cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variations in the size and reproductive capacity of wild-type and laboratory-adapted populations of the screw-worm fly.

As measured by mature larval weight, adult body size, adult longevity, and reproductive capacity, a population of laboratory-adapted Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) differed from a population of wild-type flies. At maturity, larvae of wild-type flies averaged 90.5 mg; larvae of laboratory-adapted populations weighed about 73 mg. Wildtype flies, considered representative of native populations, were thus larger and also produced more eggs per egg mass. However, wild-type males mated less frequently than laboratory-adapted males. Aside from the implication of ecological differences, these examples are sufficient to indicate the hazards of ascribing group characteristics of any laboratory-adapted screw-worm flies to native populations. Until we have more information, we must consider laboratory-adapted male flies that fall within size-classes of screw-worm flies infrequently found in nature as unsuitable for sterile-male releases.
The pressure broadening of the 31,3-22,0 transition of water between 80 and 600 K

Abstract The pressure broadening of the 31,3-22,0 transition of water has been measured over the 80 to 600 K temperature region for O2, N2, and He collision partners. Above 250 K the measurements were made in a conventional equilibrium cell. At lower temperatures a newly developed cell which uses collisional cooling to circumvent the temperature limits ordinarily imposed by vapor pressure was used. For helium broadening and for broadening due to O2 and N2 above 140 K, the results could be fit to the usual exponential temperature dependence with n = 0.49(2), 0.85(3), and 0.74(3), respectively. However, below 140 K the O2 and N2 experimental results are smaller than predicted by this simple exponential relation.
End of an Era: Reduced Severity of Tricuspid Regurgitation in Cardiac Transplant Recipients Managed with Molecular Diagnostic Testing

Purpose A well-established complication of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) used for the diagnosis of acute cellular rejection is damage to the tricuspid valve and subsequent tricuspid regurgitant flow. Since the advent of Molecular Diagnostic Testing (MDT) as a screening test for determining which patients require EMB, the need for EMB at our center has decreased significantly. We hypothesized that the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) should therefore be reduced with greater reliance on MDT and reduced utilization of EMB. Methods and Materials 58 echocardiograms from cardiac transplant patients who survived at least two years post-transplant were reviewed by observers blinded to post-transplant rejection surveillance strategies. 30 patients were in the pre-MDT group, from 2002-2004, when only EMB was used for post-transplant rejection surveillance. 28 patients were in the MDT group, from 2008-2010, when MDT was used as a screen to determine if EMB was required. TR was graded on a scale of zero to four, with zero representing no regurgitation present on echocardiography, one representing trace, two representing mild, three representing moderate and four representing severe TR. Results Of the 30 patients evaluated from the pre-MDT group, from 2002-2004, the average TR score was 1.87. In the 28 patients evaluated after routine MDT testing was implemented, from 2008-2010, the average score was 1.30, indicating a statistically significant reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity(p = 0.0297). There was no evidence of severe TR in the MDT patients. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that with greater use of MDT, the severity of tricuspid regurgitation has been reduced. MDT has become an established method for monitoring immune activation and as a screen for identifying the need for EMB in low risk cardiac transplant recipients. Our findings further support the continued use of MDT as a screening test before resorting to EMB.
Improving retrieval rates of temporary inferior vena cava filters

Purpose Most studies have shown that the rate of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval rarely exceeds 30%. A review of practices in our own institution revealed similar results (18%). Within the last year, few centers have demonstrated improved retrieval rates. Our hypothesis was that developing a dedicated program would improve IVCF retrieval. We report the results of an ongoing study following the development of this program. Methods This is a cohort of nontrauma consecutive patients who had an IVCF placed by the vascular service over a 12-month period (January 2010-January 2011) and were followed prospectively. A dedicated nurse practitioner was responsible in developing a database, maintaining contact with all the patients, and ensuring that arrangements were made for retrieval when indications for IVCF protection were no longer present. Demographics, indication for filter placement, timing to filter retrieval, and complications during placement and retrieval were prospectively collected. Retrieval rate was compared to the baseline institution data. Results During the study period, 42 patients had an IVCF placed. There were 27 men and 15 women with a mean age of 58 (25 to 88 years old). Two patients were excluded (one due to mortality and one had multiple filters) leaving 40 patients in the study. Indications for IVCF placement were absolute in 23 of 40 patients (58%), relative in 10 of 40 patients (25%), while seven patients (17%) had an IVCF placed for prophylaxis as they were considered high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) and could not receive any chemical regimen. During follow-up, five filters were converted to permanent. Therefore, retrieval was successful in 19 of 22 patients with an 86% success rate and no complications. Median time to retrieval was 21 days ranging from 4 to 140 days. Retrieval rate for IVCFs designated as temporary at the time of placement was 70% (19 of 27), which was significantly higher compared to our baseline data of 18% (P Conclusion Initial data show that a dedicated program that closely monitors patients with temporary IVCFs for ongoing need of filter prophylaxis can result in high retrieval rates. The endurance and long-term success of such a program needs to be further validated.
Finite element analysis of the stress distributions near damaged Si particle clusters in cast Al–Si alloys

