cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomaterials Advances in Patches for Congenital Heart Defect Repair

This article reviews current applications and novel candidate biomaterials for use as tissue-engineered scaffolds in pediatric cardiac tissue engineering. This overview of different types of biomaterials includes naturally derived and synthetic polymers and their biological, physical, and biomechanical properties for the use as a patch or baffle for surgical reconstruction of congenital heart defects. Applications and characteristics of composite biomaterials are highlighted with their respective feasibilities in use as cardiac scaffolds. Currently, a wide range of biomaterials has been introduced for cardiovascular reconstruction for complex congenital cardiac defects. However, there are still many remaining challenges for engineered tissue implantations.
Isolated right ventricular dysfunction in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract Background HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for pulmonary hypertension and cardiomyopathy, portending a poor prognosis. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with worse outcomes in these conditions, yet its prevalence is poorly defined in HIV. We sought to determine the prevalence of RV dysfunction in an outpatient HIV cohort. Methods Echocardiograms were evaluated from 104 HIV-infected adults. Measurements included estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and several measures of RV function, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV longitudinal myocardial strain (RVLMS), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), and myocardial performance index (MPI). Results Sixteen subjects (15%) had PASP >35 mm Hg, yet RV function did not differ significantly from those with normal estimated PASP. RV dysfunction defined by RVFAC Conclusions RV dysfunction was common as estimated PASP >35 mm Hg and LV dysfunction, but these findings did not cosegregate. RV dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals may be a separate entity from LV/global cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension and deserves further study.
Molecular Reaction Dynamics: Impact of Theory on Experiment†

The field of molecular reaction dynamics deals with the microscopic, molecular-level mechanism of elementary chemical reactions [1]. The experimental methods which have provided the most insight at this “micro-level” have been the molecular beam scattering [2] and chemiluminescence techniques [3] (and their derivatives). It has been possible to measure the polarization [4] as well as the angular [5], velocity [6] and internal state [7] distribution of the nascent products of a bimolecular collision as a function of the relative translational [8] and internal energy [9] (and mutual orientation [10]) of the reactants. In addition to detailed cross section measurements for direct-mode reactions [11], there have been significant new observations on complex-mode reactions [12], i.e., the (bimolecular) formation and (uni-molecular) decay of long-lived intermediate complexes. Theory [13] has provided the conceptual framework upon which to “hang” the experimental data, the means to analyze the observations, and frequently the very incentive for attempting the difficult, micro-level, experiments. The key concept of the potential energy hypersurface and the basic molecular collision theory underlying elementary chemical reactions have been known since the early days of quantum mechanics. Only recently, however, has quantum chemistry begun to provide ab initio surfaces [14] and computationally feasible procedures [15] to predict the entire course of a reactive collision. The path [16] has nearly been traversed: from Coulomb's law, via the Schrodinger equation, to the scattering cross sections [17], and ultimately the reaction rate constant [18]. The great impact of theory upon experiment in the field of molecular reaction dynamics is illustrated by a few selected “case histories”.
A Cross-National Study of Cognitive Style Among Managers and Technicians

Abstract This study explains differences among managers and technicians in twenty-two non-western countries in terms of the field articulation cognitive style. A review of the behavioral referents of the field articulate cognitive style suggested that this variable is appropriately related to occupational interests and tasks and adaptability to industrial technique. Previous studies also suggested the hypothesis that socioeconomic status variables are related to both cognitive style and national or cultural differences. This hypothesis was confirmed using both the EFT and the RFT as measures of field articulation in a group of three hundred twenty-nine managers and technicians representing twenty-two non-western developing countries. Several explanations of these findings are discussed in terms of functional requirements for adult roles in a society and in terms of the relative affluence or level of poverty.
The market reaction to international cross-listings:: evidence from Depositary Receipts

Abstract This paper examines the stock price impact of international dual listings. The sample consists of 181 firms from 35 countries that instituted their first Depositary Receipt program over the period 1985–1995. The market reaction to a Depositary Receipt program is larger in magnitude and more pervasive than previously reported. The stock price reaction is related to choice of exchange, geographical location (i.e., emerging or developed markets), and avenues for raising equity capital (i.e., public versus private offerings).
Extra specificity from extradenticle: the partnership between HOX and PBX/EXD homeodomain proteins.

