cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
743-5 Evaluation of the Accuracy of New Quantitative Image Processing Methods in Measuring the Size of Ventricular Septal Defects Directly on Three-dimensional Echocardiograms and Factors Influencing its Reliability

Volume-rendered 3-D echocardiography(3DE) can display the shape and size of various ventricular septal defects (VSD). Quantitation of VSD size directly from 3DE images has not been possible and measurements (M) could be performed only in 2DE slices derived from 3DE and required tedious efforts to obtain the correct 2DE slice orientation, Newly developed image processing (IP) algorithms permit direct M on 3DE images but the reliability of this method in sizing VSDs is unclear, Also, the effects of operator-dependent IP factors such as thresholding (TH) and opacification (OP) on quantitation are unknown. In this study, we examined the accuracy of direct 3DE quantification of VSDs and the influence of TH and OP. We created 17 VSDs of various types and shapes in 9 pig hearts and acquired 2-D images with a transducer mounted on a parallel scanning device (216 image slices over 60 mm distance). 3DE reconstructions were accomplished and en-face views of the VSDs were derived. Using the new quantitation tool, we measured the maximum and minimum diameters (Max D and Min D), directly on the 3DE image under optimal IP settings and compared them to independent direct M from the anatomic specimens. M were also performed with changes in TH and OP. Results The VSD site, shape and size on 3DE corresponded well with anatomic specimens. Max D (Mean ± SD) by anatomy was 10 ± 4 mm (range 4–16), and by 3DE was 10 ± 4 (range 4–15); Min D by anatomy was 9 ± 3 mm (range 4–15). and by 3DE was 8 ± 4 (range 5-19). The correlations between 3DE (y) and anatomy were: Max D: y = 1.0x + 0.3, r = 0.88, P l 0.001; Min D: y = 1.0x – 1.4, r = 0.89, P l 0.001. Increased TH by 10 units led to overestimation of the VSD size by 6 ± 18%, while TH decrease by 10 units resulted in 8 ± 13% under-estimation. Increased OP by 10 and 20 units led to overestimation of VSD size by 11 ± 29% and 17 ± 23%. Conclusion 3DE provides unique en-face views of VSDs unavailable by 2DE. VSD size can be measured directly on the 3D image. Inappropriate processing steps can result in unreliable data, however with optimal processing VSDs can be quantified accurately.
Size variability and self-thinning in wild rice (Zizania aquatica)

Size variability decreases during the course of density-dependent mortality (self-thinning) in dense, naturally-occurring monocultures of wild-rice in a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. As self-thinning progresses, the size distribution changes from high inequality and positive skewness to become more uniform and equal. This is consistent with the hypothesis that self-thinning is driven by competition for light.
A Direct Synthesis of Benzothiophene‐3‐carboxylic Acid from Benzothiophene.

Abstract The direct synthesis of benzothiophene-3-carboxylic acid from benzothiophene utilizing Friedel-Crafts acylation with trichloroacetyl chloride, followed by basic hydrolysis is presented.
Competitive exclusion and persistence in models of resource and sexual competition

We study a combined mathematical model of resource and sexual competition. The population dynamics in this model is analyzed through a coupled system of reaction-diffusion equations. It is shown that strong sexual competition and low birth rate lead to competitive exclusion of the biological species. If sexual competition is weak, then the persistence of the species is possible, depending on the initial density functions and the growth rates of the species. When sexual competition affects both species, persistence and competitive exclusion results are also obtained in terms of the ecological data in the model.
Animal models related to developmental disorders: theoretical and pharmacological analyses.

Abstract One consequence of rapid advances in the neurosciences has been the use of animal models of developmental disorders. Three general approaches to the establishment of such models were discussed with particular reference to hyperkinesis. We concluded that, despite the employment of sophisticated physiological techniques, animal models suffer from a number of conceptual and empirical weaknesses, and have yet to offer major pragmatic gains. Careful intercalation of complementary preclinical studies and carefully controlled clinical investigations would seem the most promising approach.
John Sarbah, the elder, and African mercantile entrepreneurship in the Gold Coast in the late nineteenth Century

The trading career of John Sarbah of Ghana is illustrative of the activities of a distinguished group of independent African coastal merchants in the late nineteenth century, and an analysis of his business methods helps to cast light on the general problems and operations of mercantile entrepreneurship in West Africa. The rise of the African merchants was the result of an interaction between indigenous and external factors. It would be a mistake to exaggerate the importance of the coastal trading sector in the development of the total economy of the country in the late nineteenth century; but it would appear that the major African merchants, led by John Sarbah, F. C. Grant, J. W. Sey and others, played a larger part in commercial development, 1865 to about 1895, than is commonly recognized in historical accounts. Sarbah's entrepreneurship was mainfested in his ability to manage with competence a network of stores and trading stations, to extend the market for manufactured merchandise, to open up new sources for cash export, and to assess risks and invest capital in his firm's expanision. Of particular importance were Sarbah's efforts to stimulate the collection and processing of palm kernels, to help lay a groundwork for the development of the rubber trade in Asin and Lower Denkyera in the early 1880s, and to extend the orbit of his trading operations to the southeastern Ivory Coast.
The dynamics of fullerene multifragmentation

