cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proton exit pathways surrounding the oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II.

Abstract Photosystem II allows water to be the primary electron source for the photosynthetic electron transfer chain. Water is oxidized to dioxygen at the Oxygen Evolving Complex (OEC), a Mn4CaO5 inorganic core embedded on the lumenal side of PSII. Water-filled channels surrounding the OEC must bring in substrate water molecules, remove the product protons to the lumen, and may transport the product oxygen. Three water-filled channels, denoted large, narrow, and broad, extend from the OEC towards the aqueous surface more than 15 A away. However, the role of each pathway in the transport in and out of the OEC is yet to be established. Here, we combine Molecular Dynamics (MD), Multi Conformation Continuum Electrostatics (MCCE) and Network Analysis to compare and contrast the three potential proton transfer paths. Hydrogen bond network analysis shows that near the OEC the waters are highly interconnected with similar free energy for hydronium at all locations. The paths diverge as they move towards the lumen. The water chain in the broad channel is better connected than in the narrow and large channels, where disruptions in the network are observed approximately 10 A from the OEC. In addition, the barrier for hydronium translocation is lower in the broad channel. Thus, a proton released from any location on the OEC can access all paths, but the likely exit to the lumen passes through PsbO via the broad channel.
Factors associated with condom and contraceptive use among currently and formerly homeless young adults: Does housing matter?

Abstract Background Young adults that experience homelessness (YAEH) are at heightened risk of unplanned pregnancy and contracting STIs, including HIV than their housed counterparts. It is unclear how exiting homelessness into Supportive Housing (SH), the most prominent intervention in homelessness, may shape sexual risk-taking. Objective The goal of this study is to explore associations of condom and contraception use with particular interest in the role of partner type (i.e., casual and/or serious) and housing status. Methods This study includes 143 sexually active YAEH (ages 18–27) who reported engaging in vaginal sex during the past three months: 67 “unhoused” (i.e., street-based, couch-surfers, or staying in emergency shelter), and 76 “housed” from SH programs. Multiple logistic regression examined the relationship of housing status and partner type with condom and contraceptive use. Results Being a parent was associated with higher odds of contraceptive use regardless of housing status, while partner type (i.e., serious or casual partner) was differently associated with condom use by housing status. Discussion Despite documented differences in condom-using behaviors by housing status, findings revealed similar patterns in contraceptive use between the two groups, indicating a possible need for enhanced and targeted service planning for YAEH, particularly among those transitioning to and residing in SH, regarding contraceptive use and prevention.
Effects of Visual Exposure to IQOS Use on Smoking Urge and Behavior.

Objectives In this study, we examined whether visual exposure to the heated tobacco product (HTP) IQOS, which was authorized for sale by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019, acts as a cue to increase cigarette craving and smoking behavior among smokers. Methods Young adult smokers (N = 105) were randomly assigned to view a video depicting use of either IQOS or bottled water. Main outcomes were changes in cigarette and e-cigarette desire and latency to smoke between the groups. We also examined participants' attitudes about the actors using IQOS and drinking water in the videos. Results Exposure to the use of IQOS acutely increased observers' ratings of smoking urge and desire for a cigarette and an e-cigarette. The IQOS cue, compared with the water cue, also produced a marginally significant shorter latency to smoke. Participants perceived actors as less likeable and friendly when using IQOS than when drinking water. Conclusions Results showed that exposure to IQOS produced smoking urge and behavior in young adult smokers, implicating IQOS use as a smoking and vaping cue. As HTPs gain popularity, product impact on passive observers should be included in their risk-benefit profile.
Secret History: The Story of Cryptology

Most available cryptology books primarily focus on either mathematics or history. Breaking this mold, Secret History: The Story of Cryptology gives a thorough yet accessible treatment of both the mathematics and history of cryptology. Requiring minimal mathematical prerequisites, the book presents the mathematics in sufficient detail and weaves the history throughout the chapters. In addition to the fascinating historical and political sides of cryptology, the authora former Scholar-in-Residence at the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) Center for Cryptologic Historyincludes interesting instances of codes and ciphers in crime, literature, music, and art. Following a mainly chronological development of concepts, the book focuses on classical cryptology in the first part. It covers Greek and Viking cryptography, the Vigenre cipher, the one-time pad, transposition ciphers, Jeffersons cipher wheel, the Playfair cipher, ADFGX, matrix encryption, World War II cipher systems (including a detailed examination of Enigma), and many other classical methods introduced before World War II. The second part of the book examines modern cryptology. The author looks at the work of Claude Shannon and the origin and current status of the NSA, including some of its Suite B algorithms such as elliptic curve cryptography and the Advanced Encryption Standard. He also details the controversy that surrounded the Data Encryption Standard and the early years of public key cryptography. The book not only provides the how-to of the Diffie-Hellman key exchange and RSA algorithm, but also covers many attacks on the latter. Additionally, it discusses Elgamal, digital signatures, PGP, and stream ciphers and explores future directions such as quantum cryptography and DNA computing. With numerous real-world examples and extensive references, this book skillfully balances the historical aspects of cryptology with its mathematical details. It provides readers with a sound foundation in this dynamic field.
Viscosity solutions and analysis in L

