cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral ghrelin stimulates feeding behavior and positive energy balance in a sciurid hibernator

Hibernators exhibit a robust circannual cycle of body mass gain and loss primarily mediated by food intake, but the pathways controlling food intake in these animals have not been fully elucidated. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone that increases feeding in all mammals studied so far, but has not until recently been studied in hibernators. In other mammals, ghrelin stimulates feeding through phosphorylation and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK phosphorylates and deactivates acetyl Co-A carboxylase (ACC), a committed step in fatty acid synthesis. In order to determine the effects of exogenous ghrelin on food intake and metabolic factors (i.e. non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and hypothalamic AMPK and ACC) in hibernators, ghrelin was peripherally injected into ground squirrels in all four seasons. Changes in food intake and body mass were recorded over a 2-6 hour period post injections, and squirrels were euthanized. Brains and blood were removed, and Western blots were performed to determine changes in phosphorylation of hypothalamic AMPK and ACC. A colorimetric assay was used to determine changes in concentration of serum NEFAs. We found that food intake, body mass, and locomotor activity significantly increased with ghrelin injections versus saline-injected controls, even in animals injected during their aphagic winter season. Injected ghrelin was correlated with increased phosphorylation of AMPK, but didn't have an effect on ACC in winter. Ghrelin-injected animals also had increased levels of serum NEFAs compared with saline controls. This study is the first to show an effect of injected ghrelin on a hibernator.
Simplification in a satisfiability checker for VLSI applications

INSTEP is a satisfiability checker designed for the original purpose of solving a specific target set of problems in the formal verification of VLSI circuits. These are real-world problems concerning a sequential circuit that is part of a commercial chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. The program has succeeded in solving these problems, which require satisfiability checking for combinational representations containing up to around 10 000 variables and a graphical representation of around 17 000 nodes. It has also been successfully applied to a number of standard benchmark problems in combinational circuit verification. Results on these benchmarks are overall competitive with those for the widely used method based onbinary decision diagrams, and for the first time demonstrate the solution in polynomial time of certain benchmarks involving combinational multipliers. A central part of the INSTEP algorthim is simplification. Most simplifications that take place in previous tautology checkers consist of the replacement of a formula by a shorter formula that is logically equivalent. Most simplifications in INSTEP replace a formula by another formula which isnot logically equivalent, but such that satisfiability is nevertheless preserved. These new simplifications depend on the pattern of occurrence of one or more variables and particularly on theirpolarity. The simplifications used by INSTEP rest on several new theorems in an area of propositional calculus (or Boolean algebra) which is crucial to the general theory of effective simplification of propositional formulas. The primary purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate these theorems and explain the simplifications that depend on them. For the present paper we have tried INSTEP on the well-known pigeonhole problem. So far as we know INSTEP is the first implemented program to produce proofs of polynomial length for pigeonhole problems. It also produces these proofs in polynomial time.
Lymphocyte proliferation in a 31-week premature neonate with 69, XXX chromosomal constitution.

The clinical syndrome of triploidy has only recently been described with its phenotypic characteristics emerging from a series of descriptive case reports. This paper describes the mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferative responses of a 31-week gestation neonate. Similar data, collected simultaneously, from 27 healthy 30–32-week gestation neonates is also reported for comparison. Since the capability of lymphocytes to become activated is dependent on and indicative of the host's ability to develop a cellular immune reaction, these data indicate no diminution in cell mediated immunity by this polyploid individual.
Hemispheric and personality differences between ‘left-’ and ‘right-brain’ individuals for tachistoscopic verbal and spatial tasks

Abstract Two groups of subjects were defined with a ‘Brain Preference Indicator’ questionnaire such that one group was classified as typically employing ‘left-brain’ functions while the other as typically employing ‘right-brain’ functions. All subjects were presented with verbal and spatial same/different judgment tasks which projected stimulus items to the left or right cerebral hemisphere and completed the Myers-Briggs (personality) Type Indicator. Significant Group x Task x Hemisphere interactions for both the reaction time and percent error data suggested that ‘left-’ and ‘right-brain’ individuals responded to the tasks in an opposite fashion. The pattern of effects was stable across subject sex and same/different judgments. Moreover, the corresponding scores from the personality inventory indicated that the two subject groups differed on fundamental personality attributes. Thus, while the ‘left-’ and ‘right-brain’ preference distinction did not predict a tendency to rely primarily on the processing capabilities of the respective hemisphere, the oppositional personality types composing the two groups were associated with the observed trends in hemisphericity. Implications for the role of individual differences in laterality studies are discussed.
Reaction enhancement of initially distant scalars by Lagrangian coherent structures

