cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the lipid solubility of drugs and their oxidation by liver microsomes

Abstract The oxidative dealkylation of foreign N-alkylamines by rabbit liver microsomes appears to be limited to compounds which are lipid soluble, as shown by high chloroform to water partition coefficients at physiologic pH. Since the microsomal hydroxylation of aromatic compounds also appears to be limited to lipid soluble substances, it is suggested that an intracellular fat-like boundary separates normally occurring polar substances from the highly non-specific microsomal enzymes. The dealkylation of foreign alkylamines is catalysed by at least two enzyme systems in liver microsomes.
Proton chemical shifts in polycrystalline solids determined by off-resonance decoupling 13C CPMAS NMR

Abstract A 13 C CP-MAS method is described which uses off resonance decoupling in order to correlate directly bonded 13 C 1 H pairs in the solid state. An analysis of the experimental results gives 1 H chemical shifts by inspection while at the same time separating various 1 H resonances via the paired 13 C resonance. An example is shown using p -diethoxy-benzene.
Subpicosecond time-resolved infrared spectral photography.

An apparatus for recording broadband infrared absorption spectra from 2.2 to 2.7 μm with subpicosecond time resolution is described. It comprises a new subpicosecond IR continuum generator, based on stimulated electronic Raman scattering in Ba vapor, and a broadband, infrared-to-visible upconverter, utilizing alkali metal vapor.
Subthreshold low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation selectively decreases facilitation in the motor cortex.

Abstract Objective : To investigate the modulatory effect of a subthreshold low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) train on motor cortex excitability. Methods : The study consisted of two separate experiments. Subjects received a 10min long subthreshold 1Hz rTMS train. In the first experiment, (single pulse paradigm), cortical excitability was assessed by measuring the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) before and after the rTMS train. In the second experiment, a paired pulse paradigm was employed. Results : Corticospinal excitability, as measured by the MEP amplitude, was reduced by the rTMS train (experiment 1), with a significant effect lasting for about 10min after the train completion. There was notable inter-individual as well as intra-individual variability in the effect. rTMS produced a significant decrease in intra-cortical facilitation as measured by the paired pulse paradigm (experiment 2). This effect lasted for up to 15min following the train. Intra-cortical inhibition was not significantly affected. Conclusions : Subthreshold low frequency rTMS depresses cortical excitability beyond the duration of the train. This effect seems primarily due to cortical dysfacilitation. These results have implications on the therapeutic use of rTMS.
Role of Heparan Sulfate in Ocular Diseases

Heparan sulfate (HS), a ubiquitous and structurally diverse cell surface polysaccharide and extracellular matrix component, is a factor common to several major eye pathologies. Its multitude of functions and variable distribution among the different ocular tissues makes it an important contributor to a variety of disease states. Although HS facilitates the pathogenesis of many disorders, its role in each varies. Unique functions of HS have been particularly noted in viral and bacterial keratitis and age-related macular degeneration. Combined, these pathologies comprise a large portion of conditions leading to visual impairment worldwide. Given this prevalence of diseases facilitated by HS, it is prudent to take an in-depth look at this compound in the context of these pathologic states. While the initial part of the review will discuss the pathogenic aspects of HS, it is also important to consider the wider implications of such roles for HS. The remainder of the article will specifically address one such implication, the possibility for future use of novel HS-based therapeutics to combat these eye pathologies.
Sentiment Mining within Social Media for Topic Identification

Social media has demonstrated itself to be a proven source of information towards the marketing of products. This unique source of data provides a rapid means of customer feedback that is used to support a number of business areas. Towards this purpose, we describe a methodology for the identification of topics associated with customer sentiment. This process first employs a Fisher Classification based approach towards sentiment analysis. By considering specific mutual information and word frequency distribution, topics are then identified within sentiment categories. The goal is to provide overall trends in sentiment along with associated subject matter (ie. why) as it supports a company's business. We demonstrate this methodology against data collected among a particular product line as obtained from Twitter advanced search.
Antiviral Effect of Interferon lambda against West Nile Virus

