cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Less Invasive LVAD Implantation Decreases Postoperative Right Ventricular Dysfunction

Purpose Right ventricular failure (RVF) remains one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of RVF after less invasive surgery (LIS) LVAD surgery compared to median sternotomy. Methods The study population comprised of 231 patients who underwent HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation in our institution between September 2015 and June 2020. Patients were compared based on surgical approach: full sternotomy (FS) or LIS. The primary outcome was RVF as defined by INTERMACS. Index hospitalization major complications and survival were secondary outcomes. Results LIS approach was used in 161 (69.7%) patients and FS approach in 70 (30.3%) of our LVAD patients. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between cohorts apart from LIS patients being younger (54±14 vs 60±11, p= 0.003). Postoperatively, LIS patients had decreased postoperative bleeding (p=0.001) and shorter time on mechanical ventilation (p Conclusion Less invasive LVAD implantation is associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared to median sternotomy, including a lower incidence of severe right heart failure and need for temporary mechanical circulatory support. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of the less invasive approach in preserving RV function.
Enhancing Li-ion capacity and rate capability in cation-defective vanadium ferrite aerogels via aluminum substitution

Cation-defective iron oxides have proven to be effective Li-ion charge-storage hosts in nonaqueous electrolytes, particularly when expressed in disordered, nanoscale forms such as aerogels. Replacing a fraction of Fe sites in ferrites with high-valent cations such as V5+ introduces cation-vacancy defects that increase Li-ion capacity. Herein, we show that compositional substitution with electroinactive Al3+ further increases Li-ion capacity by 30% when incorporated within a disordered VFe2Ox aerogel, as verified by electrochemical tests in a two-terminal Li half-cell. We use electroanalytical techniques to show that both Al-VFe2Ox and VFe2Ox aerogels exhibit many of the hallmarks of pseudocapacitive materials, including fast charge–discharge and surface-controlled charge-storage kinetics. These disordered, substituted ferrites also provide the high specific capacity expected from battery-type electrode materials, up to 130 mA h g−1 for Al-VFe2Ox. Our findings are discussed in the context of related Li-insertion hosts that blur the distinctions between battery-like and capacitor-like behavior.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventral Capsule/Ventral Striatum for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Decade of Clinical Follow-Up.

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) that has shown variable efficacy. This report describes long-term outcomes of DBS for TRD. Methods: A consecutive series of 8 patients with TRD were implanted with ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) DBS systems as part of the Reclaim clinical trial. Outcomes from 2009 to 2020 were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Demographic information, MADRS scores, and data on adverse events were collected via retrospective chart review. MADRS scores were integrated over time using an area-under-the-curve technique. Results: This cohort of patients had severe TRD-all had failed trials of ECT, and all had failed a minimum of 4 adequate medication trials. Mean ± SD follow-up for patients who continued to receive stimulation was 11.0 ± 0.4 years (7.8 ± 4.3 years for the entire cohort). At last follow-up, mean improvement in MADRS scores was 44.9% ± 42.7%. Response (≥ 50% improvement) and remission (MADRS score ≤ 10) rates at last follow-up were 50% and 25%, respectively. Two patients discontinued stimulation due to lack of efficacy, and another patient committed suicide after stimulation was discontinued due to recurrent mania. The majority of the cohort (63%) continued to receive stimulation through the end of the study. Conclusions: While enthusiasm for DBS treatment of TRD has been tempered by recent randomized trials, this small open-label study demonstrates that some patients achieve meaningful and sustained clinical benefit. Further trials are required to determine the optimal stimulation parameters and patient populations for which DBS would be effective. Particular attention to factors including patient selection, integrative outcome measures, and long-term observation is essential for future trial design. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00837486.
Stimulation of 32Pi transport into human erythrocyte ghosts and reconstituted vesicles by Mg2+ and hemoglobin.

Abstract Human erythrocyte ghosts catalyze a low rate of 32Pi uptake. A severalfold stimulation of 32Pi uptake was observed after exposure of the membranes to an erythrocyte lysate or to hemoglobin in the presence of Mg2+. Ghosts prepared from erythrocytes that had been exposed to 10 microM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid showed a marked reduction in 32Pi uptake. Reconstitution of membranes with added phospholipids by freezing and thawing, by octylglucoside dilution or by cholate dialysis, yielded vesicles that catalyzed 32Pi uptake. When membranes were incubated with hemoglobin and Mg2+ prior to reconstitution, the rate of uptake was increased severalfold. The inhibition of hemoglobin and Mg2+-dependent uptake of 32Pi by chloride suggests that the transport in the reconstituted vesicles is catalyzed by the classical inorganic anion transporter.
Robustness in design and background variations in metamaterial/plasmonic cloaking