Abstract The molecular dynamics statistical trajectory ensemble (MDSTE) method has been employed to study the fragmentation of fullerenes in a cross-beam collision experiment. Differential fragmentation cross-sections and double differential cross-sections of the final time step of the large scale molecular dynamics statistical trajectory ensemble simulation with improved statistics is presented. The envelope of the cross-sections of the small collision fragments (Fullerene multifragmentation: J. Schulte ( N ⩽ 28)) follow a scaling law with σ ( C N ) ≈ N − λ , with λ = 1.54. An odd-even alteration with enhanced even number size fragments ( N ⩽ 12) is found with a change of the alteration sequence starting at N = 15. The small and large fragments of the fullerene collisions are carbon chains and intertwined carbon chains with vibrational excitations close to that of an ideal cluster gas where about 50% of the collision momentum is transferred to internal vibrational energy, and a strong correlation of fragment mean coordination number and their respective excitation has been found.
Venture activities in the large corporation

Discussed is how a large corporation responds to different levels of product innovation between the time they occur and their introduction into the marketplace. A centralized research laboratory of a diversified corporation has a specific role as an interface between the scientific world, which requires a high level of scientific endeavor, and the business world, which requires innovations to justify expenditures. From the product development point of view, there are weaknesses inherent in operating divisions of a corporation on a decentralized basis and indicated are some of the methods used to overcome the obstacles to transferring technology that result from this organizational structure. The methods used at the various levels of product innovation include 1) “selling” incremental improvements, 2) “applied research” funding, 3) corporate funding of existing divisions, 4) establishment of new divisions, and 5) establishing a corporate entrepreneurial task force to operate across divisions. There are also comments on the effect of an entrepreneur in a key management role and on the effect of competition, presumed or actual.
PHASE EQUILIBRIA OF THE CYCLOHEXANE-TOLUENE-SULFOLANE AND HEXANE-TOLUENE-SULFOLANE TERNARY SYSTEMS

Liquid-liquid equilibrium data for two ternary systems were obtained. The experimental data were measured for cyclohexane-toluene-sulfolane at 17, 25 and 50°C, and for hexane-toluene-sulfolane at 18 and 25°C. The NTRL and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate the experimental results and to calculate the phase compositions of the ternary systems. The agreement between the experimental results and the fitted values was equally good with both of the models.
An Evaluation of Computational Algorithms to Interface Between CFD and CSD Methodologies.

Abstract : Methods to transfer information from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) and vice versa have been evaluated. The data include geometry deformations, slopes and loads. The methods were evaluated for accuracy, robustness and case of use. Both interpolations and extrapolations were evaluated. Six methods were analyzed: Infinite Plate Splines, Multiquadrics, Thin Plate Splines, Non-Uniform B-Splines, Finite Plate Splines and Inverse Isoparametric Mapping. Of these, the Thin Plate Splines were the most accurate and robust, followed closely by Multiquadrics. The Infinite Plate Spline Method, although widely used, is not recommended.
DETERMINATION OF POSSIBLE GENOMIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH DIMORPHISM IN CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis. Using a tissue culture system, researchers have found that spiral forms of C. jejuni are more pathogenic than coccoid forms of the same strain. The objective of this research was to investigate genomic changes associated with the dimorphism in C. jejuni using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and sequencing of flaA gene of C. jejuni isolated from chicken carcasses and human stool samples. C. jejuni isolates were cultured for 18 h (spiral form) and 72 h (coccoid form). PFGE profiles of both forms of C. jejuni showed 100% genetic similarity. For sequence analysis of the flaA gene of C. jejuni, its short-variable region (SVR) was analyzed. For the two forms of the same isolate, the nucleic-acid sequences of the SVR of flaA showed 95-100% similarity. It is concluded that morphological dimorphism of C. jejuni was not associated with genetic changes as measured by the mentioned tests.
When Is Differential Detection Optimum for Ideal and Partially Coherent Reception/Demodulation of M-PSK?

We investigate the low SNR behavior of the optimum MAP sequence (blockwise) detection metric for ideal and partially coherent detection of differentially encoded M- PSK modulation. In particular, we show that based on an observation of N ges 2 symbols in the presence of a phase ambiguity introduced by the carrier tracking loop and assumed to be constant over the observation, this optimum coherent metric approaches that of multiple symbol differential detection (MSDD) asymptotically as the SNR approaches zero. More importantly, we show that for practical low SNR applications (e.g., error-correction coded systems), the region of SNR where the optimum coherent metric becomes synonymous with MSDD grows with the modulation order M. Finally, we consider the MSDD metric itself modified for symbol-by-symbol detection and demonstrate that for sufficiently low SNR (asymptotically as the SNR approaches zero), its behavior is equivalent to conventional (N = 2) differential detection, i.e., no gain to be had be extending the observation interval beyond two symbols. Unfortunately, unlike the sequence detection case, here the SNR region of validity of the low SNR approximation does not increase with increasing modulation order M.
Closed-loop hydration dynamics in the membrane of a PEM fuel cell

