cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in serum TSH and free T4 during human sleep restriction.

THE THYROID HORMONES THYROXINE (T4) AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3) EXERT PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS IN ALL TISSUES AFFECTING OXYGEN CONSUMPTION and protein, carbohydrate, lipid, hormone, growth factor, and vitamin metabolism. The release of T4 and T3 by the thyroid is controlled by the activity of the hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) cascade. At the same time, circulating T4 and T3 exert negative feedback on the activity of this pathway in a classic endocrine fashion. Today many people report sleeping less than 6 h/day, and such short sleep duration has been associated with disorders of fuel and energy metabolism.1 Several rodent studies have also established the existence of links between sleep, energy homeostasis, and thyroid function.2–4 Sleep deprivation in the rat results in increased energy expenditure, weight loss, increased food intake, and initial elevation of body temperature. Despite the similarity of these findings to the signs of hyperthyroidism, sleep deprived animals show biochemical features of central hypothyroxinemia, characterized by reduced circulating concentrations of total and free T4 and T3 without an increase in TSH.2,4,5 Sleep loss can also affect the function of the human hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis. In contrast to the effects of sleep deprivation in rodents, acute sleep loss in humans is associated with increased TSH, T4, and T3,6,7 and human sleep is believed to have an acute inhibitory effect on overnight TSH secretion.8 Previous human sleep deprivation studies have been acute in nature (lasted < 7 days) and reduced sleep to less than 4 h/day, which is not common even in chronic short sleepers most of whom report average sleep times of 5 to 6 h/day. Whether or not exposure to less severe but more prolonged sleep restriction, which approximates the short sleep times experienced by many individuals in everyday life settings, can modify the function of the human thyroid axis has not been studied. To address this possibility, we used a set of serum samples, collected during an earlier study of the effects of sleep loss on human energy metabolism,9 to compare the TSH and free T4 concentrations of healthy middle-aged adults whose sleep opportunity was restricted to time-in-bed of 5.5 vs. 8.5 h/night for 2 weeks on 2 separate occasions.
SMERFS and SMERFS/sup /spl and//3 [software reliability modeling programs]

To date, over 75 software reliability models have appeared in the literature These models, however, require sophisticated numerical procedures to obtain estimates of the model parameters. This necessitates the use of a computer. This was the purpose of the development of the program called SMERFS (Statistical Modeling and Estimation of Reliability Functions for Software). It is an interactive program for software reliability modeling that provided a computer-based tool for the software analyst to perform software reliability analyses. That program has undergone a number of revisions over the years. SMERFS/sup /spl and//3 is the newest evolution of SMERFS. It is a strictly PC Windows-based application program that allows the user to carry out hardware, software and/or total systems reliability analyses. The aim is to perform both component- and systems-level assessments.
Quantum computing with quantum dots on quantum linear supports

Motivated by the recently demonstrated ability to attach quantum dots to polymers at well-defined locations, we propose a condensed-phase analog of the ion-trap quantum computer: a scheme for quantum computation using chemically assembled semiconductor nanocrystals attached to a linear support. The linear support is either a molecular string (e.g., DNA) or a nanoscale rod. The phonon modes of the linear support are used as a quantum-information bus between the dots. Our scheme offers greater flexibility in optimizing material parameters than the ion-trap method, but has additional complications. We discuss the relevant physical parameters, provide a detailed feasibility study, and suggest materials for which quantum computation may be possible with this approach. We find that Si is a potentially promising quantum-dot material, already allowing a 5--10-qubit quantum computer to operate with an error threshold of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}.$
Codonocarpus alkaloids—IV : Synthesis of 2-methoxy-2′-ethoxy-4-[2-(tetramethylenecarbamoyl)ethyl]-5′-[2-(propylcarbamoyl)ethyl]diphenyl ether

Abstract Synthesis of the title compound was accomplished by coupling the iodonium bromide (3) of 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde with methyl hydroferulate (4) to 2-methoxy-2′-ethoxy-4-(methyl β-propionate)-5′-formyldiphenyl ether (5) which was converted to the pyrrolidinyl amide 6, and then the aryl aldehyde group was extended to a n-propyl β-propionamide unit via the Knoevenagel malonic acid reaction through the trans-cinnamic acid 7 followed by hydrogenation and amide formation with n-propylamine.
Atropine and Other Anticholinergic Drugs

Abstract : The nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphorous (OP) compounds. The agents of greatest concern, along with their chemical names and two-letter military designations, are tabun (o-ethyl N.N-dimethyl phosphoramidocyanidate; GA), sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate; GB), soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonotluoridate; GD), cyclosarin (cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate, GF), VX (o-ethyl S- 2-N,N- diisopropylaminoethyl methyl phosphonofluoridate) and a Russian V-type agent designated VR (0-isobutyl S-(2-diethylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate). The nerve agents inhibit the cholinesterase (ChE) family of enzymes that includes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). It is the inhibition of AChE, the enzyme that hydrolyzes the cholinergic neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), that produces the toxic action of nerve agents. Inhibition of BChE activity by itself is not known to produce any toxic effect. Nerve agents bind to the active site of the AChE enzyme, thus preventing it from hydrolyzing ACh. The enzyme is inhibited irreversibly, and the return of esterase activity depends on the synthesis of new enzyme molecules ( 1% per day in humans). All nerve agents penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), with the G-type agents acting more rapidly centrally than the V-type.
Signal transduction through MAP kinase cascades.

