cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A default normal chest CT structured reporting field for coronary calcifications does not cause excessive false-negative reporting.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of coronary atherosclerosis reporting before and after the implementation of a structured reporting chest CT template. Methods A noncardiac, noncontrast chest CT structured reporting template was developed and mandated for department-wide use at a large academic center. The template included the statement "There are no coronary artery calcifications." All noncardiac, noncontrast chest CT examinations reported over 3 days, 1 month after template implementation (structured template group), and from a 3-day period 1 year prior (control group) were retrospectively collected. Final radiology reports were reviewed and designated positive or negative for coronary calcifications. CT images were reviewed in consensus by 2 radiologists, who scored each case for the presence or absence of coronary calcifications, blinded to the original report. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson χ 2 and Fisher exact tests. Results Sixty-five percent (69 of 106) of structured template group and 58% (62 of 106) of control group cases had coronary calcifications. Reports from the structured template group were more likely to correctly state the presence or absence of coronary atherosclerosis compared with those from the control group (96.2% vs 85.8%; odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13.1; P = .008). Structured template group reports were less likely to be falsely negative compared with control group reports (3.8% vs 11.7%; odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–10.8; P = .03). Conclusions Implementing a structured reporting template improves reporting accuracy of coronary calcifications.
Finite-memory hypothesis testing with semi-bounded likelihood ratio

We consider hypothesis testing with a finite memory when the likelihood ratio is semi-bounded. It is shown that a 2-state memory can achieve correct convergence with probability one under one hypothesis but only in probability under the other hypothesis.
Pebbling and Bandwith

It is shown that a graph with n vertices and bandwidth k requires at most min(2k2+k+1,2klogn) pebbles. Furthermore, the pebble problem restricted to and/or graphs of bandwidth f(n) is in INSPACE( f(n)×log2n) and is log space hard for the class INTISP(poly,f(n)). ( INTISP(poly,f(n)) denotes the class of sets accepted by nondeterministic Turing machines in polynomial time and simultaneous f(n) space. )
MACROALGAL CANDIDATES FOR GENOMICS1

Genomes from over 130 organisms have been either sequenced completely or are currently under investigation. These studies include a wide array of Bacteria, a smaller number of Archaea, model-system eukaryotes, parasitic protists, and even several microalgae. However, no major effort is underway to acquire a complete nuclear genome sequence from a single macroalga or seaweed despite their crucial contribution to the biodiversity and energy economy of oceans and estuaries. Here we examine various macroalgae as potential candidates for a genome project. A set of criteria is presented, followed by a brief discussion of how well different candidates from the principal macroalgae groups, green, brown, and red algae, meet these criteria. Based on our analyses, we conclude that the red seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, should be the leading candidate for a macroalgal genomics initiative. We realize, of course, that others in the phycological community might have a different opinion and that a broad consensus among algal researchers is required to make seaweed genomics a reality; thus the primary intention of this review is to initiate and encourage further discussion as to where the phycological community should focus its genomic efforts.
Structural Materials: Aluminum and its Alloys – Fabrication Technologies

Aluminum alloys have a wide range of applications in the aerospace industry due in part to a high strength to weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. The relatively low melting temperature of these materials makes them amenable to variety of fabrication methods. Critical to the usage of these materials for aerospace structures is the ability to produce light-weight structures, complex geometries, and joints of high integrity. The objective of this chapter is to compare the use of different fabrication processes commonly used in the aeronautical industry for aluminum alloys. Keywords: aluminum alloys; machining; integrally stiffened panels; joining; fusion welding; solid state welding; brazing; casting; forming; forging; near net shape processing
InCommons: supporting community-based leadership

Cohort-based community leadership programs (CLPs) are a common approach to enhancing knowledge, skills, and networks within a particular community. However, the CLP model is resource intensive and,...
NIH 11082 produces anti-depressant-like activity in the mouse tail-suspension test through a delta-opioid receptor mechanism of action.

Abstract The present study examined the effects of NIH 11082 ((−)-(1 R ,5 R ,9 R )-5,9-dimethyl-2′-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6,7-benzomorphan hydrochloride), a benzomorphan analogue, in the mouse tail-suspension, an assay used to detect anti-depressant agents. NIH 11082 significantly decreased immobility time during tail-suspension, with a comparable magnitude as the tricyclic anti-depressant desipramine. Importantly, NIH 11082 failed to elicit convulsions or other overt behavioral signs of toxicity. The delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (AD 50 = 2.0 mg/kg), but not the non-selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI, blocked the effects of NIH 11082 in the tail-suspension test. These results reinforce the notion that delta-opioid receptor agonists can produce significant effects in a behavioral model used to screen anti-depressant drugs.
Reproduction of the Silverjaw Minnow, Ericymba buccata Cope

