cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective randomized clinical trial comparing nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Recent publications demonstrating the safety and advantages of N 2 O for pneumoperitoneum (PP) prompted us to reconsider N 2 O as an agent for PP in general surgical laparoscopy. The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to determine whether N 2 O PP has any benefits over CO 2 PP. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred three patients received N 2 O (group I, n=52) or CO 2 (group II, n=51) PP for elective laparoscopic surgery. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO 2 , minute ventilation, and O 2 saturation were recorded before PP, during PP, and in the recovery room. Postoperative pain medication use was recorded. Pain was assessed by means of visual analog scale (VAS) at postoperative hours 2 and 4, and on day 1. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups I and II in patient age, gender, weight, anesthesia risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists Score > 2), operative time, duration of PP, or length of hospital stay. Mean end-tidal CO 2 increase under anesthesia was greater in group II than group I (3.0 versus 0.5 mmHg, p 2 O PP had less pain 2 hours postoperatively (VAS: 4.9 versus 5.7, p 2 PP. Postoperative narcotic or ketorolac use was not statistically different between groups. There were no adverse events related to either N 2 O or CO 2 pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the use of N 2 O PP has sufficient advantages over CO 2 that it should be considered as the standard agent for therapeutic PP.
How the Negative Stigma Associated with AIDS Affects Sufferers' Trustworthiness

Trust is foundational for social and healthcare relationships. Stigma associated with AIDS may affect evaluations of trustworthiness in AIDS sufferers. Participants evaluated the trustworthiness of someone described as being honest, dishonest, or having AIDS. The individual described as having AIDS was judged as untrustworthy as the individual described as being dishonest. In a follow-up experiment, the individual was described as being honest, dishonest, contracting AIDS via heterosexual sex, via male-to-male sexual intercourse, or via a blood transfusion. Someone contracting AIDS from male-to-male sexual intercourse was judged as untrustworthy as a dishonest person and more untrustworthy than individuals in the other conditions.
Judicial Decision Making Under Changing Constraints: A Comparison between the United States and Europe

Attitudes, political strategies and legal constraints affect the decisions that judges make. For long the literature on judicial politics has assessed which of these three factors best explain judicial decision-making. This paper takes a different perspective. Rather than focusing on what explains judicial decisions, it focuses on when these factors matter most. The paper revolves around two main questions. First, under what conditions are courts more susceptible to the attitudes of their judges, their strategic environment or legal concerns? Second, are attitudes, strategies or legal precedent more prominent in different systems of judicial review? To the extent that judicial review is exercised by different types of courts under particular conditions in different countries, some of these factors may be more relevant in some systems than in others.Regarding my first question, I argue that judicial precedent matters to the extent that the reputation of the court as a judicial institution is at stake. Courts are institutions with specific procedures and raison d’etre, which require judges to use precedent and justify departures from it in order to protect their reputation. From this perspective, the court’s prior rulings are a source of its legitimacy. Judges are able to introduce their attitudes and preferences in their decisions when precedent is non-existing, ambiguous, or when different case law can be applied to support opposite rulings. The permeability of justices’ values in their decisions is contingent upon the availability of strong a strong body of jurisprudence. When the court’s status and legitimacy depend on its support to other political branches, majorities or public opinion, rather than on the consistency of its rulings, strategic considerations may apply.Regarding which type of judicial review system is more likely affected by one or another factor, I argue that newer and less accessible courts are more open to attitudinal filtrations. Where courts are older or more accessible, their decisions become more constrained by legal considerations. This is so because access to the court and the volume of litigation in a political system affect how solid and intricate the court’s jurisprudence will be, which in turn affects the relevance of legal constraints in its decisions. In addition, if politicians have more direct control over judicial appointments and the court’s jurisprudence, and where cases are more visible strategic considerations will prevail.I find that European systems of judicial review tend to be legally constrained, while attitudinal factors are more salient in the American model. Both systems are equally prone to develop strategic judicial decisions. I test my findings by analyzing the patterns of judicial decision making on federalism litigation in the US Supreme Court from 1953 to 2007 and in the Spanish Constitutional Court from 1980 to 2008.
New Dimensions in Cardiovascular Education Application of Electronic Technology to Teaching and Testing

