cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osmoregulation of thirst and vasopressin during normal menstrual cycle

Changes in osmoregulation during normal menstrual cycle were examined in 15 healthy women. In 10 women, studied repetitively during two consecutive menstrual cycles, basal plasma osmolality, sodium, and urea decreased by 4 mosmol/kg, 2 meq/l, and 0.5 mM, respectively (all P less than 0.02) from the follicular to luteal phase. Plasma vasopressin, protein, hematocrit, mean arterial pressure, and body weight did not change. In five other women, diluting capacity and osmotic control of thirst and vasopressin release were assessed in follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Responses of thirst and/or plasma vasopressin, urine osmolality, osmolal and free water clearance to water loading, and infusion of hypertonic saline were normal and similar in the three phases. However, the plasma osmolality at which plasma vasopressin and urine osmolality were maximally suppressed as well as calculated osmotic thresholds for thirst and vasopressin release were lower by 5 mosmol/kg in the luteal than in the follicular phase. This lowering of osmotic thresholds for thirst and vasopressin release, which occurs in the luteal phase, is qualitatively similar to that observed in pregnancy and should be taken into account when studying water balance and regulation of vasopressin secretion in healthy cycling women.
Third generation thrombolytics for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Abstract The field of intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is rapidly advancing. Limitations of existing thrombolytic agents have prompted the development of new thrombolytic agents over the last decade. These new agents are broadly classified as third generation thrombolytics. Two of the several third generation thrombolytic agents have been investigated for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and include tenecteplase (Genentech Inc) and reteplase (Roche Holding AG). By virtue of structural modifications, third generation thrombolytics have longer half-lives and greater penetration into the thrombus matrix. Tenecteplase has been evaluated in experimental models of ischemic stroke. These experimental studies have observed faster and more complete recanalization of occluded arteries compared with second-generation thrombolytics. The first prospective human clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial reteplase in 16 patients with ischemic stroke who were poor candidates for intravenous alteplase therapy. Near complete or complete recanalization was observed after treatment in 88% of the patients. The development and use of third generation thrombolytics is expected to increase the rate of recanalization and clinical recovery in patients with ischemic stroke. Clinical trials are required to determine the appropriate dose and patient selection for these emerging pharmacological agents.
Ribosome purification approaches for studying interactions of regulatory proteins and RNAs with the ribosome.

Ribosomes are large complexes of RNA and protein that perform the essential task of protein synthesis in the cell. Ribosomes also serve as the initiation point for several translation-associated functions. To perform these tasks efficiently, ribosomes interact with a myriad of non-ribosomal proteins and RNAs. Given that most of these interactions are transient, purification of the interacting factors in complex with the ribosome can be a challenging undertaking. Here, we review methods commonly used to isolate ribosomes and study ribosome associated factors. We also discuss crucial parameters for designing and executing ribosome association studies. Finally, we present a detailed protocol for reporter based enrichment assays that are employed to selectively isolate ribosomes translating a particular message of interest. These protocols can be used to study a wide range of ribosome-associated functions.
Complications of urinary tract reconstruction.

SUMMARY Urinary tract reconstruction has benefited a vast number of patients with dysfunctinal lower urinary tracts caused by congenital abnormalities, previous surgery, or both. Reconstructive efforts have been innovative and continue to evolve. With this evolution, new complications continue to appear, and in order to minimize the risk to the patient, we must recognize our previous lessons. Appropriate patient selection is essential in achieving a successful outcome in this group. The patient's neurologic status, urologic anatomy, renal function, and motivation are also important factors in choosing the appropriate patient and correct surgical approach. Close follow-up remains the single most important element in assuring long-term well-being for most of these patients.
Activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in striatum of newborn piglets in response to hypocapnic ischemia and recovery.

The present study describes the effect of hypocapnic ischemia caused by hyperventilation on striatal levels of dopamine, DOPAC, HVA and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in striatal synaptosomes isolated from the brain of newborn piglets. Hyperventilation did not result in statistically significant changes in the striatal level of dopamine and its major metabolites; however, it was observed that after 20 min of recovery the levels of striatal tissue dopamine, DOPAC and HVA increase by 195%, 110% and 205%, respectively. The level of DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), which was used as an index of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, also increased after recovery. The rate of dopamine synthesis was 32 pmoles/mg protein/10 min in control piglets and after recovery this increased to 132 pmoles/mg protein/10 min. Measurement of the tyrosine hydroxylase activity in Triton X-100 treated synaptosomes showed that, after 20 min of recovery, there was an increase in Vmax with no change in Km for pteridine cofactor, compared to control. This is consistant with the enzyme having been covalently modified (activated) during tissue ischemia caused by hyperventilation and remaining activated well into the recovery period. We postulate that ischemia can induce long lasting alterations in dopamine synthesis, which may play some role in mediation of hypoxic cell injury in immature brain.
Does Identifying Whether Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia (PASH) Is Focal or Diffuse on Core Biopsy Correlate With a PASH Nodule on Excision