[1] Here we discuss our recent numerical results concerning the robustness of the scattering cancellation effect produced by a plasmonic cloak with near-zero permittivity and correspondingly negative polarizability. Being based on an integral effect and on an intrinsically nonresonant phenomenon, we show how variations of the geometrical parameters of the design and changes in the background do not sensibly affect the invisibility properties of the plasmonic/metamaterial cloak. Design examples are presented and discussed in order to highlight this robustness and to provide some insights into this cloaking phenomenon, different from other cloaking techniques recently presented in the literature.
Suicide Risk Assessment: A Review of Risk Factors for Suicide in 100 Patients Who Made Severe Suicide Attempts: Evaluation of Suicide Risk in a Time of Managed Care

A study of 100 patients who made a severe suicide attempt suggested that the managed care criteria often applied for approving admission to hospitals for potentially suicidal patients were not, in fact, predictive of features seen in patients who actually made such attempts. Severe anxiety, panic attacks, a depressed mood, a diagnosis of major affective disorder, recent loss of an interpersonal relationship, recent abuse of alcohol or illicit substances coupled with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, global or partial insomnia, anhedonia, inability to maintain a job, and the recent onset of impulsive behavior were excellent predictors of suicidal behavior. The presence of a specific suicide plan or suicide note were not. Patients with managed care were overrepresented by 245% in the study.
Off-diagonal submatrices of a Hermitian matrix

A necessary and sufficient condition is given to a p x q complex matrix X to be an off-diagonal block of an n x n Hermitian matrix C with prescribed eigenvalues (in terms of the eigenvalues of C and singular values of X). The proof depends on some recent breakthroughs in the study of spectral inequalities on the sum of Hermitian matrices by Klyachko and Fulton. Some interesting geometrical properties of the set S of all such matrices are derived from the main result. These results improve earlier ones that only give partial information for the set S.
The Difficulty of Tolerance: Value, desire, and quality of life

The notion of the quality of life suffers from an embarrassing richness of possibilities. First, there are a number of related but distinct questions with which this notion might be associated. What kinds of circumstances provide good conditions under which to live? What makes a life a good one for the person who lives it? What makes a life a valuable one (a good thing, as Sidgwick put it, “from the point of view of the universe”)? Second, each of these questions admits of different interpretations and a number of possible answers. Finally, there are a number of different standpoints from which the question of what makes a person's life better, in any one of these senses, might be asked. It might be asked from the point of view of that person herself, who is trying to decide how to live. It might be asked from the point of view of a benevolent third party, a friend or parent, who wants to make the person's life better. It might be asked, in a more general sense, from the point of view of a conscientious administrator, whose duty it is to act in the interest of some group of people. It might be asked, again in this more general sense, by a conscientious voter who is trying to decide which policy to vote for and defend in public debate and wants to support the policy which will improve the quality of life in her society.
Deuterium solvent isotope effect on the basicity of methanol. Deuterium fractionation factor for CH3OL2+ in aqueous solution

The H/sub 2/O/D/sub 2/O solvent isotope effect on the acid dissociation constant for CH/sub 2/OL/sub 2//sup +/ has been measured by /sup 13/C NMR. Its value, K/sub a//sup H//k/sub a//sup D/ = 0.95 +/- 0.02 near 20 /sup 0/C, was obtained as the ratio of the initial slopes of plots of /sup 13/delta vs. (H/sup +/) in H/sub 2/O and vs. (D/sup +/) in D/sub 2/O. The corresponding value of the deuterium fractionation factor for CH/sub 3/OL/sub 2//sup +/ relative to L/sub 2/O in water is 0.58 +/- 0.03. Comparison to the fractionation factor for L/sub 2/O/sup +/ (0.69) shows that methyl substitution significantly increases the ability of the OL/sup +/ site to select between H and D. 17 references, 1 figure, 1 table.
Influence of the linkage between leaving group and nucleoside on substrate efficiency for incorporation in DNA catalyzed by reverse transcriptase

An amino acid deoxyadenosine phosphoramidate and the corresponding phosphodiester congener have been synthesized and tested for primer extension by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Replacement of the phosphoramidate linkage of L-histidine-dAMP by a phosphodiester linkage was found to have a beneficial influence on the affinity of this substrate towards HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and on the velocity of the nucleotide incorporation reaction. Modifications of the nature of the P--X bond can be useful to fine-tune the substrate properties of nucleoside triphosphate analogues. Our results also demonstrate that polymerization pausing observed during the incorporation of leaving group modified dNTPs is not caused by the nature of the linkage.
Equilibrium Binding Studies of Recombinant Anti-single-stranded DNA Fab ROLE OF HEAVY CHAIN COMPLEMENTARITY-DETERMINING REGIONS