A systematic account of some results obtained in viscosity solutions, optimal control, and the variational theory of minimizing the maximum is presented. The major highlights include the theory of lower semicontinuous viscosity solutions, optimal control of the supremum, and its applications to explicit formulas for nonlinear partial differential equations. Several new results are presented including a new definition of Morrey convexity and Morrey quasiconvexity for vector valued problems, result on the existence of minimizers for nonquasiconvex supremands, a derivation of the Euler equation for minimax problems, and an application of minimax control to the minimal time function.
Membrane Associated Enzymes in Bacteria

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on specific enzymes associated with bacterial membranes, and no attempt will be made to elaborate upon the broader aspects of the mechanisms of important functions, such as transport, DNA replication and segregation, and the association of ribosomes with membranes. More emphasis will be placed accordingly on the properties of the membrane-bound, and released or solubilized enzymes of bacterial membranes. Since bacterial membranes are multifunctional structures, it is to be expected that they are the cellular site of many enzymes functioning in the biosynthetic and energy transduction processes of the cell. Membrane-associated enzymes involved in active transport, electron transport, phospholipid and glycolipid biosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of external macromolecular structures, such as cell-wall peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharides, wall and membrane teichoic acids and specific enzymes, involved in undecaprenol metabolism have all been detected and investigated in isolated membranes or particulate fractions. It can be anticipated that bacterial mutants will contribute much to our future understanding of the functions of membrane enzymes not clearly understood at present time (e.g. ATPases, phospholipases) and the manner in which lipid composition and phase transitions can affect specific membrane enzyme activities.
Ribosomal Precursors and Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Escherichia coli

Ribosomes and immature ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated from extracts of log-phase cells grown under various conditions. Quantitative measurements were made to determine the relative amounts of immature particles present in the extracts. The results indicate that the steady-state level of ribosomal precursors accounted for essentially a constant fraction of the total ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the cells. For cells with RNA-protein ratios between 0.43 and 0.65, about 1.6% of the total RNA occurred as immature ribonucleoprotein particles. Further, increased levels of immature particles were shown to be correlated with a reduced rate of RNA synthesis in cells recovering from chloramphenicol inhibition. The reduction was found to vary directly with the duration of pretreatment in chloramphenicol and, consequently, with the level of immature particles present in the cells.
Motor Control: Pyramidal, Extrapyramidal, and Limbic Motor Control

1 Pyramidal Motor System 2 Limbic Motor Control: The Motive Circuit and Basal Ganglia 3 Flow of Information Through Motivational Circuitry 4 Dopamine and Motivated Behavior 5 Neuropsychiatric Indications 6 Summary Keywords: motivation; goal-directed behavior; motive circuit; basal ganglia; limbic system; motor control; prefrontal cortex; striatum; pallidum; thalamus; dopamine; schizophrenia; Parkinson's disease; Huntington's disease
Anaylsis of EUVE Lightcurves of AM Her Systems

We present EUV lightcurves for a number of AM Her systems observed either as GO targets or with the Right Angle Program. Our data is either from our own GO pointings or from the EUVE archives. We have formed lightcurves for 10 AM Hers and discuss the similarities and differences that we have found. We draw some conclusions by grouping the systems by inclination, magnetic field strength and other physical parameters. In order to understand the physical structures responsible for these EUV emissions, we have developed a software model to generate synthetic light curves. We find that the EUV accretion regions in the systems UZ For, and VV Pup cannot be fit with a flat spot confined to the white dwarf surface, regardless of its shape or brightness profile. Rather, a small, symmetric raised spot (2–4% R wd ) is the only shape consistent with the data. Additionally, we detect a very gradual rise and fall in the EUV flux (<5% of the peak flux) at phases when the spot is completely obscured behind the WD limb. We attribute this to emission from the accretion column at distances up to 15% of the WD radius. Other systems, such as RE1149+28, show two distinct components to their lightcurves, a symmetric hump plus a preceding shoulder. See Howell et al. (1995) and Sirk and Howell (1995) for further details.
The Antioxidant and DNA Repair Activities of Resveratrol, Piceatannol, and Pterostilbene

