cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward quantitative electronic structure in small gold nanoclusters.

Ligand-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) feature a dense but finite electronic structure that can be rationalized using qualitative descriptions such as the well-known superatomic model and predicted using quantum chemical calculations. However, the lack of well-resolved experimental probes of a AuNC electronic structure has made the task of evaluating the accuracy of electronic structure descriptions challenging. We compare electronic absorption spectra computed using time-dependent density functional theory to recently collected high resolution experimental spectra of Au9(PPh3)83+ and Au8(PPh3)72+ AuNCs with strikingly similar features. After applying a simple scaling correction, the computed spectrum of Au8(PPh3)72+ yields a suitable match, allowing us to assign low-energy metal–metal transitions in the experimental spectrum. No similar match is obtained after following the same procedure for two previously reported isomers for Au9(PPh3)83+, suggesting either a deficiency in the calculations or the presence of an additional isomer. Instead, we propose assignments for Au9(PPh3)83+ based off of similarities Au8(PPh3)72+. We further model these clusters using a simple particle-in-a-box analysis for an asymmetrical ellipsoidal superatomic core, which allows us to reproduce the same transitions and extract an effective core size and shape that agrees well with that expected from crystal structures. This suggests that the superatomic model, which is typically employed to explain the qualitative features of nanocluster electronic structures, remains valid even for small AuNCs with highly aspherical cores.
Safety and Effectiveness of Intravenous Artesunate for Treatment of Severe Malaria in the United States -April 2019 through December 2020

Background Severe malaria can be deadly and requires treatment with intravenous artesunate (IVAS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided IVAS starting April 1, 2019 for all patients with severe malaria in the United States. This study describes the safety and effectiveness of IVAS in these patients. Methods Patients meeting criteria for severe malaria April 2019-December 2020 who received IVAS were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, adverse event, and outcome information were collected. Clinical presentation, time to reach 1% and 0% parasitemia, adverse events, and death were described using proportions, medians, interquartile range (IQR), and tests of significance for differences in proportions. Results Of 280 patients included, the majority were male (61.4%), Black/African American (75.0%), with a median age of 35 years (IQR 15.8-53.9). Most had P. falciparum (83.6%) with median parasitemia of 8.0% (IQR 4.6-13.2). Of 170 patients with information, 159 (93.5%) reached ≤1% parasitemia by the third IVAS dose with a median time of 17.6 hours (IQR 10.8-28.8), and 0% parasitemia in a median of 37.2 hours (IQR: 27.2-55.2). Patients with parasite densities >10% and those requiring adjunct therapy had significantly higher parasite clearance times. Adverse events associated with IVAS were reported in 4.8% (n=13 of 271). Eight patients had post-artesunate delayed hemolysis that resolved. There were five (1.8%) deaths, all attributable to severe malaria. Conclusions IVAS is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of severe malaria in the United States; timely administration can be lifesaving.
Hybrid theories, psychological plausibility, and the human/animal divide.

A hybrid theory is any moral theory according to which different classes of individuals ought to be treated according to different principles. We argue that some hybrid theories are able to meet standards of psychological plausibility, by which we mean that it’s feasible for ordinary human beings to understand and act in accord with them. Insofar as psychological plausibility is a theoretical virtue, then, such hybrid theories deserve more serious consideration. To make the case for this view, we explain what psychological plausibility is and why we might value it, why the human/animal divide appears to be an entrenched feature of human psychology, and why Robert Nozick’s hybrid theory doesn’t go far enough. Finally, we make the case that a more promising psychologically plausible hybrid theory, with respect to humans and animals, will be (at least) at tribrid theory—that is, positing three domains rather than two.
DISCUSSION OF HORIZONTAL MOVEMENTS RELATED TO SUBSIDENCE

