cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of cytochrome c553 peroxidase from Nitrosomonas europaea

The di-heme peroxidase (cytochrome c553 peroxidase) from Nitrosomonas europaea has been crystallized in a form suitable for high-resolution X-ray structure determination. A complete data set was obtained to 2.5A and the data were indexed in space group P2(1) with a = 88.79 A, b = 55.93 A, c = 144.37 A, beta = 103.87 degrees. The self-rotation function indicates one homodimer per asymmetric unit.
Thermal Conductivity of Silicon from 300 to 1400°K

The thermal diffusivity of pure silicon has been measured from 300 to 1400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The specific heat of the same material over the same temperature range has been measured by Dennison. The thermal conductivity was obtained from the product of the thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and density. At 1400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K about two-thirds of the thermal conductivity was caused by lattice vibrations and one-third by bipolar diffusion. Wiedemann-Franz type diffusion accounted for less than one percent of the total thermal conductivity at 1400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Thermal transport by direct transmission of radiation appeared to be negligible up to 1400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The Gr\"uneisen constant for silicon from these high-temperature thermal conductivity measurements was 1.96, if the Debye temperature is taken as 636\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Effects of dietary fish oil on platelet function and plasma lipids in hyperlipoproteinemic and normal subjects

We studied the effects of dietary supplementation with an encapsulated fish oil concentrate (Maxepa) on platelet function, fibrinolysis, and plasma lipids and lipoproteins in 9 normal subjects, 10 patients with type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, and 6 with type IIB hyperlipoproteinemia. After a baseline period, the subjects crossed over randomly between treatment periods with Maxepa (providing 3.24 g eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.16 g docosahexaenoic acid per day) and safflower oil (used as a control), given for 6 weeks each. Administration of Maxepa led to a slight prolongation of the bleeding time in all groups and to modest inhibition of platelet aggregation in the type IV hyperlipoproteinemics and normal subjects, with partial (41%) inhibition of thromboxane synthesis from baseline levels noted in the normal group. Plasma total fibrinolytic actively did not change significantly in any group. Maxepa treatment resulted in a marked decrease in triglyceride and VLDL-cholesterol and a slight increase in HDL-cholesterol was noted after Maxepa in the type IV hyperlipoproteinemics (4.11 +/- 0.13 mmol/l vs. 3.10 +/- 0.16 mmol/l, Maxepa vs. safflower oil). We conclude that dietary supplementation with fish oil results in a relatively minor degree of inhibition of platelet function in normal and hyperlipoproteinemic subjects, and a potentially adverse increase in LDL-cholesterol in type IV hyperlipoproteinemics.
Changes in Jewish mortality and survival 1963-1987.

Abstract From information on mortality of Jews obtained from individual death certificates and population data from surveys of the Jewish population undertaken in 1963 and 1987, age‐specific death rates and life expectancy of the Jewish population of Rhode Island are compared with those of the total white population for 1963 and 1987 to assess changing differentials. The Jewish mortality experience continues to differ from that of the larger population even while both groups have experienced noticeable improvements. For males, the age standardized rates have widened in favor of Jews as have the life expectancies at birth and the percentage surviving to old age. By contrast, for females, the standardized death rate has widened considerably in favor of whites, while life expectancy has improved almost identically for both groups and therefore remained about equal, as it was in 1963. Reasons for these patterns are explored through attention to differences between Jews and the general white population in deat...
Fast algorithm for track segment and hit reconstruction in the CMS Cathode Strip Chambers

In this note, we propose an algorithm for fast and efficient track segment reconstruction in Cathode Strip Chambers used by the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment for muon detection in the forward direction. The algorithm is designed to be CPU-efficient and is targeted for High Level Trigger (HLT, online reconstructed events pre-selection) purposes. The segment finding efficiency and the spatial resolution attainable with the proposed algorithm as well as the required CPU time are benchmarked using the Cosmics Muon data and found to surpass the HLT requirements.
The Effects of Neighborhood Density and Social Control on Resident Satisfaction

This study examines neighborhood density and other social factors which limit environmental control. It is hypothesized that the combined effects of high density and low social control result in th...
Can cosmic shear shed light on low cosmic microwave background multipoles

The lowest multipole moments of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are smaller than expected for a scale-invariant power spectrum. One possible explanation is a cutoff in the primordial power spectrum below a comoving scale of kc~=5.0×10^–4 Mpc^–1. Such a cutoff would increase significantly the cross correlation between the large-angle CMB and cosmic-shear patterns. The cross correlation may be detectable at >2sigma which, combined with the low CMB moments, may tilt the balance between a 2sigma result and a firm detection of a large-scale power-spectrum cutoff. The cutoff also increases the large-angle cross correlation between the CMB and the low-redshift tracers of the mass distribution.
Design, synthesis, and bioactivity of simplified paclitaxel analogs based on the T-Taxol bioactive conformation

A strategy for the design and synthesis of simplified paclitaxel analogs based on the T-Taxol conformation is presented. The resulting compounds have both cytotoxic and tubulin polymerization activities, although less so than those of paclitaxel itself.
Unique features of the human brainstem and cerebellum.