Abstract A study of the reproduction of Ezicymba buccata Cope in Vigo County, Indiana is based on changes in tuberculation in males, condition of the ovary, size and number of ova, and length frequencies of young-of-the-year. Levels of tuberculation are described and prove to be reliable indices of reproductive maturity. Temporal changes in the degree of tuberculation and condition of the ovary as well as changes in number of ova indicate a spawning period from the end of April to at least the end of July. Early in the spawning season both age group II and III males and females contribute most to the breeding population and the larger specimens spawn earlier. Projection of the growth in initially moderate sized ova and lack of abrupt differences in ova size in spring suggest that individual females in age group II spawn more than once within the spawning season. Most age group III males and females die shortly after spawning. Later in the summer (July) large age group I males and females probably breed. S...
Studies on gliding motility inMyxococcus xanthus

1. Gliding motility ofMyxococcus xanthus FBt is reversibly inhibited by treatment with proteolytic enzymes and with 10-3 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and by osmotic shock. Chloramphenicol inhibits regeneration of the ability to glide. Shearing and ultrasound treatments do not affect movement. 2. At least 18 periplasmic proteins are released by osmotic shock, as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These proteins are indistinguishable from those of the non-motile strain NM. Pronase treatment of FBt degrades most of the higher molecular weight periplasmic proteins. 3. Antisera prepared against periplasmic antigens of FBt and NM do not demonstrate strain-specific antigenic differences by immunodiffusion. NM does not agglutinate as well as FBt with either antiserum. Osmotic shocked FBt cells do not agglutinate. Both strains FBt and NM demonstrate a predominance of pole-to-pole agglutination. 4. These antisera inhibit gliding motility. Serum against FBt periplasmic antigens, adsorbed with FBt, does not inhibit gliding; adsorption with NM or osmotically shocked FBt only partially inhibits gliding. 5. Surface property differences among strains FBt, NM and SM (semi-motile) are indicated.
Effect of Halo Substitution on the Geometry of Arenethiol Films on Cu(111)

Incomplete coverages of p-fluorothiophenol, p-chlorothiophenol, and p-bromothiophenol form ordered islands on a Cu(111) surface even at low temperatures. The complexity of the molecular patterns increases from a simple (3 x 4) superlattice to a honeycomb (8 x 8)R19 degrees structure with increasing substituent electronegativity. We propose a model based on quadrupolar intermolecular interactions to account for this observation.
On the Strong Connectedness of the Direct Product

A result relating the strong connectedness of a product and the nonexistence of a homomorphism between the factors is given.
An object-oriented construction and tool kit for human-computer communication

Over the last several years, we have developed an object-oriented, knowledge-based construction kit for human-computer communication (HCC) and a large number of associated tools and intelligent support systems needed to exploit this kit effectively. Answers to the "HCC design question" are given by providing appropriate building blocks which suggest the way HCC's should be built. The object-oriented system architecture is highly flexible and enhances the reusability of many building blocks. In designing new HCC capabilities the designer can use either existing objects or objects with minor modifications, and can thereby rely on standard and well-tested components. Our support tools analyze HCC systems, provide assistance and guidance in building them, and create informative graphical displays of their structure. They help the designer regain control over systems that have become too complex to master without support tools. Our research efforts have given us an understanding of how the concepts and abstractions of our HCC toolkit have evolved and of what it means today to design new systems that make use of various types of graphical representations, icons, windows, and menus.
The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis

A growing body of empirical research suggests that brief contact with natural environments improves emotional well-being. The current study synthesizes this body of research using meta-analytic techniques and assesses the mean effect size of exposure to natural environments on both positive and negative affect. Thirty-two studies with a total of 2356 participants were included. Across these studies, exposure to natural environments was associated with a moderate increase in positive affect and a smaller, yet consistent, decrease in negative affect relative to comparison conditions. Significant heterogeneity was found for the effect of nature on positive affect, and type of emotion assessment, type of exposure to nature, location of study, and mean age of sample were found to moderate this effect. The implications of these findings for existing theory and research are discussed, with particular emphasis placed on potential avenues for fruitful future research examining the effects of nature on well-being.
Assessing the perceived benefits—criminal offending relationship

Abstract Deterrence theory has been a centerpiece of theoretical and empirical research in criminology. Largely due to the early work of Beccaria however, much of this research has focused on estimating the effect of the certainty of punishment, or the costs of crime, on criminal offending. Although the benefits/rewards of crime are as important as the costs, conceptualization and operationalization of this portion of the decision-making process has only recently accumulated. In an effort to provide a counterpart to the summary statements available regarding the costs of crime, this paper undertakes a statistical summary of the empirical studies that have examined the benefits/offending relationship, with specific attention paid not only to the overall relationship, but also to several key moderators. Using 40 specific estimates from 13 studies since 1990, the analysis provides evidence of a positive and significant relationship between benefits and offending, but that the overall relationship varies in several ways. Directions for future research are outlined.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Pathogenesis, Detection, and Prognosis