Abstract The finite element method is used to study the effects of particle cluster morphology on the fracture and debonding of silicon particles embedded in an Al–1%Si matrix subjected to tensile-compressive cyclic loading conditions. Representative of an actual cast Al–Si alloy, clusters of silicon inclusions (4–8 particles) are considered rather than a single isolated inclusion or an infinite periodic array of inclusions. The silicon particles are modeled with a linear-elastic constitutive relationship and the matrix material is modeled using an internal state variable cyclic plasticity model fitted to experimental data on matrix material. A total of seven parameters are varied to create 16 idealized microstructures: relative particle size, shape, spacing, configuration, alignment, grouping and matrix microporosity. A two-level design of experiment (DOE) methodology is used to screen the relative importance of the seven parameters on the fracture and debonding of the silicon particles. The results of the study demonstrate that particle shape and alignment are undoubtedly the most dominant parameters influencing initial particle fracture and debonding. Particle debonding results in a local intensification of stresses in the Al–1%Si matrix that is significantly larger than that due to particle fracture. The local stress fields after particle fracture are primarily concentrated within the broken particle halves. After the fracture of several particles within a cluster, the spacing between adjacent particles enters as a second-order effect. When several particles within a cluster debond, the spacing between adjacent particles enters as a dominant effect due to the large local stress intensification in the surrounding Al–1%Si matrix.
13C‐MFA delineates the photomixotrophic metabolism of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under light‐ and carbon‐sufficient conditions

The central carbon metabolism of cyanobacteria is under debate. For over 50 years, the lack of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase has led to the belief that cyanobacteria have an incomplete TCA cycle. Recent in vitro enzymatic experiments suggest that this cycle may in fact be closed. The current study employed (13) C isotopomers to delineate pathways in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. By tracing the incorporation of supplemented glutamate into the downstream metabolites in the TCA cycle, we observed a direct in vivo transformation of α-ketoglutarate to succinate. Additionally, isotopic tracing of glyoxylate did not show a functional glyoxylate shunt and glyoxylate was used for glycine synthesis. The photomixotrophic carbon metabolism was then profiled with (13) C-MFA under light and carbon-sufficient conditions. We observed that: (i) the in vivo flux through the TCA cycle reactions (α-ketoglutarate → succinate) was minimal (<2%); (ii) the flux ratio of CO2 fixation was six times higher than that of glucose utilization; (iii) the relative flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway was low (<2%); (iv) high flux through malic enzyme served as a main route for pyruvate synthesis. Our results improve the understanding of the versatile metabolism in cyanobacteria and shed light on their application for photo-biorefineries.
Geophysical evidence for soft bed sliding at Jakobshavn Isbrae, West Greenland

Abstract. Jakobshavn Isbrae is Greenland's fastest moving outlet glacier and a major contributor to sea level rise. We analyze new gravity and magnetic profiles across the glacier, extending from the mouth of the outlet fjord to 64 km inland of the 2008 grounding line. Our results provide new insights into Jakobshavn Isbrae's geologic underpinnings and controls on the basal velocities. Earlier studies of basal processes minimized basal slip as a fast flow mechanism. Currently, velocities are up to double those considered in these studies, necessitating a reanalysis of the basal conditions. The gravity field along the glacier's main trunk cannot be attributed to the gravitational effect of bed topography and the overlying ice sheet. We interpret the remaining gravity signal as evidence of up to 2400 m of low density sediment beneath the main trunk. Examining recent velocities, we find basal slip is a major contributor to ice flow along most of the sediment filled trough. Within 54 km of the grounding line, only isolated 1–3 km wide regions have velocities that possibly result solely from internal deformation of the ice. We conclude soft bed sliding over the thick sediment wedge beneath Jakobshavn Isbrae is the dominant mechanism of fast flow.
Near-infrared emissive BODIPY polymeric and copolymeric dyes

Novel near-Infrared emissive BODIPY polymeric dyes (polymers A and B) were prepared by Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 2,6-diiodo BODIPY dyes bearing one and two styryl groups at 3,5 positions (5, 6) with 2,6-diethynyl BODIPY dye, respectively. These polymeric dyes (A and B) display absorption maxima at 697 and 738 nm, and emission maxima at 715 and 760 nm, respectively. These polymeric dyes exhibit significant red shifts in absorption and emission maxima due to their extended π-conjugation systems compared with their BODIPY monomeric dyes. The thin films of polymers A and B display further red shift with emission maxima 764 and 810 nm, respectively. Near-infrared BODIPY copolymeric dye (C) was prepared by Sonogashira polymerization of 2,6-diiodo BODIPY dye bearing two styryl groups with 2,5-diethynyl-3-decylthiophene. For comparison in optical properties, deep-red and red emissive BODIPY copolymeric dyes (D and E) were prepared by Sonogashira polymerization of 2,6-diiodo BODIPY dye bearing monostyryl group and 2,6-diiodo BODIPY dye with 2,5-diethynyl-3-decylthiothene, respectively. These polymers display their absorption maxima at 649 nm and 634 nm, and emission maxima at 694 nm and 669 nm, respectively. All the polymers displayed good thermal stability and solubility in dichloromethane, and their lifetimes ranged from 0.7 to 3.4 ns.
Gaussian mixture discriminant analysis and sub-pixel land cover characterization in remote sensing