The cerebral cortex is greatly expanded in the human brain. There is a parallel expansion of the cerebellum, which is interconnected with the cerebral cortex. We have asked if there are accompanying changes in the organization of the precerebellar brainstem structures. We have examined the cytoarchitectonic and neurochemical organization of the human medulla and pons. We studied human cases from the Witelson Normal Brain Collection, analyzing Nissl sections and sections processed for immunohistochemistry for multiple markers including the calcium-binding proteins calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin, nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein, and the synthetic enzyme for nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase. We have also compared the neurochemical organization of the human brainstem to that of several other species including the chimpanzee, macaque and squirrel monkey, cat, and rodent, again using Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry. We found that there are major differences in the human brainstem, ranging from relatively subtle differences in the neurochemical organization of structures found in each of the species studied to the emergence of altogether new structures in the human brainstem. Two aspects of human cortical organization, individual differences and left-right asymmetry, are also seen in the brainstem (principal nucleus of the inferior olive) and the cerebellum (the dentate nucleus). We suggest that uniquely human motor and cognitive abilities derive from changes at all levels of the central nervous system, including the cerebellum and brainstem, and not just the cerebral cortex.
Three-dimensional structure of cofilin bound to monomeric actin derived by structural mass spectrometry data

The cytoskeletal protein, actin, has its structure and function regulated by cofilin. In the absence of an atomic resolution structure for the actin/cofilin complex, the mechanism of cofilin regulation is poorly understood. Theoretical studies based on the similarities of cofilin and gelsolin segment 1 proposed the cleft between subdomains 1 and 3 in actin as the cofilin binding site. We used radiolytic protein footprinting with mass spectrometry and molecular modeling to provide an atomic model of how cofilin binds to monomeric actin. Footprinting data suggest that cofilin binds to the cleft between subdomains 1 and 2 in actin and that cofilin induces further closure of the actin nucleotide cleft. Site-specific fluorescence data confirm these results. The model identifies key ionic and hydrophobic interactions at the binding interface, including hydrogen-bonding between His-87 of actin to Ser-89 of cofilin that may control the charge dependence of cofilin binding. This model and its implications fill an especially important niche in the actin field, owing to the fact that ongoing crystallization efforts of the actin/cofilin complex have so far failed. This 3D binary complex structure is derived from a combination of solution footprinting data and computational approaches and outlines a general method for determining the structure of such complexes.
Decentralized capacity reallocation for a loss network

Stochastic loss network models have been widely used to study the characteristics of a large class of resource constrained networks in terms of their blocking probability. We consider a distributed capacity allocation problem for a loss network with directed edges. Each infrastructure node (or superpeer) can independently adjust its link-capacity allocations, subject to a constraint on the total amount for each node, so as to minimize its estimate of call blocking rates. We argue via Erlang fixed-point approximation that such decentralized local changes do work to minimize a global measure of weighted call blocking rates.
A preliminary study on estimating extra-cellular nitrate reductase activities in estuarine systems

Enzymes catalyzing ammonium (NH4 + )/nitrate (NO3 – ) into nitrous oxide (N2 O)/molecular nitrogen (N2 ), play critical roles in water quality management. The objective of this paper was to investigate the role of extra-cellular enzymes in cycling of nitrogen (N) in aquatic systems. It appears that N in estuaries, salt marshes, etc., does not stay long enough to be available for uptake, thus, creating N limited conditions. This study showed that indigenous extra-cellular nitrate reductase along with others involved in N transformations in the waters/sediments of estuarine systems can cause complete removal of NH4 + and NO3 – from the waters and available NH4 + and NO3 – from the sediments. These results indicate that due to high extra-cellular nitrate reductase and other enzymes associated with N transformations in sediments/waters, substantial amounts of NH4 + and NO3 – can be quickly lost from the systems as N2 O and/or nitric oxide (NO), in turn, creating N limited conditions in estuarine systems. Such high activities of indigenous nitrate reductase and others are useful in removing readily bioavailable N from the systems, thereby avoidance of eutrophic conditions. However, they might contribute in increasing the N2 O, a potent greenhouse gas with global warming potential (GWP) of 296, in the atmosphere.
Structural Studies of Sputter-Deposited MoS2 Solid Lubricant Films

The relationship between the morphologies and crystal structures of sputter-deposited MoS2 films and their lubricating capabilities is discussed. In particular, aspects of plastic deformation processes are presented. Scanning elecron microscopy (top surface and cross sectional), transmission electron microscopy (lattice imaging and dark field), and x-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize film structure. The asdeposited morphology, which can be described in terms of zone models, was found to influence the initial nature of the wear debris and the loadbearing capabilities of the films. In many cases a highly deformed region confined to the surface of the films was found. Applied stress was found to reorient crystallites and to induce crystallization, with the degree of both processes being related to the initial structure of the film. Criteria are presented for selecting the film type and preparation conditions to fit various applications.
Can calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen doubling times predict progression of thyroid carcinoma

