cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF PURGING TIME ON THE SENSORY PROPERTIES OF AQUACULTURED SOUTHERN FLOUNDER (PARALICHTHYS LETHOSTIGMA)

This study was conducted to determine the impact of purging on the sensory flavor properties and consumer acceptance of aquacultured southern flounder, especially with regard to earthy/musty off-flavor common in aquacultured seafood. Flounders were placed into three different purge tanks based on salinity level (0, 15 and 30 ppt) and were held for 0, 2 or 4 weeks. Flounders were then filleted, vacuum-sealed and frozen at −20C. The fillets were poached in their vacuum-sealed pouches until cooked. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted using a defined sensory lexicon (appearance and flavor) to document sensory properties. Consumer acceptance testing (n = 75 consumers) was then conducted. Differences between treatments were evaluated by analysis of variance with means separation. Two or four weeks of purging, regardless of salinity level, decreased earthy/musty off-flavor in cooked fillets. There was no difference in salty taste perception between 15 and 30 ppt salinity (P < 0.05). Consumers could not differentiate between fish purged for 2 or 4 weeks (P < 0.05), and acceptance for purged fillets was higher than acceptance for unpurged fillets (P < 0.05). The use of purging tanks for aquacultured flounder will be beneficial to the industry to guarantee a consistent and desirable flavor. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Aquacultured flounder fillets are highly desirable and a potentially profitable product, but earthy/musty off flavor can limit consumer appeal. The results of our study demonstrate that purging flounder in fresh water for 2 weeks reduces earthy/musty off-flavor in cooked flounder fillets, and will help meet the goal of a high-quality and consistently flavored product.
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia: results after 10 years.

Background Laparoscopic Heller myotomy was first undertaken in the early 1990s, and appreciable numbers of patients with 10-year follow-up periods are now available. This study was undertaken to determine long-term outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy used to treat achalasia.
Mating types and convertibility among soil isolates of Histoplasma capsulatum.

The complete life cycle of Histoplasma capsulatum Darling was revealed in 1972 when Kwon-Chung (1972a, b) discovered the sexual state, Emmonsiella capsulata, which has been recently transferred to the genus Ajellomyces by McGinnis and Katz (1979). The organism is heterothallic, having a (+) and (-) mating system (Kwon-Chung, 1973). In 1974 Kwon-Chung et al., reported a 1 (+): 1 (-) overall ratio of mating types among 939 soil isolates, and a 1 (+): 7 (-) ratio among 184 clinical isolates of H. capsulatum. They also reported that the (-) mating type converted to the yeast phase (tissue phase) more readily in vitro than the (+) type, and suggested that the higher conversion rate of the (-) strains might partly explain why the (-) type is more frequent among the clinical isolates. In this paper we report the results of our study of 338 soil isolates of H. capsulatum. The isolation procedures through mice and the origin of these isolates are reported elsewhere (Gaur and Lichtwardt, 1980). All isolates of H. capsulatum were paired with Dr. KwonChung's tester strains, T-4-2 (+) and T-3-1 (-) on yeast-extract-agar medium (Kwon-Chung, 1973) and incubated for 3 wk at room temperature. Production of cleistothecia was verified microscopically. Excluded from this study are 31 isolates which paired with both tester strains, possibly due to mixed cultures. In-vitro conversion from the filamentous phase to the yeast phase was done at 37 C on brain-heart-infusion agar (Difco) supplemented with 0.1% L-cystine and 1% glucose (BHI+). Up to five serial transfers of each isolate were made to fresh media every 4 to 5 da. Only those cultures which produced almost entirely unicellular growth were
Ovarian preservation in a young patient with Gorlin syndrome and multiple bilateral ovarian masses.

Objective To report a case of bilateral ovarian fibromas and ovarian leiomyomas in a young patient with Gorlin syndrome and to highlight issues of fertility preservation, ovarian conservation, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in this population. Design Case report. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) A 15-year-old female patient with Gorlin syndrome and bilateral ovarian masses. Intervention(s) Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, hormone analysis, and laparotomy with resection of ovarian fibromas. Main Outcome Measure(s) Preservation of ovarian function, pathologic diagnosis. Result(s) Our patient represented an adolescent case of bilateral ovarian fibromas and leiomyomas in Gorlin syndrome presenting with menstrual irregularities. She was managed surgically with resection of the lesions and conservation of normal ovarian tissue. Conclusion(s) In Gorlin syndrome, ovarian fibromas are a common clinical manifestation. Patients with ovarian involvement may present with complex gynecologic needs and may have decreased fertility potential. Careful surgical management, follow-up, and counseling on options for future fertility should be offered to all patients.
Face recognition with disguise and single gallery images

This paper presents a face recognition algorithm that addresses two major challenges. The first is when an individual intentionally alters the appearance and features using disguises, and the second is when limited gallery images are available for recognition. The algorithm uses a dynamic neural network architecture to extract the phase features of the face texture using 2D log polar Gabor transform. The phase features are divided into frames which are matched using the Hamming distance. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated using three databases that comprise of real and synthetic face images with different disguise artifacts. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated for decreasing number of gallery images and various types of disguises. In all cases the proposed algorithm shows a better performance compared to other existing algorithms.
O(6,22) BPS configurations of the heterotic string.