Type III interferons (IFN), IFN-λ or IL-28/29, are new members of the IFN super-family. Except for using distinct receptors, type I and type III IFNs share the same major post receptor signaling components to activate the transcription of a similar set of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). To examine the antiviral effects of the new type IFNs against West Nile virus (WNV), we compared the antiviral effects of IFN-α and IFN-λ on WNV virus-like particle (VLP) infection and replicon replication in Huh7.5 and Hela cells. The results revealed that (i) both types of IFNs could efficiently prevent the WNV infection, but IFN-α demonstrated a stronger antiviral efficacy; (ii) WNV genome replication in VLP-infected cells and replicon-containing cell lines could only be inhibited by IFN-α, but not IFN-λ; (iii) in agreement with the observed antiviral effects, only IFN-λ-induced activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and induction of ISG expression were completely inhibited in WNV replicon-containing cell lines, but IFN-α signal transduction was either unaffected or only partially inhibited in Huh7.5 or Hela cells by the virus. Hence, the differential inhibition of WNV on IFN-α and IFN-λ signal transduction implies that the receptors of the two types of IFNs, but not the common post receptor signaling components, could be selectively targeted either directly by WNV nonstructural proteins or indirectly by the cellular responses induced by the virus infection to inhibit the signal transduction of the cytokines.
Incidence and risk factors of renal dysfunction after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Objectives The risk of renal failure after thoracic endovascular aortic repair is not widely established. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of renal failure. Methods Between 1998 and 2008, 175 consecutive patients underwent 210 procedures at 2 tertiary academic institutions. Similar nephroprotective protocols and intravascular ultrasound were used. Retrospective analysis was performed. Generalized linear model was used to identify factors associated with change in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results Underlying aortic diseases included 103 aneurysms, 72 dissections, 21 transections, and 14 penetrating ulcers. Median preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 65 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 . Contrast media averaged 108.7 ± 69.8 mL. Median estimated glomerular filtration rates within 48 hours and 30 days were 69 and 67 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 , respectively. Rates of acute renal dysfunction risk (>25% estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease), acute kidney injury (>50% estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease), acute kidney function failure (>75% estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease), and hemodialysis were 9.8% (19/193), 1.6% (3/193), 0% (0/193), and 0.5% (1/193), respectively. Rates of renal dysfunction at 1 month and 6 months were 13.3% (10/75) and 17.7% (6/34), respectively. Risk factors for acute renal dysfunction were intraoperative hypotension, stroke, sepsis, lengthy procedures, and number of stents; at 1 and 6 months they were increased age, male gender, African American race, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disease, smoking, and zone 0 to 1 graft deployment. Obesity was nephroprotective. Conclusions Thoracic aortic endograft has a significant rate of renal dysfunction; however, it is lower in this cohort than in previous smaller series. Routine use of intravascular ultrasound and reduced contrast may have contributed to lower rates of renal insufficiency.
Aeroelastic Sensitivity Analysis of Wings

Flutter analysis of a general wing is carried out using ® nite element structural modeling (MSC/NASTRAN), a subsonic kernel function unsteady aerodynamics and a V ± g type of solution (FAST). The shape of the wing cross section is generated by parameterization using the Joukowski transformation, so that shapes of varying thickness and camber can be obtained by varying the parameters. The CQUAD4 (quadrilateral) and CTRIA3 (triangular) membrane-bending shell elements, the CBAR beam element and the CSHEAR shear panel element from MSC/ NASTRAN have been used in this study. The validationof ® nite element modeling is done by performing dynamic analysis of an AGARD swept wing model. The sensitivity of utter speed of the wing to shape parameters, namely, aspect ratio, area, taper ratio, and sweep angle is obtained using a central difference scheme in conjunction with automatic differentiation (ADIFOR). The sensitivity of utter speed to modal parameters, namely, natural frequency, generalized mass, and generalized aerodynamic forces is computed using ADIFOR.
Dispersal of European Red Mite on Umbrella-Trained Concord Grapevines

Initial infestation by European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), on ‘Concord’ grapes trained to the umbrella-kniffen system began in the upper, older portion of the vine and spread outward along the shoots and downward over the vine. The heaviest infestation remained in the upper portion of the vine for most of the growing season and on the eastern side of the vine (vineyard rows running east and west). Winter egg deposition was heavier in the upper, older portion of the vine and on the eastern side of the vine. During pruning an average of 79% of the winter eggs were removed from the vines. Only 22% of the winter eggs were removed from the upper portion of the vines.
PHASE EQUILIBRIA FOR STRONGLY NONIDEAL MIXTURES FROM AN EQUATION OF STATE WITH DENSITY-DEPENDENT MIXING RULES

Abstract An equation of state of the van der Waals form represents vapor—liquid and liquid—liquid equilibria in binary, particularly aqueous, mixtures. The Mansoori—Carnahan—Starling expression is used for the repulsive part of the equation of state while the attractive part uses a simple van der Waals form. For a mixture, the usual (density-independent) quadratic mixing rule is used for the leading attractive term but a density-dependent correction is added to allow for noncentral intermolecular forces of disimilar components at high densities. This procedure gives the necessary quadratic dependence of the second virial coefficient at low densities but includes also cubic terms for representation of phase equilibria at liquid-like densities. Good results are obtained for vapor—liquid and liquid—liquid equilibria in binary systems containing water, hydrocarbons, phenol, pyridine and methanol. However, extension to liquid—liquid equilibria in ternary systems is not successful because the equation of state is not able properly to represent phase equilibria of binary systems at conditions only slightly removed from binary liquid-phase instability; at these conditions, the equation of state erroneously predicts a two-liquid region. For further progress toward application of equations of state to ternary liquid—liquid equilibria, it will be necessary to introduce some fundamental modifications toward better representation of phase behavior in the critical region.
Graphic recordings of mandibular movements: research criteria.

