cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biplanar flap reconstruction for pressure ulcers: experience in patients with immobility from chronic spinal cord injuries.

Abstract Background Surgical therapy for advanced-stage pressure ulcers recalcitrant to healing is a widely accepted practice. The present study examined the incidence of wound recurrence after reconstruction with fasciocutaneous versus combined (biplanar) muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps. Methods A retrospective review identified 90 nonambulatory patients with spinal cord injury who underwent reconstruction for persistent decubitus ulcers from 2002 to 2008. Electronic medical records were surveyed for patient comorbidities and postoperative complications. Statistical methods included the Fisher exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test with a 2-sided P value of less than .05. Results Among 90 patients reviewed, 33% (n = 30) received fasciocutaneous flaps and 66% (n = 60) underwent biplanar reconstruction. Comorbidities were the same between cohorts with the exception of a greater prevalence of diabetes in the biplanar group (27% vs 50%; P P Conclusions Biplanar flap reconstruction should be considered for chronically immobilized patients at high risk for recurrent decubitus ulceration.
Synthesis and Monte Carlo Structure Determination of SSZ-77: A New Zeolite Topology

A new molecular sieve topology has been determined from a multistage Monte Carlo computer simulation procedure using the program ZEFSAII. The material, SSZ-77, consists of alternating layers present in the RUT and AST topologies, and intergrowths may be possible in the way that this material grows. The product first arose from a synthesis where it appears that the degradation of the quaternary ammonium structure directing agent (SDA) produced the viable organo-guest molecule in the structure formation. The synthesis requires the use of Ge as well as Si as lattice components. In the absence of Ge, only RUT forms. An additional study was carried out to determine the suitable size of guest molecules in a series spanning trimethylamine to tetraethylammonium in the presence of benzyltrimethylammonium. It is found from NMR investigations that none of the larger molecules are occluded within the cages of the SSZ-77 structure, and that the primary occluded species is trimethylamine or tetramethylammonium.
Sensitivity and information content of aerosol retrievals from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer: radiometric factors

The sensitivity of aerosol optical depths τ1 and τ2 derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) channels 1 and 2, centered at λ1 = 0.63 and λ2 = 0.83 µm, respectively, and of an effective Angstrom exponent α, derived therefrom as α = -ln(τ1/τ2)/ln(λ1/λ2), to calibration uncertainties, radiometric noise, and digitization is estimated. Analyses are made both empirically (by introduction of perturbations into the measured radiances and estimation of the respective partial derivatives) and theoretically (by use of a decoupled form of the single-scattering approximation of the radiative transfer equation). The two results are in close agreement. The errors, Δτi and Δαi, are parameterized empirically as functions of τi, radiometric errors, and Sun and view geometry. In particular, the α errors change in approximately inverse proportion to τ and are comparable with, or even exceed, typical α signals over oceans when τ < 0.25. Their detrimental effect on the information content of the AVHRR-derived size parameter gradually weakens as τ increases.
Experimental Evidence of the Impact of Nitrogen on Carrier Capture and Escape Times in InGaAsN/GaAs Single Quantum Well

We report our experimental results and theoretical analysis on carrier escape time in In0.4Ga0.6As1 -yNy/GaAs (y = 0; 0.005) ridge waveguide single-quantum-well (QW) lasers with N-contents of 0% and 0.5%. The experiments were carried out by using novel time-resolved two-color pump-probe transmission measurements. Our results show a significant decrease of carrier escape time with nitrogen incorporation in the InGaAsN QW, which agrees well with the values obtained from the theoretical calculation based on thermally activated hole leakage. The measurement results provide experimental supports for hole leakage theory.
Hemodynamics and Natural History Outcome in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

There is increasing interest in assessing the role of hemodynamics in aneurysm growth and rupture mechanism. The ability to accurately predict the rupture risk of an aneurysm can help in providing immediate intervention to patients with aneurysms at high rupture risk Also, the small but significant risk associated with the treatment options can be avoided for patients with stable harmless aneurysms. Retrospective studies have been performed in the past to identify indices that differentiate ruptured aneurysms from unruptured aneurysms [1–3]. However, these differences may not necessarily translate to differences between aneurysms that present unruptured but over a period of time (months to years), fork towards growth/rupture and unruptured aneurysms that remain stable. In the present study, the hypothesis that hemodynamic indices of unruptured aneurysms when they first presented are predictive of their longitudinal outcome was tested.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Resource dependence or institutionalized fear? The organizational response of nursing homes to the AIDS crisis