Aims. Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) diagnosed on core needle biopsy is generally excised. As a consequence, PASH as an incidental finding, may lead to unnecessary excisions. This study categorized PASH in biopsies as diffuse versus focal to determine if this correlates with the presence of a mass. Methods. In a 10-year period, 253 biopsies were identified and 159 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 47 biopsies had excisions. Biopsies and excisions were classified as diffuse, involving 2 adjacent lobules, or focal PASH in a single lobule or noncontiguous lobules. The diffuse or focal category on biopsy was correlated to the category on excision. Fibroadenomas with PASH were defined as concordant with diffuse PASH on biopsy. The category was correlated to the presence/absence of a mass determined from radiographic/clinical data for the 159 biopsies. Results. The biopsies were classified as diffuse (105, 66%) and focal (54, 34%). A total of 67% of biopsies with focal PASH showed either focal or ...
FDG PET/CT brain imaging in atypical parkinsonian disorders: A pictorial guide with MRI correlation

1040 Learning Objectives 1. To review the pathophysiology and most common presentations of atypical parkinsonian disorders. 2. To discuss the common FDG PET/CT brain imaging patterns seen in atypical parkinsonian disorders. 3. To explain the added benefit of PET/CT of the brain in the evaluation of atypical parkinsonian disorders. The atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD) are a heterogeneous group of movement disorders characterized by prominent parkinsonism. APDs are accompanied by specific additional features such as cerebellar ataxia, early autonomic dysfunction, early dementia, pyramidal tract signs, myoclonus, supranuclear gaze palsy and apraxia, which are not features of idiopathic Parkinson9s disease (PD). Both rapid disease progression and poor or absent response to L-Dopa therapy raise the suspicion of an APD. Multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are the most common causes of APD. Clinical diagnosis of APD can be difficult in early stages. Although the predictive value of the widely established diagnostic criteria is high at first neurological evaluation, the sensitivity tends to be poor. At our institution, we have found that the majority of patients with APD have normal or equivocal brain MRI imaging. FDG PET/CT can provide objective evidence of the underlying brain pathophysiology that can be fit into recognizable patterns of disease. Brain PET/CT with quantification enhances diagnostic sensitivity early in the disease process allowing for potential treatment and prognostication
PRE-EXISTING CARDIAC DISEASE, EXERCISE, MALE SEX, AND YOUNG AGE ARE RISK FACTORS FOR SUDDEN DEATH FOLLOWING ENERGY DRINK CONSUMPTION

Background: Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) following energy drink consumption has been reported since the popularization of these drinks which contain caffeine and other stimulants. We sought to find risk factors that may identify those more susceptible to SCD after drink consumption. Methods: Using an
Reduction of carbon dioxide with a superalkali

The ability of the superalkali Li3F2 to reduce (electron transfer) carbon dioxide (CO2) is presented. The CBS-QB3 composite method is employed to obtain reliable information on the geometries and energetics of the investigated species. Transition states and minima were located by scanning the potential energy surface for CO2 addition to the Li3F2 superalkali. The stability of Li3F2/CO2 is explained by high binding energy, charge flows, and the highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap. The selectivity of Li3F2 towards CO2 has also been computed by performing the same calculations for the most abundant atmospheric gas molecule N2. These results show a very small chemical affinity of Li3F2 for N2.
Psychological well-being in individuals living in the community with traumatic brain injury.

ABSTRACTBackground: Well-being and quality of life issues remain a long-term problem for many individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meaningful activity is key to developing life satisfaction and a sense of contribution to society, yet individuals with TBI are often unable to return to competitive employment.Objective: To describe the self-reported psychological well-being of a cohort of unemployed individuals living in the community at least 1 year post TBI with low life satisfaction.Methods: Seventy-four unemployed individuals with low life satisfaction at least 1 year post TBI were administered measures of psychological well-being and cognitive functioning.Results: This cohort of 74 participants demonstrated cognitive impairment and elevated levels of emotional distress. Significant bivariate relationships were noted among nearly all measures of well-being, and associations were in the directions as expected. Individuals reported low life satisfaction and well-being. Two newer measures of well-...
Bacterial Heavy Metal Detoxification and Resistance Systems

