cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracranially recorded responses from the human auditory nerve: New insights into the origin of brain stem evoked potentials (BSEPs)

Auditory evoked potentials were recorded intracranially from the 8th nerve during neurosurgical procedures. The potentials had a large negative peak that occurred 3.0--3.7 msec after the onset of the stimulus (2 000 Hz tone bursts). When these potentials were compared with the scalp recorded brain stem evoked potentials (BSEPs) the intracranial response was found to match the latencies of the P2N3 complex of the BSEP. The results are interpreted as showing that the neural generator of the second peak of the BSEP is the intracranial portion of the auditory nerve and not, as was earlier assumed, the cochlear nucleus.
Database for aqueous solubility of nonelectrolytes.

The ARIZONA dATAbASE of Aqueous Solubility was developed. At the present time, it is the largest and most comprehensive compilation of aqueous solubility available for unionised organic compounds. The solubility data, which are extracted from various scientific articles, are objectively evaluated by five criteria: temperature, solute purity, equilibration, analysis and data accuracy. These criteria are used to calculate a weighting factor. The weighting factor is used to obtain a «recommended value» for solubility
Nonlinear optimal stochastic regulator using finite-horizon state dependent riccati equation

A number of computational techniques have been offered for estimation of unmeasured states in nonlinear systems. Most of these techniques rely on applying the linear estimation techniques to the linearized systems, which can be effective only in the neighborhood of the operating point. This paper presents a new efficient approximate online technique used for finite-horizon nonlinear stochastic regulator problems. This technique based on change of variables that converts the differential Riccati equation to a linear Lyapunov differential equation. Illustrative examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Eprosartan versus enalapril in hypertensive patients with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough

Abstract This multicenter, double-masked, double-dummy, randomized study was undertaken to compare the incidence of persistent, nonproductive cough during eprosartan or enalapril treatment or when receiving placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension and a history of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough. Patients were administered eprosartan 300 mg twice daily, enalapril 20 mg once daily, or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the incidence of persistent, nonproductive cough; secondary outcome measures included cough severity, changes in vital signs, response to antihypertensive therapy, and incidence of adverse events. Eprosartan significantly reduced the risk of nonproductive cough by 88% ( P = 0.008) and maximum cough by 57% ( P = 0.0085) compared with enalapril. Both the incidence and severity of cough end points in the eprosartan and placebo groups were comparable. The blood pressure response rate to treatment was 53% in the eprosartan group compared with 42% and 25% in the enalapril and placebo groups, respectively. Adverse events occurred more frequently in patients treated with enalapril than in those who received eprosartan or placebo. The incidence of cough of any nature or severity in the eprosartan group was comparable to that seen in the placebo group. Overall, persistent, nonproductive cough was clinically and statistically less in eprosartanthan in enalapril-treated patients. Eprosartan was at least as effective as enalapril at lowering blood pressure, and treatment with eprosartan was safe and well tolerated.
The absolute configuration of (−)-3-hydroxy-α-calacorene

3-Hydroxy-alpha-calacorene was identified in extracts from cold-shocked seedlings of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), both of which are members of the Malvaceae family. (-)-3-Hydroxy-alpha-calacorene was isolated from Heterotheca inuloides Cass. (Asteraceae). HPLC on a chiral stationary phase column showed that the 3-hydroxy-alpha- calacorene from cotton and kenaf had the same relative configuration, while that from H. inuloides was of the opposite configuration. X-ray crystallographic analysis established the absolute configuration of the compound in H. inuloides as (8R)-(-)-3-hydroxy-alpha-calacorene.
Control strategies for the index finger of a tendon-driven hand

To understand how versatile dexterity is achieved in the human hand and to achieve it in a robotic form, we have constructed an anatomically correct testbed (ACT) hand. This paper focuses on the development of control strategies for the index finger motion and implementation of joint passive behavior in the ACT hand. A direct muscle position control and a force-optimized joint control are implemented for position tracking through muscle force control. The relationships between the muscle and joint motions play a critical role in both of the controllers and we implemented a Gaussian process regression technique to determine these relationships. Our experiments demonstrate that the direct muscle position controller allows for fast position tracking, while the force-optimized joint controller allows for the exploitation of actuation redundancy in the finger critical for this redundant system. We demonstrate that by implementing a passive force-length relationship at each muscle we are able to precisely match joint stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the ACT to that of a human MCP joint. We also show the results from improved position tracking when implemented in the presence of passive muscle control schemes. The control schemes for position tracking and passive behavior are inspired by human neuromuscular control, and form the building blocks for developing future human-like control approaches.
Photo Quiz: Unexpected Fatal Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Adult: a Tale of a Father and a Son

A 40-year-old obese white male with no significant past medical history presented to an outside community-based hospital with right upper abdominal quadrant pain. Imaging studies showed right lung lesions and a right pleural effusion. He was also noted to have new-onset diabetes mellitus, with
Les Routes de la Navigation Antique. Itinéraires en Mediterranée ‐ by Pascal Arnaud