THE DISCUSSER COMPLIMENTS THE AUTHORS ON THE INTERESTING REPORT OF MODEL STUDIES AND THEORETICAL STUDIES SIMULATING THE SETTLEMENT OF AN EARTH DAM ALONG ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS. HOWEVER, IT IS POINTED OUT THAT CRACKS THAT DEVELOP AT LOWER ELEVATIONS IN THE EMBANKMENT, OR IN THE UPPER FOUNDATION, ARE FAR MORE DANGEROUS AS POTENTIAL CAUSES OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DAM. STUDIES SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO MEASUREMENT OF STRAINS THROUGHOUT THE MODEL EMBANKMENT AND CORRELATED WITH SIMILAR MEASUREMENTS IN REAL DAMS. SINCE THE DESIGN OF A DAM IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEM, THE TRANSVERSE HORIZONTAL STRAINS, INDUCED IN A DIRECTION PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE DAM, MUST ALSO BE INCLUDED. THE WRITER DISCUSSES TWO ASPECTS OF THE SUBJECT: THE MECHANICS OF SUBSIDENCE AND THE CREDIBILITY OF THE BEAM ANALOGY. IN DEDUCING TRANSVERSE HORIZONTAL STRAINS, PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE DAM, BOTH SHEAR STRESS AND POISSON'S RATIO ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED. THE DESIGN OF THE EMBANKMENT AND APPURTENANCES REQUIRES CONSIDERATIONS OF STRAINS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. THEORETICAL ANALYSES BY RUTLEDGE AND GOULD INDICATE THAT THERE ARE THREE PHENOMENA THAT INDUCE TRANSVERSE HORIZONTAL STRAINS AT THE EMBANKMENT-FOUNDATION INTERFACE: (1) DEFLECTION OF THE INTERFACE UNDER VERTICAL LOADS (AS DEFINED BY THE SHAPE OF THE SETTLEMENT PROFILE), (2) THE POISSON EFFECT CAUSED BY THE VERTICAL LOADS, AND (3) OUTWARD DIRECTED SHEAR STRESSES INDUCED BY THE EMBANKMENT LOAD. THE COROLLARY DEDUCTIONS THAT THE BEAM ANALOGY MAY BE USED TO ESTIMATE STRAIN DISTRIBUTION AT THE SURFACE OF THE FOUNDATION NEED SOME EXAMINING. THE LOGIC OF THE USE OF THE BEAM ANALOGY REQUIRES THE ASSUMPTION THAT TENSILE STRAINS ARE INDUCED AT THE EMBANKMENT-FOUNDATION INTERFACE WHEREVER THE LONGITUDINAL SETTLEMENT PROFILE IS CONCAVE UPWARD. THIS ASSUMPTION IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OBSERVED BEHAVIOR OF REAL EMBANKMENTS. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT THE LONGITUDINAL EFFECTS OF THE EMBANKMENT LOADING ON ANY HORIZONTAL PLANE THROUGH THE EMBANKMENT OR FOUNDATION ARE ANALOGOUS TO THOSE DEMONSTRATED IN THE FIGURE FOR POISSON'S RATIO EQUAL TO ZERO. A HYPOTHESIS IS PRESENTED APPLYING THIS ANALOGY. REFERENCES: HORIZONTAL MOVEMENTS RELATED TO SUBSIDENCE, KENNETH L. LEE, C.K. CHEN, ASCE PROC. PAPER 6336, JANUARY 1969.
Integration of particle paths and streamlines in a spatially-decomposed computation

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a method for continuing Integrations of Streamline and Particle Path across sub-domain boundaries. It describes the solution and shows how it functions in a number of cases. Although the underlying structures of streamline and particle are completely different, the chapter exploits the similarity in continuing their integrations across internal boundaries to develop a scheme that works in both cases. The scheme manages the flow of information among the clients, where the integrations are done, and the server, which does the rendering, in order to minimize network traffic, avoid multiple instances of the same object, and make efficient use of the parallel environment. It also provides a simple test to determine whether more integration transfers will be done within the current time-step. This knowledge enables the server to know when it can safely instruct the clients to proceed to the next time step. The chapter also explains how a computational domain is decomposed and the interactions between the processes involved in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computation and the visualization.
Tools for semantic annotation of taxonomic descriptions

A software application for automated semantic annotation of taxonomic, especially morphological, descriptions is reported in this paper. The tool is based on unsupervised machine learning methods. It is designed to annotate descriptions in a deviated syntax that is not normal English but often used in morphological descriptions. The unsupervised annotation system does not need any training examples to annotate text descriptions. It uses a relevant glossary available to it but aims to learn as much information as possible from the text itself. Tools such as this are needed to reformat free-text or OCRed taxonomic documents to a semantic-explicit format for easy and intelligent access, providing character data for phylogenetic research, climate impact on biodiversity, and traditional biosystematics research.
Whim Emission and the Cluster Soft Excess: A Model Comparison

The confirmation of the cluster soft excess (CSE) by XMM-Newton has rekindled interest as to its origin. The recent detections of CSE emission at large cluster radii together with reports of OVII line emission associated with the CSE has led many authors to conjecture that the CSE is, in fact, a signature of the warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM). In this paper we test this scenario by comparing the observed properties of the CSE with predictions based on models of the WHIM. We find that emission from the WHIM is 3 to 4 orders of magnitude too faint to explain the CSE emission. The only possibility is the models if they are missing a large population of small density enhancements or galaxy groups, but this would place have severe ramifications on the baryon budget.
Tools and Techniques in Modal Logic

Chapter Headings only. About this Book. Overview. Part 1. The Fundamentals. Algebra, logic and deduction. Fundamentals of modal logic I. Fundamentals of modal logic II. Part 2. The General Theory of Modal Logic. Universal algebra and duality theory. Definability and correspondence. Reducing polymodal logic to monomodal logic. Lattices of modal logics. Part 3. Case Studies. Extensions of K4. Logics of bounded alternativity. Dynamic logic. Index. Bibliography.
Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography of explosives: Investigations on the interactions between the analytes, the mobile phase and the stationary phase

