cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances in the treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent complication, with significant interindividual variability in clinical symptoms, severity, timing, and neural substrates. Recent studies have focused not only on understanding PD dementia, but also mild cognitive impairment in PD, which may represent a prodromal stage for dementia. In recent years, there have been important advances regarding clinical characterizations, definitions, associated biomarkers, and risk factors for both mild cognitive impairment in PD and PD dementia. However, there is a paucity of effective therapies for cognitive impairment in PD, whether for mild symptoms or for moderate to severe dementia. At present, only rivastigmine is U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for PD dementia, an indication received nearly a decade ago. Given the frequency of PD cognitive impairment and its substantial impact on both patients and families, the lack of available and effective treatments represents a striking gap in the field, especially when compared to the large number of available therapies for PD motor symptoms and complications. Improved symptomatic therapies, as well as potential disease-modifying agents, for PD cognitive impairment are needed. Most therapeutic trials for PD dementia and mild cognitive impairment in PD have focused on drugs developed for and tested in Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, memantine, though recent and ongoing trials examine the effects of pharmacological agents affecting other neurotransmitters, as well as nonpharmacological therapies, including mental and physical exercise and neurostimulation. This review summarizes the design and outcomes of trials for PD cognitive impairment published since 2013 and highlights future therapeutic research opportunities and challenges.
Organic geochemistry and coal petrology of Tertiary brown coal in the Zhoujing mine, Baise Basin, South China: 3. Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of the Tertiary brown coal from Zhoujing mine have been characterized in detail. They are composed mainly of aromatic sesqui-, di-, sester- and triterpenoid hydrocarbons, with retene and simonellite as the predominant species. Secondary in abundance are mono- to pentaaromatic triterpenoid hydrocarbons, derived from oleanane, ursane and lupane precursors, indicators of terrestrial sources. Minor species present are a tetraaromatic norhopane, undecyltoluene and perylene and most of the regular polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are found at trace levels only.
Amplified spontaneous emission measurement of a line-narrowed, tunable, Ti:Al2O3 amplifier using rubidium absorption

Amplified spontaneous emission, ASE, generated by a Ti:Al2O3 laser amplifier has been measured as a function of pump energy, and thus gain, using the atomic absorption of rubidium, Rb, gas at 0.780 micron. By tuning the Ti:Al2O3 laser, the Rb cell could selectively absorb the narrow spectral bandwidth laser radiation while transmitting the wide spectral bandwidth ASE. Transmission of laser amplifier pulses through a Rb absorption cell, measured at various temperatures, thus allows the measurement of the weak ASE in the vicinity of the strong laser pulse. A model for the transmission of Rb as a function of temperature and wavelength has been developed. The measured transmissions are in good agreement with the transmission model predictions.
Necessity of systematic HIV disclosure in HIV-infected families: Committed Communities Development trust’s approach and intervention

Due to greater access to antiretroviral therapy, telling adolescents that they are HIV-infected and/or affected has become an integral and intricate part of the treatment protocol. Despite growing treatment resources from public and private sectors, there is a lack of systematic disclosure for children and adolescents affected and living with HIV/AIDS. Committed Communities Development Trust, a non-government organization working with children and adults infected with and/or affected by HIV, conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study with 33 families in their home-based care program to evaluate their current disclosure protocol. The findings indicate that these experiences implementing and fine-tuning this protocol provide useful lessons for other Indian non-government organizations working with HIV-positive families.
Update on vitamin D and type 2 diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to climb in many parts of the globe in association with the rise in obesity. Although the latter is clearly a predominant factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, other modifiable lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain nutritional factors, such as vitamin D deficiency, are also believed to play a role. In contrast to the findings of observational studies, information pooled from vitamin D intervention trials lack conclusive evidence in support of vitamin D supplementation and changes in diabetes risk or measures of glucose intolerance, although an effect on insulin resistance may exist. Well-designed trials that focus on intermediate biomarkers of diabetes risk in response to increased vitamin D intake are still needed. It will be important to include in the design of these studies selection of insulin-resistant study subjects who have a low ( 75 nmol/L serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Diagnostic Key to Mycobacteria Encountered in Clinical Laboratories

A diagnostic key has been developed which will permit identification of most mycobacteria encountered in clinical laboratories. The key is based on performance of a few simple tests. The efficiency and accuracy of the key was evaluated in terms of correlation between identifications based on the few tests and those arrived at through application of the techniques of numerical taxonomy, which involves a large battery of tests. Of 679 cultures of mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 86.5% were correctly identified by use of the key, and only 1.8% of the cultures were erroneously identified. The remaining cultures required further examination.
Measurements of Longitudinal-Wave Velocity in IIW-Type Calibration Blocks

