cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship of total and per-gram rankings in competitive effect to the natural abundance of herbaceous perennials

Summary 1 Using a field experiment and a garden experiment, I estimated the rankings in total and per-gram competitive effect of non-woody perennial old-field species. 2 Total competitive effects were defined as the relative reduction in growth of a target from no-neighbour to with-neighbour conditions. Per-gram competitive effects were defined as the per-unit relative reduction in target growth among increasing neighbour densities, and were determined from the shape of a nonlinear curve fit through a distribution of normalized target performance against neighbour mass. 3 In both experiments, mean total competitive effect differed significantly among species, indicating a strong competitive hierarchy. In the garden experiment only species at opposite ends of the ranking differed significantly in per-gram competitive effect, resulting in a weaker competitive hierarchy based on this measure. 4 Nonetheless, rankings of per-gram competitive effect were more strongly correlated with rank in abundance than were rankings of total competitive effect. 5 Per-gram competitive effect may be more predictive of natural abundance than total competitive effect for at least two reasons. The effects of neighbour abundance on targets are nonlinear, and unlike total effects, per-gram estimates of competitive effect may therefore indicate how competition changes over time with changing neighbour densities. Also, if higher per-gram competitive effect reflects higher per-unit nutrient uptake rates, it would probably be advantageous to a species throughout the individual’s life span, rather than only when the individual is larger than its surrounding neighbours.
Doubly stochastic matrices in quantum mechanics

The general set of doubly stochastic matrices of order n corresponding to ordinary nonrelativistic quantum mechanical transition probability matrices is given. Lande's discussion of the nonquantal origin of such matrices is noted. Several concrete examples are presented for elementary and composite angular momentum systems with the focus on the unitary symmetry associated with such systems in the spirit of the recent work of Bohr and Ulfbeck. Birkhoff's theorem on doubly stochastic matrices of order n is reformulated in a geometrical language suitable for application to the subset of quantum mechanical doubly stochastic matrices. Specifically, it is shown that the set of points on the unit sphere in cartesian n!-space is surjective with the set of doubly stochastic matrices of order n. The question is raised, but not answered, as to what is the subset of points of this unit sphere that correspond to the quantum mechanical transition probability matrices, and what is the symmetry group of this subset of matrices.
The effect of nucleation conditions on the topology and geometry of two-dimensional grain structures

Abstract The geometry and topology of two-dimensional grain structures have been analyzed for different conditions of nucleation and growth to impingement. These conditions include simultaneous nucleation at a fixed number of sites, and continuous nucleation at a constant rate per unit of untransformed area. Intermediate between these cases are conditions in which the nucleation rate declines with time. Another set of conditions are those in which nucleation is excluded in a zone surrounding each pre-existing grain. A constant growth rate is assumed for all conditions. All the conditions modelled result in markedly different structures. The modelling is intended for applications to the study of the nucleation and growth conditions for thin films of metals or semiconductors.
Random processes with convex coordinates on triangular graphs

Probabilities for reaching specified destinations and expectation values for lengths for random walks on triangular arrays of points and edges are computed. Probabilities and expectation values are given as functions of the convex (barycentric) coordinates of the starting point.
Sexually transmitted disease screening by United States obstetricians and gynecologists.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess compliance with practice guidelines and to determine the extent of missed opportunities for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention by describing screening practices of a national sample of obstetricians and gynecologists and comparing them to the practices of other specialists. METHODS: Physicians (n = 7300) in five specialties that diagnose 85% of STDs in the United States were surveyed. Obstetrics and gynecology (n = 647) was one of the five specialties. Besides providing demographic and practice characteristics, respondents answered questions about who they screen (nonpregnant females, pregnant females) and for which bacterial STDs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia). RESULTS: Responding obstetricians and gynecologists were most likely to be non-Hispanic white (75%), male (66%), and in their 40s (mode 43 years old). They saw an average of 90 patients per week during 47 hours of direct patient care. Approximately 95% practiced in private settings. Almost all (96%) screened some patients for at least one STD. Obstetricians and gynecologists screened women more frequently than other specialties, but no specialty screened all women or all pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Obstetricians and gynecologists screen women for STDs at a higher rate than other specialties represented in this study. Consistent with published guidelines, most obstetricians and gynecologists in our survey screened pregnant women for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Nonetheless, only about half of obstetricians and gynecologists screened nonpregnant women for gonorrhea or chlamydia, and fewer screen nonpregnant women for syphilis.
A study of absorption enhancement by wavy film flows

