cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhalation injury in severely burned children does not augment the systemic inflammatory response

Inhalation injury in combination with a severe thermal injury increases mortality. Alterations in inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, contribute to the incidence of multi-organ failure and mortality. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of inhalation injury on cytokine expression in severely burned children. Thirty severely burned pediatric patients with inhalation injury and 42 severely burned children without inhalation injury were enrolled in the study. Inhalation injury was diagnosed by bronchoscopy during the first operation. Blood was collected within 24 hours of admission and again at five to seven days following admission. Cytokine expression was profiled using multi-plex antibody-coated beads. Significance was accepted at a p value of less than 0.05. The mean percentages of total body surface area burned were 67% ± 4% (56% ± 6%, third-degree burns) in the inhalation injury group and 60% ± 3% (45% ± 3%, third-degree burns) in the non-inhalation injury group (p value not significant [NS]). Mean age was 9 ± 1 years in the inhalation injury group and 8 ± 1 years in the non-inhalation injury group (p value NS). Time from burn to admission in the inhalation injury group was 2 ± 1 days compared to 3 ± 1 days in the non-inhalation injury group (p value NS). Mortalities were 40% in the inhalation injury group and 12% in the non-inhalation injury group (p < 0.05). At the time of admission, serum interleukin (IL)-7 was significantly increased in the non-inhalation injury group, whereas IL-12p70 was significantly increased in the inhalation injury group compared to the non-inhalation injury group (p < 0.05). There were no other significant differences between groups. Five to seven days following admission, all cytokines decreased with no differences between the inhalation injury and non-inhalation injury cohorts. In the present study, we show that an inhalation injury causes alterations in IL-7 and IL-12p70. There were no increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that an inhalation injury in addition to a burn injury does not augment the systemic inflammatory response early after burn.
Real time small-angle X-ray scattering from polystyrene crazes during fatigue

Real time small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) from polystyrene (PS) crazed in cyclic three-point bending is investigated using intense X-ray radiation from the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, CHESS. The SAXS patterns are recorded using a two-dimensional image intensifier/TV camera/video tape recorder system, operating at 30 frames/sec. At the maximum of the load cycle the SAXS pattern has a well defined streak normal to the craze fibrils. During the unloading portion of the cycle, however, the streak decreases in intensity and is spread into a diffuse fan. The loss of intensity is due to the decrease in volume of craze matter in the beam as the craze closes while the spreading of the diffraction pattern is due to the disorientation of the craze fibrils as they buckle in response to compression by the surrounding polymer matrix. Whilst reloading of the sample causes a relatively narrow SAXS streak to reappear, at the maximum load irreversible changes occur in the pattern from one cycle to the next. These changes are due to both an increase in craze fibril volume in the beam (craze growth) and to fibril breakdown and permanent disorientation.
Improving the oral bioavailability of curcumin using novel organogel-based nanoemulsions.

Curcumin is a natural bioactive compound with many health-promoting benefits. Its low oral bioavailability limits its application in functional foods. In the present study, novel organogel-based nanoemulsions have been developed for oral delivery of curcumin and improvement of its bioavailability. Recently developed curcumin organogel was used as the oil phase in the curcumin nanoemulsion formulation. Tween 20 was selected as the emulsifier on the basis of maximum in vitro bioaccessibility of curcumin in the nanoemulsion. In vitro lipolysis profile revealed that the digestion of nanoemulsion was significantly faster and more complete than the organogel. Permeation experiments on Caco-2 cell monolayers suggested that digestion-diffusion was the major absorption mechanism for curcumin in the nanoemulsion. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetics analysis on mice confirmed that the oral bioavailability of curcumin in the nanoemulsion was increased by 9-fold compared with unformulated curcumin. This novel formul...
A thermostatic control system for nonlinear optical experiments at low temperatures

A cryostat specifically designed for maintaining nonlinear optical crystals at temperatures between room temperature and -175°C is described. The sample is held in a vacuum environment, and its temperature is kept within 0.1°C of the desired value by applying regulated power to a sample holder which is connected to a liquid-nitrogen-cooled heat sink through a thermal resistance. The system is easily constructed and can be evacuated with a mechanical pump. It can operate longer than 6 h on a single filling of liquid nitrogen with the pump disconnected.
Stimulated rejuvenation of dormant Aulacoseira granulata (Bacillariophyta) by Gloeocystis planctonica (Chlorophyta) in a eutrophic river

