cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PS-137 Low Biochemical Nutritional Indices Predict Clinical Outcomes In Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Aim To determine whether biochemical nutritional indices predict clinical outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods Retrospective single centre study between July 2012 and June 2013. Biochemical nutritional indices included serum albumin and total lymphocyte count (TLC) which was used to calculate Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (PNI) [10 x serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 x TLC (/mL)]. Severity of illness assessed using Paediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score. Surgery categorised using the risk adjusted classification for congenital heart surgery (RACHS-1) score. Outcomes included hospital mortality, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay (LOS) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Results Total of 31 patients identified. Median age was 2.0 (0.7–41.0) months. Median PRISM III score was 8.0 (5.0–13.0). 14 (45%) underwent RACHS-1 category 2 surgery and 6 (20%) had ventricular septal defects. Median albumin and TLC were 3.2 (2.6–4.2) g/dL and 4280 (2810–5100)/uL respectively. Median PNI score was 52.7 (41.2–69.7). There was no hospital mortality. Median PICU LOS was 5.0 (3.0–8.0) days. Hypoalbuminaemia ≤3.0 g/dL associated with longer median PICU LOS (7.0 vs. 4.0 days, p = 0.016) and duration of MV (156 vs. 33 h, p = 0.007). PNI ≤ 58 associated with longer median PICU LOS (6.0 vs. 3.0 days, p = 0.041). Adjusting for age and RACHS-1 score, for every 1 g/dL drop in albumin, PICU LOS increased by 0.5 days (p = 0.006). Conclusions Hypoalbuminaemia and PNI ≤ 58 were associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Future studies to study effect of perioperative aggressive nutrition care on biochemical indices and clinical outcomes.
Electron attenuation lengths at SiO2/Si interfaces

Abstract The attenuation length, λ, was measured as a function of kinetic energy for low energy electrons (8–70 eV) traveling through SiO 2 with the use of core-level soft x-ray photoemission. Two oxides of different thickness were compared, and the extra attenuation resulting from the additional oxide on the thicker sample was used to determine the attenuation length. The curve resulting from an analysis which employs an exponential attenuation model displays a minima at an electron kinetic energy of ~35 eV, which is a result of scattering from the bulk plasmon. Below 35 eV, λ increases and reaches a local maxima at ~20 eV, at which point λ begins to decrease again. The decrease in λ, at low electron energies arises in part from electron-phonon scattering. This is confirmed by the shape of the bulk Si 2p photoemission peak observed on the thicker oxide sample, which is distorted by the phonon-induced loss processes.
Non-linear mechanics of ocean wave interactions with sediment beds

The dispersion and attenuation of ocean wave spectra propagating over sloped poro-elastic beds with non-linear Coulomb internal damping are calculated using Biot's poro-elastic theory. Elastic properties and Coulomb dampings of sediments are functions of horizontal and vertical coordinates as well as the energy levels of wave spectra. The response of a seabed to water waves is characterized by a Mach number which is the ratio of the propagation velocity of the water wave to the local shear wave velocity. When the shear Mach number is small, as in sandy beds, the bed response is quasistatic and wave damping due to Coulomb internal damping in the soil is relatively small. When the shear Mach number approaches one, such as in normally consolidated clay, the bed motion is amplified dynamically, and the water wave damping due to the Coulomb internal friction becomes large compared to the damping owing to a turbulent boundary layer. The damping of water waves is very sensitive to wave height or wave energy level in this bed condition. Large waves damp out rapidly while small waves damp slowly. The shear Mach number becomes much larger than one in a very soft mud, which behaves as something like a ‘fluid’ with a Coulomb friction owing to the dynamic softening effect of clay under a large shear deformation. The wave damping becomes nearly independent of wave height or wave energy level in this bed condition. Soil-wave tank experiments substantiate the theoretical findings.
Characterizing infantile hemangiomas with a near-infrared spectroscopic handheld wireless device

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common vascular growths that occur in 5-10% of neonates and have the potential to cause disfiguring and even life-threatening complications. Currently, no objective tool exist to monitor either progression or treatment of IH. To address this unmet clinical need, we have developed a handheld wireless device (HWD) that uses diffuse optical spectroscopy for the assessment of IH. The system employs 4 wavelengths (l=780nm, 805nm, 850nm, and 905nm) and 6 source-detector pairs with distances between 0.6 and 20 mm. Placed on the skin surface, backreflection data is obtained and a multispectral evolution algorithm is used to determine total hemoglobin concentration and tissue oxygen saturation. First results of an ongoing pilot study involving 13 patients (average enrollment age = 25 months) suggest that an increase in hypoxic stress over time can lead to the proliferation of IH. Involuting IH lesions showed an increase in tissue oxygen saturation as well as a decrease in total hemoglobin.
Quine's Naturalized Epistemology and the Third Dogma of Empiricism