When the heart faces a hemodynamic burden, it can do the following to compensate: (1) use the Frank-Starling mechanism to increase crossbridge formation; (2) augment muscle mass to bear the extra load; and (3) recruit neurohormonal mechanisms to increase contractility. The first mechanism is limited in its scope, and the third is deleterious as a chronic adjustment. Thus, increasing mass assumes a key role in the compensation for hemodynamic overload. This increase in mass is due to the hypertrophy of existing myocytes rather than hyperplasia, because cardiomyocytes become terminally differentiated soon after birth. In response to pressure overload in conditions such as aortic stenosis or hypertension, the parallel addition of sarcomeres causes an increase in myocyte width, which in turn increases wall thickness. This remodeling results in concentric hypertrophy (increase in ratio of wall thickness/chamber dimension). According to LaPlace’s Law, the load on any region of the myocardium is given as follows: (pressure×radius)/(2×wall thickness); thus, an increase in pressure can be offset by an increase in wall thickness. Because systolic stress (afterload) is a major determinant of ejection performance, the normalization of systolic stress helps maintain a normal ejection fraction even when needing to generate high levels of systolic pressure.1 Volume overload in conditions such as chronic aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, or anemia engenders myocyte lengthening by sarcomere replication in series and an increase in ventricular volume. This pattern of eccentric hypertrophy (cavity dilatation with a decrease in ratio of wall thickness/chamber dimension) is also initially compensatory, such that the heart can meet the demand to sustain a high stroke volume. However, chronic hypertrophy may be deleterious because it increases the risk for the development of heart failure and premature death. This review will focus on the pathogenesis of pressure- versus volume-overload types of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), detection, …
Internally generated nonlinear waves in filament bundles

We develop a geometrical approach for the relative sliding (shear) between filaments in a bundle subjected to bending and twisting deformations, with applications to motility in flagellated cells. Particular examples for helical and toroidal shapes, and combinations of these, are discussed. The resulting equations for sliding, expressed in terms of the curvature and torsion of filaments, provide conditions for existence of nonlinear internally driven waves along the filament bundle.
Application of the generalized-gradient approximation to rare-gas dimers

By performing numerically precise calculations on the ${\mathrm{He}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{Ne}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{Ar}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{Kr}}_{2},$ HeNe, HeAr, HeKr, NeAr, NeKr, and ArKr diatomic molecules we have determined the capacity of three popular approximations to density-functional theory to accurately describe bonding in these rare-gas systems. The local-density approximation, the Perdew-Wang 1991 generalized-gradient approximation, and the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized-gradient approximation are utilized in the calculation of equilibrium bond lengths, atomization energies, and anharmonic and harmonic vibrational frequencies. We also use the density-functional-based determination of atomic polarizabilities and ionization potentials to obtain the coefficients for the long-range ${(1/r}^{6})$ attraction. Our calculations suggest that the interaction from the overlap of atomic densities is the primary binding mechanism in these systems at short range but that the long-range ${1/r}^{6}$ attraction could also contribute to the total binding energy.
Structural considerations in designing magnetorheological fluid mounts

Modern vehicles have been increasingly equipped with advanced technologies such as hybrid and cylinder-on-demand to enhance fuel efficiency. These technologies also come with vibration problems due to the switching between the power sources or the variation of the number of active cylinders. To mitigate these vibrations, a large variety of vibration isolators have been proposed, ranging from passive to active isolators. Semi-active mounts are often preferred to other solutions because of their overall low power requirement in operation as well as relatively simpler configurations. Among the semi-active categories, the magnetorheological fluid (MRF) mounts have been proven to be a viable solution for modern vehicle vibration isolation. These mounts can change their stiffness and damping characteristic without involving moving parts, by controlling the yield stress of the MRF housed inside the mount by means of magnetic field. This study looked into several innovative designs for MRF mounts. The characteristics of the mount depend significantly on the compliances of the rubber, the number and arrangement of the fluid chambers and the number of flow passages connecting the chambers. These parameters provide the designers with various options to design the mounts to function in various conditions and over a wide range of frequencies. Different values of the aforementioned parameters were selected to form specific designs with certain characteristics. Mathematical models have been developed for each design and MATLAB/Simulink was used to simulate the response of each mount to certain excitations. As the hydraulic and magnetorheological (MR) effects are dominant in the mount, the elastomer behavior is considered linear. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each design, based on the simulated response, is presented. The outcomes of this study can be a useful reference for MRF mount designers and leads to the development of a general MRF mount design methodology.
Defining the bacteriophage T4 DNA packaging machine: evidence for a C-terminal DNA cleavage domain in the large terminase/packaging protein gp17.

