cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer of hydrogen from cobamide coenzyme to water during enzymatic ribonucleotide reduction

Abstract A purified preparation of combamide-dependent ribonucleotide reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii catalyzes an exchange of hydrogen between water and cobamide coenzyme in the course of CTP reduction. The exchange is dependent upon the reductase reaction.
Situation-Specific Effects in Person Memory

Given that most person memory models have concentrated on trait expectancies, and have ignored situational ones, this article attempts to show that new predictions can arise from an explicit focus on the situation. Participants were led to believe that a target person was kind or unkind either at work or at home. They were subsequently presented with congruent and incongruent behavioral items ostensibly performed by the target person in each of these settings. Consistent with the notion that people form situation-specific expectancies, incongruent behaviors were better recalled than congruent ones, but only if they pertained to the situation specified in the expectancy manipulation; an incongruity effect was not obtained for behaviors performed in the unspecified situation. These data suggest that situation-specific expectancies should be addressed in future person memory models.
Growth and hyoscyamine production of 'hairy root' cultures of Datura stramonium in a modified stirred tank reactor.

The growth and hyoscyamine production of transformed roots of Datura stramonium have been examined in a modified 14-1 stirred tank reactor in both batch and continuous fermentations on media containing half or full strength Gamborg's B5 salts and at three different temperatures. Under a range of conditions, roots grown on half strength B5 salts with 3% w/v sucrose had a higher dry matter content (up to 8.3% w/w) and a higher hyoscyamine content (up to 0.52 mg·g−1 wet weight) than roots grown on full strength B5 salts with the same level of sucrose (up to 4.6% w/w dry matter and up to 0.33 mg hyoscyamine g−1 wet weight). Growth at 30°C was initially faster than at either 25°C or 35°C and by day 12, the drained weight of roots in the fermentor at 30°C was about fourfold greater than at 25°C and twice that at 35°C. The ultimate hyoscyamine levels attained (approximately 0.5 mg·g−1 wet weight) were similar at both 25°C and 30°C but some 40% lower at 35°C. Final packing densities of 70% w/v were achieved for roots after 37 days growth at 25°C and the highest production rate of 8.2 mg hyoscyamine l−1 per day was obtained for roots grown at 30°C. In continuous fermentation at 25°C, the release of hyoscyamine into the culture medium was low (less than 0.5% w/w of the total) but was up to sevenfold higher in fermentors operated at 30°C or 35°C.
β-Diketones: Peak shape challenges and the use of mixed-mode high-performance liquid chromatography methodology to obtain fast, high resolution chromatography

Historically, indirect methods have been used for the HPLC analysis of beta-diketone compounds because of the very poor peak shapes and resolution obtained on conventional HPLC stationary phases. In this paper we demonstrate that it is possible to obtain good peak shapes for underivatised beta-diketone compounds, in a simulated reaction mixture, using only conventional mobile phases with mixed-mode stationary phase HPLC columns. Optimum conditions were obtained using the mixed-mode reversed-phase strong anion exchange column Primesep B, supplied by SIELC Technologies, with a 0.1% aq. TFA/MeOH gradient method and a column temperature of 55 degrees C.
Identification of Biologically Active PDE11-Selective Inhibitors Using a Yeast-Based High-Throughput Screen

Summary The biological roles of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 11 (PDE11) enzymes are poorly understood, in part due to the lack of selective inhibitors. To address the need for such compounds, we completed an ∼200,000 compound high-throughput screen (HTS) for PDE11 inhibitors using a yeast-based growth assay, and identified 4 potent and selective PDE11 inhibitors. One compound, along with two structural analogs, elevates cAMP and cortisol levels in human adrenocortical cells, consistent with gene association studies that link PDE11 activity to adrenal function. As such, these compounds can immediately serve as chemical tools to study PDE11 function in cell culture, and as leads to develop therapeutics for the treatment of adrenal insufficiencies. Our results further validate this yeast-based HTS platform for the discovery of potent, selective, and biologically active PDE inhibitors.
Electronic Cigarettes: Do They Have a Role in Smoking Cessation?

Electronic cigarettes have gained popularity among patients as a smoking cessation aid despite not being approved or supported for this purpose by the United States Food and Drug Administration due to concerns with poor manufacturing practices and the presence of known carcinogens in the limited products that they tested. A few studies have evaluated the effects of electronic cigarettes on plasma nicotine levels and heart rate but found negligible effects. Safety data are mainly limited to surveys in which patients report only minor side effects, such as mouth and throat irritation, headache, vertigo, and nausea. The efficacy of electronic cigarettes has been evaluated in studies in which patients report great success with being able to cut back or stop tobacco cigarette consumption. However, many of these studies introduce bias due to recruiting on e-cigarette Web sites and having tobacco cigarette use self-reported by the participant rather than objectively tested. A few studies have formally evaluated nicotine craving when using electronic cigarettes with mixed results. Although patients support the use of electronic cigarettes in smoking cessation, more formal studies on safety and efficacy should be completed in order to determine whether these products have a role in smoking cessation.
The effective thermal conductivity of an adsorbent - Praseodymium cerium oxide