IIW-type (International Institute of Welding) ultrasonic calibration blocks are used widely throughout the world in nondestructive testing of materials and structures. They are used to establish certain physical characteristics of ultrasonic search units (transducers and plastic wedges) and flaw detection systems. Figures la and lb illustrate the geometries of the two popular U.S. variations of the IIW-type block: IIW-Type 1 design referenced by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and IIW-Type 2 commonly known as the U.S. Air Force design. The blocks are nominally 300 mm (12 in.) long, 100 mm (4 in.) wide, and 25 mm (1 in.) thick. The geometry, physical characteristics, and uses of the ASTM design are specified in the ASTM standard E-164, while the Air Force design is described in the U.S. Air Force Technical Manual on Nondestructive Inspection Methods. A comprehensive summary of the different block designs and physical characteristics is given by Hotchkiss [1].
Normal conjunctival flora in the North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoon (Procyon lotor).

We documented the normal conjunctival bacterial flora from 17 opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and 10 raccoons (Procyon lotor) trapped in Manhattan, Kansas (USA) from November 1999 to January 2000. Both raccoons and opossums were free of apparent ocular disease. The inferior conjunctival sacs of each animal were swabbed for aerobic bacterial and Mycoplasma culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycoplasma and Chlamydia detection. All conjunctival samples were positive for one or more species of aerobic bacteria. The most common isolate from opossums was Staphylococcus spp. Other isolates included Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Enterococcus faecalis. The most common isolate in raccoons was Bacillus spp. Other isolates included Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., non-hemolytic Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Mycoplasma culture was negative in samples from opossums and raccoons. Evidence of Mycoplasma and Chlamydia presence was detected by PCR.
Nuclear size of live and dead bovine spermatozoa.

THE size distributions of spermatozoan nuclei are of interest from two points of view. On one hand there is the question of the identification and separation of X and Y chromosome bearing spermatozoa, and on the other hand the relation of nuclear size to total content of chromatophilic substances measured by the plug or core method of microspectroscopy. We do not wish to become involved in the former question; but are interested in the latter in connexion with work on the DNA content of bovine spermatozoa being examined in this laboratory.
Men of the Cloth: African-American Clergy's Knowledge and Experience in Providing Pastoral Care to African-American Elders with Late-Life Depression

African-American clergy's ability to recognize late-life depression and their capacity to provide support with this illness have been neglected in the literature. Using a mental health literacy framework, the purpose of this research was to explore African-American clergy's knowledge of and treatments for late-life depression. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine African-American clergy who oversaw churches in central Kentucky. Collectively, all clergy were literate and aware of the need to provide support to elders with late-life depression. This study seeks to further clarify the role of African-American clergy and their understanding of late-life depression to inform future interventions and better collaborative relationships.
Simultaneous SERS and surface-enhanced fluorescence from dye-embedded metal core–shell nanoparticles

We demonstrate a methodology to prepare Au-core–Ag-shell nanoparticles displaying both SERS and surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) activities simultaneously by embedding dye molecules between the core and the shell. Polyelectrolytes are used to adjust the spacing and the dye position between the core and the shell. Layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte deposition can serve as an effective and flexible way to introduce various types of dye molecules into the nanostructures. Results from the spectral measurements shed light on the intricacy between SERS and SEF.
Analysis Still Matters: A Surprising Instance of Failure of Runge-Kutta-Felberg ODE Solvers

This paper provides a nice example to illustrate that without supporting analysis, a numerical simulation may lead to incorrect conclusions. We explore a pedagogical example of failure of Runge--Kutta--Felberg (RKF) algorithms for a simple dynamical system that models the coupling of two oscillators. Although the system appears to be well-behaved, the explicit RKF solvers provide erratic numerical solutions. The mode of failure is based in a period-doubling route to chaos due to the existence of stable linear solutions in the problem.
External partnerships and academic libraries

External relationships are an important aspect of establishing academic library partnerships. This paper focuses on relationships between such libraries and various organisations that extend well beyond the boundaries of the academic campus.
Thermometry of interstitial hyperthermia given as an adjuvant to brachytherapy for the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate

Abstract Purpose: Recurrence in the prostatic gland remains a significant problem in the management of locally advanced prostatic cancer. Transperineal thermobrachytherapy has been utilized in an attempt to improve local tumor control. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the temperature distributions obtained in carcinoma of the prostate treated with interstitial radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia given in conjunction with 192 Ir brachytherapy in a Phase I study. Methods and Materials: From 1987 until 1992, 36 patients (5 with locally recurrent, 15 with Stage B, and 16 Stage C prostate cancers) were treated with interstitial brachytherapy implants supplemented with radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia. An array of 7–32 stainless steel trocar electrodes (outer diameter=1.5 mm, interelectrode spacing=8 mm) were implanted into the prostate gland through a perineal approach utilizing a specially designed template. Each trocar was electrically insulated along the length which traversed surrounding normal tissues. One to three additional plastic catheters were implanted for automated temperature mapping. Thirty-four of these procedures were performed following lymph node sampling. However, the last two removable interstitial hyperthermic prostate implants were done by the transperineal route under ultrasound guidance. A hyperthermia treatment (goal of 43°C for 45 minutes) was given immediately prior to the insertion and immediately following the removal of the 192Ir . A computer-controlled radiofrequency-based generator (freq. 0.5 MHz) implementing electrode multiplexing was used to induce and maintain elevated temperatures. Results: Transient local pain was the most common treatment limiting factor. The average values of the measured minimum, mean, and maximum temperatures were 38.9°C, 41.9°C, and 45.7°C in tumor, and 37.7°C, 39.8°C, and 42.9°C in surrounding normal tissue, respectively. The percentages of mapped temperatures exceeding 41°C, 42°C, and 43°C were 67%, 46%, and 27% in tumor, and 26%, 11%, and 4% in normal surrounding tissue, respectively. Conclusion: From this study we conclude that heterogeneous temperature distributions were induced in the prostate; significant normal tissue protection was realized in part through the selective insulation of sections of each electrode; and interstitial radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia of the prostate is feasible and well tolerated, with further technical developments warranted.
A Pilot Study of a Mindfulness Intervention for Adolescents and the Potential Role of Self-Compassion in Reducing Stress.

Objective: In this pilot study, we sought to investigate the effects of a mindfulness intervention for adolescents on a community sample of teens. Specifically, we explored the effects of mindfulness training on emotional well-being outcomes. Also, we examined the relationship between mindfulness and self-compassion at baseline-predicted outcome measures. Design: This design was a pre-/post-pilot intervention study. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine change in outcome measures before and after the mindfulness intervention. Multiple regression was also conducted to investigate the influence of baseline mindfulness and self-compassion on outcome measures. Setting: The study took place after school in a classroom at a local university. Participants: Overall 28 adolescents age 10–18 years from two different cohorts participated in this study. Intervention: Learning to BREATHE, a mindfulness curriculum designed specifically for adolescents and taught in six 1.5 h sessions, was implemented. Main Outcome Measures: The outcome measures, life satisfaction and perceived stress, were included in an online survey before and after the mindfulness intervention. Results: Results indicated that mindfulness, self-compassion, perceived stress, and life satisfaction improved from preintervention to post-intervention. Further, self-compassion (taught within the mindfulness intervention) was negatively related to perceived stress post-intervention while controlling for baseline stress. These findings suggest that mindfulness may be an effective intervention for improving indicators of emotional well-being among an adolescent population. Additionally, self-compassion may be a pathway through which youth can lower stress. Future research should examine self-compassion as a potential factor in promoting emotional well-being.
What do we know about the cardiac benefits of exercise

Exercise has long been considered an essential element for sustaining cardiovascular health. A vast literature of clinical studies suggests that exercise serves as an effective intervention for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, although the optimal nature, intensity, and duration of exercise for maximizing these cardiovascular benefits remain unclear. On a molecular level, exercise induces physiologic growth of the heart primarily by driving cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, notably through the interconnected IGF-1-PI3K-AKT1 and C/EBPβ-CITED4 pathways. Here, we explore the range of clinical evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and outline the molecular pathways that play major roles in regulating these protective effects.
Cost-effectiveness assessment of cardiac interventions: determining a socially acceptable cost threshold

Health care is a vital good for which there is an infinite demand. However, societal resources are finite and need to be distributed efficiently to avoid waste. Thus, the relative value of an intervention - cost compared to its effectiveness- needs to be taken into consideration when deciding which interventions to adopt. Cost-effectiveness analysis provides the crucial information which guides these decisions. As the field of medicine and indeed cardiology move forward with innovations which are effective but often expensive, it becomes imperative to employ these cost-effectiveness analytic tools, not with the intention of denying vital health services but to ascertain what the society willing to pay for.
Application of Fluidics

Embryonic technology was introduced in the United States late in 1959 with the development of "pure fluid amplifiers." These devices purported to perform many of the functions previously considered part of the province of electronics. This was the beginning of the concept of fluidics, a technology concerned with logical control functions using fluid interactions to produce control signals. The philosophy, operation, application, and potential of fluidic devices will be discussed.
Beam profiles along the nonwedged direction for large wedged fields.