Bacterial plasmids contain genetic determinants for resistance systems for Hg2+ (and organomercurials), Cd2+, AsO2, AsO4 3-, CrO4 2-, TeO3 2-, Cu2+, Ag+, Co2+, Pb2+, and other metals of environmental concern. In some cases, there is the potential for using genetically engineered microbes for bio-remediation. Recombinant DNA analysis has been applied to mercury, cadmium, zinc, cobalt, arsenic, chromate, tellurium and copper resistance systems. The eight mercury resistance systems that have been sequenced all contain the gene for mercuric reductase, the enzyme that converts toxic Hg2+ ions to less toxic volatile metallic Hg°. Four of these systems also determine the enzyme organomercurial lyase, which cuts the HgC bond and thus detoxifies methylmercury and phenylmercury. Two sequenced Cd2+ resistance determinants govern cellular efflux of Cd2+ assuring a low level of intracellular Cd2+: not an obvious candidate for bioremediation. Cadmium accumulation by bacterial metallothionein or phytochelatin is a potentially useful process, but only preliminary reports have appeared on bacteria producing polythiol polypeptides. For arsenic resistance, a unique efflux ATPase maintains low intracellular As levels. A bacterial AsO2- oxidase has been reported, with the potential of converting more toxic As(III) into less toxic As(V), but this system has not been studied in recent years. For chromate, resistance results from reduced cellular uptake. However, both soluble and membrane-bound Cr(VI) reductase bacterial activities convert more toxic Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) in different bacteria.
Formative evaluation to guide early deployment of an online content management tool for medical curriculum.

We piloted KM with the first year anatomy course by providing 1) a home page that displayed all the lectures of the anatomy course and 2) a search feature to locate biomedical concepts in documents throughout the curriculum, and 3) a browse feature to locate all lectures of every class in the curriculum. At the conclusion of the anatomy course, medical students completed a survey that determined their overall satisfaction with KM and satisfaction with various components of KM. Students also had the option to provide narrative comments about their experience with KM.
The use of laser-light scattering and controlled shear in platelet aggregometry

Laser-light scattering was used to observe and quantify the dynamics of human blood platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Aggregation was performed in a controlled shear environment by placing the PRP in the annular space between a rotating cylindrical rod and a stationary cylindrical tube. The instrument was capable of very sensitive continuous semi-quantitative measurements of chemically-induced microaggregation. As a demonstration of the technique, results are presented for ADP-induced aggregation at doses of 10, 1, and 0.1 microM and collagen-induced aggregation at a dose of 5 micrograms/ml, each at shear rates of 1,000 s-1 and 500 s-1. Extensive aggregation was observed in response to ADP at even the low dose of 0.1 microM, indicating a high sensitivity to microaggregates. The sensitivity of the ultimate size of the ADP-induced aggregates to ADP concentration was shear dependent. The formation of microaggregates by collagen stimulation was shown to be almost immediate, as contrasted with a 10-20 s typical lag when observed turbidometrically. Disaggregation was observed with 1 microM ADP, but this was only partial, as contrasted with the complete recovery of transmittance observed in the turbidometric technique. Electronic particle sizing and counting was employed to semiquantitatively verify the aggregate size distributions found from mathematical conversion of the laser-light scattering data. [on SciFinder (R)]
An impact assessment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

ABSTRACTOn 22 August 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (House Bill, 3734). According to the final version of t...
Formation of the chorion (zona pellucida) in the teleost, Oryzias latipes. I. Morphology of early oogenesis.

The ultrastructure of developing oocytes of Oryzias latipes suggests that small bristle coated vesicles are pinocytotic in nature and that a second population of smooth surfaced dense cored vesicles in the cytoplasm of the oocyte may participate in the formation of the chorion of this species. The dense cored vesicles are noted in the peripheral cytoplasm adjacent to the developing chorion and are seen apparently forming within many of the small dictyosomes of the oocyte. They are uniform in size with no evidence of fusion, and appear in the Golgi prior to the appearance of the chorion and at all subsequent stages. The morphology is interpreted to suggest that the dense cored vesicles are involved in the transfer of the protein—polysaccharide material of the chorion from the Golgi to the site of the growing chorion, outside the oocyte.
Automated Detection of Radiology Reports that Require Follow-up Imaging Using Natural Language Processing Feature Engineering and Machine Learning Classification.

While radiologists regularly issue follow-up recommendations, our preliminary research has shown that anywhere from 35 to 50% of patients who receive follow-up recommendations for findings of possible cancer on abdominopelvic imaging do not return for follow-up. As such, they remain at risk for adverse outcomes related to missed or delayed cancer diagnosis. In this study, we develop an algorithm to automatically detect free text radiology reports that have a follow-up recommendation using natural language processing (NLP) techniques and machine learning models. The data set used in this study consists of 6000 free text reports from the author’s institution. NLP techniques are used to engineer 1500 features, which include the most informative unigrams, bigrams, and trigrams in the training corpus after performing tokenization and Porter stemming. On this data set, we train naive Bayes, decision tree, and maximum entropy models. The decision tree model, with an F1 score of 0.458 and accuracy of 0.862, outperforms both the naive Bayes (F1 score of 0.381) and maximum entropy (F1 score of 0.387) models. The models were analyzed to determine predictive features, with term frequency of n-grams such as “renal neoplasm” and “evalu with enhanc” being most predictive of a follow-up recommendation. Key to maximizing performance was feature engineering that extracts predictive information and appropriate selection of machine learning algorithms based on the feature set.
Synthetic Fibers as Indicators of Municipal Sewage Sludge, Sludge Products, and Sewage Treatment Plant Effluents