Lifestyle diseases represent a large burden on developed societies and account for much morbidity worldwide. Research has shown that eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables helps to ameliorate and prevent some of these diseases. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may provide a substantial benefit in reducing disease incidence. This study examines the antioxidant properties of resveratrol, piceatannol, and pterostilbene, and the ability of Burkitt’s Lymphoma (Raji) cells to uptake these three antioxidants. It also studies the effect of the antioxidants in protecting against DNA damage, and their role in DNA repair following oxygen radical exposure in Raji cells. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay was used to measure overall antioxidant contribution as well as the ability of Raji cells to uptake antioxidant following exposure to 2,2’-Azobis(2-methyl-propionamide) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay was used to assess DNA damage and DNA repair rates of cells. Results showed that Raji cells, following oxygen radical exposure, significantly uptake pterostilbene (p < 0.0001), but not piceatannol or resveratrol. Piceatannol provided protection against hydrogen peroxide induced DNA damage, but pterostilbene and resveratrol increased DNA damage following hydrogen peroxide treatment. None of the compounds showed any effect on DNA repair. Overall, this study indicates there is merit for further research into the bioactive roles, including antioxidant capacity, of all three compounds. Such research may provide evidence for the more widespread use of these and other food based compounds for preventing lifestyle diseases.
Structural Studies on Bovine Growth Hormone: I. Isolation and characterization of cyanogen bromide fragments

Abstract Purified bovine growth hormone, consisting of a single polypeptide chain, has been found to contain NH2-terminal alanine, phenylalanine, and methionine in nearly equal amounts. The minimum molecular weight calculated from its amino acid composition is 20,846. Five unique fragments have been prepared from bovine growth hormone by cleavage at 4 methionyl residues with cyanogen bromide. In the order of their elution from Sephadex G-50 and G-75, these have been designated Fragment A, with 109 amino acids; Fragment B, 31 amino acids; Fragment C, 25 amino acids; Fragment D, 12 amino acids; and Fragment E, a pentapeptide. Partial characterization of these fragments indicates a high degree of similarity between this molecule and human growth hormone. Isolation of tryptic peptides derived from Fragment C lends additional support to the apparent homology.
Motion Near the Unit Circle in the Three-Body Problem

Many of the important applications of the circular planar restricted problem of three bodies involve motion in the vicinity of the unit circle, (as defined in canonical units). It is then of interest to develop simplified models which are valid in this region. These models preserve the gross characteristics of the original system but they possess simpler equations of motion.
Gastrointestinal luminal polyamines: cellular accumulation and enterohepatic circulation

The concentration of polyamines contained in the lumen of the gut was quantified. The duodenum and jejunum of the rat contained 2-3 mM putrescine and 1-2 mM cadaverine, whereas in the ileum and colon the concentration of these polyamines was significantly less. In addition, the concentrations of spermine and spermidine in the intestinal lumen were low to undetectable. Putrescine in the lumen of the gut was over 90% free with only 10% or less bound to protein. The activity of the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of polyamines was also measured. In contrast to concentration, enzyme activity was found to be high in the ileum, cecum, and colon and nonexistent in the duodenal and jejunal lumen. This suggested the potential for enterohepatic circulation of polyamines that were synthesized by the colonic microflora and transported to the proximal gut via the portal circulation and biliary tree. Indeed, when [14C]putrescine was instilled into the lumen of the gut, it was secreted in pancreaticobiliary secretions. Upper and lower jejunum and colon all supported enterohepatic circulation of polyamines, whereas it was absent in the ileum. Polyamine accumulation in IEC-6 cells grown under in vitro conditions was also measured. Putrescine was transported under time- and temperature-dependent but sodium-independent conditions. The transporter displayed little selectivity for the various polyamines and compounds with related structures but did not recognize amino acids. The Michaelis constant for putrescine accumulation was 1.26 x 10(-6) M with a maximal velocity of the enzyme reaction of 5,184 pmol putrescine.mg protein-1.h-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Identifying Social Entrepreneurs Serving the Poor at the Base of the Pyramid

The concept of social entrepreneurship as a characterization of social responsibility for business organizations has gained considerable popularity. There is growing belief in developmental and donor communities that this form of for-profit activity might be the long-sought panacea for solving poverty at the so-called Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) - the poorest segment of the society. Yet, there is no consensus within these communities as to what constitutes social entrepreneurship, and how the BoP is defined. Confusion arises from the absence of generally accepted definitions for both terms, leaving much scope for some conventional for-profit activities to assert a higher social service status. This paper attempts to clarify what constitutes social entrepreneurships serving the BOP segment of the population, and how BoP may be defined to better represent the poor.
THE DOCUMENTATION OF PREHOSPITAL CARE REPORTS IN PATIENTS INVOLVED IN MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

(2004). THE DOCUMENTATION OF PREHOSPITAL CARE REPORTS IN PATIENTS INVOLVED IN MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS. Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 99-100.
Further Generalization of n-D Distance and n-D Dependent Function in Extenics