Beam profiles along the nonwedged direction of a wedged field produced by a linear accelerator exhibit more ‘‘sagging’’ than that of an open field at the same depth. For large fields, the profiles of open and wedged fields can differ by as much as 7%. The extra ‘‘sagging’’ of wedged profiles is mainly due to the difference in penetration between on‐ and off‐axis rays caused by the variation of beam quality across the field. An algorithm was developed to estimate an ‘‘effective’’ depth such that the profile of a wedged field can be approximated by the open‐field profile at the effective depth. The algorithm was verified by measured beam profiles for 6‐ and 15‐MV x‐ray beams for 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° wedges.
Mechanistic characterization of the HDV genomic ribozyme: classifying the catalytic and structural metal ion sites within a multichannel reaction mechanism.

Prior studies of the metal ion dependence of the self-cleavage reaction of the HDV genomic ribozyme led to a mechanistic framework in which the ribozyme can self-cleave by multiple Mg2+ ion-independent and -dependent channels [Nakano et al. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 12022]. In particular, channel 2 involves cleavage in the presence of a structural Mg2+ ion without participation of a catalytic divalent metal ion, while channel 3 involves both structural and catalytic Mg2+ ions. In the present study, experiments were performed to probe the nature of the various divalent ion sites and any specificity for Mg2+. A series of alkaline earth metal ions was tested for the ability to catalyze self-cleavage of the ribozyme under conditions that favor either channel 2 or channel 3. Under conditions that populate primarily channel 3, nearly identical Kds were obtained for Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+, with a slight discrimination against Ca2+. In contrast, under conditions that populate primarily channel 2, tighter bindin...
Towards automating regression test selection for web services

This paper reports a framework that makes it possible to carry out safe regression test selection for verification of Web services in an end-to-end manner. The Safe RTS technique has been integrated into a systematic method that monitors distributed code modifications and automates the RTS and RT processes. In doing so, a number of issues due to concurrent changes are recognized and solved.
New Evidence of Effects of Organophosphate Pesticides on Neurodevelopment in Children: Commentary on the article by Kofman et al. on page 88

New Evidence of Effects of Organophosphate Pesticides on Neurodevelopment in Children: Commentary on the article by Kofman et al. on page 88
Histidine inhibits the degradation of cells suspended in Ringer's lactate.

BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated that the degradation of a suspension of Jurkat cells in Ringer's lactate (RL) was inhibited by the addition of a 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid/Tris buffer. Given the ability of histidine to buffer protons in the physiologic range (pKa = 6.0), we hypothesized that this amino acid would have the same effect. METHODS RL was made in our laboratory using sodium l-lactate. Jurkat cells were suspended in RL alone or RL with various concentrations of histidine or other test reagents at 37 degrees C for 4 hours or 24 hours in an atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO2. Using flow cytometry, we measured cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine translocation, propidium iodide uptake, and intracellular oxygen free radical production. RESULTS Cell shrinkage was induced by suspension in RL after 4 hours incubation. At 4 hours, cell shrinkage was inhibited by all concentrations of histidine tested, 7.8 mumol/L to 10 mmol/L. There was no statistical difference between cells suspended in medium and cells suspended in 1 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L histidine. After 24 hours incubation, 100% of the cells in RL had undergone cell shrinkage whereas in 10 mmol/L histidine only a mean of 20% of the cells had undergone cell shrinkage. The inhibitory effect of 1 mmol/L histidine at pH 7.4 was compared with that at pH 6.8. After 4 hours incubation, there was no difference. After 24 hours incubation, the inhibitory effect at pH 7.4 was significantly greater that that at pH 6.8. Histidine at 1 mmol/L to 10 mmol/L significantly reduced the percentage of cells that underwent phosphatidylserine translocation and propidium iodide uptake. The effect of the dipeptide buffer, glycylglycine, and the two other positively charged amino acids, arginine and lysine, after 4 hours incubation was compared with histidine at 1 mmol/L. At 1 mmol/L, histidine was superior to arginine and lysine and indistinguishable from glycylglycine. Intracellular free radical production was measured at 0.5 mmol/L, 1.0 mmol/L, and 10 mmol/L histidine concentrations. There was significant inhibition only at 10 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS Characteristics of apoptotic cell death that occur in cells suspended in RL are inhibited by the addition of histidine, arginine, and lysine as well as the dipeptide glycylglycine, which, with a pKa of 8.25, also buffers in the physiologic range. Histidine is superior to lysine and arginine at 1 mmol/L. The salutary effect of histidine at 0.5 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L is caused by a mechanism other than the inhibition of oxygen free radicals. Moreover, the buffering of protons may play a role at 24 hours but made no difference at 4 hours.
Biosynthesis of thyroidal glycoprotein I. Uptake and incorporation of d-[1-14C]glucosamine into proteins of sheep thyroid gland slices and isolated cells