Abstract For many DNA-binding transcription factors it is often difficult to reconcile their highly specific in vivo functions with their less specific in vitro DNA-binding properties. Cooperative DNA binding with cofactors often provides part of the answer to this paradox and recent studies have demonstrated this to be the case for the homeotic complex (HOX) family of transcription factors. However, the unique problem posed by these highly related and developmentally important transcription factors requires additional twists to the standard solution, which are beginning to become apparent from the characterization of the HOX cofactors encoded by the extradentrile and PBX genes.
Achieving seamless handoffs via backhaul support in Wireless Mesh Networks

In Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs), mobile clients may experience frequent handoffs due to the relatively small transmission range of the mesh routers. Each handoff may lead to packet delays and/or packet losses, which limits the performance of real-time applications over WMNs. In this work, we propose BASH--a Backhaul-Aided Seamless Handoff scheme. BASH takes advantage of the wireless backhaul feature of WMNs, and allows a mobile station to directly access the backhaul channel to probe the neighboring mesh routers. Our work shows that by utilizing the wireless backhaul, BASH (1) reduces the probing latency and, thus, the Layer-2 handoff latency; (2) allows partial overlap of the Layer-2 and Layer-3 handoffs, reducing the overall handoff latency; and (3) shortens the authentication latency by utilizing the transitivity of trust relationship. The experimental results show that BASH achieves an average Layer-2 handoff of 8.9 ms, which supports real-time applications during the handoff.
Nanolithography in thermally sacrificial polymers using nanoscale thermal probes

This paper reports a novel lithography method that utilizes local nanoscale thermal decomposition of polycarbonate films using heated atomic force microscope cantilever probe tips. The effect of polycarbonate structure and physiochemical properties on the lithographic performance of the thermal writing process have been explored. It is observed that amorphous linear polycarbonates which possess glass transition temperatures lower than their decomposition temperature generally exhibit substantial thermal deformation during thermal writing. In contrast, thermal writing on crystalline regions of semi-crystalline linear polycarbonate films produced good pattern definition. However, the semi-crystalline nature of the film results in substantial surface topography in the thin film which is undesirable for high resolution patterning and the amorphous regions of the film still suffer from local thermal deformation during writing. Amorphous cross-linkable polycarbonate sacrificial polymers have been synthesized and are shown to be able to resist thermal deformation of features during writing and are shown capable of producing good patterned images using the heated AFM probe writing technique.
Yukawa couplings in a model with gauge, Higgs and matter unification

Abstract We discuss how unification of the gauge, Higgs and (three chiral family) matter superfields can be realized from the compactification of a six-dimensional supersymmetric SU ( 8 ) gauge theory over the orbifold R 4 × T 2 / Z 3 . The bulk gauge interaction includes Yukawa interactions to generate masses for quarks and leptons after the electroweak symmetry is broken. The Yukawa matrices in this case turn out to be antisymmetric, and thus not phenomenologically viable. To overcome this we introduce brane fields which are vector-like under the Standard Model gauge symmetry, and so do not alter the number of chiral families. In such a setup, the observed fermion masses and mixings can be realized by taking into account suppression effects from the effective Wilson line couplings and large volume of the extra dimensions.
Ontogenetic changes in relative levels of cyclic AMP-dependent and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases in prostates, epididymides and testes from guinea-pigs.

Changes in realtive levels of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PK) and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (G-PK) in prostates, epididymides and testes from guinea-pigs were examined at 3 different ages. During postnatal development, a decrease in the ratio of the 2 classes of protein kinases was seen in prostates, whereas increases of the ratios of the enzymes were found in epididymides and testes.
Hyperammonemic encephalopathy caused by carnitine deficiency.

Carnitine is an essential co-factor in fatty acid metabolism. Carnitine deficiency can impair fatty acid oxidation, rarely leading to hyperammonemia and encephalopathy. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed acute mental status changes, asterixis, and diffuse muscle weakness. Her ammonia level was elevated at 276 μg/dL. Traditional ammonia-reducing therapies were initiated, but proved ineffective. Pharmacologic, microbial, and autoimmune causes for the hyperammonemia were excluded. The patient was severely malnourished and her carnitine level was found to be extremely low. After carnitine supplementation, ammonia levels normalized and the patient’s mental status returned to baseline. In the setting of refractory hyperammonemia, this case illustrates how careful investigation may reveal a treatable condition.
Individual differences in predators but not producers mediate the magnitude of a trophic cascade

Top-down community dynamics are commonly mediated by the foraging mode of the dominant predator. However, functional intraspecific variation in foraging mode may also mediate these interactions, particularly if the magnitude of intraspecific variation mimics or exceeds that of interspecific variation. Here, we simultaneously assess the role of intraspecific variation in predator activity level and plant constitutive defenses in mediating the presence and magnitude of a trophic cascade. In experimental mesocosms, we constructed tri-trophic ecological modules containing eight herbivores (two cabbage loopers, two beet armyworms, two darkling beetles, and two banded crickets) and lettuce plants of one of three cultivars which vary in their constitutive latex defense. In a portion of the mesocosms, we added individual cursorial spiders which vary consistently in their activity level (i.e., foraging mode). We then measured herbivore mortality and average plant leaf damage via herbivory after 1 week. The presence of a spider alone did not reduce plant damage, yet communities containing more active spiders had up to a 50 % reduction in plant damage compared with communities with more sedentary spiders. Notably, spider activity level did not influence herbivore mortality; thus, the decrease in plant damage associated with predatory activity appears to be the outcome of indirect non-consumptive effects. Increases in constitutive plant latex content did not decrease herbivory, possibly because the cabbage looper uses a countermeasure called “leaf trenching.” Together, these data reveal that the effects of functional intraspecific variation on a trophic cascade can be dramatic and varied, depending on the trophic level under consideration.
Measurement of Organic Fluorescence Decay Times

