cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relevance of the moment arm of shoulder muscles with respect to axial rotation of the glenohumeral joint in four positions.

Abstract Objective . This study was undertaken to determine the efficiency of the shoulder girdle muscles during axial humeral rotation based on measurements of the moment arms. Design . The instantaneous muscle moment arms of 10 shoulder muscles, including the three portions of the deltoid, the rotator cuff muscles, teres major, and the thoracohumeral muscle group, were measured during four specified glenohumeral rotations. Background . Axial humeral rotation is a commonly performed movement during activities of daily living and is a targeted motion of shoulder rehabilitation, particularly in those protocols emphasizing rotator cuff strengthening. An understanding of the function of the movers and stabilizers of the shoulder requires such basic information of muscle moment arms. Methods . The instantaneous moment arm values of the muscles were derived from the slope of the plot of tendon excursion versus glenohumeral joint rotation angle. Motion studied included axial rotation with the humerus elevated 90° in the coronal, scapular, and sagittal planes, as well as in the neutral position with the arm at the side. Results . Based on the findings, with the humerus in both neutral and elevated positions, the infraspinatus is potentially the most powerful external rotator, followed by teres minor and posterior deltoid. Subscapularis and possibly pectoralis major are the most effective internal rotators in this position. Conclusions . The moment arm in providing axial humeral rotation of 10 shoulder muscles in four planes were obtained. In general, the teres minor and infraspinatus had the largest moment arms in external rotation, and the subscapularis had the largest moment arm in internal rotation. The muscle function for axial humeral rotation was found to be modified by the plane of arm elevation. Relevance The data could be used for developing exercise programs in physical therapy.
X-ray Structure of Ammonia−Cellulose I: New Insights into the Conversion of Cellulose I to Cellulose IIII

A supercritical ammonia treatment has been used to trap an ammonia−cellulose complex during the conversion of cellulose I to cellulose IIII. The crystal and molecular structure of this complex, designated ammonia−cellulose I, has been determined by using X-ray fiber diffraction data (space group P21; a = 4.47 A, b = 8.81 A, c = 10.34 A, γ = 92.7°). Although the existence of ammonia−cellulose I has been known for some time, this is the first report of its crystal structure. A one-chain monoclinic unit cell has an asymmetric unit that contains only one glucosyl residue and one ammonia molecule. The ammonia molecule acts as a bridge between hydrogen-bonded sheets, forming extended chains of cooperative hydrogen bonds. The sheets are similar to those found in cellulose IIII, with O2···O6 intrasheet hydrogen bonds and the gt conformation of the hydroxymethyl group providing potential bifurcated O3···O5 and O3···O6 intrachain hydrogen bonds. This new structure provides a number of insights into the structural t...
Tomographic reconstruction of weak, replicated index structures embedded in a volume

Measurements of weak, embedded index structures are important for material characterization of photopolymers, glass and other optical materials as well as for characterization of fabricated structures such as waveguides. We demonstrate an optical diffraction tomography system capable of measuring deeply-buried, weak, fabricated index structures written in a homogeneous volume. High-fidelity cross sections of these weak index structures are constructed by replicating the structure to be measured to form a diffraction grating. The coherent addition of scattering from each of these objects increases the sensitivity of the imaging system. Measurements are made in the far field, without the use of lenses, eliminating phase aberration errors through thick volumes.
N,N,2,4,6-Pentamethylanilinetricarbonylchromium (0): an interesting case of restricted rotation in the arenetricarbonylchromium series

Abstract Restricted rotation of the dialkylamino groups in N , N ,2,4,6-pentamethylanilinetricarbonylchromium (0) ( 1 ) and N , N -diethyl-2,4,6-trimethylanilinetricarbonylchromium (0) ( 2 ) has been investigated using variable temperature 1 H and 13 C NMR. Below 266 K the 1 H NMR spectrum of 1 shows a sharp doublet for the signal of the NMe 2 group which gradually broadens as the temperature is increased. Above room temperature the signal width decreases, becoming a sharp singlet at >310 K. Analogous changes are seen for the NEt 2 group in 2 . The barrier to rotation of the NMe 2 group in 1 was found to be 13.7 kcal mol −1 .
Aberrant regulation of NMDA receptors by dopamine D4 signaling in rats after phencyclidine exposure

Dopaminergic dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. On the other hand, administration of the NMDAR antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) impairs PFC functions and induces a broad range of schizophrenic-like symptoms, thus has been widely used as an animal model for schizophrenia. This study sought to determine the mechanism by which PCP may alter the dopaminergic functions in PFC. In control rats, activation of dopamine D4 receptors produced a significant suppression of NMDA receptor transmission in PFC pyramidal neurons, which was dependent on the inhibition of active CaMKII. However, in PCP-treated rats, the D4 modulation of NMDA receptors was significantly impaired, with the concomitant loss of D4 regulation of CaMKII activity. In contrast, the D4 modulation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels was intact following PCP administration. Furthermore, treatment with the antipsychotic drug clozapine restored the D4 regulation of NMDA receptors in PCP-treated rats. These findings suggest that the selective disruption of the interaction between D4 and NMDA receptors in the PCP model, which is attributable to the impaired D4-mediated downstream signaling, may contribute to the aberrant PFC neuronal activity in schizophrenia.
Energy consistent algorithms for dynamic finite deformation plasticity