Abstract 1. 1. Sheep thyroid gland slices and isolated cells were shown to remove rapidly d -[1-14C]glucosamine from the incubation medium. The radioactivity appears first as trichloroacetic acid-soluble materials. This was followed by a conversion to trichloroacetic acid-insoluble substances. At least 30% of the added label could be recovered in both preparations, 20% as trichloroacetic acid-soluble derivatives and the remaining 10% as protein-bound materials. 2. 2. Chemical decarboxylation of d -[1-14C]glucosamine isolated from trichloroacetic acid-soluble materials of medium, trichloroacetic acid-soluble metabolites of slices and isolated cells, and hydrolysates of proteins showed that the radioactivity still resided mainly in C-1, indicating insignificant breaking of the hexose chain. 3. 3. The microsomes prepared from the slices contained the highest specific activity of the subcellular fractions indicating this particulate material as the most probable site of glycoprotein synthesis. 4. 4. d -[1-14C]Glucosamine was incorporated into a glycoprotein that closely resembled thyroglobulin in electrophoretic mobility on cellulose acetate paper strips and by chromatographic behavioron Sephadex G-200. 5. 5. It is suggested that the glucosamine is introduced to the peptide chains of the glycoproteins at some reaction steps before these proteins are released from the thyroid gland particulate fraction.
SELF-COMPLEXITY AND HEALTH PROMOTION: PROMISING BUT PREMATURE

Self-complexity, the number of nonredundant aspects by which the self is cognitively represented, was reported in 1987 by Linville to function as a buffer against the adverse consequences of stress under conditions of high stress. An attempt was made to increase the self-complexity of 110 undergraduates through the use of psychoeducational interventions, with the goal of decreasing physical symptoms. None of four interventions produced an increase in self-complexity or a decrease in physical symptoms. Using multiple regression, the previously reported buffering interaction was evident only among those experiencing the strongest intervention, and Linville's results were not replicated when the entire data set was analyzed. The hypothesis of a relationship between self-complexity and individuals' sense of meaning and purpose in life was not corroborated by correlational analysis. It is concluded that the relationship between self-complexity and health remains intriguing but inadequately tested.
Multicomponent folate-targeted magnetoliposomes: design, characterization, and cellular uptake.

Abstract Folate-targeted cationic magnetoliposomes (FTMLs) have been prepared with coencapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) and anionic superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles (NPs) with 5 nm γ-Fe2O3 cores and 16 nm hydrodynamic diameters. NP encapsulation (89%) was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the presence of the oppositely charged NPs did not cause liposome aggregation. The FTMLs had an average diameter of 174 ± 53 nm and existed as unilamellar and cup-shaped liposomes, which was attributed to dissimilar lipid packing parameters and the presence of PEG-lipids. A 3-fold increase in DOX release was achieved over 2 hours when the encapsulated SPIO NPs were heated by an alternating current electromagnetic field operating at radio frequencies (RF). Results with human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), which have been shown to exhibit high folate receptor (FR) expression, confirmed FTML surface binding and cellular uptake. In contrast, no uptake was observed for lower FR-expressing human breast carcinoma cells (ZR-75-1). From the Clinical Editor This study discusses the design and cellular uptake of multifunctional folate-targeted cationic magnetoliposomes enabling doxorubicin delivery and SPIO labeling.
Evolution of miocene fluvial systems in the himalayan foredeep through a two kilometer-thick succession in northern Pakistan

Abstract Sedimentological variations through a kilometer-thick coarsening-upward succession in the Miocene Himalayan foredeep basin (fluvial Chinji and Nagri Formations of the Siwalik Group) are documented in the Chinji Village area on the Potwar Plateau of northern Pakistan. From the Chinji Formation upwards into the Nagri Formation: (1) the proportion of major sandstone bodies increase relative to mudstone-dominated beds; (2) average thickness and mean grainsize of channel deposits increase; (3) sediment aggradation rates increase; (4) there is a reported change in sediment providence; (5) paleocurrents are generally to the southeast and vary little upsection; and (6) paleosols are more distinct lower in the section where there is also more evidence of ponding of water on the floodplain. Smaller-scale (100 m thick) cyclic variations in the proportion of major channel sandstone bodies also occur in both formations. In the modern Himalayan Basin, sediment dispersal away from the mountain belt is associated with: (1) major rivers that flow along the basin axis; (2) large rivers that drain substantial areas of the mountain belt and deposit low relief sediment fans extending hundreds of kilometers into the basin; and (3) smaller rivers in fan and interfan areas that drain local areas and carry finer sediment loads. Sediment variations through the Chinji-Nagri Formation boundary can be related to a shifting of depositional environments within such fan and interfan areas. Major basin-axial rivers are not exposed in this area. It appears that kilometer-thick upsection variations in these deposits record the progradation of the sediment fan formed by a large river system (river discharge on the order of 104 m3/s) over the floodplain of a smaller river system (river discharge on the order of 103 m3/s). Large-scale vertical sediment variations over hundreds of meters to kilometers appear to reflect changes in the basin subsidence and the rate of sediment input to the basin over time scales on the order of 105–106 years. Upsection variations can not easily be related to climatic change or eustatic variations in sea level. The most likely explanation for upsection changes is tectonism. Deposition rates and shifting positions of river systems within the basin responded more quickly to changes in basin subsidence rate, whereas increases in the proportion of sandstone bodies and increases in floodplain slopes lagged behind. Deposit variations in the Siwalik Group clearly record variations between different-scale river systems delivering sediment to the basin as well as the overall basin evolution.
An attempt to pinpoint the phylogenetic introduction of glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase among bacteria.

