cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic features of ventricular arrhythmias originating from the right/left coronary cusp commissure

Background Ventricular arrhythmias are known to originate from the aortic sinus of Valsalva. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics associated with ventricular arrhythmias originating from the right coronary cusp–left coronary cusp (RCC–LCC) commissure. Methods Thirty-seven consecutive patients with ventricular arrhythmias originating from the aortic cusp region were studied. Intracardiac echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping were used to define coronary cusp anatomy and catheter position. Ventricular arrhythmias from the RCC–LCC commissure were compared with ventricular arrhythmias originating from other sites in the aortic cusp region. Results Nineteen (51%) ventricular arrhythmias had an anatomic origin at the RCC–LCC commissure. Eighteen ventricular arrhythmias originated from other aortic cusp sites (4 right cusp, 7 left cusp, 3 left ventricular endocardium, 4 left ventricular epicardium anterior to aortic valve). A QS morphology in lead V 1 with notching on the downward deflection was present in 15 of 19 ventricular arrhythmias originating from the RCC–LCC commissure compared to 2 of 18 ventricular arrhythmias from other aortic cusp sites ( P P Conclusion RCC–LCC aortic cusp ventricular arrhythmias are common and have a QS morphology in lead V 1 with notching on the downward deflection with precordial transition at lead V 3 . In the majority of cases, the site of successful ablation has late potentials in sinus rhythm.
Respiratory motion-corrected proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the liver ☆

Purpose To develop a post-processing, respiratory-motion correction algorithm for magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the liver and to determine the incidence and impact of respiratory motion in liver MRS.
Participatory continuous improvement

Abstract There are a number of limitations to current models of risk-adjusted outcome, continuous quality improvement, the most important of which are the reliance on chart abstraction for data collection, the focus on a procedure rather than a disease with several treatment options, and the emphasis on outcomes—particularly the identification of care providers with high rates of adverse outcomes. In this article, I describe a paradigm that combines clinical information management with quality of care assessment and improvement and that emphasizes the participation of care providers. This participatory continuous improvement model is a synthesis of three existing concepts: (1) continuous quality improvement, (2) intellectually and altruistically motivated self-examination and self-improvement, and (3) a modern medical information system. Important design elements of the participatory continuous improvement model to overcome these limitations include (1) a patient population defined by a disease, or diseases, rather than by a treatment to allow for assessment of the appropriateness and access to care; (2) a database that includes all important patient-level risk, treatment (process), and outcome information; (3) data input by the care provider at the point of care; (4) timely information feedback to care providers in a nonadversarial environment; and (5) public accountability. I believe that participatory continuous improvement models can provide the framework for psychologically sound ways to positively influence practice behaviors, and that this will, in turn, result in improved access to care, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness of care.
Capacity Analysis for Flat and Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are often divided into clusters to gain high-performance and prolong network lifetime. In this paper we analyze the network capacity of two different architectures, named flat sensor network and clustered sensor network. For each network, we first define the network model and then analyze the network capacity and the factors that affect the capacity. Numerical results suggest that clustering can significantly improve the network capacity. We also found that the capacity of a clustered network is saturated after the number of clusters is above a certain value. For clustered network architecture, we further study the capacity difference with or without the distributed coordination function. It is found that there is a critical value of the number of cluster heads beyond which the network capacity of two clustered models approaches the same. Results from this research will provide guidance in deploying high-performance wireless sensor networks.
Studies on the Hemoglobin of Cooley's Anemia and Cooley's Trait.

The diseases sickle cell anemia and Cooley's anemia (also known as thalassemia or Mediterranean anemia) have associated with them "minor" or "trait" forms of the disease in which the symptomatology is minimal, and the abnormalities in the red cells are correspondingly less. Extensive genetic studies carried out on these diseases [1-4] have led to the conclusion that in each case the trait is inherited as a Mendalian dominant, the person being heterozygous in the sickle cell gene or Cooley's gene. Homozygosity in either of these genes leads to the corresponding anemia. Our understanding of sickle cell anemia has improved considerably with the discovery of an abnormal hemoglobin and a molecular interpretation of the pathological behavior of the red cell. [5] In that disease it was possible to demonstrate heterozygosity and homozygosity directly, by observing varying amounts of the abnormal hemoglobin. Liquori [6] has recently reported the pr'esence of fetal hemoglobin in cases of Cooley's anemia. We have carried out a number of experiments which support his findings, and have extended the investigation to include cases of Cooley's trait, for which no fetal hemoglobin was found. A hypothesis is advanced to explain these facts.
COX-2-dependent and -independent biosynthesis of dihydroxy-arachidonic acids in activated human leukocytes.