Les Routes de la Navigation Antique. Itineraires en Mediterranee. PASCAL Arnaud 246 pp., 50 b&w illustrations Editions Errance, 7 rue Jean‐du‐Bellay, Paris 75004, 2005, €26 (sbk), ISBN 2‐87772‐314...
The public land survey system: The American rural cadastre

Abstract A recent report of the National Research Council Committee on Integrated Land Data Mapping identified the modernization of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) as a high priority requirement for the development of a national multipurpose cadastre. This recommendation could have profound implications especially for the development of rural cadastres in the 30 PLSS states. The report identifies federal initiatives that need to be taken to achieve this modernization of the PLSS, and it also comments upon the complementary roles of state and local governments in this modernization process. This paper examines the task of and progress toward creating modern, multipurpose land record systems to serve rural areas within the 30 PLSS states. The task of building such systems is viewed within a developmental frame of reference and in relation to the status and nature of other basic, spatial land data sets to which parcel data files need to be linked. Note is taken of the special difficulties faced by smaller units in creating the pre-conditions for development of a data base and cadastral infrastructure for areas of low parcel density.
A synthesis of strychnine by a longest linear sequence of six steps

Strychnine is synthesized via a longest linear sequence of six steps from commercially available starting materials. Key steps include a base-mediated intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction of a tryptamine-derived Zincke aldehyde, a Ru-catalyzed trans-hydrosilylation of 1,4-butynediol, and a tandem Brook rearrangement/intramolecular conjugate addition reaction that affords the Wieland–Gumlich aldehyde.
Electron spin resonance studies of hydrogen adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes

Temperature and pressure dependent electron spin resonance (ESR) studies were conducted on two oxidatively purified single-walled carbon nanotube samples. For both samples, the ESR signal is composed of two components. The narrower component is ascribed to localized spins due to defects, the broader one to conduction electrons. Hydrogen predominantly interacts with defects. Below the condensation point, addition of hydrogen is suggested to cause diamagnetic dilution of the conducting sample, which leads to increased signal intensity.
Progressive ArF exposure tool for 65nm node lithography

To meet shrinkage demands of device pattern size, a new platform ArF exposure tool , NSR-S308F, has been developed with an extremely high NA projection lens. This equipment has been developed not only for ensuring better imaging of dry ArF, but also for achieving imaging enhancement of immersion ArF. To satisfy imaging and overlay accuracy requirements for 65nm node lithography, the heat management, body stiffness, and reaction force canceling system have been drastically improved. Optimized illumination conditions and polarized illumination1 have been developed to expand the severe process margin for ArF dry exposure tools. In addition, some applications support: the maximization of imaging performance of S308F; the aerial image measurement function2 to correct aberration of projection lens; the optimization software of lens aberration in a specific device pattern, and special software to realize excellent mix and match accuracy. Latest evaluation results and the improvement items of S308F will be presented.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mechanical properties of plastic-bonded explosive binder materials as a function of strain-rate and temperature

Compression measurements were conducted on three explosive formulation binders, extruded Estane, plasticized Estane, and plasticized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, as a function of temperature and strain rate. The mechanical response of the Estane was found to exhibit the strongest dependency on strain rate and temperature and higher flow strength for similar test conditions of the three materials tested. Plasticized Estane was less sensitively dependent on strain rate and temperature, followed by the plasticized HTPB. The visco-elastic recovery of all three binders is seen to dominate the mechanical behavior at temperatures above the glass transition temperature (Tg). There is a pronounced shift in the apparent Tg to higher temperatures as the strain rate is increased. Two distinct behaviors are observed in the binders below the Tg. At low strain rates, the binders exhibit a yield behavior, followed by a drop in the flow stress, which may or may not recover. At high strain rates, the load drop does not occur and the flow stresses either gradually increase, as in plasticized HTPB, or it levels out as seen in the Estane-based binders. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:812–819, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morbidity of lupus anticoagulants in children: a single institution experience

Introduction: The lupus anticoagulant (LA) and the anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) are the antiphospholipid antibodies more relevant clinically. Their clinical manifestations are diverse with most patients being asymptomatic while others present venous or arterial thrombosis, and more rarely, bleeding. Our objectives were to evaluate clinical presentation of LA in children and to correlate it to LA behavior. Patients and methods: A retrospective cohort of patients (under 18 years old) who had a positive determination of LA followed by at least another determination of LA at a variable period was evaluated. Personal and family history, including infectious diseases temporally related to the event, were recorded. The screening of other coagulation disorders was performed according to symptoms, family history or laboratory results. Results: Thirty-six patients were evaluated, median age was 10.8 years old, and 52.8% were female. Asymptomatic patients were 19.4% (7/36) of study population. Bleeding and thrombosis were found in 52.8% and 27.8%, respectively. Median LA determinations per patient were 3. von Willebrand disease was diagnosed in 66.7% of patients consulting for bleeding. A concomitant hemostatic defect was found in 8/10 patients with thrombosis (p=0.003). LA behavior was not uniform and not correlated to symptoms. Conclusions: Most LA found in children is incidental and asymptomatic. In children with bleeding, LA might be a fortuitous finding associated with VWD. The persistence of LA does not imply a higher risk of thrombosis.
Charge Transport in Photofunctional Nanoparticles Self-Assembled from Zinc 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(perylenediimide)porphyrin Building Blocks