In an attempt to bring patient-oriented bedside cardiovascular physical diagnosis to large numbers of students, a highly mobile electronic and television teaching facility has been assembled and utilized which can provide up to 300 students with sound, pulse and visual data from patients. While one patient is being examined, a teacher can instruct an entire class of students, all hearing, seeing and palpating the same events. Heart sounds and pulsations can be provided as actual or recorded data. Information can be projected by television camera from the physical findings of the patient being presented or from data recorded on video tape. Any combination of sounds, pulsations and visual information in real time can be provided, thus permitting the actual physical examination to be reproduced. In addition, while the student is listening to heart sounds through a stethophone and feeling pulsations on a palpator unit, he can see on television monitors near his seat a visual display of those events programmed in a variety of ways. Immediate visual correlation of what is being heard and felt can be achieved, and direct correlations between physical signs and underlying anatomic and physiologic features can be provided to the student by utilizing this system during cardiac catheterization. The system can be used for full class teaching or self-instruction from freshman through postgraduate levels of medical education. Experience with application of this system to teaching and testing during one academic year demonstrated its effectiveness in (1) enhancing efficiency of learning clinical skills, (2) increasing student-patient contact time, and (3) evaluating clinical skills of an entire medical student class.
Plant-Level Nonconvexities and the Monetary Transmission Mechanism

Micro-level empirical evidence suggests that plant managers adjust production by utilizing capital along nonconvex margins. Existing models of the monetary transmission mechanism (MTM), however, assume that production units adjust output smoothly. The objective of this paper is to determine whether such plant-level nonconvexities affect the MTM in a quantitatively significant way. To this end we replace the smooth production function in a prototypical model of the MTM with heterogeneous plants that adjust output along three nonconvex margins: intermittent production, shiftwork, and weekend work. We calibrate the model such that steady-state utilization of these margins is in line with U.S. data. We find that the nonconvexities dampen the responses of aggregate economic activity and prices to monetary policy shocks by about 50 percent relative to the standard model, thereby significantly reducing the effectiveness of the MTM. Due to heterogeneity and discrete choices at the plant level, monetary policy affects the output decisions of only 'marginal' plants - those close to being indifferent between alternative production plans. In equilibrium the measure of such plants is rather small. In addition, contrary to popular belief, the quantitative effects of monetary policy shocks on aggregate output do not significantly change with the degree of capacity utilization over the business cycle. The effects on inflation, however, do change substantially over the business cycle when monetary policy shocks are persistent.
Reinventing a Security: Arguments for a Public Interest Definition

The traditional test for evaluating whether a particular investment vehicle is covered under the securities law is in dire need of reform. Under the traditional test, coverage turns entirely on the private needs of private investors rather than on the public needs of the national securities markets. Considerations of the American capital formation and secondary trading markets or those markets' ability to compete in foreign markets remain untouched. The introduction of more sophisticated investment vehicles provides an opportunity to amend the traditional analysis to better address the broader public interest. Considerations of the national markets can be integrated harmoniously into the traditional analysis for the purposes of making securities coverage determinations. Adding a public interest component to the test would provide a useful supplement to the traditional approach. This article analyzes the current approach; moving through a discussion of how the Supreme Court determines what is and what is not a security before delving into the deficiencies of the current approach. An expanded calculus that includes a public interest test is needed so that capital formation, secondary trading markets, and issues of market regulation are explicitly considered. A public interest test is entirely consonant with the traditional touchstones of congressional intention and prior case law. On multiple occasions Congress has acted by amendment to bring a portion of the financial markets under greater regulation in order to protect the public interest. This article illustrates that in the absence of the public interest calculus the traditional test is insufficient. It is therefore important that the courts consider the larger, national implications of securities coverage through the application of a public interest test.
Assessment of anticonvulsant effectiveness and safety in patients with Angelman's syndrome using an Internet questionnaire

An Internet questionnaire was used to collect data from caregivers about seizure activities and drug therapies of patients with Angelman's syndrome (AS). A questionnaire to collect data on AS patient demographics, seizure types, laboratory diagnosis, and past history of anticonvulsant use was developed and distributed among the membership of multiple AS groups primarily through the Internet. Caregivers of AS patients were asked to rate each drug listed on the questionnaire for its effect on the patient's behavior and alertness and on the severity and frequency of the patient's seizures. A 6-point rating scale was used, with the lowest score representing the most favorable effect. Primary considerations of the survey were to reach as many people as possible, anonymously and quickly, in a widely comprehensible format. Data were collected between March 22 and October 9, 2002. Of the 88 complete questionnaires received, 75 were electronic and 13 were handwritten responses. Forty-seven percent of respondents reported patients' use of a combination of medications at some point, with 59 different combinations described, 21 of which consisted of three or more medications. The most commonly reported regimens were valproic acid and clonazepam, valproic acid and topiramate (with or without clonazepam), valproic acid and lamotrigine, and phenytoin and carbamazepine. Patient characteristics and seizure types were consistent with those of AS patients described in the literature. Topiramate and ethosuximide were rated favorably, consistent with previously published reports. Responses to the questionnaire were widespread and rapid, with 42 responses collected in the first week. An Internet questionnaire helped collect self-reported efficacy information from caregivers of AS patients.
Lower temperature crystallization and ordering in sol-gel derived Pb(Sc/sub 0.5/Ta/sub 0.5/)O/sub 3/ powders and thin layers