Biosynthesis of 5,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5,15-diHETE) in leukocytes involves consecutive oxygenation of arachidonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and 15-LOX in either order. Here, we analyzed the contribution of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 to the biosynthesis of 5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE in isolated human leukocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide and calcium ionophore A23187. Transformation of arachidonic acid was initiated by 5-LOX providing 5S-HETE as a substrate for COX-2 forming 5S,15S-diHETE, 5S,15R-diHETE, and 5S,11R-diHETE as shown by LC/MS and chiral phase HPLC analyses. The levels of 5,15-diHETE were 0.45 ± 0.2 ng/106 cells (mean ± SEM, n = 6), reaching about half the level of LTB4 (1.3 ± 0.5 ng/106 cells, n = 6). The COX-2 specific inhibitor NS-398 reduced the levels of 5,15-diHETE to below 0.02 ng/106 cells in four of six samples. Similar reduction was achieved by MK-886, an inhibitor of 5-LOX activating protein but the above differences were not statistically significant. Aspirin treatment of the activated cells allowed formation of 5,15-diHETE (0.1 ± 0.05 ng/106 cells, n = 6) but, as expected, abolished formation of 5,11-diHETE. The mixture of activated cells also produced 5S,12S-diHETE with the unusual 6E,8Z,10E double bond configuration, implicating biosynthesis by 5-LOX and 12-LOX activity rather than by hydrolysis of the leukotriene A4-epoxide. Exogenous octadeuterated 5S-HETE and 15S-HETE were converted to 5,15-diHETE, implicating that multiple oxygenation pathways of arachidonic acid occur in activated leukocytes. The contribution of COX-2 to the biosynthesis of dihydroxylated derivatives of arachidonic acid provides evidence for functional coupling with 5-LOX in activated human leukocytes.
THEORETICAL CONSIDERATION OF A SPIN-POLARIZED ELECTRON SOURCE BASED ON ELASTIC ELECTRON-HYDROGEN SPIN-EXCHANGE COLLISIONS.

Abstract This paper describes the theoretical basis of a pulsed source of polarized electrons that, in principle, should yield very high intensity and polarization. The expected average intensity would be several orders of magnitude greater than anything previously attained or proposed (see ref. 4). The method employs polarization transfer from state selected and mechanically trapped (as in hydrogen maser) neutral hydrogen atoms in the F = 1, M F = 1 state to magnetically trapped low energy ( $ 10 eV ) electrons through the mechanism of elastic electron-hydrogen spin-exchange collisions. There are two important features of this device. One is that a large interaction volume between electrons and hydrogen atoms is to be used by utilizing the capability to trap state selected hydrogen atoms without serious depolarization. The other is the unique method of filling and trapping low energy electrons in sufficient density without exciting the hydrogen. It is shown that by using an interaction volume of ≈ 10 3 cm 3 or so, and electron density of ≈ 10 8 e − /cm 3 , it is possible to develop a pulsed source (10 3 Hz) yielding ≈ 10 14 e − /sec, with polarization P e ⪆ 0.9 . The source emittance at a source of energy of ≈ 100 keV will be comparable to that of present nonpolarized thermionic sources used with linear electron accelerators. A prototype device which is now being placed in operation will also be discussed. The final device (or modified version of it) could be useful in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and high-energy particle physics.
Review of "E.D.P. management styles and interactions between E.D.P. staff and others in organisations of a semi bureaucratic nature by Priestly, Ian G." in Proc. 6th Australian computer conf., Vol. 1, (Sydney, May 20-24, 1974), 1974, 281-286

Computer programmer aptitude tests are widely used, in relation to all kinds of computer jobs. They are accepted on trust, in the absence of any better selection tool. This paper refers to two studies which showed significant correlation between aspects of systems analysis or programming and scores in standard psychometric tests. It then considers what else needs doing, and describes a collaborative study planned to take place in 1975-76, to compare results of tests taken during final undergraduate year with subsequent success in tasks performed in industry or commerce.
Spatiotemporal assignment of energy harvesters on a self-sustaining medical shoe

We present a new method for spatiotemporal assignment and scheduling of energy harvesters on a medical shoe tasked with measuring gait diagnostics. While prior work exists on the application of dielectric elastomers (DEs) for energy scavenging on shoes, current literature does not address the issues of placement and timing of these harvesters, nor does it address integration into existing sensing systems. We solve these issues and present a self-sustaining medical shoe that harvests energy from human ambulation while simultaneously measuring gait characteristics most relevant to medical diagnosis.
Mars Atmosphere Pressure Periodicities from Viking Observations

The first Martian year of pressure data taken by the Viking landers on Mars is subjected to power spectrum analysis. The analysis suggests that strong periodicities are present in the Martian atmosphere, especially at the high-latitude (48 deg N) site of the second lander. Most of these periodicities are probably due to the passage of baroclinic waves. Inspection of individual segments of data shows that the periodicities of the dominant waves vary significantly with time of year. This may be related to the amount of dust in the atmosphere since the dominant frequencies of the waves during times of major dust storms are quite different than at other times.
Correlated electron propagator theory and applications for open - shell atoms and molecules