In past measurements, the decay times of scintillations produced in organic scintillators by gamma rays and the decay times of fluorescence excited by ultraviolet radiation have been determined by a self-cancellation method and a fluorometer, respectively. The results of these measurements indicated that, in general, the ultraviolet decay times were only about one-half as large as those obtained by scintillation measurements. To check the fluorometer method, the decay times of some fluorescent dyes (fluorescein, rhodamine B, and erythrosin) dissolved in glycerin were measured both by a modified version of the fluorometer and by observation of the depolarization of the fluorescence. The values thus obtained were found to agree within experimental error, which corroborated the previous observation of discrepancies between decay times derived from fluorometer and scintillation measurements.
Intracellular signals for developmental hemoglobin switching

We have detected trans-acting factors that regulate developmental hemoglobin switching by fusing erythroid cells of different developmental programs. Adult erythroid cells of one anuran species, Xenopus laevis, were fused with tadpole erythroid cells of another frog, Rana catesbeiana. In a second set of experiments, dimethyl sulfoxide-induced murine erythroleukemia cells, which express only adult mouse globins, were fused with Rana tadpole erythroid cells, which express only embryonic and fetal-like globins. Adult Rana globin gene expression was detected in both sets of transient heterokaryons at 6 hr after fusion. Dot blots and Northern blots of total RNA from the heterokaryons contained material that reacted with an adult Rana alpha-globin probe; newly synthesized adult Rana hemoglobin tetramers were detected with native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These results show that developmental stage-specific transacting factors for globin genes can function across vertebrate classes (mammalia to amphibia) and suggest that the mechanisms that regulate developmental hemoglobin switching are highly conserved.
Structural and Functional Characterization of the 2H-Phosphatase Domain of Sts-2 Reveals an Acid-Dependent Phosphatase Activity†

The suppressors of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling 1 and 2 (Sts-1 and -2, respectively) are multidomain proteins that negatively regulate the signaling of membrane-bound receptors, including TCR and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Sts-1 was recently shown to be a new type of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), with the phosphatase activity located within its C-terminal phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) homology domain and key for the regulation of TCR signaling in T cells. The activity of the related Sts-2 enzyme is significantly less than that of Sts-1. Here we investigate the phosphatase activity of the PGM domain of Sts-2, Sts-2(PGM). The crystal structure of Sts-2(PGM) is remarkably similar to Sts-1(PGM), including conservation of all catalytic residues. Insight into mechanistic details is provided by the structures of the apo, tungstate-bound, and phosphate-bound enzyme. The active site shows stringent specificity, with the k(cat) optimum at pH 5.0 suggesting that Sts-2 might function as an acid-dependent phosphatase. Mutation of active site residues Gln372, Ala446, Glu481, Ser552, and Ser582 to their equivalents in Sts-1 increases the phosphatase activity of Sts-2(PGM) toward model substrates. Overall, our data demonstrate that Sts-2(PGM) adopts the conformation of an active phosphatase whose activity is fundamentally different from that of Sts-1 despite the strong structural homology. They also demonstrate that nonconserved active site residues are responsible for the difference in activity between the two isoforms. These differences reflect possible distinct physiological substrates.
Fragilysin, the enterotoxin from Bacteroides fragilis, enhances the serum antibody response to antigen co-administered by the intranasal route.

Fragilysin, an extracellular zinc metalloprotease produced by enterotoxigenic strains of the anaerobic bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, disrupts the paracellular barrier by cleavage of the intercellular proteins between epithelial cells resulting in fluid secretion. Intranasal immunization of mice with fragilysin and co-administered ovalbumin (Ova) resulted in an Ova-specific serum IgG response that was over 18 000-fold higher than Ova alone, as well as detectable levels of serum IgA. Serum IgG titers were comparable with those seen when whole cholera toxin was used as the adjuvant, although the responses obtained with fragilysin showed more variability between mice. Metalloproteases to which fragilysin is structurally related were ineffective as mucosal adjuvants. Our results and similar studies with enterotoxins that affect the paracellular barrier suggest that alteration of mucosal permeability may play an important role in the mechanisms of adjuvanticity.
A behavioral economics analysis of food choice in humans