The results of an experimental study to determine the effective thermal conductivity of praseodymium cerium oxide are reported. Praseodymium cerium oxide is an adsorbent used in the development of adsorption compressors for spaceborne refrigeration systems. A guarded-hot-plate apparatus was built for this study. Measurements were carried out for mean temperatures ranging from 300 to 600 C under a vacuum of 10 exp -5 torr. For the temperature range studied, the effective thermal conductivity increased from 0.14 to 0.76 W/m per C with increasing temperature, while displaying a cubic temperature dependency.
The Assessment of Probability Distributions from Expert Opinions with an Application to Seismic Fragility Curves

A method is developed for estimating a probability distribution using estimates of its percentiles provided by experts. The analyst's judgment concerning the credibility of these expert opinions is quantified in the likelihood function of Bayesâ€™Theorem. The model considers explicitly the random variability of each expert estimate, the dependencies among the estimates of each expert, the dependencies among experts, and potential systematic biases. The relation between the results of the formal methods of this paper and methods used in practice is explored. A series of sensitivity studies provides insights into the significance of the parameters of the model. The methodology is applied to the problem of estimation of seismic fragility curves (i.e., the conditional probability of equipment failure given a seismically induced stress).
Morphologic analysis of surgical margins with positive findings in prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Apical invasion and positive apical margins were assessed in 165 consecutive radical prostatectomies. Apical invasion, denned as cancer in the distal 8 mm of the prostate, was evident in more than 80% of the cases, and apical margins occurred in 16% of specimens with apical cancer. Clinical judgment was not effective in predicting t apical cancer. Frequency of apical margins increased in proportion to greater cancer volume, from 9.8% in cancers smaller than 4 cc to 30.7% in cancers larger than 12 cc. However, most positive margins in the group with cancers smaller than 4 cc were caused by inadvertent incision into the prostate during the operation, whereas the vast majority of apical margins in cancers larger than 4 cc were caused by capsule penetration of the tumor. Although margins associated with capsule penetration occurred characteristically in the posterior (rectal) portion of the apex, margins caused by incision into the prostate were distributed over the entire apical surface of the gland. Positive margins at the urethral stump were quite uncommon (occurring in four cases). These findings suggest that modifications of surgical technique might reduce the frequency of this complication.
Effectiveness and mode of action of whitening dentifrices on enamel extrinsic stains

This study was conducted in order to investigate the mode of action and the whitening effect of whitening dentifrices. Two hundred fifty-six bovine enamel specimens (10 × 10 mm2) were prepared, partially stained, and assigned into eight groups (n = 32): six whitening dentifrices, one nonwhitening and deionized water (negative control), and further divided in two subgroups (n = 16), according to the test model: chemical (dentifrice slurry treatment only) or chemo-mechanical (slurry + toothbrushing). Specimens were treated with dentifrice slurries 2×/day for 1 min and toothbrushed or not, according to each model. In between dentifrice treatments, specimens were artificially stained for 5 h. This protocol was repeated for 5 days and enamel color changes (∆E) were measured after each day (days 1–5). The abrasive level of the dentifrices was determined following the ISO11609 guidelines. In the chemo-mechanical model, the whitening action of all dentifrices was observed after day 1, being higher than the negative control group (p 0.05). Differences on ∆E among dentifrices were observed, and they seemed to correlate well with their abrasive level (r 2 = 0.80). In the chemical model, no significant differences were observed among groups (p > 0.05), with ∆E remaining constant throughout the study. Higher ∆E values were observed in the chemo-mechanical model compared to the chemical (p < 0.05). All tested dentifrices were effective in whitening stained enamel and their mode of action showed to be mainly mechanical (toothbrushing abrasion). The abrasive level of dentifrices seems to determine its whitening effectiveness.
Hemodynamic Changes Associated with Fluid Retention Induced in Noncardiac Subjects by Corticotropin (ACTH) and Cortisone; Comparison with the Heinodynamic Changes of Congestive Heart Failure

This study proposed to determine whether marked fluid retention, induced by ACTH and cortisone, produces hemodynamic alterations similar to those of clinical congestive heart failure. Of 20 noncardiac subjects, four gained marked amounts of fluid, became edematous and three developed symptoms and signs consistent with congestive heart failure. The associated hemodynamic changes were similar to those of congestive heart failure in that the heart enlarged, "blood volume" increased and right heart and venous pressure rose, but differed in that cardiac ouput and A-V oxygen difference remained normal. It is suggested that the hemodynamic state associated with marked fluid retention is a noncardiac circulatory congestion which simulates congestive heart failure in several non-specific hemodynamic functions but differs in that primary cardiodynamic functions remain normal and the heart does not fail as a pump.
Membrane Estrogen Receptors: Their Role in Blood Pressure Regulation and Cardiovascular Disease

