cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural analysis of aliphatic versus aromatic substrate specificity in a copper amine oxidase from hansenula polymorpha

Copper amine oxidases (CAOs) are responsible for the oxidative deamination of primary amines to their corresponding aldehydes. The CAO catalytic mechanism can be divided into two half-reactions: a reductive half-reaction in which a primary amine substrate is oxidized to its corresponding aldehyde with the concomitant reduction of the organic cofactor 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) and an oxidative half-reaction in which reduced TPQ is reoxidized with the reduction of molecular oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. The reductive half-reaction proceeds via Schiff base chemistry, in which the primary amine substrate first attacks the C5 carbonyl of TPQ, forming a series of covalent Schiff base intermediates. The X-ray crystal structures of copper amine oxidase-1 from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha (HPAO-1) in complex with ethylamine and benzylamine have been determined to resolutions of 2.18 and 2.25 A, respectively. These structures reveal the two amine substrates bound at the back of the active site coincident with TPQ in its two-electron-reduced aminoquinol form. Rearrangements of particular amino acid side chains within the substrate channel and specific protein-substrate interactions provide insight into the substrate specificity of HPAO-1. These changes begin to account for this CAO's kinetic preference for small, aliphatic amines over the aromatic amines or whole peptides preferred by some of its homologues.
Eimeria balphae n. sp. from the Ord Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria balphae n. sp. is described from the Ord kangaroo rat Dipodomys ordii. The sporulated oocysts are broadly ellipsoidal to ovoid, averaging 16.7 by 14.3 μ. A single, large, homogenous body represents the oocyst residuum. A polar granule is present. There is no micropyle. The ovoid sporocysts average 8.7 by 5.9 μ. The sporocyst residuum is composed of 7–14 round, clear granules. This species of Eimeria was found in 1 of 82 D. ordii in northwestern Utah.
Cooling Tower Evaporation Rates at Hiqh Site Elevations

An investigation of the approximate evaporation ratet from wet mechanical draft cooling lowers has been made for various lite elevations above sea level up to 3048 m (10,000 ft). The heat balance method used here is a refinement of those previously reported and includes an extension of previous results to higher elevations. Plots are provided for estimating evaporation as a function of cooling-tower load, ambient relative humidity and wet-bulb temperature, and cooling-tower site elevation. Comparisons of predicted make-up water usage by this study, from a previous study, and that predicted by some cooling tower manufacturers, at several sites and elevations are also presented.
Interactions between lithium and renal transport of Krebs cycle intermediates.

Abstract The effect of lithium on the renal transport of Krebs cycle intermediates was studied in brush border membrane vesicles isolated from the rabbit renal cortex. The di- and tricarboxylic acids are avidly transported across renal brush border membranes by a sodium cotransport system. Lithium acted as a potent, specific, competitive inhibitor (Ki = 1.2 mM) of succinate/sodium cotransport when added to the uptake medium. Similar effects were observed for citrate but not D-glucose, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-alanine, or L-lactate transport. Intravesicular lithium behaved as a noncompetitive inhibitor of succinate transport in the absence of sodium. These results account for the observation that therapeutic doses of lithium increase the renal excretion of Krebs cycle intermediates. The existence of a transport system for alpha-ketoglutarate in synaptosomes suggests a possible target for lithium in the central nervous system.
Dietary calcium and hip fracture risk: the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study.

The effect of dietary calcium on hip fracture risk was examined prospectively using the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study cohort, which is derived from a nationally representative sample of the United States population. A cohort of 4342 white men and postmenopausal women ages 50–74 years at baseline (1971–1975) were observed through 1987 for up to 16 years of follow-up. Quantitative estimates of calcium intake were obtained at baseline from a 24-h recall, while weekly frequency of dairy food consumption was obtained from a qualitative food frequency. By 1987, 44 men and 122 women had experienced a hip fracture according to hospital records or death certificates. In the total sample of women the risk of hip fracture was only slightly lower for the highest quartile compared with the lowest. However, although not statistically significant, the age-adjusted risk of hip fracture was approximately 50% lower in the highest quartile of calcium intake compared with the lowest quartile in the subgroup of women who were at least 6 years postmenopausal and not taking postmenopausal hormone. The low relative risk observed among men, although interesting, must be interpreted cautiously due to small sample size. Adjusting for other risk factors did not appreciably change the results for either sex. The pattern of relative risks for calcium quartiles and by selected cutpoints was not consistent with a dose-response effect of calcium. Our results suggest that calcium may lower hip fracture risk in late menopausal women.
Search for Chargino and Neutralino Production at the LHC in the Left-Right Supersymmetric Model

An extension of the supersymmetric Standard Model to the left-right supersymmetric model (L-R SUSY), SU(2)L × SU(2)R × U(1)B-L, is considered. We investigate the possibility of detecting chargino and neutralino production at the LHC through the process . A numerical analysis is presented for the chargino mass neutralino mass and tan θκ = 1.6. Based on reasonable assumptions on WR, and assuming gL ≃ gR ≃ g, we take MWR = 1 TeV. The results are compared with the conventional background signal of the process .
Biological Functions of Keratinocyte Cholinergic Receptors

Human epidermal keratinocytes possess cholinergic enzymes, which synthesize and degrade acetylcholine, and express both nicotinic and muscarinic classes of cholinergic receptors on their cell surfaces. These receptors bind acetylcholine and initiate cellular response. The presence in keratinocytes of a functional cholinergic system suggests a role for acetylcholine in most, if not all, aspects of keratinocyte function. Autocrine and paracrine acetylcholine are required to sustain the viability of keratinocytes in vitro, and cholinergic drugs can alter keratinocyte proliferation, adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Acetylcholine employs calcium as a mediator for its effects on keratinocytes. In turn, changes in calcium concentration may affect expression and function of keratinocyte cholinergic enzymes and cholinergic receptors. At different stages of their differentiation, keratinocytes may demonstrate unique combinations of cholinergic enzymes and cholinergic receptor types. This would allow basal, prickle, and granular keratinocytes to respond to acetylcholine differently, in accordance with their functions at each stage of keratinocyte development in epidermis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 2:41–48, 1997
A pulse-labeling experiment to determine the contribution of recent plant photosynthates to net methane emission in arctic wet sedge tundra

Abstract We conducted a 14 C pulse-labeling experiment under field conditions to estimate the contribution of recent photosynthates to methane (CH 4 ) emission in arctic wet sedge tundra dominated by Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium . The average CH 4 emission rate from plant–soil mesocosms in this study was 0.45 g C m −2 d −1 . Carbon assimilated by plants via photosynthesis during pulse-labeling turned over rapidly and appeared as emitted CH 4 within 24 h. Integration of flux measurements made over a 2-week period shows that the contribution of recent photosynthates to mid-season CH 4 emission is relatively low. Less than 1% of the 14 C-labeled carbon dioxide taken up through photosynthesis was emitted as 14 CH 4 during this study.
Charles Hutton, 1737–1823: The prototypical woolwich professor of mathematics

Abstract Many details of Hutton's life are described, especially those passed professionally at Woolwich Royal Military Academy. He is most renowned for his experimental work on ballistics and for continuing the early work of Benjamin Robins. He corrected some of Robins' notions and illuminated and extended others. Besides work in ballistics he cooperated in conducting notable historical tests and calculations for finding the Earth's density. Hutton's professorial work included also publishing text books, from the simple to the relatively advanced, acting in a secretarial capacity for the Royal Society, consulting and cooperating with the ordnance authorities and advising on the strength of bridges. This paper is closely related to and indeed is intended to be read in conjunction with, The Woolwich Professors of Mathematics, 1741–1900 (see the previous article in this issue).
Time‐decomposed parallel time‐integrators: theory and feasibility studies for fluid, structure, and fluid–structure applications

A methodology for squeezing the most out of massively parallel processors when solving partial differential evolution equations by implicit schemes is presented. Its key components include a preferred implicit time-integrator, a decomposition of the time-domain into time-slices, independent time-integrations in each time-slice of the semi-discrete equations, and Newton-type iterations on a coarse time-grid. Hence, this methodology parallelizes the time-loop of a time-dependent partial differential equation solver without interfering with its sequential or parallel space-computations. It is particularly interesting for time-dependent problems with a few degrees of freedom such as those arising in robotics and protein folding applications, where the opportunities for parallelization over the degrees of freedom are limited. Error and stability analyses of the proposed parallel methodology are performed for first- and second-order hyperbolic problems. Its feasibility and impact on reducing the solution time below what is attainable by methods which address only parallelism in the space-domain are highlighted for fluid, structure, and coupled fluid–structure model problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Berry-Esseen theorem

The paper presents a simple derivation of a generalized Berry-Esseen theorem not requiring moments.
Cloud Standards News and Updates

Cloud computing in its present state more closely resembles a collection of individual parts than a single coherent whole; parts that can be assembled, for example, into a wide variety of products depending on the interests and resources of those choosing to do the assembly. A current challenge in cloud computing is that many of these larger constructs are being designed, built, and produced at the same time, and their components vary as a result, depending on their intended use. Not all of them fit together, so keeping track of news in a coherent way is a complex task, even in the relatively isolated and well-defined area of standards. This column covers recent news on standards-related activities, including products of standards-developing organizations and other recent developments.
Übergangsmetallkatalysierte Reaktionen von α‐Diazocarbonylverbindungen – Einfluß der Liganden auf die Chemoselektivität

Die ubergangsmetallkatalysierte Reaktion von α-Diazocarbonylverbindungen wurde haufig in der organischen Synthese angewendet und ist beim Aufbau heterocyclischer und carbocyclischer Ringe gut dokumentiert. Am Anfang standen Arbeiten mit unloslichen Kupferkatalysatoren. Zwar werden diese Katalysatoren noch heute verwendet, doch ist ihre Bedeutung stark mit dem Aufkommen homogener Kupferkatalysatoren und Katalysatoren auf Basis anderer Metalle zuruckgegangen. Die Entdeckung, das Rhodium(II)-carboxylate die Stickstoffabspaltung aus Diazoverbindungen erleichtern, hat das Interesse an der Diazo/Carbenoidchemie wieder deutlich aufleben lassen. Nachdem man erkannt hatte, das Rhodium(II)-carboxylate vorzugliche Katalysatoren fur die Bildung kurzlebiger elektrophiler Metallcarbenoid-Zwischenstufen aus α-Diazocarbonylverbindungen sind, wurden intramolekulare Additionen und Insertionen von Carbenoiden beim Aufbau von C-C-Bindungen in der organischen Synthese strategisch wichtig. Anders als bei vielen anderen Katalysatoren, die fur Carbenoidreaktionen von Diazoverbindungen geeignet sind, sind bei denen mit einem Dirhodium(II)-Gerust die Liganden sehr leicht zu modifizieren, was sich auf die Selektivitat der Reaktion auswirken kann. In dieser Ubersicht wird das chemische Verhalten von Ubergangsmetall-Carbenoidkomplexen beschrieben, deren Reaktivitat und Selektivitat besonders von den Liganden am Metallzentrum beeinflust werden. Im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion wird stehen, das die Liganden eine Reaktion begunstigen konnen, wenn es wegen mehrerer funktioneller Gruppen in einem Molekul unterschiedliche Reaktionswege gibt.
Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity within neuritic plaques

Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized pathologically by two types of microscopic lesions in the neocortex: the neurofibrillary tangle and neuritic plaque. The concentration of neuritic plaques is correlated with significant reductions in the level of specific neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems in autopsied brains of patients with SDAT, including decreased amounts of the tetradecapeptide, somatostatin. The clinical effects of reduced cortical somatostatin activity in patients with SDAT is unclear, nor is it known whether somatostatinergic neurons participate in either lesion. In the present study we employed light microscopic immunocytochemistry to determine whether somatostatin-containing neurons participate in the formation of neuritic plaques. Examination of selected cortical regions from autopsied brains revealed 20-50% of all neuritic plaques contained somatostatin-positive profiles indicating that processes of somatostatinergic neurons are associated with neuritic plaque formation.
Contrast Interferometry using Bose-Einstein Condensates to Measure h / m and α

The kinetic energy of an atom recoiling due to absorption of a photon was measured as a frequency, using an interferometric technique called ``contrast interferometry.'' Optical standing wave pulses were used to create a symmetric three-path interferometer with a Bose-Einstein condensate. Its recoil phase, measurable with a single shot, varies quadratically with additional recoils and is insensitive to errors from vibrations and ac Stark shifts. We have measured the photon recoil frequency of sodium to 7 ppm precision, using a simple realization of this scheme. Plausible extensions should yield sufficient precision to attain a ppb-level determination of $h/m$ and the fine structure constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$.
Dissolution of lipids from mucus: a possible mechanism for prompt disruption of gut barrier function by alcohol.

Acute and/or chronic alcohol ingestion has been shown to exacerbate the morbidity and mortality rate associated with acute mechanical and/or thermal trauma. While alcohol ingestion can affect many organs and systems, clinical and preclinical studies indicate that alcohol ingestion can cause a ‘leaky gut’ syndrome which in turn contributes to infection and systemic organ dysfunction. This study investigated the acute effect of alcohol on gut barrier function. Using an in vivo isolated gut sac model of naive male rats, each individual gut sac was injected with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40%, v/v) of alcohol. After different times of alcohol exposure, each isolated gut segment was harvested and intestinal permeability and mucosal surface hydrophobicity (a physiologic marker of mucus barrier function) were measured as well as luminal DNA, mucus, protein and free fatty acids. The results showed that alcohol caused dose-dependent and time-dependent increases in gut permeability and decreases in mucosal surface hydrophobicity, with significant changes to be observed 5 min after treatment with 10% alcohol. In addition, it is further found that these changes in permeability and hydrophobicity are more closely associated with increased intestinal luminal free fatty acids levels but not protein or DNA levels. These results suggest that alcohol may cause loss of gut barrier function by extracting and dissolving lipids from the mucus with a resultant decrease in mucosal surface hydrophobicity, which is a critical component of gut barrier function.
Inheritance of caudal peduncle banding in the spike‐tailed paradisefish

Segregation patterns observed in the progenies from 13 different crosses of the spike-tailed paradisefish Pseudosphromenus cupanus support the hypothesis that caudal peduncle banding is controlled by a major effect gene exhibiting the classical monohybrid Mendelian pattern of inheritance.
Orientation of cellulosic ethers at liquid/liquid interfaces

The adsorption of two cellulosic ethers, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), at the lipid liquid/water interface, was studied by measurement of interfacial tension and the influence of the pH of the aqueous phase, the nature of the lipid liquid, and the structure of the cellulosic ethers taken into account. NaCMC lowered the interfacial tension only when the lipid liquid was nonpolar and the aqueous phase had an acidic pH. This was ascribed to the formation of relatively hydrophobic aggregates of carboxymethyl cellulose at high hydrogen ion concentrations and the increased association of the ionized polymer with the water at lower hydrogen ion concentrations. HPC markedly depressed the interfacial tension regardless of the polarity of the lipid liquid or the pH of the aqueous phase. This was attributed to the size of the hydrocarbon portion of the hydroxypropyl substituent of HPC and to the ability of the hydroxypropyl substituent to present either a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic segment to the interface.
Bottle-nosed dolphin: double-slit pupil yields equivalent aerial and underwater diurnal acuity

In bright daylight, and at best viewing distances, the bottlenosed dolphin resolves visual gratings approximately equally well in air and in water. Aerial resolution improves with increased viewing distance, while underwater resolution improves with decreased viewing distance. The double-slit pipil overcomes the gross myopia in air measured by ophthalmoscope and produces the indicated effects of viewing distance.
Bone remodeling due to continuously applied loads.

It has long been known that the stress history of bone tissue influences its structure; however, the nature of this relationship remains largely uncharacterized. The objective of this work was to induce a quantifiable change in the stress history ofin vivo bone tissue and examine subsequent changes in structural and material properties that might occur. Continuous compressive loads were applied to the diaphysis of adult mongrel dogs for 2 months. The loads, ranging from 12–130 N, were superposed on the normal activity of the animals by implanting spring loading devices on the diaphysis of the femur. After the animals were sacrificed, mid-diaphysial specimens were subjected to compression testing to determine a structural bulk stiffness. The cross-sectional areas of original bone tissue and new bone deposition were then determined. The ash weights of selected specimens were also determined. The results indicate that a positive correlation between the increase in cross-sectional area and the superposed stress does exist. The new bone apposition was found almost entirely on the periosteal surface. Very little evidence of internal remodeling or endosteal movement was observed. The new tissue was found to have a lower ash weight and appeared to have a disorganized microstructure. Mechanical testing also suggests that the newly deposited tissue is far less stiff than the mature original bone.
Chromosomal DNA from a variety of bacterial species is present in synovial tissue from patients with various forms of arthritis

Objective We and others have reported the presence of Chlamydia and other bacterial species in joint specimens from patients with reactive arthritis (ReA). The present study was conducted to investigate whether bacteria other than those specified by diagnostic criteria for ReA could be identified in synovial fluid (SF) or tissue from patients with various arthritides, and whether the presence of such organisms corresponds to particular clinical characteristics in any patient set or subset. Methods DNA in synovial biopsy samples and SF obtained from 237 patients with various arthritides, including ReA, rheumatoid arthritis, and undifferentiated oligoarthritis, was assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using “panbacterial” primers; we chose only samples known to be PCR negative for Chlamydia, Borrelia, and Mycoplasma species. PCR products were cloned, and cloned amplicons from each sample were sequenced; DNA sequences were compared against all others in GenBank for identification of bacterial species involved. Results Ten percent of patient samples were PCR positive in panbacterial screening assays. Bacterial species identified belonged to the genera Neisseria, Acinetobacter, Moraxella, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and others. Thirty-five percent of PCR-positive patients showed the presence of DNA from more than a single bacterial species in synovium; overall, however, we could identify no clear relationship between specific single or multiple bacterial species in the synovium and any general clinical characteristics of any individual or group of patients. Conclusion This analysis provides the first systematic attempt to relate bacterial nucleic acids in the synovium to clinical characteristics, joint findings, and outcomes. Many patients with arthritis have bacterial DNA in the joint, and, in some cases, DNA from more than a single species is present. However, except for 1 case of a control patient with staphylococcal septic arthritis, it is not clear from the present study whether the synovial presence of such organisms is related to disease pathogenesis or evolution in any or all cases.
Reforming Scholarship on Islam: An Interview with Ibn Warraq

Editor’s Note: Ibn Warraq is the pen name of the author/editor of seven books about Islam, including Why I Am Not a Muslim (1995), The Origins of the Koran: Classic Essays on Islam’s Holy Book (1998), The Quest for the Historical Muhammad (2000), What the Koran Really Says: Language, Text and Commentary (2002) and Defending the West: A Critique of Edward Said’s Orientalism (2007), all published by Prometheus Books. He is a visiting fellow at the Center for Law and Counterterrorism, a project of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Interface instabilities and electronic properties of ZrO2 on silicon (100)

The interface stability of Zr-based high-k dielectrics with an oxide buffer layer was explored with x-ray (hυ=1254eV) and ultraviolet (hυ=21.2eV) photoemission spectroscopy. Zirconium oxide films were grown and characterized in situ in a stepwise sequence to explore their chemical stability and electronic properties as a function of film thickness and processing conditions. The buffer layers serve to lower the interface state density and to address the high temperature instabilities of ZrO2 in direct contact with Si. This research addresses three issues: (1) the development of the band offsets and electronic structure during the low temperature (T 700°C). Annealing the as-grown films to 600°C results in an ∼2eV shift of the ZrO2-Si band alignment, giving a band offset that is, favorable to devices, in agreement wi...
Automated SQL query generation for systematic testing of database engines

We present a novel approach for generating syntactically and semantically correct SQL queries as inputs for testing relational databases. We leverage the SAT-based Alloy tool-set to reduce the problem of generating valid SQL queries into a SAT problem. Our approach translates SQL query constraints into Alloy models, which enable it to generate valid queries that cannot be automatically generated using conventional grammar-based generators.Given a database schema, our new approach combined with our previous work on ADUSA, automatically generates (1) syntactically and semantically valid SQL queries for testing, (2) input data to populate test databases, and (3) expected result of executing the given query on the generated data.Experimental results show that not only can we automatically generate valid queries which detect bugs in database engines, but also we are able to combine this work with our previous work on ADUSA to automatically generate input queries and tables as well as expected query execution outputs to enable automated testing of database engines.
Benefits from unearthing "a biochemical Rosetta Stone".

Abstract In reflecting about incidents, accomplishments and disappointments that occurred during my career, many of them seem almost apocryphal. I acquired an interest in lipids in my third year at Harvard Medical School when I was caring for a young woman with a severe heart problem at the then-Boston City Hospital. World War II was in full swing, and medical students were intimately involved in the care and treatment of patients. She had two young children and a devoted husband who was truly grateful for any help I could provide. One evening, while I was still on the ward, she died. You may well imagine the sadness at rounds the next morning. The next year, I was involved in the care of a 51-year-old man with a myocardial infarction. He was one of the first patients to undergo angioplasty to try to treat the condition. He died on the operating table. These distressing events made me think about trying to do something that might help such people.
Solution Algorithm for Long-Haul Freight Network Design Using Shipper-Carrier Freight Flow Prediction with Explicit Capacity Constraints

Freight transportation has long been recognized as an important foundation of economic strength. Previous studies used traditional methods such as cost-benefit analysis to examine a set of scenarios. However, because of the complexity of transportation projects that can have substitution or complementary effects in a network, more scenarios may result than can be examined on a case-by-case basis. To realize optimal network design, a branch and bound method is applied to examine all possible scenarios. The work described in this paper focuses on developing public infrastructure investment decisions to improve freight movements. A freight flow prediction model that focuses on the relationship between shippers, who select types of services, and carriers, who decide how to route vehicles, is used to represent freight route choice behaviors. In addition, explicit capacity constraints are used to divert traffic volume from congested links. The benefits and limitations of the method are discussed, its computatio...
Can endoscopic papillary balloon dilation really preserve sphincter of Oddi function

See article on page 686 The technique of endoscopic balloon dilation of the major duodenal papilla with extraction of bile duct stones was first reported in 19821 but an unacceptably high rate of acute pancreatitis following the procedure impeded its acceptance until further reports in 19942 and 19953 reported its safety. A number of randomised controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in clearing the bile ducts of stones compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy4-8 with variable short term complication rates similar to sphincterotomy. Currently, this technique has not become popular worldwide, but for reasons that are not clear has been adopted much more readily in Japan and Korea than elsewhere. Those who advocate this technique over sphincterotomy do so on the premise that: (1) it is less traumatic, (2) it is simpler to perform, (3) it is as effective, (4) it avoids the immediate complications, such as bleeding and perforation, (5) it is cheaper or at least equivalent cost, (6) it preserves sphincter of Oddi function, and (7) it avoids the long term complications. Many of these apparent advantages have been questioned in terms of technical performance and short term outcome and now there is new evidence from the report by Yasuda et al in this issue of Gut 9 that the long term advantages may also be in doubt (see page 686). The above selection criteria in favour of balloon dilation of the papilla …
Partial transformation of gabbro to coesite-bearing eclogite from Yangkou, the Sulu terrane, eastern China

An ultra-high-pressure (UHP) metamorphic slab at Yangkou Beach near Qingdao in the Sulu region of China consists of blocks of eclogite facies metagabbro, metagranitoid, ultramafic rock and mylonitic orthogneisses enclosed in granitic gneiss. A gradational sequence from incipiently metamorphosed gabbro to completely recrystallized coesite eclogite formed at ultra-high-pressures was identified in a single 30 m block; metagabbro is preserved in the core whereas coesite eclogite occurs along the block margins. The metagabbro contains an igneous assemblage of Pl+Aug+Opx+Qtz+Bt+Ilm/Ti-Mag; it shows relict magmatic textures and reaction coronas. Fine-grained garnet developed along boundaries between plagioclase and other phases; primary plagioclase broke down to Ab+Ky+Ms+Zo±Grt±Amp. Augite is rimmed by sodic augite or omphacite, whereas orthopyroxene is rimmed by a corona of Cum±Act and Omp+Qtz layers or only Omp+Qtz. In transitional rocks, augite and orthopyroxene are totally replaced by omphacite, and the lower-pressure assemblage Ab+Ky+Phn+Zo+Grt coexists with domains of Omp (Jd70–73)+Ky±Phn in pseudomorphs after plagioclase. Both massive and weakly deformed coesite-bearing eclogites contain Omp+Ky+Grt+Phn+Coe/Qtz+Rt, and preserve a faint gabbroic texture. Coesite inclusions in garnet and omphacite exhibit limited conversion to palisade quartz; some intergranular coesite and quartz pseudomorphs after coesite also occur. Assemblages of the coronal stage, transitional and UHP peak occurred at about 540±50 °C at c. 13 kbar, 600–800 °C at ≥15–25 kbar and 800–850 °C at >30 kbar, respectively. Garnet from the coronal- through the transitional- to the eclogite-stage rocks show a decrease in almandine and an increase in grossular±pyrope components; garnet in low-grade rocks contains higher MnO and lower pyrope components. The growth textures of garnet within pseudomorphs after plagioclase or along grain boundaries between plagioclase and other phases are complex; the application of garnet zoning to estimate P–T should be carried out with caution. Some garnet enclosing quartz aggregates as inclusions shows radial growth boundaries; these quartz aggregates, as well as other primary and low-P phases, persisted metastably at UHP conditions due to sluggish reactions resulting from the lack of fluid during prograde and retrograde P–T evolution.
Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Studies Comparing Krypton 85 Desaturation Technique With Argon Desaturation Technique Using the Mass Spectrometer

Average cerebral blood flow determinations were performed 26 times comparing argon desaturation curves measured by mass spectrometry to the krypton 85 desaturation technique of McHenry.1 During 17 of these studies krypton 85 and argon desaturations were performed simultaneously. Mean cerebral blood flow difference was 7.2 ± 5.7% for simultaneous determinations and 7.9 ± 6.6% for the total, establishing that the two techniques are comparable. Some of the advantages of using argon in mass spectrometry include: no blood needs to be withdrawn, curves can be observed at the time they are obtained, radiation precautions are not required, multiple studies do not affect the patient, and partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide can be observed constantly.
Nearly Monodisperse and Shape-Controlled CdSe Nanocrystals via Alternative Routes: Nucleation and Growth

The nucleation and growth of colloidal CdSe nanocrystals with a variety of elongated shapes were explored in detail. The critical size nuclei for the system were magic sized nanoclusters, which possessed a sharp and dominated absorption peak at 349 nm. The formation of the unique magic sized nuclei in a broad monomer concentration range was not expected by the classic nucleation theory. We propose that this was a result of the extremely high chemical potential environment, that is, very high monomer concentrations in the solution, required for the growth of those elongated nanocrystals. The shape, size, and size/shape distributions of the resulting nanocrystals were all determined by two related factors, the magic sized nuclei and the concentration of the remaining monomers after the initial nucleation stage. Without any size sorting, nearly monodisperse CdSe quantum structures with different shapes were reproducibly synthesized by using the alternative cadmium precursors, cadmium-phosphonic acid complexe...
A faculty awards program in an academic radiology department: how we do it.

INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATION Our academic department’s faculty members engage in a variety of activities, including teaching, research, clinical service, community service, and administration. Until 2 years ago, teaching was the only activity that was publicly recognized through an annual teaching award, which was bestowed by the resident trainees at an end-of-the-year event for graduating senior residents. Otherwise, recognition for excellence in these various categories came mainly through the annual clinical faculty incentive program. No doubt, monetary compensation is a traditional method of encouraging behavior that contributes to the mission and goals of a department. However, such monetary recognition may be variably available in uncertain financial times. In addition, monetary compensation is a human resources matter and for various legal and ethical reasons tends to be confidential, and thus the encouragement and motivation for excellence that it provides do not extend easily beyond the individual. Finally, as with many clinical departments, our incentive program is limited in reach, as it targets physician faculty members only. Yet many employees value public recognition of their efforts and contributions. Indeed, it has been shown that employees “value highly personalized recognition for a job well done as a critical dimension of their reward system” [1] and that “fiscal rewards alone may not have a positive impact on the performance of academic radiologists” [2]. At one Canadian niversity, 93% of faculty members laced on a faculty honor list for educational excellence “valued the award highly, and 45% indicated the award inspired them to enhance the quality of their teaching” [3]. Such public recognition can encourage and motivate all employees to achieve the high standards such recognition demands and “fosters growth, transformation and performance of organizations” [4]. Finally, recognition, particularly if it involves peer recognition, may be helpful in providing additional evidence of an individual’s capabilities and may influence academic promotion committees [5]. Therefore, we developed and implemented a program to recognize our faculty members in several endeavors outside teaching. In this brief article, we detail how we initiated this program and how we maintain it annually.
Experimental verification of high speed AFM through local raster scanning

Local raster scanning is an algorithm for using the data acquired by an atomic force microscope in real time to steer the tip so that it stays on a sample of interest. The algorithm is suitable for all samples that are “string-like” in nature and has been shown through simulation and experiment to produce an order-of-magnitude improvement in imaging rate. This paper presents experiment results of applying the algorithm to gratings, demonstrating this improvement in speed. We compare the results to standard raster-scanning and discuss challenges introduced by our approach.
Gender-based differences in the association of atherosclerosis and severe calcific aortic stenosis

(ASA) relieves outflow obstruction and heart failure symptoms in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). However, it is not known if B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) decreases after ASA and whether it can predict the success of ASA. Methods: Forty-eight consecutive symptomatic patients (age 59.6±14.4 years, 41% women) who underwent ASA had serial assessment of NYHA and CCS scores, left ventricular outflow tract gradients, septal thickness, exercise treadmill time, and plasma BNP. Procedural success was defined as N50% reduction of LVOT gradient and clinical success was defined as N1 class improvement in NYHA or CCS score. Early assessment was at 24 h after ASA and late assessment was at 3 months after ASA. Results: Subjective/objective indices and BNP before ASA and at 3 months after ASA. Clinical success was noted in 46 (96%) patients at 3 months. BNP point estimates increased slightly although not statistically significantly at 24 h after ASA. BNP levels did not correlate with gradient reduction, septal thickness, or treadmill time but tended to be higher at 3 months in patients who had early and late procedural failure (Group III). Conclusion: BNP decreases significantly at 3 monzths post-ASA but correlates poorly with procedural success of ASA.
Probing a myth: does the younger generation of scientists have it easier?

Sapna Deo is Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Her research interest is in the development of novel nanobioanalytical techniques based on luminescence and quantum dots for the detection of microRNA and RNA molecules for applications in biomedicine, diagnosis, and pathogen detection. Other areas of research include the development of molecular probes for biosensing and bioimaging applications. Her research also focuses on creating luminescent nanocarriers for targeted imaging and sensing applications in biomedicine. She has appeared as an author and co-author of over 70 scientific publications, several patents, and received an NSF-CAREER Award. Yinan Wei received her Ph.D. from Princeton University, USA in 2003 and was a Goldhaber Research Fellow at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA, between 2003 and 2006. She joined the faculty at the Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, USA as an Assistant Professor in 2008 and received the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award in 2010. Her group is currently working on multiple projects that range from the study of membrane proteinbiogenesis to the structure and function of periplasmic molecular chaperones, bacterial multidrugresistance, and the development of membrane protein based novel biomaterials and biosensors.
Review essay / Can a lawyer be happy?

William H. Simon, The Practice of Justice: A Theory of Lawyers’ Ethics Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1998, viii + 253 pp.
Bounds on Annihilator Lengths in Families of Quotients of Noetherian Rings

Abstract In this paper we study lengths of annihilators of m-primary ideals, J, in quotients of finitely generated modules, M, over local rings, (R, m), modulo m-primary ideals generated by a sequence of ring elements each raised to a power, IN = (fN1,…,fNs), as a function of this power. The motivation for studying these lengths arose initially from tight closure theory. However, the function we define to organize this study is closely related to the Hilbert–Kunz and Hilbert–Samuel functions. Using new observations on the implications of the structure of complete local rings and subsequent homological algebra results, we give an upper bound, a constant times Nd − 2, for the length of AnnM/INMJ when the dimension of M is d.
Future of convection-enhanced delivery in the treatment of brain tumors

Gliomas are one of the most lethal forms of cancer. The poor prognosis associated with these malignant primary brain tumors treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has led researchers to develop new strategies for cure. Interstitial drug delivery has been the most appealing method for the treatment of primary brain tumors because it provides the most direct method of overcoming the barriers to tumor drug delivery. By administering therapeutic agents directly to the brain interstitium and, more specifically, to tumor-infiltrated parenchyma, one can overcome the elevated interstitial pressure produced by brain tumors. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has emerged as a leading investigational delivery technique for the treatment of brain tumors. Clinical trials utilizing these methods have been completed, with mixed results, and several more are being initiated. However, the potential efficacy of these drugs may be limited by ineffective tissue distribution. The development of computer models/algorithms to predict drug distribution, new catheter designs, and utilization of tracer models and nanocarriers have all laid the groundwork for the advancement of CED. In this review, we summarize the recent past of the clinical trials utilizing CED and discuss emerging technologies that will shape future CED trials.
Freeze cast carbon nanotube-alumina nanoparticle green composites

CNT-Al2O3 nanoparticle suspensions without and with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were freeze-cast into green samples. SDS drastically improves Carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion and CNT-Al2O3 nanocomposite homogeneity. Green density of the CNT-Al2O3 nanocomposites decreases with CNT addition. Green strength of the CNT-Al2O3 nanocomposites increases with the CNT content when CNTs are well separated. The CNT-Al2O3 nanocomposites show medium energy fracture mode during equibiaxial flexural strength testing and change color in response to CNT content and distribution in the Al2O3 nanoparticle matrix.
Comparative analysis of de novo transcriptome assembly

The fast development of next-generation sequencing technology presents a major computational challenge for data processing and analysis. A fast algorithm, de Bruijn graph has been successfully used for genome DNA de novo assembly; nevertheless, its performance for transcriptome assembly is unclear. In this study, we used both simulated and real RNA-Seq data, from either artificial RNA templates or human transcripts, to evaluate five de novo assemblers, ABySS, Mira, Trinity, Velvet and Oases. Of these assemblers, ABySS, Trinity, Velvet and Oases are all based on de Bruijn graph, and Mira uses an overlap graph algorithm. Various numbers of RNA short reads were selected from the External RNA Control Consortium (ERCC) data and human chromosome 22. A number of statistics were then calculated for the resulting contigs from each assembler. Each experiment was repeated multiple times to obtain the mean statistics and standard error estimate. Trinity had relative good performance for both ERCC and human data, but it may not consistently generate full length transcripts. ABySS was the fastest method but its assembly quality was low. Mira gave a good rate for mapping its contigs onto human chromosome 22, but its computational speed is not satisfactory. Our results suggest that transcript assembly remains a challenge problem for bioinformatics society. Therefore, a novel assembler is in need for assembling transcriptome data generated by next generation sequencing technique.
Hyponatremia in cirrhosis

Hyponatremia is common in patients with cirrhosis. Portal hypertension, diuretics, large volume paracentesis without albumin, infection, and multiple medications are connected with the development or worsening of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia in cirrhosis, particularly advanced cirrhosis, is a common development.1 In a population survey of 997 patients with cirrhosis, 486 (49.4%) and 211 (21.6%) had a serum sodium concentration ([Na+]) <135 mEq/L and ≤130 mEq/L, respectively.2 Hyponatremia and its severity correlate with the presence of severe complications of cirrhosis such as hepatorenal syndrome, encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The presence of hyponatremia frequently complicates the management of the cirrhotic patient. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; 7:S14–S17. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Insulin inhibits human erythrocyte cAMP accumulation and ATP release: role of phosphodiesterase 3 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

In non – erythroid cells, insulin stimulates a signal transduction pathway that results in the activation of phosphoinositide 3 – kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylation of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3). Erythrocytes possess insulin receptors, PI3K, and PDE3B. These cells release ATP via a signaling pathway that requires activation of the G protein, Gi, as well as increases in cAMP. Although insulin inhibits ATP release from human erythrocytes in response to Gi activation with mastoparan 7 (Mas 7), no effect on cAMP was described. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that insulin activates PDE3 in human erythrocytes via a PI3K – mediated mechanism resulting in cAMP hydrolysis and inhibition of ATP release. We show that insulin attenuates Mas 7 – induced increases in cAMP and that selective inhibitors of PDE3 (cilostazol) or PI3K (LY294002) rescue this effect of insulin. In addition, we demonstrated that both cilostazol and LY294002 prevent insulin – induced attenuation of Mas 7 – induced ATP release. These results provide support for the hypothesis that insulin activates PDE3 in erythrocytes via a PI3K – dependent mechanism. Once activated, PDE3 limits Mas 7 – induced increases in intracellular cAMP. This effect of insulin leads, ultimately, to decreased ATP release in response to Mas 7. Since the activation of Gi is required for reduced O2 tension – induced ATP release from erythrocytes, and insulin has been shown to inhibit that release, these results suggest a novel mechanism by which supraphysiological levels of plasma insulin, such as those reported in humans with prediabetes, could inhibit ATP release from erythrocytes. Erythrocyte – derived ATP has been shown to participate in the matching of O2 supply with demand in skeletal muscle. Thus, pathological increases in circulating insulin could, via activation of PDE3, inhibit ATP release from erythrocytes depriving the peripheral circulation of a mechanism that regulates delivery of O2 to meet tissue metabolic need.
Breakdown of tracking accuracy for electromagnetically guided abdominal interventions

Abstract This study investigates the sources of error for an image-guided surgery system based on electromagnetic tracking. We characterized fiducial localization error (FLE) in both magnetic and image space, modeled error propagation using a Monte Carlo simulation, and estimated system errors for registration schemes with minimal human error. Simulation results indicated that we would obtain much closer fiducial registration if we were to have a system with automatic fiducial localization.