Turbulent fluid flows have long been recognized as a superior means of diluting initial concentrations of scalars due to rapid stirring. Conversely, experiments have shown that the structures responsible for this rapid dilution can also aggregate initially distant reactive scalars and thereby greatly enhance reaction rates. Indeed, chaotic flows not only enhance dilution by shearing and stretching but also organize initially distant scalars along transiently attracting regions in the flow. To show the robustness of this phenomenon, a hierarchical set of three numerical flows is used: the periodic wake downstream of a stationary cylinder, a chaotic double gyre flow, and a chaotic, aperiodic flow consisting of interacting Taylor vortices. We demonstrate that Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS), as identified by ridges in finite time Lyapunov exponents, are directly responsible for this coalescence of reactive scalar filaments. When highly concentrated filaments coalesce, reaction rates can be orders of magnitude greater than would be predicted in a well-mixed system. This is further supported by an idealized, analytical model that was developed to quantify the competing effects of scalar dilution and coalescence. Chaotic flows, known for their ability to efficiently dilute scalars, therefore have the competing effect of organizing initially distant scalars along the LCS at timescales shorter than that required for dilution, resulting in reaction enhancement.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation in atorvastatin-treated patients: a new drug interaction with an unexpected consequence.

The objective of this study was to determine vitamin D supplementation effects on concentrations of atorvastatin and cholesterol in patients. Sixteen patients (8 men, 8 women; 10 Caucasians, 4 African Americans, 1 Hispanic, 1 Asian), aged 63 ± 11 years (mean ± SD, weight 92 ± 31 kg) on atorvastatin (45 ± 33 mg/day) were studied with and without supplemental vitamin D (800 IU/day for 6 weeks). Levels of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxy(OH) and 25 OH-metabolites), atorvastatin (parent, OH-acid metabolites, lactone, and lactone metabolites), and cholesterol (total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol) were determined at 0.5, 3, and 10 h after dosing. Vitamin D supplementation increased vitamin D-25-OH metabolites (P < 0.0001) without increased 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Atorvastatin and active metabolite concentrations (P < 0.001) as well as LDL-cholesterol and total-cholesterol levels (97 ± 28 mg/dl vs. 83 ± 30 and 169 ± 35 mg/dl vs. 157 ± 37, P < 0.005) were lower during vitamin D supplementation. The conclusion of the study is that vitamin D supplementation lowers atorvastatin and active metabolite concentrations yet has synergistic effects on cholesterol concentrations. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009); 85, 2, 198–203 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.165
Anti-growth factor therapy for lung cancer

Abstract Lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In the USA, lung cancer accounts for 29% of all cancer deaths. The cure rate for lung cancer is low (14%) because the cancer spreads early and because chemotherapy cannot cure metastatic disease. In small cell lung cancer (SCLC) two-thirds of patients present with metastatic disease in a distant organ (stage IV). In non-small cell lung cancers (adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, large cell carcinoma) one-third present with metastatic disease. Initial chemotherapy produces high response rates in both SCLC (85%–90% response rate) and NSCLC (50% response rate) but response duration is short and drug resistance develops rapidly. Growth factors play an important role in the pathogenesis and the progression of lung cancers. Knowledge of the role of these growth factors, their receptors and their signal pathways has produced new therapeutic targets. Compounds developed toward these targets have completed preclinical testing and are now in clinical trials. Some of these compounds are active in both drug sensitive and drug resistant lung cancers. They also produce synergistic growth inhibition when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, these compounds may provide a new way to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer.
Current and Historical Variation in Wiregrass (Aristida stricta) Abundance and Distribution Is Not Detectable from Soil δ13C Measurements in Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) Savannas

ABSTRACT Plant species distributions and transitions between vegetation types are determined by numerous factors, including disturbances such as fire. Documentation of past changes in the distribution and structure of fire-dependent ecosystems is necessary to assess the success of land management in maintaining historic vegetation types. In our study system—longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)-wiregrass (Aristida stricta) savannas and embedded wetlands (i.e., pocosins)—wiregrass is dependent on frequent burning. We used soil carbon (C) isotopes to test for past changes in the abundance of wiregrass and for shifts in the ecotone between savanna and pocosin in four sites at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Wiregrass has a C4 photosynthetic pathway and therefore produces organic matter enriched in 13C compared to other dominant species in the community that have a C3 photosynthetic pathway. At each of the four sites, we measured profiles of soil δ13C to a depth of 1 m at four locations along the vegetation gradient fr...
Histochemical demonstration of melanin in cellular inflammatory processes of penaeid shrimp

Abstract Brown-to-black pigment deposits present in association with sites of hemocytic activity in penaeid shrimp (Crustacea, Decapoda) were demonstrated to be melanin by use of histochemical techniques. The brown-black pigment was associated with cellular inflammatory disease processes of infectious and noninfectious etiologies in Penaeus californiensis, P. stylirostris, P. vannamei , and P. duorarum .
Cytosolic metal distribution as an indicator of toxicity in sea urchins from the Southern California Bight

