cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elucidating Protein Thermodynamics from the Three-Dimensional Structure of the Native State Using Network Rigidity

Given the three-dimensional structure of a protein, its thermodynamic properties are calculated using a recently introduced distance constraint model (DCM) within a mean-field treatment. The DCM is constructed from a free energy decomposition that partitions microscopic interactions into a variety of constraint types, i.e., covalent bonds, salt-bridges, hydrogen-bonds, and torsional-forces, each associated with an enthalpy and entropy contribution. A Gibbs ensemble of accessible microstates is defined by a set of topologically distinct mechanical frameworks generated by perturbing away from the native constraint topology. The total enthalpy of a given framework is calculated as a linear sum of enthalpy components over all constraints present. Total entropy is generally a nonadditive property of free energy decompositions. Here, we calculate total entropy as a linear sum of entropy components over a set of independent constraints determined by a graph algorithm that builds up a mechanical framework one constraint at a time, placing constraints with lower entropy before those with greater entropy. This procedure provides a natural mechanism for enthalpy-entropy compensation. A minimal DCM with five phenomenological parameters is found to capture the essential physics relating thermodynamic response to network rigidity. Moreover, two parameters are fixed by simultaneously fitting to heat capacity curves for histidine binding protein and ubiquitin at five different pH conditions. The three free parameter DCM provides a quantitative characterization of conformational flexibility consistent with thermodynamic stability. It is found that native hydrogen bond topology provides a key signature in governing molecular cooperativity and the folding-unfolding transition.
New Ireland Malanggan Art : A Quest for Meaning

Sustained scholarly interest in the malanggan carvings of New Ireland has achieved consensus regarding the social, political, and economic functions of the ceremonies in which they are used but inconclusive interpretations of the iconography of the art objects themselves continue. This paper finds an interpretation of recurring motifs in a reexamination of early reports, published and unpublished, of former burial customs. The perspective presented here supports but cannot confirm informants' insistence that the carvings are not religious but just pictures. No conclusions are reached regarding pre- or post-Christian beliefs in general, but doubt is cast on their role in malanggan art. Some theoretical implications and further research directions are suggested.
Inter‐hemispheric comparison of bottom‐up effects on community structure: Insights revealed using the comparative‐experimental approach

The comparative-experimental approach uses identically designed, replicated experiments at different sites along environmental gradients in order to gain insight into the changing dynamics of communities with changing environmental conditions. Such studies reveal how ecological processes vary in intensity and interact to produce community structure. Early emphases were on the community consequences of shifting top-down impacts, competition and disturbance with environmental stress. Recent advances include the more precise quantification of gradients and thus a better understanding of species responses to the environment, and the revelation that bottom-up forces can vary significantly on within-region scales, with major consequences for the impact of top-down forces and thus community dynamics. Here the use of the method to examine the role of geographic location (coastal ecosystems in different hemispheres) and oceanographic conditions (upwelling vs downwelling) on these bottom-up/top-down linkages is advanced. We show that a bottom-up factor (prey recruitment) and a top-down effect (predation rate) vary consistently with oceanographic conditions within each coastal ecosystem, and also between geographic locations (New Zealand, Oregon). In general, both recruitment and predation rates are higher in Oregon. It is postulated that these differences are common responses to oceanographic variation, and that between-hemisphere differences result from the stronger and more persistent upwelling in the California Current ecosystem.
Effect of Developer Composition on Photoresist Performance

A series of experiments have been carried out to define how developer composition affects the performance of a positive photoresist. The relations between resist dissolution rates and the concentrations of sodium ion, hydroxide ion and buffer ions have been examined. An equation that relates the dissolution rate of unexposed photoresist to the concentration of sodium ion and hydroxide ion has been derived. The major compositions of several commercial developers are described. The lithographic performance of resist processed in these developers has been compared by use of characteristic curves. There is little difference in resist performance observed in the different developers when compared under equivalent conditions.
Quest for environmentally benign ligands for actinide separations: thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and structural characterization of U(VI) complexes with Oxa-diamide and related ligands.

Complexation of U(VI) with N,N,N{prime},N{prime}-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA) and N,N-dimethyl-3-oxa-glutaramic acid (DMOGA) was studied in comparison with their dicarboxylate analog, oxydiacetic acid (ODA). Thermodynamic parameters, including stability constants, enthalpy and entropy of complexation, were determined by spectrophotometry, potentiometry and calorimetry. Single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, EXAFS spectroscopy, FT-IR absorption and laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy were used to obtain structural information on the U(VI) complexes. Like ODA, TMOGA and DMOGA form tridentate U(VI) complexes, with three oxygen atoms (the amide, ether and/or carboxylate oxygen) coordinating to the linear UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} cation via the equatorial plane. The stability constants, enthalpy and entropy of complexation all decrease in the order ODA > DMOGA > TMOGA, showing that the complexation is entropy driven and the substitution of a carboxylate group with an amide group reduces the strength of complexation with U(VI) due to the decrease in the entropy of complexation. The trend in the thermodynamic stability of the complexes correlates very well with the structural and spectroscopic data obtained by single crystal XRD, FT-IR and laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy.
Recombination reactions of 5-eV O(3P) atoms on a MgF2 surface