The mass transfer rates into wavy falling films are larger than those predicted by smooth-film theory. Inertial, roll waves in the falling film flowing over a vertical tube are responsible for the largest enhancement. Transient, two-dimensional (2-D) governing equations were formulated for simultaneous heat and mass transfer in the film, with roll wave hydrodynamics as input. The equations, coupled nonlinearly at the vapor-liquid interface, were solved by an iterative finite-difference scheme. Average heat and mass transfer coefficients were extracted from the results and compared to experimental as well as theoretical data from the literature. Excellent agreement with penetration theory was obtained for the smooth film, but in the roll wave regime, the model predicted much higher transport rates than those possible with a smooth film. The model results indicate that the normal convective flux attributable to the transverse velocity in its inward phase, coupled with the effect of the corresponding streamwise velocity, is responsible for transport enhancement in such wavy films.
Injury of an aberrant vertebral artery during a routine corpectomy: a case report and literature review

A case report of a 58-year-old man who sustained a laceration of his left vertebral artery during a routine corpectomy for cervical myelopathy is reported. To report iatrogenic injury of a tortuous vertebral artery during anterior cervical spine surgery and discuss appropriate diagnosis and treatment options for this complication. UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA. Vertebral artery anomalies, although rare, are typically present with degenerative processes and great care must be taken to avoid damage during a corpectomy. Cross-sectional imaging coupled with intraoperative angiography is helpful for the urgent evaluation of the injury site and identification of the contralateral vertebral artery's status. This is a single case of a patient sustaining a laceration of the left vertebral artery during surgery, which resulted in a lateral medullary stroke. After the left vertebral artery laceration, hemostasis was achieved. With the intent to better visualize and possibly embolize or stent the injury, an angiographic study was carried out. The angiogram revealed a laceration of the left vertebral artery within the vertebral foramina at vertebral body level C6, but intact distal flow. The patient underwent angiographic embolization and a subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left lateral medullary stroke consistent with the lack of flow through the left vertebral artery from C6 to the basilar artery. If a tortuous vertebral artery is suspected, then meticulous review of preoperative cross-sectional imaging should be implemented along with angiographic examination. If anomalies are detected and the standard procedure cannot be safely carried out, then alterations, such as preoperative stent placement, need to be considered.
Voltammetric Monitoring of Protein Aggregation from Solution Using Tris‐(2,2′‐Bipyridine) Osmium(II) Chloride Complex as an Electrocatalytic Mediator

The present work evaluates the feasibility of tracking protein aggregation voltammetrically by taking advantage of the intrinsic electroactivity of tyrosine residues. The electrocatalytic current due to the oxidation of tyrosine, mediated by tris-(2,2′-bipyridine)osmium(II) chloride, is used to report changes in protein aggregation state. We demonstrate, by the use of square wave voltammetry, that this system is able to differentiate between peptides containing equimolar tyrosine concentrations, and even detect tyrosine within large entities such as antibodies and insoluble amyloid fibrils. We also determine the aggregation time course of a model peptide, amyloid beta, detecting species with sizes from monomeric to insoluble aggregate. The method offers the prospect of monitoring biopharmaceutical aggregation and has potential to establish itself as a technique that is orthogonal to existing methods of aggregation detection.
Barbiturate Metabolism as Affected by Neoplastic Disease

(1971). Barbiturate Metabolism as Affected by Neoplastic Disease. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 361-368.
Westward Who? Estimates of Native White Interstate Migration After the War of 1812

Estimates of interstate migration after 1815 and before 1860 for white, U.S.-born adults are presented. The estimates come from a sample of military bounty land warrant recipients who served in the War of 1812 and show that a majority of veterans spent their adult lives in the same state. The limited amount of interstate movement did conform to traditional descriptions of an east-west pattern. I also consider the social basis for interstate migration.
Theoretical analysis of alendronate and risedronate effects on canine vertebral remodeling and microdamage.

Abstract Bisphosphonates suppress bone remodeling activity, increase bone volume, and significantly reduce fracture risk in individuals with osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. The objectives of the current study were to develop a mathematical model that simulates control and 1 year experimental results following bisphosphonate treatment (alendronate or risedronate) in the canine fourth lumbar vertebral body, validate the model by comparing simulation predictions to 3 year experimental results, and then use the model to predict potential long term effects of bisphosphonates on remodeling and microdamage accumulation. To investigate the effects of bisphosphonates on bone volume and microdamage, a mechanistic biological model was modified from previous versions to simulate remodeling in a representative volume of vertebral trabecular bone in dogs treated with various doses of alendronate or risedronate, including doses equivalent to those used for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis in humans. Bisphosphonates were assumed to affect remodeling by suppressing basic multicellular unit activation and reducing resorption area. Model simulation results for trabecular bone volume fraction, microdamage, and activation frequency following 1 year of bisphosphonate treatment are consistent with experimental measurements. The model predicts that trabecular bone volume initially increases rapidly with 1 year of bisphosphonate treatment, and continues to slowly rise between 1 and 3 years of treatment. The model also predicts that microdamage initially increases rapidly, 0.5–1.5-fold for alendronate or risedronate during the first year of treatment, and reaches its maximum value by 2.5 years before trending downward for all dosages. The model developed in this study suggests that increasing bone volume fraction with long term bisphosphonate treatment may sufficiently reduce strain and damage formation rate so that microdamage does not accumulate above that which is initiated in the first two years of treatment.
Early and late results of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair with deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest.