Prof. Cai Wen defined the 1-D Distance and 1-D Dependent Function in 1983. F. Smarandache generalized them to n-D Distance and n-D Dependent Function respectively in 2012 during his postdoc research at Guangdong University of Technology in Guangzhou. O. I. Sandru extended the last results in 2013. Now [2015], as a further generalization, we unify all these results into a single formula for the n-D Distance and respectively for the n-D Dependent Function.
Milrinone Facilitates Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest and Attenuates Postresuscitation Myocardial Dysfunction

Background— Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with a low cardiac index after successful CPR contributes to early death attributable to multiorgan failure, and an effective treatment has not been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of milrinone, a selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, as treatment for LV dysfunction after resuscitation. Methods and Results— Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced electrically in 32 swine. After 5 minutes of VF, CPR was initiated and animals were randomized to receive either saline (control group, n=16) as a bolus and infusion or milrinone 50 μg/kg as a bolus and then 0.5 μg/kg per min for 60 minutes (treatment group, n=16). After 2 minutes of CPR (total VF time, 7 minutes), countershocks were given. Coronary perfusion pressures during CPR were similar for the groups (24±2 versus 21±4 mm Hg). All animals were defibrillated; 6 of 16 control animals developed refractory postcountershock pulseless electrical activity compared with 0 of 16 tr...
Systematic Review of the Treatment of Kienböck's Disease in Its Early and Late Stages

Purpose To perform a systematic review of the treatment of Kienbock's disease to test the hypothesis that none of the reported treatments for Kienbock's disease is superior with respect to outcomes of pain, motion, grip strength, and radiographic measures. Methods We searched PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Review for articles published between 1998 and 2008 reporting outcomes of treatment for Kienbock's disease. Patients were grouped by stage of disease. Early stages were defined as Lichtman stage I, II, and IIIa, and ‘late’ stages as IIIb and IV. The groups were then analyzed on the basis of treatment; procedures performed on subjects in the early group included vascularized bone grafting (VBG), metaphyseal core decompression, and radial osteotomy, whereas the procedures performed on subjects in the late group included VBG, radial osteotomy, partial arthrodesis, proximal row carpectomy, tendon ball arthroplasty, and nonsurgical treatment. Results We found no statistically significant difference between any of the treatment groups for subjective pain outcomes. In terms of objective measures, statistically significant improvement (p Conclusions Based on retrospective data from uncontrolled studies, no active treatment is superior in the treatment of Kienbock's disease and there are insufficient data to determine whether the outcomes of any intervention are superior to placebo or the natural history of the disease.
Effect of growth hormone replacement therapy on the quality of life in women with growth hormone deficiency who have a history of acromegaly versus other disorders.

Objective: To compare the response in quality of life (QoL) to growth hormone (GH) replacement in women with GH deficiency (GHD) and a history of acromegaly with that in women with GHD of other cau...
The Fine-Tuning Argument

The Fine-Tuning Argument (FTA) is a variant of the Design Argument for the existence of God. In this paper the evidence of fine-tuning is explained and the Fine-Tuning Design Argument for God is presented. Then two objections are covered. The first objection is that fine-tuning can be explained in terms of the existence of multiple universes (the 'multiverse') plus the operation of the anthropic principle. The second objection is the 'normalizability problem' - the objection that the Fine-Tuning Argument fails because fine-tuning is not actually improbable.
Modeling of size effects on the flow stress of type 304 stainless steel and application in coining process

Application of microforming in various research areas has received much attention due to the increased demand for miniature metallic parts that require mass production. For the accurate analysis and design of microforming process, proper modeling of material behavior at the micro/meso-scale is necessary by considering the size effects. Two size effects are known to exist in metallic materials. One is the “grain size” effect, and the other is the “feature/specimen size” effect. This study investigated the “feature/specimen size” effect and introduced a scaling model which combined both feature/specimen and grain size effects. Predicted size effects were compared with experiments obtained from previous research and showed a very good agreement. The model was also applied to forming of micro-features by coining. A flow stress model for Type 304 stainless steel taking into consideration the effect of the grain and feature size was developed and implemented into a finite element simulation tool for an accurate numerical analysis. The scaling model offered a simple way to model the size effect down to length scales of a couple of grains and extended the use of continuum plasticity theories to micro/meso-length scales.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Naming names: Part three – Safeguarding brand equity in the United States by developing a family of trademarks

This article examines the concept of family of trademarks, traces its historical development in the United States and explains how it can be implemented by brand marketers to enhance the scope of trademark protection.
Fused-ring thiadiazines: preparation and crystallographic characterization of 3-phenyl derivative of benzo-, pyridio[2,3-e]-, pyrazino[2,3-e]-, and tetrafluorobenzo-[1,2,4]thiadiazines.