A source of hyperthermal, ground-state, impurity-free, atomic oxygen of an energy variable in the range 2-100 eV has been developed. Experimental results are presented of emission spectra in the wavelength range 250-850 nm produced by collisions of 5-eV O(3P) atoms with adsorbed NO and CO molecules on a MgF2 surface.
Occlusion filling in stereo

Disparity maps, occlusions, and occlusion filling results on the Middlebury College test images Map, Venus, and Tsukuba (from top to bottom). Occlusions are filled using SLS linear interpolation model.Display Omitted Highlights? Comprehensive study of different occlusions and their origins. ? Discussion of ambiguities in occlusion filling. ? Achieve higher accuracy in occlusion filling applying color homogeneity. ? Probabilistic definition of homogeneity to overcome user-defined thresholds. A number of stereo matching algorithms have been developed in the last few years, which also have successfully detected occlusions in stereo images. These algorithms typically fall short of a systematic study of occlusions; they predominantly emphasize matching and regard occlusion filling as a secondary operation. Filling occlusions, however, is useful in many applications such as image-based rendering where 3D models are desired to be as complete as possible. In this paper, we study occlusions in a systematic way and propose two algorithms to fill occlusions reliably by applying statistical modeling, visibility constraints, and scene constraints. We introduce a probabilistic, model-based filling order of the occluded points to maintain consistency in filling. Furthermore, we show how an ambiguity in the interpolation of the disparity value of an occluded point can safely be avoided using color homogeneity when the point's neighborhood consists of multiple scene surfaces. We perform a comparative study and show that statistically, the new algorithms deliver good quality results compared to existing algorithms.
Purity and the Forming of Religious Traditions in the Ancient Mediterranean World and Ancient Judaism, edited by Christian Frevel and Christophe Nihan, Brill: Leiden, 2013, xv + 601pp. ISBN 978 90 04 23210 5, US$267 (hardback)

Purity and the Forming of Religious Traditions in the Ancient Mediterranean World and Ancient Judaism, edited by Christian Frevel and Christophe Nihan, Brill: Leiden, 2013, xv + 601pp. ISBN 978 90 ...
Efficient Numerical Methods for an Anisotropic, Nonisothermal, Two-Phase Transport Model of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

We carry out model and numerical studies for a three-dimensional, anisotropic, nonisothermal, two-phase steady state transport model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in this paper. Besides fully addressing the conservation equations of mass, momentum, species, charge and energy equations arising in the PEMFC, we present some efficient numerical methods for this model to achieve a fast and convergent nonlinear iteration, comparing to the oscillatory and nonconvergent iteration conducted by commercial flow solvers or in-house codes with standard finite element/volume method. In a framework of a combined finite element-upwind finite volume method, Kirchhoff transformation plays an important role in dealing with the discontinuous and degenerate water diffusivity in its transport equation. Preconditioned GMRES solver together with Newton's linearization scheme make the entire numerical simulation more efficient. Three-dimensional numerical simulations demonstrate that the convergent physical solutions can be attained within 30 steps. Numerical convergence tests are also performed to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the presented numerical algorithms and techniques.
The Relationship of Satellite Inferred Convective Activity to Easterly Waves Over West Africa and the Adjacent Ocean During Phase III of GATE

Abstract SMS-1 infrared brightness was estimated subjectively for each 1° square for the area from the equator to 20°N latitude and from 10°E to 30°W longitude for Phase III of GATE and the previous interphase period at 6 h intervals. Each grid square was assigned one of the following brightness categories: 0, no clouds or clouds with low tops; 1, clouds with tops at middle heights; or 2, clouds with coldest tops—presumably of convective origin. The percentage of area covered by category 2 clouds was then computed for squares 3° an a side. The data were filtered with respect to time to isolate 3–4 day period wave-related oscillations. In addition, over 160 individual cloud clusters, including a special type of “squall” cluster, were identified in the IR images and tracked on a 3 h basis. A progressive pattern of 3–4 day period fluctuations in convective activity was observed. A comparison of this pattern with time-filtered 700 mb wind data indicates a correspondence of convective activity to wave trough a...
Expedient synthesis and design strategies for new peptoid construction.