Objective Open repair of descending thoracic aortic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms may carry low morbidity and mortality, depending on experience of the surgeon and operative technique used. Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair is less invasive, its limitations include anatomy and pathology of the aorta, proximity of major branches, and significant complication and reintervention rates. We retrospectively reviewed a 2-surgeon experience (J.W.F. and J.S.C.) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest to repair descending thoracic aortic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods All patients (n = 343) who underwent surgical replacement of descending thoracic aortic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest from 1995 to 2009 were included. Segmental arteries between T8 and the celiac artery were aggressively reimplanted as indicated. Visceral and renal artery bypasses were performed for significant stenosis. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed if targets were anterior or lateral wall vessels. Lumbar drains were not routinely used but placed postoperatively on clinical evidence of spinal cord ischemia. Results Of 343 patients, 98 had descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, 69 had Crawford type I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, 111 had type II, 32 had type III, and 33 had type IV. Emergency or urgent operations comprised 13% of repairs. Hospital mortalities were 5.0% for all cases, 3.7% for elective cases, and 13.3% for urgent or emergency cases. Overall incidences were 4.4% for stroke, 3.2% for paraplegia or paraparesis, 1.5% for renal failure requiring dialysis, and 3.5% for tracheostomy. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 90%, 79%, 69%, and 54%, respectively. Conclusions Surgical repair of descending thoracic aortic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest carries low operative morbidity and mortality and excellent early and late survival rates. These results can be used as a benchmark for future techniques and technologies.
Identification of residues lining the anthrax protective antigen channel.

In its activated 63 kDa form, the protective antigen (PA) component of anthrax toxin forms a heptameric prepore, which converts to a pore (channel) in endosomal membranes at low pH and mediates translocation of the toxin's enzymic moieties to the cytosol. It has been proposed that the prepore-to-pore conversion involves a conformational rearrangement of a disordered amphipathic loop (D2L2; residues 302−325), in which loops from the 7 protomers combine to form a transmembrane 14-stranded β barrel. To test this model, we generated Cys substitutions in 24 consecutive residues of the D2L2 loop, formed channels in artificial bilayers with each mutant, and examined changes in channel conductance after adding the thiol-reactive, bilayer-impermeant reagent methanethiosulfonate ethyltrimethylammonium (MTS-ET) to the trans compartment. The rationale for these experiments is that reaction of MTS-ET with a Cys residue adds a positively charged group and therefore would likely reduce channel conductance if the residue...
Evaluating child and youth homelessness

Following a review of approaches taken to generate accurate estimates of the scale of child and youth homelessness in America, this article documents the methods and results of a multipronged count of homeless children and youth in New Haven, Connecticut. The survey used in this count accessed demographics and service needs, and was administered on the streets and in a wide range of service provision settings. A total of 170 homeless families were located, comprised primarily of young, single, African American women and their children. These families included 323 children, suggesting an annual prevalence of 1,688 in this community. This work addresses the paucity of information on homeless children and youth located in small to midsized cities
Drosophila NOMPC is a mechanotransduction channel subunit for gentle-touch sensation

Touch sensation is essential for behaviours ranging from environmental exploration to social interaction; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown1. In Drosophila larvae, two types of sensory neurons, class III and class IV dendritic arborization neurons, tile the body wall. The mechanotransduction channel PIEZO in class IV neurons is essential for sensing noxious mechanical stimuli but is not involved in gentle touch2. On the basis of electrophysiological-recording, calcium-imaging and behavioural studies, here we report that class III dendritic arborization neurons are touch sensitive and contribute to gentle-touch sensation. We further identify NOMPC (No mechanoreceptor potential C), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels, as a mechanotransduction channel for gentle touch. NOMPC is highly expressed in class III neurons and is required for their mechanotransduction. Moreover, ectopic NOMPC expression confers touch sensitivity to the normally touch-insensitive class IV neurons. In addition to the critical role of NOMPC in eliciting gentle-touch-mediated behavioural responses, expression of this protein in the Drosophila S2 cell line also gives rise to mechanosensitive channels in which ion selectivity can be altered by NOMPC mutation, indicating that NOMPC is a pore-forming subunit of a mechanotransduction channel. Our study establishes NOMPC as a bona fide mechanotransduction channel that satisfies all four criteria proposed for a channel to qualify as a transducer of mechanical stimuli3 and mediates gentle-touch sensation. Our study also suggests that different mechanosensitive channels may be used to sense gentle touch versus noxious mechanical stimuli.
Seizure control following palliative resective surgery for intractable epilepsy-a pilot study.