Can calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen doubling times predict progression of thyroid carcinoma?
Toxicity of smelter slag-contaminated sediments from Upper Lake Roosevelt and associated metals to early life stage White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836)

Summary The toxicity of five smelter slag-contaminated sediments from the upper Columbia River and metals associated with those slags (cadmium, copper, zinc) was evaluated in 96-h exposures of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836) at 8 and 30 days post-hatch. Leachates prepared from slag-contaminated sediments were evaluated for toxicity. Leachates yielded a maximum aqueous copper concentration of 11.8 μg L−1 observed in sediment collected at Dead Man's Eddy (DME), the sampling site nearest the smelter. All leachates were nonlethal to sturgeon that were 8 day post-hatch (dph), but leachates from three of the five sediments were toxic to fish that were 30 dph, suggesting that the latter life stage is highly vulnerable to metals exposure. Fish maintained consistent and prolonged contact with sediments and did not avoid contaminated sediments when provided a choice between contaminated and uncontaminated sediments. White Sturgeon also failed to avoid aqueous copper (1.5–20 μg L−1). In water-only 96-h exposures of 35 dph sturgeon with the three metals, similar toxicity was observed during exposure to water spiked with copper alone and in combination with cadmium and zinc. Cadmium ranging from 3.2 to 41 μg L−1 or zinc ranging from 21 to 275 μg L−1 was not lethal, but induced adverse behavioral changes including a loss of equilibrium. These results suggest that metals associated with smelter slags may pose an increased exposure risk to early life stage sturgeon if fish occupy areas contaminated by slags.
Commutators of Hilbert-Schmidt operators I

In 1971, Pearcy and Topping [5] i n i t i a t e d the study of commutators of compact operators act ing on a separable, i n f i n i t e dimensional, complex H i lber t space. They asked whether or not every trace class operator with trace zero is a commutator of Hi lbert-Schmidt operators, or at least a f i n i t e sum of such commutators. These questions are se t t led here in the negative. Using "Commutators of Hi lbert-Schmidt operators I" [9] or [8, p. 59, Lemma 4.4 and p. 98, Theorem 4.36] one can eas i l y prove that i f D is the diagonal operator with diagonal entr ies l , d l , d 2 , . . . where d n + 0 and zd n = I , then s(log n)d n < implies that D is a f i n i t e sum of commutators of H i lbe r t Schmidt operators. Here i t is shown that th is condi t ion is sharp in that the converse is t rue. Indeed, i f D is as above, then s(log n)d n = ~ implies that D is not a f i n i t e sum of commutators of Hi lbert-Schmidt operators.
Determination of free trimethyllysine in plasma and tissue specimens by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A method for the determination of 6-N-trimethyllysine in tissues and plasma is described. Trimethyllysine and the chemically analogous 6-N-triethyllysine (internal standard) were isolated from acid-soluble fractions of tissue homogenates or plasma by combined ion-exchange—ion-exclusion cromatography. Trimethyllysine and triethyllysine were separated from other sample constituents by reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography, derivatized post-column by reaction with o-phthalicdicarboxaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol, and detected fluorometrically. Standard curves were linear over a sample concentration range of 0.5–4 nmol/ml. The detection limit corresponded with 25 pmol trimethyllysine injected into the chromatograph. The procedure was used for the determination of trimethyllysine in plasma, liver, kidney, and mixed skeletal muscle of rat.
Antibiotic Administration Routes Significantly Influence the Levels of Antibiotic Resistance in Gut Microbiota

This study examined the impact of oral exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic administration methods on antibiotic resistance (AR) gene pools and the profile of resistant bacteria in host gastrointestinal (GI) tracts using C57BL/6J mice with natural gut microbiota. Mice inoculated with a mixture of tet(M)-carrying Enterococcus spp. or blaCMY-2-carrying Escherichia coli were treated with different doses of tetracycline hydrochloride (Tet) or ampicillin sodium (Amp) and delivered via either feed or intravenous (i.v.) injection. Quantitative PCR assessment of mouse fecal samples revealed that (i) AR gene pools were below the detection limit in mice without prior inoculation of AR gene carriers regardless of subsequent exposure to corresponding antibiotics; (ii) oral exposure to high doses of Tet and Amp in mice inoculated with AR gene carriers led to rapid enrichment of corresponding AR gene pools in feces; (iii) significantly less or delayed development of AR in the GI tract of the AR carrier-inoculated mice was observed when the same doses of antibiotics were administered via i.v. injection rather than oral administration; and (iv) antibiotic dosage, and maybe the excretion route, affected AR in the GI tract. The shift of dominant AR bacterial populations in the gut microbiota was consistent with the dynamics of AR gene pools. The emergence of endogenous resistant bacteria in the gut microbiota corresponding to drug exposure was also observed. Together, these data suggest that oral administration of antibiotics has a prominent effect on AR amplification and development in gut microbiota, which may be minimized by alternative drug administration approaches, as illustrated by i.v. injection in this study and proper drug selection.
Two decades of serving children with autism in the People’s Republic of China: achievements and challenges of a state‐run mental health center