Publisher Summary The chapter introduces the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MAPK) module. The identification of MAP kinase pathways exemplifies the power of combining biochemical and genetic approaches to molecular problems. The chapter discusses the mammalian MAPK pathways—ERKl/2 and MKKl/2 pathways—and stress-activated protein kinase pathways. The regulation of MAPK pathways by protein phosphatases is discussed in the chapter describing in detail about dual specificity phosphatases, serinenhreonine phosphatases, and protein tyrosine phosphatases. The chapter explores the cellular substrates of MAP kinases, wherein it discusses about protein kinase substrates for MAPKS, nuclear transcription factors, signaling components, and cytoskeletal proteins. Responses to MAPK pathways, regulation of cell growth and transformation, and regulation of cell differentiation and development have also been summarized in the chapter. The chapter describes the yeast MAPK pathways of saccharomyces cerevisiae (Budding Yeast) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Fission Yeast). The chapter provides the description of the intracellular targeting and spatial regulation of MAPK pathway components, signaling complexes, and the nuclear translocation of MAPK and MKK. Eukaryotic MAPK cascades provide excellent examples of signal transduction mechanisms that embody key principles common to many, if not all, signaling pathways. Many fundamental questions remain for future studies to investigate the mechanisms by which these pathways are regulated as well as the cellular responses that they control.
The mutagenic activity of the photooxidation products of C6H5NH2/C2H4/NOX mixtures

Abstract Mixtures of aniline/ethylene/NOx were photoiyzed in a 22.7‐m3 Teflon reaction chamber operated in a dynamic mode. Several minor products, including nitrobenzene, azobenzene, α‐nitroaniline, phenol, and benzoic acid, were identified. The production of aerosol was also observed. The product mixtures were exposed to Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 both with and without metabolic activation. Exposures of the gas mixture alone and the aerosol plus gas mixture were performed. In addition, filters of the aerosol were collected, extracted, and used in a plate incorporation procedure with these strains. The results show the gas phase products from the irradiated mixture to be relatively nonmutagenic in TA98 and TA100. This same result was found in the aerosol exposure, although the deposition into the media may have been low. However, extracts from the aerosol when directly incorporated into the medium show mutagenic activity for TA98.
Wide complex bigeminy: unusual presentation of an atriofascicular fiber.

Bigeminal Rhythm Using Atriofascicular Fiber. Ventricular bigeminy in children is regarded as a benign arrhythmia in the absence of coexisting heart disease. We present the case of a patient with an atriofascicular fiber that electrocardiographically presented as wide complex bigeminy and wide complex tachycardia. At electrophysiologic study, the mechanism for the wide complex extrasystoles was reentry within the atriofascicular fiber or at its atrial insertion. Retrograde conduction within the fiber was also demonstrated under the influence of verapamil and ventricular extrastimulus testing. We conclude that conduction through an atriofascicular fiber should be included in the differential diagnosis of wide complex bigeminy having left bundle branch block morphology.
Crystalline growth of monoclinic selenium

Abstract Single crystals of α-monoclinic selenium were grown from a solution of methylene iodide. X-ray examination of these crystals verified that these crystals were of this form. Although growth rates were rather small, crystals of 1 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm3 dimensions were obtained in a routine manner.
970-7 In Vivo Comparison of Simultaneous Doppler and Hemodynamic Transvalvular Pressure Gradients Across Bileaflet Mechanical Valves in the Mitral Position

