cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic synthesis of UDP-GlcN by a two step hollow fiber enzyme reactor system☆☆☆

UDP-GlcN was synthesized from GlcN and UTP by a two step hollow fiber enzyme reactor method. In step 1, GlcN was converted to GlcN 6-P and then to GlcN 1-P by hexokinase and phosphoglucomutase, respectively, and UTP was used as the phosphate donor. In step 2, GlcN 1-P was converted to UDP-GlcN by UDP glucose pyrophosphorylase. All the enzymes required for the synthesis of UDP-GlcN were enclosed in hollow fiber bundles which allow for the free diffusion of substrates and products across the membranes to and from the enzymes, allow for the reutilization of the enzymes, and simplify the isolation of the product, UDP-GlcN. We show that both UTP and GlcN 6-P are inhibitors of the yeast UDPG pyrophosphorylase and therefore their concentrations must be regulated to obtain maximum yields of UDP-GlcN. The UDP-GlcN produced can be N-acetylated with [14C]acetic anhydride to produce UDP-[14C]GlcNAc. This method can also be used to synthesize [32P]UDP-GlcN and [32P]UDP-GlcNAc from [alpha-32P]UTP and GlcN 1-P.
Planktonic benthonic foraminiferal ratios: Modern patterns and Tertiary applicability

Abstract The abundance of planktonic specimens in foraminiferal assemblages was determined in numerous bottom samples from inner neritic to deep oceanic depths along the Atlantic margin of the northeastern United States. The results augment previous studies in other areas that have shown a general increase in percentage of planktonic specimens in total foraminiferal bottom assemblages as water depth increases. The patterns found in this area of complex shelf bathymetry and hydrography illustrate the influence on the planktonic-benthonic percentages of water depth, distance from shore, different water mass properties and downslope movement of tests in high energy areas. The patterns found in the 661 samples from the Atlantic margin were compared with results from 795 stations in the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. The relative abundance of planktonic specimens and water depth correlates positively in all open oceanic areas even though taxonomic composition and diversity of the faunas from different areas is variable. The variation of planktonic percentages in bottom samples within most depth intervals is large so that a precise depth determination cannot be made for any given value. However, an approximate upper depth limit for given percentages can be estimated for open ocean environments. A decrease in planktonic percentages is seen in the lower salinity and higher turbidity coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine. Planktonic percentages intermediate between the lower values in the less saline coastal waters and the higher values in the normal open oceanic conditions occur in the transitional area between the Gulf of Maine and the open marine Atlantic Ocean to the east. Similarly lowered values in another area of restricted oceanic circulation occur in the high salinity, clear, but nutrient-poor waters of the Gulf of Aqaba off the Red Sea. A comparison of the similarity of modern planktonic percentage values to those found in earlier Tertiary assemblages was made to confirm the usefulness of this measure in the fossil record. In some stratigraphic sections in upper Paleocene and lower Eocene strata of the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain, water depths inferred from trends and values of planktonic percentages consistently match paleobathymetry constructed from physical stratigraphic characteristics and paleogeographic relationships.
FixTag: An algorithm for identifying and tagging fixations to simplify the analysis of data collected by portable eye trackers

Video-based eye trackers produce an output video showing where a subject is looking, the subject's Point-of-Regard (POR), for each frame of a video of the scene. This information can be extremely valuable, but its analysis can be overwhelming. Analysis of eye-tracked data from portable (wearable) eye trackers is especially daunting, as the scene video may be constantly changing, rendering automatic analysis more difficult. A common way to begin analysis of POR data is to group these data into fixations. In a previous article, we compared the fixations identified (i.e., start and end marked) automatically by an algorithm to those identified manually by users (i.e., manual coders). Here, we extend this automatic identification of fixations to tagging each fixation to a Region-of-Interest (ROI). Our fixation tagging algorithm, FixTag, requires the relative 3D positions of the vertices of ROIs and calibration of the scene camera. Fixation tagging is performed by first calculating the camera projection matrices for keyframes of the scene video (captured by the eye tracker) via an iterative structure and motion recovery algorithm. These matrices are then used to project 3D ROI vertices into the keyframes. A POR for each fixation is matched to a point in the closest keyframe, which is then checked against the 2D projected ROI vertices for tagging. Our fixation tags were compared to those produced by three manual coders tagging the automatically identified fixations for two different scenarios. For each scenario, eight ROIs were defined along with the 3D positions of eight calibration points. Therefore, 17 tags were available for each fixation: 8 for ROIs, 8 for calibration points, and 1 for “other.” For the first scenario, a subject was tracked looking through products on four store shelves, resulting in 182 automatically identified fixations. Our automatic tagging algorithm produced tags that matched those produced by at least one manual coder for 181 out of the 182 fixations (99.5p agreement). For the second scenario, a subject was tracked looking at two posters on adjoining walls of a room. Our algorithm matched at least one manual coder's tag for 169 fixations out of 172 automatically identified (98.3p agreement).
Rejection and infection after pediatric cardiac transplantation