Until recently it was believed that most Bacteria form Gln-tRNAGLN by the amidation of Glu-tRNAGLN, only a few members of the γ subdivision of Proteobacteria being able to charge tRNAGLN directly. We undertook a phylogenetic study in an attempt to determine at what point the changeover to the direct system may have occurred. To this end, we selected a number of representative Proteobacteria to see if we could find a division point. We constructed degenerate primers and conducted PCR analysis to identify which Bacteria had Gln-tRNA synthetase, on the one hand, and which had the amidotransferase system, on the other. At the same time, we surveyed data banks of completely sequenced microbial genomes, as well as those for genomes in the process of being sequenced. These combined efforts revealed four Proteobacteria in a phylogenetically intermediate position which have the genetic potential for both mechanisms. Perplexingly, however, three distantly related bacteria were also found to have both enzymes.
Global time method for inverse heat conduction problem

Traditional space-marching techniques for solving the inverse heat conduction problem are highly susceptible to both measurement and round-off error. This problem is exacerbated if the problem requires small time steps to resolve rapid changes in the surface condition, since this can cause instability. The inverse technique presented in this article utilizes a global time approach which eliminates the instability usually observed when using small time steps. It is demonstrated that a higher sampling rate (smaller time steps) in fact improves the inverse prediction. This is accomplished using a functional representation of the time derivative in the heat equation, and a physically based regularization scheme. A Gaussian low-pass filter is used with an analytically determined optimum cut-off frequency. The filter delivers an analytical function which has smooth, bounded derivatives. The inverse technique is demonstrated to accurately resolve the transient surface thermal condition in the presence of noise.
Priority-based allocation of network resources in multi-class MPLS networks

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is an emerging technology used for the high speed and reliable data transfer, especially in the backbone network. MPLS provides Quality of Service (QoS) routing and Traffic Engineering (TE) mechanism to fulfill the end user requirements. In a multi-service network, different users or applications require different quality of services. The differentiated services (DiffServ) architecture has been proposed and considered as a scalable approach, which aims to provide differentiated services to different classes of traffic in a network. In this paper, we propose an approach called Priority based Allocation Scheme (PAS) that allocates network resources in multi-class MPLS networks based on priority class of LSP request. Simulation results show that our approach accepts, as a whole, higher number of LSP requests than Simple Allocation Scheme (SAS) and Medium Allocation Scheme (MAS). It uses almost same bandwidth as SAS. Our results also show that PAS is a priority based and balanced approach that accepts more premium class traffic requests than medium or low class requests.
The efficacy of fibrin sealant in prevention of gastrointestinal anastomotic leak

Introduction: Anastomotic leak, although low in frequency (1–2%), is a dreaded complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). Clinical uses of fibrin sealant for prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) leak have been reported; however, its efficacy has not been demonstrated. The aims of this study were to 1) develop an anastomotic leak animal model, 2) examine the efficacy of the tissue sealing property of fibrin sealant, and 3) review our experience in the use of fibrin sealant in 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic GBP. Methods: This study was performed in three phases. In phase 1, laparoscopic GI anastomosis was performed in adult swine with disruption of the staple-line starting at a 6F opening and sequentially increased in size until a leak model was developed. A leak model was developed at a 12F opening. In phase 2, ten animals (study group) underwent laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy with a 12F disruption of the anastomosis and received 2-mL of fibrin sealant (Tisseel, Baxter Healthcare Corp) applied on the disrupted area. The control animals (n = 6) did not receive the fibrin sealant. Animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 5 or earlier if peritonitis developed. The primary endpoint was sealing of the disrupted anastomosis at sacrifice and secondary endpoint was evaluation for the presence of intraabdominal abscess. In phase 3, fibrin sealant was used clinically in 42 laparoscopic GBP patients. Results: In phase 2, persistent anastomotic leak was identified in 2 of 6 control animals (both required early sacrifice due to peritonitis). Three of 6 control animals had intraabdominal abscess discovered at sacrifice on postoperative day 5 without persistent leak and 1 animal in the control group did not have any evidence of intraabdominal abscess or leak. Of the 10 animals in the study group, all survived until sacrifice. None of the animals had evidence of intraabdominal abscess or persistent leak at sacrifice. Leak or abscess occurred in 83% of control animals compared to 0% in the study animals (p < 0.01, Fischer’s Exact test). Clinically, there was no leak or intraabdominal abscess in the 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic GBP. Conclusions: The use of fibrin sealant in an animal leak model significantly reduces leak and abscess complication. Our results support the efficacy of tissue sealing property of fibrin sealant and its use on high-risk GI anastomosis.
Growth of apple seedlings on sludge‐amended soils in the greenhouse