A range of peptoids can be prepared efficiently using microwave-assisted solid-phase chemistry in a commercial reactor. This method is most effective for the installation of electronically deactivated benzylic amines. The systematic incorporation of these amines into peptoids can deliver oligomers capable of displaying unique and stable structural motifsmicrowave-assisted solid-phase synthesis will enable their future study and application.
Use of a distributed computer system for tubular reactor profile and catalyst activity identification

Mise en œuvre en ligne de deux filtres a parametres repartis, destines a evaluer les etats et a identifier l'activite catalytique d'un reacteur a lit fixe de fabrication de styrene
Gene: a gene-centered information resource at NCBI

The National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) Gene database (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene) integrates gene-specific information from multiple data sources. NCBI Reference Sequence (RefSeq) genomes for viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes are the primary foundation for Gene records in that they form the critical association between sequence and a tracked gene upon which additional functional and descriptive content is anchored. Additional content is integrated based on the genomic location and RefSeq transcript and protein sequence data. The content of a Gene record represents the integration of curation and automated processing from RefSeq, collaborating model organism databases, consortia such as Gene Ontology, and other databases within NCBI. Records in Gene are assigned unique, tracked integers as identifiers. The content (citations, nomenclature, genomic location, gene products and their attributes, phenotypes, sequences, interactions, variation details, maps, expression, homologs, protein domains and external databases) is available via interactive browsing through NCBI's Entrez system, via NCBI's Entrez programming utilities (E-Utilities and Entrez Direct) and for bulk transfer by FTP.
Antibacterial properties of nitric oxide–releasing sol-gels

The antibacterial characteristics of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing sol-gel coatings are described. The NO release from these surfaces is steady over short periods (approximately 1 h) and measurable over several days. The ability of NO to prevent bacterial adhesion is evaluated by exposing controls and NO-releasing sol-gels to approximately 10(8) colony-forming units (cfu)/mL saline suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion to sol-gel controls varies depending on the sol-gel formulation. Sol-gel surfaces capable of NO release decrease bacterial adhesion by 30% to 95% relative to controls. The contact angle measurements of control and NO-releasing surfaces are similar, supporting NO's action as an antibacterial agent against bacterial adhesion.
Change in a British Psychiatric Service

Changes in the Croydon Psychiatric Service consequent upon the adoption of a community mental health orientation are described, and the effects of the initial phase of implementation are noted in terms of data collected for a year preceding and following this phase. The major effects are seen in reduction of readmission rates to the mental hospital, and in a redistribution of patients among the wider range of facilities.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.

Abstract Objective(s): To determine [1] vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis and compare them with those from oral contraceptive (OC) users and normal cycling women and [2] any correlation between VEGF and IL-6 concentrations. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: University medical center. Patient(s): Patients undergoing laparoscopy for infertility or other benign gynecologic conditions. Intervention(s): Peritoneal fluid samples were collected. Main Outcome Measure(s): Levels of VEGF and IL-6 in peritoneal fluid were determined. Result(s): Compared with normal controls or women with less severe endometriosis (implant scores of 5 or less), women with more advanced endometriosis (implant scores of 6 or more) have elevated VEGF and IL-6 levels in peritoneal fluid. Compared with normal controls, markedly suppressed IL-6 but similar VEGF levels were found in peritoneal fluid from OC users. Neither VEGF nor IL-6 varied cyclically in normal women or those with endometriosis. There was no correlation between levels of VEGF and IL-6 in peritoneal fluid. There was no correlation between implant scores and VEGF or IL-6 levels. Conclusion: The inflammation associated with endometriosis, through increased levels of peritoneal fluid VEGF, may promote angiogenesis for the progressive growth of endometriosis. Effective treatment of endometriosis by combination estrogen–progestin pills may involve the suppression of such inflammatory responses.
Tables for pairwise multiple comparisons using shaffer's modifiedsequentially-rejective procedure

A sequentially rejective (SR) testing procedure introduced by Holm (1979) and modified (MSR) by Shaffer (1986) is considered for testing all pairwise mean comparisons.For such comparisons, both the SR and MSR methods require that the observed test statistics be ordered and compared, each in turn, to appropriate percentiles on Student's t distribution.For the MSR method these percentiles are based on the maximum number of true null hypotheses remaining at each stage of the sequential procedure, given prior significance at previous stages, A function is developed for determining this number from the number of means being tested and the stage of the test.For a test of all pairwise comparisons, the logical implications which follow the rejection of a null hypothesis renders the MSR procedure uniformly more powerful than the SR procedure.Tables of percentiles for comparing K means, 3 < K < 6, using the MSR method are presented.These tables use Sidak's (1967) multiplicative inequality and simplify the use of t ...
Determining magnification of remote objects in imaging and white light speckle photography

Summary We describe a method of remotely determining the camera magnification in imaging with particular emphasis to white light speckle photography. The image shift provided by a transverse camera movement is related to the magnification factor. We experimentally verify the concept here by direct measurement of the image shift as well as fast Fourier transformation analysis. Mathematical analysis relating image shift to the expected number of fringes in the Fourier transform is also presented.
Prospective Imaging Assessment of Mortality Risk After Head-and-Neck Radiotherapy