This essay reconsiders Davidson's critical attribution of the scheme-content distinction to Quine's naturalized epistemology. It focuses on Davidson's complaint that the presence of this distinction leads Quine to mistakenly construe neural input as evidence. While committed to this distinction, Quine's epistemology does not attempt to locate a justificatory foundation in sensory experience and does not then equate neural intake with evidence. Quine's central epistemological task is an explanatory one that attempts to scientifically clarify the route from stimulus to science. Davidson's critical remarks wrongly assign concerns to Quine's view that it does not have and further obscures the status of his naturalized conception of epistemology.
Adult toy purchases for children: Factors affecting sex-typed toy selection

Abstract This research was designed to determine whether adults encourage sex-typed play among children by assessing the type of toys they purchase. Adults exiting a toy store were interviewed in two studies. The customer's sex, the type of toy purchased, the age and sex of the child for whom the toy was intended, and whether the child requested the toy were recorded in both studies. The parental status and the composition of boys and girls in the customer's family were also obtained in the second study. The majority of the customers purchased toys according to traditional toy categories. More sex-typed than sex-neutral or sex-inappropriate toys were purchased. Many of the sex-typed toys were requested by the children. More sex-typed toys were purchased for boys than for girls. Although the sex-typed toys customers purchased for their own children were frequently requested, many of the nonsex-typed toys were not. Customers were also more likely to purchase nonsex-typed toys for their own children than for other children. These data support previous research suggesting that adults encourage sex-appropriate play in young children by purchasing toys according to traditional masculine or feminine toy categories and by purchasing for children the sex-typed toys that they request. Children's ability to influence the extent to which their environment is sex-typed and the implications of these data are discussed.
Electrocatalysis of Nitrate Reduction at Copper‐Nickel Alloy Electrodes in Acidic Media

The cathodic reduction of NO in 1.0 M HClO4 is investigated by voltammetry at pure Ni and Cu electrodes, and three Cu-Ni alloy electrodes of varying composition, all configured as rotated disks. Voltammetric data obtained using these hydrodynamic electrodes demonstrate significantly improved activity for NO reduction at Cu-Ni alloy electrodes as compared to the pure Ni and Cu electrodes. This observation is explained on the basis of the synergistic benefit of different surface sites for adsorption of H-atoms, generated by cathodic discharge of H+ at Ni-sites, and adsorption of NO at Cu-sites on these binary alloy electrodes. Koutecky-Levich plots indicate that the cathodic response for NO at a Cu75Ni25 electrode corresponds to an 8-electron reduction, which is consistent with production of NH3. In comparison, the cathodic response at Cu50Ni50 and Cu25Ni75 electrodes corresponds to a 6-electron reduction, which is consistent with production of NH2OH. Flow injection data obtained using Cu50Ni50 and Cu25Ni75 electrodes with 100-μL injections exhibit detection limits for NO of ca. 0.95 μM (ca. 95 pmol) and 0.60 μM (ca. 60 pmol), respectively.
Impaired regulation of corticosterone levels during fasting in aging rats.

Abstract The concentration of corticosterone in aortal blood of 3-day fasted rats decreases approximately 75% between 2- and 24-months of age. The reduced level of hormone in aging rats is not attributable to an enhanced rate of corticosterone utilization from the blood or to a diminished steroidogenic capacity of the adrenal cortex, but apparently reflects a deficiency in extraadrenal regulatory mechanisms.
Environmental stress after atropine treatment

1. 1.|Atropine administration resulted in higher skin temperatures in both sensible and insensible environments and a higher core temperature in the hot environment, due to the reduction in whole body sweating. Exercise time was reduced 28 min following atropine in the hot environment, but was not affected in the humid environment. 2. 2.|The effect of heat storage (significantly higher after atropine) was shown to be greater in the hot environment due to inadequate sweat secretion for subsequent evaporative cooling. In the warm environment, enhanced sensible heat loss resulted in more effective thermoregulation. 3. 3.|Based on the effective temperature (ET∗) it is suggested that exercise in the heat can be accomplished during environmental stress at warm temperatures after atropine treatment.
Relation between radionuclide angiographic regional ejection fraction and left ventricular regional ischemia in awake dogs