Abstract The independent effects of pressure and temperature in supercritical fluid chromatography on the capacity ratio on chromatographic resolution of some polar organic model compounds were investigated. Increasing the pressure isothermally leads to a steady decrease in retention and resolution. With changing temperature, a maximum in the capacity ratio as well as the resolution was observed. These observations may be related to a combination of gas chromatographic (GC) and liquid chromatographic (LC) theories of solute interactions with the mobile and stationary phases. However, pure GC- or LC-like behavior was not observed either below or above the critical point of the mobile phase. Capacity ratios for various explosives, propellants and related compounds were determined on capillary open tubular columns coated with either a non-polar methyl- or a polar cyanopropyl—phenyl-substituted siloxane stationary phase. The mobile phase for all studies was carbon dioxide. On the polar column, many of the solutes exhibited a good correlation between their bulk dipole moment and chromatographic retention. Deviations from this correlation could be explained by means of the physical or steric properties of these solutes. The elution order of the compounds on the non-polar column was similar to the order achieved using GC rather than LC.
Network models for monitoring high-dimensional image profiles

Modern industries are investing in advanced imaging technology to increase information visibility, address system complexity, and improve quality and integrity of complex systems. The proliferation of high-dimensional images pose significant challenges on traditional and next-generation innovation practices for process monitoring and control in manufacturing and healthcare. Traditional statistical process control (SPC) is not concerned with imaging data but key product or process characteristics, and is limited in its ability to readily address complex structures of high-dimensional imaging profiles. Realizing the full potential of advanced imaging technology for process monitoring and control hinges on the development of new SPC methodologies. This paper presents a novel dynamic network methodology for monitoring and control of high-dimensional imaging streams. Experimental results on biomanufacturing and machining imaging profiles show that the proposed approach not only captures complex image structures but also provides an effective online control charts for monitoring image profiles. New dynamic network monitoring schemes are shown to have strong potentials to be generally applicable to research problems in diverse fields with image profiles.
Postocclusive cerebral hyperemia is markedly attenuated by chronic trigeminal ganglionectomy

Marked hyperemia may develop in brain following temporary cessation of blood flow and is associated with the morbidity following cardiac arrest, stroke, and head injury. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured using radiolabeled microspheres and compared in 10 symmetrical regions after chronic unilateral trigeminal ganglionectomy (n = 8), trigeminal rhizotomy (n = 4), or sham operation (n = 4) following 10 min of combined brachiocephalic-left subclavian occlusion and hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure less than 50 mmHg) in cats. Blood flow was symmetrical at rest in the three groups and was undetectable during the ischemic period. Within 30 min after re-establishing flow, values in cortical gray matter increased symmetrically to approximately 250 ml.100 g-1.min-1 in the rhizotomy and the sham groups. Increases of similar magnitude were measured on the intact side following trigeminal ganglionectomy but flow was attenuated by greater than 50% ipsilateral to the ganglionectomy. Marked hyperemia developed during reperfusion in thalamus, caudate, deep cortical white matter, midbrain, and pons, but no asymmetries were present in the three groups. These data suggest that cortical hyperemia is mediated by trigeminal neurogenic mechanisms via axonal reflexlike mechanisms and suggest the importance of therapeutic strategies based on blockade of this nerve or its constituent neuropeptides.
Metabolite Transporter Regulation of ABA Function and Guard Cell Response

Pairs of guard cells form stomatal pores through which gas exchange occurs. Gas exchange includes transpirational water loss, and guard cell signaling in drought response has been studied for decades. Abscisic acid (ABA) is the major hormone that regulates drought responses. ABA and other metabolites can be synthesized in one cell type or subcellular compartment and transported across membranes by specific transporters to conduct biological functions. Two new papers, both taking advantage of reverse genetic methods, one focusing on a plasma membrane ABA efflux carrier (Zhang et al., 2014) and the other on a putative mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (Li et al., 2014), have recently shown the importance of metabolite transporters in ABA function and guard cell response.
Synthesis of Indoles by Palladium‐Catalyzed Reductive N‐Heteroannulation of 2‐Nitrostyrenes: Methyl Indole‐4‐Carboxylate

Methyl indole-4-carboxylate Methyl 2-methyl-3-nitrobenzoate Methyl 2-bromomethyl-3-nitrobenzoate Methyl 2-ethenyl-3-nitrobenzoate Palladium acetate Keywords: indoles; palladium catalyst; reductive N-heteroannulation; nitro styrenes; Batcho-Leimgruber indole synthesis; palladium acetate
NIST program for traceable power and energy measurements under non-sinusoidal waveform conditions

In response to industry requests to have calibration services for distorted power instrumentation, NIST is developing a new sampling system to provide this service. This development effort is aimed at providing calibration of instruments that will make measurements in accordance with the IEEE trial use standard 1459-2000 on power measurements in distorted and unbalanced conditions. The system will make use of several NIST developed instruments and sensors.
Finite Element Analysis of the Covered Microstent

Traditional minimally-invasive endovascular procedures like coiling are inadequate for the effective treatment of may wide-necked, fusiform aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) in the brain. An endovascular approach of placing a covered microstent across the intracranial aneurysm neck and AVE rent is promising. Unlike bare stents (stent without cover), covered microstents will have the capability of completely preventing blood flow into the aneurysm cavity of AVF rent. The strategy will restore normal vessel morphology and blood flow.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Evaluating California campus tobacco policies using the American College Health Association guidelines and the Institutional Grammar Tool.

