cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postoperative atrial arrhythmias: risk factors and associated adverse outcomes.

Atrial arrhythmias are the most common complication of cardiac surgical procedures today. Because of the additional hospital costs associated with these arrhythmias, owing to increased use of antiarrhythmic medications, diagnostic studies, and prolonged hospitalization, this subject continues to draw the interest of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, insurance companies, and hospital administrators, among others. Despite many clinical studies, there is still no consensus regarding the best prevention strategy for these arrhythmias. We recently reviewed our experience with these arrhythmias, with the intent of identifying risk factors for the development of these arrhythmias and identifying any associated, potentially adverse, outcomes. We found that the incidence of postoperative atrial arrhythmias has increased to more than 35% in recent years. Risk factors for the development of postoperative atrial arrhythmias include increasing patient age, preoperative use of digoxin, history of rheumatic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and increasing aortic cross-clamp (ischemic) time. Among patients with postoperative atrial arrhythmias, there was an increased rate of peri operative stroke, increased frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, increased need for the placement of a permanent pacemaker, and prolongation of the intensive care unit and total hospital length of stay.
Trace-plating—A new semiconductor-device fabrication technique

Abstract A new technique for semiconductor-device fabrication is described. This technique involves deposition of fine traces by abrasion from soft metals on semiconductor or insulator surfaces. The traces have been made with a variety of n - and p -type dopants, and have been subsequently electroplated, usually with Au. When suitably alloyed, these preferential deposits have provided ohmic and rectifying contacts to n - and p -type Ge and Si, as well as to GaAs and InSb. Diodes and mesa transistor structures have been fabricated by trace-plating, and the usefulness of this technique for making arrays of electrodes has been demonstrated.
Roentgenographic study of bone changes during exercise stimulation of edentulous areas

Abstract Consistent with one of the basic principles of partial denture service, that of preserving the remaining oral structures while restoring function, a practical technique of exercise therapy has been presented whereby available supporting structures, depleted through prolonged disuse, can be reconditioned and function of missing teeth can be restored by prosthetic means. This method of treatment is not meant to be used for every patient who requires a free end partial denture but for those selected patients with conditions which demand something more than the ordinary prosthetic service. This type of program is a burden neither to the dentist nor to the patient, and patient cooperation is generally excellent once he knows why such a plan is being proposed.
TRIPLOIDY IN CHANNEL CATFISH

Triploidy was induced in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) by hand stripping eggs from gravid females, fertilization with minced testes from donor males, and cold shocking the eggs at 5°C for one hour beginning 5 minutes post-fertilization. Hatching success of eggs cold shocked for one hour was 79% compared to 89% in controls. Cold shocks longer than one hour caused 100% mortality. Cytogenetic observations through lymphocyte cultures and direct processing of mitotic cells from kidney tissue confirmed that all controls were diploid (2n=58 chromosomes) and 100% of the one-hour cold shocked treatment group were triploid (3n=87 chromosomes). Full sibling diploid and triploid channel catfish were reared in round 870-liter fiberglass tanks indoors with water supply, filtration, and disease treatment common to both tanks. All fish were fed 4 times daily to satiation for the first month, twice daily to 8 months, then once daily thereafter with appropriately sized trout rations (35% protein). Triploids were significantly heavier at 8 months of age and older stages than the diploids (92.9±0.98 g vs 87.8±1.09 g at 8 months) and converted feed more efficiently (1.19 kg feed per kg of gain in triploids vs 1.3 in diploids). Histological analysis of ovaries and testes from 54 fish representing both ploidy levels confirmed the almost complete lack of sexual development characteristic of many triploid organisms.
Gene Therapy in Sports Medicine

Sports injuries frequently involve tissues that have limited healing capabilities. In order to improve the healing process and thus prevent the serious consequences of injury, it is necessary to understand the molecular and cellular biology of healing. Several growth factors and other cytokines have been identified as important mediators of a successful healing process. Such molecules have promise as novel agents for the treatment of sporting injuries, but there is presently no clinically useful way to deliver them. Gene transfer may be used to serve this purpose. In this role, gene therapy functions as a type of local biological drug delivery system. Recent studies have shown the feasibility of transferring marker genes to synovium, chondrocytes, meniscal fibrochondrocytes, tenocytes and ligamental fibroblasts, prompting optimism about the eventual success of this approach.
HSD11B1, HSD11B2, PTGS2, and NR3C1 expression in the peri-implantation ovine uterus: effects of pregnancy, progesterone, and interferon tau