Abstract Sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) were collected from intertidal stations at Point Dume, Redondo Beach and White's Point in the Southern California Bight. Cytosolic metal levels varied both within and between stations, with the highest levels found in organisms from White's Point. Examination of the cytosolic metal distribution by Sephadex G-75 gel chromatography indicated that organisms adapted to increased levels of trace metals by producing more of a metallothionein-like metal-binding protein. Histological and histochemical examinations indicated that these organisms were not stressed over the range of metal concentrations encountered in this study.
History and utilization of Rosa damascena

This report traces the historical literature on the development of the damask rose industry. It begins with a sadly sparse fossil and archaeologic record and continues to the present. The perfection of methods for the production of attar and rose water fromRosa damascena is reviewed, as are cultural practices and current research programs. The various arguments to explain the evolution ofRosa damascena are presented along with accessory information needed to evaluate them critically. Evidence is presented to support the theory thatR. damascena was originally an eastern Mediterranean hybrid betweenR. gallica andR. Phoenicia. It is unfortunate that so few botanists have been willing to study this domesticate, as too many horticulturists have been concerned only with cultivation and higher yields. Most of the current literature on this species is either inaccessible, because of language or general unavailability, or of a popular nature and therefore difficult to evaluate. It is hoped that this review will encourage more research on industrial roses and aid those who wish to search the literature. May it also suggest to crop evolutionists that much work remains to be done on the subject of the domestication of ornamental and medicinal plants.
Cationic Molybdenum Imido Alkylidene Complexes

Addition of 1 equiv of [HNMe2Ph]BArF4 (ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) to Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(Pyrrolide)2 (Pyrrolide = parent pyrrolide (Pyr) or 2,5-dimethylpyrrolide (Me2Pyr)) species in THF produced [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(Pyrrolide)(THF)x]BArF4 species (x = 2 for Me2Pyr (1b) or 3 (1a) for Pyr; Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl). [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(Me2Pyr)(2,4-lutidine)]BArF4 (1c) was formed upon addition of 2,4-lutidine to [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(Me2Pyr)(THF)2]BArF4 (1b). Addition of 1 equiv of hexafluoro-tert-butanol to 1a produced {Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)[OC(CF3)2Me](THF)3}BArF4 (3a), while {Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)[OCMe(CF3)2](THF)2}BArF4 (3b) was obtained similarly through addition of hexafluoro-tert-butanol to 1b. Similar reactions produced unstable [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(O-2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)(THF)]BArF4 (3c) and [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(OAdamantyl)(THF)2]BArF4 (3d). Treatment of 1b with 2 equiv of 2,6-diisopropylphenol yielded [Mo(NAr)(CH2CMe2Ph)(O-2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)2]BArF4 (4). Compound 3a reacts with ethylene to yield {Mo(NAr)(CH2CH2)[OC(CF3)2Me](THF)3}B...
Turbulent dynamics of the 18 May 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption column

Volcanic eruption columns that fail to entrain and heat enough air to become buoyant collapse and generate devastating pyroclastic flows. Turbulent eddies along the column margins entrain and mix air into the column interior, allowing the column to become buoyant. Currently, the turbulent velocity fields of volcanic eruption columns are unknown, and therefore numerical models of eruption columns remain untested against geologic observations. Through extensive reevaluation of video and photographs of the 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (United States), we report the first measurements of the turbulent velocity field of a volcanic column. During the buoyant, B2, phase of eruption, eddies along the column margins were larger and the fluctuating (turbulent) component of velocity was lower than during partial column collapse in the B3 phase of eruption. We propose that the turbulent structure of the column margins reflects the thickness of and velocity gradients within the column boundary layer in communication with the atmosphere. Thus eddy size scales with the column radius when the entire column becomes buoyant, whereas eddy size is controlled by the thickness of a buoyant annulus surrounding a dense, collapsing core during periods of partial column collapse.
Role of Low-level Ionizing Radiation in Multi-step Carcinogenic Process

In view of our current understanding of experimental in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as of the epidemiological data, carcinogenesis is the result of many endogenous and exogenous factors. No single factor causes cancer. A number of extant theories of carcinogenesis and of ionizing radiation's role in the process have been reviewed. An integration of the stem cell theory, the theory of oncogeny as partially blocked ontogeny, the initiation/promotion/progression model of carcinogenesis, the oncogene/tumor suppressor gene theory, and mutation/epigenetic theories of carcinogenesis was attempted by linking all of them with the process of intercellular communication. This integration was done by examining how extra-, intra- and inter-cellular communication might be affected by the current known facts of the types of radiation-induced biological effects, such as gene and chromosomal mutations, cell killing, including apoptosis and epigenetic alterations of gene expression. Finally, an examination of the possible role of low-level radiation in the multi-step carcino-genetic process, which might have given rise to the excess cancers attributable to radiation exposure in the survivors of the atomic bombs, was attempted.
Persistent effects of prenatally administered scopolamine.