AbstractObjective: To measure comprehensiveness of California campus tobacco policies. Participants: Sixteen campuses representing different regions, institution types, and policies. Research occurred June–August 2013. Methods: Comprehensiveness was scored using American College Health Association's (ACHA) Position Statement on Tobacco. The Institutional Grammar Tool was used to breakdown policy statements into Strategies, Norms, or Rules. Differences in ACHA score and number of Strategies, Norms, and Rules were assessed by region, policy, and institution type. Results: Median ACHA score was 0.35 (scale of 0–1). Schools with 100% tobacco-free policies had highest ACHA scores, but failed to address relationships between schools and tobacco companies. Less than half the schools assessed (7/16) had Rules (enforceable penalties related to policies). In 67% of the policy statements, individuals doing the action were implied (not specifically stated). Conclusion: Campuses should address ACHA recommendations rel...
Experimental Verification of a New Heat and Mass Transfer Enhancement Concept in a Microchannel Falling Film Absorber

This paper presents an experimental study of a new concept of using a screen mesh to enhance heat and mass transfer in a microchannel falling film absorber. Results of the experiments on the conventional and mesh-enhanced microchannel absorber designs are then reported. The experimental study shows that the absorber heat load for the mesh-enhanced design is about 17% ±3.4%-26% ±3.8% higher than a conventional microchannel design. The paper also presents a comparison of the experimental results with a numerical model. A finite difference scheme is used to model the heat and mass transfer processes in a falling film absorber. The numerical model agrees well with experimental results with some deviation at low temperature of coolant and high flow rate of weak solution.
Does Parent Report of Behavior Differ Across ADOS-G Classifications: Analysis of Scores from the CBCL and GARS

Behavior checklists are often utilized to screen for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) when comprehensive evaluations are unfeasible. The usefulness of two behavioral checklists, the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), in identifying ASDs was investigated among 109 children with Autism, 32 children with ASD, and 51 Non-Spectrum children based on Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic classifications. The GARS did not distinguish children with ASDs from those without. The Withdrawn and Pervasive Developmental Problems subscales of the CBCL were higher among children with Autism than among Non-Spectrum children. These CBCL subscales also had better sensitivity and specificity in identifying children with Autism than the GARS. Results suggest that the CBCL is a useful behavioral checklist for screening ASDs.
Preliminary evidence that both blue and red light can induce alertness at night

A variety of studies have demonstrated that retinal light exposure can increase alertness at night. It is now well accepted that the circadian system is maximally sensitive to short-wavelength (blue) light and is quite insensitive to long-wavelength (red) light. Retinal exposures to blue light at night have been recently shown to impact alertness, implicating participation by the circadian system. The present experiment was conducted to look at the impact of both blue and red light at two different levels on nocturnal alertness. Visually effective but moderate levels of red light are ineffective for stimulating the circadian system. If it were shown that a moderate level of red light impacts alertness, it would have had to occur via a pathway other than through the circadian system. Fourteen subjects participated in a within-subject two-night study, where each participant was exposed to four experimental lighting conditions. Each night each subject was presented a high (40 lx at the cornea) and a low (10 lx at the cornea) diffuse light exposure condition of the same spectrum (blue, λmax = 470 nm, or red, λmax = 630 nm). The presentation order of the light levels was counterbalanced across sessions for a given subject; light spectra were counterbalanced across subjects within sessions. Prior to each lighting condition, subjects remained in the dark (< 1 lx at the cornea) for 60 minutes. Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG), psychomotor vigilance tests (PVT), self-reports of sleepiness, and saliva samples for melatonin assays were collected at the end of each dark and light periods. Exposures to red and to blue light resulted in increased beta and reduced alpha power relative to preceding dark conditions. Exposures to high, but not low, levels of red and of blue light significantly increased heart rate relative to the dark condition. Performance and sleepiness ratings were not strongly affected by the lighting conditions. Only the higher level of blue light resulted in a reduction in melatonin levels relative to the other lighting conditions. These results support previous findings that alertness may be mediated by the circadian system, but it does not seem to be the only light-sensitive pathway that can affect alertness at night.
Motivating Struggling Readers in an Era of Mandated Instructional Practices

May schools mandate that teachers use scripted lessons and specific reading programs. To minimize the many problems that such instructional inflexibility can create for struggling readers, this article describes five principles of motivation and shows how teachers can apply these principles with struggling readers within the framework of mandated instruction.
Resistin and adiponectin levels in subjects with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background Resistin and adiponectin are implicated in insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma resistin levels and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) or diabetes compared to the controls. In a cross-sectional study, we measured glucose, fasting lipid panel, resistin, adiponectin, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-α in 57 subjects with CAD, 58 subjects with diabetes compared to 45 normal control subjects. Results: Subjects with CAD compared to the control subjects had increased insulin resistance index (39 ± 32 vs. 13.45 ± 12.73 with p p p p p p r = 0.557, p r = 0.84, p Conclusions: The present study shows decreased plasma adiponectin levels in subjects with diabetes as well as in subjects with CAD is similar to the literature. Plasma levels of resistin in subjects with CAD or diabetes are similar to the controls. However, there was a strong correlation of resistin levels with inflammatory markers. This suggests resistin as an inflammatory marker associated with CAD.
New Insights into Virulence Evolution in Multigroup Hosts