Abstract Double-stranded DNA packaging in bacteriophage T4 and other viruses occurs by translocation of DNA into an empty prohead by a packaging machine assembled at the portal vertex. Coordinated with this complex process is the cutting of concatemeric DNA to initiate and terminate DNA packaging and encapsidate one genome-length viral DNA. The catalytic site responsible for cutting, and the mechanisms by which cutting is precisely coordinated with DNA translocation remained as interesting open questions. Phage T4, unlike the phages with defined ends (e.g. λ, T3, T7), packages DNA in a strictly headful manner, and exhibits no strict sequence specificity to initiate or terminate DNA packaging. Previous evidence suggests that the large terminase protein gp17, a key component of the T4 packaging machine, possesses a non-specific DNA cutting activity. A histidine-rich metal-binding motif, H382-X 2 -H385-X 16 -C402-X 8 -H411-X 2 -H414-X 15 -H430-X 5 -H436, in the C-terminal half of gp17 is thought to be involved in the terminase cleavage. Here, exhaustive site-directed mutagenesis revealed that none of the cysteine and histidine residues other than the H436 residue is critical for function. On the other hand, a cluster of conserved residues within this region, D401, E404, G405, and D409, are found to be critical for function. Biochemical analyses showed that the D401 mutants exhibited a novel phenotype, showing a loss of in vivo DNA cutting activity but not the DNA packaging activity. The functional nature of the critical residues and their disposition in the conserved loop region between two predicted β-strands suggest that these residues are part of a metal-coordinated catalytic site that cleaves the phosphodiester bond of DNA substrate. The data suggest that the T4 terminase consists of at least two functional domains, an N-terminal DNA-translocating ATPase domain and a C-terminal DNA-cutting domain. Although the DNA recognition mechanisms may be distinct, it appears that T4 and other phage terminases employ a common catalytic paradigm for phosphodiester bond cleavage that is used by numerous nucleases.
Experts, Semantic and Epistemic

In this paper I argue that the tendency to defer in matters semantic is rationalized by our reliance on the say-so of others for much of what we know about the world. The result, I contend, is a new and distinctly epistemic source of support for the doctrine of attitude anti-individualism.
Partitioning and ordering of CMOS circuits for switch level analysis

This paper defines various component types of CMOS circuits that can be determined efficiently. By a proper decomposition of a circuit into its components switch level simulators or symbolic analysers are sped up substantially. Moreover, with the decomposition strategy proposed here a symbolic analysis of certain CMOS structures containing path transistors becomes possible at all. The key step in the partitioning strategy is to divide the set of transistors of a circuit into pass and driver transistors; these transistors are then grouped together to form pass and driver components. The partitioning can be done by efficient graph algorithms based on depth-first search strategies. In some cases a purely combinatorial output function can be computed, even in the presence of feedback. Feedback cycles and the remaining components which are not part of any feedback cycle can be recognised and grouped in linear time. On these groups a topological ordering can be defined which then can be used to schedule a switch level simulation or a symbolic analysis.
Effect of sera from myasthenia gravis patients on acetylcholine receptors in myotube cultures

Abstract Accelerated degradation of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) by antibody has been implicated in the loss of receptor sites in myasthenia gravis (MG). Our clinical and experimental data question the relevance of junctional AChR turnover in in vitro systems to the destruction of junctional human AChR sites in vivo. During the past 4 years, we have treated MG by early thymectomy, without employing other treatment modalities when possible, particularly anticholinesterase drugs and corticosteroids. Serial AChR antibody titers were determined before (n = 93) and after (n = 12) thymectomy. There was no significant difference in AChR antibody titer in the pre- versus post-thymectomy sera ( P > 0.1), while all patients improved clinically. The residual fraction of AChRs in pre-thymectomy MG patients were significantly different ( P e AChR destruction on log e AChR antibody level in pre-thymectomy patients was highly significant ( P ⪡ 0.01), with r 2 = 0.44, thus indicating that a large portion of the variation of AChR destruction can be accounted for by the AChR antibody level. The residual fraction of AChRs in pre- and post-thymectomy sera were not significantly different from one another ( P > 0.1), despite clinical improvement in all patients. Although there is a significant relationship between antibody titer and decreased residual fraction of AChRs in tissue culture, the relationship between these in vitro measurements and the clinical state of the patients is questionable. All our patients improved clinically post-thymectomy but their sera showed no significant difference in ability to decrease residual extrajunctional myotube AChRs. We suggest that the myotube AChR data reflect primarily an in vitro phenomenon and may not be the principal mechanism of AChR destruction in human MG.
The international flow of third level lesser developed country students to developed countries: Determinants and implications