Abstract Open pollinated ‘York Imperial’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds were germinated and grown for a period of 7 months in: (1) sand with complete nutrient solutions added; (2) limed and unlimed soil, (3) limed and unlimed soil amended with two different sewage sludges at rates of 25, 50 or 100 dry kg ha‐1. A third composted, lime stabilized sludge was added either sieved or non‐sieved (to remove wood chips) at the same rates. The sludge materials used were: (1) a high metal, composted sludge from Baltimore, MD (BALT); (2) a high Cd sewage sludge (CITY) and (3) a low metal, composted sewage sludge from Washington, D.C. (DC). Germination was unaffected by treatments. After 7 months, the best growth was obtained from the sand plus nutrient solution media. Two of the three sludge materials increased seedling growth over that of the soil, either limed or unlimed. The BALT compost treated soils produced the lowest growth, particularly when unlimed. Elevated tissue metal levels indicated that Mn, Zn, C...
Evolution of a Combinatorial Transcriptional Circuit: A Case Study in Yeasts

Developing new regulation of existing genes is likely a key mechanism by which organismal complexity arises in evolution. To examine plasticity of gene regulation over evolutionary timescales, we have determined the transcriptional circuit regulating mating type in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, and compared it to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since the two yeasts last shared an ancestor 100-800 million years ago, several major differences in circuitry have arisen. For example, a positive regulator of mating type was retained in C. albicans but lost in S. cerevisiae; this circuit branch was replaced by the modification of an existing negative regulator, thereby conserving the circuit output. We also characterize a tier of mating type transcriptional regulation that is present only in C. albicans, and likely results from the vastly different environmental selections imposed on the two yeasts--in this case, the pressure on C. albicans to survive in a mammalian host.
Condensation-induced wetting state and contact angle hysteresis on superhydrophobic lotus leaves

In this paper, we demonstrate how condensed moisture droplets wet classical superhydrophobic lotus leaf surfaces and analyze the mechanism that causes the increase of contact angle hysteresis. Superhydrophobic lotus leaves in nature show amazing self-cleaning property with high water contact angle (>150°) and low contact angle hysteresis (usually 145°), suggesting that the wetting state deviates from a fully wetted Wenzel state. When the condensed water droplets are subjected to evaporation at room conditions, a thin water film is observed bridging over the micropillar structures of the lotus leaves. This causes the dew to stick to the surface. This result suggests that the condensed moisture does not uniformly wet the superhydrophobic lotus leaf surfaces. Instead, there occurs a mixed wetting state, between classical Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel states that causes a distinct increase of contact angle hysteresis. It is also observed that the mixed Cassie–Baxter/Wenzel state can be restored to the original Cassie–Baxter state by applying ultrasonic vibration which supplies energy to overcome the energy barrier for the wetting transition. In contrast, when the surface is fully wetted (classical Wenzel state), such restoration is not observed with ultrasonic vibration. The results reveal that although the superhydrophobic lotus leaves are susceptible to being wetted by condensing moisture, the configured wetting state is intermediate between the classical Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel states.
The primary structure of spinach acyl carrier protein.

Abstract Acyl carrier protein (ACP) from spinach leaves has been purified to homogeneity by high-performance liquid chromatography with an anion-exchange column. The amino acid sequence of one major ACP in spinach leaves, ACP-I, has been determined by automated Edman degradation. It consists of the following 82 amino acids: H 2 NAK KETIDKVSDIVKEKLA LGADVVVTADSEFSKL GA DSLDTVEIVMNLEE EFGINVDEDKAQDIST IQQAA DVIEXLLEKKACOOH. Sequencing of the intact polypeptide provided data for the first 57 residues. Cleavage of the succinylated ACP with CNBr at Met-46, followed by sequencing of the fragment mixture, provided data for the final 36 residues. The C-terminal alanine was confirmed by carboxypeptidase Y digestion. The spinach ACP has 40, 70, and 25% homology with Escherichia coli , barley, and rabbit ACPs, respectively. The results not only provide the first complete sequence of a plant ACP, but also provide insight into the structural and evolutionary relationships among plant, animal, and bacterial ACPs.
Using narrative research to understand the quality of life of older women with breast cancer