A unitary group reformulation of electron propagator theory is used to derive the second-order and 2p – h Tamm–Dancoff self-energy approximations for open-shell applications. A highest weight representation of the reference state is chosen in order to facilitate matrix element evaluation, but two special cases precluded by this choice are also discussed. Detailed numerical calculations are described for the lithium atom, oxygen molecule, and the amidogen radical.
Where Have All the Good (Or Any) Jobs Gone?: Student Responses to Short and Long Term Career Options

A discrete decline in the effort of my students that paralleled the equally dramatic increase in unemployment and deteriorating job market beginning in mid-2008 provided the stimulus for this paper. Extensive discussions with students in and out of class about what was motivating them led to a series of meetings with a group of my very best students, discussions that provided the stimulus for this paper. From as early as the 1970’s US college student effort and choice of major has been influenced significantly by changing economic conditions and opportunities. For the most part, while study time has declined, the longer job market term trend has been positive. This may no longer be the case, at least in the short term ahead. As it turns out, student responses today to these sudden and dramatic changes vary in significant, and both expected and unexpected ways.
A note on Einstein–Sasaki metrics in D ⩾ 7

In this paper, we obtain new non-singular Einstein–Sasaki spaces in dimensions D ≥ 7. The local construction involves taking a circle bundle over a (D − 1)-dimensional Einstein–Kahler metric that is itself constructed as a complex line bundle over a product of Einstein–Kahler spaces. In general, the resulting Einstein–Sasaki spaces are singular, but if parameters in the local solutions satisfy appropriate rationality conditions, the metrics extend smoothly onto complete and non-singular compact manifolds. The seven-dimensional space, whose base is a complex line bundle over S2 × S2, is discussed in detail since it has relevance in terms of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
A fluorescence study the interactions of benzo[a]pyrene, cytochrome P450c and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

Abstract Fluorescence quenching of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) by cytochrome P450c was used to probe this substrate-enzyme binding interaction. Addition of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, an essential electron carrier during P450 catalysis, resulted in increased quenching and thus strengthened binding of BP to P450c. This shows that the role of reductase extends beyond that of an electron transfer agent to influence substrate binding. Fluorescence titration measurements revealed that reductase and P450c formed complex with an apparent K d of 13.7 ± 0.9 nM . Reductase had no effect in the presence of an anti-P450c monoclonal antibody which inhibits BP hydroxylation, which suggests that this monoclonal antibody binds P450c near its reductase binding region.
Thermotropic liquid crystal behaviour of gemini imidazolium-based ionic amphiphiles

Thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (LCs) are useful for a number of applications such as anisotropic ion transport and as organised reaction media/solvents because of their ordered fluid properties...
Quality control and the war

Experience of the United States Army Ordnance Department in applying quality-control techniques to wartime production of munitions has conclusively demonstrated the value of the method, according to an officer in the Department.
Microhardness and microstructure in single crystals of mercuric iodide

Abstract Experimental studies were made of microhardness and microstructure on the (001) planes of vapor grown single crystals of HgI 2 using optical microscopy at room temperature and secondary electron emission and cathodoluminescence (CL) at 80 K in a SEM operated at 20 kV. Optical microscopy and etching techniques were used to identify three characteristic microstructures, each of which responded differently to microhardness indentation. These were regions (1) relatively free of etch pits, (2) containing a high density of relatively large, randomly distributed etch pits, and (3) containing orthogonal arrays of relatively small etch pits aligned with 〈100〉 crystallographic axes. The regions with random distributions of etch pits were softer than those without etch pits; the indentations in regions without etch pits exhibited brittle fracture; the regions containing orthogonal arrays of etch pits were particularly hard. Evidently the “orthogonal arrays” are much more detrimental to radiation detector performance than the “random arrangements”, since the very high Knoop hardnesses associated with the orthogonal arrays have been observed only in the worst detectors. The orthogonal arrays are apparently the traces of nested dislocation loops surrounding inclusions. In the SEM studies, it was determined that HgI 2 does exhibit strong CL image contrast at 80 K and does not pose problems of dissociation in the electron beam. Both ingrown electrically active defects (i.e. the orthogonal arrays) and electrically active defects produced by microhardness indentations were clearly resolved in the CL images. The indented samples exhibited well defined dark bands associated with dislocations on slip bands radiating from the indentations. Comparisons of microhardness measurements and microstructural observations suggest that ingrown microstructural defects that quench luminescence in HgI 2 are particularly likely to affect detector quality adversely.
The C. elegans F-box proteins LIN-23 and SEL-10 antagonize centrosome duplication by regulating ZYG-1 levels