Mixture analysis is a necessary component for capturing sub-pixel heterogeneity in the characterization of land cover from remotely sensed images. Mixture analysis approaches in remote sensing vary from conventional linear mixture models to nonlinear neural network mixture models. Linear mixture models are fairly simple and generally result in poor mixture analysis accuracy. Neural network models can achieve much higher accuracy, but typically lack interpretability. In this paper we present a mixture discriminant analysis (MDA) model for inferring land cover fractions within forest stands from Landsat Thematic Mapper images. Specifically, individual class distributions are modeled as mixtures of subclasses of Gaussian distributions, and land cover fractions are estimated using the corresponding posterior probabilities. Compared to a benchmark study on accuracy of mixture models with Plumas National Forest data, this MDA model easily outperforms traditional linear mixture models and parallels the performance of the ARTMAP neural network mixture model. In other words, the MDA model is observed to successfully combine the performance characteristics of more complex neural network models (due to the nonlinear nature of its classification rules), with the ease of interpretation associated with linear mixture models (due to its relatively simple structure). MDA models therefore offer an attractive alternative for addressing the mixture modeling problem in remote sensing.
Solubility and toxicity of eight phthalate esters to four aquatic organisms

Solubility values for eight phthalate esters investigated ranged from 0.020 to 121 mg/L. Acute toxicity tests were conducted with fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and all eight phthalate esters. Acute and chronic tests were conducted with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) using di-2-ethylhexylphthalate. In addition, the chronic toxicity of the three di-n-butylphthalates and a mixture of these three phthalates was examined using daphnids (Daphnia magna). Fathead minnow 96-h LC50 values for di-n-butyl-ortho-phthalate, di-n-butyl-tere-phthalate, di-n-butyl-iso-phthalate and α, w-butylene di[o-(4-hydroxybutoxycarbonyl)-benzoate] were 1.1, 0.61, 0.90 and 121 mg/L, respectively. Di-n-octyl-ortho-phthalate, di-n-octyl-iso-phthalate and di-n-octyl-tere-phthalate were not acutely toxic to fathead minnows at concentrations that exceeded the water solubility estimates for each phthalate. Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate was not acutely toxic to any tested species at the highest tested concentrations. No significant adverse effects were observed on hatchability, survival or growth of rainbow trout exposed to a mean di-2-ethylhexylphthalate concentration of 0.502 mg/L (the highest concentration tested) in a 90-d embryo-larval test. However, exposure to a mean di-2-ethylhexylphthalate concentration of 0.554 mg/L significantly reduced the growth of Japanese medaka during a 168-d larval test. Significant adverse effects on reproduction occurred in 21-d chronic tests with D. magna at concentrations of 1.91, 0.20 and 0.64 mg/L for di-n-butyl-ortho-phthalate, di-n-butyl-iso-phthalate and di-n-butyl-tere-phthalate, respectively. A daphnid mixture test with these three phthalates showed complete additivity, which suggests a similar mode of toxic action.
Probability of Detecting Aircraft Targets

The statistics of aircraft radar cross section (RCS) are estimated by fitting members of the chi-square family of distributions to empirical distributions obtained from blocks of RCS data, each block of data corresponding to a particular aircraft azimuth aspect. The parameters of the fitted distributions vary with azimuth aspect angle, type of aircraft, and radar frequency. Detection probabilities based on the estimated statistics are calculated and compared with detection probabilities based on Rayleigh statistics. This comparison indicates that the average value of radar cross section has much more effect on probability of detection than the normalized variance of RCS, and in the usual situation tends to mask the effect of the normalized variance on probability of detection.
T-periodic solutions and a priori bounds

Using Schaefer's fixed-point theorem, enabling us to show that if there is an a priori bound on all possible T-periodic solutions of a Volterra-type difference equation, then there is a T-periodic solution. The a priori bound is established by means of a Lyapunov functional on which no bound is required. Thus, in addition to the periodic solution, the equation may have both bounded and unbounded solutions.
Patterning self-assembled monolayers