We present a static multicenter magnetic solution of toroidally compactified heterotic string theory, which is {ital T}-duality covariant. The space-time geometry depends on the mass {ital M} and on the O(6,22) norm {ital N} of the magnetic charges. For a different range of parameters the ({ital M},{ital N}) solution includes (1) two-independent-positive-parameter extremal magnetic black holes with a nonsingular geometry in a stringy frame ({ital a}=1 black holes included), (2) {ital a}={radical}3 extremal black holes, and (3) singular massive and massless magnetic white holes (repulsons). The electric multicenter solution is also given in an O(6,22)-symmetric form. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Parabolic interior Schauder estimates by the maximum principle

In [1] Brandt proved all of the assertions of the parabolic interior Schauder estimates regarding Holder continuity in x (exponent α) by a very simple maximum principle argument. In this paper we give a simple maximum principle proof of Holder continuity in t (exponent α/2). In fact we show that each derivative Dx2u is Holder continuous in t (exponent α/2) even if the coefficients and nonhomogeneous term are not.
Extending the detection limit of solid-phase electrochemical enzyme immunoassay to the attomole level.

Electrochemical enzyme immunoassay methodology has been developed to take advantage of the selectivity of antibody reactions, the amplification feature of an enzyme-based assay, and the ease with which small amounts of the enzyme-generated product can be detected electrochemically. A heterogeneous sandwich enzyme immunoassay was used in this work as the model assay. In this type of assay, the antigen is sandwiched between the enzyme conjugate and a primary antibody that is adsorbed to the solid phase. Alkaline phosphatase is a suitable enzyme for electrochemical assays since it catalyzes the conversion of electroinactive phenyl phosphate to electroactive phenol. The product, phenol, is then quantitated by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in a thin-layer flow cell with a carbon paste electrode at 0.895 V vs AgAgCl. The current produced by the oxidation of phenol is directly proportional to the analyte (antigen) concentration. The problem associated with these types of solid-phase immunoassays is that the adsorption of the primary antibody is desired while the adsorption of other assay proteins is not. The detection limits are generally defined by the ability to control this nonspecific adsorption. The detection limit of a previous electrochemical assay for rabbit IgG was 100 pg/ml and was limited by a large background current observed in the absence of antigen. In the present study, each step of the assay was examined in order to determine the sources of this background current, and it was found that the major contribution was from the nonspecific adsorption of the enzyme conjugate. Using combinations of Tween 20 and bovine serum albumin as blocking agents, the level of nonspecific adsorption was reduced by 96%. Controlling the adsorption of the conjugate in this way lowered the detection limit for this assay from the original 100 to 7.5 pg/ml.
Relationships between Actin Regulatory Mechanisms and Measurable State Variables

In this report we extend our recent mathematical formulation of the actin cycle model [Bindschadler et al. Biophys. J. 86 (2004) 2720] to predict the influence of key regulatory mechanisms on network-scale state variables estimable in live cell experiments. Specifically, we examine the influence of regulation by cofilin, profilin, capping protein and proteins that adjust filament number through nucleation and/or filament severing, on the higher order variables of average filament length, polymer fraction, and filament turnover rate. Importantly, we find that severing/nucleation, the acceleration of ADP-subunit disassembly by cofilin, and the catalytic and shuttle functions of profilin have ‘signature’ effects on the higher order state variables. In this way, measurement of the state variables in live cells can allow inference of regulatory mechanism(s) underlying changes in cell state. Our results compare favorably to published data for endothelial cells undergoing a transition from non-motile confluent cells to highly motile subconfluent cells. The extension of our model to higher order state variables allows us to investigate other important issues such as the distinction between basic and higher order measures of filament dynamics, the influence of thymosin β4 on network state variables, the interplay between thymosin β4 and profilin, and the synergystic effects of cofilin and profilin.
Recycling of a single human blastomere fixed on a microscopic slide for sexing and diagnosis of specific mutations by various types of polymerase chain reaction

Abstract Objective: To investigate the suitability of recycling single blastomeres to assess multiple genetic variables for preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: An academic medical center. Patient(s): Patients undergoing IVF-ET. Intervention(s): Blastomeres were disaggregated from donated embryos obtained from patients. Main Outcome Measure(s): Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification products. Result(s): Fifty-eight blastomeres individually fixed on slides were separated into four groups. Sequential PCRs (group I, n=30), primed in situ labeling (PRINS) before five sequential PCRs (group II, n=10), staining with hematoxylin before performing five sequential PCRs (group III, n=11) and preamplification of whole DNAs by degenerate oligonucleotide primer (DOP) before performing PCR were executed. The amplification efficiencies of five sequential PCRs were 100%, 100%, 96.6%, 83.3%, 56.7% for group I; 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, 40% for group II; 54.5%, 36.4%, 18.2%, 9.1% for group III; and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% for group IV. Conclusion(s): Blastomeres fixed for PRINS can be recycled for PCR to obtain more genetic information. Hematoxylin staining appears to increase the incidence of failed amplification. Preamplification of whole genomic DNAs by DOP-PCR appears to facilitate diagnosis with high efficiency.
A Kalman filter for estimating nanopore channel conductance in voltage-varying experiments