Molecules designed to carry out photochemical energy conversion typically employ several sequential electron transfers, as do photosynthetic proteins. Yet, these molecules typically do not achieve the extensive charge transport characteristic of semiconductor devices. We have prepared a large molecule in which four perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxydiimide (PDI) molecules that both collect photons and accept electrons are attached to a central zinc 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) electron donor. This molecule self-assembles into ordered nanoparticles both in solution and in the solid-state, driven by van der Waals stacking of the PDI molecules. Photoexcitation of the nanoparticles results in quantitative charge separation in 3.2 ps to form ZnTPP+PDI- radical ion pairs, in which the radical anion rapidly migrates to PDI molecules that are, on average, 21 A away, as evidenced by magnetic field effects on the yield of the PDI triplet state that results from radical ion pair recombination. These nanoparti...
Polyhydroxybutyrate particles in Synechocystis sp PCC 6803: facts and fiction

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to identify poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules in cyanobacteria for over 40 years. Spherical inclusions inside the cell that are electron-transparent and/or slightly electron-dense and that are found in transmission electron micrographs of cyanobacteria are generally assumed to be PHB granules. The aim of this study was to test this assumption in different strains of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Inclusions that resemble PHB granules were present in strains lacking a pair of genes essential for PHB synthesis and in wild-type cells under conditions that no PHB granules could be detected by fluorescence staining of PHB. Indeed, in these cells PHB could not be demonstrated chemically by GC/MS either. Based on the results gathered, it is concluded that not all the slightly electron-dense spherical inclusions are PHB granules in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. This result is potentially applicable to other cyanobacteria. Alternate assignments for these inclusions are discussed.
Liquid membrane-based CO2 reduction in a breathing apparatus

Abstract Hydrophilic porous hollow fiber membranes were used to study appropriate immobilized liquid membranes (ILMs) for selective separation of carbon dioxide from anesthesia breathing circuit gas mixture containing nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2) and halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs). The pores in these hollow fibers were impregnated with the following liquids: Na-glycinate–glycerol solution; K-glycinate–glycerol solution and Na-glycinate–PEG 400–glycerol solution. Halogenated hydrocarbon liquids (HHCs) used in the permeation study were halothane, enflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane. Separation of CO2–N2O–O2–HHC mixtures was studied using a variety of hollow fiber support membranes and modules and at temperatures between 25 and 37 °C. Relatively low separation factors between CO2/N2O were observed in the case of the immobilized Na-glycinate–glycerol solution or K-glycinate–glycerol solution due to similar physicochemical characteristics of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Highest CO2 permeances achieved using 5%CO2 inlet feed concentration at 37 °C with hydrophilic microporous polyethersulfone (PES) membranes immobilized either with 3 M-Na/K-glycinate–glycerol or 2 M-Na-glycinate in 50/50 glycerol/PEG 400 solution were in the order of 100–490 GPU (1GPU = 10−6 scc/cm2-s-cmHg). Observed HHC permeances were in the range of 0.02–2.6 GPU depending on the type of liquid membrane, carrier, temperature and hollow fiber used during this study. Reasonably high selectivity for CO2/HHC was observed at room and elevated temperatures (37 °C). A module having larger membrane area achieved considerable CO2 removal from the feed breathing gas mixtures at higher sweep gas flow rates (100–450 cm3/min) while using 5%CO2 inlet feed gas concentration. The highest carbon dioxide permeance of 1600 GPU was achieved with the breathing gas mixture containing 2%CO2 at the elevated temperature of 37 °C, where 5%CO2/70%N2O/O2 balance yielded a CO2 permeance of 490 GPU at 37 °C. An ultrathin hydrophobic porous coating on the outside surface of the PES hollow fibers prevented flooding of the liquid membrane by moisture condensation or flowing water on the outside of the fiber.
c-Src Activates Endonuclease-Mediated mRNA Decay