Abstract Background Patients with intractable epilepsy who have bilateral epileptic foci may not qualify for curative epilepsy surgery. In some cases palliative resection may be undertaken with a goal to decrease seizure frequency and improve quality of life. Here we present data on the outcome of palliative epilepsy surgery in children. Methods We reviewed medical charts of children who underwent palliative resection for intractable epilepsy during the years 1999-2013 at Children's Hospital of Michigan. The palliative intent of resection was declared preoperatively. Outcome was assessed in terms of seizure reduction. Results There were 18 patients (11 males, median age of surgery was 3.5 years [range 0.5-16 years]). The median duration of follow-up after surgery was 12.5 months (range 6-60 months). Hemispherectomy was the most commonly performed palliative resection (nine patients), followed by lobectomy (six patients), multilobar resection (one patient), and tuberectomy (two patients). Reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 11 patients, with eight patients achieving seizure freedom on antiepileptic drugs and three with >50% reduction in seizure frequency. Transient improvement in seizure frequency occurred in two patients, whereas there was no benefit in five patients. Conclusions Beneficial effects of epilepsy surgery may be realized in carefully selected situations wherein the most epileptogenic focus is resected to reduce seizure burden and improve quality of life.
Loading patterns and jaw movements during mastication in Macaca fascicularis: a bone-strain, electromyographic, and cineradiographic analysis.

Rosette strain gage, electromyography (EMG), and cineradiographic techniques were used to analyze loading patterns and jaw movements during mastication in Macaca fascicularis. The cineradiographic data indicate that macaques generally swallow frequently throughout a chewing sequence, and these swallows are intercalated into a chewing cycle towards the end of a power stroke. The bone strain and jaw movement data indicate that during vigorous mastication the transition between fast close and the power stroke is correlated with a sharp increase in masticatory force, and they also show that in most instances the jaws of macaques are maximally loaded prior to maximum intercuspation, i.e. during phase I (buccal phase) occlusal movements. Moreover, these data indicate that loads during phase II (lingual phase) occlusal movements are ordinarily relatively small. The bone strain data also suggest that the duration of unloading of the jaw during the power stroke of mastication is largely a function of the relaxation time of the jaw adductors. This interpretation is based on the finding that the duration from 100% peak strain to 50% peak strain during unloading closely approximates the half-relaxation time of whole adductor jaw muscles of macaques. The EMG data of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles have important implications for understanding both the biomechanics of the power stroke and the external forces responsible for the "wishboning" effect that takes place along the mandibular symphysis and corpus during the power stroke of mastication. Although both medial pterygoid muscles reach maximum EMG activity during the power stroke, the activity of the working-side medial pterygoid peaks after the balancing-side medial pterygoid. Associated with the simultaneous increase of force of the working-side medial pterygoid and the decrease of force of the balancing-side medial pterygoid is the persistently high level of EMG activity of the balancing-side deep masseter (posterior portion). This pattern is of considerable significance because the direction of force of both the working-side medial pterygoid and the balancing-side deep masseter are well aligned to aid in driving the working-side lower molars across the upper molars in the medial direction during unilateral mastication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Characterization of silicon carbide joints fabricated using SiC particulate-reinforced Ag–Cu–Ti alloys

Abstract CVD silicon carbide was brazed to itself using two Ag–Cu–Ti braze alloys reinforced with SiC particulates to control braze thermal expansion and enhance joint strength. Powders of the braze alloys, Ticusil (composition in wt%: Ag–26.7Cu–4.5Ti, T L : 900 °C) and Cusil-ABA (Ag–35.3Cu–1.75Ti, T L : 815 °C) were pre-mixed with 5, 10 and 15 wt% SiC particulates (∼20–30 μm) using glycerin to create braze pastes that were applied to the surfaces to be joined. Joints were vacuum brazed and examined using optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and the Knoop hardness test. The SiC particles were randomly distributed in the braze matrix and bonded to it via reaction with the titanium from the braze alloy. Titanium together with Si and C segregated at the particle/braze interface, and promoted nucleation and precipitation of the Cu-rich secondary phase on particle surfaces. The Si–Ti–C-rich reaction layers also formed at the interface between CVD SiC substrate and the braze alloy. The loss of Ti in the reaction with SiC particulates did not impair either the bond quality or the thickness of the reaction layer on the CVD SiC substrate. Microhardness measurements showed that the dispersed SiC particulates lowered the braze hardness by depleting the braze matrix of Ti. Theoretical calculations indicated the CTE of the braze to decrease by nearly 45–60% with the incorporation of about 45 vol% SiC.
Cannabinoid-induced hyperphagia: correlation with inhibition of proopiomelanocortin neurons?