Four bicyclic 4H-[1,2,4]thiadiazines 1a−d were prepared in 74−88% yields in two steps from the corresponding amidines 2. Three of them, 1a, 1b, and 1d, were obtained by thermal elimination of propene from the intermediate S-propylsulfilimines 12. The pyrazino derivative 1c was formed upon thermolysis of sulfoxide 14c obtained from 2c. The Ei mechanism was investigated using DFT methods. The elimination in the sulfilimine appears to be more favorable by about 2 kcal/mol than in the analogous sulfoxide. Crystal and molecular structures of three out of the four thiadiazines were established by single-crystal X-ray analysis. All thiadiazines were found as the 4H tautomers with the heterocyclic ring puckered along the S(1)···N(4) line. The benzo derivative 1a forms a unidimensional N(4)−H···N(2) chain, the pyrazino derivative 1c forms dimeric pairs with two synergistic hydrogen bonds, and the crystal structure of 1d is characterized by strong C6F4···C6H5 quadrupolar interactions.
Marrow fibrosis associated with a Philadelphia chromosome

Three patients had marked marrow fibrosis and an apparent Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular studies demonstrated the heterogeneity of such cases, including the first example of clinically typical myelofibrosis (MF) associated with a bcr gene rearrangement characteristic of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Recent changes in the health status of the older U.S. population: findings from the 1984 and 1994 supplement on aging.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes in the use of health care services, physical functioning, disability, and other aspects of health status in the older U.S. population between 1984 and 1994. DESIGN AND SETTING: The 1984 and 1994 National Health Interview Survey Supplements on Aging, which were national probability samples of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population age 70 and older. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7,541 and 9,447 persons, representing the 17.3 million and 21.8 million U.S. population age 70 and older in 1984 and 1994, respectively. MEASUREMENTS: Annual bed-limitation days, doctor visits, episodes and days of hospital stays, limitation in 10 measures of physical performance, disability in seven activities of daily living (ADI.s) and six instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and participation in social activities and exercise. RESULTS: The annual bed-limitation days and hospital stays declined significantly in both men and women between 1984 and 1994. There was a large decrease in the prevalence of limitation in physical performance and a smaller decrease in disability of IADLs. The changes were greater in women than in men. The prevalence of disability in ADLs was not changed in women in general and increased somewhat in men. Significant increases in the proportion of persons participating in certain social activities and regular exercise were found in both men and women. Jointly considering the indicators, including annual bed days and hospital stays, physical performance, ADLs, and IADLs, 4.2% more men and 3.1% more women were physically robust in 1994 than in 1984. Approximately 420,000 more older people would have lived in a severely restricted and disabled state in 1994 if the rate of limitation had not declined. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of an overall improvement in the health status of older Americans but inconsistency in the trends existed for different disability measures and for population subgroups.
Genetics of Schizophrenia and the New Millennium: Progress and Pitfalls

Schizophrenia (MIM 181500) is a severe and common psychiatric disorder afflicting 1% of the world population. The disease is characterized by psychotic symptoms and by cognitive, affective, and psychosocial impairment. As a leading cause of psychiatric admissions, schizophrenia accounts for a considerable portion of health-care expenditures and is viewed as a major public health concern. Despite extensive research, our knowledge of the structural or functional pathology of schizophrenia is limited. The only etiological factor with a reasonably firm foundation is inheritance, as evidenced by family, twin, and adoption studies that point to substantial heritability (Gottesman and Shields 1982; Gottesman 1991; Kendler and Diehl 1993). In the premolecular era, attempts to discern the underlying genetic mechanism consisted of (1) segregation analysis, testing the fit of observed familial patterns to specific genetic formulations (e.g., single–major-locus, oligogenic, and multifactorial-polygenic models); (2) searching for genetic susceptibility traits, also known as “biological markers,” that segregate with the disorder in families (e.g., neurotransmitter enzymes, receptor proteins, or metabolites; attentional and electroencephalographic measures; and indices based on brain imaging); and (3) linkage studies that used classical gene markers (e.g., leukocyte antigens, blood groups, or serum proteins). However, in spite of numerous studies, the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia remain elusive. The disorder, which is confounded by a host of factors (e.g., phenotypic diversity, etiologic heterogeneity, incomplete penetrance, unknown mode of inheritance, uncertainty about the number of loci involved and about their interactions, and the existence of nongenetic cases or phenocopies), was consigned to a complex multifactorial etiology, with no firmly established biological correlates (Baron 1986a and 1986b; Risch 1990b; Kendler and Diehl 1993). A single major locus is unlikely as a common mode of inheritance. Oligogenic or polygenic models are plausible alternatives. The advent of molecular genetics was a turning point in schizophrenia research, enabling the systematic application of both reverse genetics (studying random, anonymous DNA markers spanning the genome) and forward-genetics (testing candidate-gene polymorphisms with presumed functional relevance for the disease) (Martin 1987; Baron and Rainer 1988; Owen and Craddock 1996). In this article I review molecular genetic findings about schizophrenia, with an eye toward methodological issues and future research.
The Estimation of Some Analgetic Potencies

