cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a patient with suspected chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Abstract Demyelinating neuropathies are typically characterized by physiological slowing of conduction velocity and pathologically by segmental loss of myelin and in some instances, evidence of remyelination. Clinically, patients with demyelinating neuropathy can be seen with inherited disorders (Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease) or acquired disorders, typically immune-mediated or inflammatory. The acquired disorders can be either acute or subacute as seen in the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) form of Guillain–Barre syndrome or chronic progressive or relapsing disorders such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is important to develop a logical approach to diagnosing these disorders. This requires an understanding of the clinical, genetic, physiological, and pathological features of these neuropathies. Clinically, important features to consider are the temporal progression, degree of symmetry, and involvement of proximal as well as distal muscles. Genetically, recognizing the different inheritance patterns and age of onset allow for a coordinated approach to determining a specific genotype. Physiologically, besides nerve conduction slowing, other physiological hallmarks of demyelination include temporal dispersion of compound motor action potentials (CMAP) on proximal stimulation, conduction block, and distal CMAP duration prolongation with certain patterns of involvement pointing to specific disorders. This chapter focuses on these various aspects of the evaluation of patients with chronic acquired demyelinating neuropathies to develop a comprehensive and thoughtful diagnostic concept.
Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients Choose Bilateral Mastectomy Over Breast-Conserving Surgery When Testing Positive for a BRCA1/2 Mutation

In women diagnosed with breast cancer and testing positive for a BRCA1/2 mutation, decisions as to whether to undergo prophylactic risk-reduction surgery may differ from those women who test positive in a presymptomatic phase. Eighty-four women were identified who had undergone genetic testing at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. The study group consisted of 46 of these women who had initially undergone breast-conserving surgery. Eight patients (17.4%) tested positive for a mutation. Seven of the eight underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy prior to receiving radiation therapy. The only patient not undergoing bilateral mastectomy was awaiting liver transplant. Women who are candidates for breast-conserving surgery and who test positive for a breast cancer gene mutation choose mastectomy over surveillance.
Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed by pediatric surgeons across the world. There are many arguments as to which technique of repair provides the best outcomes to children. While most surgeons employ an open technique for high ligation of the hernia sac, many surgeons have converted to and recommend a laparoscopic technique for repair. It is important for the pediatric surgeon to have a basic understanding of all techniques of repair available to them, in order to best decide which to use. Here we present a brief description of many of the most commonly used techniques by pediatric surgeons for repair of inguinal hernia in children.
Development and Application of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

Since the early 1960s, multispectral imagery has been served as the data source for earth observational remote sensing (RS) in the last thirty years; the advancement of sensor technology had made it accessible to colleting hundreds continues spectral bands-hyperspectral RS. Hyperspectral RS (HRS) is a new technique for observing the earth, which is different from the multispectral RS because of several hundreds of contiguous spectral bands. With a long history of development, HRS is widely used currently. This review details the development of HRS, data processing, characteristics, imaging mode of hyperspectral sensors and its applications, such as detecting and identifying the surface, monitoring agriculture and forest status, environmental studies, and military surveillance, etc.
Prevalence Rates of Acute Stress Disorder Symptomatology and Association to Juvenile Crime Involvement

Little is known about the relationship between acute stress disorder and criminal behavior among youth. This study examined data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Participants in this survey, which took place between February 2001 and January 2003, consisted of 10,148 youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years. Because the NCS-A was conducted prior to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder from the fourth edition of the DSM were mapped to DSM-5 criteria for ASD. Due to changes in the DSM-5 criteria for ASD, youth in this study were described as having "ASD symptomatology." Youth with ASD symptomatology were significantly more likely to report involvement in crimes than youth without any lifetime diagnosis, regardless of whether the crimes resulted in arrest. The data presented here provide a more accurate picture of the relationship between ASD and crime. These data suggest that it may be useful to develop prevention and intervention strategies that provide education and support to at-risk youth who develop ASD symptoms. The quality of life for untreated youth decreases significantly, and untreated youth are likely at risk for criminal involvement, suicide, and other comorbid psychiatric disorders.
Aspects of the Reproductive Biology of the Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) on the Black River, New Mexico

The Rio Grande cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi), the westernmost species of the genus Pseudemys, is a riverine turtle native to the lower Rio Grande River basin and its tributaries. Currently, P. gorzugi is under review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for federal protection. However, very little is known about any aspect of this species' ecology and natural history, posing challenges to the assessment of its conservation status. To fill in these knowledge gaps, we studied female size at maturity, clutch size and mean egg size, correlation between reproductive output and female size, and reproductive seasonality of P. gorzugi from mid-May to mid-August 2018. We captured P. gorzugi on the Black River, New Mexico, using traditional hoop net traps and snorkeling. Of 155 females, 28 contained oviductal follicles and 16 contained shelled eggs. We observed a high proportion of gravid females at the end of May through mid-June, although the egg development cycle may extend into August. Our findings allow for a better understanding of this poorly studied species. Knowledge on seasonality of egg development and deposition can aid management planners in determining appropriate times for implementing protection for nesting females and nesting sites.
Association between primary graft dysfunction and acute kidney injury after orthotopic heart transplantation‐ a retrospective, observational cohort study