Continuous wave Doppler (CW) is routinely used clinically to measure pressure gradients across bileaflet mechanical mitral valves; however discrepancies with catheter (CATH) gradients have been recognized. Recently it has been hypothesized that inertial and viscous forces, which are partially affected by valve size and orifice geometry. may control pressure recovery and thus playa role in these discrepancies. Therefore, in this study we examined the accuracy of CW derived pressure gradients us a function of valve size and orifice position in an attempt to determine the clinical utility of this technique. In 10 sheep with chronically implanted (anatomic orientation) St. Jude mitral valves (23, 25, 27 mm), 76 hemodynamic states (3 to 14 per sheep) were studied using Millar catheters in the LA and LV. Peak gradient (PG) range = 2.0–23.0 mmHg® mean gradient (MG) range = 1.9–18.7 mmHg. Simultaneously, a Vingmed 775 with a port for transfer of digital data was used to obtain CW velocities across the three valve orifices: central (C), LV septal (S). and LV free watll (FW). Regression analysis for the 25 mm valve, for which the largest number of studies was available (n = 40), showed CW PG and MG correlated with CATH (PG: y = 1.28x - 0.16, r = 0.89, SEE = 2.9; MG: y = 1.05x + 0.03, r = 0.88, SEE = 2.1) but with consistent overestimation. In addition, considerable CW scatter was seen in the moderate range of CATH gradients. Analysis of the 25 mm valve orifices revealed the following % overestimation: PG(S) PG(C) PG(FW) MG(S) MG(C) MG(FW) 27% 32% 19% 4% 8% 0% The 23 mm (n = 21) valves demonstrated significantly greater overestimation than either the 25 or 27 mm (n = 15) valves for both PG (p l 0.02) and MG (p l 0.05). Conclusions There is good correlation of CVV derived and CATH measured pressure gradients across bileaflet mechanical mitral valves. For a given CATH gradient, the CVV derived pressure gradients vary for different valve sizes and their individual orifices. CVV overestimated CATH gradients particularly in the smallest valve tested. For all valve sizes and individual orifice CVV scatter was noted particularly in the mid range of gradients tested. Therefore, simplified Bernoulli calculations using CVV velocities from any specific valve/orifice, although useful, are limited as accurate clinical predictors of CATH gradients.
High-fidelity line-by-line optical waveform generation and complete characterization using FROG

A stable optical frequency comb with 20-GHz spacing is shaped by a compact integrated silica arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) pair to produce optical waveforms with unprecedented fidelity. Complete characterization of both the intensity and phase of the crafted optical fields is accomplished with cross-correlation frequency resolved optical gating (XFROG) which has been optimized for periodic waveforms with resolvable modes. A new method is proposed to quantify, in a single number, the quality of the match in both the amplitude and phase between the measured optical waveform and the target waveform.
A comparative study of values and attitudes of inner-city and middle-class postpartum women

This study compared postpartum women from the inner city (n = 94) and postpartum women from the urban middle class (n = 80) on values and goals for themselves and their newborn children. Terminal values of inner-city women for themselves related more to social and religious goals in contrast to the more intrapersonal and personal goals of middle-class women. Instrumental values of inner-city women for their newborn children demonstrated concern with conformity and control, whereas for the middle class there was more concern with competence. Goals for the near future of the inner-city mothers were based on a desire for jobs and education.
Highly Turbulent Mainstream Effects on Film Cooling of a Simulated Airfoil Leading Edge

The influence of a high mainstream turbulence was examined in an experimental study of film cooling on a simulated turbine blade leading edge. Detailed heat transfer coefficient and adiabatic effectiveness values were measured under conditions representative of actual environments in a gas turbine engine. The two parameters were also combined for a net heat flux reduction analysis. Turbulence levels of Tu = 17% were achieved by modifying a cross-jets turbulence generator with a large cylinder element. A quarter cylinder geometry was used to simulate the turbine blade leading edge. Two staggered rows of nine holes each were incorporated with a geometry consistent with current industry design practices. One row was positioned nominally on the stagnation line, x/d = 0, while the other was located 25° from the stagnation line. The holes were spaced at S/d = 7.64 with a shallow injection angle of 20° and oriented at 90° to the streamwise direction. Comparisons were made to previous studies of heat transfer rates and adiabatic effectiveness values under low turbulence (Tu < 0.5%) conditions. Adiabatic effectiveness was generally decreased by about 20% due to the high mainstream turbulence, although a much greater decrease occurred at the stagnation line at lower blowing rates. The relative increase in heat transfer coefficient due the coolant injection was found to be significantly smaller for the high mainstream turbulence case compared to the low mainstream turbulence case. This was particularly important when evaluating the overall performance of this film cooling hole configuration, since the much smaller relative increase in heat transfer coefficient resulted in good performance in terms of net heat flux reduction.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Partial Identification and Robust Treatment Choice: An Application to Young Offenders

Abstract This paper applies recently developed methods to robust assessment of treatment outcomes and robust treatment choice based on nonexperimental data. The substantive question is whether young offenders should be assigned to residential or nonresidential treatment in order to prevent subsequent recidivism. A large data set on past offenders exists, but treatment assignment was by judges and not by experimenters, hence counterfactual outcomes are not identified unless one imposes strong assumptions. The analysis is carried out in two steps. First, I show how to compute identified bounds on expected outcomes under various assumptions that are too weak to restore conventional identification but may be accordingly credible. The bounds are estimated, and confidence regions that take current theoretical developments into account are computed. I then ask which treatment to assign to future offenders if the identity of the best treatment will not be learned from the data. This is a decision problem under am...
An accurate fault location algorithm using synchronized sampling