The mRNA endonuclease PMR1 initiates mRNA decay by forming a selective complex with its translating substrate mRNA. Previous work showed that the ability of PMR1 to target to polysomes and activate decay depends on the phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue at position 650. The current study shows that c-Src is responsible for activating this mRNA decay pathway. c-Src was recovered with immunoprecipitated PMR1, and it phosphorylates PMR1 in vitro and in vivo. The interaction with c-Src involves two domains of PMR1: Y650 and a series of proline-rich SH3 peptides in the N terminus. In cells with little c-Src, PMR1 targeting to polysomes is induced by constitutively active c-Src but not by inactive forms of the kinase. Similarly, only active c-Src induces PMR1-mediated mRNA decay. Finally, we show that EGF rapidly induces c-Src phosphorylation of PMR1, providing a direct link between tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction and mRNA decay.
Multi-mode piezoelectric energy harvesters for wireless sensor network based structural health monitoring

For sensor operation or remote interrogation of existing infrastructures, power is one of the key issues in wireless sensing technology. The novel energy harvesting technique and its integration with wireless sensing systems are vital to the next generation structural health monitoring systems. Energy harvesting devices convert the ambient energy surrounding the wireless sensors into electrical energy to extend the lifetime or reach unlimited lifespan of wireless sensors. Mechanical vibrations, existing almost everywhere, have been investigated as a promising energy source for wireless sensors in many applications. Piezoelectric generators are the primary method for converting the vibration energy into electrical energy. Most piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters studied so far are based on simple cantilever-based design with resonant frequency matching the environmental resonant frequency. However, the energy conversion efficiency of this type of vibration energy harvester drops dramatically if the environmental frequency and the frequency of the energy harvester are mismatched. This paper proposes a novel multi-mode piezoelectric vibration energy harvester that is suitable for structural health monitoring in an environment with multiple dominant vibration modes. The multi-mode piezoelectric vibration energy harvester has distributed stiffness and mass and has multiple resonant frequencies adapted to the environmental vibration modes. A multi-mode energy harvester with two interested resonant modes is used as an example to demonstrate this new concept. The multi-mode energy harvester is modeled using Finite Element Method. The efficiency of the multi-mode piezoelectric energy harvester is compared with that of existing cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvester.
Sex chromosome-specific regulation in the Drosophila male germline but little evidence for chromosomal dosage compensation or meiotic inactivation.

The evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes (e.g., XY in males or ZW in females) has repeatedly elicited the evolution of two kinds of chromosome-specific regulation: dosage compensation—the equalization of X chromosome gene expression in males and females— and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI)—the transcriptional silencing and heterochromatinization of the X during meiosis in the male (or Z in the female) germline. How the X chromosome is regulated in the Drosophila melanogaster male germline is unclear. Here we report three new findings concerning gene expression from the X in Drosophila testes. First, X chromosome-wide dosage compensation appears to be absent from most of the Drosophila male germline. Second, microarray analysis provides no evidence for X chromosome-specific inactivation during meiosis. Third, we confirm the previous discovery that the expression of transgene reporters driven by autosomal spermatogenesis-specific promoters is strongly reduced when inserted on the X chromosome versus the autosomes; but we show that this chromosomal difference in expression is established in premeiotic cells and persists in meiotic cells. The magnitude of the X-autosome difference in transgene expression cannot be explained by the absence of dosage compensation, suggesting that a previously unrecognized mechanism limits expression from the X during spermatogenesis in Drosophila. These findings help to resolve several previously conflicting reports and have implications for patterns of genome evolution and speciation in Drosophila.
Displacement of lidocaine from serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein binding sites by basic drugs.

Since little is known of the number and types of binding sites on α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and because drug-drug protein binding interactions often fail to fit a simple model, a study of the effect of 9 known AAG binding drugs on lidocaine free fraction (LFF) was performed. Serum was obtained from 10 healthy males, pooled and various concentrations (from 0.15 to 1 000 µg/ml) of amitriptyline, bupivacaine, chlorpromazine, disopyramide, imipramine, meperidine, nortriptyline, propranolol and quinidine were added. LFF was determined by equilibrium dialysis at an initial lidocaine concentration of 2.0 µg/ml. LFF increased from 0.30±0.019 (mean ± SD) in the absence of displacing agents to maximum values ranging from 0.59 (nortriptyline) to 0.73 (bupivacaine). Plots of LFF vs. the logarithm of displacing drug concentration yielded simple sigmoidal curves in all cases. LFF was increased 50% by an initial bupivacaine concentration of 6.0 µg/ml with all other drugs requiring more than 10 µg/ml to increase LFF to that extent. Lidocaine binding in a 4.5 g/dl albumin solution was unaffected by concentrations of quinidine, meperidine, nortriptyline and bupivacaine up to 200 µg/ml. Addition of AAG to serum reduced LFF as expected. A plot of the reciprocal of bound drug concentration vs. the reciprocal of free drug concentration in the presence and absence of quinidine suggested a competitive binding interaction. These data indicate that the binding interactions between lidocaine and the various displacing compounds are not significantly complicated by cooperative effects and that, with the possible exception of bupivacaine, displacement of lidocaine by any of these drugs is unlikely to be of clinical significance.
Pathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopic Findings in Naturally Occurring Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus Infection in Cats:

Infection with feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of upper respiratory and oral disease in cats. FCV infection is rarely fatal, however, virulent, systemic strains of FCV (VS-FCV) that cause alopecia, cutaneous ulcers, subcutaneous edema, and high mortality in affected cats have recently been described. Seven cats with natural VS-FCV infection all had subcutaneous edema and ulceration of the oral cavity, with variable ulceration of the pinnae, pawpads, nares, and skin. Other lesions that were present in some affected cats included bronchointerstitial pneumonia, and pancreatic, hepatic, and splenic necrosis. Viral antigen was present within endothelial and epithelial cells in affected tissues as determined by immunohistochemical staining with a monoclonal antibody to FCV. Mature intranuclear and intracytoplasmic virions in necrotic epithelial cells were identified by transmission electron microscopy. VS-FCV infection causes epithelial cell cytolysis and systemic vascular compromise in susceptible cats, leading to cutaneous ulceration, severe edema, and high mortality.
Substitution of Cottonseed Meal for Marine Animal Protein in Diets for Penaeus vannamei

Solvent-extracted cottonseed meal was used in shrimp Penaeus vannamei diets at levels of 0, 13.3, 26.5, 39.8, 53.0 and 66.3%, substituting on an equal nitrogen basis for 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of animal protein mix (53% menhaden fish meal, 34% shrimp waste meal and 13% squid meal). The feeds were formulated to contain 32% crude protein and 3,100 kcal metabolizable energy/kg. Each diet was fed to juvenile shrimp to satiation four times daily for 8 wk. Shrimp fed the three lowest dietary levels of cottonseed meal (0, 13.3 and 26.5%) had similar weight gain, feed consumption and survival. The performance of shrimp was adversely affected when diets containing more than 26.5% cottonseed meal, or 1,100 ppm free gossypol, were fed. Shrimp fed the diet with 39.8% cottonseed meal or 1,600 ppm free gossypol had depressed weight gain, reduced feed intake and high mortality. The groups receiving the two highest dietary levels of cottonseed meal lost weight by the end of week 4 and all shrimp in these treatments died within 6 to 8 wk. These adverse effects were probably due to the toxicity of free gossypol. Shrimp appeared to accumulate gossypol in the body as evidenced by light yellow-green coloration in shrimp fed diets containing cottonseed meal.
Color Stability of Ten Resin‐Based Restorative Materials

Despite significant developments to improve the optical properties of composites, color stability remains a challenge with changes still observed immediately after polymerization and after some time of storage. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the color change of ten commercially available resin composite systems immediately after polymerization, at 24 hours, and at 1 month of water storage. Materials and Methods: Five discs of two thicknesses (1 mm/3 mm) in two shades (A3/Bleach) were made from ten commercially available brands of resin composite. Color measurements were recorded with a colorimeter and expressed in terms of the CIE L*a*b* scale. Color change was calculated between baseline and immediate polymerization (ΔE*1), between immediate polymerization and 24 hours (ΔE*2), and between 24 hours and 1 month (ΔE*3). Values ΔE* ≥ 3.3 were considered clinically unacceptable as color shifts over this threshold value may be noticeable. The results were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student–Newman–Keuls's tests. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Results: Color change was evidenced for all brands, shades, and thickness. The greatest color change was observed immediately after initial polymerization with ΔE* values ranging from 2.4 to 12.0. Color change after 24 hours and 1 month were significantly less than those observed after polymerization. Immediately after polymerization, only Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Amherst, NY, USA) showed changes below 3.3. At 24 hours, 20 out of the 40 groups including all materials in both shades and thicknesses showed changes above 3.3. At 1 month, color changes for all brands remained under 3.3. Conclusions: Overall, clinically relevant color changes (ΔE* ≥ 3.3) took place immediately after polymerization of current light-activated composites. These changes were predominantly attributed to shifts in the L* and b* parameters towards the dark and blue region, respectively. Color shifts continued at 24 hours with changes in the L* and b* parameters towards the light and yellow region, respectively. After 1 month, only minor changes under the 3.3 threshold took place. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Ensuring an accurate color match of resin composite restorations to the surrounding tooth structure is a critical aspect of any esthetic restorative procedure. A better understanding of the changes taking place during the different stages of maturation and storage of composites may be of significant benefit to clinicians as this may help minimize shade mismatch issues. (J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2011)
Micro- and Macrolevel Models of the Presidential Expectations Gap

The idea that the public expects more from its presidents than they are able to deliver long has been a mainstay of the presidential literature. When presidential scholars ask whether the expectations gap exists, they generally provide microlevel explanations that focus on the relationships among various presidential characteristics and how these characteristics are perceived by the public. This approach makes sense if expectations are chiefly responsive to perceptions of the Presidency itself. Yet, recent research empirically identifies an expectations gap in public perceptions of Congress and the president. These studies provide a theoretical reason to believe that macrolevel political phenomena, or public perceptions of the broader governmental system, also may be determinants of the gap. These macrodeterminants might include general beliefs about the responsiveness, efficacy, and trustworthiness of government. Using two national surveys conducted in 1998 and 1999, we test three related microlevel expl...
Search for free quarks produced in ultra-relativistic collisions at BNL and CERN