This article presents the results of research conducted at the first place where autism was diagnosed in China, the Nanjing Child Mental Health Research Center. The purpose was to examine the development of service provision for children with autism in this state‐run medical institution. Specifically, the specific intervention model for autism, factors influencing the development of this model and how structural and organizational features of the institution impact on the implementation of that model are examined. Results indicate: (1) the importance of family involvement in intervention due to limited services in China; (2) the challenges of providing educational services at a medical institution during the reform period. The implications of these services in contemporary China are significant to consider as an important way to address the rights of individuals with disabilities to have equal opportunities in society, beginning with early education.
Early ontogeny of aquarium-raised Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Characiformes: Characidae)

The ontogeny of the characiform fish Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, from early embryogenesis through the early larval period, is presented. Fertilized eggs were slightly elliptical, measured 0.6 mm in diameter, and were surrounded by a fertilization envelope 0.8 mm in diameter. Much of the early embryogenesis is complete after 12 h, with cleavages complete after 2.5 h and gastrulation complete after 3 additional hours. The initial formation of organs needed for predatory behaviors occurs within 72 h. Growth of the cranial elements is quite dramatic and allows for the capture of relatively large prey at the onset of exogenous feeding. Elaboration of these elements continues into the early larval period.
Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection Masquerading as Cerebral Vasculitis

• Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection is a unique opportunistic infection in which the nematode disseminates widely to cause a multisystem illness. We treated a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus in whom ileus and fever developed and who later lapsed into coma. A xenon Xe 133 cerebral blood flow study showed a global reduction in flow, compatible with CNS vasculitis. The patient's condition failed to improve with high-dose steroid therapy, but he recovered rapidly after Strongyloides larvae were found in stool and sputum and treatment with thiabendazole was begun. We believe that hyperinfection explained the patient's symptoms and should be considered as a cause of diminished cerebral perfusion and mentation in immunosuppressed patients.
Brand Promotions as a Lottery

This paper shows that imprecisely stated discounts in brand promotions offered in the form of a low-probability lottery can lead to higher sales (purchase intentions) and consequently profits than equally costly conventional promotions offering a precise discount on the entire stock. Results from two different experimental studies support our findings. For high-probability lottery-like promotions, imprecise discounts lead to a lower performance for the brand than conventional promotions. We attempt to explain the findings by drawing on the behavioral decision theory literature.
Honoring the 75th anniversary of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Ever since the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) published its first volume in 1944, the journal has reflected the scientific, technical, and clinical evolution of our specialty and parent organization, first called the Harvey Cushing Society and later the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The JNS has been an uncompromising arbiter of progress in our specialty, and its superb editorial stewardship has led to its recognition as the premier journal in the field. The impact rating of JNS and its wide circulation among neurosurgeons worldwide are two of the many reasons why most of the truly innovative and paradigm-shifting advances in neurosurgery have been published in its pages. As part of the 75th anniversary of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons celebration, the JNS Publishing Group has initiated a project of reviewing papers published over the years that have had the highest impact factor and greatest scientific interest: papers that have heralded new knowledge, new concepts, and new techniques that have been at the heart of modern neurosurgery and its continuing excitement and progress. We hope you will enjoy these articles and the accompanying commentaries. In this issue we present the next paper in this series.
The growth of high‐stakes testing in the USA: accountability, markets and the decline in educational equality

Over the last decade education in the United States has undergone perhaps its most significant transformation. Where in the past public schools have been primarily under the control of the local community, control has shifted to the state and federal levels. Furthermore, state and federal governments have introduced standardized testing and accountability as a means to hold teachers and students responsible. These reforms have been successfully introduced because reform proponents have provided three principal rationales for the reforms: they are necessary within an increasingly globalized economy, they will reduce educational inequality and they will increase assessment objectivity. After describing the reforms implemented in New York and Texas and by the federal government through the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act, the author discusses a range of evidence that the reforms have not achieved their ostensible goals and that resistance to the reforms is beginning to emerge from US educators and citizens.
Reenforcing Binaries, Downgrading Passions: Bisexual Invisibility in Mainstream Queer Christian Theology

The focus of this article is the text of Romans 1:26–27, and its exegesis by various (mostly gay) historians and theologians is explored. The tendency in its interpretation within queer-affirming Christianity is to read modern homosexuality as an inborn condition, whereas what Paul's epistle critiques is those who go against their “natural” sexual orientation—thus, heterosexuals who act homosexually are said to be sinful, and thus by implication homosexuals who act heterosexually would likewise be sinful. However, this construction remains dualistic and excludes bisexuals, tacitly reinforcing a binary between homosexuality and heterosexuality, with no other sexual possibilities allowable.
Improving spatio-temporal focusing and source reconstruction through deconvolution

