cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Right Ventricular Pressure-Volume Analysis During Left Ventricular Assist Device Speed Optimization Studies: Insights Into Interventricular Interactions and Right Ventricular Failure.

Abstract Background Interventricular interaction, which refers to the impact of left ventricular (LV) function on right ventricular (RV) function and vice versa, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of RV failure in LV assist device (LVAD) recipients. We sought to understand more about interventricular interaction by quantifying changes in the RV systolic and diastolic function with varying LVAD speeds. Methods and Results Four patients (ages 22–69 years, 75% male, and 25% with ischemic cardiomyopathy) underwent a protocolized hemodynamic ramp test within 12 months of LVAD implantation where RV pressure–volume loops were recorded with a conductance catheter. The end-systolic PV relationship and end-diastolic PV relationship were compared using the V20 and V10 indices (volumes at which end-systolic PV relationship and end-diastolic PV relationship reach a pressure of 20 and 10 mm Hg, respectively). The ∆V20 and ∆V10 refer to the change in V20 and V10 from the minimum to maximum LVAD speeds. RV PV loops demonstrated variable changes in systolic and diastolic function with increasing LVAD speed. The end-systolic PV relationship changed in 1 patient (patient 2, ∆V20 = 23.5 mL), reflecting a decrease in systolic function with increased speed, and was unchanged in 3 patients (average ∆V20 = 7.4 mL). The end-diastolic PV relationship changed with increasing speed in 3 of 4 patients (average ∆V10 = 12.5 mL), indicating an increase in ventricular compliance, and remained unchanged in one participant (patient 1; ∆V10 = 4.0 mL). Conclusions Interventricular interaction can improve RV compliance and impair systolic function, but the overall effect on RV performance in this pilot investigation is heterogeneous. Further research is required to understand which patient characteristics and hemodynamic parameters influence the net impact of interventricular interaction.
Metrics on End-Periodic Manifolds as Models for Dark Matter

In this paper we will detail an approach to generate metrics and matter models on end-periodic manifolds, which are used extensively in the study of the exotic smooth structures of $\mathbb{R}^4$. We will present three distinct examples, discuss their associated matter models by solving the Einstein equations, and determine their physical viability by examining the energy conditions. We will also compare one of the models directly with existing models of matter distributions in extragalactic systems, to highlight the viability of utilizing exotic smooth structures to understand the existence and distribution of dark matter.
Persistent Breast Pain

Persistent breast pain (PBP) following a cancer diagnosis and treatment is common and can be highly distressing, interfering with daily activities, and leading to decreases in overall quality of life. PBP can result from breast surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal treatments. Patient demographic and medical and psychosocial factors are also associated with PBP. Following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, providers are encouraged to assess for PBP through clinical interviews and subsequent clinical assessments, as needed. Providers can also implement the use of patient reported outcomes (PROs) to assess PBP and psychosocial factors related to PBP (i.e., anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy for pain management). After a thorough assessment of PBP, there are several treatments that may be helpful to decrease pain or to decrease pain’s interference with daily activities. Treatments including the use of medication, exercise, complementary and alternative medicines, and psychosocial interventions may provide important benefits for women with PBP.
Dominion of Self and Natural Rights Before Locke and After

The idea of natural rights or human rights, the idea that all humans, by virtue of their very humanity, have certain rights that ought to be acknowledged and protected, is of distinctively western origin. And a major problem of current world politics is to determine whether such rights can be assimilated into the traditional religious cultures of non-western societies. In these circumstances the task of understanding how an idea of natural rights could first grow into existence and then survive in the western world is of more than antiquarian interest. In this paper I want to consider the origin and development of one particular strand of related thought, the ideas of ownership or mastery of self as a ground of natural rights. The idea of self-ownership is widely deployed in contemporary writing on human rights, and an obvious source for the idea is often found in the work of John Locke who famously declared that “every Man has a Property in his own Person”. Much recent work, however, has been devoted to exploring the earlier origins of the concept of natural rights in the jurisprudence and philosophy of the middle ages and in the writings of the Spanish neo-scholastics. This work suggests that we might learn to see modern doctrines of rights, not as innovations of the seventeenth century or
Temperature and magnesium effects on aluminium toxicity in annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Two ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cultivars differing in Al sensitivity were grown under two temperature regimes (10/6 and 22/18°C day/night temperature) in nutrient solution (pH 4.2) with three levels of Al (0, 3.7 and 74 µM) and two levels of Mg (0.1 and 1 mM). Higher Mg concentration greatly alleviated Al toxicity effects on root and shoot dry matter production. Aluminium depressed plant growth more at the higher than at the lower temperature in solution containing 0.1 mM Mg but not in solutions of 1 mM Mg. Added aluminium depressed uptake rates of Mg and Ca but the effect was considerably alleviated with increased Mg concentration in the nutrient solution. Average K uptake remained unaffected by Al at 1 mM Mg in solution. Increasing the nutrient solution Al concentration increased the K/(Ca + Mg) ratio of shoots, thus increasing the grass tetany potential of ryegrass forage. This ratio was larger in cv. Wilo which is more sensitive to Al than cv. Marshall.
Die erweiterte Sprache C

