cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting morbidity and mortality after radical cystectomy using risk calculators: A comprehensive review of the literature.

Abstract Introduction Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality, varying between 30% and 70% and between 0.3% and 10.6%, respectively. Risk calculators have been extensively studied in the general surgery literature to predict 30- and 90-day postoperative morbidity and mortality but have not been widely accepted in the RC literature. Materials and methods We performed a search of MEDLINE and Embase databases during May 2020 to identify all relevant studies using the following keywords: radical cystectomy, surgical complication predictive model, surgical complication predictive equation, surgical complication predictive nomogram, surgical risk calculator, morbidity, and mortality. We determined the existing surgical predictive nomograms, calculators, and indices and their accuracy in predicting morbidity, mortality, and major complications after RC. Results National Surgical Quality Improvement Program had poor accuracy at predicting 30-day morbidity at mortality (AUC 0.5–0.6). LACE index showed good discrimination at predicting 90-day mortality (AUC 0.7). The various frailty and sarcopenia indices have shown poor to fair accuracy at predicting (AUC 0.5–0.7). The Isbarn and Aziz nomograms have equivalent accuracy at predicting 90-day mortality (AUC 0.7) but are limited by inclusion of tumor histology and presence of metastatic disease as variables. POSSUM and P-POSSUM have poor ability at predicting morbidity and mortality (AUC 0.5) and are cumbersome calculators. The surgical Apgar score has been able to predict 30-day morbidity and mortality but can only be used in the postoperative setting. Discussion The currently available surgical risk calculators have either poor accuracy at predicting post-RC morbidity and mortality or are limited by types of variables included. An ideal risk calculator would be comprised of preoperative factors only and have a high accuracy to serve as a tool for preoperative patient counseling prior to surgery. Conclusion There exists a strong need to develop a comprehensive and accurate preoperative risk calculator that predicts morbidity and mortality after RC.
Comparison of different size left-sided double-lumen tubes for thoracic surgery

Study Objective: The aim of this study is to see if there are any clinical differences between using 35 F DLT for all patients versus using patient height regardless of gender to estimate appropriate DLT size. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: University Hospital. Patients: 50 patients age ≤18 years, undergoing lung or esophageal surgery requiring OLV. Interventions: Patients randomized to two groups (group-35F, group –DLT based on height). Measurements and Main Results: Data collected include demographics, ASA status, airway assessment, number of intubation attempts, Cormack-Lehane grade, number of times DLT repositioned, incidence of sore throat, oxygen saturation at induction and oxygen saturation at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after OLV. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics, ASA classification, Mallampati score, number of intubation attempts, Cormack-Lehane grade, number of times DLT was repositioned, and incidence of sore throat. In height based DLT group the odds were higher for the incidence of sore throat in 37-41 F group. Oxygen saturation at induction, 5 minutes and 10 minutes after OLV are not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the majority of patients receive unnecessarily large DLTs for thoracic surgery, which not only makes intubation inherently more difficult but also increases their risk of postoperative sore throat.
Influence of Compositionally Graded Interface on Microstructure and Compressive Deformation of 316L Stainless Steel to Al12Si Aluminum Alloy Bimetallic Structures.

Bimetallic structures offer properties that can be customized based on applications, manufactured in one operation. Such manufacturing options are fascinating, as joining two metallic materials, especially for two dissimilar metals without significant defects, is challenging. In this study, 316L stainless steel (SS) to Al12Si aluminum alloy structures were processed, tailoring the compositionally graded interface on a SS 316 substrate using a directed energy deposition (DED)-based additive manufacturing (AM) process. Applying such a compositionally graded transition for joining two dissimilar metals could mitigate the mismatch of mechanical and thermal properties. This study's objective was to understand the processing parameters that influence the properties of AM processed SS 316L to Al12Si bimetallic structures. Two different approaches were used to fabricate these bimetallic structures. The results showed no visible defects on the as-fabricated samples using four layers of Al-rich mixed composition as the transition section. The microstructural characterization showed a unique morphology in each section. The microstructural variation was caused due to various processing parameters such as laser power, powder feed rate, and laser scan speed. FeAl, Fe2Al5, and FeAl3 intermetallic phases were formed at the compositionally graded transition section. After stress relief heat treatment of the bimetallic samples, diffused intermetallic phases were seen at the compositionally graded transition. At the interface, as processed bimetallic structures had a microhardness value of 834.2 ± 107.1 HV0.1, which was a result of the FeAl3 phase at the compositionally graded transition area. After heat treatment, the microhardness value reduced to 578.7 ± 154.1 HV0.1 because of a more Fe-dominated FexAly phase formation. Compression test results showed that the non-HT and HT SS 316L/Al12Si bimetallic structures had a similar maximum compressive strength of 299.4 ± 22.1 MPa and 270.1 ± 27.1 MPa, respectively. These results demonstrated that the applied heat treatment conditions only had a minor impact on samples' compression strength.
The Euro Saga: An Essay

