cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags to mitigate fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination

Abstract Storing maize in regions of the world without sufficient drying and storage capacity is challenging due to the potential risk of aflatoxin contamination produced by Aspergillus flavus . This study sought to determine if storage of maize in Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags prevents mold growth and aflatoxin accumulation. PICS bags are a three-layer, hermitic bag-system that forms a barrier against the influx of oxygen and the escape of carbon dioxide. Maize conditioned at 12, 15, 18, and 21% grain moisture was inoculated with 50 g of maize kernels infected with fluorescent-marked strain of A. flavus . The grain was stored in either PICS or woven bags at 26 °C, and percent oxygen/carbon dioxide levels, fungal growth, aflatoxin, moisture content, and kernel germination were assessed after 1 and 2 months incubation. Maize stored in woven bags was found to equilibrate with the ambient moisture environment over both storage periods, while PICS bags retained their original moisture levels. Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin accumulation were not observed in maize stored in any PICS bags. No aflatoxin B1 was detected in woven bags containing low-moisture maize (12 and 15%), but detectable levels of aflatoxin were observed in high moisture maize (18 and 21%). The percentage of oxygen and carbon dioxide within PICS bags were dependent on initial grain moisture. Higher carbon dioxide levels were observed in the bags stored for 1 month than for 2 months. High initial moisture and carbon dioxide levels correlated with low kernel germination, with the 18 and 21% treatment groups having no seeds germinate. The results of the study demonstrate that storage of maize in PICS bags is a viable management tool for preventing aflatoxin accumulation in storage.
Nonclassical dipoles in cold niobium clusters

Electric deflections of niobium clusters in molecular beams show that they have permanent electric dipole moments at cryogenic temperatures but not higher temperatures, indicating that they are ferroelectric. Detailed analysis shows that the deflections cannot be explained in terms of a rotating classical dipole, as claimed by Andersen et al.. The shapes of the deflected beam profiles and their field and temperature dependence indicates that the clusters can exist in two states, one with a dipole and the other without. Cluster with dipoles occupy lower energy states. Excitations from the lower states to the higher states can be induced by low fluence laser excitation. This causes the dipole to vanish.
Mass transport in water waves propagated over a permeable bed

Abstract Mass transport in water waves propagated over a permeable bottom is investigated. Boundary-layer approximations are incorporated into the Lagrangian equations of motion, and the mass transport velocity is obtained for both monochromatic and random waves. It is found that inside the permeable bed, although the Eulerian steady streaming vanishes, the mass transport always exists in the direction of wave propagation. The effects of porosity and permeability of the porous bed on the mass transport are discussed.
Human Glomerular Basement Membrane: Chemical Alteration in Diabetes Mellitus

The human glomerular basement membrane belongs to the collagen family of proteins. It contains about 7 percent carbohydrate, half of which occurs as glucosylgalactose disaccharide units linked to hydroxylysine. Glomeruli from diabetics contain increased amounts of basement membrane material. In addition, these membranes show a distict chemical alteration c haracterized by a significant decrease in lysine, accoumpanied by an equivalent increase in hydroxylysine and hydroxylysine-linked disaccharide units.
Antibiotics to prevent infection in pateints with dog bite wounds: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

Study objectives: To determine whether prophylactic antibiotics prevent infection in patients with dog bite wounds. Design: Meta-analysis of published studies. Methods: A literature search was performed to identify published, randomized trials of prophylactic antibiotics for dog bite wounds. The relative risk for infection intreated patients compared with controls was used as the measure of effect, and a summary relative risk was calculated. Results: Eight randomized trials were identified. The estimated cumulative incidence of infection in controls was 16%. The relative risk for infection in patients given antibiotics compared with controls was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.82). About 14 patients must be treated to prevent one, infection. Conclusion: Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the incidence of infection in patients with dog bite wounds. The full costs and benefits of antibiotics in this situation are not known. It may be reasonable to limit prophylactic antibiotics to patients with wounds that are at high risk for infection.
Pharmacokinetics of Nicotine Tartrate after Single-Dose Liquid Enema, Oral, and Intravenous Administration

Ulcerative colitis is predominantly a disease of nonsmokers, and transdermal nicotine is therapeutic but often results in adverse reactions. Colonic administration of nicotine tartrate as a liquid enema could decrease systemic nicotine absorption and adverse reactions. The purpose of the current study was to determine the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters of nicotine after administration by hydrophilic liquid enema (acidic and basic), hydrophobic liquid enema (acidic and basic), and by oral and intravenous routes. Thirty healthy volunteers received 45 micrograms nicotine base/kg (as nicotine tartrate) in one of five formulations (each n = 6): hydrophilic acidic liquid enema, hydrophilic basic liquid enema, hydrophobic acidic liquid enema, hydrophobic basic liquid enema, and oral solution. All participants also received 15 micrograms nicotine base/kg (as nicotine tartrate) intravenously during a separate study period. Serum concentrations of nicotine were determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The mean (+/-SD) bioavailabilities of nicotine after administration in the liquid enema formulations (hydrophilic acidic 17 +/- 18%, hydrophilic basic 16 +/- 16%, hydrophobic acidic 25 +/- 17%, hydrophobic basic 15 +/- 12%) were similar to the bioavailability of nicotine after administration by oral solution (20 +/- 25%). The bioavailabilities of nicotine for all five nonintravenous formulations were significantly less than for intravenous nicotine (100%). Serum concentrations of nicotine did not predict adverse reactions. Nicotine tartrate administered as either a liquid enema or as an oral solution had low bioavailability and was well tolerated. The therapeutic potential of nicotine tartrate liquid enemas, which can potentially limit toxicity by local (colonic) delivery of high doses of nicotine should be investigated in patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis.
Beta spectrin kissimmee: a spectrin variant associated with autosomal dominant hereditary spherocytosis and defective binding to protein 4.1.