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) are serious complications after heart transplantation (HT). The relationship between AKI and PGD is poorly understood. We sought to examine the incidence of AKI and identify risk factors associated with AKI. We hypothesized that PGD is one of the risk factors independently associated with post-HT AKI. We gathered data for all adult patients who underwent HT between 2009 and 2014. AKI was defined by the KDIGO criteria. PGD was categorized using ISHLT criteria. We assessed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors independently associated with post-HT AKI. Out of 316 patients, postoperative AKI occurred in 273 (86%) patients: 188 (68%) stage I, 44 (16%) stage II, and 41 (15%) stage III. Stage II/III AKI was associated with increased risk of mortality at 1 year. There was significant association between severe PGD and stage II/III AKI (P = 0.001, OR 3.63, 95% CI: 1.69-7.94). Other clinical factors significantly associated with stage II/III AKI included longer donor brain death duration and lower recipient baseline creatinine. We found that stage II/III AKI is common and independently associated with severe PGD. Another potentially modifiable risk factor is donor brain death duration.
Imaging anatomy of the vertebral canal for trans-sacral hiatus puncture of the lumbar cistern.

A standard lumbar puncture may be impossible for many anatomic or technical reasons. Previous accounts of caudal epidural anesthesia and other procedures via the sacral hiatus prompted us to test if image-guided percutaneous trans-sacral hiatus access to the lumbosacral subarachnoid cistern would be anatomically feasible. To study vertebral canal morphometry and curvature, we analyzed midsagittal computed tomography-myelogram images of 40 normal subjects and digitally measured sacral curvatures between S1 to S5 and S2 to S4 using two methods whereby a lower angle signifies a straighter sacrum. We measured midsagittal vertebral canal area, hiatus width, dural sac termination levels, and distance from sacral hiatus to the dural sac tip (needle distance). Subjects were F:M = 25:15, with a mean age of 44.9 years. The two S1-S5 full sacral curvature mean angles were 57.3° and 60.4°. Almost all sacral hiatuses were at S4, and dural sac terminations were at S1-S2. The mean S2-S4 sacral curvature was 25.1°, and the mean needle distance was 57.7 mm. Using two-way analysis of variance, there were significant sex differences for needle distances (p = .001), and full and limited sacral curvatures (p = .02, and p = .046, respectively). There were no significant linear regression correlations between age and sacral curvature, needle distance, canal area, or hiatus width. Therefore, despite a frequently prominent full sacral curvature, the combination of S1-S2 dural sac termination plus a relatively straight trajectory of the lower vertebral canal between S2 and S4 support the theoretical feasibility of percutaneous trans-sacral hiatus and vertebral canal access to the lumbosacral cistern using a standard spinal needle.
CHAPTER X – Conflicting Control Problems with Hyperrelaxed Adverse Controls

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on conflicting control problems with hyperrelaxed adverse control. The chapter focuses on the existence of minimizing relaxed and approximate controls. While it is not fair to replace all of the conflicting control functions by their relaxed versions, a fair trade-off will consist in allowing friendly control functions to be relaxed in exchange for granting the adverse control functions an even greater freedom and a larger set from which to operate. The chapter also discusses the existence of minimizing relaxed and approximate controls and presents the necessary conditions for a relaxed minimum.
Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocols in the Abdomen and Pelvis

In recent decades, the clinical applications for which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is routinely used have expanded exponentially. MR imaging protocols have become increasingly complex, adversely affecting image acquisition and interpretation times. The MR imaging workflow has become a prime target for process improvement initiatives. There has been growing interest in the cultivation of abbreviated MR imaging protocols that evaluate specific clinical questions while reducing cost and increasing access. The overarching goal is to streamline the MR imaging workflow and reduce the time needed to obtain and report examinations by eliminating duplicative or unnecessary sequences without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
Security Factors in Africa

In this chapter, the author reconsiders the elements of security/insecurity in Africa and promotes the integration of a pre-colonial security framework and indigenous societal dynamics as critical factor in modern security dynamics. Specifically, Ilunga argues that to understand and address the complexity of insecurity and its humanitarian consequences in the DRC and the Central African region, it is imperative to consider and integrate the pillars of traditional security of African communities, as they existed prior to colonization, into the current security and humanitarian framework. This would mean to embrace the role and place of ethnic groups, their hierarchical structures, and indigenous social and cultural dynamics as pivotal parts in the assessment, development, and implementation of security mechanisms in the DRC and the region. Doing so will facilitate the design and implementation of relevant, context-specific strategies that meet and address the needs of communities that currently suffer from pervasive insecurity.
Modulation of Autophagy by SARS-CoV-2: A Potential Threat for Cardiovascular System