Die fruher dargestellte Sprache A enthalt hinreichende Ausdrucksformen, um die meisten Axiomensysteme und wissenschaftlichen Theorien zu formulieren. Um eine solche Formulierung durchzufuhren, braucht man nur fur einige der vorkommenden Begriffe beliebige Konstanten geeigneter Typen als Grundzeichen zu nehmen, derart, das Konstanten fur die ubrigen Begriffe durch Definitionen eingefuhrt werden konnen. Spater, in Teil II, werden Beispiele fur die Formulierung von Axiomensystemen in Sprache A gegeben.
Nitrate in watersheds: Straight from soils to streams?

[1] Human activities are rapidly increasing the global supply of reactive N and substantially altering the structure and hydrologic connectivity of managed ecosystems. There is long-standing recognition that N must be removed along hydrologic flow paths from uplands to streams, yet it has proven difficult to assess the generality of this removal across ecosystem types and whether these patterns are influenced by land use change. To assess how well upland nitrate (NO3−) loss is reflected in stream export, we gathered information from >50 watershed biogeochemical studies that reported nitrate concentrations ([NO3−]) for stream water and for either upslope soil solution or groundwater NO3− to examine whether stream export of NO3− accurately reflects upland NO3− losses. In this data set, soil solution and stream water [NO3−] were correlated across 40 undisturbed forest watersheds, with stream water [NO3−] typically half (median = 50%) soil solution [NO3−]. A similar relationship was seen in 10 disturbed forest watersheds. However, for 12 watersheds with significant agricultural or urban development, the intercept and slope were both significantly higher than the relationship seen in forest watersheds. Differences in concentration between soil solution or groundwater and stream water may be attributed to biological uptake, microbial processes including denitrification, and/or preferential flow routing. The results of this synthesis are consistent with the hypotheses that undisturbed watersheds have a significant capacity to remove nitrate after it passes below the rooting zone and that land use changes tend to alter the efficiency or the length of watershed flow paths, leading to reductions in nitrate removal and increased stream nitrate concentrations.
Control Charts for Attributes

Control charts can be used to monitor characteristics of a process that are measured using categorical or attribute data. The most common attribute control charts are the p-chart and c-chart. This section discusses the scenarios in which the p- and c-charts are useful. A detailed example of the use of a p-chart is given. Strengths and weaknesses of attribute charts are discussed. Keywords: control chart; attributes; SPC ; proportions; counts; discrete; categorical
Gain Space Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Systems under PI Control

This study examines the nonlinear stability of general systems under single-loop PI control. The analysis focuses on the positive feedback region of the gain space which is important, for instance, when the system is open-loop unstable. By analyzing the normal form equation about a critical gain setting, the nonlinear stability and dynamics are classified for such systems. Criteria for global stability and sensitivity of system stability to set-point change and/or error are derived based on the derivatives of the nonlinear gain curve. Some of the results are demonstrated experimentally.
In Vivo Enhancement of 5-Fluorouracil Cytotoxicity to AKR Leukemia Cells by Thymidine in Mice

The spleen colony assay was used to examine the effect of thymidine (dThd) on 5-fluorouracil (FUra) cytotoxicity in two transplantable leukemias, AKR (in AKR mice) and L1210 [in (BALB/c x DBA/2)F1 mice], in vivo. A large dose of dThd (10 mg/mouse) could not rescue these cell lines from FUra toxicity. Instead, when dThd was given within 1 hour before FUra, it enhanced FUra cytotoxicity by a factor between 100 and 1,000 in AKR leukemia. That dThd increased the cytotoxicity of FUra only by a factor of 3 in L1210 leukemia suggested a different mechanism of interaction of the two drugs in the two cell lines. Examination in hybrid mice capable of supporting the growth of both leukemias showed the enhancement to be tumor related rather than host related. We also demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of dThd injection 15 minutes before FUra in AKR leukemia. Concerning the kinetics of killing of AKR leukemia colony-forming units (LCFU) following the administration of dThd 15 minutes before FUra, LCFU survival continued to decrease for 24--36 hours following drug administration.
Activation of the interferon system by short-interfering RNAs

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool used to manipulate gene expression or determine gene function1,2. One technique of expressing the short double-stranded (ds) RNA intermediates required for interference in mammalian systems is the introduction of short-interfering (si) RNAs3,4,5,6. Although RNAi strategies are reliant on a high degree of specificity, little attention has been given to the potential non-specific effects that might be induced. Here, we found that transfection of siRNAs results in interferon (IFN)-mediated activation of the Jak–Stat pathway and global upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes. This effect is mediated by the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR, which is activated by 21-base-pair (bp) siRNAs and required for upregulation of IFN-β in response to siRNAs. In addition, we show by using cell lines deficient in specific components mediating IFN action that the RNAi mechanism itself is independent of the interferon system. Thus, siRNAs have broad and complicating effects beyond the selective silencing of target genes when introduced into cells. This is of critical importance, as siRNAs are currently being explored for their potential therapeutic use7,8.
ON‐LINE CASE‐BASED PLANNING