Lead scandium tantalate (PST) was prepared by sol-gel processing, and the crystallization into the perovskite phase was determined at reduced temperatures (600-700/spl deg/C). The extent of B-site cation ordering was also determined as a function of cooling conditions. Results are reported for the integration of capacitors on silicon with a capacitance density greater than 200 fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/. A preferred (111) orientation was obtained, with ( 1/2 1/2 1/2 ) B-site cation partial ordering. No evidence was obtained for A-site Pb vacancy ordering. Results are reported for X-ray diffraction and selected-area electron diffraction investigations.
Backwater controls of avulsion location on deltas

River delta complexes are built in part through repeated river-channel avulsions, which often occur about a persistent spatial node creating delta lobes that form a fan-like morphology. Predicting the location of avulsions is poorly understood, but it is essential for wetland restoration, hazard mitigation, reservoir characterization, and delta morphodynamics. Following previous work, we show that the upstream distance from the river mouth where avulsions occur is coincident with the backwater length, i.e., the upstream extent of river flow that is affected by hydrodynamic processes in the receiving basin. To explain this observation we formulate a fluvial morphodynamic model that is coupled to an offshore spreading river plume and subject it to a range of river discharges. Results show that avulsion is less likely in the downstream portion of the backwater zone because, during high-flow events, the water surface is drawn down near the river mouth to match that of the offshore plume, resulting in river-bed scour and a reduced likelihood of overbank flow. Furthermore, during low-discharge events, flow deceleration near the upstream extent of backwater causes enhanced deposition locally and a reduced channel-fill timescale there. Both mechanisms favor preferential avulsion in the upstream part of the backwater zone. These dynamics are fundamentally due to variable river discharges and a coupled offshore river plume, with implications for predicting delta response to climate and sea level change, and fluvio-deltaic stratigraphy.
Genome Replication I: the Players

This chapter reviews the viral and host players in the viral RNA replication process and the forms of picornavirus RNA utilized, as well as the RNA/protein complexes that facilitate viral RNA synthesis. Cleavage of poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2) by 3CD contributes to a switch from translation to RNA replication for poliovirus, as full-length PCBP2 functions in viral translation but the truncated PCBP2 cleavage product can only function in RNA replication. The cis- acting replication element (CRE) is an RNA structure required for picornavirus RNA replication and was first discovered in the HRV14 genome by McKnight and Lemon. The picornavirus polymerase will homodimerize, oligomerize, and interact with the viral proteins 3AB, VPg, and 3CD. Although research efforts designed to elucidate the mechanisms of RNA replication utilized by picornaviruses have been comprehensive during the past several decades, there is still much to understand about the protein players and viral RNA sequences involved in replication. It is still unknown how 3Dpol can bind to sequences as disparate as the 3’ NCR/poly(A) tract of picornavirus genomic RNAs and those found at the 3’ ends of negative-strand RNA intermediates. Importantly, additional inhibitors of picornavirus replication that target specific players involved in RNA replication complex assembly, initiation, and chain elongation need to be developed as potential therapeutics against this important class of human and animal viruses.
Dietary Protein and Amino Acid Levels Alter Threonine Dehydrogenase Activity in Hepatic Mitochondria of Gallus domesticus

Experiments were conducted to determine if hepatic threonine dehydrogenase (TDH) activity is influenced by dietary protein or specific amino acid concentrations. In an initial experiment, young chicks were deprived of feed for 60 h or had access for 72 h to a 22% protein basal diet, a protein-free diet or a 51% high protein diet. TDH activity was determined as aminoacetone and glycine accumulation during incubation of liver mitochondria. TDH activity was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in chicks fed the protein-free diet and significantly greater in chicks fed the high protein diet compared with chicks fed the basal diet. Food deprivation had no effect on TDH activity. A second experiment was conducted using the 22 and 51% protein diets, the 22% protein diet plus 1.14 g/100 g diet threonine (equivalent to the free plus protein-bound threonine content of the high protein diet), and the 51% protein diet containing 0.15 g/100 g diet less threonine. TDH was increased in chicks fed either high protein diet (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in TDH activity, however, between chicks fed the basal diet and the threonine-supplemented diet or between chicks fed the two high protein diets. In two other experiments, the activity of TDH was investigated in chicks fed for 9 d dietary supplements of either serine or glycine (5.5 or 4 g/100 g basal diet, respectively). The supplements were added to the basal diet or the basal diet imbalanced by the addition of 6% branched-chain amino acids. Neither the serine nor the glycine supplement significantly altered TDH activity or the increased activity associated with a branched-chain amino acid-induced threonine imbalance. The results suggest that hepatic TDH activity is influenced by protein level or other amino acids more than by threonine itself.
Paleo-viscometry of magma bodies

Abstract Viscosity and water content are among the most important characteristics of magma bodies. However, once magma has erupted or solidified, such properties of the original magma are difficult to constrain directly. For an ensemble of rhythmically layered magmatic sills and dikes we present a simple model of crystallization and crystal settling that allows one to obtain a melt viscosity estimate when combined with field observations. If the composition of the parental magma is roughly known and an estimate of its liquidus temperature is known, the viscosity can be used to infer water content.
The need for self-report data in the assessment of stuttering therapy efficacy: repetitions and prolongations of speech. The stuttering syndrome.

