cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid microdomain formation: characterization by infrared spectroscopy and ultrasonic velocimetry.

We demonstrate the use of vibrational infrared spectroscopy applied to characterize lipid microdomain sizes derived from a model raft-like system consisting of nonhydroxy galactocerebroside, cholesterol, and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcho- line components. The resulting spectroscopic correlation field components of the lipid acyl chain CH2 methylene deformation modes, observed when lipid multilamellar assemblies are rapidly frozen from the liquid crystalline state to the gel phase, indicate the existence of lipid microdomains on a scale of several nanometers. The addition of cholesterol disrupts the glycosphingolipid selectively but perturbs the di-saturated chain phospholipid matrix. Complementary acoustic velocimetry measurements indicate that the microdomain formation decreases the total volume adiabatic compressibilities of the multilamellar vesicle assemblies. The addition of cholesterol, however, disrupts the galactocerebroside domains, resulting in a slight increase in the lipid assemblies' total adiabatic compressibility. The combination of these two physical approaches offers new insight into microdomain formation and their properties in model bilayer systems.
Turbulent Boundary-Layer Calculations in Adverse Pressure Gradient Flows

2) Conversely for flows with gradient p<0 the derivative d gradp/d0 becomes very large. Hence a small variation in the imposed condition 6(x) or d (x) may induce large differences in the result and the computation may fail if 6 is such that d/7/djt—-oo. Thus a direct method of computation seems more convenient if the boundary layer is expected to accelerate. The ultimate method of computation appears to be a "mixed" method where the applied condition is neither 6* (x) nor p(x) but a linear combination of the two. A convenient linear relation appears to be: d* (x) +Ap(x) =B where A is a function of the slope dd*/dp (x).
We are too small to do that: challenges and opportunities of computer graphics education in small art departments

As more institutions of higher education search for ways of integrating the computer graphics technology into their existing art programs, smaller art departments in particular have found many challenges and obstacles. From curriculum design and pedagogical concerns to finding necessary resources and promoting the program, implementing computer graphics programs requires painstaking endeavors. While many issues of program developments are universally applied to any sized art programs, smaller departments more often face stiffer challenges from limited financial resources to the lack of qualified faculty to inadequate facilities. In order to overcome such obstacles, small art departments are required to assess the needs clearly and utilize the available resources more carefully than larger programs. This panel addresses the unique academic environments and approaches for developing computer graphics programs in small art departments. It also invites an open dialogue of educators on the issues and concerns of implementing computer graphics technology in small visual art programs.
Electron attachment in F2 - Conclusive demonstration of nonresonant, s-wave coupling in the limit of zero electron energy

Dissociative electron attachment to F2 has been observed in the energy range 0-140 meV, at a resolution of 6 meV (full width at half maximum). Results show conclusively a sharp, resolution-limited threshold behavior consistent with an s-wave cross section varying as sq rt of epsilon. Two accurate theoretical calculations predict only p-wave behavior varying as the sq rt of epsilon. Several nonadiabatic coupling effects leading to s-wave behavior are outlined.
Molecular thermodynamics for protein precipitation with a polyelectrolyte

A molecular-thermodynamic framework is developed for phase equilibria in an aqueous system containing a charged globular protein and an oppositely charged linear polyelectrolyte. The globular protein is represented by a spherical macroion with its coins; the linear polyelectrolyte is represented by a charged hard-sphere chain (polyion) with corresponding counterions. The potential of mean force contains Coulombic interactions between macroions, polyions, and small ions; long-range dispersion attractions between protein macroions; and hydrophobic macroion-polyion and macroion-macroion associations. Analytic expressions for thermodynamic properties are obtained, and liquid-liquid phase equilibria (precipitation) are calculated for model systems. Adding polyelectrolyte to a protein solution leads to precipitation, but further addition of polyelectrolyte leads to redissolution of the protein. This destabilization-restabilization phenomenon follows from electrostatic interactions with coupled polymer adsorption. The effects on phase equilibria of protein charge, protein size, association energy between protein-polyion, polyion chain length, and polyion charge density are investigated for model systems and compared with experimental data. Brief consideration is given to fractional precipitation for binary aqueous mixtures of proteins with different charge densities.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: what is really known about it?