Abstract In this study, a technique is demonstrated to improve the ability of time reversal to both spatially and temporally focus, or compress, elastic wave energy, or to improve the quality of the reconstruction of the source signal. This method utilizes the deconvolution, or inverse filter, in single channel time reversal experiments in solids. Special attention is given to the necessary procedure for improving source signal reconstruction in real experimental conditions. It is also demonstrated theoretically and numerically that good temporal focusing implies that the radius in the spherically symmetric part of the spatial focus is small.
Effects of Water Stress on Botryosphaeria Blight of Pistachio Caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea

ABSTRACT The effects of water potential (Ψ) on spore germination, germ tube elongation, mycelial growth of Botryosphaeria dothidea, and development of Botryosphaeria blight of pistachio caused by t...
A QTL genome scan of the metabolic syndrome and its component traits

Because high blood pressure, altered lipid levels, obesity, and diabetes so frequently occur together, they are sometimes collectively referred to as the metabolic syndrome. While there have been many studies of each metabolic syndrome trait separately, few studies have attempted to analyze them combined, i.e., as one composite variable, in quantitative trait linkage or association analysis. We used genotype and phenotype data from the Framingham Heart Study to perform a full-genome scan for quantitative trait loci underlying the metabolic syndrome. Heritability estimates for all of the covariate-adjusted and age- and gender-standardized individual traits, and the composite metabolic syndrome trait, were all fairly high (0.39–0.62), and the composite trait was among the highest at 0.61. The composite trait yielded no regions with suggestive linkage by Lander and Kruglyak's criteria, although there were several noteworthy regions for individual traits, some of which were also observed for the composite variable. Despite its high heritability, the composite metabolic syndrome trait variable did not increase the power to detect or localize linkage peaks in this sample. However, this strategy and related methods of combining correlated individual traits deserve further investigation, particularly in settings with complex causal pathways.
Simulation of phase effects in magnetic resonance flow imaging

Using a phantom containing stationary and flowing regions, the phase-related effects of flow on spin echo and echo planar images have been investigated. The role of parameters such as flow direction, mean velocity, velocity modulation, gradient pulses, echo time and data sampling time in producing artifacts and the reduction of these artifacts by a flow compensating pulse have been examined. It is shown that, due to the finite data sampling window, the flow compensating pulse cannot correct fully for phase shifts even for first-order motion. >
Statistical analysis and interpretation of prenatal diagnostic imaging studies, part 2: Descriptive and inferential statistical methods

The objective of this article is to discuss the rationale for common statistical tests used for the analysis and interpretation of prenatal diagnostic imaging studies. Examples from the literature are used to illustrate descriptive and inferential statistics. The uses and limitations of linear and logistic regression analyses are discussed in detail.
Solution of complex integrals using the Laurent expansion

A simple, unified approach to solve in closed forms various complex integrals is presented. The basic idea behind this method is to identify the well-known infinite series solution of the integral as the constant term in a Laurent expansion of the integrand. The constant is then obtained by a finite algebra.
INFLUENCE OF LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS ON POPULATION DENSITIES AND HABITAT USE OF THREE SMALL-MAMMAL SPECIES

Corridor effects on population densities and habitat use of 3 small-mammal species were assessed during 1998-2000 in an experimentally fragmented landscape. Corridor presence did not have a statistically significant effect on population densities of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) or cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus); however, a significant effect was observed for old-field mice (Peromyscus polionotus) during 2000. Cotton rats were captured more frequently than expected in corridors, while old-field mice were captured more frequently than expected in habitat-patch interior; and cotton mice exhibited a more uniform distribution across habitat types. These results suggest that landscape fragmentation and habitat structure may have varying effects on population densities of different species.
Informed consent in dermatologic surgery.

Background. The issue of informed consent retention has not been previously addressed in dermatology literature. Several studies in other fields of medicine have shown that retention rates are below 50%. Objective. To determine the percentage of complications recalled at 20 minutes and at 1 week after the informed consent process. Methods. Eighty-five consecutive patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery were given verbal and written instructions, including 10 potential complications. Patients were asked to recall these complications at 20 minutes and at 1 week after the informed consent process. Results. Overall group retention rate at 20 minutes and at 1 week were 26.5% and 24.4%, respectively. Conclusion. Patients undergoing elective Mohs micrographic surgery have an overall retention rate of 26.5% just 20 minutes after being informed of 10 possible complications. It is obvious that the informed consent protocol needs additional modalities in order to improve overall retention rates.
Wave-power extraction by a compact array of buoys