A quantal method of analgesimetry was used to measure the analgetic activity of sodium acetylsalicylate, sodium pentobarbital, diethylaminoethanol, and the potentiating effect of sodium pentobarbital on codeine phosphate.
What Is the Role for Vaccination in Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the etiology of peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, gastric carcinoma, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Although significant progress has been made in treating this infection with combinations of either antimicrobial agents or antimicrobial agents plus proton pump inhibitors, these antimicrobial-based treatments continue to be suboptimal. Over the past few years it has become increasingly recognized that direct mucosal immunization can induce protection from infection at mucosal surfaces. Therefore, prevention of H. pylori infection by oral immunization is an alternative approach for the control of H. pylori disease. Using the Helicobacter felis mouse model or H. pylori mouse model, both prophylactic and therapeutic oral immunizations have been shown to be effective against H. pylori. In addition, several H. pylori proteins have been identified as potential candidate vaccines, and a phase 1 clinical trial has been completed that demonstrates the safety and tolerability of urease as a vaccine antigen. Such antigens in combination with a safe mucosal adjuvant could be used in the form of an oral vaccine administered during childhood before exposure to H. pylori to prevent infection. In addition, therapeutic immunization alone or as an adjunct to antimicrobial therapy may be capable of achieving a cure rate approaching 100%.
Imaging of the acute abdomen

It has been over 10 years since the publication of the last issue of the Radiologic Clinics of North America devoted entirely to imaging acute abdominal disorders. Significant advances in technology, new applications, changed protocols, and considerable accumulated experience have prompted an update of this important clinical subject. The purpose of this new issue is twofold. First, acute abdominal conditions that can be diagnosed and evaluated rapidly by relatively noninvasive imaging examinations are reviewed. I have tried to avoid overlaps and duplications while maintaining the relevance of the topic by focusing on pertinent, potentially lifethreatening abdominal conditions. Second, this issue provides an abbreviated but comprehensive presentation of new applications of imaging modalities—such as multidetector (multislice) CT, sonography, and MR imaging—that were previously not available or were not commonly used in the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal complaints. After perusing through this issue, readers will no doubt notice that radiologists, based on their experience and established beliefs, tend to address similar clinical challenges by different means using various imaging modalities or distinctly idiosyncratic technical protocols. Theoretically, the selection of a given
CURRENT GREEK ATTITUDES TOWARD THE UNITED STATES: AN EXAMINATION AND EXPLANATION

This article explores the negative attitudes towards the United States that exist in present day Greek society. The anti‐US attitudes in Greece are greater than in other EEC member countries and exist across various social and economic characteristics of the Greek population. Possible reasons for and sources of these attitudes are explored.
Non-intrusive optical diagnostic experiments for high-speed flow generator flowfield characterization

Abstract Two non-intrusive optical diagnostic methods, electron beam fluorescence (EBF) and focused schlieren (FS) have been set up and utilized for high-speed flow characterization and visualization of the High-speed Flow Generator (HFG) at NASA LaRC. Using the EBF technique, we were able to visualize and calculate several parameters of the low-density, free jet expansion of N2 gas through a 5.0 mm nozzle. We also developed a high-sensitivity FS system to see shock structure in front of a spherical barrier and roughly determine the lower limit of its capability to visualize the N2 flowfield.
The Merkel cell polyomavirus and its involvement in Merkel cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUNDThe discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) in a large number of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) has led to many investigations into its potential role as an oncovirus. Many studies have recently explored the differences between MCCs infected and not infected with MCV.OBJECTIVETo rev
Sky-wave backscatter: A means for observing our environment at great distances

During the last five years, much progress has been made in the understanding of sky-wave backscatter. An explanation of the various interacting phenomena is presented, as is a review of the current state of knowledge reflecting recent advances in observational methods and analytic techniques. New narrow-beam antennas, coupled with signal modulations that permit fine resolution in time delay, are beginning to yield information concerning the character of the scatterers, which now can be separately discerned. These narrow beams also permit study of polarization fading from small regions, and this shows promise as a means for learning the distant sea state. Doppler shifts of a fraction of a hertz on signals of tens of megahertz are separable, permitting isolation of sea returns from ground returns by virtue of the Doppler effect resulting from sea-wave speed; this also suggests a potential sea-monitoring principle. Despite these advances, there is little practical application of sky-wave backscatter as a means of environmental monitoring. This lack is attributed to the large remaining gaps in our understanding of the echoes and our inability to interpret the forms of data that can be acquired with equipment of reasonable cost.
Productivity and compensatory responses of yellow-poplar trees in elevated C0 2