Acute effects of anticholinergic drugs on behavior are well documented (Warburton, 1975); however, evidence of chronic effects of these drugs administered prenatally is practically nonexistent. Three groups of pregnant rats were given daily injections of 2.4 mg/kg scopolamine, 1.2 mg/kg scopolamine, or 1.0 or .5 cc saline. A fourth group served as a no-injection control. Treatment was continued throughout pregnancy and 17 offspring were subsequently tested in a shock-drinking conflict situation. Offspring of the low-dose scopolamine group tolerated significantly more shock than other groups.
Importance of free surfaces for damage crater formation

The presence of a nearby free surface means the morphology of surface damage sites is inevitably different from that of bulk damage sites. In both, the material is subject to compressive stress waves from the initial release of laser energy. However, reflection at the free surface leads to a tensile stress wave. Because material strength is much less against tension than compression, surface sites will be more extensive than bulk sites, all else being equal. We analyze the extent of damage as a function of the amount and position of energy released and compare to experimental results.
Creating trust in piranha-infested waters: The confluence of buyer, supplier and host country contexts

Research by Dyer and Chu (2000) suggests that trust in exchange varies significantly across borders and influences the level of trust in cross-border exchange dyads. However, while this is a good start, research has yet to develop the concept that not only can the countries of origin of the exchange partners influence the nature and outcomes of dyadic trust but also the country where the exchange dyad is located. Furthermore, such home and host country differences may interact with dyad-level differences in trust creation capabilities and influence trust violation and repair. We develop a framework and propositions along these lines.
Absorption Spectra of Free PH2 and PD Radicals

ALTHOUGH a large number of diatomic free radical spectra are known1, very few spectra of polyatomic free radicals have been positively identified. The spectra are of interest since they are a potential source of information concerning the electronic states of these radicals and their dissociation energies, the vibrational and rotational constants of these states and their bond-lengths and bond-angles. The only polyatomic free-radical spectrum for which a vibrational and rotational analysis has been carried out is that of HCO2 (and DCO), although partial analyses have been given for NH2 3,4, CF2 5,6, C3 7,8, SiC2 9, HS2 10, and a number of larger radicals, for example, CH3O11
Decarboxylation of malate by isolated bundle-sheath cells of certain plants having the C4-dicarboxylic acid cycle of photosynthesis.

Bundle-sheath cells isolated by the grinding and filtration procedure of Edwards and Black (1971b) from species of plants having the C4-dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis were tested for the decarboxylation of malate from the C4-carboxyl position. The bundle-sheath cells, which showed high malic enzyme activity in extracts, decarboxylated 4[14C]malate at rates sufficient to be involved in photosynthesis. The malate decarboxylation is dependent on the addition of magnesium or manganese and NADP+. The activity was increased by raising the temperature from 30 to 50°. The evidence supports the idea that malate may be a carboxyl donor to the reductive pentose-phosphate cycle in bundle-sheath cells in certain C4-dicarboxylic acid pathway plants such as Zea mays L., Sorghum bicolor L., and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.
Differential Rotation and the Solar Oblateness

A few weeks ago, Dr I. W. Roxburgh questioned an earlier argument by Professor R. H. Dicke that the observed flattening of the Sun would account for part of the rotation of the orbit of Mercury otherwise attributable to general relativity. Roxburgh advanced arguments which suggest that the surface of the Sun may not be an equipotential surface, largely because of turbulence in the atmosphere. Dicke now rejects this interpretation.
Understanding Student Cheating and What Educators Can Do about It.

Abstract. This article reviews the empirical evidence on college student cheating and places it in a context that combines economic theories of benefit/cost analysis and unobservable behavior with social network analysis of how widespread rule breaking can develop in an organization. The implications are that students cheat because the benefit/cost tradeoff favors cheating; that the problem of unobservable behavior can be substantially mitigated by promoting academic integrity as the social norm; and that many factors that have contributed to the development of more and stronger relationships between college students have helped to promote cheating. The article makes ten specific recommendations for educators.
Supersonic dislocation stability and nano-twin formation at high strain rate

Improved understanding of the plastic deformation of metals during high-strain-rate shock loading is key to predicting their resulting material properties. This paper presents the results of molecular-dynamics simulations which address two fundamental questions related to materials deformation: the stability of supersonic dislocations and the mechanism of nano-twin formation. The results show that aluminium plastically deforms by the subsonic motion of edge dislocations when subjected to applied shear stresses of up to 600 MPa. Although higher applied stresses initially drive transonic dislocations, this motion is transient, and the dislocations decelerate to a sustained subsonic saturation velocity. Slowing of the transonic dislocation is controlled by the interaction with excited Rayleigh waves. 800 MPa marks a critical shear stress at which dislocation glide gives way to nano-twin formation via the homogeneous nucleation of Shockley partial dislocation dipoles. At still higher applied stresses, additio...
The Method of Comparables and Tax Court Valuations of Private Firms: An Empirical Investigation

This paper introduces a series of valuation models that mimic important features of regulatory prescriptions and legal precedent for the method of comparables as applied in estate and gift tax cases. We evaluate the models using out‐of‐sample estimation to determine which ones have the most desirable statistical properties for prediction. We then compare the predictions from these models to the valuations put forth by taxpayers, the IRS, and judges in estate and gift tax cases. This analysis reveals that taxpayers and the IRS propose values consistent with their underlying incentives, but significantly different from most bias‐adjusted forecast models. The judges choose values consistent with the average value of the two experts and with bias‐adjusted forecast models. Thus, the tax litigation system appears to ultimately produce an estimate of value that is consistent with an objective application of the method of comparables to the available data.
Nucleophosmin and human cancer.