The abundance of Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenburg) Simonsen and Gloeocystis planctonica (West & G.S.West) Lemmermann was assessed during the summers of 2005 and 2010 in the eutrophic Fox River, Wisconsin, USA. In both years, a mid-summer bloom of G. planctonica was followed by the rapid growth of A. granulata. Laboratory experiments in which A. granulata was grown in cell-free filtrate of a G. planctonica culture revealed that the growth of A. granulata was stimulated in the G. planctonica-treated medium relative to controls. This effect was detected when dormant A. granulata cells were used as the source culture for the experiment but not when actively growing cells were used. Dormant A. granulata also grew more rapidly in river water collected after the 2010 G. planctonica bloom relative to river water collected before the bloom. These results suggest that the summer bloom of A. granulata in the river was stimulated by G. planctonica. This relationship can be described as stimulated rejuvenation, an interaction where the transition of an algal resting stage into active growth is triggered by exposure to another species.
Topical anesthetic before primary molar buccal anesthesia is not better than placebo in reducing child's pain perception.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Efficacy of Intraoral Topical Anesthetics in Children Paschos E, Huth KC, Benz C, Reeka-Bardschmidt A, Hickel R. J Dent 2006;34(6):398-404 . Level of Evidence 1b Purpose/Question To evaluate the efficacy of 4 different commercially available topical anesthetic materials in reducing pain during intraoral injections in children compared with a placebo. Source of Funding Academic departmental sources Type of Study/Design Randomized controlled trial (split mouth modification)
Neuropsychiatric complications in burn patients.

The neuropsychiatric problems which burn patients experience may occur either during hospitalization or after discharge. Some of these may be considered “normal” in that they occur in many patients and are not pathological or life-threatening if handled appropriately. Others tend to interfere with the recovery process and are associated with a poor prognosis. Normal reactions which occur during hospitalization include anxiety reaction, mild depression, fear of deformity, and a steadily decreasing pain threshold. Potentially pathological reactions during hospitalization, which occur in 20 to 30 per cent of all patients, include severe depression, severe regression, and delirium. After discharge most patients, especially those with severe burns, face further adjustment problems. Follow-up study indicates that during the first year many patients continue to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and phobic behavior. Most patients who have a normal adjustment prior to injury, however, eventually learn to deal ...
Study on the adsorption of hemoglobin onto bentonite clay surfaces

The adsorption behavior of a hemoglobin (Hb) solution onto bentonite powder was studied from its alkaline solution (pH 12.6) and at room temperature. Different types of adsorption isotherms are discussed and various adsorption parameters, such as the adsorption coefficient, rate constants for adsorption and desorption, diffusion constant, penetration rate constant, were evaluated. The effects of pH and temperature of the adsorption medium on the extent of adsorption and the influence of solvents were studied, and the effect of salt concentrations on the rate of adsorption were also observed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1607–1618, 2002
Population-Monotonicity and Separability for Economies with Single-Dipped Preferences and the Assignment of an Indivisible Object

We study two allocation models. In the first model, we consider the problem of allocating an infinitely divisible commodity among agents with single-dipped preferences. In the second model, a degenerate case of the first one, we study the allocation of an indivisible object to a group of agents. We consider rules that satisfy Pareto efficiency, strategy-proofness, and in addition either the consistency property separability or the solidarity property population-monotonicity. We show that the class of rules that satisfy Pareto efficiency, strategy-proofness, and separability equals the class of rules that satisfy Pareto efficiency, strategy-proofness, and non-bossiness. We also provide characterizations of all rules satisfying Pareto efficiency, strategy-proofness, and either separability or population-monotonicity. Since any such rule consists for the largest part of serial-dictatorship components, we can interpret the characterizations as impossibility results.
Equilibrium dialysis study and mechanistic implications of coenzyme A binding to acetyl-CoA synthase/carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum.

thermoaceticum were determined by equilibrium dialysis. CoA bound to as-isolated native α 2 β 2 enzyme with K D = 10 ± 8 μM and n = 0.2 ± 0.1 moles per αβ dimer, where K D is the thermodynamic dissociation constant and n is the number of CoAs bound per αβ dimer of the enzyme. The enzyme is heterogeneous; for example, only ∼ 30% of α subunits contain A-clusters with labile Ni ions (the remainder have nonlabile Ni ions and are nonfunctional). The observed n value suggests that CoA binds only to αβ units with Ni-labile A-clusters. The CoA binding properties of enzyme lacking labile Ni was essentially the same, indicating that CoA does not bind directly to the Ni of the A-cluster. This was further evidenced by the observation that bound CoA did not inhibit removal of the labile Ni by 1,10-phenanthroline. CoA did not bind CO-reduced enzyme, and the EPR signal exhibited by the one-electron reduced and CO-bound form of the A-cluster was unaffected by the presence of up to 200 μM CoA. In contrast, CoA did bind Ti(III)-citrate-reduced enzyme (K D = 36 ± 16 μM, n = 0.16 ± 0.08). Implications of these results for the mechanism of catalysis are discussed.
What is behind the recent surge in patenting

Abstract We investigate the cause of an unprecedented surge of US patenting over the past decade. Conventional wisdom points to the establishment of the Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit by Congress in 1982. We examine whether this institutional change, which has benefited patent holders, explains the burst in US patenting. Using both international and domestic data on patent applications and awards, we conclude that the evidence is not favorable to the conventional view. Instead, it appears that the jump in patenting reflects an increase in US innovation spurred by changes in the management of research.
A response regulator model in a simple sensory system