Recently, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of patients suffering from respiratory tract illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The COVID-19 virus is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with a genome size of ~29.9 kb. It is believed that the viral spike (S) protein attaches to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 cell surface receptors and, eventually, the virus gains access into the host cell with the help of intracellular/extracellular proteases or by the endosomal pathway. Once, the virus enters the host cell, it can either be degraded via autophagy or evade autophagic degradation and replicate using the virus encoded RNA dependent RNA polymerase. The virus is highly contagious and can impair the respiratory system of the host causing dyspnea, cough, fever, and tightness in the chest. This disease is also characterized by an abrupt upsurge in the levels of proinflammatory/inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic factors in a process known as cytokine storm. Certain reports have suggested that COVID-19 infection can aggravate cardiovascular complications, in fact, the individuals with underlying co-morbidities are more prone to the disease. In this review, we shall discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, potential drug candidates, the interaction between virus and autophagy, and the role of coronavirus in exaggerating cardiovascular complications.
Impact of RapidAI mobile application on treatment times in patients with large vessel occlusion.

Background Current efforts to reduce door to groin puncture time (DGPT) aim to optimize clinical outcomes in stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs). The RapidAI mobile application (Rapid Mobile App) provides quick access to perfusion and vessel imaging in patients with LVOs. We hypothesize that utilization of RapidAI mobile application can significantly reduce treatment times in stroke care by accelerating the process of mobilizing stroke clinicians and interventionalists. Methods We analyzed patients presenting with LVOs between June 2019 and October 2020. Thirty-one patients were treated between June 2019 and March 2020 (pre-app group). Thirty-three patients presented between March 2020 and October 2020 (post-app group). Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to examine variables that are not normally distributed. In a secondary analysis we analyzed interhospital time metrics between primary stroke centers and our comprehensive stroke center. Results Baseline demographic and vascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Use of Rapid Mobile App resulted in 33 min reduction in DGPT (P=0.02), 35 min reduction in door to first pass time (P=0.02), and 37 min reduction in door to recanalization time (P=0.02) in univariate analyses when compared with patients treated pre-app. In a multiple linear regression model, utilization of Rapid Mobile App significantly predicted shorter DGPT (P=0.002). In an adjusted model, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 24 hours after procedure and at discharge were significantly lower in the post-app group (P=0.03). Time of transfer between primary and comprehensive stroke center was comparable in both groups (P=0.26). Conclusion In patients with LVOs, the implementation of the RapidAI mobile application was independently associated with reductions in intrahospital treatment times.
Exact two-level minimization of hazard-free logic with multiple-input changes

A method for exact hazard-free logic minimization of Boolean functions is described. Given an incompletely specified Boolean function, the method produces a minimal sum-of-products implementation which is hazard-free for a given set of multiple-input changes, if such a solution exists. The method is a constrained version of the Quine-McCluskey algorithm. It has been automated and applied to a number of examples. Results are compared with results of a comparable non-hazard-free method (espresso-exact). Overhead due to hazard elimination is shown to be negligible. >
Solar energy adoption: A case study of South Carolina

Abstract We explore the issues of adoption of solar photovoltaic produced electricity with a focus on the state of South Carolina. Specifically, we examine the state’s current policy environment, trends in renewable energy adoption (including national trends), potential reasons for non-adoption, economic impacts, costs and benefits of solar, and, the future challenges and opportunities. Barring any adverse economic events, we predict that the consumption of solar photovoltaics (coupled with storage) with likely double by 2030.
The Effect of Ancestry and Genetic Variation on Lung Function Predictions: What Is “Normal” Lung Function in Diverse Human Populations?

Lung function measures are an invaluable screening test for respiratory health and have been associated with the morbidity and mortality related to different airway disease as well as all-cause mortality. Currently, reference values for spirometric measurements are obtained using equations derived from individual ethnic or racial groups. The rapid expansion of more racially and ethnically diverse populations will challenge current race-based lung function reference equations. Recent international general population studies and ancestry-based genetic studies have found that ancestry and genetic variation are determinants of lung function and have suggested a role for genetic ancestry or gene variants in future lung function reference equations. In this review, we discuss the potential limitations of current lung function reference equations in a global society which is becoming more ethnically, racially, and, thus, genetically diverse. We also focus on how an individual's ancestral background or genetic profile could provide the basis for more accurate, personalized predictions of an individual's baseline lung function.
Heteronuclear Assignment Techniques

A brief overview of NMR experiments that can be used to correlate the chemical shifts of different nuclear species is presented. The differences between single-quantum and multiple-quantum techniques are explored with special reference to their suitability for particular purposes. Keywords: correlation; single-quantum; multiple-quantum; multiplicity selection; HSQC; HMQC; TROSY; HMBC; H2BC
Gosset, William Sealy

This article has no abstract. Keywords: t Test; small-sample statistics; analysis of variance; ‘Student’
Razzle Dazzle Football

(1979). Razzle Dazzle Football. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 69-70.
Fetal gastrointestinal obstruction. Prenatal diagnosis based on amniotic fluid analysis.