The understandings and applications of self-assembly have evolved significantly since the adsorption of n-alkyldisulfides on gold surfaces was first reported. The desire to produce features on surfaces that are placed in controlled proximity has driven study in both the chemistries and methodologies of their production. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are found in applications such as molecular and biomolecular recognition, lithography resists, sensing and electrode modification, corrosion prevention, and other areas where tailoring the physicochemical properties of an interface is required. Patterned SAMs, in which specific self-assembling components have a deliberate spatial distribution on the surface (planar or otherwise), are generated to fabricate sophisticated nanoscale architectures and to provide well-characterized supports for physicochemical and biochemical processes. It is possible to introduce patterned features into both SAMs and the substrates that support them as the parameters controlling SAM formation and dynamics are better understood. As these structures are not at equilibrium once formed, one can manipulate the monolayer both during and after its formation by means of thermal, chemical, and electrochemical processing, exposure to controlled energetic beams, and scanning probe microscopes.
Cell cycle- and DNA repair pathway-specific effects of apoptosis on tumor suppression

The DNA damage response comprises DNA repair, cell-cycle checkpoint control, and DNA damage-induced apoptosis that collectively promote genomic integrity and suppress tumorigenesis. Previously, we have shown that the Chk2 kinase functions independently of the Mre11 complex (Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1) and ATM in apoptosis and suppresses tumorigenesis resulting from hypomorphic alleles of Mre11 or Nbs1. Based on this work, we have proposed that Chk2 limits the oncogenic potential of replication-associated DNA damage. Here we further address the role of Chk2 and damage-induced apoptosis in suppressing the oncogenic potential of chromosome breaks. We show that loss of Chk2 or a mutation in p53 (R172P), which selectively impairs its function in apoptosis, rescued the lethality of mice lacking Lig4, a ligase required for nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair of DNA double-strand breaks in G0/G1. In contrast to Lig4−/−p53−/− mice, Lig4−/−Chk2−/− and Lig4−/−p53R172P/R172P mice were not prone to organ-specific, rapid tumorigenesis. Although the severe NHEJ deficiency of Lig4−/− was a less potent initiator of tumorigenesis in the p53R172P/R172P and Chk2−/− backgrounds, where p53 cell-cycle functions are largely intact, even mild defects in the intra-S and G2/M checkpoints caused by mutations in Nbs1 are sufficient to influence malignancy in p53R172P/R172P mice. We conclude that the oncogenic potential of double-strand breaks resulting from NHEJ deficiency is highly restricted by nonapoptotic functions of p53, such as the G1/S checkpoint or senescence, suggesting that the particular facets of the DNA damage response required for tumor suppression are dictated by the proliferative status of the tumor-initiating cell.
Modeling scale‐free neurodynamics using neuropercolation approach

Critical properties of dynamical models of neural populations are studied. Based on the classical work of Renyi-Erdos on the evolution of random graphs, a new class of random cellular automata models called neuropercolation has been introduced. We show the emergence of phase transitions in neuropercolation models at critical combination of several control parameters, including the level of external gain and noise, the density of long-range axonal connections (small-world phenomenon), and the sparseness of feedback between excitatory and inhibitory neural populations. Noise level and structural properties of the cortical tissue has been used to control the critical exponent, starting from white noise (slope 0) far away from criticality. The results show that scale-free power spectral density characterizes the dynamics near criticality, where exponent with a power exponent approaching –2. The results are interpreted in the context of recent experimental findings on the dynamics and structure of the cortex. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The mechanism of the lead tetraacetate oxidation of a B-norsteroid.

Fur die Bildung neuartiger Oxydationsprodukte, die bei der Reaktion eines B-Norsteroidalkohols mit Blei-tetraacetat entstehen, werden zwei Mechanismen vorgeschlagen: Die bekannte Spaltungs-Additions-Reaktion eines Alkoxy Radikals und die bisher unbekannte Umlagerung eines Alkyl-tertiaralkoxy Radikals.
Association of Intraprocedural Blood Pressure and End Tidal Carbon Dioxide with Outcome After Acute Stroke Intervention

Background General anesthesia (GA) for acute stroke interventions may be associated with inferior functional outcomes. Our goal was to identify physiologic parameters that mediate this association.
The Delusion of Exclusion: Masters Psychology as Minority

Within psychology, there is a long history of controversy over the proper role of Master's-degreed psychologists. This article conceptualizes the status of Masters Psychology within the psychology community from the perspective of a sociological definition of “minority.” According to Dworkin and Dworkin (1999), minority groups share four characteristics: identifiability, differential power, differential and pejorative treatment, and group awareness. The author applies this metaphor to Masters Psychology as it exists within the dominant culture of the field and challenges prevailing rhetoric about “inclusion.”
Egalitarian and Maximin Theories of Justice: Directed Donation of Organs for Transplant

