cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a term often used to describe the manifestation of atherosclerosis below the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta. Peripheral atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity in the developed countries and 2% of adults in late middle age have intermittent claudication, which is severe enough in some patients to warrant hospital admission. The disease produces problems either by reducing blood flow or by the release of emboli from ulcerated plaques. The morphology and composition of arterial segments containing atheroma is of considerable importance. Plaques of different morphology have different effects on the arterial wall, such as the potential for thrombosis and the effect of arterial spasm. The lipid content may also affect the propensity for fissuring, ulceration, and thrombosis. In addition to discrete atherotic lesions, a localized and generalized sclerosis occurs. Sclerosis, or stiffness, can be demonstrated in experimental disease in animals and in man, and regression leads to reduced stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging promises a comprehensive assessment of peripheral atherosclerosis noninvasively and without the use of ionizing radiation. Atheroma can be imaged directly, its size can be measured, its shape can be described, its lipid content can be assessed, and its effects upon vascular hemodynamics can be studied. In addition, arterial compliance, pulse wave velocity, and the pattern of flow within the vessel can be studied. It is thus a potential tool not only for the detection of disease but also for studying its natural history, risk factors, and the effects of pharmacological or surgical interventions.
Sonographic measurement of the fetal rib cage perimeter to thoracic circumference ratio: application to prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias

The object of this study was to establish new normative data for the fetal rib cage perimeter to thoracic circumference ratio, and to evaluate the potential application of this measurement in the diagnosis of short rib and other skeletal dysplasias. Rib cage perimeter (RCP) and thoracic circumference (TC) were measured in a prospective, cross-sectional sample of 88 patients with normal pregnancies between 14 and 39 weeks of gestation. The RCP and TC were both measured in cross-section, at a level of the four-chamber view of the fetal heart. RCE and TC measurements were also obtained from eight cases known to have skeletal dysplasias. The mean (± SE) RCP : TC ratio in normal pregnancies, regardless of gestational age, was 0.670 ± 0.004. In five of eight cases with skeletal dysplasias the RCP : TC ratio was significantly decreased, and in one case it was increased. The RCP : TC ratio in normal fetuses is independent of gestational age. In this small series the ratio was abnormal in fetuses with certain skeletal dysplasias, and particularly decreased in the fetus with a short rib-polydactyly syndrome. After further evaluation, this technique may prove to be of clinical significance in helping to diagnose skeletal dysplasias, particularly in cases where the gestational age is uncertain. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The relationship of soil zinc removed by three extractants to zinc uptake by corn and sorghum in medium‐ to fine‐textured soils

Abstract Corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) plants were grown in a controlled environmental growth chamber in 11 medium to fine‐textured soils with 0 and 5 ppm Zn added. After 4 weeks plants were harvested and Zn concentration and total Zn uptake were measured. Each soil was extracted with three different solutions: (i) 0.05 N HCl plus 0.025N H2SO4, (ii) 0.1N HCl, and (iii) 0.005M DTPA‐TEA at pH 7.3. Correlations between Zn extracted and uptake by corn were: r = .80, .80, and .75 respectively for the three extractants. The r values for uptake by sorghum were .47, .46, and .44, respectively.
Column properties and flow profiles of a flat, wide column for high-pressure liquid chromatography

Abstract The design and the construction of a pressurized, flat, wide column for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are described. This apparatus, which is derived from instruments that implement over-pressured thin layer chromatography, can carry out only uni-dimensional chromatographic separations. However, it is intended to be the first step in the development of more powerful instruments that will be able to carry out two-dimensional chromatographic separations, in which case, the first separation would be a space-based separation, LC x , taking place along one side of the bed and the second separation would be a time-based separation, LC t , as in classical HPLC but proceeding along the flat column, not along a tube. The apparatus described consists of a pressurization chamber made of a Plexiglas block and a column chamber made of stainless steel. These two chambers are separated by a thin Mylar membrane. The column chamber is a cavity which is filled with a thick layer (ca. 1 mm) of the stationary phase. Suitable solvent inlet and outlet ports are located on two opposite sides of the sorbent layer. The design allows the preparation of a homogenous sorbent layer suitable to be used as a chromatographic column, the achievement of effective seals of the stationary phase layer against the chamber edges, and the homogenous flow of the mobile phase along the chamber. The entire width of the sorbent layer area can be used to develop separations or elute samples. The reproducible performance of the apparatus is demonstrated by the chromatographic separations of different dyes. This instrument is essentially designed for testing detector arrays to be used in a two-dimensional LC x × LC t instrument. The further development of two-dimension separation chromatographs based on the apparatus described is sketched.
The relationship between drinking and heart disease morbidity in the United States: results from the National Health Interview Survey.