Abstract Cardiac transplantation has only recently become an accepted therapeutic modality for children and adolescents with end-stage cardiomyopathy. Long-term survival, the incidence of rejection, and the incidence of infection are still being defined. From 1985 to 1989, 21 children aged 6 months to 19 years (average age, 11.2 years) underwent cardiac transplantation at our institutions. Eighteen survived the operative period and have been followed for 5 to 49 months (average follow-up, 24 months). All operative survivors have received tripledrug immunosuppression consisting of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. During follow-up, 7 patients have been treated on 12 occasions for rejection as documented by endomyocardial biopsy. Eight (67%) of the 12 episodes of rejection occurred in the presence of subtherapeutic cyclosporine levels. Two of the 7 patients treated for rejection have subsequently died of ongoing cardiac rejection and arrhythmia. There have been no perioperative or late deaths from infection. Bacterial sepsis was identified and treated twice during follow-up, viral infections on five occasions, and fungal infection once. Actuarial 1-year survival and 3-year survival of the 18 operative survivors are 94% and 78%, respectively. In the first 7 months after cardiac transplantation, 73% of patients were free from rejection and 83% were free from serious bloodborne infection. We conclude that (1) the incidence of rejection and infection is low with tripledrug immunosuppression; (2) rejection episodes occur must commonly within the first year after cardiac transplantation but can occur late; (3) rejection can often be associated with subtherapeutic cyclosporine levels; (4) major bacterial infection can occur in association with a common disease process but appears to respond to standard antibiotic therapy; and (5) viral infections have been well tolerated by the patients.
Impostor tendencies and academic dishonesty: Do they cheat their way to success?

College students (N = 124) completed self-reported measures of impostor tendencies and academic dishonesty (tendency to engage in plagiarism in written assignments and cheating in examinations), as well as social desirability. Based on extreme scores on the impostor measure and independent of social desirability responding, nonimpostors (20 women, 11 men) reported a greater tendency to engage in plagiarism in papers and cheating in examinations, compared to impostors (22 women, 10 men). Results indicated that students who report impostor tendencies claim lower rates of cheating and plagiarism to obtain academic success than do nonimpostors.
Auditory perception and the evolution of speech

Among topics related to the evolution of language, the evolution of speech is particularly fascinating. Early theorists believed that it was the ability to produce articulate speech that set the stage for the evolution of the «special» speech processing abilities that exist in modern-day humans. Prior to the evolution of speech production, speech processing abilities were presumed not to exist. The data reviewed here support a different view. Two lines of evidence, one from young human infants and the other from infrahuman species, neither of whom can produce articulate speech, show that in the absence of speech production capabilities, the perception of speech sounds is robust and sophisticated. Human infants and non-human animals evidence auditory perceptual categories that conform to those defined by the phonetic categories of language. These findings suggest the possibility that in evolutionary history the ability to perceive rudimentary speech categories preceded the ability to produce articulate speech. This in turn suggests that it may be audition that structured, at least initially, the formation of phonetic categories.
An Extensive Class of Small RNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans

The lin-4 and let-7 antisense RNAs are temporal regulators that control the timing of developmental events in Caenorhabditis elegans by inhibiting translation of target mRNAs. let-7 RNA is conserved among bilaterian animals, suggesting that this class of small RNAs [microRNAs (miRNAs)] is evolutionarily ancient. Using bioinformatics and cDNA cloning, we found 15 new miRNA genes in C. elegans. Several of these genes express small transcripts that vary in abundance during C. elegans larval development, and three of them have apparent homologs in mammals and/or insects. Small noncoding RNAs of the miRNA class appear to be numerous and diverse.
Navier‐Stokes flow and transport simulations using real fractures shows heavy tailing due to eddies

[1] Two-dimensional Navier-Stokes flow and transport simulations are conducted for a 15-cm long fracture mapped via X-ray computed tomography. (1) The actual fracture with irregular aperture, (2) a truncated fracture where the largest aperture area is excluded from the domain, (3) the truncated fracture with further thinning of other large aperture areas, and (4) a fracture with uniform vertical aperture equal to the actual fracture's mean aperture, are subjected to the same pressure gradient. Slight variations in fracture characteristics result in significantly different flow and transport behavior. Flux is much larger for the uniform-aperture fracture compared to the actual fracture. A pronounced eddy is present at the largest aperture zone of the actual fracture resulting in a power-law tail absent in other cases. The uniform aperture fracture has the largest effective dispersion coefficient estimated via inversion of a 1D analytical model. The analytical model fit to the other cases is not as robust as in the uniform aperture case.
High-salt stabilization of Laponite clay particles.