The correct segregation of DNA during cell division requires formation of a bipolar spindle, organized at each pole by a centrosome. The regulation of centrosome duplication such that each mitotic cell has exactly two centrosomes is therefore of central importance to cell division. Deregulation of centrosome duplication causes the appearance of supernumerary centrosomes, which are a hallmark of many cancer cells and can contribute to tumorigenesis. Overexpression of the kinase Plk4, which is required for centrosome duplication, causes the formation of extra centrosomes, and aberrant Plk4 expression levels are associated with cancer. Data from Drosophila and human cells show that Plk4 levels are regulated by the SCF ubiquitin ligase and proteasomal degradation. Recognition of Plk4 by the SCF complex is mediated by the F-box protein Slimb/βTrCP. We show that levels of the C. elegans Plk4 homolog ZYG-1 are elevated by impairing proteasome or SCF function, indicating that ZYG-1 is regulated by a conserved mechanism. In C. elegans, similar to Drosophila and humans, we find that the Slimb/βTrCP homolog LIN-23 regulates ZYG-1 levels. In addition, we show that a second F-box protein, SEL-10, also contributes to ZYG-1 regulation. Co-depletion of LIN-23 and SEL-10 suggests these proteins function cooperatively. Because SEL-10 is the homolog of human FBW7, which is frequently mutated in cancer, our findings have implications for understanding tumorigenesis.
Factors influencing cutaneous directional sensitivity: A correlative psychophysical and neurophysiological investigation

The effects of 4 parameters of moving tactile stimuli (i.e., velocity, traverse length, position and orientation) on human cutaneous directional sensitivity and on the behavior of directionally sensitive neurons in S-I of unanesthetized macaque monkeys are studied. The experimental paradigms and approaches to data analysis are based on sensory decision theory (SDT), and provide indices of single neuron and of perceptual cutaneous direction sensitivity that can be compared. Human cutaneous directional sensitivity is shown to be maximal when the stimuli move at velocities between 5 and 30 cm/s, and to fall off either at lower or higher velocities. The neurophysiological studies of the effects of velocity reveal a heterogeneity in the population of directionally sensitive S-I neurons. Some neurons are shown to exhibit maximal directional sensitivity at velocities between 5 and 30 cm/s, whereas others possess maximal directional sensitivity at lower velocities (i.e., less than 5 cm/s). Human cutaneous directional sensitivity is determined at each of 5 different forelimb regions. The data reveal that a pronounced gradient in human cutaneous directional sensitivity exists along the proximodistal axis of the forelimb, with the greatest sensitivity existing at the most distal forelimb site studied. The companion neurophysiological studies reveal that a change in the position of the moving stimulus within the receptive field of an individual directionally sensitive S-I neuron is usually accompanied by a change in the magnitude of its directional sensitivity. Two major classes of directionally sensitive S-I neurons can be distinguished on the basis of the in-field variations in directional sensitivity they exhibit. For one neuron class, preferred direction remains the same at all regions within the receptive field; these are termed 'direction invariant neurons' and they appear to be capable of signalling direction of motion unambiguously under most of the experimental conditions used in this study. For the neurons of the second class, preferred direction varies with the position of the stimulus within the receptive field; these are termed 'direction variant' neurons. Direction variant S-I neurons signal movement toward or away from a given point within the receptive field. As a consequence, a reversal in cutaneous directional sensitivity within their receptive fields can typically be demonstrated. For every direction variant neuron studied the receptive field position at which cutaneous directional sensitivity reversed was located over a joint.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Characterization of polyimide sorbents by using tracer pulse chromatography.

Abstract A modification of tracer pulse chromatography was used to rapidly evaluate four novel polyimide sorbents for use in air sampling. This technique utilized probe molecules with different functional groups to evaluate the surface retention characteristics when the sorbents were highly loaded by these chemicals and humidity. The evaluation of the sorbents indicated the polymer subunits of each must have multiple sorption sites which is consistent with their chemical makeup. Some comparisons between the polyimides and Tenax-GC were made.
Design, delivery, and evaluation of early interventions for children exposed to acute trauma

Background : Exposure to acute, potentially traumatic events is an unfortunately common experience for children and adolescents. Posttraumatic stress (PTS) responses following acute trauma can have an ongoing impact on child development and well-being. Early intervention to prevent or reduce PTS responses holds promise but requires careful development and empirical evaluation. Objectives : The aims of this review paper are to present a framework for thinking about the design, delivery, and evaluation of early interventions for children who have been exposed to acute trauma; highlight targets for early intervention; and describe next steps for research and practice. Results and conclusions : Proposed early intervention methods must (1) have a firm theoretical grounding that guides the design of intervention components; (2) be practical for delivery in peri-trauma or early post-trauma contexts, which may require creative models that go outside of traditional means of providing services to children; and (3) be ready for evaluation of both outcomes and mechanisms of action. This paper describes three potential targets for early intervention—maladaptive trauma-related appraisals, excessive early avoidance, and social/interpersonal processes—for which there is theory and evidence suggesting an etiological role in the development or persistence of PTS symptoms in children. Keywords: prevention; early intervention; acute traumatic stress; children; adolescents Responsible Editor: Grete Dyb, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, NKVTS, Norway. For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files in the column to the right (under Article Tools) This paper is part of the Special Issue: Understanding terror and violence in the lives of children and adolescents . More papers from this issue can be found at http://www.eurojnlofpsychotraumatol.net (Published: 2 July 2014) Citation: European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2014, 5 : 22757 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.22757
Simple Models for Extracting Mechanical Work from the ATP Hydrolysis Cycle