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and continues to affect millions of people in industrialized nations. The increasing prevalence of HTN is closely related to the growing prevalence of obesity. Despite heightened awareness of the disease, a significant percentage of patients are uncontrolled and are at higher risk of heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Evidence of the cardiovascular protective role of estrogen in pre-menopausal females has brought attention to estrogen receptor activation as a treatment strategy for HTN. Estrogen promotes vasodilation and decreases inflammation and atherosclerosis. It also controls blood pressure via modulation of the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The effects of estrogen on the vasculature are partly mediated via membrane receptors. Membrane estrogen receptor α and G-protein-coupled GPER-1 have been studied extensively in the vasculature. This review will describe the available evidence supporting the role of estrogen membrane receptors in blood pressure control and CVD.
Technical note: Determination of corn hardness in diverse corn germplasm using near-infrared reflectance baseline shift as a measure of grinding resistance

Abstract Vitreousness and Stenvert kernel hardness characteristics in corn germplasm have been related to in situ and in vivo starch digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Because of the tedious nature of determining vitreousness by manual dissection or conducting Stenvert hardness measurements, it is challenging to screen corn germplasm for animal performance potential. The resistance of corn to grinding is typically measured in a Stenvert mill and quantified by grinding time and column height. The baseline shift (BLS) of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, which is a normal artifact of grinding-induced particle size differentiation, was calculated and evaluated as an alternative measure of grinding resistance. Stenvert grind time, column height, BLS, and ruminal DM degradability (RDMD) of 31 diverse corn germplasm harvested in triplicate at 2 maturities were made. After grinding, total and 6 partial (100nm) BLS were calculated [Σ x i +x j …, where x i =log 10 (1/R) at the ith nanometer and R=reflectance] and compared with vitreousness, Stenvert grinding time, column height, or RDMD of corns using correlation and regression procedures. Total and all partial BLS were correlated with vitreousness, Stenvert measures, and RDMD. Relationships between BLS and vitreousness, Stenvert measures, or RDMD were stronger for partial BLS at shorter near-infrared wavelengths (1,080–1,180nm) than at longer wavelengths (i.e., 2,280–2,380nm) or total near-infrared BLS (1,000–2,498nm). The partial BLS from 1,080 to 1,180nm and vitreousness were better related to RDMD of corn germplasm than Stenvert grind time or column height.
Perceptions and Portrayals of Skin Cancer among Cultural Subgroups

Health communication scholars have a responsibility to be certain that both healthcare practitioners and government agencies accurately communicate health information to the public. In order to carry out this duty, health communication scholars must assess how messages are being received and if they are being received at all by the public. This paper details a two part study which assesses this phenomenon within the context of skin cancer. Study 1 utilized 29 in depth qualitative interviews to identify subcultures among college students whose communication puts them at risk for skin cancer by encouraging poor sun exposure behaviors. The results indicate that farmers, African Americans, and individuals who regularly participate in outdoor athletics are at risk groups. Study 2 reports a content analysis of the known population of skin cancer Public Service Announcements (PSAs) available via the internet in 2013. The aforementioned groups were not present in any of the PSAs. Detailed results and implications are discussed.
Gender-specific lipid profiles in patients with bipolar disorder

Abstract Objective High rates of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) are reported in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). We assessed gender effects upon rates of dyslipidemia/IR in outpatients with BD. Methods Data from 491 outpatients (ages 18–88) seen in the Stanford Bipolar Disorders clinic between 2000 and 2007 were evaluated. Patients were followed longitudinally and received naturalistic treatment. BD patients (n = 234; 61% female; 42% Type I, 47% Type II, 11% NOS) with a mean age of 40.3 ± 14.0 years, mean BMI 26.8 ± 6.4, and 81% Caucasian, who had one of four lipid measures (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG) at clinicians’ discretion, a psychiatry clinic visit within 2 months of laboratory, and were not medicated for dyslipidemia were included. IR was imputed from TG/HDL ratio. Results Women, compared with men, had significantly lower mean triglycerides (105.58 ± 64.12 vs. 137.99 ± 105.14, p = 0.009), higher mean HDL cholesterol (60.17 ± 17.56 vs. 46.07 ± 11.91 mg/dl, p Discussion In outpatients with BD, women had more favorable lipid profiles than men despite similar demographic variables. This sample of primarily Caucasian and educated patients, receiving vigilant clinical monitoring, may represent a relatively healthy psychiatric population demonstrating gender differences similar to those in the general population.
Burns in the Emergency Department: A National Perspective