Time-varying voltage patterns have expanded the capabilities of the nanopore instrument for single molecule manipulation and measurement, in research and commercial applications. The ability to apply time-varying voltages enhances the nanopore as a tool for single-molecule biophysical studies, for example, by permitting dynamic force spectroscopy. A challenge with voltage-varying experiments is that capacitance in the system is excited and masks the contribution of the nanopore channel conductance in the measured current. The channel conductance, however, is the parameter that is used to infer the dynamics of the complex (e.g., DNA, or DNA-protein) in the pore, and also the parameter that can reveal the sequence of the DNA nucleotides as the DNA passes through the pore in nanopore sequencing. We present the first derivation and experimental implementation of a Kalman filter for estimating the channel conductance under time-varying voltage conditions. The estimator accurately recovers the step-change in open channel conductance that occurs when the voltage changes polarity, shown here in simulated and experimental conditions with sinusoidal voltages with varying amplitude and frequency. Future work will apply the estimator to detect smaller step changes induced by DNA-protein complexes on the nanopore, and by DNA nucleotides that pass through the nanopore.
Sir2 Regulation by Nicotinamide Results from Switching between Base Exchange and Deacetylation Chemistry

Life span regulation and inhibition of gene silencing in yeast have been linked to nicotinamide effects on Sir2 enzymes. The Sir2 enzymes are NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that influence gene expression by forming deacetylated proteins, nicotinamide and 2‘-O-acetyl-ADPR. Nicotinamide is a base-exchange substrate as well as a biologically effective inhibitor. Characterization of the base-exchange reaction reveals that nicotinamide regulates sirtuins by switching between deacetylation and base exchange. Nicotinamide switching is quantitated for the Sir2s from Archeaglobus fulgidus (Sir2Af2), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sir2p), and mouse (Sir2α). Inhibition of deacetylation was most effective for mouse Sir2α, suggesting species-dependent development of this regulatory mechanism. The Sir2s are proposed to form a relatively stable covalent intermediate between ADPR and the acetyl oxygen of the acetyllysine−protein substrate. During the lifetime of this intermediate, nicotinamide occupation of the catalytic...
1,1-Dioxonaphtho[1,2-b]thiophene-2-methyloxycarbonyl (α-Nsmoc) and 3,3-Dioxonaphtho[2,1-b]thiophene-2-methyloxycarbonyl (β-Nsmoc) Amino-Protecting Groups†

Of the three theoretically possible, Bsmoc-related, naphthothiophene sulfone-based amino-protecting groups, the two most readily available derivatives, the α- and β-Nsmoc analogues, have been examined as substitutes for the Bsmoc residue in cases where the latter lead to oily protected amino acids or amino acid fluorides. All of the naphtho systems gave easily handled solid amino acid derivatives. The intermediate sulfone alcohol 11 used as the key reagent for introduction of the α-Nsmoc protecting group was readily made from α-tetralone (Scheme 1). The corresponding β-analogue 17 was made similarly on a small scale, but due to the high cost of β-tetralone, an alternate route involving reaction of rhodanine with α-naphthaldehyde was used for large-scale work (Scheme 2). All proteinogenic amino acids were converted to their α- and β-Nsmoc derivatives. Deblocking studies showed that the reactivity toward deblocking by piperidine followed the order α-Nsmoc > Bsmoc > β-Nsmoc. 1H NMR experiments showed that de...
Control problems governed by Sobolev partial differential equations

Abstract Let G be a bounded subset of R n with a smooth boundary and Q = G × (0, T ]. We consider a control problem governed by the Sobolev initial-value problem My t ( u ) + Ly ( u ) = u in L 2 ( Q ), y (·, 0; u ) = 0 in L 2 ( G ), where M = M ( x ) and L = L ( x ) are symmetric uniformly strongly elliptic operators of orders 2 m and 2 l , respectively. The problem is to find the control u 0 of L 2 (Q) -norm at most b that steers to within a prescribed tolerance ϱ of a given function Z in L 2 ( G ) and that minimizes a certain energy functional. Our main results establish regularity properties of u 0 . We also give results concerning the existence and uniqueness of the optimal control, the controllability of Sobolev initial-value problems, and properties of the Lagrange multipliers associated with the problem constraints.
A physically complete model applied to BUD time-domain EMI data