Abstract Three studies on the behavioral economics of food choice were presented. In Experiment 1 subjects were provided a choice of working for food on concurrent VR4 VR20 schedules, and subjects allocated the majority of their responding to the VR4 schedule. Subjects in Experiment 2 were provided a choice between two foods differing in ratings of subjective liking. The lower rated food was available on an FR1 component of a concurrent schedule, while the higher rated food was available on the other component across six comparisons ranging from FR1 through VR32. Subjects initially chose to work for the higher rated food, but as the constraints for this food increased, subjects chose to work for the lower rated food. In Experiment 3, subjects were provided the choice of a breakfast they liked or the monetary equivalent during deprivation and non-deprivation conditions. The food and money were first compared on equal FR1 schedules. Schedule requirements for money were subsequently maintained on a VR2 schedule, while access to food was presented in four phases from VR4 through VR32. Under deprivation, subjects allocated their time to get the preferred food instead of money only at the FR1 FR1 comparison. Under non-deprivation subjects allocated almost all their responding to work for money. These results suggest that the laboratory choice task is sensitive to schedule differences when food is used as a reinforcer, that subjective liking and schedule constraints for food are both important in determining food choice, and that alternative reinforcers can compete with food, but the effect is dependent on both the level of deprivation and constraints on access to food.
Inhibiting effects of imidazole on copper corrosion in 1 M HNO3 solution

Abstract The present work deals with the inhibiting effects of imidazole on the pure copper (Cu) corrosion in 1 M HNO3 solution analysing potentiodynamic polarisation curves, potentiostatic anodic current transient, AC impedance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). By adding imidazole to HNO3 solution, the polarisation curves showed decrease in the corrosion current and the cathodic current, suggesting that imidazole acts as an effective cathodic inhibitor to Cu corrosion. From the measured anodic current transients, it is inferred that the protective Cu–imidazole complex film is simultaneously formed with the Cu oxide in the presence of imidazole during the early stage of the anodic polarisation. Analysis of the AC impedance spectra revealed that the values of the charge transfer resistance Rct obtained in imidazole-containing HNO3 solution were greater than that value in imidazole-free one and at the same time steadily increased with immersion time to the constant value. Contrarily, the capacitance value was abruptly lowered from the double layer capacitance Cdl to the complex film capacitance Ccf in the progress of immersion time. Furthermore, the Warburg coefficient σ value for the ion diffusion through the complex film was observed to increase with immersion time. This means that the Cu(NOH) complex film becomes thicker during immersion in the HNO3 solution with imidazole through the inward growth of the N-rich outer layer to the O-rich inner layer, as well validated by XPS. Based upon the experimental results, it is suggested that the Cu corrosion in 1 M HNO3 solution is efficiently inhibited with the addition of imidazole by retarding both the charge transfer on cathodic sites of the Cu surface in the early stage of immersion time and the subsequent ion diffusion through the steadily growing complex film.
A transmission electron microscopy study of austempered lower bainitic nodular cast iron

Abstract This study is the first transmission electron microscope examination of austempered nodular iron thin foils. An important part of this investigation was the development of a procedure for preparing thin-foil specimens of nodular iron. The procedure involves mechanically polishing specimens to about 0.13 mm thickness, followed by electropolishing to 0.03 mm, and ion milling until fine perforations are obtained. The microstructure of nodular iron austenitized at 915°C for 2 h and austempered at 240°C for 2 h consisted of alternating lath-like regions of ferrite and retained austenite with cementite finely distributed throughout the ferrite matrix. The cementite was believed to have precipitated from bainitic ferrite initially supersaturated with carbon. The crystallographic orientation relationship between the bcc ferrite and fcc austenite was determined to be the Bain relationship of [011]bcc … [001]fcc. No effects of silicon over the range 1.85–2.33 wt.% were found on the size and distribution of microconstituents present in the lower bainitic nodular iron.
Overview and principles of in-situ hybridization

In-situ hybridization is a technique that allows precise automated localization of DNA or RNA sequences in tissue preparations. The principles and kinetics of in-situ hybridization are presented. The technical considerations in various protocols used in in-situ hybridization are also reviewed.
Leaching behavior of water-soluble carbohydrates from almond hulls