Background: Bloodstein reviewed hundreds of studies that investigated the efficacy of therapeutic protocols for ameliorating the stuttering syndrome. Surprisingly, almost all were effective in significantly reducing overtly perceptible behaviours such as repetitions and prolongations of speech sounds. These results seem highly improbable considering that many of the treatment methods were diametrically opposed in their principles and implementation procedures (e.g. psychoanalysis, drug therapy, behaviourism, cognitive behavioural therapy and auditory feedback devices with rate control, etc.). In addition, time and more ecologically valid methods such as self‐report measures demonstrate that overt measures of success are tenuous, their ameliorative effects tend to diminish drastically over time and show poor generalizability. Further, the real conundrum in stuttering therapy is the failure to acknowledge stuttering as a complete syndrome of continuous compensatory behaviours.Aims: To highlight how self‐rep...
E-cadherin is an additional immunological target for pemphigus autoantibodies.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are autoimmune blistering diseases characterized by autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3, respectively. The role of classical cadherins as immunological targets of pemphigus autoantibodies is unknown. In this study, we tested the reactivity of sera from patients with PF, Fogo Selvagem (FS), and PV by immunoprecipitation coupled with immunoblotting (IP–IB) and ELISA techniques using a baculovirus-expressed ectodomain of E-cadherin. By IP–IB, anti-E-cadherin reactivity was detected in all tested sera of PF (n=13) and FS (n=15) patients, and in 79% of mucocutaneous-type PV patients (n=33), but in none of the mucosal-type PV patients (n=7). By ELISA, anti-E-cadherin IgG was detected in most pemphigus sera that produced strong E-cadherin bands by IP–IB. The immunoreactivity of PF/FS sera with E-cadherin was also demonstrated by IP–IB using human epidermal extracts. However, immunofluorescence staining of A431DE cells (E-cadherin positive, Dsg1 negative) with pemphigus sera showed negative results. Immunoadsorption and competitive ELISA analysis suggest that most of the anti-E-cadherin antibodies cross-react with Dsg1, whereas others may represent independent antibodies that do not cross-react with Dsg1. The functional relevance of these anti-E-cadherin IgG autoantibodies detected in these pemphigus sera remains to be defined.
Effect of dispersion in the f band of the one-dimensional Anderson lattice model.

We study the effect of a small dispersion in the f band on the elementary excitations of the one-dimensional Anderson lattice at half filling. We use the density-matrix renormalization-group technique to study the strong-coupling case (large Coulomb repulsion U) and an analytic renormalization-group calculation for weak coupling. When U=0, even a small dispersion in the f band can close the hybridization gap. In contrast, when U is large, the quasiparticle gap remains open and is almost independent of the dispersion in the f band. This means that for a given value of the dispersion, there is a metal-insulator transition for some value of the Coulomb repulsion U. The analytic calculation shows that the transition occurs at U=0. In contrast to the quasiparticle gap, the spin gap is strongly suppressed by the dispersion in the f band. This suppression is associated with the enhancement of antiferromagnetic correlations. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Characterization of a rat liver epithelial cell line to detect inhibitors of metabolic cooperation.

A normal rat liver epithelial cell line, with phenotype characteristics of “oval” cells (WB-F344), was examined for its ability to perform gap-junctional intercellular communication as measured by metabolic cooperation. To test for gap-junctional intercellular communication, 6-thioguanine-sensitive cells were cocultivated with 6-thioguanine-resistant cells. It was found that the recovery of 6-thioguanine-resistant cells depended on the densities of the 6-thioguanine-sensitive cells. Higher densities of 6-thioguanine-sensitive cells reduced the recovery of 6-thioguanine-resistant cells. These observations demonstrate that rat liver epithelial cells could metabolically cooperate, implying they could perform gap-junctional intercellular communication. Two tumor-promoting organochlorine pesticides, aldrin and dieldrin, were potent inhibitors of metabolic cooperation for these cells, but 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and teleocidin, known mouse skin tumor promoters, were not significantly effective in inhibiting metabolic cooperation. The results suggest that these cells might provide the basis for an in vitro assay specifically to study liver tumor promoters.
Shifting the Sands of Time: Moving an archive

L'auteur presente une planification de l'operation de demenagement d'archives d'un bâtiment a un autre. Bien que basees essentiellement sur son experience en Australie, ses recommandations sont valables partout. Le processus est decrit en mettant en avant les problemes souleves avant, pendant et, dans une moindre mesure, apres la delocalisation. Une planification a long terme, l'attention portee aux details et une bonne communication sont les cles du succes. Le role de superviseur du projet est essentiel.
The pathology of head and neck tumors: spindle cell lesions (sarcomatoid carcinomas, nodular fasciitis, and fibrosarcoma) of the aerodigestive tracts, Part 14