This study analyses the international flow of third level developing country students to advanced countries from the perspective of sending authorities in developing countries. The magnitude of this flow can hardly be overemphasized; on the basis of a conservative estimate made in the article, the annual loss of foreign exchange entailed by this flow amounted to 17 percent of the interest repayment on total external debts of the lesser developed countries (LDCs) in 1979, a sum which the developing countries themselves can hardly ignore. On an aggregate basis, our principal hypothesis is that the outflow of students is determined primarily by excess demand for third level education in developing countries. The empirical results support this hypothesis, while pointing to the importance of other factors. Excess demand for third level education in the developing countries is one of the most important determinants of the flow of developing country students to the advanced countries. On the whole, expansion of developing country tertiary education, at the national or regional levels, could effectively divert some of the flow to local institutions. Aside from this, expansion can also be argued on the basis of the high returns to third level education in developing countries compared to the returns to physical capital, as well as the considerable economies of scale associated with this level of instruction. Further, given the willingness/ability of the students to pay, as witnessed by the fact that the vast majority of developing country students finance privately their education abroad, the expansion of third level education in LDCs could be funded substantially via user charges and student loan schemes.
Fabrication and testing of hemispherical MEMS wineglass resonators

This work focuses on understanding the behavior of 3D hemispherical shells operating in wineglass resonance mode through finite element modeling (FEM). Fabrication of the hemispherical shells was done using micromachining technique. The quality factor of the device was in excess of 10,000 when operated in 50mT vacuum. The shell showed better than 95% sphericity and had an rms surface roughness of ~5nm. The separation in the degenerate frequencies of 4-node wineglass resonance was 5 Hz at a resonant frequency of 22 kHz. Modeling of the device behavior relates the frequency mismatch to the asymmetry in the shell and quantifies it.
Random Partial Orders Defined by Angular Domains

The d-dimensional random partial order is the intersection of d independently and uniformly chosen (with replacement) linear orders on the set [n] = {1, 2, . . . , n}. This is equivalent to picking n points uniformly at random in the d-dimensional unit cube \(Q_d=[0,1]^d\) with the coordinate-wise ordering. If d = 2, then this can be rephrased by declaring that for any pair P1, P2 ∈ Q2 we have P1 ≺ P2 if and only if P2 lies in the positive upper quadrant defined by the two axis-parallel lines crossing at P1. In this paper we study the random partial order with parameter α (0 ≤ α ≤ π) which is generated by picking n points uniformly at random from Q2 equipped with the same partial order as above but with the quadrant replaced by an angular domain of angle α.
Psychosocial Aspects of Adolescent Dysphonia: An Approach to Treatment.

Adolescents make up a unique population that can be a challenge for the speech-language pathologist. An understanding of the vocal behavior of the adolescent requires knowledge of physiological cha...
Chemical model for phosphine-induced lipid peroxidation.

Phosphine (PH 3 ) from hydrolysis of metal phosphides is highly toxic and is important for control of stored-product insect pests (AlP, Mg 3 P 2 ) and rodents (Zn 3 P 2 ). This fumigant inhibits respiration and induces lipid peroxidation in insects and mammals. PH 3 (from Mg 3 P 2 ) and H 2 O 2 , acting for 15 min in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), oxidized cod liver oil (high in unsaturated lipids) to malondialdehyde. Both Mg 3 P 2 and H 2 O 2 were found to be necessary for this lipid peroxidation, which under optimal conditions produced a seven-fold increase in malondialdehyde relative to basal levels in cod liver oil with H 2 O 2 but no PH 3 . Under the same conditions, 15-, 9- and 2-fold increases in malondialdehyde were obtained from ethyl arachidonate, methyl linoleate and methyl oleate. Small amounts of hydroxyl radical from PH 3 /H 2 O 2 were trapped with salicylic acid. Reactive oxygen species for lipid peroxidation may therefore be derived from direct reaction of PH 3 with H 2 O 2 as an alternative hypothesis to their respiration-linked formation.
LysPGS formation in Listeria monocytogenes has broad roles in maintaining membrane integrity beyond antimicrobial peptide resistance

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular, foodborne gastrointestinal pathogen that is primarily responsible for causing listeriosis or food poisoning in otherwise healthy individuals. Infections that arise during pregnancy or within immune compromised individuals are much more serious resulting in the risk of fetal termination or fetal fatality postpartum in the former and septicemia or meningitis with a 20% fatality rate in the latter. While the roles of internalin proteins and listeriolysin-O in the infection process are well characterized, the specific roles of lysine-modified phospholipids in the membrane of L. monocytogenes are not. Investigation into the lipid bilayer composition of L. monocytogenes indicated that the overall proportions of lipids, including lysylcardiolipin and lysylphosphatidylglycerol (LysPG), vary with growth temperature and growth phase. In addition, we demonstrate that LysPG formation is essential for L. monocytogenes survival in the presence of increased osmolytic stress but has no effect on bacterial adherence, invasion or survival in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of human neutrophil peptide (HNP-1). In the absence of LysPG synthesis, L. monocytogenes unexpectedly retained flagellum-mediated motility at 37 °C. Taken together, these findings show that LysPG formation in L. monocytogenes has broader functions in virulence and survival beyond its known role in the modification of membrane potential previously observed in other bacteria.
Stacking fault energies of Be, Mg, Al, Cu, Ag, and Au