Abstract Nucleophosmin (NPM) is a nucleolar phosphoprotein that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm during the cell cycle. NPM has several interacting partners and diverse cellular functions, including the processing of ribosomal RNA, centrosome duplication and the control of cellular processes to ensure genomic stability. Subcellular localization of NPM appears to be strongly correlated with NPM functions and cell proliferation. NPM is phosphorylated mainly at its central acidic domain by several upstream kinases, and its phosphorylation appears to be involved in regulating its functions in ribosome biogenesis and centrosome duplication. Recent studies suggest that NPM may act as a licensing factor to maintain proper centrosome duplication and that the Ran/CRM1 nucleocytoplasmic complex regulates local trafficking of NPM to centrosomes by interacting through its nuclear export sequence motif. Here, we provide a brief overview of NPM functions and its roles in human carcinogenesis, and discuss our recent findings related to the potential mechanisms underlying its regulation of centrosome duplication.
Mean-field nonlinear optical susceptibility of charge-transfer crystals

Abstract An analytic expression for the static third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility, χ(3), for charge-transfer (CT) molecular crystals is derived under a mean-field approximation. For CT crystals with 2ϵ0≈1 eV and t/ϵ0≳ 1 2 (2ϵ0 is the CT bandgap and t is the CT resonance integral), values for nonresonant χ(3) are shown to be comparable to that of the conjugated polymer PTS.
Roles for cationic residues at the quinolinic acid binding site of quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase.

Quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QAPRTase, EC 2.4.2.19) forms nicotinate mononucleotide (NAMN) from quinolinic acid (QA) and 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP). Previously determined...
Evaluation of a simple method for the screening of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients

Microalbuminuria is an important predictor of the development of clinical nephropathy in diabetic patients. In this study we have evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid semi-quantitative method for the detection of microalbuminuria (Microbumintest tablets) in comparison with radio-immuno-assay. When the cut-off point for albumin concentration was set at ≥40 mg/l the sensitivity and specificity were 97.2% and 92.2%, respectively. Although the tablets are relatively expensive for screening purposes, we conclude that they represent a reliable and convenient screening method for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.
Nonlinear optics and phase conjugation in photorefractive materials

Abstract Photorefractive nonlinear optics and phase conjugation together with some of their applications including optical image processing, distortion correction and interferometry are described. The need for improvements such as increased sensitivity and lower optical scattering in photorefractive crystals is pointed out.
Absolute calibration for complex-geometry biomedical diffuse optical spectroscopy

We have presented methodology to calibrate data in NIRS/MRI imaging versus an absolute reference phantom and results in both phantoms and healthy volunteers. This method directly calibrates data to a diffusion-based model, takes advantage of patient specific geometry from MRI prior information, and generates an initial guess without the need for a large data set. This method of calibration allows for more accurate quantification of total hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, water content, scattering, and lipid concentration as compared with other, slope-based methods. We found the main source of error in the method to be derived from incorrect assignment of reference phantom optical properties rather than initial guess in reconstruction. We also present examples of phantom and breast images from a combined frequency domain and continuous wave MRI-coupled NIRS system. We were able to recover phantom data within 10% of expected contrast and within 10% of the actual value using this method and compare these results with slope-based calibration methods. Finally, we were able to use this technique to calibrate and reconstruct images from healthy volunteers. Representative images are shown and discussion is provided for comparison with existing literature. These methods work towards fully combining the synergistic attributes of MRI and NIRS for in-vivo imaging of breast cancer. Complete software and hardware integration in dual modality instruments is especially important due to the complexity of the technology and success will contribute to complex anatomical and molecular prognostic information that can be readily obtained in clinical use.
Is that all there is

I take issue with two suggestions of Joel Feinberg's: first, that it is incoherent to suppose that human life as such is absurd, and, second, that a particular human life may be absurd and yet saved from being tragic by being fulfilled. I also argue that human life as such may well be absurd and I consider various responses to this.
Differential geometry based multiscale models.