Abstract Colloidal radioactive transuranic wastes are currently buried in large tanks in the form of dense colloids in high salt, high pH aqueous media. These facilities are beginning to fail, so it is necessary to transport and “package” them for more permanent disposal, processes requiring understanding of the microstructure that develops under such conditions. Laponite RD clay is believed to be a good simulant for the colloids in the waste tanks, and the present study addresses their behavior under high salt conditions, where previous studies have frequently observed the phenomenon of “restabilization,” i.e., the attainment of aggregation stability at high electrolyte conditions. Specifically, the aggregation kinetics and the resulting cluster structure (fractal dimension) of Laponite RD clay colloids at high concentrations of BaCl2 (an electrolyte previously shown to lead to restabilization) are investigated. At low-to-intermediate electrolyte concentrations, the clay is found to behave in accord with DLVO theory, i.e., low salt conditions yield slow aggregation into densely-packed aggregates, whereas intermediate salt concentrations, sufficient to cause double layer collapse, produce rapid aggregation into open aggregates. High salt concentrations, however, show slow rates of aggregation. The aggregate structure under these conditions is found to mimic that found for very low electrolyte concentrations, i.e., high fractal dimension. Further experiments show that a sudden increase in salt concentration in a system containing young open aggregates produced under intermediate salt concentrations causes them to reform into more compact structures.
Abating corrosion in highway structures due to sea or deicing salts

Corrosion of steel reinforcing bars in concrete bridge structures due to the intrusion of chloride ions from seawater or de-icing salts affects many structures in the nation's highway system. Over the past decade cathodic protection has evolved as a promising technology for arresting corrosion. The development of materials, equipment, and methods for applying cathodic protection is in a dynamic state. Through cooperative efforts with academia, industry, and the engineering community, the Florida Deparment of Transportation has developed several innovative corrosion protection systems which incorporate technologies from a wide variety of specialty areas including telemetry, photovoltaics, polymers, and specialty components developed as part of the national defense program. This paper provides an overview of corrosion and cathodic protection technology and focuses on the potential for adaptation of existing technologies into preservation of highway bridge structures.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multifractals and Lagrangian field theory

Abstract We discuss some general aspects of ‘multifractal scaling’ in the context of continuum Lagrangian field theories and, in particular, an observation of Duplantier and Ludwig that sequences of scaling variables which couple additively in their operator product expansion (OPE) exhibit multifractal scaling of their integer moments. We show that, for positive variables, multifractal scaling of the integer moments implies, along subsequences, multifractal scaling of all continuous moments and, automatically, ‘subadditivity’ of the scaling exponent in the moment index. A perturbative criterion of positivity is suggested. Finally, some prospects for additively-coupled sequences and multifractal scaling in stable Lagrangian field theories are considered.
Modeling Process and Material Alternatives in Life Cycle Assessments

Background, Aims and Scope Although LCA is frequently used in product comparison, many practitioners are interested in identifying and assessing improvements within a life cycle. Thus, the goals of this work are to provide guidelines for scenario formulation for process and material alternatives within a life cycle inventory and to evaluate the usefulness of decision tree and matrix computational structures in the assessment of material and process alternatives. We assume that if the analysis goal is to guide the selection among alternatives towards reduced life cycle environmental impacts, then the analysis should estimate the inventory results in a manner that: (1) reveals the optimal set of processes with respect to minimization of each impact of interest, and (2) minimizes and organizes computational and data collection needs.
Association of focal adhesion kinase with its potential substrate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been implicated in signal transduction pathways initiated by cell adhesion receptor integrins and by neuropeptide growth factors. To gain insight into FAK function, we examined the potential interaction of FAK with intracellular signaling molecules containing the Src homology 2 domains. We report here the stable association of FAK with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase; EC 2.7.1.137) in NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. This interaction was stimulated by cell adhesion concomitant with FAK activation. We also found that recombinant FAK bound to the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase directly in vitro and that autophosphorylation of recombinant FAK in vitro increased its binding to PI 3-kinase. We detected increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase during cell adhesion and observed direct phosphorylation of p85 by FAK in vitro. Together, these results suggest that PI 3-kinase may be a FAK substrate in vivo and serve as an effector of FAK.
Cross Sections and Charged-Particle Multiplicities at 102 and 405 GeV/ c

We have measured the total inelastic cross section (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{inel}}$) and charged-particle multiplicities obtained in $\mathrm{pp}$ collisions at 405 GeV/c. The data are from a preliminary 12 000-picture bubble-chamber exposure. We find ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{inel}}=32.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0$ mb; the low moments of the multiplicity distribution for negative particles are $〈{n}_{\ensuremath{-}}〉=3.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07$, ${D}_{\ensuremath{-}}=2.37\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$, ${{f}_{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}=2.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$, and ${{f}_{3}}^{\ensuremath{-}}=0.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9$. We also present updated results at 102 GeV/c.
The Teller and the Tale: Walker Percy's Lancelot as Metafiction

Abstract Walker Percy is not usually thought of as a writer of experimental fiction, although early in his career he hinted at a direction for his work that would take him away from traditional rea...
Decriminalization of marijuana and the demand for alcohol, marijuana and cocaine

Abstract This study examines whether the decriminalization of marijuana in eleven states has affected self-reported usage of drugs. Generally, decriminalization is not found to significantly impact drug use. An implication is that the demand for drugs is highly inelastic with respect to incremental changes in the legal sanctions for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Quantitation of adenovirus genome during acute infection in normal children.