Whither the EURO? This question has taken on heightened, global significance in the wake of the EURO-zone financial crisis that emerged in 2010 and remains ongoing. Answers, or at least approaches to answers, are important not only to bail outs of Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus, but also Spain, Italy and the whole of the European Union, including Britain before and after BREXIT and other non-EURO members. Indeed, they are critical for the stability of the financial world as we know it. In this essay, my approach to these questions is historical. In order to understand whither the EURO, it helps to understand whence it came. I explore the design and origins of the EURO. Systemic flaws that emerged early in that history have continued to haunt the EURO. Whether these flaws can be remedied and at what cost becomes the central focus of this essay.
Craftsmanship in Academia: Skilled Improvisation in Research, Teaching, and Leadership

Educators typically focus on one of three levels: micro, the individual; meso, the institutional; or macro, the global (Bresler, Res Stud Music Educ 11:2–18, 1998). It is unusual to find an educator who has impacted all three levels as significantly as Magne Espeland does. I begin this preface by exploring the notion of craft, the central idea behind his vision for this book, discussing its associations and possibilities, and what these mean in the context of research. I then reflect on how such aspects are manifested in his research, teaching, and leadership, including a close relationship to improvisation and responsiveness to different communities in which he practices his craft.
Thickness Effect on Permeance of CO2/CH4 Gases in CA Coated PVDF Composite Membranes

The aim of this work is to study the effect of membrane thickness with respect to gas permeance and tensile strength. The influence of membrane thickness on gas permeation has received little atten...
Seafood stories: the effect of video message type on U.S. support for sustainable aquaculture

Using two samples of U.S. adults (Study 1: N = 336; Study 2: N = 2329), this study features a messaging experiment utilizing a between-subjects design, with a no-message control group, to explore t...
Intergenerational Trauma: Assessment in Biological Mothers and Preschool Children

Childhood trauma can lead to lifelong detrimental outcomes. Intergenerational trauma should be considered when supporting healthy parent–child relationships. Research is needed on intergenerational trauma in relation to children’s negative life event exposure, which could compound intergenerational trauma. We examined the prevalence of and relations between mother and child traumas in a sample of 88 biological mothers and their preschool-aged children. We coded child negative life events to examine those related to intergenerational trauma. Results showed that mother traumas and child negative life events were positively associated; subtypes of mothers’ traumas (abuse, neglect) and high trauma levels were associated with higher numbers of child negative life events, including those tied to parent trauma. It is necessary to consider how childhood trauma in adults and children is measured, and what analyses can reveal about the intergenerational context, especially considering compounding current, stressful world events.
From a customs union to a common market: The need for factor-tax harmonization

Abstract Wooton (1988) demonstrates that a movement of a small customs union towardsa common market may result in a welfare loss if the common external tariff rates are not zero. The present paper, building on Wooton's model, demonstrates that even if the common external tariff rates are zero, the movement towards a common market may still result in a welfare loss if the tax rates on factor's rates of return are not equal among partners. Within two special models, the analysis also demonstrates that when the tax rates on factors' rates of return are equal among member countries, then the movement towards a common market is optimal, regardless of whether or not the common external tariff rates are zero.
The Natural History of a Treated Episode of Acute Otitis Media

The accurate diagnosis of acute otitis media is difficult, especially in its early hours. The vague symptoms and subtle physical signs of early otitis lead the practitioner to make too many diagnoses by default and to issue too much treatment out of caulion. With the growth of resistant organisms limiting the effectiveness of safe, low-cost antibiotics, there is increasing pressure to prescribe antibiotics more sparingly.1-3 Thus, the accurate diagnosis of otitis media is more important than ever. To correctly diagnose acute otitis media the pediatrician must know what it looks like, not only in its early hours, but throughout the course of infection.
Structural significance of the C-terminal amphiphilic helix of interleukin-2.

Abstract The structural significance of C-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helix of human interleukin-2 has been investigated using principles of protein design. Employing disulfide-mediated semi-synthesis, several multiple residue substitution patterns were studied in order to provide rapid insight into the most appropriate features to incorporate into fully recombinant proteins. Substitutions directed toward both stabilization and destabilization of the helix resulted in proteins with modulated bioactivity. Circular dichroism verified the conformational integrity and thermal stability of the derivatives. The biologic characteristics of each derivative were evaluated in the standard murine CTLL-2 assay and compared to activities exhibited in both human T-cell bioactivity and binding assay. A strategy for the design of protein ligand agonists and antagonists without knowledge of receptor contact residues is discussed.
CD-1 mice Show Individual Differences in Nicotine Preference in a Modified Two-Bottle Oral Self-Administration Model.