According to the binding-zipper model, the RecA class of ATPase motors converts chemical energy into mechanical force by the progressive annealing of hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide and the catalytic pocket. The role of hydrolysis is to weaken the binding of products, allowing them to be released so that the cycle can repeat. Molecular dynamics can be used to study the unbinding process, but the binding process is more complex, so that inferences about it are made indirectly from structural, mutation, and biochemical studies. Here we present a series of models of varying complexity that illustrate the basic processes involved in force production during ATP binding. These models reveal the role of solvent and geometry in determining the amount of mechanical work that can be extracted from the binding process.
Skin permeability: Dermatologic aspects of transdermal drug delivery

Long considered an impermeable barrier, the skin is now perceived as a potential portal of entry for drugs. This new awareness, coupled with the availability of potent pharmacologic agents that can exert their effects at very low tissue concentrations, has led to the development of new drug delivery systems. Delivery of drugs through the skin utilizes the unique properties of the stratum corneum, which slows down the entry of drug to the circulation, thereby making possible the attainment of blood levels without sharp peaks and valleys. The skin not only acts to govern drug release from an external reservoir but may itself act as a reservoir for the slow, steady release of drug. Application of drug to the skin avoids the metabolic inactivation that may occur in the liver as the result of first-pass metabolism of oral drug formulations. Nitroglycerin ointment has demonstrated the feasibility of drug administration through the skin. One of the first transdermal modalities, the ointment vehicle, has now been replaced by sophisticated devices that allow far greater control of dosage. Rapid advances can be expected in view of the convenience and steady-state kinetics of transdermal systems.
Presence of Nonoxidative Ethanol Metabolism in Human Organs Commonly Damaged by Ethanol Abuse

Acetaldehyde, the end product of oxidative ethanol metabolism, contributes to alcohol-induced disease in the liver, but cannot account for damage in organs such as the pancreas, heart, or brain, where oxidative metabolism is minimal or absent; nor can it account for the varied patterns of organ damage found in chronic alcoholics. Thus other biochemical mediators may be important in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced organ damage. Many human organs were found to metabolize ethanol through a recently described nonoxidative pathway to form fatty acid ethyl esters. Organs lacking oxidative alcohol metabolism yet frequently damaged by ethanol abuse have high fatty acid ethyl ester synthetic activities and show substantial transient accumulations of fatty acid ethyl esters. Thus nonoxidative ethanol metabolism in addition to the oxidative pathway may be important in the pathophysiology of ethanol-induced disease in humans.
Hox and Senseless Antagonism Functions as a Molecular Switch to Regulate EGF Secretion in the Drosophila PNS

Hox factors are key regulators of distinct cells, tissues, and organs along the body plan. However, little is known about how Hox factors regulate cell-specific gene expression to pattern diverse tissues. Here, we show an unexpected Hox transcriptional mechanism: the permissive regulation of EGF secretion, and thereby cell specification, by antagonizing the Senseless transcription factor in the peripheral nervous system. rhomboid expression in a subset of sensory cells stimulates EGF secretion to induce hepatocyte-like cell development. We identified a rhomboid enhancer that is active in these cells and show that an abdominal Hox complex directly competes with Senseless for enhancer binding, with the transcriptional outcome dependent upon their relative binding activities. Thus, Hox-Senseless antagonism forms a molecular switch that integrates neural and anterior-posterior positional information. As the vertebrate senseless homolog is essential for neural development as well as hematopoiesis, we propose Hox-Senseless antagonism will broadly control cell fate decisions.
Allylic 4-methoxybenzoates display excellent reagent-controlled double diastereoselection in the sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation: Application to highly selective total syntheses of polyols

Abstract The asymmetric dihydroxylation of several enantiomerically pure 4-substituted allylic 4′-methoxybenzoates proceeds with excellent reagent-controlled diastereoselectivities. This observation, coupled with the high enantio- and regioselectivity provided by the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of suitably protected dienes, has been used to accomplish the stereocontrolled total syntheses of several vic-polyols.
Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of QS-21 Variants Leading to Simplified Vaccine Adjuvants and Mechanistic Probes

QS-21 is a potent immunostimulatory saponin that is currently under clinical investigation as an adjuvant in various vaccines to treat infectious diseases, cancers, and cognitive disorders. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and preclinical evaluation of simplified QS-21 congeners to define key structural features that are critical for adjuvant activity. Truncation of the linear tetrasaccharide domain revealed that a trisaccharide variant is equipotent to QS-21, while the corresponding disaccharide and monosaccharide congeners are more toxic and less potent, respectively. Modification of the acyl chain domain in the trisaccharide series revealed that a terminal carboxylic acid is well-tolerated while a terminal amine results in reduced adjuvant activity. Acylation of the terminal amine can, in some cases, restore adjuvant activity and enables the synthesis of fluorescently labeled QS-21 variants. Cellular studies with these probes revealed that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the most highly adjuv...
Microphysical consequences of the spatial distribution of ice nucleation in mixed-phase stratiform clouds