INCREASED forest growth in response to globally rising CO2 concentrations could provide an additional sink for the excess carbon added to the atmosphere from fossil fuels1,2. The response of trees to increased CO2, however, can be expected to be modified by the interactions of other environmental resources and stresses, higher-order ecological interactions and internal feedbacks inherent in the growth of large, perennial organisms3,4. To test whether short-term stimulation of tree growth by elevated CO2 can be sustained without inputs from other environmental resources, we grew yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) saplings for most of three growing seasons with continuous exposure to ambient or elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Despite a sustained increase in leaf-level photosynthesis and lower rates of foliar respiration in CO2-enriched trees, whole-plant carbon storage did not increase. The absence of a significant growth response is explained by changes in carbon allocation patterns, specifically a relative decrease in leaf production and an increase in fine root production. Although these compensatory responses reduced the potential increase in carbon storage in increased CO2 concentrations, they also favour the efficient use of resources over the longer term.
Transmission of hepatitis C virus by kidney transplantation: impact of perfusion techniques and course of viremia post transplant

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of post-transplant non-A, non-B hepatitis. Although many end-stage renal disease patients present for transplantation already infected with HCV, some recipients acquire the infection by transmission from the donor organ. We have detected serological evidence for HCV infection in 6.8% of our organ donors using second-generation anti-HCV assays. Approximately one-third of the patients who received an organ from a HCV carrier donor developed chronic transaminasemia and 8 of 14 (56%) patients converted from HCV RNA negative to positive in the posttransplant period. Demonstration of the course of viremia and transaminasemia is presented for 2 patients in whom transmission of HCV occurred. Using pulsatile machine perfusion, we were able to demonstrate that a standard perfusion of 20 h reduced the viral load in the kidney by 75%, additional flushes and a subsequent perfusion reduced the total viral titer by more than 99%. Thus, although transmission of HCV does occur with solid-organ transplantation, differences in the incidence of transmission between centers may be related to techniques of organ preservation.
The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission

The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) instrument on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission, scheduled to launch in October 2008, will provide a precise global lunar topographic map using laser altimetry. LOLA uses short pulses from a single laser through a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE) to produce a five-beam pattern that illuminates the lunar surface. For each beam, LOLA measures the time of flight (range), pulse spreading (surface roughness), and transmit/return energy (surface reflectance). LOLA will produce a high-resolution global topographic model and global geodetic framework that enables precise targeting, safe landing, and surface mobility to carry out exploratory activities. In addition, it will characterize the polar illumination environment, and image permanently shadowed polar regions of the lunar surface to identify possible locations of surface ice crystals in shadowed polar craters.
Demonstrating Success: Web Analytics and Continuous Improvement

As free and low-cost Web analytics tools become more sophisticated, libraries’ approach to user analysis can become more nuanced and precise. Tracking appropriate metrics with a well-formulated analytics program can inform design decisions, demonstrate the degree to which those decisions have succeeded, and thereby inform the next iteration in the design process. The Health Sciences Libraries of the University of Minnesota have been using Google Analytics as their primary analytics solution since 2005, and as Google has continued to add functionality and flexibility to the platform, the Health Sciences Libraries has capitalized on the opportunities made available. In this article the author outlines the Health Sciences Libraries strategy for using Google Analytics and describes several of the more novel methods they have developed, providing a roadmap for others seeking to strengthen their understanding of the behavior of users on their library's Web sites.
Is it time to start teaching basic diagnostics

Giventhelonghistoryof our profession, it is startling that in 2013 we ﬁnd our-selves still advocating for “recognition” as healthcareproviders, even within the conﬁnes of bureaucratic fed-eral processes. A corollary and perhaps more long andwindingroadhasbeenthebattleforpharmacistprescrip-tiveprivilegesacrosstheUnitedStates.
Biological Aspects of TiNi Alloy Surfaces

A review on biocompatibility of TiNi alloys and related surface properties is presented. TiNi alloys showed biocompatibility comparable to that of stainless steel in in vivo and to titanium and Co-Cr alloys in in vitro. The nature of good biocompatibility is related to the properties of TiNi surfaces which revealed the tendency to be covered with TiO 2 based oxides with a little amount of Ni (0-5%) in them. Estimations of the concentrations of both alloy components in the biological media after exposure to autoclaved TiNi specimens indicate that release of metals may be biologically insignificant
The logic of time reversal

Active time reversal in the sense of “object reversal” and passive time reversal in the sense of a frame reversal of time are discussed separately and then together so as to bring out their dual nature. An understanding of that duality makes it unavoidable to contrast symmetry properties of matter with symmetry properties to be assigned to antimatter. Only frame reversal of time can “see” all conceivable active time reversals relevant to physical objects. Only frame reversal of time can be used for a meaningful extension of the Neumann principle to the time domain.
Connective tissue growth factor/CCN2-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts retain intact transforming growth factor-β responsiveness