Multigated equilibrium radionuclide angiography was used to quantitate global and regional ejection fraction (EF) in 26 awake dogs 10 minutes after distal and then proximal occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) or left circumflex (LC) coronary artery. Changes in global and regional EF were correlated with simultaneous measurements of the extent of acute left ventricular (LV) ischemia measured by radioisotope-labeled microspheres. The extent of ischemia, defined as the percentage of LV mass with greater than 25% reduction in blood flow from normal regional flow, was linearly related to the percent change in global EF after LAD (r = 0.84) and LC (r = 0.77) occlusions. The extent of ischemia also correlated with regional EF (r = 0.47 to 0.88 for LAD and r = 0.41 to 0.69 for LC occlusions). In 24 of 25 LAD occlusions and in all 20 LC occlusions that produced a measurable ischemic zone, the maximal percent change in regional EF exceeded the percent change in global EF. Two LAD occlusions and 2 LC occlusions reduced regional EF but not global EF. Thus, global and regional EF decreased in direct proportion to the extent of acute myocardial ischemia; regional ischemia produced greater changes in regional than in global EF.
Analysis of copy number variations in brain DNA from patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Background Clinical studies have identified several regions of the genome with copy number variations (CNVs) associated with diverse neurodevelopmental behavioral disorders. Methods We analyzed 1 million (M) single nucleotide polymorphism genotype arrays for evidence of previously reported recurrent CNVs and enriched genome-wide CNV burden in DNA from 600 brains, including 441 individuals with various psychiatric diagnoses. We explored gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in selected cases with CNVs and in other subjects with Illumina BeadArrays (568 subjects in total) and additionally in 66–92 subjects with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The CNVs in previously reported genomic regions were identified in 4 of 193 patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia (1q21.1, 11q25, 15q11.2, 22q11), 4 of 238 patients with mood disorders (11q25, 15q11.2, 22q11), and 1 of 10 patients with autism (2p16.3). No evidence of increased genome-wide CNV burden was observed in cases with schizophrenia or mood disorders, although the study is underpowered to observe rare events. Messenger RNA expression patterns suggested incomplete molecular penetrance of observed CNVs. Conclusions Our data confirm in brain DNA the presence of certain recurrent CNVs in a small percentage of patients with psychiatric diagnoses.
Radio-frequency induction plasmas at atmospheric pressure: Mixtures of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen with argon

Numerical calculations are reported which simulate atmospheric-pressure radiofrequency induction plasmas consisting of either pure argon or mixtures of argon with hydrogen, nitrogen, or oxygen. These calculations are compared to observations of laboratory plasmas generated with the same geometry and run conditions. The major features of the laboratory plasmas are predicted well by the calculations: the pure argon plasma is the largest, with the argon-oxygen plasma slightly smaller. The argon-nitrogen plasma is considerably smaller and the argon-hydrogen plasma is the shortest, although somewhat fatter than the argon-nitrogen case. The calculations are not entirely successful in predicting the exact location of the plasmas relative to the coils. A likely explanation is that there is significant uncertainty regarding the actual power coupled to the laboratory plasmas.
Relation of systemic sympathetic nervous system activation to echocardiographic left ventricular size and performance and its implications in patients with mitral regurgitation

We have previously demonstrated that the systemic sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated in proportion to an increase in cineventriculographic left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume and decrease in ejection fraction (EF) in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). However, the relation between noninvasive echocardiographic measures of LV size and performance and systemic SNS activation and their clinical implications in patients with MR is not known. We studied 17 MR patients with echocardiography, arterial norepinephrine (NE) sampling, and [3H]-NE infusions and arterial blood sampling to determine NE kinetic parameters using a 2-compartment analysis, including extravascular NE release rates (NE2, index of SNS activity) and the metabolic clearance rate from the vascular compartment. The arterial NE values correlated with LV end-systolic dimensions (r = 0.50, p = 0.04), but not with LV end-diastolic dimensions, and EF or fractional shortening measures. The NE2 values correlated with LV end-systolic dimensions (r = 0.53, p = 0.03) and inversely with LVEF (r = -0.45, p = 0.07) and fractional shortening (r = 0.43, p = 0.08) measures, but not with LV end-diastolic dimensions. The metabolic clearance rate values showed an inverse correlation with LV end-diastolic (r = -0.52, p = 0.03) and end-systolic (r = -0.49, p = 0.04) dimensions, but not with LV performance measures. The increase in NE2 values was progressive as the LV endsystolic dimensions increased and more marked at LV end-systolic dimensions > or = 40 mm. Thus, activation of the SNS is related to an increase in echocardiographic LV end-systolic dimensions and a decrease in LV performance measures in chronic MR. Medica, Inc.
Morphology, reproduction and range extension of Rhodogorgon (?Nemaliales, Rhodophyta)

Abstract Originally described from the Caribbean, the genus Rhodogorgon J. Norris et Bucher (?Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) is reported from the subtidal of the Philippines for the first time. Gametophytes are multiaxial, dioecious and have cellulosympodial development. Carpogonia, which have not been reported previously, are sessile and, after supposed fertilization, fuse with the supporting cell of the carpogonium. The mature carposporophyte is diffuse and consists of linked clusters of pseudodichotomously branched gonimoblast filaments. Carposporangia are terminal and regenerate such that nests of persistent carposporangial walls are formed. Monosporangia are formed in gametangial plants from the apices of filaments and also regenerate repeatedly within old sporangial walls. In culture, carpospores develop to form small filamentous tufts with sessile monosporangia. Ecological observations in the Caribbean indicate that plant height and branch density in Rhodogorgon is related to the degree of water movement ...
A random binary tree generator

Let B(N) denote the set of all binary trees that have N nodes. A procedure for randomly generating the trees in B(N) such that each tree is equally likely to occur, that is an unbiased random generator, is given which runs in O(N) time, requires very little storage, and uses a system of arithmetic no larger than is required to represent the number U itself. Previous unbiased random binary tree generators, based on inverse rank functions, ran in O(N log N) time and required multiple precision arithmetic capable of handling numbers of the order of magnitude of the cardinality of B(N).
Episodic slow slip events and rate-and-state friction