The term spindle cell lesion, or tumor, is a purely descriptive one and if applied without further qualification is meaningless as a guide to therapy and prognosis. The three lesions presented in this report--sarcomatoid carcinomas, nodular fasciitis, and fibrosarcoma--serve to illustrate this point. One, the sarcomatoid carcinoma, is an epithelial malignancy in which the majority of the sarcoma-like spindle cells are believed to be variants of the epithelial cells. Nodular fasciitis, a self-limited and benign soft tissue lesion, is composed principally of myofibroblasts. Primarily an extramucosal lesion, it presents a pseudosarcomatous microscopic appearance. Fibrosarcomas represent the other end of the spindle cell lesion spectrum in that they are soft tissue malignancies of fibroblastic origin. Clinical, pathologic, and biologic implications of these lesions when they arise in the mucosae of the upper aerodigestive tracts of the head and neck are presented.
Web-based administration of a personality questionnaire: Comparison with traditional methods

The World-Wide Web holds great promise as a mechanism for questionnaire-based research. But are data from Web-based questionnaires comparable to data from standard paper-and-pencil questionnaires? This study assessed the equivalence of the Ruminative Responses Scale in a Web-based format and in a paper-and-pencil format among introductory psychology, upper-level psychology, and non-psychology students. Internal consistency coefficients were comparable across the groups. The participants in the Web sample reported higher levels of self-focused rumination than did the other groups. Women in the Web sample reported more self-focused rumination than did women in the other groups. In the Web sample, results did not covary with access location. These results suggest that findings from Web-based questionnaire research are comparable with results obtained using standard procedures. The computerized Web interface may also facilitate self-disclosure among research participants.
Anatomy of the Corpus Callosum Reveals Its Function

The corpus callosum (CC) comprises axons connecting the cortices of the two cerebral hemispheres and is the principal white matter fiber bundle in the brain. As recently as the mid 20th century, the CC was thought to serve no other purpose than preventing the two hemispheres from collapsing on one
T2 Imaging in Monitoring of Intraparenchymal Real-Time Convection-Enhanced Delivery

Background Real-time convection-enhanced delivery (RCD) of adeno-associated viral vectors by co-infusion of gadoteridol allows T1 magnetic resonance imaging (T1 MRI) prediction of areas of subsequent gene expression. The use of T2 MRI in RCD is less developed. In addition, the effect of flushing a dead-space volume on subsequent distribution of a therapeutic agent is not known. Objective The value of T2 MRI in RCD was investigated by comparing distribution volumes of saline with immediately after T1 RCD of gadoteridol and by comparing T2, T1, and transgene distribution patterns after viral vector RCD. Methods Adult nonhuman primates underwent saline infusion/T2 acquisition, immediately followed by gadoteridol infusion/T1 acquisition in the putamen and brainstem. Distribution volumes and spatial patterns were analyzed. Gadoteridol and adeno-associated virus encoding human aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AAV2-hAADC) were co-infused under alternating T2/T1 acquisition in the thalamus, and hyperintense areas were compared with areas of subsequent transgene expression. Results Ratios of distribution volume to infusion volume were similar between saline and gadoteridol RCD. Spatial overlap correlated well between T2 and T1 images. The second infusate followed a spatiotemporal pattern similar to that of the first, filling the target area before developing extra-target distribution. Areas of human L-amino acid decarboxylase expression correlated well with areas of both T1 and T2 hyperintensity observed during RCD. Conclusion Accuracy of cannula placement and initial infusate distribution may be safely determined by saline infusion without significantly altering the subsequent distribution of the tracer agent. T2 RCD provides detection of intraparenchymal convection- enhanced delivery in the uninjured brain and may predict subsequent distribution of a transgene after viral vector infusion.
Analysis of factors affecting immune recovery and initial response to tetanus after DTaP vaccination in pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients

Transfer of donor immunity after allo-HSCT is limited, requiring re-vaccination after HSCT. The CDC 2009 guidelines introduced earlier vaccination post-HSCT with a uniform vaccination strategy. This study objective was to describe predictors of immune recovery and initial response to tetanus after DTaP vaccination post-HSCT. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric allo-HSCT patients transplanted between July 1, 2007-June 30, 2012 who survived >1 yr without relapse (N = 27). Response to tetanus one month after the initial dose of DTaP was defined as a ≥4 fold increase in tetanus titers ≥1 month after vaccination. Wilcoxon rank-sum exact test and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyze CD4, CD8, and CD19 counts. Exact conditional logistic regression was utilized to analyze initial tetanus vaccination response. A statistically significant increase in median CD4, CD8, and CD19 counts occurred from six to 12 months post-HSCT (p ≤ 0.0001, 0.005, 0.004). Only 36% of patients had initial tetanus vaccination response at first attempt post-HSCT. None of the variables tested were statistically significant in predicting initial tetanus response to vaccination. There was no association between predictors of immune recovery or transplant variables and initial tetanus response. A uniform vaccination strategy is unlikely to provide protective antibodies for many post-HSCT patients and should be evaluated in larger studies.
Broadband high gain triple-layer transmitarray antenna

