated.
The relationship between religion and earnings: recent evidence from the NLS Youth Cohort

Does religious and denominational background affect earnings and human capital investment? This paper examines religious background and human capital formation for a sample of males from the year 2000 wave of the National Longitudinal Survey Youth 1979 Cohort. This survey provides information that makes it possible to control better for many components of family background in order to isolate the impact of religion and denomination. The paper contains results from analyses of men within broad religious categories as well as within various Protestant denominations, and reports results for different racial and ethnic groups. The method used for the analysis is the estimation of human capital earnings functions. The paper finds evidence that both men raised as Catholics and men raised as Jews have higher earnings, holding other characteristics constant.
Atmospheric science on the Galileo mission

The atmospheric science goals of the Galileo mission, and instruments of the probe and orbiter are described. The current data available, and the goals of the Galileo mission concerning the chemical composition of the Jovian atmosphere; the thermal structure of the atmosphere; the nature of cloud particles and cloud layering; the radiative energy balance; atmospheric dynamics; and the upper atmosphere are discussed. The objectives and operations of the atmospheric structure instrument, neutral mass spectrometer, helium abundance interferometer, nephelometer, net flux radiometer, lightning and radio emission detector, solid state imaging system, NIR mapping spectrometer, photopolarimeter radiometer, and UV spectrometer are examined.
A primer of acoustic analysis for landscape ecologists

In this paper we present an introduction to the physical characteristics of sound, basic recording principles as well as several ways to analyze digital sound files using spectrogram analysis. This paper is designed to be a “primer” which we hope will encourage landscape ecologists to study soundscapes. This primer uses data from a long-term study that are analyzed using common software tools. The paper presents these analyses as exercises. Spectrogram analyses are presented here introducing indices familiar to ecologists (e.g., Shannon’s diversity, evenness, dominance) and GIS experts (patch analysis). A supplemental online tutorial provides detailed instructions with step by step directions for these exercises. We discuss specific terms when working with digital sound analysis, comment on the state of the art in acoustic analysis and present recommendations for future research.
Local sections of perturbed local dynamical systems

This paper investigates the local behavior of a local dynamical system ?T” on a Tichonov space ,Y which is perturbed in the sense that there is a net rz of local dynamical systems on X which converges to no. It is shown that if a compact set S is a local section for x,, and each n, , then there is a net Si 3 S of local sections of common extent which generate neighborhoods of S with respect to 7~~ and which converges to a local section S,, for n,) Moreover, S,, generates neighborhoods of S with respect to r,, . Section 2 contains applications of this result to perturbed planar dynamical systems. In particular, it is shown that the fundamental periods of cycles vary continuously and that an asymptotically stable cycle of r0 is the limit of limit cycles of the rz . In [2, VI, 3.111, there were introduced “regular perturbations” of a given local dynamical system 7~~ on X. They are defined to be perturbations of z-a such that any point x E X, noncritical to 57” , has a local section S with the following properties: x E S, S generates neighborhoods of zc, there is an E > 0 such that S is a local section of extent E with respect to each perturbation sufficiently close to r,, . Remark 1.7 suggests that under the assumptions of Theorem I.1 the rTTz are indeed “regular perturbations” of nc, . Examples seem to indicate that Theorem 1.1 is the best result possible from the method used. The author believes that in general the vi are not “regular perturbations” of x0 ; i.e., in general there is no local section common to r(, and YF> eventually. However, the author has not found an example to confirm this belief.
Infrared studies of poly[3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane]. II. Polymorphic transformation

Abstract An infrared spectroscopic method for measuring the percentage of the crystalline material in the α-modification is developed for poly[3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane] (Penton). Good agreement with an X-ray method is found. This spectroscopic analysis is used to study the limiting conversion of β- to α-crystallinity during the heat-induced polymorphic transformation in Penton. The observed behavior is interpreted using the independent domain theory coupled with nucleation concepts.
Augustus W.N. Pugin: Restless Genius:

A.W.N. Pugin, arguably a leading architect and a distinguished engraver and designer of the Gothic Revival movement in Regency England, was a controversial theorist and builder of church who reinvented and refined the ornate Gothic architectural style of pre-modern times by creatively combining it with the rational concept of utility and functionality of the developing industrial civilization and artistic taste of his day. His theoretical writings and church buildings elicited praise as well as ridicule and rancour from fellow professionals and church leaders alike. The predicament of his tumultuous public life complicated by his conversion to the Catholic faith was further exacerbated by his declining health and tragic personal life, resulting in his death at a relatively young age of 40. Yet his relentless struggle to defend his theory and practice of ecclesiastical architecture demonstrates not only his adamant resolve and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds but also his genius as the originato...
Approaches to improve the stability of the antiviral agent UC781 in aqueous solutions

In this work, we evaluated the chemical stability profiles of UC781 based solutions to identify excipients that stabilize the microbicidal agent UC781. When different antioxidants were added to UC781 in sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-beta-CD) solutions and subjected to a 50 degrees C stability study, it was observed that EDTA was a better stabilizing agent than sodium metabisulfite, glutathione or ascorbic acid. Some antioxidants accelerated the degradation of UC781, suggesting metal-catalyzed degradation of UC781. Furthermore, we observed substantial degradation of UC781 when stored in 1% Tween 80 and 1% DMSO solutions alone or in those with 10mM EDTA. On the other hand, improved stability of UC781 in the presence of 100 and 200mM of EDTA was observed in these solutions. The addition of both EDTA and citric acid in the stock solutions resulted in recovery of more than 60% of UC781 after 12 weeks. Generally, 10% SBE-beta-CD in the presence of EDTA and citric acid stabilized UC781 solutions: the amount of UC781 recovered approaching 95% after 12 weeks of storage at 40 degrees C. We also showed that the desulfuration reaction of the UC781 thioamide involves oxygen by running solution stability studies in deoxygenated media. Improved stability of UC781 in the present study indicates that the incorporation of EDTA, citric acid and SBE-beta-CD and the removal of oxygen in formulations of this drug will aid in increasing the stability of UC781 where solutions of the drug are required.
Constraints on the nn interaction from deuteron electromagnetic processes

Abstract It is shown that Deuteron photonuclear data provide considerable evidence that the traditional view of the NN system as two point-like particles interacting via the exchange of mesons may not be valid at “separation” distances less than 1.5 fm.
It all comes together at the ends: Telomerase structure, function, and biogenesis

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase specialized in the addition of telomeric DNA repeats onto the ends of chromosomes. Telomere extension offsets the loss of telomeric repeats from the failure of DNA polymerases to fully replicate linear chromosome ends. Telomerase functions as a ribonucleoprotein, requiring an integral telomerase RNA (TR) component, in addition to the catalytic telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Extensive studies have identified numerous structural and functional features within the TR and TERT essential for activity. A number of accessory proteins have also been identified with various functions in enzyme biogenesis, localization, and regulation. Understanding the molecular mechanism of telomerase function has significance for the development of therapies for telomere-mediated disorders and cancer. Here we review telomerase structural and functional features, and the techniques for assessing telomerase dysfunction.
Why is my patient neutropenic

Neutropenia is a common reason for hematology consultations in the inpatient and outpatient settings and is defined as an absolute neutrophil count less than 1500 cells/μL. Neutropenia varies in severity, with more profound neutropenia being associated with higher rates of infections and infection-related deaths. The causes for neutropenia are diverse and include congenital and acquired conditions (ie, autoimmune, drugs, infection, and malignancy). This article outlines the most common causes of neutropenia and discusses differential diagnoses, treatment modalities, and the mechanisms by which neutropenia occurs.
EFFECT OF CUTTING THE PITUITARY STALK ON PHYSIOLOGICAL TEMPERATURE REGULATION1

THE CLOSE anatomical association of the hypophysis with the hypothalamus hasled to a considerable amount of investigation on the role of the pituitary stalk on the interrelationships of these organs. The most significant of these investigations have beenthose of Fisher, Ingram and Ranson (1) on the part played by the supraoptic nuclei and their nerve tracts to the neural lobe on water metabolism. That other functions of the stalk do exist has been long suspected and one of the foremost possibilities is a role in temperature regulation. Both the hypothalamus and the hypophysis contribute to temperature regulation, the hypothalamus controlling “physical temperature regulation” such as vasoconstriction, vasodilation, panting or sweating, while the hypophysis through the thyroid controls “chemical temperature regulation.” Recently Uotila (2)found that cutting the pituitary stalk abolished the thyroid hypertrophy normally produced by cold and thus found evidence of a role of the pituitary stalk in chemical hea...
Clutter suppression in range/Doppler map using wavelet filters