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that cannabinoids modulate feeding in male guinea pigs, and correlated cannabinoid-induced changes in feeding behavior with alterations in glutamatergic synaptic currents impinging upon proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Feeding experiments were performed as follows: after a three-day acclimation period, animals were weighed and injected with either the CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (1 mg/kg, s.c.), antagonist AM251 (3 mg/kg, s.c.) or their cremophore/ethanol/saline vehicle (1:1:18; 1 ml/kg, s.c.) each day for seven days. WIN 55,212-2 increased, whereas AM251 decreased, the rate of cumulative food intake. The agonist effect was manifest primarily by increases in meal frequency and the amount of food eaten per meal. By contrast, the antagonist effect was associated with decreases in meal frequency, duration and weight loss. For the electrophysiological experiments, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from POMC neurons in hypothalamic slices. WIN 55,212-2 decreased the amplitude of evoked, glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) and increased the S2:S1 ratio. Conversely, AM251 increased eEPSC amplitude per se, and blocked the inhibitory effects of the agonist. WIN 55,212-2 also decreased miniature EPSC (mEPSC) frequency; whereas AM251 increased mEPSC frequency per se, and again blocked the inhibitory effect of the agonist. A subpopulation of cells exhibited an agonist-induced outward current, which was blocked by AM251, associated with increased conductance and reversed polarity near the Nernst equilibrium potential for K+. These data demonstrate that cannabinoids regulate appetite in the guinea pig in part through both presynaptic and postsynaptic actions on anorexigenic POMC neurons.
Airway management during bilateral sequential lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis

Bilateral sequential lung transplantation is now an accepted therapy for patients with end-stage cystic fibrosis. In our experience, the use of a standard double-lumen endotracheal tube to establish one-lung ventilation during bilateral lung transplantation has been associated with difficulty in clearing the airway of the thick, tenacious secretions characteristically seen in these patients. Intraoperatively, retained secretions have resulted in inadequate ventilation with subsequent hypercarbia, hypoxia, and the need for cardiopulmonary bypass support. We therefore changed our airway management to a single-lumen endotracheal tube combined with a bronchial blocker to establish one-lung ventilation during bilateral lung transplantation. The lumen of a single-lumen tube accommodates larger suction catheters and an adult bronchoscope, which has a larger suction port. We have used this technique in our last five transplantations, finding easier clearing of airway secretions along with markedly improved ventilation compared with management with a double-lumen tube. We recommend this technique of airway management when performing a bilateral single-lung transplantation for end-stage cystic fibrosis.
Comparative public diplomacy: : Message strategies of countries in transition

This exploratory study used infrastructural variables that have been used in comparative public relations research and applied them to the study of public diplomacy. It also compared message strategies using a content analysis of Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites of eight countries that are recent members or candidates to join the European Union to examine how public diplomacy message strategies correlate with economic development, level of democracy, and perceptions of the country. The most common message strategy was informational. There were no statistically significant correlations between reputation and message strategy, but descriptive statistics show countries that used advocacy strategies had higher means for reputation. There was a significant correlation between the level of democracy and the use of advocacy messages. Findings indicate that transitional countries could benefit from advocacy and promotional message strategies.
Mitigation of Ectopic Calcification in Osteopontin-Deficient Mice by Exogenous Osteopontin

Ectopic calcification is a major cause of bioprosthetic heart valve failure. New therapeutic opportunities are offered by the growing understanding that ectopic calcification is an actively regulated process involving several key gene products. One of these products, osteopontin (OPN), is a glycosylated phosphoprotein previously shown to inhibit apatite crystal formation, induce carbonic anhydrase II, and promote mineral resorption. In this study, OPN-deficient mice (OPN−/−) were utilized as an in vivo model to stimulate the ectopic calcification of glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium (GFBP) tissue and to examine OPN delivery and structure-function relationships with respect to its anti-calcific activity. Significant calcification of GFBP tissue was obtained within 7 days of subcutaneous implantation in OPN−/− mice. Direct rescue of the calcification phenotype was achieved by the administration of exogenous recombinant rat, histidine-fused OPN (rat His-OPN) to the implant site via soluble injection (up to 72% mitigation achieved) or adsorption onto the implant materials (up to 91% mitigation achieved). Effects were specific, since neither fibronectin nor polyhistidine alone could mitigate calcification of GFBP. The maximum anti-calcific effect was achieved only when rat His-OPN was adequately phosphorylated and contained a functional arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) cell adhesive domain. Furthermore, CAII levels in host cells surrounding GFBP were greatest when phosphorylated, RGD-containing rat His-OPN was adsorbed. These data suggest that both physical inhibition, mediated by phosphorylation sites in OPN, as well as the induction of CAII and mineral regression, mediated by the RGD domain, contribute to the unique ability of OPN to mitigate ectopic calcification of bioprosthetic valve tissue.
On Beliefs and Believing