In this paper a physically complete model called the Normalized Surface Magnetic Source (NSMS) model is applied to data collected using the Berkeley UXO Discriminator time-domain sensor. The sensor has three pairs of rectangular transmitters and eight pairs of receivers that measure gradients of scattered fields. The system is cart-based and produces well-located EMI data sets. In order to take advantage of this high quality data the NSMS technique is utilized for the BUD instrument. The NSMS is a very simple and robust technique for predicting the EMI responses of various objects. The technique is applicable to any combination of magnetic or electromagnetic induction data for any arbitrary homogeneous or heterogeneous 3D object or set of objects. The NSMS approach uses magnetic dipoles, distributed on a fictitious closed surface, as responding sources for predicting an object's EMI response. The amplitudes of the NSMS sources are determined from actual measured data and the resulting total NSMS is used as a discriminant. To demonstrate the applicability of the NSMS technique, we compare actual and predicted data for various UXO. The data were collected at Yuma Proving Ground UXO sites by personnel from the University of California, Berkeley.
Reversed field pinch: recent results

The understanding of fluctuations and transport in the reversed field pinch (RFP) has been enhanced substantially. In this summary of results, the authors focus upon those which are not only useful for RFP understanding, but which are new to fusion plasma physics as a whole. Hence, in the area of fluctuations they report on new measurements of current density fluctuations, flow velocity fluctuations, and radial dependence of the wave vectors. These measurements all support the interpretation of the low frequency fluctuations as tearing modes, and show that high frequency fluctuations are localized, resonant turbulence. Three wave nonlinear coupling of the tearing modes have been measured directly using bispectral analysis of magnetic fluctuations. Qualitative agreement is obtained with predictions of nonlinear MHD.
Age-related association of fine particles and ozone with severe acute asthma in New York City.

Background Ambient fine particles (particular matter 2.5 ]) and ozone exacerbate respiratory conditions including asthma. There is little documentation determining whether children are more vulnerable to the effects of ambient pollution than adults, or whether pollution causes life-threatening episodes requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Objective We investigate the relationship between severe asthma morbidity and PM 2.5 and ozone in the warm season, and determine whether there is an age-related susceptibility to pollution. Methods Daily time-series analysis of 6008 asthma ICU admissions and 69,375 general (non-ICU) asthma admissions in 4 age groups ( a priori exposure time window of the average of 0-day and 1-day lagged pollutants. Results Age was a significant effect modifier for hospitalizations, and children age 6 to 18 years consistently had the highest risk. Among children age 6 to 18 years, there was a 26% (95% CI, 10% to 44%) increased rate of ICU admissions and a 19% increased rate of general hospitalizations (95% CI, 12% to 27%) for each 12-μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 . For each 22-ppb increase in ozone, there was a 19% (95% CI, 1% to 40%) increased risk for ICU admissions and a 20% (95% CI, 11% to 29%) increased risk for general hospitalizations. Conclusion Warm weather patterns of ozone and PM 2.5 disproportionately affect children with asthma and appear responsible for severe attacks that could have been avoided.
Aberrant neuronal-glial differentiation in Taylor-type focal cortical dysplasia (type IIA/B)

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIA/B (Taylor type) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by laminar disorganization and dysplastic neurons. FCD IIA and FCD IIB denote subtypes in which balloon cells are absent or present, respectively. The etiology of FCD IIA/B is unknown, but previous studies suggest that its pathogenesis may involve aberrant, mixed neuronal-glial differentiation. To investigate whether aberrant differentiation is a consistent phenotype in FCD IIA/B, we studied a panel of neuronal and glial marker antigens in a series of 15 FCD IIB cases, and 2 FCD IIA cases. Double-labeling immunofluorescence and confocal imaging revealed that different combinations of neuronal and glial antigens were co-expressed by individual cells in all cases of FCD IIA/B, but not in control cases of epilepsy due to other causes. Co-expression of neuronal and glial markers was most common in balloon cells, but was also observed in dysplastic neurons. The relative expression of neuronal and glial antigens varied over a broad range. Microtubule-associated protein 1B, an immature neuronal marker, was more frequently co-expressed with glial antigens than were mature neuronal markers, such as neuronal nuclear antigen. Our results indicate that aberrant neuronal-glial differentiation is a consistent and robust phenotype in FCD IIA/B, and support the hypothesis that developmental defects of neuronal and glial fate specification play an important role in its pathogenesis.
The Effect of ACTH on Adrenocortical Secretion and Ascorbic Acid Depletion in Normal and Testosterone Treated Cockerels

Abstract THE ACTION of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the bird, especially the young bird, has been the subject of some controversy. Early workers were unable to elicit adrenal ascorbic acid (AA) or cholesterol depletion in birds with ACTH (see Elton et al., 1959, for a review). Similarly Dulin (1953) and Conner (1959) reported a lack of adrenal enlargement in response to ACTH administered to 4–6 week old chicks. However, recent avain studies have confirmed many of the classical actions of ACTH on vertebrates. Perek and Eckstein (1959) demonstrated that “adult chickens” do show adrenal AA depletion in response to ACTH. Similarly, Siegel and Bean (1961) and Siegel (1961) have reported adrenal cholesterol depletion, plasma hyperglycemia and hypercholesteremia in response to ACTH treatment of chickens 46 days old. These authors and Garren et al. (1961) have also reported adrenal weight increases in response to ACTH. The classic lympholytic action induced by …
Metabolic Acclimation of Root Tips to Oxygen Deficiency