Expressions for the stacking fault energies of close packed metals are derived. The technique employs periodic boundary conditions on a crystal containing a large number of widely spaced faults. All necessary summations are performed in wavenumber space. Reasonable agreement is obtained with experiment for the metals Be, Mg, Al, Cu, Ag, and Au. Contrary to some earlier work, the electrostatic contribution to the fault energy is found to be quite significant. The noble metal calculations include an evaluation of the d state overlap energy term; and this is shown to be small in comparison to the other contributions.
Assessment and interpretation of capillary refill in clinical evaluation of flap perfusion are subject to a lag time

A reliable assessment of the vascular perfusion of flaps in the postoperative period can be challenging. Clinical assessment of capillary refill is an integral component of this evaluation. Ten consecutive patients undergoing abdominoplasty were studied. The resected pannus was brought to the back table and assessed for capillary refill every 5 min. The time elapsed from complete resection until the last refill was observed and recorded. Our findings somewhat surprisingly show that capillary refill continues for an average of 75 min in an abdominoplasty specimen after its complete separation from its blood supply. We believe that capillary refill is testing the patency of the capillary microcirculation rather than the actual perfusion of the flap. This limits the value of capillary refill in the clinical evaluation of flaps. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.
Identification of a protein isolated from senescent human cells that binds to hepatitis B virus X antigen

Hepatitis B virus-encoded X antigen contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Given that X antigen functions by binding to other proteins, additional X-binding proteins were sought from an adult human liver cDNA library in a yeast two-hybrid system. The results yielded a clone encoding a 55-kd protein that is associated with replicative senescence (p55sen). Binding of p55sen to X antigen was confirmed in vitro by immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography. The expression of endogenous p55sen inversely correlated with cell growth. Transient transfection of X antigen or p55sen into HepG2 cells stimulated DNA synthesis by twofold to threefold, whereas cotransfection did not, suggesting that these molecules functionally interact. The detection of p55sen in embryonic mouse liver, its absence in adult mouse and human livers, and its reappearance in livers from carriers with chronic liver disease, suggest that it may play important roles in the regulation of liver cell growth. The similarity between p55sen and a notch ligand, which is involved in cell fate determinations during embryogenesis, implies that the binding of p55sen by X antigen may also contribute to an alteration in cell fate, which is characteristic of carcinogenesis.
Circular feature among dunes of the great sand sea, egypt.

A circular crater, about 4 kilometers in diameter and located at 24.2 deg N, 26.4 deg E, was discovered in Landsat images among the linear dunes of the Great Sand Sea, Egypt. The crater has a sharp and crenulated rim crest, a terraced wall, a discontinuous inner structure (approximately 1.6 kilometers in diameter), and a few rim blocks. Its morphological and morphometric characteristics are similar to those of meteorite impact craters and other circular structures on the moon and the terrestrial planets. Because of its interaction with windblown sand, it is particularly comparable with craters on Mars.
Quantitative theory for metamorphic differentiation in development of crenulation cleavage

A driving potential for metamorphic differentiation in the development of a crenulation cleavage arises from the difference in the mean stresses acting on the mobile solid phase in the hinge and limb regions of a crenulation. The rate of metamorphic differentiation is proportional to the resulting difference in the mean chemical potential of the solid in fluid-filled pores in the two regions. A comparison of the magnitude of the rate of dilation, representing the addition of the mobile phase (quartz) to the hinge region of a crenulation fold, with the total strain rate indicates when differentiation will be important in natural and experimental settings. Dilation rates comparable to tectonic strain rates of 10 −1 to 10 −14 sec −1 are achieved in pelitic rocks at stress differences of 10 to 40 b.
Market competition and the quality of nursing home care

This article identifies factors influencing the degree of competition in the nursing home market. Using data obtained from the 1987 Medicare and Medicaid Automated Certification Survey, the relationship between competition and structural and process measures of quality (registered nurse staffing and resident care management practices) is estimated by weighted two-stage least squares regression. Results suggest that the quality effects of indicators of competition vary and that market concentration may not diminish quality-based competition. Proposals for nursing home reimbursement reform are evaluated with respect to their incentives for enhancing quality, particularly in the Medicaid market segment.
Effects of arsenic on survival and metabolism of Crangon crangon

Metabolic changes and toxic effects in Crangon crangon (collected during summer 1989 near Helsingor, Denmark and at Kulhuse in the Isefjord) were observed during exposure to different arsenate concentrations. Survival, respiration, and concentrations of hemolymph glucose, muscle glycogen andadenine nucleotides were measured. C. crangon was very tolerant of arsenate; survival was only affected at arsenate concentrations >25 ppm. Small individuals (0.2 to 0.29 g wet weight) were less tolerant than medium-sized and large individuals (0.5 to 0.59 g and 0.8 to 0.89 g wet weight), e.g. at 50 ppm the LT50 for small individuals was 180 h compared to 343 h and 360 h in middle-sized and large individuals. The relation between size and toxicity is probably due to the change in surface/volume ratio. Under clean conditions the respiration of C. crangon showed a clear relation between routine MO2 (O2 in mlg-1 h-1) and wet weight (r2=0.89; P<0.001). During shortterm exposure to arsenate (10 and 50 ppm), the respiratory rates (MO2) seemed to decrease in a size-dependent manner. The concentrations of blood glucose and muscle glycogen did not change in response to arsenate exposure. The concentrations of adenylate phosphates were high and constant throughout the experiments. C. crangon had maximal adenylate energy charge (AEC) values of ca. 0.8. No decrease in AEC due to the exposure to arsenate was observed.
The density of the craze layer on the fracture surface of polystyrene