This study, based on data drawn from the responses of 18,323 males and 25,440 females to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative, multistage probability sample of the United States, attempts to define more precisely the level of drinking at which the relationship between heart disease and alcohol consumption is a protective one. Its attempt at precision derives from (1) using drinking categories that represent various points within the range of moderate drinking (1-6 drinks) defined in the literature as protective; (2) adjusting for underreporting that commonly occurs in population surveys by using consumption at time of heaviest drinking ; and (3) controlling for age, body mass, smoking, former drinker, and former smoker status, duration of drinking, and sociodemo-graphic factors. It also examines whether the relationship derived from these levels conforms to the U-shaped curve that demonstrates the protective effect of moderate drinking when abstainers are not used as the reference group. Relative to infrequent drinkers (less than 1 drink per day), men report more heart disease at the level of more than five drinks per day. However, black men also report more heart disease, relative to infrequent drinkers, at the greater than two drinks per day level; and women report more heart disease at the level of more than two drinks per day at the time of their heaviest drinking. Former drinkers of both genders, considered as an independent variable in the regression analysis, were more likely to report having heart disease. Abstainers, light drinkers, and infrequent drinkers were not significantly different in their reports of heart disease. Our results are consistent with studies that suggest protection from heart disease occurs only at lower levels of drinking
Knowledge organization and access in a conceptual information system

Abstract Traditional approaches to information retrieval, based on automatic or manually constructed keywords, are inappropriate for certain desirable tasks in an intelligent information system. Obtaining simple answers to direct questions, a summary of an event sequence that could span multiple documents, and an update of recent developments in an ongoing event sequence are three examples of such tasks. In this paper, the SCISOR system is described. SCISOR illustrates the potential for increased recall and precision of stored information through the understanding in context of articles in its domain of corporate takeovers. A constrained form of marker passing is used to answer queries of the knowledge base posed in natural language. Among other desirable characteristics, this method of retrieval focuses search on likely candidates, and tolerates incomplete or incorrect input indices very well.
Tardigrada of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, with Descriptions of Two New Species from Louisiana

Abstract Fifty-one species make up the known tardigrade fauna of the West Gulf Coastal Plain (western Louisiana, eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and southern Arkansas). Tardigrade diversity appears low compared to well-sampled areas of North America and Europe. Lichens and mosses collected in southwestern Louisiana during the Spring of 2010 contained ten species of tardigrades. Macrobiotus anemone sp. n. belongs to the hufelandi group. It differs from other species in the group in having egg processes whose terminal disks have 7–10 long, tentacular arms. Murrayon hyperoncus sp. n. differs from other species in the genus in the much larger dimensions of its buccal tube, placoids, and lunules. Echiniscus arctomys, Hypsibius convergens, Mesocrista spitzbergensis, Paramacrobiotus richtersi, and Murrayon pullari are new records for Louisiana.
Formation of Ternary Complexes with MgATP: Effects on the Detection of Mg2+ in Biological Samples by Bidentate Fluorescent Sensors

Fluorescent indicators based on β-keto-acid bidentate coordination motifs display superior metal selectivity profiles compared to current o-aminophenol-N,N,O-triacetic acid (APTRA) based chelators for the study of biological magnesium. These low denticity chelators, however, may allow for the formation of ternary complexes with Mg(2+) and common ligands present in the cellular milieu. In this work, absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy were employed to study the interaction of turn-on and ratiometric fluorescent indicators based on 4-oxo-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxylic acid with Mg(2+) and ATP, the most abundant chelator of biological magnesium, thus revealing the formation of ternary complexes under conditions relevant to fluorescence imaging. The formation of ternary species elicits comparable or greater optical changes than those attributed to the formation of binary complexes alone. Dissociation of the fluorescent indicators from both ternary and binary species have apparent equilibrium constants in the low millimolar range at pH 7 and 25 °C. These results suggest that these bidentate sensors are incapable of distinguishing between free Mg(2+) and MgATP based on ratio or intensity-based steady-state fluorescence measurements, thus posing challenges in the interpretation of results from fluorescence imaging of magnesium in nucleotide-rich biological samples.
Role of Sequence Bias in the Topology of the Multidrug Transporter EmrE

: EmrE is the prototype of small multidrug resistance transporters and has emerged as a model of membrane protein evolution. Analysis of the distances separating symmetry-related site-specific spin labels, correlation of topological sequence bias to C-terminal orientation, to membrane insertion efficiency, and to resistance to ethidium bromide collectively demonstrate that EmrE monomers adopt a parallel topology in the functional dimer. We propose a coupled insertion and assembly model for EmrE in which the favorable energetics of the parallel dimer interface override topological constraints arising from weak asymmetry in positive charge distribution.
C-shaped nanoaperture-enhanced germanium photodetector

We present a C-shaped nanoaperture-enhanced Ge photodetector that shows 2-5 times the photocurrent enhancement over that from a square aperture of the same area at 1310 nm wavelength. We demonstrate the polarization dependence of the C-aperture photodetector over a wide wavelength range. Our experimental observation agrees well with finite-difference time-domain simulation results.
Dilemmas in Lung Cancer Staging