Abstract Water management has long been recognized as a critical issue in the operation of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). If the membrane is allowed to dehydrate then ionic conductivity will drop and result in significant power losses. At the opposite extreme, if not enough water is removed from the membrane then liquid water will accumulate in the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) and block the transport of reactants to the reaction sites. In this work, the dynamics of membrane hydration are analyzed while under the influence of a closed-loop control system. From a controller assessment perspective, the membrane model is unique in that through the plane spacially dependent water accumulation is captured. By combining with an electrochemical model and simple material and energy balances over the solid and fluid materials, the dynamics of the membrane are shown to be strongly influenced by the thermal responses of the solid as well as humidity levels in the gas streams, all of which are a function of the controller utilized. We conclude by illustrating the highly sensitive nature of the system with respect to water diffusivity within the membrane.
Linear Trends in Northern Hemisphere Tropospheric Geopotential Height and Temperature Patterns

Gridded National Meteorological Center data for 500 mb geopotential height and 300-500 mb and 500-700 mb thickness for the period 1951-1978 are subjected to linear trend analyses. The analyses are carried out for each calendar month. Significant geographical and seasonal distributions of cooling and warming patterns are found. An atmospheric cooling trend over the North Pacific during the winter months is seen in a region where oceanic cooling has also been observed, but planetary-wave adjustments rather than ocean-atmosphere feedback mechanisms appear to be dominant in the atmospheric cooling on climatic time scales. Consistently large temperature trends are also seen over the continent of Asia. Comparisons between thickness trends in the layer 300-500 mb and those in the layer 500-700 mb reveal pronounced patterns of stabilization and destabilization.
Intermolecular association in structured liquids 1. Ethylene carbonate and N-methylacetamide

Abstract Association constants of ethylene carbonate and N-methylacetamide have been calculated from measurements in dilute benzene solutions using a vapor pressure osmometer. The first association constants, K12, are 1.10 and 3.30 mol kg−1 respectively. The constants for subsequent association are 1.58 and 7.63 mol kg−1, respectively. The extension of these results to concentrated solutions using the isopiestic method indicates that pure liquid ethylene carbonate has an average of 8.3 monomer units per “cluster”. The chain length of N-methylacetamide increases to 8 or 9 units in 4 to 6 mol kg−1 solutions in benzene and then decreases due to steric interference. The average chain length appears to be about 4.8 units in the pure liquid.
Is the Power Flow Study Necessary

The power flow study is the main tool used by the power system planner and operator to help predict the power system operation under a variety of conditions. Therefore, the question: 'Is the power flow study necessary?' seems to be ill-conceived, since the answer is obviously yes. Research is reported with the objective of developing methodology for providing the power system operator or planner with a set of feasible operating or planning strategies which guarantee a specified level of reliability when taking account of all the significant uncertainties. Emphasis was on identifying the feasible sets in terms of the binding constraints dictated by the model.
Structure and stability of cobalt-silicon-germanium thin films

Abstract The phase formation and stability of CoSi2 on strained epitaxial Si 0.80 Ge 0.20 Si (0 0 1) thin films has been investigated. Silicide films prepared via direct deposition of cobalt ( Co SiGe ), and via co-deposition of silicon and cobalt ( Co+ 2Si SiGe ), were compared. EXAFS, XRD, and sheet-resistance measurements indicated that co-deposited Co+2Si films annealed at 400–700°C exhibit the expected low-resistivity CoSi2 structure but were susceptible to roughening, pinhole formation, and agglomeration. In contrast, the Co SiGe structure formed CoSi2 only after annealing at 700°C and silicide formation was accompanied by Ge segregation in the contact region. In situ RHEED experiments indicated that growth of CoSi2 co-deposited on SiGe at 400–500°C results in immediate island formation. Template methods, which are often used to enhance the quality of co-deposited Co+ 2Si Si structures, did not lead to two-dimensional growth in the Co+ 2Si SiGe system. In situ EXAFS measurements of 2 A Co films deposited on SiGe substrates and annealed at 450°C suggested that the failure to achieve two-dimensional growth may be due to preferential bonding of Co to Si atoms at the interface, which prevents the formation of a continuous CoSi2 template.
Role of testosterone binding to the androgen receptor in male sexual differentiation of patients with 5 alpha-reductase deficiency.