ABSTRACT This paper presents a scheme that achieves good performance in clutter suppression using waveiet filtersin place of common-known smoothing filters. The detection of candidate targets in the field of view (FOV) is derived from the synergy of the proposed front-end wavelet based smoothing ln(.)dule with the existingtarget inference module in our simulation. With a moderate increase in algorithm complexity, we fnl;herimplement a wavelet packet concept, replacing traditional wavelet approaches, to achieve the additional improvement in performance. We report results from an experimental test scenario with a known number of moving targets in lie FOV. We conclude in the paper that the "denoising" and "localizing" generated from wavel.et: filters proviile the essential "motion cue" that enhances performance in the heavily cluttered test scenario.1. INTRODUCTION The innovative, siniple idea of compactly supportedi wavelets first introduced by T)aubec.Iiies [ J in the
Safety of lumbar drains in thoracic aortic operations performed with extracorporeal circulation.

Abstract Background The safety of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in thoracic aortic surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC) with systemic heparinization has not been established. Methods Four hundred thirty-two patients had descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic repair between 1993 and 2002. One hundred sixty-two of those patients (age range, 67 ± 13 years) had repairs performed with ECC, systemic anticoagulation, and lumbar CSF drainage. Repairs performed without CSF drainage, without ECC, or by stent graft (n = 53) were excluded. The CSF catheters were inserted at L3 to L5. Cerebrospinal fluid was drained to maintain pressures of 10 to 12 mm Hg. In the absence of neurologic deficit or coagulopathy, the catheters were capped at 24 hours and removed at 48 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage was continued beyond 24 hours for delayed onset paraparesis. Results Cerebrospinal fluid drains were used in 135 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (extent I, n=63; extent II, n=25; extent III, n=39; extent IV, n=8) and 27 descending thoracic aortic repairs (aneurysm, n=24; traumatic aortic injury, n=2; aortic coarctation, n=1). Partial left heart bypass was used in 132 patients, full cardiopulmonary bypass without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 5, and cardiopulmonary bypass with adjunctive deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 25. Time between catheter insertion and anticoagulation was 153 ± 60 minutes. Heparin achieved an average maximum activated clotting time of 528 ± 192 seconds. Average ECC time was 114 ± 77 minutes. Average deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time was 40 ± 12 minutes. Mortality was 14.1% (23 of 162), and permanent paraplegia was 4.9% (8 of 162). No epidural or spinal hematoma was observed. Six (3.7%) patients had catheter-related complications (temporary abducens nerve palsy [n = 1]; retained catheter fragments [n = 2]; retained catheter fragment and meningitis [n = 1]; isolated meningitis [n = 1]; and spinal headache [n = 1]). Conclusions The CSF drainage in thoracic aortic surgery using ECC with full anticoagulation did not result in hemorrhagic complications. The permanent paraplegia rate in this complex patient population consisting of combined distal arch, thoracoabdominal aortic procedures were low, and lumbar CSF catheter-related complications had no permanent sequelae.
Remarks on the Relativistic Kepler Problem. II. Approximate Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian Possessing Two Vector Invariants

The Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian is shown to contain a "fine structure interaction" which, when removed, defines a new Hamiltonian differing from the Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian in order $\frac{{(\ensuremath{\alpha}Z)}^{2}}{|\ensuremath{\kappa}|}$. The solutions of this new Hamiltonian, as well as its complete set of invariant operators, are explicitly given. This "symmetric Hamiltonian" possesses a larger symmetry group than the ${R}_{4}$ group structure of the nonrelativistic Coulomb Hamiltonian. The simplicity of the complete orthonormal set of solutions of the symmetric Hamiltonian lends itself to several useful applications which are briefly indicated. The relation between the solutions of this new Hamiltonian and the Sommerfeld-Maue-Meixner-Furry wave functions is discussed.
Evaluating formatted alphanumeric displays