Abstract We analyzed the DNA sequence of the cDNA encoding the NH2 terminal region of beta spectrin from members of a kindred with autosomal dominant hereditary spherocytosis associated with defective protein 4.1 binding. We found a point mutation at codon 202 within the 272 amino acid NH2-terminal region of beta spectrin. TGG was changed to CGG, resulting in the replacement of tryptophan by arginine. The base change eliminates a normally occurring PvuII restriction site and creates a new MspI site. This finding enabled rapid detection or exclusion of the mutation at the DNA level among the family members, including one member for whom this analysis was performed prenatally. The mutation was found only in the affected family members and occurred as a de novo mutation in the proband. It has not been found in 20 other kindreds. The recombinant peptide derived from the normal cDNA retains the capacity to sediment with protein 4.1 and F-actin. The mutant peptide spontaneously degrades. This variant represents both the first point mutation and the first beta spectrin mutation demonstrated in autosomal dominant hereditary spherocytosis. Furthermore, the mutation is located within a conserved sequence among spectrinlike proteins and may define an amino acid critical for protein 4.1 binding activity.
Bariatric Surgery “Roux”-minating on Endothelial Cell and High-Density Lipoprotein Function

Obesity, defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, is pandemic. Though prevalence in the United States has plateaued at ~31% of adults (78 million), worldwide obesity rates continue to rise1. Perhaps more concerning is the high level of childhood obesity: 16.9% in US and ~13% (and rising) in developing countries2. Why the alarm? Longitudinal studies of overweight or obese individuals have identified a 20 fold increase in risk for developing diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) and 1.5 fold increase risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure3, 4. As obesity rates increase, the burden of obesity-associated cardiometabolic diseases on the healthcare system could be overwhelming4. As such, a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity and new therapeutic strategies to address this pandemic are both urgently needed.
Demethylation of 4-Methoxyphenylbutyric Acid Using Molten Pyridinium Hydrochloride on Multikilogram Scale

4-Methoxyphenylbutyric acid (2) is smoothly demethylated in 3 h at 180 °C when melted with pyridinium hydrochloride (Pyr·HCl), affording 4-hydroxyphenylbutyric acid (3), a key starting material for the preclinical candidate LY518674 (1). The adaptation of this chemistry to 22-L and pilot-plant scale is described, including findings to facilitate product isolation, selection of a compatible extraction solvent, and observation of an unusual relationship between the number of solvent extractions and the Pyr·HCl stoichiometry. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first literature report of the use of this classic demethylation chemistry on multikilogram scale.
Circular Viscoelastic Plates Subjected to In-Plane Loads

This paper is concerned with circular viscoelastic plates subject to in-plane forces. The plates are assumed to have a small arbitrary initial curvature and the increase in curvature as a function of time is determined. The plate material is assumed to follow a linear viscoelastic stress-strain relation and quasi-static small deflection theory is utilized. The general equation for the deflection of a circular viscoelastic plate is derived from the equation of an elastic plate using the well-known correspondence principle. Special cases are: 1) a circular plate with a fixed edge; 2) a circular plate with a simply supported edge; 3) a circular segment; and 4) an annular plate. Circular symmetry is assumed in cases 1, 2 and 4 but the solution developed in case 3 could readily be applied to the other cases if symmetry did not exist. Numerical examples are given for all cases. The applied load is assumed to be uniformly distributed around the boundary of the plate. For an annular plate the load at the inner boundary may differ from the load at the outer boundary. This leads to a variation of the in-plane forces throughout the plate. The load may vary with time in any arbitrarily prescribed manner. The load is assumed to be compressive but the analysis applies equally well for tensile loads.
Optical Properties of Rodlike Metallic Nanostructures: Insight from Theory and Experiment

In this work, we combined synthesis of Au nanorods (AuNRs) and Au−Ag core−shell nanorod-like structures, of narrow size distribution in all dimensions and for a broad range of aspect ratios, with computational prediction of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPRs), in order to gain a better understanding of the optical response. Self-assembled AuNRs were also synthesized and characterized experimentally and theoretically. In addition, an understanding of the growth of Au−Ag core−shell nanorod-like structures for varying geometries, dielectric environments, and compositions was obtained. Controlled and precise synthesis, even for AuNRs with large aspect ratios, for Au−Ag core−shell nanostructures and AuNR pairs, enabled validation of the computational results, and development of structure−property relationships. These will, in turn, assist in the experimental characterization of AuNRs and related core−shell nanostructures.
Shock in the emergency department