The TNM staging system is the most important prognostic factor for lung cancer. The most encountered difficulties in pathologic staging of lung cancer include assessment of pleural invasion, synchronous tumor nodules, and lymph node sampling.
Protein-Mediated Fatty Acid Uptake: Novel Insights from In Vivo Models

Long-chain fatty acids are both important metabolites as well as signaling molecules. Fatty acid transport proteins are key mediators of cellular fatty acid uptake and recent transgenic and knockout animal models have provided new insights into their contribution to energy homeostasis and to pathological processes, including obesity and insulin desensitization.
Automated image magnification for CO2 laser glass processing system (LZM-100 LazerMaster)

A novel Automated Image Magnification system has been developed for a CO2 laser glass processing system (LZM-100 LazerMaster) enabling precise and accurate alignment of optical fiber and fiber based components. This system measures the size of the fiber image and adjusts the imaging optical path based on the fiber size and process requirement. By automatically adjusting the magnification, we can process fibers and components requiring a large field of view (<2500um) and those with micron or submicron features without having to modify the machine configuration.
Methadone and Menopause: Midlife Women in Drug Treatment

ABSTRACT As a rising number of midlife women receive methadone treatment, issues related to the menopausal transition take on increased importance. The similarity between many of the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal, methadone and menopause (hot and cold flashes, sweats, fatigue, decreased libido, menstrual irregularity and insomnia), make it plausible these women and clinical staff attribute menopausal symptoms to other conditions of greater familiarity. The paucity of research, multiplicity of health problems and typically poor access to health care, further complicate the picture and underscore the importance of better integration of health care and social work intervention.
Mapping Land Use Patterns in an Urbanizing Landscape Using LiDAR Intensity Data

This paper demonstrates that LiDAR intensity can be a feasible alternative for accurate mapping and assessment of land use patterns in an urbanized landscape at high accuracy by integrating intensity with other derivatives of LiDAR.
Preparation and surface characteristics of platinized antimony-doped tin oxide films☆

Abstract Thin antimony-doped tin oxide films were platinized electrochemically from an H 2 PtCl 6 ·6H 2 O solution. Auger spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) were used to analyze the surface composition and electronic structure, and it was found that the platinum appears predominantly as Pt 0 with a small amount of Pt(OH) 2 . Valence band ESCA showed that the tin appears predominantly as SnO 2 with some SnO present.
Computer simulated model of thermomagnetic writing

A computer-simulation model that is based on the concept of domain wall motion has been developed to describe the thermomagnetic writing processes in rare-earth-transition-metal thin films. The equation of motion is derived from the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The model is different from other proposed models in the following respects: the transient diameter of the written domain is directly calculated; domain wall mobility, which is measured whenever possible, is used explicitly; and written domains of arbitrary shape can be simulated. The validity of this model was tested by comparing simulated results for GdTbCo films with experimental data taken by high-speed photography of thermomagnetically written domains. The simulation provides a good match to the experimentally observed domain growth rate. >
Turbulence effects in the high dimensionality limit

Abstract We show that the incompressible fluid in the high dimension limit has a nonvanishing isotropic turbulence effect, which becomes effective for Reynold numbers of the order d .
Association of IS1016 with the hia Adhesin Gene and Biotypes V and I in Invasive Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

A subset of invasive nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) strains has evidence of IS 1016 , an insertion element associated with division I H. influenzae capsule serotypes. We examined IS 1016 -positive invasive NTHI isolates collected as part of Active Bacterial Core Surveillance within the Georgia Emerging Infections Program for the presence or absence of hmw1 and hmw2 (two related adhesin genes that are common in NTHI but absent in encapsulated H. influenzae ) and hia (homologue of hsf , an encapsulated H. influenzae adhesin gene). Isolates were serotyped using slide agglutination, confirmed as NTHI strains using PCR capsule typing, and biotyped. Two hundred twenty-nine invasive NTHI isolates collected between August 1998 and December 2006 were screened for IS 1016 ; 22/229 (9.6%) were positive. Nineteen of 201 previously identified IS 1016 -positive invasive NTHI isolates collected between January 1989 and July 1998 were also examined. Forty-one IS 1016 -positive and 56 randomly selected IS 1016 -negative invasive NTHI strains were examined. The hia adhesin was present in 39 of 41 (95%) IS 1016 -positive NTHI strains and 1 of 56 (1.8%) IS 1016 -negative NTHI strains tested; hmw ( hmw1 , hmw2 , or both) was present in 50 of 56 (89%) IS 1016 -negative NTHI isolates but in only 5 of 41 (12%; all hmw2 ) IS 1016 -positive NTHI isolates. IS 1016 -positive NTHI strains were more often biotype V ( P P = 0.04) than IS 1016 -negative NTHI strains, which were most often biotype II. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed the expected genetic diversity of NTHI with some clustering based on IS 1016 , hmw or hia , and biotypes. A significant association of IS 1016 with biotypes V and I and the presence of hia adhesins was found among invasive NTHI. IS 1016 -positive NTHI strains may represent a unique subset of NTHI strains, with characteristics more closely resembling those of encapsulated H. influenzae .
Centrifugal pumps: description of devices and surgical techniques