Abstract Studies using graphic tracing devices have yielded conflicting results concerning mandibular movements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether graphic tracings could be affected by styli positions in relationship to changes in vertical dimension, by the shape of central bearing surfaces and by tooth contacts and functional movements. A pantograph was used on patients to study the effect of these variables. The results of this study indicate that several variables can affect graphic tracing of mandibular movements. The effects of these variables were shown and suggestions were made to reduce the inconsistencies found in studies using graphic tracings. Research criteria were suggested for conducting and reporting the results of studies of mandibular movements.
Ventral Intermediate Thalamotomy for Hemiballismus

Stereotactic thalamotomy in an unusual case of hemiballismus is reported. This 13-year-old female developed constant left upper and lower extremity flinging movements shortly after cardiac bypass surg
Age, Growth, and Temporal Change in Size at Age of the Vermilion Snapper from the South Atlantic Bight

Abstract Sectioned sagittal otoliths were used to determine ages of vermilion snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens collected from the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) by trawl, trap, and hook-and-line gear during 1979–1993. Annulus formation, validated by marginal increment analysis of ages 1–8, occurred from June to August, the peak spawning period for vermilion snapper. Ages ranged from 0 to 12 years for each sex. No significant difference was found for size at age between males and females. The von Bertalanffy growth equation for vermilion snapper taken during 1979–1981 was TL t = 562{1 – exp[–0.202(t + 0.117)]}, where TL t = total length (mm) at age and t = age in years. The length–weight relationship was w = 2.147 × 10−5 TL2.899, where w = whole fish weight in grams. Weighted mean back-calculated lengths at age, compared by analysis of variance for five 3-year periods, declined from 1979–1981 through 1982–1984 to 1985–1987. but did not change significantly during 1985–1993. The temporal decrease in size at age ...
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages

The article describes a readily easy adaptive in vitro model to investigate macrophage polarization. In the presence of GM-CSF/M-CSF, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from the bone marrow are directed into monocytic differentiation, followed by M1 or M2 stimulation. The activation status can be tracked by changes in cell surface antigens, gene expression and cell signaling pathways.
Hexamethylenetetramine at 298 K: new refinements

New refinements of the crystal structure of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT, C6H12N4) have been carried out using previously reported neutron and X-ray diffraction data collected at 298 K. A new feature in the structure model is the inclusion of third-order Gram–Charlier coefficients for the description of the anharmonic C–H bond stretching, which is found to be significant. The charge-density distribution is analyzed in terms of the pseudoatom model of Stewart [Acta Cryst. (1976). A32, 565–574]. Our experimental determination of the molecular octapole moment gives 〈xyz〉 = + 1.0 (3) |e| A3. The refinement involving HMT provides a worst-case example of a general deficiency in the application of the multipole model to noncentrosymmetric structures. Strong least-squares correlations occur involving the electron population parameters of all atoms for certain of the multipole terms, namely those odd-order terms that are invariant under the symmetry operations of the space group.
Spleen R2 and R2* in iron-overloaded patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia major.

Patients with thalassemia major (TM) are dependent on blood transfusions for survival (1). Approximately 20% of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, such as those with prior neurovascular events or abnormal transcranial Doppler examinations, also receive chronic transfusion therapy to prevent further vascular sequelae (2). However, routine transfusion therapy causes these patients to receive roughly 0.4 mg/kg/day of heme iron, which is over 25 times the physiological rate of iron absorption (2). Left untreated, iron overload can cause lethal endocrine and cardiac complications in the second decade of life (3). Chelation therapy is required as a preventative measure, and a close monitoring of iron levels is necessary to ensure proper treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a noninvasive and accurate method of estimating the iron concentrations of the body’s organs, including the liver, pancreas, heart, and kidneys (4–8). The spleen is the second largest iron depot of the body after the liver (9). However, little is known about its magnetic properties or the role it plays in the body with respect to iron overload. The scale of iron storage (ie, size of iron particle aggregates) is larger in the spleen than in the liver due to clustering of iron-filled reticuloendothelial cells (10)—this could in turn affect the estimation of splenic iron concentration by MRI (11). We hypothesized that the larger iron scale in the spleen would cause R2 techniques to be less sensitive to iron in the spleen than in the liver, while R2* techniques would be relatively unaffected (11,12). We therefore compared the relationship between the two measurements in the spleen and in the liver in a cohort of TM and SCD patients. Splenic iron regulation has not been well studied. It is known that hyperabsorption syndromes, such as thalassemia intermedia and hemochromatosis, spare the spleen relative to transfusional siderosis (13). However, one might expect variation among different types of transfusional siderosis as well (14). We hypothesized that splenic iron concentration would be higher in chronically transfused SCD patients because of insidious splenic volume loss, but that total splenic iron content would be the same or lower than chronically transfused TM patients. We also explored what relationship, if any, could be found between splenic iron and the iron concentration of other organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, and kidneys in these two diseases.
Available Energy—Part II: Gibbs Extended