We previously isolated nucleic acid-binding antibody fragments (Fab) from bacteriophage display libraries representing the immunoglobulin repertoire of autoimmune mice to expedite the analysis of antibody-DNA recognition. In the present study, the binding properties of one such anti-DNA Fab, high affinity single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding Fab (DNA-1), were defined using equilibrium gel filtration and fluorescence titration. Results demonstrated that DNA-1 had a marked preference for oligo(dT) (100 nM dissociation constant) and required oligo(dT) >5 nucleotides in length. A detailed analysis of the involvement of the individual heavy chain (H) complementarity-determining regions (CDR) ensued using previously constructed HCDR transplantation mutants between DNA-1 and low affinity ssDNA-binding Fab (D5), a Fab that binds poorly to DNA (Calcutt, M. J. Komissarov, A. A., Marchbank, M. T., and Deutscher, S. L.(1996) Gene (Amst.) 168, 9-14). Circular dichroism studies indicated that the wild type and mutant Fab studied were of similar overall secondary structure and may contain similar combining site shapes. The conversion of D5 to a high affinity oligo(dT)-binding Fab occurred only in the presence of DNA-1 HCDR3. Results with site-specific mutants in HCDR1 further suggested a role of residue 33 in interaction with nucleic acid. The results of these studies are compared with previously published data on DNA-antibody recognition.
Governors and the Bureaucracy: Executive Resources as Sources of Administrative Influence

Abstract Recent years have marked the advent of a variety of institutional mechanisms designed to enhance governors' capacity to oversee the bureaucracy. In many states, more traditional gubernatorial resources have also been bolstered. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these tools in influencing the policy activities of state agencies. We find that, in general, these resources significantly increase the amount of gubernatorial influence reported by state administrators. Our evidence suggests that institutional mechanisms specifically directed at bureaucratic influence may be taking the place of more general institutional powers as the primary mechanism for executive influence on state agencies.
Novel fucose-containing components from rat tissues

Summary Four low-molecular-weight fucosylated compounds have been isolated from rat tissues. Three of these compounds have not been described previously and are composed of: serine and fucose; serine, fucose and glucose; and threonine and fucose. The fourth compound has the same amino acid-carbohydrate composition, i.e., threonine, fucose and glucose, as a component isolated from normal human urine (9).
Ab initio cluster model study of polymer–metal interactions

Abstract The interactions of hydrocarbon clusters representing polyethylene with Al, Cu and Zn are studied using an ab initio atomic cluster model. Relativistic effective core potentials and full point-group symmetry were employed. A single polyethylene chain is taken to be represented by two hydrocarbon clusters, one cluster is comprised of 3 carbon and 8 hydrogen atoms, the other hydrocarbon cluster is comprised of 5 carbon and 12 hydrogen atoms. The nature of the interactions are investigated by computing potential energy surfaces, electron populations and orbital energies of systems of interest. It is found that the interaction of hydrocarbon cluster with Al is stronger than that with Cu and Zn. This study suggests the feasibility of carrying-out relativistic effective core potential calculation to numerically characterize the comparative adhesion properties of polymers with different types of metal surfaces.
OPN04-6: Concentric Two-Ring Network for the African Continent: A Proposal

In the challenging social/geographical environment in Africa, how to design a robust network while tolerating the traffic imbalance is the major goal in the paper. To achieve the goal, we propose and analyze the design of a symmetrical concentric two-ring network to connect all countries in Africa. We develop optimization schemes while dealing with some special issues in Africa, such as a large desert in North Africa, high-speed network connectivity to the rest of the world through a few undersea fiber cables, and traffic imbalance caused by the differential populations of the various countries. Our simulation experiments demonstrate that the concentric two-ring network design is a natural candidate for the African continent.
Restoration mechanisms for handling channel and link failures in optical WDM networks: tunable laser-based switch architectures and performance analysis

In this paper, we study restoration mechanisms to handle channel and link failures in an optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) wavelength-routed wide-area backbone network based on a mesh topology. The solution uses a small number of tunable lasers to provide restoration capability. We consider two types of failures: link failures and individual channel (or wavelength) failures that occur when one or more transceivers fail at a node that is the source of lightpath(s) or due to a failure in an intermediate node's optical switch fabric. We use the restoration mechanism that attempts to find alternate paths and resources after failure occurs. In our proposed mechanism, restoration is first attempted using the tunable lasers to transmit on the failed wavelengths. If all the failed lightpaths cannot be restored using the tunable lasers, unused wavelengths on the same link are used, if optical wavelength conversion is available. For the remaining lightpaths requiring restoration, two different link-level restoration mechanisms called redirection algorithm (RDA) and disjoint path algorithm (DPA) are used. Results based on discrete-event simulations to understand the performance of the proposed mechanisms, in terms of restoration efficiency and restoration times, are presented. The results show that for networks of varying size and node degree with 32 wavelengths on each link, using as few as eight tunable lasers per link provides good restoration efficiency under moderate traffic load. The performance of the proposed algorithms is compared to an earlier restoration mechanism based on broadcast, and it is seen that the proposed mechanism performs better, by offering both lower restoration times and higher restoration efficiency even with a small number of lasers. The impact of the number of tunable lasers on the performance is studied for failures occurring simultaneously on two links. It is seen that for a small number of such channel failures, as few as four tunable lasers per link are sufficient to recover from failures on a single link and on two links.
Quantum resonances and strong field ionization