Abstract This paper introduces new fault location algorithms based on synchronized sampling. A time domain model of a transmission line is used as a basis for the algorithm development. Samples of voltages and currents at the ends of a transmission line are taken synchronously and used to calculate fault location. The paper discusses two different algorithm forms utilizing two line models. A number of tests are performed using EMTP simulations of faults. The algorithm results show high accuracy while the computational burden is moderate.
Detection of Weld Surface Porosity by Statistical Analysis of Arc Current in Gas Metal Arc Welding

Abstract Fillet welds were made using the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process with various parameter settings while arc voltage, arc current, and wire feed speed signals were recorded. Porosity was induced in some welds by excessive contact tip-to-work distance or low shielding gas flow rate. Welds were visually inspected for porosity and classified as porous or nonporous, and the arc current power spectral density (PSD) was calculated from the recorded values. Arc voltage, the 0 Hz arc current PSD component, arc current PSD components from 20 Hz to 40 Hz, and wire feed speed comprised the predictor group for linear discriminant analysis (LDA). This discriminator was called the “universal predictor” because it was designed to be independent of voltage and wire speed settings within a specified range. Arc current PSD components from 20 Hz to 40 Hz, wire feed speed, and the 0 Hz current PSD component comprised the predictor group for a second series of voltage-specific porosity detectors. It was found that the universal discriminator was about as accurate as discriminators formulated specifically for each voltage level.
Estimating the Effects of Changing Land Use Patterns on Connecticut Lakes

Changes in land use of 30 Connecticut lake watersheds between 1934, 1970, and 1990 were quantified using aerial photographs. Results were used with existing land use models to estimate changes in concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) over the 56-yr period. On average, the watersheds have increased in urban-residential land cover from 2% in 1934 to 16% in 1990, and decreased in agricultural land from 20 to 7% during the same time period. The mean percentage of forested land has remained relatively constant. Based on the land use models of Norvell et al. (1979) and Frink (1991), the mean estimated total phosphorus concentration (eTP) increased from 15 μg L -1 in 1934 to 25 μg L -1 in 1990. The eTP concentrations increased in 26 of the 30 study lakes. In contrast, the mean estimated concentration of total nitrogen (eTN) increased only 20% from 374 to 450 μg L -1 . Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to score each study lake according to its current trophic and ionic condition using chemical data from 1991 to 1993, and the results regressed against the 1990 land use types. Trophic scores were most highly correlated with forest cover, while ionic scores were most highly correlated with forest cover and the degree of urban-residential land cover. The effect of water retention time is discussed. Land use models provide useful tools in the management of lakes.
Reduction of Oxyiron(V) by Sulfite and Thiosulfate in Aqueous Solution

The reduction of oxyiron(V), FeVO43− by inorganic oxysulfur species (SO32− and S2O32−) has been studied anaerobically in alkaline medium by using a premix pulse radiolysis technique. Studies on the reactions of FeVIO42− with the two sulfur radicals were also carried out. The spectroscopic results demonstrated that sulfur radicals reduced FeVIO42− to FeVO43− which is subsequently reduced by oxysulfur species by a two-electron reduction step to Fe(III). The rate constants for reduction of FeVIO42− to FeVO43− by sulfite and thiosulfate radicals (•SO3− and S4O6•3−) were found to be (1.9 ± 0.3) × 108 and (7.5 ± 0.8) × 107 M−1 s−1, respectively. However, the reactions of FeVO43− with the SO32− and S2O32− ions were separated by an order of magnitude, with SO32− reacting at (3.9 ± 0.3) × 104 M−1 s−1 while S2O32− reacted with Fe(V) at (2.1 ± 0.1) × 103 M−1 s−1 at pH 11.4.
Boundary Spanning: An Ecological Reinterpretation of Social Work Practice in Health and Mental Health Systems

SUMMARY A boundary-spanning approach to practice traverses barriers to give social workers greater understanding of context, more latitude in interventions, and increased access to systems. This broad-based approach helps social workers work in large, complex systems of care that demand more creativity and advocacy from practitioners in less time with less support. It draws from direct social work practice, program planning and management, social work administration, and business/organizational management. Spanned boundaries include those restricting knowledge bases and definitions of setting, those separating health from mental health, those that isolate systems of service delivery and levels and modalities of practice.
Effects of 3D Auditory Display on Dual Task Performance in a Simulated Multiscreen Watchstation Environment

It is anticipated that watchstation operators in future U. S. Navy command and control environments will work in multitask settings that raise substantial performance and attention management challenges for user interfaces. To evaluate the capacity of an auditory display to contribute to the resolution of these concerns, we constructed a mockup of the Navy's current advanced multi-modal watchstation design and conducted a dual-task experiment that manipulated the visual distance between the task displays and the use of spatialized sound to direct attention (auditory deixis). Subjects in the repeated measures design were asked to carry out a continuous tracking task and a tactical decision task at the same time. Deictic sound had significant, positive effects on subjects' performance on the tactical task—response times were improved and there were fewer head movements. Furthermore, these benefits were achieved with no loss in tactical decision accuracy and no degradation in performance on the tracking task.
Biosynthesis of the Urease Metallocenter