Genetic epidemiology reveals significant contributions of genetics to smoking addiction. However, such study is underpowered because of the many potential confounding variables. These issues can be compensated for by a proper animal model. In the current study, we used non-sibling CD-1 mice to increase the genetic variation and evaluated nicotine preference in a modified two-bottle oral self-administration model. Animals were first given free access to two bottles, one filled with nicotine dissolved in 2% saccharin and the other with saccharin only. At this stage, the majority of animals avoided the nicotine solution with small individual differences. However, after four days of exposure to 5% saccharin in the drinking water, the ratio of nicotine consumption to total liquid consumption was significantly increased, and about 40% animals showed a nicotine preference. There were striking individual differences in nicotine consumption, with a range of 0 to 100% of total liquid consumption. Nicotine preference after 5% saccharin treatment remained elevated throughout the 28 days of experiment. The enhanced ratio of nicotine consumption and individual differences were observed at different concentrations of nicotine (10 to 80 µg/ml) and in both adolescents and adults. Although liquid consumption during the four days of 5% saccharin induction was decreased by about 30%, comparable liquid restriction alone for four days did not induce nicotine preference. The long-lasting nicotine preference was not correlated with nicotine consumption before the induction, 5% saccharin consumption, or weight gain during the induction. Together, this study showed a long-lasting nicotine preference in CD-1 mice, which was induced by a short-term high concentration of saccharin in the drinking water. We observed significant individual differences in nicotine consumption. Given the nature and heterogeneity of CD-1 mice, such striking individual differences indicate that genetics plays an im
Expandiendo la tradición de Ángel Palerm: estaciones de campo, etnografía, reclutamiento y retención de estudiantes latinos.

El articulo habla de la Casa "Angel Palerm", un modelo de estacion de campo etnografica que establecimos en Dallas, Texas, para reclutar y retener a estudiantes latinos en la Universidad de Texas en Dallas. Abrio sus puertas en Oak Cliff, uno de los barrios latinos mas grandes de Dallas y opero del ano 2000 hasta el 2004. Se describe el enfoque, la pedagogia utilizada y su aplicacion para llevar a cabo esta mision. La discusion incluye la tradicion intelectual detras de este esfuerzo: la "escuela de antropologia" de Angel Palerm. Tambien se describen las colaboraciones desarrolladas con los colegios comunitarios del condado de Dallas y otras instituciones. La Casa "Angel Palerm" fue un proyecto financiado por el Departamento de Educacion de Estados Unidos, disenado para preparar, reclutar y retener a estudiantes latinos en las universidades
Cloning and characterization of the mouse gene that encodes the peptide core of secretory granule proteoglycans and expression of this gene in transfected rat-1 fibroblasts

A mouse liver genomic library was probed with a 450-base pair AccI----3' gene-specific fragment of a mouse bone marrow-derived mast cell proteoglycan cDNA to isolate 15-18-kilobase (kb) genomic clones containing the gene that encodes the peptide core of mouse secretory granule proteoglycans. Based on the nucleotide sequences of its 2.0-3.5-kb subcloned fragments, this mouse gene consists of three exons. The first exon contains 41 base pairs of untranslated nucleotides that are present in the 5' region of the transcript and also encodes the hydrophobic 25-amino acid signal peptide. The second exon encodes a 48-amino acid sequence that would be predicted to be the N terminus of the peptide core after the signal peptide has been removed in the endoplasmic reticulum. The third exon encodes a 79-amino acid sequence that includes the 15 amino acids immediately preceding an alternating serine-glycine 21-amino acid sequence for glycosaminoglycan attachment, and the subsequent C-terminal 43 amino acids; this exon also contains the 424 untranslated nucleotides present in the 3' region of the transcript. Primer extension and S1 nuclease protection analyses were performed to determine the transcription initiation site of the mouse gene. Rat-1 fibroblasts were cotransfected with the selectable marker pSV2 neo and a lambda clone (lambda MG-PG1) to obtain two rat-1 fibroblast cell lines that had the mouse secretory granule proteoglycan gene integrated into their genomes. RNA blot analysis of both cell lines revealed the presence of the 1.0-kb secretory granule proteoglycan peptide core mRNA transcript, indicating that lambda MG-PG1 contained the entire mouse secretory granule proteoglycan peptide core gene including some of the regulatory elements in its promoter region. The gene that encodes the peptide core of mouse secretory granule proteoglycans is the first proteoglycan gene to have its complete exon/intron organization determined and to be transfected and expressed in another cell type.
Compressible plume dynamics and stability