Abstract A report is made upon 4 patients in whom polyhydramnios, elevated amniotic fluid bilirubin, and small bowel atresia were found. Early diagnosis and management of the congenital gastrointestinal tract obstruction were made possible by recognition of the prenatal findings of hydramnios and elevated amniotic fluid bilirubin. In 2 patients, definitive prenatal diagnosis was accomplished radiographically. It is known that bilirubin may reach the amniotic fluid transplacentally or by means of fetal tracheobronchial excretion. It is suggested that compromised placental transfer of pigment, related to hydramnios with increased intrauterine pressure, results in increased fetal tracheobronchial excretion with accumulation of pigments in the amniotic fluid.
Constitutional Environmental Rights and Liabilities

This article surveys the types of remedies courts have developed in the environmental cases where they have found liability for violation of constitutional rights. Part I explores liabilities and state obligations under the international legal framework and Part II examines the range of remedies that courts have used. Despite the challenges, courts have been extraordinarily creative in designing remedies that are ambitious enough to be effective in remedying the environmental damage, yet defined and limited enough that defendants can implement them. Still, defendants – both official and private – can be recalcitrant, and we consider in the second part of this article the challenges that courts face in enforcing the remedies they have ordered. Although the cases span the globe, the majority of cases in which the courts are so heavily engaged that their remedial orders go beyond the typical are from the Philippines, a few countries in Latin America, and the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh and Nepal.
Power Spectrum of Cosmic String Perturbations on the Microwave Background

I review recent progress towards a detailed understanding of the power spectrum of cosmic string perturbations induced on the Microwave Background (CMB). The use of a simple analytic model allows to include important effects that have not been included in previous studies. These effects are potential fluctuations on the last scattering surface (the Sachs-Wolfe effect) and Doppler CMB perturbations. These previously neglected fluctuations are shown to dominate over post-recombination fluctuations (Gott-Kaiser-Stebbins effect) on angular scales less than about 2° assuming that no reionization occurs. The effective power spectrum index neff is calculated on COBE scales and is shown to be somewhat larger than 1 (\(1.35 \lesssim {n_{eff}} \lesssim 1.5\)). After normalizing the model on COBE data and string simulations, I derive the predicted values of (\({\left( {\frac{{\delta T}}{T}} \right)_{rms}}\))rms for several ongoing CMB experiments on medium and small angular scales. A comparison is also made with current observations and predictions of models based on inflation.
Role of Activation of Protein Kinaso C in the Stimulation of Colonic Epithelial Proliferation by Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Abstract Some, but not all, studies have suggested that highfat diets promote colon carcinogenesis, possibly by stimulating the proliferative activity of colonic epithelium. Both the increase in colonic excretion of bile salts and of fatty acids that occur with an increase in fat ingestion have been implicated as stimuli of epithelial proliferative activity. In this study, we examined the role of activation of protein kinase C in fatty acid-induced stimulation of colonic epithelial proliferation in the rat. Intracolonic instillation of arachidonate, linoleate, or oleate at concentrations that did not induce surface cell injury or loss increased colonic mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity and stimulated incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into mucosal deoxyribonucleic acid. The saturated fatty acid palmitate was without effect. Arachidonate, linoleate, and oleate each induced the translocation of protein kinase C activity from the soluble fraction to the membrane fraction of colonic mucosa, an index of enzyme activation. The translocation of protein kinase C induced by unsaturated fatty acids occurred both in vivo after intracolonic instillation of these agents and in vitro upon incubation of isolated colonic crypt epithelium with fatty acids. The effects of the unsaturated fatty acids on both enzyme translocation and colonic epithelial proliferative activity were suppressed by 1-(5-isoquinolinyl)-2-methylpiperazine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C activity. Unsaturated fatty acids directly stimulated soluble colonic mucosal protein kinase C activity when added to the enzyme assay mixture. This action was blocked by 1-(5-isoquinolinyl)-2-methylpiperazine. However, unsaturated fatty acids also increased the breakdown of polyphosphoinositides when added to isolated colonic epithelium. The increase in polyphosphoinositide breakdown resulted in release of diacylglycerol, an endogenous activator of protein kinase C. Thus, unsaturated fatty acids may activate protein kinase C of colonic epithelium through either a direct intracellular effect or through an action on the cell membrane. The results support a role for protein kinase C in the stimulation of colonic epithelial proliferation by unsaturated fatty acids.
Time of insemination relative to reaching activity threshold is associated with pregnancy risk when using sex-sorted semen for lactating Jersey cows