The phenomenon of subthreshold ionization of quantum systems in an intense monochromatic field is discussed. A particularly simple system exhibiting this phenomenon is studied both analytically and numerically. The spectral properties of the quasi-energy-operator of the system are emphasized. The notion of doorway states is defined, and their importance in the mechanism of ionization is shown. The relationship between the quantum and the corresponding classical motion is emphasized. The quantum analog of the classical nonlinear resonance is recognized in the structure of some eigenfunctions of the Floquet operator. The aim of this research is twofold: reliable quantum estimates are sought to predict the onset of subthreshold ionization, which cannot be obtained from standard perturbation theory; and a precise theoretical framework is a necessary requirement in discussing the existence of chaos in the quantum mechanics of these systems. >
Radiative and reconnection instabilities: Compressible and viscous effects

Filaments and flares are prominent indicators of the magnetic fields of solar activity. These instability phenomena arise from the influence of weak transport effects (radiation and resistivity, respectively) on coronal magnetodynamics and energy flow. It has been shown that the filament and flare (tearing or reconnection) mechanisms are resistively coupled in sheared magnetic fields of the kind existing in active regions. The present paper expands this treatment to include the effects of compressibility and viscosity, which are most prominent at short wavelengths. The results show that compressibility affects the radiative mode, including a modest increase of its growth rate, and that viscosity modifies the tearing mode, partially through a decrease of its growth rate. A comprehensive discussion of the mode structures and flows is presented. The strongest effect found is a reversal, at very long wavelengths, of the radiative cooling of the resistive interior layer of the tearing mode, caused by compressional heating.
Empathizing with sensory and movement differences: moving toward sensitive understanding of autism.

The autism diagnosis requires deficits in social interaction and communication, yet neither occurs in isolation. This brief literature-based analysis provides evidence that other factors are involved in autistic people's atypical social communication. The brain is a complicated system where regions serve multiple, general, and overlapping roles. Sensorimotor and broad cognitive processes underlie both neurotypicals' and autistics' social cognition and behavior. Sensory strengths sometimes underlie autistic people's difficulties, especially in dynamic contexts that require multimodal integration. Social abilities and behaviors occur between people in social contexts, and autistic and neurotypical people share mutual difficulties in understanding one another. This paper challenges attempts to reduce autism to social deficits, and suggests the need for better interpersonal and societal understanding of and support for autistic people.
13C and 15N NMR and ab Initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) Study of the Structure of Mono-, Di-, and Triprotonated Guanidine, Urea, and Thiourea

Structures and 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts of mono- and diprotonated guanidine, urea, and thiourea were studied by the ab initio/GIAO-SCF, GIAO-MP2, and GIAO-CCSD(T) methods. Calculated 15N NMR chemical shifts by these methods correlate very well with the experimental data. Also the calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts of the ions agree well with the available experimental values. Possible solvent effects on the 15N NMR chemical shifts in superacid media are also discussed. Structures and 15N and 13C NMR chemical shifts of yet experimentally unknown triprotonated guanidine, urea, and thiourea trications were also calculated.
Hemoglobin of the electric Atlantic torpedo, Torpedo nobiliana: a cooperative hemoglobin without Bohr effects.

Abstract Hemoglobin of Torpedo nobiliana binds oxygen with a low degree of cooperativity, n ⩽ 1.5, but shows no appreciable pH dependence or response to organic phosphates. At neutral pH stripped Torpedo hemoglobin has a low oxygen affinity relative to stripped human hemoglobin with P 50 values of 15.8 mm Hg versus 0.85 mm Hg. The lower affinity of Torpedo hemoglobin can be attributed to slightly lower rates of ligand binding and considerably higher rates of ligand dissociation. Hemolysates of Torpedo hemoglobin show several electrophoretic zones, indicative of multiple hemoglobin components. Molecular weight studies indicate that Torpedo hemoglobin is normally tetrameric, but forms polymers readily under oxidizing conditions. In addition, Torpedo hemoglobin differs from most vertebrate hemoglobins in that NaCl increases its oxygen affinity. The NaCl effect is accompanied by increased rates of ligand binding.
Globals, mutables, and immutables: a new look at the micro-macro link

Past work on the micro-macro problem has often been divisive, with scholars championing either the micro or macro position, and arguing against the other. This work has often stressed the uniqueness of one position (e.g., emphasizing ‘emergence’ in the macro position or ‘reduction’ to the micro). There is a recent resurgence of interest, with emphasis on cooperative and integrative attempts to forge a micro-macro link. A review of the literature shows both micro, subjective approaches to the problem, as well as macro-structural approaches, but with an emphasis on the micro. The bulk of the analyses are qualitative. There is a small literature on external or nonsubjective (including quantitative) approaches. The purpose of the paper is to add to the external literature in a way that will complement the qualitative approaches while also being sensitive to the relation between theory and method. The concepts of global macro variables, immutable and mutable micro variables, and immutable distributions are presented. The mutable distribution is the true external link between micro and macro. The mutable distributions have dual micro-macro properties, being formed from the allocation of the individuals in the population into the positions of the respective globals. An individual's position in the multidimensional global structure depends upon his or her particular set of mutable characteristics.
ME: A SELF-CONCEPT SCALE FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