AbstractMany of the standard predictions in evolutionary epidemiology result from models in which all hosts are equally susceptible to acquiring an infection and equally capable of resisting pathogens once an infection has been established. This contrasts with the empirical reality that natural host populations are typically composed of individuals with various susceptibilities and vulnerabilities to pathogen exploitation that can influence all aspects of a given pathogen’s transmission-virulence phenotype. In these structured host settings, host-dependent variation in the virulence-transmission trade-off plays an important role in determining pathogen evolution. By deriving some game-theoretic equilibrium expressions that describe pathogen evolution in heterogeneous host populations, the contribution of host heterogeneity to the direction of evolution in host exploitation is made explicit. Within this framework, qualitative departures from predictions derived from theory utilizing a homogeneous host assu...
Food Habits of the Swift Fox in Northern Texas

Swift foxes, Vulpes velox velox , are present in many parts of their range where they were once considered to be extinct. Little has been learned about the natural history of swift foxes, probably owing to the scarcity of the species until recent years. Twelve stomachs and 250 scats were obtained at six localities in Hansford County, Texas, and were studied to determine the feeding habits of swift foxes. Most of the land in Hansford County is farmed or overgrazed. Swift foxes and their dens have been found in both cultivated and uncultivated fields (Cutter, 1958). Growers of livestock and poultry are not now (1956) troubled by predators, but perhaps formerly were since government trappers have set “coyote getters” in the past—mechanisms that explode a small bomb in the mouths of investigating coyotes. Two of the 12 stomachs were empty; the 250 scats were gathered near the entrances to dens. The scats and stomachs were collected in late spring, summer and early autumn, with the exception of one stomach and five scats, obtained in winter. Young are in the dens in spring and summer; the scats may be mainly from young animals. Contents of stomachs and scats are discussed separately in the pages that follow. The number of individuals of each species eaten by the swift foxes could not be determined. Rabbits .—Remains of rabbits were found in 55 scats and five stomachs. Remains from two scats and from two stomachs were identified as black-tailed jack rabbit, Lepus californicus , and remains from nine scats and from three stomachs were identified as cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus sp. (probably S. audubonii ). Rabbits occurred almost as frequently (60 times) as did all other vertebrates (68 times). Many of the rabbit remains were of immature animals; probably most rabbits eaten by swift foxes are …
The effect of intrauterine infusions of prostaglandin E2 on luteal function in nonpregnant gilts.

Abstract Two trials were conducted to study the effects of intrauterine infusions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on luteal function in nonpregnant gilts. Cannulae were surgically implanted on day 9 postestrus into the lumen of each horn with a cephalic vein cannula inserted for collection of peripheral blood. Intrauterine infusions of 0, 25, 75 or 200 μg of PGE2 were initiated at 0900 h on day 12 and administered thereafter every 12 hr until estrus or day 22 in the first trial. The second trial protocol included an increase in the dose of PGE2 administered as well as the frequency of infusion. Infusion of 0, 200, 300 or 400 μg PGE2 was begun at 0300 h on day 12 and continued every 6 hr until estrus or day 22. Cephalic plasma samples for progesterone analysis were collected every six hours from 0300 h on day 11 to 2100 h on day 26 in both trials. In Trial 1 mean plasma progesterone concentrations for all treatments were not different (P>0.05) from the controls on any given day of the estrous cycle. Interestrous interval was unaffected by intrauterine infusion of PGE2. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations for all treatments were not different (P>0.05) from the controls on days 11–18 of the estrous cycle in Trial 2. However, plasma progesterone concentrations for the 200-μg and 300-μg PGE2 groups appeared to be greater than the controls on days 14 and 15, indicating a possible delay in the decline of progesterone for these groups. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations for the treatment groups were lower (P 0.05) from previous cycle length; thus treatment with PGE2 had no effect on interestrous interval. PGE2 may have retarded the decline of progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum in some cases, but at these dosages and frequencies of administration PGE2 was ineffective in prolonging luteal maintenance.
Physical and social impact of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: results of a survey.

BACKGROUND Emphysema associated with alpha 1-antitryp sin deficiency can impose serious impairment. OBJECTIVE To gather information about the impact of severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. METHODS Mail survey, descriptive statistics. RESULTS We sent a survey to 1730 subscribers to a national newsletter, 850 of whom had previously stated they had alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. A total of 414 questionnaires were returned; 398 respondents said they had alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and 300 said they had the PiZZ phenotype. Sixty-six respondents who said they had the disease did not know their phenotype. Among the 304 respondents with severe deficiency, the mean age at the time symptoms first appeared was 35.0 years, but the mean age when the disease was diagnosed was 41.3 years. Overall, 75.3% of respondents with severe deficiency reported at least one adverse effect: 44-4% retired early, and 19.1% changed to a physically easier job. The duration of diagnostic delay correlated with the degree of adverse psychosocial effects. CONCLUSIONS Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency frequently escapes diagnosis despite many medical encounters. Affected individuals are often unaware of basic details of their disease. Many patients report adverse psychosocial effects. Delay in diagnosing this disease is associated with adverse psychosocial effects.
Noninvasive pulsed doppler determination of cardiac output in an unanesthetized neotenic salamander,Ambystoma tigrinum