The objective of this observational experiment was to determine the association between the interval from reaching activity threshold (AT) to artificial insemination (AI) with sex-sorted semen and the probability of pregnancy. Jersey cows (n = 678) from a commercial dairy herd were fitted with heat-rumination long-distance collars (SCR Ltd., Netanya, Israel) at approximately 42 ± 7 days postpartum. Cows were presynchronized with three injections of PGF2α given 14 days apart starting on Day 39 ± 3 postpartum. Cows in estrus, based on tail paint removal, after 50 ± 3 days postpartum were inseminated by one of three technicians with semen from one of six sires. Cows were examined for pregnancy at 31 ± 3 and 66 ± 3 days after insemination. Only cows inseminated in estrus and examined for pregnancy at 31 ± 3 days after AI were used in the experiment (n = 419). A subsample of cows (n = 35) were examined by ultrasound every 8 hours after reaching AT to estimate the interval from reaching AT and ovulation. The mean (± standard error of the mean) interval from reaching AT to AI was 16.9 ± 0.5 hours, whereas the interval from peak activity to AI was 9.8 ± 0.5 hours. The length of high activity among cows diagnosed in estrus was 17.3 ± 0.3 hours. The mean interval from reaching AT to ovulation was 25.7 ± 1.2 hours. There was a quadratic effect of the interval between reaching AT and AI on probabilities of pregnancy at 31 ± 3 (P = 0.07) and 66 ± 3 (P = 0.15) days after AI. Pregnancy per AI at 66 ± 3 days after AI was higher for cows inseminated between 23 and 41 hours after the onset of estrus (≤ 3 hours = 20.0%, 4-12 hours = 27.1%, 13-22 hours = 39.1%, 23-41 hours = 45.6%, and ≥ 42 = 40.0%). Insemination of lactating Jersey cows with sex-sorted semen closer to expected ovulation yielded the highest probability of pregnancy.
A Unified Scheme for Initiation and Conformational Adaptation of Human Apolipoprotein E N-terminal Domain upon Lipoprotein Binding and for Receptor Binding Activity

We report here a high-resolution NMR structure of the complete receptor-binding domain of human apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3-NT). Similar to the crystal structure of apoE-NT, the NMR structure displayed an elongated four-helix bundle. However, additional unique structural features were also observed. The segments in the N and C termini, which were missing in the crystal structure, formed α-helices having extensive tertiary contacts with the bundle, which oriented these short helices at specific positions for receptor binding activity. Several buried hydrophilic residues observed in the bundle were located strategically between helices 1 and 2 and between helices 3 and 4, significantly destabilizing these helix-helix interfaces. In addition, these buried hydrophilic residues formed buried H-bonds, which may play a key role in specific lipid-free helix bundle recovery. A short helix, nHelix C, was fully solvent-exposed and nearly perpendicular to the bundle. This short helix likely plays a critical role in initiating protein-lipid interaction, causing a preferred conformational adaptation of the bundle at the weaker helix-helix interfaces. This produces an open conformation with two lobes of helices, helices 1 and 4 and helices 2 and 3, which may be the competent conformation for receptor binding activity. Thus, the NMR structure suggests a unified scheme for the initiation and helix bundle opening of apoE-NT upon lipoprotein-binding and for receptor binding activity.
A methodological framework for the triple bottom line accounting and management of industry enterprises

Since the 1970s the purpose of the environmental protection campaign has been to try to halt the gradual deterioration of our natural habitat. Reactive and pro-active strategies were developed to incorporate environmental and social concerns into economic development beyond regulatory compliance. In this research, we present a methodology to support the new era of sustainable development for all the three areas, which implements the triple bottom line (TBL) accounting mechanism by using quantitative models. A broad TBL framework is developed to track and categorize sustainability information at the corporate level through a sustainability index system. A ‘sustainability optimization’ model incorporates environmental and social costs and values into economic activities to support the decisions of the management. This methodology can help decision makers to make ‘green’ plans, and provide strategic directions for future development.
Emergency medicine in South Africa: a personal perspective.