Abstract A high intensity experiment was performed to search for free quarks at BNL and CERN using ultra-relativisitic beams. The experiment was designed to trap quarks in a Hg target or liquid Ar tank. No free quark candidate was found. Limits from 10 −7 to 10 −10 quarks per incident ion are reported.
Dysregulation of PTEN and Protein Kinase B Is Associated with Glioma Histology and Patient Survival

Purpose: This study assessed whether putative effectors of phosphatidylinositol3-kinase, including PTEN, protein kinase B (PKB), and p27 kip1 , correlate with each other, with glioma histology, and with patient outcome. Experimental Design: Components of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling cascade were characterized in 25 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors, 8 grade II oligoastrocytomas, and 13 normal human brain specimens. The protein levels of PTEN and p27 kip1 were assessed by immunoblot analyses. PKB kinase activity was evaluated through the expression level of the phosphorylated (activated) PKB protein and the ability of PKB to phosphorylate a specific peptide substrate in vitro . Cox regression analyses between expression/activity variables and survival were performed across and within histology types. Actual value for expression/activity was used as a continuous variable. Survival time was displayed by Kaplan Meier. Results: A strong inverse correlation was evident between PTEN levels and both phosphorylated PKB expression ( P P = 0.01). p27 kip1 levels did not correlate with PTEN expression or PKB activity. A significant association was evident between PTEN expression level and histology ( P kip1 levels exhibited no association with histology. PTEN expression correlated significantly with survival time within the entire cohort ( P P = 0.11). Conclusions: Reduced PTEN expression is ubiquitous among GBM tumors and may play a role in the development of low-grade gliomas. PTEN inactivation in gliomas portends a particularly aggressive clinical behavior.
The Mechanism and Regulation of Fat Mobilization from Adipose Tissue: Desnutrin, a Newly Discovered Lipolytic Enzyme

A new member of a family of proteins functioning in the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue has been discovered and named "desnutrin." Desnutrin is transiently induced by fasting and decreased by re-feeding. A close homolog, termed adiponutrin, has the opposite expression pattern, being induced by feeding and disappearing upon fasting. Desnutrin functions by acting as the first enzyme in lipolysis, hydrolyzing triglycerides to diglycerides, whereas the well-known hormone-sensitive lipase takes the diglycerides to monoglycerides and on to free fatty acids.
ACTH content of pituitary glands of arteriosclerotic breeder vs. non-arteriosclerotic virgin rats

Acid extracts were made of the pituitary glands of non-arteriosclerotic male and female virgin rats and arteriosclerotic, male and female breeder rats. The ACTH content of these pituitary glands was determined by measuring the amount of corticosterone produced by the adrenal glands of healthy but hypophysectomized rats when challenged by the various ACTH acid extracts. The pituitary glands of the arteriosclerotic animals were significantly heavier than non-arteriosclerotic rats and contained decreased amounts of ACTH commensurate with the severity of the pituitary donor's arteriosclerosis. Similarly, arteriosclerotic donors had heavier adrenal glands but contained considerably less corticosterone than non-arteriosclerotic virgin rats. Male breeder rats developed microscopic aortic lesions involving intimal mesenchymal cell and ground substance alterations whereas the female breeder lesions progressed from intimal ground substance and connective tissue changes to medial elastolytic degeneration and eventual medial cartilaginous and osseous metaplasia. Histopathologic examination of the pituitary and adrenal glands demonstrated hyperplasia of basophil and other cytologic elements of the pituitary gland including colloid-filled cysts and lipid depletion of the zona glomerulosa as well as hemorrhage and thrombosis of the adrenal cortex of the arteriosclerotic breeder rats. The hypothesis is made that repeated breeding leads to abnormal hypothalamic regulation of pituitary gland synthesis and release of ACTH, which, in turn, contributes to abnormal adrenal glandular function conditioning the aortic wall toward abnormal changes in mesenchymal cell activity and metabolism of connective tissue ground substance.
RF MEMs variable capacitors for tunable filters

() ABSTRACT: An RF MEMs microelectromechanical system variable capacitor has been demonstrated with a 22:1 tuning range, tuning from 1.5 to 33.2 pF of capacitance. This capacitor was constructed using bistable MEMs membrane capacitors with individual tuning ranges of 70:1 to 100:1, control voltages in the 30-55 V range, switching speeds less than 10 mS, and operating frequencies as high as 40 GHz. These devices may eventually provide a viable alternative to electronic varactors with improved tuning range and lower loss. Q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 9: 362)374, 1999.
Soft tissue application of lasers