Shock continues to be associated with a high mortality rate primarily because of delays in diagnosis and therapy. To diagnose shock early, and thereby increase the chances of reversal before there is extensive deterioration of vital organs, one should look for any decrease in pulse pressure, urine output, urine sodium concentration, alertness or any increase in urine osmolarity, tachypnea or tachycardia. Systolic hypotension, oliguria, metabolic acidosis and a cold clammy skin are late signs of shock. The pathophysiology of early hypovolemic shock includes hyperventilation, vasoconstriction, cardiac stimulation, fluid shifts into the vascular system and platelet aggregation. Late shock is characterized by lysosomal breakdown, subsequent release of kinins (especially bradykinin), impaired cell metabolism and organ function, fluid shifts out of the vascular system because of capillary endothelial damage and intravascular coagulation. The primary cause of shock should not be neglected in favor of treating signs, symptoms, and laboratory data. The resuscitation from the shock process itself involves correction of pathophysiologic changes, based on objective trends and responses rather than isolated measurements. A suggested outline of therapies in order of their use includes: 1) correction of the primary problem; 2) ventilation and oxygen; 3) fluid-loading: 4) inotropic agents; 5) correction of acid-based and electrolyte abnormalities; 6) steroids ("physiologic" or "pharmacologic" doses); 7) vasopressors (especially in elderly, severely hypotensive patients); 8) vasodilators (if excess vasoconstriction); 9) diuretics (if oliguric in spite of the above), and 10) heparin (if DIC). The most common errors are 1) late diagnosis; 2) inadequate control of the primary problems; 3) inadequate fluid loading; 4) delayed ventilator assistance, and 5) excessive reliance on and use if vasopressors and diuretics.
Effects of crude oil on corals

Abstract Corals are key members of the tropical reef communities, by providing habitat for other organisms and entering importantly into the overall metabolism of the reef community. Concern has been expressed several times at the collapse of the community that would result from damage to corals by oil pollution. So far relatively few experimental studies of the susceptibility of coral to oil have been carried out. In this study four Panamanian coral species have been exposed to marine diesel and bunker oil. These may cause delayed death, but probably more importantly interfere with feeding and metabolism at sub-lethal concentrations.
Breeding Habitat and Local Population Size of the Oregon Spotted Frog (RANA PRETIOSA) IN OREGON, USA

Abstract Distribution of the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) has shrunk markedly, and more than two-thirds of known populations are located along the Cascade Range in central Oregon. Despite conservation concern, little is known about how habitat attributes and stressors such as invasive species influence R. pretiosa populations. We used egg mass counts to study R. pretiosa habitat relationships at oviposition sites and breeding ponds. Oviposition sites were in shallow water above gradually sloping substrates that supported moderate or dense herbaceous vegetation. Sixty-one per cent of occupied breeding ponds had fewer than 20 egg masses. We found strong support for 2 predictors of egg mass count: positive effect of other R. pretiosa breeding sites nearby, and a negative effect of non-native fish having access to preferred R. pretiosa overwintering habitat. We found moderate support for effects of emergent and submergent vegetation coverage (positive), and of ponds being located in the Klamath River B...
Teaching Style: Where Are We Now?

Heimlich and Norland suggest a process as a means for teachers to examine their beliefs and values about teaching, gain a better understanding of who they are as teachers, and develop a personal teaching style.
Physiotherapy following oesophagectomy

Summary A 64-year-old man with carcinoma of the oesophagus was admitted for an oesophagectomy. He developed a number of post-operative complications which were treated with a variety of physiotherapeutic techniques. The treatment was successful and he was discharged home two weeks after his surgery. This case study won the 1991 Journal Prize.
Comparing binding site information to binding affinity reveals that Crp/DNA complexes have several distinct binding conformers

We show that the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) binds to DNA as several different conformers. This situation has precluded discovering a high correlation between any sequence property and binding affinity for proteins that bend DNA. Experimentally quantified affinities of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cAMP receptor protein (SyCrp1), the Escherichia coli Crp (EcCrp, also CAP) and DNA were analyzed to mathematically describe, and make human-readable, the relationship of DNA sequence and binding affinity in a given system. Here, sequence logos and weight matrices were built to model SyCrp1 binding sequences. Comparing the weight matrix model to binding affinity revealed several distinct binding conformations. These Crp/DNA conformations were asymmetrical (non-palindromic).
A Simple Framework for Incorporating Seasonal Streamflow Forecasts into Existing Water Resource Management Practices1