Abstract As efforts are made to make Emergency Medicine and the Journal of Emergency Medicine more international, the different systems of medical education and practice trends in other countries should be considered when making suggestions. This article is a personal perspective of a surgeon who has been involved in emergency care in both the United States and South Africa. The system in the United States can be defined as "mature." Although the system in South Africa has been defined as "underdeveloped," efforts are underway to establish Emergency Medicine as a separate, independent discipline. Some of the differences in medical education, postgraduate training, and disease prevalence are highlighted. A significant number of South Africans use the services of traditional healers, and a brief review of their services is included.
Design, Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Novel 4,5-Disubstituted 7-(β-d-Ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazines and the Novel 3-Amino-5-methyl-1-(β-d-ribofuranosyl)- and 3-Amino-5-methyl-1-(2-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-1,5-dihydro-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexaazaacenaphthylene as Analogues of Triciribine

The synthesis of several heterocyclic analogues of the biologically important nucleoside antibiotic toyocamycin and the tricyclic nucleoside triciribine (TCN) were prepared along with their 2‘-deoxy counterparts. Coupling of 2-nitropyrrole-3,4-dicarboxamide (15) under a variety of conditions with α-chloro-2-deoxy-3,4-di-O-toluoyl-d-ribofuranose (16a) gave mixtures of the α and β anomers. A coupling of 15 with 1-chloro-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-d-ribofuranose (18) gave exclusively the β anomer. Individually, the two pyrrole nucleosides were treated with Pd/C, H2 to reduce the nitro groups and cyclized with nitrous acid, and the corresponding 4-position was functionalized as a triazoyl derivative. Nucleophillic displacement was carried out with ammonia to give a mixture of 4-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazine-5-carbonitrile (26) and 2-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrrole-3,4-dicarbonitrile (27), the latter being formed via a retro-Diels−Alder reaction. T...
Altering the symmetry of wave functions in quantum algebras and supersymmetry

The statistics-altering operators M present in the limit q=−1 of multiparticle SUq(2)-invariant subspaces parallel the action of such operators which naturally occur in supersymmetric theories. We illustrate this heuristically by comparison to a toy N=2 supersymmetry algebra, and ask whether there is a supersymmetry structure underlying SUq(2) at that limit. We remark on the relevance of such alternating-symmetry multiplets to the construction of invariant Hamiltonians.
Climate Feedbacks in Response to Changes in Obliquity

AbstractThe feedbacks involved in the response of climate to a reduction of Earth’s obliquity are investigated in the GFDL Climate Model version 2.1 (CM2.1). A reduction in obliquity increases the meridional gradient of the annual mean insolation, causing a strengthening of the atmospheric and ocean circulation that transports more heat poleward. The heat transport does not balance the direct obliquity forcing completely, and additional local radiative fluxes are required to explain the change in the equilibrium energy budget. The surface temperature generally increases at low latitudes and decreases at high latitudes following the change in the insolation. However, in some areas, the sign of the temperature change is opposite of the forcing, indicating the strong influence of feedbacks. These feedbacks are also responsible for a decrease in the global mean temperature despite that the change in the global mean insolation is close to zero. The processes responsible for these changes are increases in the i...
Ethical Leadership for the Professions : Fostering a Moral Community

This paper examines the professions as examples of “moral community” and explores how professional leaders possessed of moral intelligence can make a contribution to enhance the ethical fabric of their communities. The paper offers a model of ethical leadership in the professional business sector that will improve our understanding of how ethical behavior in the professions confers legitimacy and sustainability necessary to achieving the professions’ goals, and how a leadership approach to ethics can serve as an effective tool for the dissemination of moral values in the organization.
Numerical simulation of elastic recovery for uncured rubber compound with a multi-mode Simhambhatla–Leonov model

Transient squeeze flow and recovery experiments are simulated for a rubber compound. The rheological behaviour of the selected compound is described with a multi-mode Leonov model developed for filled uncured elastomers. The calculation is performed with the finite element software POLYFLOW. In particular, we focus on the deformation undergone under the application of a load, and on the subsequent recovery that develop upon cessation of the squeezing force. We also try to establish a possible empirical relationship between the applied squeeze force and time interval (input data) and the resulting deformation and recovery (output quantities).
Formation of Co-capping during sintering of straight WC-10 wt% Co

Abstract Co-capping is a term that refers to a thin layer of Co occasionally observed on the surface of sintered WC–Co parts. It is usually considered undesirable and needs to be removed. The mechanism of its formation has been a myth in the industry and not fully understood to date. In this study, the effects of several factors, including cooling rate, atmosphere and carbon content in specimens, on the formation of Co-capping during sintering of straight WC–Co materials were experimentally examined. The mechanism of Co-capping formation was discussed based on the principles of liquid-phase migration.
Gradient and patterned polymer brushes by photoinitiated ``grafting through'' approach