Since Gibbs, representations with formulas have been developed and are common, for the available energy of body and medium. Gaggioli has developed formulas which are more general, to represent the available energy of the body (alone) and to assign an exergy to subsystems of the body as a measure of each subsystem's contribution to the available energy. In contrast to the available energy, exergy is an additive property, so that balance equations can be written. Moreover, the formulas are independent from any medium, which is important both theoretically and practically-because of its relevance to proper selection of the dead state. In Part II, these issues are discussed and extended. In the context of Gibbs' available energy of the body, Gaggioli's development of exergy for subsystems of the body without any reference to a medium are reviewed. It is illustrated that the concept of constraints underlies available energy, equilibrium and stability, and thermostatic property relations. Furthermore, it is argued that the availability and capacity concepts of Gibbs are all equivalent to each other. In turn, because of interconvertability, it is shown that available energy is something more fundamental than maximum useful work.
Turbulent Premixed Hydrogen/Air Flames at High Reynolds Numbers

Abstract Measurements of mean and fluctuating reaction progress variable and streamwise velocities are reported for turbulent premixed hydrogen/air flames burning at relatively high Reynolds numbers (up to 1800. based on streamwise r.m.s. velocity fluctuations and integral length scales). A round-jet geometry was used with the flame surrounded by a hot combustion-gas environment at atmospheric pressure. Mixing-limited combustion was achieved: values of r.m.s. velocity fluctuations, normalized by the laminar burning velocity (u/SL), exceeded 15 in some instances. Test conditions included fuel-equivalence ratios of 0.3-3.6 and burner exit Reynolds numbers (based on exit diameter) of 7000-40000 with fully-developed turbulent pipe flow at the burner exit. It was found that effects of diffusive-thermal (preferential-diffusion) phenomena were important, for both stable (fuel-equivalence ratios greater than 1.8) and unstable conditions, even at the present high Reynolds numbers; for example, flame surfaces were ...
Strong coupling versus 4D locality in induced gravity

We re-examine the problem of strong coupling in a regularized version of DGP (or ``brane-induced'') gravity. We find that the regularization of ref. hep-th/0304148 differs from DGP in that it does not exhibit strong coupling or ghosts up to cubic order in the interactions. We suggest that the nonlocal nature of the theory, when written in terms of the 4-D metric, is a plausible reason for this phenomenon. Finally, we briefly discuss the possible behavior of the model at higher-order in perturbation theory.
Caregiver-assisted coping skills training for patients with COPD: background, design, and methodological issues for the INSPIRE-II study

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive illness characterized by airflow obstruction and dyspnea that afflicts over 12 million people and represents a leading cause...
Ion exchanges and adsorbents — recent developments

Abstract The properties of and experience in usage with a new acrylic resin based exchanger are briefly recounted. A description of recently developed ion exchange systems is also given.
Diet Composition and Feeding Habits of Common Fishes in Long Island Bays, New York

Abstract Developing models in support of ecosystem-based management requires knowledge of trophic dynamics of ecologically important species. A paucity of data on these dynamics for Long Island finfish is hindering development of ecosystem models required by recent legislation. In this study, we analyzed stomach contents of common fishes collected from Port Jefferson Harbor, Great South Bay, and Shinnecock Bay between May and October of 2007 and 2008. General diet composition was described by percent by number (%N), percent by weight (%W), percent frequency of occurrence (%0), and percent index of relative importance (%IRI) for seven species: Paralichthys dentatus (Summer Flounder), young-of-the-year (YOY) Pomatomus saltatrix (Bluefish), Prionotus evolans (Striped Searobin), Stenotomus chrysops (Scup), Scophthalmus aquosus (Windowpane Flounder), Raja eglanteria (Clearnose Skate), and Morone saxatilis (Striped Bass). Temporal diet composition was estimated for the consistently abundant YOY Bluefish, Summer...
Computational insight into the Rh-mediated activation of white phosphorus.

Density functional calculations on the reaction of white phosphorus with the ligand bis(diphenylphosphino)methyl (dppm) at a rhodium center are presented. The cationic transition metal fragment can react as a nucleophilic as well as an electrophilic species, driven by a simple twisting of the four-membered rings. As a consequence of the conformational controlled philicity, the insertion reaction into white phosphorus occurs with a small energy barrier. The white phosphorus tetrahedron can be chelated by two cationic transition metal fragments into an opened bicyclobutane moiety, strongly stabilized by pi-stacking interactions of the phenyl groups at the two transition metal fragments. It causes a 2:1 coordination; in the first stage of the reaction two molecules of the fragment add to one molecule of white phosphorus. The resulting dicationic complex easily undergoes dissociation into a cationic monoaddition product plus one cationic transition metal fragment. The ring expansion reaction of one ligand is explained by a j-step mechanism in one intermediary product. One ligand of the transition metal fragment dissociates and facilitates, by a cascade of low-energy processes, the rearrangement of the P-4-moiety. Under bipyramid formation a PP-bond is broken, and the free ligand finally attaches to one phosphorus atom. Overall the reaction can be divided in low-energy processes, which pass through different unstable intermediates and more high-energy processes, requiring ligand dissociation.
The Risks of Enlightened Self-Interest: Small Businesses and Support for Community