Large chemical and biological systems such as fuel cells, ion channels, molecular motors, and viruses are of great importance to the scientific community and public health. Typically, these complex systems in conjunction with their aquatic environment pose a fabulous challenge to theoretical description, simulation, and prediction. In this work, we propose a differential geometry based multiscale paradigm to model complex macromolecular systems, and to put macroscopic and microscopic descriptions on an equal footing. In our approach, the differential geometry theory of surfaces and geometric measure theory are employed as a natural means to couple the macroscopic continuum mechanical description of the aquatic environment with the microscopic discrete atomistic description of the macromolecule. Multiscale free energy functionals, or multiscale action functionals are constructed as a unified framework to derive the governing equations for the dynamics of different scales and different descriptions. Two types of aqueous macromolecular complexes, ones that are near equilibrium and others that are far from equilibrium, are considered in our formulations. We show that generalized Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid dynamics, generalized Poisson equations or generalized Poisson–Boltzmann equations for electrostatic interactions, and Newton’s equation for the molecular dynamics can be derived by the least action principle. These equations are coupled through the continuum-discrete interface whose dynamics is governed by potential driven geometric flows. Comparison is given to classical descriptions of the fluid and electrostatic interactions without geometric flow based micro-macro interfaces. The detailed balance of forces is emphasized in the present work. We further extend the proposed multiscale paradigm to micro-macro analysis of electrohydrodynamics, electrophoresis, fuel cells, and ion channels. We derive generalized Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations that are coupled to generalized Navier–Stokes equations for fluid dynamics, Newton’s equation for molecular dynamics, and potential and surface driving geometric flows for the micro-macro interface. For excessively large aqueous macromolecular complexes in chemistry and biology, we further develop differential geometry based multiscale fluid-electro-elastic models to replace the expensive molecular dynamics description with an alternative elasticity formulation.
Brain metabolism and cognitive impairment in HIV infection: a 3-T magnetic resonance spectroscopy study☆

Abstract Background and Purpose Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia (HAD) has been extensively studied using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at field strengths of 1.5 T. Higher magnetic field strengths (such as 3 T) allow for more reliable determination of certain compounds, such as glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln). The current study was undertaken to investigate the utility of 3-T MRS for evaluating HIV+ patients with different levels of cognitive impairment with emphasis on the measurement of Glu and Glx (the sum of Glu and Gln). Methods Eighty-six HIV+ subjects were evaluated at 3 T using quantitative short echo time single-voxel MRS of frontal white matter (FWM) and basal ganglia (BG). Subjects were divided into three groups according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) HIV dementia stage: 21 had normal cognition (NC) (MSK 0), 31 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) without dementia (clinical MSK stage=0.5), and 34 had dementia (HAD) (MSK≥1). HIV+ subjects had also undergone standardized cognitive testing covering the domains of executive function, verbal memory, attention, information processing speed and motor and psychomotor speed. Between-group differences in metabolite levels in FWM and BG were evaluated using ANOVA. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to explore the associations between the Glu and Glx metabolites and neurocognitive results. Results FWM Glx was lower in HAD (8.1±2.1 mM) compared to both the MCI (9.17±2.1 mM) and NC groups (10.0±1.6 mM) (P=.006). FWM myo-inositol (mI) was higher in HAD (4.15±0.75 mM) compared to both MCI (3.86±0.85 mM) and NC status (3.4±0.67 mM) (P=.006). FWM Glx/creatine (Cr) was lower and FWM mI/Cr was significantly higher in the HAD compared to the MCI and NC groups (P=.01 and P=.004, respectively). BG N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) was lower in the HAD group (6.79±1.53 mM), compared to the MCI (7.5±1.06 mM) and NC (7.6±1.01 mM) groups (P=.036). Significant negative correlations were observed between Glu, Glx and NAA concentrations with Trail-Making Test B (P=.006, P=.0001 and P=.007, respectively), and significant positive correlation was found with the Digit symbol test (P=.02, P=.002 and P=.008, respectively). FWM Glx and NAA concentrations showed negative correlation with Grooved Pegboard nondominant hand (P=.02 and P=.04, respectively). Conclusion Patients with HAD have lower levels of Glx concentrations and Glx/Cr ratio in FWM, which was associated with impaired performance in specific cognitive domains, including executive functioning, fine motor, attention and working memory performance. Three-Tesla MRS measurements of Glx may be a useful indicator of neuronal loss/dysfunction in patients with HIV infection.
Relationships between fatty acid synthesis and lipid secretion in the isolated perfused rat liver: Effects of hyperthyroidism, glucose and oleate