As drug therapies increase the life expectancy of people with AIDS, we are beginning to think of AIDS as a chronic disease and are starting to address the long-term care needs of people living with AIDS. Nursing homes stand out among long-term care providers for their refusal to admit people with AIDS. Inadequate reimbursement, the increased costs of caring for AIDS patients, the potential loss of staff and other nursing home residents, and general fear of the disease account for much of the industry's response. This paper uses two theories in organizational sociology to make sense of the unwillingness of nursing homes to admit and treat people with AIDS. First, resource dependence theory argues that the decision to exclude AIDS patients is a conscious one, strategically managed by a coalition of interests in the nursing home. And, nursing homes have a formal policy that articulates this decision. Second, institutional theory argues that nursing homes do not have a formal AIDS policy, but refusing to admit AIDS patients demonstrates tacit conformity with widely-held negative assumptions about people with AIDS in other institutional settings. The paper concludes with a number of theoretically-based propositions for empirical testing.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Reaction Intermediates by a Rapid Mixing, Continuous Flow Technique

Raman spectroscopy is potentially of great value in elucidating the structure of intermediates in chemical reactions. However, its utility in this regard has been limited because of the time required to scan a spectrum using a conventional spectrometer and static sample techniques. If one wishes to obtain a spectrum of an aliquot of a reaction mixture, while negligible concentration changes occur in the reactants, intermediates, and products, then clearly the half-life of the chemical reaction must be long compared to the spectral scan time. Since 10 min may be considered a typical time required to scan a 1000 cm−1 Raman spectrum, ordinary (static) sample handling techniques will yield satisfactory spectra of intermediates only for very slow reactions. Another disadvantage of static sample techniques, in Raman spectroscopy of reaction intermediates, occurs when one attempts to exploit the resonance Raman effect. In this situation, localized sample heating by the exciting radiation will generally cause a manifold increase in reaction rate and a concomitant decrease in the lifetimes of the intermediates. We now report a technique which allows one to obtain Raman spectra of reaction intermediates, with little determent due to reaction rate or sample heating.
Appetitive Responses to Computer-Generated Visual Stimuli by Female Rhombodera basalis, Deroplatys lobata, Hierodula membranacea, and Miomantis sp. (Insecta: Mantodea)

We used computer-generated stimuli to assess the stimulus parameters eliciting prey-directed behaviors in four mantis species: Rhombodera basalis (60 mm body length), Deroplatys lobata (70 mm), Hierodula membranacea (80 mm), Miomantis sp (38 mm). All responded appetitively to erratically moving disks subtending 10° or more. R. basalis responded more consistently to checkered (versus solid black) disks; only D. lobata displayed a size preference (14–23 deg disks); Miomantis sp. struck at disks as large as did the largest species; only Miomantis sp. displayed approaching behavior. H. membranacea and R. basalis preferred black disks on a white background (versus the reverse), and red disks (versus blue or green) on a brightness-matched grey background. All preferred elongated stimuli moving parallel (versus perpendicular) to their long axes.
'Being a foreigner, I may be punished if I make a small mistake': assessing transcultural experiences in caring for patients.

Background Emotionally charged issues that arise during graduate medical education often are unrecognized and consequently not addressed by training programmes. Little attention has been given to the emotional challenges encountered by international medical graduates (IMG) in caring for patients transculturally. Objectives We aimed to examine the value of qualitative approaches to assessing the transcultural experiences of IMG residents during primary care training. Methods Two qualitative research techniques (the critical incident and the focus group) were used to assess the transcultural challenges in caring for patients of IMG and American medical graduates (AMG) resident in a primary care residency programme. Each resident wrote a narrative describing a challenging experience and facilitators then conducted a focus group to discuss these experiences. Key themes were identified from the written narratives and from the transcript of the videotaped focus group. Results Previously unacknowledged feelings emerged during the assessment. Themes of struggles for acceptance, fear of rejection, and fear of disappointing patients were identified from analysis of the written narrative, while themes of struggle to express caring transculturally were identified from the focus group transcript. Based on these findings, significant changes were made to the residency training curriculum. Conclusions Qualitative methods are useful for assessing the transcultural experiences of IMG residents and for informing curricular changes in residency training. These methods may help other training programmes to identify the particular needs of their trainees in addressing emotionally laden experiences.
Neurobiological effects of childhood abuse: implications for the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety

Mood and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent psychiatric disorders, especially in women, and they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A considerable literature indicates that vulnerability to depression and anxiety disorders is markedly increased by childhood abuse, e.g., physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, as well as adulthood stressors, e.g., death of a spouse. Little is known about the developmental neurobiological mechanisms by which childhood abuse increases the susceptibility of women to the development of depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood. Recent research on the effects of adverse early life experiences on central nervous system (CNS) stress systems has provided a greater understanding of the link between childhood abuse and susceptibility to mood and anxiety disorders. Specifically, early life traumatic events, occurring during a period of neuronal plasticity, appear to permanently render neuroendocrine stress response systems supersensitive. These physiological maladaptations likely represent long-term risk factors for the development of psychopathology after exposure to additional stress.
Thermally-induced structural and electrical effects in GeTe-based amorphous alloys