Abstract This paper addresses the theoretical development and numerical implementation of energy consistent algorithms for dynamic elastoplasticity, emphasizing finite strain constitutive formulations so that unconditional stability of the algorithms is assured even in the fully nonlinear regime. The key concept behind energy consistency is the requirement that the discretized system obey an a priori stability estimate, which may be derived in general using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. This approach to computational dynamic plasticity differs from typical application of traditional algorithms (such as Newmark or Hilber–Hughes–Taylor-α methods), where local time integration schemes for plasticity laws are developed somewhat independently from the global time integration scheme for the equations of motion, without explicit consideration of thermodynamical restrictions. Two algorithms based on both additive and multiplicative finite deformation plasticity model are formulated within the energy consistent framework. Both algorithms possess the desirable feature of nonlinear stability of previous energy–momentum algorithms for elastodynamics.
Bell's palsy in pregnancy: a study of recovery outcomes.

Objective: To study facial nerve recovery in patients with Bell's palsy of pregnancy compared with that of the nonpregnant population. Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was conducted of all patients seen within 6 weeks of the onset of Bell's palsy of pregnancy, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Recovery outcomes were compared with similarly chosen randomly selected groups of nonpregnant females 15 to 40 years old (group 1), nonpregnant females of all ages (group 2), males 15 to 40 years old (group 3), and males of all ages (group 4), all of whom were also seen within 6 weeks of onset. Recovery was categorized as satisfactory (House-Brackmann grade I to II) or unsatisfactory (House-Brackmann grade III or IV). The 2-tailed Fisher exact test was used to statistically analyze differences between groups. Results: Fifty-two percent of women with Bell's palsy of pregnancy whose facial palsy progressed to complete paralysis within 10 days of onset recovered to a satisfactory level compared with 77% to 88% of comparison patients. These differences were statistically significant in all cases. Recovery for those with an incomplete palsy was satisfactory in virtually 100% of all patients studied. Conclusion: The prognosis for a satisfactory recovery for women who develop a complete facial paralysis with Bell's palsy while pregnant is significantly worse than for that for the general population. This information should be taken into consideration by all physicians involved in the counseling of these patients. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:26-30.)
Improvement of survival and prospect of cure in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Patients with metastatic breast cancer have traditionally been considered incurable with conventional treatment. However, 5–10% of those patients survive more than 5 years, and 2–5% survive more than 10 years. Recent studies suggest that the survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer has been slowly improving. In this review, we examine the possible curative approach for a certain group of patients with metastatic breast cancer. We identify that patients most likely to benefit from such an aggressive approach are young and have good performance status, adequate body functional reserve, long disease-free interval before recurrence, oligometastatic disease, and low systemic tumor load. An aggressive multidisciplinary approach including both local treatment of macroscopic disease and systemic treatment of microscopic disease can result in prolonged disease control in certain patients with metastatic breast cancer. Whether patients with prolonged disease control are “cured” remains controversial.
The Double-Edged Sword of Biological Control in Conservation and Restoration

The most fundamental question in considering deliberate introductions of exotic species against invasive species is whether the outcomes can be predicted precisely enough a priori to know with some certainty that the benefits will outweigh the environmental costs. This issue is obscured by reiteration of an overly simplistic description of the ecology underlying biological control. Classical biological control is not a simple exercise in “community re-assemblage” (Hoddle 2004 [this issue]); it involves the introduction of alien organisms into new species assemblages, in new physical environments, and without the rest of their foodweb. Predicting the outcome of such introductions is infinitely more complex than implied by the idea of “reestablishing natural enemies” of an invasive species. Direct ecological interactions are difficult enough to predict, but indirect interactions—those mediated through a third species or foodwebs—are even harder to predict (Strauss 1991; Paine 1992; Wooton 1994; Menge 1997). In suggesting that biocontrol efforts are “restoring balance” by “using exotic species to control invasive exotic species,” Hoddle (2004 [this issue]) skirts the essential ecological issue: predicting the magnitude of the outcome of the full set of new interactions in a new environment. Our aim is to review more, highly relevant evidence and to outline an alternative, ecological perspective on the use of “exotics to control invasive exotics” (Hoddle 2004). We summarize data on nontarget effects that were ignored or that challenge Hoddle’s interpretations and then briefly address the points he raised on classical biological control. This synopsis highlights important reasons for increased caution and continuing development of improved ecological risk assessment, especially for conservation and restoration. In these contexts in particular,
MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF SINGLE-ELEMENT BULK SiGe THIN-FILM COOLERS