Abstract Background . Because of simplicity of application, universal access, and low cost, centrifugal pumps are commonly used for short-term mechanical cardiac assist. Indications and techniques for application of this technology continue to evolve. Methods . The clinical experience with 151 patients undergoing centrifugal mechanical cardiac assist at the University of Missouri-Columbia has been reviewed. We have compared commonly available centrifugal pumping systems in vitro and in vivo for characteristics that might distinguish them. Results . Centrifugal pumps have been found to be well suited for use in surgery on the thoracic aorta, for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and for postcardiotomy cardiac mechanical assist. Complications associated with centrifugal mechanical assist are predictable and common but potentially can be reduced by improved surgical techniques and anticoagulation strategies. In vitro and in vivo experimentation with available centrifugal pumps reveals nuances characteristic of each of the devices. Conclusions . All centrifugal pumps presently available are less destructive to blood cellular elements compared with roller pumps. With familiarity, all can function satisfactorily for short-term mechanical assist with no compelling evidence that favors any particular centrifugal pump system clinically available. Centrifugal pumps are ideally suited for left heart bypass during surgery on a thoracic aorta and for short-term application as may be required for postcardiotomy mechanical assist. Centrifugal pump technology should be part of the armamentarium of all cardiothoracic surgeons.
TFIIB Is Only ∼9 Å Away from the 5'-End of a Trimeric RNA Primer in a Functional RNA Polymerase II Preinitiation Complex

Recent X-ray crystallographic studies of Pol II in complex with the general transcription factor (GTF) IIB have begun to provide insights into the mechanism of transcription initiation. These structures have also shed light on the architecture of the transcription preinitiation complex (PIC). However, structural characterization of a functional PIC is still lacking, and even the topological arrangement of the GTFs in the Pol II complex is a matter of contention. We have extended our activity-based affinity crosslinking studies, initially developed to investigate the interaction of bacterial RNA polymerase with σ, to the eukaryotic transcription machinery. Towards that end, we sought to identify GTFs that are within the Pol II active site in a functioning PIC. We provide biochemical evidence that TFIIB is located within ∼9 A of the −2 site of promoter DNA, where it is positioned to play a role in de novo transcription initiation.
Utilization and Comparative Effectiveness of Caspofungin and Voriconazole Early after Market Approval in the U.S

Objectives Both caspofungin and voriconazole were initially approved by the FDA with very narrow indications. Our aim was to evaluate the utilization patterns and comparative effectiveness of these agents early after marketing before any labeling change occurred.
A voltammetric method for fluoride

Abstract A voltammetric method for the determination of micro amounts of fluoride is described. It is based on the measurement of the amount of free alizarin red S liberated by the fluoride ion from a zirconium-alizarin red S complex. The free dye measurement carried out at 0.7 V vs. S.C.E. depends on the anodic reaction of alizarin red S at the rotating pyrolytic graphite electrode. The method is simple, sensitive and suffers from relatively few interferences.
Reversed Subclavian Flap Angioplasty for Arch Coarctation of the Aorta

Subclavian flap repair in infants with coarctation of the aorta has been shown to be superior to end-to-end reconstruction. Aortic arch coarctations in 2 infants were repaired utilizing reversed subclavian flaps with good results. The effectiveness of flap reconstruction in less common forms of aortic coarctation in infants is demonstrated.
Topiramate for cocaine dependence during methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Dual dependence on opiate and cocaine occurs in about 60% of patients admitted to methadone maintenance and negatively impacts prognosis ( Kosten et al. 2003 . Drug Alcohol Depend. 70, 315). Topiramate (TOP) is an antiepileptic drug that may have utility in the treatment of cocaine dependence because it enhances the GABAergic system, antagonizes the glutamatergic system, and has been identified by NIDA as one of only a few medications providing a “positive signal” warranting further clinical investigation. ( Vocci and Ling, 2005 . Pharmacol. Ther. 108, 94). Method In this double-blind controlled clinical trial, cocaine dependent methadone maintenance patients ( N = 171) were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Under a factorial design, participants received either TOP or placebo, and monetary voucher incentives that were either contingent (CM) or non-contingent (Non-CM) on drug abstinence. TOP participants were inducted onto TOP over 7 weeks, stabilized for 8 weeks at 300 mg daily then tapered over 3 weeks. Voucher incentives were supplied for 12 weeks, starting during the fourth week of TOP induction. Primary outcome measures were cocaine abstinence ( Y / N ) as measured by thrice weekly urinalysis and analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and treatment retention. All analyses were intent to treat and included the 12-week evaluation phase of combined TOP/P treatment and voucher intervention period. Results There was no significant difference in cocaine abstinence between the TOP vs. P conditions nor between the CM vs. Non-CM conditions. There was no significant TOP/CM interaction. Retention was not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion Topiramate is not efficacious for increasing cocaine abstinence in methadone patients.
Does cesarean protect against fecal incontinence in primiparous women