The goal of this paper is to present a design technique that optimizes the transmission phase distribution of triple-layer transmitarray antennas. It aims to reduce the effects of the lossy elements with low transmission coefficients on the antenna gain. A full transmission phase range of 360° is achieved using triple-layer spiral-dipole element with transmission magnitude equal to or better than -4.2 dB. A transmitarray antenna prototype has been designed, fabricated, and tested at X-band. The measured gain is 28.9 dB at 11.3 GHz. A broadband of 9% bandwidth for 1 dB gain is achieved.
Plant proteomics: blasting out of a MudPIT

While the genome contains the coded information that allows an organism to live and reproduce, the essential functions of living cells are accomplished by gene products. Those structures—mainly proteins, although ribonucleic acids are also essential—provide the scaffold, regulatory, and catalytic functions that drive metabolism. Proteomics seeks to measure the expression of all proteins within an organism and monitor changes in response to developmental and environmental cues in health and disease. Because the 30,000 or so human genes sustain life through a considerably larger variety of mature proteins, the technological challenge dramatically exceeds that of genomics. Ultimately, we would like a computer model that mimics life in silico, allowing accurate projections for metabolic engineering experiments in medicine and the life sciences. This grand experiment is just starting and the race is on to develop high-throughput technology to provide proteome-scale insights, as well as computational systems that allow realistic modeling of simple cells. Yates and coworkers (1) present the results of recent attempts to map the rice proteome and compare metabolism in three different functional states of the organism—that is, leaf, root, and seed. Although central metabolic pathways were present in all tissues, metabolic specialization was detected, confirming the existence of divergent regulatory mechanisms in starch biosynthesis and degradation in different tissues, as well as the presence of allergenic proteins in seed. We would like a computer model that mimics life in silico, allowing accurate projections for metabolic engineering experiments.
Study of cytochrome oxidase co-binding site using low-temperature flash photolysis.

Flash photolysis has been used to study the kinetics of CO-binding to the heme a of isolated cytochrome oxidase. Experiments performed over the range 185–295°K with various CO concentrations have revealed significant deviations from the Arrhenius relationship between rate and temperature. These findings can be explained by a model in which the heme site is considered to have three regions between which CO can move; only from the innermost one can binding to the heme iron take place. The relative enthalpies and entropies of the three regions are calculated.
Complex motor and sensorimotor functions of striatal and accumbens dopamine: involvement in instrumental behavior processes

The suggestions that dopamine (DA) systems are involved in “motor control” and “reward” represent the classic working hypotheses on the behavioral functions of these systems. The research generated by these hypotheses has yielded results that are far more complicated than the simplest form of either hypothesis would indicate. Pharmacological or lesion-induced interference with DA function does not suppress all aspects of movement control, nor all aspects of reward, nor all aspects of motivation. The deficits produced by interference with DA systems are selective and dissociative in nature, affecting some aspects of motor or motivational function, but leaving others basically intact. In some sense the hypotheses that DA is involved in “motor” or “reward” or “motivational” processes are partly correct, but the processes to which these terms refer are too broad to offer an accurate and detailed description of the behavioral functions of brain DA. A review of the literature on the behavioral pharmacology of DA suggests that the behaviors most easily disrupted by DA antagonists are highly activated and complex learned instrumental responses that are elicited or supported by mild conditioned stimuli, and maintained for considerable periods of time. It is proposed that DA in accumbens and striatum modulates the ability of neocortical and limbic areas involved in sensory, associative, and affective processes to influence complex aspects of motor function, and also modulates the execution of complex motor acts organized by the neocortex. Thus, interference with DA systems produces a “subcortical apraxia”, which dissociates complex stimulus processes from complex motor processes, but leaves aspects of those processes intact.
A reproducible mouse model of chronic allograft nephropathy with vasculopathy