Metalloenzymes often require elaborate metallocenter assembly systems to create functional active sites. The medically important dinuclear nickel enzyme urease provides an excellent model for studying metallocenter assembly. Nickel is inserted into the urease active site in a GTP-dependent process with the assistance of UreD/UreH, UreE, UreF, and UreG. These accessory proteins orchestrate apoprotein activation by delivering the appropriate metal, facilitating protein conformational changes, and possibly providing a requisite post-translational modification. The activation mechanism and roles of each accessory protein in urease maturation are the subject of ongoing studies, with the latest findings presented in this minireview.
Optical Glass Effectively Generating a Large Acoustic Wave for Diffraction Beam Modulator Applications

A transparent organic/inorganic hybrid glass containing a composite of chromium/chromium oxides has been synthesized by sol-gel copolymerization. Nanocomposites often lose individual identities then create new properties. In this study, a set of new optical properties created from the organically modified silicate glasses was observed. In our laser experiments, the hybrid glass shows a new optical property, generation of a huge acoustic wave; the diffraction efficiency (45%) of the organically modified glass is higher than that of methanol (25%), which means the compressibility of the hybrid glass is as effective as the liquid. These organic/ inorganic hybrid glasses have properties that may function as a new type of laser device materials with applications in, for example, diffraction beam modulators.
Topical Drug Delivery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a multifactorial disorder that may be heterogeneous in presentation and clinical course. While the introduction of endoscopic sinus surgery revolutionized surgical management and has led to significantly improved patient outcomes, medical therapy remains the foundation of long-term care of chronic rhinosinusitis, particularly in surgically recalcitrant cases. A variety of devices and pharmaceutical agents have been developed to apply topical medical therapy to the sinuses, and thereby take advantage of the access provided by endoscopic surgery. The goal of topical therapy is to address the inflammation, infection, and mucociliary dysfunction that underlies the disease. Major factors that impact success include the patient’s sinus anatomy and the dynamics of the delivery device. Despite a growing number of topical treatment options, the evidence-based literature to support their use is limited. In this article, we comprehensively review current delivery methods and the available topical agents. We also discuss biotechnological advances that promise enhanced delivery in the future, and evolving pharmacotherapeutical compounds that may be added to the rhinologist’s armamentarium. A complete understanding of topical drug delivery is increasingly essential to the management of chronic rhinosinusitis when traditional forms of medical therapy and surgery have failed.
A comprehensive study of the backpropagation algorithm and modifications

Many connectionist/neural network learning systems use some derivative of the popular backpropagation (BP) algorithm. BP learning, however, is too slow for many applications. In addition, it scales poorly as tasks become larger and more complex. As a result, researchers in the field have come up with variations and modifications to the original BP learning technique that address the aforementioned issues. This research was conducted to collect a representative sample of BP modifications and compare them against one another. The benchmarks utilized are certain "toy-problems" that have been extensively used in the literature. A software package that allows one to experiment with a multitude of BP variations was developed to achieve the desired goal. The modifications are evaluated and cross examined for each task tested. The package provides the means for parameter optimization and allows a user to build hybrid algorithms based on the different functionalities and features of the various modifications.
Celiac Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a North American Community: Prevalence, Serologic Screening, and Clinical Features

OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in pediatric and adult type 1 diabetes mellitus in a defined population and to describe clinical features and HLA class II genotypes predictive of CD in screened patients with type 1 diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with type 1 diabetes mellitus on the prevalence date January 1, 2001, were identified with the use of an established medical records linkage system (Rochester Epidemiology Project) and defined clinical criteria. Consenting patients underwent serologic screening with endomysial antibody and tissue transglutaminase antibody testing and intestinal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of CD. A subset of screened patients also underwent HLA class II genotyping. Quality-of-life screening (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) was completed in a subset of patients at the time of serologic screening. RESULTS Overall, 392 Olmsted County residents with type 1 diabetes on January 1, 2001, were identified. A total of 158 patients with type 1 diabetes were tested, representing 40% (158/392) of the enumerated diabetic population, and 11 had biopsy-proven CD for an estimated point prevalence of 7.0% (95% confidence interval, 3.5%-12.1%). Most CD-positive diabetic patients were asymptomatic and expressed an at-risk CD haplotype with at least one of but not both HLA DQ2 or DQ8 . CONCLUSIONS Celiac disease is not rare in North American patients with type 1 diabetes, and most CD-positive diabetic patients are asymptomatic irrespective of age at screening.
Clinical Trials of Gene Therapy for Heart Failure: Quantitation of the Cardiac Calcium Pump by Immunochemistry

We have used quantitative immunoblot, enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), and capillary western to measure absolute cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a isoform) content in order to determine specific activity. Celladon, Inc., is developing a gene therapy treatment for heart failure (HF) where SERCA2a is the target protein, and they need an accurate measure of SERCA2a to calculate specific activity of enzyme produced by the gene therapy construct. Patients with HF produce too little SERCA2a or SERCA2a that has too low of activity to maintain normal calcium cycling that is responsible for cardiac contraction. SERCA2a produced by MYDICAR, an adeno- associated viral (AAV) vector, must have comparable activity to endogenous SERCA2a to be useful as a gene therapy product. Immunoblot showed linear SERCA2a detection. We conclude that immunoblot measures absolute SERCA2a content, useful in measuring specific activity. This work was funded by Celladon and by NIH grants to DDT (R01 GM27906, P30 AR0507220, T32 AR007612).
3D Interval Velocity/Depth model building in the Southern Gas Basin UK, 3D versus 2D model building

Summary Prestack depth imaging can be used to obtain a more accurate image of the earth’s subsurface in complex geologic areas. Prestack depth imaging relies on a correct interval velocity/depth model. We show two methods of obtaining a 3D velocity model in the Southern Gas Basin of the North Sea. In the first method a 3D velocity model is created by interpolating a series of 2D velocity models derived from iterative 2D tomography and prestack depth migration. In the second method an initial model is created using 3D coherency inversion. 3D tomography is then used to update the velocity model with a sparse set of CIP gathers. The 3D model building procedure is faster and yields a more accurate 3D velocity model than the 2D method.
Coarse Equivalences Between Warped Cones

Warped cones were introduced by J. Roe in Geometry Topol. 9 (2005) 163–178 where he discussed Property A of these spaces. In this paper, we discuss the coarse equivalence of warped cones on the circle with the \(\mathbb{Z}\)-action by irrational rotations. First, we prove that two irrational numbers related by PSL(2, \(\mathbb{Z}\)) give coarsely equivalent warped cones. Second, we prove that there are at least countably many warped cones that are not coarsely equivalent to each other by using a ‘secondary growth function’.
The Call for Leadership

This article proposes that leadership scholars spend less time talking and writing about what leadership is or isn't and instead spend more time trying to improve society. This can be done by critically examining and challenging the governing variables of the institutions within which people live. Once these governing variables or mental models are challenged and exposed, then positive change can occur. Leadership menas making a difference and leadership education means providing students the tools to affect change. Engaging in dialogue is a critical step in the leadership process, but what is truly needed is action. This article is a call for the praxis of leadership.
An Investigation of Knowledge-Building Activities in an Online Community of Practice at Subaru of America.

Current approaches to workplace learning emphasize designing communities of practice that are intended to support both formal and informal knowledge acquisition. This article presents the design and research of a knowledge-based community of practice for Subaru, based on principles outlined by Scardamalia (2002) and Zhang, Scardamalia, Lamon, Messina, and Reeve (2007). The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which participants' interactions in the online community showed evidence of individual and collective knowledge building. We found evidence of knowledge building within online discussions in these areas: interactions around improvement of ideas, connection to workplace knowledge and practices, and building on or adopting the ideas of others. We also found significant gains in scores on an assessment of workplace customer service after participation in the online community of practice.
Unexpected Synergism between an Alkylating Analog of Oxotremorine and Soman

We and our colleagues have recently described some potent analogs of oxotremorine containing a /3-chloroethylamine group which cyclize spontaneously in neutral aqueous solution to form reactive aziridinium ions (Ehlert et al., 1984; Ringdahl et al., 1984). These reactive species have a high affinity for the muscarinic receptor, and react with it to form a covalently bound complex. The immediate effects of most of these compounds resemble those of classical muscarinic agonists, but these effects are followed by a prolonged period of resistance to muscarinic agonists which may be due to desensitization, to irreversible receptor occupation, or to both (Gyorgy et al., 1971; Ehlert et al., 1984; Russell et al., 1985). Because of the well-known protective effect of muscarinic antagonists against the cholinergic effects of cholinesterase inhibitors, we studied the interactions of one of these compounds (BM 123: iV-4-(2-chloroethylamino)-2-butynyl-2-pyrollidine) with the organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor soman. We report here an unexpected synergism between BM 123 and soman and some experiments intended to elucidate its mechanism.
On the plasmon contribution to the surface energy of metals

Abstract The agreement between a recently propounded theory of metallic surface energies and experiment is a consequence of the arbitrary choice of the same plasmon cut-off wave-vector, k c , for both bulk and surface plasmons. With a more reasonable choice of k c 's, the ‘plasmon theory’ predicts negative surface energies.
G09 Do Parents Agree with Examiners When Rating Student Competence in Exams