[1] There are several ways of generating episodic slow slip events in models of rate-and-state friction. Here I explore the possibility that they arise on velocity-weakening faults whose length is “tuned” in some sense. Unlike spring-block sliders, which have a unique critical stiffness for instability, elastically deformable faults have multiple length scales (stiffnesses) relevant to nucleation. Slow slip events occur when the fault is large enough to initiate an event but too small for that event to reach dynamic instability. The available window of lengths depends upon the effective fracture energy of the growing nucleation zone. For the “aging” evolution law this fracture energy increases rapidly with slip speed, and the range of permissible lengths increases nearly as b/(b − a), where a and b are the coefficients of the velocity and state dependence of the frictional strength. This range becomes very large for faults that are near velocity-neutral (a ∼ b). However, existing lab data firmly favor the “slip” law as a predictor of nucleation style, and for this law the effective fracture energy increases much less rapidly with slip speed. The range of fault lengths capable of hosting slow slip events in this case seems too small to explain why they are common to so many subduction zones. Slow slip can be stabilized over an exceedingly large range of fault lengths if the fracture energy increases with slip speed much more rapidly than for the aging law. An appealing mechanism is inelastic dilation of the fault zone coupled with pore pressure reduction and diffusive recovery.
A study of the relative brönsted acidities of surface complexes on Ag(110)

Abstract The relative acidities of a number of Bronsted acids have been established on the Ag(110) surface under UHV conditions. For acids which react completely with adsorbed oxygen atoms on this surface to form H 2 O, relative acidities were determined by means of acid-base titration reactions. Adsorbed species such as carboxylates, alkoxides, etc., were formed by reaction of the parent acids with O(a) and then displaced from the surface by titration with stronger acids. Relative acidities of the acids which did not react to completion with O(a) were established on the basis of their relative extents of reaction. The relative acidity scale on Ag(110), according to the reaction BH(g) + B'(a) B'H(g) + B(a) was found to be HCOOH ≈ CH 3 COOH>C 2 H 5 OH> C 2 H 2 >CH 3 OH>C 3 H 6 , H 2 O>C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 , H 2 . This order is in excellent agreement with the acidity scale for these species in the gas phase according to BH(g)B − (g) + H + (g); it cannot be explained by aqueous dissociation constants or homolytic bond dissociation energies. This result is in accord with the appreciable anionic character of the adsorbed species, since the electron affinity of the base, B, is a strong thermodynamic factor in the acidity in the gas phase. Both XPS and UPS results for adsorbed species on the Ag(110) surface are consistent with this interpretation.
Vex—A CAD toolbox

The increasing size and complexity of designs is making the use of hardware description languages (HDLs), such as Verilog and VHDL, more prevalent. They are able to describe both the initial design and intermediate representations of the design as it is readied for fabrication. For large designs, there inevitably are problems with the tool flow that require custom tools to be created. These tools must be able to access and modify the HDL for the design, requirements that often dwarf the tools' actual functionality, making them difficult to create without a large effort or cutting corners. During the FLASH project at Stanford we created Vex-a toolbox of components for dealing with Verilog, tied together with an interactive scripting language-that simplifies the creation of these tools. It was used to create a number of tools that were critical to our design's tape-out and has also been useful in creating design exploration and research tools.
Neuromuscular involvement in mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism

Purpose The classic neuromuscular abnormalities of primary hyperparathyroidism are based on observations from an earlier time when the disease presented commonly with signs and symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to test for neuromuscular abnormalities among patients currently seen with primary hyperparathyroidism, in whom the vast majority are asymptomatic. Patients, methods, and results Forty-two patients (30 women, 12 men) were studied. Serum calcium level was 11.1 ± 0.1 mg/dL (normal, 8.7 to 10.7 mg/dL); phosphorus level was 2.8 ± 0.1 mg/dL (normal, 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL). Parathyroid hormone levels by radioimmunoassay for N-tenninal and for mid-molecule regions were 32.6 ± 2.4 pg/mL (normal, 8 to 24 pg/mL) and 831 ± 127 pg/mL (normal, 50 to 330 pg/mL), respectively. Although generalized weakness and easy fatigability were common complaints, they were not seen on neurologic examination. No patient showed typical neuromuscular findings such as muscle weakness or atrophy, hyperreflexia, abnormal gait, tongue fasciculations, or objective changes in mental status. On the other hand, paresthesias and muscle cramps were reported by 22 patients (52%). Neurologic examination in 12 patients (29%) demonstrated findings consisting of either stocking-glove loss of pain sensation or loss of vibratory sensation with diminished reflexes. Creatine phosphokinase levels were normal in all patients. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies were performed in nine patients. None showed myopathy or signs of motor unit denervation. Isolated nerve abnormalities ( n = 6) and nonspecific sensory neuropathy ( n = 2) were observed. Conclusion We conclude that the classic neuromuscular syndrome of primary hyperparathyroidism is rarely seen among a typical modern-day group of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The results suggest that the neurologic component of primary hyperparathyroidism should be included among those features of the disease that have changed along with other aspects of the clinical profile of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Rotational energy dispersions for argon clusters