Abstract The thermal, structural electrical properties of bulk glasses based on GeTe compositions near the binary eutectic, Ge15Te85, are studied. Information regarding the non-crystalline state and the transformation from the non-crystalline to the crystalline state is reported. The particular alloys studied represent binary (Ge17Te83), ternary (Ge15Te80As5) and quaternary (Ge15Te81Sb2S2) compositions. Structural information is obtained using X-ray diffraction techniques and density measurements. Thermal data are reported from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA) and mass spectrometry results. The electrical conductivity is measured as a function of temperature and, on the ‘as-prepared’ glasses, shows semi-conducting behavior with activation energies, E, of 0.43–0.48 eV. DSC, TGA and X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate the samples crystallize as Te and GeTe in a two-step process, and melt at the binary eutectic temperature. The binary vaporizes as Te and GeTe in a two-step process. GeTeAs and GeTeSbS vaporize by essentially the same mechanism, with As evaporating ( ⋍125−133° C ; crystallization temperature ⋍206−228° C as determined by DSC). DSC, TGA and mass spectrometry results have been correlated to electrical and structural changes. Results show that crystalline Te nucleates at the surface and forms a conductive surface layer. The conductivity of this surface layer is nearly temperature independent with E ≈ 10−2 eV for all three alloys. Crystallization and the associated electrically conductive regions extend into the bulk material with further annealing. In these disordered alloys the additives As and Sb + S apparently do not act as electrical dopants in the sense of affecting the conductivity activation energy. The additives Sb + S however do retard crystallization of GeTe. The secondary crystallization product, GeTe, apparently changes the conduction mechanism to either a metallic or degenerate semiconductor type behavior.
Isolation and identification of morphine from postmorteum tissues.

Abstract A procedure for the determination of morphine in forensic material has been investigated with the result that a rather rapid and reliable method is available now. Specific recommendations are made using a certain filter paper in order to reduce the loss of the alkaloid. It was further established that a concentration of greater than 5% of hydrochloric acid resulted in an appreciable loss of morphine when used to cleave the glucuronide. Modifications in the solvents for the thin-layer chromatographic separations facilitated the isolation of morphine. The free morphine was determined by ultra violet spectroscopy and gas-liquid chromatography. It was further established that urine and bile are the specimens of choice, followed by liver and kidney. The concentrate of the alkaloid in blood and spleen is relatively low and samples of spinal and ocular fluid were found to be free of morphine in most cases tested.
Toward a Definition of Work

Work is purposeful activity with a future orientation. Efficiency and specialization are essential characteristics of work which affect human values. Social identity and money reward are other significant aspects of work. Individual motivation to work is closely related to need for activity and opportunity for self-regulation. Non-work activities provide direct satisfaction of human needs and interests. Implications for vocational counseling, education, society, and the future are discussed briefly.
Fatigue of Metal Matrix Composites

One unidirectional and two laminated 6061-0 Al-B composite plates were tested under various cyclic loading conditions. Three types of material response to cyclic loading were identified; No evidence of damage at relatively low cyclic loads, damage accumulation caused primarily by growth of long matrix cracks parallel to the fibers in off-axis layers at higher loads, and sudden localized failure of the fibers. Quantitative analysis of the results shows that the extent of internal damage, demonstrated by a reduction in axial elastic modulus, depends on the applied stress range and is independent of mean stress. The stress range at which damage first starts to appear coincides with the shakedown range of the laminate.
Effects of UV-B on activities of enzymes of secondary phenolic metabolism in barley primary leaves

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was grown in a glasshouse with 13.56 or 8.84 kJ m −2 biologically effective UV-B (280-320 nm; UV-B BE ) simulating levels predicted to occur with 25 or 5% ozone depletion at 40°N latitude, with UV-A (320-400 nm), or with no supplemental irradiation. Activities of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5), chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CFI, EC 5.5.1.6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) were determined from the 5th through the 30th day after planting. PAL regulates diversion of L-phenylalanine into precursors for secondary phenolics, CM regulates an early step of flavonoid biosynthesis, and peroxidase activates phenolic precursors for cross-linking and rigidifying cell walls. At all ages UV-B decreased soluble protein leaf −1 but had little effect on fresh weight or CFI activity. Exposure to UV-B decreased peroxidase activity only slightly in early growth stages but decreased it about 40% by day 30. PAL activity was highest 5 days after planting under all treatments, decreased thereafter, and was not detectable in control plants after day 10. UV-B prolonged PAL activity through day 15 in plants given the highest level of UV-B. This UV-B prolongation of PAL activity is correlated with, and is a likely underlying mechanism to explain, the UV-B- enhanced accumulation of flavonoids and ferulic acid in barley primary leaves. The results are discussed in terms of barley leaf adaptation to UV-B as a developmental response dependent on conditions of plant growth
Induction of the c-fos gene product in rat forebrain following cortical lesions and NGF injections