The majority of existing single-unit devices for extracting power from sea waves relies on resonance at the peak frequency of the incident wave spectrum. Such designs usually call for structural dimensions not too small compared to a typical wavelength and yield high efficiency only within a limited frequency band. A recent innovation in Norway departs from this norm by gathering many small buoys in a compact array. Each buoy is too small to be resonated in typical sea conditions. In this article a theoretical study is performed to evaluate this new design. Within the framework of linearization, we consider a periodic array of small buoys with similarly small separation compared to the typical wavelength. The method of homogenization (multiple scales) is used to derive the equations governing the macroscale behaviour of the entire array. These equations are then applied to energy extraction by an infinite strip of buoys, and by a circular array. In the latter case, advantages are found when compared to a single buoy of equal volume.
High Glucose Causes Delayed Fetal Lung Maturation in Vitro

The diabetic pregnancy is characterized by a delay in the process of fetal lung maturation. To determine whether high glucose conditions per se have an adverse impact on fetal lung phospholipid metabolism, 20-day fetal rat lung explants were cultured in F-12 medium (10 mM glucose) to which glucose was added to achieve final concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 mM. Significant dose-dependent decreases in the rate of incorporation of [H3]choline into PC were noted at high glucose concentrations: Rate of choline incorporation was decreased by 19 and 28% under 50 and 100 mM glucose conditions, respectively (p < .001). Similar results were obtained when choline incorporation into DSPC was assayed. Equiosmolar mannitol concentrations did not result in comparable decreases, indicating a specific adverse effect attributable to glucose. Total PC and DSPC contents were also decreased by approximately 25% under high glucose conditions (p < .001). Glycogen concentrations were increased two- to threefold in the explants grown under high glucose conditions, consistent with a less mature lung. The addition of 1 unit/mL of insulin to F-12 medium did not result in decreases in choline incorporation into PC or DSPC; the addition of this amount of insulin to medium containing 100 mM glucose did not result in further decreases in choline incorporation rate. These results indicate that high glucose alone can have an adverse effect on fetal lung maturation in vitro and may be involved in the pathogenesis of the delay in fetal lung development observed in the diabetic pregnancy.
A prospective randomized trial comparing manual and automated endoscope disinfection methods.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of endoscope disinfection using automated and manual systems. Design: Prospective randomized trial. Setting: A 1,000-bed tertiary care referral center. Methods: All endoscopes underwent a three-stage decontamination process including brushing and cleaning with water and detergent, manual or automated disinfection with 2% glutaraldehyde, and 70% alcohol rinse with forced air drying. Cultures were obtained from endoscopes from both groups before and after alcohol rinse and then after overnight storage. Results: Cultures from 8/30 (27%) automated and 11/30 (37%) manually disinfected ( P = 0.58) endoscopes grew gram-negative bacteria and/or nontuberculous mycobacteria before the alcohol rinse. After alcohol rinse, 3 (10%) of 30 automated and 8 (27%) of 30 manually disinfected endoscopes remained contaminated ( P = 0.28). Manually disinfected endoscopes were contaminated more frequently with coliform bacteria, whereas endoscopes undergoing automated disinfection were more frequently contaminated with nontuberculous mycobacteria, but the differences were not statistically significant. After alcohol rinse and forced air drying, there was no difference in contamination rates between freshly disinfected endoscopes and those stored overnight (7/30 (23%) versus 4/30 (13%), P= 0.50). Colonoscopes and duodenoscopes were contaminated more often than gastroscopes ( P =0.00001). Conclusion: The persistent endoscope contamination after manual and automated disinfection indicates the importance of developing more reliable and effective disinfection methods.
SOIL PHOSPHORUS FRACTIONS IN SOME REPRESENTATIVE SOILS1

Summary The distribution of soil inorganic phosphorus in soils was found to measure the degree of chemical weathering, the chemical weathering sequence being calcium phosphate, aluminium phosphate, iron phosphate, and occluded phosphate. The latter category includes reductant soluble iron phosphate and aluminium-iron phosphate occluded in iron oxides. For example, three horizons of one Chernozem profile, a Dark Brown soil, and the calcareous C1 horizon of a Grey-Brown Podzolic soil containqd 68–95 per cent. of their inorganic phosphorus in the form of calcium phosphate, the other forms decreasing exponentially in the sequence. The inorganic phosphorus of two Latosols increased exponentially in the order calcium phosphate (1%), aluminium phosphate (0–3%), iron phosphate (10–13 %), and occluded (reductant soluble) phosphate (66–78%). Three samples of podzolized soils contained intermediate, sigmoidal distributions of the four phosphates. In two Miami silt loam profiles, the 0–002 N H2SO4-extractable-phosphorus test was much higher in the subsoils down to 31/2 ft. than in the surface soil, and was correlated mostly with the calcium-phosphate content, somewhat with aluminium and iron phosphate, and none at all with occluded phosphates which constituted a high percentage of the total phosphorus. The higher content of available phosphorus in the subsoils and release of phosphorus in the surface soil by de- crease of A1 and Fe activity through liming most probably explain the lack of crop response to added phosphate fertilizer even though the surface soil had a low phosphorus test. Application of phosphate fertilizer to Almena silt loam greatly increased the amount of aluminium and iron phosphate at three lime levels: only a slight increase of calcium phosphate occurred; at tge highest lime level. The amount of occluded phosphate remained unchanged by liming or fertilization. The relatively small increase of calcium phosphate through phosphate application is attributable partly to crop removal but is shown to be due mostly to formation of the less soluble iron and aluminium phosphates.
Suppressing Manganese Dissolution from Lithium Manganese Oxide Spinel Cathodes with Single-Layer Graphene