Gong, Gavin, Lucien Wang, Laura Condon, Alastair Shearman, and Upmanu Lall, 2010. A Simple Framework for Incorporating Seasonal Streamflow Forecasts Into Existing Water Resource Management Practices. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(3):574-585. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00435.x Abstract: Climate-based streamflow forecasting, coupled with an adaptive reservoir operation policy, can potentially improve decisions by water suppliers and watershed stakeholders. However, water suppliers are often wary of straying too far from their current management practices, and prefer forecasts that can be incorporated into existing system modeling tools. This paper presents a simple framework for utilizing streamflow forecasts that works within an existing management structure. Climate predictors are used to develop seasonal inflow forecasts. These are used to specify operating rules that connect to the probability of future (end of season) reservoir states, rather than to the current storage, as is done now. By considering both current storage and anticipated inflow, the likelihood of meeting management goals can be improved. The upper Delaware River Basin in the northeastern United States is used to demonstrate the basic idea. Physically plausible climate-based forecasts of March-April reservoir inflow are developed. Existing simulation tools and rule curves for the system are used to convert the inflow forecasts to reservoir level forecasts. Operating policies are revised during the forecast period to release less water during forecasts of low reservoir level. Hindcast simulations demonstrate reductions of 1.6% in the number of drought emergency days, which is a key performance measure. Forecasts with different levels of skill are examined to explore their utility.
13C and 1H NMR studies of some aminoarsonium chlorides

13C and 1H NMR spectral data for a homologous series of tertiary arsines (R3As, where R = Me, Et, n-Pr and Ph), aminoarsines and arsonium and aminoarsonium salts are reported and discussed. In nearly all cases, quaternization of the tertiary arsine to its corresponding arsonium or aminoarsonium salt causes a decrease in the magnitude of δc. These results are compared with those from an analogous study on the quaternization of tertiary phosphines, R3P. A discussion of the factors that affect the relative magnitudes of δc and R3As and R3P is given. Hammett-Taft dual substituent parameter analysis was used to show that the positive charge on the arsenic in the atomatic quaternary salts is delocalized by an inductive mechanism. The 1H NMR spectra of the n-propyl- and phenyl-containing compounds are non-first order. The δH and nJ(HH) values were determined by iterative computer analysis. Likewise, the nJ(CH) values for the phenyl carbons of [Ph3AsNH2]Cl and [Ph3AsNHMe]Cl were determined from the coupled 13C NMR spectra.
Calculations of a list of neighbors in molecular dynamics simulations

A new algorithm is proposed for the evaluation of nonbonded interactions in Molecular Dynamics simulations. The algorithm is based on a grid search and on partitioning of the atoms into boxes rather than on calculations of distances. The effort associated with the generation of the box list grows only linearly with the number of atoms. The algorithm is particularly advantageous for solvated systems. Test calculations show significant savings in CPU time and storage compared to commonly used algorithms for systems containing in excess of ca. 600 atoms.
Using Bayes methods and mixture models in inter-laboratory studies with outliers

Inter-laboratory studies (especially so-called key comparisons) are conducted to evaluate both national and international equivalence of measurement. In these studies, a reference value of some measurand (the quantity intended to be measured) is developed and results for all laboratories are compared to this single value. How to determine the reference value is not completely obvious if there are observations and/or laboratories that could be considered outliers. Since ignoring results from one or more participating laboratories is untenable in practical terms, developing methods that are robust to the possibility that a small fraction of the laboratories produces observations unlike those from the others is critical. This paper outlines two Bayesian methods of analyzing inter-laboratory data that have been proposed in the literature and suggests three modifications of one that are more robust to outliers. A simulation study is conducted to compare the five methods.
Ion implantation as a tool in the synthesis of practical third-order nonlinear optical materials

Abstract It is now well-established that metal nanocrystal composites with attractive third-order non-linear optical properties can be synthesized in various dielectric hosts by ion implantation, ion exchange, sol–gel processes, sputtering, and pulsed-laser deposition. Whether these are appropriate to make practical all-optical switching and wave-guiding devices remains to be seen; however; in particular, techniques for the fabrication of simple device structures based on these materials are largely unexplored. This paper reviews the optical physics of the third-order non-linearity in metal nanocrystal composites, to illustrate how material parameters of both quantum dots and host matrix affect the optical non-linearities. The figures of merit that characterize simple building blocks—such as wave-guide resonators and directional couplers—for all-optical switching circuits are discussed. Novel ways of using ion implantation to enhance the properties of layered nanocluster and nanocrystalline materials are considered, particularly those that complement techniques for building up optical heterostructures, such as ion exchange, sputtering and pulsed-laser deposition.
The demonstration classroom in-service: Changes in the classroom

The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of a problem-solving model among teachers involved in an alternative in-service format. Thirteen teachers participated in a year-long in-service program that included: a preprogram on the instructional methodology; implementation of the instructional methodology; follow-up meetings that addressed participants' questions; and visits to a classroom demonstrating the instructional methodology. Twelve participants attended the demonstration classroom, and seven participants enacted problem-solving lessons prior to and following their observation of the demonstration teacher implementing the problem-solving model in the classroom. Dependent t tests were used to analyze the eight categories contained in a scale developed to assess implementation of the problem-solving model. Results indicate that participating teachers significantly changed in the time students spent in cooperative groups, having students working cooperatively, students actively participating in problem solving, and students generating their own problems and plans. The role the teacher took in the class also significantly changed. Seeing another teacher use the in-service methodology may have assisted in-service participants in their implementation of the problem-solving model. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed82:147–162, 1998.
SU‐E‐J‐73: Preventing Errors in Radiotherapy: A Real‐Time System Using in Vivo EPID Dosimetry