Some domains, such as real-time strategy (RTS) games, pose several challenges to traditional planning and machine learning techniques. In this article, we present a novel on-line case-based planning architecture that addresses some of these problems. Our architecture addresses issues of plan acquisition, on-line plan execution, interleaved planning and execution, and on-line plan adaptation. We also introduce the Darmok system, which implements this architecture to play Wargus (an open source clone of the well-known RTS game Warcraft II). We present empirical evaluation of the performance of Darmok and show that it successfully learns to play the Wargus game.
Adenosine increases sympathetic nerve traffic in humans

BACKGROUND Adenosine is an effective hypotensive agent in experimental animals and in anesthetized patients, producing little if any evidence of reflex sympathetic activation. In contrast, adenosine increases systolic blood pressure and heart rate in conscious subjects. To determine whether this response is related to sympathetic activation, we studied the cardiovascular and respiratory effects of adenosine in normal subjects while measuring muscle sympathetic nerve traffic through direct recordings from a peroneal nerve. METHODS AND RESULTS Adenosine (80 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) increased heart rate (+32 +/- 3 beats/min), systolic blood pressure (+10 +/- 2 mm Hg), and minute ventilation (+7 +/- 1 l/min). This was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (from 198 +/- 52 to 451 +/- 92 units/min). Adenosine also produced a small, but consistent, decrease in diastolic blood pressure (-6 +/- 3 mm Hg). Adenosine produced a greater increase in sympathetic nerve traffic (145 +/- 32% above baseline) than did nitroprusside (65 +/- 16%) at doses that resulted in equivalent decreased in diastolic blood pressure. Arterial baroreceptor unloading, therefore, could not totally explain the increase in sympathetic traffic produced by adenosine. CONCLUSIONS Given the constellation of findings of increased ventilation and sympathetic activity, we, therefore, propose that adenosine increases sympathetic tone by activating afferent nerves, including arterial chemoreceptors. Contrary to the known inhibitory actions of adenosine on central and peripheral efferent systems, this and other reports suggest that adenosine-induced activation of afferent nerves, leading to sympathetic activation, may be a more widespread phenomenon than previously recognized.
Evolution of the 12 kDa FK506‐binding protein gene

Background information. The FKBPs (FK506-binding proteins) belong to a ubiquitous family of proteins that are found in a wide range of taxonomic groups. These proteins participate in a variety of pathways, including protein folding, down-regulation of T-cell activation and inhibition of cell-cycle progression. Results. A cDNA encoding the 12 kDa FKBP gene orthologue (FKBP12) in Bombyx mori was been isolated from both Bm-5 cultured cells and silk-gland tissue. Using the FKBP12 cDNA in combination with the B. mori 6× whole-genome shotgun database, we were able to identify the FKBP12 gene, as well as the positions of its intron—exon junctions. Conclusions. FKBP12 exon sizes and intronic positions are highly conserved among FKBP12 orthologues in 24 diverse genomes. Comparison of 41 FKBP12 genes revealed several intronic insertion and deletion events throughout evolution. In addition, paralogous FKBP12 isoforms were identified in all 12 vertebrate genomes. Both structural and phylogenetics analyses suggest that the isoforms may be evolving independently, possibly due to the distinct functional roles played by each paralogue.
Internally illuminated photobioreactor for algal cultivation under carbon dioxide-supplementation: Performance evaluation

Abstract This study evaluated an internally illuminated photobioreactor (IIPBR) design for improving biomass productivity through better utilization of light and carbon dioxide-supplementation. Growth of Scenedesmus sp. and Nannochloropsis salina in an 18-L version of this design was evaluated under artificial light at varying CO2–air (vol/vol) ratios, but at constant air supply rate of 0.8 L min−1 corresponding to gas-to-culture volume ratio of 0.044 min−1. CO2–air ratios of 4% and 1% were found as the optimal for Scenedesmus sp., and N. salina, yielding volumetric productivities of 0.40 and 0.104 g dry L−1 d−1, respectively. Under continuous operation with regular harvesting at the optimal CO2–air ratios, constant biomass levels of 1.40 and 0.52 g dry L−1 were maintained with average biomass productions of 2.53 and 0.93 g dry day−1, for the two species, respectively. Based on volumetric biomass productivity per unit light energy input per unit incident area, performance of this IIPBR design is shown to be comparable to that of bubble column and airlift designs reported in the literature, but at much lower gas-to-culture volume ratio.
Social Categories, Classification Systems, and Determinants of Wine Price in the California and French Wine Industries:

This study advances the sociological inquiry on social categories by synthesizing two lines of research in economic and organizational sociology—studies of industrial categories in market dynamics ...
How much is too much? Identifying benchmarks of adverse effects of macroalgae on the macrofauna in intertidal flats

Eutrophication, defined as the accumulation of organic matter typically in response to anthropogenically enhanced nutrient inputs, often takes the form of macroalgal blooms in shallow estuaries and causes a cascade of adverse ecosystem effects. Confidence in the use of macroalgae as an indicator of eutrophication in estuaries is limited by the lack of quantitative data on thresholds of adverse effects. Field experiments can provide “benchmarks” of no effect or adverse effects that can be used to validate thresholds derived statistically from field data. To determine a benchmark of adverse effects of macroalgal abundance on macrobenthic faunal communities in intertidal flats, experiments were conducted in two sites in Bodega Harbor (BOD) and two sites in Upper Newport Bay (UNB), California, USA. At each site, 24 cages maintained six treatments of macroalgae for eight weeks, with mat depths of 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 5.0 cm composed mostly of bloom-forming green macroalgae in the genus Ulva. Every two we...
Life-Cycle Planning of Cutting Fluids—A Review

With the recent emergence of environmental management standards and regulations for metalworking industries, effective management of cutting fluids in machining facilities has become an issue of increased significance. This paper reviews the basic components, performance and health effects, and post-processing options for non-water-miscible and water-mixed cutting fluids currently practiced. The basic components of non-water-miscible and water-mixed fluids are introduced. Time-based degradation mechanisms for cutting fluid performance including liquid contamination, solid contamination, acidity/alkalinity, corrosion resistance, emulsion stability and bacteriological effects are examined. These degradation mechanisms are related to possible human health effects. Recycling effectiveness for different techniques such as sedimentation, magnetic separation, skimming, barrier filtration and centrifugation are also examined. Disposal pre-treatment options for cutting fluids are discussed. Finally, three case examples of cutting fluid management at a research facility, automotive supplier and grinding shop are presented.
Design principles to tune the optical properties of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-containing molecules

We have synthesized a series of oxadiazole compounds and ethynylene analogs. Our data reveal that the ring is both optically transparent in the visible range and fully conjugating while we have also discovered the presence of a non-radiative mechanism active in molecules containing common para-dialkoxy substituents adjacent to the oxadiazole ring(s). This structure leads to a greatly reduced quantum yield, in our example dropping from 95.0% to 48.0%. Through our thorough study we have revealed evidence that this is the result of a repulsive interaction between the oxadiazole and the adjacent alkoxy oxygen atom, which we believe prevents excited-state planarity. This quantum yield reduction is preventable through the design principles presented here.
Requirement of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase kinase for coenzyme A

Abstract Phosphorylation and inactivation of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase by acetyl-CoA carboxylase kinase in the presence of ATP and Mg 2+ requires coenzyme A. Coenzyme A did not enhance the phosphorylation of alternative substrates of the carboxylase kinase such as protamine or histones. Analogs of coenzyme A were also effective in stimulating the inactivation of carboxylase. The K A of CoA for stimulated carboxylase inactivation was 25 μ m . The presence of coenzyme A did not alter the K m of the carboxylase kinase for its substrates, ATP and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Fluorescence binding studies showed that CoA binds to carboxylase but not to the kinase. The K D of CoA binding to carboxylase is 27 μ m . These results indicate that coenzyme A, acting on acetyl-CoA carboxylase, may play an important role in the regulation of the covalent modification mechanism for acetyl-CoA carboxylase.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Rat Bone Marrow Downregulate Caspase-3-mediated Apoptotic Pathway After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Mesenchymal stem cells have been intensively studied for their potential use in reparative strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries. We used mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) from rat bone marrow to evaluate the therapeutic potential after spinal cord injury (SCI). Immunohistochemistry confirmed a large number of apoptotic neurons and oligodendrocytes in caudal segments 2 mm away from the lesion site. Expression of caspase-3 on both neurons and oligodendrocytes after SCI was significantly downregulated by rMSC. Caspase-3 downregulation by rMSC involves increased expression of FLIP and XIAP in the cytosol and inhibition of PARP cleavage in the nucleus. Animals treated with rMSC had higher Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scoring and better recovery of hind limb sensitivity. Treatment with rMSC had a positive effect on behavioral outcome and histopathological assessment after SCI. The ability of rMSC to incorporate into the spinal cord, differentiate and to improve locomotor recovery hold promise for a potential cure after SCI.
Prevalence of groups A and C rotavirus antibodies in infants with biliary atresia and cholestatic controls.