Bacterial behavior is shown to be modulated through a simple on-off switching device which directs migration toward favorable conditions and away from unfavorable ones. The behavioral response is controlled by a rudimentary memory which allows the bacteria to sense gradients over time. The memory can be explained by a biochemical system involving a response regulator whose level relative to a threshold controls flagellar function. The level of the response regulator is itself controlled by factors such as enzyme levels and environmental stimuli. The molecular basis of the model appears to be relevant to more complex hormonal and neural signaling systems.
Fetal interventions for cardiac defects

This article focuses on the current status of in utero catheter interventions for congenital heart disease. The discussion of fetal interventions for cardiac defects briefly reviews the evolution of approaches to congenital heart disease and issues surrounding the prenatal detection of cardiac defects, the rationale for fetal intervention, and optional candidates for the procedures. Finally, the technical aspects and procedural considerations are reviewed.
The role of spherical particles as friction reducers in sliding contact

Abstract Micron-sized spherical particles in sliding contact are found to reduce the static coefficient of friction, as with the case of larger-sized balls and rollers in bearings.
A parallel quality test machine

Abstract A fast test machine for testing IC chips utilizing parallelization concepts is presented. This machine will be used to pinpoint the problems of IC's under test in different conditions, and also to analyse the frequency spectrum to figure out the reliability of the IC's.
Variable selection via Gibbs sampling

Abstract A crucial problem in building a multiple regression model is the selection of predictors to include. The main thrust of this article is to propose and develop a procedure that uses probabilistic considerations for selecting promising subsets. This procedure entails embedding the regression setup in a hierarchical normal mixture model where latent variables are used to identify subset choices. In this framework the promising subsets of predictors can be identified as those with higher posterior probability. The computational burden is then alleviated by using the Gibbs sampler to indirectly sample from this multinomial posterior distribution on the set of possible subset choices. Those subsets with higher probability—the promising ones—can then be identified by their more frequent appearance in the Gibbs sample.
Further evidence for a GABA-like action of kojic amine

Data are reported to support the hypothesis that kojic amine is a GABA agonist in an in vivo model of GABAergic activity. The unilateral intranigral microinjection of kojic amine elicited dose-related turning contraversive from the injection site. The direction of the turning is identical to that observed after the intranigral administration of muscimol or other GABA agonists. Furthermore, the numbers of turns elicited by kojic amine was significantly reduced following pretreatment with the GABA antagonist, bicuculline. The results suggest that kojic amine is a GABA agonist.
Abcg2 expression marks tissue-specific stem cells in multiple organs in a mouse progeny tracking model

The side population phenotype is associated with the Hoechst dye efflux activity of the Abcg2 transporter and identifies hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. This association suggests the direct use of Abcg2 expression to identify adult stem cells in various other organs. We have generated a lineage tracing mouse model based on an allele that coexpresses both Abcg2 and a CreERT2 expression cassette. By crossing these mice with lox-STOP-lox reporter lines (LacZ or YFP), cells that express Abcg2 and their progeny were identified following treatment with tamoxifen (Tam). In the liver and kidney, in which mature cells express Abcg2, reporter gene expression verified the expected physiologic expression pattern of the recombinant allele. Long-term marking of HSCs was seen in multiple peripheral blood lineages from adult mice, demonstrating that Abcg2(+) bone marrow HSCs contribute to steady-state hematopoiesis. Stem cell tracing patterns were seen in the small intestine and in seminiferous tubules in the testis 20 months after Tam treatment, proving that stem cells from these organs express Abcg2. Interstitial cells from skeletal and cardiac muscle were labeled, and some cells were costained with endothelial markers, raising the possibility that these cells may function in the repair response to muscle injury. Altogether, these studies prove that Abcg2 is a stem cell marker for blood, small intestine, testicular germ cells, and possibly for injured skeletal and/or cardiac muscle and provide a new model for studying stem cell activity that does not require transplant-based assays.
Impact of the Indian ocean tsunami on the well-being of children.

This article provides an overview of the plight of the "tsunami generation" detailing the social and physical conditions after the disaster. Children are most vulnerable and need protection and clear and sustained support for rehabilitation. The social psychological recovery and protection of children are key concerns of child welfare and internal social service organisations. Policy and programmes should build on the people's resilience and provide the psychosocial and community support. Language: en
NODAL SEPTA AND THE RIGIDITY OF AERIAL SHOOTS OF EQUISETUM HYEMALE

The biomechanical role of septate nodes (points of leaf attachment with transverse diaphragms of tissue) in the otherwise hollow aerial stems of Equisetum hyemale L. is examined by means of multiple resonance frequency spectra. Resonance frequencies were determined for intact shoots, as well as the same shoots through which metal needles were inserted to destroy septa at nodes. The elastic modulus (E) of shoots, before and after surgical manipulation, was calculated. Shoots with perforated septa had E values from 17 to 32% less than intact shoots. During winter months with subfreezing temperatures, shoots with intact nodal septa accumulated water (in the form of ice) in their intemodal pith canals. Values of E calculated for a shoot with intact septa and internodal water, and for the same shoot without septa do not differ significantly. Calculations indicate that the mass of intemodal water is a significant fraction of the mass sufficient to deflect and buckle shoots. The added mass of intemodal water is sufficient to mask the actual elastic modulus of shoots. The data indicate that nodes with septa significantly influence the flexural rigidity of shoots, but that this influence changes as a function of the quantity of water found in pith cavities. THIS PAPER explores the biomechanical role of septa in stems, and tests the hypothesis that septa act as structural elements. An appropriate null hypothesis is that septa serve no mechanical function but simply reflect the physiological processes attending the ontogeny of
Jastrow-Slater trial wave functions for the fractional quantum Hall effect: Results for few-particle systems.