Abstract Survival of roots in O 2 deficient media appears to depend on two completely opposing stratagems; the one involving cell survival, the other, cell death. In the apical zone of maize primary roots, the ability of cells to tolerate hypoxia or anoxia is paramount so that the meristem is not destroyed. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of protein synthesis ensures that enzymes of the glycolytic and ethanolic fermentation pathway are abundant in seedling root tips that have previously acclimated to low O 2 . By contrast, anaerobically shocked cells are much less able to tolerate anoxia and quickly succumb. Acclimation is associated with higher anaerobic respiration rates, greater energy metabolism and improved survival after transfer to anoxia. Hypoxia also sets in motion an entirely different set of responses in the zone close to the tip where cell elongation is ceasing, resulting in a change of root structure. Ethylene-dependent lysis of cortical cells is induced, these cells being selectively sacrificed to form aerenchyma and thereby improve the internal oxygenation of the root. The significance of the hypoxic induction of changes in the activities of various key enzymes associated with cell death and lysis is discussed.
A Macro-Level Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Program for Native Americans and Alaska Natives: Description and Evaluation*

Presented here are a detailed description and outcome evaluation of a comprehensive, macro-level Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention program for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The program was designed to provide native communities throughout the United States with the knowledge, skills and strategies to initiate primary, secondary and tertiary prevention measures on their own. The key to the program was the training of a cadre of trainers/advocates in all local Native American and Alaska Native communities served by the Indian Health Service. These people were then supported and assisted in their efforts through a variety of means. Evaluation results of knowledge gained indicate that the local trainers had substantial success in imparting FAS information to a variety of audiences (prenatal groups, school children and community groups). Further, the evaluation samples also indicate that the knowledge was retained by the groups over time (2-4 months) and that there may have been some general diffusion o...
Use of a massive transfusion protocol in nontrauma patients: activate away.

Background Recently, concern has been raised that the use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) in nontrauma (ie, general medical/surgical [GMS]) patients might be inefficient due to protocol overactivation (activation in patients who do not ultimately receive massive transfusion). The current study was designed to investigate whether an MTP could be used effectively in GMS patients without detrimentally impacting resource allocation. Study Design A retrospective analysis was performed using institutional blood bank records from 2011. Trauma and GMS patients who had ≥10 U packed RBC issued to them in a single release were identified and categorized into MTP and no MTP (nMTP) cohorts. Results The protocol was overactivated in 53.8% of GMS patients. Activation of the MTP accelerated the delivery of component products for all patients. In GMS MTP patients, fresh frozen plasma units were issued a median of 7 minutes earlier than in GMS nMTP patients (MTP: median 1.0 minute; interquartile range [IQR] 0.0 to 2.0 minutes vs nMTP: median 8.0 minutes; IQR 0.0 to 37.5 minutes; p = 0.009), and platelet units were issued 17 minutes earlier (MTP: median 7.0 minutes; IQR 0.0 to 15.0 minutes vs nMTP: median 24.0 minutes; IQR 9.0 to 96.0 minutes; p = 0.010). In GMS MTP patients, there was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of platelet units wasted (MTP 12.8% vs nMTP 8.1%; p = 0.046). This increase was also seen in trauma MTP patients (MTP 12.2% vs nMTP 4.0%; p Conclusions Despite finding that our MTP is overactivated in GMS patients, we could identify no unique disadvantages to its use with respect to resource allocation. In fact, a potential advantage to MTP activation exists, as products are issued more quickly with less variability. Our findings of increased platelet waste were not unique to GMS patients and should be used as a metric for quality improvement.
Multi‐variate t Autoregressions: Innovations, Prediction Variances and Exact Likelihood Equations

. The multi-variate t distribution provides a viable framework for modelling volatile time-series data; it includes the multi-variate Cauchy and normal distributions as special cases. For multi-variate t autoregressive models, we study the nature of the innovation distribution and the prediction error variance; the latter is nonconstant and satisfies a kind of generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroscedastic model. We derive the exact likelihood equations for the model parameters, they are related to the Yule–Walker equations and involve simple functions of the data, the model parameters and the autocovariances up to the order of the model. The maximum likelihood estimators are obtained by alternately solving two linear systems and illustrated using the lynx data. The simplicity of these equations contributes greatly to our theoretical understanding of the likelihood function and the ensuing estimators. Their range of applications are not limited to the parameters of autoregressive models; in fact, they are applicable to the parameters of ARMA models and covariance matrices of stochastic processes whose finite-dimensional distributions are multi-variate t.
Kinetics of permeation and gating in membrane channels