Abstract Background: Burns are a common cause of injury presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Several reports state that admission for and mortality from burn injury are declining. Total visits to the ED, however, have increased. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the number and trends over time of patients presenting to the ED for burn injury. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey databases for 1996–2005 available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subjects were patients with a first diagnosis of a burn. Patient weights in the database were used to obtain estimated national values. Measures used were estimated total numbers and percentages of patients by year. Trends from 1996 through 2005 were examined overall and by demographic factors and injury characteristics. Linear regression was used to evaluate trends. Results: There was a significantly decreasing trend in ED burn visits from 1996 to 2000 (614,745 to 433,681 visits), but no apparent trend for the years 2000 to 2005. Annually, about 60% of ED burn patients were male, and about half were between the ages of 19 and 44 years. Less than 5% of burns were third degree or full thickness injuries. Admissions per year were stable at 5%. The most common causes of burn injury were contact with a hot liquid and contact with a hot object, and the most common body region affected was the upper extremities (40% each year), followed by burns to the head/face/neck. Use of medications showed no trends over time. Conclusions: ED visits for burn injuries have been decreasing; however, patterns of cause, admission, and treatment show no consistent temporal change.
An almost ideal supply system estimate of US energy substitution

Abstract This paper introduces a Linear Almost Ideal Supply System (LAISS) model to examine aggregate US energy demand. Based on the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model, the LAISS model is a flexible functional form for imposing and testing properties of demand for the inputs of production. Own and cross price elasticities are derived for aggregate capital, labor, and energy, and compared to the translog cost function. Both models reduce to estimating a system of input share equations on input prices and output, with output normalized by the Stone's input price index in the LAISS model. Results indicate that all inputs are substitutes in both models, but elasticities differ. A log likelihood dominance criterion shows that the LAISS model dominates the translog cost function for this dataset. Results suggest that inputs are substitutes, and that an energy import tariff would increase demand for labor and capital.
National Patterns in Antidepressant Medication Treatment

Context Antidepressants have recently become the most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States. Objective To compare sociodemographic and clinical patterns of antidepressant medication treatment in the United States between 1996 and 2005. Design Analysis of antidepressant use data from the 1996 (n = 18 993) and 2005 (n = 28 445) Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. Setting Households in the United States. Participants Respondents aged 6 years or older who reported receiving at least 1 antidepressant prescription during that calendar year. Main Outcome Measures Rate of antidepressant use and adjusted rate ratios (ARRs) of year effect on rate of antidepressant use adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, annual family income, self-perceived mental health, and insurance status. Results The rate of antidepressant treatment increased from 5.84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.47-6.23) in 1996 to 10.12% (9.58-10.69) in 2005 (ARR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.55-1.81), or from 13.3 to 27.0 million persons. Significant increases in antidepressant use were evident across all sociodemographic groups examined, except African Americans (ARR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.89-1.44), who had comparatively low rates of use in both years (1996, 3.61%; 2005, 4.51%). Although antidepressant treatment increased for Hispanics (ARR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.60-1.90), it remained comparatively low (1996, 3.72%; 2005, 5.21%). Among antidepressant users, the percentage of patients treated for depression did not significantly change (1996, 26.25% vs 2005, 26.85%; ARR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83-1.07), although the percentage of patients receiving antipsychotic medications (5.46% vs 8.86%; ARR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.31-2.38) increased and those undergoing psychotherapy declined (31.50% vs 19.87%; ARR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.72). Conclusions From 1996 to 2005, there was a marked and broad expansion in antidepressant treatment in the United States, with persisting low rates of treatment among racial/ethnic minorities. During this period, individuals treated with antidepressants became more likely to also receive treatment with antipsychotic medications and less likely to undergo psychotherapy.
DENTIN PHOSPHOPROTEIN AND DENTIN SIALOPROTEIN ARE CLEAVAGE PRODUCTS EXPRESSED FROM A SINGLE TRANSCRIPT CODED BY A GENE ON HUMAN CHROMOSOME 4 : DENTIN PHOSPHOPROTEIN DNA SEQUENCE DETERMINATION

Dentin is the major mineralized extracellular matrix of the tooth. The organic components of dentin consist of type I collagen (90%) with 10% noncollagenous proteins, which are also components of bone. Two dentin proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, have been shown to be tooth-specific being expressed mostly by odontoblast cells. In this study, we screened a mouse molar tooth library for dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein cDNA clones. Analysis of the clones resulted in characterization of a 4420-nucleotide cDNA that contained a 940-amino acid open reading frame. The signal peptide and NH2-terminal sequence was 75% homologous to the cDNA sequence of rat dentin sialoprotein. The continued open reading frame, however, contained a RGD sequence followed by a region of repeated aspartic acid and serine residues. This portion of the protein codes for amino acid sequence consistent with that of dentin phosphoprotein. The noncoding region contains three potential polyadenylation signals, two of which were shown to be utilized. Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of two major transcripts of 4.4 and 2.2 kilobases in odontoblasts. Chromosomal mapping localized the gene to human chromosome 4. These data suggest that the previously identified dentin extracellular matrix proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, are expressed as a single cDNA transcript coding for a protein that is specifically cleaved into two smaller polypeptides with unique physical-chemical characteristics. Therefore, we propose that the gene be named dentin sialophosphoprotein. The location of the human dentin sialophosphoprotein gene on chromosome 4 suggests that this gene may be a strong candidate gene for the genetic disease dentinogenesis imperfecta type II.
Effects of viruses and other potato diseases on chip color