This article focuses on the association between the beliefs of small business owners and managers and their support for the community. Qualitative and quantitative data are utilized in an exploratory examination of two rationales for socially responsible behavior and of two kinds of support. Analyses show that the belief in strengthening the community as an important strategy for business success is positively associated with the provision of nonrisky and risky support. Risky support may threaten short-term business success. However, the belief that a good public image is important for business success is negatively or not significantly associated with either risky or nonrisky support for the community. Findings uphold the position that there are significant variations in enlightened self-interest rationales that are differentially associated with business social performance among small business operators and demonstrate the usefulness of disaggregating social performance into risky and nonrisky variations.
Production and evolution of millisecond X-ray and radio pulsars ☆

Abstract Observations using the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer ( RXTE ) have discovered dozens of accreting neutron stars with millisecond spin periods in low-mass binary star systems. Eighteen are millisecond X-ray pulsars powered by accretion or nuclear burning or both. These stars have magnetic fields strong enough for them to become millisecond rotation-powered (radio) pulsars when accretion ceases. Few, if any, accretion- or rotation-powered pulsars have spin rates higher than 750 Hz. There is strong evidence that the spin-up of some accreting neutron stars is limited by magnetic spin-equilibrium whereas the spin-up of others is halted when accretion ends. Further study will show whether the spin rates of some accretion- or rotation-powered pulsars are or were limited by emission of gravitational radiation.
Voltage-activated ion channels and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release shape Ca2+ signaling in Merkel cells

Ca2+ signaling and neurotransmission modulate touch-evoked responses in Merkel cell–neurite complexes. To identify mechanisms governing these processes, we analyzed voltage-activated ion channels and Ca2+ signaling in purified Merkel cells. Merkel cells in the intact skin were specifically labeled by antibodies against voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (CaV2.1) and voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels. Voltage-clamp recordings revealed small Ca2+ currents, which produced Ca2+ transients that were amplified sevenfold by Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Merkel cells’ voltage-activated K+ currents were carried predominantly by BKCa channels with inactivating and non-inactivating components. Thus, Merkel cells, like hair cells, have functionally diverse BKCa channels. Finally, blocking K+ channels increased response magnitude and dramatically shortened Ca2+ transients evoked by mechanical stimulation. Together, these results demonstrate that Ca2+ signaling in Merkel cells is governed by the interplay of plasma membrane Ca2+ channels, store release and K+ channels, and they identify specific signaling mechanisms that may control touch sensitivity.
GRAVITATIONAL WAVES AND CAUSALITY

A strictly ordered hierarchy of eight causal properties encountered in General Relativity is reviewed for the explicit case of the gravitational plane waves. Illustrative proofs are given to the effect that the place of these space-times is precisely known in the hierarchy: they are causally continuous, but not causally simple. The other conditions of the hierarchy are also discussed separately, as are some causality conditions that belong outside the hierarchy. The investigation relies on the following tools: (1) the symplectic structure appearing in certain matrix differential equations of the Riccati type; and (2) the global properties that can be derived from the isometry group generated by the Killing vector fields of the metric. Connections to some of the techniques of singularity theory are also pointed out.
A mathematical model for the quantification of mitral regurgitation. Experimental validation in the canine model using contrast echocardiography.

BACKGROUND Because the clearance of contrast from the left atrium (LA) relative to the left ventricle (LV) depends on the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR), we hypothesized that a mathematical model can be developed that would provide a quantitative estimation of MR from the washout of contrast from these chambers. METHODS AND RESULTS After mathematically developing the model, we performed experiments in two groups of dogs with the use of contrast echocardiography. Group 1 consisted of nine dogs in which different degrees of MR were produced by creating ischemic LV dysfunction. Contrast was injected into the LV, and MR was graded visually on a scale of from 0 to 4+. Videointensity plots generated from the LA and LV were provided to the model. There was excellent correlation between visual assessment of MR and model-derived regurgitant fraction in the 33 stages: y = 0.16x + 0.002 (r = 0.97, p less than 0.001, SEE = 0.06). To obtain a more quantitative validation, we placed electromagnetic flow probes on the aorta and just cephalad to the mitral annulus in six dogs (group 2) during cardiopulmonary bypass. Different degrees of MR were produced by chordal traction and/or myocardial ischemia. Regurgitant fraction was calculated at each stage from the flow probe and videointensity data. There was excellent correlation between flow probe and model-derived regurgitant fraction (y = 0.90x + 0.03; r = 0.96, p less than 0.001, SEE = 0.06), and close interobserver and intraobserver correlations were noted using flow probe and contrast echocardiographic data. CONCLUSIONS A mathematical model that uses the clearance of contrast from the LA relative to the LV can be used to accurately measure the severity of MR. These findings may have important practical implications for the quantification of MR.
SU-E-T-329: Degrading Electron Beam Energy in Rotational Total Skin Electron Therapy