Abstract A multiphase system in which a thin membrane separates two ionic phases possesses special properties which are difficult, if not impossible, to observe in homogeneous phases. The bulk of these properties for biological systems are generated by special protein channels which span the membrane. These channels can respond to a change in transmembrane potential with a conformational change which produces an ion-selective, conducting channel between the two solution phases. Knowledge of the primary protein channel structure, determined by using DNA sequencing techniques, has generated models for the tertiary structure of this protein in a bilayer membrane. This information, in turn, has stimulated fresh interest in developing consistent physical mechanisms for ion permeation and selectivity in conducting channels, anomalous permeation of ions produced by binding or multi-ion occupancy, the motions of charged protein groups or regions responsible for gating the channel from a closed to an open, conducting conformatation, and the development of consistent kinetic mechanisms for both ion permeation and protein channel conformational changes. New experimental and theoretical approaches to clarify the nature of these mechanisms are reviewed.
Gelatin sponge closure device versus manual compression after peripheral arterial catheterization procedures.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the QuickSeal system, which delivers an over-the-wire extravascular porcine gelatin sponge (nonbovine and noncollagen), compared with manual compression in a single interventional radiology practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-institution report involves 141 patients undergoing peripheral diagnostic and interventional procedures in a teaching and private-practice setting. A 3:2 device-to-control ratio was used with randomization stratified by type of procedure, interventional or diagnostic. Primary endpoints included time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation (TTA), and rate of major complications. Sheaths were removed in the device group when activated clotting times (ACTs) were RESULTS The mean TTH was significantly shorter ( P CONCLUSION The tested device reduced TTH, TTA, and eligibility for hospital discharge while maintaining a safety profile equivalent to that of manual compression in diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Contract Duration, Inflation Uncertainty, and the Welfare Effects of Inflation

Abstract Many economists have argued that higher inflation is costly because it produces a more uncertain inflation. This argument is incomplete. The relevant measure of inflation uncertainty is a relative one, and for higher inflation uncertainty to lower welfare requires that inflation uncertainty rise by a sufficient amount. It is possible for higher inflation to cause higher inflation uncertainty, and at the same time welfare could increase. This point is illustrated in a model of contract duration.
Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy during cardiopulmonary bypass predicts superior vena cava oxygen saturation

Objective Cerebral and flank near-infrared spectroscopy are used to monitor tissue oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients. We sought to validate these noninvasive measurements as predictors of oxygen saturation in the superior and inferior venae cavae during cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Eight patients underwent elective repair of congenital heart defects with bicaval cannulation. Ultrasonic flow probes and oximetric catheters were placed in the superior and inferior venae cavae limbs of the perfusion circuit. Cerebral and flank near-infrared spectroscopy and 12 additional variables were recorded each minute on cardiopulmonary bypass. Relationships between these variables and superior and inferior venae cavae oxygen saturation were analyzed by linear mixed modeling. The regression of superior vena cava oxygen saturation by current cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and 1-minute lag cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy, which are equivalent to the regression of the superior vena cava saturation by the current cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and the 1-minute change in cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy, were used to assess cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy as a trend monitor. Results The mean number of observation time points per patient was 86 (median 72, range 34–194) for 690 total observations. The root mean square percentage error was 6.39% for the prediction model of superior vena cava saturation by single-factor cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy. The root mean square percentage error was 10.8% for the prediction model of inferior vena cava saturation by single-factor flank near-infrared spectroscopy. Conclusions Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy accurately predicts superior vena cava oxygen saturation and changes in superior vena cava oxygen saturation on cardiopulmonary bypass. The relationship between flank near-infrared spectroscopy and inferior vena cava saturation is not as strong.
Galvanometer efficiency as a design parameter

IN THE ordinary use of a galvanometer, its response to a small voltage in a closed circuit is almost always the point of interest; its action can only be completely understood if the galvanometer is considered as a circuit element. The response of a galvanometer in the detector branch of a bridge or potentiometer circuit informs the operator of the direction and magnitude of the adjustment he must make to reduce the unbalance of the network. Reduced to its simplest terms, the galvanometer sees a certain resistance connected across its terminals in which a certain electromotive force (emf), the unbalanced voltage in the network, is present. The galvanometer acts in all respects like an electric motor which stalls after winding a spring (the galvanometer suspension). The useful work is represented by the energy stored in the suspensions of the deflected instrument. It is therefore proper to inquire what use the galvanometer makes of the power available at its terminals,1 and what means can be used to make it utilize this power efficiently in its motor action.
CD18 Deficiency Protects against Multiple Low-Dose Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Leukocyte recruitment into pancreatic islets is believed to play an important pathophysiological role in autoimmune diabetes. Previous reports have suggested that several different adhesion molecules may be involved in leukocyte recruitment during autoimmune diabetes, including members of the leukocyte β 2 integrins. Here we report that a gene-targeted deficiency of the β 2 integrin, CD18, protects against multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced autoimmune diabetes. CD18 null mice displayed lower blood glucose values throughout the study, with only 10% of these mice eventually developing diabetes compared to 95% in the control group. Importantly, the development of insulitis was markedly absent in the CD18 null mice, suggesting that members of this integrin subfamily predominately regulate leukocyte infiltration into pancreatic islets. This study demonstrates that the β 2 integrins play a key pathophysiological role in the development of multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced autoimmune diabetes.
Red cell distribution width, C-reactive protein, the complete blood count, and mortality in patients with coronary disease and a normal comparison population