Establishment of pregnancy in ruminants requires conceptus elongation and production of interferon tau (IFNT), the pregnancy recognition signal that maintains the corpus luteum and progesterone (P4) secretion. The enzymes hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) and HSD11B2 catalyze the interconversion of inactive cortisone and active cortisol, which is a biologically active glucorticoid and ligand for the receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (glucocorticoid receptor) (NR3C1). The activity of HSD11B1 is stimulated by P4, prostaglandins, and cortisol. These studies determined the effects of pregnancy, P4, and IFNT on HSD11B1, HSD11B2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (prostaglandin G/H synthase and cyclooxygenase) (PTGS2), and nuclear NR3C1 in the ovine uterus. Endometrial HSD11B1 mRNA levels were more abundant between Days 12 and 16 of pregnancy than the estrous cycle, and HSD11B1 and PTGS2 expression in the endometrial luminal and superficial glandular epithelia was coincident with conceptus elongation. HSD11B1 mRNA was very low in the conceptus, whereas HSD11B2 mRNA was abundant in the conceptus but not in the uterus. Treatment of ewes with P4 induced, and intrauterine infusions of IFNT modestly stimulated, HSD11B1 expression in the endometrial luminal and superficial glandular epithelia. In all of the studies, HSD11B1 and PTGS2 expression was coincident in the endometrial epithelia, and NR3C1 was present in all endometrial cell types. Collectively, these results support hypotheses that endometrial epithelial HSD11B1 expression is induced by P4 as well as stimulated by IFNT and PTGS2-derived prostaglandins and that HSD11B1-regenerated cortisol acts via NR3C1 to regulate ovine endometrial functions during early pregnancy.
Generalized Inverse Gaussian Distributions and their Wishart Connections

The matrix generalized inverse Gaussian distribution (MGIG) is shown to arise as a conditional distribution of components of a Wishart distributio n. In the special scalar case, the characterization refers to members of the class of generalized inverse Gaussian distributions (GIGs) and includes the inverse Gaussian distribution among others
Observational learning of tool-use by young chimpanzees

In the current study two groups of young chimpanzees (4–6 and 8–9 years old) were given a T-bar and a food item that could only be reached by using the T-bar. Experimental subjects were given the opportunity to observe an adult using the stick as a tool to obtain the food; control subjects were exposed to the adult but were given no demonstration. Subjects in the older group did not learn to use the tool. Subjects in the younger group who were exposed to the demonstrator learned to use the stick as a tool much more readily than those who were not. None of the subjects demonstrated an ability to imitatively copy the demonstrator's precise behavioral strategies. More than simple stimulus enhancement was involved, however, since both groups manipulated the T-bar, but only experimental subjects used it in its function as a tool. Our findings complement naturalistic observations in suggesting that chimpanzee tool-use is in some sense «culturally transmitted» — though perhaps not in the same sense as social-conventional behaviors for which precise copying of conspecifics is crucial.
A time‐dependent molecular orbital approach to electron transfer in ion–atom collisions

A time-dependent molecular orbital approach has been developed for describing the dynamics of atomic and molecular interactions. Equations derived for the time-dependent electronic density matrices in the TDHF approximation are locally linearized in time with the use of a time-dependent reference density. It contains a time-dependent driving term due to the nuclear motions. Nuclear motions are obtained from the gradients of effective potentials which change with electronic states and account for couplings of nuclear and electronic motions. Results are presented for electron transfer in proton-hydrogen collisions, to compare to other calculations.
Examining the attitudes and physiological responses preservice learners have towards children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract This study investigated attitudes and physiological responses demonstrated by preservice learners towards young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) and two physiological measures (skin conductance and heart rate responses) were obtained. Four behaviors (two control and two problematic) depicting preschool-age males with ASD were viewed by preservice learners who either had limited ( n = 15) or substantial experience ( n = 15) in working with this population. Results revealed significant differences between behaviors (control versus problematic) on two out of three SAM ratings and on both physiological measures. Specifically, the results documented that regardless of level of experience, preservice learners exhibited increased arousal when watching problematic behaviors.
Onward, Ridiculous Debaters

This article responds to Adam Kotsko's counter-positioning of Thomist-Milbankian hierarchy on the one hand and Deleuzian-Surinian univocity on the other as competing visions for an ontologically gr...
In-vivo NIR autofluorescence imaging of rat mammary tumors

We investigate in vivo detection of mammary tumors in a rat model using autofluorescence imaging in the red and far-red spectral regions. The objective was to explore this method for non-invasive detection of malignant tumors and correlation between autofluorescence properties of tumors and their pathologic status. Eighteen tumor-bearing rats, bearing eight benign and seventeen malignant tumors were imaged. Autofluorescence images were acquired using spectral windows centered at 700-nm, 750-nm and 800-nm under laser excitation at 632.8-nm and 670-nm. Intensity in the autofluorescence images of malignant tumors under 670-nm excitation was higher than that of the adjacent normal tissue. whereas intensity of benign tumors was lower compared to normal tissue.
Spindle speed variation method for regenerative machining chatter control

Among machining chatter control methods, spindle speed variation (SSV) method is certified as a feasible and effective way: machining chatter can be suppressed by continuously and periodically fluctuating the spindle speed of the machine tool. This paper presents a systematic stability analysis of SSV method for machining chatter suppression based on a machining chatter model of non-linear delay differential equation. The theoretical results are verified by results of numerical simulations and experiments. Some important results are achieved: the stability increment index (SII) of SSV cutting over constant speed cutting is derived; the mechanism of SSV method revealed by means of internal energy analysis; a formula for selecting the SSV amplitude is proposed based on the internal energy analysis of the SSV cutting and the instantaneous sideband effect, which is meaningful for practical application of SSV cutting.
Constitutive and induced hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities in male Fisher-344 and CD rats. A comparative study

Abstract The hepatic microsomal mixed function monooxygenase system (MFO) is the major enzyme system responsible for the activation and deactivation of xenobiotics. This study was designed to compare the hepatic MFO system in Fischer-344 and CD (Sprague-Dawley) rats. Hepatic microsomes were prepared from control, phenobarbital (3 × 80 mg/kg)-, and 3-methylcholanthrene (3 × 20 mg/kg)-pretreated male F-344 and CD rats (49 days old). Both control and phenobarbital-treated F-344 rats had significantly lower microsomal epoxide hydratase activity than corresponding preparations from CD rats. In addition, the pattern of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism was significantly different between the strains. Microsomes from F-344 rats produced less dihydrodiols and quinones than the corresponding preparations from CD rats. The spectral characteristics of cytochrome P-450 in hepatic microsomes from both control and phenobarbital-treated F-344 rats were significantly different from those observed in CD rat hepatic microsomes. Specifically, the λmax for the reduced cytochrome P-450 CO complex occurred at a slightly longer wavelength and the reduced ETNC 430 455 nm peak ratios were larger by about 70%. No significant strain differences were detected in control rats or rats pretreated with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene with regard to microsomal protein, benzphetamine-N-demethylase, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, biphenyl-4-hydroxylase, biphenyl-2-hydroxylase, arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase, ethoxycoumarin- or ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities. These results suggest that differences do exist in the in vitro hepatic microsomal metabolism of xenobiotics in these two strains of rats. These differences may be of importance with respect to the susceptibility of the two strains of rats to various toxic agents.
An integrated online library system as a node in a local area network: The Mitre experience

In the Spring of 1985, the library at the Mitre Corporation in Washington, DC, installed OCLC's LS/2000 integrated library system as a turnkey system on a Data General S‐140 minicomputer housed in the company's computer center. Access to the system was to be via the existing Sytek local area network. This paper is intended to convey the issues the library faced in designing, implementing and offering LS/2000 to users via the LAN. Discussed are LAN issues in general and how each was addressed at Mitre. They include: requirements, equipment, reliability, growth, security and traffic. The installation of the LAN and system interface is addressed next, followed by the benefits accrued by the use of a LAN for an online library system, includ‐ing: a. Convenience of the online public catalog. b. Increased visibility for the library within the organization. c. Further electronic communications with users. d. Shared resources. Finally, the drawbacks of using a LAN are probed, including: a. Distance of the user from library staff. b. Reliability of the LAN. c. Security problems. d. User expectations.
Resisting chaos: the power of the humanities as a problem‐solving system

Purpose – The purpose of this essay is to argue the importance of the humanities as a problem‐solving “system”, one which has for thousands of years provided humankind with the tools to make reasoned decisions about complex problems in an ever‐changing world.Design/methodology/approach – This essay places the idea of complexity within a historical and philosophical context.Findings – The rise of new technologies has resulted in the notion that human beings are no longer capable of addressing complex problems. Too dogmatic a reliance upon technology, however, instead of leading to clarity, can lead to chaos and confusion.Social implications – One of the few remaining “big structures” which retains a significant degree of public trust is higher education. If we continue to devalue the one area of study – the humanities – which has as its ultimate purpose precisely the analysis of “complex issues” – in favor of quasi‐human systemic solutions or an alteration of the “epistemology” of education, we will surely...
Cognitive control methods in the treatment of special education children

A study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a new approach in the treatment of special education (learning handicapped) children. This study employed a pretest- posttest design, using a special education treatment group, a special education control group, and a regular class comparison group. A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance was performed on pretest data, and on posttest data, using pretest scores as the covariates. Results indicated that, while at pretesting the two special education groups were significantly different from the regular class comparison group, the special education treatment group made significant gains and were no longer significantly different from the regular class cornparison group on posttesting. Conclusions regarding the reasons for the significant changes in the treatment group are analyzed and discussed.
Demonstration of a novel all-fiber bandpass acousto-optic tunable filter

An all-fiber tunable bandpass filter is demonstrated. A dual acousto-optic grating inside a Sagnac loop changes the polarization of the light over a narrow bandwidth which redirects the light from reflection to the transmission port.
Do sentinel node micrometastases predict recurrence risk in ductal carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion

Abstract Background Because the implications of micrometastases found on sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) are largely unknown, we wished to determine if SNB pathology predicted recurrence risk in DCIS/DCISM. Methods Retrospective chart review identified patients with DCIS/DCISM who underwent SNB. SNB findings and all local and distant recurrences were determined. Results A total of 322 patients underwent SNB for DCIS/DCISM. There were 13 local recurrences (4.0%) and 1 (.03%) distant recurrence at a median follow-up of 47.9 months (range 0 to 110.6), 12 in patients with negative SNBs; 1 patient had a positive SNB. There were 4 recurrences after mastectomy and 9 after lumpectomy. In 29 patients with positive SNBs, there was only 1 recurrence (3.4%). Conclusions Positive SNBs in patients with DCIS or DCISM are not associated with higher risk of local or distant recurrence. Other features of DCIS and DCISM may be important in predicting recurrence risk.
A Fast-Forward Solver of Radiative Transfer Equation

In this article, we develop an efficient forward solver for steady-state or frequency-domain radiative transfer equation on 2D and 3D structured and unstructured meshes with vacuum boundary condition or reflection boundary condition. Although we emphasize applications in optical imaging, our method may be applied to more general radiative transfer equations, for example, other types of scattering function. Efficiency and accuracy of our algorithm is demonstrated by comparison with both analytical solutions and Monte Carlo solutions and with various numerical tests in optical imaging.
METEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CONSTANT-PRESSURE BALLOON TRAJECTORIES

Abstract The areal coverage to be expected from 300-millibar constant-pressure balloons (CPB) is examined for various numbers of releases per day from various stations. The meteorological variables which can be measured are discussed. The accuracy of balloon fixes required for useful determinations of velocity and acceleration is determined. It is shown, both theoretically and by computations from nine flights conducted by the Naval Research Laboratory in 1953, that the CPB data are adequate for the representation of the wind and pressure fields over the area covered by the trajectories. Together with radiosonde and rawin data they enable determination of the vertical velocity, but measurement of all the necessary parameters by CPB alone has not been achieved yet. There is presented an analysis of the geostrophic deviations computed from the trajectory data, including their variation with latitude, wind speed, and pressure-gradient force.
Cross-Training Reference Librarians to Catalog

ABSTRACT Cross-training efforts in libraries have traditionally centered on training catalogers to provide reference services. With integrated library management systems an essential part of both the library and librarians' professional duties, cross-training public services librarians to perform traditional technical services roles is becoming more feasible. At Kimbel Library, reference librarians perform copy cataloging, assign call numbers, verify 856s, and perform other tasks traditionally done by catalogers. This article focuses on the process of creating, developing, and implementing a cross-training program that brings public services librarians into the technical services area.
Regulation of Cavernous Nerve Injury-Induced Apoptosis by Sonic Hedgehog

Abstract Thirty to eighty-seven percent of patients treated by radical prostatectomy experience erectile dysfunction (ED). The reduced efficacy of treatments in this population makes novel therapeutic approaches to treat ED essential. We propose that abundant apoptosis observed in penile smooth muscle when the cavernous nerve (CN) is cut (mimicking the neural injury which can result from prostatectomy) is a major contributing factor to ED development. We hypothesize that decreased Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is a cause of ED in neurological models of impotence by increasing apoptosis in penile smooth muscle. We examined this hypothesis in a bilateral CN injury model of ED. We found that the active form of SHH protein was significantly decreased 1.2-fold following CN injury, that SHH inhibition causes a 12-fold increase in smooth muscle apoptosis in the penis, and that SHH treatment at the time of CN injury was able to decrease CN injury-induced apoptosis (1–3-fold) in a dose-dependent manner. These res...
A vector measurement scheme for testing quasi-optical components

A quasi-optical vector network analyzer has been developed and used to conduct a study of the complex reflection coefficients of planar structures. Good agreement has been obtained between theory and experiment for both amplitude and phase measurements at millimeter/microwave frequencies. A narrow band filter consisting of an array of annular slots in a metallic screen with a transmission peak at 35 GHz has been fabricated and tested over the range 26.5–40 GHz.
Activation of Bestrophin Cl– Channels Is Regulated by C-terminal Domains

Bestrophins (VMD2, VMD2L1, VMD2L2, and VMD2L3) are a new family of anion channels. The mechanisms of their regulation are not yet well understood. Recently, we found that a domain (amino acids 356–364) in the C terminus of mouse VMD2L3 (mBest3) inhibited channel activity when it was expressed in HEK293 cells (Qu, Z., Cui, Y., and Hartzell, H. C. (2006) FEBS Lett. 580, 2141–2214). Here we show that this auto-inhibitory (AI) domain in mBest3 and human (h)Best3 is composed of seven critical residues, 356IPSFLGS362. Replacement of any residue (except Pro357) in the domain with alanine activated Cl– currents. Substitution of Pro357 with other amino acids, especially phenylalanine, did activate currents. Membrane biotinylation demonstrated that nonfunctional mBest3 protein was trafficked to the plasma membrane, implying that the AI domain inhibited channel gating but not trafficking. mBest3-F359A and hBest3-G361A mutations induced outwardly rectifying currents, suggesting that the AI domain is associated with the channel pore or gating mechanism. Supporting this suggestion, the mBest3 AI domain was demonstrated to be located within a membrane-associated region. When the wild-type mBest3 C terminus (amino acids 292–669) was expressed in HEK293 cells, the protein was located mainly in the particulate fraction, but it became soluble when a sequence containing the AI domain was deleted (Δ353–404). There is an AI domain (357QPSFQGS363) in mouse VMD2L1 (mBest2) as well, but its inhibitory effect is competed by a downstream facilitatory sequence (amino acids 405–454). These results suggest that an auto-inhibitory mechanism in C termini may be universal among bestrophins investigated in the study.
Statistics of gravitational lenses - The uncertainties

The assumptions in the analysis of gravitational lensing statistics are examined. Special emphasis is given to the uncertainties in the theoretical predictions. It is shown that a simple redshift cutoff model, which may result from galaxy evolution, can significantly reduce the lensing probability and explain the large mean separation of images in observed gravitational lenses. This effect may affect the constraint on the contribution of the cosmological constant to producing a flat universe from the number counts of the observed lenses. For the Omega(0) = 1 (filled beam) model, the lensing probability of early-type galaxies with finite core radii is reduced roughly by a factor of 2 for high-redshift quasars as compared with the corresponding singular isothermal sphere model. The finite core radius effect is about 20 percent for a lambda-dominated flat universe. It is also shown that the most recent galaxy luminosity function gives lensing probabilities that are smaller than previously estimated roughly by a factor of 3.
Partnering relationships between banks and their research firms: the impact on quality

Reports how, in an effort to improve research quality, save time and decrease total costs, many businesses have been turning from discrete, arm’s‐length, transactional relationships with a multitude of research suppliers towards long‐term, collaborative relationships with just a few research “partners”. Some bank clients believe in the benefits of partnering with one or two marketing research suppliers. Other bank clients are concerned that partnering with researchers will breed complacency, thus increasing research costs and decreasing quality. Attempts to examine the impact of partnering and non‐partnering relationships on the research firms’ performance in three areas: service quality, product quality and overall customer satisfaction. Empirical evidence indicates a positive relationship between partnering and increased client satisfaction in all three areas.
1‐(4‐Chloro­phen­yl)‐3‐[3‐(4‐chloro­phen­yl)pyrazol‐1‐yl]propan‐1‐one

The title compound, C18H14Cl2N2O, is an isomer of the triplet alkyl nitrene decay product formed upon photolysis of β-azido propiophenone complexes. The mol­ecule exhibits an overall twist with dihedral angles of 10.32 (7) and 24.94 (4)° between the pyrazole plane and the planes of the chloro­phenyl rings. The crystal packing of the title compound features stacks of mol­ecules in alternating orientations running along the b axis; the approximate separation distance between the planes of neighboring mol­ecules in the stack is 3.66 A.
Mechanisms of pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities during experimental group B streptococcal infusion.

ABSTRACT: Group B streptococcal sepsis in newborns produces pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypoxemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which hypoxemia occurs. Ten anesthetized, ventilated piglets were infused with 2 × 109 colony forming units/kg of Group B streptococci over a 30-min period. Pulmonary arterial pressure rose from 14 ± 2.8 to 38 ± 6.7 torr after 20 min of the bacterial infusion (p < 0.01). During the same period, cardiac output fell from 295 to 184 ml/kg/min (p < 0.02). Arterial Po2 declined from 97 ± 7 to 56 ± 11 torr (p < 0.02) and mixed venous Po2 fell from 39.6 ± 5 to 28 ± 8 torr (p < 0.05). The multiple inert gas elimination technique was used to detect increases in shunt and alterations in ventilation-perfusion matching. Intrapulmonary shunt did not increase during or after the infusion with group B streptococci. However, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the SD of pulmonary blood flow, an index of VA/Q mismatching, 20 min after initiation of the infusion of bacteria. All the above changes reverted toward baseline during the 2-h period following discontinuation of the infusion. We conclude that the hypoxemia occurring in the early phase of group B streptococcal sepsis does not develop solely because of increased shunt, but rather is produced by a decline in cardiac output in conjunction with mismatching of pulmonary perfusion to alveolar ventilation.
Community cohesion and children's play: a new conceptual framework