This paper presents a numerical study of the dynamics and stability of two-dimensional thermal plumes in a significantly stratified layer. Motivated by stellar envelope convection in which radiative cooling at the star's photosphere drives vigorous down flows, we examine cool plumes descending through an adiabatically stratified layer of increasing density with depth. Such flows are inaccessible by laboratory experiments, yet are important to the understanding of heat and momentum transport, magnetic field generation, and acoustic excitation in stars like the Sun. We find that the structure of thermal plumes in a stratified compressible medium is significantly different from that in an incompressible one, with pressure perturbations playing an important dynamical role. Additionally, we find that the plumes are subject to vigorous secondary instabilities even in a quiescent background medium. While the flows studied are not fully turbulent but transitional, the nature of the compressive instabilities and their influence on subsequent flow evolution suggests that advective detrainment of fluid from the plume region results. Simplified plume models assuming a hydrostatic pressure distribution and velocity-proportional entrainment may thus be inappropriate in this context.
Multiobjective l ∞ design with integrated diagnostics

We describe the design of an l∞-optimal linear control system with integrated control and diagnostic modules. It is shown that the solution to the design problem can be set up as & linear programming problem. The paper provides an l∞. framework to delineate the tradeoffs that govern the integrated control and diagnostic objectives. The effect of modeling errors is incorporated in the construction of alarm thresholds.
Microtechnique for quantifying phenol in plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Methods for detection and quantification of phenol have been developed primarily for use in environmental and industrial monitoring, given the widespread use of phenol as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Little information is available regarding concentrations of phenol in the blood of patients treated with phenol in regional nerve blocks (e.g., intrathecal) for temporary relief of pain or spasticity. We report a specific and sensitive method for quantifying phenol in plasma, using chemical derivatization and high-resolution capillary column gas chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry. The assay we describe was developed to monitor plasma concentrations of phenol in children given motor point nerve blocks with dilute phenol.
E. coli transfer RNA: fractionation by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel.

Abstract 1. The tRNA (4S) of E. coli has been fractionated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel and separated into two electrophoretic classes designated 4S RNA A and 4S RNA B.
A database of 660 peptide ion cross sections: Use of intrinsic size parameters for bona fide predictions of cross sections

An ion trap/ion mobility/time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique has been used to measure collision cross sections for 660 peptide ions generated by tryptic digestion of 34 common proteins. Measured cross sections have been compiled into a database that contains peptide molecular weight and sequence information. The database is used to generate average intrinsic contributions to cross section (size parameters) for different amino acid residues by solving systems of equations that relate the unknown contributions of individual residues to the sequences and cross sections of database peptides. Size parameters are combined with information about amino acid composition to calculate cross sections for database peptides. Bona fide cross section predictions (made prior to measurement) for peptides observed in tryptic digests of sperm whale myoglobin and yeast enolase are made. Eight of 10 predicted cross sections are within 2% of the experimental values and all 10 are within 3.2%. The utility of size parameters for cross section prediction is explored and discussed.
X ray fills the gap

X-ray lithography has been used in mix and match mode with optical steppers to build test circuits in support of DRAM and Logic development at IBM's Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center, ASTC. Prior to building the test devices, hundreds of wafers were exposed using x-ray lithography to define the etch processes for critical levels and to help separate optical lithography, resist and etching effects. The demand for this type of support required IBM's Advanced Lithography Facility (ALF) to focus on a set of pilot line issues not previously faced by this emerging lithography. The challenges and solutions which resulted are discussed. This paper examines the requirements for the introduction of x-ray into pilot line use based on ALF's most recent experience and performance.
Nano-chessboard superlattices formed by spontaneous phase separation in oxides

The use of bottom-up fabrication of nanostructures for nanotechnology inherently requires two-dimensional control of the nanostructures at a particular surface. This could in theory be achieved crystallographically with a structure whose three-dimensional unit cell has two or more—tuneable—dimensions on the nanometre scale. Here, we present what is to our knowledge the first example of a truly periodic two-dimensional nanometre-scale phase separation in any inorganic material, and demonstrate our ability to tune the unit-cell dimensions. As such, it represents great potential for the use of standard ceramic processing methods for nanotechnology. The phase separation occurs spontaneously in the homologous series of the perovskite-based Li-ion conductor, (Nd2/3−xLi3x)TiO3, to give two phases whose dimensions both extend into the nanometre scale. This unique feature could lead to its application as a template for the assembly of nanostructures or molecular monolayers.
Indirect Encoding of Structures for Evolutionary Design

The use of Evolutionary Computations (EC’s) has become one of the primary methods in the field of automated design synthesis. The overwhelming majority of EC’s in use today use a direct encoding, where an individual is described by its gene string. This means that every engineering domain must create its own encoding scheme, making implementation in new fields difficult and slow. Additionally, direct encoding does not produce symmetry or modularity, unless these attributes are written into the encoding scheme ab initio. Direct encoding, however, is not the way that genetic information is used in biological evolution. In nature, each DNA string (genotype) is composed of instructions or rules on how an individual should grow and develop. This has provided nature with a wide array of evolved solutions, based on simple coding blocks. This paper presents a method of indirect (rules-based) encoding for an EC based on the biological analog of development: the gene string no longer describes the individual, but rather contains an instruction set on how to generate the individual. This allows for additional elements to be added by modifying the rule set, rather than re-composing the entire genetic structure. Indirect encoding also can have a built-in response to the environment, and is therefore able to adapt more readily to dynamic situations. Examples are shown to demonstrate the rule-set and its adaptability.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The performance of rolling production schedules in a process industry