Neocortical lesions and NGF injections into neocortex induce the immunostaining of Fos, the c-fos gene product, in neuronal nuclei in ipsilateral cortex, and amygdala. Adjacent structures including hippocampus, septal nuclei, globus pallidus, and thalamus were unaffected. It is hypothesized that trophic molecules or other chemicals are released at the injury site and these induce the c-fos gene in cells throughout the ipsilateral hemisphere. Fos induction might mediate metabolic or plasticity responses to the focal injury.
Measuring Outcomes after Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using a Disease-Specific Instrument

Measuring Outcomes after Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using a Disease-Specific Instrument
Modulation of adhesion molecules by cytokines in vivo using human/severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse chimeras

Endothelial cell-leukocyte interactions involve multiple cell adhesion molecules acting in a programmed and sequential manner to create a leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion cascade. To understand this process fully,in vivo models are needed. To accomplish this, we have transplanted pieces of normal human tissues onto immunodeficient mice to create chimeric animals. In one model, human skin is grafted and closely resembles normal skin histologically. The grafts retain their human vasculature and show low baseline expression of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1. After intradermal injection of human cytokines, these cell adhesion molecules are markedly upregulated and an active inflammatory reaction ensues, with migration of murine leukocytes. Intravenous injection of an antihuman E-selectin antibody completely inhibits leukocyte accumulation induced by tumor necrosis factor-α but only partially inhibits leukotriene B4-induced inflammation. In a second model, human bronchus was successfully transplanted heterotopically into severe combined immunodeficient mice. Injection of tumor necrosis factor induced upregulation of E-selectin, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the submucosal microvessels, with slightly different kinetics than in the skin. In conclusion, human-severe combined immunodeficient chimeric mice represent a useful model system to study the regulation and function of human cell adhesion molecules in anin vivo setting.
Childhood obesity in USA: A descriptive snapshot of current responses, disconnects, and what could hold promise for additional mitigation

L’obesite infantile aux Etats-Unis : Un instantane descriptif des reponses actuelles, deconnexions, et ce qui pourrait promettre une attenuation supplementaireL’obesite des enfants est une epidemie aux Etats-Unis, surtout pour ceux de couleur et ceux ayant un faible statut socio-economique. Le bilan energetique est un facteur determinant. L’activite physique facilite la gestion du poids et la plupart des programmes d’intervention sur l’obesite infantile se concentrent sur l’engagement dans celle-ci. Prenant en consideration la frequentation obligatoire, les ecoles demandent des programmes d’intervention, mais la plupart sont de trop courte duree et ne repondent pas assez souvent au besoin d’amelioration de l’indice de masse corporelle. Certains aspects en relation avec les programmes d’activite physique scolaire existant semblent utiles a l’attenuation de l’epidemie, tels que l’education physique, mais « l’exergaming », une recente inclusion curriculaire presente des defis uniques en raison d’une attenuation prometteuse. Le sport interscolaire offre des possibilites d’activite physique, mais les populations qui ont le plus besoin d’y participer y sont le moins representees. Les ecoles devraient offrir d’autres possibilites de participer a l’activite grâce aux accords intra-muros et ecole/communaute pour une utilisation conjointe.
Synergistic dopaminergic neurotoxicity of manganese and lipopolysaccharide: differential involvement of microglia and astroglia.

Overexposure to manganese is known to cause damage to basal ganglial neurons and the development of movement abnormalities. Activation of microglia and astrocytes has increasingly been associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological disorders. We have recently shown that microglial activation facilitates manganese chloride (MnCl2, 10–300 μM)-induced preferential degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons. In this study, we report that combinations of MnCl2 (1–30 μM) and endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5–2 ng/mL), at minimally effective concentrations when used alone, induced synergistic and preferential damage to DA neurons in rat primary neuron-glia cultures. Mechanistically, MnCl2 significantly potentiated LPS-induced release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta in microglia, but not in astroglia. MnCl2 and LPS were more effective in inducing the formation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in microglia than in astroglia. Furthermore, MnCl2 and LPS-induced free radical generation, cytokine release, and DA neurotoxicity was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with potential anti-inflammatory agents minocycline and naloxone. These results demonstrate that the combination of manganese overexposure and neuroinflammation is preferentially deleterious to DA neurons. Moreover, these findings not only shed light on the understanding of manganese neurotoxicity but may also bear relevance to the potentially multifactorial etiology of Parkinson’s disease.
Von Neumann-Morgenstern solution social choice functions: An impossibility theorem