Purpose/objectives To elucidate some of the issues that affect the quality of life of older women (70 years of age and older) diagnosed with breast cancer. Design Descriptive design Setting A National Cancer Institute-designated site in the southeastern United States. Sample 12 women who were at least 70 years of age undergoing treatment (radiation, hormonal, or chemotherapy) for breast cancer. Methods Two to three interview encounters per participant, each lasting approximately one hour. Findings Eight major themes emerged: Importance of God, Positive Attitude, No Alteration in Lifestyle, Physician Trust, Caregiver to Others, Importance of Health, Importance of Family, and Alteration in Lifestyle. Conclusions The eight major themes are similar in terminology but varied in individual meanings. Implications for nursing Nurses must determine whether older women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are also primary caregivers to other individuals. As the story-gatherers for the healthcare team, nurses can use the data derived from interviews to document patients' health histories and provide a therapeutic process of coping with illness.
Surgery Insight: current management of epidural spinal cord compression from metastatic spine disease

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is becoming a more common clinically encountered entity as advancing systemic antineoplastic treatment modalities improve survival in cancer patients. Although treatment of MESCC remains a palliative endeavor, emerging surgical techniques, in combination with imaging modalities that detect spinal metastatic disease at an early stage, are resulting in improved outcomes. Here, we review the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and management options in the management of MESCC. A treatment paradigm is outlined with emphasis on early circumferential surgical decompression of the spinal cord with concomitant spinal stabilization. Radiation therapy has a clearly defined role in the treatment of patients with MESCC, particularly those with radiation-sensitive tumors in the setting of non-bony spinal cord compression and those with a limited life expectancy. Spinal stereotactic radiosurgery, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty, are emerging treatment options that are beginning to be used in selected patients with MESCC.
Studies on the laser degradation of polysilane solutions

Abstract A XeCl excimer laser was used to irradiate a cyclohexane solution of poly(methylphenethylsilane) (PMPES) and in solution with CHCl 3 as solvent, respectively. By measurement of the laser energy absorbed by the PMPES macromolecules and GPC analysis, both the average number of UV photons absorbed by a PMPES macromolecule under the XeCl excimer laser irradiation and that of the broken SiSi bonds were calculated. Furthermore, the apparent quantum yields for different solvent conditions were determined. As a result, the apparent quantum yield of the laser degradation of solution of PMPES in CHCl 3 is two orders of magnitude higher than for its solution in cyclohexane. By XPS analysis, it was observed that the C/Si atomic number ratio for the product after irradiation increases, which indicates that solvents take part in the photoreaction and are combined into the degraded product, especially for CHCl 3 as solvent. Following published work, we tentatively propose that the great difference between the apparent quantum yield of the laser degradation of the solution of PMPES in CHCl 3 and that of the cyclohexane solution may result from the action of factors such as radical train transfer, fluorescence quenching, etc.
Evaluation of Giga-bit Ethernet instrumentation for SalSA electronics readout

An instrumentation prototype for acquiring high-speed transient data from an array of high bandwidth antennas is presented. Multi-kilometer cable runs complicate acquisition of such large bandwidth radio signals from an extensive antenna array. Solutions using analog fiber optic links are being explored though are very expensive. We propose an inexpensive solution that allows for individual operation of each antenna element, operating at potentially high local self-trigger rates. Digitized data packets are transmitted to the surface via commercially available Giga-bit Ethernet hardware. Events are then reconstructed on a computer farm by sorting the received packets using standard networking gear, eliminating the need for custom, very high speed trigger hardware. Such a system is completely scalable and leverages the enormous capital investment made by the telecommunications industry. Test results from a demonstration prototype are presented.
The solution to a matroid problem of Knuth

Abstract In this note we answer a question posed by Knuth in his recent paper “Random matroids”.
Getting Together then Falling Apart: Tomsky and British Trade Unionists during NEP

Mikhail Tomsky, who is best known as the chairman of Soviet trade unions and a member of the “Right Opposition” to Stalin in the Politburo, also played a central role in international affairs when the Soviet leadership adopted the tactic of pursuing “united fronts” with non-communist organizations during the 1920s. Tomsky, among the most moderate and appealing Bolshevik leaders, proved to be the only one who could make that happen. He orchestrated one of the Soviet Union's few foreign policy achievements of the period, the creation of the Anglo-Russian Committee in 1924, linking British and Soviet trade unions together. Tomsky achieved this success by charming British trade unionists while holding his hardline Soviet critics at bay. But his balancing act between the moderate trade union leaders in London, who proved open to his overtures in the mid-1920s, and critics of his pragmatic policies in Moscow following the failure of the 1926 British general strike, could not be sustained and the Anglo-Russian Committee collapsed in 1927.