Objective To analyze the prevalence of acute asymptomatic group A and C rotavirus (RV-A and RV-C) infection in neonates with cholestasis. Study design Participants were infants 20% of total and ≥2 mg/dL) enrolled in the Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network during RV season (December-May). Forty infants with biliary atresia (BA), age 62 ± 29 days (range, 4.7-13 weeks) and 38 infants with cholestasis, age 67 ± 44 days (range, 3-15.8 weeks) were enrolled. Results At enrollment, RV-A IgM positivity rates did not differ between infants with BA (10%) vs those without (18%) ( P = .349). RV-C IgM was positive in 0% of infants with BA vs 3% in those without BA ( P = .49). RV-A IgG was lower in infants with BA: 51 ± 39 vs 56 ± 44 enzyme-linked immunoassay unit, P = .045 but this difference may lack biological relevance as maternal RV-A IgG titers were similar between groups. Infant RV-A IgM titers at 2-6 months follow-up increased markedly vs at presentation in both infants with BA (50 ± 30 vs 9 ± 9) and those without (43 ± 18 vs 16 ± 20 enzyme-linked immunoassay unit) ( P Conclusions RV-A infection in the first 6 months of life is common in infants with cholestasis of any cause. RV-A could have different pathogenetic effects by initiating different hepatic immune responses in infants with vs without BA or could lack pathogenetic significance.
Effect of influenza immunization on CYP3A4 activity.

Abstract A number of clinical reports of drug interactions with influenza vaccine have been made. We hypothesized that CYP3A4 activity would decrease following influenza immunization. Fifteen healthy subjects had erythromycin breath tests (ERMBT) and influenza antibody titer hemagglutinin inhibition assay (HIA) before and after receiving influenza vaccine. The mean age of the subjects was 31.9 years (S.D. 10.2). The change in ERMBT following influenza immunization was not significant (mean −4%, S.D. 17%, P =0.25). Influenza immunization does not significantly change CYP3A4 activity. Changes in serum drug concentrations noted previously after influenza immunization are either due to very small changes in CYP3A4 activity or other pharmacokinetic interactions.
The Counselor's Trauma as Counseling Motivation: Vulnerability or Stress Inoculation?

Should counselors with interpersonal trauma histories work with similarly traumatized clients? How does the work affect them? Current research is inconsistent. This study examines 101 sexual assault and domestic violence counselors' recalled motivations for trauma work, their reported subjective personal changes, and their secondary and vicarious trauma symptoms and burnout. Counselors motivated by interpersonal trauma report both more symptoms and positive changes (including dealing with their own trauma). Those seeking personal meaning report becoming more hypervigilant and self-isolating. Those saying they learned from clients rate symptoms lower, suggesting stress inoculation. Supervisors of trauma counselors should facilitate learning from clients separately from processing the counselor's trauma.
The relationship between factor shares and economic development

Abstract The stability of factor shares has long been considered one of the “stylized facts” of macroeconomics. Most factor share studies, however, acknowledge only two factors of production (total capital and total labor), which yields misleading results. I distinguish between reproducible and non-reproducible factors of production. I disentangle physical capital’s share from natural capital’s share and human capital’s share from unskilled labor’s share. Results reveal that non-reproducible factor shares decrease with the stage of economic development, and reproducible factor shares increase with the stage of economic development. This evidence suggests that studies relying on the macroeconomic paradigm of constant factor shares should be revisited. The evidence also supports endogenous growth models that allow technical progress to manifest itself via changes in factor shares.
Gossip, self-monitoring and fashion leadership: comparison of US and South Korean consumers

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to investigate tendency to gossip, self-monitoring and fashion leadership among young adult consumers in two cultures: US and South Korean. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 690 (278 US; 412 Korean) university students. Data were analyzed using MANOVA, ANOVA, descriptive statistics, χ2 and Cronbach’s alpha reliability. Findings – Compared with US participants, Korean participants scored higher on tendency to gossip and lower on self-monitoring, the two subscales of self-monitoring (ability to modify self-presentation; sensitivity to the appearance of others), and fashion innovativeness and opinion leadership. In both cultures, fashion leaders scored higher on self-monitoring and tendency to gossip than fashion followers, and high self-monitors scored higher on tendency to gossip than low self-monitors. Results of this research supported Hofstede’s (1980) theory of cultural dimensions as appropriate for examining diffe...
Lack of a clinically relevant effect of an antacid on the pharmacokinetics of lersivirine.

Lersivirine (UK-453,061) is a next-generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that displays potent antiviral activity. Lersivirine solubility is pH dependent; therefore, the effect of coadministration of antacid on the pharmacokinetics of lersivirine in healthy subjects was investigated. The ratio of adjusted geometric means (750 mg lersivirine plus 20 ml Maalox Max/750 mg lersivirine alone) for the area under the curve from time zero extrapolated to infinite time (AUC inf ) was 101.86%, showing that coadministration of an antacid had no effect on lersivirine exposure. Coadministration appeared to be safe and relatively well tolerated.
Structure of alpha-lytic protease complexed with its pro region.