Everyone has beliefs, with some of which, at least, he is familiar; but few understand the nature of belief. In this chapter therefore I propose to examine belief as such. My approach will not be to present its analysis from the first steps onward and in full view, but to offer the conclusions arrived at from a searching analysis which has accumulated over the years until now it seems that something like a general picture is possible.
Evidence for a primordial magnetic field during the meteorite parent body era

Data on 247 meteorites were examined, and a log-log plot of the magnetic moment/gm versus the susceptibility/gm reveals a straight-line relation with a slope of unity for a range of meteorite types extending from achondrites at the low Fe-Ni end to stony-irons. The relation holds for a span of parameter values ranging between four and five orders. The results support the hypothesis of a common background magnetic field at the time of meteorite formation. An equation relating the primordial field strength to the average carrier demagnetization factor, which can vary from 0 to 4 pi, is presented. The extreme lower limit for the field strength is 0.02 oersted, while for the mean field of 0.27 oersted determined from a study of individual meteorites (Stacy and Banerjee, 1974), the average value for the carrier demagnetization factor is 0.74, corresponding to elongated grains.
Using pedagogical dialogue as a vehicle to encourage faculty technology use

The pace of technology adoption by university faculty is often slow. Slow faculty technology adoption may result from fear of failure, disinterest, or aversion to change. However, in 2007 we experienced a different faculty response while training faculty for technology-enhanced teaching at Butler University. During a technology upgrade of classrooms on our campus, we installed SMART^(TM) interactive whiteboards and Sympodiums^(TM) (SMART Technologies), visual presenters and CopyCams^(TM) (Polyvision/Steelcase). The technology trainers and information technology (IT) department anticipated a lack of faculty interest in training on these technologies. It was posited that faculty would not be interested in learning about these interactive and presentation technologies unless this learning could be connected in some way to their individual teaching interests and responsibilities. A novel, collaborative training model was developed to achieve this goal of placing technology training into a pedagogical context. A multidisciplinary group of faculty, working closely with representatives from IR, served as trainers for this highly successful faculty development effort in which 27% of the university faculty were trained over a three month period. This article details the methods and outcomes of this collaborative training team approach.
A Context-dependent ClpX Recognition Determinant Located at the C Terminus of Phage Mu Repressor

The bacteriophage Mu immunity repressor is a conformationally sensitive sensor that can be interconverted between forms resistant to and sensitive to degradation by ClpXP protease. Protease-sensitive repressor molecules with an altered C-terminal sequence promote rapid degradation of the wild-type repressor by inducing its C-terminal end to become exposed. Here we determined that the last 5 C-terminal residues (CTD5) of the wild-type repressor contain the motif required for recognition by the ClpX molecular chaperone, a motif that is strongly dependent upon the context in which it is presented. Although attachment of the 11-residue ssrA degradation tag to the C terminus of green fluorescent protein (GFP) promoted its rapid degradation by ClpXP, attachment of 5-27 C-terminal residues of the repressor failed to promote degradation. Disordered peptides derived from 41 and 35 C-terminal residues of CcdA (CcdA41) and thioredoxin (TrxA35), respectively, activated CTD5 when placed as linkers between GFP and repressor C-terminal sequences. However, when the entire thioredoxin sequence was included as a linker to promote an ordered configuration of the TrxA35 peptide, the resulting substrate was not degraded. In addition, a hybrid tag, in which CTD5 replaced the 3-residue recognition motif of the ssrA tag, was inactive when attached directly to GFP but active when attached through the CcdA41 peptide. Thus, CTD5 is sufficient to act as a recognition motif but has requirements for its presentation not shared by the ssrA tag. We suggest that activation of CTD5 may require presentation on a disordered or flexible domain that confers ligand flexibility.
Oxidation/Vaporization Kinetics of Cr2O3

The weight loss of Cr2O3 in oxidizing environments (Po2= 1 to 10−3 atm) at 1200°C was measured. Both hot-pressed and sintered Cr2O3 pellets were investigated in O2/Ar gas mixtures, and the dependence of the weight loss on the O2 partial pressure, the gas flow rate, and the total pressure was determined independently. The experimentally determined O2 partial pressure dependence (rate ∝ PO23/4) corresponds to that expected for the reaction Cr2O3(s)+3/2O2⇌2CrO3(g). The flow rate and total pressure dependencies show that mass transport through a gaseous boundary layer is the rate-controlling step in the oxidation/vaporization of Cr2O3. Evaporation coefficients for the loss of CrO3(g) under the experimental conditions were <0.01.
The pyroelectric energy harvesting capabilities of PMN–PT near the morphotropic phase boundary