Despite increasing numbers of veterinarians incorporating lasers into their clinical practices, little information has been published about laser clinical applications in soft tissue surgery. This article reviews soft tissue interaction, describes laser equipment and accessories commonly marketed to veterinarians, and discusses clinical applications of the carbon dioxide laser in a systems-based approach. A table of recommended laser tips and settings based on the authors' experiences using a carbon dioxide laser (AccuVet Novapulse LX-20SP, Bothell, WA) is provided.
Bacteriophage T4-Directed DNA Synthesis in Toluene-Treated Cells

Abstract DNA synthesis has been studied in T4-infected Escherichia coli cells made permeable to nucleotides by treatment with toluene. The rate of incorporation of labeled deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates into DNA at various times after infection is proportional to the in vivo rate. This in vitro incorporation is dependent on all four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (5-hydroxymethyldeoxy-cytidine triphosphate can substitute for dCTP) and Mg2+. It is stimulated by rATP, partially inhibited by pancreatic DNase, and abolished by N-ethylmalei-mide and 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate. T4 amber DO (DNA negative) and temperature-sensitive DO mutants under nonpermissive conditions of infection fail to induce DNA synthesis in vitro. The synthesizing activity is intracellular and the DNA product is exclusively T4 DNA. The in vitro synthesis proceeds in a discontinuous manner involving synthesis and subsequent joining of small DNA fragments (about 10S in alkaline sucrose gradients) into larger molecules predominantly one-half the length of mature T4 DNA. No restriction of C-containing or nonglucosylated HMC-containing T4 DNA product is observed in this system.
Drosophila Dpp morphogen movement is independent of dynamin-mediated endocytosis but regulated by the glypican members of heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

The Drosophila transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) homolog Decapentaplegic (Dpp) acts as a morphogen that forms a long-range concentration gradient to direct the anteroposterior patterning of the wing. Both planar transcytosis initiated by Dynamin-mediated endocytosis and extracellular diffusion have been proposed for Dpp movement across cells. In this work, we found that Dpp is mainly extracellular, and its extracellular gradient coincides with its activity gradient. We demonstrate that a blockage of endocytosis by the dynamin mutant shibire does not block Dpp movement but rather inhibits Dpp signal transduction, suggesting that endocytosis is not essential for Dpp movement but is involved in Dpp signaling. Furthermore, we show that Dpp fails to move across cells mutant for dally and dally-like (dly), two Drosophila glypican members of heparin sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). Our results support a model in which Dpp moves along the cell surface by restricted extracellular diffusion involving the glypicans Dally and Dly.
Assessment of Renal Injury With a Clinical Dual Head Lithotriptor Delivering 240 Shock Waves per Minute

Purpose: Lithotriptors with 2 treatment heads deliver shock waves along separate paths. Firing 1 head and then the other in alternating mode has been suggested as a strategy to treat stones twice as rapidly as with conventional shock wave lithotripsy. Because the shock wave rate is known to have a role in shock wave lithotripsy induced injury, and given that treatment using 2 separate shock wave sources exposes more renal tissue to shock wave energy than treatment with a conventional lithotriptor, we assessed renal trauma in pigs following treatment at rapid rate (240 shock waves per minute and 120 shock waves per minute per head) using a Duet lithotriptor (Direx Medical Systems, Petach Tikva, Israel) fired in alternating mode.Materials and Methods: Eight adult female pigs (Hardin Farms, Danville, Indiana) each were treated with sham shock wave lithotripsy or 2,400 shock waves delivered in alternating mode (1,200 shock waves per head, 120 shock waves per minute per head and 240 shock waves per minute over...
Pharmacology of nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor-induced mitochondrial toxicity

Abstract Objective This paper reviews the function of the mitochondria and the mechanisms by which nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) cause mitochondrial toxicity. Background Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces rates of morbidity and mortality due to HIV disease. However, long-term treatment with these drugs may be associated with adverse effects. Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase and have become the cornerstone of HAART. Unfortunately, these drugs have also been shown to inhibit cellular polymerases, most notably mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. Results Studies of the NRTIs in enzyme assays and cell cultures demonstrate the following hierarchy of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ inhibition: zalcitabine ≥ didanosine ≥ stavudine > lamivudine > zidovudine > abacavir. In vitro investigations have also documented impairment of the mitochondrial enzymes adenylate kinase and the adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate translocator. Inhibition of DNA polymerase γ and other mitochondrial enzymes can gradually lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular toxicity. The clinical manifestations of NRTI-induced mitochondrial toxicity resemble those of inherited mitochondrial diseases (ie, hepatic steatosis, lactic acidosis, myopathy, nephrotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and pancreatitis). Fat redistribution syndrome, or HIV-associated lipodystrophy, is another side effect attributed in part to NRTI therapy. The morphologic and metabolic complications of this syndrome are similar to those of the mitochondrial disorder known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis, suggesting that this too may be related to mitochondrial toxicity. The pathophysiology of less common adverse effects of nucleoside analogue therapy, such as diabetes, ototoxicity, and retinal lesions, may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction but have not been adequately studied. Conclusion NRTIs can block both HIV reverse transcriptase and mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. Inhibition of the latter enzyme is the most likely cause of the adverse effects associated with these drugs.
Narratives of Menstrual Product Consumption: Convenience, Culture, or Commoditization?