Recent literature has made significant progress in characterizing those social choice functions that can arise, or be “implemented,” as the equilibria of an underlying noncooperative game. This paper studies the implementability of social choice functions via cooperative games. Specifically, we show that if a social choice function arises, in each environment, as a Von Neumann-Morgenstern solution of an underlying cooperative game, whose dominance structure is monotonic and neutral, then the social choice function is essentially oligarchic, in exactly the same sense that “core” selecting choice functions are oligarchic.
Semi-supervised model-based document clustering: A comparative study

Semi-supervised learning has become an attractive methodology for improving classification models and is often viewed as using unlabeled data to aid supervised learning. However, it can also be viewed as using labeled data to help clustering, namely, semi-supervised clustering. Viewing semi-supervised learning from a clustering angle is useful in practical situations when the set of labels available in labeled data are not complete, i.e., unlabeled data contain new classes that are not present in labeled data. This paper analyzes several multinomial model-based semi-supervised document clustering methods under a principled model-based clustering framework. The framework naturally leads to a deterministic annealing extension of existing semi-supervised clustering approaches. We compare three (slightly) different semi-supervised approaches for clustering documents: Seeded damnl, Constrained damnl, and Feedback-based damnl, where damnl stands for multinomial model-based deterministic annealing algorithm. The first two are extensions of the seeded k-means and constrained k-means algorithms studied by Basu et al. (2002); the last one is motivated by Cohn et al. (2003). Through empirical experiments on text datasets, we show that: (a) deterministic annealing can often significantly improve the performance of semi-supervised clustering; (b) the constrained approach is the best when available labels are complete whereas the feedback-based approach excels when available labels are incomplete.
Effect of fine particles on the kinetics and energetics of grinding coarse particles

Abstract To delineate the effect of material environment on grinding parameters and specific energy distribution, mixtures of coarse (10 × 14 mesh) and fine (minus 100 mesh) material at different mass ratios were comminuted in a dry-batch ball mill. Data analysis showed that the breakage distribution function is environment-independent, whereas the breakage rate function of the coarse particles increases as the fraction of coarse material in the feed is decreased. Furthermore, the energy split factors indicate that the specific energy consumed by coarse material increases as the ratio of coarse-to-fine material in the mill feed decreases. If the grinding of coarse-fine particle mixtures is carried out wet, the breakage rate of the coarse particles is markedly enhanced over all feed compositions, probably because the fines are suspended in the liquid and thereby effectively removed from the grinding zone.
Correction for nonuniform flat-field response in focal plane arrays

An estimation-based method for accommodating nonuniform flat-field response of a focal-plane array is described. This method employs image data directly for performing the flat-field correction and does not rely on a separate flat- field calibration-measurement. This is accomplished by dithering the camera so that the object's focal-plane images acquired in a series of snapshots appear in different positions against the fixed-pattern artifacts caused by nonuniformity of the focal-plane array.
A High Speed Electronic Imaging Application In Aeroballistic Research

Physical and temporal restrictions imposed by modern aerohallistics have pushed imaging technology to the point where special photoconductive surfaces and high-speed support electronics are dictated. Specifications for these devices can be formulated by a methodical analysis of critical parameters and how they interact. In terms of system theory, system transfer functions and state equations can be used in optimal coupling of devices to maximize system performance. Application of these methods to electronic imaging at the Eglin Aerohallistics Research Facility is described in this report.
Molecular electromechanics of cartilaginous tissues and polyelectrolyte gels

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present two case studies that highlight the importance of continuum electromechanical concepts as developed by J.R. Melcher in understanding structure/function relationships in natural and synthetic biological materials. Electromechanical phenomena are described at both the molecular and macroscopic levels in synthetic polyelectrolyte gels and in articular cartilage, a member of the connective tissue family. Both of these materials are representative of a broad class of fibrous, hydrated, electrically charged, poroelastic media. Recent studies with ionized gels have shown that applied electric fields can precisely control gel swelling and deformation, leading to applications in drug delivery, separation processes, and robotic actuators. The contributions of electrical, mechanical, and chemical processes governing the extent and kinetics of gel swelling are described. Electromechanical interactions are also critical to the normal and pathological behavior of cartilage in human joints. We have found that the electromechanical transduction properties associated with functionally important cartilage matrix molecules can be used as a means of diagnosing tissue pathology, such as that relevant to osteoarthritis.
The ATX1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a small metal homeostasis factor that protects cells against reactive oxygen toxicity.