A pulsed Doppler was used to determine cardiac output noninvasively in partially restrained unanesthetized neotenic tiger salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum (mean wt. 105.0 gm ± 13.7 SD, N = 5). Although mean heart rates were similar, mean stroke volume (0.18 ml ± 0.06) and cardiac output (11.0 ml · min−1 ± 3.6) were greater than those previously reported for other amphibia. This dissimilarity is most likely due to species differences and/or the effects of anesthesia and surgical disruption of the thoracic cavity.
Inhaler Costs and Medication Nonadherence Among Seniors With Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Background Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs) such as asthma and COPD are associated with particularly high rates of cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN), but the degree to which inhaler costs contribute to this is not known. Here, we examine the relationship between inhaler-specific out-of-pocket costs and CRN in CPD. Methods Using data obtained in 2006 in a national stratified random sample (N = 16,072) of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years, we used logistic regression to examine the relationship between inhaled medications, various types of out-of-pocket costs, and CRN in persons with CPD. Results The prevalence of CRN in Medicare recipients with CPD using inhalers was 31%. In multivariate models, the odds that respondents with CPD using inhalers would report CRN was 1.43 (95% CI, 1.21–1.69) compared with respondents without CPD who were not using inhalers. Adjustment for out-of-pocket inhaler costs—but not adjustment for total medication costs or non-inhaler costs—eliminated this excess risk of CRN (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.71–1.28). Patients paying > $20 per month for inhalers were at significantly higher risk for CRN compared with those who had no out-of-pocket inhaler costs. Conclusions Individuals with CPD and high out-of-pocket inhaler costs are at increased risk for CRN relative to individuals on other medications. Physicians should be aware that inhalers can pose a particularly high risk of medication nonadherence for some patients.
Accelerated image reconstruction for a cylindrical positron tomograph using Fourier domain methods

The authors present a method to reconstruct projection images through assembly in the Fourier domain, rather than by backprojection. By bypassing the rate-limiting backprojection step of filtered backprojection, the proposed algorithm operates more quickly than previous methods. Fourier domain operations are also used to form forward-projected views of the imaged object; portions of these views are required to operate a full three-dimensional reconstruction using the cross-plane projection planes. Inaccuracies in images recovery and artifacts in the image are reduced by oversampling in the Fourier domain; this is easily accomplished by zero-padding the projection data prior to entering the Fourier domain. These Fourier domain algorithms form the basis for the reconstruction algorithm in PCR-II, a volumetric positron imager under construction at Massachusetts General Hospital. >
Role of endogenous opioid peptides in the acute adaptation to hypoxia

A non-lethal, hypoxlc con&ttonlng stimulus has been shown by Rising and D'Alecy to increase hypoxlc survival time m mice To determine if endogenous oplolds alter the hypoxlc condltloning-mduced mcrease in hypoxlc survwal time, we administered naloxone (0 1, 1 0 mg/kg I.p.) or sahne (0.3 ml 1 p ) 5 mln prior to condmonmg. Sixty percent of the m~ce recewed the hypoxlc conditlonlng stimulus consisting of three sequential hypoxlc exposures (4.5% oxygen balance mtrogen for 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mm) separated by 5 mln of room air The remaining mice did not receive hypoxlc conditioning but instead remained m room air for this time All mice were tested for hypoxlc survwal by first exposmg them to 20 s of 8.5% oxygen balance nitrogen followed by exposure to 4.5% oxygen balance mtrogen The hypoxic survival t~me was recorded as the time from the onset of the 4.5% oxygen to the cessation of spontaneous ventdatlon Naloxone (1 mg/kg) completely blocked the adaptation to hypoxm reduced by hypoxlc condmonmg (P = 0 003) Morphine (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) had no effect on hypoxlc adaptation, however, 50 mg/kg morphine decreased the adaptation reduced by condmomng (P < 0.0001) possibly due to high dose toxlc~ty These data suggest that endogenous oplolds are revolved in the protectwe adaptation to hypoxm induced by prior exposure to non-lethal hypoxm
The action of hemoglobin. Cooperative effects in tetrameric proteins

The cooperative effect is developed for proteins containing four subunits. The extension of the primitive Adair model is considered and the present models based on this extension are compared.
Human pancreatic triglyceride lipase expressed in yeast cells: purification and characterization.