Although short-term outcomes in kidney transplantation have improved dramatically, long-term survival remains a major challenge. A key component of long-term, chronic allograft injury in solid organ transplants is arteriosclerosis characterized by vascular neointimal hyperplasia and inflammation. Establishing a model of this disorder would provide a unique tool not only to identify mechanisms of disease but also to test potential therapeutics for late graft injury. To this end, we utilized a mouse orthotopic renal transplant model in which C57BL/6J (H-2b) recipients were given either a kidney allograft from a completely mismatched Balb/cJ mouse (H-2d) or an isograft from a littermate. A unilateral nephrectomy was performed at the time of transplant followed by a contralateral nephrectomy on post-transplant day 7. Recipients were treated with daily cyclosporine subcutaneously for 14 days and then studied 8 and 12 weeks post transplantation. Renal function was significantly worse in allograft compared with isograft recipients. Moreover, the allografts had significantly more advanced tubulointerstitial fibrosis and profound vascular disease characterized by perivascular leukocytic infiltration and neointimal hyperplasia affecting the intrarenal blood vessels. Thus, we describe a feasible and reproducible murine model of intrarenal transplant arteriosclerosis that is useful to study allograft vasculopathy.
Evaluation of prallethrin aerosol to control stored product insect pests

Abstract Three aerosol formulations containing either 0.75, 1.00 or 1.50% prallethrin as the active ingredient were tested on seven common stored product insect pest species. Application at 0.2 g AI per 28.3 m 3 killed all adult Cadra cautella (Walker) and Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), and at least 99% of the adult Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Trogoderma variabile (Ballion) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). An application rate of 0.3 g AI per 28.3 m 3 killed at least 90% of the adult Stegobium paniceum (L.). An application rate of 0.5 g AI per 28.3 m 3 killed approx. 93% of adult Tribolium confusum (Duv.) and approx. 73% of Attagenus megatoma (F.) larvae. All insects still alive when final mortality assessments were made were knocked down. All T. confusum that survived a single application at 0.5 g were killed by a second application 1, 2 or 3 days later.
Initial stages of SiOx deposition on graphite

The reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and the subsequent deposition of SiOx on the basal plane and edges of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) were studied. Interfacial bonding and surface morphologies resulting from different reaction conditions were probed using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The initial reaction of TEOS was found to occur at surface defects. STM images indicated that SiCx films do not grow layer-by-layer, confirming earlier indirect observations to that effect.
Topological Probes of Monoamine Oxidases A and B in Rat Liver Mitochondria: Inhibition by TEMPO-Substituted Pargyline Analogues and Inactivation by Proteolysis

TEMPO-substituted pargyline analogues differentially inhibit recombinant human monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) and B (MAO B) in intact yeast mitochondria, suggesting these membrane-bound enzymes are located on differing faces of the mitochondrial outer membrane [Upadhyay, A., and Edmondson, D. E. (2009) Biochemistry 48, 3928]. This approach is extended to the recombinant rat enzymes and to rat liver mitochondria. The differential specificities exhibited for human MAO A and MAO B by the m- and p-amido TEMPO pargylines are not as absolute with the rat enzymes. Similar patterns of reactivity are observed for rat MAO A and B in mitochondrial outer membrane preparations expressed in Pichia pastoris or isolated from rat liver. In intact yeast mitochondria, recombinant rat MAO B is inhibited by the pargyline analogue whereas MAO A activity shows no inhibition. Intact rat liver mitochondria exhibit an inhibition pattern opposite to that observed in yeast where MAO A is inhibited and MAO B activity is unaffected. Protease inactivation studies show specificity in that MAO A is sensitive to trypsin whereas MAO B is sensitive to β-chymotrypsin. In intact mitochondrial preparations, MAO A is readily inactivated in rat liver but not in yeast upon trypsin treatment and MAO B is readily inactivated by β-chymotrypsin in yeast but not in rat liver. These data show MAO A is oriented on the cytosolic face and MAO B is situated on the surface facing the intermembrane space of the mitochondrial outer membrane in rat liver. The differential mitochondrial outer membrane topology of MAO A and MAO B is relevant to their inhibition by drugs designed to be cardioprotectants or neuroprotectants.
Molecular responses to ischemia and reperfusion in the liver

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury occurs when oxygen is rapidly reintroduced into ischemic tissue, resulting in cell death and necrotic tissue damage. This is a major concern during liver transplantation procedures since there is an inevitable interruption and subsequent restoration of circulation. IR injury in liver tissue is initiated through reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by hepatocytes during IR insult. Although these ROS are thought to play a protective roll since they are known to activate several pathways involved in the hypoxic response, they also trigger a localized sterile immune response that results in the recruitment of Kupffer cells and neutrophils to the site of IR insult. These immune cells generate larger quantities of ROS that trigger apoptosis and oncotic necrosis in liver tissue. In this review, we will summarize what is currently known about the response of liver tissue to IR insult at the molecular level.
Two manufacturing applications of the fuzzy K -NN algorithm

Abstract This paper discusses the applications of the fuzzy K -NN ( K -nearest neighbors) algorithm for identifying welds from digitized radiographic images and for determining PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) tool failure in face milling operations. Both applications consist of two major steps: feature extraction and pattern classification. For the weld identification application, the weld image is processed line by line and three features are extracted for each object in the line image. These features are the width, the mean square error (MSE) between the object and its Gaussian, and the peak intensity (gray level). For the application of tool failure recognition, two features are derived from AE signals generated by the cutting operation. They are the ΔRMS and peak/count ratio. The use of the fuzzy K -NN classifier and the classification results are discussed. The results show that the fuzzy K -NN classifier yields high successful rates of recognition for both applications.
Craniomaxillofacial trauma in the elderly.