Background:Adenovirus infection causes a wide range of clinical illness in normal children. New molecular techniques allow quantitation of viral genome to study the natural history of adenovirus infection and viral load in normal children.Methods:Clinical samples were collected from 38 previously he
Omega-3 fatty acids influence mood in healthy and depressed individuals

Depression is one of the most prevalent disorders in the United States, and rates of depression are higher for women than men. Despite their widespread use, drugs used in the treatment of depression are only moderately more effective than placebo in treating the disorder. Effective treatment of perinatal depression is of particular concern as treatment can influence both the mother and the developing child. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation may reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder and perinatal depression. The aim of the present review was to evaluate epidemiological studies examining PUFA intake and depressive symptoms in the general population, as well as double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing the influence of n-3 PUFA in healthy individuals and those with depression; specific consideration was given to perinatal depression and potential gender differences in the relationship. Although there is some evidence to suggest that n-3 PUFA intake is associated with reduced depressive symptoms, particularly in females, these results are generally limited to epidemiological studies, whereas results from randomized controlled trials are mixed.
A chimeric murine/human antibody Fab fragment directed against the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor enhances and sustains arterial thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in baboons.

Inhibition of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor with the murine monoclonal antibody 7E3 abolishes ex vivo platelet aggregation, reduces thrombogenicity, and sustains arterial recanalization with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). A chimeric murine/human Fab fragment of 7E3 (c7E3-Fab) has a markedly reduced immunogenicity, but its potency as an adjunct for thrombolysis with rt-PA has not been evaluated. The effects of a single intravenous bolus injection of aspirin (17 mg/kg) or c7E3-Fab (0.45 mg/kg) on thrombolysis and reocclusion induced with rt-PA were studied in groups of six baboons with femoral arterial thrombosis and superimposed high-grade stenosis. This dose of c7E3-Fab blocked 96 +/- 1% of the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptors and abolished ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Bolus intravenous injections of rt-PA (0.25 mg/kg) were repeated at 15-minute intervals until reperfusion occurred (maximum of four injections). In the aspirin group, reperfusion was obtained within 51 +/- 16 minutes (mean +/- SD) but was rapidly followed by reocclusion within 6 +/- 9 minutes and by cyclic reflow and reocclusion. In the c7E3-Fab group, reperfusion was obtained within 25 +/- 8 minutes (P 30 minutes) in the c7E3-Fab/rt-PA group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mixing of concentrated oil-in-water emulsions measured by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

Mixing of concentrated oil-in-water emulsions in a horizontal, concentric-cylinder geometry was studied using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Time-of-flight and chemical shift imaging methods were used to measure velocity profiles and concentration maps in an emulsion that was mixed after being allowed to cream for several hours. The results revealed detailed information about mixing in concentrated emulsions. In the initial state, before mixing, the emulsion system formed three layers: an upper, oil-rich, “creamed” layer; a lower, water-rich layer; and a bulk concentration layer in between. It was found that the thickness of the creamed layer remained constant during mixing, while the oil concentration in that layer decayed exponentially as a function of time. It was also observed that most of the emulsion is quiescent while mixing occurs; the only motion detected occurs in a thin layer close to the rotating, outer cylinder. The velocity profile only begins to transition to its steady-state configuration after the emulsion becomes well mixed. A simple model is introduced that gives a plausible explanation of these experimental observations. These results indicate that the mixing mechanism in concentrated emulsions is significantly different from that in single-phase liquids.
Comparison of crystal field parameters for Ln(C2H5SO4)3·9H2O and Na3(Ln(C4H4O5)3)·2NaClO4·6H2O systems

Each lanthanide ion is coordinated to nine oxygen atoms in both Ln(C2H5SO4)3·9H2O and Na3(Ln(C4H4O5)3)·2NaClO4·6H2O systems (C4H4O52−  oxydiacetate  ODA), and in each case the LnO9 coordination polyhedra have a slightly distorted tricapped trigonal prism structure. In Ln(C2H5SO4)3·9H2O, all of the coordinated oxygen atoms are donated by water molecules, whereas in the Ln(C4H4O4)33− systems, six of the oxygen atoms are donated by negatively charged carboxylate groups and three by neutral ether moieties. Commensurate crystal-field energy level analyses are reported for these two types of systems, and the crystal field parameters obtained from these analyses are compared and discussed within the context of the “superposition model” for lanthanide-ligand field interactions.
Changes in pigmentation associated with the bleaching of stony corals