Abstract Over 58% of the dry matter content of the hulls from the commercial almond ( Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb) is soluble in warm water (50–70 °C) extraction. The water-soluble extractables include useful amounts of fermentable sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose), sugar alcohols (inositol and sorbitol), polysaccharides, and other components. Extraction rate data were taken over a range of temperatures and particle sizes (including whole hulls). Equilibrium concentrations and liquid retention data were taken over a wide solubles concentration range, enabling use of a standard leaching model for the calculation of stage-to-stage concentrations and flows in an ideal countercurrent extractor. The relations between recovery, product concentration, number of ideal stages, and ratio of solvent-to-feed were determined using the model. The data indicate that a solutes concentration of 18–20% dry matter in the concentrate liquid is attainable. Due to the nature of the native hulls to preferentially absorb water from dilute solutions, initial contact of hulls with the overhead liquid concentrate (if well below ∼18% solutes) may result in a significant enhancement of overhead concentration.
Global Expression Profile of Biofilm Resistance to Antimicrobial Compounds in the Plant-Pathogenic Bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Reveals Evidence of Persister Cells

Investigations of biofilm resistance response rarely focus on plant-pathogenic bacteria. Since Xylella fastidiosa is a multihost plant-pathogenic bacterium that forms biofilm in the xylem, the behavior of its biofilm in response to antimicrobial compounds needs to be better investigated. We analyzed here the transcriptional profile of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca in response to inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of copper and tetracycline. Copper-based products are routinely used to control citrus diseases in the field, while antibiotics are more widely used for bacterial control in mammals. The use of antimicrobial compounds triggers specific responses to each compound, such as biofilm formation and phage activity for copper. Common changes in expression responses comprise the repression of genes associated with metabolic functions and movement and the induction of toxin-antitoxin systems, which have been associated with the formation of persister cells. Our results also show that these cells were found in the population at a ca. 0.05% density under inhibitory conditions for both antimicrobial compounds and that pretreatment with subinhibitory concentration of copper increases this number. No previous report has detected the presence of these cells in X. fastidiosa population, suggesting that this could lead to a multidrug tolerance response in the biofilm under a stressed environment. This is a mechanism that has recently become the focus of studies on resistance of human-pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and, based on our data, it seems to be more broadly applicable.
Abnormal regional hypermethylation of the calcitonin gene in myelodysplastic syndromes

Abnormal regional hypermethylation of the calcitonin gene can be detected in up to 95% of patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). We used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay to detect abnormal regional hypermethylation at this locus in patients with primary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Hypermethylation was detected in 13 of 20 patients (65%) with MDS and was detected in nine patients with MDS and normal cytogenetics. There was no correlation between detection of this abnormality and the subtype of MDS. Four of the 13 patients (30%) with abnormal methylation have progressed to ANLL with a median time to progression of 3.5 months. The actuarial median survival of the cohort with abnormal methylation was 17 months, while that of the cohort with normal methylation is not yet reached. These preliminary findings suggest that detection of abnormal methylation at this locus may be useful as a diagnostic tool in MDS. Furthermore, hypermethylation of the calcitonin gene may be a poor prognostic feature that predicts progression to acute leukemia in patients with primary MDS.
Common variable hypogammaglobulinemia in pregnancy: Treatment with high‐dose immunoglobulin infusions

Pregnancy outcomes when the mother has common variable hypogammaglobulinemia are poor unless immunoglobulin levels are returned to normal or near-normal range. Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions are the favored mode of therapy. Here, we report the fifth patient so treated. Weekly doses of 200 mg/kg during the third trimester were required. A healthy term baby was delivered and the postpartum course was uncomplicated.
An analytical model for the capacitances in short-channel MOSFETs

Abstract An analytical model for the intrinsic capacitances in short-channel MOS transistors is developed. The model is based on the computation of the charges associated with the four terminals of the device. Major second-order effects such as carrier velocity saturation, mobility degradation and channel-length modulation are included in the model. The theoretical predictions of the model are compared to the numerically simulated data resulting from CADDETH and are found to be in good agreement over a wide range of gate and drain voltages.
Artificial metallopeptidases: regioselective cleavage of lysozyme

Pentammineaquocobalt(III) chloride and tetramminediaquocobalt(III) chloride cleave chicken hen egg lysozyme between Ala 110 and Trp 111 at neutral pH and 37 °C.
Picosecond dynamics of optical gain switching in vertical cavity emitting lasers

It is demonstrated that optically gain switched GaAs vertical lasers (VSELs) with short cavity lengths can generate pulses as short as 4 ps, with delays as short as 20 ps. A model of the large-signal response of VSELs to short optical input pulses is presented. The results demonstrate that the critical parameter of determining VSEL response time is the cavity length. A numerical solution to the rate equations is used to calculate the output pulsewidth and delay, given a specific cavity design and set of input conditions. Calculated results are compared to experimental data. Output pulse dependencies on input pulsewidth and power are examined for different cavity designs. The results of the calculations are used to generate design curves for future devices. >
Acute gall-bladder disease