In this paper we study lot-sizing and changeover decisions in production schedules that are implemented on a rolling-horizon basis. The study is carried out by comparing production schedules for the packaging operations of a pharmaceutical company that produces various products on several capacitated production lines. The schedules are obtained by solving a mixed-integer programming formulation by using a heuristic procedure. We examine the effects of the number of periods in the planning horizon, the starting inventory and the demand fluctuation on the schedules. We show empirically that the saving in annual production cost diminishes rapidly as more demand periods are added to the planning horizon. Computational results are reported.
An evaluation of surgical site infections by wound classification system using the ACS-NSQIP

Background Surgical wound classification has been the foundation for infectious risk assessment, perioperative protocol development, and surgical decision-making. The wound classification system categorizes all surgeries into: clean, clean/contaminated, contaminated, and dirty, with estimated postoperative rates of surgical site infection (SSI) being 1%–5%, 3%–11%, 10%–17%, and over 27%, respectively. The present study evaluates the associated rates of the SSI by wound classification using a large risk adjusted surgical patient database. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) dataset between 2005 and 2008. All surgical cases that specified a wound class were included in our analysis. Patient demographics, hospital length of stay, preoperative risk factors, co-morbidities, and complication rates were compared across the different wound class categories. Surgical site infection rates for superficial, deep incisional, and organ/space infections were analyzed among the four wound classifications using multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 634,426 cases were analyzed. From this sample, 49.7% were classified as clean, 35.0% clean/contaminated, 8.56% contaminated, and 6.7% dirty. When stratifying by wound classification, the clean, clean/contaminated, contaminated, and dirty wound classifications had superficial SSI rates of 1.76%, 3.94%, 4.75%, and 5.16%, respectively. The rates of deep incisional infections were 0.54%, 0.86%, 1.31%, and 2.1%. The rates for organ/space infection were 0.28%, 1.87%, 2.55%, and 4.54%. Conclusion Using ACS-NSQIP data, the present study demonstrates substantially lower rates of surgical site infections in the contaminated and dirty wound classifications than previously reported in the literature.
Active site and oligosaccharide recognition residues of peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F.

Crystallographic analysis and site-directed mutagenesis have been used to identify the catalytic and oligosaccharide recognition residues of peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F (PNGase F), an amidohydrolase that removes intact asparagine-linked oligosaccharide chains from glycoproteins and glycopeptides. Mutagenesis has shown that three acidic residues, Asp-60, Glu-206, and Glu-118, that are located in a cleft at the interface between the two domains of the protein are essential for activity. The D60N mutant has no detectable activity, while E206Q and E118Q have less than 0.01 and 0.1% of the wild-type activity, respectively. Crystallographic analysis, at 2.0-A resolution, of the complex of the wild-type enzyme with the product, N,N′-diacetylchitobiose, shows that Asp-60 is in direct contact with the substrate at the cleavage site, while Glu-206 makes contact through a bridging water molecule. This indicates that Asp-60 is the primary catalytic residue, while Glu-206 probably is important for stabilization of reaction intermediates. Glu-118 forms a hydrogen bond with O6 of the second N-acetylglucosamine residue of the substrate and the low activity of the E118Q mutant results from its reduced ability to bind the oligosaccharide. This analysis also suggests that the mechanism of action of PNGase F differs from those of L-asparaginase and glycosylasparaginase, which involve a threonine residue as the nucleophile.
Glide Slope Control Authority for Parafoil Canopies with Variable Incidence Angle

The addition of glide slope control to guided airdrop systems has the potential to provide dramatic improvements in landing accuracy. Dynamic rigging incidence control has been demonstrated in flight tests and shown to provide effective glide slope control. The current work presents flight-test results exploring the range of glide slope control that can be achieved with high-performance parafoil canopies of two different aspect ratios. The low- and medium-aspect-ratio canopies have peak glide ratios of 4.4 and 4.9, respectively. By varying the incidence angle in flight, the glide slope can be reduced from these peak values to a glide slope near two for both canopies. Flight tests investigating the relationship between symmetric brake and incidence control demonstrate that symmetric braking produces effective airspeed control with little effect on glide slope, the incidence angle produces significant effects on both glide slope and airspeed, the rapid variation of the incidence angle in flight can lead to ...
Subarctic Indian trappers and band society: The economics of male mobility