Abstract Modeling and optimization of bulk SiGe thin-film coolers are described. Thin-film coolers can provide large cooling power densities compared to commercial thermoelectrics. Thin-film SiGe coolers have been demonstrated with maximum cooling of 4°C at room temperature and with cooling power density exceeding 500 W/cm2. Important parameters in the design of such coolers are investigated theoretically and are compared with experimental data. Thermoelectric cooling, joule heating, and heat conduction are included in the model as well as non-ideal effects such as contact resistance, geometrical effects, and three-dimensional thermal and electrical spreading resistance of the substrate. Simulations exhibit good agreement with experimental results for bulk Si and SiGe thin-film coolers. It turned out that in many spot cooling applications using two n- and p-elements electrically in series and thermally in parallel does not give significant improvement over single leg elements. This is in contrast to conve...
Smart marketing or bait & switch: competitors' brands as keywords in online advertising

The business models of major Internet search engines depend on online advertising, primarily in the form of search engine keyword advertising. In recent years, a controversy surrounding keyword advertising has gained notoriety worldwide, in both the international court systems and the media. It concerns a form of potential "bait and switch" advertising where a consumer, searching using the brand name of one company, is presented with an advertisement by a competitor of the searched-for brand. Sometimes, this competitor's ad copy contains the name of the searched for brand as well. This practice has been referred to as "piggybacking". Given the particular need for consumer trust in ecommerce, one might question the overall value of piggybacking. In the U.S. in particular, the legality of this practice, and the potential liability of the search engines for contributing to trademark infringement, is unclear. However, the eventual resolutions of the issue by the U.S. and international courts could significantly and negatively impact the business model of Internet search engines. In this paper, the actual prevalence of piggybacking of major brands in U.S. search engines is investigated. One hundred search queries consisting solely of one of the 100 top global brand names were submitted to three major search engines, Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft's. Analysis of 8,345 results from the search engine results pages showed only 4 percent of sponsored ads triggered by competitors' trademarked terms. There was even lower use of trademark terms in ads by competitors. Thus, competitive piggybacking does not appear to be a widespread phenomenon. Possible explanations for this are discussed, and suggestions for future research are given.
Mechanisms of enantiomeric resolution in cyclodextrin‐modified capillary electrophoretic separations of binaphthyl compounds

The enantiomers of 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol, 1,1′-binaphthyl diyl hydrogen phosphate, and 1,1′-binaphthyldicarboxylic acid are separated using capillary electrophoresis with cyclodextrins added to the running buffer. It is demonstrated that the type and concentration of cyclodextrin employed are critical for maximum enantiomeric resolution. A modified version of a previously described model of enantiomeric separations in capillary electrophoresis is shown to support the observed separation behavior. Molecular modeling is employed to calculate interaction energies between the various enantiomers and cyclodextrins. A reasonable correlation between these computationally derived interaction energies and separation behavior resulted from a statistical mechanical treatment of the molecular modeling data. The importance of hydrogen bonding in inclusion complex formation was probed and the effects of minimization and solvation in molecular modeling calculations are also discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulating ITER plasma startup and rampdown scenarios in the DIII-D tokamak

DIII-D experiments have investigated ITER startup scenarios, including an initial phase where the plasma was limited on low field side poloidal bumper limiters. In addition, li feedback control has been tested with the goal of producing discharges in ITER within the capabilities of the poloidal field coil set and favourable to the intended mode of operations in the subsequent constant current (flattop) phase. These discharges have been modelled using the Corsica free boundary equilibrium code. High performance hybrid scenario discharges (βN = 2.8, H98,y2 = 1.4) and ITER H-mode baseline discharges (βN > 1.6, H98,y2 = 1–1.2) have been obtained experimentally in an ITER similar shape after the ITER-relevant startup. Studies have been initiated to develop a reliable scenario for exiting the burn phase and ramping down the plasma current in ITER without disruptions.
A 0.8V 140nW low-noise energy harvesting CMOS APS imager with fully digital readout

This paper presents a novel CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) imager with fully digital global readout channel and continuous time on-chip energy harvesting. Imager captures low-noise images while consuming 140nW of power at 0.7 FPS. Imager has a 0.078% total FPN in dark. It generates 31μW power at bright daylight.
Peptide aptamer mimicking RAD51-binding domain of BRCA2 inhibits DNA damage repair and survival in Trypanosoma brucei

The eukaryotic DNA recombination repair protein BRCA2 is functional in the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. The mechanism of the involvement of BRCA2 in homologous recombination includes its interaction with the DNA recombinase proteins of the RAD51 family. BRCA2 is known to interact with RAD51 through its unique and essential BRC sequence motifs. T. brucei BRCA2 homolog (TbBRCA2) has fifteen repeating BRC motifs as compared to mammalian BRCA2 that has only eight. We report here our yeast 2-hybrid analysis studies on the interactions of TbBRCA2 BRC motifs with five different RAD51 paralogues of T. brucei. Our study revealed that a single BRC motif is sufficient to bind to these RAD51 paralogues. To test the possibility whether a single 44 amino acid long repeating unit of the TbBRCA2 BRC motif may be exploited as an inhibitor of T. brucei growth, we ectopically expressed this peptide segment in the procyclic form of the parasite and evaluated its effects on cell survival as well as the sensitivity of these cells to the DNA damaging agent methyl methane sulfonate (MMS). Expression of a single BRC motif led to MMS sensitivity and inhibited cellular proliferation in T. brucei.
Plastic surgeons over 50: practice patterns, satisfaction, and retirement plans.