Bleaching (loss of pigmentation) is a common response by corals to environmental stress. Changes in pigmentation and the processes that caused them were studied in Montastrea annularis during a natural bleaching event off southeast Florida. Chlorophyll c, peridinin, and diadinoxanthin levels were 35, 17, and 20 times higher in normal corals than in bleached ones. Two processes, loss of zooxanthellae from the coral and loss of pigments from the remaining zooxanthellae, contributed to bleaching. Loss of zooxanthellar pigment accounted for 72% of the decrease in Chl c. The two processes contributed about equally to reduced carotenoid levels.
Fuzzy controllers and fuzzy expert systems: industrial applications of fuzzy technology

We will provide a brief description of the field of approximate reasoning systems, with a particular emphasis on the development of fuzzy logic control (FLC). FLC technology has drastically reduced the development time and deployment cost for the synthesis of nonlinear controllers for dynamic systems. As a result we have experienced an increased number of FLC applications. In a recently published paper we have illustrated some of our efforts in FLC technology transfer, covering projects in turboshaft aircraft engine control, stream turbine startup, steam turbine cycling optimization, resonant converter power supply control, and data-induced modeling of the nonlinear relationship between process variable in a rolling mill stand. These applications will be illustrated in the oral presentation. In this paper, we will compare these applications in a cost/complexity framework, and examine the driving factors that led to the use of FLCs in each application. We will emphasize the role of fuzzy logic in developing supervisory controllers and in maintaining explicit the tradeoff criteria used to manage multiple control strategies. Finally, we will describe some of our FLC technology research efforts in automatic rule base tuning and generation, leading to a suite of programs for reinforcement learning, supervised learning, genetic algorithms, steepest descent algorithms, and rule clustering.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Observation and Modeling of Soft X-Ray Bright Points. II. Determination of Temperature and Energy Balance

The Multispectral Solar Telescope Array was launched on 1991 May 13, in order to obtain narrowband images of the solar corona and transition region. Calibrated EUV and H Lyman-α images are used to constrain a simple loop model of the energy balance in 23 X-ray bright points (XBPs). The results are consistent with substantial back heating of the lower transition region by thermal conduction from the corona. Statistical analysis shows that length and temperature are uncorrelated for XBP loops; implications of this finding for coronal heating are discussed. Some evidence is found for a systematic imbalance between radiative and conductive losses. Inferences of effective loop cross section by modeling suggest that the coronal filling factor is nearly unity.
A study on trimming of aluminum autobody sheet and development of a new robust process eliminating burrs and slivers

Small pieces of metal are generated during trimming of automotive body panels. Commonly referred to as slivers, these pieces can be imprinted into the surface of stamped panels. This may require metalfinish of every stamped exterior panel. The objective of the paper is to study the influence of trimming conditions on quality of trimmed surface and to modify the trimming process to eliminate slivers and burrs from trimmed surface. This objective is being accomplished through numerical simulation of the blank fracture and experimental study of trimmed surface formation. Suggested solution includes two measures: (1) building an elastic support of the offal eliminating bending of the part of the blank being trimmed off; (2) creating the preference of crack propagation from the lower shearing edge by machining a small radius on the upper shearing edge.
The neuropathology of globoid-cell leucodystrophy in the dog. A report of two cases.

Neuropathological studies of two young dogs with globoid cell leucodystrophy revealed changes similar to those reported in human cases of this condition. There was bilaterally symmetrical loss of myelin staining in large regions of white matter in brain and spinal cold. This was accompanied by many globoid cells, large apparently phagocytic cells, most prominent around blood vessels in regions of altered myelin. These cells were PAS positive, non-metachromatic, and stained gray with Sudan black B. The PAS reaction was only slightly reduced by lipid solvents. Also seen in these regions were large numbers of hypertrophied astrocytes. In severely involved regions axons were reduced in number. Diffuse ventricular dilatation was noted in one animal.
Design of an auto-zeroed differential organic thin film field-effect transistor amplifier for sensor applications

Organic strain gauge and other sensors require high-gain, precision dc amplification to process their low-level output signals. Ideally, amplifiers would be fabricated using organic thin-film field-effect transistors (OTFT's) adjacent to the sensors. However, OTFT amplifiers exhibit low gain and high input-referred dc offsets that must be effectively managed. This paper presents a four-stage, cascaded differential OTFT amplifier utilizing switched capacitor auto-zeroing. Each stage provides a nominal voltage gain of four through a differential pair driving low-impedance active loads, which provide common-mode output voltage control. p-type pentacence OTFT's are used for the amplifier devices and auto-zero switches. Simulations indicate the amplifier provides a nominal voltage gain of 280 V/V and effectively amplifies a 1-mV dc signal in the presence of 500-mV amplifier input-referred dc offset voltages. Future work could include the addition of digital gain calibration and offset correction of residual offsets associated with charge injection imbalance in the differential circuits.
A minimally invasive Cox maze IV procedure is as effective as sternotomy while decreasing major morbidity and hospital stay