The spatial organization of economic production in contemporary subarctic Indian society is illustrated by an analysis of geographical mobility and commercial fur trapping among the English River Chipewyan of Patuanak, Saskatchewan. Quantitative comparison reveals the positive linear relationship between selected “performance” variables (numbers of animals captured and cash income) and “locational” variables (trapping area size, distances traveled between settlements and bush camps, and distances between neighboring trappers) for a population of 76 male trappers. At present, trapping performance varies positively with trapping area size and linear distance from the largest settlement. Variable social adaptations in the trapping work force are in part the result of complex compromises and adjustments between traditional familycamp organizations and emerging all-male partnerships. However, the relationship between size and structure of trapping teams, degree of team interaction, and economic efficiency requires further investigation. Finally, the formal analysis of productivity is reappraised in terms of community definitions of trapping success.
An informal overview of formal protocol specification

A RAPIDLY GROWING area of research in computer communications is formal protocol specification. The importance of protocols arises from the fact that protocols form the nervous system of teleprocessing networks and, as such, are responsible for ensuring that the pieces of the system work as a harmonious whole. The complexity and size of today's systems and the fact that they are put together from subsystem components manufactured in different locations and even by different companies, virtually demand formal specification. And, there are many side benefits, as this tutorial points out.
Seasonal variation in the effect of constant ambient temperature of 24°C in reducing FDG uptake by brown adipose tissue in children

It has been shown that warming patients prior to and during 18F-FDG uptake by controlling the room temperature can decrease uptake by brown adipose tissue (BAT). The aim of this study is to determine if this effect is subject to seasonal variation. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients referred for whole-body 18F-FDG PET between December 2006 and December 2008. After December 2007, all patients were kept in the PET injection room at a constant 24°C for 30 min before and until 1 h following FDG administration. Patients over 22 years of age and those who received pre-medication known to reduce FDG uptake by BAT were excluded. One hundred and three patients were warmed to 24°C prior to scanning. The number of patients showing uptake by BAT in this group was compared to a control group of 99 patients who underwent PET prior to December 2007 when the injection room temperature was 21°C. Uptake by BAT occurred in 9% of studies performed after patient warming (24°C), compared to 27% of studies performed on the control group (21°C) (p 0.05). Maintaining room temperature at a constant 24°C for 30 min prior to and 1 h after IV tracer administration significantly decreases FDG uptake by BAT in children. This effect is greatest in the summer and winter.
Stereospecific long-term effects of amphetamine on striatal dopamine neurons in rats.

Abstract The chronic infusion of amphetamine or a single injection of the drug to iprindole-treated rats produces long-term, possibly neurotoxic, effects on strialal dopamine (DA) neurons. Significant decreases in striatal DA. dihydroxphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) were observed one week after the administration of 6.9 and 9.2 mg/kg of S(+)- but not after doses of R(−)-amphetamine sulfate up to 46 mg/kg to iprindole-treated rats. Concentrations and half-lives of the isomers in the brains of iprindole-treated rats were not different.
Inhibition of Gibberellic Acid Induced Formation of α-Amylase by Abscisin II

ABSCISIN II (Ab II) is a hormone which accelerates abscission and which is isolated from young cotton fruit1. It is the best characterized and most widely investigated of the naturally occurring abscission accelerators2. It is identical with dormin, a dormancy factor isolated from buds of Acer and Betula3. The physiological action of Ab II is the acceleration of abscission of young fruit, of defruited pedicels and debladed petioles of cotton. This hormone also accelerates senescence in detached radish leaves, counteracts indolyl-3-acetic acid in the growth of Avena coleoptiles and counteracts gibberellic acid (GA) in the barley endosperm system4.
Observable indicators of the sensitivity of PM2.5 nitrate to emission reductions—Part II: Sensitivity to errors in total ammonia and total nitrate of the CMAQ-predicted non-linear effect of SO2 emission reductions

Abstract The inorganic aerosol system of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium can respond non-linearly to changes in precursor sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The potential increase in nitrate, when sulfate is reduced and the associated ammonia is released, can negate the sulfate mass reduction. Current regional-scale air quality models do not reproduce the present-day levels of total ammonia and total nitrate, leading to possible errors in the air quality model predictions of future nitrate concentrations. The objective of this study is to quantify the effects of errors in the total-ammonia and total-nitrate budgets on nitrate relative response (RR), defined as the percent change in particulate nitrate stemming from reductions in SO2 emissions. This objective is addressed through three sensitivity studies using the Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ). These studies assess the sensitivity of the nitrate RR (%) to (1) errors in ammonia emissions, (2) errors in the heterogeneous production of nitrate from N2O5, and (3) errors in the NOX emissions. The results indicate that nitrate RRs due to SO2 emission reductions are much more sensitive to errors in the total-ammonia budget than to errors in the total-nitrate budget. The sensitivity of the nitrate RR to NOX emissions is only moderate and is due primarily to the effect of NOX changes on sulfate production, rather than on total nitrate. Also, a strong relationship was found between the nitrate RR and the Adjusted Gas Ratio (free ammonia adjusted for the degree of sulfate neutralization divided by total nitrate).
Hollow structure snap-fit design embedded with shape memory polymer sheet