We report results of a numerical study of the Jastrow-Slater trial wave functions for the fractional quantum Hall effect proposed by one of us. We study systems of up to eight electrons and find that these trial states are an extremely good approximation to the true Coulomb states.
Specific Domains in Yeast Translation Initiation Factor eIF4G Strongly Bias RNA Unwinding Activity of the eIF4F Complex toward Duplexes with 5′-Overhangs

During eukaryotic translation initiation, the 43 S ribosomal pre-initiation complex is recruited to the 5′-end of an mRNA through its interaction with the 7-methylguanosine cap, and it subsequently scans along the mRNA to locate the start codon. Both mRNA recruitment and scanning require the removal of secondary structure within the mRNA. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A is an essential component of the translational machinery thought to participate in the clearing of secondary structural elements in the 5′-untranslated regions of mRNAs. eIF4A is part of the 5′-7-methylguanosine cap-binding complex, eIF4F, along with eIF4E, the cap-binding protein, and the scaffolding protein eIF4G. Here, we show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF4F has a strong preference for unwinding an RNA duplex with a single-stranded 5′-overhang versus the same duplex with a 3′-overhang or without an overhang. In contrast, eIF4A on its own has little RNA substrate specificity. Using a series of deletion constructs of eIF4G, we demonstrate that its three previously elucidated RNA binding domains work together to provide eIF4F with its 5′-end specificity, both by promoting unwinding of substrates with 5′-overhangs and inhibiting unwinding of substrates with 3′-overhangs. Our data suggest that the RNA binding domains of eIF4G provide the S. cerevisiae eIF4F complex with a second mechanism, in addition to the eIF4E-cap interaction, for directing the binding of pre-initiation complexes to the 5′-ends of mRNAs and for biasing scanning in the 5′ to 3′ direction.
VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE: A Planned Programme

Before leaving the topic of using visual aids as a means of disseminating careers information — particularly in school (TECHNICAL EDUCATION, January 1961) — attention should be drawn to an extract from ‘One World’, a report to the Nottinghamshire Education Committee from a Study Group comprising six head teachers of secondary schools and six industrial representatives nominated by the East Midlands Branch of the Institute of Personnel Management. The group members were given no specific terms of reference when they were first called, but they were fully alive to the Education Committee's real desire to promote greater understanding and co‐operation between industry and education — a form of ‘bridging the gap’, and an aim akin to that expressed in the editorial of the last issue of this journal. On visual aids the study group had this to say:
Responses of seedlings of selected woody species to soil oxidation-reduction conditions

Abstract Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings of baldcypress ( Taxodium distichum ), slash pine ( Pinus elliottii ), Loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) and pecan ( Carya illinoensis ) were subjected to two soil mixtures of (1) 100% soil, (2) 99% soil plus 1% organic matter; and two watering regimes: (1) continuously flooded to 5 cm above the soil surface and (2) watered frequently but non-flooded. The combination of watering and soil mixtures resulted in various intensities of soil reduction as determined by measuring soil redox potential (Eh, mV). Soil Eh averaged >+400 mV in control indicating a well-aerated condition. The two soil mixtures when flooded, resulted in average Eh of −70 mV and −160 mV. Plant gas exchange and growth responses to the treatments were measured. Mean values of net photosynthesis over the experimental period showed that photosynthesis in T. distichum was not affected significantly under −70 mV treatment but was significantly lower in plants under −160 mV treatment. In contrast, photosynthetic values were decreased significantly in other species in response to the reduced Eh treatments. Survival was 100% for T. distichum whereas it was as low as 10% in C. illinoensis under the most reducing soil treatment (−160 mV). Whole-plant biomass, as well as biomass components (leaf, stem, root) in T. distichum , did not change significantly in response to the treatments. In contrast, total biomass and biomass components decreased in the other species in response to low soil Eh treatments. Relative growth rate reflected the relative flood-tolerance ranking of the study species, i.e. T. distichum as the most flood-tolerant species displayed the least sensitivity, whereas other species displayed high levels of sensitivities to low soil Eh conditions. Based on the results, it was concluded that soil redox intensity imposes considerable influence on plant functioning and growth. The critical soil Eh intensity at which plant physiological functions and growth were adversely affected was species-specific.
Ostwald Ripening and Relaxation in Dendritic Structures