Endoscopic intra abdominal surgery yet routinely used for gynecologic operations can be extended for performing cholecystectomy in uncomplicated cholelithiasis. With the available but not yet completely satisfactory endoscopic instruments, 330 patients underwent coelioscopic cholecystectomy with few and only benign complications. The main advantages are the cosmetic aspect and strength of scars, moderation of post-operative pain and short hospital stay.
Hydrogen-bond rigidified BODIPY dyes

Boron difluoride adducts of diamidodipyrromethenes have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds represent a new group of the BODIPY family of fluorescent dyes. X-ray crystallography and solution 19F NMR experiments show that a persistent hydrogen bond is formed between the boron-bound fluoride groups and the peripheral amide substituents. The modular synthesis of these compounds and their robust photophysical properties suggest that they may be useful compounds for materials and biological photochemical applications.
Quantifying acceleration: power/performance trade-offs of application kernels in hardware

As the traditional performance gains of technology scaling diminish, one of the most promising directions is building special purpose fixed function hardware blocks, commonly referred to as accelerators. Accelerators have become prevalent in industrial SoC designs for their low power, high performance potential. In this work we explore thousands of implementations of classical software workloads in hardware. This thorough, detailed design space search of hardware accelerators gives architects a quantitative way to reason about the differences in implementations. The exploration presented in this work shows that the space is full of poor design choices. By thoroughly analyzing each benchmark, we show which provide the most performance when implemented in hardware given a fixed power budget and explain which design techniques work best for each workload.
Packing of the DNA molecule.

Abstract The formation of the bacterial nucleus and the packing of DNA in the cell nucleus are attributed to the formation of super-coils due to overwinding of the circular DNA molecule. The condensation of DNA into chromosomes is attributed to an increase of overwinding due to a change of the dielectric property of the nuclear medium that affects the intermolecular attraction force between the base-pairs. The process of super-coiling is reversible and free from entanglement. The DNA so packed is readily available for transcription in spite of the complicated foldings.
Development of antifouling surfaces to reduce bacterial attachment

It is well documented that bacterial adhesion to surfaces is mediated by the physical and chemical properties of the substrate, as well as the surface characteristics of the organism. Topographical features that limit cell–surface interactions have been shown to reduce surface colonization and biofilm formation. In this study, bacterial attachment to medically relevant materials was evaluated. Our data show that Escherichia coli attachment to glass, silicone, and titanium surfaces was most affected by the surface energy of these materials, as determined by water contact angle. The inherent roughness of the surface, however, was not correlated with cell attachment density. To study the effect of engineered surface roughness on bacterial attachment, topographical features, including arrays of holes and repeating lines/trenches, were formed from silicon wafers and then used as a template to imprint silicone-based polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Patterned silicone surfaces were then used in static and microfluidic flow-based experiments to evaluate cellular settlement and attachment. Cell attachment was observed to be strongly dependent upon the topographical features under both static and microfluidic flow conditions. The highest attachment density was observed on flat, un-patterned surfaces, while linear patterned surfaces showed greatly reduced cell attachment. Moreover, surfaces consisting of arrays of holes further reduced cell attachment as compared to linear patterns. These results demonstrate that the size, spacing, and shape of surface features play a significant role in cell–surface attachment and provide insight for the design of surfaces with antifouling properties.
Ralph waters and the beginnings of academic anesthesiology in the United States: The Wisconsin Template

Abstract The University of Wisconsin, Madison, was one of the few places offering postgraduate training in the science and art of anesthesia in the late 1920s and 1930s. Weaving together clinical and basic science research, and fully supported by his surgical coleagues, Ralph Waters was able to create the first collegiate-based academic anesthesiology department. While Waters' department was an important milestone establishing anesthesia within the university setting, it did not guarantee true academic standing nationwide. For that to occur, Waters realized that it was necessary to establish other academic departments across the country. Attempting to replicate the department at his university, Waters searched for institutions where surgeons desired an academic anesthesia department. Additionally, he sought basic scientists ready to collaborate in scientific research in anesthesiology and a brisk clinical service. Successful application of the Wisconsin model was best reflected in the work of Waters' academic descendants: "sons" Emery Rovenstine and Robert Dripps, and "grandsons" Stuart Cullen and Emanuel Papper.
Comparison of modelled and observed dependence of shear on stratification in the upper ocean

Abstract Statistics on 10 m resolution vertical shear have been compiled as a function of Brunt-Vaisala (BV) frequency for upper ocean (60–1400 m) measurements made by expendable current profiles in the north Pacific Ocean, in the Sargasso Sea, around the Bahamas, in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, and in the Norwegian Sea area. The relationship of shear to BV frequency tends to follow a linear relationship that is compared with an adaptation of the Garrett and Munk (GM) internal wave model and to the Richardson Number. The majority of the measurements suggest that the internal wave energy level varies from one to ten times the constant level assumed in the GM model and that the 10 m bulk Richardson Number is > 0.25. The data suggest that shear levels are slightly higher in the northeast North Atlantic Ocean than in the Sargasso Sea, but no obvious increase is seen with proximity to fronts or from abrupt changes in surface forcing.
Interactions of ecologically similar saprogenic fungi with healthy and abiotically stressed conifers

Abstract Saprogenic fungi are distinguished in part by their inability to cause disease in healthy hosts, and relatively high ability to kill or accelerate the decline of stressed hosts. We sought to determine the degree to which Leptographium terebrantis and L. procerum , ecologically similar, ophiostomatoid fungi, are saprogenic. In inoculation experiments, Leptographium terebrantis was better able to colonize roots of both mature and seedling Pinus resinosa than was L. Procerum . In addition, L. terebrantis colonized roots of shade-stressed seedlings to a significantly greater extent than it colonized roots of non-stressed seedlings. L. procerum exhibited no such trend. Due to its greater virulence within stressed than healthy hosts and related traits. L. terebrantis was judged to have a relatively high degree of competitive saprogenic ability as compared with L. procerum . This study indicates the biologically important differences which may occur between closely related, ecologically similar fungi and may have implications to studies of declines and diseases with which L. terebrantis and L. procerum have been associated.
Auditory Cortex Signs of Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss, or presbyacusis, is a major public health problem that causes communication difficulties and is associated with diminished quality of life. Limited satisfaction with hearing aids, particularly in noisy listening conditions, suggests that central nervous system declines occur with presbyacusis and may limit the efficacy of interventions focused solely on improving audibility. This study of 49 older adults (M = 69.58, SD = 8.22 years; 29 female) was designed to examine the extent to which low and/or high frequency hearing loss was related to auditory cortex morphology. Low and high frequency hearing constructs were obtained from a factor analysis of audiograms from these older adults and 1,704 audiograms from an independent sample of older adults. Significant region of interest and voxel-wise gray matter volume associations were observed for the high frequency hearing construct. These effects occurred most robustly in a primary auditory cortex region (Te1.0) where there was also elevated cerebrospinal fluid with high frequency hearing loss, suggesting that auditory cortex atrophies with high frequency hearing loss. These results indicate that Te1.0 is particularly affected by high frequency hearing loss and may be a target for evaluating the efficacy of interventions for hearing loss.
Helping and the Attribution Process

Summary The present experiment demonstrated that Ss led to believe that an external cause is responsible for their arousal at seeing a woman in pain will be less likely to help her than those attributing their arousal to sympathy for her. Ten men and 10 women were told that exposure to an aversive noise would produce symptoms of physiological arousal; another 10 men and 10 women were told that irrelevant symptoms might occur. Those expecting irrelevant symptoms from noise bombardment helped a woman with a hurt knee significantly more than those expecting the noise to cause symptoms typical of arousal; these results provided support for both Schachter's cognitive attribution theory of emotion and Aronfreed's empathy theory of altruism.
What can we learn from the history of technology

Abstract This article focuses on exploring what technology scholars and students of management of technology stand to benefit most by foraging through the history of technology. In order to show how historical sensitivity could sharpen scholarship, three strategies for complicating the simple are drawn from the historian's toolkit. Implications for research in technology and innovation management are discussed.
Detection of early cancer and precancer with scattered light

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Over 85% of all cancers, such as colorectal, esophageal, bladder, cervical, and oral cancers, originate in the epithelial linings of the body and are readily curable if diagnosed at an early stage. However, many forms of precancerous epithelial lesions are difficult to detect and diagnose using current methods.
Effect of anesthetics on the interaction of a fluorescent probe with human erythrocyte membranes.

The fluorescent probe, 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS), was used to study the interaction of various anesthetics with human erythrocyte membranes. The enhancement of the fluoresence of membrane-bound TNS produced by the drugs was compared with that produced by Ca2+. Titrations were performed to determine whether the observed modifications were due to changes in binding, quantum yield, or both. Chlorpromazine (0.1 mM) and promazine (0.1 mM) decreased by 60 per cent the fluorescence of bound TNS (quantum yield), whereas CaCl2 (1.0 mM) had no effect. However, both phenothiazines increased the number of TNS binding sites 7-fold, as compared to only a 2-fold increase for CaCl2. Promazine and CaCl2 produced small increases (<30 per cent) in the affinity (Kapp) of TNS for the membranes, whereas chlorpromazine doubled Kapp. Results showed that while TNS is useful in the qualitative assessment of the membrane expansion and charge-shielding effects of certain drugs capable of hydrophobic interaction with membranes, its fluorescence is insensitive to other agents such as diethyl ether, procaine and n-butanol.
Aphasic victim as investigator.

• The author (a classics professor) suffered a cerebrovascular accident, resulting in aphasia. In order to learn whether speech therapy helps aphasic patients to recover, the patient worked on Greek vocabulary and grammar and ignored Latin. (Both languages were equally well-known before the accident; skills in both languages had been totally lost afterward.) This case demonstrates the value of retraining an aphasic. After three years, testing demonstrated a professorial level of the Greek language, but Latin was essentially still missing.
Automated detection of clustered microcalcifications in digital mammograms using wavelet processing techniques

A computerized scheme for the automated detection of clustered microcalcifications in digital mammograms is being developed. This scheme is part of an overall package for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), the purpose of which is to assist radiologists in detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. One important step in the computer detection scheme is to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of microcalcifications by suppressing the background structure of the breast image in order to increase the sensitivity and/or to reduce the false-positive rate. To achieve this, we employ an approach using the wavelet transform in this paper. Digitized mammograms are decomposed by using the wavelt transform and then reconstructed from transform coefficients modified at several levels in the transform space. Various types of wavelets are examined, and the Least Asymmetric Daubechies' wavelets are chosen to detect clustered microcalcifications in mammograms. The images reconstructed from several different scales are subjected to our CAD scheme, and their performances are evaluated using 39 mamograms containing 41 clusters. Preliminary results show a sensitvity of appromimately 85 percent with a flase-positive rate of 5 clusters per image.
Pseudocohnilembus marinus n. sp., a Hymenostome Ciliate from the Virginia Coast.*

SYNOPSIS. Pseudocohnilembus marinus n. sp., a marine ciliate, is described from the Virginia coast. Morphologic studies were made on specimens treated by the Chatton-Lwoff silver impregnation technic. Particular attention is given to the infraciliature of the buccal apparatus and its importance to the systematics of the order Hymenostomatida. The buccal infraciliature of the new species differs from that of all other species of Pseudocohnilembus by the presence of a lateral bar of argentophilic granules at the posterior end of the inner membrane.
Dimensions of complexity in learning from interactive instruction

Robot systems deployed in space must exhibit flexibility. In particular, an intelligent robotic agent should not have to be reprogrammed for each of the various tasks it may face during the course of its lifetime. However, pre-programming knowledge for all of the possible tasks that may be needed is extremely difficult. Therefore, a powerful notion is that of an instructible agent, one which is able to receive task-level instructions and advice from a human advisor. An agent must do more than simply memorize the instructions it is given (this would amount to programming). Rather, after mapping instructions into task constructs that it can reason with, it must determine each instruction's proper scope of applicability. In this paper, we will examine the characteristics of instruction, and the characteristics of agents, that affect learning from instruction. We find that in addition to a myriad of linguistic concerns, both the situatedness of the instructions (their placement within the ongoing execution of tasks) and the prior domain knowledge of the agent have an impact on what can be learned.
A target tracking algorithm that reduces designation time for laser guided weapons

We propose a new approach for laser guided weapon guidance that minimizes the total active laser target designation time. The weapon makes use of inertial or GPS guidance within a Kalman filtering framework, and maintains covariance information indicating the uncertainty of its knowledge of the weapon-to-target vector. At any time, the missile needs to be sure that it can navigate to any point within the area around the target that is described by this covariance. Therefore, at each moment during the flight, there exists a covariance threshold above which the weapon cannot guarantee its ability to navigate to the target. This threshold will decrease with time as the weapon-to-target distance decreases. In our proposed approach, when the threshold is exceeded, the weapon requests a brief laser designation of the target. The laser designation provides an accurate measurement of the bearing of the target with respect to the missile, and this is used to improve the estimate of the weapon-to-target vector. In turn, this can be fed back into the Kalman filter to improve the internal state estimate. By minimizing laser designation time, this approach reduces the chance of compromise of the designation agent, and of the fact that targeting is taking place. It also achieves the benefit of improving the accuracy of the underlying inertial or other navigational system, or alternatively the estimate of absolute target position.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
LANP mediates neuritic pathology in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that results from a pathogenic glutamine-repeat expansion in the protein ataxin-1 (ATXN1). Although the functions of ATXN1 are still largely unknown, there is evidence to suggest that ATXN1 plays a role in regulating gene expression, the earliest process known to go awry in SCA1 mouse models. In this study, we show that ATXN1 reduces histone acetylation, a post-translational modification of histones associated with enhanced transcription, and represses histone acetyl transferase-mediated transcription. In addition, we find that depleting the Leucine-rich Acidic Nuclear Protein (LANP)—an ATXN1 binding inhibitor of histone acetylation—reverses aspects of SCA1 neuritic pathology.
Forward multidimensional search with application to information retrieval systems

Abstract A new architecture for information retrieval systems is presented. If it was implemented, this architecture would allow the system to process retrieval statements that are equivalent to fuzzily defined queries. The philosophy on which the centerpiece of this system is based—the document search module—is fully explained in this paper. The emphasis is placed on the quick elimination of irrelevant references. A new technique, that takes into account the user's knowledge to discriminate between documents before they are actually retrieved from the data base, was developed. The search technique uses simple computations to select or eliminate potential candidates for retrieval. This technique does not have, qualitatively, the shortcomings of, not only conventional retrieval techniques, but also retrieval systems that accept relevance feedback from the user, in order to refine the search process. No implementation details have been included in this article and system performance figures are not discussed.
Ipomeamarone, a toxic furanoterpenoid in sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) in the United Kingdom.

Abstract A modified gas-chromatographic procedure for the quantitative measurement of the hepatotoxin, ipomeamarone, in sweet potatoes has been developed and applied in an analytical survey of the ipomeamarone content of retail samples randomly purchased in the UK. Apart from showing the presence of widely varying levels of ipomeamarone in the samples examined, the study provided qualitative evidence for the presence of the lung-oedema factors, 4-ipomeanol and ipomeanine, in several samples.
Voltage-gated sodium channel toxins: poisons, probes, and future promise.

Neurotoxins have served as invaluable agents for identification, purification, and functional characterization of voltage-gated ion channels. Multiple classes of these toxins, which target voltage-gated Na+ channels via high-affinity binding to distinct but allosterically coupled sites, have been identified. The toxins are chemically diverse, including guanidinium heterocycles, a variety of structurally unrelated alkaloids, and multiple families of nonhomologous polypeptides having either related or distinct functions. This review describes the biochemistry and pharmacology of these agents, and summarizes the structure-function relationships underlying their interaction with molecular targets. In addition, we explore recent advances in the use of these toxins as molecular scaffolding agents, drugs, and insecticides.
Development and significance of seepage steps in slope erosion

This study offers an hypothesis, based on field and laboratory data, for the development of one type of erosional scarplets on hillslopes in the semiarid Great Plains. The scarplets are crescent-shaped and are generally less than two feet in height. They have four integral parts: (1) tread, (2) seepage face, (3) base, and (4) debris-slope. Mapping shows that these features are developed roughly parallel to the stream channels and in some cases follow a slope continuously nearly on contour for as much as a quarter of a mile. The scarplets are developed in surficial mantle material overlying a fine-grained, weathered bedrock surface. Infiltration tests show that a zone of relatively low permeability exists at the contact between the surficial mantle and the weathered bedrock which causes a seepage of subsurface flow wherever the contact is exposed on a free face. These features have been called seepage steps by the authors. After a step is initiated it migrates upslope nearly on contour. Particle-size analyses of soil samples taken in seepage steps do not reveal large differences in the texture of the material of the tread and base; but the surficial material, which is mainly alluvium and colluvium, is made more permeable by transport X-ray studies of the mineral constituents in soil samples show that downslope migration of soil material is a fundamental part of step formation. Very young soil profiles in a semiarid region may acquire the characteristics of a more mature soil by the erosional processes involved in seepage-step formation. Seepage-step studies emphasize the significance of subsurface hydrology in slope development and soil formation.
Integrating wireless devices into the IT curriculum

Wireless devices, mobile systems - they are all the rage. IT programs face the question, "Where can we introduce these topics into the existing program if a new, dedicated course is not immediately available?" The IT program at Texas Christian University (TCU) has addressed the issue by including wireless device programming in the web technologies course sequence.Computer Information Technology (CITE) majors at TCU are required to take a Scripting Fundamentals and Interface Design course, followed by a Web Technologies course. Students entering the course sequence have vastly different backgrounds and levels of enthusiasm for traditional web-related courses. In order to enhance the second course, it was decided to include web projects that require programming wireless devices. This paper discusses the addition of wireless device programming to the web technologies course sequence and the impact it has had on student interest and curriculum content.
Are attractors relevant to turbulence

The statistical hypothesis underlying the "strange attractor" explanation of fluid turbulence is suspect. Spatially extended systems generically exhibit long transients that preclude observation of the behavior governed by the asymptotic invariant measure. Even if the local dynamics is periodic, when it is coupled into a spatial system complex "turbulent" behavior can exist for times that grow faster than exponentially with increasing system volume. The nature of the attractor is irrelevant to the observed behavior when such systems are of even moderate size.
Further exploration of the role of disgust sensitivity in anxiety and related disorders

Emotional theorists describe disgust as basic emotion that functions to promote sanitation while preventing contact with the incorporation of contaminated objects (Ekman, 1992; Matchett & Davey, 19...
A wavepacket approach to gas-surface scattering: Application to surfaces with imperfections

Abstract A time dependent wavepacket approach is applied to diffractive scattering from surfaces with imperfections. This semiclassical method is based on Gaussian wavefunctions whose average positions and momenta are those of classical trajectories. The approach can be applied to arbitrary potentials. Positions, shapes and magnitudes of the diffraction peaks are obtained in a single calculation. In a first example the wavepacket method is applied to a stepped surface. The diffraction pattern is calculated for different incident scattering angles and for various regular and random distributions of steps with two different sizes. Second, the approach is used to study the scattering for an interaction potential modeling a corrugated surface with adsorbed atoms. The diffraction intensities are examined for several final scattering directions and again for regular and random arrangements of the adsorbed atoms.
Melting-crystallization properties of the sulphur electrolyte in sodium-sulphur batteries

The present communication reports the results of some melting-crystallization studies, undertaken to characterize the thermal behaviour of the sulphur electrolyte. Heat capacities, enthalpies of transition (solid-state) and of fusion have been measured. The electrolyte is observed to have glass forming tendencies and the composition range for this behaviour is characterized. An inverse-crystallization phenomenon is observed as the sulphur content increases. The saturation solubility of sulphur is the sodium pentasulphide layer in the liquid-liquid immiscibility composition range of the sulphur electrolyte, the influence of moisture as an additive in trace amounts, and the thermal character of the chemical events in the formation of polysulphides from sulphur and Na2S as reactants are also reported.
Characteristics of sub-keV atom-Si(111) surface collisions

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations, using the potential developed by Tersoff, are reported for Si bombardment of Si(111) in the collisional energy range 15{endash}520 eV. A comparison between ordinary MD and a modified version that includes a model for electronic stopping power and electron-phonon coupling is made. It is found that such modification does not significantly change the results for penetration depth and surface damage. However, electronic stopping does lead to energy dissipation and approximately 10{endash}15{percent} of the collisional energy is transferred to the electrons. The surface damage reaches deeper than the penetration of the projectile and is identified as single atom displacements or small-sized amorphous regions. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Mild Renal Insufficiency Is Associated With Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease in Women

Background— Mild renal insufficiency is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events in women with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship between mild renal insufficiency and atherosclerotic CAD in women is not known. Methods and Results— Women with chest pain who were referred for coronary angiography in the NHLBI Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study underwent quantitative coronary angiography, blood measurements of creatinine, lipids, and homocysteine, and assessment of CAD risk factors. Fifty-six women had mild renal insufficiency (serum creatinine 1.2 to 1.9 mg/dL), and 728 had normal renal function (creatinine <1.2 mg/dL). Creatinine correlated with angiographic CAD severity score (r=0.11, P<0.004) and maximum coronary artery stenosis (r=0.11, P<0.003). Compared with women with normal renal function, those with mild renal insufficiency were more likely to have significant angiographic CAD (≥50% diameter stenosis in ≥1 coronary artery) (61% versus 37%; P<0...
Histamine, acting via H3 receptors, inhibits somatostatin and stimulates acid secretion in isolated mouse stomach

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role of histamine H3 receptors in the regulation of gastric acid secretion is unclear. The present study was designed to characterize the location of H3 receptors in the fundus of the stomach and the mechanism by which these receptors regulate acid secretion. METHODS: Acid, somatostatin, and histamine secretions were measured in the isolated mouse stomach. RESULTS: Thioperamide (H3 antagonist) increased somatostatin and decreased histamine and acid secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. (r)-alpha-Methylhistamine (H3 agonist) had the opposite effect, decreasing somatostatin and increasing histamine and acid secretion. The pattern implies that endogenous histamine, acting via H3 receptors, exerts an inhibitory paracrine influence on somatostatin secretion. Somatostatin antibody increased basal histamine secretion and abolished the decrease in histamine and acid secretion induced by thioperamide, confirming that changes in histamine and acid secretion induced by the activation of H3 receptors reflected changes in somatostatin secretion. Similar effects were obtained when acid secretion was stimulated by histamine: thioperamide augmented somatostatin and thus inhibited acid secretion, and (r)-alpha- methylhistamine attenuated somatostatin and increased acid secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Reciprocal inhibitory paracrine pathways link histamine and somatostatin cells in the gastric fundus. Histamine, acting via H3 receptors, augments acid secretion by eliminating the inhibitory influence of somatostatin. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1545-52)
The sensitivity and specificity of self-reported symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

In this study, self-reported symptoms (cognitive, physical, behavioural/affective) from the TIRR Symptom Checklist are compared across six panels: 135 individuals with mild TBI, 275 with moderate/s...
Calvarial hyperostosis: a benign X‐linked recessive disorder

We report a family with what appears to be a unique X-linked recessive disorder of isolated hyperostosis of the calvarium. Although irregularity of the calvarium and exophytic prominences of the frontoparietal bones were apparent in infancy, premature cranial suture closure did not occur and there was no evidence of increased intracranial pressure despite a Luckenshadel appearance of the skull. Other membranous bones and the tubular bones were not involved. Calvarial bone biopsy from one patient showed vacuolated histiocytes suggesting a storage disease; however, neurologic deterioration, hepatosplenomegaly, and dysostosis multiplex did not occur. The affected family members had normal stature, normal occipitofrontal circumference, and no other medical problems. The biochemical basis of this disorder is not known. Although storage of abnormal material is possible, the long-term prognosis seems favorable.
Accelerating SIFT on parallel architectures

SIFT is a widely-used algorithm that extracts features from images; using it to extract information from hundreds of terabytes of aerial and satellite photographs requires paral-lelization in order to be feasible. We explore accelerating an existing serial SIFT implementation with OpenMP parallelization and GPU execution.
Opposite effects of saturated and unsaturated free fatty acids on intracellular signaling and metabolism in neuronal cells

Elevated levels of plasma saturated free fatty acids are a major pathogenic factor in diabetes, cardiovascular and liver diseases. Growing evidence suggests a link between sFFA-induced metabolic impairments and neurodegeneration. Excessive sFFAs in the brain circulation may trigger neuroinflammation and insulin resistance, however the underlying signaling changes have not been clarified in neuronal cells. We recently reported the effects of FFAs on intracellular signaling and metabolism in neuronal cells. We found that palmitate induced both insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction while promoting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in neuronal cells. The latter is a key event in the inflammatory cascade. Oleate pre-exposure and then removal was sufficient to completely block subsequent palmitate-induced intracellular signaling and metabolic derangements. Interestingly, oleate also prevented ceramide-induced insulin resistance and cytotoxicity. Protein kinase A and triglyceride accumulation were implicated in the mechanism of oleate action. This is the first demonstration showing that oleate has beneficial properties against sFFA and ceramide models of neuronal injury. The lasting effect following oleate removal on preventing palmitate- or ceramide- induced cell damage was striking.
Molecular Genetics of Early Liver Development

The control of liver development was originally defined by classical histology and tissue transplantation studies twenty to thirty years ago. In the past ten years, molecular biology studies have revealed numerous transcription factors important for adult liver differentiation. Recent work in which genes encoding regulatory proteins are inactivated in transgenic mice is evaluated in order to assess the consequences on liver development. The transgenic studies emphasize the role of growth factors and signal transducers and the conservation of the basic components of signaling pathways in evolution.
Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment in Relation to Work Performance and Turnover Intentions

The differential associations that job satisfaction and organizational commitment have with job performance and turnover intentions were studied in a sample of bank tellers and hospital professionals. Results showed that organizational commitment was more strongly related than job satisfaction with turnover intentions for the tellers, but not for the professionals. Job satisfaction was related more strongly than organizational commitment with supervisory ratings of performance for both samples. The findings suggest that specific job attitudes are more closely associated with task-related out-comes such as performance ratings, whereas global organizational attitudes are more closely associated with organization-related outcomes like turnover intentions.
Are Short Dental Implants Able to Demonstrate Predictable Success for Single-Tooth Restorations? A Review of Current Evidence

Focused Clinical QuestionIn partially edentulous patients who receive single-tooth endosseous dental implants, do implant lengths <10 mm have an effect on survival or success rates, and do these rates differ based on intraoral dental implant location?Clinical ScenarioA 68-year-old male presents for evaluation of partial edentulism (Fig. 1). He reports having lost teeth #17 through #20, #23, #24, and #29 through #32 more than 10 years ago as a result of periodontal disease and caries. He states that no socket grafting was performed at the time of extractions. The remaining mandibular dentition has a fair to good long-term prognosis.1 All maxillary teeth have been deemed restoratively and periodontally hopeless, and a maxillary fixed detachable prosthesis supported by eight endosseous dental implants replacing teeth #4 through #13 is planned for treatment. His medical history is significant for osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus type 2, and gout. He reports taking 100 mg metformin and 200 mg allopurinol dail...
Hypercapnic ventilatory response in mice lacking the 65 kDa isoform of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD65)

Background: Recent reports have shown that there are developmental changes in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in the rat. These are characterized by an initial large response to carbon dioxide immediately after birth followed by a decline with a trough at one week of age, followed by a return in sensitivity. A second abnormality is seen at postnatal day 5 (P5) rats in that they cannot maintain the increase in frequency for 5 min of hypercapnia. In mice lacking GAD65 the release of GABA during sustained synaptic activation is reduced. We hypothesized that this developmental pattern would be present in the mouse which is also less mature at birth and that GABA mediates this relative respiratory depression. Methods: In awake C57BL/6J and GAD65-/- mice the ventilatory response to 5% carbon dioxide (CO2) was examined at P2, P4, P6, P7, P12.5, P14.5 and P21.5, using body plethysmography. Results: Minute ventilation (VE) relative to baseline during hypercapnia from P2 through P7 was generally less than from P12.5 onwards, but there was no trough as in the rat. Breaking VE down into its two components showed that tidal volume remained elevated for the 5 min of exposure to 5% CO2. At P6, but not at other ages, respiratory frequency declined with time and at 5 min was less that at 2 and 3 min. GAD65-/- animals at P6 showed a sustained increase in respiratory rate for the five mins exposure to CO2. Conclusion: These results show, that in contrast to the rat, mice do not show a decline in minute ventilatory response to CO2 at one week of age. Similiar to the rat at P5, mice at P6 are unable to sustain an increase in CO2 induced respiratory frequency and GAD65 contributes to this fall off.
Metastasis of squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung to the first web space of the hand

While primary squamous-cell carcinoma of the hand is common, metastasis of a squamous-cell carcinoma to the hand is very rare. It has been reported to arise from carcinoma of the lung and oesophagus and, rarely, from other tumours. We describe a patient with metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma occurring in the first web space of the hand from primary lung cancer, which remained undetected for 30 months after treatment of the metastasis.
Training Older Workers for Technology-Based Employment

An increasingly aging workforce and advances in technology are changing work environments and structures. The continued employability of older adults, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status (SES), requires them to participate in training programs to ensure their competence in today's workplace. Focus groups with 37 unemployed adults (51–76 years old) were conducted to gather information about barriers and obstacles for returning to work, training needs and formats, work experiences, and perceptions of the characteristics of an ideal job. Overall, results indicated that participants experienced age discrimination and lack of technology skills. They also expressed a desire to receive additional training on technology and a preference for classroom training.
New speckle technique for noncontact measurement of small creep rates

A highly sensitive method for measuring thermal expansion, mechanical strain, and creep rates has been developed. This technique is based on Yamaguchi's speckle strain gauge concept, but uses a novel data-processing approach that provides estimates of the time rate of in-plane strain. The approach is appropriate for assessing very small strain rates in hostile environments. It provides simultaneous global estimates of the strain at both small and large gauge sizes. This may be of importance in studying materials with different short- and long-range orders. General advantages of the technique are compact design, modest resolution requirements, insensitivity to surface microstructure changes (as seen with oxidation), and relative insensitivity to zero-mean noise processes such as turbulence and vibration.
Therapeutic and prophylactic lengthening of distal catheter of the holter ventriculo-atrial shunt.

SUMMARY 159 therapeutic operations for obstruction of the distal catheter in the Holter ventriculoatrial shunt are reviewed. Prophylactic, as opposed to therapeutic, lengthening of the distal catheter has been established at our hospital and the results of 163 prophylactic operations are reviewed. The technique of the operation is described. Prophylactic lengthening of the distal catheter is recommended in order to keep the shunts patent and functioning in shunt-dependent hydrocephalic children and to avoid the difficulties and risks of therapeutic revisions. RESUME Les auteurs examinent 159 operations therapeutiques pour obstruction du catheter distal dans le shunt ventriculo-atrial de Holter. Dans notre hospital on pratique l'allongement prophylactique du catheter distal, au lieu de l'allongement therapeutique; les resultats de 163 operations prophylactiques sont examines. On decrit la operatoire. L'allongement prophylactique du catheter distal est recommande dans le but de garder les shunts ouverts et en bon fonctionnement chez les enfants hydrocephaliques dependant de shunt, et pour eviter les difficultes et les risques des revisions therapeutiques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es werden 159 therapeutische Operationen infolge Obstruktion des distalen Katheters im Holter-Ventrikulo-Atrial-Shunt besprochen. Prophylaktische, im Gegensatz zu therapeutischer Verlangerung des distalen Katheters, hat sich in unserem Krankenhaus eingeburgert und die Resultate von 163 prophylaktischen Operationen werden besprochen. Die Operationstechnik wird beschrieben. Prophylaktische Verlangerung des distalen Katheters wird empfolhen, um die Shunts von hydrocephalischen Kindern, welche davon abhangig sind, offen und funktionsmassig zu halten und die Schwierigkeiten und Risiken therapeutischer Revisionen zu vermeiden.