Abstract The structure of alphanumeric displays has a significant effect on a user's ability to process the information contained in the display. Four characteristics of display design have been identified in literature: overall denhsity, local density, grouping and layout complexity. In this paper, we describe a new method for identifying groups and present a computer program that computers measures of the four characteristics. This software can be used to evaluate the data entry and retrieval efficiency of any formatted display.
From Screen to Screen: Students' Use of Popular Culture Genres in Multimodal Writing Assignments

As digital media have created the opportunity to compose multimodal texts, there has been growing attention paid to how best to define and teach genres such as videos or podcasts, to writing students. What has gone largely unexamined, however, is the influence of popular culture genres on students’ conceptions of and approaches to composing multimodal texts. Yet much of students’ engagement with texts outside the classroom revolves around popular culture, whether offline in the form of film and television or online with digital media such as online video and computer games. This essay explores, through student interviews and textual analysis, how student responses to multimodal assignments in college writing courses draw on popular culture genres, both explicitly and implicitly, in ways that students find unremarkable, but of which their instructors are often unaware. We must make productive use of the connections–and tensions–created when students’ employ their knowledge of popular culture genres for multimodal projects.
Satellite measurements of large‐scale air pollution: Methods

A technique for deriving large-scale pollution parameters from NIR and visible satellite remote-sensing images obtained over land or water is described and demonstrated on AVHRR images. The method is based on comparison of the upward radiances on clear and hazy days and permits simultaneous determination of aerosol optical thickness with error Delta tau(a) = 0.08-0.15, particle size with error + or - 100-200 nm, and single-scattering albedo with error + or - 0.03 (for albedos near 1), all assuming accurate and stable satellite calibration and stable surface reflectance between the clear and hazy days. In the analysis of AVHRR images of smoke from a forest fire, good agreement was obtained between satellite and ground-based (sun-photometer) measurements of aerosol optical thickness, but the satellite particle sizes were systematically greater than those measured from the ground. The AVHRR single-scattering albedo agreed well with a Landsat albedo for the same smoke.
PH effects on drug interactions with lipid bilayers by liposome electrokinetic chromatography

Liposome electrokinetic chromatography (LEKC) provides convenient and rapid methods for studying drug interactions with lipid bilayers using liposomes as a pseudostationary phase. LEKC was used to determine the effects of pH on the partitioning of basic drugs into liposomes composed of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC), anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cholesterol, which mimic the composition of natural cell membranes. An increase in pH results in a smaller degree of ionization of the basic drugs and consequently leads to a lower degree of interaction with the negatively charged membranes. From the LEKC retention data, the fractions of drugs distributed in the bulk aqueous and the liposome phase were determined at various pH values. Finally, lipid mediated shifts in the ionization constants of drugs were examined.
Unusual observations during construction of a new cloning vector providing lon gene expression in Escherichia coli

The plasmid pJMC40 containing the lon gene was transformed into E. coli HB101 leading to clones with either pJMC40 or a large plasmid designated pJMC40ins. pJMC40ins has a 1.3 kb DNA insert outside of the lon operon. Attempts to reduce the size of pJMC40 through circularization of a 6.7 kb EcoRI fragment containing the lon operon and larger parts of pBR322 failed. Circularization of an 8.0 kb EcoRI fragment of pJMC40ins, consisting of the 6.7 kb fragment and the 1.3 kb insert, produced a new plasmid which is useful as a small vector with a functional lon operon. The lon gene was cloned in vitro into the vector pUC18 setting it under the control of the lac promotor. Different attempts to transform this construct into E. coli failed. We suggest that the expression level of lon is very crucial for the viability of E. coli cells. Changes in regulation of lon expression expected to elevate La activity are lethal for E. coli.
Are Respiratory Quinolones Useful for the Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Introduction: Levofloxacin is an extended-spectrum fluoroquinolone with activity against the bacteria commonly found in complicated skin and skin structure infections such as gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, and certain anaerobes. Levofloxacin administered at a dose of 750 mg ensures that higher concentrations of drug reach the site of infection. High tissue levels result in high ratios of area under the curve to minimum inhibitory of concentration (MIC) and peak concentrations to MIC. More favorable outcome of fluoroquinolones has been associated with higher ratios. Recent pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that levofloxacin penetrates effectively into the skin and skin structures of healthy individuals at 750mg doses, reaching a mean peak concentration of 11.77 μg per gram of skin tissue. This level is 23.5 times the in vitro MIC of Staphylococcus aureus.
Alcohol Induced Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction

An alcohol use disorder increases the risk of invasive and antimicrobial resistant community-acquired pneumonia and tuberculosis. Since the alveolar macrophage (AM) orchestrates the immune response in the alveolar space, understanding the underlying mechanisms by which alcohol suppresses AM phagocytosis is critical to improving clinical outcomes. In the alveolar space, chronic alcohol ingestion causes severe oxidative stress and depletes antioxidants which are critical for AM function. The mitochondrion is important in maintaining cellular redox balance and providing the ATP critical for phagocytosis. The focus of this study was to understand how alcohol triggers mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), stimulates cellular oxidative stress, and induces AM dysfunction. The current study also investigated the capacity of the mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, mitoTEMPOL (mitoT), in modulating mitochondrial oxidative stress, and AM dysfunction. Using in vitro ethanol exposure and AMs from ethanol-fed mice, ethanol promoted mitochondrial dysfunction including increased mitochondrial ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased ATP. Treatment with mitoT reversed these effects. Ethanol-induced decreases in phagocytosis and cell viability were also attenuated with mitoT. Therefore, antioxidants targeted to the mitochondria have the potential to ameliorate ethanol-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and subsequent decreases in AM phagocytosis and cell viability.
Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic

The emergence of strange new diseases is a frightening problem that seems to be getting worse. In this age of speedy travel, it threatens a worldwide pandemic. We hear news reports of Ebola, SARS, AIDS, and something called Hendra killing horses and people in Australia-but those reports miss the big truth that such phenomena are part of a single pattern. The bugs that transmit these diseases share one thing: they originate in wild animals and pass to humans by a process called spillover. David Quammen tracks this subject around the world. He recounts adventures in the field-netting bats in China, trapping monkeys in Bangladesh, stalking gorillas in the Congo-with the world's leading disease scientists. In Spillover Quammen takes the reader along on this astonishing quest to learn how, where from, and why these diseases emerge, and he asks the terrifying question: What might the next big one be?
The inventory costs of common mis-specification of demand-forecasting models

SUMMARY In inventory planning, the use of exponential smoothing to forecast demand or the assumption that demand over consecutive time periods is i.i.d. is commonplace. In practice, these forecasting approaches are often invoked without justifying their appropriateness. In this paper we assert that, in many situations, the demand process may be different from that implicit in these commonly applied forecasting methods. In particular, we consider demand generated by a general ARM A process. For such a process, we derive expressions for the comparison of the steady-state sum of holding cost and stockout cost per unit time that results from using the correct forecasting model with that which results from the two commonly-used models mentioned above. This comparison indicates that correctly identifying the demand process is warranted and that popular efforts in batch-size reduction increase the benefits of doing so.
Oral health care attitudes of nursing assistants in long-term care facilities

This study compares the oral health attitudes of nursing assistants employed in facilities served by mobile dental units, with attitudes of nursing assistants employed in facilities that are not served by mobile dental units. Seventy-seven nursing assistants were selected from seven long-term care facilities. Mobile dental service was available in four of the seven facilities. Certified nursing assistants completed a three part questionnaire that included demographics, personal oral health care habits, and an attitudinal section based on Kegeles' health belief model, measured by a Likert-type scale. Demographically, a majority of assistants in each group were female, worked the first shift, and had worked at their respective facilities from 6–12 months. On the average, assistants who worked at facilities that were not served by a mobile dental unit had more years of postsecondary education. Both groups had similar in-service dental histories for the previous year. A greater number of nursing assistants at facilities that were not served by a mobile dental unit reported having dental checkups within the past year. The majority of assistants in each group brushed their teeth twice per day, used a medium or hard toothbrush, and did not floss. Attitudinal mean scores were similar in all the areas of the health belief model, with the exception that assistants who were not served by a dental unit showed a greater mean score for the area of susceptibility. Through use of the t-test, the area of susceptibility was found to be statistically significant (P= .05) between the two groups. Results suggest nursing assistants' exposure to mobile dental services may not strongly influence oral health attitudes.
Elective termination of pregnancy in cattle by manual abortion