The development of microstructures in cast materials is described as a sequence of processes, among which are dendritic growth and coarsening. Dendritic evolution is analyzed first as the deterministic formation of the tip and its neighborhood, followed by the incubation of stochastic events, including Ostwald ripening and coalescence. Mean-field theories of coarsening are discussed briefly, and the problem of relating classical coarsening of convex spherical particles to that of highly branched dendritic interfaces is shown to be resolved by considering the distribution of chemical potentials over the solid-liquid surface. Experiments relying on stereological measurements yield kinetic coarsening experiments in reasonable agreement with the statistical theories. The influence of volume fraction on the coarsening kinetics is shown to affect the rate constant, which increases about four-fold when the solid fraction rises to 50 pct, but the coarsening exponent remains at the classical value of 1/3. Attempts to measure mean-field intensive thermodynamic properties such as temperature and concentration during dendritic coarsening yield consistent kinetics, although the precise relationships of these mean-field quantities to the stereological parameters are not yet established. The application of morphological scaling laws is stressed throughout, as a fundamental method to predict cast structures in more complex materials.
A Canonical Theory of Origins and Development of Social Complexity

ABSTRACT The puzzle of origins and future of government and social complexity in human and social dynamics, arguably a characteristic feature of the emergence and long-term evolution of hierarchy and power in the history of civilizations, is an enduring topic that has challenged political scientists, anthropological archaeologists, and other social scientists and historians. This paper proposes a new computational theory for the emergence of social complexity that accounts for the earliest formation of systems of government (pristine polities) in prehistory and early antiquity, as well as present and future political development. This general social theory is based on a “fast process” of crisis and opportunistic decision-making through collective action, which feeds a “slow” process of political development or decay. The “fast” core iterative process is “canonical” in the sense that it undergoes variations on a recurring theme of signal detection, information-processing, problem-solving, successful adapta...
Synchronous and Stochastic Patterns of Gene Activation in the Drosophila Embryo

Drosophila embryogenesis is characterized by rapid transitions in gene activity, whereby crudely distributed gradients of regulatory proteins give way to precise on/off patterns of gene expression. To explore the underlying mechanisms, a partially automated, quantitative in situ hybridization method was used to visualize expression profiles of 14 developmental control genes in hundreds of embryos. These studies revealed two distinct patterns of gene activation: synchronous and stochastic. Synchronous genes display essentially uniform expression of nascent transcripts in all cells of an embryonic tissue, whereas stochastic genes display erratic patterns of de novo activation. RNA polymerase II is "pre-loaded" (stalled) in the promoter regions of synchronous genes, but not stochastic genes. Transcriptional synchrony might ensure the orderly deployment of the complex gene regulatory networks that control embryogenesis.
Recovery of exhaust and coolant heat with R245fa organic Rankine cycles in a hybrid passenger car with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine

Abstract In internal combustion engines, only a part of the fuel energy flow is transformed into power available at the crankshaft, while the most part of the fuel energy flow is lost as coolant, exhaust gases and other waste heat flows. Recovery of waste heat from the exhaust gases, and the coolant with organic Rankine cycles (ORC) is considered here for a hybrid vehicle powered by a 1.8 L naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The ORC systems fitted on the exhaust and the coolant permit an increase in fuel conversion efficiency by up to 6.4% and 2.8% individually, and by up to 8.2% combined. The average improvements all over the map are 3.4%, 1.7% and 5.1% respectively. These gross improvements do not account for the less than uniform efficiency of the mechanical-to-electric-to-chemical-to-electric-to-mechanical loop when the ORC expanders are used to charge the battery of the hybrid vehicle. Nor do they account for the reduced efficiency of the thermal engine due to the back pressure effects on the indicated mean effective pressure (exhaust ORC) and friction mean effective pressure (coolant ORC). Nevertheless, these values serve as a reference point for the assessment of the current potential of a technology that is still being developed having major downfalls in the increase of weight, costs, packaging complexity and finally in difficulty in transient operation.
Emergency Twist Drill Trephination

We have used the rapid progression of post-traumatic uncal herniation in spite of intensive medical therapy as the indication for twist drill trephination in the emergency department. During a 54-month period, 51 trephinations were performed on 41 patients. The trephine was placed through the temporal bone ipsilateral to the dilated pupil, and the dura mater was opened to allow partial evacuation of the hematoma. All patients subsequently underwent craniotomy, autopsy, and/or cerebral computed tomography (CT). The trephination was diagnostically accurate for the absence or presence of an extracerebral hematoma in 42 of 51 trephinations (82%). In 6 of these cases the dilated pupil responded to partial hematoma evacuation by decreasing in size. In 3 of the 6 there was a marked overall improvement in neurological status subsequent to trephination. These 3 patients later recovered to an independent functional state. Only 23 of these 41 patients (56%) with herniation profiles actually had significant extracerebral hematomas. This fact emphasizes the inadvisability of taking this type of patient directly to the operating room without a diagnostic study. A rapidly performed CT scan is the obvious first choice. However, if there is any delay in obtaining this study or when uncal herniation occurs rapidly, a twist drill trephination can be of value in diagnosing the absence or presence of a treatable extracerebral hematoma. There were no complications related to this procedure in this group.
The Association of Student Examination Performance with Faculty and Resident Ratings Using a Modified RIME Process