While the majority of proteins fold rapidly and spontaneously to their native states, the extracellular bacterial protease α-lytic protease (αLP) has a t 1/2 for folding of ~2,000 years, corresponding to a folding barrier of 30 kcal mol –1 . αLP is synthesized as a pro-enzyme where its pro region (Pro) acts as a foldase to stabilize the transition state for the folding reaction. Pro also functions as a potent folding catalyst when supplied as a separate polypeptide chain, accelerating the rate of αLP folding by a factor of 3 × 10 9 . In the absence of Pro, αLP folds only partially to a stable molten globule-like intermediate state. Addition of Pro to this intermediate leads to rapid formation of native αLP. Here we report the crystal structures of Pro and of the non-covalent inhibitory complex between Pro and native αLP. The C-shaped Pro surrounds the C-terminal s-barrel domain of the folded protease, forming a large complementary interface. Regions of extensive hydration in the interface explain how Pro binds tightly to the native state, yet even more tightly to the folding transition state. Based on structural and functional data we propose that a specific structural element in αLP is largely responsible for the folding barrier and suggest how Pro can overcome this barrier.
Flow structures within miniature hydrocyclones

Abstract This paper explores the possibility of developing a high capacity (∼100 lpm) liquid/liquid separation system based on low-capacity ( g develop near the vortex finder within small hydrocyclones and, thereby, support the idea of using a bundle of very small hydrocyclones for downhole oil and water separation or for solvent recovery in extraction processes.
The economic impact of ophthalmic services for persons with diabetes in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia: 1993-1996.

PURPOSE: If undetected and untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss and irreversible blindness, imposing both clinical and economic costs to patients and society. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine both the direct and indirect costs of providing ophthalmic, social and rehabilitative services for persons with diabetic eye disease. METHODS: Persons with diabetes and seen by ophthalmologists in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia were ascertained from provincial health records for the years 1993–1996, inclusive. In addition, utilization data from community and blindness rehabilitation agencies located throughout the Province of Nova Scotia for the same time period were also obtained and analyzed. A cost-of-illness analysis of ophthalmic and additional services for persons with diabetes was then performed using the available data sources. RESULTS: The total cost of direct and indirect ophthalmic, disability and rehabilitative care for persons with diabetes mellitus i...
Stochastic modeling of light-weight floating objects

Light-weight objects floating inside a flow play a significant role in the liveliness of our world (e.g., leaves, dust, snowflakes, bubbles). They follow the flow and show complex and chaotic motion. First, animators usually add simple random noise to the streaming path. However, this method yields low-quality floating behavior since the random noise does not take into account the spatial and temporal distribution of underlying flow turbulence. For example, obstacle-induced oscillation cannot be easily created as a major source of the unique motion. Second, floating objects can be passively advected by flow velocities from physically-based simulation. A critical challenge is that modeling the important jiggling motion requires turbulent flow field, which is hard to achieve by direct numerical simulation (DNS) due to limited computational resources and numerical dissipation. This situation deteriorates severely when realtime performance and interactivity are demanded in a 3D gaming environment. Moreover, the floating motion has intrinsic stochastic nature, i.e., the repeated executions result in nonidentical dynamics, which is not achievable with deterministic simulation. Third, adding noise to fluid solvers can introduce chaotic flow velocities (e.g. [Pfaff et al. 2010]). In an approach, special Langevin particles affect fluid solver with forces [Chen et al. 2011]. However, such methods rely on DNS and apply chaotic addition to the whole fluid domain, which is inefficient in handling a group of floating objects inside.
Single genome amplification of proviral HIV-1 DNA from dried blood spot specimens collected during early infant screening programs in Lusaka, Zambia.

The ability to evaluate individual HIV-1 virions from the quasispecies of vertically infected infants was evaluated in a field setting at the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia. Infant heel-prick blood specimens were spotted onto dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper cards at government health clinics. Nucleic acid was extracted and used as a template for HIV-1 proviral DNA detection by a commercial Amplicor HIV-1 PCR test (Roche, version 1.5). On samples that tested positive by commercial diagnostic assay, amplification of DNA was performed using an in-house assay of the 5′ and 3′ region of the HIV-1 genome. Additionally, fragments covering 1200 nucleotides within pol (full length protease and partial reverse transcriptase) and 1400 nucleotides within env (variable 1-variable 5 region) were further analyzed by single genome amplification (SGA). In summary, we have demonstrated an in-house assay for amplifying the 5′ and 3′ proviral HIV-1 DNA as well as pol and env proviral DNA fragments from DBS cards collected and analyzed entirely in Zambia. In conclusion, this study shows the feasibility of utilizing DBS cards to amplify the whole proviral HIV-1 genome as well as perform SGA on key HIV-1 genes.
A Fatal Case of Thallium Toxicity: Challenges in Management

Background Thallium is a highly toxic compound and is occasionally involved in intentional overdoses or criminal poisonings. Accidental poisonings also occur, but are increasingly rare owing to restricted use and availability of thallium. We report a fatal suicidal ingestion of thallium sulfate rodenticide in which multi-dose activated charcoal (MDAC) and Prussian Blue (PB) were both used without changing the outcome.
Vapor pressures and sublimation thermodynamics of GdCl3, TbCl3 and DyCl3