Leaf roll and spindle tuber virus infected tubers can be processed into potato chips as light and uniform in color as those of apparently healthy controls. Tubers from hills showing vine symptoms of mosaic and calico virus also made equally light colored chips as the checks. Haywire and giant hill infected plants can be expected to produce tubers that will chip much darker in color. In addition it has been observed that any condition which results in necrosis of tuber tissue will also produce dark chips.
Mixed SiGe ad-dimer on Si(0 0 1): diffusion triggers intermixing

Abstract Recent experiment discovered an interesting reversible intermixing process involving the exchange of the Ge atom in an adsorbed SiGe dimer with a substrate Si atom on the Si(0 0 1) surface [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85 (2000) 3660]. We have performed first-principles total energy calculations to study the atomistic mechanisms of diffusion and intermixing in this system. Our calculation suggests that intermixing is triggered by the diffusion of the ad-dimer on the surface. The energy barriers for the diffusion and intermixing events obtained from our calculations are in good agreement with experiment.
Carotid Atheroma Rupture Observed In Vivo and FSI-Predicted Stress Distribution Based on Pre-rupture Imaging

Atherosclerosis at the carotid bifurcation is a major risk factor for stroke. As mechanical forces may impact lesion stability, finite element studies have been conducted on models of diseased vessels to elucidate the effects of lesion characteristics on the stresses within plaque materials. It is hoped that patient-specific biomechanical analyses may serve clinically to assess the rupture potential for any particular lesion, allowing better stratification of patients into the most appropriate treatments. Due to a sparsity of in vivo plaque rupture data, the relationship between various mechanical descriptors such as stresses or strains and rupture vulnerability is incompletely known, and the patient-specific utility of biomechanical analyses is unclear. In this article, we present a comparison between carotid atheroma rupture observed in vivo and the plaque stress distribution from fluid–structure interaction analysis based on pre-rupture medical imaging. The effects of image resolution are explored and the calculated stress fields are shown to vary by as much as 50% with sub-pixel geometric uncertainty. Within these bounds, we find a region of pronounced elevation in stress within the fibrous plaque layer of the lesion with a location and extent corresponding to that of the observed site of plaque rupture.
Simulation Model of a Wind Turbine Pitch Controller for Grid Frequency Stabilisation

This paper describes a pitch angle controller that enables an active-stall wind turbine to dampen actively grid frequency oscillations. This builds on previous work in the area of the transient stability control of active-stall turbines. The phenomenon of grid frequency oscillations is explained briefly and then the task for the wind turbine controller defined. The pitch controller that acts as a grid frequency stabiliser is explained in terms of its layout, control sequence and parameters. Finally, a transient fault situation with subsequent grid frequency oscillations is simulated and it is shown how the grid frequency stabiliser works. The performance of the controller is discussed and the conclusion is drawn that grid frequency stabilisation with an active-stall turbine is possible under certain conditions.
Coexistence of pemphigus vulgaris and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

We describe the case of a patient with both pemphigus vulgaris limited to the oral cavity and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. The diagnoses were established by means of histopathologic examination and direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies and confirmed by immunoblot analysis of serum. Treatment with dapsone resulted in a prolonged remission of the ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. The pemphigus vulgaris has remained localized to the oral cavity and has responded to sublesional corticosteroid injections.
Pensée 3: Reconceptualizing the “Regions” in “Area Studies”

“Area studies” as a way of trying to understand human experience is undergoing a major transition. Questioning the connection between Middle East and African studies highlights important dimensions of the changing nature of area studies at the beginning of the 21st century.
Minimally-Invasive Esophagomyotomy in 200 Consecutive Patients: Factors Influencing Postoperative Outcomes

Background The primary objective of this study was to review our experience with minimally-invasive esophagomyotomy as primary therapy for achalasia, and to identify those clinical variables most predictive of myotomy failure. Methods We reviewed our experience with all patients who underwent minimally-invasive Heller myotomy from 1992 to 2005. Outcome variables analyzed included perioperative morbidity and mortality, symptomatic improvement, and requirement for postoperative interventions. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical variables predictive of myotomy failure. Results A total of 200 consecutive patients (104 men and 96 women) underwent minimally-invasive laparoscopic (n = 194) or thoracoscopic (n = 6) Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. Mean follow-up was 31.6 months. Median hospital stay was 2 days, with no operative mortality. There were 119 patients (59.5%) who had undergone prior endoscopic treatment (endoscopic dilation or botulinum toxin injection). An increased failure rate was noted in patients with prior endoscopic therapies (16.8% versus 3.7% with no prior treatment, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis also revealed that longer duration of symptoms, sigmoidal esophageal changes, and low preoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressures impact adversely on the success of myotomy. Conclusions There was an increase in treatment failures among patients undergoing preoperative endoscopic treatment. Other factors associated with failure during long-term follow-up include longer duration of symptoms, sigmoidal esophagus, and low baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Although endoscopic modalities remain an important component of the armamentarium in the treatment of patients with achalasia, consideration should be given to minimally-invasive Heller myotomy as primary therapy for this condition.
Trucking industry preferences for traveler information for drivers using wireless Internet-enabled devices