Abstract Abortion was induced in 91 cows and heifers by three manual methods applied per rectum . The three methods were: (1) rupture of the amnion and crushing of the fetus in cows pregnant 35 to 66 days, (2) decapitation of the fetus in cows 66 to 120 days into gestation, and (3) rupture of the amnion without crushing the fetus in cows pregnant less than 70 days. All the cows aborted between 10 and 54 days after treatment except three out of the 29 in the group in which the amnion was ruptured but the fetus not crushed. The mean interval (21.5 days) from treatment to abortion was shorter (P ∼-.07) when fetal decapitation was done between 70 and 120 days of gestation compared to the interval (26.5 days) when the amnion was ruptured and the fetus crushed between 35 and 66 days of gestation. The average interval from treatment to estrus with amnion rupture was 38 days; with fetal decapitation it was 32 days (P>.10). After abortion, estrus occurred in an average of 15 days in the amnion rupture group and in 12 days in the fetal decapitation group (P>.10).
A cross-country time-series analysis of the volume and quality of consumption☆

Abstract Using the cross-section results of Kravis et al. (1982) and Working's (1943) model, we provide time series of the volume of consumption per capita and of the quality index for eight OECD countries with base U.S. = 100 in 1975.
Vitamin E Is Essential for Seed Longevity and for Preventing Lipid Peroxidation during Germination

Tocopherols (vitamin E) are lipophilic antioxidants synthesized by all plants and are particularly abundant in seeds. Despite cloning of the complete suite of tocopherol biosynthetic enzymes and successful engineering of the tocopherol content and composition of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves and seeds, the functions of tocopherols in plants have remained elusive. To address this issue, we have isolated and characterized two VITAMIN E loci (VTE1 and VTE2) in Arabidopsis that when mutated result in tocopherol deficiency in all tissues. vte1 disrupts tocopherol cyclase activity and accumulates a redox-active biosynthetic intermediate, whereas vte2 disrupts homogentisate phytyl transferase activity and does not accumulate pathway intermediates. Mutations at either locus cause significantly reduced seed longevity compared with the wild type, indicating a critical role for tocopherols in maintaining viability during quiescence. However, only vte2 mutants exhibited severe seedling growth defects during germination and contained levels of lipid hydroperoxides and hydroxy fatty acids elevated up to 4- and 100-fold, respectively, relative to the wild type. These data demonstrate that a primary function of tocopherols in plants is to limit nonenzymatic lipid oxidation during seed storage, germination, and early seedling development. The vte mutant phenotypes also explain the strong selection for retention of tocopherol biosynthesis during the evolution of seed-bearing plants.
Chronic Exposure to Carbon Monoxide at High Altitude: Effects on Mean Electrical Axis

The effects of breathing CO continuously at high altitude on the mean electrical axis of the heart, hematocrit ratio and body weight were studied in laboratory rats. Laboratory rats were exposed for 6 weeks to: 100 or 500 ppm CO; 15,000 feet stimulated high altitude (SHA); or 100 or 500 ppm CO at SHA. SHA decreased body weight significantly; CO and CO-SHA interaction had no significant effect on body weight. CO and SHA increased hematocrit ratio significantly; five hundred ppm CO increased hematocrit ratio to a greater extent than 100 ppm CO. There was a significant interaction between 500 ppm CO and SHA on hematocrit ratio. The mean electrical axis (MEA) was shifted to the right by SHA, and shifted to the left by CO. The effect was dose dependent, with the greater left shift occurring with 500 ppm CO. There was a significant interaction between 500 ppm CO and SHA on the MEA. These results indicate that, in general, the effects produced by 15,000 feet SHA are not intensified by 100 ppm CO, but are intensified by 500 ppm CO.
A post‐correction integration algorithm for non‐linear dynamic analysis of structures