Purpose The optimal roles for imaging-based biomarkers in the management of head-and-neck cancer remain undefined. Unresolved questions include whether functional or anatomic imaging might improve mortality risk assessment for this disease. We addressed these issues in a prospective institutional trial. Methods and Materials Ninety-eight patients with locally advanced pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell cancer were enrolled. Each underwent pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging. Imaging parameters were correlated with survival outcomes. Results Low post-radiation primary tumor FDG avidity correlated with improved survival on multivariate analysis; so too did complete primary tumor response by CT alone. Although both imaging modalities lacked sensitivity, each had high specificity and negative predictive value for disease-specific mortality risk assessment. Kaplan-Meier estimates confirmed that both CT and FDG-PET/CT stratify patients into distinct high- and low-probability survivorship groups on the basis of primary tumor response to radiotherapy. Subset analyses demonstrated that the prognostic value for each imaging modality was primarily derived from patients at high risk for local treatment failure (human papillomavirus [HPV]-negative disease, nonoropharyngeal primary disease, or tobacco use). Conclusions CT alone and FDG-PET/CT are potentially useful tools in head-and-neck cancer–specific mortality risk assessment after radiotherapy, particularly for selective use in cases of high-risk HPV-unrelated disease. Focus should be placed on corroboration and refinement of patient selection for imaging-based biomarkers in future studies.
Testing hypotheses of ghetto morphology

Abstract Socioeconomic urban policy has generally treated the American black ghetto as a single community or neighborhood. A study of recent literature suggests that the socioeconomic structure of ghetto space may be developing a spatially systematic heterogeneity. The literature has suggested several hypotheses concerning the socioeconomic morphology of ghetto space, but heretofore these hypotheses have not been tested in any rigorous fashion. This is the objective of this study. The results of these tests suggest that the ghetto is indeed developing as a socioeconomically heterogeneous subsystem spatially parallel to the overall urban system. This implies that a multiplicity of communities or neighborhoods are developing over time. In order to be effective, the processes of urban planning and policy development must address this evolving pattern.
Optomechanical Engineering Education at University of Arizona

The College of Optical Sciences at University of Arizona has established excellent programs for training BS, MS, and Ph.D. students in optical sciences and engineering. Research activities at the University of Arizona have also been closely coupled to developments in the field of optomechanical engineering. In response to request from the optics industry, we have recently expanded the educational opportunities for BS and MS students to follow engineering curricula that provide the right mix of optics and mechanical engineering.
Geologic Map of Kalaupapa Peninsula, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i, USA

Kalaupapa Peninsula, along the northern coast of East Moloka‘i volcano, is a remarkably well-preserved example of rejuvenated-stage volcanism from a Hawaiian volcano. Mapping of lava flows, vents and other volcanic constructs reveals a diversity of landforms on this small monogenetic basaltic shield. The late-stage lava distributary system of this shield is dominated by a prominent lava channel and tube system emanating from the primary vent, Kauhakō crater. This system, along with several smaller examples, fed five prominent rootless vents downslope from Kauhakō. This map shows the subaerial part of this volcanic construct at 1:30,000 scale and encompasses an area of approximately 20.6 km2.
Tumor Characterization Using Unconventional Mr Modalities

This article reviews many of the promising new magnetic resonance (MR) modalities for the characterization of tumor structure and metabolism, excluding 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The report focuses on recent work with localized proton MRS, MR imaging of diffusion and perfusion, and work on imaging bound pools of sodium ions. The technical problems associated with these methods are discussed, along with the unique information each provides. Many of these techniques have already been used in studies of human disease, or are of sufficient importance that clinical applications are imminent.
“Academic War Over the Field of Geography”: The Elimination of Geography at Harvard, 1947–1951

Abstract After modest but optimistic expansion in the 1940s, the geography program at Harvard University was suddenly terminated in 1948, touching off a widely publicized “academic war over the field of geography.” It was a severe blow to the discipline, not only because of Harvard's position in American education but because in the course of the closure the President of Harvard University suggested that geography was not an appropriate university subject. The disciplinary history of the Harvard episode is dominated by oral accounts and discussions of personalities, but a more detached archival reconstruction of events is necessary today, if only to reclaim what actually occurred and thereby to allow us to understand it less defensively. For whatever the role of specific personalities, and Isaiah Bowman appears to have been more instrumental than is generally realized, there is a larger question concerning the vulnerability of geography, at Harvard and elsewhere. In the course of the termination and reconsideration of geography at Harvard, several key issues emerged concerning the efficacy of the discipline, and these are still relevant today. While this is mainly a historical reconstruction, therefore, it also touches on themes of contemporary relevance. For it may be that today as well as in Harvard in 1948, the discipline itself bears some responsibility for the failures that occur.
Utilizing information-based sensor management to reduce the power consumption of networked unattended ground sensors