It is common to interpret Rawls's maximin theory of justice as egalitarian. Compared to utilitarian theories, this may be true. However, in special cases practices that distribute resources so as to benefit the worst off actually increase the inequality between the worst off and some who are better off. In these cases the Rawlsian maximin parts company with what is here called true egalitarianism. A policy question requiring a distinction between maximin and "true egalitarian" allocations has arisen in the arena of organ transplantation. This case is examined here as a venue for differentiating maximin and true egalitarian theories. Directed donation is the name given to donations of organs restricted to a particular social group. For example, the family of a member of the Ku Klux Klan donated his organs on the provision that they go only to members of the Caucasian race. While such donations appear to be discriminatory, if certain plausible assumptions are made, they satisfy the maximin criterion. They selectively advantage the recipient of the organs without harming anyone (assuming the organs would otherwise go unused). Moreover, everyone who is lower on the waiting list (who, thereby, could be considered worse off) is advantaged by moving up on the waiting list. This paper examines how maximin and more truly egalitarian theories handle this case arguing that, to the extent that directed donation is unethical, the best account of that conclusion is that an egalitarian principle of justice is to be preferred to the maximin.
Attitudinal and operational considerations for education in the provision of Government information

Abstract Five goals and suggested objectives are presented for the education of government information professionals. These goals are the development of political awareness, skill in identifying sources, ability to elicit information, capacity to convey information, and commitment to disseminate information with an advocacy stance. It is the responsibility of library and information science educators to foster the development of technical skills as well as attitudes of concern for the social good.
Global/Industrial Diversification and Analyst Herding

The study we report examined herding behavior among security analysts in the 1980–98 period. Using panel data, we analyzed the impact of industrial and geographical diversification on herding among analysts. We compared the propensity toward herding of analysts covering domestic companies that are industrially focused and analysts focusing on companies that are diversified geographically and/or industrially. We provide evidence that herding is more pronounced among analysts concentrating on diversified companies. This result is consistent with the notion that herding behavior increases with task difficulty. Our results also show that herding among analysts reduces the market value of companies they cover, which indicates that the market penalizes herding behavior among security analysts. This effect was more pronounced for companies that are industrially and/or geographically diversified.
ANALYSIS OF A GENERAL LOGICAL DISCOURSE FOR MAN‐MACHINE INTERACTION—PART II

A mathematical analysis is made of a general logical discourse for the purpose of achieving a transfer of knowledge for any logical discourse from computer to man. There results an algorithm for structuring any logical discourse and a basis for the design of plans of interaction. In Part I, an analysis is made of a general logical discourse for establishing the sets and relations for the knowledge statements, for establishing the primitives that define a prerequisite graph, and for establishing the normal sequences for the principal statements. The use of the primitives is demonstrated in the construction of a prerequisite graph for an example logical discourse. In Part II (appearing in a subsequent issue) the analysis is continued for establishing other sequences, the primitives for a sequence graph, various plans for interaction, and the application to a common discourse.
A novel hybrid electrical/mechanical optimization technique using time-domain modeling, finite element method and statistical tools for co-design and optimization of RF-integrated mechanical structures: Research Articles

The successful use of a design of experiments (DOE) and response surface methods (RSM) approaches in a simultaneous electrical and mechanical optimization study is presented for RF-integrated mechanical structures. The basic geometry is a mechanically used composite structure consisting of composites facesheets and honeycomb core, in which a microstrip antenna is embedded. The antenna is electromagnetically modeled in time domain and it is found that, for the chosen geometry, the integrated composite structure improves the gain of the antenna without affecting the bandwidth. The structure is then optimized using the same experiment that integrates both the electrical and mechanical parameters of the system. The simple factorial design is very simple to implement and gives a clear understanding of the system behavior, including the interaction between the mechanical changes and electrical performance thus allowing the engineer to integrate, for the first time, both the electrical and mechanical features of the integrated system in the same optimization technique. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative endobronchial rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst: An airway catastrophe

Hydatid cyst disease of lungs may not be symptomatic. It may present as spontaneous rupture in pleura or a bronchus. During spontaneous breathing, cyst content of endobronchially ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst is mostly evacuated by coughing. However, during positive pressure ventilation such extruded fragments may lodge into smaller airway leading to an airway catastrophe. We present such accidental endobronchial rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst during surgery, its prompt detection, and management by rigid bronchoscopy.
Variation in Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Rates According to Racial Groups in Young Women with Breast Cancer, 1998 to 2011: A Report from the National Cancer Data Base

Background The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for unilateral breast cancer has increased over the past decade, particularly for young women. This study investigates the impact of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on use of CPM. Study Design Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), we selected 1,781,409 stage 0 to II unilateral breast cancer patients between 1998 and 2011. Trends in use of CPM by race and SES were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results For women of all ages, rates of CPM increased, from 1.9% in 1998 to 10.2% in 2011 (p Conclusions Young, white, breast cancer patients are twice as likely to undergo CPM compared with women in other racial groups, even after accounting for pathologic, patient, and facility factors. Variations in shared decision-making processes between women of different backgrounds may contribute to these trends, supporting the need for future studies investigating decision-making processes and decisional aids.
Structural differences among phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and mixed phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine multilayers: an infrared absorption study.