This paper reports on direct thermal to electrical energy conversion by performing the Olsen cycle on pyroelectric materials. The energy harvesting capability of commercially available [001] oriented 68PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3?32PbTiO3 (PMN?32PT) single crystal capacitors was measured experimentally. An energy density of 100? mJ?cm?3/cycle, corresponding to 4.92?mW?cm?3, was obtained by successively dipping the material in oil baths at temperatures 80 and 170??C and cycling the electric field between 2 and 9? kV?cm?1. Similarly, an energy density of 55?mJ?cm?3/cycle was obtained between 80 and 140??C. An estimated 40% of this energy resulted from the strain polarization due to the rhombohedral to tetragonal phase transition. The strain from this transition disappeared when the maximum operating temperature exceeded the Curie temperature of about 150??C. The optimal low electric field used in the Olsen cycle maximizing the energy harvested was found to be around 2?kV?cm?1. In addition, the material suffered from (i)?dielectric breakdown for electric fields larger than 9? kV?cm?1 and (ii)?cracking from thermal stress for operating temperature differences in excess of 90??C. A physical model predicting the total amount of energy harvested was also derived, accounting for thermal expansion as well as temperature dependent dielectric constant and spontaneous polarization. The model predictions fell within 20% of the experimental results in the temperature range between 80 and 170??C and electric fields ranging from 2 to 9?kV?cm?1.
Aldosterone in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and proteinuria.

There has been much recent interest in the role of aldosterone as an independent contributor to the progression of chronic kidney disease. Despite treatment with agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, many studies have shown that there is incomplete blockade of the renin-angiotensin cascade evidenced by persistent or rising plasma aldosterone levels despite therapeutic renin-angiotensin blockade. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “aldosterone escape” and is thought to be one of the main contributors to chronic kidney disease progression despite conventional therapeutics. Animal models of the effects of exposure to exogenous aldosterone demonstrate the development of inflammation and fibrosis in both the myocardium and renal parenchyma. In limited human studies, aldosterone receptor antagonism is associated with decreased proteinuria and improved glomerular filtration rate. Although data support the addition of an aldosterone antagonist to conventional therapy when treating patients with chronic kidney disease, more studies are needed to determine the precise clinical indications and the appropriate safety monitoring.
A novel optical fiber with applications in sensing and communications

In this paper, we introduce a novel optical fiber, referred to as Fresnel fiber. This fiber has equal area rings and is fabricated using two materials only. Transmission properties of Fresnel fibers, including axial propagation constant, effective area, and dispersion, are investigated. Design of these fibers for large or small effective area and prescribed dispersion characteristics, required for sensing or communication applications, are also addressed.
AMINO TERMINAL AMINO ACIDS OF HOG PANCREATIC AMYLASE AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ITS ENZYMIC ACTIVITY.

Abstract By reaction with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB), hog pancreatic amylase was found to have three NH 2 -terminal amino acids: phenylalanine, alanine, and glycine. In this reaction, FDNB reacted with only 12 out of 17 lysines and none of the histidine or tyrosine residues in the amylase. This may indicate a relatively compact structure for the amylase. Reaction of the NH 2 -terminal amino acids with FDNB led to a large loss in activity with only one substituted and complete loss of activity when all three were reacted. Reaction of hog pancreatic amylase with O -methylisourea resulted in a 25% loss in enzyme activity with 25% of the α-amino groups and 65% of the ϵ-amino groups guanidated. The amylase used in these reactions was stabilized by the presence of diisopropylfluorophosphate, p -hydroxymercuribenzoate, iodoacetic acid, iodoacetamide, and calcium. Amylase stored without these protease inhibitors lost considerable activity but in their presence remained stable in the cold for months.
Use of recombinant activated factor VII in the management of medical and surgical bleeding: a critical review

SUMMARY Off-label administration of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has extended to multiple patient populations with bleeding complications uncontrolled by conventional measures. Published reports of rFVIIa use through March 2005 for indications not otherwise addressed in this issue were identified from an Internet search and summarized by organ systems. Reported experience is weighed according to published evidence-based medicine guidelines. Recommendations for use and further studies of rFVIIa are summarized.
The 18th Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition: trends and influences for intelligent ground vehicle control

The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) is one of four, unmanned systems, student competitions that were founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). The IGVC is a multidisciplinary exercise in product realization that challenges college engineering student teams to integrate advanced control theory, machine vision, vehicular electronics and mobile platform fundamentals to design and build an unmanned system. Teams from around the world focus on developing a suite of dual-use technologies to equip ground vehicles of the future with intelligent driving capabilities. Over the past 18 years, the competition has challenged undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students with real world applications in intelligent transportation systems, the military and manufacturing automation. To date, teams from over 75 universities and colleges have participated. This paper describes some of the applications of the technologies required by this competition and discusses the educational benefits. The primary goal of the IGVC is to advance engineering education in intelligent vehicles and related technologies. The employment and professional networking opportunities created for students and industrial sponsors through a series of technical events over the four-day competition are highlighted. Finally, an assessment of the competition based on participation is presented.
Comparison of the satiating potencies of cholecystokinin-33 and cholecystokinin-8.