Information based sensor management principles have been applied to an ad hoc network of commercial off the shelf (COTS) unattended ground sensors (iScout®) utilized for container security in order to extend the sensor platform's operational life by minimizing power consumption. The methodology and results of a simple field demonstration will be presented. Each unattended ground sensor contains a multiplicity of heterogeneous sensors and is treated as a sensor platform. While the use of an unmodified COTS sensor platform precluded implementation of a complete information based sensor management (IBSM) system, advantage was taken of the redundant coverage of clustered sensor platforms and individual sensor platform control to extend their operational life without loss of situation awareness.
Life Cycle of the Riffle Beetle, Stenelmis sexlineata (Elmidae),

Stenelmis sexlineata Sanderson is a riffle-inhabiting beetle with aquatic larval and adult stages. In the laboratory, the cycle from egg deposition to adult was completed in 6 months. Eggs were laid on the sides and bottom surfaces of submerged rocks and hatched in 6-10 days. Larvae completed the 7 instars in about 150 days. Pupation lasted 11-12 days and occurred when mature larvae were exposed to drying conditions in the aquarium. Natural populations exhibited a similar life cycle, although considerably longer with the larval portion lasting 1-2 years. Pupae were found under stones beside riffles. Mature larvae apparently did not actively leave the riffles to pupate, but relied on water level fluctuations to leave them out of the water. After emergence, adults underwent first a short resting stage and then a flight period. Once having entered the water, they were incapable of further terrestrial activity. S. sexlineata has been considered an indicator of clean water; however, it may have greater tolerance limits to various pollutants than many aquatic insects.
Intramolecular proton transfer quenching in tryptophan and tryptamine: temperature dependence

There are two dominant intramolecular quenching reactions for the deactivation of the excited singlet state of tryptophan and its related chromophores. These mechanisms are charge transfer to an electrophilic side chain group and proton transfer from a side chain to the indole ring. When occurring in D2O, the photoinduced proton transfer reaction results in an exchange of the hydrogen isotope at position 4 of the benzenoid ring of indole, which can be quantitated by 1H-NMR studies. We have determined the rate constant for this photoinduced H-D exchange for tryptophan and some of its analogs as a function of temperature. We show that the proton transfer quenching reaction makes a large contribution to the quenching of tryptophan, whereas for other chromophores, charge transfer quenching must dominate.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The value of multiple shunt systems in the treatment of nontumoral infantile hydrocephalus.

A multiple shunt system (MSS) has been employed in 9 children with hydrocephalus combined with not or insufficiently communicating CSF or other intracranial fluid filled spaces. The results are used to discuss the reasons for its indication in general and in specific lesions (clinical signs, specific pathology being present, types and results of preoperative work-up examinations), the MSS itself (types of MSS, advantages and disadvantages), its overall value (clinical outcome and types and results of postoperative follow-up examinations) and the problems related to shunt dysfunction in MSS. There arise 4 general indications for a MSS: 1° The uniform drainage of CSF spaces which do not or only insufficiently communicate with each other; 2° The uniforme drainage of CSF and other separate liquid filled intracranial spaces; 3° To obtain an harmonic diminution of enormously dilated CSF or other fluid filled spaces; 4° The use of both sides for shunting in cases with recurrent failures of an unilateral drainage. Specifically a MSS may be applied in post-shunt unilateral hydrocephalus, in trapped lateral ventricles (e.g. post-meningitic hydrocephalus), in chronic subdural hematoma, Dandy-Walker syndrome and insolated 4th ventricle hydrocephalus. Supratentorial and posterior fossa cysts are open to discussion for a MSS. The preoperative simultaneous recording of the ICP at different sites is more reliable than the CTT (differences in pressure). The type A shunt (combined drainage of separate spaces with a common valve and distal section) is superior to type B shunt (completely separate shunts) due to a better equilibration of different pressures and a smaller display.
A modified liquid-liquid extractor for routine oil analysis

1. A continuous liquid-liquid extractor was designed and procedures were devised for the determination of total fatty acids, oxidized acids, and unsaponifiable matter. These procedures give results that are in agreement with the present A.O.C.S. Methods.
Thyroxine analogues and cholesterol metabolism: the prevention and reversal of elevated liver cholesterol and lipid concentrations in the cholesterol fed rat by dietary 3,5-diiodothyroacetic acid.