Abstract The vapor pressures of gadolinium trichloride, terbium trichloride and dysprosium trichloride were measured by mass loss effusion from stainless steel cells at temperatures near 1000 K. The third law enthalpies of sublimation at 298.15 K are as follows: GdCl3, 37.5 ± 1.5 kK; TbCl3, 36.6 ± 1.5 kK; DyCl3, 37.4 ± 1.5 kK. These results are discussed in relation to crystal structures, hard sphere ion and thermochemical lattice energies, and bonding models for the solids.
Orbital-Symmetry Rules for Chemisorption and Catalysis

A new method, based on orbital-symmetry rules, is suggested for predicting the surface sites of most importance in chemisorption and catalysis. The relationship between the orbital symmetry of reactants and products is often successfully used to predict organic reaction paths. Here we compare the symmetry of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied absorbate molecular orbitals with the symmetry of the substrate wave functions $\ensuremath{\varphi}({k}_{F})$ as obtained in band structure calculations. This comparison is quite distinct from previous suggestions involving the matching of charge densities or the consideration of the wave functions of isolated substrate atoms. The effect of Fermi level changes due, e.g., to doping is naturally obtained. Results for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, H, N, O, and F chemisorption on the graphite basal plane are presented.
Backcalculation of Permanent Deformation Parameters Using Time Series Rut Data from In-Service Pavements

Time series of rut data from 109 in-service pavement sections in the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Special Pavement Study-1 (SPS-1) experiment were used to predict the permanent deformation parameters for the VESYS mechanistic-empirical rut model. This was accomplished by matching the rut performance curves versus time being matched for each section with a commercially available iterative solver. To ensure uniqueness of each section's permanent deformation parameters (PDPs), the transverse surface profiles were used to match the most likely contributions by layer according to the criteria proposed in the NCHRP Report 468. On average, the contribution to the total surface rutting from the various pavement layers was as follows: 57% from the asphalt concrete layer, 27% from the base layer, and 16% from the subgrade. These results confirmed that the contribution to the total rutting from asphalt concrete and base layers is important and needs to be included in any mechanistic-empirical design procedure.
Obstructive hydrocephalus at the anterior third ventricle caused by dilated veins from an arteriovenous malformation

Abstract A dilated thalamostriate-internal cerebral vein complex, draining a right frontoparietal arteriovenous malformation, caused a physical block at the foremen of Monroe and was the cause of obstructive hydrocephalus. It represents a new mechanism of obstructive hydrocephalus formation in patients with arteriovenous malformations, which has not been previously reported. There was no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Embolization, followed by resection, was successfully carried out. This case was reported because of its unusual nature and to discuss potential problems to be avoided in dealing with intraventricular arteriovenous malformations.
Estimation of smooth integral functionals in emission tomography

We present an algorithm-independent theory of statistical accuracy attainable in emission tomography. Let f denote the tracer density as a function of position (i.e., f is the underlying image). We consider the problem of estimating (Phi) (f) equalsV (integral) (phi) (x)f(x)dx, where (phi) is a smooth function, given n independent observations distributed according to the Radon transform of f. Assuming only that f is bounded above and below away from 0, we construct minimum-variance unbiased (MVU) estimators for (Phi) (f). By definition, the variavnce of the MVU estimator is a best-possible lower bound (depending on (phi) and f) on the variance of unbiased estimators of (Phi) (f). The analysis gives a geometrical explanation of when and by how much estimators based on the standard filtered-backpropagation reconstruction algorithm may be improved.
Interpreting Words, Interpreting Worlds

It is a curious feature of recent philosophy of literature that the so-called learning from literature debate has been carried out almost exclusively in terms of the problem of fiction, that is, as the problem of how works of literary fiction, bringing as they do imagined worlds to view, could possibly be an important source of knowledge about our world. It is curious not because this seems like
The virtues of the SDS and its associated typology: A second response to Prediger and Hanson

Abstract The author reviews the evidence for the beneficial effects of the Self-Directed Search (SDS), indicates that Hanson and Prediger have misinterpreted the theory, that their evidence is misleading, and that other evidence indicates that males and females of the same type are similar. The virtues of raw scores are summarized. The author recalls some methodological adventures and outlines where we are now in this controversy about the measurement of interests for special groups.
WTO Exceptions as Insurance

The paper formalizes the notion that GATT exceptions such as antidumping and escape clause actions can act as insurance for import competing sectors affected by adverse price shocks. The authors use a general-equilibrium model with several import competing sectors and assume incomplete markets so that agents cannot contract insurance. It is shown that sector-specific contingent protection measures are superior to uniform contingent tariffs as an insurance mechanism. A tax-cum-subsidy policy (i.e., taxing all sectors in order to subsidize the shocked sector) also improves welfare and is superior to contingent protection.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF A STATE PARK-LAKE ON LAND VALUE, FROM THE TIME OF LAND ACQUISITION TO RESERVOIR FILLING