The dependence of the rotational energy of argon clusters on the magnitude and direction of their rotational angular momenta is obtained by classical simulations carried out in rotating frames so that rotational angular momenta are conserved. Potential energies for the clusters Ar n , with n = 3–13, and for the larger icosahedral clusters Ar33, Ar43, Ar45, Ar55, and Ar147, are taken as additive Ar2 pair potentials (Aziz, R. A., 1993, J. chem. Phys., 99, 4518), thus complementing earlier studies of rare gas clusters modelled by additive Lennard-Jones (LJ) pair potentials (Lohr, L. L., and Huben, C. H., 1993, J. chem. Phys., 99, 6369). In addition to binding energies, quadratic and quartic spectroscopic constants are calculated, the latter being approximately 10% smaller when the Aziz pair potential is used instead of the LJ potential. The quartic coefficients have been used to compare the deformabilities of the various clusters.
Statistical inference for testing inequality indices with dependent samples

This paper develops asymptotically distribution-free inference for testing inequality indices with dependent samples. It considers the interpolated Gini coefficient and the generalized entropy class, which includes several commonly used inequality indices. We first establish inference tests for changes in inequality indices with completely dependent samples (i.e., matched pairs) and then generalize the inference procedures to cases with partially dependent samples. The effects of sample dependency on standard errors of inequality changes are examined through simulation studies as well as through applications to the CPS and PSID data.
Academic Freedom, Critical Thinking and Teaching Ethics:

Sketched in somewhat general terms, there are two basic ways of going about teaching ethics: (1) the moral indoctrination approach, which is essentially a rote learning exercise; and (2) the moral engagement approach, which emphasizes listening to others in an open-minded manner and coming to carefully considered conclusions only after thoughtful reflection about differing views concerning matters of controversy. For reasons both practical and philosophical, the second approach, which emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, is vastly preferable. If the moral engagement approach is to work, however, it is essential that academic freedom for students in the classroom be ensured, for developing critical thinking skills is not possible if there is not freedom to think.The professor has the primary responsibility for maintaining a classroom environment in which students are comfortable giving expression to their views and for assisting students in the development of their critical thinking skills.
Evidence for an accidental predissociation of CO

Abstract The perturbation in the E - X (0-0) band of the CO absorption spectrum has been shown to be due to an unusual accidental predissociation. The intermediate predissociated state has not yet been identified.
Comparison of the Quick Test and the Stanford-Binet, Form L-M for institutionalized mentally retarded adults.

Summary.-For 61 adult institutionalized mentally retarded individuals correlations among forms of the Quick Test and between the Quick Test and Stanford-Binet, Form L-M were significant. As expected, Quick Test forms resulted in significantly higher IQs than the Stanford-Binet. Implications of results were discussed. The Quick Test is a short, easily administered test of general intelligence (2) on which reliability and validity data have been reported for many samples ( 1, 5 ) , including a psychiatric population, school children, and the mentally retarded (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9). However, little interest has been shown in the use of the Quick Test with adult mentally retarded individuals. The present study examined the relationship becween scores on the Quick Test and on the Stanford-Binet, Form L-M for 61 institutionalized mentally retarded adults, 39 males and 22 females ranging in age from 16 to 76 yr. (M age = 42.4 yr., SD = 16.5). Of the residential population of about 115, only those individuals with measurable Binet IQs were included. Each participant was administered the three forms of the Quick Test and the Binet according to standard procedures. As can be seen in Table 1, correlations among Quick Test forms were significant and high indicating that each form measures the same ability. ow ever, correlations obtained between the Quick Test and the Binet were more modest (.61 to .71); the highest value .71 was between Quick Testl+.u and the Binet.
Electro-induced covalent cross-linking of chitosan and formation of chitosan hydrogel films: its application as an enzyme immobilization matrix for use in a phenol sensor.

We report a novel electrochemical method for making covalently cross-linked chitosan films on the surface of a screen printed carbon electrode. In the presence of a freely diffusing ruthenium complex, Ru(bpy)2Cl2, soluble chitosan becomes irreversibly cross-linked in response to a reducing potential and subsequently deposits on the electrode surface to form a hydrogel film which shows robustness in harsh acidic conditions. The cross-linked chitosan film presents excellent ability to facilitate the diffusion and electron transfer process of the negatively charged redox couple [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− at the electrode surface, while its impact on the positively charged redox couple [Ru(NH3)6]2+/[Ru(NH3)6]3+ is minimal. By covalently immobilizing the enzyme tyrosinase in a preformed cross-linked chitosan film via a similar mechanism, a sensitive phenol sensor is constructed with a broad dynamic range. The potential advantages of this method are also discussed.
BLOODSTREAMS AND THE FORMATION OF THE INTERATRIAL SEPTUM IN THE ANURAN HEART.