Background: Approximately 56 percent of all currently active plastic surgeons in the United States are older than 50 years and are likely to retire in the next 10 to 20 years. The 2006 Survey of Plastic Surgeons Over the Age of 50 was designed to provide insight regarding the practice patterns, retirement plans, and issues of importance to plastic surgeons older than 50 to provide an indicator of future workforce needs for the specialty. Methods: The survey was part of a larger study of physicians older than 50 across all specialties conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges Center for Workforce Studies, in collaboration with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, and seven additional medical specialty associations. Surveys were mailed to 1434 active and retired plastic surgeons aged 50 to 79 years; the response rate was 59.1 percent. Results were compared with responses from physicians of all specialties. Results: Full-time reconstructive plastic surgeons older than 50 spend more hours per week practicing medicine (56.5 hours per week) than cosmetic plastic surgeons (49.7 hours per week) and all physicians (53.7 hours per week). Plastic surgeons retire slightly earlier than other physicians and cite rising malpractice costs, insufficient reimbursement, and increasing competition as important factors when considering retirement. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the practices, satisfaction, and factors influencing retirement plans for plastic surgeons that focus on cosmetic versus reconstructive surgery. Further study of these two components of plastic surgery may be warranted.
Long QT Syndrome and Short QT Syndrome

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic disorder characterized by prolongation of the QT interval in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and a propensity to torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia frequently leading to syncope, cardiac arrest, or sudden death usually in young otherwise healthy individuals. The long QT syndrome is caused by mutations of predominantly potassium and sodium ion channel genes or channel-related proteins leading to positive overcharge of myocardial cell with consequent heterogeneous prolongation of repolarization in various layers and regions of myocardium. These conditions facilitate the early after-depolarization and reentry phenomena underlying development of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia observed in patients with LQTS. Obtaining detailed patient history regarding cardiac events in the patient and his/her family members combined with careful interpretation of standard 12-lead ECG (with precise measurement of QT interval in all available ECGs and evaluation of T-wave morphology) usually is sufficient to diagnose the LQTS. Genetic testing plays an important role and is particularly useful in cases with nondiagnostic or borderline ECG findings. The clinical course of patients with LQTS depends on the extent of QTc prolongation and history of cardiac events and is modulated by age, sex, and genotype. beta-Blockers remain the therapy of choice for LQTS, but implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator is increasingly used in high-risk patients.
Lower-rim versus upper-rim functionalization in di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-5 isomers. Synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Abstract Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-5 isomers in the cone conformation are synthesized to probe the effect of the pendant acidic group location on their metal ion extraction properties. In one series, the ionizable groups are attached to the lower rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold, which orients them near the crown ether cavity. In the second series, the ionizable groups are connected to the upper rim positioning them away from the crown ether ring, but close to the hydrophobic pocket of the calix[4]arene unit. The metal ion extraction behaviors of the two series of ligands are compared in extractions of alkaline earth metal cations, Hg2+, and Pb2+.
A Caenorhabditis elegans act-4::lacZ fusion: use as a transformation marker and analysis of tissue-specific expression

A plasmid vector that serves as a dominant marker for isolating transformed animals in Caenorhabditis elegans has been constructed as a translational fusion of the C. elegans act-4 gene (encoding actin) and the Escherichia coli lacZ gene. This gene fusion can be used as a marker in transformation rescue experiments in any fertile strain of C. elegans. Progeny of animals injected with the act-4::lacZ fusion vector are stained histochemically with XGal, and transformants turn blue. The internal eggs of stained animals remain viable, allowing recovery of the transformed strain. When the act-4::lacZ vector is co-injected with an unselected plasmid with which it shares some sequence homology, most transformants that are recovered by screening for expression of the act-4::lacZ fusion contain both plasmids. Production of active beta Gal in animals transformed with the act-4::lacZ gene fusions appears to be limited to certain tissues. A chimeric gene that contains the 5' and 3' regions of act-4 is expressed strongly in the body-wall muscles, vulval muscles, and spermathecae. Addition of the internal portion of act-4, including the protein-coding region and introns, to this chimeric gene leads to additional lacZ expression in the pharynx.
Preliminary Face and Construct Validation Study of a Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer

Abstract Background: The Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST™) is a developing virtual-reality–based surgical skill training system that incorporates several of the tasks of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) training system. This study aimed to evaluate the face and construct validity of the VBLaST™ system. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were voluntarily recruited at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA) and classified into two groups: experts (PGY 5, fellow and practicing surgeons) and novice (PGY 1–4). They were then asked to perform three FLS tasks, consisting of peg transfer, pattern cutting, and endoloop, on both the VBLaST and FLS systems. The VBLaST performance scores were automatically computed, while the FLS scores were rated by a trained evaluator. Face validity was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, varying from not realistic/useful (1) to very realistic/useful (5). Results: Face-validity scores showed that the VBLaST system was signifi...
Motivation of disabled athletes to participate in triathlons

25 competitors in the Fifth National Triathlon for the Physically Challenged responded to a questionnaire regarding their previous and current exercise and participation in sports. Analysis showed that the majority had been active before the onset of disability and that the encouragement and motivation provided by other physically disabled individuals was the consistent factor in their own initial rehabilitation and subsequent participation in sports.
Multitransmitter Wireless Power Transfer Optimization for Backscatter RFID Transponders

We present an efficient method for enhancing far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) to highly power-constrained mobile devices such as UHF and microwave RFID transponders using a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) base station system. Existing techniques for channel estimation are prohibitively complex and consume too much power to be integrated into milliwatt- or microwatt-class wirelessly powered devices. We show that power transfer can be optimized using a transponder's backscatter signal alone, without requiring channel estimation and power measurement circuitry on the transponder. A measurement-based proof of concept is presented, illustrating that for any linear backscatter transponder, power optimization based on the backscattered signal is equivalent to local measurement at the mobile device itself. Using an 8 × 8 MIMO transceiver array to optimize power delivery across 100 randomly chosen locations in our office environment, we observe an average WPT enhancement of 8.1 dB relative to an unoptimized transmitter configuration. Transponders with nonlinear power harvesters can easily be supported with the addition of a single RF switching transistor.
The angular momentum of gravitational radiation

Abstract Using the approach initiated by Penrose, we calculate the flux of angular momentum emitted by a gravitational system. In appropriate circumstances, we recover the formula Ashtekar and Streubel derived for the total emitted angular momentum.
Effect of the continuous medium on the color of discontinuous substrates. I. Empirical relationship between the light reflectance of dry textile samples and samples immersed in water

The light reflectance between 380 nm and 700 nm of one white, one black, six red, and six blue cellulose triacetate fabric samples was measured. Each measurement was carried out once on a dry sample and once on a sample immersed in water. From the data a numerical relationship was derived which permits the prediction of “wet” color from “dry” color.
Immunocytochemical detection of luteinizing hormone in epididymis of mature mouse

Luteinizing hormone (LH) binds to the Leydig cells of several mammalian species where it stimulates steroidogenesis, protein synthesis and protein phosphorylation. In the present study, standard immunoperoxidase (PAP) and avidin-biotin complex (ABC) techniques were used to detect the binding of endogenous and exogenous LH to the epididymis of the mature mouse. Throughout the epididymal duct, a positive reaction for peroxidase, indicating LH binding, occurred in the Golgi area of principal cells. In segment 1, positive reactions were also visualized in the perinuclear area and in the region located between the Golgi area and the apical surface of the principal cells (supra-Golgi area). In the corpus and cauda epididymidis, scattered entire principal cells were also positive. Throughout the epididymal duct, the reactions indicating the binding of exogenous LH were more intense than those of endogenous LH. The significance of LH binding to the epididymis is uncertain but LH may perform the same functions in epididymal principal cells as it does in Leydig cells.
Indexicals, context-sensitivity and the failure of implication

This paper investigates, formulates and proves an indexical barrier theorem, according to which sets of non-indexical sentences do not entail (except under specified special circumstances) indexical sentences. It surveys the usual difficulties for this kind of project, as well some that are specific to the case of indexicals, and adapts the strategy of Restall and Russell’s “Barriers to Implication” to overcome these. At the end of the paper a reverse barrier theorem is also proved, according to which an indexical sentence will not, except under specified circumstances, entail a non-indexical one.
Application of the Aviation Black Box Principle in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Tracking All Failures in the Pediatric Cardiac Operating Room

Background Cardiac surgical procedures are complex and require the coordinated action of many. This creates the potential for small failures that could be the substrate for subsequent morbidity or mortality. High-reliability science suggests that preoccupation with small failures can lead to improved outcomes. Study Design Failures of all magnitudes (ie, events) were captured within the pediatric cardiac operating room starting with a single surgeon in April 2008. As the surgical team became more familiar with the process, failure recording was extended to all surgeons and all surgical procedures performed until the conclusion of the study in December 2010. New recording processes were developed and used on a rolling basis during this study. Results With systematic capture, event rates increased (from occurring within 20% to 50% of operative procedures). Although we identified 9 recurrent patterns, 2 categories (ie, Equipment and Patient Instability) accounted for almost half of the events (45%). The greatest number of events occurred during the prebypass period (40.2%), compared with bypass (20.1%) and postbypass (32.3%) periods. These events were mainly difficulties in access (31.8%), equipment (42.4%), and patient instability (33.3%) in each of the epochs, respectively. Of all events, 7.3% occurred during nonbypass cases, 30.6% of these were communication events. Implementation of this initiative led to recognition of major system-wide issues (eg, need for change in the blood-product acquisition process). Conclusions Preoccupation with all failures in the operating room can reveal important information about the operating room and perioperative microenvironment that can prompt substantive process changes both locally and within the larger health system.
Adaptive Complexity of Interactions Between Feeding and Escape in Crayfish

If crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are presented with food or threatstimuli, or both, their feeding behavior and escape from threat by tail flips showflexible patterns of interaction. If they are engaged in eating large, relativelyimmovable pieces of food, escape is inhibited, whereas if small pieces of food arebeing eaten, the probability of escape is enhanced. If escape occurs during a feedingbout, large pieces of food are usually released, but small ones are not. Theseobservations suggest that the neural circuitry responsible for coordination ofbehavior in invertebrates may not be as simple as usually assumed.
DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF ANTICANCER AGENTS FROM PLANTS

A novel in vitro assay for the discovery of anticancer agents was used to examine aqueous and organic extracts from 1847 plants collected mainly in the U.S. Southwest and West. The assay results were separated into 5 categories: inactive (62%), equally active (36%), equally active and potent (0.5%), solid tumor selective (1.4%), and human selective (0.8%). Extracts from the latter three categories were fractionated using the in vitro assay to biodirect each step. Psorothamnus emoryi extracts were solid tumor selective and yielded two active compounds upon fractionation: dalrubone and 5-methoxydalrubone. Calocedrus decurrens was equally active and potent and yielded deoxypodophyllotoxin as the active compound. Linanthus floribundus was human selective and yielded strophanthidin as the active compound. The potential of this assay to discover novel anticancer agents from the active extracts is discussed.
Conformational Flexibility Controls Proton Transfer between the Methionine Hydroxy Sulfuranyl Radical and the N-Terminal Amino Group in Thr−(X)n−Met Peptides

For Thr−(X)n−Met peptides, we have correlated the efficiency of proton transfer and an intramolecular radical reaction between a methionyl hydroxy sulfuranyl radical and the N-terminus with the flexibility of the spacer sequence −(X)n−, X = Gly and Pro and n = 0−4. Hydroxy sulfuranyl radicals accept a proton from the N-terminus to yield a cyclic (S∴Ν)+ three-electron-bonded intermediate which ultimately expels acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde formation was used to quantify the efficiency of proton transfer and cyclization, whereas peptide flexibility was calculated by molecular modeling methods. For X = Gly, proton transfer and cyclization proceeds in a concerted manner, and peptide flexibility mainly controls the proton transfer step. For X = Pro, no low-energy conformation was located, which allows concerted proton transfer and cyclization, indicating that proton transfer occurs over longer distances, likely via bridging water molecules. These sequence-dependent differences are reflected in different β-values...
Dynamic Punch Shear Characterization of Woven Graphite/Epoxy Laminates

In many situations, composite structures are subjected to dynamic loading. To design such structures, there is a need of dynamic material properties. In the current investigations, a compression Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar was modified to load the samples in punch shear mode. Experimental studies were conducted to characterize 24 layer woven graphite/epoxy laminate samples. Laminates were manufactured using vacuum assisted resin infusion molding process with two types of fabric architecture: plain and 8-harness satin weave. Samples of nominal size 26 mm × 13 mm × 4 mm were subjected to dynamic punch shear tests at three different pressure settings that yielded strain rates in the range of 1200–3400/s. Results of the tests indicate that the dynamic shear strength increases with increase with the strain rate for both types of laminates. Plain weave graphite/epoxy laminates yielded higher shear strength as compared to satin weave graphite/epoxy laminates due to higher crimp angle.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Stage-specific functional roles of integrins in murine erythropoiesis

When the erythroid integrins α5β1 and α4β1 were each deleted previously at the stem cell level, they yielded distinct physiologic responses to stress by affecting erythoid expansion and terminal differentiation or only the latter, respectively. To test at what stage of differentiation the integrin effects were exerted, we created mice with α4- or α5-integrin deletions only in erythroid cells and characterized them at homeostasis and after phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic stress. Unlike our prior data, the phenotype of mice with α5-erythroid deletions was similar to controls, especially after stress. These outcomes seem to reconcile divergent prior views on the role of α5-integrin in erythropoiesis. By contrast, α4 integrins whether deleted early or late have a dominant effect on bone marrow retention of erythroblasts and on terminal erythroid maturation at homeostasis and after stress.
Population dynamics of bacteriods in alfalfa nodules during establishment of nitrogenase activity