Aims To compare examiner and parental ratings of students undertaking a summative clinical assessment of history-taking and examination skills in a ward based setting. Methods Parents of patients participating in the 4th year medical students’ ward based assessments were asked for feedback and an evaluation of student performance through validated questionnaire. Students completed a paediatric history and head to toe examination of a child admitted to an acute medical ward within a defined time. The clinical case was presented to examiners (experienced clinicians – paediatric consultants and/or senior Trainees). Examiners ratings were based on student competence in presentation of medical history and examination findings, with observed examination technique and their communication skills during a predetermined clinical role play situation. The latter grading mirrored an RCPCH scoring system. Parental ratings were based on the Interpersonal Skills Rating Scale which encompassed their impression of the student’s interaction with them and their child. The data was collected in the 2011–2012 academic year. We then correlated aggregated parental scores with examiner rating of the same student. Results In total, 129 parent evaluations were obtained for 129 students. One hundred and nine parental feedback forms were fully completed and correlated with examiners’ scores of matching students. The correlation coefficient for the total scores given by parents and examiners was –0.04, with intercept at score 22 and the slope of –0.02. The average score given by parents is 22 (range 16–24). The average score given by examiners is 18 (range 7–24). Conclusion In general, parental rating does not correlate with clinical examiner rating. Parental ratings of students demonstrate less variation compared to examiner rating scores. Notably, low scoring students were not necessarily considered by parents as underperforming, suggesting students’ good communication and interpersonal skills irrespective of technical knowledge.
Focusing on the fornix: can fornix diffusion tensor imaging measures be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease?

White matter alterations, including axonal and dendritic degeneration, demyelination and oligodendroglial cell death, are known pathological characteristics of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain at autopsy [1,2]. In vivo, white matter abnormalities have also been found with conventional MRI. However, this methodology is limited by the inability to delineate white matter tract organization, such that changes in specific white matter fiber bundles cannot be detected. More recently, the detection of subtle changes in white matter microstructure has become possible with the evolution of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTI quantifies the magnitude and directionality of water diffusion down the white matter tracts, and can reveal subtle abnormalities in white matter microstructure and brain connectivity. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) are two DTI measures used to quantify white matter microstructure, by measuring the relative random motion of water in cerebral tissue. FA is a measure of anisotropic water diffusion, and reflects the degree of directionality of cellular structures within the fiber tracts, and therefore the structural integrity. MD, a measure of randomized mean water diffusion, represents a loss of barriers restricting the water motion, partial breakdown of tissue cytoarchitecture or demyelinating processes. Thus, higher values of FA and lower values of MD are thought to represent normal tissue cytoarchitecture. Based on the characteristic pathological changes in postmortem AD brains [3], many DTI studies of AD patients have focused on the temporal lobes, cingulum, splenium and fornix. Of these, recent research suggests fornix white matter integrity may be a particularly sensitive neuroimaging biomarker of early ADrelated brain changes. The fornix is the predominant outflow tract of the hippocampus, and is critical for episodic memory functioning and anterograde memory. It is a central component of limbic projections and pathways that connect to the frontal lobes, and is preferentially affected early in the course of AD [3,4]. Notably, while a predominant outflow tract, the fornix also serves as a cholinergic input to the hippocampus and, therefore, could also be an important biomarker of AD progression.
Semiconductors for organic transistors

Organic molecules/polymers with a π-conjugated (hetero)aromatic backbone are capable of transporting charge and interact efficiently with light. Therefore, these systems can act as semiconductors in opto-electronic devices similar to inorganic materials. However, organic chemistry offers tools for tailoring materials' functional properties via modifications of the molecular/monomeric units, opening new possibilities for inexpensive device manufacturing. This article reviews the fundamental aspects behind the structural design/realization of p- (hole transporting) and n-channel (electron-transporting) semiconductors for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). An introduction to OFET principles and history, as well as of the state-of-the-art organic semiconductor structure and performance of OFETs is provided.
A Randomized Trial to Improve Patient-Centered Care and Hypertension Control in Underserved Primary Care Patients

BACKGROUND African Americans and persons with low socioeconomic status (SES) are disproportionately affected by hypertension and receive less patient-centered care than less vulnerable patient populations. Moreover, continuing medical education (CME) and patient-activation interventions have infrequently been directed to improve the processes of care for these populations.
Biodegradable Nano-Material Composites for Use in an Inkjet Printing System

Biomaterials for development of resorbable, three-dimensional tissue scaffolds have been used in a modified thermal inkjet printing system to explore compatibility of materials, solvents and the printing system. The polymers included collagen (type I), sodium alginate, fibronectin, poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and tetraglycol were tested. Single-walled carbon nanotubes were combined with the biopolymers to determine which systems in which they would blend well, and be able to print. Uncovering which biopolymers may be printed together offers insight into development of materials which most closely match the properties of biological tissue.
Magnesium sulfate, maternal hypothermia, and fetal bradycardia with loss of heart rate variability