Patterns of blood flow have been observed at several critical stages in the development of the frog heart. Shortly after the onset of circulation (Shumway stage 20) two inflowing streams were noted to cross in the sinus venosus and then continue through the atrium, parallel to each other. With the development of the hepatic return (stage 24) the right stream becomes much larger and its course diverted into the area that will become the definitive right atrium. The smaller left stream is then noted to flow around the right stream with the development of a spiralling of the streams. The left stream now leads into the area which will become the left atrium. This is the hemodynamic situation as the interatrial septum forms; the septum forms between the streams. Experimental and histological evidence indicate that the interatrial septum is formed by a molding action of the bloodstreams on the tissues of the atrial wall.
The LIM-Homeobox Gene Islet-1 Is Required for the Development of Restricted Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons

Forebrain cholinergic neurons modulate complex mammalian behaviors such as reward-related learning and cognitive functions. Although their dysfunction is implicated in various psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, the factors governing cholinergic neuron differentiation and diversity are mostly unknown. We tested the role of the LIM-homeobox gene Isl1 in the development of forebrain cholinergic neurons by conditionally deleting Isl1 using a Six3-cre transgene. A depletion of cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal and ventral striatum, and cholinergic projection neurons in the nucleus basalis is observed and is ascribed to an early and persistent defect in cholinergic neuron differentiation. Notably, cholinergic innervation to the neocortex is abolished, whereas that to the hippocampus is unaltered. The unique pattern of cholinergic hypoinnervation encountered is supported by the presence of cholinergic projection neurons in the medial septum, the magnocellular preoptic area, and the substantia innominata. Together, these results demonstrate the requirement for Isl1 in the development of restricted telencephalic cholinergic neurons and link the development of cholinergic neurons in anatomically disparate sites to Isl1 function.
Who Gives to the Poor? The Influence of Religious Tradition and Political Location on the Personal Generosity of Americans Toward the Poor

Americans vary widely in their ideas about causes of and solutions to poverty, and differ as well in what compassion to the poor should look like. Few researchers have examined the complex issue of compassion. Most who have suggest that conservative Protestantism has lagged behind Catholicism and more liberal Protestantism in generosity or commitment to the poor. This article examines the giving habits of Americans to organizations which help the poor and needy, using religious and political measures to test the conventional view that devout Catholics and liberal Protestants are the friends of the poor, and that politically conservative Christians are indifferent or hostile toward them. The results suggest that religion and religiosity do increase giving to the poor, but that there is no support for the conventional wisdom about conservative Protestants. Indeed, the evidence suggests theological and political conservatives are currently more generous in this particular form of charitable giving.
Water ingestion by rats fed a high-salt diet may be mediated, in part, by visceral osmoreceptors

After surgical removal of all salivary secretions (“desalivation”), rats increase their consumption of water while eating dry laboratory chow. In the present experiments, desalivated rats drank eve...
Harvesting the High-Hanging Fruit: The Structure of the Yden Gene Product from Bacillus Subtilis at 1.8 A Resolution

High-throughput (HT) protein crystallography is severely impeded by the relatively low success rate of protein crystallization. Proteins whose structures are not solved in the HT pipeline owing to attrition in any phase of the project are referred to as the high-hanging fruit, in contrast to those proteins that yielded good-quality crystals and crystal structures, which are referred to as low-hanging fruit. It has previously been shown that proteins that do not crystallize in the wild-type form can have their surfaces engineered by site-directed mutagenesis in order to create patches of low conformational entropy that are conducive to forming intermolecular interactions. The application of this method to selected proteins from the Bacillus subtilis genome which failed to crystallize in the HT mode is now reported. In this paper, the crystal structure of the product of the YdeN gene is reported. Of three prepared double mutants, i.e. E124A/K127A, E167A/E169A and K88A/Q89A, the latter gave high-quality crystals and the crystal structure was solved by SAD at 1.8 angstroms resolution. The protein is a canonical alpha/beta hydrolase, with an active site that is accessible to solvent.
Inhibition of caries in vital teeth by CO2 laser treatment

In multiple well-controlled laboratory studies enhancing caries resistance of enamel has been successfully reported using short-pulsed 9.6 µm CO2 laser irradiation. The aim of this study was to prove in a short term clinical pilot trial that the use of the CO2 laser will significantly inhibit the formation of carious lesions around orthodontic brackets in vivo in comparison to a non-irradiated control area. Twelve subjects scheduled for extraction of premolars for orthodontic treatment reasons with an average age of 14.6 years were recruited for the 4-week study. Orthodontic brackets were placed on those premolars with a conventional composite resin (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, REF 712-035) and a defined area next to the bracket was irradiated with a CO2 laser, Pulse System, Inc (PSI) (Model #LPS-500, Los Alamos, New Mexico), wavelength 9.6 mm, pulse duration 20 ms, pulse repetition rate 20 Hz, beam diameter 1,100 mm, average fluence 4.31 +/- 0.11 J/cm2, 20 laser pulses per spot. Premolars were extracted after four weeks for a quantitative assessment of demineralization by cross sectional microhardness testing. The relative mineral loss DZ (vol% x µm) for the laser treated enamel was 402 +/- 85 (SE) while the control area showed a significantly higher mineral loss (mean DZ 738 +/- 131; P=0.04, unpaired t-test). The laser treatment produced a 46% demineralization inhibition around the orthodontic brackets in comparison to the non-laser treated areas. This study showed, for the first time that a pulsed 9.6 µm CO2 laser works for the prevention of dental caries in the enamel in vital teeth in human mouths.
Pluripotent teratocarcinoma-thymus somatic cell hybrids