The purpose of this research was to develop a self-concept scale for gifted students. An effort was made to develop items which focused on gifted children's talents and abilities and associated or ...
How Congress Does the Difficult

Legislators in democratic countries find it relatively easy to do certain things. For example, they typically have little problem reducing taxes or increasing benefits for a majority of citizens. However, should they attempt to raise taxes or cut benefits for the majority, they will probably encounter opposition, even if taking such measures is necessary for the public good.' How members of democratically elected legislatures manage to accomplish unpopular and politically difficult tasks is worth examining. In this article, I illustrate how members of the U.S. Congress have "done the difficult"-i.e., passed laws or instituted programs, often in the public interest, that were unpopular with the voters or would have
Memory CD8+ T Cells Provide Innate Immune Protection against Listeria monocytogenes in the Absence of Cognate Antigen

Interferon (IFN)-γ plays an important role in the innate immune response against intracellular bacterial pathogens. It is commonly thought that natural killer cells are the primary source of this cytokine that is involved in activating antibacterial effects in infected cells and polarizing CD4+ T cells toward the Th1 subset. However, here we show that both effector and memory CD8+ T cells have the potential to secrete IFN-γ in response to interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 in the absence of cognate antigen. We demonstrate that memory CD8+ T cells specific for the ovalbumin protein secrete IFN-γ rapidly after infection with wild-type Listeria monocytogenes (LM). Furthermore, small numbers of ovalbumin-specific, memory CD8+ T cells can reduce spleen and liver bacterial counts in IFN-γ–deficient mice 3 d after LM infection. Up-regulation of the receptors for IL-12 and IL-18 provides a mechanism for the ability of memory CD8+ T cells to respond in this antigen nonspecific manner. Thus, CD8+ T cells play an important role in the innate immune response against intracellular pathogens by rapidly secreting IFN-γ in response to IL-12 and IL-18.
Kelp use in patients with thyroid cancer

To report on the incidence and use of kelp among patients with thyroid cancer. Data were collected using a web-based online anonymous survey under Institutional Review Board approval from Boston University. This report is based on 27 responses from subjects with thyroid cancer who use kelp. Demographic factors and complementary and alternative use were included. Respondents were primarily over age 40, white, female and have at least a high school education. The top five modalities were multivitamins, special diets, herbal supplements, prayer for health reasons and herbal tea. Only one patient reported perceiving a particular modality had a negative effect on treatment. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was more often perceived as being used to aid their thyroid cancer treatment than to help with symptoms. On average, respondents who use kelp also use at least 11 additional CAM modalities. Only 1/2 of respondents who use kelp reported telling their physicians about their CAM use, and nearly 1/3 of respondents reported their CAM use was neither known, prescribed nor asked about by their physicians. In comparison to both national surveys of the general US population and patients with thyroid cancer, kelp users with thyroid cancer use at least twice the number of additional CAM therapies and report their use far less often. Physicians who treat patients with thyroid cancer should be aware of these data to further assist in their assessment and care.
On closed sets of rational functions

This paper contains proofs of the closure of certain sets of rational functions in various spaces. Thus, for example, conditions are derived for the closure of the sequence (x2 + zv2)−1 in the space L2(0, ∞), and for the set\(\frac{{ct - z_v }}{{1 - \bar ctz_v }}\) in C(−1, +1). Analogous results are proved for other related sets of rational functions. Some of these results are new; others are new proofs of known theorems. The main point is that a uniform method is used throughout this paper. For a description of the method see article 1.
Statistical and theoretical issues in verifying the population density function.

Some principles of urban land use theory are reviewed particularly the principle that there is a direct relation between proximity to a city center or subcenter and population density. Specific attention is given to the concept of population-density gradients. (ANNOTATION)
Investigation of morphology and hydrogen adsorption capacity of disordered carbons

Abstract Small angle neutron scattering (SANS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and gas adsorption, were applied to study the morphology and hydrogen adsorption properties of a wood-based ultramicroporous carbon (UMC) and a poly(furfuryl alcohol) derived carbon (PFAC). The polydispersed spherical model and the Guinier analysis of the scattering profiles were applied to obtain morphological parameters such as average pore size and pore size distribution of the two carbons; the results agreed reasonably well with independent gas sorption measurements and structural analysis by electron microscopy. The density of hydrogen physisorbed in these two carbons at room temperature and at moderate pressures was investigated by in situ SANS measurements. The experimental data, analyzed using a modified Kalliat model for decoupling scattering contributions from pores of different sizes, indicate that the molecular hydrogen acquires high densities preferentially in pores of subnanometer size at all measured pressures. These results support existing quantum mechanical and thermodynamical models that have predicted that the narrowest pores enhance the adsorption due to the overlapping of the potential fields from both wall sides in the slit-like pores. The structural information at a nanometer level gained via this work could guide the new development of porous-carbon based materials for hydrogen storage.
Non-mycorrhizal uptake of amino acids by roots of the alpine sedge Kobresia myosuroides: implications for the alpine nitrogen cycle