Mixed-phase stratiform clouds can persist even with steady ice precipitation fluxes, and the origin and microphysical properties of the ice crystals are of interest. Vapor deposition growth and sedimentation of ice particles along with a uniform volume source of ice nucleation lead to a power law relation between ice water content wi and ice number concentration ni with exponent 2.5. The result is independent of assumptions about the vertical velocity structure of the cloud and is therefore more general than the related expression of Yang et al. (2013). The sensitivity of the wi−ni relationship to the spatial distribution of ice nucleation is confirmed by Lagrangian tracking and ice growth with cloud volume, cloud top, and cloud base sources of ice particles through a time-dependent cloud field. Based on observed wi and ni from Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign, a lower bound of 0.006 m−3 s−1 is obtained for the ice crystal formation rate.
Thermal Chemistry of CH3 on Si/Cu(100)†

Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), thermal programmed desorption (TPD) studies, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigated the interaction and chemistry of CH{sub 3} (generated by the thermal cracking of azomethane) on Si/Cu(100). Si was deposited on Cu(100) by the thermal decomposition of SiH{sub 4} at 420 K. STM of adsorbate-free Si/Cu(100) at a less than saturation coverage of Si revealed a surface that contained large domains of a Cu{sub 2}Si structure. These Cu{sub 2}Si domains coexisted with regions that were believed to be lower in fractional Si coverage. TPD results showed that (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}SiH desorbed near 200 K from CH{sub 3}/Si/Cu(100) prepared with a low Si concentration. With increasing Si concentration a (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}SiH desorption state appeared near 420 K, in addition to the 200 K state. The two observed TPD states of (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}SiH at 200 and 420 K were believed to be due to the thermal reaction of CH{sub 3} with the low Si density and high Si density (i.e., Cu{sub 2}Si) regions, respectively. At a saturation coverage of Si, when the well ordered Cu{sub 2}Si phase covered the surface, only the 420 K peak was present during CH{sub 3}/Si/Cu(100) TPD. Results also suggested that (CH{sub 3})Simore » and possibly some (CH{sub 3}){sub 2}Si intermediates predominated on the surface below room temperature, and (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}Si species were formed on the surface only at temperatures between 250 and 390 K. Surface hydrogen needed for the final evolution of (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}SiH was generated from methyl groups at temperatures above 390 K on the Si-saturated Cu(100).« less
Stochastic Estimation of the Flow Structure Downstream of a Separating/Reattaching Flow Using Wall-Pressure Array Measurements

This investigation examines the surface-pressure fluctuations and associated flow structures spatiotemporally in the developing flow downstream of the reattachment point of a fence-with-splitter-plate flow. Simultaneous measurements of the wall-pressure and velocity field were undertaken using a 16-microphone array, extending over the streamwise range 1.67 < x/Xr < 3.33 (where Xr is the mean reattachment length), and X-hotwire sensor at two Reynolds numbers of 8000 and 16000, based on the fence height above the splitter plate. The array data were used to obtain the wavenumber-frequency spectrum of the wall-pressure fluctuation. The results illustrate that Taylor hypothesis of frozen eddies reasonably describes the flow in the investigated zone. This allowed utilization of the time-dependent LSE of the velocity field to estimate the spatial structure of the flow above the microphone array. The results confirm the association of the most-energetic pressure fluctuation with the passage of quasi-periodic vortices.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
How Do We Keep Our Residents Safe? An Educational Intervention

Recent evidence suggests that 25–64 % of psychiatry residents are the victims of assault by patients; only a minority, however, feel they receive adequate safety and violence training during residency. To address this disparity, the author designed, implemented, and assessed the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention focused on improving the residents’ ability to recognize violence risk and increase attention to safety in the psychiatric interview. The subjects were 13 second-year psychiatry residents. Effectiveness was evaluated via the assessment of the residents’ written responses describing their first clinical intervention after hearing a case vignette of a potentially violent patient (before and 1 month following the intervention). Responses were evaluated for any evidence of concerns for safety. The number of residents citing safety concerns increased (38 to 92 %), as did the level of sophistication in their proposed interventions. A brief educational intervention focused on violence risk and interview safety may be effective in increasing residents’ attention to safety concerns in their clinical care, and further work will be beneficial to confirm and expand upon these findings.
APOE-epsilon4 and aging of medial temporal lobe gray matter in healthy adults older than 50 years