Abstract A cDNA clone encoding human pancreatic triglyceride lipase was cloned into a yeast expression vector so that the yeast PHO1 signal peptide replaced the native signal peptide. Pichia pastoris cells were transfected with the vector, and clones expressing human pancreatic triglyceride lipase were isolated. Recombinant human pancreatic lipase was expressed in broth cultures and was purified from the medium by DEAE blue Sepharose and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The highly purified lipase had specific activities for various triglyceride substrates identical to those of tissue-purified human pancreatic triglyceride lipase; it was inhibited by bile salts, required colipase for activity, and demonstrated interfacial activation. This expression system is suitable for the rapid, efficient production of human pancreatic triglyceride lipase in amounts adequate for biophysical studies.
CRACK FORMATION IN MAGNESIUM OXIDE SINGLE CRYSTALS

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented which lends direct support to the Stroh mechanism for crack formation. After a magnesium oxide crystal was compressed about 3%, it was observed that minute cracks had been formed in the region of a kink band generated by non-homogeneous plastic strain. These cracks lay on conjugate {110} slip planes and not on the usual {100} cleavage planes. They extended in the form of [001] direction slits running right through the crystal.
PhyDesign: an online application for profiling phylogenetic informativeness.

Background: The rapid increase in number of sequenced genomes for species across of the tree of life is revealing a diverse suite of orthologous genes that could potentially be employed to inform molecular phylogenetic studies that encompass broader taxonomic sampling. Optimal usage of this diversity of loci requires user-friendly tools to facilitate widespread cost-effective locus prioritization for phylogenetic sampling. The Townsend (2007) phylogenetic informativeness provides a unique empirical metric for guiding marker selection. However, no software or automated methodology to evaluate sequence alignments and estimate the phylogenetic informativeness metric has been available. Results: Here, we present PhyDesign, a platform-independent online application that implements the Townsend (2007) phylogenetic informativeness analysis, providing a quantitative prediction of the utility of loci to solve specific phylogenetic questions. An easy-to-use interface facilitates uploading of alignments and ultrametric trees to calculate and depict profiles of informativeness over specified time ranges, and provides rankings of locus prioritization for epochs of interest. Conclusions: By providing these profiles, PhyDesign facilitates locus prioritization increasing the efficiency of sequencing for phylogenetic purposes compared to traditional studies with more laborious and low capacity screening methods, as well as increasing the accuracy of phylogenetic studies. Together with a manual and sample files, the application is freely accessible at http://phydesign.townsend.yale.edu.
A diagrammatic approach to computer instruction for the naive user

There are inherent difficulties with text as an instructional format. This research presents the development of a diagrammatic representation that overcomes some of those difficulties. A simple “language” is presented that includes both procedural and model information. This approach is applied to the instruction of word processing/text-editing skills. An experimental methodology is presented and preliminary results are reported that suggest that the diagrammatic approach results in improvements in both the amount of word processing accomplished and the speed with which modifications are made.
The Psychosocial Impact of Donating a Kidney: Long-Term Followup from a Urology Based Center

AbstractPurpose: We conducted a psychosocial followup of living kidney donors from 1983 to 1995.Materials and Methods: A new questionnaire about donor satisfaction and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey, a standardized measure of health related quality of life, were completed by 167 donors (67% response rate).Results: Of respondents 90% would make the same choice again and 83% would strongly encourage others to donate. However, 15% of respondents believed that donating had impacted negatively on their health and 23% reported negative financial consequences. Respondent health related quality of life was not impaired. The strongest correlates of donor dissatisfaction included a conflicted initial relationship with the recipient, believing that information given preoperatively had been inadequate and perceived damage to health or finances.Conclusions: Only a minority of living kidney donors suffer psychosocial morbidity. Better psychological preparation for surgery and more consistent follow...
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Profile in the Colon of Newborn Piglets Using Fecal Water Analysis

Short-chain fatty acid production and assimilation is unlikely to occur at significant levels in the newborn because the colon at birth is sterile, and only gradually acquires an anaerobic flora. This study profiled short-chain fatty acid levels in the colon lumen over the initial 21 days of life. Fecal samples were removed surgically from the cecum, right, and left colon from 36 York piglets, 0-21 days of life. Samples were subjected to in vitro dialysis and centrifugation methods to quantitate fecal water short-chain fatty acids, electrolytes, osmolality, and pH. A three-way analysis of variance examined piglet age, colon site of fecal samples, and method of fecal water analysis, for each variable. No differences were found between techniques of fecal water collection. Newborns showed production of short-chain fatty acids as early as the 1st day of life in limited amounts. Levels were stable between days 5 and 14, and then abruptly accumulated in the lumen. Acetate was predominant early, with propionate and butyrate responsible for late peaks. The production and assimilation of short-chain fatty acids was nearly complete proximal to the left colon. Age and colon site showed significant interactions for each fatty acid (p less than 0.001). The combined osmolar contributions of short-chain fatty acids and electrolytes accounted completely for the luminal osmolality after the 2nd wk of life. Previously there was an "osmolar gap" suggesting that lactose or its breakdown products were present in the lumen and were being removed by pathways other than through short-chain fatty acid production.
Nitric oxide mediates flow-dependent epicardial coronary vasodilation to changes in pulse frequency but not mean flow in conscious dogs.