If truck drivers could use Internet-enabled wireless devices to access traveler information, what type of information would they most want to have? The answer almost surely varies according to the type of trucking operation, location, and many other factors. We analyzed preferences for traveler information from managers of 700 trucking companies to determine how they valued information about such things as locations of freeway incidents and lane closures, port and rail terminal schedules and clearances, delays at terminals train arrivals at grade crossings, weather, and travel times on alternative routes. Using a factor-analytic model with regressor variables, we found clear differences in preferences across types of trucking operations.
Initial surface reactions of atomic layer deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising thin film deposition technique for sub-45 nm CMOS technology with unique capabilities, such as ultraprecise thickness control and conformal deposition on high aspect ratio three-dimensional nanostructures, and so on. The operating principle of ALD is a self-limited surface reaction between species formed by the discretely pulsed precursor vapors and the reaction surface. It is possible to theoretically calculate the ideal deposition thickness from the growth rate and the number of cycles performed, but the initial growth rate is often non-linear. Understanding the initial growth mechanics is crucial for the use of ALD on thin gate dielectric processes as well as nanotechnology. The film growth during the first few cycles of deposition may be linear, enhanced, or inhibited. This paper gives a brief overview on the basics of ALD operation, and attempts to explain what factors into the initial growth by discussing interface formation, etching, and passivation behaviors. Also addressed is the application of novel ALD techniques in nanotechnology for patterning and nanomaterials.
Temperature dependence of anion transport inhibitor binding to human red cell membranes.

Abstract The binding characteristics of the inhibitor of anion transport in human red cells, 4,4′- dibenzamido-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene (DBDS), to the anion transport protein of red cell ghost membranes in buffer containing 150 mM NaCl have been measured over the temperature range 0–30°C by equilibrium and stopped-flow fluorescence methods. The equilibrium dissociation constant, K eq , increased with temperature. No evidence of a ‘break’ in the ln( K eq ) vs. 1/ T plot was found. The standard dissociation enthalpy and entropy changes calculated from the temperature dependence are 9.1 ± 0.9 kcal/mol and 3.2 ± 0.3 e.u., respectively. Stopped-flow kinetic studies resolve the overall binding into two steps: a bimolecular association of DBDS with the anion transport protein, followed by a unimolecular rearrangement of the DBDS-protein complex. The rate constants for the individual steps in the binding mechanism can be determined from an analysis of the concentration dependence of the binding time course. Arrhenius plots of the rate constants showed no evidence of a break. Activation energies for the individual steps in the binding mechanism are 11.6 ± 0.9 kcal/mol (bimolecular, forward step), 17 ± 2 kcal/mol (bimolecular, reverse step), 6.4 ± 2.3 kcal/mol (unimolecular, forward step), and 10.6 ± 1.9 kcal/mol (unimolecular, reverse step). Our results indicate that there is an appreciable enthalpic energy barrier for the bimolecular association of DBDS with the transport protein, and appreciable enthalpic and entropic barriers for the unimolecular rearrangement of the DBDS-protein complex.
Static menisci in a vertical right circular cylinder

The solution of the differential equation describing the equilibrium meniscus in a vertical right circular cylinder is obtained over the entire range of contact angles and Bond numbers (dimensionless ratios of gravitational to capillary forces) for which a stable meniscus exists. The first few terms of the asymptotic series valid for Bond numbers of small and large magnitude are given, and the numerical solution for intermediate values is computed. The behaviour of the solution as a function of contact angle and Bond number is depicted graphically.
ESTIMATION OF CUMULATIVE EXPOSURES TO NAPHTHA AT AN AUTOMOBILE FUEL-INJECTOR MANUFACTURING PLANT

As part of an epidemiologic study of neuropsychological and renal effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents, estimates of cumulative exposure to naphtha were derived for workers at an automobile fuel-injector manufacturing plant. The approach to exposure estimation was relatively unusual in three respects: (1) a marked association between indoor naphtha air concentration and outdoor temperature was modeled and applied to detailed historical temperature data to calculate cumulative exposure estimates; (2) the large number of investigator-generated air samples allowed the use of analyses of variance to compare alternative job-grouping schemes; and (3) the young age of the plant and few process changes allowed for historical exposure estimates with a high degree of confidence. The derived estimates of cumulative exposure appear to offer a firm basis for epidemiologic analyses of exposure-health outcome relationships.
Spin symmetry and spin current of helicity eigenstates of the Luttinger Hamiltonian

A general spin symmetry argument is proposed for spin currents in semiconductors. In particular, due to the symmetry with respect to spin polarization of the helicity eigenstates of the Luttinger Hamiltonian for a hole-doped semiconductor, the spin polarized flux from a single helicity eigenstate induced by an external electric field, is canceled exactly when all such contributions from eigenstates that are degenerate in energy are summed. Thus, the net spin current predicted by Murakami et al. (Science 301 (2003) 1348), cannot be produced by such a Hamiltonian. Possible symmetry breaking mechanisms which may generate a spin current are discussed.
Pfeiffer syndrome: a treatment evaluation.