Abstract 1. 1. Two hundred cases of acute cholecystitis have been reviewed showing a mortality of 11.5 per cent. 2. 2. A leucocyte count of over 10,000 generally means an acute condition. If above 15,000 one can expect an empyema, and over 18,000 gangrene of the gall bladder. 3. 3. If the “acute indigestion” is not relieved within forty-eight hours and the temperature rises, or the leucocyte count goes up, where there is local tenderness over the gall-bladder area with or without rigidity, operation should be done. 4. 4. A chronic or recurring case of cholecystitis, with or without stone, should not go so long, as shown by the results of delay. 5. 5. The type of operation, when possible, should be cholecystectomy.
Using Hydrogeochemical Methods To Evaluate Complex Quaternary Subsurface Stratigraphy Block Island, Rhode Island, USA

One of the major problems in hydrogeologic investigations of glaciated regions is the determination of complex stratigraphic relationships in the subsurface where insufficient information is available from drilling and geophysical records. In this paper, chemical characteristics of groundwater were used to identify stratigraphic changes in glacial deposits that were previously inferred on Block Island, Rhode Island, USA, an emergent remnant of the late Wisconsinan terminal moraine, located approximately 16 km south of the Rhode Island mainland. Two chemically distinct water types are recognized on the island: 1) high-iron, characterized by dissolved silica levels in excess of 20 mg/L, bicarbonate greater than 30 mg/L and dissolved iron ranging from 1–20 mg/L; and 2) low-iron, characterized by dissolved silica levels below 16 mg/L, bicarbonate less than 30 mg/L, and less than 0.3 mg/L dissolved iron. The spatial distribution of iron-bearing minerals and organic matter and the resulting redox conditions are believed to control the occurrence of high-iron groundwater. The high-iron waters occur almost exclusively in the eastern half of the island and appear to coincidence with the presence of allochthonous blocks of Cretaceous-age coastal-plain sediments that were incorporated into Pleistocene-age deposits derived from the Narragansett Bay-Buzzard's Bay lobe of the Late Wisconsinan Laurentide ice sheet. The low-iron waters occur in the western half of the island, where the occurrence of these Cretaceous-age blocks is rare and the sediments are attributed to a sublobe of the Hudson-Champlain lobe of the Late Wisconsinan ice-sheet.
Timing and Location of Synaptic Inputs Determine Modes of Subthreshold Integration in Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons

Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the principal cells of the striatum and perform a central role in sensorimotor processing. MSNs must integrate many excitatory inputs located across their dendrites to fire action potentials and enable striatal function. However, the dependence of synaptic responses on the temporal and spatial distribution of these inputs remains unknown. Here, we use whole-cell recordings, two-photon microscopy, and two-photon glutamate uncaging to examine subthreshold synaptic integration in MSNs from acute rat brain slices. We find that synaptic responses can summate sublinearly, linearly, or supralinearly depending on the spatiotemporal pattern of activity. Repetitive activity at single inputs leads to sublinear summation, reflecting long-lived AMPA receptor desensitization. In contrast, asynchronous activity at multiple inputs generates linear summation, with synapses on neighboring spines functioning independently. Finally, synchronous activity at multiple inputs triggers supralinear summation at depolarized potentials, reflecting activation of NMDA receptors and L-type calcium channels. Thus, the properties of subthreshold integration in MSNs are determined by the distribution of synaptic inputs and the differential activation of multiple postsynaptic conductances.
OP08.07: Three‐dimensional ultrasound with STIC in the prenatal definition of aortic arch abnormalities

scan and fetal echocardiogram exam were routinely made. In one case mild aortic valve stenosis was found confirmed postnatally. Results: In about 60% of fetuses the complete fetal echocardiography including the examination of four-chamber and three-vessel view was obtained. Age-dependent rise of velocities at semilunar and AV valves was observed. Tricuspid flow velocities were higher than mitral valve flow velocities. Tei Index for right and left ventricle did not vary between examined gestational weeks. Heart/chest area ratio ranged between 0.23-0.24 at all examined gestational weeks. Conclusions: Standard echocardiographic views of the fetal heart were obtained at first trimester scan in about 60%. No abnormal heart anatomy was found in the group. The increase of velocities at semilunar and AV valves relative to estimated gestational age may be dependent on the fetal growth and the volume of blood entering ventricles. Higher velocities at tricuspid valve reflect right ventricle stroke volume and output as well as the right ventricle predominance, which is normally observed later in pregnancy. The gestational increase of E/A ratio at AV valves may be connected with the shift of blood from late diastole to early diastole and increased ventricular compliance and relaxation rate.
Human dipylidiasis (dog tapeworm infection) in the United States

A 6-month-old Caucasian boy with a history of colic and feeding difficulties had pased proglottids of Dipylidium caninum since the age of 4 1/2 months. Two treatments with quinacrine removed over 15 worms with complete relief of symptoms. This case is compared with 17 cases previously reported from the United States. The epidemiology, syptomatology, and diagnosis of human dipylidiasis are discussed. Evidence suggests that this infection is more prevalent than the few published reports indicate.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Report of a unique survivor