Purpose: In rotational total skin electron therapy (RTSET), degraded electron beam energy may be required for patient treatment. A method is developed by inserting an acrylic plate in TBIe‐tray to deliver a lower energy beam. The change in percentage depth dose (PDD) verses thickness of plate is studied. Methods: A Rando phantom is used on a rotational platform at an extended SSD (=332 cm) with a linac gantry angled at 90°. A special mode with a TBIe‐insert delivers a 6 MeV electron beam on a Varian 21EX. An acrylic plate is inserted in the TBIe‐tray to degrade 6 MeV electron beam energy. Three different thickness of acrylic plates are 4, 6, and 10 mm. For PDD measurements, Kodak EDR films are sandwiched in the Rando phantom slides. The film surface is oriented parallel to the incident electron beam. The films are analyzed using the RIT113 dosimetrysoftware with a Vidar‐VXR 16 Pro Scanner. Results: Several physical parameters dmax, R50, and Rp are determined in the PDD curves. These parameters vary with the inserted plate thickness. The dmax is around 0.4 cm without acrylic plate (t = 0) and decreases as the plate thickness increases. For 10 mm plate thickness, dmax shifts to the surface of the phantom. The mean energy E0 at the phantom surface can be obtained from R50 for each degraded electron beam using the relationship between Eo and R50. The E0 decreases as the plate thickness increases, indicating 6 MeV electron beam degraded to a lower energy beam. Conclusions: The method to degrade electron beam energy in RTSET offers advantages of easy setup and manageable beam energy than spoiler technique. Most of the treatment parameters can be readily obtained from the PDD data for each degraded electron beam.
Test of a Superconvergent Relation for Meson-Baryon Scattering

The assumptions that (1) meson-baryon scattering amplitudes are dominated at high energies by Reggepole exchange and (2) the residues characterizing the couplings of the Regge poles to the pseudoscalar mesons are $\mathrm{SU}(3)$-symmetric lead to a superconvergent relation for the following combination of forward scattering amplitudes: ${[{T}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p}]+[{T}_{{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}n}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{{K}^{+}n}]\ensuremath{-}[{T}_{{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{{K}^{+}p}]}.$ Using experimental data on total cross sections and scattering lengths, we have tested this relation and found it to be well satisfied for cutoffs on the integrals at 3, 5, and 20 BeV/c.
The proper treatment of off-diagonal lagrange multipliers and coupling operators in self-consistent field equations☆

Abstract We show that past treatments of the off-diagonal Lagrange multipliers or coupling operators in the self-consistent field equations for open-shell systems and in the multi-configuration SCF equations are incomplete. In addition, we obtain the complete variational equations and show how these may be combined into one simple eigenvalue problem which is solved for all orbitals.
Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood Introduction

Whereas clinical case observations are useful for heuristic purposes, further progress in clinical research depends on the systematic assessment of groups of patients representing the diversity of the phenomenon under study and a variety of developmental conditions. It was with the early reports by Green and Money (1960,1961) at Johns Hopkins that research on children with cross-gender behavior began moving in the direction of group studies. An important benchmark was reached with the establishment of a controlled prospective project by Green (1974), then at UCLA. Subsequently, a small number of other researchers have become involved in clinical research projects in this area. In this Special Section, we try to provide an overview of the current status of this work, preceded by a review paper that establishes a link between the clinical studies and nonclinical research in behavioral child development. (A comprehensive overview of the earlier work is provided by Zucker (1985).) ’ It has been only about 5 years that a syndrome of gender identity disorder (GID) of childhood was defined with some degree of specificity in the DSM-111. Most likely, this definition will undergo revision in the future since not all features of the current criteria are fully satisfactory. For instance, some of the criteria for female subjects appear unrealistic (Zucker, 1982). Also, it would be useful to have a criteria-defined category (similar to the term “gender behavior disturbance” used by Rosen et al. (1977)) for children who have all the behavioral characteristics of GID except for a clearly stated desire to belong to the other sex. The concept of gender identity itself has undergone significant modifications, as Fagot’s annotated review demonstrates, and may continue to change as our understanding of early childhood development increases. Basic child development research has made much progress in elucidating psychosexual differentia-
Combination of evidence in recommendation systems characterized by distance functions

Recommendation systems for different document networks (DN), such as the World Wide Web, digital libraries, or scientific databases, often make use of distance functions extracted from relationships among documents and between documents and semantic tags. The distance functions computed from these relations establish associative networks among items of the DN, and allow recommendation systems to identify relevant associations for individual users. The process of recommendation can be improved by integrating associative data from different sources. Thus, we are presented with a problem of combining evidence (about associations between items) from different sources characterized by distance functions. In this paper we summarize our work on: (1) inferring associations from semi-metric distance functions; and (2) combining evidence from different (distance) associative DN.
Expertise Recognition and Influence in Intercultural Groups: Differences Between Face‐to‐Face and Computer‐Mediated Communication