We have produced a series of somatic cell hybrids by fusing pluripotent PCC4aza1 embryonal carcinoma ("teretocarcinoma") cells with thymocytes from young adult mice. When these hybrids form tumors in nu/nu or syngeneic mice, all the tumors contain a range of differentiated tissues, as well as embryonal carcinoma-like tissues. Some of the tumors produce alpha-fetoprotein. These results show that pluripotency in embryonal carcinoma cells need not to be abolished by the introduction of a complete diploid genome from a differentiated cell.
Hypoxic regulation of glutamine metabolism through HIF1 and SIAH2 supports lipid synthesis that is necessary for tumor growth.

Recent reports have identified a phenomenon by which hypoxia shifts glutamine metabolism from oxidation to reductive carboxylation. We now identify the mechanism by which HIF-1 activation results in a dramatic reduction in the activity of the key mitochondrial enzyme complex α ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (αKGDH). HIF-1 activation promotes SIAH2 targeted ubiquitination and proteolysis of the 48 kDa splice variant of the E1 subunit of the αKGDH complex (OGDH2). Knockdown of SIAH2 or mutation of the ubiquitinated lysine residue on OGDH2 (336KA) reverses the hypoxic drop in αKGDH activity, stimulates glutamine oxidation, and reduces glutamine-dependent lipid synthesis. 336KA OGDH2-expressing cells require exogenous lipids or citrate for growth in hypoxia in vitro and fail to grow as model tumors in immunodeficient mice. Reversal of hypoxic mitochondrial function may provide a target for the development of next-generation anticancer agents targeting tumor metabolism.
Sexual and severe physical violence among high school students: Power beliefs, gender, and relationship.

In a sample of 463 high school students, 43% reported being the victim of either sexual violence or severe physical violence by peers in the past year. Perpetrators were more likely to be known rather than unknown to the victim, or to be dating/ex-dating partners, and 70% of those who experienced violence by peers were girls. Findings support a view of high school peer violence that encompasses relationship, gender, effects on the victim, and beliefs about both male role power and personal power.
Management of the Overprojecting Nasal Tip: A Review

A critical review of the surgical techniques available to ameliorate the overprojecting nasal tip is presented, with special emphasis on procedures involving the alar cartilage.
Evaluating a parent education program for preventing the negative effects of marital conflict

The effects of marital conflict on children are well documented. This study evaluated a prevention program for changing marital conflict for children's sake. Fifty-five couples were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment (n = 41) or a six-month waitlisted control (n = 14) group, with assessments at pretest, posttest, and 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Results indicate effectiveness in improving parents' knowledge regarding marital conflict across all assessment periods. Couples reported displaying less hostility in front of their children at 6-months, and showed improvement in conflict tactics and parenting practices at the 6 month and one-year follow-up assessments. Findings of this study provide promise for further development of marital conflict focused parent education.
Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) begun in response to deceased donor organ shortage and waiting list mortality, grew rapidly after its first general application in the United States in 1998. There are significant risks to the living donor, including the risk of death and substantial morbidity, and two highly publicized donor deaths have led to decreased LDLT since 2001. Significant improvements in outcomes have been seen over recent years that have not been reported in single center studies; however, LDLT still comprises less than 5% of adult liver transplants, significantly less than in kidney transplantation where living donors now comprise the majority. The ethics, optimal utility and application of LDLT remain to be defined. In addition, studies to date have focused on post-transplant outcomes and not included the potential impact of LDLT on waiting time mortality. Future analyses should include appropriate control or comparison groups that capture the effect of LDLT on overall mortality from the time of listing. Further growth of LDLT will depend on defining the optimal recipient and donor characteristics for this procedure as well as broader acceptance and experience in the public and in transplant centers.
The DExD/H-box ATPase Prp2p destabilizes and proofreads the catalytic RNA core of the spliceosome

After undergoing massive RNA and protein rearrangements during assembly, the spliceosome undergoes a final, more subtle, ATP-dependent rearrangement that is essential for catalysis. This rearrangement requires the DEAH-box protein Prp2p, an RNA-dependent ATPase. Prp2p has been implicated in destabilizing interactions between the spliceosome and the protein complexes SF3 and RES, but a role for Prp2p in destabilizing RNA–RNA interactions has not been explored. Using directed molecular genetics in budding yeast, we have found that a cold-sensitive prp2 mutation is suppressed not only by mutations in SF3 and RES components but also by a range of mutations that disrupt the spliceosomal catalytic core element U2/U6 helix I, which is implicated in juxtaposing the 5′ splice site and branch site and in positioning metal ions for catalysis within the context of a putative catalytic triplex; indeed, mutations in this putative catalytic triplex also suppressed a prp2 mutation. Remarkably, we also found that prp2 mutations rescue lethal mutations in U2/U6 helix I. These data provide evidence that RNA elements that comprise the catalytic core are already formed at the Prp2p stage and that Prp2p destabilizes these elements, directly or indirectly, both to proofread spliceosome activation and to promote reconfiguration of the spliceosome to a fully competent, catalytic conformation.
Patient attitudes toward health care: expectations of primary care in a clinic setting.