Abstract Active disassembly uses innovative components within the product design to promote self disassembly as natural decomposition. The use of smart materials, more specifically shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers, has been extensively documented. However, the difficulty of reusing those components with smart materials is becoming a problem in disassembly processes during regular product repair and maintenance. In order to improve the reusability of the components, the authors design a hollow structure snap-fit embedded with shape memory polymer sheets. Theoretical simulation and prototype testing are presented in this paper to demonstrate the advantages of the new snap-fit design.
Transition to, and consolidation of, democratic politics in Greece, 1974–1983: A tentative assessment

(1984). Transition to, and consolidation of, democratic politics in Greece, 1974–1983: A tentative assessment. West European Politics: Vol. 7, The New Mediterranean Democracies: Regime Transition in Spain, Greece and Portugal, pp. 50-71.
Analysis of the Human Gut Microbiome and Association With Disease

Advances in DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics methodology have led to a revolution in our understanding of the microorganisms that inhabit the human body. Distinctive populations of organisms belonging to each of the 3 domains of life, Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya, inhabit each body site.1 The communities of microorganisms are referred to as the microbiota. When considering the organisms and all of their related genomes, the term microbiome is used. The human gut microbiome is particularly unique in that it is home to an enormous number of bacteria, approximately 100 trillion bacteria cells, outnumbering the human cells by an estimated 10 fold and the human genome by 150 fold. We have co evolved to exist with our gut microbiota largely in a mutualistic relationship where we as hosts rely on these organisms for a number of key functions related to nutrition, education of the immune system, and prevention of infection by pathologic species. In turn, we provide our gut microbiota with a unique niche in which to live where we provide a source of nutrition to the microbiota in the form of mucus. Alteration of the microbiota composition associated with disease, known as dysbiosis, has been described in the gut for numerous disease processes including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), metabolic disorders, cancer, and infection, particularly with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), to name a few.
Synthesis of proteins containing modified arginine residues

Unnatural amino acid mutagenesis provides the wherewithal to study protein function in great detail. To extend the repertoire of functionalized amino acids available for study by this technique, seven structural analogues of arginine were prepared and used to activate a suppressor tRNACUA. These included Nγ-methylarginine, Nγ-nitroarginine, citrulline, homoarginine, and three conformationally constrained analogues based on proline. These misacylated tRNAs were shown to be capable of introducing the arginine analogues into dihydrofolate reductase (position 22) and Photinus pyralis luciferase (positions 218 and 437). Most of the modified luciferases containing arginine analogues at position 218 emitted light with less efficiency and at longer wavelength than the wild type. This is consistent with the postulated role of this residue as essential for maintaining the polarity and rigidity of the luciferin-binding site. Interestingly, the luciferase containing Nγ-methylarginine at position 218 emitted light at ...
The median valley, a result of magma fracture beneath mid-ocean ridges

The shape of the ocean floor has been successfully modelled using the framework of plate tectonics1–4. Lithospheric plates approximately 100 km thick lie above the hotter, less viscous asthensophere. At the ridges, the lithosphere thins. Plate separation is accompanied by creation of new ocean floor as the asthenosphere flows upwards and cools on approaching the surface. As a result, heat is concentrated beneath the ridge axes. Densities are lower due to thermal expansion, so that for iso-static equilibrium the sea floor sits some 6 km shallower than older sea floor, well off axis, where the temperature anomaly is absent. At fast spreading ridges (velocity v > 5 cm yr−1) such as the East Pacific Rise, this description fits well. A central ridge crest is flanked on either side by bathymetry which deepens in agreement with thermal models3–6 at a rate propor tional to the square root of age of creation. However at slow spreading ridges, v < 5 cm yr−1, a major central graben of order 1 km deep replaces the central ridge crest, although the square root of age dependence is observed well away from the axes. Isostatic equilibrium is not achieved7, since the sea floor lies 1–2 km below the equilibrium level. In this report I demonstrate that this graben or median valley can result from steady state dyke intrusion into, and brittle failure of, the axial lithosphere.
Protein synthesis at high temperatures: aminoacylation of tRNA.