Various studies on the effects of thyroid status on hepatic fatty acid synthesis have produced conflicting results. Several variables (e.g., plasma free fatty acid and glucose concentrations) are altered simultaneously by thyroid status and can affect fatty acid synthesis. To evaluate the effects of these variables, hepatic fatty acid synthesis (lipogenesis) was studied in isolated perfused livers from normal and triiodothyronine-treated rats. Livers were perfused with media containing either 5.5 or 25 mM glucose without fatty acid, or 5.5 mM glucose and 0.7 mM oleate. Rates of lipogenesis were determined by measurement of incorporation of 3H2O into fatty acids. Lipogenesis in livers from hyperthyroid animals exceeded that of controls, when perfused with 5.5 mM glucose with or without oleate. Perfusion with 25 mM glucose increased lipogenesis in both euthyroid and hyperthyroid groups to the same level, abolishing this difference between them. Perfusion with oleate reduced rates of lipogenesis by livers from euthyroid and hyperthyroid rats to a similar extent, but stimulated secretion of radioactive fatty acid in phospholipid and free fatty acid fractions. Oleate increased ketogenesis by livers from normal and triiodothyronine-treated rats, with higher rates of ketogenesis in the triiodothyronine-treated group. When oleate was omitted, ketogenesis in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose by the hyperthyroid group was similar to that of euthyroid controls, while ketogenesis was decreased in the hyperthyroid group relative to controls when perfused with 25 mM glucose. About 30% of the radioactivity incorporated into the total fatty acid of both groups was recovered in palmitate, with the remainder in longer chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In both euthyroid and hyperthyroid groups, the ratio of triacylglycerol:phospholipid fatty acid radioactivity was not only less than predicted (based on synthetic rates of PL and TG) but also was decreased in perfusions with exogenous oleate compared to perfusions without oleate. In perfusions with oleate, both groups incorporated twice as much radioactivity into phospholipid as into triacylglycerol. The data suggest the following concepts: while hepatic fatty acid synthesis and oxidation are increased simultaneously in the hyperthyroid state, de novo synthesized fatty acids seem to be poorer substrates for oxidation than are exogenous fatty acids, and are preferentially incorporated into phospholipid, while exogenous fatty acids are better substrates for oxidation and esterification to triacylglycerol. The preferential utilization of de novo synthesized fatty acid for phospholipid synthesis may be an important physiologic adaptation insuring a constant source of fatty acid for membrane synthesis.
Immunohistochemical analysis of host reaction to heavyweight-, reduced-weight-, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-based meshes after short- and long-term intraabdominal implantations

Prosthetic meshes induce a variety of inflammatory changes in the host, which may lead to excessive scarring with detrimental clinical consequences, especially in the long term. This study aimed to characterize the degree of short- and long-term inflammatory changes induced by common prosthetic meshes. Twenty 4 × 4-cm samples each of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), heavyweight polypropylene (hPP), ePTFE/heavyweight polypropylene (ePTFE/hPP), and reduced-weight polypropylene/regenerated cellulose (rPP) were implanted intraperitoneally in 40 rabbits for 4 or 12 months. After explantation, samples of mesh/tissue complex were analyzed for the degrees of cellular apoptosis (enzyme-linked immunoassay [ELISA]) and cellular turnover (mouse monoclonal antibody). In the short term, the degree of apoptosis in the hPP mesh was significantly higher than in the ePTFE and rPP groups. Similarly, it was higher in the ePTFE/hPP group than in either the ePTFE or the rPP group. The amount of Ki-67-positive cells was significantly higher in the hPP group than in the ePTFE or rPP group. The cell turnover in the ePTFE/hPP group was similar to that in the hPP group, but significantly higher than in either the ePTFE or the rPP group. The rPP group, in turn, had a higher Ki-67 score than the ePTFE group. In the long term, both the degree of apoptosis and Ki-67 positivity were significantly lower in the rPP and ePTFE groups than in either the ePTFE/hPP or the hPP group. A significant decrease in Ki-67 scores between the short and long-term groups was found only in the rPP group. In the short term, heavyweight polypropylene-based meshes were associated with significantly higher cell proliferation and death. A significantly higher degree of apoptosis and cell turnover were associated with heavyweight polypropylene-based meshes even 1 year after implantation, indicating ongoing inflammation and scar remodeling. On the other hand, ePTFE and reduced-weight polypropylene meshes were associated with nearly physiologic levels of inflammatory markers. Overall, an exaggerated and persistent host foreign body response to heavyweight polypropylene-based meshes indicates poor biocompatibility, with potential detrimental clinical sequela.
UPTAKE OF ENFLURANE: A STUDY OF THE VARIABILITY BETWEEN PATIENTS

Variability in the uptake of enflurane has been studied using a computer-controlled "overpressure" induction technique in 23 paediatric patients. The administration of enflurane was feedback-controlled and its uptake measured using a closed anaesthesia delivery system with the end-tidal concentration held constant at 2.0%. The standard deviation in uptake was greater than 28% of the average uptake during the first 60 min of enflurane anaesthesia. The uptake at 60min ranged from 5.7 to 16.2ml min −1 m −2 . The variability in enflurane uptake between patients was best minimized by normalizing the patient's uptake according to body surface area. Although the average total volume of enflurane calculated according to a model compared well with the average total volume given in our study, the variation in uptake between patients indicated that a single model cannot be used to deliver anaesthesia to a varied patient population. The system described in this paper demonstrates the feasibility of using feedback control of fresh gas delivery for the automatic control of an "overpressure" induction technique.
Design and characterization of cold point thermoelectric coolers