It was found that a dietary concentration of 5 mg.% Diac (3,5 diiodothyroacetic acid) is optimal for the prevention of elevated liver cholesterol and lipid concentrations in the rat fed a high fat diet containing 1% cholesterol. Diac also reduced previously elevated liver cholesterol and lipid concentrations to chow diet control values within three weeks. Growth rates were not affected at the 5 mg.% level, but a progressive decrease in growth and increase in oxygen consumption rates occurred at dietary levels ranging from 25 to 100 mg.%. Feeding the high fat diet containing 1% cholesterol and 5 mg.% Diac for five months produced a vitamin K deficiency. This condition could be corrected by dietary supplementation with vitamin K and no further injurious effects were observed.
Pulmonary hypertension in the critical care setting: classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in the critical care setting, and may be a target for specific therapy. Moderate degrees of pulmonary hypertension are most often the consequence of acute or chronic heart failure, hypoxemia, or acute pulmonary embolism, and may be relatively rapidly reversible. The consequences of more severe forms of PH, both acute and chronic, can include hypotension; low cardiac output; right heart failure with congestion of the liver, gut, and kidneys; and varying degrees of hypoxemia, each of which can lead to death or severe disability. We review the physiology, definitions, classification, pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, and algorithms for diagnosis and specific treatments for the various causes of PH as seen in the critical care setting.
Theoretical calculations of turbulent bispectra

One-dimensional bispectra are computed from the statistical theory of turbulence (using the Test Field Model) and are compared with experiments. For an inertial range, we obtain B(k1, p1) = ek−3F(θ), where B is the two-dimensional Fourier transform of with respect to (ξ1, ξ2), e is the energy dissipation and F(θ) (θ = tan−1(k1/p1) is an angular distribution of order unity, which is compared to measurements of planetary boundary-layer turbulence. We also compare theory to wind tunnel data, as reported by Helland et al. (1978). Finally, we discuss to what extent the bispectra give insight into the dynamics of the flow.
Markov channel-based feedback schemes for adaptive modulation systems

In adaptive modulation systems, it is widely assumed that the feedback channel is error-free by employing sophisticated error-control codes and ARQ signaling. However, since feedback is sent over a wireless channel, a heavy price may be paid to justify this assumption. In this paper, we first analyze system performance, given additive noise and fading on the feedback channel. Then, by utilizing the finite-state Markov channel model for a slowly fading Rayleigh channel, we design differential and full-state feedback schemes to correct most of the errors caused by an AWGN channel. For a fading feedback channel, a Markov-based scheme is designed with a threshold level, below which feedback decisions are deemed unreliable. The resulting system performance in terms of the spectral efficiency and bit error rate (BER) is comparable to the ideal case of an error-free feedback channel.
Hypercalciuria during acidosis in hypoparathyroidism.

SummaryBoth normal intact and hypocalcemic thyroparathyroidectomized rats developed hypercalciuria when made acidotic by NH4Cl plus acetazolamide administration. One hypoparathyroid patient developed hypercalciuria and hypocalcemia when given NH4Cl. This demonstrates that the hypercalciuria of acidosis can occur in the absence of parathyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin.
Microwave digestion method for phosphorus determination of fish tissue

A simple time-saving method is described for the digestion of fish tissue for spectrophotometric determination of phosphorus. Microwave digestion of fish tissue was compared to the commonly used method of ashing tissue in a muffle furnace. Microwave digestion produced significantly higher phosphorus recoveries and took only half the time to run the same number of samples compared to ashing.
An interdependent infrastructure risk analysis framework using parallel and distributed simulation

Summary form only given. A system-based risk simulation and analysis methodology is needed to evaluate the vulnerability of interdependent infrastructure systems in order to increase the system resilience, reduce the probability of system failure and consequences of such failure, and reduce time to system recovery. These interdependent infrastructure systems are usually highly interconnected, mutually dependent on multiple levels and may be subjected to a spectrum of natural hazards. Although research has been performed in the area of infrastructure interdependency modeling and analysis, not enough work has been done to address the issues of simulating the interdependent infrastructure systems efficiently at a large scale and quantitatively characterize the impact and risks of multiple natural hazards on these interdependent systems. In this paper a risk assessment framework is proposed to model interdependent infrastructure using parallel and distributed simulation and probabilistic hazard models to characterize the impact of the occurrence and intensity of various disasters.
Polynomials Associated with Dihedral Groups

There is a commutative algebra of differential-difference operators, with two parameters, associated to any dihedral group with an even number of reflections. The intertwining operator relates this algebra to the algebra of partial derivatives. This paper presents an explicit form of the action of the intertwining operator on polynomials by use of harmonic and Jacobi polynomials. The last section of the paper deals with parameter values for which the formulae have singularities.
On the necessity of a recent set invariance condition under actuator saturation

A sufficient condition for an ellipsoid to be invariant was obtained recently and an LMI approach was developed to find the largest ellipsoid satisfying the condition. This condition was later shown to be necessary for the single input case. This paper is dedicated to the multi-input case. We will examine when this condition is also necessary for multi-input systems. Our investigation is based on studying the optimal solution to a related LMI problem. A criterion is presented to determine when the condition is necessary and when the largest invariant ellipsoid has been obtained by using the LMI method.
Capacitative calcium entry supports calcium oscillations in human embryonic kidney cells.

