cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid Digestion as a Colloid and Interface Phenomena

The digestion of macronutrients, particularly lipids, inside the human gut can be viewed largely as a colloidal and interfacial phenomenon. Lipids exist as small colloidal particles within the digestive tract, such as oil droplets, micelles, and vesicles. The adsorption/desorption of bile salts, enzymes, biopolymers, and fatty acids at their surfaces impacts the rate and extent of lipid digestion, transport, and absorption. The transport of bile salts, enzymes, mixed micelles, and lipid particles through the gastrointestinal fluids also impacts lipid digestion. The aggregation state of lipid particles impacts the access of digestive enzymes to their surfaces, as well as their transport through the mucus layer. This chapter outlines some of the most important colloidal and interfacial phenomena that impact the gastrointestinal fate of ingested macronutrients, with an emphasis on lipids. It also shows how this knowledge can be used to create foods that can modulate macronutrient digestion, enhance bioactive bioavailability, and deliver bioactive agents to particular regions of the gut.
Higher circulating intermediate monocytes are associated with cognitive function in women with HIV

Background Identifying a quantitative biomarker of neuropsychiatric dysfunction in people with HIV (PWH) remains a significant challenge in the neuroHIV field. The strongest evidence to date implicates the role of monocytes in central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction in HIV, yet no study has examined monocyte subsets in blood as a correlate and/or predictor of neuropsychiatric function in virally suppressed PWH. Methods In two independent cohorts of virologically suppressed women with HIV (vsWWH; n=25 and n=18), whole blood samples were obtained either in conjunction with neuropsychiatric assessments (neuropsychological [NP] test battery, self-report depression and stress-related symptom questionnaires) or one year prior to assessments. Immune cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry. Results A higher proportion of intermediate monocytes (CD14+CD16+) was associated with lower global NP function when assessing monocytes concurrently and approximately one year before (predictive) NP testing. The same pattern was seen for executive function (mental flexibility) and processing speed. Conversely, there were no associations with monocyte subsets and depression or stress-related symptoms. Additionally, we found that a higher proportion of classical monocytes was associated with better cognition. Conclusion Although it is widely accepted that lentiviral infection of the CNS targets cells of monocyte-macrophage-microglial lineage, is associated with an increase in intermediate monocytes in the blood and monocyte migration into brain, the percentage of intermediate monocytes in blood of vsWWH has not been associated with neuropsychiatric outcomes. Our findings provide evidence for a new, easily measured blood-based cognitive biomarker in vsWWH. Funding R01-MH113512, R01-MH113512-S, P30-AI094189, R01-MH112391, R01-AI127142, R00-DA044838, U01-AI35004, and P30-MH075673.
Increased Temperatures Are Associated with Increased Utilization of Emergency Medical Services in Rhode Island.

Background Increasing temperatures negatively impact health and increases demands on healthcare systems. However, this has been poorly studied in Rhode Island (RI). Here we characterize the impact of heat on emergency medical services (EMS) utilization in RI. Methods The Rhode Island National Emergency Services Information System V3 dataset was merged with data from the National Center for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from the summers of 2018 and 2019. The outcome of daily mean EMS runs were compared against the exposure increasing daily temperatures, measured as daily maximum, minimum and daily average °F, using Poisson regressions. Patient characteristics were included across temperature models. Results Increasing daily temperatures were associated with increasing EMS encounters. The adjusted incident rate ratio (IRR) for mean daily EMS encounters by increasing maximum daily temperature was 1.006 (95% CI 1.004-1.007, Table 3). This resulted in a projected 17.2% increase in EMS runs on days with a maximum temperature of 65°F compared to days with a maximum temperature of 95°F. The adjusted IRR for mean daily EMS encounters by the daily minimum temperature was 1.004 (1.003-1.006) and the adjusted IRR for the mean daily EMS encounters by the daily average temperature was 1.006 (1.005-1.008). Conclusions Increasing minimum, maximum, and average daily temperatures were associated with increasing EMS utilization across Rhode Island in the summers of 2018 and 2019. Further research into these trends may help with planning and resource allocation as summer temperatures continue to rise.
Microbial Interference with Host Inflammatory Responses

This chapter discusses recent findings that may shed light on how pathogens circumvent the usually effective intestinal inflammatory defenses. Additionally, it discusses how nonpathogens and commensals may also have developed signals that inhibit or dampen host inflammatory pathways. Immune and inflammatory evasion by pathogens is an expected facet of parasitic life cycles, especially those that involve invasion into the corpus of the host. Prokaryotic life has an understandable affinity for intimate relationships with eukaryotic organisms. One, AvrBsT, is found in members of phytopathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas spp.) that mediate the ‘’avirulence’’ function described. An AvrA homolog is present in most enteropathogenic Salmonella spp. The blockade of proinflammatory pathways by chronic pathogens such as M. avium or B. bronchiseptica may allow for long-term carriage that is characteristic of these infections. The chapter addresses how bacteria in the gut are capable of modifying host epithelia for their own purposes, and describes a biochemical pathway in human cells (NF-ΚB) by which both nonpathogens and pathogens may be able to attenuate host defense systems and noted specific effector proteins (Avr/Yop) that may mediate these effects.
Innocence Found : The New Revolution in American Criminal Justice

This short extract -- the first four pages of Chapter 1 in an edited volume, Controversies in Innocence Cases in America -- begins to describe the history and significance of the Innocence Movement in the American Criminal Justice System. The full chapter traces the origins of the innocence organizations that came together to form the Innocence Network and fostered the new Innocence Movement, the manner in which the Innocence Movement has created an impetus and model for criminal justice reform that shifts the focus from the Warren Court's due process revolution of the 1960s to a more substantive focus on reliability. In this framework, the chapter then considers some of the specific reforms that have emerged from the Innocence Movement's focus on substantive justice, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Culture, Peer Interaction, and Socioemotional Development

Abstract— This article discusses a contextual-developmental perspective that focuses on peer interaction as an important context that mediates the links between culture and socioemotional development. According to this perspective, cultural norms and values provide a basis for social evaluation processes in peer interaction, which, in turn, serve to regulate individual socioemotional functioning. Children play an active role in their development through their response to peer influence and through their participation in adopting existing cultures and constructing new cultures for social evaluation and other peer activities. Culture may also guide the social processes by specifying the functional and structural characteristics of children’s peer relationships such as friendships and group networks in which interaction occurs.
Ranking Links on the Web: Search and Surf Engines

The main algorithms at the heart of search engines have focused on ranking and classifying sites. This is appropriate when we know what we are looking for and want it directly. Alternatively, we surf, in which case ranking and classifying links becomes the focus. We address this problem using a latent semantic analysis of the web. This technique allows us to rate, suppress or create links giving us a version of the web suitable for surfing. Furthermore, we show on benchmark examples that the performance of search algorithms such as PageRank is substantially improved as they work on an appropriately weighted graph.
Employer seniority discrimination: Evidence from enterpreneurial occupational choice

Abstract This research examines the theories presented in the human capital literature by Becker (1975), Lazear (1979, 1981), and others that the relative paths of earnings and value of marginal product (henceforth, VMP) diverge over the worklife. The findings support Lazear's work incentive theory for professionals, but reject its application to non-professionals. As predicted by orthodox human capital theory, documentation is also developed that earnings for non-professionals equal their VMP over the job life-cycle. On the other hand, the analysis provides no support to Becker's specific training model.
Determinants of ventricular tachycardia in patients with coronary artery disease and ventricular aneurysm

Many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in whom ventricular tachycardia (VT) develops have transmural scars or frank aneurysms. However, only a minority of patients with ventricular aneurysms go on to develop VT. To determine which factors are associated with the development of VT in patients with aneurysms, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 154 patients with CAD and segments of akinesia or dyskinesia, or both, on left ventriculography. Of the 154 patients, 85 had 24-hour Holter monitoring or 48 consecutive hours of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in an intensive care unit within 6 months of catheterization. VT occurring at least 10 days after myocardial infarction (MI) or in the chronic phase was recorded in 19 patients (Group I); the remaining 66 patients did not have VT (Group II). The clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic characteristics of these 2 groups showed no significant difference with respect to age, time from first transmural MI to catheterization, congestive heart failure (CHF), ejection fraction, or presence of dyskinesia. Patients with VT had significantly larger aneurysms and a higher prevalence of septal akinesia or dyskinesia. However, stepwise discriminant analysis revealed septal akinesia or dyskinesia to be the only independently significant variable distinguishing the 2 groups. Thus, septal involvement appears to be a major determinant of VT in patients with CAD and ventricular aneurysm.
Particle Filters for Location Estimation in Ubiquitous Computing: A Case Study

Location estimation is an important part of many ubiquitous computing systems. Particle filters are simulation-based probabilistic approximations which the robotics community has shown to be effective for tracking robots’ positions. This paper presents a case study of applying particle filters to location estimation for ubiquitous computing. Using trace logs from a deployed multi-sensor location system, we show that particle filters can be as accurate as common deterministic algorithms. We also present performance results showing it is practical to run particle filters on devices ranging from high-end servers to handhelds. Finally, we discuss the general advantages of using probabilistic methods in location systems for ubiquitous computing, including the ability to fuse data from different sensor types and to provide probability distributions to higher-level services and applications. Based on this case study, we conclude that particle filters are a good choice to implement location estimation for ubiquitous computing.
Metabolic malingerers. Patients who deliberately induce or perpetuate a hypermetabolic or hypometabolic state.

Three patients initially thought to have Graves' disease had patterns of thyroid function test results consistent only with ingestion of large amounts of thyroid hormone. One patient who repeatedly affirmed she was regularly taking large doses of thyroid hormone remained myxedematous and hypothyroxinemic. She was shown to be capable of absorbing orally administered throxine normally. The recognition and differential diagnosis of thyroid malingering is discussed.
C3I for Unmanned Combat: The Potential Impact of Unmanned Combat Vehicles on the U.S. Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence Infrastructure and Doctrine

Unmanned combat vehicles have hitherto been perceived as primarily an engineering challenge. As the maturation of this technology nears, however, the integration of unmanned systems into the U.S. arsenal deserves careful attention. This paper seeks to elucidate the potential issues which may arise in the areas of command, control, communications, and intelligence as a consequence of the proliferation of unmanned lethal technologies. This task is accomplished systematically, first by cataloguing the identifying characteristics and functions of unmanned combat vehicles, and then examining the impact of each on elements of C3I. Although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn at this level of analysis, it appears that the predominant issues which will need to be addressed lie in the areas of command and control. Doctrinal changes, as well as a shift in the command style and attitude at all levels, will need to occur before successful gradual integration of lethal unmanned systems into the operational realm can be accomplished.
Tax advantaged savings for healthcare: good for your pocketbook, bad for your health?

Current US law allows two types of tax-advantaged savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, to pay for healthcare expenses. These tax-advantaged savings offer a financial hedge against future healthcare costs, but may have implications for individuals' choice about healthy behaviour to avoid the risk of future illnesses. We compare tax-advantaged savings to non-tax advantaged savings focusing on the impact on healthy behaviour. We find tax-advantaged savings encourages savings as a hedge against future healthcare costs, but does so at the expense of healthy behaviour, potentially increasing overall societal healthcare costs.
Characterization of l-Leucine-Induced Germination of Trichophyton mentagrophytes Microconidia

l-Leucine and several amino acids were effective germination inducers of microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes . During germination, phase-darkening and swelling occurred concomitantly with the loss of resistance to heat and stain, reduction of dry weight and specific gravity, and development of active glucose utilization. Germination induced by l-leucine was significantly stimulated by a pretreatment of the spores with sublethal doses of heat. No nucleosides or nucleotides were stimulatory to the l-leucine-induced germination of the microconidia. d-Leucine was almost an equally effective germinant as its l form. No carbohydrates, salts, vitamins, or other compounds tested induced germination of the fungus spore. Other factors that affected l-leucine-induced germination of the microconidia included the concentration of leucine, the inoculum size of the spores, temperature, and p H. The anaerobic condition and the presence or absence of carbon dioxide had no significant effects on the germination. Short germ tubes usually developed when the germinated spores were further incubated either in the presence or absence of l-leucine. The cytological study of the germinating microconidia revealed that the fragmentation of lipid granules was the major structural change associated with the germination. Images
Person-centered treatment (PeT) effects: Individualized treatment effects using instrumental variables

I describe a command, petiv, that uses a local instrumental-variables (LIV) approach to estimate person-centered treatment effects for a variety of specifications for the LIV estimand as outlined in Basu (2014, Journal of Applied Econometrics 29: 671–691). The petiv command creates a new variable in the dataset that contains the person-centered treatment effects for each individual in the dataset. However, the command takes the validity of the instrumental variables and the specification of the LIV estimand as given. Appropriateness of these features of an LIV analysis should be determined before running the petiv command. The individual effects can be used to answer distributional questions and can also be easily aggregated to obtain mean treatment-effects estimates.
8α-substituted flavins of biological importance: An updating

In the two years which have passed since we wrote a review letter on this subject [l] advances in the field of 8cr-substituted flavins have been so rapid that a brief summary of major new developments seems desirable. Updating of our review letter is timely, moreover, because the structure of the fourth class of covalently-bound flavins, previously thought to be 8o-AQistidyl-8a-hydroxyriboflavin, has just been conclusively identified as 8o[iV( 1)histidyl] -riboflavin [2] and this, in turn, necessitates revision of earlier ideas on the influence of acid on 8a[N(3)-histidyl] riboflavin. Further, a number of interesting applications of accrued knowledge concerning covalentlybound flavins have been reported very recently. The present article is intended to call attention to these developments. It is only a supplement to our previous review [ 1 ] , however, to which reference will be made throughout, and to which the reader is referred for a systematic coverage of the field, while the history of the development of the field has been surveyed elsewhere [3].
Conflict in Higher Education: State Government Coordination Versus Institutional Independence

(1985). Conflict in Higher Education: State Government Coordination versus Institutional Independence. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 56, No. 4, pp. 476-478.
Treatment of pneumocephalus after endoscopic sinus and microscopic skull base surgery

Abstract Background Pneumocephalus is a rare complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and microscopic skull base surgery (MSBS). Postoperatively, patients often present with headache and altered mental status. Unrepaired leaks are associated with an increased risk of ascending meningitis. Standard treatment of pneumocephalus after ESS or MSBS has not been addressed in the literature. Methods The study involved a retrospective review of patients at an academic tertiary care center with pneumocephalus after ESS or MSBS. Results Ten cases of pneumocephalus were identified, 8 after ESS and 2 after MSBS. Seven ESS defects were very small ( Conclusions In patients with pneumocephalus after ESS or MSBS, consideration should be given to endoscopic exploration and repair of the defect with mucosal grafting. Even if spontaneous resolution has occurred, there may be increased risk of ascending meningitis through the thin or incompletely regenerated mucosa.
Human Liver Microsomal Metabolism of (+)-Discodermolide

The polyketide natural product (+)-discodermolide is a potent microtubule stabilizer that has generated considerable interest in its synthetic, medicinal, and biological chemistry. It progressed to early clinical oncology trials, where it showed some efficacy in terms of disease stabilization but also some indications of causing pneumotoxicity. Remarkably, there are no reports of its metabolism. Here, we examined its fate in mixed human liver microsomes. Due to limited availability of the agent, we chose a nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analytical approach employing quadrupolar ion trap and quadrupole-quadrupole-time-of-flight instruments for these studies. (+)-Discodermolide was rapidly converted to eight metabolites, with the left-side lactone (net oxidation) and the right-side diene (epoxidation followed by hydrolysis, along with an oxygen insertion product) being the most metabolically labile sites. Other sites of metabolism were the allylic and pendant methyl moieties in the C12-C14 region of the molecule. The results provide information on the metabolic soft spots of the molecule and can be used in further medicinal chemistry efforts to optimize discodermolide analogues.
Catalysis with Platinum-Group Alkylamido Complexes. The Active Palladium Amide in Catalytic Aryl Halide Aminations As Deduced from Kinetic Data and Independent Generation

Mechanistic studies of the palladium-catalyzed coupling between aryl bromides and tin amides were conducted as a means to evaluate the pathway of this reaction as well as the general potential of low valent amido complexes to be reactive intermediates in catalysis. The specific systems involved reactions between Bu3SnNMe2 and aryl halides catalyzed by {Pd[P(o-Tol)3]2} (1), {Pd[P(o-Tol)3](p-MeC6H4)(Br)}2 (2a), and {Pd[P(o-Tol)3](NHMe2)(p-MeC6H4)(Br)} (3a). A combination of kinetic studies and independent synthesis of reaction intermediates indicated that the three-coordinate platinum-group amido complex {Pd[P(o-Tol)3](Ar)(NMe2)} was an intermediate in these reactions. Thus, these aryl halide aminations are rare examples of catalysis with a platinum-group amido complex. Kinetic data were obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the rate behavior was determined to be zero order in added phosphine, zero order in aryl halide, and first order in tin amide under conditions of equal or greater concentrations of aryl ...
Turkey and Turkic Nations: A Post-Cold War Analysis of Relations

Turkish foreign policy has experienced massive alterations after the end of Cold War. This has been most evident in Turkey's relations with Turkic nations in Central Asia and the Caucasus, all of which gained independence from the USSR. This article aims to provide a thorough analysis on this issue. First, the article explores the ethnicity concept and applies it to the relations between Turkey and Turkic nations. Then, it examines Turkey's relations with other regional and international powers, namely Russia, the USA, and Iran, through the lenses of Central Asia and the Caucasia. Finally, the article questions the often monolithic view of Turkic nations in the eyes of the Turkish public and delves into the rich yet diverse bilateral relations between Turkey and each Turkic state. To this end, it analyzes Turkey's political, economic, and cultural ties with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Carefully going over all of these subjects, the article intends to illustrate the mu...
Cellular and transcriptional response of Pseudomonas stutzeri to quantum dots under aerobic and denitrifying conditions.

Pseudomonas stutzeri was exposed to quantum dots (QDs) with three different surface coatings (anionic polymaleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene (PMAO), cationic polyethylenimine (PEI), and carboxyl QDs) under both aerobic and anaerobic (denitrifying) conditions. Under aerobic conditions, toxicity (assessed per growth inhibition) increased from PMAO to carboxyl to PEI QDs. The positive charge of PEI facilitated direct contact with negatively charged bacteria, which was verified by TEM analysis. Both PMAO and PEI QDs hindered energy transduction (indicated by a decrease in cell membrane potential), and this effect was most pronounced with PEI QDs under denitrifying conditions. Up-regulation of denitrification genes (i.e., nitrate reductase narG, periplasmic nitrate reductase napB, nitrite reductase nirH, and NO reductase norB) occurred upon exposure to subinhibitory PEI QD concentrations (1 nM). Accordingly, denitrification activity (assessed per respiratory nitrate consumption in the presence of ammonia) incre...
The effects of cell density and metabolite flux on cellular dynamics

Density-dependent regulation of cell growth in tissue culture is a well-known phenomenon but the mechanism of regulation remains obscure. Here we explore the effects of cell density and metabolite flux on the collective dynamics of a cell population. The intracellular dynamics are modelled by positive feedback kinetic mechanisms of the kind known to apply to yeast cells. Several experimental observations related to glycolytic oscillations are predicted and it is suggested that the general conclusions may be applicable in a broader context.
Novel electrochemical hydrogen sensors for use at elevated temperatures

Abstract A new electrochemical approach to elevated temperature hydrogen sensors, using a composite structure employing a hydrogen-transparent mixed conductor electrode, a hydride ion-conducting electrolyte, and a reference electrode, will be presented. In suitable configurations, such combinations, operated in either potentiometric or galvanometric modes, can be used to measure hydrogen partial pressures in gases, or hydrogen activities in liquids or solids over wide ranges. Examples will be demonstrated.
Spectrum-blind sampling and compressive sensing for continuous-index signals

Spectrum-blind sampling (SBS), proposed in the mid-90psilas, is a sensing technique enabling minimum-rate sampling and reconstruction of signals with unknown but sparse spectra. SBS is applicable to continuous or discrete-index signals, finite or infinite length, in one or more dimensions. We revisit SBS and explore its relationship to compressive sensing (CS). On the one hand, recent results in CS provide efficient reconstruction techniques for SBS. On the other hand, SBS provides efficient structured designs for blind, non-adaptive sensing of spectrum-sparse signals with minimal sampling requirements, and formulation leading to reconstruction cost only linear in the amount of data, and robustness against noise.
The buckling and post-buckling behavior of spherical caps under concentrated load

Abstract The elastic buckling and initial post-buckling behavior of clamped shallow spherical shells under concentrated load is considered. It is found that bifurcation into an asymmetric deflection pattern will occur before axisymmetric snap-buckling unless the ratio of the shell rise to the thickness lies within a narrow range corresponding to relatively thick shells. The initial post-buckling analysis indicates that the shell retains its load carrying capacity as it makes the transition to asymmetric behavior. These results are in qualitative agreement with available experimental data.
Three-Dimensional Structure of the HTLV-II Matrix Protein and Comparative Analysis of Matrix Proteins from the Different Classes of Pathogenic Human Retroviruses

Abstract The matrix protein performs similar roles in all retroviruses, initially directing membrane localization of the assembling viral particle and subsequently forming a stable structural shell associated with the inner surface of the mature viral membrane. Although conserved structural elements are likely to perform these functions in all retroviral matrix proteins, invariant motifs are not evident at the primary sequence level and three-dimensional structures have been available for only the primate lentiviral matrix proteins. We have therefore used NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of the matrix protein from human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II), a member of the human oncovirus subclass of retroviruses. A total of 577 distance restraints were used to build 20 refined models that superimpose with an rmsd of 0.71 A for the backbone atoms of the structured regions. The globular HTLV-II matrix structure is composed of four α-helices and a 3 10 helix. Exposed basic residues near the C terminus of helix II form a putative membrane binding surface which could act in concert with the N-terminal myristoyl group to anchor the protein on the viral membrane surface. Clear structural similarities between the HTLV-II and HIV-1 matrix proteins suggest that the topology and exposed cationic membrane binding surface are likely to be conserved features of retroviral matrix proteins.
Identification of gametophytic mutations affecting female gametophyte development in arabidopsis

Abstract The female gametophyte (embryo sac or megagametophyte) plays a critical role in sexual reproduction of angiosperms. It is the structure that produces the egg cell and central cell which, following fertilization, give rise to the seed's embryo and endosperm, respectively. In addition, the female gametophyte mediates a host of reproductive processes including pollen tube guidance, fertilization, and the induction of seed development. Several major events occur during megagametogenesis, including syncitial nuclear divisions, cellularization, nuclear migration and fusion, and cell death. While these events have been described morphologically, the molecules regulating them in the female gametophyte are largely unknown. We discuss a genetic screen based on reduced seed set and segregation distortion to identify mutations affecting megagametogenesis and female gametophyte function. We report on the isolation of four mutants ( fem1, fem2, fem3 , and fem4 ) and show that the four mutations map to different locations within the genome. Additionally, we show that the fem1 and fem2 mutations affect only the female gametophyte, while the fem3 and fem4 mutations affect both the female and male gametophyte. We analyzed female gametophyte development in these four mutants as well as in the gfa2, gfa3, gfa4, gfa5 , and gfa7 mutants. We found that the fem2, fem3, gfa4 , and gfa5 mutants abort development at the one-nucleate stage, while the fem1, fem4, gfa2, gfa3 , and gfa7 mutants are affected in processes later in development such as polar nuclei fusion and cellularization. The establishment of a genetic screen to identify mutants and the development of a rapid procedure for analyzing mutant phenotypes represent a first step in the isolation of molecules that regulate female gametophyte development and function.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique routinely used in ophthalmology to visualize and quantify the layers of the retina. It also provides information on optic nerve head topography, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and macular volume, which correlate with axonal loss. These measurements are of particular interest in optic neuropathies and in multiple sclerosis, and OCT parameters are now used as endpoints in neurologic clinical trials.
Identification of hydroxy fatty acids by liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectroscopy in Euglena gracilis

Hydroxy fatty acids from Euglena gracilis were identified by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer run in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization positive ion mode. These metabolites were converted to methyl esters to improve stability and chromatographic properties. A detection limit of 20 pg/μl per injection was determined for 5-HETE methyl ester based on the signal to noise ratio of the m/z 317 ion which corresponds to the loss of a hydroxyl group (M-17) and the major fragment in all HETE methyl esters studied. This is the first report for these metabolites in E. gracilis.
Planetary spin period acceleration of particles in the Jovian magnetosphere

A four-step mechanism is proposed for the acceleration of energetic protons and relativistic electrons in Jupiter's magnetosphere. According to this mechanism, photoelectrons and ions from the Jovian ionosphere are: (1) ejected along magnetic-field lines toward the equator by the centrifugal force of corotation; (2) accelerated by magnetic-field annihiliation in the magnetotail, which process is modulated at Jupiter's rotational frequency; (3) trapped on closed field lines in the reconnection process, convected inward toward Jupiter from the merging region, and subjected to adiabatic compression; and (4) diffused inward by the conventional radial-diffusion process through a violation of the third adiabatic invariant. It is shown that the proposed mechanism produces magnetic moments much larger than those available from inward diffusion of solar-wind particles or motional emf acceleration at the Galilean satellites, provides a natural explanation for the 10-hr periodicity of the energetic particle fluxes observed inside the magnetosphere by the Pioneer spacecraft, and also produces a 10-hr periodicity in the energetic particle flux from the magnetosphere into interplanetary space in such a way that the phase of interplanetary flux variations is locked to the rotational phase of Jupiter
A GPU-Based Approach to Accelerate Computational Protein-DNA Docking

This article describes a GPU-based high-performance computing method to tackle the protein-DNA docking problem. GPU-specific algorithmic techniques are developed to accelerate a docking algorithm that integrates Monte Carlo simulation and simulated annealing. Experiments show that such improved computation speed accelerates the conformational space sampling of the algorithm and increases the chance of finding near-native protein-DNA structures.
Spatial Variability of Groundwater Recharge and its Effect on Shallow Groundwater Quality in Southern New Jersey

Point estimates of groundwater recharge at 48 sediment-coring locations vary substantially (−18.5–1840 cm yr −1 ) in a 930-km 2 area of southern New Jersey. Darcian estimates of steady, long-term recharge made at depth in the unsaturated zone were estimated using pedotransfer functions of soil texture and interpolated (mapped) with nonparametric methods to assess aquifer vulnerability in the area. The probability of exceeding the median recharge (29.1 cm yr −1 ) is low in the southwestern and northeastern portions of the study area and high in the eastern and southeastern portions. Estimated recharge is inversely related to measured percentage clay and positively related to the percentage of well-drained soils near wells. Spatial patterns of recharge estimates, exceedance probabilities, and clay content indicate that sediment texture controls recharge in the study area. Relations with land elevation and a topographic wetness index were statistically insignificant. Nitrate concentration and atrazine (6-chloro- N 2 -ethyl- N 4 -isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) percentage detection in samples of shallow groundwater (typically −1 ) than for high recharge sites (>29.1 cm yr −1 ) in agricultural and urban areas. Differences between high and low recharge sites in these areas are highly significant for NO 3 concentration, but not for atrazine concentration.
Postoperative hemodynamic and electrophysiologic evaluation of the interatrial baffle procedure

Hemodynamic and electrophysiologic studies were performed in 11 children with dextrotransposition of the great arteries an average of 26 months after the interatrial baffle procedure and, in 2 patients, additional closure of a ventricular septal defect. All children are clinically well. Right to left shunts ranging from 28 to 63 percent of systemic blood flow were found at the superior vena caval-baffle junction in four children. The superior vena caval-baffle gradient averaged 7 mm Hg (range 0 to 22). Right ventricular stroke work index averaged 39 g-m/beat per m2 and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure 9 mm Hg. These values were not significantly different from the values for the systemic left ventricle in a comparable group of normal children (average left ventricular stroke work index 45 g-m/beat per m2 and average left ventricular end-diastolic pressure 8 mm Hg). Cardiac index, heart rate and arteriovenous oxygen difference were also normal. No child has complete heart block. His bundle recording demonstrated normal H-V intervals (range 27 to 40 msec); 4 of the 11 had a prolonged A-H interval. Left ventricular systolic pressure was less than 40 mm Hg in all but two children who had significant subpulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary vascular resistance averaged 1.9 units and was decreased in all children. We conclude that up to 37 months postoperatively, despite some residual abnormalities, the clinical and hemodynamic condition of these children is excellent.
Factors influencing expansion and contraction decisions by Illinois agribusiness firms

A survey of Illinois agribusiness firms was used to identify factors that have a positive or negative influence on expansion or contraction decisions. The most positive factors for expansion, and the most negative for contraction, relate to perceived market conditions. State development incentives were found to be ineffective. The most negative factors toward expansion related to worker's compensation laws and insurance costs, as well as other factors more directly under the control of state laws. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears Associated With Large Bone Cysts of the Proximal Humerus: Compaction Bone Grafting Technique

Large bone cysts associated with symptomatic rotator cuff tears may pose significant treatment problems. Bone loss associated with these cysts or with implant removal in cases of revision rotator cuff surgery may be so large that secure suture anchor fixation cannot be achieved with traditional techniques. This report describes how to arthroscopically bone graft these defects with a compaction technique that creates a densely packed bone bed into which suture anchors can be securely placed.
The Influence of Think Tanks in the Chinese Policy Process: Different Ways and Mechanisms

This article argues that expert knowledge, governmental linkage, and personal ties are the factors that determine think tanks' influence in the Chinese policy process. Moreover, different types of think tanks exert influence through different mechanisms. Empirical data are from a 2004 nationwide survey of 301 of China's think tanks.
Molecular Weight Distribution of Proteins in Hard Red Spring Wheat: Relationship to Quality Parameters and Intrasample Uniformity

ABSTRACT Molecular weight distribution (MWD) of proteins extracted from hard red spring wheat was analyzed by size-exclusion HPLC to investigate associations with wheat and breadmaking quality characteristics. Certain protein fractions were related to associations between wheat and breadmaking parameters, specifically when effect of quantitative variation of protein on those parameters was statistically eliminated by partial correlation analysis. SDS-unextractable high molecular weight polymeric proteins had positive partial correlations with percent vitreous kernel content and breadmaking parameters, including mix time and bread loaf volume. SDS-extractable protein fractions that were eluted before the primary gliadin peak had positive partial correlations with kernel hardness and water absorption parameters. The proportion of main gliadin fractions in total protein had a negative partial correlation with bread loaf volume and positive correlations with kernel hardness and water absorption parameters. In...
Developing a validated real-time system-level thermal simulation for future all-electric ships

This paper presents a method to perform real-time system-level shipboard thermal simulations. The modeling approach is described in detail as the method is applied to the cooling facilities of the CAPS 5 MW MV laboratory. The derived simulation is studied using standard model validation tools such as factor screening and uncertainty propagation. Error bounds of system response variables are compared to results from experiments on the CAPS cooling facilities published previously. The goal is to provide a first step in the development of real-time system-level thermal simulations suitable for future HIL simulations employed in the engineering of future all-electric ships. It is envisioned that these simulations will be useful for the development and testing of future system-level controls.
Osler's nodes, Janeway lesions and splinter haemorrhages

A 22-year-old man with a history of intravenous heroin misuse, presented with 1 week of fatigue and fever. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus . Physical examination showed multiple painful 1–2 mm macular rashes on the palm and soles bilaterally (figures 1 and 2). Splinter haemorrhages (figure 3) and conjunctival petechiae (figure 4) were also noted. A transoesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a 16-mm vegetation on the mitral valve (figure 5). Vegitations >10 mm in diameter and infection involving the …
Persuasibility and the power of belief

Recent empirical and theoretical developments suggest that clients who genuinely believe in the effectiveness of counseling are likely to improve regardless of the validity of the counselor's approach. This improvement is based on a “psychological placebo effect” that arouses client expectations for improvement and provides clients with additional security and self-confidence to deal with life more effectively. These considerations are discussed in the context of placebo reactivity, client susceptibility to persuasion, and counselor expectations for client improvement.
Spectroscopic diagnostics for multi-TW laser-produced plasmas

Data from a pinhole camera and a transmission grating spectrograph are used in multi-TW laser irradiance of thin metal films to assess the maximum laser spot size and to show tenths of a percent conversion of laser light to K-, L-, and M-band x rays. The distribution of target debris, an operational issue for the survivability of an unshielded parabola in a large laser system, is revealed by x-ray fluorescence measurements of witness samples. At the 25-J, 30-TW level, we find little evidence of damage to the f/3 parabola with an angle of incidence on target greater than 22°.
Renal vasoconstriction in naturally elicited fear and its habituation in baboons

Baboons confronted with a snake show signs of extreme fear accompanied by transient increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate and prolonged renal vasoconstriction. This cardiovascular response may be habituated, although in one baboon the renal vasoconstrictor response reappeared towards the end of 14-day period.
Flow?area relationship in internal carotid and vertebral arteries

Subject-specific computational and experimental models of hemodynamics in cerebral aneurysms require the specification of physiologic flow conditions. Because patient-specific flow data are not always available, researchers have used 'typical' or population average flow rates and waveforms. However, in order to be able to compare the magnitude of hemodynamic variables between different aneurysms or groups of aneurysms (e.g. ruptured versus unruptured) it is necessary to scale the flow rates to the area of the inflow artery. In this work, a relationship between flow rates and vessel areas is derived from phase-contrast magnetic resonance measurements in the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries of normal subjects.
Vacuum Polarization in Heavy Ion Collisions

The results of a study on vacuum polarization, orders $\ensuremath{\alpha}{(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{n}$, $ng~3$, for large-$Z$ systems encountered in heavy-ion collisions are presented. It is shown that the higher-order vacuum polarization cannot prevent the $1{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ state from reaching the lower continuum, $E=\ensuremath{-}{m}_{e}{c}^{2}$, for some critical charge ${Z}_{\mathrm{cr}}\ensuremath{\sim}170$. In addition, the stability and localization of a heliumlike system for $Zg{Z}_{\mathrm{cr}}$ is demonstrated.
Irradiation-Produced Paramagnetic Oxides of Nitrogen in Single-Crystal Potassium Azide

A magnetic resonance absorption centered about $g=2$ and showing no evidence of fine structure is reported in x-irradiated single crystals of potassium azide. Six absorption lines are detected which appear to exhibit axial symmetry about the crystal $C$ direction. These lines are shown to be a composition of two distinct spectra each consisting of three nuclear hyperfine components. For one set of lines, an anisotropic hyperfine splitting varying from 38 to 3 Oe is observed as the magnetic field is rotated from the crystal $C$ axis to a direction perpendicular to this axis. The other set similarly exhibits splittings between 62 and 31 Oe. The inner and outer sets of lines are believed to be due to NO and N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ molecules, respectively, with both molecules located at crystal sites having axial symmetry. These molecular species are formed during the irradiation process, perhaps from nitrate and/or nitrite impurities known to be contained in the lattice. Each of the three components of the outer set of lines exhibits a partially resolved seven-line multiplet structure which is interpreted to be the result of an interaction between the paramagnetic electron and the nuclei of two crystallographically equivalent nearest-neighbor potassium ions.
Temperature: an important experimental variable in studying PKC modulation of ligand-gated ion channels.

Abstract Amphibian oocyte and mammalian heterologous expression systems are often used to investigate the function of recombinant ion channels using electrophysiological techniques. Although both systems have yielded important information, the results obtained in these systems are sometimes conflicting. Oocytes and mammalian cells differ in their physiological temperature requirements. While room temperature is within the physiological temperature range for oocytes, this temperature is far below that required by mammalian cells. Since electrophysiological studies are often performed in both oocytes and mammalian cells at room temperature, we sought to determine if recording temperature could be a factor in some disparate results obtained in these cell types. For these studies, we examined phorbol ester modulation of GABAA and glycine receptors. Consistent with the literature, at room temperature, PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) produced a large reproducible decrease in the peak amplitude of GABA and glycine-gated currents in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast, PMA was ineffective in modulating these heterologously expressed receptors at room temperature in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. However, when electrophysiological experiments were performed at 35 °C in HEK 293 cells, PMA decreased the function of these receptors. Our results indicate that the temperature at which electrophysiological studies are conducted is an important experimental variable. To determine the extent to which electrophysiological recordings are performed at physiological temperatures in HEK 293 cells, a PubMed search was conducted using the search terms “patch clamp” and “HEK” for the years 2003–2004. This search revealed that only 15% of the patch clamp studies were reported to have been conducted in the temperature range of 32–37 °C. The results of our study indicate that temperature is an important experimental variable that requires rational consideration in the design of electrophysiological experiments.
Hurricane Katrina induced nutrient runoff from an agricultural area to coastal waters in Biscayne Bay, Florida

Abstract Water quality surveys conducted in Biscayne Bay, Florida, indicated enhanced nutrient input coupled with increased runoff as a result of precipitation associated with Hurricane Katrina. Nutrient concentrations before Katrina ranged from 0.06–24.2 μM (mean 3.3 μM) for nitrate and 0.01–0.18 μM (mean 0.1 μM) for soluble reactive phosphate. Five days after Katrina, nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.87–80.0 μM (mean 17.0 μM), with a bay-wide mean increase of 5.2-fold over pre-hurricane levels. Soluble reactive phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.07–0.62 μM (mean 0.2 μM), with a bay-wide mean increase of 2-fold over pre-hurricane levels. The maximum concentrations for both nitrate and soluble reactive phosphate were found at a water quality monitoring station near the mouth of Mowry Canal, which drains an agricultural area in the southern Biscayne Bay watershed near Homestead, Florida. At this station, nitrate and soluble reactive phosphate concentrations increased 7- and 10-fold, respectively. Storm-induced fertilizer runoff from this agricultural area caused a bay-wide increase in nutrient concentrations after Hurricane Katrina. Nutrient concentrations in the bay returned to pre-hurricane levels within three months after Hurricane Katrina, showing the resiliency of the Biscayne Bay ecosystem.