Abstract Background Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with morbidity and mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD), but the connection of RDW with chronic inflammation is equivocal. Methods In 1,489 patients with CAD and 8.4–15.2 years of follow-up all-cause mortality and RDW were studied using Cox regression. RDW and its associations with inflammation, liver function, renal function, and body mass were assessed. A population of 449 normal (No-CAD) patients also was evaluated. Results RDW predicted all-cause mortality in a step-wise manner (HR = 1.37 per quintile; 95% CI = 1.29, 1.46; p-trend Conclusions RDW was associated with mortality in patients with CAD and may provide clinically useful prognostication. Although RDW was correlated with hsCRP, they were independent predictors of mortality. RDW has been incorporated into risk prediction tool using data from basic chemistries available at: http://intermountainhealthcare.org/IMRS .
Long-range correlations in nucleotide sequences

DNA sequences have been analysed using models, such as an n-step Markov chain, that incorporate the possibility of short-range nucleotide correlations. We propose here a method for studying the stochastic properties of nucleotide sequences by constructing a 1:1 map of the nucleotide sequence onto a walk, which we term a 'DNA walk'. We then use the mapping to provide a quantitative measure of the correlation between nucleotides over long distances along the DNA chain. Thus we uncover in the nucleotide sequence a remarkably long-range power law correlation that implies a new scale-invariant property of DNA. We find such long-range correlations in intron-containing genes and in nontranscribed regulatory DNA sequences, but not in complementary DNA sequences or intron-less genes.
Thermal hysteresis and the bolometric spectrum of orthorhombic TaS3

Abstract Measurements on the bolometric spectrum (250 – 2500 cm -1 ) and on thermal hysteresis in the resistivity of orthorhombic TaS 3 are reportd. Hysteresis loops which occur for voltages below the non-Ohmic threshold (V T ) close for V > V T , causing increases in the bolometric signal. A plateau occurs in the spectrum for ν > 1500 ± 30 cm -1 at ∼ 100 K, but disappears rapidly with increasing temperature. This plateau is tentatively identified with excitation across the charge density wave gap.
High resolution thermometry for the confined helium experiment

We report results with a newly designedCu(NH 4 ) 2 Br 4 ·2H 2 O paramagnetic salt high resolution thermometry that will be used in the confined helium experiment to be flown on space Shuttle. The improved thermometry has a fast response time and can measure temperature with a resolution of 0.3 nK in a 10 Hz bandwidth. Our measurements have shown that the effect of cosmic ray heating observed in the lambda point experiment in space can be reduced to a negligible level. The current thermometry appears capable of operating in space at the limit imposed by thermodynamic fluctuations.
Is Ultrasound More Accurate than Axial Computed Tomography for Determination of Maximal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diameter

Abstract Objective(s). Clinical assessment of maximal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter assumes clinical equivalency between ultrasound (US) and axial computed tomography (CT). Three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstruction allows for the assessment of AAA in the orthogonal plane and avoids oblique cuts due to AAA angulation. This study was undertaken to compare maximal AAA diameter by US, axial CT, and orthogonal CT, and to assess the effect that AAA angulation has on each measurement. Methods. Maximal AAA diameter by US (US max ), axial CT (axial max ), and orthogonal CT (orthogonal max ) along with aortic angulation and minor axis diameters were measured prospectively. Spiral CT data was processed by Medical Media Systems (West Lebanon, NH) to produce computerized axial CT and reformatted orthogonal CT images. The US technologists were blinded to all CT results and vice versa. Results. Thirty-eight patients were analyzed. Mean axial max (58.0 mm) was significantly larger ( P max (53.9 mm) or orthogonal max (54.7 mm). The difference between US max and orthogonal max (0.8 mm) was insignificant ( P >0.05). When aortic angulation was ≤25°, axial max (55.3 mm), US max (54.3 mm), and orthogonal max (54.1 mm) were similar ( P >0.05); however, when aortic angulation was >25°, axial max (60.1 mm) was significantly larger ( P max (53.8 mm) and orthogonal max (55.0 mm). The limits of agreement (LOA) between axial max and both US max and orthogonal max was poor and exceeded clinical acceptability (±5 mm). The variation between US max and orthogonal max was minimal with an acceptable LOA of −2.7 to 4.5 mm. Conclusion. Compared to axial CT, US is a better approximation of true perpendicular AAA diameter as determined by orthogonal CT. When aortic angulation is greater than 25° axial CT becomes unreliable. However, US measurements are not affected by angulation and agree strongly with orthogonal CT measurements.
The Meaning and Effects of Discourse about Genetics: Methodological Variations in Studies of Discourse and Social Change

Studies seeking to explore the implications of the discourse of medicalgenetics using four different methodologies are overviewed. Research on genetics discourse using critical methods, audience studies, persuasion studies and institutional studies suggest results that are at odds with one another. Rather than selecting one approach based on a preference for the methodology itself or the results it provides, a clearer picture of how genetic discourse may function is provided by integrating the findings of the various methods.
Inducer-specific enhanceosome formation controls tumor necrosis factor alpha gene expression in T lymphocytes.