Abstract Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were found to bind to a specific protein in genital skin fibroblasts of a patient with 5α-reductase deficiency. While maximum number of binding sites ( B max ) were similar for both androgens, the apparent dissociation constant ( K D ) of the androgen receptor for T was somewhat greater than for DHT. In competition studies of [ 3 H]-T bound to the receptor with unlabeled T or DHT, the inhibitor constant ( K i ) for T was two to three fold greater than the K i for DHT. Also, the dissociation rate constant ( k D ) for [ 3 H]-T bound to the receptor was greater than for [ 3 H]-DHT ( t 1 2 for T = 10 h and t 1 2 for DHT = 74.5 h). These results suggest that T may play a role in the sexual differentiation of male patients with 5α-reductase deficiency during their fetal life and at puberty. The low degree of masculinization during fetal life would be explained by the lower affinity and faster turnover rate of the T-reeeptor complex relative to the DHT-receptor complex. The relatively greater masculinization observed at puberty would be explained by the higher plasma T levels attained in the adult when compared to the fetus.
Temperature dependence of island growth shapes during submonolayer deposition of Ag on Ag(111)

Growth shapes of $\mathrm{Ag}$ islands formed on $\mathrm{Ag}(111)$ during submonolayer deposition at different temperatures were studied with scanning tunneling microscopy, and analyzed via kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of a suitable atomistic lattice-gas model. Distinct shape transitions can be observed, from dendrites with triangular envelopes at low temperatures (below $140\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$) to more isotropic fat fractal islands at intermediate temperatures, and then to distorted hexagonal shapes with longer $B$ steps and shorter $A$ steps at higher temperatures (above $170\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$). In contrast, the equilibrium island shapes in this system are almost perfect hexagons displaying a near-sixfold symmetry. Modeling reveals that the broken symmetry of growth shapes at low and high temperatures derives from the interplay of diffusion-mediated aggregation with different aspects of a corner diffusion anisotropy. The broken symmetry is less clear at intermediate temperatures, where the near-isotropic fractal shapes reflect in part a kink Ehrlich-Schwoebel effect.
Inhibition of MthK K+ Channels by Mg2+ and Polyamines: Inward Rectification with a Short Pore

K+ conduction through K+-selective channels is vulnerable to blockade by divalent cations; inwardly-rectifying K+ (Kir) channels are especially sensitive to inhibition by cytoplasmic cations such as Mg2+, as well as naturally-occurring polyamines such as spermine and spermidine, and this sensitivity is critical to the function of these channels within their physiological niche. Here we report that MthK, a prokaryotic K+ channel and relative of mammalian slo/BK channels, is highly-sensitive to inhibition by cytoplasmic Mg2+ and polyamines, much like mammalian Kir channels. MthK currents were inhibited in a voltage-dependent manner by spermine or spermidine, applied to the cytoplasmic side of the channel. In symmetrical 200 mM KCl, steady-state inhibition by spermine and spermidine were described by single-site models of voltage-dependent inhibition, with Kapp(0) of 48 uM and 0.68 mM, respectively. Mg2+ also inhibited outward current, with a Kapp(0) of 1.6 mM. Thus Mg2+ and polyamines might each be expected to contribute to inhibition of K+ efflux through these channels under physiological conditions. Despite the apparent affinity of Mg2+ and polyamines to inhibit K+ efflux through MthK channels, inhibition by each of these displayed a similarly weak voltage-dependence in symmetrical 200 mM KCl, with Zapp‘s of ∼0.7, 0.65, and 0.38 for spermine, spermidine, and Mg2+, respectively. Crystallographic data suggests that K+ conduction through MthK channels occurs via a relatively short, wide pore, as opposed to the long, narrow pore of Kir channels that contains multiple K+ binding sites along its length (in single file). Thus it seems that the weak overall valences for inhibition in MthK channels vs. mammalian Kir channels is consistent with the requirement of a long, narrow pore to impart strong voltage-dependent blockade.
Strain-rate-dependent constitutive equations for concrete

This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive experimental study to quantify the effects of strain rate on concrete compressive and tensile strengths. Direct compression and splitting tensile tests were conducted at quasi-static rates (between 10{sup {minus}7}/s and 10{sup {minus}5}/s) in a standard MTS machine to establish the static properties. These same tests were conducted at high strain rates (between 10{sup {minus}1}/s and 10{sup 3}/s) on a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) to determine the dynamic material properties. A statistical analysis was performed on the data and strain-rate-dependent constitutive equations, both for compression and tension, were developed. These constitutive equations were subsequently employed to modify an existing quasi-static, nonlinear concrete material model.
Landslide damage to buildings

Landslides are a significant and expensive hazard in urban areas, however, a universal methodology for classifying the damage to buildings has not been adopted This article proposes an intensity scale for structural damage caused by subsidence, compression, or extension of the ground during landslides and offers a checklist of site observations that could be made by planners, engineers, architects, surveyors, geologists, or gemorphologists.
Light scattered by coated paper

Angle-resolved light scattering (ARLS) was used to investigate the roughness of coatings on glossy paper. Angular spectra were measured for laser light scattered from several glossy paper samples and from uncoated paper. These spectra are compared to those calculated using the Beckmann model of a random surface that is isotropic and rough in two dimensions. Such a surface is characterized by its rms roughness and autocorrelation function, which are determined from surface profiles measured with a stylus instrument. There is very good agreement between the measured and the computed ARLS spectra. The surfaces are too rough to produce a specular beam large enough to provide an accurate value of the rms roughness, but ARLS provides information about the coating roughness when the measured spectra are cornpared to computed ones.
PW02-004 - Autoinflammatory syndromes: a clinical review.