Objectives The Cox maze IV procedure has the best results for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. It has been traditionally performed through sternotomy with excellent outcomes, but this has been considered to be too invasive. An alternative approach is to perform a less invasive right anterolateral minithoracotomy. This series compared these approaches at a single center in consecutive patients. Methods Patients undergoing a Cox maze IV procedure (n = 356) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2002 to February 2014. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: right minithoracotomy (RMT; n = 104) and sternotomy (ST; n = 252). Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared as well as long-term outcomes. Patients were followed up for 2 years and rhythm was confirmed with an electrocardiogram or prolonged monitoring. Results Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias off antiarrhythmic drugs was 81% and 74% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, using an RMT approach and was not significantly different from the ST group at these same time points. The overall complication rate was lower in the RMT group (6% vs 13%, P = .044) as was 30-day morality (0% vs 4%, P = .039). Median length of stay in the intensive care unit was lower in the RMT group than in the ST group (2 days [range, 0-21 days] vs 3 days [range, 1-61 days]; P = .004) as was median hospital length of stay (7 days [range, 4-35 days] vs 9 days [range, 1-111 days]; P Conclusions The Cox maze IV procedure performed through a right minithoracotomy is as effective as sternotomy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This approach was associated with fewer complications, decreased mortality and decreased length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.
The solution to Berlekamp's switching game

Berlekamp's game consists of a 10 × 10 array of light-bulbs, with 100 switches at the back, one for each bulb, and 20 switches at the front that can complement any row or column of bulbs. For any initial set S of bulbs turned on using the back switches, let f ( S ) be the minimal number of lights that can be achieved by throwing any combination of row and column switches. The problem is to find the maximum of f ( S ) over all choices of S . We show that the answer is 34. We also determine the solution for n × n arrays with 1 ⩽ n ⩽ 9.
Partition cell analysis of infective tobacco mosaic virus nucleic acid

The infective principle of ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolated from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), either by Duponol C or water-saturated phenol, has a sedimentation constant of 19·6 Svedberg units at 5°C in 0·02 M-phosphate, pH 7·3, as determined by partition cell ultracentrifugal analysis. This corresponds to an S_(20) of 30. In fresh samples of RNA, the bulk of the material has the above sedimentation rate. The weight average molecular weight of such samples is 2 × 10^6 as determined by light scattering. The sedimentation rate of the infective principle in samples degraded at room temperature to various fractions of residual activity remains the same, although the bulk of the material sediments at a much slower rate. It is therefore concluded that the smaller components do not carry a detectable amount of the infectivity.
A Comparison of the Reliabilities of Methods of Scoring Tests of Physical Ability

(1952). A Comparison of the Reliabilities of Methods of Scoring Tests of Physical Ability. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 73-81.
Cross-cultural generalizability of the Spiritual Transcendence Scale to the Philippines: Spirituality as a human universal

The Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS) has been developed to operationalize spirituality as an intrinsic source of motivation that impels individuals to create a broad sense of personal meaning for their lives. Spiritual Transcendence is nondenominational in nature and hypothesized to underlie the development of religious sentiments. To further support the universal nature of Spiritual Transcendence, the STS was translated into a native Filipino language, Tagalog. Using two different, varied samples of Filipino adults (N = 654 and 248, respectively), this study demonstrated that scores on the translated version evidenced acceptable levels of internal consistency, structural validity, and incremental validity over personality in predicting a wide range of psychosocial outcomes, like well-being and interpersonal style. Further analyses also indicated that the Tagalog version of the STS produced comparable means and standard deviations to its English counterpart. The data provided support for the hypothesis...
G2, G3, and complete basis set calculations of the thermodynamic properties of boron-containing rings: cyclo-CH2BHNH, 1,2-, and 1,3-cyclo-C2H4BHNH

Abstract Following several recent studies of small nitrogen-containing ring compounds for use as fuels, we follow up with calculations of the thermodynamic properties of mixed carbon–boron–nitrogen compounds; specifically, cyclo -CH 2 BHNH and two isomers of cyclo -C 2 H 4 BHNH. The 1,2-isomer of cyclo -C 2 H 4 BHNH has the heteroatoms adjacent in the ring, while the 1,3-isomer alternates the boron and nitrogen atoms with carbon atoms in the ring. Our results indicate that the combustion energies are about 41–45 kJ/g, making these compounds among the highest energy density substances we have studied.
Whey Protein Patterns of Milk from Cows with Experimentally Produced Mastitis

Summary Whey protein patterns were determined on milk samples from cows in which experimentally induced mastitis was being studied. In two trials in which the cows showed increased temperatures, decreased production, and grossly abnormal milk, there were marked changes in the whey protein patterns. In the third trial, the attempt to produce mastitis resulted in increased cell counts and CMT scores, but no other definite evidence of mastitis. The changes in the whey protein patterns of samples collected during this trial were slight. In the third trial, it appeared that increases in cell numbers and CMT scores were more sensitive than changes in whey proteins as indicators of inflammation of the mammary gland. Whey protein analysis may be useful in studying the physiological responses in attempts to experimentally induce mastitis under controlled conditions.
Specification of an orbital hilbert space using a minimal number of parameters