Abstract Atrophy of the hippocampus and surrounding temporal regions occurs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). APOE e4, the major genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, has been associated with smaller volume in these regions before amyloidosis can be detected by AD biomarkers. To examine APOE e4 effects in relation to aging, we performed a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study involving cognitively normal adults (25 APOE e4 carriers and 31 e3 homozygotes), initially aged 51–75 years. We used growth curve analyses, which can provide information about APOE e4-related differences initially and later in life. Hippocampal volume was the primary outcome; nearby medial temporal regions were secondary outcomes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, val66met was a secondary covariate. APOE e4 carriers had significantly smaller initial hippocampal volumes than e3 homozygotes. Rate of hippocampal atrophy was not greater in the APOE e4 group, although age-related atrophy was detected in the overall sample. The findings add to the growing evidence that effects of APOE e4 on hippocampal size begin early in life, underscoring the importance of early interventions to increase reserve.
Fast Growth Increases the Selective Advantage of a Mutation Arising Recurrently during Evolution under Metal Limitation

Understanding the evolution of biological systems requires untangling the molecular mechanisms that connect genetic and environmental variations to their physiological consequences. Metal limitation across many environments, ranging from pathogens in the human body to phytoplankton in the oceans, imposes strong selection for improved metal acquisition systems. In this study, we uncovered the genetic and physiological basis of adaptation to metal limitation using experimental populations of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 evolved in metal-deficient growth media. We identified a transposition mutation arising recurrently in 30 of 32 independent populations that utilized methanol as a carbon source, but not in any of the 8 that utilized only succinate. These parallel insertion events increased expression of a novel transporter system that enhanced cobalt uptake. Such ability ensured the production of vitamin B12, a cobalt-containing cofactor, to sustain two vitamin B12–dependent enzymatic reactions essential to methanol, but not succinate, metabolism. Interestingly, this mutation provided higher selective advantages under genetic backgrounds or incubation temperatures that permit faster growth, indicating growth-rate–dependent epistatic and genotype-by-environment interactions. Our results link beneficial mutations emerging in a metal-limiting environment to their physiological basis in carbon metabolism, suggest that certain molecular features may promote the emergence of parallel mutations, and indicate that the selective advantages of some mutations depend generically upon changes in growth rate that can stem from either genetic or environmental influences.
Effects of estrogen on very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) synthesis in avian liver slices in vitro: lack of correlation with nuclear estrogen receptors.

Abstract Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) synthesis in liver slices maintained in organ culture was stimulated by the administration of estradiol-17β (E 2 ) in vitro . However, the effects of the hormone were inconsistent and in only 25% of our experiments was significant stimulation observed. To study whether the failure of induction was due to the complete disappearance of estrogen receptor in the liver slices in vitro , we have measured the level of nuclear estrogen receptors. Irrespective of whether induction of VLDL synthesis was observed, estrogen receptor was consistently demonstrated in the liver slices maintained in culture, with an apparent k D , of 6 × 10 −9 M. These findings suggest that the failure of consistent induction of VLDL synthesis in liver slices in vitro by estrogen is due to defects in hormone action subsequent to the nuclear binding of the hormone.
Understanding Categorical Hierarchies: The Earliest Levels of Skill

2 categorization skills necessary for understanding hierarchies are the ability to form categories at different levels of generality and the ability to include the same objects into multiple categories. 2-year-olds appear to have the first skill, but some theoretical and empirical work suggests that the second may be a later acquisition. Yet, in 3 studies, 2- and 3-year-olds applied familiar basic level and superordinate labels to the same objects, even when reminded of basic labels before being tested with superordinates. They did not reserve superordinates for objects with unfamiliar basic level names (Study 2), and they were willing to apply superordinates to objects presented singly rather than in groups (Study 3). Thus, contrary to the implications of some previous work, 2- and 3-year-olds appear to have both of the categorization skills necessary for forming categorical hierarchies.
Block-out prior to pick-up impression of overdenture with ERA attachments.

1. Punch small holes in a piece of rubber dam (Dental Dam; Hygenic, Coltene/Whaledent Inc, Mahwah, N.J.) 2. Cut out small rings of the rubber dam with 2to 3-mm borders around each hole (Fig. 1, A). 3. Apply the rubber dam rings over the ERA abutments before the pick-up procedure. The rings will cover and hold the block-out material in place during the pick-up procedure (Fig. 1, B). This simple technique will produce a clean acrylic resin surface uncontaminated by the block-out material. If the undercuts around the ERA abutment are minimal, the rubber dam ring itself will provide adequate block-out. Multiple rubber dam rings can be used to reduce the amount of block-out material required.
Micromachined Silicon Deformable Mirror

A new silicon deformable mirror design is presented which provides high reflectivity, an optical quality continuous surface, and high intensity handling capacity. Its features make it useful for a wide range of devices including telescopes, leasers, and photolithographic systems. The mirror architecture is similar to commercial electrostrictive deformable mirrors. A focus corrector built using this architecture exhibited 2.25 microns of actuation at the center through the application of 100v corresponding to a radius of curvature of -2.4m. A 30 micrometers thick 1cm diameter silicon mirrors exhibited its first mechanical resonance at 2.7kHz. A mirror coated with 100nm of gold was shown to be able to withstand 100kW/cm 2 of continuous wave 1064nm intensity for 10 minutes without observable degradation. An active mode-matching experiment was performed showing that 99.5 percent of a Nd:YAG beam could be coupled to a finesse 4000 ring cavity.
Environmental chemistry of chromium