Autoinflammatory syndromes are a group of rare conditions that cause intermittent episodes of fever and organ system inflammation. The majority of these conditions have been linked to single gene mutations that are involved in the acute inflammatory response. Many of these monogenic disorders, such as Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and Hyper IgD syndrome (HIDS), are more prevalent in certain geographic locations such as Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It is therefore not surprising that the literature describing these conditions has largely originated from these regions. Research on these conditions so far suggests variable presentations due to a variety of modifiers such as genetic polymorphisms and/or environment. There is currently a paucity of studies from mixed populations, such as those found in urban North American centers.
Visual discriminations during eyelid closure in the cat

Abstract We were able to train cats raised with sutured eyelids to perform simple brightness discriminations before their lids were parted. If, and only if, a small hole was present in a lid, could some of the cats also perform a grating orientation discrimination. By establishing their thresholds for the brightness discrimination before and after dark adaptation and before and after the lids were opened, we reached three main conclusions. (1) During dark adaptation (with pupils maximally dilated and retinae most sensitive, regardless of lid suture), the cats were 3–4 log units more sensitive with the lids open than with the lids closed. This indicates a 3–4 log unit attenuation for the lids which is in agreement with our photometric measurements. (2) During light adaptation, the sensitivity difference between the conditions of opened and closed lids was only 1–2 log units. We concluded that factors (such as pupil dilatation and retinal sensitivity) partially compensated for the lid attenuation, since the open eye could have a smaller pupil and less sensitive retina during light adaptation. (3) Given these potential compensatory features of the pupil and assuming consensual pupil sizes, the deprived eye of a monocularly sutured cat may suffer more photic deprivation (since the pupil behind the closed lid would be as constricted as the pupil in the open eye) than would either eye of a binocularly sutured cat (where both pupils can be relatively large).
On the structure and photodissociation of cluster ions in the gas phase. (N2) (O2+) and (NO)2+

Abstract Results are presented for two experiments on N 2 O 2 + cluster ions formed via the reactions O 2 + + N 2 + M → (N 2 ) (O 2 + ) + M (i), and NO + + NO + M → (NO) 2 + + M (ii). In the first experiment the N 2 O 2 + clusters are collisionally dissociated. The resulting collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra show almost exclusively O 2 + and N 2 + products from N 2 O 2 + formed via the first reaction, and almost exclusively NO + products from N 2 O 2 + formed via the second reaction. In the second experiment, single-photon photodissociation of N 2 O 2 + ions produced by both reactions (i) and (ii) was investigate using 514.5 and 634 nm radiation. The results indicate that the N 2 O 2 + cluster from reaction (i) cannot be photodissociated while the N 2 O 2 + cluster from reaction (ii) undergoes photodissociation at both wavelengths. These experiments indicate that two distinct N 2 O 2 + cluster ions exist and that reactions (i) and (ii) selectively produce the two ions.
Must Differences in Cognitive Value be Transparent

Frege’s ‘differential dubitability’ test is a test for differences in cognitive value: if one can rationally believe that p while simultaneously doubting that q, then the contents p and q amount to different ‘cognitive values’. If subject S is rational, does her simultaneous adoption of different attitudes towards p and q require that the difference between p and q (as cognitive values) be transparent to her? It is natural to think so. But I argue that, if attitude anti-individualism is true, then rational differential dubitability does not presuppose that differences in cognitive value are transparent. The significance of this argument lies in what it tells us, both about the notion of cognitive value and its relation to the differential dubitability test, but also about the prospects for a Burge-type position which aims to combine attitude anti-individualism with a (qualified) reliance on the differential dubitability test.
Rate of convergence of the mean curvature flow

We study the flow Mt of a smooth, strictly convex hypersurface by its mean curvature in ℝn + 1. The surface remains smooth and convex, shrinking monotonically until it disappears at a critical time T and point x* (which is due to Huisken). This is equivalent to saying that the corresponding rescaled mean curvature flow converges to a sphere Sn of radius √n. In this paper we will study the rate of exponential convergence of a rescaled flow. We will present here a method that tells us that the rate of the exponential decay is at least 2/n. We can define the “arrival time” u of a smooth, strictly convex, n-dimensional hypersurface as it moves with normal velocity equal to its mean curvature via u(x) = t if x ∈ Mt for x ∈ Int(M0). Huisken proved that, for n ≥ 2, u(x) is C2 near x*. The case n = 1 has been treated by Kohn and Serfaty [11]; they proved C3-regularity of u. As a consequence of the obtained rate of convergence of the mean curvature flow, we prove that u is not necessarily C3 near x* for n ≥ 2. We also show that the obtained rate of convergence 2/n, which arises from linearizing a mean curvature flow, is the optimal one, at least for n ≥ 2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of acute global ischemia on left ventricular compliance in the adult and immature dog.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the static left ventricular diastolic compliance and myocardial water content in adult and immature dogs following 30 min of normothermic (NTH, 37°C) or hypothermic (HTH, 25°C) global myocardial ischemia. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established using 10 adult and 10 immature (10–12 weeks) dogs randomly assigned to 30 min of normothermic or hypothermic global myocardial ischemia. Utilizing ultrasonic dimension crystals, left ventricular end-diastolic minor axis diameter was determined before and after ischemia using a range of filling pressures from 0 to 20 mm Hg. By fitting the end-diastolic data, normalized to a natural strain definition (ϵ), to the equation P = α(eβϵ — 1), the compliance coefficients α and β were determined. In both the adult and immature normothermic arrest groups, the compliance coefficient β increased significantly as follows: 5.54 to 8.94 and 13.17 to 19.97 (P
Impaired Synthesis of Lipoxygenase Products in Glutathione Synthetase Deficiency