Abstract In aerobic organisms, protection against oxidative damage involves the combined action of highly specialized antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of another gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that plays a critical role in detoxification of reactive oxygen species. This gene, named ATX1, was originally isolated by its ability to suppress oxygen toxicity in yeast lacking SOD. ATX1 encodes a 8.2-kDa polypeptide exhibiting significant similarity and identity to various bacterial metal transporters. Potential ATX1 homologues were also identified in multicellular eukaryotes, including the plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In yeast cells, ATX1 evidently acts in the transport and/or partitioning of copper, and this role in copper homeostasis appears to be directly relevant to the ATX1 suppression of oxygen toxicity: ATX1 was incapable of compensating for SOD when cells were depleted of exogenous copper. Strains containing a deletion in the chromosomal ATX1 locus were generated. Loss of ATX1 function rendered both mutant and wild-type SOD strains hypersensitive toward paraquat (a generator of superoxide anion) and was also associated with an increased sensitivity toward hydrogen peroxide. Hence, ATX1 protects cells against the toxicity of both superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide.
Leakage Power Analysis and Reduction for Nanoscale Circuits

Leakage current in the nanometer regime has become a significant portion of power dissipation in CMOS circuits as threshold voltage, channel length, and gate oxide thickness scale downward. Various techniques are available to reduce leakage power in high-performance systems
Long-term results of vitrectomy and perfluorocarbon gas for the treatment of severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy

The results of 87 patients who underwent vitrectomy, scleral buckling, and injection of perfluorocarbon gas in one eye each for proliferative vitreoretinopathy of grade C3 (marked, involving three quadrants) or worse were studied. The retinas of 60 of the 87 patients (69%) were attached posterior to the scleral buckle one month after disappearance of the gas, with the initial reattachment rate being inversely proportional to the severity of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Follow-up data ranging from six to 106 months were available on 54 eyes with attached retinas. Final visual acuity in those patients ranged from light perception to 20/40 and was not related to severity of proliferative vitreoretinopathy or duration of reattachment. Thirty-eight of the 54 patients (70%) had a visual acuity of 20/400 or better. Twenty-nine of the 37 patients (78%) with retinas attached 24 months or longer had the same or better visual acuity than at six months postoperatively. Macular pucker was observed in 16 of the 54 eyes (30%) and was the most frequently seen long-term retinal complication affecting visual acuity.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Ti, Cr and Fe FLUORIDE GARNETS

Abstract The magnetic properties of Na 3 M 2 Li 3 F 12 , where M is trivalent Ti, Cr, and Fe, have been measured from 10 mK to 300 K. Magnetic exchange is weak, consistent with ionic bonding. Splitting parameters are derived for the low-lying states of the Ti 3+ ion. The susceptibilities are consistent with antiferromagnetic order at low temperature in all three cases. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Biochemical maturation of Spam1 (PH-20) during epididymal transit of mouse sperm involves modifications of N-linked oligosaccharides

Indirect immunofluorescence of mouse caput and caudal sperm shows distinctly different distributions of Spaml protein, which is associated with structural and functional differences of the molecule. Spam1 is uniformly distributed over the surface of the head of caput sperm while in caudal sperm, light and confocal microscopy demonstrate that it is localized to the anterior and posterior regions. The hyaluronidase activity of Spaml in acrosome-intact caput sperm was significantly lower (4.3-fold; P < 0.0001) than that of caudal sperm. The increase in enzymatic activity in caudal sperm is accompanied by a reduction in the molecular weight (MW): in extracts from caput sperm there was a major band at approximately 74 kDa and a minor band at approximately 67 kDa; while for the cauda there was a major band at approximately 67 kDa and minor bands at approximately 70 and -56 kDa. Additionally, the bands from caput sperm were 4.9 to 7.7-fold less intense than those from caudal sperm. This decreased affinity for the polyclonal anti-Spaml suggests the presence of different surface characteristics of the molecule from the two epididymal regions. Computer analysis of the protein structure from Spam1 cDNA sequence reveals four putative N-linked glycosylation sites, and enzymatic deglycosylation suggests that all sites are functional. After endoglycosidase activity of extracts from caput and caudal sperm, both show a major band with a MW of approximately 56 kDa, the size of the membrane-anchored polypeptide backbone. Based on the difference in size and intensity of the Spaml bands and hyaluronidase activities from caput and caudal sperm, the data suggest that the activation of Spaml during epididymal maturation is regulated by deglycosylation.
Improving sparse roadmap spanners

Roadmap spanners provide a way to acquire sparse data structures that efficiently answer motion planning queries with probabilistic completeness and asymptotic near-optimality. The current SPARS method provides these properties by building two graphs in parallel: a dense asymptotically-optimal roadmap based on PRM* and its spanner. This paper shows that it is possible to relax the conditions under which a sample is added to the spanner and provide guarantees, while not requiring the use of a dense graph. A key aspect of SPARS is that the probability of adding nodes to the roadmap goes to zero as iterations increase, which is maintained in the proposed extension. The paper describes the new algorithm, argues its theoretical properties and evaluates it against PRM* and the original SPARS algorithm. The experimental results show that the memory requirements of the method upon construction are dramatically reduced, while returning competitive quality paths with PRM*. There is a small sacrifice in the size of the final spanner relative to SPARS but the new method still returns graphs orders of magnitudes smaller than PRM*, leading to very efficient online query resolution.
Recent neutron scattering studies of muscle contraction and its control.

