cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of the 20 kDa and 63 kDa fragments of anthrax protective antigen: kinetics and thermodynamics.

The action of anthrax toxin begins when the protective antigen (PA83, 83 kDa) moiety binds to a mammalian cell-surface receptor and is cleaved by a furin-family protease into two fragments: PA20 (...
Characterization of acetylcholine receptor-rich and acetylcholinesterase-rich membrane particles from Torpedo californica electroplax.

Abstract Large-scale purification of acetylcholinesterase-rich and acetylcholine receptor-rich membrane fragments from Torpedo californica electroplax is described. Electron microscopy studies reveal structural differences in the two types of particles and the results are discussed in terms of structural aspects of the postsynaptic cleft. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of receptor-rich fragments reveals that the fragments contain the same polypeptide components observed in receptor preparations purified from the same electroplax membranes, indicating that purified Torpedo receptor is not composed of species degraded by proteolysis. Results obtained from fluorescence studies of a cholinergic analog allow conclusions to be reached regarding species differences in electroplax acetylcholine receptor preparations.
A Note on the Possible Misuse of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test

Abstract For univariate or one-dimensional distributions the standard tables used for the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test are valid when testing whether a set of observations are from a completely specified distribution. If one or more parameters must be estimated from the sample, then the standard tables are no longer valid. Other tables must be used. Lilliefors indicates the conservative extent of the tests when parameters are estimated for the sample and used with the standard tables. He provides valid tables for the univariate normal, exponential, gamma, and extreme value distributions when one or more parameters must be estimated from the sample. For the multivariate normal distributions the only tables known to the author are those of Malkovich and Afifi. This note brings the problem to the attention of scientists who rely on the tools developed by statisticians to help them to use the appropriate tools correctly.
Mind–body interactions in pain: the neurophysiology of anxious and catastrophic pain-related thoughts

The well-accepted biopsychosocial model proposes that the experience of pain and responses to it result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. However, the separation of these constructs is substantially artificial, and we presume that psychological processes have biological effects, that biological processes affect an individual's psychosocial environment, and so on. Considerable research has demonstrated that pain-coping strategies influence perceived pain intensity and physical functioning, and individual differences in styles of pain coping even shape the persistence of long-term pain complaints in some populations. A good deal of this coping research has focused on catastrophizing, which is a generally maladaptive cognitive and emotional mental set that involves feelings of helplessness when in pain, rumination about pain symptoms, and magnification of pain-related complaints. Collectively, catastrophizing has been consistently associated with heightened experiences of pain across a variety of samples. Although catastrophic thinking regarding pain-related symptoms is often classified under the "psychologic" category within the broader biopsychosocial model, we propose that catastrophizing exerts biologic effects that may account for some of its negative consequences. In general, the cognitive and affective processes captured within the construct of catastrophizing may exert effects on the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, immune, and neuroendocrine systems, and on the activity in the pain neuromatrix within the brain. The interface between pain-related neurobiology and processes such as pain-related catastrophizing represents an important avenue for future pain research.
Smooth diamond films by reactive ion-beam polishing

Recent progress in ion beam polishing has successfully led to the production of smooth diamond films. By means of an oxygen ion beam, a 5 cm diameter, 1 micrometers rough film grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition on silicon has been polished. The polished film root-mean-square and peak-to-valley roughness values averaged over 15 points are respectively 5.5 nm and 55.4 nm. Scattering has been decreased to the point where the polished film is transparent at wavelengths above the silicon absorption edge and shows interference fringes. This suggests that diamond films polished by this process can be used in optical applications. This paper describes the polishing technique and presents the results obtained by surface profilometry of the polished sample. The main advantages of ion beam polishing over other existing methods lie in the fact that it is noncontact and low-temperature technique.
Time-variant reliability profiles for steel girder bridges

Evaluation of existing steel bridges becomes more important due to natural aging, increasing load spectra, deterioration caused by corrosion, and other problems. In the result, bridge structures exposed to aggressive environmental conditions are subjected to time-variant changes of resistance. Therefore, there is a need for evaluation procedures for an accurate prediction of the load carrying capacity and reliability of bridge structures, in order to make rational decisions about repair, rehabilitation, and expected life-cycle costs. The objective of this paper is to develop time-variant reliability models for steel girder bridges. Traditional methods based on deterministic analysis do not reveal the actual load carrying capacity of the structure. The proposed approach is based on reliability analysis of components and structural systems. The study involves the selection of representative structures, formulation of limit state functions, development of load models, development of resistance models for corroded steel girders, development of the reliability analysis method, reliability analysis of selected bridges, and development of the time-dependant reliability profiles including deterioration due to corrosion. The results of the study can be used for a better prediction of the service life of deteriorating steel girder bridges, and development of optimal reliability-based maintenance strategies.
Analysis of the Lowtran transmission functions.

The empirical transmission functions for molecular absorption in the widely used computer code called Lowtran are analyzed from a computerized numerical approach. Continuous functions are first adapted to the empirical functions, and then the absorber and spectral parameters are determined simultaneously for transmittance data in the major absorption bands of H2O, O3, and the uniformly mixed gases. The analysis indicates that the transmission function parameters for Lowtran may be easily, and accurately, redetermined using numerical methods. This opens the possibility for code extensions to other absorbers, frequencies, spectral resolutions, absorber concentrations, as well as to recent transmittance measurements on the major absorbers.
Implications of Identification with Parents and Parents' Acceptance for Adolescent and Young Adult Self-esteem

Although several authors have suggested that youths' identification with their parents plays an important role in how they come to evaluate themselves, this hypothesis has not been explored empirically in longitudinal research. Using prospective data from a representative community sample, we tested whether the association between adolescents' identification with mother and father and subsequent gains in global self-esteem would hinge on the parent's acceptance or rejection of the adolescent. Results showed that male adolescents' self-esteem consistently improved the more they identified with their parents. Among female adolescents, the change in self-esteem associated with parental identification depended on the parent's evaluation of them, suggesting that identifying with a rejecting parent presents a particular vulnerability for low self-esteem in young women.
‘Are pastures greener?’ Residential consequences of migration

Residential consequences of migration are important factors influencing households' future moving decisions. Intra-urban mobility may result in better housing and neighbourhoods for households because such moves are usually motivated by housing adjustment. The same may be true of interregional migration because relocation provides an opportunity for housing improvements. The empirical analysis based on data from the American Housing Survey (AHS) shows that over half of intra-urban movers and close to half of interregional migrants ended up in more desirable housing following a move, and a smaller but still substantial proportion of the movers in each group also resided in a better neighbourhood. Most of the movers were successful in improving both their housing and neighbourhood. But ‘greener pastures’ are far from being a given. Large proportions of both intra-urban and interregional migrants failed to improve their residential conditions and many fared worse. Changes in housing and household statuses, particularly tenure shift, appear to be the most salient variable affecting households' judgement on their new residential conditions relative to their previous residence. Changes in geographical surroundings had significant effects on residential outcomes of intra-urban mobility whereby the general preference for a suburban environment is borne out, but they did not seem to matter to interregional migrants. Most socioeconomic variables did not affect residential outcomes either, over and above their influence on tenure shift. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response to Intervention and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Best Practices in Assessment for Intervention

Students with emotional and behavioral difficulties are often unserved or underserved by schools and by mental health systems. One reason for the underidentification of these students is the current and past definitions of emotional disturbance (ED) specified in federal special education legislation (IDEA and IDEIA). These definitions are vague, illogical, and self-contradictory, leading to the wide variability among states in prevalence rates of this disability. The author proposes an alternative approach to defining ED based on response to intervention (RTI). RTI provides the basis for changing, intensifying, and withdrawing interventions for students' emotional and behavioral difficulties. He describess advantages and best practices in using RTI, and provides a discussion of early identification and screening procedures for students who are at risk for ED.
A Highly Efficient 0.2 THz Varactor-Less VCO with -7 dBm Output Power in 130nm SiGe

A highly efficient voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a new varactor-less-based frequency-tuning topology for terahertz (THz) frequencies is presented. The tuning technique is based on a variable inductance seen at the emitter node of a base degenerated transistor. Fabricated in a 130nm SiGe BiCMOS process, the VCO achieves a tuning range of 3.5% and output power of 7.25 dBm at 201.5GHz. The VCO consumes 30mW of DC power, resulting in a record-breaking power efficiency of 0.6%. To demonstrate the functionality of the tuning technique, three other VCO prototypes at different oscillation frequencies, including one operating at 222.7~229 GHz range, have been implemented.
Carbon nanotubes as in vivo bacterial probes

With the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, non-invasive sensing of infectious diseases is increasingly important. Optical imaging, although safer and simpler, is less developed than other modalities such as radioimaging, due to low availability of target-specific molecular probes. Here we report carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as bacterial probes for fluorescence imaging of pathogenic infections. We demonstrate that SWNTs functionalized using M13 bacteriophage (M13-SWNT) can distinguish between F'-positive and F'-negative bacterial strains. Moreover, through one-step modification, we attach an anti-bacterial antibody on M13-SWNT, making it easily tunable for sensing specific F'-negative bacteria. We illustrate detection of Staphylococcus aureus intramuscular infections, with ~3.4 × enhancement in fluorescence intensity over background. SWNT imaging presents lower signal spread ~0.08 × and higher signal amplification ~1.4 × , compared with conventional dyes. We show the probe offers greater ~5.7 × enhancement in imaging of S. aureus infective endocarditis. These biologically functionalized, aqueous-dispersed, actively targeted, modularly tunable SWNT probes offer new avenues for exploration of deeply buried infections.
Television: Technology and Cultural Form

Television: Technology and Cultural Form was first published in 1974, long before the dawn of multi-channel TV, or the reality and celebrity shows that now pack the schedules. Yet Williams' analysis of television's history, its institutions, programmes and practices, and its future prospects, remains remarkably prescient. Williams stresses the importance of technology in shaping the cultural form of television, while always resisting the determinism of McLuhan's dictum that 'the medium is the message'. If the medium really is the message, Williams asks, what is left for us to do or say? Williams argues that, on the contrary, we as viewers have the power to disturb, disrupt and to distract the otherwise cold logic of history and technology - not just because television is part of the fabric of our daily lives, but because new technologies continue to offer opportunities, momentarily outside the sway of transnational corporations or the grasp of media moguls, for new forms of self and political expression.
Flow of specular points on a random wave-like surface

Specular-point flow on a stationary wave-like random surface with respect to a reference frame moving with a source–observer is described. The time rate of change of specular point densities and the differential changes caused by creations and annihilations are used to calculate the divergence of the mean flow field. The divergence has been integrated, and both mean flow and mean velocity fields have been calculated. The flow pattern is particularly complex when the source–observer motion includes a vertical component. In such a case, there is a small but nonzero vertical component of flow, and specular points at extremal surface heights may flow in opposite directions to the major flow which occurs near the mean surface plane.
Characterization of IgG N-Glycans Employing a Microfluidic Chip that Integrates Glycan Cleavage, Sample Purification, LC Separation, and MS Detection

A novel polymeric microfluidic device with an on-chip enzyme reactor has been developed for the characterization of recombinant glycoproteins. The enzyme reactor chip packed with PNGase F-modified solid support material was combined with a microfluidic glycan cleanup chip and a commercially available HPLC-chip to perform glycoprotein deglycosylation, protein removal, glycan capture, glycan LC separation, and nanoelectrospray into a time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) system. With this integrated chip, the combined sample preparation and sample analysis time was reduced from multiple hours to less than 10 min. A once tedious and time-consuming glycan analysis workflow is now integrated into an HPLC-chip device. Glycan profiling analysis has been achieved with as little as 100 ng of monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, a single chip was shown to retain activity and perform equivalently for over 250 replicate glycan profiles from a recombinant antibody.
Bio-based products from solar energy and carbon dioxide

Producing bio-based products directly from CO2 and solar energy is a desirable alternative to the conventional biorefining that relies on biomass feedstocks. The production paradigm is based on an artificial photosynthetic system that converts sunlight to electricity and H2 via water electrolysis. An autotrophic H2-oxidizing bacterium fixes CO2 in dark conditions. The assimilated CO2 is stored in bacterial cells as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), from which a range of products can be derived. Compared with natural photosynthesis of a fast-growing cyanobacterium, the artificial photosynthetic system has much higher energy efficiency and productivity of bio-based products. The new technology looks promising because of possible cost reduction in feedstock, equipment, and operation.
Anchored mobilities: mobile technology and transnational migration

Mobile technologies are deployed into diverse social, cultural, political and geographic settings, and incorporated into diverse forms of personal and collective mobility. We present an ethnography of transnational Thai retirees and their uses of mobile technology, highlighting forms of mobility that are spatially, temporally, and infrastructurally anchored, and concepts of the house as a kinship network that may be globally distributed. We conclude in pointing out several ways in which our observations and analysis can influence design.
Behavioral and Neuroanatomical Abnormalities in Pleiotrophin Knockout Mice

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is an extracellular matrix-associated protein with neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects that is involved in a variety of neurodevelopmental processes. Data regarding the cognitive-behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotype of pleiotrophin knockout (KO) mice is limited. The purpose of this study was to more fully characterize this phenotype, with emphasis on the domains of learning and memory, cognitive-behavioral flexibility, exploratory behavior and anxiety, social behavior, and the neuronal and vascular microstructure of the lateral entorhinal cortex (EC). PTN KOs exhibited cognitive rigidity, heightened anxiety, behavioral reticence in novel contexts and novel social interactions suggestive of neophobia, and lamina-specific decreases in neuronal area and increases in neuronal density in the lateral EC. Initial learning of spatial and other associative tasks, as well as vascular density in the lateral EC, was normal in the KOs. These data suggest that the absence of PTN in vivo is associated with disruption of specific cognitive and affective processes, raising the possibility that further study of PTN KOs might have implications for the study of human disorders with similar features.
Principles of antimicrobial therapy: what should we be using?

Antimicrobials have had an insurmountable positive impact on human and veterinary patient care. Prophylactic antimicrobial use in patients undergoing surgical procedures has reduced the incidence of postoperative infection and the associated morbidity, mortality, and high cost of treatment. Therapeutic use of antimicrobials has saved the lives of patients that would not have survived before the discovery of antimicrobials. Antimicrobials have relatively few side effects, are cost-effective to use, and are extremely effective at preventing and treating infection. Despite the undeniable benefits and convenience of antimicrobial use, there is considerable research, particularly in the human medical field, into the use and misuse of antimicrobial drugs. Why should medical doctors and veterinarians be so concerned with antimicrobial use, and why are so much time, effort, and money being spent on investigating this particular area of medical practice? The major issue in human and veterinary medicine is the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the serious morbidity and mortality occurring as a result of infection with a resistant microorganism. Additionally, the widespread occurrence of and high mortality associated with antimicrobial-induced diarrhea in equine patients have led equine veterinarians to reconsider antimicrobial use in this patient population. Our goal as veterinarians should be to limit antimicrobial use without compromising our patient care. Although limiting antimicrobial use is important, an increase in surgical site infection (SSI) or distant site (respiratory or urinary tract) infection as a result of abstaining from prophylactic antimicrobial use, for example, ultimately requires more prolonged treatment with antimicrobial drugs. Guidelines for antimicrobial use in horses have
The second approximation to mass transport in cnoidal waves

A second approximation is developed for the mass-transport velocity within the bottom boundary layer of cnoidal waves progressing over a smooth horizontal bed. Mass-transport profiles through the boundary layer are obtained by considering terms of up to third order in the perturbation parameter. A comparison with results based on a first approximation indicates that the effect of the third-order terms is to predict a smaller mass-transport velocity and that this difference is generally significant, particularly for waves extending to the intermediate depth range. The predicted correction to the first approximation is qualitatively supported by experimental evidence.
Evaluation of a UDP-Glucose-4-Epimeraseless Mutant of Salmonella typhi as a Live Oral Vaccine

A mutant (Ty21a) of Salmonella typhi, which lacks the enzyme uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucose-4-epimerase, was evaluated in volunteers for use as a live attenuated oral typhoid vaccine. Five to eight doses of vaccine (containing 3-10(10) viable organisms per dose) were given to 155 men without significant side effects. The rate of excretion of the vaccine strain in stools was low, and the majority of isolations occurred on day 1 after vaccination. Revertants able to fement galactose were not found in any of 958 stool isolates tested. The mutant, strain Ty21a, grown in brain-heart infusion broth (BHIB) with 0.1% galactose, produces more O side chain than the same vaccine strain cultivated without galactose. Volunteers vaccinated with strain Ty21a grown in galactose and then challenged with 10(5) virulen S. typhi were significantly protected from disease and also had decreased stool carriage of S. typhi as compared with controls. Strain Ty21a grown without galactose did not provide vaccinees significant protection nor decrease fecal excretion of S. typhi as compared with controls. Strain Ty21a, when grown in BHIB with 0.1% galactose, results in a safe, stable and protective oral vaccine that warrants further study in field trials.
FORMATION OF ISOMERS WITH CIS‐TRANS GROUPS IN THE TRILINOLEIN OF STORED CARROTS

. A mixture of trilinolein isomers that contain one trans double bond was isolated from lightly processed carrots stored at low temperature in plastic bags. The mixture isolated was similar to the product synthesized from partial isomerization of trilinolein with the free radical isomerization catalyst p-toluenesulfinic acid. Although the mixture contained at least 2 trilinolein isomers with c-t and t-c geometry, determination of the complete structure of the individual compounds was not possible because of the close similarity of their chromatographic properties. Under reduced oxygen storage conditions, significant quantities of unsaturated triglycerides with trans double bonds may be produced in lightly processed carrots by a nonenzymatic free radical rearrangement.
Maximum (g,f)-factors of a general graph

Abstract This paper presents a characterization of maximum (g,f)-factors of a general graph in which multiple edges and loops are allowed. An analogous characterization of the minimum (g,f)-factors of a general graph is also presented. In addition, we obtain a transformation theorem for any two general graphs on the same vertex set. As special cases, we have the transformation theorems for both maximum (g,f)-factors and minimum (g,f)-factors. Our results generalize some of C. Berge's results on maximum matchings and maximum c-matchings of a multiple graph.
On Resolvent Identities in Gaussian Ensembles at the Edge of the Spectrum

We obtain the recursive identities for the joint moments of the traces of the powers of the resolvent for Gaussian ensembles of random matrices at the soft and hard edges of the spectrum. We also discuss the possible ways to extend these results to the non-Gaussian case.
Use of Outlet Barriers to Prevent Fall Emigration of Brook Trout Stocked in Adirondack Lakes

Abstract Outlet barriers in stocked lakes of the Adirondack Mountains were used to test the hypothesis that preventing fall emigration by adult brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis would increase trap-net and angling catch rates as well as the number of large trophy fish. Outlet barriers were maintained during the fall spawning season for 6 years on one lake and 10 years on another lake. We compared prebarrier and postbarrier trap-net and angler catches (1978–1998) in two blocked and two unblocked lakes. Postbarrier availability of brook trout to anglers and trap nets increased significantly in Rock Lake (blocked) but not in Lower Sylvan Pond (blocked) or the two unblocked lakes. However, highly significant increases in angler catches of trophy fish occurred from both blocked lakes. Variables other than emigration, such as number of fish stocked and angling mortality, influenced our ability to detect significant increases in the availability of age-2 and older brook trout in Lower Sylvan Pond. The outlet bar...
Estimation in Multiple Correlation/Prediction:

The distinction between the square of a population correlation coefficient (ρ2) and of the true validity of a sample prediction equation (ρv2) as the parameters of interest in multiple correlation and in multiple prediction studies, respectively, is discussed. Real data are used to illustrate the comparison of two estimators for ρ2, RR2 (Ezekiel) and ROP2 (Olkin and Pratt), and of three estimators for ρv 2, RNL2 (Nicholson, Lord), RSD2 (Stein, Darlington) and RLO 2 (a jack-knife-like estimator). Interpretive approaches to, and problems in, multiple correlation/prediction estimation are discussed.
Comprehensive adenosine stress perfusion MRI defines the etiology of chest pain in the emergency room: Comparison with nuclear stress test.

Purpose—To compare standard of care nuclear SPECT imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for emergency room (ER) patients with chest pain and intermediate probability for coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods—Thirty-one patients with chest pain, negative electrocardiogram (ECG), and negative cardiac enzymes who underwent cardiac single photon emission tomography (SPECT) within 24 h of ER admission were enrolled. Patients underwent a comprehensive cardiac MRI exam including gated cine imaging, adenosine stress and rest perfusion imaging and delayed enhancement imaging. Patients were followed for 14 ± 4.7 months. Results—Of 27 patients, 8 (30%) showed subendocardial hypoperfusion on MRI that was not detected on SPECT. These patients had a higher rate of diabetes (P = 0.01) and hypertension (P = 0.01) and a lower global myocardial perfusion reserve (P = 0.01) compared with patients with a normal cardiac MRI (n = 10). Patients with subendocardial hypoperfusion had more risk factors for cardiovascular disease (mean 4.4) compared with patients with a normal MRI (mean 2.5; P = 0.005). During the follow-up period, patients with subendocardial hypoperfusion on stress MRI were more likely to return to the ER with chest pain compared with patients who had a normal cardiac MRI (P = 0.02). Four patients did not finish the MR exam due to claustrophobia.
Human cardiac myosin heavy chain isoforms in fetal and failing adult atria and ventricles

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the relative amounts of the cardiac myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms MHC-α and MHC-β change during development and transition to heart failur...
Baby Doe Rules Have Been Interpreted and Applied by an Appellate Court: In Reply

In Reply .— I thank Dr Clark for supporting my view1 that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) should withdraw its apparent support of the “Baby Doe” rules.2 These regulations had to be adopted by states as a precondition of federal Child Abuse Protection and Treatments Act funding.3 I especially appreciate Dr Clark bringing into the discussion the Wisconsin Appellate Court’s interpretation and application of these rules in Montalvo v Borkovec .4 Even if this decision does not directly test the criteria for withdrawal or withholding of maximal treatments for infants as directly as the Supreme Court did in the Bowen decision,5 it offers an interpretation of them by an appellate court, showing unambiguously that these federal funding regulations do not allow the sort of discretion needed for individualized and compassionate decision-making for infants advocated by the AAP.6,7Wisconsin’s Appellate Court understood these regulations as requiring maximal treatment unless the infant is in an irreversible coma or dying. The case concerned a 23-week-old premature infant, and the Wisconsin Appellate Court ruled that the baby’s parents …
Acute and chronic radiation injury.

Introduction Although all areas of the body are susceptible to radiation injury, different tissues have varying tolerances for radiation exposure. The goal of this summary is to introduce basic concepts of radiation biology and discuss the effects of radiation on various tissues. Methods Reference texts and literature were reviewed to summarize key points in radiation biology and the direct and indirect cell damage caused by radiation. Results The most prevalent factor for injury is long exposure time, which can be an issue in lengthy peripheral vascular or aortic interventions. Several key maneuvers can help decrease exposure for both the patient and the physician. Conclusion Radiation induces tissue injury at the cellular level. The use of good fluoroscopic technique is imperative for physician and patient protection.
Effects of strong correlations and disorder in d-wave superconductors

We use exact diagonalization techniques to study the interplay between strong correlations, superconductivity, and disorder in a model system. We study an extension of the $t\text{\ensuremath{-}}J$ model by adding an infinite-range $d$-wave superconductivity inducing term and disorder. Our work shows that in the clean case the magnitude of the order parameter is surprisingly small for low-hole filling, thus implying that mean-field theories might be least accurate in that important regime. We demonstrate that substantial disorder is required to destroy a $d$-wave superconducting state for low-hole doping. We provide the first bias free numerical results for the local density of states of a strongly correlated $d$-wave superconducting model, relevant for STM measurements at various fillings and disorders.
Role of the oxygen‐deficient zone in transfer of organic carbon to the deep ocean

5 0.77). Off Mexico, the rain rates estimated from sedimentary parameters were corroborated by values determined directly from sediment-trap deployments. The generally smaller rain rates off Mexico are probably due to the lower primary production, hence lower initial supply. The lower attenuation rate, however, is hypothesized to result from a decreased oxidation rate of the sinking flux within the oxygen-deficient zone relative to a more typical oxic water column. The transition from the last glacial to the present interglacial was accompanied by an 85 ppm increase in the CO2 content of the atmosphere. It is currently thought that much of this change was due to movement of CO2 between the deep ocean and the atmosphere, although the exact mechanism is still under debate (see Broecker and Henderson 1998 for discussion). Three important carbon cycle processes that determine CO2 uptake from the atmosphere and subsequent transfer and storage in the ocean interior are (1) photosynthetic carbon fixation in the euphotic zone, (2) transfer of some fraction of this fixed carbon out of the euphotic zone as export production, and (3) permanent carbon burial in marine sediments. As the export flux falls through the oceans, it is biologically oxidized such that the sinking flux of organic matter decreases progressively with increasing depth leaving only a small fraction available for burial. The manner in which the export flux, or carbon rain rate, decreases with depth is important for two reasons. First, it determines the quantity and time scale at which carbon is sequestered as CO2 in the deep ocean, i.e., the shallower the regeneration depth the shorter, in general, the sequestration time. Second, greater attenuation rates result in proportionally less of the initial carbon flux reaching the sediments, which has attendant implications for benthic ecology and
Fe3O4 nanoparticles as robust photothermal agents for driving high barrier reactions under ambient conditions

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) show remarkable stability during extreme photothermal heating (≥770 K), displaying no change in size, crystallinity, or surfactants. The heat produced is also shown as chemically useful, driving the high-barrier thermal decomposition of polypropylene carbonate. This suggests MNPs are better photothermal agents (compared to gold nanoparticles), for photothermally driving high-barrier chemical transformations.
Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, and Cytochrome P-450

Catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase) play significant roles in protecting cells against the toxic action of peroxides. Until relatively recently, research interest in these two enzymes in neural tissue had been quite minimal. The levels of enzymatic activity seen in brain are very low, accounting for only several percent of that seen in liver. Studies with liver and erythrocytes, two cell types with high enzymatic activity, have tended to dominate experimental concerns with peroxides and their disposition.
Food Subsidies in Egypt

The Egyptian government subsidizes a very wide range of commodities and services, among them food. The subsidy system is well-established, having begun in the 1950s, but only during the 1970s did it expand to a substantial share of public spending. Along with economic importance, the political and nutritional consequences of the subsidies have waxed in recent years. A general sketch of these developments is all that can be presented in this brief survey chapter, along with some indication of how proposed changes in the subsidy system might affect the economic and nutritional well-being of poor Egyptians.
Organic cation transport in rat choroid plexus cells studied by fluorescence microscopy

Quinacrine uptake and distribution were studied in a primary culture of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells using conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy and image analysis. Quinacrine ra...
The Tensions of In Situ Visualization

In situ visualization is the coupling of visualization software with a simulation or other data producer to process the data "in memory" before the data are offloaded to a storage system. Although in situ visualization provides superior analysis, it has implementation tradeoffs resulting from conflicts with some traditional expected requirements. Numerous conflicting requirements create tensions that lead to difficult implementation tradeoffs. This article takes a look at the most prevailing tensions of in situ visualization.
Validation of a Fast Hybrid Test System with Substructure Tests

This paper presents the substructure testing methodology developed for a state-of-the-art fast hybrid test system and the testing of a steel zipper frame. The testing technique is based on the pseudodynamic test concept that combines model-based simulation with physical testing. In the hybrid tests presented here, only the bottom-story braces of a three-story zipper frame were tested, while the rest of the frame was modeled in a computer during a test using a general structural analysis framework OpenSEES. The tests have demonstrated the capability and reliability of the system. The discussion also covers pertinent issues and considerations for carrying out a successful test.
Monitoring Progress and Adherence with Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Roles of Telemedicine and Mobile Health Applications.

Technology is changing the way health care is delivered and how patients are approaching their own health. Given the challenge within sleep medicine of optimizing adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), implementation of telemedicine-based mechanisms is a critical component toward developing a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for OSA management. Key elements include the use of electronic messaging, remote monitoring, automated care mechanisms, and patient self-management platforms. Current practical sleep-related telemedicine platforms include Web-based educational programs, automated CPAP follow-up platforms that promote self-management, and peer-based patient-driven Internet support forums.
Intensive therapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: results of a 6-year randomized trial.

Background This study aimed to assess the efficacy of early intensive diabetes therapy with either insulin plus metformin (INS) or triple oral therapy (TOT) with metformin, glyburide, and pioglitazone on glycemic control and A-cell function. Methods Fifty-eight treatment-naive newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes underwent a 3-month lead-in treatment period with insulin and metformin, then were randomized to INS or TOT for 6 years. β-Cell function was measured using mixed-meal challenge test. β-Cell function remained stable throughout the 6-year study in both groups, as measured by the C-peptide area under the curve (AUC; P = 0.13), the AUC C-peptide/AUC glucose ( P = 0.9), and by the disposition index ( P = 0.8). Excellent glycemic control was maintained in both groups (end-of-study hemoglobin A1c, 7.3% [SD, 1.7%] INS vs 6.4% [1.4%] TOT; P = 0.4). There were 8 treatment failures (confirmed hemoglobin A1c , 98%) in INS and 6 in TOT ( P = 0.93). The predictors of treatment failure included higher fasting glucose ( P = 0.008), fasting C-peptide ( P = 0.008), systolic blood pressure ( P = 0.004), and lower insulin sensitivity ( P = 0.04) at randomization. Conclusions Early intensive treatment at the time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis—initial short-term insulin treatment followed by either insulin-based or intensive oral hypoglycemic–based therapy—stabilizes β-cell function for at least 6 years. Treatment failure was independent of intervention and was associated with worse disease pathology at baseline.
Analysis of right protection of the subject in the ethical review process of clinical tests of new drugs

The ethical review of new drugs has already been developed in China,and played an important role in the right protection of the subject.To ensure the right of the subject is fully protected,it should be improved in the aspects of constructing a certification system of the ethics committee,maintaining independence and performing informed consent completely.
Amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillations in slab lasers

Recently1 we reported experimental evidence of the deleterious effect of amplified spontaneous emission on the performance of a highly doped Nd:glass slab laser. It was shown that the approximate gain-length product value of ≃ 1.85 should not be exceeded if good laser efficiency is desired. While this rule is generally applicable to unloaded lasers it was nevertheless found to be applicable even in normal mode operation. We have investigated this question by calculating the ratio γ of straight-across (surface) gain in a slab laser to that in the zigzag path for Brewster angle slabs with parabolic stored-energy density profiles. We will show that for low ion doping γ < 1, while for large doping γ ≫ 1. The consequences of this result for slab laser operation will be explored.
Formation of nanostructured V2O5-based catalysts in flames

Vanadium oxide based catalysts are widely used for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons. This paper deals with the flame synthesis technique which presents a novel route for the formation of vanadium oxide catalysts, with significant advantages over traditional methods. The powders are produced in a single step operation, with very low processing times, a high degree of purity, and particule sizes in the nanometer range.
Pharmacokinetics of creatine.

Research has demonstrated that creatine supplementation has some therapeutic benefit with respect to muscle function and more recently neurological function. Despite the growing body of literature on the pharmacologic effect of creatine, very little is known about the disposition of creatine after supraphysiologic doses. The movement of creatine throughout the body is governed by transport processes which impact the absorption of creatine from the intestine, clearance of creatine from the kidney, and access of creatine to target tissues. With repeated doses of creatine, it appears that the clearance of creatine decreases mainly due to the saturation of skeletal muscle stores. Insulin and insulin-stimulating foods appear to enhance muscle uptake of creatine but at the same time, high carbohydrate meals may slow the absorption of creatine from the intestine. Little is known about creatine disposition in special populations including the elderly and patients with neuromuscular disease. Knowledge of creatine disposition in these clinically relevant populations can help remove some of the guess work of dose selection during clinical trials
Lymph node yield and tumor location in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy affects survival: A U.S. population–based analysis (2004–2012)

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to characterize the contemporary trends in lymphadenectomy for the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in a population-based cohort and to determine if number of lymph nodes removed and tumor location are predictors of cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy. Materials and methods Individuals with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program from 2004 to 2012 were identified. Linear regression was used to assess trends in lymphadenectomy. Patients were stratified based on nodal status, quartiles of nodes removed, and tumor location. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare cancer-specific survival and overall survival among groups. Results In the cohort, 25% (721/2,862) of all patients and 27% (566/2,079) of grade 3/4 patients underwent lymphadenectomy. The percentage of patients undergoing lymphadenectomy increased from 20% (60/295) in 2004 to 33% (106/320) in 2012 ( P = 0.02). Patients with the highest quartile of lymph nodes removed had improved the 5-year cancer-specific survival of 78% (95% CI: 69%–85%) compared to the second quartile (60%; 95% CI: 51%–67%; P = 0.003) and the third quartile (60%; 95% CI: 51%–68%; P = 0.002) of nodes removed. This trend held for node-negative and node-positive patients. In multivariable modeling, a lower number of lymph nodes dissected (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98) and ureteral tumors (hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07–1.56) were predictors of worse cancer-specific survival. Conclusions In patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy, rates of lymphadenectomy have increased from 2004 to 2012 in the United States. In this contemporary cohort, an increase in the number of nodes removed and renal pelvis tumors are associated with improved cancer-specific survival, which highlights the importance of intentional lymph node dissection with adequate lymph node yield in these patients.
The Independent Contractor and Entrepreneurship in Labor Markets

Empowerment of workers and degree of control are central themes in the workplace. The shift of workers from employee status to independent contractors is accompanied by more control. Employees typically have job security and multiple benefits, but limited freedom over terms of the work. Contractors are at the other end of the spectrum of control, with the ability to tailor their work environment but face the risk of disruptive forces. Jobs are parceled out in discrete packets to workers around the globe, requiring only an Internet connection and execution, while at a distance, is on-demand. As independent contractors, workers own their skill set and, therefore, have incentives, and opportunity, to reconfigure skills using the Internet in online education.
A speleothem-based Mid-Holocene Precipitation Reconstruction for West-Central Florida

The mid-Holocene was the warmest segment of the current interglacial and possessed a weak latitudinal temperature gradient, which impacted climate teleconnections and thus precipitation variability...
Stability of peatland carbon to rising temperatures

Peatlands contain one-third of soil carbon (C), mostly buried in deep, saturated anoxic zones (catotelm). The response of catotelm C to climate forcing is uncertain, because prior experiments have focused on surface warming. We show that deep peat heating of a 2 m-thick peat column results in an exponential increase in CH4 emissions. However, this response is due solely to surface processes and not degradation of catotelm peat. Incubations show that only the top 20-30 cm of peat from experimental plots have higher CH4 production rates at elevated temperatures. Radiocarbon analyses demonstrate that CH4 and CO2 are produced primarily from decomposition of surface-derived modern photosynthate, not catotelm C. There are no differences in microbial abundances, dissolved organic matter concentrations or degradative enzyme activities among treatments. These results suggest that although surface peat will respond to increasing temperature, the large reservoir of catotelm C is stable under current anoxic conditions.
Differential Diagnosis and Related Syndromes

The ictal events (i.e., epileptic spasms) that are typically associated with West syndrome have characteristic features that, if recognized, usually permit this disorder to be identified with a reasonable degree of certainty by the physician (see Chapter 4). However, the short duration of the events, their often sporadic occurrence, and their sometimes subtle motor expression not uncommonly make it very difficult, or even impossible, for observers to accurately determine such features. Consequently, parents, and other observers, including physicians, not infrequently confuse these ictal behaviors with other phenomena including certain normal movements, particular abnormal behaviors associated with other medical disorders, and other types of epilepsy. In one large study, a correct diagnosis of infantile spasms was made at the time of the original medical evaluation in only 11% of the cases (Bellman, 1983). In fact, the correct diagnosis of infantile spasms is sometimes not made for some time, perhaps months, after onset of the disorder. In contrast, the occurrence of normal events, or certain more benign medical conditions, may falsely be identified as infantile spasms, possibly leading to unwarranted medical procedures and/or treatment. In this chapter, the differential diagnosis of infantile spasms is considered, and the clinical features which best differentiate this disorder are discussed. Knowledge of the features which best delineate these other conditions will often permit the early clinical diagnosis of infantile spasms, although in many cases it will be necessary to use EEG/video monitoring techniques in order to obtain definitive information.