Abstract We investigated the satiating potency of CCK-33 and of CCK-8 administered IP to rats prior to a 30-min food intake test using a high-carbohydrate liquid diet. CCK-33 and CCK-8 produced dose-related inhibitions of intake. The ID50s and the slopes of the dose-response functions of the two peptides were not significantly different. We conclude that CCK-33 is as potent as CCK-8 for inhibiting food intake in the rat.
The Christian Dieter’s Dilemma: Abundance and Restriction in Two Christian Weight Loss Programs

Christian weight loss programs call on people to develop seemingly ascetic practices in the name of pleasing God by getting thin. But they also want to affirm a God who provides all good things to his people and who would never deprive them, especially of food. In order to be effective both as weight loss and as religious groups, these programs have to find a way to navigate this fundamental tension. The author examines two distinctive discursive approaches to resolving it: abundant eating within strict food guidelines, and extreme restraint while eating most pleasurable of foods.
More realistic Monte Carlo calculations of photon detector response functions

Abstract The Monte Carlo electron-photon simulation package EGS3 has been used to calculate response functions for a wide variety of nuclear detectors. The detectors must be cylindrical and can be encased in a jacket or shielded by a plate of arbitrary material. The detector can have inert volumes. The code, via EGS, includes all physical processes necessary for accurate calculations for incident photons above 300 keV. An error in EGS concerning terminal processing of positrons has been found and corrected. The code runs 3 to 5 times faster than CYLTRAN. The paper presents benchmark comparisons between EGS and a wide variety of previous NaI and Ge(Li) response function calculations, in particular those of ETRAN where small but systematic differences were observed above 10 MeV incident energy. The effects of detector cladding and shielding have been studied. The program quantitatively explains the effects of a 1.18 g/cm 2 Be beta absorber and qualitatively explains the 511 keV peak present for incident high energy photons. To first order it was found that only for the photopeak efficiencies can the effect of material in front of a detector be treated as a simple absorption. The reduction in the efficiency for counts within 1.5 MeV of the incident energy is considrably less than expected using only the cross section and the reduction for escape peaks is significantly more due to reflections of 511 keV photons back into the detector. Calculations of absolute Ge(Li) detector efficiency were found to be difficult due to sensitivity to inert layer parameters but relative efficiency curves were much less sensitive. Calculations are included of response functions for bismuth germanate and large NaI detectors and angular scans of Ge(Li) detectors for solid angle correction factors. Difficulties calculating electron response functions are discussed.
Transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy does not lead to increased risk of infectious complications.

It remains important to determine the risk of bacterial contamination and infectious complications of the peritoneal cavity as it pertains to transgastric natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures. The infectious implications of such procedures have been quantified in animal models. This report discusses the infectious risks of transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy (TEP) in a human clinical trial. Under institutional review board approval, 40 patients scheduled for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) participated in this study. The TEP procedure was performed without preoperative gastric decontamination and without laparoscopic guidance. Preoperative intravenous antibiotics were given. Saline aspirates were taken from the gastric lumen before endoscopic gastrotomy creation and from the peritoneal cavity after transgastric access. Samples were sent for culture, identification, and bacterial counts. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These data were compared with data for “sterile” peritoneal aspirates from a historical cohort of 50 patients undergoing LRYGB. The median number of bacteria isolated from the gastric aspirates was 980 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (n = 40). The median number of bacteria isolated from the peritoneal aspirates was 323 CFU/ml. Cross-contamination from the stomach to the peritoneal cavity was documented in eight cases. No abscesses or anastomotic leaks were recorded. One port-site infection occurred. Subgroup analysis of 15 patients receiving PPIs showed elevated bacterial counts in gastric aspirates and the post-TEP peritoneal samples compared with patients not receiving PPIs (n = 25). This subgroup on PPI’s did not have an increase in infectious complications. Contamination of the peritoneal cavity does occur with TEP, but this does not lead to an increased risk of infectious complications. Similarly, patients receiving PPIs have an increased gastric bacterial load and increased contamination after TEP but not an increased risk of infectious complications.
Clinical-Ultrastructural Study of Thioridazine Retinopathy

Advanced thioridazine retinopathy was observed clinically and histopathologically in a 61-year-old man with progressive, severe loss of vision who had received thioridazine in high dosages 18 years previously. The ocular fundi showed multiple confluent, nummular areas of hypopigmentation and choroidal atrophy posterior to the equator. Atrophy and disorganization of the photoreceptor outer segments appeared to be the initial degenerative event, followed by loss of the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris.