cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of pulmonary artery contraction by endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

Abstract In isolated rat pulmonary artery rings, both endothelial denudation and treatment with 10 −5 M hemoglobin inhibited relaxation to acetylcholine and increased contractile sensitivities, i.e. decreased the EC 50 s, to KCl, angiotensin II and norepinephrine. Denudation caused similar inhibition of acetylcholine relaxation and potentiation of KCl and norepinephrine contractions in isolated bovine pulmonary arteries. These results indicate that endothelium-derived relaxing factor plays a significant role in modulating the contractile sensitivity of isolated pulmonary arteries to at least some agonists.
Functional characterization of novel melanocortin-3 receptor mutations identified from obese subjects

It is controversial whether mutation in the melancortin-3 receptor (MC3R) gene is a cause for monogenic obesity in humans. Three novel mutations in the MC3R, A293T, I335S, and X361S, were identified from morbidly obese subjects. We investigated whether these mutations caused loss-of-function and the molecular defects if any. Ligand binding, signaling, and cell surface expression of the mutant MC3Rs were studied. I335S resulted in a complete loss of ligand binding and signaling due to intracellular retention. A293T and X361S MC3Rs had normal ligand binding and signaling as wild type MC3R. Co-expression studies showed that the mutants did not affect wild type MC3R signaling. Hence the I335S variant previously identified from obese patients is not expressed at the cell surface when expressed in vitro, suggesting that it might contribute to obesity in carriers of this variant. Whether A293T and X361S cause obesity remains to be investigated. Additional mutations at I335 showed that I335, part of the highly conserved N/DPxxY motif, was critical for multiple aspects of the MC3R function, including cell surface expression, ligand binding, and signaling.
Concurrent Engineering: An Overview from Manufacturing Engineering Perspectives:

In the last few years, Concurrent Engineering (CE) has become a very prevalent topic in the area of manufacturing engineering. It has been viewed as one of the most effective, potential, and miracu...
Noise equivalent circuit of linear passive two-ports with applications to transmission lines

A new representation of the thermal noise of linear passive two-ports, expressed in terms of the Thevenin equivalent circuit and convenient to circuit designers, has been derived. This representation is applied to the determination of the contribution of the noise of a transmission line (a special case of a two-port) to the total noise of a noise thermometer system. Preliminary experimental results from measurement of temperature with a noise thermometer connected via a long transmission line encourages further development of practical noise thermometers.
Attenuation of Fos-like immunoreactivity induced by a single electroconvulsive shock in brains of aging mice.

Abstract c-fos is a proto-oncogene that encodes for a nuclear phosphoprotein with DNA binding properties and is presumed to have an important role in the long-term regulation of neuronal function. It is thought to act as a ‘third messenger’ molecule in signal transduction systems and its expression has been shown to be induced by a variety of exogenous and endogenous stimuli. This study examines the differential expression of the Fos protein in various brain regions after a single electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in 6-, 13-, and 28-month-old B6C3 mice. The animals received an acute electroconvulsive shock (90 V for 0.3 s), without prior anesthesia, through earclip electrodes and exhibited generalized tonic-clonic seizures lasting 20–36 s. Animals were anesthetized and perfused intracardially with 2.5% acrolein, 4% paraformaldehyde at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 h postshock. The brains were Vibratome-sectioned (30 μm) and examined using a Fos antibody, directed against a conserved region of both mouse and human Fos by standard immunocytochemical methods. Systematic sampling of the total number of Fos immunostained neurons in amygdala, hippocampus and the cerebral cortex showed peak values at the 1-h time point followed by a steady decline thereafter in all age groups. In a second experiment, Fos-like immunoreactivity was compared 1 h after ECS in the hippocampus, amygdala and the cortex in all 3 age groups. There was increased expressionof Fos-like immunoreactivity after ECS- compared to non-ECS-treated controls in all age groups. Compared to the young animals, the mid-age group exhibited a 40–46% decrease in amygdala and cortical areas, respectively, and no significant difference in the hippocampus. However in old animals, Fos-like immunoreactivity was reduced between 58 and 62% in all brain regions examined. These results demonstrate that: (1) Fos is expressed rapidly and transiently in response to ECS in animals of all ages; and (2) there is a decline in Fos-like immunoreactivity in brains of aging animals. We conclude that Fos expression is compromised in the brains of aging animals and these changes may be part of a cascade of events that lead to functional impairments and possibly a reduction in neuronal viability with age.
Effect of barley and its amylopectin content on ruminal fermentation and bacterial utilization of ammonia-N in vitro

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of variety and amylopectin content of barley on ruminal fermentation and ammonia-N utilization by mixed ruminal bacteria in vitro. Three barley varieties (WestBred Gustoe, Nebula, Baronesse) and their waxy counterparts were tested. The control grain was corn. All barley varieties were examined at three substitution levels: 25, 50, and 75% with the remaining being corn. Ammonia-N was labeled with 15 N -ammonium sulfate. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. Barley inclusion enhanced (P 15 N incorporation into bacterial N than their non-waxy counterparts. At the end-point of the incubation, barley treatments and waxy barleys had higher (P 15 N -enrichment of the fluid bacterial N compared with corn and non-waxy barleys, respectively. The combined (fluid- and particle-associated bacteria and protozoa) microbial ammonia-N uptake, however, was not different between corn control and treatments with barley. Results suggest that ruminal responses to barley supplementation may vary depending on its variety and starch composition and differ between fluid- and particle-associated microorganisms.
Interfacial polycondensation. II. Fundamentals of polymer formation at liquid interfaces

If a solution of a fast-reacting diacid halide in a water-immiscible solvent is brought together with an aqueous solution of a diamine without stirring, a thin film of high polymer is formed at once at the interface. Polyurethanes and polyamides in particular form tough films which can be grasped and pulled continuously from the interface as a folded rope of film. This unstirred interfacial polycondensation not only provides a dramatic demonstration of polymer formation but has permitted the observation of polymerization behavior and the study of the effects of many variables upon the process. The polymer-forming reactions proceed by nucleophilic displacement, and many have rate constants of at least 102–104 1. mole−1 sec. −1. Polymers derived from diamines were found to form in the organic solvent phase. Therefore the rate of polymer formation is controlled by the transfer of diamine from the aqueous phase. It is believed that the liquid interface does not have any beneficial orienting effect on the reactants but that it provides for the regulated flow of one reactant into an excess of the other. Furthermore, the aqueous phase provides for the removal of the interfering byproduct, hydrogen halide, from the polymerization site. Some of the interrelated variables which have been studied and which are discussed in relation to the physical mechanism are the solvent sensitivity of the polymer, partition coefficients of the reactants, reactant concentration, duration of the polymerization, and the addition of monofunctional reactants, detergents, and salts. The formation of polyphenyl esters is discussed briefly.
Quantification of the surface density of a fluorescent label with the optical microscope.

Fluorescence microscopy can offer unique advantages for biomaterials characterization. Like spectroscopy or radioactivity, it can be used to quantify specific binding to surfaces, but it can also assess surface homogeneity at the micron scale or detect protein aggregation. To fully utilize the potential of this technique, there must be a way to calibrate the microscope in terms of the moles of a fluorophore per unit area. The method we propose involves the following steps: fluorescent labeling of erythrocytes and quantification of the label by flow cytometry; flattening of fluorescent erythrocytes for microscopic observation; imaging and digital analysis to relate the gray level intensities to the fluorophore density; and using this procedure to characterize a different, more easily obtainable, standard. The latter can be a 50% solution of Na fluorescein that yields a highly reproducible and uniform fluorescence. Concentrated fluorescein solution can also be used to correct images for the spatial nonuniformity of illumination and detection (shading correction). By applying this method to study the binding of IgG and fibrinogen to glass or amidated glass, we showed that protein adsorption to glass may result in protein aggregation that may affect the biological activity of the adsorbed protein.
Fate of Salmonella Tennessee in Peanut Butter at 4 and 22 °C

This study was undertaken to determine survival characteristics of inocula of a 3-strain mixture of Salmonella Tennessee in 5 commercial brands of peanut butter (A, B, C, D, and E). Inoculated peanut butter was stored at 4 (refrigerator temperature) and 22 degrees C (room temperature) for up to 14 d. After 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 d, surviving cells, including injured cells, were enumerated on appropriate selective agar, including use of the agar overlay method. Populations in samples inoculated with 10(6-7) CFU/g and stored for 14 d at 4 and 22 degrees C decreased by 0.15 to 0.65 and 0.34 to 1.29 log CFU/g, respectively, depending on the formulation. Peanut butter A showed a significantly lower number of S. Tennessee cells when stored at 22 degrees C for 14 d, compared to 4 degrees C (P 0.05).
Impact of proactive rounding by a rapid response team on patient outcomes at an academic medical center

BACKGROUND: The impact of rapid response teams (RRT) on patient outcomes remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of proactive rounding by an RRT on outcomes of hospitalized adults discharged from intensive care. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: All adult patients discharged alive from the intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center between January 2006 and June 2009. INTERVENTION: Introduction of proactive rounding by an RRT. MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included the ICU readmission rate, ICU average length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality of patients discharged from the ICU. Data were obtained from administrative billing databases and analyzed using an interrupted time series (ITS) model. RESULTS: We analyzed 17 months of preintervention data and 25 months of postintervention data. Introduction of proactive rounding by the RRT did not change the ICU readmission rate (6.7% before vs 7.3% after; P = 0.24), the ICU LOS (5.1 days vs 4.9 days; P = 0.24), or the in-hospital mortality of patients discharged from the ICU (6.0% vs 5.5%; P = 0.24). ITS models testing the impact of proactive rounding on secular trends found no improvement in any of the 3 clinical outcomes relative to their preintervention trends. CONCLUSIONS: Proactive rounding by an RRT did not improve patient outcomes, raising further questions about RRT benefits. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Synergistic interactions between cannabinoid and opioid analgesics

Cannabinoids and opioids both produce analgesia through a G-protein-coupled mechanism that blocks the release of pain-propagating neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. However, high doses of these drugs, which may be required to treat chronic, severe pain, are accompanied by undesirable side effects. Thus, a search for a better analgesic strategy led to the discovery that delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive constituent of marijuana, enhances the potency of opioids such as morphine in animal models. In addition, studies have determined that the analgesic effect of THC is, at least in part, mediated through delta and kappa opioid receptors, indicating an intimate connection between cannabinoid and opioid signaling pathways in the modulation of pain perception. A host of behavioral and molecular experiments have been performed to elucidate the role of opioid receptors in cannabinoid-induced analgesia, and some of these findings are presented below. The aim of such studies is to develop a novel analgesic regimen using low dose combinations of cannabinoids and opioids to effectively treat acute and chronic pain, especially pain that may be resistant to opioids alone.
Efficacy of tacrolimus in the treatment of refractory rejection in heart and lung transplant recipients.

Abstract Background Refractory acute cellular rejection may occur despite triple-drug immunosuppression (cyclosporine A, steroids, azathioprine/mycophenolate mofetil). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of tacrolimus rescue therapy in patients maintained on cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (CBI). Methods Between December 1993 and October 1996, 208 patients underwent thoracic organ transplantation at the Hospital of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. One hundred forty-nine patients underwent heart replacement; 59 underwent lung transplantation. One hundred thirty-nine of the heart transplant cohort received CBI preceded by induction therapy with OKT3. Forty-six of the lung transplant cohort received CBI without induction cytolytic therapy. Refractory rejection was defined as failure to respond to high-dose steroids (500 mg to 1 g IV methylprednisolone for 3 days) and/or monoclonal antibody therapy (OKT3, 5 to 10 mg IV/day for 7 to 14 days). In patients with refractory rejection, cyclosporine was replaced with tacrolimus. Results Overall, 16% (30/185) of patients receiving CBI experienced refractory rejection. Thirty-one episodes of grade IIIa or greater rejection occurred in 11% (15/139) of heart transplant recipients. Twenty episodes of grade II to IV rejection occurred in 33% (15/46) of lung transplant recipients. After tacrolimus rescue therapy, 93% (14/15) of patients in the heart transplant group converted to grade II or less rejection. Refractory rejection was reversed in 73% (11/15) of the lung transplant group. Reversal was documented at biopsy in all (8/8) lung recipients in whom it had been histologically identified. FEV 1 values of 3 additional patients stabilized. Conclusions The incidence of refractory rejection in thoracic organ transplant recipients on CBI is significant. Reversal of refractory rejection follows rescue immunotherapy with tacrolimus.
Summary profile of oxaprozin: Comparison with other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Oxaprozin (4,5-diphenyl-2-oxazole propionic acid), a new nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAIO) developed by Wyeth Laboratories, has a number of advantages relative to currently available drugs of this class. The clinical efficacy of Oxaprozin has been demonstrated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), acute gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile RA, and tendinitis/bursitis. The long half-life (about 50 hours) of Oxaprozin permits a once-daily dosage schedule that may lead to enhanced patient compliance with therapy. It is effective when given on an every-other-day basis for maintenance therapy in OA and thus may offer cost benefits over existing drugs. It has been hypothesized that the dual metabolism of Oxaprozin, involving both glucuronidation and oxidation, may provide an added safety factor in patients in which one of the two metabolic pathways is impaired. The pharmacokinetics of Oxaprozin have been studied in elderly persons, patients with renal impairment, patients with hepatic impairment (cirrhosis), and patients with congestive heart failure, as well as in healthy volunteers. Few differences have been shown between the pharmacokinetics of Oxaprozin in each of these special groups and those in normal subjects. Clinical safety also has been demonstrated in elderly patients and in patients with various concomitant diseases.
High fidelity audio transform coding with vector quantization

Multi-stage tree-structured vector quantization (MSTVQ) is examined as an alternative to entropy constrained scalar quantization (ECSQ) in transform coding of high fidelity audio signals with a simultaneous masking model for distortion control. Discrete-cosine-transform coefficients are normalized by an interpolated spectral power envelope and groups of adjacent coefficients are vector coded with variable rate to achieve distortion-masking. With the current coder configuration, high fidelity quality for a sampling rate of 32 kHz is achievable with data rates below 64 kbps for some transform and masking model, preliminary results show that MSTVO and ECSQ have a similar rate-distortion performance. >
Realization of Polymeric Electro-Optic Modulators with Less Than One Volt Drive Voltage Requirement

The roles played by spatially anisotropic intermolecular electrostatic interactions, chromophore shape, host dielectric constant, and poling field strength in defining maximum achievable electro-optic activity for electrically poled chromophore/polymer materials are investigated by equilibrium and Monte-Carlo quantum statistical mechanical calculations. Even simple Hamiltonians reproduce critical qualitative features such as the existence of a maximum in plots of electro-optic activity versus chromophore number density in a polymer matrix. Comparison of theoretical results for various methods provides a useful check on the validity of approximations employed with individual methods. The most significant conclusion to derive from a comparison of experimental and theoretical results is the dependence of maximum achievable electro-optic activity upon chromophore shape. Theoretical calculations suggest a new paradigm for the design of optimum electro-optic chromophores; realization of the desired shapes may be facilitated by dendritic synthetic approaches. In the presence of intermolecular electrostatic interactions, the dependence of electro-optic activity upon material dielectric permittivity and electric poling field strength is more complex than in the absence of such interactions. Of particularly, interest are conditions that lead to second order phase transitions to lattices containing centrically (antiferroelectricallly) ordered chromophore domains. Such phase transitions can lead to further complications in the attempted preparation of device quality materials but can be effectively avoided by utilization of theoretically derived phase diagrams.
Effect of Coarse Aggregate Morphology on Permanent Deformation Behavior of Hot Mix Asphalt

This paper defined a complete set of imaging based indices for different levels of coarse aggregate morphologies, i.e., the flat and elongated (FE) ratio, angularity index (AI), and surface texture (ST) index, and investigated their effects on permanent deformation behavior of hot mix asphalt (HMA). Image analyzed coarse aggregates were used to prepare eighteen Superpave HMA specimens using job mix formulas from ten State highway agencies and tested for permanent deformation at a specified high temperature. The permanent deformation data when linked to the morphological indices of the coarse aggregate, showed the best correlations with the ST index. The FE ratio demonstrated no measurable effects on the permanent deformation due to low percentage of flat and elongated particles used in the mixes. The influences of the AI and ST indices on the permanent deformation were especially significant when differences in the asphalt mix aggregate gradations were properly considered. A possible mechanism of coarse aggregate morphology affecting the stability and permanent deformation behavior of HMA was proposed in terms of particle geometrical interference in HMA.
PVFS over InfiniBand: design and performance evaluation

I/O is quickly emerging as the main bottleneck limiting performance in modern day clusters. The need for scalable parallel I/O and file systems is becoming more and more urgent. We examine the feasibility of leveraging infiniband technology to improve I/O performance and scalability of cluster file systems. We use parallel virtual file system (PVFS) as a basis for exploring these features. We design and implement a PVFS version on InfiniBand by taking advantage of InfiniBand features and resolving many challenging issues. We design the following: a transport layer customized for PVFS by trading transparency and generality for performance; buffer management for flow control, dynamic and fair buffer sharing, and efficient memory registration and deregistration. Compared to a PVFS implementation over standard TCP/IP on the same InfiniBand network, our implementation offers three times the bandwidth if workloads are not disk-bound and 40% improvement in bandwidth in the disk-bound case. Client CPU utilization is reduced to 1.5% from 91% on TCP/IP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first design, implementation and evaluation of PVFS over InfiniBand. The research results demonstrate how to design high performance parallel file systems on next generation clusters with InfiniBand
Coordinate Control of Virulence Gene Expression in Francisella tularensis Involves Direct Interaction between Key Regulators

ABSTRACT In Francisella tularensis, the putative DNA-binding protein PigR works in concert with the SspA protein family members MglA and SspA to control the expression of genes that are essential for the intramacrophage growth and survival of the organism. MglA and SspA form a complex that interacts with RNA polymerase (RNAP), and this interaction between the MglA-SspA complex and RNAP is thought to be critical to its regulatory function. How PigR works in concert with the MglA-SspA complex is not known; previously published findings differ over whether PigR interacts with the MglA-SspA complex, leading to disparate models for how PigR and the MglA-SspA complex exert their regulatory effects. Here, using a combination of genetic assays, we identify mutants of MglA and SspA that are specifically defective for interaction with PigR. Analysis of the MglA and SspA mutants in F. tularensis reveals that interaction between PigR and the MglA-SspA complex is essential in order for PigR to work coordinately with MglA and SspA to positively regulate the expression of virulence genes. Our findings uncover a surface of the MglA-SspA complex that is important for interaction with PigR and support the idea that PigR exerts its regulatory effects through an interaction with the RNAP-associated MglA-SspA complex.
Mass hatred in the Muslim and Arab world: the neglected problem of anti‐Semitism

In recent years, anti-Jewish bigotry in the Muslim and Arab world has reached dangerous proportions, yet psychologists, sociologists, and other social scientists have produced scant research on the topic. This paper seeks to understand why there is so much hostility, paying particular attention to four potential sources: (1) Islamic history and theology, (2) frustration, anger and scapegoating, (3) socialization practices, and (4) the political context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early warning of malaria epidemics in African highlands using Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) indoor resting density.

Several highland regions of Africa recently have suffered malaria epidemics. Because malaria transmission is unstable and the population has little or no immunity, these highlands are prone to explosive outbreaks when densities of Anopheles exceed critical levels and conditions favor transmission. If an incipient epidemic can be detected early enough, control efforts may reduce morbidity, mortality, and transmission. Here we present three methods (direct, minimum sample size, and sequential sampling approaches) that could be used to determine whether the household indoor resting density of Anopheles gambiae s.l. has exceeded critical levels associated with epidemic transmission. Data on Anopheles density before, during, and after a malaria epidemic (December 1997–July 1998) in the highlands of southwestern Uganda were evaluated to demonstrate the application of these three approaches. During this epidemic, a density of 0.25 Anopheles mosquitoes per house was associated with epidemic transmission, whereas 0.05 mosquitoes per house was chosen as a normal level expected during nonepidemic months. The direct approach to calculating mean Anopheles density with an allowable error of 20–50% of the mean would require the sampling of 102–16 houses, respectively. In contrast, with only seven houses, the minimum sample size approach could be used to determine whether Anopheles density had exceeded the critical level. This method, however, would result in an overestimation of the risk of an epidemic at low Anopheles density. Finally, a sequential sampling plan could require as many as 50 houses to conclude that risk of an epidemic existed, but this disadvantage is offset by the ability to preset the probabilities of concluding that risk of an epidemic exists at both the critical and normal Anopheles densities. Our study illustrated that it is feasible, and probably expedient, to include monitoring of Anopheles density in highland malaria epidemic early warning systems.
Subsurface Correlation and Paleogeography of a Mixed Siliciclastic-Carbonate Unit Using Distinctive Faunal Horizons: Toward a New Methodology

Abstract Regional correlation of mudrock-siliciclastic units is challenging, largely owing to the apparent featurelessness of fine-grained intervals. This difficulty is multiplied when subsurface correlation is necessary for paleogeographic reconstruction. In this study, faunal-marker tracing and limestone-pattern matching have permitted subsurface correlation of the Alexandria submember of the Kope Formation (Edenian Stage, Upper Ordovician) over a 193-km transect in southwest Ohio. The faunal markers are thin (<10 cm), widespread deposits of skeletal debris exhibiting faunal associations, degrees of preservation, or both, that distinguish them from other fossil deposits in host mudrocks. Subsurface correlations corroborate interpretations of southwest Ohio paleogeography and demonstrate the usefulness of techniques presented here. Geographic trends in the data indicate that the average seafloor slope over much of the Cincinnati region was near zero. Evidence also indicates a northwest-dipping paleoslope...
Intact and Predamaged Boron Carbide Strength under Moderate Confinement Pressures

This article summarizes the characterization work performed on intact and predamaged boron carbide tested in compression under confinement in a pressure vessel or using a thick steel confining sleeve. The focus is on the effect of pressure (up to 2 GPa hydrostatic pressure) on the strength. The techniques used for characterization are described. The failure curves obtained are presented and written as Drucker-Prager and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. Optical and stereomicroscopy were used to evaluate and document damage. Finally, the results are discussed and compared to the literature. It is shown that data obtained with very different techniques (confined compression, plate impact, and divergent plate impact) overlap, increasing the confidence in the results.
Decision tranquillity under choice: an empirical study of the continuum of tranquillity

Abstract-decision tranquillity has been proposed as a possible surrogate for the cognitive or emotional affect experienced by individuals making a best choice decision. An earlier empirical validation of Yager's measure of decision tranquillity suggests that Yager's measures exhibit considerable merit. In this paper we report on a second empirical study relating the mathematical measure of tranquillity to the responses of university students. The slightly revised design provided confirmation of earlier results while expanding the experimental controls. >
Teguder's Ultimatum to Qalawun

The Ilkhan Teguder (r. 1282–84), who took the name Ahmad when he converted to Islam, is widely credited with having interrupted—for the duration of his brief reign—the Mamluk-Ilkhanid conflict which had continued unabated since the battle of 'Ayn Jalut (1260). He is also credited with sending two embassies to Qalawun (r. 1280–90), his Mamluk counterpart: the first in 1282 and the second at the end of 1284.
Structure of Flame Balls at Low Lewis-Number (SOFBALL): Preliminary Results From the STS-83 and STS-94 Space Flight Experiments

Results from the Structure Of Flame Balls At Low Lewis-number (SOFBALL) space flight experiment conducted on the MSL-1 Space Shuttle missions are reported. Several new insights were obtained, including: much lower buoyancy-induced drift speed than anticipated pre-flight; repulsion of adjacent flame balls due to their mutual interaction; remarkable sensitivity of flame balls to small accelerations resulting from Orbiter attitude control maneuvers; and very similar net heat release for all flame balls in all mixtures tested. Comparison of experimental results to computational predictions reveals limitations in current models of H2-02 chemistry for very lean mixtures. It is discussed how the results of these space experiments may provide an improved understanding of the interactions of the two most important phenomena in combusting materials, namely chemical reaction and transport processes, in the unequivocally simplest possible configuration.
Routine use of transesophageal echocardiography and color flow imaging in the evaluation and treatment of children with congenital heart disease.

We reviewed our experience with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and color flow imaging in 157 consecutive patients with known or suspected heart disease to ascertain the impact of this technology on patient care. TEE was performed for diagnostic purposes (22/157), during interventional cardiac catheterizations (13/157), and during operative procedures (122/157). Diagnostic studies were performed after transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in 21 of 22 patients. TEE was performed because TTE was inconclusive (15/21) or failed to provide sufficient detail of an abnormality (6/21). TEE detected an abnormality in 6 of 15 inconclusive TTEs. TEE was helpful during interventional cardiac catheterizations, particularly during umbrella closure of septal defects and in patients with complex venous and atrial anatomy undergoing transseptal puncture. TEE studies performed before cardiac operations significantly changed the diagnosis in only 5 of 122 (4%) patients, but the information changed the surgical approach in 4 of 5 of these patients. Postoperative TEE assessment more frequently changed care and resulted in further surgical management in 9 of 122 (7%) or a change in medical management in 6 of 122 (5%) patients. TEE was discontinued because of complications before studies were completed in only 4 of 157 (3%) patients. TEE and color flow imaging is a useful adjunct to care of children with known or suspected congenital heart disease. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 10, November 1993)
LC-MS/MS for Identifying Patients with CYP24A1 Mutations

BACKGROUND: Patients have been described with loss-of-function CYP24A1 (cytochrome P450, family 24, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) mutations that cause a high ratio of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D], increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and resulting hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. A 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D ratio that can identify patients who are candidates for confirmatory CYP24A1 genetic testing would be valuable. We validated an LC-MS/MS assay for 24,25(OH)2D (D3 and D2) and determined a 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D cutoff to identify candidates for confirmatory genetic testing. METHODS: After addition of isotope-labeled internal standard, serum samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction, derivatized with 4-phenyl-1,2,4,-triazoline-3,5-dione, and quantified by LC-MS/MS. We measured 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D in 91 healthy patients and 34 patients with clinically suspected CYP24A1 -mediated hypercalcemia. RESULTS: The limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 (0.2) and 0.1 (0.24) nmol/L, respectively, for 24,25(OH)2D3, and 0.1 (0.23) and 0.5 (1.16) nmol/L for 24,25(OH)2D2. Intra- and interassay imprecision was 4%–15% across the analytical measurement range of 0.1–25 ng/mL (0.2–60 nmol/L). No interference was observed with 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D. 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D of 7–35 was observed in healthy patients, whereas in 2 patients with CYP24A1 mutations, 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D was significantly increased (99–467; P < 0.001). A 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D ratio ≥99 identified patients who were candidates for CYP24A1 genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS: Increased 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D supports the diagnosis of reduced CYP24A1 activity due to mutations in CYP24A1 . Measurement of 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D should be considered a part of the clinical workup in patients with hypercalcemia of otherwise unknown etiology.
Stochastic Damage Evolution and Failure in Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the stochastic damage evolution and failure in fiber-reinforced composites. The accomplishments in the area of modeling of the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites are reviewed with an emphasis on accurately predicting ultimate tensile strength, stress–strain behavior, and reliability. The model composite studies consists of a volume fraction of continuous cylindrical fibers embedded in a matrix material in a unidirectional arrangement. The reinforcing fibers are generally brittle materials and so are linearly elastic up to the point of failure. The point of failure in any individual length of fiber is determined by the largest flaw or crack in that particular fiber. The interface between the fibers and matrix occupies a vanishing fraction of the total composite volume but plays a critical role in determining many composite properties related to damage and strength. In polymer and metal matrices, the interface becomes important when fibers break. In ceramic matrices, the interface is critical first when the matrix cracks and then again when the fibers break. It is found that increasing stress causes flaws to fail, slip/exclusion zones to form or increase in length, and exclusion zones to increasingly overlap until the entire fiber is subsumed within the exclusion zones and the test saturates. The in situ fiber strength and fracture mirrors are also elaborated.
Native Korean Speakers' Attitudes Toward Konglish as a Standardized Variety of English

This study examines native Korean speakers’ attitudes toward the use of Konglish outside of the Korean context and within an international context, as a means of conversing and negotiating with non-Koreans. The purpose of this study seeks to determine if native Korean speakers are in favor of Konglish being legitimately recognized as a standardized variety of English and the potential Konglish has of being used as a communicative tool within an international setting. Given that the English language is arguably viewed as culturally and internationally advantageous within the South Korean context, this research study aims to determine if South Koreans would feel the same way about Konglish if it were legitimately accepted as a standardized variety of English. This study also explores how native Korean speakers view their identity as English speakers, as a means of determining the effects the English language within the South Korean context.
Investigating head-disk interface issues at near-contact using take-off pressure measurements

Summary form only given. It is widely recognized that as magnetic recording densities in hard disk drives approach hundreds of Gb/sq. in., the head-disk clearance is expected to be in the sub-10 nm range. This decrease in mechanical spacing represents a formidable challenge to assuring long-term mechanical reliability of the interface. Consequently, there are several efforts focused at developing improved components for flyability together with efforts at gaining an understanding of the physical processes that occur at small spacing. As a part of this effort, we have investigated a wide variety of head and disk components to assess the tribological aspects of the head-disk interface for applications in near-contact recording systems using a relatively simple test procedure. In this paper, we describe this procedure and the principal experimental results obtained in four specific areas: (a) the role of disk surface roughness and waviness; (b) the influence of disk lubricant thickness; (c) the effect of molecular weight of disk lubricant; and (d) slider attributes.
Applying fuzzy mathematics to empirical work in political science

This paper discusses the effort that scholars have been engaged in to develop the necessary theoretical basis for political scientists to apply fuzzy logic to empirical analysis in social choice. This paper discusses the many successes scholars have had in this endeavor. It also provides direction for future work in answering questions that have yet to be resolved adequately.
Electron microscopic studies of the myometrium of the guinea pig. The smooth muscle cell of the myometrium before and during pregnancy.

Abstract Myometrial biopsies from virgin nulliparous and term pregnant guinea pigs were prepared for electron microscopy. The changes in the fine structure of the smooth muscle cell of the uterus are the subject of this report. Uterine smooth muscle cells not only increase in size but also exhibit marked changes in their subcellular structure. Myofilaments increase in length and number, glycogen particles occupy large areas of the cytoplasm, and the mitochondria become more numerous. Granular and agranular varieties of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes increase greatly in size and complexity and become similar in many respects to those of secretory cells. The significance of these and other changes and their role in preparing the myometrium for pregnancy and labor are discussed.
Measurement Comparability in Cross-Cultural Surveys: Evidence from Qatar

Surveys promise universal comparability with quantitative analysis, but in order to fully benefit from this knowledge, the conceptual issues of validity and equivalence across individuals and cultures must be addressed. One of the most difficult problems in survey research is the variance in individual responses that occurs when individuals interpret questions and concepts in dissimilar ways. The statistical methodology of anchoring vignettes (King et al. 2004) can help us correct for individual interpretations and understandings of survey questions, so that data can be used validly and reliably in comparative research. This paper presents results from the first applications of the anchoring vignettes methodology in Qatar, conducted in two original, representative, and nation-wide public opinion surveys in 2013 and 2014. These anchoring vignettes give insight into two important components of the state-society relationship in an oil-rich polity: Qatari citizens’ evaluations of their personal economic situation and their personal political efficacy. Besides these empirical and theoretical findings, the survey results also carry implications and lessons for best practices of survey methodology in the understudied region of the Middle East.
What Does It Mean to Assess Gifted Students' Perceptions of Giftedness Labels?.

Measuring gifted and talented (GT) students’ perceptions of their GT label might seem to be a relatively straightforward affair. Most of this research uses survey methods that ask GT students to complete Likert scale or open-ended response questionnaires about their perceptions of the label and then presents results in clear and quantifiable terms, such as “X % of students hold positive perceptions of the GT label.” However, our qualitative study of GT students in two middle school social studies classrooms presents findings that not only trouble, but prompt questions about simple proclamations regarding GT students’ perceptions of the GT label. What we found was that given the opportunity to share their thoughts at length, this group of GT students expressed a range of often contradictory perceptions about their GT label. Students expressed multiple interpretations and perceptions of the GT label, as well as both embraced the label and rejected the label.
Studies on the Systematic Position of the Bruchophagus gibbus Complex (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

Longconfused under the name B. gibbus (Boheman, 1836), three distinct species of Bruchophagus develop in red clover, alfalfa, and trefoil, respectively, both in Xortli America and in the Palaearctic Region. B. gibbus is the red clover species, the one found in alfalfa is B. roddi Gussakovskii, 1933, and that in trefoil is B. kolobovae Fedoseeva, 1956. These species are most easily distinguished by characters of the female genitalia.
Toward Thermoplastic Lignin Polymers. Part 1. Selective Masking of Phenolic Hydroxyl Groups in Kraft Lignins via Methylation and Oxypropylation Chemistries

This work offers a comprehensive understanding of the conditions required for the selective masking of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in technical kraft lignins, which is pivotal in determining their subsequent chemical and thermal reactivity. To this effect, we have examined the chemistry and developed the conditions for the facile, mild, and selective masking of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in softwood and hardwood kraft lignins. We have compared two series of methylated softwood kraft lignins synthesized using different methylation chemistries. Our data show that (when used as specified) dimethyl sulfate in aqueous NaOH selectively converts the phenolic hydroxyl groups of kraft lignin to its methylated derivatives without apparent side reactions. In contrast, methyl iodide (in the presence of excess K2CO3 in N,N-dimethylformamide) was found to be rather ineffective and unselective. Various milder methylation conditions were also examined for both softwood and hardwood kraft lignins using dimethyl sulfate, and the details of this work are documented. In addition, a series of oxypropylation reactions were also carried out using propylene oxide in aqueous NaOH. Propylene oxide was shown to selectively add (at room temperature, 0.5 M NaOH, 18 h) less than two units on average per phenolic hydroxyl group without significant additional polymerization or other side reactions.
Neville Carrick, Haw to Find Out About the Arts

(1968). Neville Carrick, Haw to Find Out About the Arts. Art Journal: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 116, 120.
Neonatal Airway Obstruction: An Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment

Airway obstruction is one of the most common life-threatening conditions among newborns and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the neonatologist. Successfully distinguishing between the many potential airway lesions will lead to a more rapid and efficient evaluation and enhance patient outcomes. This review addresses each anatomic level of potential upper airway compromise, highlighting appropriate studies to determine the diagnosis and outline the necessary treatments.
Agents for treating human immunodeficiency virus infection

The replicative cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is reviewed, and currently used and investigational agents directed against the virus are discussed. The first step in the replication of HIV is selective binding of the envelope glycoprotein to CD4 receptors located on T lymphocytes. The virion is then uncoated within the cytoplasm, yielding viral genomic RNA. Reverse transcriptase uses the viral RNA as a template to form single-stranded DNA, which is duplicated to form proviral DNA through the activity of ribonuclease H. Host RNA polymerases transcribe the integrated proviral DNA into messenger RNA, and there is subsequent translation to viral proteins. After translation, further modification of precursor polyproteins is necessary to produce functional peptides. The assembled virus then buds from the cell surface and invades other cells. Targets of drug intervention in the replicative cycle include (1) binding and entry, (2) reverse transcriptase, (3) transcription and translation, and (4) viral maturation and budding. Inhibitors of binding and entry include recombinant soluble CD4, immunoadhesins, peptide T, and hypericin. Nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors include zidovudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, and stavudine. Foscarnet, tetrahydroimidazobenzo-diazepinthione compounds, and nevirapine are some nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. Inhibitors of transcription and translation include antagonists of the tat gene and GLQ223. Castanospermine, N-butyldeoxynojirimycin, and protease inhibitors interfere with viral maturation and budding. Drug combinations that have been or are being investigated include zidovudine plus interferon alfa, zidovudine plus zalcitabine, and zidovudine plus didanosine. Four agents currently have approved labeling for use against HIV infection: zidovudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, and stavudine. Monotherapy with zidovudine remains the treatment of first choice. Although progress has been made in developing drug therapies for HIV infection, more selective and more potent drugs are urgently needed. The best approach at present is to optimize the use of available agents, continue to investigate new therapies, and educate the public about prevention.
The hydroxylase cofactor and catecholamine synthesis

Our concepts of the molecular mechanisms relating to the regulation of neurotransmitter synthesis in catecholamine neurons are in state of constant revision. Following the original description of tyrosine hydroxylase as the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, a rather simple regulatory system was proposed (Nagatsu et al. 1974). The finding that catecholamines were competitive inhibitors with regard to the reduced cofactor that served as an electron donor for the reaction suggested that the tyrosine hydroxylase reaction was controlled by simple end-product inhibition. In essence, as the concentration of neurotransmitters within a catecholaminergic neuron fell following neuronal firing, end-product inhibition would be relieved and synthesis of replacement transmitter would occur. Conversely, as neurotransmitter accumulated in the nerve terminal, synthesis of additional transmitter would be inhibited. This simple concept was attractive and certain pharmacological manipulations provided support for a physiological role for end-product inhibition.
Consequences of Computational Limits

It might seem odd that an economist would write a critique of a materialist approach to his field. After all, of the many areas of social inquiry, economics is the most concerned with the activities and institutions that influence the material aspects of human culture: the standard of living, production, investment, innovation, consumption, prices, and markets. In addition, more than any of the other social sciences, economics has emulated the natural sciences in adopting mathematical modeling as the standard format for its discourse (at least in academic circles). The scientific method is empirical and model-based. In economics, optimization and maximization principles have served to provide the restrictions that narrow the range of what allegedly can happen, leading to predictions that are testable and hypotheses that can be falsified.