Background RIME is a descriptive framework in which students and their teachers can gauge progress throughout a clerkship from R (reporter) to I (interpreter) to M (manager) to E (educator). RIME, as described in the literature, is complemented by residents and attending physicians meeting with a clerkship director to discuss individual student progress, with group discussion resulting in assignment of a RIME stage.
Kinetics of oxidation of an organic amine with a Cr(V) salen complex in homogeneous aqueous solution and on the surface of mesoporous silica

A comparative study of catalytic activity under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions was carried out using the (salen)CrIII-catalyzed oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with iodosobenzene as a model reaction. Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were synthesized in a co-condensation reaction and functionalized with salenvia a covalent Si–C bond. A Cr(III) complex of this supported ligand, MSN-(salen)CrIII, was prepared and characterized. Data from powder XRD, BET isotherms and BJH pore size distribution all showed that MSN-(salen)CrIII still had the typical MSN high surface area, narrow pore size distribution, and ordered hexagonal pore structure, which were further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. 13C and 29Si solid-state NMR data provided structural information about the catalyst and verified successful functionalization of the salen ligand and coordination to Cr(III). No unreacted salen or Cr(III) were observed. The loadings of salen and salen-CrIII complex were determined viaTGA and EDX, respectively. Both measurements indicated that approximately 0.5 mmol/g of catalyst was loaded on the surface of MSN. The oxidation of TMB with iodosobenzene using MSN-(salen)CrIII as a heterogeneous catalyst exhibited both similarities and differences with the analogous homogeneous reaction using (salen)CrIII(H2O)+ as a catalyst in aqueous acetonitrile. In the presence of 0.10 M HClO4, the two catalytic reactions proceeded at similar rates and generated the doubly oxidized product TMB2+. In the absence of acid, the radical cation TMB˙+ was produced. The kinetics of the heterogeneous reaction in the absence of added acid responded to concentrations of all three reagents, i.e.(salen)CrIII, TMB, and PhIO.
Seed Protein Content and Delivery of Assimilates to Soybean Seed Embryos

Increasing the protein content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is associated with reduced seed yields. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of seed protein content on the capacity to deliver dry matter and amino acids to the seed embryo and to identify possible yield-limiting factors. Fifteen soybean genotypes representing 0.42 to 0.51 g g -1 seed protein content were grown in the greenhouse during the winter season. High seed-protein content did not limit specific dry matter accumulation rates
Angiogenic gene therapy: pre-clinical studies and phase I clinical data

Angiogenic gene therapy: pre-clinical studies and phase i clinical data. Over the last three decades, significant progress has been made in the management of patients with atherosclerotic coronary and peripheral vascular diseases using medical, surgical, and percutaneous therapies. Despite these advances, there remains a significant population of patients who are not optimal candidates for surgical or percutaneous revascularization. These patients continue to suffer from the debilitating symptoms of their disease and remain at risk for myocardial infarction, limb loss, or death. It was this clinical need, coupled with the advances in the understanding of angiogenesis, that has led to efforts to develop angiogenic therapies for patients with peripheral and myocardial ischemia. In general, these conditions are characterized by local hypovascularity, and the approach to treatment is therefore focused on stimulating neovascularization.
Neutrino masses and mixings based on a special set of quark mass matrices (II)

In the framework of a 6×6 neutrino mass matrix with the standard seesaw mechanism, simple empirical forms are used for the leptonic Dirac mass submatrices which exhibit hierarchical chiral symmetry-breaking structure with just six parameters, as suggested by our previous work with quark mass matrices. Through a Monte Carlo analysis of Euler angle rotations applied to diagonal forms for the right-handed Majorana mass submatrix, we generate scatter plots in the δm 23 2 vs sin22θ 23 and δm 13 2 vs sin22θ 13 oscillation planes for a fixed point in the nonadiabatic MSW band. Only a small, statistically insignificant, segment of the 23 mixing plane exists corresponding to depletions of both the solarv e and atmosphericv μ fluxes; however, for such solutions the righthanded Majorana submatrix exhibits a hierarchical chiral symmetry-breaking form remarkably similar to that for the Dirac submatrices.
The role of oxidized germanium in the growth of germanium nanoparticles on hafnia

Abstract The role oxidized germanium (GeO x ) plays in germanium (Ge) nanoparticle growth on hafnia is reported. Oxide islands, in the form of hafnium germinate, form on hafnia during the initial stages of growth. The Ge adatoms are oxidized by background oxidants, such as water, only when they are in contact with the hafnia surface. Once a sufficient amount of hafnium germinate has formed, Ge nanoparticles nucleate such that nanoparticle growth proceeds by Ge growth on GeO x . Nanoparticles are not deposited on the hafnia but only on the interfacial oxide islands formed early in the growth process. Annealing hafnia in a silane ambient after Ge nanoparticle growth reduces the amount of GeO x and appears to transform it into a hafnium silicate. Furthermore, the electronic and/or chemical interaction between the Ge nanoparticles and the hafnia substrate is changed by the silane annealing step as reflected in the binding energy shift in the Ge 2p signal and the increased retention time of metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors made from Ge nanoparticles and hafnia. Pretreating hafnia in silane leads to hafnium silicate islands and subsequent Ge nanoparticle growth proceeds on the silicate islands.
How valine deprivation and its reversal affect fatty acid metabolism in hela cells