Purpose: In vivo dosimetry using an electronic portal imaging device(EPID) may provide a uniquely effective means for preventing errors and may allow for real‐time beam interlocks. We present graphical processor (GPU)‐based fast EPIDdose computation and simulate the sensitivity for detecting errors caused by patient mispositioning. Methods: We implemented an enhanced superposition convolution algorithm to compute the EPIDdose. The patient was simulated using a digital cylinder phantom (15cm length and 15cm diameter) with air and bone structure built in. Setup parameters are: SAD 100cm, 12×12‐cm2 open field, 1.5×1.5×1.5‐mm3 dose grid, 6‐MV photon and isocenter at the center of cylinder. 2D doseimages were obtained at 1.6‐cm depth of a water slab positioned 60‐cm below the isocenter to simulate the EPID readout. To examine errors caused by mispositioning, we shifted the phantom left‐and‐right and up‐and‐down and compared dose profiles to those with no shifts. Gamma value of each pixel was calculated as an index to identify dose mismatch. Dose failure was determined as gamma > 1 using 3‐mm distance‐to‐agreement and 3% dose difference criteria. Results: Dose failures occur mainly in air‐tissue and bone‐tissue interfaces and in regions with rapid thickness change. Gamma is sensitive to the left‐and‐right shift, with a 3‐mm shift causing dose failure in ∼10% pixels; but is much less sensitive to the up‐and‐down shift, with dose failure detected only after a shift of several centimeters. Analysis with patient CTdata sets is underway and will be presented. Conclusions: In vivo EPIDdosimetry enabled by GPU‐based dose computation offers the potential for real‐time beam interlocks. Future directions include simulation of other error scenarios, optimization of dose computation, improved EPID modeling and comparison with measured EPID profiles.
Millifluidics for time-resolved mapping of the growth of gold nanostructures.

Innovative in situ characterization tools are essential for understanding the reaction mechanisms leading to the growth of nanoscale materials. Though techniques, such as in situ transmission X-ray microscopy, fast single-particle spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, etc., are currently being developed, these tools are complex, not easily accessible, and do not necessarily provide the temporal resolution required to follow the formation of nanomaterials in real time. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the utility of a simple millifluidic chip for an in situ real time analysis of morphology and dimension-controlled growth of gold nano- and microstructures with a time resolution of 5 ms. The structures formed were characterized using synchrotron radiation-based in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, 3-D X-ray tomography, and high-resolution electron microscopy. These gold nanostructures were found to be catalytically active for conversion of 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol, providing an example...
Cellular and ionic basis of arrhythmias in postinfarction remodeled ventricular myocardium

After myocardial infarction (MI), the noninfarcted myocardium undergoes significant hypertrophy as part of the post-MI structural remodeling. Electrophysiological changes associated with the hypertrophied remodeled myocardium may play a key role in arrhythmia generation in the post-MI heart. We investigated the cellular and ionic basis of arrhythmias in remodeled left ventricular (LV) myocardium 3 to 4 weeks after MI in the rat. We analyzed (1) the incidence of induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) in the in vivo heart, (2) action potential characteristics and arrhythmia mechanisms in multicellular preparations and isolated remodeled LV myocytes, and (3) the density and kinetics of the L-type Ca2+ current (ICa-L) and the fast and slow components of transient outward K+ currents (Ito-f and Ito-s, respectively). The results were compared with those from sham-operated rats. In vivo, programmed stimulation induced sustained VT in 80% of post-MI rats but not in sham-operated rats. The capacitance of post-MI hypertrophied myocytes was significantly increased compared with myocytes from sham-operated rats. Post-MI myocytes had prolonged action potential duration (APD) with marked heterogeneity of the time course of repolarization. The prolongation of APD could be explained by the significant decrease of the density of both Ito-f and Ito-s. There was no change in the kinetics of both currents compared with control. Both the density and kinetics of ICa-L were not significantly different in post-MI remodeled myocytes compared with control. The cellular studies showed that reentrant excitation secondary to dispersion of repolarization and triggered activity from both early and delayed afterdepolarizations are potential mechanisms for VT in the post-MI remodeled heart.
From label fusion to correspondence fusion: A new approach to unbiased groupwise registration

Label fusion strategies are used in multi-atlas image segmentation approaches to compute a consensus segmentation of an image, given a set of candidate segmentations produced by registering the image to a set of atlases [19, 11, 8]. Effective label fusion strategies, such as local similarity-weighted voting [1, 13] substantially reduce segmentation errors compared to single-atlas segmentation. This paper extends the label fusion idea to the problem of finding correspondences across a set of images. Instead of computing a consensus segmentation, weighted voting is used to estimate a consensus coordinate map between a target image and a reference space. Two variants of the problem are considered: (1) where correspondences between a set of atlases are known and are propagated to the target image; (2) where correspondences are estimated across a set of images without prior knowledge. Evaluation in synthetic data shows that correspondences recovered by fusion methods are more accurate than those based on registration to a population template. In a 2D example in real MRI data, fusion methods result in more consistent mappings between manual segmentations of the hippocampus.
Electron and Phonon Scattering in GaAs at High Temperatures

The electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}$, the Seebeck coefficient $Q$, and the thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, were measured in a series of GaAs samples in the temperature range 300-900\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Values of $Q$ were combined with room-temperature values of the Hall coefficient in order to derive the relative weights of the polar scattering ($\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}{E}^{r}$, $0l~rl~0.5$) and the ionized-impurity scattering ($\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}{E}^{\frac{3}{2}}$) in a self-consistent manner. The partial mobilities ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{P}$ (polar mobility) and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{I}$ (ionized-impurity mobility) were then derived from the measured $\ensuremath{\rho}$. The Brooks-Herring formula for ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{I}$ was found to overestimate screening effects. The temperature dependencies of these mobilities were ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{P}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{\ensuremath{-}2.3}$ and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{I}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{\frac{3}{2}}$. Knowledge of the Fermi levels and of the degree of "mixing" of the two scattering mechanisms made it possible to assess exactly the electronic contributions to $\ensuremath{\kappa}$. It was found that ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\mathrm{lattice}}$ was proportional to ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1.25}$, and that it decreased as the free-carrier concentrations in the samples increased, thus showing the influence of scattering of phonons by electrons. The value of ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\mathrm{lattice}}$ at the Debye temperature in the undoped material is used to confirm the contribution due to scattering of acoustical by optical phonons.
Random Sampling Monte-Carlo Approach to Studying Entropic Elasticity Properties of Cell Proteins and Lipids

An efficient numerical Monte-Carlo method is proposed for the estimation of the entropic contribution to the elastic properties of cell protein and lipid chain biomolecules. Specific load-extension curves are obtained numerically for a group of molecules with degenerate potential energy profiles. Spread of the linear elastic regimes and dependence on the molecular weight and geometric parameters of the molecules are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Catalytic effect of fullerene and formation of nanocomposites with complex hydrides: NaAlH4 and LiAlH4

Abstract Carbonaceous nanomaterials utilized as scaffolds, catalysts, and additives in conjunction with complex metal hydrides have shown remarkable hydrogen sorption properties. Our studies have confirmed fullerene-C 60 is an excellent catalyst for temperature induced hydrogen desorption for both NaAlH 4 and LiAlH 4 . Fullerene-containing complex metal hydride composites comprised of fullerene-C 60 with NaAlH 4 or LiAlH 4 desorbed hydrogen at elevated temperature and go onto form alkali metal fullerides and aluminum metal as final products. The as-prepared composites exhibit rapid hydrogen desorption at onset temperatures of 130 °C and 150 °C, and released hydrogen content of 5.9 and 2.2 wt.% (LiAlH 4 and NaAlH 4 , respectively) relative to the composite. The resultant alkali metal fulleride containing composites have been characterized and are capable of reversible hydrogen storage. A series of desorption/absorption experiments on the Na–C 60 and Li–C 60 based composites demonstrate a 1.5 wt.% and a 1.2 wt.% reversible capacity, respectively. The complex metal hydride-C 60 systems were characterized by PCT, XRD, FT-IR, and TGA-RGA and demonstrate the formation of fulleride material similar to traditional hydrofullerenes which appear to be responsible for the observed reversible hydrogen storage.
Interfacial debonding and fiber pull-out stresses of fiber-reinforced composites. IX: A simple treatment of Poisson's effect for frictional interfaces

Abstract Consideration of Poisson's effect is essential in modeling a debonded fiber-matrix interface, which is subjected to Coulomb friction during fiber pull-out. The stress analysis is formidable when Poisson's effect is considered pointwise along the sliding length. In the present study, Poisson's effect is treated in an average sense, and both the stress analysis and the analytical solutions for fiber pull-out are greatly simplified. Applications of this averaging technique to fiber push-out and indentation problems are also addressed. The simplified solutions obtained in the present study are in excellent agreement with the previous more rigorous, complex solutions, but are more tractable than the rigorous solutions.
Regulation of Chloroplast Photosynthetic Activity by Exogenous Magnesium

Magnesium was most inhibitory to photosynthetic reactions by intact chloroplasts when the magnesium was added in the dark before illumination. Two millimolar MgCl 2 , added in the dark, inhibited CO 2 -dependent O 2 evolution by Hordeum vulgare L. and Spinacia oleracea L. (C 3 plants) chloroplasts 70 to 100% and inhibited (pyruvate + oxaloacetate)-dependent O 2 evolution by Digitaria sanguinalis L. (C 4 plant) mesophyll chloroplasts from 80 to 100%. When Mg 2+ was added in the light, O 2 evolution was reduced only slightly. O 2 evolution in the presence of phosphoglycerate was less sensitive to Mg 2+ inhibition than was CO 2 -dependent O 2 evolution. Magnesium prevented the light activation of several photosynthetic enzymes. Two millimolar Mg 2+ blocked the light activation of NADP-malate dehydrogenase in D. sanguinalis mesophyll chloroplasts, and the light activation of phosphoribulokinase, NADP-linked glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fructose 1,6-diphosphatase in barley chloroplasts. The results suggest that Mg 2+ inhibits chloroplast photosynthesis by preventing the light activation of certain enzymes.
Application of ab initio molecular-orbital calculations to the structural moieties of carbohydrates. Part VI