A simple and practical post-correction direct integration approach to compute the dynamic response of structures with non-linear stiffness properties is introduced. This approach is based on the assumption that the effect of a non-linear restoring force is equivalent to a series of impulse functions acting on the so called fundamental linear system. Applying this basic idea with unconditionally stable step-by-step integration methods, the non-linear dynamic analysis of structures can be executed by a linear one-step direct integration procedure by modifying the velocity and acceleration at the end of the time step (post-correction) instead of modifying the structural properties at the beginning of each time step. A general description of the proposed post-correction approach for the direct integration of the equations of motion is presented. The algorithm to combine the proposed approach with the unconditionally stable Wilson θ method is discussed in great detail. Numerical results are included to verify the accuracy of the method and to illustrate the computing procedure.
Symbiotic Bacteria Induced Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Context Intestinal flora and anaerobes are frequently implicated in causing infectious necrotizing pancreatitis however Bifidobacterium and Veillonella have rarely been isolated as the causative agents. Bifidobacterium and Veillonella are commensal anaerobes which reside in gastrointestinal tract and help deconjugate bile acids. Bifidobacterium is also frequently used in probiotics. Case report We present a 68-year-old man who initially presented with gallstone pancreatitis but eventually developed Bifidobacterium and Veillonella species induced necrotizing pancreatitis and pseudocyst formation. Conclusion Under rare circumstances commensal gut flora can turn pathogenic which can lead to life-threatening morbidity and may even result in mortality. Image: Necrotizing pancreatitis with air-fluid levels.
Dialysate flow rate and peritoneal clearance.

We evaluated the influence of dialysate flow rates upon peritoneal clearance of urea, creatine, protein losses into dialysate, glucose disappearance from dialysate, sodium removal from the patient during dialysis, and ultrafiltration rate in 64 patients undergoing intermittent peritoneal dialysis. We evaluated three dialysate flow rates: 2 L/h, 3 L/h, and 4 L/h. All dialysate contained 1.5% glucose. The clearance of urea in milliliters per minute (2-L series 14.0, 3-L series 15.1, 4-L series 17.6) and creatinine in milliliters per minute (2-L series 9.3, 3-L series 10.6, 4-L series 11.6) determined at a dialysate flow rate of 4 L/h was significantly greater than the clearances determined at 3 and 2 Llh of dialysate flow ( P P
Ca2+-dimethylphosphate complex formation: providing insight into Ca2+-mediated local dehydration and membrane fusion in cells.

Abstract Earlier studies using X-ray diffraction, light scattering, photon correlation spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, strongly suggest that SNARE-induced membrane fusion in cells proceeds as a result of calcium bridging opposing bilayers. The bridging of phospholipid heads groups in the opposing bilayers by calcium leads to the release of water from hydrated Ca2+ ions as well as the loosely coordinated water at PO-lipid head groups. Local dehydration of phospholipid head groups and the calcium, bridging opposing bilayers, then leads to destabilization of the lipid bilayers and membrane fusion. This hypothesis was tested in the current study by atomistic molecular dynamic simulations in the isobaric–isothermal ensemble using hydrated dimethylphosphate anions (DMP−) and calcium cations. Results from the study demonstrate, formation of DMP–Ca2+ complexes and the consequent removal of water, supporting the hypothesis. Our study further demonstrates that as a result of Ca2+–DMP self-assembly, the distance between anionic oxygens between the two DMP molecules is reduced to 2.92 A, which is in close agreement with the 2.8 A SNARE-induced apposition established between opposing bilayers, reported earlier from X-ray diffraction measurements.
Influence of patient height and weight and type of stress on myocardial count density during SPECT imaging with thallium-201 and technetium 99m-sestamibi

Background The aim of this study was to determine the variability in myocardial activity with 99mTc-labeled sestamibi and 201Tl tomographic imaging, and to correlate this variability with patient anthropometric data and type of stress.
A Note on the Prediction Sum of Squares Statistic for Restricted Least Squares

Abstract There is a well-known simple formula for computing prediction sum of squares (PRESS) residuals in a regression problem without having to refit the curve for each observation. This note shows that the same basic result holds for fitting a regression function when the regression coefficients are subject to linear constraints.
Effect of Residual Elements on Fracture Characteristics and Creep Ductility of Type 308 Stainless Steel Weld Metal

Previous studies had shown that conventional type 308 stainless steel weld metal can have low creep ductility ( 10 percent total elongation) than the conventional weld metals for which data are available.