Purpose: Limited data are currently available regarding the nature of craniomaxillofacial fractures in the geriatric population. This retrospective study reviews 109 hospital records dating from 1981 to mid-1993. The goal of this study was to provide details relevant to these types of injuries. Results: Most patients were injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) or fall-related episodes. Females sustained 43.9% of the fractures while males sustained 56.1%. In females, falls were the most common cause of fractures, while in males MVAs caused the majority of fractures (P < .01). Most fractures were found in the upper midface region (60.3%) and the mandible (27.5%). MVAs and falls were responsible for 82.7% of all mandibular fractures. The majority of fractures were treated nonsurgically (49.5%); however, 37.6% were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.1%, and there were three postoperative complications. Conclusion: The geriatric Craniomaxillofacial trauma patient is readily treatable with both aggressive surgical measures and more conservative approaches. Elderly patients often have an underlying medical condition that may subsequently alter the patient's treatment. The findings of this study also suggest that more preventive measures and methods of minimizing mortality and morbidity need to be implemented.
Glycemic Control Among Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of Social-Environmental Support Resources

Objective: Although active diabetes self-management is required to achieve glycemic control, adherence is poor among ethnic minorities, especially Latinos. Research shows that individuals who report greater social-environmental support resources for disease management manage their diabetes more effectively than those with fewer support resources. Methods: Path analysis was conducted to investigate the value of a multiple-mediator model in explaining how support resources for disease management influence hemoglobin Alc (HbA1c) levels in a sample of 208 Latinos with Type 2 diabetes recruited from low-income serving community clinics in San Diego County. We hypothesized that the relationship between support resources for disease-management and HbA1c would be mediated by diabetes self-management and/or depression. Results: Participants who perceived greater support resources for disease-management reported better diabetes self-management (β = .40, p < .001) and less depression (β = -.19, p < .01). In turn, better diabetes self-management and less depression were associated with tighter glycemic control (HbAlc; β = -.17, p < .05 and β = .15, p < .05, respectively). Once the indirect effects via diabetes self-management (95% CI [-.25; -.03]) and depression (95% CI [-.14; -.01]) were statistically controlled, the direct pathway from support resources to HbAlc was markedly reduced (p = .57). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the important connection that support resources for disease management can have with diabetes self-management, emotional well-being, and glycemic control among Latinos. Thus, programs targeting diabetes self-management and glycemic control in this population should consider culturally relevant, multilevel influences on health outcomes.
y-scaling in continuum hadron charge exchange

Abstract Data for hadron charge exchange spectra on nuclei at kinematics suited to the conditions for incoherent, quasifree scattering from nucleons bound within those nuclei are analyzed in the y -scaling format found to unify many electron and some hadron scattering spectra into common responses. A range of beam species and energies are used, to determine the limits of the method. Charge exchange scaling responses are found to be smaller than transverse electron scattering responses, whereas hadron scattering responses exceed the relevant longitudinal (charge) electron scattering responses.
Amino Acid Composition of Meat Removed from Boned Turkey Carcasses by Use of Commercial Boning Machine

Abstract THE use of turkey in manufacturing further processed meat items is growing at a phenomenal rate. In 1966 there were 335 million lbs. of turkeys processed in Federal inspected plants used in further processed items. This represented an increase of 32 percent over the amount used in 1962 and 127 percent increase above the amount used for this purpose in 1961, U.S.D.A. (1967). One of the problems which concern further processing plants is what to do with the meat left on turkey carcasses after the larger pieces have been removed. Some plants sell the carcasses with the attached meat at a low price for use in meat and bone scraps or to use as fertilizer. Other plants remove a large percent of the meat by hand or use a commercial boning machine to increase the yield of meat obtained from the carcasses. The next problem processors face is how to . . .
The structure of smooth and striated portions of the adductor muscle of the valves in a scallop.

The smooth and cross-striated portions in the scallop's adductor muscle of the valves are examined by thin sectioning and freeze-fracture. Three types of junctions are identified on the surface membrane: (1) peripheral couplings between elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma—these are more numerous in the tonic smooth than in the phasic cross-striated adductor; (2) fasciae and hemifasciae adherentes, which allow in series and in parallel adhesions from cell to cell and from cell to connective tissue, respectively—the structure is similar in both types of fibers, but hemifasciae are more numerous in the smooth portion; (3) gap junctions—these are quite numerous in both types of fibers. Their presence is correlated to the fact that end plates are rare, and fibers are shorter than the length of the muscle. In the cross-striated muscle evidence is presented for the intercalated growth of sarcomeres.