The environmental and social costs of consumer societies have increasingly been recognized. Achieving sustainable household consumption requires an understanding of the underlying roots of current consumption levels. Using the case study of menstrual care practices, different theoretical frameworks—or narratives—for understanding household consumption are evaluated. The author argues that theories of consumption that focus on individual choice based on assessments of convenience or cleanliness, or only on cultural imperatives need to be expanded to take account of the wider political–economic context. Using commoditization theory helps explain not only why mass-produced, disposable menstrual products are dominant in free market societies but also why certain theories of consumption are more prevalent.
PROVIDING A UNIFIED ACCOUNT OF DEFINITE NOUN PHRASES IN DISCOURSE

Citation Grosz, Barbara J., Aravind K. Joshi, and Scott Weinstein. 1983. Providing a unified account of definite noun phrases in discourse. In 21st Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics: proceedings of the conference : 15-17 June 1983, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, ed. Association for Computational Linguistics, 44-50. Morristown, N.J.: Association for Computational Linguistics.
Characterization of Cellular Uptake of Perfluorooctanoate via Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 1A2, Organic Anion Transporter 4, and Urate Transporter 1 for Their Potential Roles in Mediating Human Renal Reabsorption of Perfluorocarboxylates

It has been hypothesized that human renal apical membrane transporters play a key role in human renal reabsorption of perfluorooctanoate (PFO), which contributes to the long half-life of PFO in humans. In the present study, PFO uptake kinetics of human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1A2, organic anion transporter (OAT) 4, and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in stably transfected cell lines was investigated. OAT4 and URAT1, but not OATP1A2, were shown to mediate saturable PFO cellular uptake. OAT4-mediated PFO uptake was stimulated by a low extracellular pH, which was evidenced as a lower Michaelis constant (K(m)) at pH 6 (172.3 ± 45.9μM) than that at pH 7.4 (310.3 ± 30.2μM). URAT1-mediated PFO uptake was greatly enhanced by an outward Cl(-) gradient, and its K(m) value was determined to be 64.1 ± 30.5μM in the absence of extracellular Cl(-). The inhibition of OATP1A2- or OAT4-mediated estrone-3-sulfate uptake or URAT1-mediated urate uptake has been compared for linear perfluorocarboxylates (PFCs) with carbon chain lengths from 4 to 12. A clear chain length-dependent inhibition was observed, suggesting that PFCs in general are substrates of OAT4 and URAT1 but with different levels of affinities to the transporters depending on their chain length. Our results suggest that OAT4 and URAT1 are key transporters in renal reabsorption of PFCs in humans and, as a result, may contribute significantly to the long half-life of PFO in humans.
Manipulation-resistant collaborative filtering systems

A collaborative filtering system recommends to users products that similar users like. Collaborative filtering systems influence purchase decisions, and hence have become targets of manipulation by unscrupulous vendors. We provide theoretical and empirical results demonstrating that while common nearest neighbor algorithms, which are widely used in commercial systems, can be highly susceptible to manipulation, a class of collaborative filtering algorithms which we refer to as linear is relatively robust. These results provide guidance for the design of future collaborative filtering systems.
Long-term outcome following successful reopening of abrupt closure after coronary angioplasty

Abrupt closure after coronary angioplasty is often successfully treated by repeat dilation. Long-term follow-up, including 6-month repeat catheterization and 12-month clinical evaluation, was obtained in 1,056 patients treated with acute (n = 335) or elective (n = 721) coronary angioplasty to evaluate the long-term impact of successful reopening of abrupt closure. Abrupt closure occurred in 13.5% of patients and was successfully reopened in 58%. Adverse outcomes including restenosis, death, bypass surgery, myocardial infarction and repeat angioplasty were compared between patients with successfully treated abrupt closure and those with successful procedures (residual diameter stenosis 50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) were 64% for those with successfully treated abrupt closure versus 36% for those with successful procedures without abrupt closure (p < 0.01). In addition, subsequent myocardial infarction (12 vs 3%; p = 0.01) and repeat angioplasty (21 vs 10%; p = 0.03) were more frequent in the group with abrupt closure. For patients with elective angioplasty, restenosis was 43% in those with successfully treated abrupt closure versus 45% in those without abrupt closure (p = NS). Subsequent death and myocardial infarction were more frequent in patients with abrupt closure (death: 12 vs 3% [p < 0.01]; myocardial infarction: 13 vs 3% [p < 0.01]). Long-term adverse events are increased in patients with successfully treated abrupt closure compared to those with successful procedures without abrupt closure.