Because of concerns regarding health, safety, and aesthetics, a test that identifies the presence of sewage sludge or its products (biosolids) in commercial materials such as soil conditioners and composts would be useful. This test could also trace the effluent plume from a sewage treatment plant. We have discovered that synthetic fibers serve as such an indicator. Synthetic fibers are abundant in sludge, sludge products, and sewage treatment plant effluents. The fibers evidently are introduced from clothes-washing machines and survive the sewage treatment process. Synthetic fibers were identified using polarized light microscopy, which provided a simple, rapid method for determining the presence or absence of municipal sewage sludge or its products. False positives or false negatives have not occurred with any of the materials examined so far. We also monitored synthetic fibers in surface sediments of Huntington Harbor, Long Island, NY, a harbor receiving the effluent from a trickling filter sewage treatment plant. Fibers generally decrease in size and abundance with distance from the source. In Oyster Bay Harbor, Long Island, an advanced sewage treatment plant is operated with a final microfiltration step. Synthetic fibers are less abundant in the sediments of this harbor.
Closing in on ATPase Activity by an RNA Helicase.

In this issue of Structure, Absmeier et al. (2020) describe the molecular mechanisms employed by an RNA helicase to prevent premature ATP hydrolysis upon nucleotide binding.
Interocular asymmetry of foveal avascular zone morphology and parafoveal capillary density in sickle cell retinopathy.

Objectives To examine interocular asymmetry of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and parafoveal capillary density metrics in sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods This cross-sectional, retrospective study evaluated SCR patients and unaffected controls who underwent 3x3mm macular OCT-A imaging using a spectral domain-OCT system. FAZ (area, perimeter, and acircularity index) and parafoveal capillary density metrics were computed for both eyes of each participant. In unaffected controls, interocular difference in FAZ and parafoveal capillary density metrics were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. SCR patients with interocular difference outside the upper 97.5% and lower 2.5% limits of agreement from controls were defined as having interocular asymmetry. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) was also performed to determine the ability of the absolute interocular difference to differentiate between subjects with SCR—including non-proliferative SCR (NP-SCR) and proliferative SCR (P-SCR)–and unaffected controls. Results Thirty-one patients with SCR (21 NP-SCR and 10 P-SCR) and 14 race-matched and age-matched controls were included for analysis. Interocular asymmetry was seen for all FAZ and parafoveal capillary density metrics in NP-SCR and P-SCR subjects. SCR subjects showed greater disease severity in the left-eye for FAZ and parafoveal capillary density metrics. Conclusions NP-SCR and P-SCR patients demonstrated quantifiable interocular asymmetry in FAZ and parafoveal capillary density metrics compared to unaffected subjects, with left-eye predominance in disease severity.
How I treat renal anemia

Anemia is a frequent complication of kidney disease. When severe, it causes symptoms that can be debilitating. The course of anemia tends to track the decline in kidney function, with prevalence increasing in more advanced disease. Although the most common cause is relative erythropoietin deficiency, other factors such as reduced iron availability contribute to the pathobiology. In this review, we use cases to explore the surprising complexity of decision-making in management of renal anemia.
Bladder cancer in patients younger than 40 years: outcomes from the National Cancer Database

To evaluate the clinical, pathological, and survival outcomes of bladder cancer in patients aged 18–40 years. We identified 362,091 bladder cancer patients from the National Cancer Database between 2004–2013 and compared patients aged 18–40 years to those > 40 years of age with univariate analysis using Chi-square tests. A subset analysis was performed on patients who underwent cystectomy. Multivariable Cox regression was used for overall survival analysis. Our final analysis included 314,177 patients with 3314 (1.1%) patients aged 18–40 years. Patients aged 18–40 years had a lower male-to-female ratio (2.4 versus 3.0), a greater proportion of low-grade tumors (72.7% versus 48.3%, p < 0.001), non-muscle invasive tumors (90.3% versus 81.2%, p < 0.001), and variant histology (4.0% versus 3.3%, p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed at cystectomy including lower male-to-female ratio in the 18–40 years group (1.7 versus 3.1), a greater proportion of variant histology (25.0% versus 10.0%, p < 0.001); and 53.3% of those younger patients with variant histology were women. Patients aged 18–40 years who underwent cystectomy had a higher proportion of locally advanced disease (pT4 19.2% versus 14.6%, p = 0.004). Multivariable analyses in both cohorts demonstrated that variant histology was a predictor of worse overall survival. The majority of patients aged 18–40 years with bladder cancer present with low-grade, non-muscle-invasive disease associated with better survival. However, a subset of younger patients with a higher proportion of women presents with aggressive bladder cancer which may be partly explained by a higher prevalence of variant histology.
From Presentation to Publication: Where did Abstracts at the 2017 Academic Surgical Congress End up? A Three-Year Analysis.

Abstract: Introduction Medical school and residency programs encourage increased research, and thousands of abstracts are submitted to conferences annually. This study sought to determine the rate of publication of oral presentations from the 2017 Academic Surgical Congress (ASC) and assess factors that influence the likelihood of publication. Methods Abstracts selected for oral, plenary, and QuickShot presentations at the 2017 ASC were evaluated for publication status. Publication status, including date of publication and journal title, the academic rank of first and senior authors, and the type of study were collected. Senior author funding status, as well as source and amount of funding, were cataloged. These variables were noted at 16 mo and then later at 34 mo after the conference. Results Of the 360 oral and plenary presentations, 41.4% (n = 149) and 70.5% were published at 16 and then 34 mo, respectively. At 16 mo, Basic science, Clinical outcomes, and Education had publication rates of 31.7%, 51.1%, and 57.7%. At 34 mo, they were 76.1%, 69.1%, and 60.06%. QuickShot presentations had a publication rate of 17%, 69%, and 14% for Basic Science, Clinical Outcomes, and Education, respectively. At 16 mo, abstracts with senior authors with an academic rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor had publication rates of 43.3% (22), 49.4% (39), and 41.8% (37), respectively (P = 0.697). At 34 mo, publication rates for senior authors was 21.8% (53), 32.9% (80), and 45.2% (110) for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor, respectively (P= 191 (53.2%) senior authors had funding, of which 125 (66.8%) were from the National Institute of Health. 61% of abstracts with a funded senior author went on to be published, whereas 38.9% of abstracts with an unfunded senior author were published. The presence of funding continued to have a positive association with publication (P Conclusions There was an increase in publication rate from 16 to 34 mo after the 2017 ASC conference for oral presentations. At longer follow-up, the academic rank of the senior author and the funded abstracts were associated with abstracts achieving publication, whereas the academic rank of the first author, presentation type, and funding source was not. Funding was significantly associated with the Presentation Type at the conference and the Journal Impact Factor of the manuscript, whereas abstract type was not. QuickShot presentations did not fare as well regarding publication status; at approximately 3 y, the publication rate was 43%.
Rethinking Chinese Politics

Understanding Chinese politics has become more important than ever. Some argue that China's political system is 'institutionalized' or that 'win all/lose all' struggles are a thing of the past, but, Joseph Fewsmith argues, as in all Leninist systems, political power is difficult to pass on from one leader to the next. Indeed, each new leader must deploy whatever resources he has to gain control over critical positions and thus consolidate power. Fewsmith traces four decades of elite politics from Deng to Xi, showing how each leader has built power (or not). He shows how the structure of politics in China has set the stage for intense and sometimes violent intra-elite struggles, shaping a hierarchy in which one person tends to dominate, and, ironically, providing for periods of stability between intervals of contention.
Ionotropic Receptor-dependent cool cells control the transition of temperature preference in Drosophila larvae

Temperature sensation guides animals to avoid temperature extremes and to seek their optimal temperatures. The larval stage of Drosophila development has a dramatic effect on temperature preference. While early-stage Drosophila larvae pursue a warm temperature, late-stage larvae seek a significantly lower temperature. Previous studies suggest that this transition depends on multiple rhodopsins at the late larval stage. Here, we show that early-stage larvae, in which dorsal organ cool cells (DOCCs) are functionally blocked, exhibit similar cool preference to that of wild type late-stage larvae. The molecular thermoreceptors in DOCCs are formed by three members of the Ionotropic Receptor (IR) family, IR21a, IR93a, and IR25a. Early-stage larvae of each Ir mutant pursue a cool temperature, similar to that of wild type late-stage larvae. At the late larval stage, DOCCs express decreased IR proteins and exhibit reduced cool responses. Importantly, late-stage larvae that overexpress IR21a, IR93a, and IR25a in DOCCs exhibit similar warm preference to that of wild type early-stage larvae. These data suggest that IR21a, IR93a, and IR25a in DOCCs navigate early-stage larvae to avoid cool temperatures and the reduction of these IR proteins in DOCCs results in animals remaining in cool regions during the late larval stage. Together with previous studies, we conclude that multiple temperature-sensing systems are regulated for the transition of temperature preference in fruit fly larvae.
Finite-time Consensus of Heterogeneous Multi-agent Systems with Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics

In this paper, the finite-time consensus problems of heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of both linear and nonlinear dynamics agents are investigated. Nonlinear consensus protocols are proposed for the heterogeneous multi-agent systems.Some sufficient conditions for the finite-time consensus are established in the leaderless and leader-following cases. The results are also extended to the case where the communication topology is directed and satisfies a detailed balance condition on coupling weights.At last, some simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Checking LTL[F,G,X] on compressed traces in polynomial time

The problem of checking if a program execution meets a formal specification arises in many software engineering tasks including runtime verification and designing test oracles. When online analysis is not possible, execution trace logs are stored for offline postmortem analysis, often in a compressed format to reduce disk space and warehousing requirements. A straightforward method for checking if a compressed execution satisfies a property is to first decompress it and then analyze the resulting uncompressed execution. In this paper, we consider the problem of checking if an execution trace, compressed using a grammar-based lossless compression scheme, satisfies a specification expressed in linear temporal logic, without explicitly decompressing it. In general, this problem is known to be intractable (PSPACE-hard in the size of the compressed trace and the LTL formula). We show that the problem can be solved in polynomial time for the fragment LTL[F,G,X], which comprises of all Boolean and modal operators of LTL except the until operator. Our algorithm for analyzing SLPs (a grammar-based compression scheme) is effective in practice — for a suite of large execution traces obtained from open source projects, our algorithm shows significant speed ups when compared with the performance of checking LTL properties over corresponding uncompressed traces.
Excitations in Dilute 3He–4He Mixtures

The energy spectrum of elementary excitations in dilute He3-He4 mixtures is investigated using a Feynman type of wave function. It is found that the He3 energy spectrum lies below the phonon-roton energy spectrum and exhibits a minimum near the roton minimum. Reinterpretation of their experimental results by Sobolev and Esel’son confirms this description of the He3 spectrum. Some consequences of this spectrum are discussed.
Competition for Corporate Control: Institutional Investors, Investment Funds, and Hostile Takeovers in Japan

The recession and banking crisis of the 1990s have triggered a complete reorientation in corporate strategy by large Japanese firms, away from the previous goal of diversification financed by bank loans, and towards market-financed concentration on select core businesses. The transition has necessitated corporate reorganization by almost all large firms, causing a wave of spin-off, mergers, and acquisitions. Extensive legal reforms have enabled this reorganization and introduced more stringent rules on accounting and disclosure. The confluence of these two events – access and transparency – has paved the way for a market for corporate control, fueled by institutional investors and investment funds, including foreigners, as major players. While the M&A boom of the early 21 century may partially be attributable to a window of economic opportunity, the systemic changes in Japan’s financial markets are irreversible and therefore constitute a strategic inflection point. Contested corporate control has become an indelible part of Japanese finance and corporate governance. This paper was prepared for the conference “Repositioning Japan in the Global Political Economy”, sponsored by the Shibusawa Ei'ichi Memorial Foundation, the Center for East Asian Studies and Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and Villanova University, September 14-16, 2006. It is based on my forthcoming book Japan’s Corporate Renewal: Business Strategies in the 21 Century. I am grateful to conference participants, in particular Hugh Patrick, for valuable feedback.
The Genetics of Neuronal Channelopathies

A channelopathy is a new mechanism of disease involving dysfunction of ion pumps and channels. Monogenic forms of common neuronal disease phenotypes – such as seizures, ataxia and migraine – have been demonstrated to be produced by mutation of such genes. The mutation serves to produce a constitutionally hyperexcitable tissue that is susceptible to periodic decompensations recognized as disease. There are suggestions that similar mechanisms are at play in the common polygenic forms of these diseases, and that an understanding of these a etiological genes hold the potential to lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics. Keywords: channelopathy (channel disease); ion channel; genetic disease; seizures; migraine; ataxia
Corporate Ethics Initiatives As Social Control

Efforts to institutionalize ethics in corporations have been discussed without first addressing the desirability of norm conformity or the possibility that the means used to elicit conformity will be coercive. This article presents a theoretical context, grounded in models of social control, within which ethics initiatives may be evaluated. Ethics initiatives are discussed in relation to variables that already exert control in the workplace, such as environmental controls, organizational controls, and personal controls.
[(4a,5,6,7,7a‐η)‐4‐(Dimethylamino)‐1H‐1‐pyridin‐5‐yl][1,2,3,4,5‐η)‐1,2,3,4,5‐penta‐phenyl‐2,4‐cyclopentadien‐1‐yl]iron

[187682-64-0] C45H36FeN2 (MW 660.90) InChI = 1S/C35H25.C10H11N2.Fe/c1-6-16-26(17-7-1)31-32(27-18-8-2-9-19-27)34(29-22-12-4-13-23-29)35(30-24-14-5-15-25-30)33(31)28-20-10-3-11-21-28;1-12(2)10-6-7-11-9-5-3-4-8(9)10;/h1-25H;3-7H,1-2H3; InChIKey = KTXZYEUJQXICCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (chiral catalyst for the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols) Physical Data: mp 231–234 °C. Solubility: soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; sparingly soluble in ethereal solvents and t-amyl alcohol. Form Supplied in: purple crystals. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: none.
Photocatalytic Ceramic Membranes

Semiconducting materials, in particular titanium dioxide (TiO2), under ultraviolet (UV) radiation are capable of producing highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which readily and nonselectively oxidize and decompose organic pollutants in water. Such inorganic materials can be designed and fabricated in the form of water-permeable membranes to combine the chemical decomposition of water contaminants with their concurrent physical separation, which is the conceptual basis for photocatalytic ceramic membranes (PCMs). The chemical function of PCMs can also induce water detoxification and disinfection, as well as antifouling action. The multiple actions of PCMs make them attractive for sustainable and versatile water treatment. Recently, progress in novel synthetic chemistry and fabrication routes for innovative PCMs, especially through nanotechnological approaches, has overcome some technical drawbacks of PCMs. This article provides an introduction to PCMs with emphasis on current advances in their fabrication and functionalization. Based on semiconducting TiO2 materials under UV radiation, a concise description about the mechanism of photocatalytic reactions is presented, and the multiple functions of TiO2 PCMs are overviewed. Some innovative fabrication approaches for PCMs, including the structural and compositional manipulation of monolith and composite TiO2 membranes, are also described. Finally, the technical and economic limitations of PCMs and their prospects are briefly discussed. Keywords: ceramic membranes; titanium dioxide; photocatalytic reaction; chemical decomposition; physical separation; advanced oxidation; water treatment; multifunction
CaMKIIδ mediates β-adrenergic effects on RyR2 phosphorylation and SR Ca2+ leak and the pathophysiological response to chronic β-adrenergic stimulation

Chronic activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been implicated in the deleterious effects of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling on the heart, in part, by enhancing RyR2-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) leak. We used CaMKIIδ knockout (CaMKIIδ-KO) mice and knock-in mice with an inactivated CaMKII site S2814 on the ryanodine receptor type 2 (S2814A) to investigate the involvement of these processes in β-AR signaling and cardiac remodeling. Langendorff-perfused hearts from CaMKIIδ-KO mice showed inotropic and chronotropic responses to isoproterenol (ISO) that were similar to those of wild type (WT) mice; however, in CaMKIIδ-KO mice, CaMKII phosphorylation of phospholamban and RyR2 was decreased and isolated myocytes from CaMKIIδ-KO mice had reduced SR Ca(2+) leak in response to isoproterenol (ISO). Chronic catecholamine stress with ISO induced comparable increases in relative heart weight and other measures of hypertrophy from day 9 through week 4 in WT and CaMKIIδ-KO mice, but the development of cardiac fibrosis was prevented in CaMKIIδ-KO animals. A 4-week challenge with ISO resulted in reduced cardiac function and pulmonary congestion in WT, but not in CaMKIIδ-KO or S2814A mice, implicating CaMKIIδ-dependent phosphorylation of RyR2-S2814 in the cardiomyopathy, independent of hypertrophy, induced by prolonged β-AR stimulation.
Effect of aluminium spacer on galvanic corrosion between magnesium and mild steel using numerical model and SVET experiments

Abstract The effect of metallic (aluminium) spacer on galvanic corrosion between magnesium alloy (AE44) and mild steel couple comprised of equal and unequal surface areas is investigated in this work using the numerical modelling and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) experimental approaches. A reduction in the peak anodic current density is found to be around 26% and 66% for equal and unequal surface area of AE44 and mild steel, respectively, with 5 mm wide aluminium spacer when compared to no spacer configuration. The effect of electrolyte depth on the peak and the average current densities is also investigated.
Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon Nitride

Amorphous hydrogenated carbon nitride thin films have been grown by plasma decomposition of a feedstock of CH4 and N2. In the films with higher nitrogen concentration, the infrared absorption spectra are dominated by NH2 modes and give strong evidence of a polymeric structure. The optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra show that nitrogen incorporation decreases the bandgap and increases the structural order of these thin films. The undoped material is an insulator with resistivities up to 1015Q cm, but when doped with iron, it becomes a p-type degenerate semiconductor.
Analysis of annular bed reactor for methanation of carbon monoxide

A new reactor configuration, the annular bed reactor, is mathematically modeled to assess its capabilities as a CO methanation reactor. The results show that the reactor offers excellent temperature control characteristics and negligible pressure drop, and that it is a promising configuration for this as well as other reaction systems.
Bimolecular lipid membranes: a review and a summary of some recent studies.

Abstract The bimolecular lipid membranes of Rudin—Mueller—Tien—Wescott type have been subjected to intensive investigations owing to their striking physical chemical properties which are similar to those of cell membranes. In addition to biological relevance, these ultrathin structures are a new type of interfacial phenomenon which should also be of interest because of their pertinence in furthering the understanding of colloid and interfacial chemistry. The literature of bimolecular lipid membranes (BLM), including abstracts, has been reviewed through January, 1967. Also included are some recent studies from this and several other laboratories.
Tracing the trilobite tree from the root to the tips: a model marriage of fossils and phylogeny.