Treatment of human epithelial kidney (HEK293) cells with low concentrations of the muscarinic agonist methacholine results in the activation of complex and repetitive cycling of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), known as [Ca2+]i oscillations. These oscillations occur with a frequency that depends on the concentration of methacholine, whereas the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i spikes does not. The oscillations do not persist in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, leading to the conclusion that entry of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane plays a significant role in either their initiation or maintenance. However, treatment of cells with high concentrations of GdCl3, a condition which limits the flux of calcium ions across the plasma membrane in both directions, allows sustained [Ca2+]i oscillations to occur. This suggests that the mechanisms that both initiate and regenerate [Ca2+]i oscillations are intrinsic to the intracellular milieu and do not require entry of extracellular Ca2+. This would additionally suggest that, under normal conditions, the role of calcium entry is to sustain [Ca2+]i oscillations. By utilizing relatively specific pharmacological manoeuvres we provide evidence that the Ca2+ entry that supports Ca2+ oscillations occurs through the store-operated or capacitative calcium entry pathway. However, by artificial introduction of a non-store-operated pathway into the cells (TRPC3 channels), we find that other Ca2+ entry mechanisms can influence oscillation frequency in addition to the store-operated channels.
The membrane cytoskeletal protein adducin is phosphorylated by protein kinase C in D1 neurons of the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum following cocaine administration

Repeated cocaine administration results in persistent changes in synaptic function in the mesolimbic dopamine system that are thought to be critical for the transition to addiction. Cytoskeletal rearrangement and actin dynamics are essential for this drug-dependent plasticity. Cocaine administration increases levels of F-actin in the nucleus accumbens and is associated with changes in the phosphorylation state of actin-binding proteins. The adducins constitute a family of proteins that interact with actin and spectrin to maintain cellular architecture. The interaction of adducin with these cytoskeletal proteins is regulated by phosphorylation, and it is therefore expected that phosphorylation of adducin may be involved in morphological changes underlying synaptic responses to drugs of abuse including cocaine. In the current study, we characterized the regulation of adducin phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum in response to various regimen of cocaine. Our results demonstrate that adducin is phosphorylated by protein kinase C in medium spiny neurons that express the dopamine D1 receptor. These data indicate that adducin phosphorylation is a signaling event regulated by cocaine administration and further suggest that adducin may be involved in remodeling of the neuronal cytoskeleton in response to cocaine administration.
NADPH oxidase 4 mediates flow-induced superoxide production in thick ascending limbs

We previously showed that luminal flow stimulates thick ascending limb (TAL) superoxide (O2−) production by stretching epithelial cells and increasing NaCl transport, and reported that the major source of flow-induced O2− is NADPH oxidase (Nox). However, the specific Nox isoform involved is unknown. Of the three isoforms expressed in the kidney—Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4—we hypothesized that Nox4 is responsible for flow-induced O2− production in TALs. Measurable flow-induced O2− production at physiological flow rates of 0, 5, 10, and 20 nl/min was 5 ± 1, 9 ± 2, 36 ± 6, and 66 ± 8 AU/s, respectively. RT-PCR detected mRNA for all three Nox isoforms in the TAL. The order of RNA abundance was Nox2 > Nox4 >>> Nox1. Since all three isoforms are expressed in TALs and pharmacological inhibitors are not selective, we used rats transduced with siRNA and knockout mice. Nox4 siRNA knocked down Nox4 mRNA expression by 63 ± 7% but did not reduce Nox1 or Nox2 mRNA. Flow-induced O2− was 18 ± 9 AU/s in TALs transduced with Nox4 siRNA compared with 77 ± 9 AU/s in tubules transduced with scrambled siRNA. Flow-induced O2− was 81 ± 5 AU/s in Nox2 knockout mice compared with 83 ± 13 AU/s in wild-type mice. In TALs transduced with Nox1 siRNA, flow-induced O2− was 82 ± 7 AU/s. We conclude that Nox4 mediates flow-induced O2− production in TALs.
PROTEIN DISPERSIBILITY OF SPRAY‐DRIED WHOLE SOYBEAN MILK BASE: EFFECT OF PROCESSING VARIABLES

A full-fat soybean milk base was produced by grinding blanched soybean cotyledons with water, heating, and homogenizing the resulting slurry (Nelson et al., JFS 41(1): 57, 1976). The soy milk base was spray dried using a Necro-Niro portable spray drier. The protein dispersibility index (PDI) of the spray dried powder was altered by changing the processing conditions used during manufacture or spray drying. The PDI of the spray-dried soy milk base was higher when ammonium bicarbonate rather than sodium bicarbonate was used for blanching the cotyledons. The PDI of the spraydried powder increased when the soybean slurry was homogenized at high pressures and when sodium bisulfite was added to the soy milk base before drying. Sodium bisulfite was the most effective single treatment for increasing PDI. Increasing the pH of the soy milk base to 9 before spray drying increased the PDI of the soy powder. Desludging the soy milk base did not increase the PDI. The best PDI obtained was 72.
Insulator hot washing with deionized water