We describe structured point-contact thermoelectric devices that confine the thermal gradients and electric fields at the boundaries of the cold end, and exploits the reduction of thermal conductivity at the interfaces, tunneling properties of point contacts, and the poor electron-phonon coupling at the junctions. We propose a theory of the structured cold point metal-semiconductor contacts and detail the design of cold point thermoelectric coolers. Temperature and electrical measurements of prototype cold point coolers using bismuth chalcogenides in vacuum indicate doubling of the thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT values to the range of 1.4-1.7 at room temperature.
Climatic Forcing of Cyclic Carbonate Sedimentation During the Last 5.4 Million Years Along the West Florida Continental Margin

ABSTRACT Ocean Drilling Project (ODP) Hole 625B from 890 m water on the West Florida carbonate ramp-slope provides a continuous 235 m long record of cyclic sedimentation responding to global climatic change and regional tectonics over the past 5.4 Ma. Relatively rapid sedimentation rates (> 5 cm/1000 yr) and a 30 cm sampling interval (6-10,000 yr) permit a high-resolution investigation of Milankovitch-influenced carbonate sedimentation on a continental margin. Total carbonate, percent coarse (> 63 µm), and oxygen isotope data exhibit good correlation with established mid- and late-Pleistocene composite records, indicating that the climate signal recorded on the West Florida slope closely parallels the global climate signal obtained from deep-sea sediments. A high amplitude, low frequency (100K yr) eccentricity signal of the past 800K yr is unique within the 5.4 Ma record of total carbonate and percent coarse. Prior to this, the data are characterized by lower amplitude variations and less regular periodicities. The interval from 0.8 to 2.8 Ma consists of low amplitude fluctuations with periodicities widely distributed in the obliquity band (30-60K yr). From 2.8 to 5.4 Ma, the data show larger amplitude, aperiodic variations. Sedimentation from the present to 2.8 Ma was controlled primarily by sea-level fluctuations associated with changing global ice volumes. During periods of lowered sea level, fine-grained terrigenous sediments from the Mississippi and other rivers diluted the End_Page 1070----------------------- indigenous pelagic carbonate sediments of the West Florida slope. The interval from 0.8 to 2.8 Ma differs from the late Quaternary in that smaller sea-level oscillations and less extensive North American ice sheets resulted in smaller-amplitude sediment cycles. Sediments older than 2.8 Ma record aperiodic fluctuations caused perhaps by Loop Current circulation responding to the final closing of the Isthmus of Panama between 3.5 and 4.0 Ma. Intensified circulation may have transported and redeposited terrigenous sediments from the Mississippi delta-fan to the West Florida carbonate ramp, creating high-amplitude, but aperiodic, sediment cycles. This study demonstrates that Milankovitch orbital variations can create well developed, primary pelagic sedimentary cycles on continental margins and that such cycles are not restricted to the very deep sea. The data from ODP 625B, in conjunction with other contemporaneous cores from contrasting settings, provide the opportunity to obtain a quantitative understanding of the interactions between external orbital forcing, climate, and continental margin sedimentation.
A charge transport based acceleration model for interlevel dielectric breakdown

A charge transport model has been applied to predict interlevel dielectric breakdown in copper interconnects. The model very accurately predicts the lifetimes of dense and porous dielectrics at long times. The predictions of the model vary significantly from currently available methodologies which fail to adequately account for copper charge transport. The results have important implications for the reliability of advanced microprocessors with copper interconnects.
Plasmid profiles and antibiotic susceptibility of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 5, and 7

This paper describes the plasmid profiles obtained for 73 of 96 field isolates of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 5, and 7. We also characterized the antibiotic susceptibilities of these 96 isolates. Because of the high proportion of isolates resistant to some of the antibiotics, no conclusions can be drawn as to the role of plasmids in antibiotic resistance.
Superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap for large anterior palatal fistulae in clefts.

Abstract Objective: An anterior hard palate fistula for which more than one attempt at repair using local tissue has failed is a difficult complication in cleft surgery. Prior to alveolar bone grafting, cleft patients have an open anterior maxillary arch that allows passage of a pedicled flap from cheek to hard palate. The superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap passed through the clefted alveolus is one of the newer techniques to solve this difficult problem. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using a facial artery musculomucosal flap with an anterosuperiorly based pedicle with retrograde blood flow to repair a large anterior hard palate fistula when a lack of adequate local soft tissue precludes a local flap closure and the patient otherwise would need a tongue flap. Results: Of 16 facial artery musculomucosal flaps in 14 children, 12 were successful, 2 suffered partial flap loss secondary to venous congestion, and 2 had complete flap failure. One had a small wound dehiscence...