Spinel-structured LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) is a desirable cathode material for Li-ion batteries due to its low cost, abundance, and high power capability. However, LMO suffers from limited cycle life that is triggered by manganese dissolution into the electrolyte during electrochemical cycling. Here, it is shown that single-layer graphene coatings suppress manganese dissolution, thus enhancing the performance and lifetime of LMO cathodes. Relative to lithium cells with uncoated LMO cathodes, cells with graphene-coated LMO cathodes provide improved capacity retention with enhanced cycling stability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that graphene coatings inhibit manganese depletion from the LMO surface. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that a stable solid electrolyte interphase is formed on graphene, which screens the LMO from direct contact with the electrolyte. Density functional theory calculations provide two mechanisms for the role of graphene in the suppression of manganese dissolution. First, common defects in single-layer graphene are found to allow the transport of lithium while concurrently acting as barriers for manganese diffusion. Second, graphene can chemically interact with Mn 3+ at the LMO electrode surface, promoting an oxidation state change to Mn 4+ , which suppresses dissolution.
Synthesis of 1,14-diamino-5,10-diaza-N1,N14,5,10- tetrakis-/9-(β-d-ribofuranosyl)purin-6-yl/-tetradecane - a new oligonucleotide analogue with stacked base residues

Abstract The title compound 1b was obtained by reaction of 6-chloro-9-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)purine (2) with N,N′-bis-(4-aminobutyl)-1,4-diaminobutane (3).
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Interventions to Improve Child Pedestrian Safety

OBJECTIVE: Pedestrian injuries represent a pediatric public health challenge. This systematic review/meta-analysis evaluated behavioral interventions to teach children pedestrian safety. METHODS: Multiple strategies derived eligible manuscripts (published before April 1, 2013, randomized design, evaluated behavioral child pedestrian safety interventions). Screening 1,951 abstracts yielded 125 full-text retrievals. 25 were retained for data extraction, and 6 were later omitted due to insufficient data. In all, 19 articles reporting 25 studies were included. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed. RESULTS: Behavioral interventions generally improve children's pedestrian safety, both immediately after training and at follow-up several months later. Quality of the evidence was low to moderate. Available evidence suggested interventions targeting dash-out prevention, crossing at parked cars, and selecting safe routes across intersections were effective. Individualized/small-group training for children was the most effective training strategy based on available evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Behaviorally based interventions improve children's pedestrian safety. Efforts should continue to develop creative, cost-efficient, and effective interventions. Language: en
On the throughput enhancement of the downstream channel in cellular radio networks through multihop relaying

In this paper, we study the effect of multihop relaying on the throughput of the downstream channel in cellular networks. In particular, we compare the throughput of the multihop system with that of the conventional cellular system, demonstrating the achievable throughput improvement by the multihop relaying. We also propose a hybrid control strategy for the multihop relaying, in which we advocate the use of both, the direct transmission and the multihop relaying. Our study shows that most of the throughput gain can be obtained with the use of a two- and three-hop relaying scheme. Substantial throughput improvement could be additionally obtained by operating the concurrent relaying transmission in conjunction with the nonconcurrent transmission. We also argue here that the multihop relaying technology can be utilized for mitigating unfairness in quality-of-service (QoS), which comes about due to the location-dependent signal quality. Our results show that the multihop system can provide more even QoS over the cell area. The multihop cellular network architecture can also be utilized as a self-configuring network mechanism that efficiently accommodates variability of traffic distribution. We have studied the throughput improvement for the uniform, as well as for the nonuniform traffic distribution, and we conclude that the use of multihop relaying in cellular networks would be relatively robust to changes in the actual traffic distribution.
PAEDOMORPHOSIS IN AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM: MAINTENANCE OF POPULATION VARIATION AND ALTERNATIVE LIFE-HISTORY PATHWAYS.