We present evidence that the inducer-specific regulation of the human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene in T cells involves the assembly of distinct higher-order transcription enhancer complexes (enhanceosomes), which is dependent upon inducer-specific helical phasing relationships between transcription factor binding sites. While ATF-2, c-Jun, and the coactivator proteins CBP/p300 play a central role in TNF-α gene activation stimulated by virus infection or intracellular calcium flux, different sets of activators including NFATp, Sp1, and Ets/Elk are recruited to a shared set of transcription factor binding sites depending upon the particular stimulus. Thus, these studies demonstrate that the inducer-specific assembly of unique enhanceosomes is a general mechanism by which a single gene is controlled in response to different extracellular stimuli.
Interactions of Lanthanide Complexes with Oxidized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Oxidized, cut single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been reacted with lanthanide salts containing Eu, La, and Tb. These studies are aimed at developing a fundamental understanding of the coordination chemistry of metal ions and of metal ion complexes onto the surfaces of nanotubes. It has been found that the lanthanide ions likely coordinate to these nanotubes through the increased number of oxygen atoms, forming predominantly ionic bonding arrangements. Metal coordination occurs through disruption of hydrogen bonding in bundles of oxidized SWNTs. The adducts were analyzed using FTIR, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopies and were structurally characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Productivity Analysis for Boulac’s Wastewater Microtunnels in Egypt

The need for utility service line replacement or repairs with minimum disruption to the surface has increased the demand for trenchless excavation methods like microtunneling. Microtunneling is a trenchless technique that is used in installation of new pipelines. Microtunneling can be applied in gravity and pressure lines, permanent ducts for cables, and crossings under rails or roads. In order to give a better view of the microtunneling method, a successful case study of a microtunneling project is presented. This project was one of the projects to construct a new sewer system supplementary to the old sewer system in Cairo, Egypt. Boulac is a very crowded district of Cairo, Egypt, with about 4 million people. The contractor was a consortium of five specialized international companies. The engineer was a consortium of four American and British companies. Boulac’s microtunneling project value was about $300 million and lasted for about 5 years. The length of microtunneling drives in Boulac was about 6.0 km...
A man-machine approach for robot grasp planning

Abstract Grasping is a key operation in manipulator programs since it affects all subsequent motions. The role of grasping in programming, however, is not limited only to defining the grip points, but should extend to include path planning to reach and leave these points from suitable approach and departure positions. The selection process is complicated and requires manipulation of many geometrical and functional constraints. In this paper we introduce an interactive system for grasp analysis. The main strategy in our design is to build a grasp analyzer that is based on man-machine interaction. In such system a CAD based geometric analyzer develops a list of candidate grips. The user can then override or change these grips according to functional constraints. User's modifications are still monitored by the system to avoid geometrical and interference violations. New concepts regarding functional constraints and geometrical were introduced. The system was implemented using a boundary representation solid modelers and it can be interfaced with a Graphical and/or Language Programming modules.
Associations Between Police Stress and Alcohol Use: Implications for Practice

Law enforcement officers are often reported to frequently abuse alcohol due to occupational stress. However, few studies have examined alcohol use among U.S. police officers. This study investigated the prevalence of alcohol use and the relation between alcohol use and amount of subjective work-related traumatic distress, work-related but nontraumatic stress, personal relationship stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and age among law enforcement officers (N = 193) working in a midwestern state. Multiple regression analyses showed that greater subjective posttraumatic distress and PTSD avoidance symptoms were the most significant predictors of greater alcohol use among officers. Implications for practice are discussed.
Rhodococcus equi pulmonary–central nervous system syndrome: brain abscess in a patient on high-dose steroids—a case report and review of the literature ☆

Rhodococcus equi has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen usually causing necrotizing pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients but has been found increasingly in extrapulmonary sites. We report the 1st case of R. equi brain abscess in a patient receiving corticosteroid monotherapy and review the literature for risk factors and sites of infection.
Strain-specific mitotic inhibition in large mononucleate amoebae.

A strain-specific antimitotic substance is present in large mononucleate amoebae. It inhibits mitosis when injected into amoebae of heterologous strains. The antimitotic substance has been isolated from homogenized cells, and some of its properties have been studied. The results obtained show that the active factor is a protein(s) of molecular weight between 200,000 and one million. The activity of this substance differs from other known antimitotic agents in that its action is strain-specific.