Abstract A protocol based on radio gas chromatography demonstrates that when HeLa cells are deprived of valine for short periods of time (6–7.5 h), their overall fatty acid biosynthetic activity is depressed after a latency of a few hours. The transfer of newly synthesized fatty acyl units to phospholipids is curtailed much faster than their transfer to triacylglycerols. Despite the cut-back in fatty acid biosynthesis, valine deprivation causes a lipid accumulation in the cells. Valine deprivation appears to affect de novo synthesis of fatty acid units from acetate more rapidly than desaturation and elongation. When valine is returned to the valine-deprived culture, overall fatty acid biosynthesis is resumed well within 2 h. Newly synthesized fatty acyl units are transferred to both the phospholipids and the 1,2-diacylglycerols of the cells but not initially to the triacylglycerols.
Modulation of mouse brain dopamine, serotonin and metabolites by methionine: Implications for schizophrenia and genetics

The effect of methionine, an essential amino acid, on brain regional distribution of dopamine, serotinin and major acidic metabolites was studied in two genetically different strains of mice. These were the inbred albino BALB/C and the black C57BL/6 mouse strains. The later strain was more sensitive than the former mouse strain to the methionine treatment. This has been demonstrated by methionine-produced change in dopamine metabolites in cerebellum, cortex and medulla regions, which suggests a decrease in dopamine turnover in the C57BL/6 mice. Conversely, methionine-mediated changes in BALB/C mouse medullary region was suggestive of an increase in dopamine turnover. Little changes occurred in cerebral serotonin or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, except for an increased serotonin in C57BL/6 mouse midbrain region. The results suggest that methionine possesses CNS pharmacological property pertaining to dopamine, other than its well-known action as a methyl donor in transmethylation processes, which is genotypic-dependent. Alternatively, modulation of the monoamines by methionine may explain its antidepressant property and possible contribution to the pharmacological hypotheses relevant to the biology of schizophrenia.
Comparative effects of carvedilol and metoprolol on left ventricular ejection fraction in heart failure: results of a meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Both metoprolol and carvedilol improve cardiac function and prolong survival in patients with heart failure. Carvedilol has broader antiadrenergic effects than metoprolol, but it is not clear whether this characteristic is associated with greater benefits on cardiac function during long-term treatment. Study Design We performed a meta-analysis of all 19 randomized controlled trials of carvedilol or metoprolol that measured left ventricular ejection fraction before and after an average of 8.3 ± 0.1 months of treatment in 2184 patients with chronic heart failure. The mean daily doses were 58 ± 1 mg of carvedilol and the equivalent of 162 ± 1 mg of extended-release metoprolol. In the 15 placebo-controlled trials, the mean ejection fraction increased more in the trials of carvedilol than in the trials of metoprolol (placebo-corrected increases of +0.065 and +0.038, respectively), P = .0002. In the 4 active-controlled trials that compared metoprolol directly with carvedilol, the mean ejection fraction also increased more in the carvedilol groups than in the metoprolol groups (+0.084 on carvedilol and +0.057 on metoprolol, respectively), P = .009. The difference in favor of carvedilol in the active-controlled trials was nearly identical to the difference observed in the placebo-controlled trials and was apparent in patients with and without coronary artery disease. Conclusion Long-term treatment with carvedilol produces greater effects on left ventricular ejection fraction than metoprolol when both drugs are prescribed in doses similar to those that have been shown to prolong life. (Am Heart J 2001;141:899-907.)
Communicative Gesture Use in Infants with and without Autism: A Retrospective Home Video Study.

Purpose The authors aimed to compare gesture use in infants with autism with gesture use in infants with other developmental disabilities (DD) or typical development (TD). Method Children with autism (n = 43), DD (n = 30), and TD (n = 36) were recruited at ages 2 to 7 years. Parents provided home videotapes of children in infancy. Staff compiled video samples for 2 age intervals (9–12 and 15–18 months) and coded samples for frequency of social interaction (SI), behavior regulation (BR), and joint attention (JA) gestures. Results At 9–12 months, infants with autism were less likely to use JA gestures than infants with DD or TD, and less likely to use BR gestures than infants with TD. At 15–18 months, infants with autism were less likely than infants with DD to use SI or JA gestures, and less likely than infants with TD to use BR, SI, or JA gestures. Among infants able to use gestures, infants with autism used fewer BR gestures than those with TD at 9–12 months, and fewer JA gestures than infants with DD or...
Computerized Simulation of Transmission Errors and Shift of Bearing Contact for Face-Milled Hypoid Gear Drive