More than 2 decades of active investigations in the field of polymer brushes have revealed continuous and grow- ing interest in different aspects of synthesis, properties, and applications of tethered polymers. In this article, we report on our recent advances in brush synthesis. The method we explore is based on the combination of ''grafting through'' approach with the functional anchoring polymer layer tech- nique. We introduce the photoinitiated ''version'' of synthesis of polyacrylamide brushes. Both homogeneous depositions and laterally resolved gradient and patterned samples have been prepared by this technique. The results for flat polymer brushes, that is, thickness, stability, and contact angles, are complimented by kinetic parameters as deducted from analysis of gradient samples obtained by the method of a sliding mask. A microscopic shadow mask is used to fabricate patterned brushes. The microscopically patterned brushes demonstrate high lateral resolution limited by optical phenomena. Finally, we have performed a viability assaying of neuronal cell on both flat and patterned brushes. Sufficient restraint of cell ad- hesion on polyacrylamide photobrushes and very low cytotox- icity of the brush components (polymer brush itself, anchoring layer) make photografting a promising platform to control cell deposition and surface localization. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1616-1622, 2010
Modeling of enhanced penetrant diffusion in nanoparticle-polymer composite membranes

Abstract We have utilized 2D material point method (MPM) to study the influence of nanoparticles on the diffusivity of penentrants in model polymer membranes comprised of impenetrable spherical nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix with uniform penetrant solubility and diffusivity. Diffusion in the nanoparticle-polymer composite membrane was enhanced by the presence of a thin “skin” of matrix material next to the surface of the nanoparticles with a penetrant diffusion coefficient 100 times that of the bulk matrix. The influence of the skin thickness, nanoparticle area fraction and the manner in which the nanoparticles were distributed in the membrane on penetrant diffusion was studied. For a given skin thickness the penetrant diffusion in the composite membrane was found to increase exponentially with increasing area fraction of nanoparticles both above and below the percolation threshold. Membranes with clustered nanoparticles were found to have higher penetrants diffusivity than the membranes with fully dispersed particles due to the formation of anisotropic nanoparticle clusters. We found the total area fraction of particles + enhanced matrix (skin) to be a valid scaling variable for the effective diffusion coefficient of the nanoparticle-polymer composite membranes for the entire range of skin thickness and nanoparticle loadings investigated. Implications of the observed dependencies of effective penetrant diffusivity in the composite membrane on nanoparticle loading, skin thickness and nanoparticle morphology are discussed.
The complete genome sequence and genetic analysis of ΦCA82 a novel uncultured microphage from the turkey gastrointestinal system

The genomic DNA sequence of a novel enteric uncultured microphage, ΦCA82 from a turkey gastrointestinal system was determined utilizing metagenomics techniques. The entire circular, single-stranded nucleotide sequence of the genome was 5,514 nucleotides. The ΦCA82 genome is quite different from other microviruses as indicated by comparisons of nucleotide similarity, predicted protein similarity, and functional classifications. Only three genes showed significant similarity to microviral proteins as determined by local alignments using BLAST analysis. ORF1 encoded a predicted phage F capsid protein that was phylogenetically most similar to the Microviridae ΦMH2K member's major coat protein. The ΦCA82 genome also encoded a predicted minor capsid protein (ORF2) and putative replication initiation protein (ORF3) most similar to the microviral bacteriophage SpV4. The distant evolutionary relationship of ΦCA82 suggests that the divergence of this novel turkey microvirus from other microviruses may reflect unique evolutionary pressures encountered within the turkey gastrointestinal system.
Yeast uridine diphosphogalactose-4-epimerase, correlation between activity and fluorescence.

Abstract Yeast grown on galactose contains a strikingly fluorescent protein in the fractions which contain UDP-galactose-4-epimerase. UDP-galactose-4-epimerase from yeast, unlike the corresponding enzyme from liver, does not require addition of diphosphopyridine nucleotide for activity. Further purification for the yeast enzyme gives a close correlation between enzyme activity and fluorescence. Addition of p -chloromercuribenzoate brings about a disappearance of fluorescence as well as activity. The latter can be restored by addition of diphosphopyridine nucleotide. A discussion of possible mechanisms of the enzymic interconversion poses a number of new problems.
HIGH-LEVEL COMPUTATIONAL STUDY ON THE THERMOCHEMISTRY OF SATURATED AND UNSATURATED THREE- AND FOUR-MEMBERED NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS RINGS