The processes that control the environmental chemistry of chromium include redox transformation, precipitation/dissolution, and adsorption/desorption reactions. Commonly occurring reductants, such as ferrous iron and organic material, can transform Cr(VI) to Cr(III), but manganese oxides are the only inorganic oxidants found in the environment that cause the rapid oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). In the trivalent state, chromium readily forms compounds such as Cr(OH)3 and (Cr,Fe)(OH)3. These solids show amphoteric solubility behavior, with hydroxo complexes being the dominant aqueous species of Cr(III). The relatively low solubilities of Cr(OH)3 and (Cr,Fe)(OH)3 limit Cr(III) concentrations to less than the drinking water limit over much of the pH range of environmental interest. In the hexavalent state, the formation of the Ba(S,Cr)O4 solid solution controls the dissolved chromium concentrations in environments that contain BaSO4. In the absence of solubility-controlling Cr(VI) solids, Cr(VI) concentrations in acidic to slightly alkaline conditions are expected to be limited by adsorption. Iron oxides are the most important absorbents for aqueous Cr(VI) species in most soil environments. Although these processes are complex and interrelated, each must be considered to predict the aqueous concentrations, mobility, and toxicity of chromium in the environment.
Staphylocoagulase Inhibition by Pooled Human Gamma-Globulin

POOLED normal human gamma-globulin, alone or in combination with antibiotics, has been found to exert marked therapeutic activity in Staphylococcus aureus infections1–6. In seeking to understand the mechanism of this protection, it was decided to investigate the effect of gamma-globulin on staphylococcal coagulases, perhaps among the most important factors in the virulence of the organism uncovered to date7. Staphylococci form two types of coagulase, bound and free8,9 which differ in occurrence, mode of action and antigenic patterns but may both be involved in pathogenesis. Evidence has been presented that there are different antigenic varieties of free coagulase associated with the three bacteriophage groups and the two specific types10, 3A and 42E but that bound coagulase of the various staphylococcal types may be antigenically homogeneous9.
Static Analyzers: Seat Belts for Your Code

Just as seat belt use is widespread, static analysis should be part of ethical software development. Because security must be designed in, static analysis should occur early in software development to reduce vulnerabilities or, even better, provide feedback to educate software developers and reinforce good practices, minimizing vulnerable constructs ever getting in the code. Even as industry migrates to languages safer than unconstrained C, thus eliminating many possible weaknesses, static analysis can be even more useful to check annotations, guarantees, conditions, and specifications provided by developers.
Sequential activation of ground pads reduces skin heating during radiofrequency ablation: Initial in vivo porcine results

Purpose: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a common treatment modality for inoperable liver cancer. Skin burns below ground pads during RF ablations are increasingly prevalent, hindering the development of higher-power RF generators capable of creating larger ablation zones. Materials and Methods: 9 RF ablations (n = 3D4 simultaneous, n = 3D5 sequential) were performed with 300W for 12 min via two internally cooled cluster electrodes placed in the gluteus maximus of domestic swine. Three ground pads placed on the animal’s abdomen were activated either simultaneously, or sequentially where activation timing was adjusted to equilibrate skin temperature below each pad. Temperature rise at each pad was compared. Ablation zone dimensions were determined via MRI. Results: Maximum temperature rise was significantly higher with simultaneous activation than with sequential activation (21.4 vs 8.1 oC, p<0.01). Ablation zone diameters during simultaneous and sequential activation were 6.9±0.3 and 5.6±0.3, respectively. Conclusion: Sequential activation of multiple ground pads resulted in significantly lower skin temperatures during highpower RF ablation.
The Other Shoe: Some Thoughts for Christopher Peacocke

I suggest in this paper that Professor Peacocke has given an elegant and, it seems to me, successful account of how we hear in music, metaphorically, various extra-musical properties, among them the much vexed expressive ones. I argue that what Peacocke now must do, as the next step in his project, is to tackle the normative question of when, particularly in the case of absolute music, we are justified in hearing in the music what, on his account, we can hear in it.
Highly scalable differential JPEG 2000 wavelet video codec for Internet video streaming

A highly scalable wavelet video codec is proposed for Internet video streaming applications based on the simplified JPEG-2000 compression core. Most existing video coding solutions utilize a fixed temporal grouping structure, resulting in quality degradation due to structural mismatch with inherent motion and scene change. Thus, by adopting an adaptive frame grouping scheme based on fast scene change detection, a flexible temporal grouping is proposed according to motion activities. To provide good temporal scalability regardless of packet loss, the dependency structure inside a temporal group is simplified by referencing only the initial intra-frame in telescopic motion estimation at the cost of coding efficiency. In addition, predictive-frames in a temporal group are prioritized according to their relative motion and coding cost. Finally, the joint spatio-temporal scalability support of the proposed video solution is demonstrated in terms of the network adaptation capability.