A computerized investigation of the influence of alignment errors on the transmission errors and the shift of the bearing contact is performed. The investigation is performed for an imaginary hypoid gear drive with conjugate tooth surfaces. The transmission error functions caused by misalignment are shown to be periodic discontinuous almost linear functions with the frequency of the cycle of meshing. The above functions can be totally absorbed by a predesigned parabolic function. The shift of the bearing contact caused by misalignment has been determined as well. The investigation is based on computerized simulation of meshing and contact of gear tooth surfaces. The machine-tool settings for the generation of the designed gear drive have been determined. A numerical example that illustrates the developed theory is given.
Radiation dosimetry of [18F](N-methyl)benperidol as determined by whole-body PET imaging of primates

Purpose N-([11C]methyl)benperidol ([11C]NMB) can be used for positron emission tomography (PET) measurements of D2-like dopamine receptor binding in vivo. We report the absorbed radiation dosimetry of i.v.-administered 11C-NMB, a critical step before applying this radioligand to imaging studies in humans.
The role of phospholipase D in Glut-4 translocation

Insulin-stimulated Glut-4 translocation is regulated through a complex pathway. Increasing attention is being paid to the role undertaken in this process by Phospholipase D, a signal transduction-activated enzyme that generates the lipid second-messenger phosphatidic acid. Phospholipase D facilitates Glut-4 translocation at potentially multiple steps in its outward movement. Current investigation is centered on Phospholipase D promotion of Glut-4-containing membrane vesicle trafficking and vesicle fusion into the plasma membrane, in part through activation of atypical protein kinase C isoforms.
Acetal metathesis polymerization (AMP): A method for synthesizing biorenewable polyacetals

Polyalkylene acetals are synthesized from simple bio-derived diols and diethoxymethane via a novel technique involving interchange of acetal functional groups. This Acetal Metathesis Polymerization (AMP) method provides a route to polyacetals that are designed to degrade under abiotic conditions via simple acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.
Columbia Basin Heritage Fish Consumption Rates

The distinction between contemporary Native American fish consumption rates and original baseline heritage rates is important as heritage rates have long been recognized as a baseline relevant to the fishing tribes of the Pacific Northwest, and are generally protected by Treaties and case law. This paper reviews two approaches to accurately defining heritage fish consumption rates in the Columbia Basin. One approach is dietary reconstruction based on several lines of evidence (ethnographic, archaeological, historical ecology, nutritional) to estimate overall dietary composition and the caloric contribution of fish, especially salmon. The second approach is review of abundance, harvest, and consumption rates augmented with ethnographic and archaeological evidence over the same geographical area. The two methods independently arrive at the same range for heritage rates, and the wealth of evidence that has accumulated over 75 years of investigation suggests that these are robust conclusions.
Fabrication of vertical mirrors using plasma etch and KOH:IPA polishing

A new approach to etch structures with vertical sidewalls in Si is presented in this paper. This process reduces the loading effect in deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and maintains a uniform etch profile and etch rate throughout the wafer. Shallow areas were patterned under the regions to be removed. The wafer was then bonded to a pyrex wafer which acts as a handle wafer and as a package lid for packaging MEMS devices. Uniform width narrow channels encompassing these shallow patterns were then subjected to long through wafer DRIE. These narrow channels maintain uniform etch rates while patterning structures with various fill factors on the same wafer. Various structures were etched with vertical side walls across the 550 µm thick Si wafer. Average side wall angles of 89.8° were obtained with just 0.3° variation across the 4'' Si wafer. The process showed resistance to slight variations in DRIE parameters with a negligible effect on the sidewall profile. Additionally, the verticality of the structures was improved to 90.08° by performing KOH:IPA wet etching on the plasma etched surfaces. Once characterized, the same processes can be used for various shape/size structures. These etched vertical mirrors were used to assemble a corner cube retroreflector.
The Emergence of Multiple Robust Zonal Jets from Freely Evolving, Three-Dimensional Stratified Geostrophic Turbulence with Applications to Jupiter

Three-dimensional numerical simulations of freely evolving stratified geostrophic turbulence on the plane are presented as a simplified model of zonal jet formation on Jupiter. This study samples the parameter space that covers the low, middle, and high latitudes of Jupiter by varying the central latitude of the plane. The results show that robust zonal jets can emerge from initial small-scale random turbulence through the upscale redistribution of the kinetic energy in the spectral space. The resulting flow’s sensitivities to the flow’s deformation radius LD and the two-dimensional Rhines length L U/ (U is the characteristic turbulence velocity and is the meridional gradient of the planetary vorticity) are tested, revealing that whether the outcome of the upscale energy transfer becomes dominated by jets or vortices depends on the relative values of LD and L. The values of L and LD are varied by tuning the -plane parameters, and it is found that the flow transitions from a jet-dominated regime in L LD to a vortical flow in L LD. A height-to-width ratio equal to f /N, the Coriolis parameter divided by the Brunt–Vaisala frequency, has previously been established for stable vortices, and this paper shows that this aspect ratio also applies to the zonal jets that emerge in these simulations.