A remarkable patient is described, a child who has survived until the age of 7 years with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (mitral and aortic atresia) without surgical intervention. The child has led an active, normal life and, aside from minimal cyanosis, has remained asymptomatic. The unique clinical course for this patient is the result of a number of favorable hemodynamic factors that have not been previously reported in an individual patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact ventricular septum: 1) widely patent ductus arteriosus, 2) adequate retrograde coronary flow, 3) unrestricted pulmonary venous return, and 4) absence of significant vascular obstructive disease. This documentation of longterm survival in a child without surgical treatment for mitral and aortic atresia suggests that successful early palliative treatment for infants with this syndrome could also result in a favorable prognosis.
Co-opting the Shareholder Value Movement: A Class Analytic Model of Share Repurchases

This paper investigates the relationship between labor, shareholders, and CEOs to reflect the simultaneous rise in share repurchases after 1980, the increasingly exploitative outcomes for labor, and the rise of CEO compensation. The paper finds that although institutional investors may have pressured firms to be more profitable, they were not powerful enough to appropriate all of the gains. Rather, capitalists (CEOs) have been able to partially co-opt the shareholder value movement at the expense of both labor and shareholders. Important components of this conclusion are the use of stock options and the benefits to capitalists for seemingly distributing funds to shareholders with share repurchases.
Effect of hepatic and celiac vagal stimulation on common bile-duct pressure.

Bipolar stimulating electrodes were placed on the hepatic and celiac vagi of 6 dogs. The gallbladder was removed and the cystic duct cannulated with an 8 F infant feeding tube, the external end of which was attached to a specially made metal plug. Experiments were then performed on the dogs both when conscious and fasting. No change in common duct pressure was recorded in response to electrical stimulation of these vagal branches in these dogs, as noted in 209 separate stimulations using various combinations of voltage, frequency and duration. Flow rate did not change as noted with a drop counter during stimulations in 11 experiments.
A Moussa-Bellicard type iron-free double-focusing beta-ray spectrometer

Abstract To achieve high resolution, high precision and good reliability at low electron energies, an iron-free, π√2 double focusing spectrometer has been constructed at Vanderbilt University. The coil arrangement to produce the necessary B/r 1 2 field is similar to that of Moussa and Bellicard. Helmholtz type coils are used to compensate the earth's field. The current supply for the spectrometer is a 120-V dc generator with a negative feedback system for reduction of noise. The current is controlled by a double, rotating coil system; one coil is in the spectrometer field and the other is in a permanent magnet field. An amplified ac error signal is detected for control of the generator output. An accuracy of about 1 part in 104 is obtained in current regulation with the present control circuit. The resolution has been varied from about 0.1% to about 1% depending on the transmission desired. For particle detection, the instrument uses a continuous flow Geiger or proportional counter with very thin organic film windows. A special source holder permits studies of angular distributions of photoelectrons from converters. With an improved cooling system for the coils, the spectrometer may be used to measure energies up to 2.0 MeV. The present range of continuous operation is from 0.5 keV to about 1.3 MeV.
Enhanced visualization of angiograms using 3D models

The 3D visualization of intracranial vasculature can facilitate the planning of endovascular therapy and the evaluation of interventional result. To create 3D visualizations, volumetric datasets from x-ray computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are commonly rendered using maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering, or surface rendering techniques. However, small aneurysms and mild stenoses are very difficult to detect using these methods. Furthermore, the instruments used during endovascular embolization or surgical treatment produce artifacts that typically make post-intervention CTA inapplicable, and the presence of magnetic material prohibits the use of MRA. Therefore, standard digital angiography is typically used. In order to address these problems, we developed a visualization and modeling system that displays 2D and 3D angiographic images using a simple Web-based interface. Polygonal models of vasculature were generated from CT and MR data using 3D segmentation of bones and vessels and polygonal surface extraction and simplification. A web-based 3D environment was developed for interactive examination of reconstructed surface models, creation of oblique cross- sections and maximum intensity projections, and distance measurements and annotations. This environment uses a multi- tier client/server approach employing VRML and Java. The 3D surface model and angiographic images can be aligned and displayed simultaneously to permit better perception of complex vasculature and to determine optical viewing positions and angles before starting an angiographic sessions. Polygonal surface reconstruction allows interactive display of complex spatial structures on inexpensive platforms such as personal computers as well as graphic workstations. The aneurysm assessment procedure demonstrated the utility of web-based technology for clinical visualization. The resulting system facilitated the treatment of serious vascular malformations by enabling better visualization of aneurysms. In addition, the improved understanding of complex vasculature may shorten angiographic sessions and reduce patient exposure to x-rays.
Comparative accuracy of several published formulae for the estimation of serum osmolality in cats