Non-mycorrhizal plants of the alpine sedge, Kobresia myosuroides, take up the amino acid glycine from nutrient solutions at greater rates than NO inf3 sup- or NH inf4 sup+ . The amino acids glutamate and proline were also taken up at high rates. Total plant biomass was twice as high after 4 months of growth on glycine, compared to NH4NO3, with significant increases in both root and leaf biomass. By taking advantage of differences in the δ13C signature of air in the growth chamber and the glycine used for growth, a two-member mixing model was used to estimate that a significant amount of the glycine was taken up as intact molecules, enough to contribute 16% of the total carbon assimilation over a 4-month growing period. Glycine uptake was inhibited when roots were exposed to N2 in place of air, and when the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was added to the root solution. From these results it is concluded that glycine uptake occurs through active transport. Glycine uptake exhibited a Q10 of 2.0 over the temperature range 5–15° C, with relatively high rates maintained at the lowest temperature measured (5° C). Roots of Kobreasia were not capable of taking up NH inf4 sup+ at measureable rates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a plant whose non-mycorrhizal roots cannot take up NH inf4 sup+ . Measurements of three N fractions (NO inf3 sup- , NH inf4 sup+ , and total amino acids) in the soil pore water were made over two growing seasons in two Kobresia dry meadows using microlysimeters. At the West Knoll site, which is characterized by soils with average amounts of organic matter, the dominant forms of N in the soil pore water were NO inf3 sup- and NH inf4 sup+ (0–450 μmol L-1). Amino acid concentrations were generally less than 20 μmol L-1 at this site. At the East Knoll site, which is characterized by soils with higher than average amounts of organic matter, amino acids were generally present at higher concentrations (17–100 μmol L-1), compared to NO inf3 sup- and NH inf4 sup+ . The most abundant amino acids were glycine (10–100 μmol L-1), glutamate (5–70 μmol L-1), and late in the season cystein (5–15 μmol L-1). The results demonstrate that this sedge, which dominates dry meadow communities in many alpine ecosystems, is capable of taking up intact amino acids as a principal N source, and has access to high amino acid concentrations in certain alpine soils. Such uptake of organic N may accommodate plant N demands in the face of slow alpine N mineralization rates due to cold soil temperatures.
Sakya Paṇḍita's Anti-Realism As a Return to the Mainstream

Sakya Paṇḍita (Sa-paṇ) (1182–1251), one of Tibet’s most revered and influential philosophers, often complained about the inadequacies of his Tibetan rivals. This essay analyzes two passages from Sa-paṇ’s Treasury of Reasoning (Tshad ma rigs pa’i gter) to display his belief that his contemporaries had adopted non-Buddhist approaches to the philosophy of language, and to explicate his attempts to return Tibetans to positions more reminiscent of Vasubandhu and Dharmakīrti. The first passage treated is Sa-pan. ’s discussion of “appearance” (snang ba) , in which he critiques the idea of granting “perceptual” status to what he deems conceptual constructions. The second passage contains Sa-paṇ’s own view of the linguistic “signified” (brjod bya) and his karmically grounded causal theory of linguistic signification. Sa-paṇ’s analyses help to illuminate the depths of a traditional Buddhist approach to language by refusing to cede its core assumptions in the face of more moderate, commonsense views.
Retrieval of cloud optical depth and particle effective radius at high latitudes using visible and thermal satellite data

The retrieval of cloud optical depth and particle radius is relatively straightforward for water clouds over low-albedo surfaces during the daylight hours. Under these conditions the nearly orthogonal relationship between optical depth and effective radius at one absorbing and one non-absorbing wavelength (e.g., the AVHRR 0.6 and 3.7 micron channels) can be exploited. However, high latitudes are characterized by highly-reflective surfaces and many months without solar radiation. The bright surfaces give rise to multiple solutions for thin clouds, and the long polar night precludes the use of shortwave channels. Thermal bands are therefore used to resolve the ambiguity when there are multiple solutions in the shortwave retrievals and to provide a solution when there is no solar radiation. But thermal methods must account for another unknown: the cloud height. Investigations using modeled radiances for a range of cloud heights show that two pairs of three thermal channels at 3.7, 11, and 12 microns can be used to obtain a unique solution. Unfortunately, validation data are not yet available so we assess the accuracy of these methods using estimates of surface radiative fluxes.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Primary motor cortex of the parkinsonian monkey: altered neuronal responses to muscle stretch