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with new onset of postpartum fecal incontinence in primiparous women. A population-based study was conducted that surveyed all women delivering between 2002 and 2003 in Oregon. Factors associated with fecal incontinence were identified using logistic regression analysis. A total of 6,152 primiparous women completed the survey 3–6 months postpartum with 2,482 reporting a new onset of fecal incontinence (FI) after childbirth. Vaginal delivery was associated with a greater risk of FI compared to cesarean (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 1.64). However, vaginal delivery without laceration or instrument assistance did not increase the risk of FI over cesarean. Being overweight (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), pushing for greater than 2 h, and constipation were independently associated with postpartum FI (p < 0.05) regardless of route of delivery. This study provides important data to inform counseling and management of primiparous women.
Study of α-Al2O3(11̄02) (R) surfaces with the reflection electron microscopy (REM) technique

Abstract The (1102) surfaces of α-Al2O3 were investigated with the reflection electron microscopy (REM) technique. The morphology of these surfaces is surveyed and compared with surfaces of other orientations. The height of the atomic steps has been determined by direct measurement of the REM images. The dynamical process of surface modification by electron beams is observed.
Evaluation of FOXC2 as a candidate gene for chronic progressive lymphedema in draft horses.

Abstract Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a debilitating condition identified in Clydesdales, Shires and Belgian draft horses and results in progressive swelling of the lower legs associated with the development of thick skin folds, ulcerations, fibrosis and marked hyperkeratosis. The result is severe discomfort and recurrent secondary infection, often requiring euthanasia. Due to the delayed onset, many horses are bred prior to diagnosis. CPL has only been documented in three related draft horse breeds, suggesting a genetic cause. Determining the molecular basis would enable owners to test horses prior to breeding and facilitate the elimination of CPL. Mutations in the FOXC2 gene cause a comparable condition in humans, lymphedema-distichiasis. This gene was sequenced in affected and unaffected draft horses and a control horse. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in unaffected draft horses and the control horse, indicating that they were not associated with CPL. A fifth SNP was seen in a single affected draft horse and the control horse. Since it was not seen in all affected draft horses, this SNP is not associated with the CPL phenotype.
Survey of electron transfer spectra of inorganic ions

Abstract The literature was searched for electron transfer spectra of inorganic ions. These are reported, together with the chemical evidence of light-induced electron transfer and with thermodynamic data needed for interpretation of the spectra.
Application of neural networks to temperature control in thermal power plants

Abstract In a thermal power plant with once-through boilers, it is important to control the temperature at the middle point where water becomes steam. However, there are many problems in the design of such a control system, due to a long system response delay, dead-zone and saturation of the actuator mechanisms, uncertainties in the system model and/or parameters, and process noise. To overcome these problems, an adaptive controller has been designed using neural networks, and tested extensively via simulations. One of the key problems in designing such a controller is to develop an efficient training algorithm. Neural networks are usually trained using the output errors of the network, instead of using the output errors of the controlled plant. However, when a neural network is used to control a plant directly, the output errors of the network are unknown, since the desired control actions are unknown. This paper proposes a simple training algorithm for a class of nonlinear systems, which enables the neural network to be trained with the output errors of the controlled plant. The only a priori knowledge of the controlled plant is the direction of its output response. Due to its simple structure and algorithm, and good performance, the proposed controller has high potential for handling difficult problems in process-control systems.
Reprint of: Chromogranin A: A new proposal for trafficking, processing and induction of granule biogenesis

Abstract Chromogranin A (CgA), a member of the granin family serves several important cell biological roles in (neuro)endocrine cells which are summarized in this review. CgA is a “prohormone” that is synthesized at the rough endoplasmic reticulum and transported into the cisternae of this organelle via its signal peptide. It is then trafficked to the Golgi complex and then to the trans -Golgi network (TGN) where CgA aggregates at low pH in the presence of calcium. The CgA aggregates provide the physical driving force to induce budding of the TGN membrane resulting in dense core granule (DCG) formation. Within the granule, a small amount of the CgA is processed to bioactive peptides, including a predicted C-terminal peptide, serpinin. Upon stimulation, DCGs undergo exocytosis and CgA and its derived peptides are released. Serpinin, acting extracellularly is able to signal the increase in transcription of a serine protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 (PN-1) that protects DCG proteins against degradation in the Golgi complex, which then enhances DCG biogenesis to replenish those that were released. Thus CgA and its derived peptide, serpinin, plays a significant role in granule formation and regulation of granule biogenesis, respectively, in (neuro) endocrine cells.
How climate change has affected the spatio-temporal patterns of precipitation and temperature at various time scales in North Korea