Abstract This paper presents data on the structure and function of tRNA and aminoacyl synthetases at high temperatures. The aminoacylating system from Thermus aquaticus was found to be more thermostable and biologically active at much higher temperatures than the aminoacylating sytem from Escherichia coli . The optimum temperature for the formation of phenylalanyl- and isoleucyl-tRNA from T. aquaticus was 70°, whereas the optimum temperature in E. coli was 45°. Both the tRNA and the aminoacylating enzymes of T. aquaticus were more thermostable than those of E. coli . The temperature optima in heterologous systems reflected the heat sensitivity of the E. coli component. Both reversible and irreversible effects of heat on the E. coli tRNA could be detected. These data provide further evidence that thermophily is achieved by virtue of inherently thermal stable constituents which have high temperature optima for biological function.
The Impact of Surgical Complications After Liver Transplantation on Resource Utilization

Objective: To evaluate the impact of surgical complications on length of stay and hospital charges after liver transplantation. Design: A retrospective economic evaluation of the outcomes during initial hospitalization after liver transplantation. Setting: University hospital treating referred patients. Patients: The study population was 109 patients undergoing 111 liver transplantations during fiscal year 1993. Main Outcome Measures: Hospital charges and length of stay during the initial hospitalization after liver transplantation. Multivariate regression methods were used to analyze the impact of surgical complications on costs. Results: Of the 111 transplantations, 30 (27%) had a surgical complication that required a return to the operating room during the initial hospitalization. The effect of a surgical complication was to increase the mean hospital charges (excluding physician charges) from $150 092 to $347 728 (difference of mean, $197 636; confidence interval of difference, $114 153 to $319 326). The median length of stay was 16 days for patients without complications and 45 days for those with complications. Univariate and multivariate models suggested that surgical complications had the greatest effect on length of stay and hospital charges among the factors studied. Complications tended to occur more frequently among patients with United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status 1 (42% vs 22%), but this did not reach statistical significance ( P =.09). Conclusions: Surgical complications after liver transplantation have a marked impact on the cost of the procedure. The magnitude of this effect is greater than that of UNOS status, presence of rejection, or other demographic or clinical factors studied. Complications tend to occur in the most ill patients. Identifying strategies to reduce the risk of complications, particularly in patients with UNOS status 1, likely can reduce the cost of transplantation. Arch Surg. 1997;132:1098-1103
Transmission of neutrinos through matter

Neutrinos travel through matter with negligible absorption except in very extreme situations. However, the index of refraction of neutrinos can play an important role in the oscillation of one type of neutrino to another when passing through matter.
An intrasolvent and intersolvent correlation of characteristics of absorption spectra of the solvated electron in solar solvents

Abstract An application of a modified “Ivey Law” to the absorption spectra of the solvated electron in polar solvents is discussed. The transition energy at the maximum of the absorption spectrum of the solvated electron in a particular solvent is a function of a crystal lattice parameter (distance between two hydrogen bonded atoms or negatively polar atoms), dielectric constant and density of the solvent. Intrasolvent and intersolvent correlation of the absorption spectra of the solvated electron has been done.
Evidence for dispensable sequences inserted into a nucleotide fold

Previous experimental results along with the structural modeling presented indicate that a nucleotide fold starts in the amino-terminal part of Escherichia coli isoleucyl-transfer RNA synthetase, a single chain polypeptide of 939 amino acids. Internal deletions were created in the region of the nucleotide fold. A set of deletions that collectively span 145 contiguous amino acids yielded active enzymes. Further extensions of the deletions yielded inactive or unstable proteins. The three-dimensional structure of an evidently homologous protein suggests that the active deletions lack portions of a segment that connects two parts of the nucleotide fold. Therefore, the results imply that removal of major sections of the polypeptide that connects these two parts of the fold does not result in major perturbation of the nucleotide binding site.
Histamine H2 Receptor Mediated Dual Signaling: Mapping of Structural Requirements Using β2 Adrenergic Chimeric Receptors

Abstract Previously we demonstrated that the histamine H2 receptor can activate both the adenylate cyclase and phosphoinositide/protein kinase (PKC) signaling pathways. Although dual coupling occurs via separate GTP-dependent mechanisms the structural components of the H2 receptor directing differential signaling have not been established. We explored this question by attempting to confer to the β2-adrenergic receptor (βAR), which is known to stimulate cAMP formation, the ability to activate PKC through the construction of β2/H2 chimeric receptors. Intracytoplasmic domains of the human β2 adrenergic receptor were substituted with the corresponding sequences of the human H2 receptor and stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. Binding of [3H]-CGP to chimeric wild type β2 receptors was comparable. Substitution of the second intracellular loop (2i) of the βAR led to a significant decrease in coupling to adenylate cyclase while leading to a 139.5 ± 9.4% control increase in epinephrine mediated PKC activation. Introduction of the H2 receptor 3i also led to a decrease in βAR mediated cAMP generation but provided the latter with the ability to stimulate PKC (182.2 ± 8% of control). Concomitant expression of both 2i and 3i led to a substantial increase in epinephrine mediated PKC activation (201.8 ± 10.5% of control). Addition of the carboxyl terminal tail did not facilitate stimulation of PKC. In summary, the third intracellular loop of the H2 receptor plays an essential role in activating PKC with maximal efficiency conferred by the second intracellular domain.