Expertise recognition is challenging in teamwork, particularly in intercultural collaboration. This research seeks to investigate how cultural differences in communication styles may affect expertise recognition and influence in face-to-face (FtF) versus text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). Using experimental intercultural groups, we found that in FtF groups East Asian experts had a lower participation rate, and were perceived as less competent, less confident, and less influential than experts from Western culture. No such differences occurred in CMC. The results support mediated moderation effect of perceived confidence on expert influence such that changes in perceptions of Chinese and American experts' confidence accounted for their different levels of influence in CMC versus FtF. No such effect was found with participation rate.
(5S)-2,2,3-Trimethyl-5-(phenylmethyl)-4-imidazolidinone

[132278-23-2] C13H18N2O (MW 218.29) InChI = 1S/C13H18N2O/c1-13(2)14-11(12(16)15(13)3)9-10-7-5-4-6-8-10/h4-8,11,14H,9H2,1-3H3/t11-/m0/s1 InChIKey = UACYWOJLWBDSHG-NSHDSACASA-N [278173-23-2] C13H18N2O⋅HCl (MW 254.76) InChI = 1S/C13H18N2O.ClH/c1-13(2)14-11(12(16)15(13)3)9-10-7-5-4-6-8-10;/h4-8,11,14H,9H2,1-3H3;1H/t11-;/m0./s1 InChIKey = YIYFEXGDFJLJGM-MERQFXBCSA-N (highly enantioselective organocatalyst for a wide array of asymmetric reactions) Physical Data: imid⋅HCl—colorless crystals; mp 157−161 °C; [α]D20−64°; c =1 in H2O. Solubility: imid: ether, MeCN, EtOAc, most organic solvents; imid⋅HCl: sol. H2O, alcohol/H2O mixtures. Form Supplied in: colorless crystals, synthesized from the addition of HCl-dioxane (4 M) to (5S)- 2,2,3-trimethyl-5-(phenylmethyl)-4-Imidazolidinone in Et2O. The precipitate was recrystallized from iso-propanaol. Available from Aldrich. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: Store under inert gas in a cool dry place. The salt is hygroscopic, so exposure to moisture should be avoided. Should not be exposed to strong oxidizing agents. Its hazardous decomposition products are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen chloride gas.
Role of aspartyl-(asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase in placental implantation: relevance to early pregnancy loss

Aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is a type 2 transmembrane protein with catalytic activity that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains of proteins that have a functional role in cell motility and invasion. Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (CTB) are motile and invasive unpolarized epithelial cells that mediate early implantation through interaction with the endometrium. This study characterizes the potential role of AAH in CTB implantation using human placentas from (1) terminated pregnancies (n = 11), (2) normal term deliveries (n = 21), (3) spontaneous abortuses (n = 21), and (4) small-for-gestational-age (SGA) term deliveries (n = 21). The SGA cases all had established clinical histories of intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta were immunostained using the 15C7 monoclonal antibody generated to recombinant AAH. In addition, snap-frozen or RNAlater-preserved specimens (Ambion, Austin, TX) were used for RNA analysis of AAH expression by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and protein analysis by Western blotting. The immunohistochemical staining studies demonstrated AAH expression in amniocytes, villous CTB, syncytiotrophoblast, extravillous CTB, decidua, and endometrial glands at all gestational ages and in all 4 groups. Higher levels of AAH immunoreactivity were observed in extravillous CTB compared with villous CTB. Immunohistochemical staining and RNA analysis demonstrated abundant AAH expression in placental trophoblastic cells as well as in decidua and endometrial glands, with reduced expression in spontaneous abortion and SGA, suggesting that AAH may serve as a biomarker of impaired implantation. The high levels of AAH in decidua and endometrial glands suggest a role for this molecule in "receptivity" of endometrium.
A Response to Broude on the Couvade

ings (cf. R. L. Munroe and R. H. Munroe 1987) have prompted us to see the strong, early female influence as producing conflicts in males' sex identity, and to interpret the couvade as a practice allowing men to act out a disguised imitation of the female role. At the same time, according to this perspective, these men exhibit some behavior that overtly and strongly proclaims their masculinity. In a recent report, Broude (AA 90:902-911, 1988) challenged our findings and offered both new results and a differing interpretation. In response to Broude's report we have undertaken a replication of her study with an expanded sample. We discuss, below, our present findings, some of which support our previous work and some of which replicate Broude's results. In the final section of this
Predicted Structures of Agonist and Antagonist Bound Complexes of Adenosine A3 Receptor