Detecting changes in the spatio-temporal patterns of temperature and precipitation is a prerequisite for developing effective adaptation options and strategies for the future. An effective method for assessing climate change and for providing information to decision makers and stakeholders is needed to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. The objective of this study was to determine whether climate change has caused spatio-temporal changes in meteorological elements in North Korea. We delineated the spatio-temporal patterns of temperature and precipitation caused by climate change in specific time periods based on statistically significant differences using a statistically robust method. Historical weather data from 27 meteorological stations over a 30-year period (1981–2010) were used. The results demonstrated that statistically significant changes occurred over the 30 years. The temporal trends in the maximum and minimum temperatures were highly significantly different in the western agricultural regions and central/southwest urban regions during 1996–2010 compared with 1981–1995. The precipitation amounts were significantly different in the southeast regions (around the coast). The numbers of precipitation events were significantly different for portions of the northern and northeast areas near the mountains. Additionally, statistically significant differences in the spatial structures of the temperature and precipitation were found at different time scales. The significant differences were not uniform in each season/month. Therefore, significant differences occurred in the meteorological elements, and particular locations and urbanized areas were affected by global warming. However, the temporal trends and spatial structures of each meteorological element were not equally modified; the meteorological changes occurred locally as a result of the changing climate.
Federal banking regulators' competition in laxity: Evidence from CRA audits

The U.S. banking industry has three federal regulators in addition to the 50 state regulators. Through choices regarding its chartering source, joining the Federal Reserve System, and having deposit insurance, a bank also selects which office or agency serves as its primary regulator. Federal regulators gain status and authority from the number of banks over which they have primary supervision. It has long been suspected, therefore, that they compete with each other to entice banks to make choices that increase the number of banks reporting to them. This competition which includes less stringent enforcement and broad interpretation of the laws as favored by the banks is known as competition in laxity. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is enforced by each of the three federal banking regulators. Since 1990, their ratings of banks' CRA performance have been published. This published data provides an opportunity to test accuracy of the competition in laxity theory.
DETECTING CHANGE IN FOREST SPATIAL PATTERNS FROM REFERENCE CONDITIONS

Timber harvest, fire suppression, road construction, and domestic livestock grazing have transformed spatial patterns of Interior Northwest forests. As a consequence, parameters of current disturbance regimes differ radically from historical regimes; present-day wildlife habitat distributions differ from historical distributions; and long-term survival of some native terrestrial species is uncertain. Public land managers are under increasing scientific and social pressure to mold existing forest spatial patterns to reflect those resulting from natural disturbance regimes and patterns of biophysical environments. However, knowledge of the characteristics of natural spatial patterns is unavailable. Using a dichotomized ordination procedure, we grouped the 343 forested subwatersheds (mean area, 8000 ha) on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State into ecological subregions by similarity of area in potential vegetation and climate attributes. We built spatially continuous “historical” (1938–1956) and “current” (1985–1993) vegetation maps for 48 randomly selected subwatersheds from aerial photo interpretations. From remotely sensed attributes, we classified cover types, structural classes, and potential vegetation types and attributed them to individual patches. We then estimated a reference variation (RV) in spatial patterns of patch types (cover type and structural class), by subwatersheds and five forested ecological subregions, using the 48 historical vegetation maps stratified by subregion and a spatial pattern analysis program. Finally, we compared the current pattern of an example subwatershed (MET_11) with the RV estimates of its corresponding subregion to illustrate how reference conditions can be used to evaluate the importance of spatial pattern change. By evaluating pattern changes in light of RV estimates (nominally, the sample median 80% range of a metric) and the full range of class and landscape metrics, we could identify both current and historical conditions of MET_11 that fell outside the RV. This approach gives land managers a tool to compare characteristics of present-day managed landscapes with reference conditions to reveal significant pattern departures, as well as to identify specific pattern characteristics that might be modified through management. It also provides a means to identify “outlier” conditions, relative to subregion RV estimates, that may occasionally be the object of pattern restoration activities.
Context-dependent distribution shaping and parameterization for lossless image compression

An algorithm class called CaTH (centering and tail handling) is described that is based on predictive coding followed by adaptive binary arithmetic coding. CaTH treats the prediction errors close to zero (i.e., near the center of the error distribution) in a more precise manner than the errors of the `tails' (i.e., errors far from zero). The context model uses error buckets (quantized ranges) of prediction errors. The probability model for the prediction errors uses a histogram for the center. A variety of ways to binarize the tails are studied. The results on the suite of JPEG test images are very encouraging.
The effect of catecholamines and nicotine on the transmembranal potential of frog liver cells.