Objective To determine the osmole gap utilizing 18 previously published formulae for the estimation of serum osmolality in cats. Procedures Serum samples were frozen at −80°C after routine biochemical analysis. An Advanced Micro Osmometer 3300 was used to measure serum osmolality. Eighteen previously reported formulae were used to calculate osmolality from biochemical analysis results. The calculated osmolality was subtracted from the measured osmolality to determine the osmole gap. Osmole gaps for azotaemic and hyperglycaemic cats were compared to those from cats without azotaemia or hyperglycaemia using each formula. Results The osmole gaps varied dependent on the formula used and the presence or absence of hyperglycaemia or azotaemia. Eleven formulae led to calculated osmolality and osmole gaps that were not statistically different when hyperglycaemia, azotaemia or both were present. Four of these 11 formulae resulted in osmole gaps near zero. For each formula used, the osmole gap increased with increasing osmolality. Clinical Significance Multiple formulae to calculate serum osmolality can be used, but they result in significantly different osmole gaps. Clinicians should be aware of the specific reference interval for the formula being used. The formula [2(Na+) + glucose + BUN] is recommended as it is easy to use and reliable even in the presence of hyperglycaemia and/or azotaemia.
Statistical properties of markov chains: A computer program

Markov chains have been used to model human behavior in controlled experimental situations. The present paper is concerned with use of the model in an uncontrolled situation, where parameters of the model cannot be postulated but must be estimated from data. This estimation procedure requires the assumptions that the observed process is stationary and of order one. A computer program which calculates statistics to test these assumptions is discussed in this paper, along with various ways to apply the model when the assumptions appear tenable. Under certain conditions, the form of the sampling distributions of the test statistics is unknown. The computer program also allows the user to generate empirical sampling distributions of his various test statistics for his particular conditions. Reference to such empirical distributions permits the user to approximate the probability of his statistics. An example is included in the paper to illustrate this procedure.
Multi-dimensional classification of biomedical text

Motivation: Much current research in biomedical text mining is concerned with serving biologists by extracting certain information from scientific text. We note that there is no ‘average biologist’ client; different users have distinct needs. For instance, as noted in past evaluation efforts (BioCreative, TREC, KDD) database curators are often interested in sentences showing experimental evidence and methods. Conversely, lab scientists searching for known information about a protein may seek facts, typically stated with high confidence. Text-mining systems can target specific end-users and become more effective, if the system can first identify text regions rich in the type of scientific content that is of interest to the user, retrieve documents that have many such regions, and focus on fact extraction from these regions. Here, we study the ability to characterize and classify such text automatically. We have recently introduced a multi-dimensional categorization and annotation scheme, developed to be applicable to a wide variety of biomedical documents and scientific statements, while intended to support specific biomedical retrieval and extraction tasks. Results: The annotation scheme was applied to a large corpus in a controlled effort by eight independent annotators, where three individual annotators independently tagged each sentence. We then trained and tested machine learning classifiers to automatically categorize sentence fragments based on the annotation. We discuss here the issues involved in this task, and present an overview of the results. The latter strongly suggest that automatic annotation along most of the dimensions is highly feasible, and that this new framework for scientific sentence categorization is applicable in practice. Contact: shatkay@cs.queensu.ca
Velocity and pressure measurements for microturbine control in NMR application

The NMR application to the analysis of solids requires the high speed spinning of the sample under test, up to speeds in tens of thousands of rpm. These speeds are achieved with microturbines. The speed and pressure measurement and control developed for a commercial application are described in this work.
Legal thought and the formation of law and legal institutions in the Socialist Soviet Republic of Latvia, 1917–1920

(1977). Legal thought and the formation of law and legal institutions in the Socialist Soviet Republic of Latvia, 1917–1920. Journal of Baltic Studies: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 195-204.
Impacts of Design Characteristics on Market Demand of Vertical Takeo and Landing Personal Air Vehicles

An agent-based model of the National Transportation System is used to investigate the sensitivity of market demand to the design requirements of a short haul Vertical Takeo and Landing Personal Air Vehicle that is assumed to enter service in the 2020 timeframe. The market demand for this concept is calculated from a consumer preference standpoint, theorizing that transportation modes are evaluated by rational travelers looking to maximize their utility while constrained by travel time and cost. The consumer preference for such a vehicle in the presence of other modes is analyzed with respect to vehicle speed, range, payload, recharging time and accessibility distance. Other factors that will impact the market demand, such as vehicle economy and the percent of consumers certied to operate the vehicle, are also considered. Results show that consumer preference is most sensitive to economy, passenger capacity, and the percent of the population certied to operate the vehicle. The present method is capable of showing synergetic market behavior when a particular set of engineering requirements are met simultaneously.