The concept of the invariance of a subspace of a finite-dimensional orbital Hilbert space to a unitary transformation among the basis orbitals of the subspace leads to a specification of the subspace in terms of fewer parameters than would otherwise be possible. The general form of one such parameterization is presented, and its application to the optimization of the orbital space of a “full configuration interaction” wavefunction is discussed. Other variational forms for which this parameterization is of value are also enumerated and discussed, and mention is made of a possible application of the parameterization to analytical studies of subspaces of finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces.
Differential Pax6 promoter activity and transcript expression during forebrain development

Three different Pax6 promoters -- P0, P1, and P alpha -- show differential activity in the developing eye and spinal cord. To examine promoter usage during forebrain development, we performed in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect transcripts initiated from each promoter. Promoter-specific transcripts are expressed within subdomains of total Pax6 expression, but differ from one another in their spatial localization and expression over time. Additionally, we identified a novel P0-initiated transcript and detected a developmentally regulated antisense transcript.
Measurement of (∂P∂T) V and Related Properties in Solidified Gases. III. Solid D 2

Measurements in solid ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ of pressure changes with temperature and para concentration are reported, and related thermodynamic properties are calculated. The study covers both the hcp and cubic phases in the temperature range $0.4l~Tl~4.2$ K and para concentration range $0.02l~cl~0.90$. The measurements were carried out with a capacitance strain gauge capable of resolving pressure changes of 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ bar. Two types of study were made. (a) The pressure changes accompanying the phase transition were determined as a function of $c$, and the hysteresis was studied as a function of the number of cyclings through the transition. (b) The quantity ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}T})}_{V}$ was obtained in the cubic and hcp phases as a function of $T$ and $c$. The results were analyzed in terms of separate contributions from the lattice and from the rotation of the paradeuterium molecules ($p$-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, lowest rotational level $J=1$). The molecular rotation was assumed to be quenched by the electric quadrupole-quadrupole (EQQ) interaction, and all other effects such as those due to crystal-line field were neglected. The EQQ interaction parameter $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ was determined experimentally. The results from (a) extend the phase diagram to low para concentrations and show that the transition from the hcp to the cubic phase does not take place below $c=0.55$. The data from thermal cyclings, when analyzed in conjunction with corresponding data from x-ray diffraction, indicate that the changes in pressure (and in other thermodynamic properties) are due mainly to the order-disorder transition of the rotational motions and not to the crystalline phase change per se. The results from (b) give values of $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{eff}(\mathrm{pair})}}{{k}_{B}}=1.05\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07$ K and $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{eff}(c=1)}}{{k}_{B}}=0.93\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ K for low and high concentrations of $p$-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, respectively. For a rigid lattice, the theoretical value is $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}}{{k}_{B}}=1.20$ K. A comparison is made with values of $\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}{{k}_{B}}$ from a previous determination and with those predicted by the theory of Harris, which takes into account quantum effects in the solid. Anomalies in ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}T})}_{V}$ at very low $p$-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ concentrations are observed, but are not explained. The entropy of the rotational motion of the $J=1$ state is calculated above 0.4 K and is found to approach $R\mathrm{ln}3$ per mole of $p$-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ for $cg~0.6$.
Differentiation of oncocytoma and renal cell carcinoma in small renal masses (<4 cm): the role of 4-phase computerized tomography

We investigate the use of 4-phase computerized tomography with intravenous contrast to help distinguish oncocytoma from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in tumors <4 cm. We retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgical management for renal tumors <4 cm from 2005 to 2008. Patients who had pre-operative CT evaluation as per our institution’s renal mass protocol and had confirmed pathological diagnosis of either oncocytoma or RCC were included in the study. Enhancement readings were obtained for the tumor and the renal cortex using the same slice simultaneously. Our cohort involved 69 patients (46 men, 23 women; mean age 66) who presented with 79 renal masses. Histopathologically 40 were clear cell, 22 papillary, 5 chromophobe RCC and 12 oncocytoma. On the arterial, venous and delayed phase images, oncocytoma showed the highest mean enhancement change, i.e.,546, 396 and 239% followed by clear cell RCC 261, 261 and 174%, chromophobe RCC 147, 127 and 66% and papillary RCC 137, 184 and 118%, respectively. The enhancement pattern differed significantly on comparing oncocytoma with RCC (P < 0.007). The mean percentage contrast excreted at the end of the delayed phase was 33.3, 13.8, 32 and 53% for clear cell, papillary, chromophobe and oncocytoma, respectively. The enhancement and washout values in Hounsfield units obtained by multiphasic CT scan aid in distinguishing oncocytoma from the commonly seen subtypes of RCC in renal masses <4 cm. This preliminary study demonstrates that arterial phase enhancement greater than 500% and washout values of greater than 50% are exclusively seen in renal oncocytomas.
Asbestos-related Pleural Plaques and Lung Cancer