This article poses the question: Can children's play help to create cohesive communities in segregated towns and cities? The growing body of literature on community cohesion provides a useful backdrop to this issue. The discussion contains data from an empirical investigation carried out between 2009 and 2010 in Blackburn – a cotton mill town in Lancashire in the north west of England. The research was both qualitative – including 21 observations of children's play in a range of social settings – and quantitative – a questionnaire survey of 303 parents living in the Blackburn with Darwen borough. The research yielded results that both support and refute the suggestion that children's play can be used as a cohesive strategy in segregated towns and cities. The analysis of the data lends itself to a new conceptual framework in which community cohesion is presented as an important social and political objective in an increasingly diverse society.
Evolutionary analysis of functional divergence in TGF-β signaling pathway

TGF-β cytokines and their interacting receptors form an intricate signaling network and play important roles in cell differentiation and development. Members in gene families involved in this complicated pathway are usually conserved in sequence but distinct in temporal and tissue-specific expression. Starting from an evolutionary perspective, we have statistically tested the functional divergence in major pathway components, targeted the critical amino acid residues responsible for functional divergence. Our results show that altered functional constraints is a common pattern in the evolution of TGF-β pathway. Moreover, we have found the correlation between structural divergence and functional divergence in the extracellular ligand-binding domain of Type II receptors. This study helps understand the complex intrinsic mechanisms of signaling.
Studies On the Ability of Various Nematodes To Induce Trap Formation in a Nematode-Trapping Fungus Monacrosporium Doed Ycoides

Nemin extracted from five different species of nematodes induced the production of predaceous structures by the nematode-trapping fungus, Monacrosporiuni doedycoides. Quantitative differences in the ability of the different nematodes to induce trap formation were noted. The RNA synthesis inhibitor 6-methyl purine when applied at the same time with the various nemins completely inhibited trap formation by the fungus. Application of the 6-methyl purine 1 hour after the addition of the various nemins had no effect on the number of traps formed. Two compounds that inhibit normal protein synthesis (5-fluorouracil and p-fluorophenylalanine) also exhibited a similar trap inhibition effect. The mechanism of nemin-induced trap formation in M. doedycoides seemed to be at the level of transcription.
A properties model of the HI–I2–H2O–H2 system in the sulfur–iodine cycle for hydrogen manufacture

Abstract A model for the phase equilibria and energetics of the HI–I 2 –H 2 O–H 2 system has been developed for use in process simulations of reactive distillation to form H 2 from HI in the Sulfur–Iodine cycle for thermochemical decomposition of water. Comparisons with data and other models demonstrate that this approach is uniquely successful in describing the phase equilibria and properties of this complex system. In particular, it is able to follow the pressure minimum of the HI–H 2 O binary and HI–I 2 –H 2 O ternary when x HI ≈ 0.15; the dramatic increase of pressure and HI vapor composition, as well as formation of two liquid phases with greater amounts of HI; and the emergence of a single liquid phase in the ternary, even though binaries of HI and of I 2 with H 2 O are only partially miscible. The model incorporates two novel speciation reactions and the Electrolyte-NRTL excess Gibbs energy model with parameters that cover wide ranges of temperature, pressure and composition. The model is formulated so that process simulation, design and optimization may be done reliably to explore feasibility and innovations of the S–I process.
Critical engagement: the merging of public health information resources

As academic libraries and computer centers move toward convergence, multiple issues must be addressed before successful models of merged operations can develop. The organizational model of merged public health information resources at the University of Michigan stands as a viable example of collaborative operations under a unified management stucture. The undertaking represents more than administrative shuffling to consolidate staff and budgets: it is an attempt to reconceptualize the role of library services and computer services within an integrated model of cooperation that can offer more to its costituency than could the library and computing center functioning as separate entities. It is an undertaking that required a belief in the importance of information resources coupled with service and an approach that engages the larger academic mission of the university. The initiative has spawned new collaborative opportunities, resources, and interest, and has reinvigorated a sence of purpose and relevancy ...
Diagnosis and management of mitochondrial diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any progressive multisystem disorder. The diagnosis is most challenging when only one symptom is present. In contrast, the diagnosis is easier to consider when two or more seemingly unrelated symptoms are present, involving more than one organ system. It is important to consider the diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder when dealing with an unexplained association of symptoms, with an early onset and progressive course involving seemingly unrelated organs. The investigation can be relatively straightforward if a person has a recognizable phenotype and if it is possible to identify a known pathogenic mtDNA mutation. The difficulty arises when no known mtDNA defect can be found or when the clinical abnormalities are complex and not easily matched to those of more common mitochondrial disorders. In summary: A full mitochondrial evaluation often is warranted in children with a complex neurologic picture or a single neurologic symptom and other system involvement. When the presentation is classic for a maternally inherited mitochondrial syndrome, such as MELAS, MERRF, or Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, appropriate mtDNA studies should be obtained first. When the clinical picture is classic for a nuclear DNA inherited syndrome and the gene or linkage is known, such as MNGIE, the clinician should proceed with genetic studies. When the clinical picture is nonspecific but highly suggestive of a mitochondrial disorder, the clinician should start with plasma or CSF lactic acid, ketone bodies, plasma acylcarnitines, and urinary organic acids. If these studies are abnormal, the clinician should proceed with muscle biopsy and assessment of the respiratory chain enzymes. Normal plasma or CSF lactic acid does not rule out a mitochondrial disorder.
Modeling lung motion using consistent image registration in four-dimensional computed tomography for radiation therapy

Respiratory motion is a significant source of error in conformal radiation therapy for the thorax and upper abdomen. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) has been proposed to reduce the uncertainty caused by internal respiratory organ motion. A 4D CT dataset is retrospectively reconstructed at various stages of a respiratory cycle. An important tool for 4D treatment planning is deformable image registration. An inverse consistent image registration is used to model lung motion from one respiratory stage to another during a breathing cycle. This diffeomorphic registration jointly estimates the forward and reverse transformations providing more accurate correspondence between two images. Registration results and modeled motions in the lung are shown for three example respiratory stages. The results demonstrate that the consistent image registration satisfactorily models the large motions in the lung, providing a useful tool for 4D planning and delivering.
Chromatin structure and gene expression.

Abstract Transcription of chromatin templates in vitro and genetic analysis of regulation in vivo have combined to yield new insights into the interplay among structural proteins, transcription factors and regulatory DNA sequences in regulation of gene expression.
High-Dose Caspofungin is Safe for Adult Patients with Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis is on the rise by virtue of developments in modern medicine leading to profound immune suppression and lifesaving measures. Caspofungin, a parenteral echinocandin, is an attractive choice when treating invasive candidiasis. In a noninferiority trial against amphotericin B, the dose of caspofungin was 50mg per day following a 70-mg loading dose [1]. However, researchers and clinicians have hypothesized that enhanced efficacy may be seen at higher doses, which are well tolerated in humans.
Aquaporin-4 Reduces Post-Traumatic Seizure Susceptibility by Promoting Astrocytic Glial Scar Formation in Mice.

Seizures are important neurologic complications following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are reported for up to 50% of patients with TBI. Despite several studies, no drug strategy has been able to alter the biological events leading to epileptogenesis. The glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) was shown to facilitate cytotoxic cell swelling in ischemia and glial scar formation following stab wound injury. In this study, we examined post-traumatic seizure susceptibility of AQP4-deficient mice (AQP4-/-) after injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 1 month after controlled cortical impact (CCI) and compared them to wild-type sham injury controls. After PTZ injection, AQP4-/- mice demonstrated dramatically shortened seizure latency (120 ± 40 seconds vs. 300 ± 70 seconds, p < 0.001) and increased seizure severity (grade 7.5 ± 0.4 vs. 5.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.001) compared to their wild-type counterparts. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a significant two-fold reduction in astrocytosis with concomitant increase in ...
Scaling exponent predicts defibrillation success for out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest

Background—Defibrillator shocks often fail to terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA), and repeated failed shocks can worsen the subsequent response to therapy. Because the VF waveform changes with increasing duration of VF, it is possible that ECG analyses could estimate the preshock likelihood of defibrillation success. This study examined whether an amplitude-independent measure of preshock VF waveform morphology predicts outcome after defibrillation. Methods and Results—Clinical data and ECG recordings from an automated external defibrillator were obtained for 75 subjects with OOHCA in a suburban community with police first responders and a paramedic-based emergency medical system. An estimate of the fractal self-similarity dimension, the scaling exponent, was calculated off-line for the VF waveform preceding shocks. Success of the first shock was determined from the recordings. Return of pulses and survival were determined by chart review. The first shock res...
An Operator Calculus for the Askey-Wilson Operator

We introduce a translation operator which commutes with the Askey-Wilson operator and develop the corresponding theory of polynomials of binomial type and the Sheffer classification.
Blood Print Detection By Fluorescence

We have surveyed the current methods for detection of blood prints and have compared representative procedures from the standpoint of the general type of involved chemistry. We find that the methods that involve fluorescent products produce the greatest sensitivity in concert with laser fluorescence excitation. The ninhydrin/ZnCl 2 procedure is very effective for porous items, including cloth. Merbromin or dichlorofluorescein are effective for non-porous surfaces. Development of blood prints on surfaces that display overwhelming background fluorescence is best performed by peroxidase-type absorption methods.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Liver-Gender Disruption in Male Mice

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-predominant cancer associated with chronic hepatitis. Like human viral hepatitis, murine Helicobacter hepaticus infection produces inflammation and HCC with a masculine bias. We used this model to identify potential mechanisms of male HCC predisposition. Male weanling A/JCr mice (n = 67) were gavaged with H. hepaticus or vehicle. At 1 year, mice were distributed into four groups: surgical castration, chemical castration, castration followed by dihydrotestosterone supplementation, or sexually intact controls. Responses to infection were compared with IFN-gamma challenge alone. At 21 months, there was no significant difference in hepatitis between groups. Neither castration nor androgen receptor agonism altered tumor incidence. Infected mice with severe, but not mild, disease exhibited a mosaic of alterations to sexually dimorphic genes and microsomal long-chain fatty acids. By microarray, tumorigenic hepatitis was strongly associated with liver-gender disruption, defined as the loss of a gender-identifying hepatic molecular signature. IFN-gamma alone produced similar changes, demonstrating a role for proinflammatory cytokines in this process. In conclusion, hepatocarcinogenesis in male mice with chronic hepatitis is maturationally imprinted and androgen-independent. Proinflammatory cytokines may promote HCC in a male-predominant fashion due to high sensitivity of the masculinized liver to loss of sex-specific transcriptional balance. Liver-gender disruption has pleiotropic implications for hepatic enzyme activity, lipid processing, nuclear receptor activation, apoptosis, and proliferation. We propose a multistep model linking chronic hepatitis to liver cancer through cytokine-mediated derangement of gender-specific cellular metabolism. This model introduces a novel mechanism of inflammation-associated carcinogenesis consistent with male-predominant HCC risk.
Intracellular correlate of EPSP-spike potentiation in CA1 pyramidal neurons is controlled by GABAergic modulation

The hippocampus has been used extensively as a model to study plastic changes in the brain's neural circuitry. Immediately after high-frequency stimulation to hippocampal Schaffer collateral axons, a dramatic change occurs in the relationship between the presynaptic CA3 and the postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal neurons. For a fixed excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), there arises an increased likelihood of action potential generation in the CA1 pyramidal neuron. This phenom- enon is called EPSP-spike (E-S) potentiation. We explored E-S potentiation, using patch-clamp techniques in the hippocampal slice preparation. A specific protocol was developed to measure the action potential proba- bility for a given synaptic strength, which allowed us to quantify the amount of E-S potentiation for a single neuron. E-S potentiation was greatest when -aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition was intact, suggesting that modulation of inhibition is a major aspect of E-S potenti- ation. Expression of E-S potentiation also correlated with a reduced ac- tion-potential threshold, which was greatest when GABAergic inhibition was intact. Conditioning stimuli produced a smaller threshold reduction when inhibition was blocked, but some reduction also occurred in the absence of a conditioning stimulus. Together, these results suggest that E-S potentiation is caused primarily through a reduction of GABAergic inhi- bition, leading to larger EPSPs and reduced action potential threshold. Our findings do not rule out, however, the possibility that modulation of voltage-gated conductances also contributes to E-S potentiation.
Turnover numbers for ionophore-catalyzed cation transport across the mitochondrial membrane.

The turnover numbers of the ionophores valinomycin, the macrolide actins, enniatin B and dicyclohexyl 18-crown-6 for translocation of cations through the mitochondrial membrane have been compared quantitatively. The rank order of decreasing maximum turnover number for K+ transport calculated on the basis of the ionophore concentration within the membrane is trinactin>dinactin∼monactin∼ valinomycin>nonactin>18-crown-6>enniatin B. The strength of binding of the ionophores to the mitochondria has the following rank order: valinomycin>macrolide actins>enniatin B>18-crown-6.
On the Degeneracy of the Water/Wastewater Allocation Problem in Process Plants

Several methodologies to design water systems in process plants are based on minimizing freshwater consumption. The objective is the appropriate one when water is scarce and costs are not a big issue. It has also been used as a substitute for cost in the belief that water and final treatment costs overwhelm other fixed capital and operating costs of regeneration processes. Among graphical and algorithmic methods, the popular “Pinch Technology”-based procedure has early proponents and contemporary advocates who consider and defend it as a good method to provide “insights” into the right answer. In this paper, we show that the minimum freshwater problem has sometimes a large number of alternative degenerate solutions, something that graphical and algorithmic procedures like the aforementioned pinch technology can hardly identify systematically. The fact that the degenerate solutions are many makes it worse. We provide a mathematical programming method to identify these solutions and to point out those that make more economical sense. We also provide means to identify suboptimal solutions that are very close to the optimum one. We illustrate these degeneracies in several cases of single and multiple contaminants.
Transaction Costs, Fads, and Politically Motivated Misdirection in Agricultural Research

This paper examines efficiency implications of national and local policies for fund allocation and management of agricultural research, which produce pure and impure public goods. The possibility is examined that competitive grants programs increase rent seeking activities by scientists relative to specific block grants or formula allocations and thereby reduce both the real resources available to produce traditional research outputs and the productivity with which research resources are used. Management of local research units, including advantages of incentive compatible contracts, is also considered. Additional conceptual and empirical work are needed before the issues are resolved.