We used the GEnSeMBLE Monte Carlo method to predict ensemble of the 20 best packings (helix rotations and tilts) based on the neutral total energy (E) from a vast number (10 trillion) of potential packings for each of the four subtypes of the adenosine G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are involved in many cytoprotective functions. We then used the DarwinDock Monte Carlo methods to predict the binding pose for the human A_3 adenosine receptor (hAA_3R) for subtype selective agonists and antagonists. We found that all four A_3 agonists stabilize the 15th lowest conformation of apo-hAA_3R while also binding strongly to the 1st and 3rd. In contrast the four A_3 antagonists stabilize the 2nd or 3rd lowest conformation. These results show that different ligands can stabilize different GPCR conformations, which will likely affect function, complicating the design of functionally unique ligands. Interestingly all agonists lead to a trans χ1 angle for W6.48 that experiments on other GPCRs associate with G-protein activation while all 20 apo-AA_3R conformations have a W6.48 gauche+ χ1 angle associated experimentally with inactive GPCRs for other systems. Thus docking calculations have identified critical ligand-GPCR structures involved with activation. We found that the predicted binding site for selective agonist Cl-IB-MECA to the predicted structure of hAA_3R shows favorable interactions to three subtype variable residues, I253^(6.58), V169^(EL2), and Q167^(EL2), while the predicted structure for hAA_(2A)R shows weakened to the corresponding amino acids: T256^(6.58), E169^(EL2), and L167^(EL2), explaining the observed subtype selectivity.
Parental hypertension and cardiac alterations in normotensive children and adolescents

Abstract The objective of this investigation was the examination of the relation of left ventricular mass (LVM) and function with cardiovascular response to exercise in normotensive adolescents at risk for hypertension. Carried out was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 47 subjects (age, 10 to 18 years), who underwent dynamic and isometric exercise, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and echocardiography. Twenty-nine had normotensive parents (group 1, controls), and 18 had hypertensive parents (group 2, "at risk"). Both groups were similar for age, race, sex, body mass index, blood pressures, and resting heart rates. Group 2 had a higher E/A ratio (2.3 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.5; p = 0.039) and higher heart rates during stage IV of dynamic exercise (188 ± 20 beats/min vs 176 ± 18 beats/min; p = 0.046). The LVM, 24-hour heart rates, and exercise systolic blood pressures (SBP) were similar in both groups. Only in group 2, SBP at peak dynamic and isometric exercise correlated best with LVM ( r = 0.74, p r = 0.82, p
Standardizing I/O for mechatronic systems (SIOMS) using real time UNIX device drivers

Describes a solution to controlling and communicating with an automated workcell based on a customized, commercially available real-time operating system. Two workcells, one for assembly and the other for machining, have been successfully controlled and integrated using much of the same software, despite different applications, actuators, sensors and computer hardware. Portability to different computer hardware arises from support by the operating system vendor, while application portability arises from the development of standardized input and output with the mechatronic devices (SIOMS) described in this paper. The real-time UNIX device drivers used to create the standard encapsulate the complexities of I/O and present users with a simple interface which allows concurrent access to the devices from multiple processes. Recent advances in personal computer technology make this a cost-effective solution. >
Case Report: Meningothelial Hamartoma of the Scalp in a 9-Year-Old Child

Meningothelial hamartomas represent a collection of meningothelial elements in an ectopic location. Lesions are histologically characterized as a proliferation of connective tissue elements and small- and medium-sized vessels admixed with meningothelial elements. Lesions are most often located on the scalp, present at birth, and do not extend past the subcutis. We discuss the case of a 9-year-old African American girl presenting with one such lesion on the parietal aspect of the scalp.
Genotype, Age, Tissue, and Environment Regulate the Structural Outcome of Glucosinolate Activation

Glucosinolates are the inert storage form of a two-part phytochemical defense system in which the enzyme myrosinase generates an unstable intermediate that rapidly rearranges into the biologically active product. This rearrangement step generates simple nitriles, epithionitriles, or isothiocyanates, depending on the structure of the parent glucosinolate and the presence of proteins that promote specific structural outcomes. Glucosinolate accumulation and myrosinase activity differ by plant age and tissue type and respond to environmental stimuli such as planting density and herbivory; however, the influence of these factors on the structural outcome of the rearrangement step remains unknown. We show that the structural outcome of glucosinolate activation is controlled by interactions among plant age, planting density, and natural genetic variation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) rosette leaves using six well-studied accessions. We identified a similarly complex interaction between tissue type and the natural genetic variation present within these accessions. This raises questions about the relative importance of these novel levels of regulation in the evolution of plant defense. Using mutants in the structural specifier and glucosinolate activation genes identified previously in Arabidopsis rosette leaves, we demonstrate the requirement for additional myrosinases and structural specifiers controlling these processes in the roots and seedlings. Finally, we present evidence for a novel EPITHIOSPECIFIER PROTEIN-independent, simple nitrile-specifying activity that promotes the formation of simple nitriles but not epithionitriles from all glucosinolates tested.
Practicing Anthropology in a Time of Crisis: 2009 Year in Review

ABSTRACT The breadth and reach of practicing anthropologists in 2009 suggests that anthropology has entered a new phase of advanced engagement at local, national, and international levels. In this article, I review thematic areas in which practicing anthropologists made significant contributions in 2009, including fiscal crisis and business anthropology; U.S. race relations, civil rights, and policy reforms; human rights, environmental change, and displacement; global health and human rights; and war and peace. New areas of expansion are also discussed in the arenas of public archaeology, museums and heritage, and engaged scholarship. Innovations in anthropological research and communicating ethnographic findings with the broader public are reviewed.