Abstract We have examined the infrared absorption spectra from 4000 to 250 cm −1 of multilayers of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine (1:1 m / m ) as a function of hydration, pH, and fatty acid composition. Characteristic splittings of the CH 2 bending and rocking modes and the position of the phosphoryl absorption at ca. 1240 cm −1 reveal differences in acyl chain packing and head group conformation in the various films. Spectra demonstrate the importance of NH → O hydrogen bonding of the ethanolamine head group and the prerequisite head group conformation (tangent to the multilayer plane) in establishing these structural differences. The general appearance of the P-O-C stretching region (~1050 cm −1 ) in the pure and mixed films further supports these conclusions and shows that the spectra clearly distinguish among the different head group orientations. Self-association of phosphatidylethanolamine is sometimes sufficient to prevent formation of mixed phases with phosphatidylcholine at neutral pH. The amount of fine structure, particularly in the low-frequency (800−200 cm −1 ) region, in spectra of films of anhydrous, saturated-chain phospholipids decreases considerably when the films are monohydrated, when mixed phases exist, or when there are unsaturations in the acyl chains. These changes likely result from decreased crystal field effects in the spectra as the phosphatide packing density is decreased by any of the above procedures. Furthermore, the absence of other changes upon complete hydration of phosphatidylcholine films suggests that only the initial water is tightly bound to the lipid.
The surface rejuvenation model for turbulent convective transport—an exact solution

Abstract A new approach to the formulation-solution of the surface rejuvenation model for turbulent convective transport is presented that leads to an exact analytical solution for the mean transport properties.
Digitalis Toxicity Caused by Toad Venom

A case of toad venom-induced digitalis toxicity is presented. A pause of 13.5 s was noted in the patient taking a Chinese medication which contained toad venom. This is the first case report of clinical digitalis toxicity related to toad venom in Western society.
Determination of Fiber Volume Fractions by Optical Numeric Volume Fraction Analysis

A method for determining the fiber volume fraction in continuous fiber composites by automatically counting the fiber ends per unit area in digitized microscope images of representative cross sections has been developed. Since fiber counts are digital variables, the accuracy of the method is essentially independent of small variations in microscope focus and specimen surface preparation. In addition to producing averaged data, the method enables the construction of volume fraction variation profiles ranging from the finest possible scales up to full size components. Results are in agreement with values obtained by acid digestion tests.
Hard Moral Choices in the Military

Integrating and building on the constitutional ethics paradigm proposed by Paul Roush and the neo-intuitionist moral decision-making scheme proposed by Robert Audi, I defend a novel decision-making procedure for hard moral choices in the military. The key to Roush's model of justifiable disobedience is a soldier's ability to recognize when an ostensibly legal order constitutes a ‘fundamental violation of justice’. However, the nature and structure of this act of moral recognition requires more elucidation than Roush has provided. In order to avoid grounding moral recognition and decision-making on a narrowly partisan account of moral theory (e.g. deontology or consequentialism), I appeal to Audi's neo-intuitionist account of prima facie moral duties. I then repurpose and develop further a decision procedure that Audi proposed for the business context. When faced with an ethical dilemma in military service, a soldier should (1) classify his/her obligations; (2) identify the conflicts between his/her obliga...
Code template inference using language models

This paper investigates the use of a natural language processing technique that automatically detects project-specific code templates (i.e., frequently used code blocks), which can be made available to software developers within an integrated development environment. During software development, programmers often and in some cases unknowingly rewrite the same code block that represents some functionality. These frequently used code blocks can inform the existence and possible use of code templates. Many existing code editors support code templates, but programmers are expected to manually define these templates and subsequently add them as templates in the editor. Furthermore, the support of editors to provide templates based on the editing context is still limited. The use of n-gram language models within the context of software development is described and evaluated to overcome these restrictions. The technique can search for project-specific code templates and present these templates to the programmer based on the current editing context.
The Asian Crisis in Context

The crises in Asia have served to highlight the dangers inherent in the current expansion of the international financial system. In the aftermath of the Mexican crisis, many economists pointed to its unique characteristics in arguing that it did not represent a systemic threat. That argument seems wrong today. Allowing the free flow of financial capital across national borders exposes countries to the inevitable risks of runs against their currencies, just as individual banks are threatened with runs domestically. Yet the international community does not appear willing to provide the magnitude of funds required to support an effective lender-of-last-resort on a global basis. Developing countries need to manage the risks of capital market opening with an understanding that they will be forced to rely primarily on their own resources in the event of a crisis.
The effect of methyl acetylsalicylate on renal tubular ionic reabsorption.