Abstract We have presented two applications of the method of neutron scattering utilizing selective deuteration of actin. In these experiments the actin was rendered effectively invisible to neutrons by matching the scattering-length densities of deuterated actin and the solvent. The scattering of neutrons by myosin S1 and by Tm bound to this actin was studied.
A 5 kWht Lab-Scale Demonstration of a Novel Thermal Energy Storage Concept With Supercritical Fluids

An alternate to the two-tank molten salt thermal energy storage system using supercritical fluids is presented. This technology can enhance the production of electrical power generation and high temperature technologies for commercial use by lowering the cost of energy storage in comparison to current state-of-the-art molten salt energy storage systems. The volumetric energy density of a single-tank supercritical fluid energy storage system is significantly higher than a two-tank molten salt energy storage system due to the high compressibilities in the supercritical state. As a result, the single-tank energy storage system design can lead to almost a factor of ten decrease in fluid costs. This paper presents results from a test performed on a 5 kWht storage tank with a naphthalene energy storage fluid as part of a small preliminary demonstration of the concept of supercritical thermal energy storage. Thermal energy is stored within naphthalene filled tubes designed to handle the temperature (500 °C) and pressure (6.9 MPa or 1000 psia) of the supercritical fluid state. The tubes are enclosed within an insulated shell heat exchanger which serves as the thermal energy storage tank. The storage tank is thermally charged by flowing air at >500 °C over the storage tube bank. Discharging the tank can provide energy to a Rankine cycle (or any other thermodynamic process) over a temperature range from 480 °C to 290 °C. Tests were performed over three stages, starting with a low temperature (200 °C) shake-out test and progressing to a high temperature single cycle test cycling between room temperature and 480 °C and concluding a two-cycle test cycling between 290 °C and 480 °C. The test results indicate a successful demonstration of high energy storage using supercritical fluids.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Causality in dense matter

The possibility of noncausal signal propagation is examined for various theories of dense matter. This investigation requires a discussion of definitions of causality, together with interpretations of spacetime position. Specific examples are used to illustrate the satisfaction or violation of causality in realistic calculations. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A Note on the Possible Effect of Screening in the Theory of Beta-Disintegration

The present paper considers the possibility that screening by the atomic electrons has an appreciable effect on the energy distribution of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-particles emitted by heavy nuclei. A general formula is derived from which it is possible to conclude that the effect of screening is negligible. This result is also derived by another method. Finally, an explicit calculation based on the model of a charged sphere is shown to lead to the same conclusion.
Determinants of clinical response and survival in patients with congestive heart failure treated with captopril.

Abstract The efficacy of chronic ambulatory captopril (CPT) therapy was evaluated over an 18-month period in 36 patients with refractory chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) by cardiac catheterization, treadmill exercise, nuclear scintigraphy, echocardiography, and symptomatology. Clinical improvement to New York Heart Association functional class I or class II was observed in 63% of the patients (20 of 32) after 2 months of treatment; this amelioration of CHF symptoms was sustained in 63% of the patients (10 of 16) at 18 months. Exercise tolerance increased in 64% of the patients (16 of 25) at early follow-up and in 79% (11 of 14) at late follow-up. Univeriate analysis revealed that the pre- and post-CPT stroke work indices (SWI) and the post-CPT cardiac index related to favorable long-term clinical response. Fourteen CHF patients (39%) died during the 18-month follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that the pretreatment SWI, right atrial pressure, plasma norepinephrine concentration, and echocardiographic shortening fraction were significant predictors of mortality. Multivariate analysis indicated that the SWI was the principal determinant of survival: the 18-month cumulative survival rate for CHF patients with a SWI less than 32 gm · m/m 2 was 44% compared to 88% when the SWI was greater than 32 gm · m/m 2 . Thus, CPT results in sustained symptomatic and functional improvement in patients with advanced CHF, but the mortality remains high and is primarily related to the severity of cardiac dysfunction.
A network perspective of account manager performance

Purpose – The paper seeks to provide a conceptual model of the account management process that isolates the social connections of more versus less effective account managers.Design/methodology/approach – The sales performance research tradition is reviewed and a social network perspective is offered to explore the web of internal working relationships that account managers activate to acquire customer and competitor information and create solutions for customers.Findings – Available evidence suggests that network size, network range, and network diversity are among the relational properties that may influence account manager performance. By building a strong network of relationships both within the firm as well as within the customer organization, high‐performing account managers, compared with their peers, are better able to diagnose customer requirements, mobilize internal experts, and choreograph the activities that are required to out‐maneuver rivals and create the desired customer solution.Practical ...
CD21 deficiency, complement, and the development of common variable immunodeficiency.

In this issue, Thiel and colleagues present the first patient identifiedwho lacks themembrane receptor protein CD21. This receptor is mainly present on B cells and follicular dendritic cells. In this 28-year-old man, the deficiency is associated with an immune defect, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). As such it adds to the growing list of genetic deficiencies associated with the development of CVID. It is not surprising that CD21 deficiency contributes to CVID because CD21 is part of themolecular complex consisting of CD21, CD81, and CD19 present on the membrane of B cells. This molecular complex markedly augments the B-cell receptor response upon triggering by its cognate antigen. Defects in CD19 and CD81 have been previously associated with defects in antibody generation and CVID. Our understanding of CVID is still incomplete, and it is particularly interesting to analyze the role of CD21 deficiency in CVID, because of CD21’s well-defined biological activity. CD21 is also known as CR2, the second of the series of complement receptors to be characterized. To fully appreciate the role of CD21 in patients with CVID, one must first understand the role of CD21 in complement function. CD21 binds a degradation fragment of plasma C3, known as C3d, and is also reported to bind CD23 and INF-a. C3 is expressed at high levels in plasma and is present in most normal individuals at about 1.2 mg/mL It is one of themost important opsonins in blood and is a central protein in the activity of all 3 of the known complement activation pathways, the lectin pathway, the classical pathway, and the alternative pathway. C3 mediates the phagocytosis of microorganisms, facilitates the production of inflammatory factors such as C5a, and allows the complement cascade to reach the steps that cause lysis of susceptible organisms. By mediating these biological activities, C3 plays a key role both in complement activation and in host defense, often working through a series of specific receptors for C3 fragments. As discussed below, it also plays an important role in the immune response. Because it can play a highly destructive role if it causes unregulated inflammation and tissue damage, C3 is under tight regulatory control. C3 activity is regulated by a series of cell membrane and blood proteins. Native C3, unlike IgG, does not interact with any known cellular membrane receptor. It is a 195,000-kD protein composed of 2 chains, alpha (about 120 kD) and beta (about
Multiple roles of the DSCR1 (Adapt78 or RCAN1) gene and its protein product Calcipressin 1 (or RCAN1) in disease

The DSCR1 (Adapt78) gene1 is transiently induced by stresses to temporarily protect cells against further potentially lethal challenges. However, chronic expression of the DSCR1 (Adapt78) gene has now been implicated in several pathological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome and cardiac hypertrophy. Calcipressin 1 has been shown to function through direct binding and inhibition of the serine threonine protein phosphatase Calcineurin. Pharmacological inhibition of calcineurin, by the immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporin A and FK506, affects a wide variety of diseases. It is, therefore, likely that this endogenous calcineurin inhibitor, calcipressin 1, may also play a role in a variety of human diseases.
Phase I trial of natural human interferon beta in metastatic malignancy.

A phase I trial of natural human beta-interferon (nHuIFN-beta) was initiated to evaluate its biological activity, maximum tolerated dose, and toxicity in patients with refractory malignancies. nHuIFN-beta was administered to successive groups of 4-6 patients as an i.v. bolus on days 1 and 4, for 4 consecutive weeks. Dose levels were 0.1, 1.0, 10, 30, 60, 100, and 200 x 10(6) units/m2. Thirty-five patients were entered, and 34 patients were evaluable for toxicity, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. Toxicity was mild to moderate and included fever and chills, fatigue, arthralgias, nausea, transient renal and hepatic dysfunction, and leukopenia. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and no responses were seen. Significant immunological changes included the following: an increase in natural killer activity on day 5 when compared to pretreatment values (P less than 0.01) and an increase in activated T-cells (CD3+/HLA-DR+) with increasing doses of nHuIFN-beta (P less than 0.01). Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated a short alpha half-life of 12.1 +/- 2.5 (SE) min and a beta half-life of 129.7 +/- 14.7 min. Neutralizing serum antibodies were detected in 2 of 27 patients receiving nHuIFN-beta. In conclusion, toxicity of nHuIFN-beta given twice weekly was moderate, and further dose escalation is possible. The immunological changes and pharmacokinetic behavior of nHuIFN-beta resemble those reported with rHuIFN-beta ser.
A proof of the generalized second law for rapidly changing fields and arbitrary horizon slices

The generalized second law is proven for semiclassical quantum fields falling across a causal horizon, minimally coupled to general relativity. The proof is much more general than previous proofs in that it permits the quantum fields to be rapidly changing with time, and shows that entropy increases when comparing any slice of the horizon to any earlier slice. The proof requires the existence of an algebra of observables restricted to the horizon, satisfying certain axioms (Determinism, Ultralocality, Local Lorentz Invariance, and Stability). These axioms are explicitly verified in the case of free fields of various spins, as well as 1+1 conformal field theories. The validity of the axioms for other interacting theories is discussed.