Abstract Changes in the bacteroid populations of 2–12-week-old alfalfa nodules were monitored with respect to bacteroid DNA and RNA content by flow-microfluorometry. Nodules that are most active in nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) contain larger populations of bacteriods with increased DNA and RNA content than vegetative Rhizobium meliloti cultures and nodules that are less active in nitrogenase activity. As nodules begin senescence and exhibit a decline in specific nitrogenase activity, the relative number of bacteriods with increased nucleic acid content decreases in the nodules. The bacteriods with increased nucleic acid content, therefore, are associated with active nitrogen fixation in alfalfa nodules. This observation suggests that the establishment and maintenance of nitrogenase activity in alfalfa depends on the composition of the bacteriod populations in the nodules.
Chemical equivalence of two polyetherpolyurethane foams as a vehicle for povidone—iodine solution: Kinetic model for the loss of available iodine

The loss of available iodine from povidone-iodine solution stored in contact with two different polyetherpolyurethane foams was monitored as a function of time and temperature. Statistical evaluation of the results for the four temperatures studied [ambient (25 degrees), 30, 45 and 55 degrees C] indicated the chemical equivalence of the two foams as storage and delivery systems for povidone-iodine solution in terms of solution stability. In addition, application of a first-order kinetic model to the data produced an acceptable fit. An Arrhenius-type evaluation of the resulting rate constants yielded a linear relationship which was shown to be useful for predicting loss of available iodine under ambient temperature conditions of storage.
Stimulation of protein synthesis in vitro by elevated levels of amino acids.

Abstract Alterations in net uptake and exchange of free amino acids and in their subsequent incorporation into protein were produced in rat-liver slices by addition of varying amounts of one amino acid to the incubation medium. When the initial extracellular concentration of l -phenylalanine was changed from subnormal (2 μM) or normal (50 μM) levels to a supranormal level (155 μM), hepatic uptake and flux of this amino acid, as well as the flux of free valine, were increased. Concomitantly, hepatic exchange of leucine was depressed and that of lysine was unchanged. The effects of elevated intracellular levels of phenylalanine on net uptake of the other essential amino acids were masked by a general increase in their accumulation and overall utilization. Elevated levels of phenylalanine were associated with enhanced incorporation or flux of leucine, valine, and lysine into hepatic protein, even though the effect on hepatic exchange of each of these amino acids differed. Graded increases in extracellular levels of l -threonine of l -valine also enhanced incorporation of leucine into hepatic protein. The results indicate that protein synthesis and degradation were stimulated in the presence of elevated intracellular levels of one amino acid.
Dispersal of Paraphlepsius irroratus (Say) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in peach and cherry orchards.

Dispersal of the leafhopper vector of X-disease, Paraphlepsius irroratus (Say) within and into peach and cherry orchards was monitored by a mark, release, and recapture experiment. Field-collected adults were marked using fluorescent dyes and released at locations in and outside of two orchard sites. The marking method did not significantly affect leafhopper flight activity or survival. Dispersal was monitored using yellow sticky board traps for 21 d following each release, and the data were fitted to equations. The overall leafhopper recapture rate within 60 m was 2.35%. Dispersal rate for the first and second generations averaged 2.9 and 3.8 m/d. Wind was the major factor influencing leafhopper dispersal direction, as mean dispersal direction correlated significantly with mean wind direction ( r = 0.94, P ≤ 0.05). Temperature affected leafhopper activity; this was particularly apparent with second-generation adults active at temperatures approximately 11°C less than first-generation adults. There was no significant difference in the overall dispersal behavior between first and second generations. Implications of this movement to the spread of X-disease are discussed.
Elimination of learned behaviors after transection of fibers crossing the lateral border of the hypothalamus

Abstract A wire knife operated through a hypodermic needle was used to sever the fibers which cross the lateral border of the diencephalon in rats. Such transections eliminated or significantly impaired the performance of a variety of learned behaviors rewarded by electrical brain stimulation, escape from footshock, or food, and retarded or prevented the acquisition or reacquisition of these behaviors. Many but not all of the animals which showed these effects on instrumental behavior also were aphagic and adipsic. Simple motor or sensory functions were unimpaired. Locomotor activity and exploratory behavior were somewhat increased following the transection. Complex but presumably unlearned behaviors, such as grooming and swimming, were not affected.
Tissue-specific Role of the Na,K-ATPase α2 Isozyme in Skeletal Muscle