BACKGROUNDAlthough epicardial coronary arteries dilate in response to changes in flow, the mechanisms responsible for this and the mechanical stimuli that are sensed by the endothelium are not completely defined. We performed the present study to determine the importance of nitric oxide in eliciting epicardial dilation to sustained changes in mean flow and pulse frequency in the coronary circulation of conscious dogs.METHODS AND RESULTSDogs were chronically instrumented with a circumflex coronary occluder, piezoelectric crystals to measure epicardial diameter, and a coronary artery catheter placed distal to the crystals for intracoronary drug infusion. Studies were conducted in dogs in the conscious state. We inhibited nitric oxide production by administering the arginine analog N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg IV), which attenuated the epicardial artery diameter changes to left atrial infusions of acetylcholine (10 micrograms/min) from 140 +/- 23 (+/- SEM) to 46 +/- 20 microns (P <...
Does rating help microfinance institutions raise funds? Cross-country evidence

Abstract This paper studies whether microfinance rating agencies were able to impose market discipline on microfinance institutions (MFIs) during the period 1998–2002. The results indicate that not all rating agencies had the same impact. Rating by some rating agencies helped MFIs raise funds, while rating by other agencies did not. The evidence also suggests that subsidizing rating did not help MFIs raise more funds.
Degradation products analysis of an Fc fusion protein using LC/MS methods

The following analytical methods have been used to identify and quantify degradation products in an E. coli expressed human immunoglobulin G Fc fusion protein in both liquid and lyophilized forms: two-dimensional AEX/RP/MS, limited proteolysis followed by LC/MS, and tryptic digestion followed by LC/MS/MS. After aging in a potassium phosphate pH 7.0 buffer for 3 months at 29 degrees C, peptide map analysis revealed that asparagine N78 (N297 according to Edelman sequencing) of the CH2 domain was the most rapidly deamidated site in the molecule probably due to the lack of the N-linked glycan on this asparagine, but this deamidation can be prevented under properly formulated conditions. This is the first report on the rate of deamidation on N297 of an IgG molecule without glycosylation. The active protein portion of the Fc fusion protein contains two methionine residues that are potentially susceptible to oxidation. Limited proteolysis was employed to cleave the active protein portion and measure the amount of oxidation. LC/MS analysis identified that the liquid sample aged at 29 degrees C for 3 months produced 40% oxidation, while the control sample contained only 4% oxidation on the active protein. In contrast to the aged liquid sample, the aged lyophilized sample showed no increase of deamidation or oxidation after storage at 37 degrees C for 8 months.
MODELING OF COAL LIQUEFACTION WITH HINDERED DIFFUSION

A simple model taking into account most important aspects of catalyst properties and reaction was developed to interpret a maximal point in catalyst activity observed using unimodal catalysts in coal-tetralin reactions. The model was found to be highly applicable to the prediction of catalyst activity and the maximal point in catalyst activity could be explained in terms of the trade-off between the hindered diffusion and surface area.
Efficient multi-hop connectivity analysis in urban vehicular networks

Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication provides a flexible and real-time information dissemination mechanism through various applications of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Achieving seamless connectivity through multi-hop vehicular communication with sparse network is a challenging issue. In this paper, we have studied this multi-hop vehicular connectivity in an urban scenario using GPS traces obtained from San Francisco Yellow cabs. Our current work describes a new algorithm for the analysis of topological properties like connectivity and partitions for any kind of vehicular or mobile computing environment. The novel approach uses bitwise manipulation of sparse matrix with an efficient storage technique for determining multi-hop connectivity. The computation mechanism can be further scaled to parallel processing environment. The main contribution of this research is threefold. First, developing an efficient algorithm to quantify multi-hop connectivity with the aid of bitwise manipulation of sparse matrix. Second, investigating the time varying nature of multi-hop vehicular connectivity and dynamic network partitioning of the topology. Third, deriving a mathematical model for calculating message propagation rate in an urban environment.
Pore corrosion model for gold-plated copper contacts

The research goal presented here is to model the electrical response of gold plated copper electrical contacts exposed to a mixed flowing gas stream consisting of air containing 10ppb H/sub 2/S at 30/spl deg/C and a relative humidity of 70%. This environment accelerates the attack normally observed in a light industrial environment (similar to, but less severe than, the Battelle class 2 environment). Corrosion rates were quantified by measuring the corrosion site density, size distribution, and the electrical resistance of a probe contact with the aged surface, as a function of exposure time. A pore corrosion numerical model was used to predict both the growth of copper sulfide corrosion product which blooms through defects in the gold layer and the resulting electrical contact resistance of the aged surface. Assumptions about the distribution of defects in the noble metal plating and the mechanism for how corrosion blooms affect electrical contact resistance were needed to close the numerical model. Comparisons are made to the experimentally observed corrosion-bloom number density, bloom size distribution, and the cumulative probability distribution of the electrical contact resistance. Experimentally, the bloom site density increases as a function of time, whereas the bloom size distribution remains relatively independent of time. These two effects are included in the numerical model by adding a corrosion initiation probability proportional to the surface area and a probability for bloom-growth extinction proportional to the bloom volume, due to Kirkendall voiding. The cumulative probability distribution of electrical resistance becomes skewed as exposure time increases. While the resistance increases as a function of time for a fraction of the bloom population, the median value remains relatively unchanged. In order to model this behavior, the resistance calculated for large blooms is heavily weighted by contributions from the halo region.