A new multiple purpose park-lake facility is being developed in the sub urbanrural fringe of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan region. This study assesses the impact of the new park-lake upon surrounding land values in order to provide information for improved planning and decision making in such a context. The investigation covers the period from the time of land acquisition to that of near-completion of dam construction. The results of the study provide a “baseline” from which it will later be possible to assess changes in land values as the park-lake becomes fully operational as a major public recreational facility. Two geographic zones of impact on surrounding land value are identified by the analysis, and variations in the impact of the park-lake over time are identified. The importance of these new findings to public organizations involved in recreational decision making is discussed and areas for future research are suggested.
Molecular biology of the natriuretic peptides.

The natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, and CNP) are encoded by a family of genes with similar overall structure. They exert their effects through interaction with one or more of three NP receptors. Two of these receptors signal through activation of guanylate cyclase while a third appears to function predominantly in a clearance mode. ANP also belongs to a well-defined group of genes, termed the embryonic repertoire, which is activated early in the process of cardiac hypertrophy. Understanding the signaling mechanism that triggers ANP expression in this setting may provide important insights with regard to the molecular events that initiate and maintain the hypertrophic process.
Permanent of the Laplacian matrix of trees and bipartite graphs

Let G be a graph whose vertices have positive degrees d"1, ..., d"n, respectively, and let L(G) be the Laplacian matrix of G. When G is a tree or a bipartite graph we obtain bounds for the permanent of L(G) both in terms of n only and in terms of d"1, ..., d"n. Improved bounds are obtained in terms of the diameter of T and the size of a matching in T.
Oxygen incorporation during fabrication of substrate CdTe photovoltaic devices

Recently, CdTe photovoltaic (PV) devices fabricated in the nonstandard substrate configuration have attracted increasing interest because of their potential compatibility with flexible substrates such as metal foils and polymer films. This compatibility could lead to the suitability of CdTe for roll-to-roll processing and building-integrated PV. Currently, however, the efficiencies of substrate CdTe devices reported in the literature are significantly lower (∼6%–8%) than those of high-performance superstrate devices (∼17%) because of significantly lower open-circuit voltage (V oc ) and fill factor (FF). In our recent device development efforts, we have found that processing parameters required to fabricate high-efficiency substrate CdTe PV devices differ from those necessary for traditional superstrate CdTe devices. Here, we investigate how oxygen incorporation in the CdTe deposition, CdCl 2 heat treatment, CdS deposition, and post-deposition heat treatment affect device characteristics through their effects on the junction. By adjusting whether oxygen is incorporated during these processing steps, we have achieved V oc values greater than 860 mV and efficiencies greater than 10%.
Hepatic artery-to-bile duct fistula following Wallstent placement: a rare cause of hemobilia: a case report

The authors report the occurrence of severe hemobilia due to hepatic artery-biliary fistula after percutaneous transhepatic placement and dilatation of a Wallstent for obstruction of the biliary confluence due to metastatic colon cancer. The bleeding was controlled by hepatic artery embolization.
Scientific Basis of Neoadjuvant Therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy includes systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer before surgery. Neoadjuvant agents may be chemotherapeutic or hormonal agents, biological response modifiers, or future genetic manipulations. Neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer began with attempts to improve advanced local or regional disease, but it is now used in larger but operable disease and is employed in earlier operable cancers. The goals of neoadjuvant therapy included conversion of inoperable to operable disease but evolved to increase rates of breast conservation. It allows direct observation of chemotherapeutic effects and more sophisticated prognostication based on pathological analysis of response extent. Patients even with advanced or inflammatory breast cancer may have excellent long-term disease-free survival and breast conservation. Expanded research opportunities may arise from the study of cancer features before and after neoadjuvant therapy contrasting responders with nonresponders. Neoadjuvant therapy demonstrates the advantages of comprehensive multidisciplinary contemporary patient management for function preservation and cosmetic appearance without sacrificing survival.
An Investigation of Quantile Function Estimators Relative to Quantile Confidence Interval Coverage

In this article, we investigate the limitations of traditional quantile function estimators and introduce a new class of quantile function estimators, namely, the semi-parametric tail-extrapolated quantile estimators, which has excellent performance for estimating the extreme tails with finite sample sizes. The smoothed bootstrap and direct density estimation via the characteristic function methods are developed for the estimation of confidence intervals. Through a comprehensive simulation study to compare the confidence interval estimations of various quantile estimators, we discuss the preferred quantile estimator in conjunction with the confidence interval estimation method to use under different circumstances. Data examples are given to illustrate the superiority of the semi-parametric tail-extrapolated quantile estimators. The new class of quantile estimators is obtained by slight modification of traditional quantile estimators, and therefore, should be specifically appealing to researchers in estimating the extreme tails.