Abstract Background: Fetal bradycardia and decreased heart rate variability can indicate a nonreassuring fetal status. However, there can be iatrogenic, physiologic, or pathologic causes. Case: A patient in premature labor received toxic levels of magnesium sulfate for tocolysis. Elevated maternal serum magnesium levels correlated inversely with maternal temperature and both fetal heart rate and fetal heart rate variability. There was also a relative decrease of the maternal heart rate from baseline. When the magnesium levels returned to normal, these vital signs returned to normal. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate therapy can result in maternal hypothermia and a decrease in fetal heart rate and heart rate variability. Maternal hypothermia might be the cause of fetal bradycardia. A direct action of magnesium on the fetal heart might be the cause of heart rate variability.
R/V Vema deep-sea winch

Abstract Various types of deep-sea winches have been used aboard oceanographic vessels. Their design has been limited to use of electrically powered drums and winding engines utilizing rather elaborate speed regulation and braking devices, and of diesel-driven winches utilizing multi-ratio geared transmissions for hauling and the engine itself for braking. These winches have been able to lower cable at rates of 50–80 fathoms (100–150 m) per minute and to hoist at rates of 25–40 fathoms (50–75 m) per minute. The recently redesigned heavy trawl winch being used aboard the R.V. Vema of the Lamont Geological Observatory (Columbia University) is described herein. During the lowering operation a Parkersburg Hydrotarder is used for braking. It provides a varying positive braking action functioning as a water brake which converts the mechanical energy into heat. For raising, a diesel engine drives the winch through a torque converter. This permits full utilization of the developed power of the engine, a method of exerting a fixed tension when pulling the apparatus out of the bottom, and eliminates the necessity of shifting gears and engine lugging (running over-loaded at slow speed) as with geared transmissions. With the new equipment, cable lowering speeds of 120 fathoms (220 m) per minute and raising cable speeds of 50–70 fathoms (100–130 m) per minute are possible.
Signal Distortion Due To Spectral Re-Growth Of Adjacent Channel Interferers in WCDMA Receivers

In WCDMA receivers, WCDMA modulated adjacent channel interferers (ACI) can distort the useful signal due to non linearity of the front end RF components. Non linearity of the RF front end transfers the modulation of the transmitter (TX) leakage onto the ACI, resulting in cross-modulation distortion. In addition to this, if the ACI signal is strong, it would undergo spectral re-growth and some fraction of its power will leak into the adjacent desired channel. The adjacent channel selectivity (ACS) scenarios in the 3GPP RX specification outline the performance requirement for the receiver in the presence of a strong as well as a weak ACI signal. For the ACS high power scenario (in which the ACI signal is strong), the distortion due to ACI leakage is much more significant compared to the cross-modulation distortion. Therefore, understanding the ACI leakage distortion becomes important, in order to ensure reliable receiver performance. In this paper, we analyze and report observations of the ACI leakage phenomenon on a WCDMA receiver chip. Measurement results have also been reported for the 3GPP ACS high power scenario. The chip measurements are supported with time-domain simulation results
In vivo reproducibility of robotic probe placement for an integrated US-CT image-guided radiation therapy system

Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer by delivering high-dose radiation to a pre-defined target volume. Ultrasound (US) has the potential to provide real-time, image-guidance of radiation therapy to identify when a target moves outside of the treatment volume (e.g. due to breathing), but the associated probe-induced tissue deformation causes local anatomical deviations from the treatment plan. If the US probe is placed to achieve similar tissue deformations in the CT images required for treatment planning, its presence causes streak artifacts that will interfere with treatment planning calculations. To overcome these challenges, we propose robot-assisted placement of a real ultrasound probe, followed by probe removal and replacement with a geometrically-identical, CT-compatible model probe. This work is the first to investigate in vivo deformation reproducibility with the proposed approach. A dog's prostate, liver, and pancreas were each implanted with three 2.38-mm spherical metallic markers, and the US probe was placed to visualize the implanted markers in each organ. The real and model probes were automatically removed and returned to the same position (i.e. position control), and CT images were acquired with each probe placement. The model probe was also removed and returned with the same normal force measured with the real US probe (i.e. force control). Marker positions in CT images were analyzed to determine reproducibility, and a corollary reproducibility study was performed on ex vivo tissue. In vivo results indicate that tissue deformations with the real probe were repeatable under position control for the prostate, liver, and pancreas, with median 3D reproducibility of 0.3 mm, 0.3 mm, and 1.6 mm, respectively, compared to 0.6 mm for the ex vivo tissue. For the prostate, the mean 3D tissue displacement errors between the real and model probes were 0.2 mm under position control and 0.6 mm under force control, which are both within acceptable radiotherapy treatment margins. The 3D displacement errors between the real and model probes were less acceptable for the liver and pancreas (4.1-6.1 mm), and force control maintained poorer reproducibility than position control.
Socialization, Communication, and Role Performance*

The purpose of this phase of a research project with a government agency was to test the hypothesis of Amitai Etzioni involving socialization, communication, and role performance. The data indicate both socialization and communication are siginificantly associated with role performance. Communication continues to affect role performance to a significant degree regardless of the degree of initial socialization experienced. These data do not support Etzioni's hypothesis.