The Na,K-ATPase α2 isozyme is the major Na,K-ATPase of mammalian skeletal muscle. This distribution is unique compared with most other cells, which express mainly the Na,K-ATPase α1 isoform, but its functional significance is not known. We developed a gene-targeted mouse (skα2−/−) in which the α2 gene (Atp1a2) is knocked out in the skeletal muscles, and examined the consequences for exercise performance, membrane potentials, contractility, and muscle fatigue. Targeted knockout was confirmed by genotyping, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Skeletal muscle cells of skα2−/− mice completely lack α2 protein and have no α2 in the transverse tubules, where its expression is normally enhanced. The α1 isoform, which is normally enhanced on the outer sarcolemma, is up-regulated 2.5-fold without change in subcellular targeting. skα2−/− mice are apparently normal under basal conditions but show significantly reduced exercise capacity when challenged to run. Their skeletal muscles produce less force, are unable to increase force to match demand, and show significantly increased susceptibility to fatigue. The impairments affect both fast and slow muscle types. The subcellular targeting of α2 to the transverse tubules is important for this role. Increasing Na,K-ATPase α1 content cannot fully compensate for the loss of α2. The increased fatigability of skα2−/− muscles is reproduced in control extensor digitorum longus muscles by selectively inhibiting α2 enzyme activity with ouabain. These results demonstrate that the Na,K-ATPase α2 isoform performs an acute, isoform-specific role in skeletal muscle. Its activity is regulated by muscle use and enables working muscles to maintain contraction and resist fatigue. Background: The Na,K-ATPase α2 isozyme is the major Na,K-ATPase of skeletal muscles. Results: Its targeted knockout in mouse skeletal muscle impairs contractility and fatigability without change in resting muscle function. Conclusion: The α2 isozyme is regulated by muscle use and enables working skeletal muscles to maintain contraction and resist fatigue. Significance: The Na,K-ATPase α2 isozyme is vital to muscle and movement.
Analysis of four-port circulators using non-reciprocal phase shifters and directional couplers

An analysis has been made of the factors affecting the performance of 4-port circulators based on non-reciprocal phase-shifter and directional-coupler networks. The effects on the adjacent-arm isolation of phase-shift error, coupling error, dissimilarities between the couplers, and non-reciprocal loss in the phase shifters are examined. The effects on the alternate-arm isolations and input matches of the isolations and matches of the couplers, and the matches of the phase shifters are then discussed. The power-handling capacity is not considered.The results of the analysis lead to the choice of a network using similar E-plane multi-branched waveguide couplers, two similar non-reciprocal phase shifters of ½π differential phase shift, and one reciprocal phase shifter of ½π phase lag relative to the unloaded line.Components meeting the limits derived by the analysis were developed, and used in the construction of two circulators in waveguide 14 working in the band 5.925–6.425 Gc/s. One of these maintained over an 8% bandwidth isolations greater than 30 dB, voltage standing-wave ratios greater than or equal to 0.95 and insertion losses less than or equal to 0.3 dB. The second maintained over a 4% bandwidth isolations greater than 33 dB, and similar v.s.w.r.s and insertion losses.The development work on the phase shifters and couplers is described, and the results obtained are given. The performance of a circulator is predicted by the theory from measurements on the components, and compared with measurements on the circulator.Finally, the factors limiting the performance of the present circulators are discussed, and suggestions are made for further improvement.
Characterization of an activated iridium water splitting catalyst using infrared photodissociation of H2 tagged ions

We report the vibrational predissociation spectra of two related organometallic half-sandwich iridium species which have been recently reported as activated intermediates in the context of homogenous water oxidation. These compounds are extracted from solution into a cryogenic photofragmentation mass spectrometer and “tagged” with weakly bound H2 molecules that do not significantly perturb the intrinsic structures of the ions. The resulting spectra display very sharp (∼5 cm−1), well-resolved bands that provide a stringent test for electronic structure calculations, and are accurately recovered by harmonic predictions for the bare species. The spectra reveal subtle distortions of the ligand structure when a solvent molecule (acetonitrile) is directly coordinated with the metal center.
Measurement of bi-directional ammonia fluxes over soybean using the modified Bowen-ratio technique

Abstract Measurements of bi-directional ammonia (NH3) exchange over a fertilized soybean canopy are presented for an 8-week period during the summer of 2002. The modified Bowen-ratio approach was used to determine fluxes from vertical NH3 and temperature gradients in combination with eddy covariance sensible heat fluxes. The measurement site is located in an area of high NH3 emissions from animal production and fertilizer use. Ambient NH3 concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 43.9 μg m−3 (μ = 9.4 μg m−3) during the experiment. The mean flux was −12.3 ng m−2 s−1, indicating that the canopy was a net sink for NH3; however, emission fluxes were consistently observed during the late morning and early afternoon. Deposition rates were highest when the canopy was wet (μ = −29.9 ng m−2 s−1). Modeling results suggest that uptake via the leaf cuticle was the dominant deposition process and stomatal uptake only occurred during the first few hours after sunrise when the stomatal resistance and compensation point were low. The average stomatal compensation point was high (χs = 11.5 μg NH3 m−3), primarily due to high daytime temperatures (μ = 29 °C). Measured cuticular resistances were large (median Rw = 208 s m−1), most likely due to very dry conditions. The average NH3 flux corresponds to a dry-to-wet deposition ratio of 0.44. Median flux error was 51%, which was dominated by uncertainty in the vertical NH3 gradient due to sequential sampling between measurement heights.