Exaggeration of the long-latency stretch reflex (LLSR) is a characteristic neurophysiologic feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that contributes to parkinsonian rigidity. To explore one frequently-hypothesized mechanism, we studied the effects of fast muscle stretches on neuronal activity in the macaque primary motor cortex (M1) before and after the induction of parkinsonism by unilateral administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We compared results from the general population of M1 neurons and two antidromically-identified subpopulations: distant-projecting pyramidal-tract type neurons (PTNs) and intra-telecenphalic-type corticostriatal neurons (CSNs). Rapid rotations of elbow or wrist joints evoked short-latency responses in 62% of arm-related M1 neurons. As in PD, the late electromyographic responses that constitute the LLSR were enhanced following MPTP. This was accompanied by a shortening of M1 neuronal response latencies and a degradation of directional selectivity, but surprisingly, no increase in single unit response magnitudes. The results suggest that parkinsonism alters the timing and specificity of M1 responses to muscle stretch. Observation of an exaggerated LLSR with no change in the magnitude of proprioceptive responses in M1 is consistent with the idea that the increase in LLSR gain that contributes to parkinsonian rigidity is localized to the spinal cord.
Drug metabolism: prospects for the future.

(1979). Drug Metabolism: Prospects for the Future. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 299-309.
The Caco-2 Cell Monolayers as an Intestinal Metabolism Model: Metabolism of Dipeptide Phe-Pro

AbstractThe metabolism of Phe-Pro was investigated in Caco-2 cell monolayers, a model of small intestinal epithelium. The results indicate that the majority of Phe-Pro was hydrolyzed during passage from the apical (AP) to basolateral (BL) side. The enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis is prolidase, a cytosolic enzyme. Through kinetic studies of a supernatant enzyme preparation, a Km of 30.4 μ M and Vmax of 38.9 nmol/min per mg of protein were obtained. The enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis was inhibited by proline (66%), Zn++ (86%), Cu ++ (100%), Fe+++ (100%), PCMB (89%), and captopril (66%), but not by leucine. We also studied the transcellular transport of Phe-Pro by measuring the amount of Phe in the receiver media. In the presence of a proton gradient (AP pH6, BL pH7.4), the appearance rate of Phe in the BL media after Phe-Pro was loaded apically was at least 100 times faster than that in the AP media after Phe-Pro was loaded basolaterally. The former is also higher than the appearance rate of Phe without ...
Hand ischemia in active patients: detecting and treating hypothenar hammer syndrome.

Occlusion of the palmar arch brief vessels is rare, but it can occur in athletes and workers who subject their hands to repeated blunt trauma or gripping activities. A case report examines a baseball player who presented with classic symptoms of hypothenar hammer syndrome (occlusion of the ulnar artery due to repetitive blunt trauma); evaluation also identified radial artery occlusion. Occlusive symptoms include pain, cold intolerance, and numbness. The diagnosis rests on evaluating the patency of the palmar arches. Conservative treatment involves rest, tobacco avoidance, and medications. Patients who have severe arterial compromise require resection and reconstruction.
Development of the stable isotope tracer approach for studies of copper turnover in the rat and mouse.

Abstract The stable isotope tracer approach was explored for long-term investigations of copper turnover in the adult rat and mouse, with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for isotope measurements. The isotopic measurement method permitted precision and accuracy of 65 Cu. Compared with the baseline isotope ratio ( 65 Cu/ 63 Cu) of 0.462 ± 0.002, blood plasma ratios for the +Cu group on days 2, 7, and 14 postdosing were 0.702 ± 0.021, 0.557 ± 0.004, and 0.474 ± 0.001, respectively. The corresponding data for liver were 0.652 ± 0.018, 0.560 ± 0.005, and 0.482 ± 0.001, respectively. For the −Cu group, respective plasma ratios were 1.580 ± 0.04, 0.917 ± 0.02, and 0.664 ± 0.01 for days 2, 7, and 14 postdosing, and the ratios for liver were 0.978 ± 0.02, 0.876 ± 0.04, and 0.739 ± 0.03. Mice previously made copper deficient to varying degrees were given a single-day replacement with the label. When the 24-hour postdosing isotope ratios in the livers of these mice were correlated with the activity of plasma ceruloplasmin, a negative correlation ( r = −0.85) was observed. Isotope enrichment in both rats and mice was greater in the copper-deficient animals compared with the controls.
Consequences of communal gall occupation and a test for kin discrimination in the aphid Tamalia coweni (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

This study investigated the consequences of communal gall induction on individual and group fitness in the aphid Tamaliacoweni. The possibilities that kin discrimination and foundress density are factors favoring communal gall occupation were examined. Clonally produced aphid foundresses were collected to create two treatments: clonal groups and groups of less closely related individuals. These were confined on suitable host plant tissue to compare their respective propensities towards communal behavior. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of communal gall occupation; therefore, active kin discrimination by T.coweni foundresses apparently does not play a role in their communal behavior, within the context of this experiment. In a second experiment, aphid foundress density on the host plant was manipulated in three treatments and was correlated with the frequency of communal gall occupation. Individual fitness was inversely related to the mean number of foundresses per gall. These results suggest that communal gall occupation does not necessarily represent mutual cooperation but may instead be the outcome of competition for limited gall sites on the host plant. However, natural selection at the clonal level may favor communal gall occupation under the conditions of resource limitation and high within-group relatedness.
The surface science concepts of heterogeneous catalysis. The building of complex catalysts systems on single crystal surfaces