SummaryThe effect of methyl acetylsali-cylate on renal tubular ionic reabsorption was studied by clearance experiments in dogs. The compound produced a significant decrease in the rates of excretion of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, CI-, and HCO3-. As this occurred despite an increased filtered load of the various ions, it was concluded that methyl acetylsalicylate increased tubular ionic reabsorption. One mechanism causing increased reabsorption was a decrease in RPF. However increased ionic reabsorption was demonstrable in the absence of falling RPF. Thus a second mechanism appeared to be involved, namely a direct action of the compound on the tubular epithelial transport mechanisms.
Distinguishing facts from beliefs: fuzzy categories

tinction between facts and beliefs. The central question being asked is whether the features that distinguish the categories of facts and beliefs are distinct or overlapping. In each of the five studies, participants are presented with content statements and asked the degree to which they agree with a given statement, the degree to which they think others would agree with it, and whether the statement was a fact or a belief. From these ratings, six possible patterns were derived. The results showed that in many content areas the patterns that describe the statements they categorized as facts and those that they categorized as beliefs had considerable overlap. In addition, participant consensus as to which statements were to be considered facts versus beliefs varied from high to low depending on the specific content being evaluated.
Application of residence time distributions to stormwater treatment systems

Abstract Statistical measurements and qualitative assessments made by applying standard residence time distribution theory to non-steady-flow systems are of limited utility. A method is developed to enable non-steady-flow systems to be brought into the realm of steady-flow systems, so that residence time distribution (RTD) theory can be employed in a straight forward manner to characterize the non-ideal flows in these systems. Constructed wetland effluent concentrations resulting from impulse tracer inputs to the systems are considered. In addition to representing the concentrations with standard RTD functions, the concentrations are represented as functions of the cumulative discharge volume. This method provides the ability to easily analyze and compare data from steady and non-steady-flow systems, and thus to infer the degree of non-ideality of unsteady systems.
Reviewer Feedback as Discourse of the Other A Psychoanalytic Perspective on the Manuscript Review Process

This article contributes to dialog in the field about the nature of the manuscript review process. It develops a psychoanalytic framework for understanding how participants in the review process construct each other as subjects in discourse and why the experience of alienation inevitably marks this process. The framework suggests that participants can draw on different subject positions with regard to this alienation. One is imaginary and entails the failed fantasy that lack and alienation can be overcome. The other is symbolic and entails a mutual engagement with this failure. The article suggests imaginary positions are less constructive, resulting in struggles between participants as others. By contrast, it suggests symbolic positions are more constructive, resulting in struggles with otherness and opportunities for more creative outcomes. The article explores reviewer reflexivity as an important element of symbolic interactions in which participants have responsibility for the production of relationsh...
Polyelectrolyte modification of nanofiltration membrane for selective removal of monovalent anions

Abstract Nanofiltration (NF) membranes operate with higher flux and lower energy requirements than reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, and exhibit relatively low rejection and selectivity for monovalent ions. In cases where high flux, high selectivity and high monovalent ion rejection are desired, an ideal membrane would exhibit the flux behavior of NF membranes and rejection behavior of RO membranes. Thus, a commercially available NF membrane was modified by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of alternating polyelectrolyte thin films in order to increase rejection and selectivity towards monovalent ions, namely F − and Cl − . Poly (styrene sulfonate) (PSS) was the anionic polyelectrolyte and poly (diallyldimethyl ammonium) chloride (PDADMAC) was the cationic polyelectrolyte. Thin (0.5–8.5) PDADMAC/PSS bilayers were deposited on the substrate membrane. NF experiments were performed in a cross-flow cell with feed solutions of (a) a ternary mixture of sulfate, fluoride and chloride at 100, 500 and 1000 mg/L concentrations and (b) single salt solutions of Cl − or F − . In the ternary mixture experiment, fluoride rejection increased from 40% (unmodified) to 70% (8-bilayer modified), whereas chloride rejection was reduced from 55% (unmodified) to 20% (8-bilayer modified). The selectivity for chloride over fluoride was 2.7 for an 8-bilayer modified membrane compared to 1 for unmodified membrane. In single salt filtration of fluoride there was no appreciable change in the rejection for the modified membranes, whereas in the filtration of chloride the rejection increased from 30 to 91% upon modification (8-bilayer). The flux decreased by 30% with 8-bilayer modification for all feed solutions. The performance (flux, rejection, selectivity) of the modified membranes was compared to a BW30 RO membrane; under identical operating conditions, the modified membranes exhibit higher selectivity and flux than the commercial RO membrane.
Interleaflet Coupling Mechanisms in Bilayers of Lipids and Cholesterol

Whereas it appears to be generally believed that the leaflets of a phospholipid/cholesterol bilayer interact with each other in some way, the exact mechanism remains undetermined. Various suggestions have been invoked, including chain interdigitation and rapid translocation of cholesterol. There is little, if any, direct evidence supporting or excluding these hypotheses. In this letter, I examine a few different possibilities. Chain interdigitation is unlikely to be significant. Cholesterol translocation meets some, though not all, of the relevant criteria, and probably plays an important role. The simplest explanation is that the layers interact at the midplane in the same way that the ordered and disordered liquid phases common in these systems interact at their interfaces. A quick estimate of that interfacial energy shows that this is a very likely candidate. The consequences of such an energy in biological systems are briefly considered.
Expression of the cyp19 gene and its product aromatase cytochrome p450 in human uterine leiomyoma tissues and cells in culture

The conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens occurs in a number of tissues and is catalyzed by a specific form of cytochrome P450, namely aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom). Previously, conversion of radiolabeled androstenedione to estrone has been demonstrated in uterine leiomyomas. By use of reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of total RNA together with a rat cRNA as an internal standard, we detected and quantified P450arom transcripts in total RNA isolated from 32 of the 35 leiomyoma (91%) and from 18 of the 24 adjacent myometrial (75%) tissue samples from 26 women. P450arom transcripts were not detectable in myometrial tissues from disease-free uteri (n = 8). P450arom transcript levels in leiomyomas were similar to those in adipose tissue (normalized to total RNA) and were 1.5- to 25-fold higher than those in adjacent myometrial tissues. We did not find any correlation between P450arom transcript levels and leiomyoma size, histopathology, uterine weight, or patient age. In leiomyoma smooth muscle cells in culture (n = 4) and tissue explants (n = 4), aromatase activity was stimulated by dibutyryl cAMP, and this effect was potentiated by a phorbol ester. These increases in aromatase expression were accompanied by comparable increases in the levels of translatable P450arom mRNA. Treatment with dexamethasone or platelet-derived growth factor did not stimulate aromatase expression. Consistently higher levels of aromatase activity and P450arom transcripts were found in the leiomyoma tissues than in smooth muscle cells in culture (2- to 20-fold). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of untranslated 5'-termini of mRNA species in leiomyomas revealed the use of primarily promoter II (the ovarian-type promoter) for CYP19 gene transcription. Leiomyomas also contain some transcripts with untranslated exon I.4 (previously found in adipose stromal cells and skin fibroblasts). Placental-type promoter-specific 5'-ends were not present in leiomyomas. We conclude that aromatase expression in leiomyomas is regulated by the rate of CYP19 gene transcription, which is, in turn, regulated by the use of tissue-specific promoters. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that localized estrogen biosynthesis may be of pathological significance in the promotion of leiomyoma growth.
Use of intramuscular midazolam for status epilepticus.

Although intravenous (i.v.) administration of antiepileptic drugs is the preferred route of therapy in status epilepticus, intramuscular (i.m.) delivery may provide a valuable alternative when there are obstacles to venous access. Compared to other treatment options such as rectal drug administration, which is as challenging as the i.v. route in a convulsing patient, the i.m. route is easier and less invasive. The two most commonly used first-line anticonvulsants, diazepam and lorazepam, may be administered i.m., but are absorbed from the i.m. site more slowly than midazolam. Midazolam, a fairly new benzodiazepine, is a potent anticonvulsant with a fast onset of effect. Because of its water solubility, midazolam is rapidly absorbed from the injection site and has excellent local tolerability. The pharmacodynamic effects of midazolam can be seen within seconds of its administration, and seizure arrest is usually attained within 5 to 10 min. Case reports and a recent randomized trial that demonstrate the successful use of i.m. midazolam in the termination of epileptic seizures are reviewed.
Synthetic Mesh in the Surgical Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Current Status and Future Directions

In light of the recent Food and Drug Administration public health notification regarding complications associated with transvaginally placed mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair, we review recent literature to evaluate current outcomes and complication data, analyze the clinical need for mesh on the basis of genetic and biochemical etiologies of POP, and investigate trends of mesh use via an American Urological Association member survey. Mesh-based techniques show better anatomic results than traditional repair of anterior POP, but subjective outcomes are equivalent. Further research and Level I evidence are required before mesh-based repair of POP can be standardized. Adequate surgical training and patient selection should decrease complication rates.
Versatile wheelchair control system

An electric wheelchair control system is described that offers an increased ease of operation to conventional wheelchair users and makes it possible for persons with severe pathologic hand movements to control wheelchairs in a safe and satisfactory manner. The control system is designed so that its characteristics are easily adjusted by the therapist to match the patient's control abilities. Chair acceleration, maximum speed and joystick-position averaging are adjusted by means of plug-in modules. There is only a disconnect relay that is activated when the joystick is grasped or addressed with a mouth stick. This relay functions as a ‘deadman control’ by applying dynamic braking when the joystick is released. The absence of other relays results in noise-free operation. Cruise control is included to permit the drive motors to develop full torque automatically when required, regardless of the joystick position. This control system can be applied to any existing wheelchair that uses two motors for steering/propulsion, provided two batteries are used to provide a +6, 0, −6 or +12, 0, −12V supply. The design focused on portability so that the control system does not interfere with folding the wheelchair.