Abstract Ab initio RHF/4–31G molecular-orbital calculations have been conducted on methoxymethyl formate and methoxymethyl acetate as models for examining the anomeric effect and stereochemistry of 1- O -acetylglycopyranoses. The results indicate that, as with the methyl glycopyranosides, the α- 4 C 1 (D) configurations are more stable than the β- 4 C 1 (D), except that the energy difference is more dependent on the disposition about the glycosidic bond. The lowest-energy conformations occur with glycosidic torsion-angles of ϕ  180°, where the anomeric energy is about 4 kcal/mol. There is a secondary energy-minimum at ϕ  90°, for which the anomeric energy is less, about 2 kcal/mol. This orientation corresponds to the conformation most commonly observed in the crystal structures of peracetylated glycopyranoses. Small differences in the CO single-bond lengths, which are observed experimentally in both the α and β anomers, are reproduced by the theoretical calculations.
Evaluation of nanoscale mechanically-milled NiAl using a Miniaturized Disk-Bend Test

Abstract This work reports on the characterization and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline NiAl materials using the Miniaturized Disk-Bend Test (MDBT). Nanoscale NiAl was synthesized by high energy milling of pre-alloyed NiAl powder. Dense compacts were formed by forging the milled powder at m in air. MDBT experiments were performed on 3 mm diameter specimens using a ring-on-ring loading configuration. Bend strengths of 136 to 495 MPa were recorded with limited ductility. The fracture surfaces indicated that failure was along priorparticle boundaries from the milled powder, suggesting that the bend strength is controlled by the strength at these interfaces.
Kinetics of Smooth Muscle Heavy Meromyosin with One Thiophosphorylated Head

Actin-activated MgATPase of smooth muscle heavy meromyosin is activated by thiophosphorylation of two regulatory light chains, one on each head domain. To understand cooperativity between heads, we examined the kinetics of heavy meromyosin (HMM) with one thiophosphorylated head. Proteolytic gizzard heavy meromyosin regulatory light chains were partially exchanged with recombinant thiophosphorylated His-tagged light chains, and HMM with one thiophosphorylated head was isolated by nickel-affinity chromatography. In vitro motility was observed. By steady-state kinetic analysis, one-head thiophosphorylated heavy meromyosin had a similar K(m) value for actin but a V(max) value of approximately 50% of the fully thiophosphorylated molecule. However, single turnover analysis, which is not sensitive to small amounts of active heads, showed that one-head thiophosphorylated heavy meromyosin was 46-120 times more active than unphosphorylated HMM but only 7-19% as active as the fully thiophosphorylated molecule. Discrepancy between the single turnover and steady-state values could be explained by a small fraction of rigor heads. These rigor heads would have a large effect on the steady-state kinetics of one-head thiophosphorylated HMM. In summary, thiophosphorylation of one head leads to a molecule with unique intermediate kinetics suggesting that thiophosphorylation of one head cooperatively alters the kinetics of the partner head and vice versa.
Penile encrustation due to a condom catheter.

We report a 68-year-old man with penile encrustation caused by a condom catheter used for urinary incontinence. High-resolution x-ray crystallographic analysis of the encrustation revealed struvite [MgNH4PO4. 6H2O] and apatite [Ca5 (PO4)3(OH)]. Physicians should be aware that penile encrustation may occur as a complication of condom catheter use. The problem of encrustation is discussed. A brief review of condom catheter complications is presented.
Transfer of Genes to Humans: Early Lessons and Obstacles to Success

Enough information has been gained from clinical trials to allow the conclusion that human gene transfer is feasible, can evoke biologic responses that are relevant to human disease, and can provide important insights into human biology. Adverse events have been uncommon and have been related to the gene delivery strategies, not to the genetic material being transferred. Human gene transfer still faces significant hurdles before it becomes an established therapeutic strategy. However, its accomplishments to date are impressive, and the logic of the potential usefulness of this clinical paradigm continues to be compelling.
Linking Boundary Layer Circulations and Surface Processes during FIFE 89. Part II: Maintenance of Secondary Circulation

Abstract Land–atmosphere interactions are examined for three different synoptic situations during a 21-day period in the course of the First ISLSCP (International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project) Field Experiment 1989 to better understand the relationship between biophysical feedback processes, boundary layer structure, and circulations in the boundary layer. The objective is to understand how the secondary circulation discussed in Part I of this paper was able to sustain itself throughout the duration of the 1989 intensive field campaign. The study is based on diagnostic analysis of measurements obtained from a network of surface meteorology and energy budget stations, augmented with high vertical resolution radiosonde measurements. Shallow convection associated with an undisturbed boundary layer situation and rainfall occurring during two different disturbed boundary layer situations—one associated with a surface trough, the other with the passage of a cold front—led to markedly different imp...
Reproductive history and the risk of neonatal sepsis.