Abstract Surface science studies have aided the molecular formulation and the elucidation of the concepts of heterogeneous catalysis. These include the thermal activation of bond breaking, the unique, chemical activity of rough surfaces, the dynamic chemisorption - induced restructuring of surfaces and the coadsorption bond. The high catalytic activities of bimetallic catalysts and oxide- metal interfaces can be rationalized using these concepts. Complex model catalyst systems can be built by vapour deposition of the various ingredients on metal crystal surfaces.
ASSOCIATION OF FACTORS XI AND XII WITH BLOOD PLATELETS.

SummaryNormal platelets were subjected to successive saline washes and measurements made of factors V, VII and X, XI and XII in the resuspended platelets. Factor XI behaved like factor V in remaining with the platelet through 10 successive washes. Factor XII, on the other hand, like factor VII and X, was readily removed by one or two washes. Factor XI-deficient platelets when suspended in normal plasma absorbed over 30% of the factor XI from the plasma. Absorbed factor XI was removed by 4 washes. The potential significance of those clotting factors which tightly adsorb to platelets is discussed.
Cooperative action of TIP48 and TIP49 in H2A.Z exchange catalyzed by acetylation of nucleosomal H2A

H2A.Z is an evolutionarily conserved H2A variant that plays a key role in the regulation of chromatin transcription. To understand the molecular mechanism of H2A.Z exchange, we purified two distinct H2A.Z-interacting complexes termed the small and big complexes from a human cell line. The big complex contains most components of the SRCAP chromatin remodeling and TIP60 HAT complexes, whereas the small complex possesses only a subset of SRCAP and TIP60 subunits. Our exchange analysis revealed that both small and big complexes enhance the incorporation of H2A.Z-H2B dimer into the nucleosome. In addition, TIP60-mediated acetylation of nucleosomal H2A specifically facilitates the action of the small complex in the H2A.Z exchange reaction. Among factors present in the small complex, we determined that TIP48 and TIP49 play a major role in catalyzing H2A acetylation-induced H2A.Z exchange via their ATPase activities. Overall, our work uncovers the previously-unrecognized role of TIP48 and TIP49 in H2A.Z exchange and a novel epigenetic mechanism controlling this process.
Bubble-train flow in capillaries of circular and square cross section

Abstract Ceramic monoliths first developed for their use in automotive catalyst, are used now to perform three-phase, catalyzed reactions. The large mass transfer rates achieved within this type of reactor are the result of large interfacial area and very thin diffusion paths. These enhanced mass transfer rates are credited to the presence of well-developed bubble-train flow. Bubble-train flows consist of trains of long bubbles separated by liquid slugs. The interfacial area is the area of the bubbles and the thin films are the result of the squeezing action of the bubbles as they overtake the liquid slugs. The objective of this paper is to predict the main mass transfer parameters, such as bubble size and shape, bubble velocity, and volume fraction of gas inside capillaries of circular or square cross section, on the basis of the superficial flow rates of gas and liquid in the feed. Experiments are reported here on bubble train flow inside capillaries of circular and square cross section for a large range of capillary numbers. A mass balance model was developed to allow the computation of flow parameters using an iteration scheme.
Commentary on high-performance computing and its promises for the behavioral sciences

Even with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging and other sophisticated physiological research, we have not made a great leap forward in creating a physiological map relating each neuron to its activity involved in simple day-to-day psychological processes. In contrast to notable progress in human vision research, we have yet to model the simplest of our daily memory processes in memory research.
Laminar and turbulent flow about ship models

Abstract Total fluid resistance of a ship or ship model is commonly separated into viscous and dynamic components, corresponding to the tangential and normal components of the forces acting on the boundary surface.This separation has hitherto depended on calculated values of the viscous resistance based on experiments in which dynamic resistance was reduced to a minimum and assumed zero. Irregularities in viscous resistance are known to exist, however. There are two different regimes of flow in which tangential resistances have radically different values and it so happens that ordinary lengths and speeds of ship models bring them near, if not within the range of transition from one regime to the other. On the other hand, the dynamic resistance is still more obscurely related to the elements of geometrical form and speed than is the viscous resistance, and its systematic analysis continues to rest very largely on an empirical basis. The problem is to obtain accurate data as to these two quantities, such as will serve as an adequate basis for theoretical considerations, the only quantity amenable to experiment being their sum. Experimental methods have been refined considerably without bringing a definitive solution. A novel point of view is herewith presented which, it is hoped, may ultimately lead in the desired direction.