The heats of formation and strain energies for saturated and unsaturated three- and four-membered nitrogen and phosphorus rings have been calculated using G2 theory. G2 heats of formation (ΔHf298) of triaziridine [(NH)3], triazirine (N3H), tetrazetidine [(NH)4], and tetrazetine (N4H2) are 405.0, 453.7, 522.5, and 514.1 kJ mol−1, respectively. Tetrazetidine is unstable (121.5 kJ mol−1 at 298 K) with respect to its dissociation into two trans-diazene (N2H2) molecules. The dissociation of tetrazetine into molecular nitrogen and trans-diazene is highly exothermic (ΔH298 = −308.3 kJ mol−1 calculated using G2 theory). G2 heats of formation (ΔHf298) of cyclotriphosphane [(PH)3], cyclotriphosphene (P3H), cyclotetraphosphane [(PH)4], and cyclotetraphosphene (P4H2) are 80.7, 167.2, 102.7, and 170.7 kJ mol−1, respectively. Cyclotetraphosphane and cyclotetraphosphene are stabilized by 145.8 and 101.2 kJ mol−1 relative to their dissociations into two diphosphene molecules or into diphosphene (HP(DOUBLE BOND)PH) and diphosphorus (P2), respectively. The strain energies of triaziridine [(NH)3], triazirine (N3H), tetrazetidine [(NH)4], and tetrazetine (N4H2) were calculated to be 115.0, 198.3, 135.8, and 162.0 kJ mol−1, respectively (at 298 K). While the strain energies of the nitrogen three-membered rings in triaziridine and triazirine are smaller than the strain energies of cyclopropane (117.4 kJ mol−1) and cyclopropene (232.2 kJ mol−1), the strain energies of the nitrogen four-membered rings in tetrazetidine and tetrazetine are larger than those of cyclobutane (110.2 kJ mol−1) and cyclobutene (132.0 kJ mol−1). In contrast to higher strain in cyclopropane as compared with cyclobutane, triaziridine is less strained than tetrazetidine. The strain energies of cyclotriphosphane [(PH)3, 21.8 kJ mol−1], cyclotriphosphene (P3H, 34.6 kJ mol−1), cyclotetraphosphane [(PH)4, 24.1 kJ mol−1], and cyclotetraphosphene (P4H2, 18.5 kJ mol−1), calculated at the G2 level are considerably smaller than those of their carbon and nitrogen analog. Cyclotetraphosphene containing the P(DOUBLE BOND)P double bond is less strained than cyclotetraphosphane, in sharp contrast to the ratio between the strain energies for the analogous unsaturated and saturated carbon and nitrogen rings. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 62: 373–384, 1997
Neurologic complications following immobilization of cervical spine fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Axial traction is widely recommended for stabilization of cervical spine fractures. This procedure may be inappropriate and even dangerous in patients with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We present the case of an 80-year-old woman with AS who fell at home and suffered an unstable large C5–C6 fracture/dislocation associated with left-sided weakness and decreased sensation. Medical treatment included placing her neck in a neutral position, despite her preference for neck flexion. This procedure increased her pain and paresthesias; the complications decreased, but did not entirely resolve, when the patient resumed a semi-flexed position. This patient's neurologic sequelae may have been exacerbated by attempts to stabilize her neck in a neutral position. Standard stabilization recommendations should be appropriately altered in some patients with cervical spine AS.
Distinct Transcriptional Control Mechanisms of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors in Natural Killer (NK) and in T Cells *

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and by subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which are therefore thought to be subject to similar regulatory mechanisms. Here, we show that the transcriptional machinery to express KIR is limited to NK and T cells; however, the KIR transcriptional control differs between these two types of lymphocytes. T cells selectively express transcriptional activators binding to positions -52 to -61 of the KIR promoter, whereas an AML site around position-98 is relevant for transcription in NK cells. Although KIR expression is restricted to subsets of memory T cells, our studies demonstrate that transcriptional activators for KIRs are not acquired during T cell differentiation but are already present in naive T cells, suggesting a basic role of KIRs in T cell biology. We suggest that the regulated expression of KIRs in T cells profoundly influences peripheral tolerance and antigen-specific immune responses.
Laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with end-stage lung disease awaiting transplantation

Objective There is a strong association between reflux and end-stage lung disease, especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The presence of reflux after lung transplantation might predispose to the development of bronchiolitis obliterans. We evaluated the risk and physiologic effect of laparoscopic fundoplication in patients on the lung transplant waiting list. Methods One hundred forty-nine patients on the lung transplant waiting list between March 2001 and January 2005 were evaluated. Nineteen were found to have a history of reflux, continued symptoms, and severe reflux by means of pH and manometric studies and underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. The postoperative course of these 19 patients, including lung function, was retrospectively reviewed. Postoperatively, the lung function of the 14 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who underwent the laparoscopic Nissen procedure was compared with that of 31 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on the transplant waiting list who did not undergo fundoplication. Results There were no perioperative complications and no decrease in lung function over the 15-month average follow-up. Exercise capacity remained stable, as determined on the basis of 6-minute walk distance. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with fundoplication had stable oxygen requirements, whereas control patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on the waiting list had a statistically significant deterioration in oxygen requirement. Conclusions Laparoscopic fundoplication can be performed safely in patients with end-stage lung disease awaiting lung transplantation. Overall, these patients maintained stable lung function during the follow-up period. When compared with a control group of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis not undergoing fundoplication, there was stabilization of oxygen requirement. A larger prospective trial evaluating the effect of laparoscopic fundoplication on underlying lung function in this patient population is warranted.