Trilobites are a highly diverse group of extinct arthropods that persisted for nearly 300 million years. During that time, there was a profusion of morphological form, and they occupied a plethora of marine habitats. Their diversity, relative abundance, and complex morphology make them excellent candidates for phylogenetic analysis, and partly as a consequence they have been the subject of many cladistic studies. Although phylogenetic knowledge is certainly incomplete, our understanding of evolutionary patterns within the group has dramatically increased over the last 30 years. Moreover, trilobites have formed an important component of various studies of macroevolutionary processes. Here, we summarize the phylogenetic breadth of knowledge on the Trilobita, and present various hypotheses about phylogenetic patterns within the group, from the highest to the lowest taxonomic levels. Key topics we consider include the question of trilobite monophyly, the phylogenetic position of trilobites vis a vis extant arthropod groups, and inter- and intra-ordinal relationships.
Ten-Year Outcomes of High-Dose, Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND. The authors investigated long-term tumor control and toxicity outcomes after high-dose, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients who had clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS. Between April 1996 and January 1998, 170 patients received 81 gray (Gy) using a 5-field IMRT technique. Patients were classified according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-defined risk groups. Toxicity data were scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 3.0. Freedom from biochemical relapse, distant metastases, and cause-specific survival outcomes were calculated. The median follow-up was 99 months. RESULTS. The 10-year actuarial prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival rates were 81% for the low-risk group, 78% for the intermediate-risk group, and 62% for the high-risk group; the 10-year distant metastases–free rates were 100%, 94%, and 90%, respectively; and the 10-year cause-specific mortality rates were 0%, 3%, and 14%, respectively. The 10-year likelihood of developing grade 2 and 3 late genitourinary toxicity was 11% and 5%, respectively; and the 10-year likelihood of developing grade 2 and 3 late gastrointestinal toxicity was 2% and 1%, respectively. No grade 4 toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS. To the authors' knowledge, this report represents the longest followed cohort of patients who received high-dose radiation levels of 81 Gy using IMRT for localized prostate cancer. The findings indicated that high-dose IMRT is well tolerated and is associated with excellent long-term tumor-control outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The use of mathematical modeling in the design of lithium/polymer battery systems

Abstract The use of mathematical modeling and computer simulations in the understanding of lithium/ polymer battery performance is discussed. A general model of these systems is reviewed, with particular attention to the assumptions involved in the analysis. The parameters required for the model are categorized according to whether they are transport, thermodynamic, or design-adjustable properties, and the experiments necessary to measure these data are described. The role of mathematical modeling in the design process is also considered. Dimensionless groups and simple correlations useful for characterizing the primary system limitations are given. A general approach to identifying optimum values of system parameters such as electrode thicknesses is reviewed.
Heat conduction in a bounded, anisotropic medium.

constants in Eqs. (9-10a) are taken to be E = 8.8 and K. — 0.4. Velocity profiles from Eqs. (9) and (9a) for Reb = 10 are given in Fig. 2, with the incompressible curve comparing favorably with Robertson's measurements. The turbulent friction law given by Eqs. (10) and (lOa) and the low-speed measured values of Robertson and Couette (given in Ref. 2) are plotted in Fig. 3 showing very good agreement of Eq. (lOa) with experiment. Also shown in Fig. 3 is the laminar compressible Couette law for equal wall temperatures and heat rates, based on a linear viscosity-temperature relationship, and plotted for Pr = f
Influence of temperature and environment on the thermal decomposition of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres with and without the flame retardant tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate

Abstract The thermal degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the presence as well as in the absence of the flame retardant tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate was studied by pyrolysis—gas chromatography. The study has employed a range of pyrolysis temperatures between 450 ° C and 700 ° C in both helium and air. Comparison of the pyrolysis products obtained in oxidative (air) and non-oxidative (helium) environments showed that oxygen does not play a large role in the degradation process under the conditions employed in this study. The technique was capable of differentiating between the products produced from the two samples examined (flame retarded and non-flame retarded) and the chemical reactions leading to their formation. The influence of the flame retardant upon specific reaction schemes was postulated.
In‐plane orientation of polyimide

Examen des variations des indices de refraction dans et hors du plan par des techniques d'optique integree. Comparaison de ces resultats aux resultats de fonction d'orientation sur certains films plus epais determines par diffraction RX aux grands angles
The impact of childhood family functioning on anxious, depressive, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in adulthood among African Americans

Abstract Research suggests that childhood family functioning is related to anxiety and depressive symptoms in adulthood; however this relationship has been unclear when considering OCD symptoms. The Family Assessment Device-Retrospective (FAD-R) is a 53-item measure to assess childhood family functioning in adults. The current study evaluated the reliability of the FAD-R, and investigated anxiety, depressive, and OC symptoms in relation to childhood family functioning in African Americans with OCD and community-dwelling adults ( n =180). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and displayed variable reliability for the original seven FAD-R subscales. We then performed a principal component analysis to produce the most reliable factor structure, finding that two components instead of the original seven yielded much stronger reliability. The two new subscales were termed “Active Coping” (FAD-R-AC; 21 items) and “Communication and Emotionality” (FAD-R-CE; 10 items), with higher scores representing greater family dysfunction. Partial correlation analyses revealed that higher FAD-R-AC scores were associated with higher depression scores when controlling for OC symptom severity, anxiety, and ethnic identity. Furthermore, higher FAD-R-CE scores were associated with higher anxiety scores when controlling for OC symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and ethnic identity. OC symptom severity was not significantly associated with either FAD-R scale.