Abstract Patient satisfaction, defined as the degree to which patient expectations of health care areperceived as being fulfilled, has received increased emphasis in the evaluation of quality of care. To initiate research in this area, expectations of patients receiving care at an outpatient department of a teaching hospital were assessed. Patient expectations were found to be generally high. A factor analysis identified three dimensions of patient expectations: (1) the role of the provider; (2) mutual patient-physician responsibilities; and (3) the convenience of the services. The patient appeared to be subordinate and passive in his/her relationship with the physician. Patient expectations of non-physician providers were oriented toward personal qualities; for physicians, however, concern was with both competence and personal qualities. Cost of health services was not associated with the dimension of convenience.
Separation of Peonidin and Cyanidin, Two Anthocyanidins, in Cranberries by Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract A method by capillary electrophoresis for the separation and quantification of cranberry pigment aglycones was developed. The method employed an acidic buffer consisting of 150 mM phosphoric acid, 3 M urea, and 50 mM β‐cyclodextrin (pH 2.11). The acidic pH of the buffer was advantageous in preserving the flavylium cation, maximizing absorbency at 525 nm, and for comparison with high performance liquid chromatography methods. The total analysis time by capillary electrophoresis was under 20 min.
Universal Singularities of Multilayer Adsorption Isotherms and Determination of Surface Area of Adsorbents

The singularity in the adsorption isotherm for macroporous and nonporous adsorbents is considered as a universal function that can be characterized with two parameters: a coefficient of proportionality,K, and an exponent,d. It is shown that the value ofKis proportional to the adsorbent surface area but does not depend on the nature of the adsorbent. This leads to a new method to determine the surface area of an adsorbent,S, that is independent of the form of the adsorption isotherm at low and moderate reduced pressures. Comparison with the BET areas for nitrogen shows that the new method gives the values ofSwhich are very close to the BET results ifK= 1.47 × 10−5mol/m2(for nitrogen). Analysis of adsorption data for macroporous adsorbents shows that the BET isotherm gives systematic deviations and that the experimental amount adsorbed is smaller than the value predicted by the BET equation (even in the range of the best agreement with experiment). These deviations lead to systematic error in the values ofSof about 43%. UsingKequal toKf= 1/σNA(=1.025 × 10−5mol/m2for nitrogen), we are able to eliminate systematic error in the surface area determination. Here σ is the area occupied by one molecule andNAis the Avogadro number.
Effects of massed practice and meprobamate on spasmodic torticollis: an experimental analysis

Abstract In recent years a variety of behavioral techniques have been used in the treatment of spasmodic torticollis including negative practice (Agras and Marshall, 1965). faradic aversion (Brierly, 1967). instructions and negative feedback (Bernhardt et al., 1972). and systematic desensitization (Meares. 1973). However, in most of the aforementioned reports the controlling effects of the particular technique over dependent measures (voluntary and/or involuntary evocations of the tic) have not been demonstrated experimentally (see Hersen and Eisler, 1973 for review). In the present single case experimental analysis (Barlow and Hersen. 1973; Hersen and Barlow, 1974). the effects of massed practice (see Yates. 1958) and meprobamate on a subject exhibiting spasmodic torticollis were systematically examined. Following Bernhardt. Hersen and Barlow (1972). treatment efficacy was evaluated by monitoring rate of involuntary torticollis movements per 10-min videotaped recording sessions.
Arabs, Latins and Persians bearing gifts: Greek translations of astrolabe treatises, ca. 1300 D. M. Angeliki E. Laiou

Although translation of foreign literature was rare in Byzantium, in c. 1300 three Greek translations of treatises on using the astrolabe appeared, two from Latin and one from Persian or Arabic; all three are assessed in terms of Greek style and significance for Byzantine culture. The Islamic treatise translated by Shams al-Din al-Bukhari includes a translator's preface, edited in full and translated into English here for the first time. In the preface, Shams describes a deluxe astrolabe sent to Andronikos II with the treatise in the hope, it is argued, of some personal benefit in return.
Massive diltiazem overdose

A 74-year-old man presented with bradycardia, diaphoresis, mental confusion, and slurred speech. He developed asystole and was managed successfully with temporary emergency transvenous pacing and support of ventilation and blood pressure. He later was found to have ingested approximately 1,500 mg diltiazem, apparently as the result of an error created by his blindness and chronic confusion.
Conjunctive planning problems with constrained goal interactions

The problem of achieving several goals simultaneously has been central to domain-independent planning research; previous approaches to this problem have been heuristic, complicated, and ill-defined. This paper considers negative goal relationships due to resource limitation and preserved goal violation, and provides a formal analysis of conjunctive planning problems. It can be shown that conjunctive planning problems in general are NP-complete. However, we demonstrate that under certain conditions they are polynomial solvable.