ABSTRACT: Glutathione synthetase deficiency (GSD) is an inborn error of glutathione (GSH) metabolism leading to a generalized intracellular GSH deficiency. Because GSH is required for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) synthesis, we studied synthesis and metabolism of several lipoxygenase products in two patients with GSD by radio-HPLC, UV spectrophotometry, and enzyme immunoassays. In both patients, LTC4 synthesis was significantly decreased in calcium ionophore-stimulated neutrophils (up to 0.4 ng/ 106 cells; controls, 5.0 ± 0.9) and monocytes (up to 3.6 ng/ 106 cells; controls, 30.2 ± 3.3). LTB4 synthesis was about seven times higher in GSD cells compared with controls, whereas synthesis of other 5-, 12-, and 15-lipoxygenase products and prostaglandin E2 was not affected. Neutrophils and monocytes from both patients showed a marked reduction in capacity to form [3H]LTC4 from[3H]LTA4 (9–14% of control values). Urinary LTE4 was finally found to be 50-fold lower in GSD, reflecting a decreased synthesis of cysteinyl LT in vivo. GSD may serve as a unique model for the linkage between LT synthesis and GSH metabolism in vivo.
The Role of Affect Regulation in a Case of Attempted Maternal-Filicide Suicide: Commentary on an Act of Despair

A case of attempted maternal-filial suicide is discussed from the perspective of trauma, emotional regulation and defense mechanisms. Case details which include childhood sexual abuse, observed parental violence and emotional neglect allow for an illustration of the impact of childhood family experiences on adult intimacy and coping patterns. Domestic violence and the perception of protection are also explored. Emotional regulation in the experience of despair is approached from an object relations perspective. Based on this, implications for prevention and treatment are presented.
Spectrophotometric study on minimizing bilirubin interference in an enzyme reagent mediated cholesterol reaction

Abstract A spectrophotometric study was carried out which describes the effect of the inclusion of potassium ferrocyanide into an enzyme reagent system as a protective device against the competitive interaction of bilirubin in the indicator reaction. A previously described system for depicting how bilirubin interacts competitively in a modified 4-aminoantipyrene-phenolic peroxidase-peroxide coupled reaction was used as a template to judge the effectiveness of the protective action. The results obtained indicate that the protection is not total, but that the close approximation may make this a worthwhile modification in procedure to consider for the determination of total, free, and/or high density lipoprotein cholesterol. At the same time it might be inferred that the interference of bilirubin can be diminished chemically for other oxidase-peroxidase coupled systems. A search for even better solutions to this interference problem may be possible. For us, this lead has pointed the way in other similar directions. In addition, this study reports on a preliminary investigation as to the site of coupling of phenolic compounds with 4-aminoantipyrene.
The in vitro identification of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in mammalian brain and its characterization as a possible endogenous neuroregulatory agent.

Abstract The psychotomimetic agent dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has been identified as an endogenous compound in the central nervous system of rodents using a sensitive electron capture gas chromatographic technique. DMT along with its proposed precursor, tryptamine, were identified and quantitated as the heptafluorobutyryl derivatives. A specific high affinity binding site on synaptosomal membranes has been proposed for DMT. This proposal is based on equilibrium dialysis experiments which indicate that DMT at a concentration of 1 × 10−5 m will displace d-LSD on isolated membranes but will not displace bound serotonin at the same concentration. When DMT interacts with the synaptosomal membranes at a concentration of 5 × 10−10 m , the membrane-bound enzyme adenylate cyclase is stimulated such that adenosine3′, 5′-monophosphate (cAMP) is produced at a rate of 100 pmole/min/mg of protein (2.3 times the endogenous rate). It has also been shown that its presumed precursor, tryptamine, inhibits this process. LSD appears to exhibit a high affinity for the proposed DMT binding site but seems to have a low intrinsic activity. From data obtained in this study it has been postulated that DMT may have in vivo activity similar to those proposed for neurotransmitters or other neuroregulatory agents. These data further suggest that at least one mode of action of d-LSD may be the displacement of DMT from its binding site on the neuron.
Thermal effects of fluid circulation in the basement aquifer of subducting ocean crust