La adrenalina (0.1 a 0.5 mg/rana) hiperpolarizo los hepatocitos deR. pipiens y depolarizo a dosis mas altas. El inhibidor de la monoamino oxidasa pargilina (100 mg/kg, 24–48 h antes) impidio este efecto.
The voltamettric reduction of tetrasulfur tetranitride in non-aqueous solvent systems

Abstract The reduction of tetrasulfur tetranitride at the dropping mercury and platinum electrodes in the solvents acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide and pyridine has been studied at different temperatures. In acetonitrile three polarographic waves are observed, one of which corresponds to the formation of the tetrasulfur tetranitride anion. A single wave was observed in dimethylsulfoxide corresponding to S4N-4, enthalpy of activation 23.8 kcal/mol. Two waves were obsessed in pyridine corresponding to the formation of S4N-4 and possibly the denegative anion, S4N2-4.
New transfusion program for an intensive care nursery

We have established a new transfusion program for an intensive care nursery which is based on crossmatching several infants to the same unit of type O Rh 0 (D) negative packed red blood cells, dividing the unit into quadpacks, and allowing multiple entry into each quadpack over a 24-hour period in the nursery. With this procedure, each donor unit can be used to provide multiple transfusions to four infants over a four-day period. Follow-up of transfusion recipients revealed that 20% had evidence of previous or ongoing CMV infection at 10 months of age, a prevalence comparable to that for transfused infants in other studies. We found no evidence for transmission of HB infection and a low risk of allosensitization to red cell and lymphocyte antigens.
Nude mouse system in the study of tumor biology, treatment strategies and progesterone receptor physiology in human endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract A nude mouse system where the biological, morphological and biochemical characteristics of human endometrial carcinoma are maintained during serial transplantation has been previously described. Applications of this system to the study of (a) hormonal sensitivity (b) treatment strategies and (c) progesterone receptor physiology of human endometrial carcinomas are presented here
Effects of imaginary potentials on spurious resonances in resonating-group calculations☆

Abstract By studying the coupled-channel d + 3 He and p + α resonating-group calculation, it is found that the introduction of phenomenological imaginary potentials is a simple way to eliminate spurious resonances from resonating-group and perhaps other microscopic reaction calculations.
Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of modified lead titanate zirconate ceramics from 4.2 to 300 K

The dielectric and piezoelectric properties (d-p properties) of four kinds of doped lead titanate zirconate piezoelectric ceramics (PZTs) have been measured from 4.2 to 300 K. The d-p properties of the materials converge with decreasing temperature down to liquid helium temperature, even though the properties have large differences at room temperatue. The values of mechanical and electrical quality factors,Q m,Q e, and of the frequency constant,N, of the materials increased at low temperature. It is evident from the freeze out inK′ and the associate temperature: frequency-dependent maxima in tan 5 that the relaxation processes including ferroelectric domain wall motion and thermal defect motion contribute to the d-p properties. The Navy type-III composition has a minimum temperature coefficient of d-p parameters and it is evident that PZT ceramics modified with Fe2O3 can provide good stability and also give the strongest piezoelectric response at liquid helium temperature.
Research on innovation management and technology transfer in China

Research on innovation management and technology transfer in China is in its early stages and growing rapidly, as technology is transferred to Chinese organizations and the organizations themselves create innovations. The studies to date provide promising theoretical ideas, but specific findings should be regarded as tentative, due to the research designs and methods employed. As with early research on innovation in the West, it is likely that these early studies of innovation in China will have significant impact on innovation research and practice in the future, both in China and throughout the world.
Decay of long-lived particles in the early universe

It is pointed out that radiative decay of massive fermions can distort the cosmic background radiation. The present investigation is concerned with a study of decay lifetimes in the range from 10 to 100,000 years. Attention is given to the physics involved in determining the effect of radiative decay of massive fermions on observed photon backgrounds. The case of particles which decoupled when the effective number of species in equilibrium was in the range from 50 to 100 is considered, and constraints on particle masses and lifetimes are placed on the basis of observed photon fluxes. This approach provides results with special applications to particles predicted by supersymmetry theories and to right-handed neutrinos. Implications for galaxy formation are also discussed.
Inverse Monte Carlo procedure for conformation determination of macromolecules

A novel numerical method for determining the conformational structure of macromolecules is applied to idealized biomacromolecules in solution. The method computes effective inter-residue interaction potentials solely from the corresponding radial distribution functions, such as would be obtained from experimental data. The interaction potentials generate conformational ensembles that reproduce thermodynamic properties of the macromolecule (mean energy and heat capacity) in addition to the target radial distribution functions. As an evaluation of its utility in structure determination, we apply the method to a homopolymer and a heteropolymer model of a three-helix bundle protein [Zhou, Y.; Karplus, M. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1997, 94, 14429; Zhou, Y. et al. J Chem Phys 1997, 107, 10691] at various thermodynamic state points, including the ordered globule, disordered globule, and random coil states. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 876–890, 2003
Do statisticians count? A personal view