Summary. It was recently suggested that a previous abortion increases the risk of intrapartum infection in a following pregnancy. The authors hypothesised that abortion also could be associated with a higher risk of neonatal sepsis. A case-control study of neonatal sepsis was conducted using the Washington State Birth Registry. Cases of sepsis were selected among singleton livebirths during the period 1984-90, and compared with a control group for the occurrence of spontaneous or induced abortion in previous pregnancies. The risk estimates were calculated using a stratified analysis. After exclusion of primigravidae, the age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.68, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33,2.11 for previous spontaneous abortion, and 2.20 (95% CI 1.73, 2.79) for induced abortion, compared with previous livebirth. After exclusion of nullipa-rous women, the OR decreased to 1.19 (95% CI 0.90,1.58) for spontaneous abortion and 1.45 (95% CI 1.03, 2.04) for induced abortion. After controlling for the effect of parity, induced abortion is associated with an increased risk of neonatal sepsis in a subsequent pregnancy, but the association between spontaneous abortion and sepsis is small and nonsignificant. The authors suggest that the procedures involved in a therapeutic abortion might produce a latent, sub-clinical infection that persists until the next pregnancy, and is then transmitted to the newborn.
On the uniqueness of stable marriage matchings

Abstract A sufficient condition for uniqueness is identified on the preferences in the marriage problem, i.e. two-sided one-to-one matching with non transferable utility. For small economies this condition is also necessary. This class of preferences is broad and they are of particular relevance in economic applications.
Teratogenic action of a bis(dichloroacetyl)diamine on rats: Patterns of malformations produced in high incidence at time‐limited periods of development

Win 18,446, a bis(dichloroacetyl)diamine, is a drug that was previously shown to suppress spermatogenesis and to be an effective oral abortifacient in rats. The present study shows that the drug is capable of producing characteristic congenital malformations in high incidence, by a single treatment, and with high survival of fetuses to day 21. Gestation day 11 is the most sensitive time. The teratologies obtained after various schedules of treatment include malformations of the snout (100%), septal heart defects (100%) diaphragmatic hernias (100%), cryptorchism (100%), cervical pockets (100%) and absent or small irregular thymus (92%). Some of these data, namely of the heart, face and thymus, cluster in patterns that indicate that the action of the drug is upon a time-resistricted developmental process. These periods of sensitivity are subsiding or have ended before primordia of these structures appear, but they coincide with the proliferation and migration of those mesenchyme cells that will eventually form or contribute to the structures affected. It is postulated that the drug acts on these mesenchyme cells, or on the extracellular matrix that provides the necessary framework for their dispersal.
Neimark–Sacker Bifurcations in Planar, Piecewise-Smooth, Continuous Maps

The multipliers of a fixed point of a piecewise-smooth, continuous map may change discontinuously as the fixed point crosses a discontinuity under smooth variation of parameters. We study the case when the multipliers “jump” from inside to outside the unit circle, and we assume the map is two-dimensional and piecewise-affine. The resulting dynamics is sometimes similar to the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of a smooth map in which an attracting periodic or quasiperiodic orbit is created as the fixed point loses stability. However, the bifurcation is often much more complex, with multiple (chaotic) attractors, saddles, and repellors created or destroyed.
Characterization of the metabolic turnover of epidermal growth factor receptor protein in A‐431 cells

The metabolism of the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) in A-431 cells has been measured by labeling the receptor in vivo with radioactive amino acid precursors and then determining, by immunoprecipitation with specific anti-EGF receptor antisera, the rate of degradation of the receptor when the cells are placed in a nonradioactive medium. The rate of EGF receptor degradation (t½12 = 20 hr) was faster than the rate of degradation of total cell protein (t½12 = 52 hr). When EGF was added at the beginning of the chase, the half-life of prelabeled receptor decreased to 8.9 hr. This decrease was specific, as the level of total cellular protein and another plasma membrane protein, the transferrin receptor, were relatively unaffected by EGF. The carbohydrate portion of the receptor is degraded, in the presence or absence of EGF, at approximately the same rate as the protein moiety. The amount of EGF receptor protein in A-431 cells has been quantitated by radiolabeling total cellular protein and quantitating the immunoprecipitable receptor. The EGF receptor constitutes approximately 0.15% of the total cell protein in A-431 cells. These cells, therefore, have approximately 30 times more EGF receptor protein than fibroblasts. The EGF receptor constitutes an even higher proportion of 3H-glucosamine- or 3H-mannose-labeled macromolecules in A-431 cells, 1.5% or 5.2%, respectively. The EGF receptor from A-431 cells can easily be identified by submitting carbohydrate-labeled, solubilized cells to electrophoresis as described by Laemmli (1970).