A "common garden" experiment using artifical ponds was performed to test if differences in frequency of paedomorphosis and metamorphosis among six natural populations of the salamander Ambystoma talpoideum resulted from the drying regime of the aquatic habitat acting as an agent of selection. Our experiment supports the hypothesis of genetic differentiation in the propensity to metamorphose among the populations, but gave mixed evidence that pond-drying regime is the selective force directing evolution of this trait. Some populations appear to have evolved phenotypic plasticity whereas others may have a genetic polymorphism in their propensity to metamorphose as ponds dry.
Current ethical problems in cell biology

Summary We selected important ethical conflicts of interest in current cell biology and which remain still unresolved: the use of human biological material, patents for biological material, cloning and use of stem cells, genetic engineering, onset of human life and death, and the use of vertebrate biomodels. New data from cell and molecular biology cannot facilitate the solution of such problems – on the contrary, they make these solutions more difficult. A solution may be found within the socio-cultural problems. Intensive research is necessary both to accomplish economical and medical benefit and to clarify ethical rules. Thus, essential cell biology seems to be the important part of education for non-life sciences students and students of biology and medicine would touch the social and ethical implications of recent biotechnologies in each knowledge-based economy.
Blowhards, Snobs, and Narcissists

Few interactions are as annoying, exasperating, and unpleasant as those with people whom we perceive are behaving egotistically. The words commonly used to describe egotistical individuals are extremely disparaging; we call them arrogant, haughty, big-headed, vain, conceited, stuck-up, or pretentious, and brand them blowhards, show-offs, snobs, narcissists, pompous asses, or worse. Of the 300 adjectives on the Adjective Check List, those that connote egotism—arrogant, boastful, conceited, egotistical, snobbish, and the like—rank among those rated most unfavorably (Gough & Heilbrun, 1983). Simply put, we don’t like egotistical people. Our interest in this chapter is on the interpersonal aspects of egotism—why egotistical behavior evokes such strong negative reactions in other people, the consequences of egotism for both the egotistic individual and others who are present, and why, given the negative reactions of others, people often act egotistically.
Motoneuron Death after Human Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract The severe muscle weakness and atrophy measured after human spinal cord injury (SCI) may relate to chronic muscle denervation due to motoneuron death and/or altered muscle use. The aim of this study was to estimate motoneuron death after traumatic human SCI. The diameter and number of myelinated axons were measured in ventral roots post-mortem because ventral roots contain large diameter (> 7 μm) myelinated axons that typically arise from motoneurons and innervate skeletal muscle. In four cases (SCI levels C7, C8, T4, and L1) involving contusion (n = 3) or laceration (n = 1), there was a significant reduction in the number of large diameter myelinated axons at the lesion epicenter (mean ± standard error [SE]: 45 ± 11% Uninjured), one level above (51 ± 14%), and one (27 ± 12%), two (45 ± 40%), and three (54 ± 23%) levels below the epicenter. Reductions in motoneuron numbers varied by side and case. These deficits result from motoneuron death because the gray matter was destroyed at and near the le...
Quasi-static Tensile and Compressive Behavior of Nanocrystalline Tantalum based on Miniature Specimen Testing—Part I: Materials Processing and Microstructure

Grain size reduction of metals into ultrafine-grained (UFG, grain size 100 nm < d < 1000 nm) and nanocrystalline (NC, d < 100 nm) regimes results in considerable increase in strength along with other changes in mechanical behavior such as vanishing strain hardening and limited ductility. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) has been among the favored technologies for the fabrication of UFG/NC metals. Primary past research efforts on SPD UFG/NC metals have been focused on easy-to-work metals, especially face-centered cubic metals such as copper, nickel, etc., and the limited efforts on body-centered cubic metals have mainly focused on high strain rate behavior where these metals are shown to deform via adiabatic shear bands. Except for the work on Fe, only a few papers can be found associated with UFG/NC refractory metals. In the first part of the present work (Part I), high-pressure torsion (HPT) is used to process UFG/NC tantalum, a typical refractory metal. The microstructure of the HPT disk as a function of radial location as well as orientation will be examined. In the subsequent part (Part II), the location-specific mechanical behavior will be presented and discussed. It is suggested that refractory metals such as Ta are ideal to employ SPD technology for microstructure refinement because of the extremely high melting point and relatively good workability.
A chemiresistive glucose sensor fabricated by inkjet printing

This paper proposes a simple and rapid fabrication of a glucose sensor based on inkjet printing method. A commercially available inkjet printer is used to print carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanowires for patterning low sheet resistance electrodes and a chemiresistive glucose sensing area, respectively. Enzyme glucose oxidase, in conjunction with platinum nanoparticles were also incorporated into the chemiresistive sensor to generate a two-step catalytic process: in the first step, glucose is catalyzed by the oxidase to produce hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct, and in the second step, platinum nanoparticles catalyze hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxide ions which causes a local pH change near the site of reaction. Since the conductivity of polyaniline is known to be pH-responsive, the polyaniline layer serves as a chemiresistive sensor to detect the H2O2 concentration which subsequently leads to the quantification of the glucose concentration. The developed inkjet-printed glucose sensor was able to achieve a detection limit of 2 mM and a good linear relationship between current measurements and glucose concentration was obtained. The results indicate that the proposed method to print a simple, rapid, and disposable glucose sensing device can lead to the development of an on-demand printable point-of-care diagnostic kit for glucose measurement.