[1] Most thermal models of subduction zones assume no advection of heat by fluid flow because slow flow through underthrusting sediment, the plate boundary fault zone, and margin wedge likely transports only a minor amount of heat. We model coupled fluid and heat transport in a subduction zone and show that hydrothermal circulation in subducting basaltic basement rocks can greatly influence subduction zone temperatures. Fractured basaltic basement is several orders of magnitude more permeable than a typical plate boundary fault zone or marine sediments, allowing fluid circulation to redistribute and extract heat from a subduction zone. Fluid circulation within the basement aquifer suppresses temperatures along the subducting slab relative to cases with no fluid transport. Heat is extracted from under the margin wedge and transported into the ocean crust near the trench. This circulation has a large effect on subduction zone temperatures when topographic wavelength-dominated convection occurs (>5 times the critical Rayleigh number). With the exception of very cold subduction zones (i.e., those with very fast convergence or very small taper) topographic wavelength-dominated convection occurs with aquifer permeability ≥10−11 m2 (in the range typically determined for upper ocean crust), suggesting such fluid circulation may be important in many subduction zones. Because fluid circulation more effectively transports heat in warmer systems, hydrothermal circulation moderates the effects of convergence rate as a control on subduction zone temperatures.
A note on the e–a histogram

Abstract The e–a histogram dominates, under square error loss, a fixed bin width histogram when both are assigned the same number of bins. That is, the fixed bin width histogram is inadmissible and the dominating alternative is the e–a histogram.
Spatial Relationship Between Synapse Loss and β-Amyloid Deposition in Tg2576 Mice

Although there is evidence that beta-amyloid impairs synaptic function, the relationship between beta-amyloid and synapse loss is not well understood. In this study we assessed synapse density within the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex of Tg2576 mice at 6-18 months of age using stereological methods at both the light and electron microscope levels. Under light microscopy we failed to find overall decreases in the density of synaptophysin-positive boutons in any brain areas selected, but bouton density was significantly decreased within 200 mum of compact beta-amyloid plaques in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and Layers II and III of the entorhinal cortex at 15-18 months of age in Tg 2576 mice. Under electron microscopy, we found overall decreases in synapse density in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus at both 6-9 and 15-18 months of age, and in Layers II and III of the entorhinal cortex at 15-18 months of age in Tg 2576 mice. However, we did not find overall changes in synapse density in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 subfield. Furthermore, in the two former brain areas we found a correlation between lower synapse density and greater proximity to beta-amyloid plaques. These results provide the first quantitative morphological evidence at the ultrastructure level of a spatial relationship between beta-amyloid plaques and synapse loss within the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex of Tg2576 mice.
Submersion injury complicated by hyperthermia in a kayaker wearing a dry suit

Environmental suits are designed to protect the user from hypothermia due to cold water exposure. We describe a case of a kayaker who suffered a submersion injury while wearing an environmental dry suit, was transported from the cold water environment to the emergency department, and on arrival was found to be hyperthermic. We discuss the pathophysiology of thermal derangement and submersion injury, and the thermodynamics of environmental suits. We suggest the mechanism for this unexpected and previously unreported complication. We conclude with possible means of avoiding this complication.
Regional hypoxia elicits regional changes in chorioallantoic membrane vascular density in alligator but not chicken embryos.

Hypoxic incubation increases vascularization in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The effect of regional hypoxia on the vascular density of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and chicken (Gallus gallus) CAMs was studied to determine if hypoxic proliferation of blood vessels is localized or global across the CAM. Eggs were incubated under normoxic conditions with a portion of the eggshell covered with non-toxic beeswax to induce external regional hypoxia. CAMs were examined under a microscope with a ‘bulls eye’ coverslip and a vascular density index (VDI) was determined. The hypoxic portions of the alligator CAMs were more vascular than the normoxic portions (VDI=200.9 versus 157.8, respectively). Presumably this response is maladaptive by causing increased blood flow to the poorly oxygenated portions, i.e. increased ‘shunt’. Thus, we hypothesize increased vascularity due to hypoxic incubation is due to local release and subsequent rapid local breakdown or uptake of angiogenic factors. In contrast, the hypoxic and normoxic portions of the chick CAMs exhibited virtually no difference in VDI (VDI=211.5 versus 217.9, respectively). We suggest the air cell and air space of the chicken eggs allows for circulation of gas in ovo, eliminating the possibility of regional internal hypoxia.
Preoperative and Postoperative Renal Dysfunction Is an Important Predictor of Survival After LVAD Implantation

s S221 system (Berlin Heart) is a third generation axial continuous flow pump with active magnetic levitation, thus avoiding the potential downsides of mechanical bearings. Implemented software algorithms allow for a more physiologic operation mode including pulsatility. Methods: The aim of this study was to review the Italian experience with the INCOR LVAD and to determine the prevalence of GI bleeding and pump thrombosis. All patients implanted from January 2006 to May 2012, in centers with at least 5 implants were considered eligible. All AE, meeting the INTERMACS classification, were evaluated. Results: The total population consisted of 42 patients. LVAD indication was BTT in 36 (86%) patients and DT in 6 (14%) patients. 31 patients (74%) were in class 1 or 2 INTERMACS at time of implantation, among them 22 (52%) requiring inotropic therapy and 10 (24%) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The mean support time was 525 ± 570 days, median 372 days (5 to 2704) days. The 30-day post-operative mortality was 7 %. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 74% and 60%, respectively. At last follow-up (July 2014), 17 (41%) of the 42 patients were transplanted, one (2%) patient regained myocardial function and had the device removed, 5 (12%) are still on support , 19 (45%) of the 42 patients died . The most frequently observed AE was driveline infection in 19 patients (0.33 events PPY). Stroke with consequence occurred in 10 patients (0.17 events PPY), followed by sepsis in 4 patients (0.07 events PPY), right heart failure in 3 patients (0.05 events PPY), and device malfunction in 2 patients (0.03 events PPY). No episodes of pump thrombosis or GI bleeding were observed during the long term follow-up. Conclusion: In this cohort of mainly high-risk HF patients INCOR LVAD seems to be effective in support patients. Moreover, absence of GI bleeding and pump thrombosis seem to demonstrate a favorable device characteristic. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.
An educational approach to improving physician breast cancer screening practices and counseling skills.

Abstract A multifaceted, individualized, physician education program designed to increase the breast cancer screening practices of community-based primary care physicians is described and the results are evaluated. Community-based surveys identified primary care providers with breast cancer screening educational needs who were assigned, using a factorial design, to an intervention or control condition. The sample included 154 control and 128 intervention physicians. The intervention consisted of a 1–2 h in-office training program and/or self-study workbook. Self-reported overall breast cancer screening need scores improved for a greater proportion of intervention than control physicians, particularly those receiving the in-office intervention ( P =0.03). Clinical breast examination (CBE) need declined ( P =0.01); use of provider reminder systems increased ( P =0.02); preparedness to counsel about CBE ( P =0.04) and recognition that age is an important risk factor for breast cancer ( P =0.02) improved in more intervention compared to control physicians.
Affective disorders influence clinical outcomes after revision lumbar surgery in elderly patients with symptomatic adjacent-segment disease, recurrent stenosis, or pseudarthrosis: Clinical article

Object Depression and persistent low-back pain (LBP) are common and disabling problems in elderly patients (> 65 years old). Affective disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are also common in elderly patients, with a prevalence ranging from 4% to 16%. Depressive symptoms are consistently associated with functional disability. To date, few studies have assessed the predictive value of baseline depression on outcomes in the setting of revision spine surgery in elderly patients. Therefore, in this study, the authors assessed the predictive value of preoperative depression on 2-year postoperative outcomes. Methods A total of 69 patients undergoing revision neural decompression and instrumented fusion for adjacent-segment disease (ASD, n = 28), pseudarthrosis (n = 17), or same-level recurrent stenosis (n = 24) were included in this study. Preoperative Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDS) scores were assessed for all patients. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for ba...
Investigation of the grind limit in stirred-media milling

Abstract While it has often been suggested that there are limits to the extent to which particle size can be reduced by comminution, experimental evidence for the existence of such “grind limits” is scarce and generally inconclusive. An experimental study of long-time grinding of crystalline quartz in a stirred-media mill has been carried out with the specific aim of identifying the limit of grinding. Product size distributions have been characterized using a combination of laser diffraction/scattering, centrifugal sedimentation, dynamic light scattering and BET surface area measurement. Qualitative examination of the ground products by transmission electron microscopy has also been performed. The results of the investigation are consistent with a grind limit in the region of 40 to 50 nm for this system. In terms of breakage parameters, it appears that there is a decrease in breakage rates at sizes smaler than about 0.5 μm and that primary breakage distributions become progressively narrower at submicron sizes.
CORR Insights®: Does minimally invasive surgery have a lower risk of surgical site infections compared with open spinal surgery?

This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Have a Lower Risk of Surgical Site Infections Compared With Open Spinal Surgery?” by Ee and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3158-5. The author certifies that he, or a member of his immediate family, has no funding or commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR ® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article available at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3158-5.
X-ray diffraction study of a new crystal form of yeast phenylalanine tRNA.

IN our continuing studies on the crystallography of tRNA1 we have obtained a new crystal form of phenylalanine tRNA from baker's yeast. The crystals show particularly good stability to X-ray irradiation, lasting generally for about 100 h in the X-ray beam. Most importantly they produce reflexions which extend out to a resolution of about 3.0 A. The crystals belong to the monoclinic system, space group P2i with two molecules of tRNA per unit cell (Table 1). Thus, there is only one molecule per asymmetric unit of structure. The unit cell dimensions (a=56.0, b=33.4, c=63.0 and β=90.9°) are the smallest yet reported for tRNA and place stringent constraints on the possible dimensions of the tRNA molecule.