Background: Pfeiffer syndrome is rarely encountered, even at major craniofacial centers. Published reports indicate high mortality rates (25 to 85 percent) for severely affected subtypes. The authors reviewed their surgically treated patients to improve outcomes. Methods: The authors conducted a 17-year, single-center, retrospective outcome assessment of all children treated for Pfeiffer syndrome, with data summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 802 patients treated for craniosynostosis, 28 were identified with Pfeiffer syndrome: 17 were classified as type I (61 percent), seven were classified as type II (25 percent), and four were classified as type III (14 percent). The mean age was 10 years (range, 12 months to 39 years), with an average of 9.3 operations per child (2.5 cranial vaults, 1.1 Le Fort III procedures). Fifty-nine percent had external auditory canal atresia (100 percent of type III patients), and 29 percent had some visual disturbance. Tracheostomies were recommended in 100 percent of type II and III patients, and two type II patients required tracheal stenosis repairs. Eighty-four percent had acquired Chiari malformations (100 percent of type II and III patients), and 61 percent required treatment for hydrocephalus. Fifty percent of shunted patients (mean age, 7 years) have required Chiari decompressions, but no patients undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomies (mean age, < 3 yearns) have required treatment. The mortality rate was 7 percent, with both deaths occurring at home without proximity to surgery. Conclusions: The authors' mortality rates for type II and III Pfeiffer syndrome are lower than those previously published. The authors believe a preemptory tarsorrhaphy strategy can prevent visual loss and that further reductions in mortality rates are possible with aggressive airway management (early tracheostomies) and more frequent screening (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, sleep studies) for Chiari malformations.
Dysprosium-159 for transmission imaging and bone mineral analysis.

The suitability of the intense K αx rays of terbium emitted in the electron‐capture decay of 159Dy for use in transmission imaging and bone mineral analysis is investigated. It is found that this radionuclide offers all the advantages of radiations from 210Pb and none of the disadvantages inherent in the use of the latter. Yields of the K α and K βx rays of terbium and the 58‐keV γ rays emitted in 159Dy decay are determined using a high‐resolution Si(Li) photon spectrometer. Attenuation coefficients for these photons in gadolinium (critical) absorber are measured in a narrow‐beam geometry. For Tb K βx rays, whose average energy is only about 0.4 keV above the K edge of Gd, our experimental attenuation coefficient is about 10% less than the theoretical value given by Storm and Israel. Transmission images of regular and irregular bones obtained using 159Dy are presented.
Histoplasmosis presenting as a neck mass

A unilateral neck mass is an unusual clinical presentation for histoplasmosis. A patient with a large, unilateral neck mass caused by Histoplasma capsulatum is presented to alert readers to such a possibility and to illustrate some of the difficulties in diagnosing and managing the disease.
Image-guided endoscopic and microdebrider assisted repair of choanal atresia in a neonate

Summary Endoscopic transnasal repair of choanal atresia in a 3-week-old infant with CHARGE syndrome under image guidance was employed. Image guidance provided optimal visualization of aberrant bony structures in this small syndromic patient, thus optimizing safety in avoiding damage to vital structures at the skull base. Furthermore, successful endoscopic repair avoided a tracheotomy and expedited extubation. Considering the number of syndromic patients with aberrant skull base and nasal anatomy, image-guided endoscopic repair for choanal atresia may improve safety by avoiding compromise of vital structures at the skull base, particularly in very small neonates. Fiducial marker registration versus laser surface registration is a key consideration in neonates as well as midface deficient patients.
A proposed relationship between vasopressinase altered vasopressin and preeclampsia.

Abstract Preeclampsia is characterized by increased vascular sensitivity to Angiotensin II, endothelial damage, and arteriolar spasm. We hypothesize that these events may be initiated by stimulation of V 1 receptors. V 1 receptors are normally activated by vasopressin. However, V 1 receptors may be activated by the nonapeptide formed when vasopressin is metabolized by the placental enzyme — vasopressinase. This enzyme, found only in humans, cleaves the ring structure of vasopressin, but leaves the N-terminal end, the locus of pressor activity, intact. The resulting molecule, vasopressinase altered vasopressin (VAV), may be present in greater concentration in preeclamptic women and over the months of the second trimester initiate the cascade of pathophysiologic changes resulting in toxemia.
An extraordinary accumulation of (-)-pinoresinol in cell-free extracts of Forsythia intermedia: evidence for enantiospecific reduction of (+)-pinoresinol.

Abstract Stereoselective and enantiospecific transformation mechanisms in lignan biogenesis are only now yielding to scientific inquiry: it has been shown that soluble cell-free preparations from Forsythia intermedia catalyse the formation of the enantiomerically pure lignan, (−)-secoisolariciresinol, when incubated with coniferyl alcohol in the presence of NAD(P)H and H 2 O 2 . Surprisingly, (−)-pinoresinol also accumulates in this soluble cell-free assay mixture in > 96 % enantiomeric excess, even though it is not the naturally occurring antipode present in Forsythia sp. But these soluble cell-free preparations do not engender stereoselective coupling; instead, racemic pinoresinols are first formed, catalysed by an H 2 O 2 -dependent peroxidase reaction. An enantiospecific NAD(P)H reductase then converts (+)-pinoresinol, and not the (−)-antipode, into (−)-secoisolariciresinol. Stereoselective syntheis of (+)-pinoresinol from E -coniferyl alcohol is, however, catalysed by an insoluble enzyme preparation in F. suspensa , obtained following removal of readily soluble and ionically bound enzymes; no exogenously supplied cofactors were required other than oxygen, although the reaction was stimulated by NAD-malate addition. Thus, the overall biochemical pathway to enantiomerically pure (−)-secoisolariciresinol has been delineated.
Chemical status of soils in four urban riparian plant communities

Abstract Soil characteristics of four distinct urban riparian plant communities were studied along a drainage ditch in Tempe, AZ. Our objective was to test if plant communities occured in similar soil chemical conditions in an urban riparian area. We quantified reduction oxidation (redox) potential, pH, electrical conductivity, phosphorus, reduced iron and soil texture. Our results indicate that the four communities sampled occur in differing chemical conditions. Redox potentials in cattail and bulrush dominated communities ranged from -240 to -303 mV while levels of ferrous iron ranged from 17.0 to 38.5 mg kg -1 . This indicates that soils of a highly anaerobic nature occur in these two communities. Redox potentials in knotgrass and Johnson grass communities were significantly ( P ⩽0.05) higher, ranging from +194 to +244 mV. Reduced iron was not found in these communities, indicating the more aerobic nature of these stands. Both cattail and bulrush communities were found in significantly finer soil textures than the knotgrass and Johnson grass communities. In addition to occupying the stream margins, the more aerobic conditions in knotgrass and Johnson grass communities may result from increased water interflow through the soils of these communities. Data of this type are important so that managers can set realistic goals for re-establishement of vegetation in riparian areas that have been impacted by urban and suburban development.
Surface Albedo over the Arctic Ocean Derived from AVHRR and Its Validation with SHEBA Data

A method is presented for retrieving the broadband albedo over the Arctic Ocean using advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data obtained from NOAA polar-orbiting satellites. Visible and near-infrared albedos over snow and ice surfaces are retrieved from AVHRR channels 1 and 2, respectively, and the broadband shortwave albedo is derived through narrow-to-broadband conversion (NTBC). It is found that field measurements taken under different conditions yield different NTBC coefficients. Model simulations over snow and ice surfaces based on rigorous radiative transfer theory support this finding. The lack of a universal set of NTBC coefficients implies a 5%‐10% error in the retrieved broadband albedo. An empirical formula is derived for converting albedo values from AVHRR channels 1 and 2 into a broadband albedo under different snow and ice surface conditions. Uncertain calibration of AVHRR channels 1 and 2 is the largest source of uncertainty, and an error of 5% in satellite-measured radiance leads to an error of 5%‐10% in the retrieved albedo. NOAA-14 AVHRR data obtained over the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) ice camp are used to derive the seasonal variation of the surface albedo over the Arctic Ocean between April and August of 1998. Comparison with surface measurements of albedo by Perovich and others near the SHEBA ice camp shows very good agreement. On average, the retrieval error of albedo from AVHRR is 5%‐10%.
Multi-source data analysis challenges

Author(s): Uselton, S; Ahrens, J; Bethel, W; Treinish, L; State, A | Abstract: The factors making multi-source data analysis pervasive in the near future are: ease and cost effectiveness of digital data acquisition; fidelity, detail and practicality of computational simulations; and networks that make data from many sources accessible to a single user or application. Bringing data from multiple sources together is much more powerful than using each source separately, and computer systems can provide support for users in situations where they would be overwhelmed by volume or complexity without the support. However, multi-source data analysis still face challenges in the Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative, geosciences, atmospheric sciences, medicine, and aerospace engineering design, and these challenges are presented.
Computer Simulation of the Neuronal Action Potential.

A series of computer simulations of the neuronal resting and action potentials are described. These programs are designed to allow the user to observe the movement of ions across a neuronal membrane during: (a) an action potential, (b) a subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), (c) an inhibitory postsynaptic potential, and (d) a suprathreshold EPSP in the presence of the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin ( 7 T X ).
Fire and the spatial separation of buildings

It has been implied that spatial separations based on peak radiation levels will prevent ignition by radiation, indefinitely. The specified distances, however, exceed practical limits. Separations calculated to prevent ignition by radiation long enough for fire extinguishing operations to be initiated have been tabulated. The author explains how the tables were derived and discusses problems that may be encountered in their use.