The English-language literature was reviewed to evaluate a possible relationship between asbestos-related pleural plaques and lung cancer in the absence of parenchymal asbestosis. There were six cohort studies in which the comparison group was limited to unexposed persons or the general population, four lung cancer case-control studies, and three autopsy studies. Of the 13 investigations, only 3 supported the hypothesis that lung cancer risk is elevated among persons with pleural plaques over the risk in unexposed people: 2 cohort studies from the same city in England with much the same data and 1 case-control study. These three studies had the most defects in design. The other ten studies failed to confirm the hypothesis. Thus, the weight of the evidence favors the conclusion that persons with asbestos-related pleural plaques do not have an increased risk of lung cancer in the absence of parenchymal asbestosis. (Chest 1993; 193:1854-59)
Interdependence of the left and right ventricles in health and disease

Since the publication of Bernheim's report it has been clear that the anatomic and functional integrity of each ventricle is an important determinant of the functional characteristics of the other ventricle. How the ventricles interact in health and disease has been of interest to many investigators. This article reviews and considers the structure and function of each ventricle as an independent subunit and as a unified pumping system in the healthy state and in various disease states.
Predictors of Toxicity After Image-guided High-dose-rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Gynecologic Cancer

Purpose To identify predictors of grade 3-4 complications and grade 2-4 rectal toxicity after three-dimensional image-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy for gynecologic cancer. Methods and Materials Records were reviewed for 51 women (22 with primary disease and 29 with recurrence) treated with HDR interstitial brachytherapy. A single interstitial insertion was performed with image guidance by computed tomography ( n = 43) or magnetic resonance imaging ( n = 8). The median delivered dose in equivalent 2-Gy fractions was 72.0 Gy (45 Gy for external-beam radiation therapy and 24 Gy for brachytherapy). Toxicity was reported according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events. Actuarial toxicity estimates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results At diagnosis, the median patient age was 62 years and the median tumor size was 3.8 cm. The median D90 and V100 were 71.4 Gy and 89.5%; the median D2cc for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 64.6 Gy, 61.0 Gy, and 52.7 Gy, respectively. The actuarial rates of all grade 3-4 complications at 2 years were 20% gastrointestinal, 9% vaginal, 6% skin, 3% musculoskeletal, and 2% lymphatic. There were no grade 3-4 genitourinary complications and no grade 5 toxicities. Grade 2-4 rectal toxicity was observed in 10 patients, and grade 3-4 complications in 4; all cases were proctitis with the exception of 1 rectal fistula. D2cc for rectum was higher for patients with grade 2-4 (68 Gy vs 57 Gy for grade 0-1, P =.03) and grade 3-4 (73 Gy vs 58 Gy for grade 0-2, P =.02) rectal toxicity. The estimated dose that resulted in a 10% risk of grade 2-4 rectal toxicity was 61.8 Gy (95% confidence interval, 51.5-72.2 Gy). Discussion Image-guided HDR interstitial brachytherapy results in acceptable toxicity for women with primary or recurrent gynecologic cancer. D2cc for the rectum is a reliable predictor of late rectal complications. Three-dimensional-based treatment planning should be performed to ensure adequate tumor coverage while minimizing the D2cc to the rectum.
Production of hydrogen and carbon nanostructures by non-oxidative catalytic dehydrogenation of ethane and propane

Nanoscale, binary, M−Fe (M = Mo, Ni, or Pd) catalysts supported on alumina have been shown to be very effective for the decomposition of undiluted methane to yield hydrogen and multiwalled nanotubes. The same suite of catalysts has been tested for non-oxidative catalytic dehydrogenation of undiluted ethane and propane. After prereduction at 700 °C, all three binary catalysts exhibited significantly lower decomposition temperatures and longer time-on-stream performances than either the nonmetallic alumina support or a mono-metallic Fe/alumina catalyst. Ethene, propene, water, and carbon oxides were absent, and only hydrogen, methane, and unreacted ethane or propane were observed in the product stream. The carbon deposit left on the catalyst bed showed two distinct forms, depending on the reaction temperature. Above 600 °C, the carbon deposits were in the form of multiwalled nanotubes with some irregularly spaced capping of the innermost walls. At or below 500 °C reactor temperature, carbon nanofibers with ...
Shear fracture of bulk metallic glasses with controlled applied normal stresses

The Mohr–Coulomb criterion has been invoked to characterize the dependence of shear fracture of bulk metallic glasses on the stress normal to the shear plane. However, systematic verification of its applicability is lacking. We use a unique test fixture that is capable of controlling (i) the location of shear fracture and (ii) the ratio of the normal to shear stress on the fracture plane to perform tests on bulk metallic glasses to examine the applicability of the Mohr–Coulomb criterion.