The refractive index and the density of the craze layer on the fracture surface of polystyrene have been measured directly from interferometric measurement of level differences on the fracture surface. The experimental results are in approximate agreement with the values calculated from either the Lorenz-Lorentz equation or Rayleigh's equation for parallel rods.
SRC tyrosine kinases regulate neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells via modulation of voltage-gated sodium channel activity.

Voltage-gated Na+ channel activity is vital for the proper function of excitable cells and has been indicated in nervous system development. Meanwhile, the Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs) has been implicated in the regulation of Na+ channel activity. The present investigation tests the hypothesis that Src family kinases influence neuronal differentiation via a chronic regulation of Na+ channel functionality. In cultured mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells undergoing neural induction and terminal neuronal differentiation, SFKs showed distinct stage-specific expression patterns during the differentiation process. ES cell-derived neuronal cells expressed multiple voltage-gated Na+ channel proteins (Nav) and underwent a gradual increase in Na+ channel activity. While acute inhibition of SFKs using the Src family inhibitor PP2 suppressed the Na+ current, chronic inhibition of SFKs during early neuronal differentiation of ES cells did not change Nav expression. However, a long-lasting block of SFK significantly altered electrophysiological properties of the Na+ channels, shown as a right shift of the current–voltage relationship of the Na+ channels, and reduced the amplitude of Na+ currents recorded in drug-free solutions. Immunocytochemical staining of differentiated cells subjected to the chronic exposure of a SFK inhibitor, or the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin, showed no changes in the number of NeuN-positive cells; however, both treatments significantly hindered neurite outgrowth. These findings suggest that SFKs not only modulate the Na+ channel activation acutely, but the tonic activity of SFKs is also critical for normal development of functional Na+ channels and neuronal differentiation or maturation of ES cells.
Survivable smart grid communication: Smart-meters meshes to the rescue

Smart grids are critical cyber-physical infrastructures in the world now. Since these infrastructures are prone to large scale outages due to disasters or faults, a resilient and survivable communication architecture is desired. In this work, we propose a resilient and survivable hierarchical communication architecture for the smart grid that mirrors the hierarchy of the existing power grid. Post-disaster resilience in grid communication is achieved through the grid flattening process. This process involves smart-meters and other disaster surviving elements of higher system levels of the grid forming a wireless mesh network. The flattened network of grid elements with one-hop communication links help in reliable and timely relaying of grid's health information to working regions of the grid. This allows for swift action by control engineers of the utility provider and emergency services with real-time data. We propose analytical models to study the performance of the flattened architecture as a function of outage area, smart-meter density and smart-meter's neighborhood size. The results from the analytical model will be compared with simulation results from OPNET.
Identification of potential genomic biomarkers of hepatotoxicity caused by reactive metabolites of N-methylformamide: Application of stable isotope labeled compounds in toxicogenomic studies.

The inability to predict if a metabolically bioactivated compound will cause toxicity in later stages of drug development or post-marketing is of serious concern. One approach for improving the predictive success of compound toxicity has been to compare the gene expression profile in preclinical models dosed with novel compounds to a gene expression database generated from compounds with known toxicity. While this guilt-by-association approach can be useful, it is often difficult to elucidate gene expression changes that may be related to the generation of reactive metabolites. In an effort to address this issue, we compared the gene expression profiles obtained from animals treated with a soft-electrophile-producing hepatotoxic compound against corresponding deuterium labeled analogues resistant to metabolic processing. Our aim was to identify a subset of potential biomarker genes for hepatotoxicity caused by soft-electrophile-producing compounds. The current study utilized a known hepatotoxic compound N...
Evaluating Physiological and Growth Responses of Arundinaria Species to Inundation

Abstract Dense stands of Arundinaria species, or canebrakes, once were a dominant landscape feature along floodplains of the southeastern United States. However, human activities have reduced canebrakes to fragmented remnants representing <2% of their extent prior to European settlement. Canebrake restoration thus is a top priority for preserving and improving wetland biodiversity in the United States. Successful restoration requires an understanding of factors influencing establishment of the two most common United States Arundinaria species; therefore, this greenhouse study examined effects of inundation on A. gigantea and A. tecta. Both Arundinaria species were subjected to 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks of inundation under long-day, warm temperature growing season conditions. Plant growth, mean net photosynthesis (Pn), and stomatal conductance (Gs) were measured on a weekly basis, and at the conclusion of the experiment, above- and belowground biomass were measured. We found significant correlations of Pn and Gs...
Additive influence on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation

The effects of HBr and Fe(CO)5 flame radical scavengers on the concentration of polycyclic aromatichydrocarbon (PAH) molecules and their precursors have been determined on the basis of simulations of experiments for premixed flames and in a jet-stirred reactor. Results are derived from a mechanism that combines a soot model and a kinetic model with the reactions that define the flame inhibition capability of iron pentacarbonyl and HBr. Near stoichiometric conditions, radical scavenger effects are very large, An increase of equivalence ratio decreases the relative effect of these additives. For a relatively large equivalence ratio, the gas-phase influence of radical scavenger additives disappears. Kinetic models demonstrate that the gas-phase effect of additives is to enhance PAH formation. The results of this work support the suggestion of earlier works that experimentally observed decrease of particulate formation is possibly the result of heterogeneous reactions of iron oxides by increase of oxidation rate of formed soot. The simulations show that contributions from propargyl combination and C4 mechanisms to benzene formation are dependent on the equivalence ratio. The former predominates in a rich system where propargyl combination is responsible for benzene formation, while the latter is more important at lower values of the equivalence ratio.
Chemoenzymatic construction of a four-component Ugi combinatorial library.

The chemoenzymatic preparation of a nine-member Ugi condensation library is described. The carboxylic acid and amine precursors are based on 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4-amino-1-butanol, respectively, and have been acylated selectively using a variety of acyl donors catalyzed by porcine pancreatic lipase. The enzyme is selective for the hydroxyl functionalities on both precursors, thereby yielding 3-acyl-butyric acid and 4-amino-1-acyl compounds. These enzymatically generated derivatives were then subjected to a four-component Ugi condensation reaction in the presence of acetaldehyde and methyl isocyanoacetate. Isolated yields of the alpha-(acylamino)amide Ugi products ranged from 72-95%. The inherent chemoselectivity of enzymatic catalysis may play an increasingly important role in expanding the structural diversity that can be achieved by chemical multicomponent condensation reactions.
Self-Terminated Ventricular Fibrillation and Recurrent Syncope

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a lethal arrhythmia that requires immediate cardioversion and is rarely self-terminating. Spontaneous termination is typically associated with more organized activation than sustained VF terminated by shock, but the precise mechanism is unclear. In the present case, we describe a patient with recurrent syncope and documented self-terminating VF, who ultimately underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion. Assessment of the rhythm strip revealed organization of a chaotic rhythm into monomorphic ventricular tachycardia before termination, in supportive of previous reports. In conclusion, self-terminating VF is a very rare condition that can cause syncope.
Selective modification of sodium channel gating by solvents and drugs.

In Myxicola heavy water (D2O) does not alter Na+ gating currents, but slows activation and inactivation. In this study, the solvent formamide (5–20% v/v) is shown to proportionately and reversibly block Na+ currents and charge movement, suggesting it may be useful for fractionating gating currents. Formamide- and prepulse-sensitive (inactivating) gating currents were identical, comprising 60–80% of total charge. Both had rising phases and decayed as single exponential functions. Formamide-insensitive and non-inactivating charge movements had no rising phases and decayed slowly with more complex kinetics. Another solvent, dimethylsufoxide (1% v/v), had no effect on Na+ activation or charge movement, though it did affect inactivation. Amantadine (0.1 mM) did not charge Na+ activation or charge movement, but slowed inactivation and shifted the foot of the steady state Na+ inactivation curve. Sotalol (0.1 mM) slowed inactivation, but also inhibited Na+ activation and gating current.
Label-free optical sensing on hybrid plasmonic-nanobiosilica platforms

Diatoms are single-celled algaes that make photonic-crystal-like silica shells or frustules with hierarchical micro- and nano-scale features consisting of two-dimensional periodic pores. In this paper, we present an innovative label-free optical sensor based on a biological-plasmonic hybrid nanostructure by self-assembling silver (Ag) nanoparticles into diatom frustules. The photonic-crystal-like diatom frustules provide a spatially confined electric field with enhanced intensity that can form hybrid photonic-plasmonic modes through the optical coupling with Ag nanoparticles. The experimental results demonstrate 4-6x and 9-12x improvement of sensitivities to detect the Raman dye for resonance and nonresonance SERS sensing, respectively.
Research on Effect of Activation on Concrete with High Volum Ceramic Waste Mud

In this study an attempt has been made to find the suitability of the ceramic waste mud as a possible substitute for conventional concrete. Experiments were carried out to determine the flexural and compressive strengths of concrete and the modulus of elasticity of mortar with various activators. The result indicated that cement could be partly replaced by ceramic waste mud. The strength of concrete verious as the activator changed, so the key to increase the strength of concrete is to find the proper activor.