The number of statisticians working in the pharmaceutical industry has risen 50-fold since the formation of PSI in 1977. It would be comforting to think that the influence of statisticians within their companies has increased in a parallel fashion, however I do not believe that to be the case. In this paper I look at barriers which prevent statisticians contributing as much as they should and look at potentials solutions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron Content of Infant Formula Produced in the United States

Seventy-seven infant formulas were analyzed for iron. Samples were from three formulation classes: milk-base (17), milk-base plus Fe (29) and soy-base (31). Mean iron levels for the milk-based, milk-based plus Fe and soy-based formulas were 0.4, 2.1 and 2.5 mg/100 Kcal, respectively. Iron levels ranged from 0.26-4.7 mg/100 Kcal. All milk-based formulas met minimum requirement of 0.15 mg/100 Kcal of the 1980 Infant Formula Act. Fe levels of formulas produced by different firms were significantly different (α= 0.05). Mean Fe levels were 193.5%, 116.1%, and 134.1% of declared for milk-based, milk-based plus Fe and soy-based formulas, respectively.
Interrelation of epithelial glycogen, cell proliferation and cellular migration with cyclic adenosine monophosphate in epithelial wound healing

Abstract The effects of local subcutaneous injections of epinephrine, dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and theophylline have been examined in the healing wound. Epithelial glycogen, cellular proliferation and cell migration were all depressed by these compounds. It was concluded that epithelial glycogen metabolism, cell proliferation and cellular locomotion are related to the intracellular level of cAMP and that the increase which occurs in all of these parameters in wound healing is due to a reduction in the intracellular levels of cAMP.
Trends in CHD Mortality, Morbidity and Risk Factor Levels from 1960 to 1986: The Minnesota Heart Survey

The Minnesota Heart Survey (MHS) assessed population trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality, morbidity and risk factor levels in the Twin Cities metropolitan area to explain the decline in CHD deaths. Age-adjusted CHD mortality rates declined in Twin Cities residents aged 30 to 74 from 1968 to 1986 by 52% in men and 58% in women. Much of the decline in CHD mortality was attributable to decreased out-of-hospital deaths. Attack rates based on hospitalized definite myocardial infarction (MI) did not change from 1970 to 1985, and hospital case-fatality rates declined consistently from 1970 to 1985 (from 21% to 11% in men, from 27% to 17% in women). Dramatic increases were noted in the percentage of patients undergoing cardiac procedures (coronary artery bypass, angioplasty, and thrombolytic agents). Trends in CHD rates were associated with improved population levels of risk factors. Average serum total cholesterol levels decreased by 8 mg/dl and 11 mg/dl between 1973 and 1987 in men and women, respectively. Cigarette smoking prevalence declined from approximately 40% to 30%. Average systolic blood pressure apparently declined about 1 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mm Hg from 1973 to 1987. Body mass index (wt/ht2) increased by 1 unit in men and 1.7 units in women from 1973 to 1987. These data suggest that a combination of primary prevention and improved medical care of acute CHD contributed to the decline in CHD mortality.
The past as prologue to the future: the times, they've been a-changin'.

“[A]n overview of the past suggests that today's investigators are as much determined by history as they are makers of it.” (Cairns, 1983, p. 90)
Trajectory generation using a modified simple shooting method

In this paper, we combine the theoretical result of Pontryagin's minimum principle and a new numerical method to obtain a fast algorithm for the trajectory design problem for a reusable launch vehicle. We work with the outer-loop equations for an aircraft and consider the angle-of-attack to be the input. We cast the trajectory design problem as an optimal control problem and use Pontryagin's minimum principle to obtain first order necessary conditions. These are in the form of a two-point boundary-value problem (TPBVP) and we solve them by means of the modified simple shooting method (MSSM). In recent work, the MSSM has been shown to be superior, both in speed and accuracy, for TPBVPs.
Presidential Particularism and Divide-the-Dollar Politics

When inuencing the allocation of federal dollars across the country, do presidents strictly pursue maximally ecient outcomes, or do they systematically target dollars to politically inuential constituencies? In a county-level analysis of federal spending from 1984 to 2008, we nd that presidents are not universalistic, but particularistic { that is they reliably direct dollars to specic constituents to further their political goals. As others have noted, presidents target districts represented by their co-partisans in Congress in the pursuit of inuence visavis the legislature. But we show that, at much higher levels, presidents target both counties within swing states and counties in core states that strongly supported the president in recent elections. Swing state particularism is especially salient during presidential reelection years, and core partisan counties within swing states are most heavily rewarded. Rather than strictly pursuing visions of good public policy or pandering to the national median voter, our results suggest that presidents systematically prioritize the needs of politically important constituents.