Abstract Background The matricellular protein connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) has been implicated in pathological fibrosis, but its physiologic role remains elusive. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces CCN2 expression in mesenchymal cells. Because CCN2 can enhance profibrotic responses elicited by TGF-β, it has been proposed that CCN2 functions as an essential downstream signaling mediator for TGF-β. To explore this notion, we characterized TGF-β-induced activation of fibroblasts from CCN2-null (CCN2 −/− ) mouse embryos. Methods The regulation of CCN2 expression was examined in vivo in a model of fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Cellular TGF-β signal transduction and regulation of collagen gene expression were examined in CCN2 −/− MEFs by immunohistochemistry, Northern, Western and RT-PCR analysis, immunocytochemistry and transient transfection assays. Results Bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in the mouse was associated with substantial CCN2 up-regulation in lesional fibroblasts. Whereas in vitro proliferation rate of CCN2 −/− MEFs was markedly reduced compared to wild type MEFs, TGF-β-induced activation of the Smad pathways, including Smad2 phosphorylation, Smad2/3 and Smad4 nuclear accumulation and Smad-dependent transcriptional responses, were unaffected by loss of CCN2. The stimulation of COL1A2 and fibronectin mRNA expression and promoter activity, and of corresponding protein levels, showed comparable time and dose-response in wild type and CCN2 −/− MEFs, whereas stimulation of alpha smooth muscle actin and myofibroblast transdifferentiation showed subtle impairment in MEFs lacking CCN2. Conclusion Whereas endogenous CCN2 plays a role in regulation of proliferation and TGF-β-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation, it appears to be dispensable for Smad-dependent stimulation of collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis in murine embryonic fibroblasts.
A Stacking Interaction between a Bridging Hydrogen Atom and Aromatic π Density in the n‐B18H22–Benzene System

The structures of n-B18H22 and of n-B18H22 x C6H6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis at -60 degrees C. The geometry of the boron cluster itself does not seem to be appreciably affected by solvation. There does, however, appear to be an unusual interaction of a polyborane bridging hydrogen atom with the benzene pi system, giving rise to an extended stacked structure. The 1H{11B} spectrum of n-B18H22 in [D6]benzene differs from that in [D12]cyclohexane most noticeably in the bridging proton region. Upon moving from the aliphatic to the aromatic solvent, the greatest increase in shielding was for the signal corresponding to the bridge hydrogen atom that interacts with the pi system of benzene; the signal was shifted upfield by 0.49 ppm. Density functional theory calculations were performed on 1:1 and 2:1 complexes of the n-B18H22 unit with benzene.
Coherent thermal radiation effects on temperature-dependent emissivity of thin-film structures on optically thick substrates

Many studies on thermal processing of thin-film structures assume an incoherent thermal emission with an emissivity value that is constant or varies according to bulk properties. However, thermal radiation has a coherence length that varies with temperature. Thus, coherent thin-film interference affects the radiative properties of heterostructures when the wavelengths of radiation are of the same order of magnitude as the film thicknesses. For semiconducting and dielectric thin films on optically thick substrates, there are distinct trends in these microscale radiative effects. Numerical simulations of the temperature-dependent optical characteristics of multilayer thin-film structures were conducted to evaluate the thin-film interference effects. These results can be applied to thermal processes of thin-film structures where a spatial or temporal temperature distribution exists. An example of these effects is shown for radiative cooling of silicon-on-insulator wafers.
ESTIMATING LABOR ABSORPTION WITH PUBLISHED DATA

Large population cohorts will need to be productively absorbed into the work force in coming years in order to provide for their old age. Appropriate data and techniques for measuring labour absorption have been scarce. This article suggests two techniques for analysing the data recommended with first priority for censuses by the United Nations. Censuses are used because virtually every country conducts a census while few can afford labour force surveys. Use of the techniques is illustrated for four countries
Anomalous sorption and pervaporation of aqueous organic mixtures by poly(vinyl acetal) membranes

Abstract Various poly(vinyl butyral), poly(vinyl acetal) and poly(vinyl formal) membranes have been prepared by casting from tetrahydrofuran solutions. While these membranes swell tremendously or even dissolve in alcohols or acetic acid, they swell very little in water. Their swelling in water-alcohol or water-acetic acid mixtures is, however, appreciable, with the absorbed mixture enriched in water. Similarly, the membranes are more permselective to water than they are to alcohols and acetic acid. These anomalous phenomena are explained by suggesting that the selective adsorption of the alcohol or acetic acid molecules on the polymer, with their hydrophobic moiety in contact with the polymer molecules, hydrophilise the polymer, making the latter more compatible with water.
The co-occurrence of monoglucosides and monogalactosides of cyanidin and peonidin in the American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon

Cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside were identified as minor (< 1 %) pigments in cranberries. Their isolation was possible with a new developing solvent of high resolving power.