The evolution of hot washing insulators with deionized water is reviewed and the most recent washing equipment and practices are described. The effect of increasing the effective washing distance through the use of "slick water" and the safety of this practice are investigated. The safety of using deionized water for hot washing insulators within the confined work area of low profile substations is investigated and Southern California Edison Company's minimum safe washing distances are reduced.
Mask use, hand hygiene, and seasonal influenza-like illness among young adults: A randomized intervention trial

Background. During the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, antiviral prescribing was limited, vaccines were not available early, and the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was uncertain. Our study examined whether use of face masks and hand hygiene reduced the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI). Methods. A randomized intervention trial involving 1437 young adults living in university residence halls during the 2006‐2007 influenza season was designed. Residence halls were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups— face mask use, face masks with hand hygiene, or control— for 6 weeks. Generalized models estimated rate ratios for clinically diagnosed or survey-reported ILI weekly and cumulatively. Results. We observed significant reductions in ILI during weeks 4‐6 in the mask and hand hygiene group, compared with the control group, ranging from 35% (confidence interval [CI], 9%‐53%) to 51% (CI, 13%‐73%), after adjusting for vaccination and other covariates. Face mask use alone showed a similar reduction in ILI compared with the control group, but adjusted estimates were not statistically significant. Neither face mask use and hand hygiene nor face mask use alone was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of ILI cumulatively. Conclusions. These findings suggest that face masks and hand hygiene may reduce respiratory illnesses in shared living settings and mitigate the impact of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00490633.
FPGA-based vector processing for solving sparse sets of equations

The solution to a set of sparse linear equations Ax=b, where A is an n/spl times/n sparse matrix and b is an n-element vector, can be obtained using the W-matrix method. An enhanced vector processor is implemented on an FPGA for this problem. Performance results are presented. The effect of pipelined multiple functional units, multiple data buses, instruction chaining, hardware synchronization, pipelined scattering, matrix density, and distribution of non-zero elements is analyzed.
Factors affecting eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum) seed germination

Abstract Effects of environmental factors, especially light, on eastern black nightshade seed germination were studied under growth chamber conditions. Germination occurred only when temperatures were 20 C or higher for 12 to 24 h d−1. Optimum germination occurred within the constant temperature range of 28 to 33 C or with alternating temperatures of 30/25 and 35/30 C. In the dark, eastern black nightshade germination was poor except at high alternating temperatures of 30/25 and 35/30 C. Seed germination was enhanced by light when temperatures were suboptimal. Imbibition was a prerequisite for response of eastern black nightshade seed to light. The light requirement for eastern black nightshade germination was partially overcome by cold stratification, gibberellic acid (GA3), and high or alternating temperatures. Germination of eastern black nightshade seed was promoted by short exposure to sunlight but was inhibited by prolonged exposure, especially when irradiance was high. Nomenclature: Eastern black n...
BurgerTime: A Proceduralist Investigation

This paper explores the foundations and implication s of interpreting videogames as representational procedural artifacts. Where our pr evious work established a method of proceduralist readings , close readings of videogames that emphasize the r epresentational power of a game’s rules, to interpret videogames in tentionally authored to represent, this study attempts to apply the method to a game was no t: the classic arcade game BurgerTime . Interpreting BurgerTime provided a challenge to the proceduralist perspective that required investigating its outer l imits and assumptions. In the end, a comprehensive reading is achieved by considering the gameplay of expert players: those who understand the rules of a game the most.
Mefenamic Acid Blood and Urine Levels in the Horse Determined by Derivative Gas-Liquid Chromatography — Electron Capture

Mefenamic acid is extracted from biological fluids and is acylated with pentafluoropropionic anhydride to form a derivative possessing high electron affinity. The derivative is analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector. The method is particularly valuable for determining drug levels in blood where small sample and/or drug concentrations are available.
Isolation and Culture of Primary Chicken Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts originate from hematopoietic myeloid progenitors that differentiate into specialized multinucleated cells uniquely capable of resorbing bone in both physiological and pathological conditions. Osteoclast numbers and degradative activities increase in various inflammatory disorders of bone and certain bone oncologies, thereby causing bone loss that may weaken the skeleton, increase fracture incidence, and disturb marrow function. Many valuable insights have been obtained through the use of osteoclasts directly isolated from the bones of chickens fed a low calcium diet to enhance osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Particular advantages of this system include the abundance and highly resorptive nature of isolated chicken osteoclasts compared with those directly obtained from other species. After enzymatic release from the harvested bones, osteoclasts may be partially purified by density gradient sedimentation, bone substrate attachment, and/or immunomagnetic capture. Thereafter, osteoclast preparations may be analyzed, either directly or following some period of culture, to investigate their properties (biochemical, immunological, molecular, cell biological), resorptive function, and modulatory responses to various stimuli. Here, we present common procedures for the isolation, culture, and general study of chicken osteoclasts.